Greenbuild didn’t come to Arizona by accident. A strong USGBC chapter, the Valley’s new light rail system, Phoenix’s LEED Silver convention center addition and USGBC’s recognition of Arizona’s growing commitment to sustainability all factored into this decision.

Once we knew it was a go, the AZ chapter established a 22-member Host Committee and 10 subcommittees comprising over 100 professionals. In addition to soliciting, judging and recommending Greenbuild’s prestigious tour venues, outdoor activities and off-site education sessions, we focused our energy on leveraging Greenbuild for the benefit of Arizona. Four objectives emerged – increasing Arizonans' Greenbuild awareness and attendance, showcasing Arizona during Greenbuild, building the chapter’s capacity to educate and advocate, and advancing green jobs in Arizona. In January, Countdown to Greenbuild was launched on online, in print, in person and on PDAs! Ten months flew by and now we’re only one week away!

To me, when Greenbuild comes to you, it represents an unprecedented opportunity to expand your community’s understanding about green building. We’ve worked non-stop to get as many Arizonans as possible into Greenbuild to experience the depth and breadth of the green building movement. But because not everyone can attend Greenbuild we also embraced this year’s “Main Street Green” theme and partnered with cities, museums, community organizations and even the Grand Canyon folks to create lots of opportunities to bring Greenbuild attendees and the public together to celebrate sustainability, learn and have fun. Check it out @ www.usgbcaz.org and stop by to see us at our booth!

- Beth Vershure, Executive Director of the Greenbuild ’09 Arizona Host Committee