ATLANTA, March 11, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BlueLinx Corporation, a leading distributor of building products in North America, launches its sustainability program and portfolio brand of ecoproducts, called PureBlue(tm). PureBlue provides building products and services that are economical, sustainable, and create an ecologically conscious building envelope. Through PureBlue, BlueLinx continues to grow its implementation of sustainability initiatives, while also providing our customers with the means to meet the growing market demand for green products.
"The launching of PureBlue will be through an innovative online virtual show that is in itself 'green'. BlueLinx' first virtual show will be available to its supply chain constituents on March 30th," stated Shiloh Kelly, National Sustainability Lead for BlueLinx Corporation. "The BlueLinx Knowledge Forum on 'Riding the Green' is built to provide what our customers and their customers are asking for regarding sustainability-product and green market knowledge and training. Attendees don't have to travel anywhere to visit the show as it is available 24x7 through the web."
The virtual show environment represents the spirit of BlueLinx' PureBlue program. Using a carbon footprint calculator, BlueLinx estimates approximately 380 tons of CO2 emissions will have been saved from being emitted into our environment by hosting this event online versus having attendees travel for a show. This event is provided free of charge to dealers, builders/remodelers, and architects/specifiers as it is entirely supported by likeminded vendors and strategic partners.
Attendees of the Forum will find educational "green" conferences from industry experts, product knowledge training, brand name exhibitor booths, and a resource center stacked with workshop presentations to download and pass along. The conference will run for 90 days with focus months on various parts of the supply chain to help disperse information across it. Dealer month starts the show off and ends April 30th. Builder month runs from May 11th until June 7th, and is followed by Architect month June 13th through the 24th.
"PureBlue and all it entails is an important initiative for BlueLinx as we pride ourselves on being at the leading edge of our industry," commented George Judd, CEO of BlueLinx Corporation. "I am excited about the program that our team has developed and am confident that all participants will learn a great deal about relevant green building products."
Beyond sustainable product focused initiatives, BlueLinx has programs addressing the needs of our people, such as flexible work schedules and telecommuting opportunities. Additionally, PureBlue itself encompasses a cross-functional, nationwide employee "ambassador" group who believe in the power of sustainability. These ambassadors help keep BlueLinx current on issues related to the "green" market and movement. The PureBlue ideology is also highly visible across BlueLinx' corporate operations.
"We seek-out and are acting on a multitude of 'green' initiatives, such as energy saving practices from minimizing power usage on personal computers, to substantial, complete replacement of current lighting systems with energy efficient lighting systems activated by motion detectors in our warehouses," Judd says. "These initiatives are not just about sustainability it is about smart business. It makes our company sustainable in its own right."
Registration is now open for "Riding the Green" at http://events.unisfair.com/rt/bluelinx~greenforum or go to www.BlueLinxco.com and click on the show's banner ad for a direct link.
About BlueLinx Corporation
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, BlueLinx Corporation is a leading distributor of building products in North America. Employing approximately 2,100 people, BlueLinx offers greater than 10,000 products from over 750 suppliers to service approximately 11,500 customers nationwide, including dealers, industrial manufacturers, manufactured housing producers and home improvement retailers. The company operates its distribution business from sales centers in Atlanta and Denver, and its network of more than 70 warehouses. Additional information about BlueLinx can be found on its website at www.BlueLinxCo.com.
CONTACT: BlueLinx Corporation
Shiloh Kelly, National Sustainability Lead
303-706-8049
Shiloh.kelly@bluelinxco.com
Mike Meadows, VP National Accounts & Marketing
770-221-2458
Michael.meadows@bluelinxco.com