The second annual International Green Industry Hall of Fame induction ceremony and conference is scheduled 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 11 at Fresno State, also bringing to campus an exposition featuring exhibits by green businesses and other organizations.

Among co-sponsors of the event are Fresno State and its Craig School of Business.

Fresno State Provost William Covino said the event is “a celebration of the future of the planet, a celebration of the technology, industry, dedication, and innovation that build vibrant, sustainable communities.”

The university, Covino added, is part of that effort. “At Fresno State, the commitment to ‘going green’ is embedded in our teaching and scholarship, our planning and building and our devotion to the health of the region we call home.”

“We’re pleased that this event will be at Fresno State this year,” said Dr. Robert Harper, dean of the Craig School. “Not only does it provide industry, government and other officials timely updates on environmental sustainability options, it also gives our students an opportunity to investigate career potential in this business sector.”

The highlight is the Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Satellite Student Union. The ceremony will be preceded by Dr. Richard L. Snyder of the University of California, Davis, the principal investigator on the California Irrigation Management Information System research and development project.

Following lunch, there will be a series of presentations about environmental issues ranging from green tourism and benchmarking energy data to green-job forecasting and solar photovoltaic options.

The exposition, at which dozens of firms and organizations will be represented, is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

The May 11 activities are preceded on May 10 by tours of Fresno State’s Water and Energy Technology Center, student-operated organic farm, Henry Madden Library and solar panel-topped parking structures that generate about 20 percent of the campus electricity demand.

Hall of Fame board chair Sam Geil said that increased environmental damage over the past century spurred action by the late 20th century. “There is evidence worldwide that countries, cities, governments, and world organizations are beginning to have a positive impact on the eco-system through the efforts of individuals, corporations and governments,” he added.

The International Green Industry Hall of Fame recognizes those who have contributed to the Green movement and to retell their stories for others to use as examples, Geil added, thereby promoting environmental sustainability worldwide.

The semifinalists for induction into the Hall of Fame are:

  • Alan Tratner, international director of FD3′s Green2Gold and president of the Inventors Workshop International and Entrepreneurs Workshop, director of the Small Business Entrepreneurship Center in California and former publisher of Lightbulb Journal and INVENT!.
  • Aquacue, a San Jose-based firm whose customers set a baseline, segment usage, identify trends, reduce waste and engage the community to reduce water bills and advance sustainability.
  • Climate Ride, a nonprofit based in Missoula, Mont. that organizes charitable bike rides to support sustainable solutions, bike advocacy and environmental causes.
  • Coto Consulting, based in Coto de Caza, provides environmental consulting services to private- and public-sector clients nationwide on multi-media compliance for air, water and hazardous waste.
  • Ed Begley Jr., the actor, an environmental leader in the Hollywood community and chair of the Environmental Media Association and Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
  • Electronic Recyclers International, a Fresno-based firm that is the nation’s largest electronic waste recycler.
  • Glen Roberts, employed by the U.S. Department of Commerce in Bakersfield and Fresno to provide export business consulting in the renewable energy and alternative fuels industry.
  • Green Apple Horse Network, a Marin County-based enterprise offering news, information and solutions on how to go green in the horse industry.
  • GRID Alternatives, an Oakland company that collaborates with communities and local organizations on renewable-energy solutions.
  • H2 Purepower, which manufactures hydrogen generators for gasoline and diesel powered engines at its base in Chandler, Ariz.
  • Kaiser Permanente Modesto, a health-maintenance organization that incorporates environmental and sustainability concerns into building, purchasing and local agriculture.
  • Monterey Institute of International studies, whose student body and faculty are advocates of education as a cornerstone to resolving environmental crises on a global basis.
  • Real Goods Solar, which promotes adoption of renewable energy to reduce the human ecological footprint.
  • REC Solar, a California company specializing in grid-tied solar electric design and installation for commercial and residential customers.
  • Sunrun, a San Francisco-based company specializing in solar leasing and power purchase agreements.
  • Taylor Teter, a Fresno architecture firm that matches aesthetics with function and sustainability.
  • University of California Merced, which has poised to become the first university campus in the U.S. where all buildings are LEED certified.
  • U.S. Green Building Council, striving to increase the number of cost-efficient and energy-saving buildings.

The International Green Industry Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of business innovation and practice that emphasizes and advocates environmental awareness and sustainability.

More information and conference registration is available at: www.gogreenhall.org.