Join the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) and South Bend Green Drinks for a conversation about all things related to electric vehicles! Hosted by Force 5, a local marketing agency focused on sustainable marketing efforts, this event will have two conversation starters.

First, Leah Thill, Director of Sustainability at MACOG, will provide an update on the development of the City of South Bend's Community EV Infrastructure plan. Leah manages various programs including clean transportation, where MACOG provides technical assistance to local governments and pursues funding for fleets and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Thanks to the influence of her grandparents, Leah switched to an electric vehicle six years ago and has converted the rest of her family since!

Next, Dr. Shelia McCarthy will show a couple of EVs and share her personal experiences owning several Nissan Leafs, a Chevy Bolt, a Kia Soul EV, a Tesla model S, and two Ford Transit Connect EVs as work vehicles. Dr. McCarthy has assisted over a dozen friends in purchasing electric vehicles and is eager to help you find the right EV for your lifestyle. 

This event is free and open to the general public (under 21 welcome).  

Notre Dame students: If you are interested in attending and need a ride, please contact Barbara Villarosa.  

South Bend Green Drinks is an informal monthly gathering of people interested in sustainability and the environment, meeting on the third Tuesday of the month at new and exciting venues around the Bend. Since 2009, Green Drinks has cultivated a community of people from all walks of life to learn about sustainability in Michiana.

A huge thank you to Patrick Regan, the president and founder of Crossroads Solar, for hosting the March conversation starter and sharing the story behind Crossroads Solar, showing us how solar panels are manufactured. It was a great time and thought-provoking!