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Free pre-registration deadline nears for Brownfields 2008 conference in Detroit May 5 - 7

Release Date: 04/18/2008
Contact Information: (EPA) Mick Hans, 312-353-5050, [email protected] (Detroit/WC Port Authority) John Kerr, 313-331-3842, [email protected] (ICMA) Melissa Koenig, 202-962-3632, [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 08-OPA067

(Chicago, Ill. - April 18, 2008) Free pre-registration ends April 23 for the National Brownfields 2008 Conference May 5 - 7 at Detroit's Cobo Center.

The event is expected to draw more than 6,000 environmental and economic development officials, risk managers, planners, engineers and students. Addressing brownfields - abandoned or underutilized properties stigmatized by past commercial or industrial uses - is a challenge for communities of every size. By focusing on redevelopment, properties are put back into productive use while helping to keep undeveloped lands in a natural state.

Recently added to the conference schedule: "CEOs for Downtowns: Business Leaders Talk About Their Urban Investments," May 6 at 11 a.m. This session features ex-Detroit Piston star Dave Bing of the Bing Group, Dan Gilbert of Quicken Loans and Peter Karmanos of Compuware on why they chose to establish their companies in urban cores rather than the metropolitan fringe. Also added: National Public Radio's Renee Montagne hosts the conference's 2008 Town Meeting, "Roadmap to Revitalization: Straight Talk about the Redevelopment Marketplace," May 6 at 4:15 p.m.

Brownfields 2008's educational program features more than 150 sessions on green development, remediation and risk management. The annual Phoenix Awards for top projects will be announced. More than 300
exhibitors will display the latest technologies and services. Mobile workshops beginning with a May 3 kayaking tour of the Detroit River will

highlight local approaches to redevelopment. Numerous special training sessions and film screenings are also on the agenda.

Another unique feature is the Brownfields Transaction Forum, which brings together property owners, developers, investors and financiers to talk about specific sites in Michigan and nearby states that are available for purchase, lease and new uses. The 2008 Forum will be held May 5 at 10:30 a.m.

In an effort to reduce the event's carbon footprint, Brownfields 2008 attendees will be able to purchase NativeEnergy offsets to mitigate the global warming impact of their travel. Conference planners are also working with the Cobo Center to increase on-site recycling and waste reduction, as well as to use post-consumer recycled materials.

The National Brownfields Conference is managed by the International City/County Management Association, in partnership with EPA. More than 140 organizations have endorsed the event.

To register before April 23 for the free conference or for more information: http://www.brownfields2008.org. A separate registration required for the Transaction Forum is at http://www.brownfields2008.org/btf.