Media

For Immediate Release:

Sustainability Expo provides small businesses the opportunity to learn about
going green profitably.

Gregor Robertson and other local leaders come together to share their
success stories.

Vancouver (January 4, 2008) - On January 24, 2008, the Strathcona Business
Improvement Association will present Vancouver's first sustainability expo
for small businesses.  Local business leaders will discuss the true benefits
and challenges of going green. The expo will also bring together the service
providers, resources, networks, and financial incentives that make it easy
for businesses to adopt and profit from sustainable business practices. The
program will consist of two panel discussions, energy saving tips from BC
Hydro, exhibits from green suppliers, networking, and a keynote address by
Gregor Robertson.  The event is sponsored in part by BC Hydro and includes
panelists such as Gil Yaron (Frogfile), Andre LaRiviere (Green Tables) and
James Tansey (Sauder School of Business).

Toby Barazzuol, founder of Eclipse Awards and Vice Chair of the Strathcona
BIA is instrumental in launching the event, "We believe that the best
investment a small business can make towards its future success is to
understand sustainability and how it relates to their organization.  We also
realize that the information about sustainability can be overwhelming. Our
goal is to explain what sustainability is, why it is important, and how you
can apply it to strengthen your organization."

Barazzuol adds that the expo is meant to generate widespread interest in
sustainability and help define Strathcona as the place for new businesses to
locate "We hope to identify and develop a network of successful green
businesses who can share their experiences and assist new companies as they
transition towards sustainable practices.  By strengthening and supporting
these businesses, we can also use sustainability as a framework for
revitalization in the Downtown Eastside."  Sustainability 1.0 is a general
introduction with additional events planned later in the year to delve more
deeply into specific issues.

For more information about Sustainability 1.0 and to register, visit
www.strathconabia.com/expo or call (604) 258-2727.

Exhibits are open between 3:00pm - 6:30pm, there is no charge for admission
and all are welcome

About the Strathcona Business Improvement Association (SBIA)

The Strathcona BIA is a non-profit, member-driven organization that
represents over 850 business and commercial property owners in Strathcona.
The organization plays an important role in developing businesses and
attracting new ones to Strathcona. The mission of the SBIA Sustainability
Committee is to educate members about the business case for environmental
and social sustainability; provide them with the tools and resources to
implement sustainability as it relates to their organization; and develops
the broader community that will both support and attract green businesses.

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For more information, please contact:

Cathy Kwan
Executive Director, Strathcona BIA
604.258.2727 (office)
604.818.2233 (cell)

Purdy Lee
Event Manager, SBIA Sustainability Expo
778-737-0229