On Monday, October 3rd 2005, The La Follette School of Public Affairs, in cooperation with the Baldwin Wisconsin Idea Project and Wisconsin Environmental Initiative (WEI), launched a major statewide initiative to showcase the impressive progress being made in Wisconsin's nationally respected Green Tier program.

Legislators, local officials, representatives of the news media, state regulatory and policy officials and representatives from Wisconsin's leading business and environmental organizations traveled together on regional bus tours to the top environmentally innovative projects across the state. Participants examined, experienced and discussed these exciting examples of the future of environmental and economic cooperation.

At the end of the first day, each bus concluded its tour in Madison, where cabinet members including Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Hassett attended a special reception at Monona Terrace. Legislators who have sponsored or supported Green Tier, including Sen. Neal Kedzie and Sen. Mark Miller, also attended.

On October 4th, WEI hosted a half-day conference to focus more specifically on how businesses can incorporate Green Tier strategies to ensure Wisconsin's environmental quality and economic success. The event featured a primer on the Green Tier law, highlighted tools and resources, showcased business successes and explored the potential for a "green company" benchmark and brand for Wisconsin, a business climate that attracts clean jobs and investment and furthers our state's long tradition of environmental stewardship.

Joel Makower, an award-winning writer, speaker and consultant on sustainable business and clean technology served as a keynote speaker for the event. Joel has helped companies such as Clorox, Gap, General Motors, Hewlett Packard and Procter & Gamble align environmental responsibility with business success. Mr. Makower is the founder of "The Green Business Letter, " an award-winning monthly newsletter on business and the environment, and the Green Business Network, which produces GreenBiz.com, ClimateBiz.com, and GreenerBuildings.com.

Welcome Message from John Imes

Bus Tour Highlights

Conference Highlights with Audio Playback

Special Thanks to our Sponsors!
Alliant Energy
DeWitt, Ross & Stevens
WE Energies
The Windhover Foundation
Michael Best & Friedrich
Serigraph
WisPolitics/WisBusiness.com
Xcel Energy