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SBN Newsletter  

May, 2013  

In This Issue
Sustainability Leadership Summit 2013 Action Plan Progress
We're Moving!
Staff Update
B2B Networking Group
SBN Member Announcement
SBLP Updates
*NEW Policy Share
Hyper Local Craft Brewfest
SBN On Tour: Deer Island
SBN Green Tip of the Month
Dear SBN Members and Friends, 

Those of us who attended the 24th Annual Conference on Sustainable Business & 2nd annual Sustainability Leadership Summit experienced first hand the vibrancy and the commitment to action that SBN and other business and community leaders possess. At the Summit, finding ways to take action to build a local, green and fair economy was the order of the day, just as it was last year at the first Summit. In 2012, there were 24 Calls to Action presented over two Open Space sessions and the results of the Action Teams formed were impressive-- e.g, the B2B networking group was formed; a new group of businesses focusing on procurement was organized; SBN did major research on developing a new community loyalty card; the Michael Shuman workshop on Community Capital was held; and SBN created a new cooperative work-space for SBN and sister organizations. This year there were an equally robust number of Calls to Action--19 in total, and some are already on their way to being accomplished. We'll be reporting on these as things progress over the next 12 months.  

We're thrilled to announce that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has once again provided significant funding for the Fourth Boston Local Food Festival which is shaping up to be another exciting celebration of local food.  We are well on our way to selling out all vendor tents so if you're interested we'd encourage you to contact us asap.  

I want to give a special thank you to Juan Sanchez for his fine contributions to our sustainable economy movement and we wish him well in his new life in California. 

Everyone on the SBN Team wishes you all a wonderful summer and we hope to see you at one or more of our summer events.  

Sustainably yours,

Laury Hammel 
Executive Director, SBN
2013 SBN Sustainability Leadership Summit Participants  
making significant progress on Calls to Action!
SBN Leadership Summit

Business Partnerships: The Building Blocks of the New Relationship Economy
    

We were so inspired by the passion, creativity and ingenuity that was shared over the course of the entire day of the 2013 Sustainability Leadership Summit. From our dynamic keynote speakers, to our thought-provoking breakout sessions, and finally, to the wealth of innovative Local Economy Action plans developed, we have no question that the work we did in May was important and will go a long way towards achieving our goal of a local, green and fair economy for all. 

 

Although this year's Summit is now over, our real work is just beginning. Our passionate participants already begun building on new relationships, transforming newfound knowledge into action, and implementing their action plans to ensure the continued growth of the movement. 

  

Here are a few Action Plans that are currently underway:

CALC (Climate Action Leadership Coalition) to Advocate for a Carbon Tax using the Voice of Small Business, led by Rick Cutler

Rick and CALC teammate Lindsey presented their plan to advocate for a Carbon Tax in Massachusetts and nationally with the support of small business owners at SBN's recent Advisory Council meeting.  The board will be reviewing next steps for SBN at the July board retreat. 

 

Establish a SBN Sustainable Procurement Assistance Network (SPAN), led by Susan Labandibar

SBN's new SPAN group is well underway with a core advisory committee formed, an initial draft of group standards developed and more.  In the next few months the SPAN group will be reaching out to established B2B service providers in the network to grow the groups membership.  If you are interested in learning more or taking part e-mail: John Marchiony at: [email protected] 

 

Establish a Boston Sustainability Academy, led by Joe Grafton & Phillip Vergragt

Since the Summit, the group has collaborated via e-mail to develop a comprehensive summary proposal for this concept, best described as the Sustainable Business Academy. The group is now planning to meet in person to review the proposal and to create an action plan for implementation.  

 

Create a Local Community Business Card in Massachusetts, led by Mordie Weintraub

A continuation of a Call to Action from SBN's 2012 Summit, Mordie and his group are continuing to explore new options and opportunities for a local community card.  Earlier this week the group held a conference call to discuss next steps for moving this initiative forward.  

 

If you haven't yet taken our Participant Survey please take a moment to share your feedback.  This will help us make next year's Summit event stronger! 

http://www.surveymonkey.com/Summit

 

For more pictures of the 2013 Summit, visit our website and Facebook page. 

 

Become a Member of SBN

Our capacity to drive the movement towards a local, green and fair economy rests on our ability to join together as a collective voice and force for positive change throughout the year. If you liked what you experienced at the SBN Summit, join in for a year of networking, learning and fun! 

 

It's your future to create. 

 

To learn more about becoming a member, click here:www.sbnmass.org/membership/

We're Moving!   

Our new office location!
After more than four years at our quaint Inman Square location, the SBN team is thrilled to announce that our office is moving to the heart of Central Square on June 1, 2013! 

Our new office will be located at 99 Bishop Allen Drive, Suite 100 in Cambridge, MA. We'll now be one block from Central Square T Station on the red line, and just around the corner from all of the local action in Central Square.

We're also proud to announce that this move was a result of a Call to Action at the 2012 Sustainability Leadership Summit to create a Co-op/shared office space. The SBN team, will be sharing our new space with Cambridge Local FirstJulia Shanks Food Consulting, and Fair Food Fund. Currently, the building's other occupants are all non-profit organizations.  SBN is seeking a 4th tenant to share our space.  We have a large private work space with an attached private office available for rent beginning June 1.  Interested in joining SBN's collab space? Contact: Katrina Kazda at: [email protected] 

Interested in seeing our new place? Drop in and say hello! Or, join us for the next B2B Networking Group meeting on June 25th from 6-8:30 p.m., hosted by us! 

99 Bishop Allen Drive, Suite 100
Cambridge, MA
02139
Staff Update

From Top Left: Charlotte, Katrina and Taryn
Bottom: Alex and Juan
 
A Fond Farewell
 
Juan Sanchez, Outgoing SBN Program Coordinator 
May 31st marks Juan's last day as a member of the SBN team. After a year of dedicated service as SBN Program Coordinator with a focus on SBN's Sustainable Business/Community Leader Programs Juan is moving to California with his wife Xena to start a new chapter in his personal and professional career. In his new position, Juan will lead the development of a comprehensive sustainability program at The Thacher School in Ojai, CA and will also be teaching. Over the past year, Juan made a deep and lasting impact on SBN, developing new strategic relationships for the SBLP/SCLP with diverse community groups, including the Town of Dedham, Manchester Essex GreenTeam, Cambridge School of Westin and more, leading the development of SBN's new B2B Networking Group, guiding the development of SBN's new Hyper Local Craft Brewfest Home Brew Showcase and so much more.  Juan's important work laid the groundwork for a new era of SBN and today, Juan hopes that his work would continue with the new incoming SBN Program Coordinator, Alex Barber. 
 
Welcome New SBN Staff and Summer Associates
 

Taryn Johnson, SBN Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Taryn first joined SBN as an Intern in September 2012, working on Marketing and Communications and digital media projects and in mid-February became a full time staff member. Taryn graduated from Elon University in May 2012 with Bachelor degrees in Broadcast & New Media Communications and French. Specializing in video production and social media, Taryn produced several shows based on her passion for the sustainable food movement. She had an active role in Elon's Community Garden and was a regular volunteer at Apple Street Farms in Essex, MA during her summers. She

previously worked as Digital Media Intern for Chefs Collaborative, a national non-profit network of chefs who engage in sustainable food practices. 

 

Charlotte Meissner, SBLP Visiting Researcher 

Charlotte received her Master's degree in Biology from the Freie Universit�t in Berlin, Germany. After working as a biomedical scientist for four years, she moved to Boston to follow her passion for sustainability and the environment. She will complete her second Master's degree in Sustainability and Environmental Management at Harvard University in 2013. She is currently working on her thesis in cooperation with the Sustainable Business Leader Program.

Charlotte loves the outdoors, biking, back yard gardening and local food, and she is living car free!

Jackie Gorman, Boston Local Food Summer Associate
Jackie Gorman is currently a junior at Loyola University Chicago. She is pursuing two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Environmental Studies and Advocacy and Social Change and is expected to graduate in May of 2015. While at school, Jackie became interested in sustainability through taking a theology course focusing on the moral problems of the ecological crisis. Her studies since then have started to move towards strengthening her ability to communicate the need for change. As the Sustainability Initiatives Coordinator for her gardening club at Loyola, she is working on a campaign to bring more local, fair trade, ecologically sound and humane foods to her campus' dining hall by 2020. This summer, she is joining the Boston Local Food team and is excited to continue to learn more about sustainability through real world experience. 

Mari Brunner, SBLP Research & Outreach Associate 
Mari Brunner is currently pursuing her Master's in Sustainable Development at Antioch University New England. She has a Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry from the University of Michigan, with a dual degree in Spanish and a minor in Environmental Studies. She is expected to graduate with her MS in Environmental Science in May 2014.

  

Mari first became interested in sustainability in undergrad after taking a course on Environmental Justice. Since then, she has studied, volunteered, and worked abroad in Spain, Ecuador and South Korea. These experiences inspired her to go back to school to get her Master's in order to work in the field of sustainability.  

 

She currently lives in a transition town (Keene, NH) and is interested in sustainability consulting and working with communities on building resilience to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.

SBN's B2B Networking Group Meeting at our NEW Office!

 

Join us on Tuesday, June 25th from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. for our fifth B2B Networking Group Meeting. We are thrilled with the direction that the group is taking and need your input and advice to continue growing the group in size, reach and value. Let's make this upcoming meeting the biggest and most productive yet! 

 

Meet us at our brand new office, 99 Bishop Allen Drive in Cambridge, MA right off of the Central Square T stop! Light refreshments will be provided by Prism Energy Services.

 

Event Info
June 25, 2013
6-8:30 p.m. 
99 Bishop Allen Drive, Suite 100
Cambridge, MA  

 

To register please use the PayPal links below.  If you prefer to pay by cash or check at the door please e-mail Taryn Johnson at: [email protected]

 

Members

Member Sign up (PayPal)

 

Non-Members

Non-Member Sign up (PayPal). Click here to find out how to become a member!

 

 
For more information contact Taryn Johnson at [email protected].

SBN New & Returning Member Announcement   

SBN Proud Member Seal

 

SBN's network is growing in leaps and bounds! A big welcome to our newest SBN Members:

 

Avni Fashion: Avni focuses on offering fashion collections that are environmentally responsible and support the centuries-old artisan cottage fabric-making industry in India. All Avni designs are crafted from fabrics that are commissioned exclusively by Avni and are hand-made with all natural dyes.

Business for Shared Prosperity: A national network of forward-thinking business owners and executives that inform, mobilize and publicize business support for public policies that expand economic opportunity, reduce inequality, promote innovation and sustainability, and rebuild infrastructure for enduring progress.

The Elephant Walk Waltham
A French-Cambodian restaurant in Waltham, MA and the world's first Benefit Restaurant. As a Benefit Restaurant�, The Elephant Walk donates  3% of monthly sales to non-profit organizations fighting aspects of poverty. 

Fresh Pond Capital: An investment advisory firm that helps clients integrate their values with their investments by guiding investors on pathways that can create harmony-- personally, financially and philanthropically.

Purely Pears: Purely Pears was created by Moms, for Moms. Using only local, organic and the freshest produce available, Purely Pears creates nutritious and delicious baby food and delivers it straight to your home, office or daycare. No chemicals, fillers or preservatives. 

NetProspex: Voted the 11th best company to work for in Boston by The Boston Globe, NetProspex is the leading provider of B2B marketing data services and data management. Offering data management, marketing data, sales prospecting services and more, NetProspex helps marketing and sales work smarter. 

Scopa Group: Provides communities, businesses and non-profits with the strategic
planning, resources and tools necessary to create and achieve sustainability. Scopa Group helps clients to achieve their goals of economic, social and environmental sustainability by facilitating and implementing participatory sustainability planning and by providing leadership training and empowerment skills.

 

Welcome back to renewing SBN Members:

  

Boston OrganicsBoston Organics is an independent organic produce and grocery delivery service that provides access to fresh, organic produce to promote and support healthy living in a mindful and sustainable way that respects the environment, supports local farms, local businesses, and fair-trade practices.

 

Cambridge Brewing Co.Founded in 1989 the Cambridge Brewing Company is the oldest brewery-restaurant in the Boston area and one of the nation's first. CBC offers a wide array of hand crafted original beers, as well as their interpretation of classic world styles and experimental beers. Their commitment to sustainability can be found in everything from the beer and local food, to their revolutionary green business practices. 

 

Good Egg Marketing: A Massachusetts-based business that specializes in promoting good food and good causes. Good Egg was hatched by Myrna Greenfield, a seasoned marketer with a passion for sharing good food, helping people, and making marketing fun.

 

Intelligent Labor & Movinga four-crew moving company located in North Cambridge, MA serving Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington and the greater Boston area. They're dedicated to providing the kind of attention to detail and quality that only a small business can. 

 

New England Aquarium: Through their conservation and research programs, The New England Aquarium develops and implements new solutions to protect the oceans and balance the human impacts on them-- making a lasting global impact. 

 

 

Thank you all for your partnership and commitment to building a Massachusetts economy that is Local, Green and Fair! 

  

Remember: Think Members First!

What better way to support the local economy and each other than to support SBN members who share your values and commitment to the principals of Local, Green and Fair.  SBN is working on new programs to encourage and support greater B2B exchange within the network.  Stay tuned for ways to get engaged!   
Announcing our newest Sustainable Business & Community Leader Program Partnerships & Participants
 

The Sustainable Business and Community Leader Programs SBLP/SCLP are continuing to expand their reach and impact across the state. Since last month, SBN has been connecting with several community groups to bring these two sustainability certification programs to more businesses and community organizations in the local area. 

 

SBN would like to welcome a new SBLP participant, EcoCentric Salon and Spa, a brand new salon opening this July in Worcester, MA! The Salon is dedicated to natural products and services that enhance inner and outer beauty while also preserving the Earth's resources. Their products are organic whenever possible, and their professional color and styling systems are non-toxic, safer alternatives to traditional salon products.

 

   

We'd also like to congratulate our newest SBLP graduate, The Williams Agency. TWAGY is a full service and award-winning integrated marketing and business strategy firm based in Cambridge, MA that works extensively on the Boston Local Food Festival and other SBN Boston Local Food Programs. We're excited to have them on board with the SBLP!

 

We are happy to announce that Cambridge Brewing Company recently completed the

re-certification process on May 8th, 2013. CBC pairs responsibly raised meats, locally sourced produce, and sustainably harvested seafood with their fresh and flavorful beers. They also recycle, compost, donate spent brewery grain for animal feed, and support local suppliers. To complete their re-certification, CBC dedicated their menu to sourcing local food and continue to be leaders in sustainability. 

 

We would also like to congratulate the Dancing Deer Baking Company on their re-certification, which was presented on May 23rd, 2013. Some noteworthy achievements include: receiving a whopping 65% of their electricity generation from solar panels installed on the roof of their building, purchasing more supplies locally, and starting the certification process to become a B Corporation

SBN Policy Share
 
As part of a new piece that we'll be featuring in our monthly newsletters, SBN would like to bring attention to local and national public policy issues that we feel are important and relevant to our members, friends and local community. We encourage readers to discuss and share these issues, ask questions, challenge ideas and become part of the conversation.
 
As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports and promotes local, green and fair economies, we feel that this is a pivotal part of the equation to change the way the world does business.
 
Below, please find a current issue presented by Bob Keener and Holly Sklar of Business for a Shared Prosperity. 

 

 

Massachusetts was a leader when it passed the nation's first minimum wage in 1912. But our state minimum has been stuck since 2008 at $8 an hour - just $16,640 a year for health aides, childcare workers and other minimum wage workers. With less buying power than it had in the 1960s, today's minimum wage impoverishes working families and weakens the consumer demand at the heart of our economy. Please support a minimum wage increase by signing the Massachusetts Business for a Fair Minimum Wage statement and recommending it to business colleagues.

 

Support from Massachusetts business people and business organizations with members in the state will be vital in passing an increase. Here's the full statement with contact information below:

  
Massachusetts Business for a Fair Minimum Wage Sign-On Statement
 

As business owners and executives, we support raising the Massachusetts minimum wage to strengthen our economy. Massachusetts was a leader when it passed the nation's first minimum wage in 1912. But our state minimum wage has been stuck since 2008 at $8 an hour - just $16,640 a year for health aides, childcare workers, cashiers, security guards and other minimum wage workers. With less buying power than it had in the 1960s, today's minimum wage impoverishes working families and weakens the consumer demand at the heart of our economy.

 

Raising the minimum wage makes good business sense. Workers are also customers. Minimum wage increases boost sales at local businesses as workers buy needed goods and services they could not afford before. And nothing drives job creation more than consumer demand. Businesses also see cost savings from lower employee turnover and benefit from increased productivity, product quality and customer satisfaction. A higher minimum wage will keep more dollars circulating in our local economy and reduce the strain on our social safety net caused by inadequate wages.

 

A recent national poll shows that 67 percent of small business owners support increasing the federal minimum wage and adjusting it yearly to keep pace with the cost of living. The most rigorous studies of the impact of actual minimum wage increases show they do not cause job loss - whether during periods of economic growth or during recessions.* The minimum wage would be $10.69 today if it had kept up with the rising cost of living since the 1960s instead of falling behind.

 

We support the proposal to gradually raise the Massachusetts minimum wage over three years to $9 in 2013, $10 in 2014 and $11 in 2015 - and then adjust it annually for inflation to keep up with the cost of living. A fair minimum wage makes good sense for our businesses, our workforce and our state.

 

BUSINESSPEOPLE PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE STATEMENT

 

► For more information and to get more involved beyond signing the statement please reply to this email or contact

 

Bob Keener, [email protected] or 617-610-6766 OR Holly Sklar, [email protected] or 617-522-2923. 

 

Let us know if you are willing to talk to the press - even if you won't have a lot of time to give. And we're happy to help with letters to the editor and op-eds to get your point of view in the media.

 

THANK YOU!

 

www.businessforafairminimumwage.org

  

www.businessforsharedprosperity.org

Tickets Going Fast for 2nd Annual Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tickets are on sale for SBN's 2nd Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest!

 

Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest is a major annual fundraiser for SBN that highlights and promotes local brewers of beer, cider & mead, artisan beverage makers, home brewers, and food vendors. What's more, Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest is a unique event that not only showcases local beverage producers, but also showcases local brews incorporating local ingredients! While having unlimited 2oz tastings from local brewers, you can also sample and purchase delicious food from vendors like Valicenti OrganicoVermont Smoke and Cure and more!

 

New this year for the Friday evening session, SBN will launch our first Hyper-Local Homebrew Showcase Night- brought to you with help from the Modern Homebrew Emporium- highlighting home-brews and home-brewing with local ingredients. The Showcase, featuring a Homebrew Club Jamboree, will provide a chance for aspiring brewers, brew fans and the curious minded to experiment and learn what is available in the New England region for making their products. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about homebrewing, interact with other aspiring brewers, hear from experts, as well as taste a selection of the brews that will be showcased during the Saturday Sessions! 

 

Check more details and see our most up-to date list of vendors at

Tickets are already on sale! For more information or to get involved, check out our Hyper-Local webpage HERE, email Mi Li at [email protected], or call the Craft Brewfest Team at 617-395-7680.
Join us for SBN On Tour: Deer Island Waste Treatment Plant!

Have you ever wondered what happens with the water you flush or drain down the pipes? If so, you won't want to miss our next SBN on Tour to Deer Island on June 18th from 8:30 to 10:30 am. 

MWRA's Deer Island Waste Treatment Plant is the centerpiece of MWRA' $3.8 billion program to protect Boston Harbor against pollution from Metropolitan Boston's sewer systems. The plant removes human, household, business and industrial pollutants from wastewater that originates in homes and businesses in 43 greater Boston communities. 

If you're interested in taking the tour with fellow SBN members to learn more about water conservation, pollution prevention and other exciting sustainability initiatives at Deer Island sign-up today!  Limited spaces available. 



E-mail Taryn Johnson with questions: [email protected]or call our office 
at 617-395-0250!

SBN's Green Tip of the Month: Invest in a Summer CSA!

  

Have you ever tasted a green bean plucked straight off the vine? Or sliced into a juicy heirloom tomato ripened naturally by the sun? If you've never heard of edible flowers or explored pick-your-own strawberries, it's time to consider a Summer CSA! 

 

What is it?

CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) connects farmers directly to consumers, allowing farmers to earn important early-season capital as well as providing guaranteed capital for their produce. Consumers buy "shares" in a farm's harvest in advance, and in return they enjoy field-fresh produce at overall lower costs. They also receive greater access to high-demand fruits and vegetables such as long-stem strawberries and heirloom tomatoes. Most CSAs require an annual or quarterly buy-in and provide weekly deliveries or pick-ups. 

 

Why should you join a CSA?

  • Joining a CSA will connect you to a new part of your local community, and at the 
  • same time, contribute to the positive growth of your local economy. 
  • Since many farms and CSA's can be found close to home, investing in a CSA will reduce the food miles conventional produce may add up, which reduces your ecological footprint and carbon emissions! 
  • Not only will you be doing a great thing for the planet, but you'll experience first-hand where and how your food is grown. 
  • It's a great way to explore new varieties of fruits and vegetables, and also jazz up your dinner. Throw husk cherries into salad for a tart pop, or decorate a cheese platter with edible nasturtium blossoms. Every week is a surprise!
  • The relationship with your local farmer is valuable and will result in a meaningful connection to your food!
  • Save money on fresh and organic produce
  • Access to the freshest food, harvested every morning in your local community! 
Smart tip: Do your research and buy early! Many CSA's sell out during the early summer months (and sometimes even late spring), so make sure to contact your local  farm now!

Where can you join near you?

 

Boston

  

Enterprise Farm

75 River Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373

  

Allandale Farm

259 Allandale Road, Brookline, MA 02445

Phone: (617) 524-1531

http://www.allandalefarm.com/

  

South of Boston

  

Brookwood Farm

11 Blue Hill River Road, Milton, MA 02186

Phone: (617) 980-2368

http://brookwoodcommunityfarm.org/

  

West of Boston

  

Lindentree Farm

10 Old Concord Road, Lincoln, MA 01773

Phone: (781) 259-1259

http://www.lindentreefarm.com/

 

Siena Farms

113 Haynes Road , Sudbury , MA 01776

Phone: (978) 261-5365

  

North of Boston

  

Waltham Fields Community Farm

240 Beaver Street, Waltham, MA 02451

Phone: (413) 899-2403

http://www.communityfarms.org/

  

Apple Street Farms

35 Apple Street, Essex, MA

www.applestreetfarms.com

  

 

More opportunities to join CSA's and other farm programs in your local area are available on this website: http://massnrc.org/farmlocator/map.aspx?Type=CSA

  

Source: http://localfoods.about.com/od/localfoodsglossary/g/csa_glossary.htm

www.sbnmass.org
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