2007 Conference Highlights

A record number of people attended the fifth annual Green America Business Conference. Attendees enjoyed the networking opportunities, welcoming atmosphere, and inspiring speakers.

conference photos by Chip Py

The conference kicked off with Green America Green Business Network™ Director Denise Hamler inviting attendees to use their unique position as green business leaders to help direct the future of responsible business in America. Read more »

Laurie Demeritt of The Hartman Group presented their recent research, The Hartman Report on Sustainability: Understanding the Consumer Perspective documenting the current green consumer trends. Read more »

Laurie Demerritt's presentation (PDF, 1.9 MB)»

Green America Executive Director Alisa Gravitz, an expert on climate change, provided specific examples of how green businesses are part of the climate solution. Read more »

Alisa Gravitz's presentation (PDF, 1.8 MB) »

In a case study, Lori Duvall of Sun Microsystems explained their company’s path to sustainability and going green. Read more »

Lori Duvall's presentation (PDF, 86 KB) »

Organic Valley Family of Farms' Project Coordinator Erin Ford reported on the sustainability practices at Organic Valley and with the family farms they work with. From a group of seven farmers in 1988, Organic Valley has grown to over 1,280 farmers nationwide. Read more »

Erin Ford's presentation (PDF, 636 KB) »

A special feature of the conference was The Carbon Concierge, a project of the Bainbridge Graduate Institute and Social Venture Network created to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint. Read more »

Lorinda Rowledge, PhD’s presentation (PDF, 505 KB) »

Mickey Lee's presentation (PDF, 1.4 MB) »

Growing your Business with eBay was introduced by Priya Haji, Robert Chatwani and Ella Silverman. Project Good, a joint venture of eBay and World of Good, will bring fair trade and eco-friendly products to a wider marketplace in 2008. Read more »

We introduced Bridges to Action and SpeedPlanning to help conference attendees follow through on their conference inspirations when they return home.
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Mark Finser, Board Chairman of RSF Social Finance, conveyed the importance of knowing where your funding is coming from and what motivates the investment
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Christopher Horner, of solar company Solio, shared his experience seeking investors. Read more »

Elliott Hoffman of New Voices for Business joined us to talk about the implementation of the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. Read more »

Attendees enjoyed an optimistic look at the future of green business presented by publisher and editorial director of Ogden Publications, Bryan Welch. Read more »

James Kenefick challenged company leaders to make plans and stick to them
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James Kenefick's presentation, part 1 (PDF, 486 KB)»

James Kenefick's presentation, part 2 (PDF, 617 KB)»

As founder of several businesses, Joe Sibilia shared valuable exercises used by business owners that facilitate in securing financial resources. Read more »

To advance your vision of a socially just world, Eric Friedenwald-Fishman emphasized the necessity of effective marketing. Read more »

Eric Friedenwald-Fishman's presentation (PDF, 822 KB) »

Green living expert Sara Snow shared her journey of growing up as a child of the environmentalist founders of Eden Foods to hosting her own cable show, "Get Fresh with Sara," on The Discovery Channel. Read more »

Sara Snow's presentation (PDF, 128 KB) »

Coaching us to success, veteran business owners Janet DiGiovanna and Danny Rubenstein, reminded us that “Entrepreneurs take a problem and make a solution.” Read more »

Hilary Abell and Deb Goldberg of WAGES (Women’s Action to Gain Economic Security) and four members of Natural Home Cleaning, a 26-member cooperative offering eco-friendly house cleaning, joined us in discussing the role of green business in creating a more socially just world. Read more »

WAGES' presentation (PDF, 549 KB) »

Simran Sethi, host of Sundance Channel's "The Green," and newly named Environmental Reporter for CNBC urged attendees to help the media tell these complicated business stories. Read more »

The 2007 Green Business Leadership Award was given to Organic Valley Family of Farms. Erin Ford received the award from last year’s winner Jeff Mendelsohn, the founder of New Leaf Paper. Read more »