FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 22, 2009

Mayor Jackson appoints new Chief of Sustainability, appoints Sustainable Cleveland 2019 Council and plans for a 2010 summit.

CLEVELAND – Today, Mayor Frank G. Jackson appointed Andrew Watterson as the city’s first Chief of Sustainability, highlighting the importance the Mayor places on building a green economy and continuing the city’s efforts to be a role model for sustainability. The appointment came moments before Mayor Jackson announced the creation of the Sustainable Cleveland 2019 Council and the steering committee for the next sustainability summit to be held in 2010, which will be facilitated by Dr. David Cooperrider of the Fowler Center for Sustainable Value at Case Western Reserve University.
“We will not miss this opportunity to transform Cleveland’s economy into one based on green industry and sustainable business practices; and, in doing so create job opportunities and improve quality of life,” said Mayor Jackson. “The steps we are taking today will help us achieve our goals and help hold us all accountable for progress.”

Mayor Jackson is appointing 25 members from the business, educational, government, non-profit and labor communities to the newly created Sustainable Cleveland 2019 Council, a direct result of one of the 28 recommendations generated by the Sustainable Cleveland 2019 summit that was held in August.
“In taking these steps, Mayor Jackson has clearly articulated his commitment to using sustainability to build an economy that will position Cleveland for growth over the next twenty years,” said Mr. Watterson. “I am honored to take this position and look forward to helping to create a green city on a blue lake.”
The remaining recommendations will be analyzed this fall to create a strategic plan for achieving the goal of creating a sustainable economy. This council of experts will use the upcoming strategic plan as a blueprint for advising the Mayor and the City of Cleveland in building its green economy.

In addition, Mayor Jackson is forming the steering committee for the 2010 summit, which will provide a progress report on Sustainable Cleveland 2019’s efforts. This steering committee will have representatives from each of the 20 work groups from the August 2009 summit, as well as a number of local companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations.
“Sustainability is the business opportunity of the 21st century,” said Dr. Cooperrider. “With Mayor Jackson’s leadership and the commitment of the whole Cleveland community, we will harness this opportunity to create growth and inspire innovations.”