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June 2015 - In This Issue:
Upcoming Events

June 12 & 13
Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest
@ The Armory

June 23 . 8am - 10am
Bring Your Own Bag
Community Forum
@ The Middle East

September 20 . 11am - 5pm
Boston Local Food Festival
@ Rose Kennedy Greenway

Check out our Event Calendar for more information and tickets!
Dear SBN Members and Friends,

Happy June! After the snowiest winter in Boston history I think it's fair to say that we're all ready for some warm weather and enjoying the natural beauties of living in New England!   

Recently, SBN hosted our 26th Annual Sustainability Leadership Summit and by all measures it was the best in many years. It can sometimes feel lonely when put in so many hours building our business and promoting sustainability and the odds before us seem so daunting.This year's annual gathering of sustainability leaders was particularly inspirational and moving as we met so many new people involved in the sustainable business movement and learned about several new sustainable initiatives, ventures, and products that are happening right here in Massachusetts. We're already making plans for next year, and if you missed this year's Summit we hope you can join us for the 27th Summit in 2016.  

SBN has a number of fun and meaningful events on our summer schedule that we'd love to have you put on your calendar. SBN is excited to host our annual kick-off for summer - the Fourth Annual Hyper-Local Craft BrewFest! We will be hosting a Bring Your Own Bag Community Forum on June 23 to help prepare business owners for Cambridge's plastic bag ban as well. 

We hope you have a productive and joyful summer and I hope to see you soon.  

Sustainably yours,

Laury Hammel
Executive Director




SBN's 26th Annual Summit Moves the 
Sustainable Economy Forward!

Over 100 local business and community leaders gathered on Friday, May 15th at Lesley University in Cambridge to participate in SBN's 26th Annual Summit.The Summit continued its tradition of being action-oriented and lived up to its theme of 'Building a Sustainable Economy through Collaboration, Innovation & Pollination.' Dinesh Wadhwani, the founder of the Summit's Lead Sponsor, ThinkLite, started things off by presenting multiple innovative products that he and his team have developed-- they are a terrific example of the critical role that sustainable entrepreneurs play in building a strong economy.  

Cambridge City Councilor Leland Cheung welcomed everyone and voiced his support for the work of SBN and our allies in the sustainable business movement.  Our first keynote speaker, Steve Grossman, spoke about the important role that sustainable business leaders play in growing our economy and building a better and for equitable society. His new job as Executive Director of the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) and he highlighted the various ways that ICIC is working to pollinate and support businesses that serve urban areas.   

Founder of CityFresh Foods, Glynn Lloyd, spoke about his twenty-year journey as an entrepreneur and how his transition to his new job as a Managing Director of the Boston Impact Initiative was a natural evolution. The Boston Impact Initiative strives to create a better future for communities that have been impacted by racial, social, and economic inequality, and he is out there every day looking for businesses in need of capital and supporting them in growing and being fundable businesses. 

The 'Green' Pillars highlighted green culture and gave participants ideas of how they can transform their business and make it more sustainable. The 'Local' Pillar engaged people in pursuing extraordinary customer service and passing it on from generation to generation. Participants were eager to learn in the 'Community Capital' Pillar and discussed the importance of investing locally. In the 'Public Policy' Pillar, people had their questions answered about the importance of divesting from fossil fuels and how they can do it. Lastly, the 'Local Food' Pillar discussed the New England Food Vision's goal of 50 by 60. 

To close out the morning, Summit attendees joined in the Open Space program where participants self-organized around various `calls to action' that attracted others who shared a similar passion for `making something happen'.  

Later in the afternoon twenty-five local food leaders from Massachusetts and New Hampshire attended the first Local Food Forward Roundtable. The three major objectives of the Roundtable were to introduce dynamic local food leaders to each other, identify gaps and needs in the local food system, and collectively choose a few specific collaborations that we can work together to make a positive impact on increasing local food produced and eaten in New England. The Roundtable was facilitated by Karen Spiller of KAS Consulting and Massachusetts Ambassador for Food Solutions New England. The Local Food Forward Roundtable is off to a great start!


Bay State Banner was also in attendance and featured the Summit on their website - Read More Here
SBN Presents 'Bring Your Own Bag' Community Forum to Discuss Cambridge's Plastic Bag Ban
The City of Cambridge recently passed an ordinance that will ban the use of plastic bags in Cambridge beginning in March of 2016. We are excited that this important step has been taken to protect the environment but understand the challenges that this presents to business owners. Join us to learn what to expect and how to phase out plastic bags efficiently and cost effectively. 

Where: The Middle East; Central Square
When: Tuesday, June 23 from 8 to 10 am
What: Discuss logistics and answer questions regarding plastic bag ban
Panel: State Rep Marjorie Decker and more TBA
Moderator: Quinton Zondervan of Green Cambridge & the Climate Action Business Association



Kick off Summer with SBN's 
Hyper-Local  Craft Brewfest!

Calling for local craft brew fans, brew hobbyists, foodies, localvores, young entrepreneurs, nano-brewers, and the curious minded!

Join SBN for our 4th Annual Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest with a special Beer on Cask Tasting on Friday Night!

Choose from 3 Sessions
Friday, June 12, 2015, 6:30 - 9:30pm (plus Cask-conditioned beers from selected brewers)
Saturday, June 13, 2015, 3:00 - 6:00pm
Saturday, June 13, 2015, 7:00 - 10:00pm 

The 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.

The Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest is a unique event that not only showcases local beverage producers, but also showcases local brews incorporating local ingredients. SBN's definition of local starts in Massachusetts and encompasses all of New England. Hyper-Local means local producers (from New England) making products with ingredients from New England. Examples in the past have included brews made with local hops, apples, cranberries, grapes and even local oysters. While having unlimited 2oz tastings from local brewers, you can also sample and purchase delicious local food from vendors like Valicenti Organico, Red Lentil, Taza Chocolate, and more.

Join us on Friday night for the Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest with a special Beer on Cask Tasting "conditioned" by Randy Baril, Head Cellarman of NERAX (the New England Real Ale eXhibition). Try unfiltered and unpasteurised beer with no nitrogen or carbon dioxide added! Compare with the commercial version and tell us which one you love. The Showcase, also featuring a Small Batches Jamboree, will open dialogues between craft brewers, brew fans, and the curious-minded to experiment and learn what is available in the New England region for making their products. Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn more about making small batches and homebrewing. Additionally, attendees will get the chance to interact with other aspiring brewers, hear from experts, and taste a selection of the brews that will be showcased during the Saturday Sessions. In doubt? Attend both days! Get tickets now!

Crowdsourcing Investment Capital: Direct Public Offerings to Your Supporters, Customers & Community

Your fans and supporters are your best asset!

 

Learn how your nonprofit or social enterprise can crowdsource capital through a Direct Public Offering (DPO) by offering an investment opportunity in your organization to your fans, networks and customers. DPOs can be an effective tool for social enterprises and revenue driven nonprofits to expand their capital raising options beyond traditional bank financing and angel/venture capital investors. DPOs allow your enterprise to raise capital on your terms without compromising your mission.

 

Join Kim Arnone of Cutting Edge Capital, who advises social enterprises, nonprofits and co-ops on capital raising and securities regulation matters, to learn whether a DPO might be right for your organization.  Kim helps clients design capital raising plans that match their business philosophy, values, and long-term goals and then works to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to put the plans into action.

 

Kim will be joined by three Boston area social enterprise leaders who are working on their own direct public offerings:

  • Lor Holmes, Business Manager, CERO Cooperative, Inc.
  • Jenny Silverman, Project Manager, Dorchester Community Food Co-op
  • Jessie Banhazl Founder and CEO, Green City Growers

Details:

NonProfit Center, Floor 2 Community Conference Center East(continental breakfast)

Free, registration required


Welcome Back to New  & Renewing Members!
Welcome to the Newest Members of our Growing Network! 

Bread & Salt highlights specific themes in culinary history and culture and has been a long time supporter of SBN's Boston Local Food Program. Seeking to reconnect the diner with the act of dining, Bread & Salt pioneers a highly personal style of cooking and serving. Bread & Salt is excited to open their first permanent location this year - Juliet  in Union Square in Somerville. They have just launched a Kickstarter, take a look and learn more about their vision for Juliet. 



Welcome Westcott Mercantile to the SBN family! Established in 2013, Westcott Mercantile opened it's doors in April 2014 as Belmont's flagship modern general store. They're full of creative and unique gifts and give-backs, local, regional and international artisan crafts, vintage and new furniture and a little something for everyone in the family. Stop by and peruse their shelves full of wonders and surprises. You'll be inspired with new ideas for every occasion. 'At WM, we don't just give, we give back.'

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. Boston Organics values excellent service, great quality and sustainability. As a graduate of SBN's Sustainable Business Leader Program, we're glad to have them continue to be a valuable member of our network! 

Costa Fruit & Produce has been servicing the foodservice industry for more than sixty years! A privately owned company, Costa offers a complete line of fresh products that include fruits and produce, dairy and value added fruits, vegetables and prepared salads along with over 3,500 frozen food and grocery items. Costa has shown their commitment to local food in New England and is s great partner for SBN!

Fresh Pond Capital works with clients to bring their investments into alignment with their values. They believe that by applying sound financial judgement and ethical values, they can help you reach your financial goal while having a positive impact on society. Get in touch to make sure that your investments match your values!

Great Sky Solar is a local, worker owned company that has a vested interest in providing the best possible experience for you and keeps social responsibility at the heart of everything that they do. Great Sky Solar will look at your unique situation and use a collaborative approach to recommend products that are best.

Katsiroubas Brothers' mission is to establish partnerships with their customers by supplying the highest quality fruit, vegetables and specialty products available while serving their customer's unique needs. As a family business, dedication to service and quality is at the core of everything they do. SBN values their commitment to supporting local growers and providing sustainable products!

The Longfellow Clubs  Established in 1972, The Longfellow Clubs
is known as one of the 'Greenest' health clubs in the country. From installing LED lighting and solar panels to phasing out the sales of bottled water, The Longfellow Clubs truly have the well being of the planet at the heart of everything that they do. Check out one of The Longfellow Club's four locations to embark on a mission of attaining a healthy mind, body and planet!


MassEnergy Consumers Alliance  is a nonprofit organization that seeks to make energy more affordable and environmentally sustainable. Their Discount Heating Oil Service serves over 14,000 members and their Green Power programs which provide green electricity from local renewable sources have over 7,000 members! Visit their website to switch your home or business to green energy!

Real Pickles is a small, worker-owned cooperative producing pickled products that are raw, vinegar-free, 100% organic and rich in probiotics. To support a regional food system, Real Pickles buy all of their vegetables from family farms in the Northeast and sell only in the Northeast.

Green Tip of the Month

 

There are 10 million acres of front and backyards in America-about 10 parking spaces for every person-that's enough to produce over 43 million pounds of food!  But the vast majority of that space is unused or underutilized, while our conventional produce is being shipped hundreds and thousands of miles to your plate.  We can all do our part to cut those food miles by growing right where we are!

Check out these great resources to get started:

 

Plant Something:

A great online resource specifically tailored to Massachusetts' unique climate and soil conditions. Resources include local planting guides, how-to videos and more. 

 

Massachusetts Master Gardeners Association:

Learn how to compost, build raised garden beds, start seeds, grow a successful container garden and more!

 

Green City Growers:

Need help getting started?  Massachusetts' boasts a wealth of great local companies that can help you build the garden of your dreams.  Check out our friends at Green City Growers!

 

Shared Earth:

Interested in gardening, but don't have access to land?  Check out Shared Earth-a new online community of land owners and farmers/gardeners connecting to share land and labor.
      Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts
      99 Bishop Allen Dr Suite 100 Cambridge, MA 02139
      www.sbnmass.org . info@sbnmass.org . 617-395-0250