Thank you to all who attended The Future of Busienss! We hope you were inspired, learned some valuable tools, and met some new friends! Several of the speaker presentations are available now! Scroll down to the speaker profiles and click on "presentation" to see their slides from the conference.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009

Whatcom Community College, Syre Student Center
8:00am-5:00pm (registration opens at 7:45)

Sign up now for inspiration and hands-on tools at the largest business conference in NW Washington!

• The leading opportunities for jobs and business growth
• The tools you need now to weather challenging economic times

New this year!

We’ve brought two conferences together in one location, offering a unique opportunity for more networking -- shared morning keynote addresses -- and the opportunity to pick and choose between the Spring Business Conference and Green Building Conference Tracks!

The Future of Business

We’re experiencing fundamental shifts in the cultural, economic and environmental landscape; studies show these changes aren’t likely to reverse anytime soon. Learn what changing consumer attitudes, the current economic turmoil, and a new administration mean to your business.  
(Hint: The opportunities are clean, green and local.)
See the full AGENDA HERE

Special Presenters include:

Jason McLennan, CEO, Cascadia Region Green Building Council - presentation not available

"Jason McLennan has been responsible for the most ambitious, stimulating, and well-received recent developments in green building in the United States.” - Denis Hayes, CEO, Bullitt Foundation and Founder of Earth Day

David C.E. Williams, CEO, ShoreBank Pacific

- presentation

- mission system

David C.E. Williams is the CEO of ShoreBank Pacific, the first commercial bank in the United States with a commitment to environmentally sustainable community development. ShoreBank Pacific has demonstrably changed the behavior of its borrowers and developed the premier evaluation system for assessing the business choices that companies make toward sustainable practices. David will discuss the system and explain why it appears that “sustainable” businesses are doing better than the status quo and what it means for the future of business.  Read more about David.

“Most banks just want to see your P&L and balance sheet. These guys also want to know if you're a good steward." -- Entrepreneur magazine article describing how ShoreBank is blazing a trail as a new sustainable bank with mainstream credibility. 

Michelle Barry, Senior Vice President, The Hartman Group, Inc. - presentation

The Hartman Group is acknowledged as the premier provider of consumer insights in Health and Wellness and a pre-eminent market research organization. Michelle will share the latest research about consumers’ familiarity with the complex issue of sustainability, as a term and as a way of life. She’ll offer insight into the negative outlook consumers have about the economy, the positive outcome they feel will result by making sustainable purchase decisions, and their fundamental shift toward choosing businesses they believe in.  Read more about Michelle.

Martin Melaver, CEO, Melaver, Inc.

- keynote presentation 

- breakout presentation

"Martin Melaver… is a role model for me, my students, and anyone interested in building a values-based, sustainable business." -- John Vogel, Adjunct Professor, Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College

Paul Saginaw, President, Zingerman’s Community of Businesses

- presentation 

- handout

"A Corner Deli With International Appeal" ~The New York Times

Vehicle Research Institute at WWU

 Presentation

Richard Riels is an engineer with Western Washington University’s Vehicle Research Institute. He built the Viking 25, one of the first production capable, plug-in parallel hybrid vehicles in 1995. He has been working with Dr. Eric Leonhardt to develop a refining process which will purify methane biodigester gas (cow power) so that it can be used in a variety of types of engines. He spoke about the opportunities presented by this technology.

Brad Liljequist, Project Manager, zHome

Brad Liljequist, project manager for zHome, has worked for 20 years as an urban designer and sustainable building advisor, seeking to integrate human communities with the natural environment in ways that are goodfor both.  Brad has worked extensively in both the public and private sectors, and strongly believes that a synergy between the issues and competencies of the two are needed for truly creative community development.  Read more about Brad.

Rud Browne, Founder & Chair, The Ryzex Group

This Bellingham-based company won a spot on Inc. magazine’s “The Green 50,” a list of the nation’s most successful environmentally responsible companies.  Ryzex specializes in the repair and resale of new and refurbished data collection equipment. Rud is personally committed to preserving the capacity of small businesses and non-profits in this community and will share both strategies and red flags for navigating challenging economic times.  Read more about Rud.

Thor Peterson, Manager, Synthesis Consulting

Thor’s eight-year tenure with the City of Seattle green building program focused on providing resources and information on residential green building design and products.  Most recently, he served as Research Director at the Cascadia Region Green Building Council. Thor also owns Synthesis Consultants, focusing on green building research, education and outreach.  Read more about Thor.

Cassandra Delaune, LEED AP, CSBA · SDTI Coordinator - Presentation

AGENDA:

7:45 Registration opens
 
8:30 Welcome from Sustainable Connections

9:00 Keynote Opening: 
“The Future of Business: Green Jobs & Sustainable Industries in the 21st Century”: We’re experiencing fundamental shifts in the cultural, economic and environmental landscape; studies show these changes aren’t likely to reverse anytime soon. Learn what changing consumer attitudes, the current economic turmoil, and a new administration mean to your business.  (Hint: The opportunities are clean, green and local.)

• Michelle Barry is Senior Vice President of The Hartman Group, a premier market research organization. Michelle will share the latest research about consumers’ familiarity with the complex issue of sustainability, as a term and as a way of life. She’ll offer insight into the negative outlook consumers have about the economy, the positive outcome they feel will result by making sustainable purchase decisions, and their fundamental shift toward choosing businesses they believe in. 
• Martin Melaver is CEO of Melaver, Inc., and author, Living Above the Store: Building a Business That Creates Value, Inspires Change, and Restores Land and Community. Martin will describe not only a “how to” but also a “why to” that challenges business as usual to change, and lays out the road map for the future. 
• Jason McLennan is CEO of the Cascadia Region Green Building Council and considered one of the most influential individuals in the green building movement today. Jason will describe the sea change in his industry, the rapid transformation the Living Building Challenge has launched, and the leading job growth opportunities identified for our State, including energy efficiency and renewables, and green building services. 
• David C.E. Williams is CEO of ShoreBank Pacific, the first commercial bank in the United States with a commitment to environmentally sustainable community development. David will explain why it appears that “sustainable” businesses are doing better than the status quo and what it means for the future of business. 
   
  11:15 Choose from one of four great options!

· Films for change: These film screenings are dedicated to YOU. We believe in and admire your ability to creatively solve societal and environmental problems through business. When you re-imagine how we build homes and communities, how we grow and distribute food, how we power our lives, even how we define success in business… you prove what’s possible. It’s not always easy but the world needs your innovation and we applaud you. Two films – one by local film-maker Tri-Film – on “Making a Difference”, and one about the promise and potential of “green jobs” with Van Jones.

· Co-op Second Store LEED Tour -- Bellingham’s newest LEED Silver building. Stretch your legs for a walking tour and behind the scenes look at the community’s newest grocery store.

· Q&A with Michelle Barry – How are you communicating with customers in this shifting landscape? What are consumer priorities today in tougher economic times? What should you be doing? 

· Speed networking: Meet other business owners…FAST! Bring your business cards and meet 20 people over 30 minutes.

12:15 Lunch & Expo

12:45 Towards Zero Waste Parade: Celebrate and support SIX local waste innovation businesses, each with a unique story. A quick glance (2 ½ minutes each!) of their top successes, and how they’re redefining their business model all while saving money.   Featuring Boundary Bay Brewery, Texture Clothing, Ciao Thyme Catering, Mallard Ice cream, Louws Truss and Cascadia Mushrooms.

Spring Business Conference Tracks

1:00 Educational Tracks:

I. Keeping local businesses strong: Know where you are and where you’re headed. Understanding the numbers, managing from cash flow, and communicating (early and often) with your bank.

• Rud Browne, Founder and Chair, The Ryzex Group: Rud is both the founder of a successful international company that wins awards for environmental responsibility and a local who calls Bellingham home. He is passionate about preserving the capacity of this community’s local businesses and non-profits and will share critical strategies for navigating challenging economic times. 
• Tom Dorr, Executive Director, Center for Economic Vitality (formerly SBDC): Tom will share the indicators and warning signs that will help you to know whether your business is on track or needs to make some course corrections. (Bonus: participating businesses will be eligible for a free personal business evaluation after the conference!)

II: The Art of Great Customer Service: Paul Saginaw (Offered Twice)

Since opening in 1982, the people at Zingermans have worked from the assumption that "we'd better deliver a great experience every day with every customer if we're going to stay in business." In the years since, they've taken service beyond being one more nice but nebulous idea and converted it into something tangible they define, live, measure and reward. Perhaps most importantly they've developed "a recipe for great service that works equally well for 16-year-old busboys and 60-year-old corporate execs", (and have been featured everywhere from Oprah to NPR!)  Today you get company co-founder Paul Saginaw, their hand-book for great service, and a world-class lesson that will change how you do business!

2:45 Educational Tracks:

I. Measure and Track your Sustainability

In an era when people are increasingly looking for sustainable products, services and companies, learn “what to do”, and how to measure and track your sustainability. In an age of increasing “green washing”, build trust and authentically differentiate yourself with customers, employees, even your bank.

• Dave Williams, CEO, ShoreBank Pacific: The first commercial bank in the United States with a commitment to environmentally sustainable community development, they have developed the premier evaluation system for assessing the business choices that companies make toward sustainable practices.
• Trudy Scherting, Founder, Moka Joe Coffee: To measure and track their sustainability, Moka Joe uses the ‘B Rating System’, a comprehensive and transparent social and environmental standards tool that aims to distinguish “good companies” from “good marketing”.
• Martin Melaver is lauded for his exemplary sustainable business practices. Hear how his company measures and tracks their sustainability.

II. Energy Independence -- Whatcom County Innovation

Transitioning to energy efficiency and renewables represents some of the top opportunities for 21st century economies. Building on unique local assets and our national leadership in Green Power, our community is well positioned to model the energy portfolio of tomorrow. Join this panel of local experts to hear how we can innovate to grow green jobs, hedge against future energy price increases, and build the path to a net-zero carbon future.

• Eric Leonhardt, WWU Vehicle Research Institute; Kevin Maas, Farm Power; Terry Meyer, Convivium Renewable Energy; Dana Brandt, Ecotech Energy Systems; Alex Ramel, Sustainable Connections

III. The Art of Great Customer Service: Paul Saginaw

(Offered Twice)

Since opening in 1982, the people at Zingermans have worked from the assumption that "we'd better deliver a great experience every day with every customer if we're going to stay in business." In the years since, they've taken service beyond being one more nice but nebulous idea and converted it into something tangible they define, live, measure and reward. Perhaps most importantly they've developed "a recipe for great service that works equally well for 16-year-old busboys and 60-year-old corporate execs", (and have been featured everywhere from Oprah to NPR!)  Today you get company co-founder Paul Saginaw, their hand-book for great service, and a world-class lesson that will change how you do business!

Green Building Conference Tracks

1:00 Educational Tracks:

I: The financial case for “living buildings”: Jason McLennan

Unlock the perceived challenges and financial barriers to the Living Building Challenge.  Projects starting all over the country are aiming to meet this standard – come hear how it’s happening and how to put Bellingham on the map for living building. (Jason is a frequent and inspiring keynoter that people from every industry will learn from and enjoy!)

II. Weatherize Me: builders wanted

Stimulus money for home weatherization has recently doubled and is likely to be increased again.  Join Sustainable Connections and the Building Performance Center as they team to promote energy efficiency in both homes and commercial buildings throughout Whatcom County.  A builders’ roundtable that examines green collar jobs, the Bellingham Energy Efficiency Challenge, and new opportunities for builders.  Come get yours.

III. “zHome”:  Brad Liljequist (Offered Twice)

zHome is a revolutionary, 10-unit townhome development that uses smart design and cutting edge technologies to radically reduce its environmental impacts. zHome will prove that homes that use zero net energy and 60% less water, emit net zero carbon emissions, have clean indoor air and use only low-toxicity materials are possible and scalable to mainstream home production.

2:45 Educational Tracks:

I.  Design for Deconstruction

Examine seven case studies that expose deconstruction and salvage techniques that directly benefit the contractors’ bottom line.  One builder walks you through the competitive advantage, marketing benefits and cost savings from his unique salvage techniques – from a reclaimed yard to an architects design, a holistic approach to closed loop deconstruction systems

II. “zHome”:  Brad Liljequist (Offered Twice)

zHome is a revolutionary, 10-unit townhome development that uses smart design and cutting edge technologies to radically reduce its environmental impacts. zHome will prove that homes that use zero net energy and 60% less water, emit net zero carbon emissions, have clean indoor air and use only low-toxicity materials are possible and scalable to mainstream home production. 

III: Green Credentials: Upgrade Yours Now!

With so many new markets emerging in green building - it's critical to stay on top of all the designations needed to be at the leading edge of green building.  An overview of various types of credentials: LEED, EnergyStar, ResNet, BPI, SBA, Living Building Leader and the Sustainable Building Institute.  Set yourself apart.

4:15 - Closing Session

The Future of Business – Whatcom County Innovation

You won’t believe what will be happening here!

Local leaders from higher education, workforce training, government and policy development, and more…all sharing what systemic sustainable business solutions are currently in design.

5:00 – Networking Hour: Old friends, new business opportunities and locally grown beverages!

REGISTRATION:

The conference won't break your budget...registration includes all keynote speakers, the opportunity to pick and choose between both the Green Building and Business Conference workshop tracks, and delectable Ciao Thyme cuisine for the entire conference. 

CLICK HERE To Register Now!

Cancellation Policy: If your plans change and you cannot attend, we encourage you to transfer your admission.  Please contact laura@sconnect.org with the name of the transfer.  Otherwise, we deduct a $15 flat rate from your refund for processing purposes (before April 10th). After April 10th, only a 50% refund will be available.

WHO ATTENDS?

Successful entrepreneurs, business innovators, community and economic development professionals, builders, architects, planners, elected officials, aspiring entrepreneurs – all interested in changing what it means to succeed in business!

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR LEAD SPONSORS:

AND TO OUR CO-SPONSORS:

For prices and benefits of sponsoring the region's largest business conference, contact Laura@Sconnect.org or 360-647-7093 x108. Sponsorships are limited and always fill up fast!  

OUR GUARANTEE:

At this event you will experience the kind of shivers you only get in ‘ah-ha’ moments, and the kind of hope you feel when you recognize a revolutionary idea as a critical piece of the path forward.

Testimonials

"The Sustainable Connections Business Conference and Expo is a chance to be surrounded by local business-minded folks who genuinely care about our community and our planet.  The feeling that you get from being in a crowd as benevolent (and wildly entertaining) as this one is hard to describe, but once you've had it, you'll want it again."

2008 Conference attendee, John D'Onofrio

"I wanted to write and let you know how much Friday's event meant to me.
I was moved deeply by the sense of community you all are promoting. I have lived in Whatcom County almost all of my life but have never felt connected to it. As an artist I've mostly been working in my ivory tower. However, now as an art tile maker and wholesale business, I need to build my local market and to do that I've needed to reach out but it has been difficult. Now as a proud Sustainable Connections member I know some of the people I need to meet... Thanks!!"

A 2007 Conference attendee

HEAR FROM ATTENDEES ABOUT PAST CONFERENCES >>>HERE<<<

 This is a Toward Zero Waste event!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Please contact Laura Witham, Events Coordinator at 647-7093 x108 or laura@sconnect.org

We invite you to join us in this ground-breaking day of business education, inspiration, and a whole lot of fun with our region’s best business owners!