Earth Day 2011 Call for Vendors

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas is seeking businesses and individuals interested in showcasing their environmental products, services, research efforts and ideas during the vendor fair portion of this year’s Earth Day festivities, slated for April 22 on campus.

In addition to the vendor fair, the annual celebration will feature free food and speakers on the Central Quad between the Arkansas Union and Mullins Library and volunteer stream cleanup of College Branch Creek.

Companies and organizations who wish to exhibit information may request space by completing a reservation form found online. There is no cost for vendors to participate and sales are prohibited. The registration deadline is April 15 and space will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to approximately 50 entities. More information about utilities and parking may also be found online.

The vendor fair will include exhibits about solar and wind energy, wood stoves, weatherization, building-energy conservation, fair trade, organic and locally produced foods, social justice, green business development, and electric and hybrid vehicles.

“This is a prominent opportunity for companies looking to stretch their marketing budgets because there’s no cost to participate,” said Nick Brown, director of campus sustainability. “The University of Arkansas’ 21,000 students spent an estimated $174 million in northwest Arkansas last year, and faculty and staff contributed another $246 million to the area’s economy. Earth Day will be a great opportunity to attract the attention of these audiences, who represent the university community and Arkansas’ emerging leaders. We expect visitors from across northwest Arkansas to join us in our celebration.”

Last year, approximately 30 vendors provided information or displays about environmentally conscious products including hybrid vehicles and motorized bicycles.