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SBN Newsletter   

April, 2015 

In This Issue


Check out our Event Calendar for more event information & ticket purchases! 
Dear Members and Friends,

Twenty-seven years ago a small group of visionary entrepreneurs gathered at the Longfellow Sports Club in Natick, MA to found the first trade association of businesses committed to social responsibility and sustainability.  

On May 15th you have the opportunity to join a larger and wiser group of business visionaries who see the potential of businesses to help build a world that is sustainable and just.  SBN's 26th Annual Conference and Summit is scheduled for Friday, May 15 at Lesley University in Harvard Square, Cambridge and it is an event not to be missed.   

The Summit is all about action and finding ways to work together to grow a strong economy that is local, green, and fair. The theme is perfect for the Summit,"Building a Sustainable Economy Through Collaboration, Innovation, and Pollination." We are fortunate to have extraordinary and inspiring keynote and Workshop speakers that have instructive stories and messages to share as well as a dynamic group of business and community leaders registered with the intention of making a profound impact on our local economy and community!   

Please join us for this important event--your presence makes a big difference because the mission we share can only be reached if everyone who shares our vision gets together to discover ways to support each other, grow a sustainable economy, and of course have some good old fashioned fun!! 

Sustainably yours, 

Laury Hammel
Executive Director

SBN & ThinkLite Present
The 26th Sustainable Busines s Conference & Sustainability Leadership Summit 
'Building a Sustainable Economy through Collaboration, Innovation & Pollination'


SBN is excited to announce our keynote speakers for the 26th Annual Sustainable Business Conference and Sustainability Leadership Summit, hosted on May 15, 2015 at Lesley University. Keynote speakers include Steve Grossman of Initiative for a Competitive Inner City & Former Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Nicola Williams of The Williams Agency, and Glynn Lloyd of the Boston Impact Initiative and City Fresh Foods. 

The Summit will also explore 5 pillars of a Sustainable Economy and we are excited about the innovators that we have enlisted to speak on each pillar! They include: 

LOCAL: Pursuing a Passion for Extraordinary Customer Service from Generation to Generation
* Michael Kanter of Cambridge Naturals
* Emily Kanter of Cambridge Naturals

GREEN: Building a Sustainable Business: The Power of a Green Culture
* Tom Dunn of Eastern Bank
* Stephen Moore of BlankSlate Design
* Anne Sherman of Staach, Inc.

PUBLIC POLICY: The Why & How of Divesting from Fossil Fuels
* Chloe Kuh of Green Century Fund

LOCAL FOOD: 50 by 60 - A New England Vision for Food
* Jen Faigel of Crop Circle Kitchen
* Karen Spiller of Food Solutions New England

AFTERNOON SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOPS:

Presented by the Climate Action Business Association

Invitation Only 

Over the years SBN's annual conference and summit has been a place where leaders in sustainable business have come together to make new connections and partnerships, gain information, and share best practices. SBN's ideas that were revolutionary in 1988, have proven to be the wave of the future as business leaders from all over the world have adopted a multiple-bottom line philosophy. And with the advent of climate change, the sustainable business standards that SBN promotes have become essential practices for working to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The summit is open to SBN members and other community and business leaders. In the afternoon, there will be workshops open to the public. Watch future e-mails for information about these workshops. The Summit will be held at Lesley University's Brattle Campus and registration is now open!

Join us in our Collaborative Workspace! 

We have an opening in our multi organization workspace beginning this Summer! 
Features:
 
* 1 Block from the Central Square T Stop
* Large windows
* Private entrance
* Access to common areas including kitchen and board room (by reservation)
* Affordable rent
* Interaction with several mission based nonprofits

We are searching for a like minded organization to come and work with us! 

Please e-mail info@sbnmass.org for more details and to set up a walk through. 
The Financial Benefits of Sustainability! 
May 6 . 7:45 pm . Science Center Auditorium

Come and enjoy an evening of humor and insight as experts discuss how sustainable business practices create value, profit, and business opportunities (and some guy will be telling jokes as well...) The evening features the hilarious Yoram Bauman, the Stand-Up economist - a comedian and economist - sharing his insightful views on the economic impacts of climate change and sustainability through comedy! In addition, a panel of financial and sustainability experts will host a lively, interactive discussion on how corporations are implementing sustainable business practices to create value, profit and opportunities. 

Panelists Include:

Patrick Araujo-Lipine, Credit Research and Sustainability Analyst, Breckinridge Capital Advisors

  • Adding value to investor portfolios through appreciation of sustainability

Carol Atwood, Co-Founder and Principal, Spartacus CapitalBoard Member, King Arthur Flour

  • Financial benefits of implementing sustainability strategies

Richard T. Bliss, PhD, Professor of Finance, Babson College; published most recently in CFO Magazine

  • Improving ROI and shareholder value through practicing social responsibility

Amy Boyd, Senior Attorney, Acadia Center

  • Energy efficiency programs and incentives to improve bottom line

Henry Tepper, President, Mass Audubon

  • Evaluating regulatory perspective on policy changes including land use, carbon taxes, utilities

Reserve your complimentary tickets and share topics and questions by contacting info@sustainablewellesley.com
Sustainable Business Leader Program Updates 

Val Shulock, Owner of
Help us congratulate Basil Tree Catering & Cafe for their re-certification as a Sustainable Business Leader! Even while remodeling and expanding, Basil Tree was able to further their commitment to sustainable practices. Basil Tree has minimized their phantom load by creating an end-of-day shut down policy to ensure all electronics are fully off and unplugged. They were able to reconfigure lighting zones to take advantage of natural light as well as upgrade to energy efficient appliances and focus on sustainability in new employee training. Stop by Basil Tree for some delicious, healthy and locally sourced food! 

SBN New & Returning Member Announcement

SBN's network is constantly growing! A big welcome to our newest SBN Members:

 

Blankslate Design is a multi disciplinary design firm offering graphic design, architectural and interior design, urban design and community planning services. Blankslate Design recognized that global climate change is happening and that humans are a major contributor. They have a goal of being carbon neutral by 2030 and are helping their clients commit to sustainability. 

 

  Farmers are Cool works to elevate small      farmers by highlighting small farms and selling  merchandise that show our farmers that we  think they're cool! Check out their products!

  

 

The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub has been a staple in 

the Boston area's restaurant and music scene since it opened in 1968. Visit them in Central Square for a taste of their homemade, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine or take a look at their calendar to catch a concert or a night of belly dancing. 

 

 

Reinventure Capital is bringing two investment communities together that have been keeping their distance. Their strategy blends the rigor of the venture capital model with the core values of impact investing. They generate successful financial performance and create a transformative impact. Their mission is to redirect the flow of capital to innovative companies that can solve that problems that we're facing.

 

Soluna Garden Farm is a one-acre farm in Winchester that specializes in sustainably grown herbs and flowers. Soluna grows all its fresh herbs and flowers without using fertilizers, preservatives, or pesticides. Visit their storefront for a full selection of certified organic culinary and medicinal herbs, spices, and loose leaf teas, in addition to the fresh herbs and cut flowers grown on the farm.  

 

ZuZu in Central Square is an offshoot of The Middle East and offers blends of Mediterranean, American and Middle Eastern Cuisine. After hours, the restaurant transforms into a nightclub with a variety of entertainment. Visit ZuZu for an unique homemade meal! 

 

Welcome back to renewing SBN Members!

 

Cambridge Brewing Co has been at the forefront of the Pub Brewery 

Movement since they started in 1989. They focus on high quality craft beers and seasonally inspired New England fare. They source from as many local producers as they can, strive from zero waste, use LED lighting and non-toxic supplies, conserve and re-use water from the brewing process and encourage their staff to bike to work all while serving delicious food and drink! 

 

Gentle Giant launched in Massachusetts in 1980 and has always taken the 'Gentle' part of their name very seriously, doing everything possible to deliver professional, caring, and competent full service moving services. Their goal is to provide high quality moving 'by the greatest team of movers ever assembled' with 'no questions asked' customer service with the mission of making every customer a 'customer for life.'

 

Good Egg Marketing was hatched by Myrna Greenfield, a seasoned marketer with a passion for sharing good food, helping people and making marketing fun. Myrna works with associates in graphic design, web development, video production and social media to create effective, affordable marketing campaigns. Get in touch with Myrna to get started on your next campaign!

 

 

Haley House believes in food with purpose and the power of community. Haley House is dedicated to helping those made vulnerable by the harshest effects of inequality move toward wholeness and economic independence. They use the power of community to break down barriers between people, transfer new skills, and revitalize neighborhoods. Visit the Haley House Bakery Cafe to try their tasty offerings and support what they are doing for the community!

 

Natural Awakenings is Boston's guide to a healthier, more balanced life. 

Their mission is to provide insights and information to improve the quality of life physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Pick up a copy of the magazine to support your healthy lifestyle!

 

 

Interested in becoming a member?  

 

Take a look & see what you think! Feel free to reach out to Alex (alex@sbnmass.org) with any questions regarding your individual, student or business membership!

 

Thank you all for your partnership and commitment to building a Massachusetts economy that is Local, Green and Fair!  

 

Remember: Think Members First! What better way to support the local economy and each other than to support SBN members who share your values and commitment to the principals of Local, Green and Fair. SBN is working on new programs to encourage and support greater B2B exchange within the network. Stay tuned for ways to get engaged!   

Green Tip of the Month: 
Food is Delicious, Don't Waste it!

Tips for Reducing Food Waste:

* Keep a food waste journal - note where and why you throw away food.
* Plan meals in advance and buy just enough
* Prepare meals ahead of time
* Learn how to store food properly to prevent it from spoiling
* Volunteer with Local Food Rescue Organizations (like Food for Free!)
* Compost!
* Tell local government that food waste is a problem
* Take the quiz to see how you do! 

 

Source: Sustainable America

www.sbnmass.org
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