Bridgeport’s emerging green collar economy will be the topic of discussion during the Green Market Exposition taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Barnum Museum, 820 Main St., Bridgeport.

The Green Market Exposition will look at local sustainability and feature speakers and resources on green jobs, green job training, local green businesses, eco-friendly products, and provide information about sustainable living.

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch will kick off the event at 10 a.m. A presentation by Susan Giordano of Alternative Global Energy, will follow. Alternative Global Energy is an environmental management-consulting firm based in Shelton CT. Susan Giordano, president of Alternative Global Energy (AGE) feels that we must reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing global warming. Today's solar advancements have given us the power to make a positive change that's good for ourselves, our community and future generations. The company's motto plans to be "Saving the Planet One Solar Project at a Time."

“The Green Market Exposition is a community event meant to bring green collar job resources and sustainable urban living information to Fairfield County residents,” said Adrienne Farrar Houël, President and Chief Executive Officer of GBCE/The Green Team. Houël's company is one of the exhibitors that will  provide green job training opportunities and information on how to become part of the green collar economy. She is also one of the expert panelist who will contribute to the Local Green Jobs/Green Jobs Training panel discussion. 

Another exhibitor, bluegreen Research Institute, released the Bridgeport Region Green Jobs Study this past summer, which recommended focusing on occupations known to be associated with Green industries, rather than training for jobs in one Green industry, giving participants in training programs a better chance of finding work in the major Green industries and established sectors.

Also taking place at the Green Market Exposition: panel discussions on the Green Automobile Future for Bridgeport; Greening the Industrial and Business Base; a presentation by Carolyn Humphreys of Sunlight Solar and an Eco Fashion panel discussion.

Other guest panelists include Robert Araujo of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation; Michael J. McCarthy of bluegreen Research Institute, a project of The WorkPlace, Inc., Southwestern Connecticut’s Regional Workforce Development Board; Peter Curtis, Adjunct Professor at Gateway Community College; Erin Buckley of The Center for Green Building; Jean Williams of 5MillionGreenJobs.Org; Paul Timpanelli of Bridgeport Regional Business Council; William Leahy of Institute for Sustainable Energy; Seth Leitman of McGraw-Hill Green Guru Guides; Jim Motavalli of New York Times; and Remy Chevalier of Electrifying Times: The latest electric car news online.

The Green Market Exposition will also feature more than 25 exhibitors including MowGreen.us, Milford Pedicab, CT Environmental Headlines, Ocean Grown, Organic Ornamentals, Smart Car, Origins Make-up, Housatonic Community College and Gateway Community College.

Activities will include a Frisbee demonstration; the announcement of Habitat for Humanity’s Green Build project for Bridgeport; the introduction of Fairfield County’s Green Jobs Resource Guide; Recognition of Bridgeport Area Green Coast Award winners; Smart Car raffle. The first 100 attendees receive a re-useable souvenir bag with samples, information and resource guide. Free admission given to all, with full access to the Barnum Museum, its exhibits, and all GME exhibitors and panel discussions.

With it's rich history and beautiful gallery, the Barnum Museum is the perfect backdrop for the Exposition. "Contrary to common knowledge" says Kathy Maher, Executive Director and Curator of the Museum, "P.T. Barnum dedicated much of his life to improving the quality of life for all citizens.  Conscientious urban development, philanthropic gifts to arts and culture, and establishing many, many community parks, Barnum would most certainly be a forerunner of a healthy, green community.  It is a privilege for The Barnum Museum to carry on his socially conscious legacy."

The Green Market Exposition is presented in partnership with Alternative Global Energy, Greenburbs and Conscious Decisions, and will look at local sustainability and feature speakers and resources on green jobs, green job training, local green businesses, eco-friendly products, and provide information about sustainable living.

Green Market Exposition

Barnum Museum

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

10:00-4:00

Schedule of Events

10:00

Doors Open

10:15-10:30

Remarks:

Mayor Bill Finch

10:45-11:15

Susan Giordano

Alternative Global Energy, Inc.

11:30-12:15

Bridgeport’s Green Automobile Future

Remy Chevalier

Electrifying Times magazine

George Dragone 

Dragone Classic Motorcars of Bridgeport

Seth Leitman 

McGraw-Hill Green Guru Guides

Jim Motavalli

New York Times

Donald Sadoway 

MIT

Kevin Townley

12:30-1:15

Greening the Industrial & Business Base 

Robert Araujo

Sikorsky 

Frank Kuchinski

Poulsen Hybrid 

Lloyd Fremed

Xerox  

Paul Timpanelli

BRBC 

1:30-2:15

Local Green Jobs/Green Jobs Training

Erin Buckley

The Center for Green Building 

Peter Curtis

Gateway Community College

Susan Giordano

Alternative Global Energy 

Adrienne Farrar Houël

GBCE/The Green Team 

Carolyn Humphreys

Sunlight Solar 

William Leahy

Institute for Sustainable Energy

Michael J. McCarthy

bluegreen Research Institute 

Jean Williams

5 Million Green Jobs 

2:00-3:00

(weather permitting)

Frisbee Demo  

2:30-3:00

Carolyn Humphreys

Sunlight Solar  

3:15-4:00

Eco Fashion Panel

Irina Simeonova & Guests

World Fashion Council