David Stangis, John Gattuso and James Tucker field questions from moderator Anthony Bartolomeo

On Wednesday, February 4th, the WTCGP held its 6th Annual Global Business Conference, “Sustainable Energy: From Global Evolution to Local Execution”, at Drexel University.  The event featured business and government leaders who presented on the current state and future outlook of sustainable energy.  The program began with welcoming statements from Joanna Savvides, president, WTCGP and Walter D’Alessio, vice chairman, NorthMarq Capital, Inc., board member, WTCGP, followed by presentations on global energy innovations in wind, solar, and biodiesel. The second half of the conference dealt with the local application of sustainable energy projects and the economic impact on our region.  

Julius Steiner, chairman of Gamesa USA, opened the conference with a presentation on the vital role that wind technology plays, noting that wind is the most widely accepted and environmentally neutral energy source that is commercially viable.

Peter Alyanakian, senior development manager, Projects Group, Conergy, provided conference attendees with an in-depth understanding of solar energy, as well as the role Conergy plays in the world-wide implementation of this renewable resource technology. He explained the requirements for creating a solar energy facility for a large scale project, and further described how that same technology can be adapted for residential or small business application.

Marty Borruso, chief executive officer of Fuel Bio Holdings, LLC, presented the audience with an overview of biodiesel, a low impact energy source derived from domestically produced vegetable oils or animal fats.   Mr. Borruso highlighted the benefits of biodiesel as a clean burning fuel source, with a future of a stable market in the United States.

A panel discussion that focused on the local applications of renewable energy resources in the Greater Philadelphia region and state of Pennsylvania featured local executives including James R. Tucker, senor vice president of Student Life and Administrative Services at Drexel University, John S. Gattuso, senior vice president and regional director of the Liberty Property Trust and David Stangis, vice president of corporate social responsibility at Campbell Soup Company. Anthony S. Bartolomeo, P.E., president, Pennoni Associates, and chairman, WTCGP, served as the moderator. The panel members discussed the use of sustainable energy projects at their respective organizations and why other businesses should incorporate renewable energy into their strategic planning.

The afternoon’s luncheon program featured keynote speakers Kenneth M. Esser, Jr., chief energy advisor, Office of the Governor, State of New Jersey, and Jeanne J. Dworetzky, executive director of the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA).  Mr. Esser presented attendees with the current status and future goals of New Jersey’s Master Energy Plan.  He discussed the significant role of sustainable energy sources in the state’s energy production, making New Jersey one of the most advanced, innovative programs in the country.  Ms. Dworetzky shared with the audience Pennsylvania’s plans to reduce its dependence on coal as its main source of energy and its commitment to use cleaner burning fuels and renewable energy sources to lower carbon emissions. 

Despite an unexpected snow storm, this year’s conference was a great success.  This year’s program, organized by the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, in conjunction with Drexel University's LeBow College of Business, was sponsored by:

Conference Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors:

Breakfast and Break Sponsors:

 Alinea, LLC         

Thank you to all who supported and attended this event.  We look forward to seeing you again next year.

 View pictures from this event

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