Leadership is the ability to step out even though others are hesitating. The Green Business League is happy to welcome the very first Chamber of Commerce as a Certified Green Business. Not only has the Greater Regional Sanford Chamber of Commerce earned a Green certification, but has achieved the Gold status in the first assessment. What most will find interesting is the level of commitment made by the chamber to achieve this Green certification.

Combining the old with the new and the rural with the urban, Sanford offers something for everyone. To live in Sanford is to take pleasure in the small town way of life of this silent rural community, yet have the handy access to businesses. Employment and entertainment opportunities of two main metropolitan areas, Orlando and Daytona Beach, only a small drive away.

Certified Green Consultant, Tanya Scheidigg, worked with her chamber of commerce to complete an exhaustive assessment and complete an audit demonstrating more than 200 Green Points. Earning an authentic Green business certification is not as simple as making a few minor adjustments. The Greater Regional Sanford Chamber of Commerce had been making changes to its operation prior to the assessment, and more changes are yet to be made. Many businesses have installed some Green processes. Every Green Practice has a point value that can add up to the certification level when verified by a Certified Green Consultant.

An energy audit was conducted. While some may stop at a programmable thermostat, their office used timers on outside lights, installed CFL bulbs, installed powerstrips to stop energy loss, and purchased Energy Star appliances. Ceiling fans can reduce cooling costs, and insulation was added to upgrade the facility.The use of a rain barrel for plant watering may seem like an old idea, but is gaining new value for water conservation concerns. Flow restrictors and aerators were installed in faucets. Displacement bladders where added to older style toilet fixtures.

The office is going paperless with an invoicing system, efaxing, and Internet newsletter. Recycling programs were installed, and a water filtration system was put in place to reduce the plastic water bottle problem. No one could call the effort made by the chamber a token effort as seen in so many other situations. This commitment to a Green and sustainable office is commendable and a symbol of the kind of leadership that the business community can follow.

The Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce duty is to serve as a gateway for community development, mainly as it relates to the environment through resources and projects. The Let's Think Green Committee is devoted to providing resources to the Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce members involved in being environmentally responsible. We focus on encouraging sustainability through awareness, education and detection of those businesses that are part of the answer.