| December 22, 2009 Newsletter | | Print | |
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December 22, 2009
WMSBF Receives 501(c)(3) Status Last week, we received notice from the IRS that we have been approved for 501c3 public charity status, effectively completing the transition to a fully independent organization. Many thanks to current and former board members for their hard work in reaching this goal, particularly Mark Lenz for his invaluable legal expertise and advice. See the attached press release for more information.
December meeting Many thanks to Bill Foley and Al Lyons for their discussion of corporate social responsibility and David MacKenzie for his presentation on Hortech’s Living Roofs and Living Walls at last week’s meeting. Additional thanks to Grand Rapids Community College for hosting us again.
january meeting We will be meeting at Cascade Engineering on January 11 where a representative from Cascade will be discussing the business plan – focused on ‘Base of the Pyramid’ strategies – they are developing for their Hydraid water filter. Deb Steketee of Aquinas College will also be discussing their new Sustainable Business Certification program.
The WMSBF on Twitter and Facebook We are now on Twitter (@wmsbf) on Facebook (West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum) and updating regularly with meeting information, member news, and general sustainability news. Follow or friend to remain in the loop!
American Businesses for Clean Energy The West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum does not endorse any political proposal or agenda, but recognizes that some information we receive may be of interest to our membership. The American Businesses for Clean Energy is a group aiming to connect businesses that support clean energy and climate legislation. If you are interested in learning more, visit their website.
WMSBF Volunteer Opportunities There is still opportunity to volunteer with any of our various committees and workgroups. If you are interested in joining any of the following groups, please let me know and I will introduce you to the appropriate chair:
There are also possibilities to host or sponsor (partially or in whole) one of our monthly meetings in 2010. Please contact me for open dates or for more information.
As always, feel free to email me if you have any questions of concerns.
And, of course, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS Cascade Engineering :: 3400 Innovation Ct SE Grand Rapids (map) January 11, 2009 :: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
A representative from Cascade Engineering will be discussing the business plan – focused on ‘Base of the Pyramid’ strategies – they are developing for their Hydraid water filter. Deb Steketee of Aquinas College will also be discussing their new Sustainable Business Certification program.
Space is limited. If you would like to attend this meeting, you must register by email at info@wmsbf.org by Wednesday, January 6. 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 EVENTSIf you are sponsoring or hosting an upcoming event, please email me to include in our upcoming newsletters and calendar!
Diversity and Inclusion Monday, January 18, 2010 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM :: Cascade Engineering
Quest Sustainable Solutions, a division of Cascade Engineering, is offering a one day workshop to help organizations understand how a focused diversity and cultural inclusion plan contributes to the overall success of a company.
Is Your Culture Innovative?
There is limited seating available for this event, so save your place now at Diversity and Inclusion. Register today to take advantage of our introductory price of $49 (regular price $99)!
For additional information contact:
Virtual Energy Forum Wednesday and Thursday January 27-28, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
The Virtual Energy Forum is a free conference that brings together stakeholders in the energy industry with potential customers, policy makers, and investors. The event, which meets twice a year and features live video presentations, real-time Q & A and a virtual exhibit floor, answers the need many senior executives have today--to better understand how to implement renewable and cost-saving energy-efficient practices in business.
· Live video keynote presentations from renewable energy and sustainability thought leaders. · Get your questions answered by these experts in real-time! · Live video track presentations feature case studies in industries such as consumer goods, healthcare, government, education and retail. · Browse a virtual exhibit floor featuring product & service solutions from energy innovators. · Chat live with exhibitors or other attendees and exchange contact information.
Discovering Sustainability: A Second West Michigan ConversationFriday, February 5 :: Aquinas College The WMSBF, along with a growing number of co-conveners, will be hosting the second part of this continuing discussion regarding a sustainable West Michigan. At this meeting, we will be: · Continuing to cascade our asset mapping survey for inclusion in the Aquinas’ Center for Sustainability Mapping Project · Connecting our conversation to the work on regional indicators already underway by the SWMSBF and Southwest Covenant group including the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek areas. · Continue developing the depth and breadth of our collaborative connections More information will become available in the coming weeks. If you are not receiving email updates, please contact Kyle Ten Broeke at kyle@wmsbf.org to be added to the distribution list.
Sustainable Business Practice ForumThursday and Friday, February 11-12, 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". On Thursday, February 11, 2010 from 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm we will be hosting a workshop “Starting a Sustainable Business Focus” and will feature a tour of Cascade Engineering. On Friday, February 12, 2010 from 7:30 am - 5:00 pm we will feature an all day forum. 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 (which ends February 8), can be found here.
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.
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, South Carolina
Charleston is world renowned for its warm hospitality, historic architecture, outstanding local food, and beautiful waterways. But did you know that the lowcountry of South Carolina and the Southeastern U.S. is also a hotbed of innovation for community economic development?
Forgotten mill towns are rising anew, tobacco farmers are converting their fields to sustainable local foods, local commodities like cotton are finding fair prices among socially minded consumers, family farms are being reclaimed, local businesses are learning sustainable practices to improve their bottom line - and the ties that bind communities and citizens together are being restored in the process. 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.
Conference Rates
Group rates are available for parties of 6+ or 10+ registrants. Please inquire with Event Manager Todd Mills for details
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