The Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth Green Jobs Conference was a rousing success attended by more than 1,400 eager participants. United States Senator’s Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin gave opening remarks about the role Washington plays in assisting Michigan’s efforts to grow its green economy, followed by an informative panel discussion including Kate Gordon of the Apollo Alliance, Skip Pruss of DELEG, and Chris Adamo from Senator Stabenow’s Washington office.

The Keynote speaker was Van Jones, President Obama’s Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation who talked about the President’s vision for economic recovery and sustained growth, with closing remarks by U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis and Governor Jennifer Granholm. Fifteen Breakout Sessions were offered on green jobs, training, education, and key developments in wind, solar, and biomass, and were conducted by leading experts in education and industry.