2003
Visionary Dinner provides business community with powerful
message about human needs and preserving the environment
Atlanta (February 5, 2003)
The 2003 Visionary Dinner brings
together business leaders and the environmentally conscious
to relay a powerful message-sustainability relates to our
most fundamental human needs, food and shelter. The event
is hosted by the Southface Energy Institute and the Metro
Atlanta Chamber of Commerce on February 12 from 6 to 10 p.m.
at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The gala dinner includes five
courses prepared using slow food principles, accompanied by
wines from sustainable vineyards. As Georgia's Farmers Co-op
and Slow Food help preserve the earth by using environmentally
friendly harvesting methods, Southface's comparable mission
encourages resource conservation in building and construction,
leading to a healthier environment.
"Consumers now recognize the choice
they make in what they buy to eat and drink is truly a vote
for the future of the planet," said Fetzer Culinary Director
John Ash who coordinates this year's Visionary Dinner and
believes in the growing trend of ethical agriculture.
"By participating in our kick-off
event for Green Week, the Chamber of Commerce exposes Atlanta
business leaders to the important message that quality of
life is dependent on how we treat our environment," said Dennis
Creech, executive director of Southface.
Visionary Dinner keynote speaker,
Lester Brown, sends a mirroring message about the economic
vitality of the region relying on water as an issue of public
importance.
"The Washington Post called Brown
"one of the world's most influential thinkers," and his message
resonates with the business and environmental communities.
Fetzer President Paul Dolan will
speak at the dinner about innovative, sustainable agriculture
and business strategies that have set Fetzer apart from other
vineyards. As Dolan's company has proven, being environmentally
conscious can positively affect the bottom line.
Fetzer Vineyards is dedicated
to the environment by using organic grapes, powering offices
by solar and reducing landfill waste by 94 percent since 1990.
Already the largest grower of certified, organically grown
grapes in California, Fetzer recently announced the commitment
to grow and buy all its grapes organically by 2010.
At the Visionary Dinner, wine
educator Ash leads a remarkable team of chefs to create an
unforgettable organic meal. Atlanta chefs Larry Ammons of
Bang Restaurant, Mary Moore of Cook's Warehouse and Mark Ching
Hyatt Regency Atlanta will demonstrate delicious possibilities
on the environmentally sustainable front, selecting among
the finest organic ingredients .
The Coca Cola Company is this
year's title sponsor. Additional support comes from WorldSpan,
SunTrust, Chattahoochee Hill Country Alliance and Hellmuth,
Obata + Kassabaum, Inc.
The first annual Visionary Dinner
was held in 1999 to accompany Southface's conference, Greenprints:
Sustainable Communities by Design. Last year Greenprints convened
a full Green Week of events, attracting more than 1,200 people.
Founded in 1978, the Southface
Energy Institute is located in Midtown Atlanta and continues
to promote sustainable homes, workplaces and communities through
education, research, advocacy and technical assistance. Visit
www.southface.org and www.greenprints.org for more information.
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