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Penrose biomass plant foes plan forum

BREVARD — People for Clean Mountains, a group opposed to a proposed waste-to-energy plant in Penrose, will sponsor the "Think B.I.G." Economic Forum from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at the Rogow room of the Transylvania County Library.


"This is about sharing ideas for sound economic development and job creation in Transylvania County, drawn from citizens and businesses and county officials," People for Clean Mountains volunteer event coordinator Ned Ryan Doyle said in a news release. "There are excellent proposals for a 21st century economic model and this event will showcase many of them."
"This free event offers proven, positive options for job creation and long term economic stability for the county." Doyle said. "Not all jobs are created equal, some are better for the community than others. Clean energy systems, local small business, outdoor recreation, artisan crafts and local agriculture, for example, all have more to offer in the long run. The Forum name, "Think B.I.G." stands for 'Think Beyond Incinerating Garbage.' There are so many better options."
The Economic Forum begins with an open social session from 5 to 7 p.m. and the public is invited to participate. The Open Social Session offers the opportunity to exchange ideas, offer input and proposals for sound economic development in Transylvania County with current businesses, potential businesses and clean industry proposals. A special 'Recycling Roundtable' discussion and Q&A opportunity led by DENR specialists Scott Mouw and Rob Taylor for citizens, county staff, and business owners will be held concurrently during the Open Social Session. The 'Recycling Roundtable' begins at 6 p.m.
The Formal Presentations and Panel Session runs from 7 to 9 p.m., with scheduled speakers including Lou Zeller, executive director of the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League; John Holladay, senior product manager at Gaia Herbs; Will Sagar, executive director of the Southeast Recycling Development Council; Michael C. Trufant, Imagine Brevard/3D printing; Dr. Jim Reynolds, professor of Geology, Brevard College.
"From the emerging 3D Printing technology to clean energy and green building to capitalizing on the clean, natural resources of Transylvania County with its quality of life, outdoor recreation and tourism revenue, there are many positive options." Doyle said. "Everyone agrees that new jobs, solid investments and new businesses are good for the economy, so it's really only a matter of choosing the best for the entire community over the long run."
People for Clean Mountains, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established by local residents as a grassroots effort with an immediate campaign, Think "B.I.G." (Beyond Incinerating Garbage), opposing the proposed biomass facility in the Little River Valley of Penrose and to better explore alternative industries that are economically, socially and environmentally responsible.
The Economic Forum and all Sessions are free to the public, light refreshments and snacks will be served. Businesses, and individuals with business proposals, can register at www.peopleforcleanmountains.org/think-b-i-g for table and display space reservations. This event is neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Transylvania County Library or Government. For more information, info@peopleforcleanmountains.org or call 828- 577-2685.