The same phrase could be used to outline the goals of the Penquis Conference on Sustainable Business Practices, which will be held Tuesday, March 22 at the Penquis Higher Education Center in Dover-Foxcroft.

Sponsored by the Penquis Leadership Institute Class of 2005, the conference will bring together community and business leaders in a discussion and examination of the policies and practices needed to ensure that the Penquis region economy and environment thrive for years to come. Anderson, an internationally recognized expert on sustainable business, has agreed to be the keynote speaker at the conference.

"The Penquis region has always depended equally on the strength of its economy and the health and beauty of its natural resources," said PLI member Ben Bragdon, editor of the Moosehead Messenger in Greenville. "So it makes sense to bring together local stake holders and industry experts as a way to scrutinize the successful efforts already under way in the field of sustainability, and to see how we can duplicate those efforts locally."

The conference begins at 8 a.m. with an hour-long "meet & greet" registration period with a continental breakfast. Following brief introductions on the PLI program and the conference's origins, Anderson will deliver his keynote address at 9:30 a.m., speaking for an hour before opening the floor for questions and discussion.

Anderson, seen as one of the world's most environmentally progressive executives, founded his own company in 1973 and grew it into the world's largest producer of commercial floor coverings. In the mid-1990s, Anderson recognized the inherent waste in the old way of industrialism, and has since embarked on a mission to develop a system of industrial production that lowers costs and reduces the burden on the environment.

In 1997, Anderson was appointed co-chair of the President's Council on Sustainable Development, which advised the White House on environmental policy. He continues to travel the globe, pushing his philosophy and changing the way companies think about corporate responsibility.

"We are very fortunate to have Mr. Anderson," Bragdon said. "He is by all accounts an engaging speaker, and has graciously agreed to speak with conference attendees following his address."

Three informative panel discussions will be held as well, each focusing on one aspect of the so-called "triple bottom line": financial and economic impact, social impact, and ecological/environmental impact. Panelists include Richard Graves of WBRC Architects, Joyce Schelling of Recycled Office Products, and Gayle Watson of Community Fitness Center in Sangerville, among others.

The conference, a brainchild of the Piscataquis Economic Development Council, is the result of months of work by the members of PLI, a leadership building initiative now in its third year. Previous PLI classes were divided into groups, each of which was given a topic of local importance to research and present at graduation. This year, it was decided that the PLI class would instead create, promote and run a conference on sustainable business practices, accomplishing two goals at once.

"The goal of the Penquis Leadership Institute is to promote long-term commitment to community and economic development by broadening the local leadership base," said Merlene Sanborn, director of the Penquis Higher Education Center. "Through the conference, the PLI members will create for the community a valuable resource while developing the leadership skills they need to contribute to the community after the class is completed."

There are sponsorship opportunities available for businesses that would like to contribute to the conference. Interface Fabrics has stepped forward as a major contributor.

For more information on the Penquis Conference on Sustainable Business Practices or on sponsorship opportunities and benefits, go to www.pcsbp.com or call the Penquis Higher Education Center at 564-2942 or 1-800-590-2942. The cost for the conference is $50 per person, and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. A sustainable business practices resource list will be provided for all attendees.