Learning from Leaders: Ken Dunn, Resource Center

A local green business pioneer, Ken Dunn has been developing more sustainable enterprises for the last 25 years. Founder and Director of the Resource Center, Ken's activities encompass commercial recycling, composting, urban organic agriculture, and creative reuse, among others. What lessons has he learned? How does he see the local business landscape evolving? How can his perspective and experience inform your enterprises' development? Join us for an in-depth discussion with this always engaging local leader.

No RSVP necessary

Join us for our next breakfast to learn strategies for efficient and effective networking. Stay for breakfast, discussion, and plenty of time to test your skills!

Stuart School of Business, 10th Floor (565 W Adams)

Street and lot parking are available.

$10 for members, $20 for non-members

Registration is closed.

No RSVP necessary. 21+

What goes into envisioning and launching a sustainable enterprise? What can existing businesses learn from this process?

In 60 minutes, we'll attempt to blaze through the start-up stages, noting differences and similarities between a sustainable versus traditional venture.

Come ready to contribute, take notes, and watch as a potential new company emerges from the mix!

Free with RSVP.  Email jkearne2@depaul.edu or call 312.362.5731

Join us for our next Networking Breakfast on February 23 for an invigorating discussion.

Stuart School of Business, 10th Floor (565 W Adams)

Street and lot parking are available.

SOLD OUT.

Join our email list to be notified of the next breakfast.   Email csba@foresightdesign.org to join!

Free. Please RSVP to laura@foresightdesign.org. Members only

No RSVP necessary. 21+

People, Planet, and Profit. We all hear a lot about the Profit and the Planet components of sustainability, but what about the People?

Join us for an engaging discussion about the meaning of social sustainability in business.

Panelists include:

Jean Pogge

Executive Vice President

ShoreBank

As Executive Vice President and Co-Director of the Funding and Operations Group, Pogge is responsible for a broad range of ShoreBank’s operations and finance as well as its national sales effort called Mission Based Deposits. 

Prior to joining ShoreBank, Jean Pogge was President of Woodstock Institute, a nationally recognized nonprofit that works to promote community reinvestment through policy development, applied research, and interactive program design. Ms. Pogge received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Barat College and a Masters in Urban Planning from the University of Illinois at Chicago. 

Currently, Ms. Pogge is a board member and an Executive Committee member of the Social Venture Network and a board member of the Social Investment Forum.  She also serves on the Board of Directors of Chicago United and on the Board of Directors and the Finance and Investment Committee of the Chicago Foundation for Women.

 

Greg Petersen

Operations Director

Planet Access Company

Greg is Search Developmental Center’s (Search) Director of Venture Development and Planet Access Company’s (PAC) Operations Director. PAC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Search. With Search he is responsible for managing all social enterprise activities, which are currently comprised entirely of PAC-related work. With PAC he is responsible for financial and operational planning as well as oversight of IT, sales, and customer service functions.

Greg’s experience includes 10 years of work in nonprofit and government finance, with a focus in the areas of budgeting, lending, and performance measurement.

Brian Mayall

Employment Process Group

Brian Mayhall is the owner and founder of Employment Process Group.  Brian is responsible for consulting with clients, developing, and overseeing human resources and employment process outsourcing, as well as recruiting system and process design and selection. Today, Brian is partnering with clients on executive search and outsourced recruiting assignments, across multiple industries.  Brian’s work also includes evaluation of triple-bottom line benefits from human resource activities.

Brian has a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from University of St. Francis and an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources from DePaul University.  Brian is a certified Senior Professional of Human Resources (SPHR), an active member of the National Society for Human Resources Management, and involved in the local chapter (SHRP).  Brian is also an Adjunct Faculty member at DePaul and Governor’s State Universities, teaching undergraduate and graduate level course in Human Resources, Recruitment, and Organizational Behavior.

Enterprises of all shapes and sizes from around the world are seizing opportunities to 'green' their operations, products, and facilities. Join our panelists in a discussion of current sustainable business trends, and how their international connections are helping develop opportunities in this US and abroad in this growing sector.

Register now for this month’s Networking Breakfast for an engaging discussion, a great breakfast, and invaluable networking with a diverse group of international trade representatives and Chicago sustainable businesses.

Sponsored by the Chicago International Trade Commissioners Association and the Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance.

Panelists include:

• Cor Hersbach, Deputy Consul General

Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

• Mads Mikkelsen, Consul General & Trade Commissioner

Consulate General of Denmark

• Marcelo Michelsohn, Vice President of Sustainable Development

LaSalle Bank

Stuart School of Business, room 580 (565 W Adams)

Street and lot parking are available.

$10 for members, $20 for non-members

Karen Wan

Chicago Manufacturing Center

As Director of Sustainability and Competitiveness, Ms. Wan manages the sustainability practice at the Chicago Manufacturing Center (CMC). Her primary responsibility in 2007 is to help launch the City of Chicago’s Waste to Profit Network as the program manager of this by-product synergy network for the Chicago region. Ms. Wan also continues to work with Natural Capitalism Solutions to develop CMC’s GreenPlants program, which helps manufacturers create a long term strategy for competitive growth through sustainable business practices. She is also the Chicago Manufacturing Extension Partnership contact for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sponsored Green Supplier’s Network that focuses on implementing lean and green manufacturing within the supply chains oflarge national corporations.

Travis Griggs

Intercon Solutions

Intercon Solutions is an established recycling company with a zero-tolerance policy for landfilling assisting companies and individuals in disposing of e-waste in an environmentally responsible manner. Travis has been with Intercon since July 2006, where he works on new business development. Prior to joining Intercon, Travis owned and operated his own wireless communications business for five years selling Nextel and Dish Network products. Travis is a fifth generation farmer with an infant and a teenager that happily keep him and his wife busy in his off time.

Kathryn Lisinicchia

Recycling Services

Kathryn Lisinicchia has served as Program Developer for Recycling Services, Inc. for over seven years. Recycling Services is a paper and cardboard recycling company that has been operating in Chicago since 1984. In her capacity as Program Developer, Kathryn's primary work has been the design, implementation, and service of paper and cardboard recycling programs for commercial office buildings in downtown Chicago.

No RSVP necessary. 21+

Stuart School of Business, 10th Floor (565 W Adams)

Street and lot parking are available.

$10 for members, $20 for non-members

Registration is closed.  Join our email list to receive notification in advance of the event!

Learning From Sustainable Business Leaders: ShoreBank

ShoreBank is a successful financial institution, but also is deeply committed to conservation and community development goals.  What lessons can your business learn from ShoreBank's leadership and commitment to their mission "Let's Change The World"?  What challenges has ShoreBank faced in measuring their performance on these triple bottom line values? 
 
Join us next Tuesday for networking, socializing, and an engaging conversation with Michelle Collins, an 11-year veteran of Chicago's renowned community development financier, ShoreBank, at our next Learning From Sustainable Business Leaders.

Michelle Collins

Ms. Collins is the Director of Mortgage Lending at ShoreBank, America’s first and leading community development and environmental bank that provides access to financial resources and information to renovate and purchase housing in Chicago’s underserved South Side neighborhoods.  Her passion for helping others to identify new opportunities in the market that build appreciable wealth has been instrumental in her becoming one of the leaders in the industry.

Ms. Collins is on the board of several civic and community organizations, including: Loretto Hospital’s Board of Trustees; The Austin Chamber of Commerce’s Starry Night over Austin; Youth Employment Program; the 29th Ward Zoning Advisory Board; the 7th Congressional District Housing task force; and the 4th Ward Redevelopment planning program.  In addition, she is the choir director and a Sunday school teacher at the Rose of Sharon Church in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood. 

No RSVP necessary. 21+

Chicago is home to a wide variety of multinational corporations facing global pressure to incorporate environmental and social values into their operations.  While international in scope, these corporations often have staff in their local headquarters working on global sustainability issues. 

The Chicago Roundtable on Corporate Sustainability will provide a forum for these individuals and related organizations to network, share their challenges and successes, and participate in a larger community. 

This event begins a quarterly roundtable series on issues relevant to the pursuit of sustainability in the global marketplace.

Panelists include:

Baxter Healthcare

Pat Bartholomew, EHS Director - Management Systems

LaSalle Bank / ABN AMRO

Ilsa Flanagan, Director of Sustainable Development

Philips Lighting

Keith Cook, VP of Business Systems

USG

Ted Kellam, Architecture and Strategic Account Manager

Moderator:

Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Environment, Sadhu Johnston

Dutch Chicago Business Exchange

International Trade Association of Greater Chicago

Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance

7:45-9:45am

Agenda:

7:45: Networking and Breakfast

8:30: Panel Discussion

9:30: Closing

Mid-America Club, 200 E. Randolph Drive, 80th Floor

$20 for members, $50 for non-members

Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance and the

Chicago Center for Green Technology

$30 for members, $50 for non-members

Green Building Trade Mission to China - Debrief

In the Fall of 2006, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) sponsored a Green Building Trade Mission to China.  Several Illinois businesses participated in order to gain exposure to green building activities in China, as well as learn from the country's successes and challenges. 

What insights can be gained from the mission? What are the business opportunities for U.S. enterprises?  Join us for networking, socializing, and a fascinating conversation with 3 participants of the mission.

Panelists include:

Ori Sivan, Greenmaker Supply

Prem Mehotra, General Energy Corp

Prem Mehrotra is a licensed professional engineer, and is the founding President of General Energy Corp. (GEC). He has over 30 years of experience in general management, engineering, and construction management. GEC was established in 1985 to provide comprehensive energy management programs for industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities, and has since grown into a multi-discipline consulting engineering company. Mr. Mehrotra also has extensive experience in implementing state-of-the-art energy efficient technologies resulting in energy cost savings to the clients.

Lois Vitt Sale, Phoenix Architects

Lois Vitt Sale, Principal of Phoenix Architects is the Chair of the Greenbuild 2007 Host Committee.  Her work includes consulting with the City of Chicago on various green initiatives, as well as designing several LEED certified buildings, including a zero-energy interpretative center, the Evelyn Pease Tyner Center recently completed in Glenview, Illinois and applying for LEED Platinum Certification.  She also teaches a course on Sustainable Construction at Northwestern University.  At the core of her work is the belief that we need to continually educate ourselves on the meaning of sustainability while employing the best current technology available to carry us closer to a future where the built environment is in balance with its use of natural resources.

No RSVP necessary. 21+

Join our next Networking Breakfast for engaging discussion, valuable networking, and great food.

Global Warming continues to be top of mind across the world as an increasingly urgent issue for governments, businesses, and individuals alike. How is this growing awareness affecting your business? How will climate change impact your operations? In your industry, is this creating an opportunity or a challenge? What can you do about it?

Katie McClain, City Director for the Clinton Climate Initiative, will provide an overview of the programs of the Initiative and how the partnership is assisting Chicago's climate protection efforts.

Then, share your own ideas and learn from the experiences of others through small group discussions. Take away new contacts, tools, and renewed enthusiasm for making an impact while making a profit.

Stuart School of Business, 10th Floor (565 W Adams)

Street and lot parking are available.

$10 for members, $20 for non-members

Advanced registration is closed.  To receive notification about future events, subscribe to our email list at www.sustainablechicago.biz/subscribe.

csba@foresightdesign.org ; (773) 271-1990

Katie McClain

Chicago City Director

Clinton Climate Initiative

Katie McClain graduated from the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy in 2004. For the past three years she was a Senior Policy Advisor working on Environmental Policy for the Lt. Governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn. While working for Quinn she managed the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council, worked on passing environmental legislation, was an alternate on the Great Lakes Commission, and orgnized Environmental Symposiums throughout the State to educate and raise environmental awarness.

In May of 2007 Ms. McClain began working for the William J. Clinton Foundation as the new Chicago City Director for the Clinton Climate Initiative. In this new role she will be working closely with the City of Chicago to implement their Climate Change Agenda and help the city reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Clinton Climate Initiative

Building on his long-term commitment to preserving the environment, President Clinton launched the Clinton Foundation's Climate Initiative (CCI) in August 2006 with the mission of applying the Foundation's business-oriented approach to the fight against climate change in practical, measurable and significant ways.

In its first phase, CCI is working with the C40 Large Cities Climate Leadership Group, an association of large cities dedicated to tackling climate change-to develop and implement a range of actions that will accelerate greenhouse gas emissions reductions. With cities contributing approximately 75 percent of all heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions to our atmosphere, while only comprising 2 percent of land mass, large cities are critical to winning this fight and slowing the pace of global warming.

The Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program

President Bill Clinton announced in May the creation of a global Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program, a project of the Clinton Foundation's Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI), which will assist cities in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. This program brings together four of the world's largest energy service companies (ESCOs), five of the world's largest banks and sixteen of the world's largest cities in a coordinated effort to significantly reduce energy use in buildings.

and the Chicago Center for Green Technology

$30 for CSBA Members, $50 for non-members

Pre-registration required at http://csbajun27.eventbrite.com

Locally-Owned, Going Green: Defining the Competitive Advantage

Without the eco-friendly culture of Seattle or San Francisco, where do locally-owned businesses in Chicago find the incentives to go green? What are the different ways they can strive to reduce their environmental footprint? Are such pursuits worth any potentially increased costs?
Join us for an engaging panel discussion with three Chicago businesses who will share their insights on the opportunities to thrive through their commitment to green.

Hosted in partnership with Local First Chicago during Independents Week.

Panelists include:

Casey Rutledge

Multiple Choices

Rutledge, cofounder of Local First Chicago, leads the organization in developing a strong local economy that envisions a world of self-reliant communities sourcing their basic needs locally and sustainably.  She and her mother are owners of the gift boutique Multiple Choices, a five-year-old business in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, and recently opened an outlet in Lincoln Square.  Her mom owns a third outlet in Winnetka.  After years of being associated with the retail industry, and eight years as a public school teacher, she realized the importance of creating community through local businesses, schools, and residents.

Hillary Theiling

Sparkle Queen Cleaning Service

Hillary Thieling is owner and President of Sparkle Queen Cleaning Service, Inc. a green residential cleaning service serving Chicago.  It has always been Hillary’s mission to change the world, do something BIG and make an impact. After graduating with a BA in Sociology, Hillary decided she would not work in a non-profit social service agency, after a short assignment in a for profit small business, Hillary decided to start her own cleaning company.  Her vision for her company has always been to grow a conscious and sustainable business.  She is fulfilling her mission by choosing to have a green cleaning service, hiring immigrant workers and paying them a fair wage, offering flexible working conditions, benefits and English lessons, and growing a business for profit.

Helen Cameron

Uncommon Ground

Helen Cameron co-owns and operates Uncommon Ground in Wrigleyville, a community and arts oriented restaurant and venue.  She is currently working on opening her second restaurant in Edgewater.  When complete, Uncommon Ground on Devon will be a comfortable neighborhood breakfast, lunch and dinner spot with live entertainment nightly, and a variety of green features including a rooftop educational garden, solar panel water heating, use of reclaimed materials, low VOC paints, energy efficient lighting and most importantly, locally farmed meats and produce on the menu whenever possible.

No RSVP necessary. 21+

and the Chicago Center for Green Technology

$30 for CSBA Members, $50 for non-members

Advance registration is closed.  To receive notification of our future events, join our email list at www.sustainablechicago.biz/subscribe.

$12.50 for members

Advance registration is closed.  To receive notification of our future events, join our email list at www.sustainablechicago.biz/subscribe.

Chicago is home to a wide variety of multinational corporations facing global pressure to incorporate greater environmental and social values into their operations.  While international in scope, these corporations often have staff in their local headquarters working on global sustainability issues. 

The Chicago Roundtable on Corporate Sustainability provides a forum for these individuals and related organizations to network, share their challenges and successes, and participate in a larger community. 

Motivating Change: Drivers for Corporate Sustainability

Public pressure, top-down commitment, potential future regulation, cost savings, non-profit activism, and new market growth are all potential influencing the move toward greater corporate sustainability. Join three Chicago-based corporate sustainability executives for a discussion of the motivation for change within their organizations.  What obstacles do they face?  What factors are driving what change?

Join us for a morning of networking and targeted insights.

"This was the best networking event I've been to

in the past 6 months!" -- May roundtable attendee

Panelists include:

McDonalds

Bob Langert

Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility

Bob Langert joined McDonald’s in 1983, with management positions in logistics and packaging purchasing in the 80s; and responsibilities for environment, energy management, animal welfare, Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities, emerging issues’ management, and, most recently, social responsibility in the 90’s through today.

Responsibilities with McDonald’s include:

• Social responsibility efforts, including McDonald’s social responsibility reporting
• Global environmental management systems and issues
• Global supply chain issues (e.g., sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, animal agricultural and animal welfare programs)
• Issues management
• Part of McDonald’s “Balanced, Active Lifestyles” team

Mr. Langert holds an MBA from Northwestern University and a BA from Lewis University.

InterfaceFLOR Commercial

Lindsay James

Manager of Sustainable Strategy

Lindsay James is the Manager of Sustainable Strategy for Interface Inc.’s commercial flooring division, InterfaceFLOR Commercial.  In this role, Lindsay is responsible for translating Interface’s leadership in sustainability into the marketplace.  Much of her time is spent educating Interface's clients, sales force, and employees about the sustainability of its products and practices. Lindsay has addressed over 1,000 people in classes and speeches this year alone-challenging the way people think about the consequences of their actions and urging them to recognize their market power and use it in a conscious way.  She discusses best practices in sustainability and researches trends and opportunities in the green product market.  Lindsay is a LEED Accredited Professional and an active member in the Chicago Chapter of the USGBC.  

Lindsay is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, with an MBA in Sustainable Enterprise from the Kenan-Flagler Business School.  She also attended UNC for her undergraduate degree, where she completed a BA in both Economics and Biology.   Lindsay’s professional experience includes economic consulting with Analysis Group, commercial real estate acquisitions with Piedmont Commercial Properties, and environmental economics research with RTI International. 

Motorola

Emily Barton

Corporate Environmental, Health and Safety Manager

Emily is responsible for Motorola's Climate Change Strategy and related activities, as well as conducting audits of Motorola's global facilities.  She has been President of the National Association of Environmental Managers (NAEM) Lake Michigan Chapter since 2003 and has served on the NAEM National Board of Directors since 2004. 

Emily holds a Masters degree in Environmental Engineering from Northwestern University, and prior to Motorola held environmental  positions at Waste Management, the State of Massachusetts (Massport), and the Federal  Aviation Administration.

Moderated by Peter Nicholson, Executive Director, Foresight Design Initiative

and the Chicago Center for Green Technology

$30 for CSBA Members, $50 for non-members

Advanced registration is closed.  Please register onsite by cash or check payable to Foresight Design Initiative.

How to Make Chicago a Green Business Mecca

What makes a city a desirable location for operating a green business? Like any other industry, the potential for customers and qualified employees, favorable economic and policy conditions, regional expertise and resources, and other factors all contribute to the potential success of green start-up ventures or relocation to a city.

Does Chicago have the key components? What’s needed to make Chicago a sustainable business mecca?

Join this month’s Green Drinks—Business Edition for networking, socializing, and learning! Three panelists with perspectives on these critical factors will kick off an engaging conversation about Chicago’s future as a major presence in the world of green enterprise.

Panelists:

Glen Marker, Director of Research

World Business Chicago

World Business Chicago (WBC) leads in marketing Chicago's competitive advantages, coordinates business retention and attraction efforts and seeks to enhance Chicago's business climate by being a thought leader in economic development policy. As Director of Research, Marker supports WBC in its efforts to enhance the image and awareness of Chicago as a business location by providing the factual underpinnings that help to substantiate its claims.

Marker has over ten years of economic development and planning experience.

Marker is a member of the American Planning Association and the International Economic Development Council and holds a Master of Science in Urban Planning from Columbia University.

Bradley Peacock, President

Peacock Nine

Bradley Peacock is the President and founder of Peacock Nine, a boutique market intelligence and strategy firm.  In 2005, Peacock Nine created the WeBreatheGreen.com online community -- designed to help environmentally-concerned businesses tap into the collective wisdom of their current and potential customers.

Grace Rink, Assitant Commissioner, Chicago Dept of Environment

Greencorps

Grace has been with DOE since 2001 and, among other projects, manages the Greencorps Chicago program. Greencorps is a community landscaping and job training program, working to prepare un- and under-employed Chicago residents for full-time jobs.

No RSVP necessary. 21+

Business Strategies for Reducing your Carbon Footprint

Heard about Global Warming, but still don’t know how to trim the impact of your business? What options are available for reducing or offsetting your carbon emissions, short of installing a wind turbine on your roof?

Join this month’s Green Drinks—Business Edition for networking, socializing, and learning!

Three local professionals will be discussing key issues and opportunities to consider for reducing your energy consumption, offset your remaining energy use, and identify other strategies to go ‘carbon neutral.’

Panelists:

Carbon Solutions Group
T. Thornton Schaaf

Thornton Schaaf worked for a traditional derivatives trading firm for 3 years in Chicago before helping form Carbon Solutions Group, LLC in 2006. He assists customers in meeting their environmental stewardship goals by procuring Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and Verified Emissions Reductions (VERs) for their businesses day to day operations. Currently in the role of Business Development, he is working to expand CSG's business practices to include carbon project development.  Education - Finance/ Real Estate Double Major - DePaul University

 

Community Energy

Lesley McCain

Lesley McCain, Midwest Director of Business Development joined the Community Energy Inc. team in June 05 as Residential Program Manager for the award winning City of Naperville’s Renewable Energy Program. In January of 2006 she added corporate and industrial sales to her residential program responsibilities. Lesley has a BA from Northern Illinois University in Communication Studies. Community Energy was awarded the 2006 EPA/DOE Renewable Energy Supplier of the Year.

 

Ecological Products

Glenn Hunter

Glenn Hunter is an Energy Broker for Small to Midsized Businesses, Universities and School and Park Districts.  He provides clients with a variety of program options for efficient supply purchasing, as well as lighting and HVAC cost controls.  He currently represents Constellation-Newenergy, MidAmerican Energy, PEPCO and Suez Energy Resources.  He is developing Green Energy Marketing, Wind Energy Promotion and Renewable Energy Credit's for Corporations.  Mr. Hunter installed his first Solar Thermal System in 1980. He installed systems in Colorado, New Mexico, and Illinois, through an  affiliation with Solar Service Inc.

No RSVP necessary. 21+

and the Chicago Center for Green Technology

$30 for CSBA Members, $50 for non-members

and the Chicago Center for Green Technology

Burt Klein, PortionPac Corp

Peter Nicholson, Foresight Design Initiative

$30 for CSBA Members, $50 for non-members