• 2008: Focus the Nation

    The title of the program was "Focus the Nation." In February of 2008, 36 experts discussed local environmental issues with Collegiate Academy students. The keynote speaker was Kelly Burch, Regional Director of the Department of Environmental Protection. He spoke about the impact of using fossil fuels as an energy source in Pennsylvania.

    Speakers:

    • Keynote Speaker: Kelly Burch, Regional Director of Department of Environmental Protection
    • Guy McUmber, DEP Sustainability Educational Coordinator
    • Carmine Camillo, Community Relations Manager/Lake View Landfill
    • Randy Barnes, Member of KEEP (Keep Erie's Environment Protected)
    • Kelly Burch, Regional Director of the Department of Environmental Protection
    • Bob Beran, President of Beran Environmental Services
    • Valerie Hearn, Northwest Planning
    • Dave Ducharme, General Electric Engineering Manager
    • Lucas McConnell, Alternative Energy Research
    • Lisa DiFrancisco, Owner of North Coast Energy Systems
    • Christopher D. Coughlin, Registered Architect
    • Ed Kissell, Member of the S.O.N.S. (Save Our Native Species) of Lake Erie
    • Tim Bruno, Department of Environmental Protection
    • Dave Skellie, Coastal Land-Use Specialist
    • Pat Lupo, Executive Director of Lake Erie-Allegheny Earth Force
    • Paul Burroughs, Environmental Attorney
    • Dr. Sana Sukkari, Professor at LECOM
    • Maria Durci, Erie Zoo Education Curator
    • Mike Noble, Plant Manager Lake Erie Biofuels
    • Craig Casler, Owner of Absolute Infrared Inspection Services
    • Matt Wolford, Environmental Attorney
    • Steve Wasiesky, Director of Environmental Education at Asbury Woods
    • Kathy Dahlkemper, Congressional Candidate for PA's 3rd District
    • Joe DiFrancisco, Owner of North Coast Energy Systems
    • Lew Baxter, WJET and WFXP-TV's News Director
    • Marjorie Masse, Educational Consultant
    • Sarah Galloway, Recycling Coordinator for the City of Erie
    • Larry Smith, Wildlife Conservation Officer for the PA Game Commission
    • Ray Petellin, WSEE Storm Team Meteorologist
    • Kevin Jacobs, PA State Game Commission/Wildlife Biologist
    • Gae Anderson Miller, Anderson Miller Consulting
    • Linda Palas and Heidi Pawlica, Walmart
    • Angela Phillips and Megan Rulli, Mercyhurst College
    • Pat Harkins, PA State Representative