Genesee County Businesses go green with inaugural event

By Anna Stodola
Index Contributor

BURTON — The first annual BGREEN event for businesses is set for 1-5:30 p.m. May 21 at the Perani Arena and Event Center, 3501 Lapeer Rd.

The event is sponsored by all ten Genesee County Chambers of Commerce, and was created as a means of encouraging businesses to be more environmentally friendly.

“There are already several residential recycling programs in place, but since we are the Chamber of Commerce and we’re concerned with business, we wanted something targeted specifically at businesses,” said Steve Flynn of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce.

On the day of the event, businesses will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of environmentally-friendly or “green” activities. On-site services include document disposal, recycling of plastic materials, recycling of paper products and donations of goods. Hazardous materials are not allowed; however help will be on hand to assist with instructions on how to properly dispose of those materials from the office.

“It’s a good time to recycle or donate,” Flynn said. “We want to get these offices working clean and green.”

Vendors like Office Depot will also attend to show off green and ergonomic products, such as new computer software for businesses. The Chamber hopes to draw in new companies by promoting a green work atmosphere throughout the county.

“We want to attract new businesses,” Flynn said. “We want them to know that the green policy is widely in use in Genesee County.”

For more information about BGREEN, call Flynn at 810-600-1427. The event is free, but registration with a business card is required at the event.

“There is no outside cost for vendors,” Flynn said. “Even more importantly, there’s no outside cost for businesses to come out, recycle, and learn how to make their company green.”