|
|
|
|
|
SBN Newsletter
|
January, 2014
|
|
|
|
|
Dear SBN Members and Friends,
Happy New Year! We hope that you and your business began 2014 with renewed energy and a clear set of business objectives for the next 12 months. When it comes to motivating staff and ramping up a business, nothing works better than approaching the business with a new beginning. Our next B2B program will be focusing exactly on this topic-- setting realistic and challenging business goals that will be your north star for 2014. As was said in Alice in Wonderland, "If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there."
The SBN staff and board have been busy making plans for 2014 that will optimize our ability to create a sustainable economy that is local, green and fair. In future newsletters, we'll be unveiling at least two new and exciting programs, so keep your eye out for some exciting new announcements about SBN's work! The list of upcoming events and activities of SBN and our allies is at the end of this newsletter to give you a feel for our vision for 2014. We hope you can find ways to work with us so that together we can grow our businesses and grow the local economy.
If there is any way that SBN can support you in reaching your business objectives for 2014 please let us know-- we want to help!
Sustainably yours,
Laury
Sarah Lambertson
Executive Director, SBN
|
|
Registration Open for Local Food Trade Show 2014!
SBN's Local Food Trade Show 2014 @ Northeastern University
When: March 4, 2014 Time: 8:30AM - 1:30PM Where: Northeastern University at the Curry Student Center 346 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115 Cost: FREE to Specialty Crop Producers // $100 for Exhibitors // $25 General Attendees Registration is now open! This event will feature open floor trading between wholesale buyers and producers of local food from MA and New England, as well as seminars addressing common barriers to trading. Please check out our webpage for the application and more Trade Show details. APPLY HERE! The 2014 Local Food Trade Show will attract: - Massachusetts and New England-based specialty and non-specialty crop growers, fishermen, and value-added producers who are looking to connect to interested wholesale buyers
- Massachusetts and New England-based buyers, including college and healthcare institutions, restaurants, retail grocers and more
- Other organizations that support or do business with food growers, producers or buyers
Event Itinerary: - 7:30am - 9:45am Set-up for Exhibitors
- 7:30am - 8:30am Registration
- 8:30am - 9:45am Seminar #1 (Buyer Seminar)
- 9:45am - 12:00pm Open Floor Trading
- 12:15pm - 1:30pm Seminar #2 (Producer Seminar)
*Optional lunch can be pre-ordered for $11.00 and will be available to pick up from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Sponsorship Opportunities: We are currently seeking sponsors for this year's Local Food Trade Show. If you would like to maximize your visibility and presence with businesses who are interested in trading and sales of local food, please contact Sarah at sarah.lambertson@sbnmass.org or (617) 395-0250 to learn more! The 2014 Local Food Trade Show is produced by the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts' Boston Local Food Program. This event is made possible in part by Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and Northeastern University. Trade Show partners include Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance and Health Care Without Harm. Stay Tuned! If you are interested in receiving more Trade Show details as they become available, please sign up for our mailing list here.    
|
A Spirited & Successful WBUR Holiday Fundraiser! 
SBN wrapped up 2013 in style! On December 18th, we celebrated our 12th Annual WBUR Holiday Fundraiser. We kicked off the spirited night with delicious local food from Basil Tree Catering & Café (include thai spring rolls and an antipasto platter), and invited attendees to bid in a competitive silent auction. Some of our most popular items were: a gift box from Sam Adams, Boston University Hockey Tickets and a 4-Delivery subscription to Boston Organics! 
As the night progressed, Robin Young conducted an insightful and entertaining interview with her co-host Jeremy Hobson, who has been involved in radio since he was 9 years old! After the interview, Robin facilitated the live auction, which was a huge success!
Attendees bid on U.S. Figure Skating Championship Tickets, a signed baseball by Dustin Pedroia, and Premiere Celtics Tickets (among other exciting items). SBN was able to raise critical funds for our 2014 programming, which exceeded expectations.
We want to thank all of you who attended, donated or helped out in any way to make our WBUR Holiday Party a fun and profitable event. We are grateful to have such a wonderful community of supporters and are excited to start 2014 on a strong note!
For more photos, visit our Facebook page here.
|
|
B2B Networking Group Meeting: Building Goals for Small Business
Featuring national industry leaders, Michael Kanter & Susan Labandibar
When: Tuesday, January 28th, 2014
Time: 8:30AM-10:00AM
Where: SBN Offices, 2nd Level Boardroom
99 Bishop Allen Drive
Cambridge, MA 02139
The B2B Networking Program is turning 1-year old! Help us celebrate a year of connection, success and learning at the next B2B Meeting on Tuesday morning,
January 28th from 8:30-10:00 AM at the SBN Offices. Our theme for this upcoming B2B is Goal Setting for Small Businesses.
In 2014, we're presented with a unique opportunity to set new goals and strengthen our local economy. So, how do you know where to start? At the one-year anniversary of SBN's B2B Program, we'll be answering just that! This meeting will aim to help independent business-owners and community leaders establish realistic, thoughtful and achievable goals for 2014.
Additionally, we'll bring in nationally recognized business owners who are leaders in the industry to mentor and guide you in creating these goals:
 Michael Kanter, Co-Founder and Owner of Cambridge Naturals, has recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of his business! He is a consultant to businesses within the Natural Products Market and speaks across the nation at natural products trade events about the rewards and the struggles of running a locally-owned community-oriented business.
 Michael runs one of the most successful natural products businesses the nation, and will show us how small goals and resolutions can make big impact on
business.
Susan Labandibar, SBN Board President and CEO of Tech Networks of Boston, has successfully run her business for 20 years and is actively involved with several non-profit organizations. Susan also travels around the country advocating for climate policy change and founded the Climate Action Liaison Coalition.
Registration:
$10 Members: Buy now!
$20 Non-Members: Buy now!
To register please use the PayPal links above. If you prefer to pay by cash or check at the door please e-mail taryn@sbnmass.org to secure your space, or call 617-395-0250.
Refreshments:
A light, local breakfast will be sponsored by Cambridge Naturals! Cambridge Naturals is a local family-owned business in Porter Square that sells nutritional supplements for health and wellness, pure, clean body care products and organic foods.
|
|
SBN New & Returning Member Announcement 
SBN's network is growing in leaps and bounds! A big welcome to our newest SBN Members:
Harvest Pressed: Harvest Pressed is a new juice company based in Framingham, MA that just signed on as new members of SBN! We look forward to learning more about their exciting new business venture.
Streetcar Beer & Wine: Located in Jamaica Plain, Streetcar is a local beer and wine shop that offers free weekly tastings at their store. They value, "above all else that both wine and beer offer a visceral connection to a particular place and its dependent culture." As an SBLP graduate, they have shown a strong commitment to sustainability.
Welcome back to renewing SBN Members:
Evergreen Consulting: Evergreen Consulting & Training is a green consulting company founded by Al Neirenberg. Evergreen Consulting has the unique ability to execute on current plans while strategically designing for the future, and can take a vision and craft a pathway to action, motivating, engaging and building skills.
Basil Tree Catering & Café: Basil Tree Catering is a gourmet and natural food catering company based in Cambridge, MA that strives to offer the highest quality food and service while still maintaining a social and environmental conscience. Basil Tree is working on many levels to work towards environmental sustainability, and was SBLP-certified in 2011.
EBI Consulting: EBI Consulting provides environmental risk and compliance management, due diligence, energy efficiency, and engineering services to organizations seeking to improve operations, lower costs, manage risk and exceed stakeholder expectations.
Boston Building Resources: BBR inspires, educates and empower homeowners to increase the efficiency and value of their homes. As a local social enterprise, BBR focuses on affordable solutions that help local homeowners create stronger communities, while also benefiting the environment.
Tech Networks of Boston: TNB delivers help desk, remote monitoring and maintenance, staff augmentation, onsite support, training and project IT services to non-profits and businesses in greater Boston, with a focus on non-profit health care and human service providers.
Interested in becoming a member?
Take a look and see what you think! Feel free to reach out to Sarah with any questions regarding your individual, student or business membership!
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!
|
 Small Business Awards Nominations Deadline 1/17/14
All nominations must be submitted online, postmarked or hand delivered to the SBA no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on January 17, 2014.
On behalf of the Small Business Association, we hope that you will consider nominating a small business for the 2014 National Small Business Week Awards. For more than 50 years, National Small Business Week has recognized the outstanding achievements of America's small businesses for their contributions in their local communities, and to our nation's economy. Winners will be announced during National Small Business Week-- May 12-16, 2014.
There are so many businesses in our local community that are deserving-- please take a moment to give them a nomination. Creating jobs and giving back to the community are two criteria which make a candidate stand out. Just fill out the form, fax it in and SBA will do the rest. Small Business Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year will compete for the national award. Other awards are local and specific to Massachusetts and New England, including: Veteran Owned; Women Owned; Minority Owned; Family; and lastly, Manufacturer of the Year.
|
|
 Sustainable Business Leader Program Updates
All three businesses are true leaders of sustainability in each of their respective fields. Highlights from the re-certification process include NitWits participating in a composting program, and Gentle Giant installing garden beds for employees to learn about gardening and composting. SBLP is happy to work with three great businesses for a second time!
The SBLP is in the process of re-certifying many local businesses. If you're interested in re-certifying, please contact Alex Barber at alex@sbnmass.org!
|
Save the Date! 3rd Annual Sustainability Leadership Summit and 25th Sustainable Business Conference on May 15, 2014
What: Third Annual Sustainability Leadership Summit & 25th Annual Sustainable Business Conference
Theme: Sustainable Entrepreneurs Take the Lead: Examples of Partnerships and Collaborations that Build a Strong Local Economy!
When: Thursday, May 15, 2014
Where: UMass Boston,
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
Tickets will go on sale soon!
|
|
|
Massachusetts' Raise of the Minimum Wage
The MA Senate has voted on a bill to increase the minimum wage in Massachusetts, and we want to make you aware of this important issue. Shortly, SBN will be sending out a survey to our network and members in order to gauge responses to this bill.
"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 $10.75 today if it had kept up with the rising cost of living since the 1960s instead of falling behind.
We support gradually raising the Massachusetts minimum wage over three years to $11 by 2016 - and then adjusting 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."
-- See Full Text of Massachusetts Business for a Fair Minimum Wage statement.
This effort is sponsored by Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, a national network of business owners and executives who believe a fair minimum wage makes good business sense. Business leaders can click here to sign the statement:
http://www.businessforafairminimumwage.org/Massachusetts-Minimum-Wage-Statement.
www.businessforafairminimumwage.org
|
Sustainable Business Academy Inaugural Meeting
On Friday, February 7th at noon, Tellus Institute will host the inaugural meeting of the Sustainable Business Academy. Join us for the first in a series of presentations and discussions from local entrepreneurs and academics, investigating emerging topics of interest to big picture thinkers and local entrepreneurs, alike. Preserve: A Presentation and Case Study in B Corporations Speakers will include Eric Hudson, CEO of Preserve, and Halina Brown, Professor of Environmental Science and Policy at Clark University, and a Tellus Associate Fellow. We look forward to an exciting dialogue between a practitioner and an academic. Visit the SBA event page for more information on presenters. The Sustainable Business Academy aims to bridge a gap between three groups: Businesses, Academics, and Social Innovators from non-profits, government etc. This gap appears as different languages, different styles of communication, and different outcomes that each group is aiming for with regard to the "New Economy." The Sustainable Business Academy aspires to: - Share knowledge and best practices across these sectors
- Draw attention to work being done in terms of education and research, and
- Gain resources - for funding research, starting ventures, and supporting non-profits.
Please register as soon as possible; February 3rd is the closing date and we will take registrants first come, first served. Lunch provided by Tellus. Participation is limited. When: February 7, 12pm-1:30pm Where: Tellus Institute, 11 Arlington Street, Boston, MA Registration Deadline: February 3, 2014 Cost: FREE! |
One Week Left for ISLR Survey, ending Tues., January 21! 
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) has nearly completed their national survey of independent businesses in January 2014.
Each January for the last six years, ILSR has worked in partnership with AMIBA and other independent business groups to survey thousands of locally owned, independent businesses across all 50 states and nearly every sector of the economy (retail, services, food, manufacturing, etc.). These surveys have provided concrete data demonstrating the impact of our collective efforts to shift how people think and act. The findings are typically cited in over 100 news stories each year, helping to validate and spread the pro-indie message.
This survey will only be open for one more week, ending on Tuesday, January 21st. We strongly encourage your business to participate. It generally takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is entirely confidential.
Click Here to start it now!
The survey has three goals:
To gauge how independent businesses are faring.
To assess whether people are more aware and supportive of locally owned, independent businesses.
To identify some of the main challenges affecting independent businesses.
Now in its 7th year, it has provided unique and important data about the viability of independent businesses and the impact of the Localization Movement. Last year, more than 2,300 businesses completed the survey and its findings were featured in dozens of national and local news stories across the country.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey now.
|
Film Screening: "The Carbon Rush"
Join us for a special screening of "The Carbon
Rush: The Truth Behind the Carbon Market Smokescreen," an eye-opening film that reveals the true cost of carbon trading and who stands to gain or lose.
With the help of our community, this film will now be shown at the Regent Theatre in Arlington on January 20 at 7:30pm via gathr.us. Join over 50 other local attendees by reserving your tickets in advance!
This is a special and unique opportunity to see a private showing of "The Carbon Rush." Don't miss out! Click HERE for more information.
When: January 20th, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Regent Theatre, Arlington, MA
Cost: $10
|
Green Tip of the Month: Anti-Idling-- Turn it Off!
As deep winter sets in, drivers across New England will fall into the old habit of idling their engines in order to warm up the car. While it sure does feel good to get into a warm car on a cold day, the effects of all that idling add up... and the results are chilling.
Every day, 3.8 million gallons of fuel are wasted in the U.S by vehicle idling. That's equivalent to 5 Olympic sized swimming pools worth of fuel! This costs U.S. drivers close to $14 million dollars, and results in the release of billions of pounds of CO2 emissions annually, as well as other harmful particulates, which have adverse health effects and are damaging to our environment.
The average American idles 16 minutes per day-at drive-thrus, banks, schools, train stations and more. If each car reduced it's idling time by as little as 4 minutes per day drivers would save 8 gallons of gas and 176 pounds of C02 over the course of the year. With just this small change, collectively, the 253 million vehicles on the road could save over 2 billion gallons of gas and keep over 44 billion pounds of C02 out of the air.
It's Time to Rethink Idling
Largely to blame, are misconceptions and lack of knowledge about vehicle idling. Here are a few quick facts to clear the air:
- RESTARTING 10 seconds of idling wastes more fuel than restarting.
- ELECTRIC IGNITION Since the electric ignition became universal in the mid-80's, restarting your vehicle does not result in significant fuel loss.
- WARMING UP Even in cold weather, engines only need 30 sec. to warm up.
- DAMAGING Turning your car off is better for the engine than leaving it running. When idling, a car's fuel is only partially combusted. This causes fuel residue to build up on cylinder walls, which can damage engine components and increase fuel consumption.
- HARMFUL Idling emissions contribute to air pollution and global warming. In addition, breathing exhaust fumes is linked to increases in asthma, allergies, heart and lung disease and cancer, and children are especially vulnerable.
- ILLEGAL Idling your vehicle for more than 5 minutes is against the law in Massachusetts and you can be fined up to $100 for your first offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses.
Take Action
Turn It Off is a new national anti-idling campaign organized by Connecticut non-profit Sustainable America. The goal of the campaign is to make unnecessary vehicle idling a thing of the past. Join the movement to stop unnecessary vehicle idling and reduce fuel waste. Here's what you can do:
1. Learn More Visit the Turn It Off campaign webpage to learn more.
2. Take the "Turn It Off Pledge" I pledge to idle for no longer than 10 seconds when I'm not in traffic. Click here: www.iturnitoff.com/ to sign-on and join the growing number of individuals and organizations committed to "Turning It Off"!
3. Spread the Word Share what you learn about vehicle idling and ask your friends, family, classmates and colleagues to take the pledge and join you in making a difference.Download and post free information posters, postcards and flyers to help spread the word.
4. Start a Campaign in Your Community Launch a Turn It Off anti-idling campaign at your school, work, or place of worship, and encourage others to get on board for a safer and healthier community for all!
Written by Katrina Kazda
|
 Save the Date for SBN's Upcoming Events!
Check out our Event Calendar for more event information & ticket purchases! RSVP to Taryn Johnson at Taryn@sbnmass.org!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
