When: October 19, 2010

Where: Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, Skidaway Island, Savannah, GA

Time: 5:30pm - 8 pm

Pending - 1.5 hrs Continuing Education Credits for LEEP AP's

The Savannah Branch of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) will present a LEED® Gold Certification plaque at an awards ceremony at 6:00pm, and Choate Construction Company will offer tours of the facility, showcasing the facilities sustainable features.  Immediately following Choate Construction Company will sponsor the inaugural event for the USGBC GA Savannah Branch Emerging Professionals Committee. Appetizers and beverages will be available.  The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

The Marine & Coastal Science Research & Instructional Center (MCSRIC) which has achieved LEED Gold certification with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) was completed by Choate Construction (founding company member of the Georgia USGBC) on schedule and under budget mid 2009. Through the project team's utilization of a sustainable construction rating system that integrated careful analysis of eco-friendly choices, the building exceeded its original certification goal of Silver.  The new facility allows the Skidaway Institute to expand its research in several areas such as the development of new technologies associated with ocean observation systems, discovering the diversity of species and their interactions in the marine environment, and the assessment of factors affecting the environmental health and integrity of Georgia's coastal zone.

The Emerging Professionals, or EP, is a Committee of the USGBC-GA Savannah Branch, and is dedicated to the promotion of sustainable development and green building practices within Georgia's building industry.  Their mission is to serve as a point of entry for emerging professionals into USGBC GA and the green building movement while developing resources and networks to support their evolution into dynamic, visionary leaders who are dedicated to the creation of a sustainable future.  "We're looking for young professionals and students who want to invest in the green building movement as a cornerstone of a sustainable society through volunteerism and education", said Joshua M. Simpson, Chair.   "We are a diverse, energetic group who also welcomes members from non-construction related industries including but not limited to; hospitality, law, marketing/ advertising, financial/ lending, local and state government, sciences, and fine arts."

About Choate Construction Co.

Choate Construction Company is one of the largest commercial building general contractors in the southeastern United States with offices in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Founded in 1989, Choate provides preconstruction, construction, construction management and design/build services with the singular focus of delivering the highest quality finished product, on time and within budget. Areas of specialty as a general contractor and interior contractor include:  healthcare and biomedical; office buildings; technology; warehouse and distribution centers; industrial and manufacturing centers; governmental buildings and student housing; senior living; automotive dealerships and professional auto racing teams; and water treatment. For more information, please visit http://www.choateco.com/.

About USGBC GA Savannah Branch

The Savannah Branch of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) - Georgia Chapter is dedicated to promoting sustainable design and green building throughout the Creative Coast while seeking to educate the public on the long-term benefits of green building and how sustainable design can be integrated or implemented into one's life.   http://www.usgbcga.org/