ACCELERATE 77’S SHARE FAIR A SUCCESS!

The Sharing Approaches That Work Conference (SATW) or Share Fair, of the Accelerate 77 project, was held at Chicago’s Truman College on September 15, 2012. With more than 400 people attending, the event was a resounding success.

​In excess of 140 grassroots sustainability groups from 70 of Chicago’s 77 community areas were present. Each organization showed their current activities, future plans and connected with others during the day-long conference.

Lisa Parker, a Consumer Affairs reporter for NBC5 Chicago, opened the event and welcomed the participants. Terry Bergdall, President and CEO of organizing sponsor the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA), spoke along with Chicago Aldermen James Cappleman (46rd Ward) and Deborah Graham (29th Ward).

Karen Weigert, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Chicago, gave the keynote address. She talked about the efforts of the city and its residents in improving the environment and creating sustainable systems in the city. She said it was thanks to those efforts that Chicago had in April been rated as one of the most sustainable large communities in the country.

Connection Seminars were also held throughout the day, covering topics including sustainable transportation, green economics, community organizing and innovation. The seminars were facilitated by supportive organizations such as Openlands, The Field Museum, the Center for Neighborhood Technology, Active Transportation Alliance, Energy Impact Illinois and Seven Generations Ahead.
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"We couldn’t be happier with the response and attendance at the Share Fair,” said Bergdall. "We thank all the organizations and people who worked to make this the event a wonderful success.”