Jason Parker, license inspector for the City of Clanton, will represent Chilton County at the Take Pride Statewide Conference being sponsored by Auntie Litter, Inc. at Samford University on Aug. 12-13 in Birmingham.

“A lot of people don’t understand how littering affects our community in many negative ways other than just the visual aspect,” Parker said. “It will take our entire community working together to make a positive difference.”

First Lady Patsy Riley and football legend Bart Starr teamed up with Executive Director and founder of the award-winning organization, Pat Mitchell, to help promote the event. The Take Pride Statewide campaign, which has been endorsed by Gov. Bob Riley, kicks off a three-year litter prevention initiative. Participants will learn strategies from experts, such as determining sources of funding, reducing waste in the workplace and recruiting and retaining volunteers. Attendees will receive a plethora of educational materials from Auntie Litter, Inc. to begin recycling efforts within their communities, and will have a prime opportunity to develop a regional network for idea sharing and problem solving.

This two-day event to help protect our state’s natural resources and keep Alabama litter-free will feature educational workshops, roundtable discussions and keynote speakers including Sen. Jeff Sessions, football legend Bart Starr, coach Pat Dye, Sen. J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner, Rep. Greg Canfield, Mayor Tony Petelos of Hoover, ADECA director Bill Johnson and Willard Bowers of Alabama Power.

Many cities across Alabama and Mississippi will be represented.

Register-ed participants include representatives from beautification boards, educators, government officials, environmental organizations, business and industry representatives, association and civic leaders, and concerned individuals. Citizens from cities not currently registered are encouraged to contact their mayor’s office and request that their community be represented at the conference.

“Our goal is to empower Take Pride Statewide attendees with the necessary tools for successful litter prevention programs to ensure a clean and healthy environment for the future,” Mitchell said.

Registration is still underway online at www.TakePrideStatewide.org. For more information, contact Auntie Litter, Inc. at (205) 879-3009 or visit www.AuntieLitter.org. For media inquiries and to schedule an interview with Mitchell, contact LaShanna R. Tripp at (205) 879-3009.