About - WMSBF

THE FORUM

A REGIONAL COLLABORATION

West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum is a regional collaboration of business, government, non-profits and academia dedicated to promoting business practices that demonstrate environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and social responsibility.

It is the leading organization for practitioners of beyond-compliance sustainability practices in the Midwest, promoting positive community change and operational improvements through education, collaboration and resource development. Principally located in the Greater Grand Rapids area, we have satellite programs in Southwest Michigan and on the Lakeshore.

Now in its third decade, the forum strives to meet emerging needs while leveraging the efforts of an increasingly robust community of vendors and educational initiatives working toward similar goals. We are strategically focused on promoting climate leadership, the creation of a local circular economy, corporate social responsibility, and the growth of sustainable business.

Our Membership

Our membership includes West Michigan’s most recognizable brands, largest employers and most innovative entrepreneurs, advocates and educators.

HISTORY

FOUNDING WMSBF

WMSBF originally launched in 1994 as a program of West Michigan Environmental Action Council. It became an independent 501(c) 3 nonprofit in 2009.

With the rise of the modern environmental movement in the second half of the last century, the nation began to take notice of the negative impacts of certain business practices on the natural environment and human health. Adjustments in practices, systems, and equipment to comply with new regulations, required large financial investments. Aiming beyond compliance toward more sustainable business practices limited the risk of future regulations, and also provided economic value back to the organization.

In West Michigan, a select group was taking it further, experiencing personal revelations about the role of business in environmental and social concerns. Emboldened by a culture that prioritizes natural resources and well-being of employees and community, a small group of businesses formed the charter membership of West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum.

There was no guidance for sustainable industry, and no best practices, so they created their own. They put competitive differences aside to pursue common goals. Informal knowledge sharing produced countless environmental and social benefits for the region, laying the foundation for local industries’ adoption of sustainability.

Today the region’s sustainability claims and green bona fides are well known. WMSBF helped make it acceptable, even mainstream, for local businesses and institutions to pursue such efforts. Through it all there was a common thread: a focus on practices that reduced environmental impacts and benefited communities and society, while also being financially feasible, preferably increasing the profitability of an organization. WMSBF helps organizations balance their impacts on people, planet and profit, the Triple Bottom Line.

Helpful information about WMSBF

STRATEGIC PLAN

Our 2020 Strategic Plan is focused on these core objectives:

Grow participation, programs and membership. Improve financial security of the organization.
Lead commercial and industrial waste diversion and circular economy efforts in West Michigan.
Help the West Michigan business community understand and respond to climate change.
Emphasize the need for corporate investment in social responsibility and social equity.

Read the plan (PDF)

ANNUAL REPORTS

2018
2017
2016
2015
2014 (20th Anniversary)

FINANCIAL INFO

EIN Number: 26-3787387
IRS 501c3 Verification Letter
2017 Form 990 Disclosure (Note: Five-month year)
2016 Form 990 Disclosure
2015 Form 990 Disclosure

BYLAWS AND POLICIES

Diversity, Inclusion & Equity

West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum believes that diversity, inclusion and equity are important dimensions of the social element of sustainability. As an influential network of businesses, governments, non-profits and academic leaders within a region that is home to many diverse communities, WMSBF affirms its commitment to promote and protect diversity, inclusion and equity within local businesses and institutions, and the community at large.

As part of our mission to promote sustainable business practices, we have a responsibility to work with vulnerable populations and communities of color to address historical disparate impacts affecting members of these communities resulting from the degradation of natural resources based on public policy or market-based actions. We advocate for sustainable development, environmental planning and economic development with the input and participation from diverse communities.

WMSBF will work to ensure that the practices we promote are aligned with principles of diversity, inclusion and social equity. This commitment is rooted in the unequivocal belief that a robust natural environment is incomplete when members of our human family face social and economic exclusion or inequities due to bias and discrimination.

We will promote acceptance, membership, employment, collaboration, equal decision-making and power-sharing in an inclusive and equitable manner with all individuals and groups. We pledge intentional inclusion of individuals and communities representing cultural, gender, ethnic, racial, sexual orientation, age, religious, disability, immigrant, family status, veteran, education level and socio-economic status diversity.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy Equitable Sustainability Initiative

WMSBF follows clear definitions of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Social Equity is fair access to livelihood, education and resources in order to have full participation in the political and cultural life of the community and self-determination in meeting fundamental needs.
Inclusion is authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals into our processes, activities and decision/policy making.
Diversity is the wide range of national, ethnic, racial and other backgrounds of U.S. residents and immigrants within our communities. It includes aspects of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class and other areas previously stated.

Staff

Board of Directors

West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum is governed by a Board of Directors chosen from its membership.

Past Presidents

Many of the region’s foremost past and present sustainable business leaders have served as presidents of the board of directors of West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum.

Employment

Open Positions Below

Communications and Social Media Intern

Title: Communications and Social Media Intern

Reports to: Program Manager

FTE: Intern – 15 hours per week

Pay Scale: $1,000 semester stipend, paid in monthly installments

Position Summary

The Communications and Social Media Intern will play a key role in forwarding West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum initiatives through the use of digital media. An ideal opportunity for students interested in a career in communications or advocacy, intern will have the opportunity to work with industry-standard technology, interact with leading companies and other stakeholders, and be part of highly visible educational campaigns.

Specific Responsibilities

Curate social media content in collaboration with staff and volunteers
Manage distribution of weekly organizational newsletter and monthly topical newsletters on climate change, circular economy, food waste and social equity.
Assist in the launch of a new organizational update.
Monitor and develop content from current events and happenings relevant to sustainability in West Michigan. Ensure media contact lists and clip files are current.
Develop web content and support management of a large online member database.
Support database management
Support event promotion and management
Provide logistical and communication support to various committee and working group sessions as opportunities arise.

Required Qualifications

Academic or professional experience in either environmental science/sustainable business or communications/marketing/journalism, preferably a combination of both.
Familiarity with basic sustainability issues and social media required.
Excellent communication and writing skills. Strong organizational skills
Ability to work independently with little or no supervision, with self-managed timelines, is essential
Ability to work as part of a team, both in-person and virtual
Familiarity with common office technology (eg: Google Docs, Word, Powerpoint)

Directions to Apply

Applicants should send a cover letter, writing sample and resume to dschoonmaker@wmsbf.org with the subject heading “Intern.” The position will remain open until filled.

Download as a PDF here.

Sustainable Business Intern

Title: Sustainable Business Intern

Reports to: Program Manager

FTE: Intern – 20 hours per week

Pay Scale: $600 – $1,200 semester stipend, commensurate with experience

Position Summary

The Sustainable Business Intern will play a key role in forwarding West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum initiatives to forward climate leadership, circular economy and social equity in West Michigan. An ideal opportunity for students to learn about sustainable business practices, develop a contact network, and gain work experience, intern will have the opportunity to interact with leading companies and other stakeholders, and be part of highly visible educational campaigns.

Specific Responsibilities

Support development of case studies highlighting efforts of local businesses.
Assist with waste and recycling audits of local organizations.
Research watersheds and watershed issues.
Provide research support for resource development and emerging needs.

Required Qualifications

Academic or professional experience in either environmental science, sustainable business, or equivalent discipline.
Excellent communication and writing skills. Strong organizational skills.
Familiarity with basic sustainability issues.
Prior experience with recycling education or waste audits helpful.
Prior experience with water quality education or watersheds helpful.
Ability to work independently with little or no supervision, with self-managed timelines, is essential
Ability to work as part of a team, both in-person and virtual
Familiarity with common office technology (eg: Google Docs, Word, Powerpoint)

Directions to Apply

Applicants should send a cover letter, writing sample and resume to dschoonmaker@wmsbf.org with the subject heading “Intern.” The position will remain open until filled.

Download as a PDF here.

West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

For employment opportunities with WMSBF members, subscribe to our newsletter below.

THE FORUM

Our Membership

HISTORY

Helpful information about WMSBF

Diversity, Inclusion & Equity

Staff

Board of Directors

Past Presidents

Employment

Open Positions Below

How We Help

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