Unifying Economic Development and the Environment Conference

On June 23, 2006, the Finger Lakes Institute co-sponsored, with the Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance (FL-LOWPA), a conference designed to bring together business and industrial leaders, community planners, elected officials, and water quality affiliates. The conference focused on the role of water in the region's economy and examples of new economic models that engender green initiatives, technology, and sustainability and economic development to protect a very high quality asset for this region.

The conference examined recent environmental concerns and economic trends; explored opportunities for new markets; and identified approaches that unify economic development and environmental protection across the Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario region. Program highlights included regional assets and challenges and pathways for collaboration and innovation at the community, watershed, and regional levels. Local elected officials, public agencies, business owners, tourism representatives, economic developers, environmental and civic organizations, planners, agricultural producers, landowners, and academia were encouraged to attend. Learn more about the 2006 Conference.

The 2007 conference agenda highlighted biodiversity and ecosystems at risk; the potential impacts of invasive species; alternative energies; agriculture and the developing markets for local food systems; the role of tourism and the environment; and brownfields and the emerging issues of their redevelopment. The second day of the conference featured tours of representative sites within the Rochester area.

2nd Annual Unifying Economic Development and the
Environment Conference

September 27-28, 2007
At the Burgundy Basin Inn
Pittsford, NY

Conference Program 9/27

Sustainability Tour 9/28

The second day of the conference featured a guided tour allowing participants first-hand experience of some representative regional assets unifying economic development and environmental protection. Themes included: smart growth, revitalized brownfields, energy efficient businesses and local market development. See Sustainability in Action! Transportation and meals provided.

8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Depart Burgundy Basin Inn
4:00 p.m. Return Burgundy Basin Inn

Frito Lay, Inc.: This distribution center was built to meet LEED Gold certification with implemented high-performance technologies, such as a PV system, high efficiency HVAC, and lighting and control measures. Information

Wegmans Food Market: Ranked #3 on FORTUNE magazine's 2007 list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, Wegmans prides itself on having a strong connection with local farmers and community organizations. Information

Monroe County Recycling Center: Equipped with new technologies, the enhanced recycling program now accepts all clean paper and receives 175 tons of recyclable material per day. Information

Chevy Place: This 77-unit, mixed-income apartment development on an urban renewal site includes an art deco, historic landmark building which was converted into a coffee bar and bistro. Information

The Vineyard: Once a neglected area for illegal dumping, this 2.7 acre sustainable urban farm is now a community respite and the last remaining agricultural land in the city of Rochester. Information

Newcroft Park: Once called a disaster, this former 7 acre brownfield, cleaned up and approved for residential reuse, is now a subdivision in a city neighborhood. Information