Viability lead staff members Ryan Summers and Dan Kuipers will attend the OFA Short Course Trade Show, which is considered one of the most prominent events in the nation for growers, technology vendors, and green-thumb enthusiasts alike. Held in Columbus, Ohio, leaders within the horticulture industry can network, grow their knowledge of the industry, and explore new ideas and business solutions. The event consists of 500 companies at a 1,500-booth trade show, with 150 speakers from across the world and 150 sessions for all segments of the horticulture industry.

Date: July 10-13, 2010
Location: Columbus Convention Center
Sponsor: OFA – an Association of Agriculture Professionals
Important Information: To learn more about this event, visit the OFA short course website. This event does require registration, and on-site registration begins Friday, July 9.

If you would like to connect with Viability staff at OFA, please email ryan@viabilityonline.com or call (616) 396-6101.

As part of their upcoming international business trip through Kenya and Rwanda, Viability’s Dr. David Armstrong, Kyle Denning Dan Kuipers will be participating and presenting on the role of small, community based carbon reduction and renewable energy projects at the three-day long Africa Carbon Forum.  Specifically, Denning will give a presentation entitled, “Using carbon finance to fight poverty and environmental degradation.”  The Africa Carbon Forum brings together project developers, environmental experts, local and international government leaders, and others to address issues surrounding the implementation of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects throughout Africa.  Kenya is hosting 2010′s forum; Senegal hosted the first forum in 2008.

Click here to read the Press Release

Date: March 3-5, 2010
Time: Viability-hosted social event on the 3rd, and Denning’s presentation on the 5th
Location: United Nations Gigiri Compounds in Nairobi, Kenya
Sponsor: The government of Kenya and several United Nation’s related organizations, including UNFCC, UNEP, UNDP, UNITAR, and UNCTAD
Important Information: To learn more about the event, visit Africa Carbon Forum’s website.  You can also follow Viability’s updates on its Twitter (@viabilityllc) and blog

During the 2010 OSU Short Course and CENTS show, Viability’s Chris Byrnes will give a “Grants for Grower” presentation to greenhouse owners and plant enthusiasts.  Byrnes’ presentation will address federal and state grants and incentives for renewable and energy efficiency projects, as well as possible carbon credit development for significantly sized operations.

Date: January 24-27
Time: Byrnes’ presentation is at 10:45am on Jan. 25
Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH
Sponsor: The Ohio State University, OSU Extension, and the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association
Important Information: If you would like to attend the show, visit OSU’s event website for details and rates.

Viability’s Senior Carbon Specialist Dan Kuipers will serve up a seminar on energy, grants, and carbon during the West Michigan Chapter of the Air & Waste Management Association’s October 21st luncheon. Set in the picturesque Frederik Meijer Gardens, Kuipers’ seminar will showcase successful renewable energy projects and movements in the field.

Date: October 21, 2009
Time: 11:45am to 1:30pm
Location: Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids, MI
Sponsor: WEST MICHIGAN CHAPTER AIR &WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (site)
Important Information: This event requires registration, and the fee structure varies based on the attendee. The registration deadline is October 16.

Viability’s Kyle Denning will join a panel of experts and business leaders for a round-table discussion on implementing sustainable business practices in the Grand Rapids community and incorporating Triple Bottom Line principles. Attendees are encouraged to stay after the discussion for networking and additional questions.

Date: October 19, 2009
Time: 6-7pm
Location: Loosmore Auditorium (122E), Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI
Sponsor: Society for the Advancement of Management and International Business (site)
Important Information: The event is free and open to the public. There will be opportunities for questions and networking after the panel discussion.

At MiSHE’s annual conference, Viability Energy’s Dave Bell will look at issues surrounding energy costs, availability of technology, and environmental and carbon footprints as healthcare facilities and operations position themselves for a positive tomorrow.

Date: September 23-25, 2009
Time: Bell’s presentation -  9/24/09, 4:30pm to 5:10pm, Session F
Location: Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls, MI
Sponsor: Michigan Society for Healthcare Engineering (MiSHE)

Business Review West Michigan will recognize companies and individuals throughout the region for their green initiatives and leadership.  Steve Hamstra, executive vice president and director of sustainability of GMB Architecture + Engineering, has received the ‘Green Visionary’ award.  GMB is a valued partner of Viability Energy, and several Viability staff will attend and celebrate Hamstra’s commitment to sustainability.

Date: September 24, 2009
Time: 5-7pm
Location: ACTIVSITE Artspace, 40 Monroe Center N.W.,  Grand Rapids, MI
Sponsor: Business Review West Michigan
Important Information: The event is open to the public, but attendees must RSVP through the event website.  Appetizers and cash bar will be available.

More information on the Green Awards can be accessed here.

Carbon Specialist Dan Kuipers and Project Manager Kyle Denning will present a ‘carbon survival guide’ outlining the future of the carbon credit market, policies and possible regulations at Grand Valley State’s  MAREC facility.

Date: September 10, 2009
Time: 8:30am-11:30am (Viability’s presentation at 10:15am)
Location: GVSU’s MAREC facility, 200 Viridian Dr., Muskegon, MI 49440
Event Sponsor: MAREC and MISBTDC
Important Information: Event is free, but attendees must RSVP by September 8 to either 616-331-6900 or 616-331-6905

Kyle Denning, Viability Project Manager, will deliver a lecture and answer questions on determining one’s carbon footprint and navigating the carbon credit market at Holland’s WEST Energy Group

Date: September 8, 2009
Time: 7pm-8:30pm
Location: DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Grafschaap Road, Holland, MI 49423
Event Sponsor: Holland WEST, http://www.westmichiganenergy.org/, 616-335-2686
Important Information: The event is open to the public.

Viability Carbon Specialist Dan Kuipers will address the audience at United Growth Coalition’s monthly meeting on the two current models of carbon credits (the voluntary and mandated markets) and how they will impact businesses, communities and consumers.

Date: August 18th, 2009
Time: 8:30am – 9:30am
Location: Kent MSU Extension Office, 775 Ball Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Event Sponsor: United Growth for Kent County
Important Information: The event is open to the public