SBN Newsletter

September, 2014

In This Issue

Upcoming Events

Thank You! Boston Local Food Festival was a Hit!

B2B Networking Meeting

SBN Participates in NYC Climate March

Local Craft Brewfest on 11/21

New & Returning Member Announcement

SBLP Updates

Thrive with Interise

Local First Updates

Healthy Life, Healthy Home

Video: Support MA Increase of Minimum Wage

Why the Local Food Movement is Good for Local Banking

Save the Date for these Upcoming Events!

September 28:

Dedham Green Fair

September 29:

Running On Local

September 30:

September B2B Networking Meeting

October 1:

Healthy Living, Healthy Homes with BostonEco

October 16:

Small Business Budgeting & Cash Flow Workshop

November 21:

5th Annual Local Craft Brewfest

Check out our Event Calendar for more event information & ticket purchases!

Dear SBN Members and Friends,

When seeing the news these days, it can be an emotional beat-down. Not much good news found and nearly every part of our world is experiencing some kind of catastrophic turmoil. And of course, our own precious planet is at great risk with climate change happening at an ever-increasing pace. So, it felt good to be a part of two major events that can give us hope and remind us in a visceral and tangible way that millions of people and hundreds of thousands of organizations from all parts of the planet are dedicated and working for positive change.

I recently returned from the People's Climate March in New York City, where over 400,000 people from around North America and other nations came together around one common purpose--stopping climate change. More than anything else, this march was a celebration of life. It was a communal call to action to people everywhere to do whatever we can personally, professionally and politically to live more responsibly on our planet.

Having participated in the first Earth Day in 1970, and many other marches over the years, I can say that this march was not only the largest gathering of climate activities ever assembled in the world, but it was also a statement of what is possible. We were part of an uplifting and inspirational moment in time that will generate an increased level of energy to help save our planet for future generations. The number of participating organizations was profound, and the diversity of the March was outstanding--every type of person in America was represented. I was particularly inspired by the leadership provided by people in their teens and twenties!

On a more local level, SBN's Fifth Boston Local Food Festival was a glorious celebration of local food and our local food system. Under a heavenly, sunny sky, we witnessed the launch of the New England Food Vision by Food Solutions New England. This inspiring vision was developed with many local food advocates from all six states in New England, and includes leaders from all areas of our community--business, agriculture, government and nonprofits. We need to think and act locally and globally every day! A big "thank you" to our SBN Team and The Williams Agency Team for going above and beyond the call of duty to make this wonderful festival be the joyous celebration that it was.

SBN appreciates the support and participation of all of our members, allies, and friends and we hope that the work we are doing inspires you to do more and to feel more positive about the possibilities before us.

With appreciation,

Laury

Laury Hammel

Executive Director, SBN

5th Annual Boston Local Food Festival Was Our Best Ever!

On behalf of the Sustainable Business Network, we would like to extend our warmest thank you to everyone who participated in the 5th Annual Boston Local Food Festival on Sunday, September 14th!

This year was by far the most successful festival yet; delicious food, exciting programming and warm sunshine welcomed over 50,000 attendees to the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway. We are thrilled that so many came out to support local food and healthy living, and we have you to thank for making it all possible.

Our 2015 date is set for Sunday, September 20th!

From one end of the festival to the other, smiles and full stomachs were in abundance. Folks of all ages engaged in the discussion about sustainable food systems, which was exactly our goal!

Some of the highlights this year included:

A competitive Seafood Throwdown, sponsored by the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance, which put chefs from Community Servings Restaurant Opportunity Center of Boston on the spot to create fresh and flavorful seafood dishes.
Families were thrilled by the interactive Family Fun Zone, where kids acted like "Mindful Monkeys" in Health Yoga Life's workshop and even learned tennis from Sportmen's Tennis and Enrichment Center.
On the DIY Demo Stage, participants learned how to make delicious food at home, such as farmers cheese and fresh ceviche
Sustainable America turned trash into sustainable energy in their Grind2Energy demo. Furthermore
Our cheerful Zero Waste team, led by Save that Stuff, kept the festival clean and green, even when it got busy!

Judging at the Seafood Throwdown

MDAR Commissioner Greg Watson

The partnership with the New England Food Vision, Food Solutions New England, is a big boost to our Boston Local Food work! This vision ties together all local food efforts under one unique and clear vision--New Englanders will source 50% of the food we eat from New England by 2060! The slogan "50 by 60" is catchy, doable, and pushes the local food envelope. The speakers were terrific and the messaging was spot on! The Launch of this important initiative was exciting and very inspirational. It was wonderful to have both MDAR Commissioner Greg Watson (pictured above) and MA Fish and Game Commissioner,

Mary Griffin, speak so eloquently.

The Boston Local Food Festival has been successful in promoting the culture of local food for five years running. This tradition illustrates a community coming together under a common message and would not be possible without the continued support form our sponsors and volunteers.

We extend a special "Thanks" to the Rose Kennedy Greenway for hosting us for a third year, to our vendors, partners, volunteers, attendees, media representatives and Boston Local Food Festival Bloggers!

Thank you again for being part of this spectacular day!

To learn more and for information on Boston Local Food Festival, please visit our website at bostonlocalfoodfestival.org.

On September 30th, 2014 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., SBN will host our next B2B Networking Meeting at Cambridge Brewing Co! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, share, and draw inspiration from members and non-members alike, while simultaneously enjoying delicious food and craft beer.

Our sponsor this month is Natural Awakenings Magazine, Boston's healthy living magazine! From nationally-recognized reports to local articles, Natural Awakenings Magazine has developed a strong network of healthy living experts covering everything from fitness to creative expression.

Sign up now!

$10 for SBN Members: Buy now

$20 for Non-Members: Buy now

*If you would like to pay via cash or check, please RSVP to Taryn at taryn@sbnmass.org, or call 617-395-0250 to reserve your seat.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 30th @ 5:30-7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cambridge Brewing Co. | 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge

COST: $10 for Members; $20 for Non-Members

CONTACT: Taryn@sbnmass.org, 617-395-0250

Refreshments will generously be provided courtesy of our friends at Cambridge Brewing Co.
Cambridge Brewing Co. has been paving the way for craft brewers locally and nationally since their start in 1989. As pioneers of new American beer styles, they not only offer a wide variety of beers, but also use the finest local, seasonal ingredients to craft creative American cuisine. Paying particular attention to pairing food with beer, CBC's chefs prepare fresh seafood, meats and produce with an emphasis on bold flavors and interesting combinations.

Questions? Call 617-395-0250 or RSVP directly to taryn@sbnmass.org!

SBN Walks in People's Climate March!

On Sunday, September 21, over 400,000 environmental activists from each sector of our society converged in New York City for the People's Climate March. The March began before noon, and at one point stretched four miles long with people still waiting to join it as late as 3 pm. The upbeat and positive spirt of the March was inspiring, and it is fair to say that when people boarded their buses for the ride home, they were exhausted, but felt a renewed sense of hope and power to join together to save our planet.

Despite enthusiastic participation well into the end of the day, the organizers had to stop the march at 5 p.m. because the streets needed to be re-opened. The number of marchers exceeded all expectations, and the section where SBN joined stood waiting for two hours before they were able to march. One of the best recaps from main stream media was the article via Time Magazine, estimating over 400,000 participants on Sunday, which offered a more accurate assessment of the numbers.

SBN Board Member Valerie Shulock (far left) with her family.

SBN was represented by a number of business leaders including SBN President Susan Labandibar, SBN Executive Director Laury Hammel, SBN Board member Val Shulock, SBN staff member Charlotte Meisner, and SBN Advisory Council members Joseph Rotella and Aravinda Ananda. Our allied organization, Climate Action Liaison Coalition (CALC) also had several participants including Michael Green and Quinton Zondervan.

Save the Date: SBN's 5th Annual Local Craft Brewfest

Save the Date: Friday, November 21st from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.!

Save the date and join us for Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts' (SBN) 5th Annual Local Craft Brewfest at the Moakley U.S. Courthouse located on the Boston waterfront--where the city meets the sea!

Come taste, explore, socialize, and network with local craft brewers, distillers, cideries, meaderies, artisan beverage brewers and local food producers. While celebrating local brews, enjoy live music by local musicians and take in one of Boston's finest harbor views. Buy your tickets early this year before they sell out and share with your friends by RSVP'ing on our Facebook page.

Purchase tickets now!

General Admission

Nov 21, 2014

$47.00

Date Night! (Tickets for 2)

Nov 21, 2014

$90.00

What's included with admission price?

+ A newly extended tasting period (6:00pm - 9:30pm)

+ Unlimited tastings from our participating brewers, craft brewers, distillers, cideries, meaderies, artisan beverage vendors
+ Limited food samples from participating local food vendors (bite size)
+ Live music and entertainment
+ Festival Guide with listing of all vendors
+ One of the finest views from Boston Harbor
+ Supporting the local food movement by raising much needed funds for the Boston Local Food Program

This is a 21+ event and all attendees must have a valid ID to enter the courthouse premises (no exceptions).

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/bostonlocalfood

SBN New & Returning Member Announcement

A big welcome to our newest SBN Members:

Jalarts, Natick, MA: JALARTS creates warm and inviting environments that reduce stress and promote healing. Because studies show that exposure to nature has a positive effect on the healing process and contributes to an atmosphere of serenity and calm, we design environments using nature-oriented elements such as color, texture, lighting and art, etc. Combining this process with practical spatial design and the use of earth-friendly and non-toxic materials, JALARTS creates spaces which are uplifting for the spirit of their inhabitants.

Welcome back to renewing SBN Members:

Berkshire Natural Healthy Vending, Northampton, MA: Berkshire Natural Healthy Vending offers healthy alternatives to what you find in regular vending machines. Their machines are made from 40% recycled material and consume and consume much less energy. They also offer a variety of healthy office snacks.

Blue Selenium Solar, Winchester, MA: Local solar installer providing both commercial and residential services. For a free analysis of your properties solar potential click here.

City Feed and Supply, Jamaica Plain, MA: A neighborhood grocery/caf�/deli supplying the neighborhood with a fine selection of Natural Foods, Specialty Groceries, Local & Organic Fruits and Vegetables, Regional Artisan Cheeses, Local Meats & Free Range Eggs, Fresh Bread and Pastries, Fair Trade Organic Coffee from SBN member Equal Exchange, Hot-Pressed and Cold Sandwiches, Soups & Locally Prepared Foods, Catering platters for all your soirees and shin digs! LOCAL Goods, all kinds!

Melissa Blackall Photography, Somerville, MA: Melissa is a local photographer also working with small businesses and non-profits. Her specialties include events, portraiture and headshots. Melissa has photographed many of our SBN events. Look out for her Boston Local Food Festival photos in this newsletter!

ViV Web Solutions, Somerville, MA: a full service online marketing firm "obsessed" with helping businesses prosper on the web. Their services include business and market analysis, social network advertising, logo and branding, email newsletter design, content management systems, and more.

Interested in becoming a member?

Take a look & see what you think! Feel free to reach out to Charlotte 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!

Sustainable Business Leader Program Updates

Based on the feedback and success of the Sustainable Business Leader Program, SBN has decided to offer the same hands-on, technical assistance in a targeted approach to address one or more of the seven focus areas of the SBLP!

This new project will be called Sustainable Technical Assistance Consulting (STAC) and will also offer assistance in areas such as employee engagement, education and sustainability planning, among others. Once identifying the focus areas of the project, STAC will complete a baseline assessment to recommend action initiatives and advice. We hope that STAC will serve as an introductory process for businesses who are looking to increase their sustainability practices, and can enroll in the full Sustainable Business Leader Program as a result.

Interested in learning more? Email STAC@sbnmass.org for more information.

Interested in learning more about the Sustainable Business Leader Program? Contact Alex Barber at Alex@sbnmass.org to learn more about the opportunities and how you can reduce your business' carbon footprint and save money. SBLP is also seeking new participants who are committed to local, green and fair.

Thrive! A Celebration of the Small Business Community

Join Interise on October 8th as they celebrate over 2,100 Small Business Owners from across the country. Their own small business owners will inspire you with real life success stories at the annual Thrive! event.

From 14 participants in one community in 2004 to 2,100 participants in 44 communities by 2014, Interise knows they couldn't have done it alone. The hard work, commitment and support of the community of small business owners, instructors, partners, volunteers and other supporters has resulted in 8,352 jobs created and retained in 2012.

That deserves a celebration, because...

When small business thrives, communities benefit.

Register now!

October 8, 2014 | 7:30 - 10:30am
Mandarin Oriental | 776 Boylston St, Boston

Interise is an award-winning organization that helps existing small businesses grow. Their StreetWise 'MBA' curriculum trains business owners to work "on" their business instead of just "in" them. The businesses that they work with have the potential for growth; and Interise helps them get to the next level.

For more information on Interise, visit www.interise.org.

Updates from our Local First Networks:

Cambridge Local First & Slow Money Boston present Running on Local

For more information on the event, visit cambridgelocalfirst.org!

BostonEco presents Healthy Living, Healthy Homes Event

Be inspired. Discover new ideas. Find collaborators.

Join BostonEco for a fun networking event focused on healthy, sustainable living!

Meet and mingle with eco-minded professionals from the Boston area who are passionate about healthy, sustainable living while enjoying the water views from District Hall, Boston's newest community space for collaboration and innovation.

Come learn what's happening in the local and global green scene. There will be a mix of award-winning firms, startups, and innovative Boston area companies and non-profits to connect with including eco home design and local food experts. Plus, there will be some free eco samples and giveaways from local companies.

To register, visit Eventbrite! Tickets are just $15.00.

Wednesday, October 1st at District Hall:

6-7:00 p.m. Networking

7:00 p.m. Presentations

7:30 p.m. Drawing for giveaways, then networking continues until 9:00 p.m.

Enjoy tasty drinks and locally sourced, innovative food available at Gather, located within District Hall.

Local Business Owners Speak Up in "Just Like the Sign Says"

via Business for a Fair Minimum Wage

Real business owners give you the scoop on raising the minimum wage. It's good for business, customers and our economy. That's why business people around the country say it's time to Give America a Raise. Watch the video below and become inspired!

Just Like The Sign Says

See more at businessforafairminimumwage.org!

Why the Local Food Movement Is Good for Community Banking

Excerpt via American Banker

"People are increasingly aware that businesses that understand a particular community's style and taste are better equipped to create products tailor-made to their customers' preferences. The idea that bigger is better is losing traction as people start to favor the advantages of small, local options - and that has major implications for community banking."

"Consumers stand to make substantial gains by working with local bankers who know their needs more intimately,"

according to results from the community banking research conference.

Just as foodies want their restaurants to understand and showcase local culture, customers increasingly seem to want their bankers to cater to their individual needs and values. If community banks position themselves as the progressive, local alternative to big banks, they could benefit from many of the changes other industries are now experiencing.

...Most banks can effectively process transactions. When customers want to take out a small business loan or apply for a mortgage, however, interaction with local bankers becomes important. This means that even customers who rely on mobile banking and rarely step into a bank branch may be swayed by the local factor.

Moreover, as big banks continue to struggle with legacy systems and the high cost of upgrading internal processes, community banks can leverage their more agile, responsive nature to make major strides in both internal and mobile systems. With the right steps, community banks can use their small size and nimbleness to be perceived as both local and entrepreneurial....

To read the entire article, visit www.americanbanker.com!

www.sbnmass.org