The Education and Seminars Committee organizes the panel of speakers for the monthly Chamber meetings, as well as organizing and implementing seminars for the chamber membership and community at large on a variety of business and non-business related topics.

“Green” is the hot topic today in discussions about the future of our country…economic as well as environmental. While most people recognize the need for more eco-friendly habits and systems, many are confused about what makes the most sense for them.

The Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce & Industry is hosting a series of breakfast seminars designed to help consumers learn more about going green – its benefits, its costs, and what would work best for their individual circumstances.

The first two seminars will be held on Thursday mornings, April 23 and April 30 at 8:00 a.m.;  registration opens at 7:30 a.m. A lecture, presented by an independent expert in green living, will be followed by a question and answer period. Admission is $15 or 2 for $25. A continental breakfast is included. The first two seminars (Seminars I, II) will be held at the Fox Club at Bliss Creek Golf Course in Sugar Grove.

The speaker at Seminar I, “Going Green at Home” on April 23, was Craig Schneider, a LEED AP with JB Architecture Group out of Sugar Grove and Naperville. He is the chairman of the Green Building Committee for the Greater Fox Valley HBA and is currently working on designing and building a green community of homes within Hannaford Farm subdivision of Sugar Grove. Craig spoke about what “Green” means, and he provided information about various actions people can take and products consumers can use in their homes to be more environmentally responsible while saving money and protecting their family’s health. He also discussed “Green” features’ impact on home value in today’s market.

Seminar II, “Going Green in Your Landscape” on April 30 will feature two speakers. The first, Chris Lannert, RLA, President of The Lannert Group in Geneva, has been a registered landscape architect for over thirty years and has received numerous awards from the American Planning Association and American Society of Landscape Architects. He will offer information leading property owners to be more in tune with sustainable development - ensuring that society's needs are met while conserving resources for future generations.

The second speaker at Seminar II, Tony Aubin, Unit Manager of JF New in Monee, IL, oversees projects that include wetland and habitat restoration; native seed and plant installation; prescription burning; exotic and invasive species control; erosion control applications; and timber stand improvement. He will provide information for homeowners and commercial property owners regarding sustainable ecological solutions to manage natural resources to minimize water usage, naturally treat stormwater runoff, improve energy efficiency and restore natural areas for the enjoyment of the occupants and visitors. 

The May 14 seminar (Seminar III) was rescheduled to July 7, and will be held at The Ultimate Green Home, 6N558 Kim Lane in St. Charles. Robert Lord, President, Robert Lord Builders, has invited attendees of the Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce series of "green seminars" to visit his home in St. Charles on Thursday, May 14th to take a tour and learn more about the specifics of going green in home building. This home is an 11,000 square foot home that is the "ultimate green home". The home has such features as closed-cell foam insulation, reflective-coated house wrap, a geothermal hat pump handling heating and cooling and computerized lighting controls"

Seminar IV, “Going Green at You Business” on June 11 will feature John Saunders, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, of Larson & Darby Group in Rockford, St. Charles and Peoria, and will be held at the Sugar Grove Fire District on Municipal Drive. Sign in starts at 11:30; the seminar begins at noon. Mr. Saunders will be talking on the impact of LEED and Sustainable Design in the non-residential construction markets. He will discuss the impact that commercial buildings have on our natural environment and how the decisions made at all stages of the design process can work toward a more efficient and sustainable environment.

For more information or to register for one or more of the seminars, call 630-466-7895. Payment in the form of cash or check will be accepted at the door. .