February 16, 2010 February meeting Many thanks to Kevin Wisselink of the Rapid, Lisa Locke of Sustainable Research Group, and Ryan Steffens for their informative presentations at last week’s monthly meeting. Kevin’s presentation can be downloaded on the WMSBF website here. March meeting Julie Zona of the X-Prize Foundation and Dave Muyres of New North will be presenting on sustainable innovation at the next meeting on March 8. Our meeting location has yet to be confirmed and will be announced as soon as possible. 2010 Sustainability Scholarship There are only a couple more weeks before this year’s application deadline for our $5000 scholarship. If you know of any students preparing to enter their senior year at a local college or university, be sure to tell them of this fantastic opportunity and send them to the WMSBF website for more information. This year’s deadline is March 5. The WMSBF on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook We are now on Twitter (@wmsbf), Facebook (West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum), and LinkedIn. We are using these media to update meeting information, member news, and general sustainability news. Follow or friend to remain in the loop! Website Updates
The website has been updated with past presentations, recent newsletters, and more. Also, there is a sign-up form to receive this and other WMSBF newsletters. If you are receiving our newsletters second hand or wish to receive information about our Discovering Sustainability efforts, please sign up. As always, feel free to email me if you have any questions of concerns.
Kyle Ten Broeke
New Members Ameresco is an independent energy solutions company delivering long-term customer value through innovative systems, strategies and technologies. They work with customers on both sides of the meter to reduce operating expenses, upgrade and maintain facilities, stabilize energy costs, improve occupancy comfort levels, increase energy reliability and enhance the environment.
Shepherd Advisors is a specialty management consulting firm helping companies and communities advance their clean energy opportunities. They provide private companies, including clean energy developers, providers, manufacturers, and suppliers with actionable strategy and market intelligence to strengthen their market position and grow their business. They work with communities, economic developers, and other non-profit organizations to accelerate adoption of clean energy technologies and the success of clean energy businesses. They also work with communities pioneering “Economic Gardening” strategies and projects.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS Meeting location to be confirmed March 8, 2010 :: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Julie Zona of the X-Prize Foundation and Dave Muyres of New North will be presenting on sustainable innovation. We will also be discussing the upcoming year. Space is limited. If you would like to attend this meeting, you must register by email at info@wmsbf.org by Wednesday, March 3. Cost of attending is $10. There is a $10 arrangement fee, payable by cash or check at the event. Credit card payments may be made prior to the event through PayPal (no PayPal account is necessary) here. A $1 additional processing charge is included for credit card payments. Goodwill Industries April 12, 2010 :: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm The WMSBF Social Responsibility committee will be presenting their findings to the group at this meeting. Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids will also be leading participants on an optional tour of their recycling facilities. Space is limited. If you would like to attend this meeting, you must register by email at info@wmsbf.org by Wednesday, April 7. Cost of attending is $10. There is a $10 arrangement fee, payable by cash or check at the event. Credit card payments may be made prior to the event through PayPal (no PayPal account is necessary) here. A $1 additional processing charge is included for credit card payments.
SUSTAINABILITY EVENTS If you are sponsoring or hosting an upcoming event, please email me to include in our upcoming newsletters and calendar! Ad Fair 2010 February 23-25, 2010 :: Dominican Center, Grand Rapids The American Advertising Federation of WM (AAF WM formerly Ad Club www.aafwmi.org) is putting on a workshop on advertising for small business, non profits etc. See the attached flyer. There will be various activities and presenters for anyone who needs a primer on advertising. Green Facilities Conference Tuesday, March 23 :: Calvin College In its fifth year the Nichols Green Facilities Conference will offer a full day of education about features, benefits and cost management of green buildings. Participants can expect a keynote speaker and a variety of workshop topics including Lean 5s in facilities management and case studies of LEED buildings (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.) Keynote speaker Alan Bigger, retired facilities director from Earlham College and Notre Dame University and author of the book “Frugalisms: Creative Ideas on Leadership in Facilities and Housekeeping Operations” will bring a front line message to conference participants. Date: Tuesday, March 23, 2010 Location: Prince Conference Center at Calvin College 1800 East Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI Time: 7:30am – 4:00 pm Registration: $80 per person includes continental breakfast and lunch. Watch for more information at www.enichols.com/greenconference. Questions can be directed to Marcie Palmer at marcie.palmer@enichols.com. Local First: Designing Sustainable Communities Through Business April 28, 2010 :: Aquinas College Save the date for Local First's annual conference on local business and sustainability. More information will be forthcoming. Michigan Sustainable Business Forum Conference and Expo April 28-30, 2010 :: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa Save the date for this biannual meeting of the various sustainable business forums throughout the state. More information will be forthcoming here. Contact Patty O'Donnell at pattyodonnell@nwm.cog.mi.us or 231-929-5039 for information about the event. 8th Annual BALLE Business Conference May 21-23, 2010 :: Charleston, SC Join hundreds of entrepreneurs and business owners, BALLE network leaders, economic developers, local government representatives and community connectors, as we explore innovative best practices in growing community wealth and opportunities for your community to step forward as a leader in the new economy.
Group rates are available for parties of 6+ or 10+ registrants. Please inquire with Event Manager Todd Mills for details.
You may also contact Elissa Sangalli Hillary at Local First for additional information. Register Now! Sustainable Business Practice Forum Thursday and Friday, June 17-18, 2010 :: Cascade Engineering and Davenport University Corp! Magazine has partnered with Cascade Engineering and Davenport University to bring to you a two day Sustainable Business Practices Forum titled “Building Business Value and Enhancing Our Community via Sustainable Business Practices". Attendees will be given the choice of two educational workshops to attend, these workshops are designed to fit any level of interested in Sustainable Business Practices. There will also be two keynote speakers that day. Fred Keller, CEO of Cascade Engineering will be speaking about Enhancing Our Communities and Economy via Sustainable Business Practices. We will also hear from Dr. Stuart Hart, from Cornell University regarding Building Business Value via Sustainable Business Practices. Dr. Hart will also give us a case study on Creating a Culture of Innovation. More information, including registration, can be found here. | 