Green Giant

Chris Samila, a 23-year-old college senior pursuing global studies and political science at Arizona State university, is green -- in both senses of the word. That is, he's committed to the environment, and he's a newbie when it comes to meeting planning. Yet that didn't stop him from successfully pulling off one of Arizona's largest environmental sustainability events: the GreenSummit Expo and Conference. Held at the Phoenix Convention Center on September 5 and September 6, GreenSummit featured booths hawking everything from organic food to building materials made from recycled glass and other environmentally friendly components. While organic restaurateurs competed in Iron Chef-style cooking competitions, educational sessions offered information on ways consumers can reduce their carbon footprints. The sustainability movement isn't just a trend. For businesses, it's the ultimate competitive advantage.