We come from the perspective that we’re all on a journey to sustainability. Businesses that join Sustainable Connections are interested in learning more and we aim to support their sustainability goals. In fact our model at Sustainable Connections is based on reciprocity -- we support local businesses in their stewardship of this community, and in turn, we ask the community to support them.

Business Education:

• Online Resource Center: We maintain an up-to-date website of sustainable business practice tips and resources.
• Business Audits: We recommend that members use the B-Corporation Survey as an annual (free) personalized audit of sustainable business practices. We also like this audit that ShoreBank Pacific  uses to measure and track the sustainability of the businesses they lend to.
• Educational Workshops: We survey our members annually to learn more about their sustainable business needs and interests and then provide the most relevant educational workshops. Check out our online event calendar to learn about quarterly workshops in sustainable business practices, Smart Trips, Toward Zero Waste, Watershed Pledge 'quick-cert' Seminars, and more!
• The Future of Business: Green Jobs and Sustainable Industries in the 21st Century.  Friday April 17th, 2009.  The Spring Business Conference is joining forces with the Green Building Conference this year to bring you an impressive synergy of local and regional experts.  This is the premier local business event north of Seattle.  The conference gathers together hundreds of local businesses each year who care about the triple bottom line, and gives them practical tips and inspiration as well as cutting edge information about sustainable economy opportunities.

Connections:

• All Members Meeting & Holiday Party
• Bi-monthly New Member Orientations: New to Sustainable Connections or looking to learn more? Join us!
• Monthly Member Luncheons: the first Thursday of every month at the Sustainable Connections office, from noon-1pm.
• Member Directory: Published once a year, with a mid-year supplement, members and many in the local community use it first for all their product and service needs. Also kept current and searchable is this online directory . In addition, we receive daily calls from the community giving us the chance to provide frequent referrals to our locals!
• Peer Mentoring: We know that for small business owners it can be challenging to do everything yourself. Available upon request, we will put together a group of your peers to help you think through a business challenge or opportunity. Describe the specific challenge you’re facing and the types of peers/expertise you’re looking to connect with and we can help!
  Questions or ideas? Contact mgrandy@sconnect.org

Market Development:

• Promotion: We promote leadership businesses as models through our local media outreach, promotions, peer to peer connections, and the monthly sustainable practice “buzz” e-mails. If you have something to submit in the bi-monthly member announcement contact April@Sconnect.org. If you’re doing something pioneering for a sustainable community and economy – share the news with Alison@sconnect.org – we just might want to feature you in one of our media promotions or case studies.
• Campaigns: We engage members with timely campaigns on important and relevant topics. We provide members with detailed ‘how-to’ information and significant promotion to potential customers. By working together members make a big impact!

                   Toward Zero Waste

                   Green Power Community Challenge

                   Whatcom Watershed Business Pledge

                   SmartTrips Employer Partner Program

Special thanks to the Russell Family Foundation for their generous support in pursuit of sustainable business practices.