May 29 , 2008

CONTACT: Josh Spradling
1-800-CLEAN-TX

Help Ensure a Green Future for Texas
41st Annual Keep Texas Beautiful Conference Comes to Metroplex

(Austin, Texas) - Hundreds of community leaders, city officials, educators, law enforcement officers, and concerned citizens will be converging in the Metroplex this summer to learn how their community can guarantee a clean and green future for Texas.

The 41 st Annual Keep Texas Beautiful Conference, taking place June 24-27 in Irving, will inform attendees how to work with and inspire companies, schools, neighborhoods, organizations, and local governments in their hometown to improve the environment and create healthier, more desirable places to live, work, and play.

With more than 20 education sessions covering topics from recycling to community gardens and water-wise landscaping to code enforcement, the Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) conference offers something for everyone.

“For more than 40 years, Keep Texas Beautiful has been beautifying communities across the state,” KTB President Steve Hazelwood said. “In the past few years it has become more evident how vital this type of work is to a sustainable environment. The ideas and tools shared at the conference will help ensure healthy, clean, and green communities not only for today, but for generations to come.”

Featured speakers include John Schuster, a former leader at the Environmental Protection Agency, who will explore the real opportunities we have to live in harmony with green principles as companies, citizens, and communities and Mike Groman of Philadelphia Green, who will speak about the development and ongoing care of community gardens, neighborhood parks, and high-profile public green spaces.

In addition to the educational opportunities, the conference also gives attendees the chance to network with others who share their passion and applaud those who have worked so hard to improve the Lone Star State’s environment with the recognition of 2008 award winners.

For more information, to see a full schedule of presenters and events, and to register for the 41st Annual Keep Texas Beautiful Conference, go to www.ktb.org.

Keep Texas Beautiful , a statewide grassroots environmental and community improvement nonprofit, strives to educate and engage Texans to take responsibility for improving their community environment. KTB and its more than 350 community affiliates work with government, businesses, civic groups, and volunteers to ensure that every Texan has the opportunity to make Texas the cleanest, most beautiful state in the nation. For more information on programs and events, call 1-800-CLEAN-TX or visit www.ktb.org.

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Logos and Speaker Pictures Available Upon Request

What: “Our Future is Green” 41 st Annual Keep Texas Beautiful Conference

When: Tuesday, June 24 – Friday, June 27

Where: Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas, Irving

Highlighted Topics:

• “Our Future is Green” Luncheon with former EPA leader John Schuster
• “Combating Crime in a MySpace Era” with graffiti expert Sergeant Dwight Waldo
• Curbside and school recycling
• Environmentally responsible lawn and landscaping practices
• Neighborhood beautification
• Construction and demolition recycling
• Progressive code enforcement
• Community gardens
• Practical fundraising ideas
• Marketing and media strategies

Info: www.ktb.org