West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum

Member Meeting Minutes

May 12, 2008

Introductions:

Marylu Dysktra: Thank you to the outgoing board members. Went over the new and continuing board members. Thank you for coming today and explanation of new set-up for luncheon.

The group introduced themselves in a roundtable format.

Marylu Dykstra: Welcome to Matt Tueth as the New Vice President/Chair. Explanation of new format of presentation (Presentation then Q&A/Discussion of future help)

The Right Place Presentation:

Anne Sailers, The Right Place, Inc., introduced the presentation to be made by the Right Place on their new program called “Innovation Works”. Explanation of “Innovation Works” and its components. Introduction of The Right Place (Mission, Strategic Priorities, etc.). She introduced Greater Grand Rapids demographics and its relation to industry. She discussed concept of a small idea growing (ex. Gerber, Steelcase, Amway).

Innovation Works:

·         To increase prosperity in WM by accelerating Commercialization Process,

·         Develops and manages a portfolio of inventions and new technologies to commercialize in the region,

·         Provides networking capabilities for inventors, entrepreneurs and businesses,

·         Provides guidance from experts in product development field

IW has been in existence for almost 100 days. It is a system to bring the small ideas/products of entrepreneurs and inventors to the market faster. IW is involved in all aspects of the Commercialization Process. Presenters discussed how “Innovation Works” exemplifies the basic concepts of the WMSBF, specifically the Social aspect, and that this model needs to be applied to the greater Market community. Presenters discuss that IW focuses on incubation rather than simply writing a check.

IW Components:

• Idea Portal
  • Database
    • Intellectual Properties
      • 50+ current, 1000 by year end
      • IP worldwide- research labs
        • Universities, NIST, MEP
• Collaborative Networks
• Events
• Training and Education
• Funding Access (Late 2008 mechanism will be in place)

www.innovationworkswestmichigan.com

Upcoming Events with IW:

June 6- Idea Translation Workshop

June 24-25- Embracing A Green Future

Executive Director’s Report: Rachael Hood

·         Finishing up end of fiscal year, Annual Meeting, May 15^th Donnely Center at Aquinas (40^th Year of WMEAC).

o       Frank Russwick will give presentation of State Funding

o       Celebrating Volunteers

o       Input from Members on Possible Improvements

·         Awarded a Grant to begin Sustainable Energy…

EPI Concrete Products Presentation:

EPICP is a concrete products manufacturer, with an emphasis on cost-effective environmentally responsible products. EPICP deals with solid and glass waste manager, made from curbside glass, etc.

EPICP Brand is the “RenuBlok”

·         Two Brands:

o       Standard Middleweight- 80% Recycled

§         8” Block- $1.26

o       Architectural Split Face- 45% Recycled

§         8” Block- $2.35

·         Regular Block is 0% Recycled

·         Examples

o       Hayworth- Holland, MI

o       GVSU, Allendale Campus (Several buildings)

EPICP as a waste Management Company:

·         Worked with multiple glass manufacturers and City of Grand Rapids to take curbside glass, etc…

·         EPICP can process ANY glass

·         Success Stories

o       Steelcase Corporate HQ

§         9 Tons of Glass taken and recycled

·         EPICP as a glass recycling company

o       City of Grand Rapids

§         In 2006 Kent County only takes clear glass (475 tons of glass)

§         In 2007, Kent County accepted all colors (took in over 1,000 tons)

·         Reason is because of Process change 

Future of EPICP, started in 2006 and in 2008 there has been problems of block processing. While EPICP has stopped block processing it has a large amounts of interest Nationwide in the “RenuBlok” idea.

·         If EPICP leaves the industry, nearly 5,000 tons of glass annually will be sent to landfills

·         How do we keep this recycling system going (without funding)?

·         How do we get funding for EPICP to go national?

*EPICP owns IP rights and Manufacturing abilities but not facilities.

(616) 293-6175

Discussion Notes:

How do we keep this recycling system going (without funding)?

How do we get funding for EPICP to go national?

• Possible use in the mass pouring concrete market (City of GR Roads)
• Leverage using Environmental Public Action (if the product is a public good) maybe placing the private good on the public (if the end of the company means increased landfill waste which places a burden on the public)
• Base for porous asphalt, landscaping, high-end finished concrete (counter-tops, etc.)
• Road Projects (MDOT), Glass Fabrication Innovators, Pre-Mix for Concrete, Rotary Club Int’l (Water Filtration, use glass instead of sand), Golf Course Bunker Sand.

Approval of March Meeting Minutes: Multiple motions, Multiple seconds

Committee Reports:

If you would like to join a committee please contact Marylu Dykstra at mdykstra@siriusresources.net

Nov 13. – Statewide Meeting- Subject Matter “Energy” www.naturecenter.org

June 9^th- Next Meeting at Rockford Construction