Business Resources | Contacts| Tip Sheets | Checklists
Adopting sustainable practices can be a challenging and sometimes even overwhelming endeavor to try and do alone. There are a number of organizations, businesses, and state agencies that can provide the assistance and support you might need to green your tourism destination.
Value Added- From instituting a successful recycling program, offering environmental education at your destination, or roviding access to nature based activities, North Carolina has a number of organizations that can help your business increase the value of your product.
1. Partnership for Bar & Restaurant Recycling: (www.partnership4recycling.org) This partnership provides information and resources for bar and restaurant owners, manager and employees to comply with House Bill 1518 that requires certain Alcohol beverage Commission permit holders to implement recycling efforts. For more information, contact Rachel Eckert at rachel.eckert@ncmail.net or by telephone at (919) 715-6505.
2. NC Project Green: (www.ncprojectgreen.com) A program established to support State and Local governments to collectively set an example of environmental stewardship. NC Project Green can help provide support for a variety of State owned and managed facilities ranging from Historic Sites to County Parks & Recreation sports complexes. For more information, contact Rachel Eckert at rachel.eckert@ncmail.net or by telephone at (919) 715-6505.
3. Sustainable North Carolina: (www.sustainnc.org) A non-profit organization that aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainability by the North Carolina Business Community. They have developed a network of likeminded nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies that provides information, education, and assistance in locating products and services, and public recognition of North Carolina organizations leading change toward sustainability. For more information, contact Sustainable NC by email at info@sustainnc.org or by telephone at 919-839-2111.
4. NC Office of Environmental Education: (www.eenorthcarolina.org) A division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Office of Environmental Education acts a clearing house of the environmental education across North Carolina. The Office of Environmental Education and provide assistance to any tourism organization interested in including environmental education as part of their tourism product. For more contact Marty Wiggins by email at marty.wiggins@ncmail.net or by telephone at 919-733-0711.
5. NC State Integrated Pest Management for NC Schools: (http://ipm.ncsu.edu/urban/cropsci/SchoolIPM/) Integrated Pest Management (IMP) is a multi-pronged common-sense approach to pest control that dramatically reduces the use of potentially harmful and toxic chemicals by addressing pest problems before they occur. NC State IPM for NC Schools is a source for information for non-agricultural applications of IMP. For more information contact Dr. Godfrey Nalyanya by email at godfrey_nalyanya@ncsu.edu or telephone at 919-515-5650.
6. Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail: (www.ncmst.org) Stretches 1,000 miles from Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockey’s Ridge on the Outer Banks, with the help of countless volunteers and communities. The Friends of the MST is a non-profit organization that works with communities, state, local, and federal agencies, and private citizens to complete the construction of the trail as well as provide maintenance and support of the trail. Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea trail can help provide creative strategies to integrate the Mountains-to-Sea trail as part of your tourism destination. For more information contact Kate Dixon by email at kdixon@ncmst.org or by telephone at 919-698-9024.
7. NC Paddle Trails Association: (www.ncpaddletrails.info)Works with local communities and state wide representatives to further the development of paddle trails in NC. Efforts include the development of paddle trail infrastructure and boat access, provide statewide representation, and paddle trail development at the local level. The NC Paddle Trails Association also works with local communities to develop sustainable tourism development through nature based tourism. For more information contact Tom Potter by email at tmpotter@coastalnet.com or by telephone at 919 738-6314.
8. NC Birding Trail: (www.ncbirdingtrail.org) A partnership between a number of stage agencies and non-profits, the NC Birding Trail is a series of three regional driving trails to link some of the State’s best birding locations. The program, in conjunction with the Birder Friendly Business program, works to increase birding related tourism to the state and contribute to nature based tourism development. For more information, contact the NC Birding Trail by email at info@ncbirdingtrail.org, or telephone at 919-604-5183.
9. NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Agritourism: (www.ncagr.gov/markets/agritourism/). The relationship between the land and the food is an increasingly popular trend in the tourism industry. North Carolina offers a number of opportunities for travelers to experience farming firsthand, many of which can be found at http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/agritourism/documents/2007AgritourismDirectory.pdf. For more information NC agritrouism opportunities contact Martha Glass by email at martha.glass@ncagr.gov or by telephone at 919-733-7887.
10. Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project: (www.asapconnections.org) A western North Carolina focused program, ASAP aims to promote and support local agriculture through a combination of working with farmers, consumers, and the business community. ASAP have a growing number of programs that serve as models for increasing the availability and accessibility of local agricultural products to tourist. For more information contact Peter Marks by email at peter@asapconnections.org at or telephone at 828-236-1282.
11. North Carolina Conservation Network: (www.ncconservationnetwork.org) A statewide network of over 120 environmental, community and environmental justice organizations focused on protecting North Carolina’s environment and public health. The NC Conservation Network supports, trains and coordinates diverse groups and directly advocates to achieve equitable and sustainable solutions for our environment.For more information contact Jessilyn Kemp by email at jessilyn@ncconservationnetwork.org or by telephone at 919-857-4699 ext 108.
12. NC Audubon: (www.ncaudubon.org) A conservation organization focusing on birds that uses deliberate science with direct protection, public education and grassroots advocacy. For more information contact Ida Philips by email at iphillips@audubon.org or by telephone at (919) 929-3899.
Discretionary Income- There are a number of ways that waste reduction, pollution prevention and conservation can help your business reduce its environmental impact while reducing operating costs. The North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention offers a number of products, services, and networks that can help any business or organization reduce its utility bills .
13. NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance,
a. Tom Rhodes: The team at DPPEA provides waste reduction assistance to the hospitality industry through a variety of tools and programs, including a database of local reduction contacts (http://www.p2pays.org/localgov/PAYT/ncwaste.asp) and a recycling markets directory (http://www.p2pays.org/DMRM/start.aspx). DPPEA also manages The Green Plan for Hotels (http://p2pays.org/hospitality/) and The Green Plan for the Food Service Industry (http://p2pays.org/food/) web sites, which provide industry specific environmental information and resources. For more information on technical waste reduction resources available from DPPEA, contact Tom Rhodes at tom.rhodes@ncmail.net or by telephone at 919-715-6516.
b. Brian Rosa: A DPPEA program that provides organics waste reduction resources through a variety of tools which include a composting specific web site (http://p2pays.org/compost/), the BiomassTrader (http://www.ncbiomasstrader.com), and information on composting’s economic development and available grant programs. For more information, contact Brian Rosa at brian.rosa@ncmail.net or by telephone at 919-715-6524
c. Keyes McGee: DPPEA can provide in-depth information regarding best practices for water conservation for all sectors of the tourism industry, including sports facilities and landscaping. Resources include industry specific water management options manuals, case studies, information on conducting a water audit, and technical information (http://savewaternc.org/BusHome.asp). For more information contact Keyes McGee at keyes.mcgee@ncmail.net or by telephone at 919-733-4398.
d. John Seymour: DPPEA also provides information on energy conservation through a variety of resources that can be found on their web site (http://www.p2pays.org/energy/) as well as the Waste Reduction Resource Center. For more information contact John Seymour at john.seymour@ncmail.net or by telephone at 919-715-6503.
e. Kelley Dennings, Education and Outreach Project Manager: DPPEA can provide recycling information and education for all age groups. DPPEA also has information on waste reduction and recycling grants and other recycling related financing options. For more information contact Kelley Dennings at Kelley.dennings@ncmail.net or by telephone at 919-715-6507.
14. NC Cooperative Extension: Serves as a resource to each of NC 100 counties, providing information on agriculture, health, community and the environment. www.ces.ncsu.edu
15. NC Division of Tourism Development: Serve a liaison with local communities to support sustainable efforts to protect, preserve and promote the state’s natural, historic and cultural resources. Each Development Officer is strategically located across North Carolina and provides special skills that may be utilized by local communities and regional entities. For more information visit http://www.nccommerce.com/en/TourismServices/PromoteTravelAndTourismIndustry/HeritageTourismAndCommunityDevelopment/
16. NC Restaurant and Lodging Association: A trade association representing the restaurant and lodging industries of North Carolina, the NC R&LA provides student education resources, lobbying, and professional education. For more information visit www.ncrla.biz or contact Alyssa Barkley by email at alyssab@ncrla.biz or by telephone at 919-884-0098.
17. NC State Recreation Resources Service: Is a partnership of the Division of Parks & Recreation, NC DENR, and the NC State University. They provide technical assistance and outreach forlocal communities on issues related to parks and recreation. With six regional offices, Recreation Resource Services provides technical assistance, continuing education courses and workshops, and grant administration. For more information, visit http://cnr.ncsu.edu/rrs or telephone at 919-515-7118.
18. Sustainable Sandhills: Non-profit serving the eight county regions surrounding Fort Bragg focused on providing sustainability outreach and education for both the general public and the business community. Currently, Sustainable Sandhills offers the only known “green” business certification program specifically for NC. For more information visit www.sustainablesandhills.org or contact Heather Brown by email at brownh@ctc.com or by telephone at 910-484-9098.
19. NC Main Street Center, NC Department of Commerce, Division of Community Services: Provides technical assistance for downtown revitalization through help small towns to recognize and preserve their historic fabric, and, using local resources, build on their unique characteristics to create vibrant central business districts that meet the needs of today's communities. For more information, visit http://www.nccommerce.com/en/CommunityServices/CommunityPlanningAssistance/NCMainStreetCenter/ or contact Teresa Watts by email at twatts@nccommerce .comor by telephone at (919) 733-7502.
20. NC Amateur Sports: A non-profit in partnership with the NC Division of Tourism with the goal of promoting the spirit of amateur sports, physical fitness and health to all ages and skill levels through participation in organized events, which enrich the state of North Carolina. NCAS hosts the State Games of North Carolina, Cycle North Carolina "Mountains to the Coast" Bicycle Tour, Cycle North Carolina Spring Weekend Ride and The Be Active Challenge.For more information visitwww.ncsports.org or contact Chuck Hobgood by email at chcuck.hobgood@ncsports.org or by telephone at 919-361-1133 ext 5.
21. NC Festival & Events Association: A membership organization of festival and events that serves the needs of their membership through annual meetings, professional training, and an annual tradeshow. For more information visitwww.ncfestivals.com or contact NC F&EA at info@ncfestivals.com (336) 956-6433
Energy- A changing energy future possibly poses the greatest threat or greatest opportunity for the tourism industry. Rising energy costs, climate change, and changing energy public policy all give reason for any tourism business to start investigating how they can participate in the energy solution rather than the energy problem.
1. NC GreenPower: The nation’s first statewide, multi-utility green energy program. Participation in NC GreenPower, a nonprofit that works with the N.C. Utilities Commission, helps grow the production of North Carolina green energy by offsetting the current higher costs of renewable energy production and funding carbon offsetting projects. NC GreenPower can work with tourism businesses to find a renewable energy solution that meets their organization’s specific needs, evaluate the costs of participation, and help market their support of clean local energy. Also, NC GreenPower is a 501(c)3 non-profit, so participation may be tax-deductible. For more information on NC GreenPower, visit www.ncgreenpower.org, or contact Martha Gettys by email at mgettys@ncgreenpower.org or by telephone at (919)857-9021.
2. NC Energy Office: Lead agency for energy programs and services and serves as the official source for energy information and assistance for consumers, businesses, government agencies, community colleges and schools and the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. For more information visit www.energync.net or contact Chuck Sathrum by email at Charles.sathrum@ncmail.net or by telephone at 919-715-1158
Sustatinable NC Tourism Businesses- There are a growing number of tourism businesses across North Carolina that have already adopted sustainability practices. This serves only as a partial list and any North Carolina tourism business that are taking steps to reduce their environmental and social impacts are encouraged to contact Alex Naar by email at naara@ecu.edu or by telephone at (2)737-1346.
1. Accommodations
a. Highland Lake Inn
b. Proximity Hotel
c. Grove Park Inn
d. The Cottages at Spring House Farm
2. Food Service and Drinking Places
a. Lantern Restaurant
b. Market Place Restaurant
c. Weeping Radish
d. Green Planet Catering
e. Outer Banks Brewing Station
3. Conferences and Meetings
a. Seven-Star Events
b. Tribble Creative Group
c. Corporate Events Consulting
4. Festivals and Events
a. NC Blue Ridge Barbeque Festival
b. Carolina Living Green Expo
5. Attractions
a. Bald Head Island Conversancy
b. NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
c. NC Zoo
d. NC Environmental Education Centers
e. Tryon Palace
f. Chimney Rock
g. Grandfather Mountain
h. Biltmore Estate
NC Sources of Sustainable Services and Products for the NC Tourism Industry- For tourism businesses and organizations that interested in taking steps to invest in sustainability, a number of businesses across North Carolina can provide the expertise and experience to support such actions.
1. FLS Energy: Michael Shore, President. Email: Michael@flsenergy.com, tel 828-669-5056
2. Southern Energy Management: Sterling Bowen, Commercial Sales. Email: sterling@southern-energy.com, tel: 919-836-0305
3. Machen – Wingate Advisory Group: Chris Metzler, sr. Advisor and Broker. Email: cmetzler@magwag.com, tel: 704-731-8095
4. Showpiece Enterprises: Steve Stasczak, Dir. of Busi. Development. Email: steve@showpieceenterprises.com, tel: 704-655-1022
5. Speedway Plumbing Inc: Barry Hanson, Field Operations Mang. Email: bhanson@speedwayplumbing.com, tel: 704-720-9593
6. Green Key: Andrea Setta, Sales. Email: settaa@cadmus.com, tel: 704-583-6600
7. Great Outdoor Provision Co: Chad Pickens, Greenville Manager. Email: chadp@greatoutdoorprovision.com, tel: (252) 321-1308
8. TS Designs: Eric Henry, President. Email:eric@tsdesigns.com, tel: 336-229-6426 ext: 201
