WMSBF May 11 Membership Meeting:: Aquinas College, Grand Rapids        

Announcements

• Gayle DeBruyn announced that work on the house on Sherman St. SE has commenced .  The Design Committee is working on this with Habitat for Humanity and approximately 25 students at GRCC/Tassell M-Tec.
• Tessa Emelander introduced the Outreach Committee’s proposal for a coupon, permitting any individual that introduces a new member to the WMSBF to come to a monthly meeting for free.
• Steve Goulet of the Sustainable Business committee presented an overview of the committee’s activities and called for volunteers.
• Lisa Locke of the Energy committee announced that their new co-chair is Ward Gahan.  They are presently finishing work on the new energy guide but could use the volunteer assistance of someone with technical writing experience.
• Gabe Wing announced that this year’s golf outing – which is the fundraiser for the WMSBF scholarship – is on August 10.  Dan Shackelton is co-chairing with Gabe.  Anyone interested in sponsorship or golfing should contact either of them, Marylu, or Kyle Ten Broeke.
• Dana Lowell of the Program committee announced plans for June’s meeting to involve someone from the State of Michigan to discuss federal funds recently made available and the way to apply for them.  July’s meeting will concern socially responsible investing.

 Table Discussions of the Self Assessment Guide

The newest version of the Self Assessment Guide is available on the website.

General Discussion of the Self Assessment Guide

Some time was given for general feedback on the Self Assessment Guide at which point the following suggestions were made:

 ·         Any digital format should allow for notes to be made with access available to refer back to them in the future.

·         Any digital format should integrate an adaptive format allowing responses to eliminate unnecessary items (e.g. service companies not being made to go through manufacturing-centric items).

·         Add examples to clarify questions.

·         Scalability to business size

·         Periodic workshops should be held to help new members and other interested parties go through the Guide.

·         Use meeting time for a “learning moments” period where a single item is explored in some depth.

The Program committee and Kyle Ten Broeke will be working to integrate suggestions into the Guide and provide an updated version in the coming months.

Anyone interested in volunteering in this project may contact Kyle at kyle@wmsbf.org

Present Were: