2006
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec
THURSDAY, MAY 4
5:30-8:00pm
Chicago Smart Business Hour
This month in collaboration with: Kellogg's Social Impact Club, University of Chicago's GSB Net Impact Chapter, Chicago Net Impact Chapter
Where: Jefferson Tap & Grill, 325 N. Jefferson
Cost: $7
Contact: info@chicagosmartbusiness.com, (312) 670-7812
A forum for networking and idea gathering, Chicago SBH provides an opportunity for business professionals to meet like-minded colleagues to discuss concerns, generate business leads, and stay current on local and national sustainability developments topics.
6:15–7:15pm: moderated group discussion on: (Business) Education for Sustainable Enterprise: Ready or Not?
Are MBA programs sufficiently preparing their graduates for pursuing sustainability issues in the business sector? How are MBA programs evolving with regard to these challenges? This month's panel presents representatives from three forward-looking business graduate programs in a discussion on how they are evolving to address current and future sustainability concerns. Representatives from sustainable-minded businesses are especially encouraged to attend and share their views on how MBA students are, or aren't, being readied for the challenges ahead. Panelists include:
Andrew J. Horning
Managing Director, Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, University of Michigan
Andrew J. (Drew) Horning oversees strategic planning, program development, stakehloder relations, fundraising and financial management activities for the Erb Institute -- a partnership between the Ross School of Business and the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan. Before taking his current position in 2002, Drew served as Market Development Manager for DTE Energy Technologies, where he focused on the commercialization of clean and renewable energy technologies, such as fuel cells, photovoltaics and wind power. Drew also worked for several years in the financial services industry, spending most of that time as a Financial Consultant with Merrill Lynch's Private Client Group. Mr. Horning earned an MBA in corporate strategy and an MS in environmental policy from the University
of Michigan, as well as a BS in Business Economics from the University of Arizona.
Ron Nahser
Provost, Presidio School of Management
Managing Director for Corporantes Inc., an outgrowth of The Nahser Agency/Advertising, Dr. Nahser is also Provost of Presidio School of Management, San Francisco (offering the first accredited MBA in Sustainable Management). He is the author of Learning to Read the Signs: Reclaiming Pragmatism in Business, and has developed a strategic business problem-solving model known as PathFinder Pragmatic Inquiry that has been used by more than 50 organizations and thousands of participants. The former chairman, president, and CEO of The Nahser Agency of Chicago, Dr. Nahser earned an MBA degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, a Masters’ degree in Religious Studies from Loyola/Mundelein College and the Ph.D. in American Business Philosophy from DePaul University. He lectures and consults with business and academic audiences in the US and internationally on business values, vision, branding, marketing strategy, social responsibility and sustainability.
George Nassos
Director, M.S. in Environmental Management program and Associate Professor, Stuart Graduate School of Business.
George P. Nassos is Director of the M.S. in Environmental Management program and Associate Professor at the Stuart Graduate School of Business, Illinois Institute of Technology. He is also Director of the Center For Sustainable Enterprise, a center founded at Stuart to be a resource for projects directed toward achieving sustainability in Chicago’s economic community. Previously, Dr. Nassos was Managing Director of Dutch and German subsidiaries of International Minerals & Chemical Corp, and worked for the Chemical Waste Management subsidiary of Waste Management, Inc. His last position with Waste Management was General Manager of the Fiber Fuels Division of the Cemtech LP subsidiary. Dr. Nassos has earned a B.S. from the University of Illinois, an M.S. and Ph.D. from Northwestern University all in Chemical Engineering, and an MBA from Northwestern.
5:30–8pm;
Where: Jefferson Tap & Grille (325 N. Jefferson)
Cost: $7
Contact: info@chicagosmartbusiness.com, (312) 670-7812
No RSVP necessary.
A forum for networking and idea gathering, Chicago SBH provides an opportunity for business professionals to meet like-minded colleagues to discuss concerns, generate business leads, and stay current on local and national sustainability developments topics.
6:15–7:15pm: Moderated Discussion. Topic: Learning from Leaders: Baxter Healthcare Corporation
This month we present the first installment in a occasional new series. We go in-depth with a local company that is striving to lead their industry, if not also the business community, with their sustainability initiatives. Hear about the successes and challenges, costs and profits of striving to address more aspects of the triple bottom line.
One of the global leaders in the corporate sustainability movement, Baxter was an early member of the Chicago Climate Exchange and has implemented programs addressing reductions in waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Its sustainability initiatives also strive to address reporting, social issues and resource conservation. Come learn how Baxter's journery toward greater sustainability began, grew, and continues to challenge the status quo. The need to address global climate change will receive particular attention.
Ronald E. Meissen, P.E.
Senior Director - Sustainability; Environment, Health & Saftey
Baxter Healthcare Corporation
Working in Baxter's Environment, Health and Safety group, Ron has been involved in managing many aspects of the companies' environmental engineering, waste reduction, environmental accounting and sustainability activities. For instance, Ron coordinates Baxter's global warming/ climate change issues, including the firm's public reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate activities. He currently represents Baxter in specific climate groups, such as the Chicago Climate Exchange. In June 2005, Ron represented Baxter in testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives Science Committee on actions Baxter is taking to reduce GHG emissions.
Ron is a registered professional engineer and has B.S. and M.S. degrees in engineering, an MBA and is currently a PhD Dissertator at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. His studies in Madison were focused on sustainability, corporate responsibility and global climate change.
5:30–8pm;
Where: Jefferson Tap & Grille (325 N. Jefferson)
Cost: $7
Contact: info@chicagosmartbusiness.com, (312) 670-7812
No RSVP necessary.
A forum for networking and idea gathering, Chicago SBH provides an opportunity for business professionals to meet like-minded colleagues to discuss concerns, generate business leads, and stay current on local and national sustainability developments topics.
6:15–7:15pm: Moderated Discussion. Topic: Sustainable Business Abroad: Learning from Europe
Tineke de Vries
Environmental Business Liaison, Consulate General of the Kingdom of The Netherlands
Ms. De Vries has eight years of experience working as an environmental law and policy consultant for two different consultancies in the Netherlands. Internationally, she worked on several environmental policy projects in Surinam, Argentina and Brazil. In the United States, she refocused on sustainability, having completed a masters degree in Latin American Studies. Currently, Ms. De Vries works within the Consulate on trade between the US and the Netherlands and is responsible for the sustainable technology sector. She holds a Master of Law degree from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
5:30–8pm;
Where: Jefferson Tap & Grille (325 N. Jefferson) (view map)
Cost: $7
Contact: info@chicagosmartbusiness.com, (312) 670-7812
No RSVP necessary.
A forum for networking and idea gathering, Chicago Green Drinks — Business Edition provides an opportunity for business professionals to meet like-minded colleagues to discuss concerns, generate business leads, and stay current on local and national sustainability developments topics.
6:15–7:15pm: Moderated Discussion. Topic: An Alliance is Born! Building a Sustainable Business Community in Chicago. Our Plans, Your Ideas.
The Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance has been launched! Why should your company (or nonprofit) join yet another organization? This month we introduce the Alliance and discuss why community and peer-based learning is critical to developing successful sustainable enterprises. Plans for the Alliance, including upcoming programs, workshops, and partnerships will be presented and your feedback sought. What connections and resources do you need? What topics would you like covered at future Green Drinks--Business Edition events? Join the Founding Members and Steering Committee of the Alliance in this important and timely discussion. Alliance applications will available!
City of Chicago Green Roof Grant Program
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 and 26, 2006
Information sessions for the 2006 Green Roofs Grant Program |
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| Time: | 6-7pm |
| Cost: | Free |
Location: |
Center for Green Technology, 445 N Sacramento |
| Contact: | (312) 744-7606 |
| Registration: | No RSVP required |
RTA/CTA Transit Benefit Information Session
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2006
How Transit Benefits can save companies and employees money |
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| Series: | Workplace Excellence Forum |
| Time: | 11:30-1:30pm |
| Cost: | Free |
Location: |
Chicagoland Chamber, 200 East Randolph, Suite 2200 |
| Contact: | Event Hotline, 312-494-6709 |
| Registration: | Pre-registration is required: http://chicagolandchamber.org/sub/events.asp |
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2006
Presenter: William H. Hatamyar, President of Bridgeview Commercial Finance, Inc.
General discussion will include the comparison and evaluation of each one of the funding types, their limitations, cost, benefits, disadvantages, and how to find such funding sources, etc. |
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| Series: | Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center's Accelerator Seminar Series |
| Time: | 9:00 am - 11:00 am |
| Cost: | $20 for Chamber of Commerce Members; $30 Non-Members FREE FOR CSBA MEMBERS, but pre-registration is required. |
Location: |
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, 200 E. Randolph Street, Suite 2200 |
| Contact: | Event Hotline, 312-494-6709 |
| Registration: | Contact us for more information. |
| Sponsors: | Microsoft, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, DCEO, SBA and the City of Chicago, Department of Planning and Development |
A fundraiser for Foresight, Explorago leads teams of 5 people each around Chicago in search of signs of a more sustainable city. The team who can more resourcefully unravel the clues and complete the tasks wins! Team registration includes admission to the Sustainable Convergence '06 party where the 2006 champions will be announced. |
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| Time: | 1-6pm |
| Location: | Downtown Chicago |
| Cost: | Sponsor a team for $500 |
| Registration: | Register online at www.explorago.com |
2006 Midwest Energy Solutions Conference
WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27-28, 2006
The Midwest Energy Solutions Conference is the region’s premier energy conference, specifically designed for the Midwest’s unique energy challenges. It is an opportunity to learn, network, be inspired, and create a plan for the region’s energy health. Robert Kennedy Jr will keynote the event. Three distinct tracks include:
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| Location: | Crowne Plaza, Chicago O'Hare |
| Cost: | $300-$500 |
| Registration: | Register online: http://www.regonline.com/Checkin.asp?EventId=100615 |
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2006
The third annual Sustainable Convergence will be held at the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art in conjunction with its upcoming Massive Change and Chicago Sustainable Architecture design exhibits. Come enjoy an evening of great food and drink, the second annual Chicago Sustainable Enterprise Fair, and the MCA's provocative installations!
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| Time: | 6-9pm |
| Location: | Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E. Chicago Ave.) |
| Cost: | General Admittance to the Convergence ranges from $30-75. Exhibition tables are sold out! |
| Registration: | Register online at www.sustainableconvergence.org |
Chicago Climate Exchange Associate Membership for Small Business
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2006
Presenter: Angela Leontis, Chicago Climate Exchange Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) launched and operates the world's first market for reducing and trading greenhouse gas emissions. Businesses of all sizes are looking for ways to increase their efficiency while decreasing their environmental footprint. In this seminar, find out how smaller and/or office-based companies can join CCX as an Associate Member and learn how to report and fully offset your indirect emissions caused by energy use and business travel. |
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| Series: | Chicago Center for Green Technology's Green Tech U |
| Time: | 6-8pm |
| Cost: | Free. |
Location: |
Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N Sacramento |
| Contact: | For a complete Fall class schedule at CCGT, visit www.cityofchicago.org/Environment/GreenTech |
| Registration: | To register email greentech@cityofchicago.org and list your name, and the name and date of the class you want to attend |
Networking Breakfast
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2006
You've heard the news, seen the movies, read the stories, and attended the Join the Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance at its first Networking
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Time: |
8:00-9:30am; discussion from 8:45-9:30am. |
Location: |
Wishbone (1001 W. Washington Blvd.) |
Cost: |
$10 for members, $16 for non-members |
Contact: |
csba@foresightdesign.org ; (773) 271-1990 |
The Opportunity of Global Warming
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2006
Presenter: Joe Shacter, Environmental Law and Policy Center This presentation will quickly review the state of global warming science, and then focus primarily on the areas in which solutions to global warming would provide economic opportunities. |
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| Series: | Chicago Center for Green Technology's Green Tech U |
| Time: | 6-8pm |
| Cost: | Free. |
Location: |
Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N Sacramento |
| Contact: | For a complete Fall class schedule at CCGT, visit www.cityofchicago.org/Environment/GreenTech |
| Registration: | To register email greentech@cityofchicago.org and list your name, and the name and date of the class you want to attend |
Sustainable Innovation 06: Global Challenges, Issues, and Solutions
MONDAY-TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23-24, 2006
| "Sustainable Innovation 06 will provide a platform to discuss global challenges and opportunities for sustainable product/service development and design. It will highlight best practice and provide a range of case studies and examples. Sustainable Innovation 06 will include invited and refereed papers covering sustainable product/service development and design from academics, consultants, product designers and design engineers, sustainability, environment and CSR managers and other business functions." | |
| Hosted by: | Stuart Graduate School of Business (565 W Adams, Chicago) |
| Organized by: | The Centre for Sustainable Design |
| Cost: | For business professionals: $309 per day. |
| Registration: | Download the registration form at: http://www.cfsd.org.uk/events/tspd11/Registration form tspd11.doc |
Michael Shuman: The Small-Mart Revolution
MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2006
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27-29, 2006
| "The 2006 Net Impact Conference: Navigating Global Change features the first ever Professionals Summit. On October 27-29, at the Navy Pier in downtown Chicago, over 300 professionals committed to using business for social good will come together to discuss how to harness the power of business to create a better global community. The Conference will provide a forum for discussion and action on pressing global corporate social responsibility issues by bringing together business and community leaders and highly engaged future leaders from graduate programs across the globe." | |
| Location: | Navy Pier and Fairmont Chicago |
| Hosted by: | Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern |
| Cost: | Net Impact Member $400/475, Non-member $475/525. |
| Registration: | Early Registration ends 10/4. Register online: netimpact.org/conference |
Green Building Trade Mission to China
OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 10
State of Illinois Office of Trade & Investment (OTI) and the U.S. Green Building Council Chicago Chapter are sponsoring a 10-day excursion to China to help small to medium sized Illinois companies to explore the vast business opportunities in the Chinese marketplace.
During the course of the visit, you will have individual meetings with contacts that have been pre-quailfied by the OTI. In addition, you will receive in-depth business briefings on local laws governing food and agricultural sectors, in-country marketing promotion, hospitality and full logistical support. Applications are due September 15, 2006.
Download more information: http://www.sustainablechicago.biz/documents/Green_Trade_Mission.doc.
Stacy Mitchell: Big Box Swindle
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2006
Corporate Strategies that Address Climate Change
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2006
In an upcoming report by the Pew Center on Global Climate Change -- Corporate Strategies that Address Climate Change -- a sample of thirty-one companies believe that federal policy on climate change is coming, with the majority believing it will come between 2010 and 2015. Beyond this looming threat, growing concern among state governments, interest among the investment community, and rising energy prices add to the business case for addressing climate change as a strategic issue. As the Conference Board warns, “Businesses that ignore the debate over climate change do so at their peril.”
Is your company prepared? The objective of this one day conference is to help companies consider the range of available options for developing a climate strategy and to help financial analysts identify benchmarks for industry best practices on the issue. Come learn the results of a one year study into the motivations and mechanics of climate related strategies. Hear also from the companies studied in the report; companies with a wealth of valuable experience and insights in addressing climate action. Speakers include:
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| Time: | 9am-5pm |
| Location: | The University of Michigan, Palmer Commons, Great Lakes Room 100 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| Sponsored by: | The Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise and The Pew Center on Global Climate Change |
| Cost: | Free, but space is strictly limited. |
| Registration: | Register online: http://www.erb.umich.edu/News-and-Events/Nov10.htm |
Crain's Annual Entrepreneur Luncheon
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Network with a dynamic cross section of Chicago business leaders. Keynote: Stephen Baird, CEO of Baird and Warner |
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| Time: | Reception 11:30 a.m., Lunch promptly at noon |
| Location: | Ritz-Carlton Hotel Floor Ballroom, 160 East Pearson Street |
| Cost: | $75 |
| Registration: | Register online at http://www.chicagobusiness.com/events |
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2006
Learn about DCEO Energy and Utility Programs, Illinois Green Housing programs, and meet other businesses in Illinois that face these issues. |
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| Time: | Tuesday, 9:30-6:30p; Wednesday 8-2:30p |
| Cost: | Free! Pre-registration is required |
Location: |
Starved Rock Lodge, Utica, IL |
| Contact: | Bruce Selway |
| Registration: | |
| Agenda: | PeerExchange_agenda.pdf (88.7 KB PDF) |
Energy Efficiency Luncheon
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2006
This luncheon will provide companies with energy saving ideas and offer information on programs that are available to help reduce energy costs this winter and in the future |
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| Series: | Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing |
| Time: | 11:30am-1:30pm |
| Cost: | $45 for AIM members, $60 for non-members |
Location: |
Colletti's Dining & Banquets: 5707 N Central Ave |
| Contact: | Alliance for Illinois Manufacturijng. http://www.illinoismanufacturing.org/ |
| Registration: | Register online at http://norbic.org/events/detail.php?eid=105 |
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2006
This morning program will focus on Alternative Energy Developments in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. This program will examine the business, regulatory and legal climate for alternative energy projects, and will highlight the current status of a variety of alternative energy activities, including biofuels (like ethanol), wind, solar, landfill gas, |
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| Time: | 8am-12pm |
| Cost: | $45 for AIM members, $100 for non-members |
Location: |
Doubletree Hotel, 1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook, IL |
| Contact: | Robin Pelsis, (847) 202-0418 E-mail: robin@lmawma.org |
| Registration: | Download the brochure and submit the included form to register: www.sustainablechicago.biz/documents/AlternateEnergyBrochure.pdf |
Chicago Green Drinks -- Business Edition
Due to the plethora of holiday events, this month we combine Business Edition and "regular" Green Drinks into a single evening.
5:30-6:30pm: Power Networking.
Bring your business cards and a 2-minute elevator pitch about your business.
7:30-8:30pm: Green Drinks moderated disscussion.
Topic: Careers in Sustainability: How To Bring Sustainability Into Your Job or Workplace.
Panelists include:
Michelle Jost
Conservation Programs Manager, John G. Shedd Aquarium
Michelle Jost is the Conservation Programs Manager for the John G. Shedd Aquarium where she manages the Right Bite sustainable seafood awareness program and the Green Initiative. Michelle serves on Chicago's Green Museums Steering Committee and the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's Green Scientific Advisory Group. Before joining the Shedd team, Michelle worked closely with scientists worldwide to develop volunteer-based research expeditions for the international non-profit, Earthwatch Institute. While with Earthwatch, she traveled to Africa, the Caribbean, and Mexico to assist with field research on community health, Leatherback sea turtles, and whale sharks, respectively. Michelle also spent time with Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom, New England Aquarium, and Museum of Science-Boston as a conservation educator. Before embarking on her career, Michelle graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Conservation.
Jim Van der Kloot
Land Revitalization Coordinator, U.S. EPA Region V
Jim Van der Kloot is the Land Revitalization Coordinator at U.S. EPA Region V, in Chicago. Beginning in 1993, Jim managed the nation's first Brownfields program, at the City of Chicago (along with Donna Ducharme, who is now at the Delta Institute), which broadened the discussion of contaminated site cleanup to include community and economic development. Chicago's Brownfields Initiative created a successful series of processes which have replicated themselves virally across the country. Jim currently works on incorporating sustainable development practices into EPA's implementation of Superfund, Brownfields, RCRA, and the Clean Water Act.
Bonnie Paganis
General Manager, Foodservice and Special Events, Sodexho at the Shedd Aquarium
Bonnie Paganis has a knack for mixing her “greens.” Growing up in DuPage County, she was introduced to conservation early through her family’s farm and their involvement with wetland restoration. A self-described lifer in the food industry she has been with Sodexho (formerly Marriott) since 1983. In 1999 she took charge of Sodexho’s operation at the world-renowned aquarium, when Shedd was initiating its Right Bite sustainable seafood program. Bonnie’s strong conservation ethic helped Shedd expedite it’s Right Bite criteria in all areas of food service, including it’s catering menu. Since then she has expanded the menu to include many organic and local items and hosted events, which featured sustainable cuisine. Bonnie was instrumental in setting up the integrated waste management program at Shedd. Careful analysis of all packaging and the use of biodegradable materials where possible as well as reusing most dinnerware have reduced the amount of landfill waste. The program now in place redirects two-thirds of the foodservice’s waste to recycling and composting programs. A big part of the success of all of the programs is the training that Bonnie gives the staff as well as an effort to educate the guests.
Meeting with City Officials
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12
Have a question or request for the City regarding your green business? The Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance has arranged for a meeting with staff from the Department of Planning and Development, and Department of Environment, including with Commissioner Sadhu Johnston. This is your chance to present your enterprise and raise any relevant sustainable business issues with key City officials. Participating businesses will have a chance to present a specific request, idea, or comment on how the City can assist them in their effort to become a more sustainable business. Advanced registration required. Space and time is limited. Alliance members will be given priority registration until December 5. |
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| Time: | 11:30am-1pm |
| Location: | Department of Environment, 30 N LaSalle |
| Cost: | Free |
| Registration: | Advanced registration is required. Priority is given to Alliance members. Email csba@foresightdesign.org to reserve space. |