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State Senator Catharine Young Promotes the Building Sustainable Rural Communities through Green Business Project

Partnership for the US Department of Agriculture “Building Sustainable Rural Communities through Green Business Project”

(Allegany County – February 29, 2008) – ACCORD Corporation of Allegany County and EcoVentures International of Washington DC kicked-off the Building Sustainable Rural Communities Through Green Business Project with the initial meeting of diverse stakeholders from Allegany County on February 29, 2008 at the Crossroads and Conference Center.   Around 20 attendees from the business community, the county legislature, farmers, agricultural extension offices, institutions of higher education, community based organizations, and local government attended the initial meeting. 

Participants discussed the most relevant green business opportunities for Allegany County and identified next steps for linking local entrepreneurs to such opportunities.
Both farm and non-farm related business opportunities were discussed.  Participants set next steps to further investigate a range of green business opportunities and identify focus sectors for the 2-day green business training for existing and potential entrepreneurs.

  • Market access strategies for local, sustainable food products
  • Added-value prospects for locally produced farm products
  • Pros and cons surrounding bio-digester energy units utilizing cow manure and farm waste input
  • Niche product development opportunities
  • Economic gains linked to local natural resource management through agroforestry products such as mushrooms and sustainably harvested wood products
  • Pros and cons of growing biofuels crops such as canola and soybeans
  • Wind-energy linkages
  • Green building and business opportunities related to energy efficiency planning and consulting

Discussions revealed a wealth of existing local knowledge and resources available to jump-start green business in Allegany County.  Participants plan to meet again in the upcoming weeks and feedback will be inputted into the design of a two-day training for local entrepreneurs on green business opportunities.  There was consensus and excitement around supporting the project to lead to direct implementation of business ideas.

The meeting was hosted by ACCORD Corporation and EcoVentures International as part of the USDA funded “Building Sustainable Rural Communities Through Green Business Project.”
ACCORD Corporation strives for awareness of the needs of the communities we serve and to adapt our services to meet those needs in a caring, prompt, and professional manner.  Established in 1972, we have a history of dedicated service through our experienced and professional staff of over 150 employees. With several locations throughout the county, we continue to strive for excellence in alleviating poverty and fostering economic development and growth.
EcoVentures International (EVI) has implemented innovative approaches in environmental microenterprise, environmental education and collaborative community development in many regions around the US and the rest of the world. EVI has been recognized and awarded for its practical, participatory and hands-on methodologies, processes, training tools and for its considerable experience in the facilitation of the green sector in diverse geographic, economic and cultural contexts through the creation and management of local and regional enterprise networks. Its mission is to inspire, connect, mentor, and train community members, especially youth, to develop as socially and environmentally committed practitioners, entrepreneurs, and ambassadors of sustainable development.  Media Contacts:
Contacts:

ACCORD Corporation, 585-268-7605 ext 1701
Gretchen Hanchett
ghanchett@accordcorp.org 
www.alleganybusinesscenter.com

EcoVentures International
Kate Davenport
202-667-0802, kate@eco-ventures.org

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