Post Oil Solutions continues its monthly series, "Building Sustainable Communities," with a cyberspace presentation by internationally-acclaimed speaker and author, Stacy Mitchell, entitled, "The Critical Role that Locally-Owned Businesses Can Play in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Oil Dependence."
The forum will be held on Wednesday, May 21, at 7:00, in Room 2 East at the Marlboro College Grad Center, 28 Vernon Street, Brattleboro.
The unique aspect of this month's forum is that Mitchell will be giving her presentation through interactive media. Concerned about her carbon footprint, Stacy requested that she make her presentation from her home in Portland, ME. This seemed to us like a Post Oil way to do this kind of event, so we will have an LCD projector, screen, and microphones set up that will enable us to see, listen to, and speak with her.
Mitchell will talk about the critical role that locally-owned businesses can play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and oil dependence. She'll outline key steps that communities need to undertake to sustain and expand local businesses, emphasizing the importance they have for a sustainable local economy, especially in a post petroleum world.
There will be an audience discussion with Mitchell following her talk.
Stacy Mitchell is a senior researcher with the New Rules Project (http://www.newrules.org), a program of the nonprofit Institute for Local Self-Reliance. A frequent speaker at conferences and public forums, she has advised numerous communities on strategies and policies to strengthen locally-owned businesses. Her latest book, Big Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America's Independent Businesses (Beacon Press, 2006), was described by Bill McKibben as "the ultimate account of the single most important economic trend in our country." Mitchel regularly contributes articles and commentaries to magazines, and produces an acclaimed monthly email newsletter, The Homtown Advantage Bulletin.
As always, the forum is free, though contributions to Post Oil Solutions (www.postoilsolutions.org), and its many projects designed to promote sustainability and community in our region, are always appreciated. Light refreshments will be available. For further information: 802 869 2141.