2004 Visionary Dinner provides business community with better understanding of how going “green” can keep companies’ bottom lines “in the black”

Atlanta (March 3, 2004)

The 2004 Visionary Dinner brings together business leaders and the environmentally conscious to relay a powerful message—more than ever, society is socially conscious, especially about the environment. And doing business in a way that’s good for the environment, or “environmentally sustainable,” helps any business owner or financial manager keep their company seeing green. Hosted by Southface and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce on March 17, the dinner includes courses prepared using slow food principles, accompanied by wines made from sustainably harvested grapes. As Georgia’s Farmers Co-op and Slow Food help preserve the earth by using environmentally friendly harvesting methods, Southface’s comparable mission encourages resource conservation in building, construction and development –ultimately leading to a cleaner environment and healthier communities.

“Industry not only has the ability to function profitably and sustainably, but the duty to establish itself as such, setting an example for the rest of American business,” said Fetzer President Paul Dolan, who will be the visionary keynote speaker at this year’s Visionary Dinner. He strongly believes in the growing trend of sustainable agriculture and business and has seen it work for his company.

Fetzer President Paul Dolan will speak at the dinner about innovative, sustainable agriculture and business strategies that have set Fetzer apart from other vineyards. As Dolan’s company has proven, being environmentally conscious can positively affect the bottom line.

Fast Company Magazine named Dolan’s book, True to Your Roots, "a must read" and other industry professionals, including previous Visionary Dinner speaker Amory Lovins, have praised Dolan’s message since the book’s publication in October.

Fetzer Vineyards is dedicated to the environment by using organic grapes, powering offices by solar and reducing landfill waste by 94 percent since 1990. Already the largest grower of certified, organically grown grapes in California, Fetzer recently announced the commitment to grow and buy all its grapes organically by 2010.

Another key element of the Visionary Dinner—the food! Four of Atlanta’s top chefs have come together to orchestrate an unforgettable, organic meal. Lending culinary support to the dinner are Chef Kristian Holbrook of City Grill, Chef Mary Moore of Cook’s Warehouse, Chef Michael Tuohy of Woodfire Grill and Chef Virginia Willis, producer of various cooking television shows. The evening takes place at The Westin Peachtree Plaza.

The Home Depot Foundation is this year’s title Visionary Dinner sponsor. Additional support comes from Atlantic Station, Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, Inc., Jacoby Development, Serenbe Community, SunTrust, Serenbe Community ULI Atlanta and Whole Foods Market.

The first annual Visionary Dinner was held in 1999 to accompany Southface’s conference, Greenprints: Sustainable Communities by Design. Last year Greenprints convened a full Green Week of events, attracting more than 1,200 people.

Founded in 1978, the Southface Energy Institute is located in Midtown Atlanta and continues to promote sustainable homes, workplaces and communities by offering responsible solutions for environmental living. Visit www.southface.org for more information.