PEBA is proud to announce our keynote speaker for PEBA's Annual Forum:
Eli Massar, co-founder and board chair of PhillyCarShare!  

Over 50 years ago, Margaret Mead wrote, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

In the fall of 2002, five Philadelphians, all volunteers, set out to reduce automobile dependence citywide. The premise was simple: automobiles, while necessary in our society, are abundantly overused because they are priced inappropriately. If we simply rearrange the costs, we can reduce their use. And if the solution saves people money and feels convenient, it can be driven by the market: a market-driven environmental movement.

PhillyCarShare's founders set out to prove this concept in practice. In November 2002, with nine members, two cars -- a hybrid Prius and Matrix wagon -- and the modest $23,000 they personally contributed, the volunteer founders set out to change Philadelphia.

Today, an amazing environmental movement is happening in Philadelphia. Over 30,000 Philadelphians have traded in car ownership for PhillyCarShare, walking, biking, and public transit. Members, after joining, report driving 53% fewer miles, consuming nearly one million fewer gallons of gas, owning 8,000 fewer vehicles, and saving $33 million annually -- money that gets reinvested largely into Philadelphia's local economy.

Eli Massar, one of PhillyCarShare's co-founder's, will tell PhillyCarShare's story, and share how he believes that profitability and environmental sustainability can go hand-in-hand. Come to PEBA's Annual Forum to learn how you can help your company be profitable, and be green!