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Issue 84
 February 2013

Greetings!    

 

Happy Valentine's Day! We love Florida. And, we have been trying to figure out what to get her for the holiday. Sure, you can hug a palm tree. Or enjoy the beautiful sunset together. But it seems like we can do more.

 

So we decided to celebrate her and the great work that is taking place in offices, with organizations, through policy and out on the landscape. That's right! It's time for to nominate the Sustainable Florida Best Practices - those voluntary efforts that are helping to ensure a great state today and for future generations. Learn more below.

 

I know what you're saying. Where has Sustainable Florida been? There was a presidential election. A holiday season. A practically non-existent winter. And more. Well, you'll be glad to know that we have not given up.

 

The Board of Directors has been busy working on new strategies and exploring new opportunities to ensure that sustainability is a key component of any successful endeavor. Over the course of he next few newsletters you will learn more about our Board, our strategic plan and discover how you can be more engaged with our efforts - and us with yours.

 

Sustainable Florida is now in its twenty-second year working to promote the adoption of sustainable development principles through education and more. Sustainable Florida promotes sustainable best management practices through collaborative educational efforts throughout Florida. And there is a lot of good work ahead.

 

So sit back and raise a glass to toast this great state - one that we all love. We look forward to a long relationship with Florida

 

 

All the best,

Tim sig 
Tim Center, Esq.
Executive Director

 

P.S. Be sure to join us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on the latest sustainability news in Florida and beyond.
Nominate Best Practices Today!
CSF Best Practice Award 
Doing Well by Doing Good!

 

The 2013 Sustainable Florida Best Practice Awards will celebrate the best examples of sustainable development and practices in the state. Each year nominees become finalists and a winner is chosen in  seven divisions.
  • Small Business
  • Large Business
  • Government
  • Non-Profit
  • Partnership
  • Green Building, and
  • Leadership

The nomination process is simple. Just visit our website. You can nominate a client, a colleague or even yourself - it's alright we won't tell. But we will share the nominations with the world, policy makers and more. 


We can learn much from each other. So, tell us what's happening in your community or company. Each year the judges are amazed at the innovation and commitment to ensuring that the people, planet and profit model is successful.

The deadline to nominate is March 29th. Let us know if you have any questions via email.

What's Happening Around the State
Calendar 
Share Your Good Works

 

We are engaged with a lot of groups and proud to support their efforts. Whether it's the women business owners conference Go for the Greens or the USGBC South Florida's Gala Verde, there are a lot of folks who are working to promote sustainability. Let us know if we can help you.
  • Check out Cinema Verde - the Environmental Film & Art Festival tonight in Gainesville. Better than an overcrowded restaurant on Valentine's Day. 
  • The University of Florida College of Law celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act at the 19th Annual Public Interest Environmental Conference in Gainesville. February 21-23.
  • UF will also host the Student Sustainability Summit on Saturday, February 23.
  • The Power Up Energy Expo in Fort Walton brings together a diverse group for technical workshops and exhibitors. March 18-20.
  • Save the date for the Educational Alliance for a Sustainable Florida spring gathering of university and college sustainability administrative leaders March 22. Contact us for more information.
  • Don't miss the 27th Annual Enivronmental Permitting Summer Course on Marco Island. This conference is probably the most comprehensive look at policy addressing land use, water, climate and more. July 17-19.
 Our Board is not Bored
Board graphic 
Business Leaders Make It Happen
 
As with any non-profit organization there is a Board of Directors who set the policy and help set the tone. It helps when the Executive Director can keep a tune. Together there is beautiful music. So enough with the shameful analogies - basically this organization exists because of the belief and efforts of some great people who volunteer their time to serve on our Board of Directors. And every couple years, Sustainable Florida has an election for new leadership. Happy to introduce our newest Board members and our officers.

Dawn McCormick is the Community Affairs Manager for
Waste Management of Florida. Waste Management was a Best Practice winner last year for their efforts to promote commercial-scale composting. Dawn's experience in marketing and communication will greatly expand our ability to share our mission and message.

Diana Dobin issuperstar at Valley Forge Fabrics based in Pompano Beach. Valley Forge was a Best Practice winner a few years ago. It's taken us way too long to get her on the Board. Her international perspective on how best to engage businesses will be invaluable going forward.

Joe Kilsheimer is now our immediate past Chairman. He did a great job and was recently elected to the Apopka City Commission. I have learned a lot from Joe. And I am glad he will continue to work with us.

Michael Hewett is the Director of Environmental Services and Sustainability for Publix Super Markets. He is a mentor to many and works with a variety of partners. We are lucky to have him. Michael is our new Chairman.

Tammy Brister is a new member of Leadership Florida and our new Vice Chair. Her efforts at Disney Parks and Resorts is both inspiring and fascinating. A Florida native, she is working to help ensure a great state for us and generations to come.

Florette Braun has served for several years on our Board. Her work with Florida Power and Light keeps us plugged in. She is our secretary and ensures that we are working in the right direction.

Ben Parks is our Treasurer. Formerly with the Florida Farm Bureau and now with Florida Crystals, Ben ensures that we understand all of Florida's economy including the importance of agriculture. And he keeps the books balanced.

And, while not an officer, she has an even more important role now - we congratulate Jenni Williams on becoming a new mom!
Join NOW!
Here's a chance to become part of the premier sustainability program in the state. Members will get exclusive updates on breaking sustainability news, discounted admission to our signature events - Best Practice Awards and annual Conference - plus Regional Forums and more. Become a member and let us help tell your awesome story!
 
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. #CH37131