The Sustainability and Energy EXPO9 brought together individuals and businesses all devoted to the “green” cause Friday and Saturday.

The expo, the second in Tucson in the past two years and again held at Tucson Convention Center, had grown to 90 exhibitors from 60.

Event coordinators estimated attendance was lower than the 4,000 people who attended in 2007.

The Pima Association of Governments organized the expo. Dennis Dickerson, a coordinator for the organization, said more exhibitors participated because more green businesses and technology exist now than ever.

Exhibitor Gina Murphy-Darling, "Mrs. Green," began a radio program in January 2008 covering green topics. She had a booth promoting her radio show on KNST and sold natural goods from female-owned businesses.

“The expo is a great way to learn about technology and alternative energy sources,” said Murphy-Darling, who made new industry contacts at the expo.

Jenn Burdick, a planner with the City of Tucson’s Department of Urban Planning and Design, agreed.

She attended the expo to experience “everything under one roof” and was "very impressed with the cars and the different types of technologies in them.”

For the price of $5 a ticket, the public learned a lot about new technology, said Sheila Storm, communications director for the Pima Association of Governments.

“People can learn about saving on energy costs, solar, alternative fuels, green building, rainwater harvesting and sustainable living,” Storm said.

It was funded by ticket sales, exhibitor fees, and primary sponsors Tucson Electric Power, Tucson-Pima Metropolitan Energy Commission, and Tucson Newspapers Inc., Storm said.

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