Portland is counting on its long-standing "green" reputation to help it become the destination of choice for people who want to meet in an eco-friendly place.

To that end, Travel Portland, the city's marketing agency, launched a three-day "Green Familiarization Tour" on Thursday to persuade meeting planners from across the country that Portland is the place to convene.

Highlights include an expedition by biodiesel-powered bus to the city's organic farm in Southeast Portland, a look at the eco-friendly features of area hotels and a fashion show highlighting recycled clothing at the Gerding Theater at the Armory -- a Pearl District building that has earned the nation's highest sustainability rating.

"Being green is the biggest movement in the meetings industry," said Jeff Miller, executive director of Travel Portland, formerly called the Portland Oregon Visitors Association. "And Portland is uniquely positioned as the national front-runner right now." [Read full article]

By Jonathan Brinckman

The Oregonian - OregonLive.com - March 14, 2008