The Illinois Green Business Association hosted the first ever Illinois Green Business Summit on Friday, September 7, 2012. The conference was held at the Hilton Garden Inn and attracted over 200 participants. City staff hosted a table in the exhibition area that showcased how Champaign is ‘going green.’ Neighborhood Code Compliance Environmental Inspector Leslie Mitchell promoted the Neighborhood Services Department and Public Works “Feed The Thing” campaign. She explained the recent success with campus move out cardboard collection and the collection of reusable items donated to not-for-profit organizations through the ‘Dump and Run’ program. City Planner Lacey Rains Lowe shared information on the City of Champaign’s Sustainability Plan, called Champaign Growing Greener. The purpose for the summit was to educate and empower business owners in implementing greener practices. Speakers shared success stories and expertise on building improvements, purchasing and policy creation.