IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

·       WMSBF Essay Contest! – Submission Deadline March 2

·       WMSBF in the Media

·       February 13 Monthly Meeting:  RSVP’s due early, Feb. 6

·       WMSBF Speakers’ Bureau

·       2012 Membership Renewals due January 31

·       Follow us on Twitter & Facebook


WMSBF Announces Essay Contest!

The West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum is sponsoring an essay contest. Inspired by the collection of essays in Moral Ground, we are calling for essays sharing your own reflections on what inspires your sense of responsibility, what underscores the commitment you’ve made in your work life and your home life to contribute to a more sustainable world…and why it’s important. Submission deadline is March 2, 2012. Maximum length is 1,500 words.

Please circulate this information within your company or institution and pass on to colleagues and friends.

There will be specific outreach to the business sector but the contest will be open to all individuals in the West Michigan community. Two winning essays will be selected, along with recognition of honorable mentions. MiBiz is our media sponsor, and will publish the winning essays in their April TBL edition.
 
In the spirit of the theme, there will be no cars, cruises or cash prizes for winning entries; however, we are pursuing a variety of avenues for publishing the essays and recognizing the essayists. Beyond that, we, the larger community, will be the real winners as we are inspired by your understandings, your perspectives, and your visions.
 
We are very pleased to have the following individuals serve on the review panel: Dave Aupperlee, BISSELL Homecare; Joe Boomgaard, MiBiz/MiSustainable; Shelley Irwin, WGVU; Terri McCarthy, Brenda Moore, Grand Rapids Urban League; Wege Foundation; Su Paauwe, NTH Consultants; Jennifer Wammack, IDa Design; and Lisa Locke, West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum.

We have no idea the kind of response we’ll get.  We would like to be inundated. We hope you’ll give this serious consideration and encourage your friends and associates to take on the challenge.  Download information and a submission form at <http://www.wmsbf.org/index.php/presentations/doc_download/53-essay-contest-infosubmission> or contact Lisa Locke at <mailto:llocke@wmsbf.org> . We look forward to hearing from you!            

WMSBF In the Media

Congratulations to Rick VanDellen, WMSBF President, who was named a Champion of Sustainability in the January 24 edition of MiSustainable.
 
Shelley Irwin’s WGVU Morning Show, FM 88.5, will feature an interview with Lisa Locke & Mark LaCroix about the WMSBF Essay Contest on Friday, February 3 at 10 a.m.

February Monthly Meeting

Monday, February 13, 2012 :: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
University Club, Fifth Third Center
111 W Lyon NW, Suite 1025, Grand Rapids

Renewable Energy Update -- Is There a Future for Sustainable Energy in Michigan?  Warner Norcross & Judd attorneys will bring you up to date on developments in the renewable energy field, including hurdles to project development that have become apparent as efforts move from dream to reality.  Is the idea of a sustainable energy future possible given the legal, technical, and political realities?  Issues that will be discussed include NIMBY litigation, local zoning, the electric grid, and the deadlock in Washington. Rich VanderVeen, founder and president of Mackinaw Power, will discuss current wind projects and share perspectives on the future of wind power.
 
In order to reduce our environmental impact, please consider alternate transportation strategies. Contact Lisa Locke, <mailto:llocke@wmsbf.org> if you would like help in arranging carpooling.
 
Space is limited. If you would like to attend this meeting, you must register by email to <mailto:llocke@wmsbf.org> by Monday, February 6. Also, please help ensure an accurate headcount - and associated luncheon expenses - by notifying Lisa of cancellations no later than the Friday morning before. Cost of attending is $10 for members. Cost to non-members has increased to $15.00. Payment may be made by cash or check at the event or by credit card in advance through the home page of our website, Monthly Meeting Payment on the left hand menu, <http://www.wmsbf.org> A $1 additional processing charge is included for credit card payments.
 
WMSBF Speakers’ Bureau

The Marketing & Membership Committee is getting ready to launch a Speaker’s Bureau. Last year members were surveyed both on programming topics of interest to them and presentations they would be willing to offer to the broader community, based on their own areas of expertise. We are reaching out again to the membership to help us update this information.  Please send ideas for monthly meeting presentations to Programming co-chairs Dana Lowell,  <mailto:dana.lowell@faurecia.com> , or Don Goetcheus,  <mailto:don.goetcheus@morganstanleysmithbarney.com> , and topics on which you would be willing to present to the broader community to Hannah Herington, <mailto:heringtonhannah@yahoo.com> .  This information will also be used by the Tools & Resources Committee to support the grant-funded self-assessment tools project.

2012 Membership Renewals Due January 31

2012 Membership Renewals have been sent out electronically to primary representatives of each member company/organization. Payment is due January 31. Please notify us of any changes to the contact information listed on your invoice or membership level.  

Not yet a member?? With development of new web-based self-assessment tools, enhanced monthly programming, and creative committee initiatives, 2012 promises to be an exciting year for the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum and its members. Join us!!  Become an active part of this innovative and collegial organization. Membership application and on-line payment information can be found on our website at <http://www.wmsbf.org> .

Please contact Lisa Locke with any questions, <mailto:llocke@wmsbf.org> .

We are now on Twitter < http://twitter.com/wmsbf>, Facebook  <http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Michigan-Sustainable-Business-Forum/127221256417?ref=ts>, and LinkedIn <http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=1448887&trk=anet_ug_hm>. We are using these media to update meeting information, member news, and general sustainability news. Follow or friend to remain in the loop!