• Leadership Training for a
Sustainable Future • Policy-Maker Outreach • Community Education
• Leadership Networking
Sustainability
Sustainability recognizes that the planet’s resources are finite, and
that if we want to be responsible stewards of the earth, we have to use
those resources wisely, so they last indefinitely. To act responsibly
in this regard, we must look beyond our day to day lives. We must
examine the impact of our actions in a broader context. We must
demonstrate leadership to our friends and neighbors, and embrace
ecological sustainability as a continual process of improvement.
A Focus on Policy Makers
Existing laws, regulations, and economic policy make it costly and
difficult to live a sustainable lifestyle. There is a growing consensus
that government must make it easier to protect our natural environment,
foster social equity, and support a prosperous local economy. Most
elected and appointed officials want to do the right thing—they need
encouragement, education, and support. The political will to change will
come from a grassroots movement, not from city hall.
Leadership Training for a Sustainable Future
Our core program educates community leaders to be more effective in
shaping public policy. Participants meet for a full day a month, from
September through May. Class members work with key political and civic
leaders, attend workshops on sustainability, take field trips, and
engage in leadership training exercises. The class emphasizes the links
between economic viability, ecological sustainability, and social
equity. The issues range from global to local, the topics are relevant,
and the discussions are lively and informative. Graduates of the program
have held elected or appointed office in every community in Sonoma
County.
Policy-Maker Outreach
We educate and inform elected and appointed officials with
non-partisan analysis, research, and studies that help them make the
right decisions for sustainable communities. Graduates of the Leadership
Training for a Sustainable Future regularly act in advocacy roles in
their communities, influencing public policy and building healthy
communities.
Community Education
A key part of our mission is to raise public awareness about the
linkages between economics, sustainability, and social justice. We
sponsor public workshops and forums, often working cooperatively with
other organizations. Our website, www.ecoleader.org, is a powerful tool to
link individuals and organizations with resources and information.
Leadership Networking
There are now more than 200 graduates of the Leadership Training for a
Sustainable Future. These Fellows of the Institute are a dynamic,
highly-motivated group of individuals who want to make a difference in
their communities. The Fellows have vastly different economic, social,
cultural, and political backgrounds, yet they share an interest in a
just and sustainable future. We offer regular networking opportunities
for the Fellows, many of whom are also involved in the ongoing work of
the Institute.
West Coast Solar Energy is a full service independent solar integrator based in Sonoma County. We install the highest
quality solar panel arrays for residential and commercial applications of any size. Every installation is custom designed
to meet the job's energy requirements and the natural potential of the location.
Located in California's premier wine country 40 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma State is a small campus with big ideas. With a tradition of promoting intellectual and personal growth, leadership opportunities and technological proficiency, SSU offers its 8,500 students a friendly, safe and informal atmosphere on a beautiful campus setting of 269 richly-landscaped acres. Currently, campus housing accommodates 2,400 students in both apartment and residential suite style facilities.
Building on a four
decade long commitment to community development and sustainable business
practices, the 32nd Annual Harmony Festival, June 11th-13th,
2010 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, California, welcomes
35,000 attendees to the largest and longest continuously produced (32 years)
music, arts, camping and ecology festival on the west coast.The Harmony Festival employs a unique "progressive county fair" businessmodel, incorporating into the event a diversity of
"edutainment"–
entertainment & educational programming with cross-generational appeal
promoting both traditional community values, as well as cutting edge creative
arts, sustainable business practices and healthy living.
Our innovative
programming, blending socially conscious themes with cutting edge music, arts
and culture creates one of the most unique events of the festival season. The
June 2010 event is shaping up to be the most dynamic and well attended Harmony
Festival on record with our strongest music and speakers lineup ever, combined
with the continued development of our youth oriented action sports programming
and the revitalization of our Health & Fitness attractions.
This year’s festival
selected sponsors currently include:
Verizon Wireless,
Comcast, Spin Magazine, Fuel TV, Honest Tea, Kokomo Wines, Reed’s Ginger Brew,
Sierra Nevada Brewery, Lagunitas Brewing Company, The Bay Guardian, Yelp!,
Elevate Films, The California Institute for Integra Studies, Yoga Tree, Coconut
Bliss, Living Mandala, General Hydroponics & The Actions Sports
Environmental Coalition.
2010 Confirmed
Performers & Speakers (many more TBA):
Ms. Lauryn Hill, Steel
Pulse, Galactic feat. Lyrics Born & Chali 2NA, Slightly Stoopid,
Rebelution,
The Expendables,
Fishbone, Bill Kreutzman & Steve Kimock, Jai Uttal, Snatum Kaur, Delhi 2
Dublin
+ The Eco-Rally Action
Sports & Skate Expo
Speakers: Dan Millman,
Paul Stamets, Dr. Bruce Lipton, Saul David Raye & Caroline Casey
Washing vehicles, parts, equipment and machinery or using water in a manufacturing process generates water that must be captured and treated prior to reuse and eventually discharge to sewer systems. US HydroTech Environmental Solutions provides answers to businesses, industry or governmental operations in meeting local, state, and federal regulations for discharge of wash or process water.
US HydroTech Environmental Solutions can reduce liability and add value to any establishment that uses water in their operation.
US HydroTech Environmental Solutions offers customized evaluation of the appropriate technology for wash water treatment. We also offer equipment installation, maintenance services along with employee training in Best Management Practices (BMPs) designed to reduce water usage, reduce costs and reduce liability.
The combination of experience and expertise allows US HydroTech Environmental Solutions to be a single source Provider of answers to any size business, from those who use a single pressure washer for equipment to a manufacturing plant washing thousands of parts each day.
The Lafayette Book Store is an
independent, community-based bookstore located in Lafayette,
California. We are the oldest bookstore in the county (since 1963) and
were twice voted the best indie bookstore in the East Bay.
Dave
Simpson has owned the store since February, 1998, and has introduced
dozens of innovations to the business, expanding from the sale of new
books into used books, online used books, parking lot sales, book club
programs, fundraisers, a very active off-site events program, and most
recently BOOK CULTURE, a revolutionary membership program where members
receive all their book purchases at cost (typically 40% off).
The
staff of the Lafayette Book Store is widely regarded for their
knowledge of books and their ability to put the right books into
people's hand. Linda Grana, our store manager, reads over 150 books a
year and is an excellent predictor of what our readers are going to
like. Aleks Sedzielarz, our used book manager, draws from an extremely
eclectic knowledge-base to help with complex book searches. Lorilee
Sugden and Amy Williams are both avid and eclectic readers who work
closely with our readers.
Dominican University of California's GreenMBA is an engaged learning community that seeks to promote financial viability, ecological sustainability, and social justice in business and organizations of all types. Students graduate with practical skills and experience, prepared to innovate, communicate, and lead effectively in the face of global challenges.
We provide a culture of collaboration and innovation for those ready to take responsibility in a complex world that needs rethinking.
Dominican’s GreenMBA is an on-site program whose graduates receive a Master of Business Administration degree in Sustainable Enterprise. Students have a choice of two-year full-time and three-year part-time structures to accommodate life/work balance while pursuing the degree.
Skills/Curriculum
The GreenMBA curriculum integrates the stewardship of financial, human, and natural capital – beyond the triple bottom line - into a world-class program. Our collaborative, project-oriented approach integrates the development of entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial skills with critical thinking and leadership capacities. Our emphasis on systemic approaches to understanding complexity equip students to innovate and nurture resilience in organizations of all sizes.
Community
The GreenMBA community is a diverse, multi-generational group with a rich variety of life experience and work backgrounds. We cultivate a sense of place and belonging, and our network extends beyond northern California to global partners and a broad array of organizations and individuals who share our common purpose. Community events for students, alumni, faculty, and guests promote cross-pollination of ideas and the expansion of personal and organizational networks. Small classes, transparent communication, faculty-mentors, and collaborative, project-oriented learning create a supportive, challenging environment.
Transformation
Our guiding principle is: “Transform Yourself. Transform Business. Transform The World.” Program participants begin by exploring their beliefs, purpose, passion, and world view. Students acquire the tools to lead organizations to transcend ‘business as usual’ practices and adapt with a rapidly changing world.
We provide tools and information for growing food at home. Our solutions range from free advice and connections to support networks to cementlined raised beds with covers that create barriers to all and any pests. Our goal to to manufacture using local and sustainable resources whenever possible.
Daily Acts is a sustainability non-profit that offers tours and
workshops which promote ecological design solutions to environmental and
social crises. Our sustainability tours and workshops are classes on a wide variety of subjects from greywater installation and
edible landscape design to personal ecology and leadership. We partner
with municipalities to expand our reach, and educate thousands of
individuals each year. Upcoming events and tours include the Sonoma County 350 Garden Challenge May 15th and 16th, Sustainable Seaweed Harvesting, and Cob Earthen Oven Building Workshop. Call 707-789-9664 for more information, or visit our website.
Michael’s Custom Built Inc. is a progressive upholstery shop, We build
new furniture and Reupholster, Recycle, Restyle, Reduce, Reuse, Redesign,
Recover and Redecorate your Residence and Commercial offices, hotel, wineries
and restaurants. We have the resources to make any upholstered piece more earth
friendly. We carry unique natural fiber fillers and fabrics such as silk, wool,
cork, linen, and cotton.
Michael’s offers clients an environmentally conscience product without
compromising on design or style. Either a new piece of furniture or the reworking
of an old treasured piece we are committed meeting every client’s individual
needs and desires.
In the past few years Michael’s has researched and located sources
from around the world to supply us with natural and organic materials for our
Green Furniture clients.
When creating a piece of new environmentally friendly furniture we use
organic cotton and hemp for our batting, ticking, and webbing. Our frames are
made from recycled wood or F.S.C. (Forest Steward Council) certified wood. We
use low V.O.C. glues and adhesives and latex rubber.
In our small way we feel
proud that we are encouraging the reduction of furniture waste in our
overcrowded landfills. By reupholstering furniture and building new furniture
using the most renewable resources we are helping to protect our soil, water,
and air.
Living Earth Structures was started by Miguel "Micah" Elliott after years travelling the world studying various natural building practices. LES specializes in sculpting adobe pizza ovens and benches using local Earth on site when possible in an attempt to revive the earthen building tradition in Sonoma County left behind by General Vallejo. Our structures provide the perfect outdoor entertaining opportunities with a warm fireplace you can actually cook in anad benches which heat up from the fire.
Established in 1970, Ashton Vineyard has been the source of fine wine grapes at the heart of some of California's most notable wines.
We are proud to introduce our own wines made exclusively of grapes from our estate at the foot of Sonoma Mountain in Glen Ellen in the Valley of the Moon. We grow and make two varieties: Pinot Noir and Syrah.
The Vineyard
We started our vineyard with Pinot Noir some 38 years ago. We spent two years researching our site which faces east, providing the vineyard early morning sun. The sun leaves the vineyard earlier in the day than if we were on the other side of the Valley, which gets the late afternoon sun. Pinot Noir, one of the earliest ripening red wine grapes, benefits from our Eastern exposure which provides slow ripening with extra "hang time." The vineyard contains 7 clones of Pinot Noir which add to its depth and complexity.
The style of Syrah we love is like that of the Hermitage region of the northern Rhone area of France. Our choice of Syrah for the east-facing slopes on the southern section of the property was based on the cooler climates of the Hermitage region. Our Syrah also benefits from extended hang time and cooler late afternoons.
Our vines are sustainably grown, free of chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides
The Wines
Ashton Vineyard Pinot Noir is a rich, full flavored yet elegant wine that pairs beautifully with lamb, grilled sea bass, seared ahi tuna and, as we discovered with our friend, actor Daniel Benzali, French Vietnamese food.
Ashton Vineyard Syrah is a handcrafted artisan wine. The grapes were picked by hand, hand sorted and barrel aged for 36 months. The wine is deep, succulent and concentrated with richly layered fruit flavors, abundant mid-palate sensations and a lingering taste.
Conservation Corps North Bay (CCNB) was established in 1982 as America’s first local conservation corps and is a national leader in the local corps movement. Our mission is to develop youth and conserve natural resources for a strong, sustainable community. For the past 28 years, our organization has helped thousands of young people break the cycle of poverty, while improving local parklands and communities, cultivating strong environmental leaders, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Each year our Corpsmember Development program provides more than 120 predominantly high-risk young adults, ages 18–28, with the job training, education, and social services needed to transform their lives, while making a difference in local communities and public lands. Our corpsmembers help reduce fire/flood hazards, construct/maintain trails, restore riparian/wildlife habitat, and collect more than 75 tons of recyclable materials annually.
ECOrecruiters
is a small management through executive-level recruiting firm based in Santa
Rosa, Ca and we have been matching passionate people with
sustainability-focused companies in the North Bay and nationally since 1999.
We know that individuals, non-profit organizations and governments alone can’t address
the many challenges facing the environment. Companies, both public and
privately owned, must be involved in the process, and to do so, they need the
right team members. ECOrecruiters helps companies with green strategies make
the best hires to increase their competitiveness. With every candidate we help
place, we help others who contribute to the protection of the environment. It
feels great to be a part of that commitment and to see our efforts multiplied.
A percentage of every search
fee is donated to various environmental, humanitarian and animal welfare
charities
GreenAmerica Green Business Seal of Approval
Excellent track record of success and integrity. Client references provided upon request and please see "Testimonials" on our website.
ECOrecruiters
is proud to be a part of the Sustainable Enterprise Conference 2010.
* Mention that you found us through the Sustainable Enterprise Conference, and we
will take 20% off our fee for our first project with your company/organization*
For the past 30 years Odwalla has had a vision of nourishing humans everywhere. With a vivacious medley of scrumptious beverages and food bars, we've artfully blended the best ingredients from nature with the latest learning in nutrition. The result - pure goodness that nourishes body, mind and soul.
Odwalla is proud to support the Sustainable Enterprise Conference 2010. Doing the right thing for the environment and the planet has been a cornerstone of how we do business. As such we have launched a new project called, Haiti Hope. With this project we will be partnering Techno-Serve to help build out a sustainable future for Haiti's mango farmers. 100% of the proceeds from the Haiti Hope - Mango-limeade beverage will go towards this 5-year project.
*More info will be available on this and our other sustainability efforts at the event.
Founded in Santa Rosa, CA in 1965, PISENTI & BRINKER LLP has been a trusted business partner for our clients in the North Bay Area for over 45 years. Our clients vary in size and pursuit, but what they have in common is a trust in our ability to be a solid financial partner capable of delivering the highest level of client service in a careful, confident, and expert manner, taking into consideration the uniqueness of every situation.
Every day we make a difference to our clients. With customized plans and accurate solutions, we create value to our clients and help them move one step closer to their financial and personal goals. We are more than an accounting and business advisory firm, we are respected partners and trusted friends. Our level of commitment to our clients, our dedication to the development of our staff, and our expectations of the highest standards have helped us grow into one of the largest locally-owned and operated firms in the North Bay.
Our on-going affiliation with the RSM McGladrey Network has kept us on the "cutting edge" and maintained our position as the leading independent accounting firm in the North Bay area. This relationship allows us to draw upon the additional resources, expertise and experience of an industry leader in serving closely-held businesses.
The School of Extended Education is a 21st century organization
dedicated to serving diverse learners by providing access to Sonoma
State University's intellectual, cultural, and educational resources.
Our Mission
The mission of the School of Extended Education is to support and
complement the overarching institutional goals of Sonoma State
University. The rapidly changing educational needs of lifelong learners
has focused the mission of Extended Education on three critical
elements:
1) develop sustainable infrastructure and relevant inventory
of programs that will serve and support the needs of the diverse SSU
student population;
2) enhance collaborative relationships with
the local communities, the region, and internationally to foster
educational, social, cultural, and economic development; and
3)
provide essential services to extended education students and our
academic partners.
Northern California Earth Institute is affiliated with the Northwest Earth Institute, which publishes eight study guides on topics relating to sustainability to encourage and facilitate community dialogue in the workplace, schools, home, faith communities, and other places where people come together to envision and implement changes toward a more sustainable future. Topics include: Sustainable Systems at Work; Global Warming: Changing Course; Menu for the Future; and Healthy Children, Healthy Planet among others.
GreenUpHub™ is the premier green business directory list and resource that connects green-minded consumers with sustainability-focused green business providers, products, resources and services. Find green here...anywhere and anytime.
Sonoma Cool is a cleantech firm developing products that improve the energy efficiency and overall effectiveness of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. The firm’s initial offering, the Aqueous line of liquid desiccant air conditioners, leverages nature's evaporation strategies to reduce the humidity load managed by the cooling system. This, in turn, improves the system’s performance and significantly lowers energy costs—often by 20% (or more)—while maintaining the building’s environmental comfort zone.
Designed for commercial buildings such as supermarkets, hospitals, shopping malls, movie theatres, office buildings, and industrial plants, Sonoma Cool’s cooling solution reduces a building's energy footprint and qualifies for LEED points.
Do something you do everyday -- buy office products -- and support your community!
Give Something Back is a full service office products retailer offering over 40K products backed by a low price guarantee, delivered for free all over the nation, and serviced by passionate people whose mission is to help customers succeed while supporting community and environment at the same time. Every year GSB gives its profits back to nonprofits selected by its customers and employees. Our pioneering business model has been supporting communities across the country for nearly 20 years. Open an account today at www.givesomethingback.com.
Numi Organic Tea, founded in 1999 by brother-and-sister duo Ahmed and Reem Rahim, holds a prominent place in the specialty tea category for its premium-quality Organic and Fair Trade Certified teas and herbs. Numi is committed to sourcing directly from the farmers to deliver the best taste and highest quality. Numi Organic products contain 100 percent real ingredients for a pure taste, without the use of any oils or “flavorings.” Numi is a leader in sustainability and produces a healthy product that benefits people and the planet. www.numitea.com.
Sustainable Industries is an independent, award-winning
media company serving business leaders with news and analysis of key sectors
such as Energy, Green Building, Technology and Food. We invite you to become a part of our
community through our website, newsletters,
webinars and podcasts.
Take advantage of a special $19/year discount offer for our
monthly business magazine by entering the code ‘PRO’ at: http://www.sustainableindustries.com/subscribe
Guayakí’s mission is to steward and restore 200,000 acres of South American Atlantic
rainforest and create over 1,000 living wage jobs by 2020 by leveraging our Market Driven RestorationSM
business model.
Guayakí Yerba Mate is a
naturally energizing and uplifting beverage that attracts both coffee drinkers
and tea drinkers due to its robust flavor profile, rich medicinal qualities and
strong stimulating properties without the side effects associated with coffee.
In fact, yerba mate is the national drink of Argentina,
Paraguay and Uruguay where
nearly 45 million people consume it regularly. Guayak Yerba Mate is organic, fair-trade and rainforest-grown.
Yerba Mate is
traditionally shared in a gourd as the symbol of hospitality and Guayakí
celebrates the traditional usage as well as providing Yerba mate in
ready-to-drink bottles, cans, energy shots and tea bags.
The mission of the Redwood Empire Chapter of the American Institute of Architects is to advance design and the built environment through education, public awareness and by empowering its members.
New AIARE.org website coming May 2010! Please check back in to see the great new site soon!
To be added to the chapter emails list for future programs and events, please contact AIA Redwood Empire, Executive Director, Wendy Young at exec@aiare.org. Phone: (707) 838-2672.
Redwood Hill Farm is an award-winning, Humane Certified, Grade A goat dairy
farm and creamery located in Sonoma County, California.
Family owned
and operated for over 40 years, we are committed to making the best
tasting and least processed goat milk, artisan goat milk
cheese, yogurt
and kefir.
Quality and sustainability have been the guiding principles as Redwood
Hill Farm has grown over the
years. We are honored that the Business Environmental Alliance of
Sonoma County has awarded Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery the Best
Practices Award in recognition of environmentally
sound business practices and we are the first Certified
Humane goat dairy.
LonjeviTeaKombuchaisadeliciouslyenergizingsparklingprobiotictea. This Kombuchais
micro-brewed in Petaluma by brewers and friends, Mollie and Michaela.
They use certified organic ingredients and add Gauyaki Yerba Mate tea to give LonjeviTeaKombucha an extra does of sustainable energy.
On a single
weekend, May 15-16, 350 Sonoma County landscapes will be transformed into bountiful gardens, which save water
and carbon emissions, grow food and habitat, and promote greywater and low-impact development, all while
educating and empowering community and
supporting local businesses. This can be as simple as planting a fruit tree or
a tomato plant in a pot. But it is also an opportunity to create innovative
gardens on front yards, apartment patios,
school and church grounds, and business premises.
The 350 Garden
Challenge was inspired in part by the 350.org international campaign to find
and implement solutions to climate change. We use the term
"waterwise" to emphasize the need to conserve water in all aspects of
life including as we increase local food production.
The goals are
simple:
Create a healthy homegrown food supply
Save water and cut greenhouse gas emissions
Support local businesses
Build community and beautify our neighborhoods
Daily Acts,
iGROW Sonoma, GoLocal & Living Mandala are collaborating with the Sonoma County Water Agency and
dozens of community groups and companies to create the 350 Garden Challenge.
This county-wide project will engage citizens, organizations, local businesses,
media and civic leaders to save water and improve access to healthy, fresh
local food while positioning Sonoma County as a national leader in the local
food movement and water conservation.
