Area businesses invited to annual 'Safe & Green' fair

GAINESVILLE - Area businesses will have a chance later this week to learn more about environmental and safety management in the workplace when the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce holds its annual Safe & Green Fair at the Georgia Mountains Center.

This is the 7th year the Chamber has sponsored the event. Coordinator Tony Paramore of Gainesville Paint and Design says businesses are especially tuned in right now to the idea of "going green."

"If you're saving energy, you're saving expenses, so not only does it help the environment, it helps your bottom line," said Paramore.

But he says the idea of safety is also paramount to any company, no matter the size.

"Basically, every business has some kind of need for safety," said Paramore. "In our case [Gainesville Paint & Design], we're a retail business, so we only have a small number of people, but there's still a lot of things we have to do to keep our facility safe and keep our employees safe."

Paramore said those who attend the fair Friday, February 24, can view booths on both topics from 20 area exhibitors. Plus, he said five speaker sessions have been scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The topics range from saving on energy costs to safety markings for the workplace to risk communications.

There is a cost for the event, according to Paramore. GHCC members may attend for $10, while non-members and those who register at the door will pay a $30 fee. The fee does include lunch.