| Spring 2009 |
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Page 1 of 13 History of the U.S. Green Building Council Southwest Virginia Chapter- by Nell Boyle and Sharlyn UnderwoodIn early 2003, several members of a Roanoke, Virginia, architecture and engineering firm worked with USGBC on a LEEDregistered project and at the same time prepared to take the LEED AP exam. The group discussed the concept of forming a local chapter of USGBC. In the spring of 2003 at a coffee shop in Salem, the discussions expanded to include other area design and construction professionals, who held several meetings to determine whether creating a USGBC chapter was the best way to promote environmentally-friendly building design. Several follow-up organizational meetings transpired. The group began holding more formal programs concerning green design while at the same time continuing to pursue creating a local chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. In December 2003, the group announced an introductory program and a membership drive for the proposed chapter to be held at Roanoke College. The announcement stated, “The intent is to encompass the areas surrounding Lynchburg, Roanoke, Salem, Floyd, Christiansburg, Blacksburg, and Radford. The meeting locations will be moved throughout the region to spotlight resources of each area.” Meetings proceeded monthly according to this plan. During the business portions of the meetings, attendees discussed items required by the USGBC for chapter formation, including mission and vision statements and bylaws. In August 2004, the group formed an organizing committee that would address issues concerning Chapter formation separately from the program meetings. Most people involved in the organization of the Chapter were affiliated with a national USGBC member The organizing committee named the chapter the U.S. Green Building Council Southwest Virginia Chapter and worked to develop mission and vision statements, goals, budget, and a strategic plan for the Chapter. After these items were submitted to and reviewed by USGBC Chapter Coordinator, the Southwest Virginia Chapter became an Organizing Group in October 2004. The group was represented at Greenbuild ’04 in Portland on Chapter Day. The Southwest Virginia Organizing Group petitioned to become a full and nationally recognized chapter in the spring of 2005. On May 8, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service awarded the Southwest Virginia Chapter its 501(c)(3) non-profit status. On May 23, 2007, the USGBC accepted the signed Chapter Charter granting the Southwest Virginia Chapter full chapter status. At that time the founding members of the board were seated. The founding members of the board were Sharlyn Underwood, Colin Arnold, Jennifer Rainey, Dick Pennock, John Shirley, Billy Weitzenfeld, and Reggie Walker. Sharlyn Underwood is recognized as the founding Chapter Chair, who served as Chapter Chair until mid 2007 when she left to accept a position of USGBC’s Southeast Region Chapter Growth Consultant, where she continued to serve as a liaison between the Chapter and the national USGBC. In November 2007, the Chapter held its first official on-line annual election for the Board of Directors and that Board was seated in January 2008. The monthly program meetings continue to provide industry- related educational material, tours of local LEED buildings, speakers, and other relevant learning opportunities. By January 2009 the Chapter had grown its local membership to approximately 70 members and 9 board members. The Chapter has also participated annually in the Energy Expo, Sustainable Blacksburg, and other environmental events throughout the region. Members from the Chapter have regularly attended Greenbuild, the USGBC annual conference, since its beginnings in 2002. The Southwest Virginia Chapter continues to grow and thrive, enthusiastically demonstrating to the community the benefits of green building. As our Chapter grows, new committees are formed to expand our outreach programs, provide more workshops, and develop support for LEED project teams and LEED Accredited Professionals. |
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