“The retreat on expanding green jobs to our communities was exhilarating, and an opportunity to network with others who have a connection to the earth as well as to job development. As a senior, I sometimes catch myself saying 'Let the young people do it.'  But no:  I really felt part of a movement, and encouraged that it will go on." 

-- Mary Spriggs, Jobs Not Jails, Poughkeepsie

“Melissa Everett's keynote presentation was a highlight of our conference day, according to quite a few participants. She provided a great blend of perspective and inspiration for our very diverse, somewhat jaded audience of employment and training professionals.”

-- Tom Bregman, co-producer, Hudson Valley Green Economy conference 2009

Sustainable Hudson Valley has continued to be a leader in green innovation strategies on a regional and local level. SHV has played an important role in opening community dialogues to deal with the climate crisis. The Kingston Conservation Advisory Council looks forward to collaborating with SHV to move the newly adopted Climate Smart and Green Jobs Community Pledge forward and develop Kingston's green economy. 

-- Julie L. Noble, Chair, Kingston Conservation Advisory Council

Michael O'Hara hit it out of the park with his Ten Percent Challenge presentation at the “Keeping Pace with Energy Options” conference!

-- Manna Jo Greene, Environmental Director, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater

I am proud to include Melissa Everett, the Executive Director of Sustainable Hudson Valley, as one of my primary "go to" people. I am always comfortable seeking expert assistance from SHV to address matters relating to team building, process management, consensus building, or sustainability. I would have to give Melissa and SHV much credit for my awareness of the myriad of sustainability issues facing the Hudson Valley, for my knowledge of potential obstacles and solutions to these issues, and for getting me personally connected and involved. I am pleased to share that we recently proposed a new tax policy for our local IDA that incorporates many of the teachings of SHV.

-- Alice Dickinson, Executive Director, Orange County Rural Development Advisory Council

Sustainable Hudson Valley is a great asset to the entire region. The
 conferences have allowed people in the public, private, and nonprofit
sector to network with each other throughout the region. Melissa Everett is
 probably the best-networked person in the sustainability community
in the region, and she is an excellent organizer.

-- David Hess, professor

Sustainable Hudson Valley has opened up a whole new regional conversation about what economic development can be, and how we go about it."

-- Mary Ann Johnson, Project Coordinator, Northern Dutchess Alliance

The Cool Communities conference was a very fruitful event because it had a distinct goal: to identify the technologies, products, and economic development strategies that can help create a sustainable future for the Hudson Valley Region. It brought an unusually wide range of environmental and energy advocates in the region together with top national experts. It generated a fresh sense of community and took the first steps forward in shaping a practical sustainable economic development plan.

-- Joanna Underwood, Underwood Energy Associates

Great job with the conference! It set me on fire! The best thing — besides the people — was the way the organizers demonstrated the power of positive thinking. I learned loads. And I think everyone had fun.

-– Susan Von Reusner, Pace University law student