At the Piedmont Environmental Alliance (PEA) Annual Meeting, held November 18, 2014 at Temple Emanuel in Winston-Salem, PEA announced plans for expanded programming, named a volunteer and green business of the year and welcomed new board members.
PEA Board of Directors President, Megan Kilpatrick Moen, announced the organization’s commitment to expand programming focused on Environmental Education for K-12 students in the Piedmont. “Our desire is to inspire young people to become the activists, environmentalists and scientists who will solve the environmental issues of today,” said Moen.
Working in collaboration with educators, students and on-campus environmental clubs, PEA hopes to inspire action on school campuses, identify leadership opportunities for students, and spark student's interest in sustainability careers by introducing them to the multitude of possibilities in green industries.
PEA will be seeking support from private and public foundations and individual donors to fund these programs. The organization’s longtime community partner, Great Outdoor Provision Company, has already provided seed funding to develop the project. “Our partnership with PEA fosters knowledge, appreciation and the enjoyment of nature in the Triad and beyond. PEA promotes a high level of responsible environmental stewardship that encourages both our customers and staff to conserve and restore the great places we love. Our support of their environmental education programs is a great way to be involved with this great work,” said Great Outdoor Provision Company CEO Chuck Millsaps.
"We are looking forward to a great year ahead filled with growth, new opportunities and continued partnerships with local businesses and organizations, educators and students, and our incredible team of volunteers," said Kristin Wiggins, PEA Executive Director.
Local volunteer, Wendi Hartup, was honored at the meeting with the 2014 Volunteer of the Year award. Wendi serves as the Natural Resources Extension Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension and has served on PEA’s Piedmont Earth Day Fair planning committee for seven years. Gallins Family Farm received the 2014 Green Business of the Year award. Gallins Family Farm is located in Mocksville, NC specializes in food waste recycling, Grade A compost production, pastured raised pork, free-range poultry and eggs. Gallins Farm partners with PEA to provide compost services for the Piedmont Earth Day Fair’s Zero Waste Challenge. With Gallins support, the 2014 Fair hosted nearly 10,000 people and created less than three bags of landfill waste.
Piedmont Environmental Alliance’s 2014-2015 Board of Directors are Megan Kilpatrick Moen, President; Valerie Lecoeur, Vice-President; Jenny Cline, Treasurer; Lois Koufman, Secretary; Louise Allen; Megan Anderson; Tim Binkley; Trevor Shelton; Sara Tavery and Brad Zabel. Click here to learn more about our new board members.