Programs
The FSBA aims to empower businesses through a variety of networking, educational, implementation anad policy-related activities (i.e. Connect, Learn, Do, Advocate).
Current programs include:
CONNECT
Held quarterly, FSBA Nexus brings together the Chicago area's sustainable business community. Each event provides ample time to meet others over drinks and hors d'oeuvres in the professional yet relaxed environment of FSBA member Haworth's Merchandise Mart Showroom. A short (30 minute max) provocative presentation anchors each gathering. Attendance is restricted to business professionals (job seekers are encouraged to attend Foresight Green Drinks). Prospective FSBA members can be invited to attend as Foresight’s guests.
Approximately every 6 weeks, FSBA members have the opportunity to engage in an informal, yet always lively discussion with Director Peter Nicholson, Membership Coordinator (and experienced entrepreneur and advisor) Barry Bursak, and a rotating roster of FSBA sustainable business leaders. There are no set topics, rather attendees are invited to bring issues of interest, or to raise specific questions. Past themes have covered greenwashing, sustainable business certifications, marketing, FSBA programs, venture capital, and more! Members are encouraged to bring their lunch.
Limited to profiles of active FSBA members, the online Directory provides a centralized, easily searched, source of information for potential customers and clients. Members are strongly encouraged to keep their sustainability profiles updated so that the most recent information about their ongoing efforts can be available to those searching for more sustainable vendors. As with FSBA membership, inclusion in the directory highlights those businesses making a particular commitment of intent and action.
- FSBA Member-to-Member Discounts
In order to foster business between members, as well as to collectively save money, FSBA constituents are encouraged to provide short-term or standing offers to one another. These are published in a special member section of the website, as well as promoted through the organization's monthly newsletter.
- FSBA-to-Hub Discounts
Every month FSBA members are solicited for short-term or standing discount offers to be provided to Foresight's email list. These provide members a unique opportunity to generate visibility and sales by positioning their brand in front of more than 4000 sustainability-minded Chicago area residents. A special page is maintained on Foresight website for easy reference by constituents in between the monthly emails.
- FSBA Press Referrals
The FSBA is regularly contact by journalists seeking information sources for articles. Relevant member enterprises are always the first entities to be suggested. As a result, members have been included in stories in the Chicago Tribune, WBEZ, Crain's Chicago Business, Mindful Metropolis, and others.
- FSBA Semi-Annual Advertisement
Twice a year, FSBA members are recognized and promoted through inclusion in an ad in Mindful Metropolis.
LEARN
- Seminars
The FSBA recognizes the need for ongoing professional development and regularly offers a variety of seminars on topics relevant to members and other interested parties. Over the past several years, it has codified these courses (most are 3.5 hours long) into the following curriculum.
- SUST BIZ 101: Sustainable Business Fundamentals—Principles
- SUST BIZ 102: Sustainable Business Fundamentals—Practices
- SUST BIZ 103: Sustainable Business Fundamentals—Frameworks
- SUST BIZ 104: Sustainable Business Fundamentals—Certifications
- SUST BIZ 105: Going Green: Where Does a Business Start?
- SUST BIZ 110: Marketing For The Sustainable Enterprise
- SUST BIZ 111: DIY Sustainable Enterprise Promotion
- SUST BIZ 112: Harnessing Technology for the Sustainable Business
- SUST BIZ 114: Office & The Environment: Building a Green Team
- SUST BIZ 115: Anatomy of a Sustainable Enterprise Business Plan
- SUST BIZ 116: Addressing Climate Change for Business
- SUST BIZ 117: Professional Development For Sustainability Professionals
- Working Groups
Topic specific and time-limited, these sessions combine direction from an expert moderator with interactive peer-based learning. Participants work through issues in a supportive, confidential environment focused on producing tangible outcomes for their enterprises in the allotted time. Topics may include those associated with the semi-annual sustainability campaigns (see “Do” below); building green team effectiveness; sustainability planning; market positioning and value proposition defining; business development strategy review and development; and early stage enterprise issues, among others.
DO
- Foresight Business (semi-annual) Action Issue
The pursuit of greater sustainability is a multi-faceted process rather than a fixed destination. In order to encourage adoption of more sustainable practices, Foresight will provide resources every six months on a relevant issue (e.g. energy efficiency, waste reduction, procurement, etc.) and encourage members take action appropriate to their enterprise. Reporting these initiatives in a member’s online sustainability profile will be strongly encouraged as well. Those members responding to each year’s action issue will be publically recognized. For those wishing a deeper engagement with the action item (e.g. developing a zero waste plan instead of just reducing waste), a working group will be offered to provide additional support and guidance.
ADVOCATE
- Public Policy Committee
Policy at all levels is going to play an increasingly pivotal role in the movement toward more sustainable business practices. It is vital that the values and interests of members are effectively represented in this arena. Members also need to be informed about and encouraged to take action on pending issues. The FSBA coordinates a member-based Public Policy Committee dedicated to this work. The group meets monthly to both proactively define and promote an agenda relevant to the values and interests of FSBA members, as well as to research and respond to policies being proposed by elected officials and/or other entities. Focused on locally-relevant topics, the committee works through the FSBA's membership in the Illinois Environmental Council (state-level) and American Sustainable Business Council (national-level), to stay abreast of issues at these levels as well. FSBA members are informed of the committee’s activities after each monthly meeting, and more often as pending legislation requires.
Interested in joining the FSBA, or seeing what people have to say? Join FSBA Now!
