News Release Annoucing Greener Oconomowoc's 2013 Earth Day Bike Summit

NEWS RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Geason-Bauer / 414-915-3931 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14th, 2013

EARTH DAY BIKE SUMMIT ANNOUNCED: Plan to Celebrate Earth Day in Oconomowoc on April 21st

OCONOMOWOC, WI MARCH 13TH, 2013: Greener Oconomowoc is pleased to announce the 2013 Earth Day Bike Summit will be held on Sunday April 21st from 11am to 4pm at the Oconomowoc Arts Center (641 E Forest Street, Oconomowoc, WI 53066). New to this years event will be the inclusion of “biking” as the events main theme. “By choosing the biking theme Greener Oconomowoc is making the effort to highlight one of our organizations many committees and an

issue that is very important to folks throughout the Lake Country Area,” explained Deborah K. Turner, Greener Oconomowoc Earth Day Director and Co-Director of the OconomoWalk & Bike Committee. Turner further explains, “One of the special features of our Bike Summit will be the Building Bridges Bike Forum. The goal of the forum is to give planners, bicycling clubs, advocacy groups and bicyclists of all levels the opportunity to meet one another, exchange ideas and learn more about the support networks active throughout SE Wisconsin (i.e. Milwaukee to Madison).” Greener Oconomowoc has a rich history of supporting educational programming that are centered around their mission of promoting a health community, economy and environment. “Over the past seven years, Greener Oconomowoc is proud to have hosted various types of educational events that were open to the public as a way to celebrate Earth Day,” explained Greener Oconomowoc President Bonnie Lewis-Tschannen. “This year is no exception, with our Earth Day Bike Summit we will be addressing bicycling as transportation along with inspiring new approaches to health and environmental issues. Our events have evolved over the years and we hope that we will continue to provide new educational opportunities for everyone in Oconomowoc and the surrounding communities,” Lewis-Tschannen stated. This year’s event is FREE and open to the public. The Earth Day Expo and Bike Summit event plan to showcase educational programs, vendor booths, biking demonstrations, children’s activities and many more fun filled family activities. Event Line Up: 11am – 4pm • Enjoy a locally sourced brunch • Earth Day Expo & Bike Summit • Meet WI bike experts and people from area bike clubs • Free bike safety checks sponsored by Wheel & Sprocket • Bike helmet fittings and $10 helmets for sale Sponsored by ProHealth Care 1pm - 2pm: Building Bridges Bike Forum - discussion with local and regional governments and advocacy groups about biking in SE WI. Forum open to the public.

2pm - 2:30pm: Jessica Binder - WI Bicycle Federation Speaking on "One World Two Wheels: The Impact of Bicycles as Transportation, it's effects on Health and Environment."

2:30pm - 4:pm: Movie Preview - "Pedaling a Dream" by Documentarian Jeff Berrie, Q & A following Movie Preview

Calling all Earth Day Vendors: Greener Oconomowoc is currently accepting green business applications from businesses within Southeastern Wisconsin that are interested in participating in the 2013 Earth Day Expo and Bike Summit. Green businesses or environmental consultants from within the fields of green building, energy efficiency, energy conservation, renewable energy, alternative vehicles, health and wellness are welcome to apply for the 2013 event. Environmental educators and local environmental organizations are also able to showcase their respective organizations. Businesses that make, or sell an eco-friendly product or service are invited to showcase that product or service to the greater Lake Country Community at the Earth Day Bike Summit.

For more information about participating in the 2013 Earth Day Bike Summit please contract Deborah Turner at 262-567-5952 or email [email protected] . Exhibitor and sponsorship forms can be found at http://www.greeneroconomowoc.wildapricot.org . ###