This session will explore issues of global relevance by tapping the first-hand knowledge and experience of North Bay sustainability pioneers. Our panelists will give specific examples of how their unique small business models allow them to empower and engage global suppliers and inspire customer choices, while simultaneously minimizing environmental impacts.

How do businesses incorporate sustainability practices that engage their employees, customers, clients, and stakeholders in a meaningful and proactive way? Over the last 15 years GSB's social and environmental practices show how sound sustainability practices are not only good for the planet, but good for business, and good for the community too. Give Something Back is an example of a whole new breed of companies that are quietly transforming business and shifting the value base of business from getting to connecting. These companies, known as social enterprises, are beginning to have a broad positive impact on the way business is done in the 21st Century.

Traditional top-down marketing is dead. Consumers don’t trust advertising, but they do trust each other. Online technologies such as FaceBook, MySpace, and the iPhone are facilitating a revolution in peer-to-peer communication. How does business today engage with new online strategies to build loyal customer communities? Learn about Social Media, Online Video, Mobile Phones, Blogs, and other rapidly emerging technologies that are forever changing the foundations of marketing. Learn how Sustainable Business is perfectly aligned to take advantage of this new era of Transparency and Trust. Joey Shepp will help you decode the online jargon and prepare you for marketing in an online world.