West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum will host its 25th Annual Meeting on Monday, June 17 at the Pepsi Stadium Club at Fifth Third Ballpark.

This year’s program will feature three member organizations that highlight the uniqueness of our regional collaboration and the exciting ways its champions are forwarding the creation of a circular economy, promoting an equitable community, and responding to climate change.

• Ann Erhardt is founder and principal of Commons Logic and Chief Sustainability Officer for Michigan State University Infrastructure Planning and Facilities where she serves on the board of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, among other appointments.  Erhardt will share her experiences promoting climate leadership across multiple scales, including her work to wean MSU off coal, creating a climate action plan for the City of Lansing, and other initiatives using a holistic approach to building agile and sustainable organizations.
• Elliott Rader is the co-founder of The Gluten Free Bar, a rapidly growing local food manufacturer that has gained renown for its quality product and commitment to sustainability.    Elliott will discuss how the certified B Corp is on track to become the first local company to earn the TRUE zero waste certification, while it also advancing equity and community investment through its employment practices.
• Justin Beene is the Director/Founder of a partnership called the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation, a collective between non-profits, Bethany Christian Services, NAACP of Greater Grand Rapids, GR Nehemiah Project, and two social enterprises, Building Bridges Professional Services and Rising Grinds Café, which are together partnering to create a flourishing community in Grand Rapids’ Madison Square neighborhood.  Justin will introduce CCT’s efforts to reimagine the roles of businesses, churches and other institutions in developing a stronger community.

The WMSBF Annual Meeting includes an update on the organization to its members, stakeholders and other interested parties, as well as the introduction of new board members and recognition of the 2019 President’s Award Winner, which honors professionals for contributions to the organization.  West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum is a regional network of business, government, non-profits and academia dedicated to promoting business practices that demonstrate environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and social responsibility.

Additionally, all registrants who are also participating in Grand Rapids Active Commute Week (ACW) and registering by this Friday will be entered to win a prize drawing to be awarded at the Annual Meeting. ACW is a challenge which calls for walking, biking, or rollerblading to work as an alternate form of commute, and runs from Monday, June 17 through Friday, June 21. The campaign encourages participants to exercise, have fun and create a healthier community while reducing their carbon footprint.

Weather permitting, the lunch and networking portion of the meeting will feature outdoor seating.

Registration is closed.  Walk-ins will be accepted.

WMSBF June Forum: 25th Annual Meeting
Monday, June 17
12 pm to 2 pm
(Doors open at 11:30 am)
Fifth Third Ballpark
4500 W River Dr NE
Comstock Park, MI 49321
$17 online / $22 at event Members
$25 online / $30 at event Non-members

Tentative Agenda