November 09 eMail Update 



Mpower ChaMpion Business Workshop required extra chairs!


On Tuesday, November 18th, 100 people gathered at the Pyle Center to learn about the progress of the Mpower ChaMpions who shared that green business practices are not only good for the environment, but good for their bottom line too!  JJR, Webcrafters, Sergenian's and Great Big Pictures described first-hand their successes and how the ChaMpions program has assisted them in turning their sustainability goals into a reality. The three ChaMpions not represented on the panel are designCraft Advertising, Capitol Insurance Companies and The Payroll Company.

Mayor Dave kicked the event off and Paul Linzmeyer set the stage for the ChaMpions by speaking about the business case for sustainability.  Paul is the founder of ISO International LLC., a firm teaching sustainable principles and practices, and is well known in Wisconsin and around the world for his community leadership. Prior to founding ISO, he was President of Bay Towel in Green Bay.

Following the ChaMpion Panel, participants were introduced to many opportunities including City of Madison Business Energy Efficiency Grants, MadiSun, Rideshare etc, EnAct, Focus On Energy & MGE. If you missed this workshop, you can download the handouts and power points at http://www.mpoweringmadison.com/registration09

We thank Applied Tech, The Madison Concourse Hotel, Sustain Dane and UW Extension-SHWEC for making this workshop possible.

You've always wanted to Work for a Green Business...


Now you can! Mpower ChaMpions is expanding to work with eight more businesses in 2010. We are currently accepting applications until December 18th, 2009. You can download the applications at http://www.mpoweringmadison.com/apply. You do not have to be located in Madison to apply.

Bioneers - looking forward to next year!


Over 300 people came together on November 13 and 14 for our Bringing Bioneers to Wisconsin event at the BioPharmaceutical Technology Institute. Some call it a conference, others call it an experience...regardless of what you call it, Bioneers brought together leaders in sustainability that would have not necessarily crossed paths. This inspiring two days was filled with delicious food, engaging national and local speakers, music, conversation, and art. People walked away re-connected with passion and enthusiasm for all that has happened and will happen in the sustainability field.

If you could not attend, check out the website and treat yourself to learning about one national and one local speaker and their work! A personal favorite was Mari Margil, the Associate Director of The Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) helping to bestow nature with legal rights.

We thank BTCI, Sustain Dane and the many sponsors for bringing Bioneers to Wisconsin!

In Business SustainAbility Awards

In Business magazine, in partnership with Sustain Dane, invites your participation in the first annual Business Sustainability Awards. The winners in each award category will be unveiled at an awards dinner in April 2010 (date and location TBD) and featured in the April issue of In Business magazine.

Award Categories

  • Eco-Product or Service of the Year
  • Sustainable Workforce Development of the Year
  • Ecosystem Protection Initiative of the Year
  • Eco-Efficiency Initiative of the Year
  • Sustainable Small Business of the Year
  • Sustainable Large Business of the Year
  • Sustainable Community of the Year
  • Sustained Individual Leadership Award
Nominate your organization or one you admire today! Materials due January 5, 2010.


MGE Neighborhood Green Power Challenge


As Madison's community energy company, MGE supports local efforts to improve our environment. To encourage these efforts, MGE is offering a challenge to neighborhoods to go beyond the current levels of green power participation to help significantly reduce environmental impacts of energy use and make Madison a green power champion.  Under this challenge, the neighborhood with the largest percent increase in participants of MGE's Green Power Tomorrow will receive $1,000.  The neighborhood with the second highest increase will be awarded $500.  To participate, your neighborhood must register with MGE by December 31, 2009.

 

Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council Conference 


When: December 3, 2009, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (lunch provided)

Where: Discovery World, 500 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee WI

The WI Sustainable Business Council Conference is the only conference in Wisconsin that brings together businesses from around the state who are interested in, or working towards, sustainability. This conference will give businesses from all sectors, sizes and locations valuable tools to implement sustainability in their business practices. Moreover, attendees will become part of a growing network of businesses active in sustainability, and connect with businesses at the forefront of the green movement.

 

Skip Black Friday and visit the Arboretum Local Products Expo

When:  Sunday, November 29th, 10 - 4
Where: UW Arboretum visitor center
What:   Sustainability, recycling and locally produced goods including RainReserve Rain Barrels
For more info visit http://uwarboretum.org/news/singlePost.php?id=358&origin=news