The recently announced partnership between the University of Massachusetts and the Greater Springfield area has resulted in the first annual Clean Energy Connections Conference and Opportunity Fair, which will be held this Saturday, Nov. 22 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.
The event, which is organized by the UMass Amherst Office of Research Liaison and Development and sponsored by several entities such as WGBY and Greendustry Park, will feature a variety of programs. They'll include speakers, panel discussions and over 30 area employers during the opportunity fair. These will serve to inform attendees of the "green" jobs, industries and economy that the present and future hold.
The keynote speaker, Bracken Hendricks, co-founder of Apollo Alliance and a senior fellow with the Center for American Progress, will be discussing the numerous benefits of a clean-energy economy. Hendricks recently worked with UMass economist Robert Pollin to identify the employment benefits a clean-energy economy would provide as a part of a study entitled "Green Recovery."
Pollin will also be speaking at the conference. In addition to founding and co-directing the Political Economy Research Institute, Pollin has published research on ways a "green" economy can benefit the American public.
UMass graduate student Ryan Harb will also be speaking about the new Green Building program, which is a non-thesis master's degree program with courses belonging to a variety of departments.
Harb stated he will discuss the "different projects [the program] is working on research-wise".
UMass spokesman Ed Blaguszewski, who recently expressed his support for the UMass-Greater Springfield area partnership, looks forward to the fair and thinks it's a "great opportunity."
"[The fair is] one way that we can get people thinking about how they can participate in the clean energy economy," said Blaguszewski. "This is a good example of how UMass experts can get people to think about the possibilities."
Loren Walker, manager of UMass' Advanced Energy Research Initiative, said he's excited for the conference.
"The University has so much work in clean energy," said Walker. He added that he wanted to "connect this work with the public."
According to Walker, the notion of holding such an event was first discussed as early as one year ago with Paul Kostecki, UMass' vice chancellor for research and engagement. The initial planning began in June of 2008.
"[We] joined forces," Walker said of the UMass-Greater Springfield area partnership's role in the organization of the event. He added that what makes this event special is "the people that came together to make it up."
Over 410 people have registered to attend, and registration continues to grow. Walker expects a lot of people to attend and looks forward to seeing "people connect with one another."
In addition, over 190 organizations, companies and groups will be represented.
"[We have the] potential to build a 'green' economy here," said Walker.
The event is open to the public, but registration is required. The conference will run from 9 a.m. through 4:45 p.m., and the free opportunity fair will begin at 1:45 p.m (pre-registration required). For more information, or to register, visit the Clean Energy Connections Web site at Umass.edu/green or call 413-545-2706.
Shalini Jayarama can be reached at sjayaram@student.umass.edu.
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