Speech at Portsmouth's Clean Commission Dinner

The other night I had the honor to attend and give the keynote speech at the Portsmouth’s Clean Communities Commission dinner. While I wasn't exactly sure who all would be attending (e.g. city leaders, commissioners, etc.), I developed a speech that talked about what going green means, why people should care, entertain the guests with a couple of stories, and give tips on how simple and cost effective going green really is. Anticipating that some would have the knowledge that Portsmouth has already signed the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Act, I was surprised to learn that many did not know that this act had already been signed. This prompted a great response of a readiness to learn more about the act and what they can do to help. It was at this point that things really solidified for me that we are on the right path with our Go Green with Red program. I had talked to numerous folks before we developed this practice and knew we had a great opportunity to bring the green movement to the Southeast, but this speech sets the future tone – we are on the right path and we have a lot of awareness to start building. There are a couple groups out there right now working on various things, but this movement is really ready to take-off in the Hampton Roads area. We have our work cut-out for us, but it is going to be one heck of a fun ride. As corporate social responsibility communication practitioners, we have the greatest opportunity to build awareness about what going green really means, assist companies and people to get on the right path to do more for the environment, for their health, and for future generations. With that, I know that my team is committed to really make a difference - regardless of whether we gain clients from this or not. Of course, we definitely want to encourage more clients to go green, but if are able to educate and assist in moving this green program ahead…we feel we all win in the end. For if we are able to lead by example and share our knowledge and expertise, we know that we will gain so much more – breathable air, beautiful green spaces, cleaner water, protection and safety from future natural disasters, and so on.