Are you one of the good guys? Does your company or organization have a "good reputation?" What do your employees, customers and other stakeholders think of you? Does it matter? According to a new study recently conducted by Dix & Eaton, your reputation might be worth billions. Dix & Eaton reports (read article here) that a company's reputation valuation - particularly in the area of sustainability efforts - may be unlimited in its potential to increase a company's fiscal health. People are enthusiastic about recommending companies known for being good stewards - both human and environmental.  If you're reading this and thinking, "that's my company!" - we have some suggestions to increase your "good guy" visibility.

Coming soon in 2012, the City's website will devote a section to sustainability under the title of "Live Green." Visitors to this site will find inspiration in many forms designed to promote stewardship of our earth's resources. We are looking to our business community to be a source of encouragement. Share your story with us - what do you do to protect our environment? How do you implement or design business operations to save resources - planet or people? Does your business offer a recycling opportunity to the general public? What do you do to "give back?"

Recently we shared with you that Barrington Carpet (3602 S Arlington Road) is the first company in the Summit County area to recycle old carpet and pads taken from customers' homes, businesses and rental properties. Concerned that nearly 4-6% of all waste in landfills is carpet, President Craig Phillips, committed his company to participate in the CLEAR (Carpet and Landfill Elimination and Recovery) program. This program's monthly fee has a ROI not necessarily measurable in terms of dollars and cents.  

"It feels great to be doing our part for the environment," Mr. Phillips says, "we're committed to helping reduce the amount of trash sent to area landfills."    

Interested in sharing your story? Please contact Sarah Haring, Community Development Administrator at 330.896.6614 or sharing@cityofgreen.org.

New Ohio EPA Designation 

Also coming in 2012 is the rollout of a new program from the Ohio EPA designed to recognize businesses, organization, schools and governments that are committed to environmental excellence. Ohio E3 (Encouraging Environmental Excellence) provides interested organizations the opportunity to apply for bronze, silver or gold status. Program details and applications will be released in February. Here is the news release: EPA E3.

The 5th annual City of Green Holiday Pops Concert, sponsored by DRB Systems, will be Thursday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m. at The Chapel, 1800 Raber Road. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Tickets may be purchased in the Parks and Recreation office or online through Thursday at 4 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door (cash only).  

The Planning Department has engaged Bird-Houk, a division of OHM, to update the City's Long Range Land Use Plan. The plan will have a special focus on Massillon Road. We are asking those that live, work and do business in this area to complete a short survey, if you have not already done so. The results of the survey will help to shape the future of the corridor. Click here to take the survey and have your opinion included.

 "Like" us on Facebook and keep apprised of important news and updates on what is happening in the City of Green. The page is designed to keep residents, business owners and other stakeholders up-to-date.  The City has more than 575 followers.  

If you haven't already done so, "like" us on Facebook.