MTI: Companies, Individuals to Be Honored at Green Industry Hall of Fame Conference

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Green Industry Hall of Fame (IGIHOF) will honor several businesses and individuals for their commitment to a cleaner world. The fourth annual conference and induction ceremony, "Bridging the Environment and Technology," will be held Friday, March 28, at the San Jose State University (SJSU) Student Union. This year's event will feature keynote speakers John Lanier, director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, and Jim Kor, CEO of Korlogic. Anyone may register. SJSU and the Mineta Transportation Institute are among the co-sponsors. For information, go to www.gogreenhall.org.

The conference will open at 8:00 a.m. with Continental breakfast. Concurrent sessions on environmental topics will run between 9:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Lunch will follow, and award nominees will be presented at 2:00 p.m. The newly-created Rod Diridon Sr. Transportation Excellence Award will be introduced at that time.

Each year, IGIHOF asks for public nominations of individuals, organizations, or businesses that are working toward a sustainable future. The organization's board will introduce the 2014 Hall of Fame inductees as recognition of their contributions to a greener world.

Those nominees include: Amory Lovins, Arbor Teas, Bio Group USA, Build It Green, Donald Simon, Google, Green Team San Joaquin, Honda USA, Interface Inc., Ira Ehrenpreis, Kebony International, Marc Richmond, Mirimichi Golf Course, Moon Valley Organics, Roz Savage, SF Giants Baseball Club, Seventh Generation, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Stem Inc., Synergy International, 10,000 Villages, Terra Pass Inc., Terra Cycle Inc., and Toyota Motor Corporation.

Plenary session presenters include Zuhair Mased, director of Energy, Sustainability & Engineering at UC Merced, who will discuss "Green from the Ground Up." Frank Ferral, director of Green Team San Joaquin in Stockton, will present "How to Start a Green Team in Your Community." Jim Kor of Korlogic will also lead a plenary session on "Sustainable Cars and the Future of Manufacturing – How Concern for the Environment and the Revolution in 3D Printing Could Change Automotive Design Forever." Mr. Diridon will moderate a panel addressing ways to reduce traffic congestion by creating "transit villages."

"The purpose of our organization is to recognize individuals and organizations for their commitment to excellence and achievement in the green industry," said Sam Geil, IGIHOF founder. "Over the past century, our planet has experienced more pollution and human-inflicted damage than at any time in history. At the same time, we have also realized that we should repair, heal, and conserve our fragile eco-system. Worldwide evidence shows that nations, cities, governments, and world organizations that work together are beginning to have a positive impact on environmental quality."

Green business attorney Donald Simon said, "It is a true honor to be nominated for induction into the International Green Industry Hall of Fame. I've been most impressed with IGIHOF's global impact over the years. The organization has advanced sustainability leadership while promoting these critical values throughout the United States and beyond."

The event will include exhibitors, speakers, and concurrent sessions covering green practices and a networking hour with green businesses professionals from some of the largest corporations in the world. Everyone is invited to attend, especially from companies that have green practices.

To learn more about International Green Industry Hall of Fame and register for the conference, please visit www.gogreenhall.org.

About the International Green Industry Hall of Fame
Founded in 2008, the International Green Industry Hall of Fame (IGIHOF) is a worldwide organization that recognizes individuals and organizations committed to creating a better environment through green practices. Each year, IGIHOF recognizes industries that have contributed to reducing the environmental effects from industrial production, have embraced green technology to drive projects, or who have developed products aimed at boosting energy efficiency, trimming waste, and reducing or eliminating the use or the production of harmful substances. IGIHOF preserves the rich history of these pioneers, leaders, and visionaries through the International Green Industry Hall of Fame and honors the efforts they have made for future generations. Visit www.gogreenhall.org for more information.

About The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI):
MTI conducts research, education, and information transfer programs focusing on surface transportation policy and management issues, especially related to transit. MTI was established by Congress in 1991 as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act and won national re-designation competitions in 2002, 2006 and 2011. The Institute is funded by Congress through the US DOT Research and Innovative Technology Administration, by the California Legislature through Caltrans, and public and private grants. In 2006 the US Department of Homeland Security selected MTI as a National Transportation Security Center of Excellence. The internationally respected members of the MTI Board of Trustees represent all major surface transportation modes. MTI is the lead institute for the Mineta National Transit Research Consortium, an affiliation of nine university transportation research centers. MTI is affiliated with San Jose (CA) State University's College of Business. Visit transweb.sjsu.edu

Contact: Donna Maurillo
MTI Communications Director
831-234-4009 (mobile)
donna.maurillo (at) sjsu.edu

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SOURCE Mineta Transportation Institute