Conference to cover sustainability from all angles

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When most people think of "sustainability," they think about the environment and "going green." While environmental concerns are certainly an integral part of sustainability, the concept involves much more for counties.

When a county commissioner thinks of sustainability, issues including job creation and retention, reliable revenue streams, budgeting practices, energy and water consumption and availability, and infrastructure come to mind. Given these concerns, the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners' 102nd Annual Conference, which will be held Aug. 27-30 at the Hickory Metro Convention Center in Catawba County, will focus on "Building Sustainable Counties." The conference will feature a series of speakers and workshops focused on helping counties prepare for the future while meeting today's needs.

North Carolina's rapid population growth is straining its natural resources, but is also forcing companies to rethink how they provide services.

Duke Energy Carolinas President Brett Carter will speak during the Aug. 28 Opening General Session.

Like many states, North Carolina's political and business leaders are examining how to prepare for our future, particularly in the area of energy. The N.C. General Assembly passed legislation in 2007 to require electric utility providers to generate between 10 percent and 12.5 percent of retail sales from renewable energy sources by 2021. In addition, utilities must implement energy efficiency programs with their customers.

As one of the largest power companies in the United States, Duke Energy has made it a top priority to determine the most efficient and environmentally sound way to meet the growing demand for electricity over the next 10-15 years. Brett Carter, president of Duke Energy Carolinas, will discuss how Duke plans to meet its responsibilities during the Opening General Session on Friday, Aug. 28.

Financial stability is the key to a county's long-term sustainability. Many counties were not prepared for the depth of the current economic crisis. What policies can counties adopt that will get them through the current recession and prepare their community for long-term fiscal viability?

State Treasurer Janet Cowell will address attendees at the Aug. 29 Second General Session.

State Treasurer Janet Cowell and her staff manage the issuance of several billion dollars of debt each year and help local governments by monitoring their financial condition while providing professional technical assistance on audit and financial reporting. She will be the featured speaker at the Aug. 29 general session.

The Annual Conference will feature an array of exciting and informative workshops dealing with the conference theme of sustainability. Workshops will examine our state's energy future, sustainable budgeting practices, environmentally sustainable programs, and economic and workforce development.

Visit the NCACC Web site's Annual Conference page for descriptions of workshops as they become available.

The conference begins Thursday, Aug. 27, with the opening of the Exhibit Show, a pre-conference seminar on ethics designed exclusively for local government officials, and a rolling workshop to Catawba County's EcoComplex.

The EcoComplex won the national 2007 Thomas H. Muehlenbeck Award for Excellence in Local Government and was named best in its category in the 2008 National Association of Counties Achievement Award Program.

The pre-conference seminar, "Ethics Training for Local Officials," will help county officials avoid getting into sticky situations and will review the legal responsibilities of an appointed or an elected official. This session is offered through the Local Elected Leaders Academy, a three-level recognition program sponsored by the NCACC and School of Government. County commissioners earn credits toward achieving official recognition for their commitment to lifelong learning by attending various educational seminars, including the NCACC's Annual Conference and other NCACC-sponsored events.

The SALT Block is a major showcase for the quality of life in the Catawba Valley.

There is a $95 registration fee for the pre-conference seminar.

More than 60 firms and organizations will be represented at the annual Exhibit Show, highlighting a variety of services and programs designed for counties. Stop by the Exhibit Hall and register for a chance to win some great door prizes. The Opening Reception on Thursday evening will include some tasty appetizers and treats, and lunch will be served in the Exhibit Hall on Friday.

The majority of the conference will be held at the Hickory Metro Convention Center, but on Friday afternoon the conference will move to the SALT (Science, Arts, Literature Together) Block. The third block of workshops will be held there and will be followed by the always popular Horn O' Plenty, sponsored by N.C. Cooperative Extension.