University of Wisconsin-Green Bay to host Environmental Symposium

A symposium on green innovations is scheduled for Earth Day to kick off University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's new Environmental Management and Business Institute.

The institute was announced in August with the goal of studying environmental issues and developing solutions to problems that recognize the critical interconnections between science, policy and business, and the social contexts within which they occur.

Interim Chancellor David Ward said the institute will help make Northeastern Wisconsin synonymous with sustainability and environmental leadership.

The university was founded 40 years ago with a focus on environmental education.

The Green Innovationsevent on April 22 will include speakers, breakout sessions and an entrepreneur's showcase. Topics will include biomass conversion, renewable energy sources, green business practices and developing human capital for sustainability.

Speakers will include:

 Author Bob Willard, who will talk about the business advantages of corporate sustainability strategies

 Larry Weyers, chairman and chief executive officer of Integrys Energy Group, who will talk about green energy

 Dennis Winters, chief of the Office of Economic Advisors at the state Department of Workforce Development, who will discuss the future work force. He will be the luncheon speaker.

John Stoll, institute co-director and UW-Green Bay faculty member, said the symposium is about informing people that the university is still innovative and environmentally focused.

"It is not just in the past. At no time in history has it been more important that it be in our future," Stoll said.

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