Coming Up Next in Southern Illinois
Keeping Money Local - Fall 2020 Seminar SeriesPeople in southern Illinois are building local community resilience in the face of climate change. Self-sufficiency in energy and food is a key part of this effort, and can result in more and better jobs in the region. Keeping our money local, supporting local producers, and investing in local businesses is something everyone can do to support this effort. In this seminar series, we’re exploring topics of community self-sufficiency, buying local, developing cooperative employee-owned businesses, and investment strategies that keep money local. Speakers will cover topics that can benefit our region, as well as initiatives that are already underway. The goal is to educate and inspire everyone to action in helping to make our region prosperous, productive and sustainable.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019: Presentation Slides and Videos
Clean Energy
Event Assets: The Climate Economy in Southern Illinois - Creating Resilient Businesses, Jobs and Communities - June 12, 2019
- Click here for Keynote and Panelist Bios and Topics.
- Keynote: Seth Feaster, Data Analyst and Researcher, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, Energy Industry Trends
- Panel discussion:
- Watch the Video of the Clean Energy Panel Discussion
- Seth Feaster
- Amanda Pankau, Prairie River Network (Illinois Clean Energy Jobs Act)
- Aur Beck, AES Solar (solar energy, rebates, living off grid)
- Tim Michels, Energy Resources Group (energy management, efficiency, retrofits)
- Karen Schauwecker, SIU Sustainability Office (Saluki Energy Focus Group, Drawdown.org resources)
Economic Diversification
Event Assets: The Climate Economy in Southern Illinois - Creating Resilient Businesses, Jobs and Communities - June 12, 2019
- Click here to read Keynote and Panelist Bios and Topics.
- Keynote: Dr. John Ikerd, Professor Emeritus U. of Missouri and Author, Sustainable Agriculture and Economic Sustainability
- Panel Discussion
- View Video of Economic Diversification Panel Discussion
- Dr. John Ikerd
- Cindy Winland, Senior Fellow, Just Transition Fund
- Kim Watson, Senior Account Manager at Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
- Lisa C. Merrifield, Community and Economic Development Specialist, University of Illinois Extension
- Michael McKee, USDA Rural Development
Innovation
Event Assets: The Climate Economy in Southern Illinois - Creating Resilient Businesses, Jobs and Communities - June 12, 2019
- Click here to read Keynote and Panelist Bios and Topics.
- Keynote: Albert Bates, Founder and President of Global Village Institute for Appropriate Technology, Chief Permaculture Officer, eCO2, for Cool Design, and Co-Author of BURN: Using Fire to Cool the Earth (carbon cascades)
- Panel Discussion:
- View Video of the Innovation Panel Discussion
- Albert Bates
- Adena Rivas, Community Programs Coordinator, City of Springfield (new directions for plastics recycling)
- Kelly Pearson, Shawnee National Forest (ecotourism partnerships)
- Dr. Kofi Akamani, SIU Forestry Assistant Professor (community strategies for ecosystem management)
- Dr. Paul Anderson - retired professor, inventor (carbon credits and blockchain)