April 29 . 2:00-5:00pm
@ Boston Public Market Kitchen
May 11 . 1:00-3:00pm
Stand Out from the Crowd B2B
@ Boston Public Market Kitchen
May 13 . 6:00-8:00pm
Garden Mixology
Presented by SBN & Trustees
Featuring Astraluna, OurCookQuest & Powell & Mahoney
@ St Rose St Garden, JP
May 21 . 8:00am-4:00pm
Sustainability Leadership Summit
featuring Kimber Lanning & John Abrams
@ Lesley University
June 10 - 11 . 3 Sessions
Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest
@ Arts at the Armory
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Dear SBN Members and Friends,
Spring seems to finally have arrived! Yes! With the imminent blooming of the lilacs, our annual Sustainability Leadership Summit isn't far behind! Every year we work to adjust the format of the Summit to make it more exciting and productive. Our 27th Annual SBN Summit is no exception.
The morning session will focus on the work and knowledge of three successful business leaders who have made a major impact on our sustainable business movement. There will be opportunities to learn from all three keynote speakers, to go deep with one of these leaders, and to bring together our collective knowledge at the end of the morning.
The afternoon sessions will each focus on one aspect of how to grow and build our movement to create a strong economy that is local, green, and fair.
The whole day will be practical, hands-on, interactive and collaborative. We are honored to have two of the most influential business leaders in the US as our keynote speakers. (the third speaker will be announced soon). If you have any interest in changing our world through business then please join SBN members and friends for a day that will re-charge you, inspire you, and have you rocking and rolling!
Sustainably yours,
Laury Hammel
Executive Director
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27th Annual Sustainability Leadership Summit
*Early Bird Registration Ends on Monday!*
Sharing Ownership of the Future
Featuring John Abrams of
South Mountain Company
John Abrams is a nationally-respected business leader, speaker, and author who has inspired thousands of people throughout this long and productive career. He is unquestionably one of the most important thought-leaders and entrepreneurs in our nation and his practical wisdom will leave you some how-to nuggets that will make your business better! His presentation will focus on how shared ownership is a key component in the development of a new economy that is sustainable and just.
John has spent his adult life creating a business that does the following:
- Successfully integrates all three bottom lines--People, Planet, and Profit
- Builds a team that is committed to the triple bottom line and works together so all stake-holders benefit.
- Finds innovative ways to support the local economy and the vitality of their community
- Leverages a business model that grows and thrives in a sustainable way that makes a long-term impact on the community
John Abrams is the founder and CEO of South Mountain Company, a 40-year-old integrated architecture, engineering, building, and renewable energy company committed to triple bottom line business practices.
Located on Martha's Vineyard, South Mountain has been a worker cooperative for 28 years and was one of the first B-Corps in Massachusetts.
John's book
COMPANIES WE KEEP: Employee Ownership and the Business of Community and Place,
was published in 2008. He blogs at
http://www.companywekeep.net/
and
lives at Island Cohousing, a neighborhood designed and built by South Mountain.
More About the Sustainability Leadership Summit
Now in its 27th year, SBN's Sustainability Leadership Summit attracts a diverse group of small and local business leaders who are committed to building a local, green and fair economy. The Summit focuses on action as it guides participants through engaging material that results in real, attainable ideas and solutions to issues facing our local economy. Through networking, participants build strong connections with other leaders who are as committed as they are to building a sustainable business that ensures the long term success of both their business and our planet.
Keynote Speakers
Agenda
People, Planet & Profits Morning Session
8:30 AM Welcome & Keynote Speakers
10:00 AM Breakout Sessions Led by Keynote Speakers
11:15 AM Action Planning & Open Discussion
12:30 PM Networking Lunch & Sustainability Marketplace
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Local, Green & Fair Afternoon Session
* Expanding the Local First Movement in Massachusetts & New England with Kimber Lanning
* Moving the Local Food Movement Forward
* Greening Massachusetts
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Registration Open for the 7th Annual
Boston Local Food Festival!
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The Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts is excited to announce the
7th Annual Boston Local Food Festival! On Sunday, September 18, 2016, the Festival will return to the Rose F Kennedy Greenway in downtown Boston and transform the park into the nation's largest local and sustainable food hub!
The Boston Local Food Festival is a free outdoor festival that showcases farmers, local restaurants, food trucks, specialty food producers, fisher folks, and organizations focusing on healthy food and fitness from New England. The Festival also features lively chef & DIY demos, a seafood throwdown competition, diverse music and performances, family fun zone and more. In 2015, the Festival attracted over 140 vendors and 50,000 attendees.
Festival goers learn about the benefits of sustainably grown and produced food, shop the market, eat delicious local food, participate in fun, educational activities and exhibits, engage with top local chefs and enjoy local music. Themed "Healthy Local Food for All", the Festival connects Massachusetts and New England eaters of all backgrounds with the abundance of fresh, nutritious local food choices available close to home.
The Festival is a zero-waste event, meaning we divert over 90% of our waste each year and we offset 100% of our energy use! All perishable items sold are made from locally sourced products. Best of all, we bring this annual event to the community free of charge. So grab your reusable water bottles and bags and enjoy New England's largest one day farmers market, while celebrating "Healthy Local Food for All"
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Garden Mixology: Learn to Craft Cocktails Using Local Ingredients this Summer!
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The Trustees and the
Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts are excited to present a series of Garden Mixology Classes this summer. Attendees will learn how to craft 3 unique cocktails using local spirits while enjoying appetizers from local caterers and restaurants, all while in a unique urban garden setting.
Join us on
Friday, May 13 in St Rose Street Garden in Jamaica Plain for our first class.
Astraluna is our featured distiller and creative catering will be provided by
OurCookQuest of Jamaica Plain. Learn how to make a Sweet Pea Daiquiri, Strawberry Rhubarb V+T and a Celery Cooler. The class will be followed by time to hang out around a campfire.
Space is limited to 25 participants so reserve your spot now! And watch for more information to come on our other Summer sessions:
Thursday, July 14 - Symphony Road Community Garden, Rumsons Rum + TBA
Fenway, 6-8pm
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Tickets on Sale for Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest!
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SBN is excited to announce our 6th Annual Local Craft Brewfest on June 10 and 11 at Arts at the Armory in Somerville. Tickets are available now!
Choose from 3 sessions:
Friday, June 10, 2016, 6:30 - 9:30pm (plus Cask-conditioned beers from selected brewers)
Saturday, June 11, 2016, 3:00 - 6:00pm
Saturday, June 11, 2016, 7:00 - 10:00pm
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Gluten Free? Not a problem at Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest!
Check out all of the gluten free products that will be available at this year's brewfest!
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New World - 6% ABV
Roxbury - 6.8% ABV
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The American - 5.1% ABV
Wunderkind - 6% ABV
Rojo - 5.4% ABV
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Original Hard Cider - 5% ABV
Macintosh & Maple Hard
Cider - 6% ABV
Cranberry Hard Cider - 5.6% ABV
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Premium Farmhouse Cider - 6.9% ABV
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Downeast Cranberry
Blend - 5% ABV
Downeast Original
Blend - 5.1% ABV
Downeast Summer
Blend - 4.5% ABV
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Nova - Dry Hopped Cider - 8% ABV
Lei - Smoked Pineapple Jalapeno Cider - 8% ABV
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Alcoholic Ginger Beer - 4.5% ABV
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West Indies Lime - 6% ABV
Valencia Orange - 6% ABV
Indian River Grapefruit - 6% ABV
Cape Cod Cranberry - 6% ABV
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Cider -6.5% ABV
Safety Meeting - Dry Hopped Cider - 6.5% ABV
High & Dry - Super Dry Hard Cider - 6.5% ABV
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Pure maple water
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Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest is an annual tasting fundraiser presented by the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN) that highlights and promotes local brewers of beer, newly established breweries, cider & mead, artisan beverage makers, and local food vendors.
What's included with admission?
Unlimited tastings from our participating brewers, craft brewers, cideries, meaderies, artisan beverage vendors + Unlimited samples from participating local food vendors, serving size food for sale + Live music and entertainment + Festival Guide with listing of all vendors + Compostable tasting cup + Supporting the local food movement by raising much needed funds for the Boston Local Food Program
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 Friday, April 29 . 2:00-5:00pm
@ Boston Public Market Kitchen
REGISTER (Free for Local Food Buyers!)
This event will encourage buyers and producers of local food to connect and form new relationships on a one on one level. Producers will set showcase their products and meet with each buyer. Buyers will be encouraged to share the types products that they are looking for as well as feedback about products. If after talking the producer and buyer feel that they can create a trade relationship, a match has been made!
 Wednesday, May 11 . 1:00-3:00pm
@ Boston Public Market Kitchen
REGISTER (Free for SBN & BPM Members)
Festivals are a great way to introduce people to your brand and your product. With festival season quickly approaching, The Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts and the
Boston Public Market Kitchen have gathered a panel of Marketing Experts and Festival Producers to give you tips to help you convert attendees into customers.
Presenters:
Nicola Williams, Owner of
The Williams Agency
, Organizer of Boston JerkFest, Cambridge Carnival & Boston Local Food Festival
AIR Graphics will be providing samples of marketing materials to get you looking your best!
 Wednesday, June 15 . 6:30-8:30pm
@ SBN Boardroom
REGISTER ($10 SBN Members/$20 Non-Members)
Leading your business or organization and building relationships with your employees is crucial for success. Beth Shapiro from
Sustainable Success will lead an interactive workshop and give you tips for how to manage and lead your business and put you on the path to success.
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Welcome to the Newest Members of our Growing Network!
 AIR Graphics
is a local printer known for it's high quality, quick turn-around and amazing customer service. Providing a variety of print solutions, AIR Graphics is your go-to resource. Take a look at what they have to offer on their website!
Almost Perfect Glass
is a hot glass studio with locations in Cambridge and Martha's Vineyard that is home to a varied group of artists and dogs. Visit their website to learn more about their classes and take a look at the beautiful art that they create!
 Bellicchi's Best Biscotti
was started by
Kathleen Bellicchi and her husband Eric. With the help of Hope and Main, Rhode Island's first haven for new food businesses, Bellicchi's Best Biscotti became part of a movement that will help to grow Rhode Island's local food economy. Hope and Main's physical surroundings and personal help and support offer a nurturing environment populated by people passionate about food. They source local ingredients and sell at and participate in Farmers Markets and events with a goal of providing quality food at affordable prices for many people.
Best Bee's Company
is a full-service beekeeping operation. They deliver, install, and
manage beehives for residences and businesses in select markets nationwide. From hive installation to honey harvesting, their team provides a complete suite of services that make home beekeeping a simple and safe reality. Their profits are used to fund research to improve bee health.
 Curio Spice Company
offers top quality spices sourced directly from farmers and producers, using the highest standards in organic and fair trade agriculture. Whether you're a professional chef or adventurous home cook, you'll enjoy seeing how their unique spices make familiar foods and drinks special. Curio Spice is a woman-owned, Public Benefit Corporation working to provide a better life for farmers, protect the environment, and unite people around food.
DRINKMaple
thinks that the greatest laboratory on Earth is a tree! Untouched. Unspoiled. Unboiled. Only a tree could manufacture water this pure and hydrating. Maple water is low calorie, gluten-free, dairy-free and non-GMO. It contains 46 naturally occurring polyphenols, antioxidents, prebiotics, minerals and electrolytes. It also has just half the sugar of coconut water and more manganese than a cup of kale! And of course, it is the only water with a little hint of maple flavor.
Farmhouse Burger Company
has set out to reinvent the vegetable burger. Whether you're a vegetarian or just want to reduce your meat intake, Farmhouse Burger Company has you covered. They use only the finest natural ingredients and never use artificial additives or GMOs. Their motto is, "if we can't pronounce it, we don't use it." Utilizing a Small-Batch cooking process, their Artisan Vegetable Burgers are packed with flavor and weigh in at a Full Quarter Pound!
Herb-in-Fusion/Sprig
produces Sprig Savory Herbal Jellies, a unique line of pepper and herb-infused jellies that are excellent compliments or enhancements for cheeses, meats, dressings, pastries, seafoods, desserts, and pastries.
is the leading bakery specializing in baked goods for people with dietary restrictions such as gluten free, vegan, nut free, and sugar free. Visit their website to order products or check them out at the Boston Public Market!
Maryann Thompson Architects
is a firm committed to sustainability and a design process that is collaborative with the client and the community. They honor not just the final product, but also the process involved in the c
reation of architecture. They believe in an inclusive process and believe that dialog can only make a project better. Through an inclusive and collaborative design process, based on dialog and relationship building, they attempt to imbue their architecture with the essential spirit of the community and region in which they work.
Massachusetts Cheese Guild
is home to 22 cheesemakers that have won more awards per capita than any state in the nation. MA Cheese Guild members celebrate those achievements and support their artisans. The artisan and farmstead cheesemakers make over 100 different types of cheeses. Search their Cheese Catalogue to find a new favorite!
Sustainable Success
is a global consortium of inspiring, skilled coaches, trainers, and communications experts with solid business credentials. They help organizations and government agencies build capacity for sustainable high performance, for flexibility and responsiveness. How? In the only way that works; from the inside out by strengthening internal working relationships among leaders, teams, and across your entire workforce.
Vermont Chevon
was formed in 2011 to add value to Vermont's dairy-goat industry by converting surplus livestock into a premium meat source. Vermont Chevon works to educate the retail, wholesale and consumer markets about goat as a healthy and flavorful meat option. Their goats will be raised according to the highest standards of animal health and sustainability.
Vive La Vie
produces soups in Commonwealth Kitchen using local, non-GMO ingredients. Check out their line up to see their vegan and other heathy options!
WhatsGood
is a team of farmers, chefs, and food system innovators on a mission to refocus our food system. Using their website, chefs and restaurants can order the fresh ingredients you need from the local producers you want to know. Visit their website to search their ingredients and learn more!
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Renewing Members
Boston Organics
provides access to fresh, organic produce to promote and support healthy living in a mindful and sustainable way that respects the environment, supports local farms, local businesses, and fair-trade practices. They highly value great service, great quality, sustainability, and interdependence.
Cambridge Family and Children's Service
has a mission of strengthening and supporting families so that their children can be raised in loving and nurturing homes within communities that support them.
 Dedham Exchange
was founded in 1914 to provide a market for hand-crafted goods. Seventy cents of every dollar you spend on a handmade item goes directly to the artist. In additional to supporting a large community of artisans, they support many local organizations and the public schools through annual donations.
Gentle Giant
has earned praise, awards, and recognition from all kinds of places and publications but its their clients' opinions that matter most - referrals account for 80% of their business! They have over 200 competent caring moving specialists that provide stress free moves for over 10,000 customers each year!
 Good Egg Marketing
helps farms, small businesses and nonprofits find the right niche, increase sales, and build relationships with customers. They believe that whether you're selling kohlrabi or a cause, your best asset is you! Your story (how and why you do what you do) attracts people and makes them want to stick with you.
Insource Services
works with small and large companies alike, including nonprofit organizations and startup ventures, from a diverse range of industries, they adopt a hands-on approach to their outsourcing model and give you full access to their years of experience and expertise.
 Katsiroubas Brothers
is
a Boston-based and family-owned wholesaler of produce, cheese, specialty foods, and local New England food offerings. Katsiroubas are a graduate of SBN's Sustainable Business Leader Program and the 2009 winner of a Boston Green Business Award!
Mass Energy Consumers Alliance is a non-profit making energy more affordable and sustainable via discount heating oil, green electricity, and energy efficiency. They advocate for consumers and the environment on local and statewide energy issues, and offer energy-related assistance and programming on heating, oil, green power, and energy efficiency.
 Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub
has been serving Central Square since 1970. Serving a mix of Middle Eastern and American cuisine, the complex is also home to 4 live music venues. The Middle East is dedicated to serving healthy food and cook all their meals in non-GMO oils. Visit their website to learn more about upcoming shows, room rentals and catering.
Reinventure Capital
is rethinking investing by seeking emerging, vibrant networks of innovative entrepreneurs, many of whom are of color and women, overlooked by mainstream investors. They see an untapped pool of founders who are pursuing scalable business opportunities, addressing challenging social and environmental issues, yet lack the capital to grow.
 Somerville Sustainable Cleaning
is an environmentally sustainable commercial janitorial service provider, committed to delivering service excellence at an unmatched value. Their excellence is achieved by listening to and understanding your unique needs and being committed to meeting those needs - every time.
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JP Local First
Growing your Business by Giving Back
Thursday, May 12 @ Eastern Bank, 687 Centre St, JP
Join small-business owners and leaders from the JP area to learn how giving back to the community can build goodwill and customer loyalty. Meet and chat with other business leaders from the community while enjoying music and refreshments.
RSVP
Somerville Local First
Somerville Local First Spring Market
Sunday, May 15 @ Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville
Somerville Local First proudly presents their Spring Market being held at the historic Arts at the Armory on Sunday May 15th from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m!
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Green Tip of the Month:
Don't just go Local, Grow Local!
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Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts
