Fedrizzi Keynote Speaker at Visionary Dinner

Environmental nonprofit, Southface has announced that green building leader, Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) will be the 2008 Visionary Dinner keynote speaker. The annual gala held at the Georgia Aquarium’s Oceans Ballroom on Wednesday, March 12 with an opening reception at 5 p.m., celebrates sustainability in business and the community.

Appointed as president and CEO, Fedrizzi has spearheaded the USGBC’s green building initiatives, including refining the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Rating  System, and its expansion into homes, schools, healthcare and retail buildings. Since his appointment in 2004, Fedrizzi has grown the council’s membership to include more than 12,000 organizations and over 70 local chapters nationally. Under his leadership, the council has increased its outreach and educational programs, including working with the Clinton Global Initiative and the International Codes Council to help transform the building science industry and its green building practices.  

The Visionary Dinner features Fedrizzi’s keynote address, as well as the presentation of the Argon Award for Success in Sustainability to a Georgia-based business or environmental leader. A five-course, organic meal donated by Whole Foods and created by top area chefs, paired with sustainably produced wines, is the centerpiece of the evening. Ticket prices for individuals are $165, with a VIP reception for an additional $45 and corporate tables available for $1,850. Sponsors include Whole Foods, Fetzer and Bonterra wineries and the Georgia Aquarium, Wolfgang Puck Catering, Callaway Gardens, Cousins Residential Development.

The Visionary Dinner, hosted by Southface and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, commences the two-day, Greenprints conference and trade show on March 13-14, at the Westin Hotel. For more information or registration visit www.southface.org/visionarydinner and www.greenprints.org.