On a sunny summer Friday, we are getting ready for weekend picnics, fairs and festivals, but we didn't want you to forget about GrowSmart Maine Summit 2012!  As we get closer, we'll be reminding you of the top 12 reasons you should be sure to join us in Augusta on October 23.  Here's…

#11!

Summit 2012’s midday keynote speaker is Evan Richert, Principal at Richert Planning. Among his clients at Richert Planning is the Town of Orono, for whom he serves as Town Planner. From 1995 to 2002, Evan served as Director of the Maine State Planning Office. He also chaired the cabinet-level Land and Water Resource Council, the Land for Maine’s Future Board, and represented Maine on the international Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment. Prior to his appointment to the State Planning Office, Evan was co-owner and president of Market Decisions, Inc., and was Planning Director for the City of South Portland. He was the founding president of the Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System and has served on the boards of directors of Maine Coast Heritage Trust and GrowSmart Maine. He recently retired from the Muskie School of Public Service at USM, where he taught graduate courses in land use planning and directed research projects on the Gulf of Maine.

At Summit 2012 Richert will speak on how we ensure that investments in our economy, environment and communities are not contrary to the needs and wants of the next generation of homeowners and workers.

Registration is now open for the Summit 2012.  If you have already registered – thank you! Please forward these emails to a friend so they can come too!  If you haven't yet registered, why wait?  Members and students receive reduced rates, so register today and become a member at the same time. 

We envision a day filled with engaging discussions, new ideas, exciting success stories and inspiring actions. But we can't do it without you. Your insights will expand the discussions, building the collective impact of the Summit and providing the direction and energy needed to move Maine toward sustainable prosperity. Register today and stay actively involved in growing Maine's economy and protecting the reasons we choose to live here.

See you at the Summit!