DVIRC to Hold Manufacturing Summit on Sustainability.

Economic Development Center and Government Agencies Join Forces to Inform Manufacturers of Opportunities in Green Economy

PHILADELPHIA -- One hundred and twenty-three Lean/Six Sigma graduates will receive Certifications from The Institute for World-Class Manufacturing setting the stage for the first ever manufacturing summit focused on sustainability. The event, hosted by the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center (DVIRC), will be held Wednesday, June 24th from 4:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Whitemarsh Valley Country Club in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania. More than 250 CEOs and executives from leading advanced manufacturing companies are expected to hear from DVIRC and representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, and Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection - to learn about sustainable business opportunities.

The program titled "Sustainability - People, Planet, Profit" - will demonstrate the value of sustainability strategies and Lean practitioners that when used in tandem, enhance employee productivity and company profits. The event will include a "Go Green" sustainability presentation by the Philadelphia Eagles, discussing how implementation of their ground breaking sustainability initiative enhanced their profitability while reducing their impact on the planet. In addition, the event will feature a panel discussion moderated by DVIRC that will engage federal and state representatives outlining current financial opportunities and assistance that business and industry can take advantage of today to grow and compete in the global economy. Programs will include: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Alternative Energy and Investment Fund, Save Energy Now, Pennsylvania, Tax incentives and renewable energy grants, etc. This will be followed by a question and answer session with executives from leading manufacturing companies.

The economic recovery package enacted in February and the appropriations bill approved in March, is expected to invest more than $100 billion in wind, solar, clean fuels, next generation vehicles, a smart energy grid, energy efficiency and transit. President Obama's 2010 budget calls for $150 billion additional investment in clean energy development, research and green job creation. How manufacturers take advantage of these opportunities is the central theme of this event.

DVIRC's Sustainability summit will show manufacturers how to recognize market opportunities in the global economy by advancing three elements of a sustainable business including Lean (elimination of process waste), environment (reduction of material waste) as well as energy (reduction and/or renewable) efficiency.

Business executives interested in attending can register online at DVIRC's website or call Kelly White at 215-552-3827 until Monday, June 21st. Media interested in covering the event should contact Tony DeFazio in advance at DeFazio Communications, LLC in advance via phone: [phone] or by email at: [e-mail].

About DVIRC - DVIRC is a leading economic development organization established in 1988 to serve the needs of nearly 5,000 Small to Midsized advanced manufacturing Enterprises (SME) in five counties throughout the Philadelphia region. The organization's primary focus is to grow business value for clients through consulting services, talent development and regional, state and federal resource assistance, helping to establish the region as an internationally recognized leader in manufacturing competitiveness. We believe growing business value improves the standard of living and quality of life for those that live and / or work in the region. A diverse board of directors comprised of executives from the manufacturing, banking, legal and economic development communities govern the DVIRC.