WMSBF Hosts Forum on Diversity Case, China Sword Recycling Impacts

West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum hosted its monthly forum on a best-in-class diversity program and a round table discussion on how local organizations are responding to the rapidly emerging recycling markets crisis created by international trade policies at Mercy Health Saint Mary’s this week.

View photos of the event on Facebook here.

Kelly Wilczak, Workforce Program Specialist at Mercy Health, highlighted several of the health care system’s diversity best practices, including its evidence-based hiring process.

The recycling discussion was held as an open forum for participants to discuss their challenges and gain insights from mutual perspectives. Four speakers framed the conversation with remarks from varying perspectives: Matt Flechter, Recycling Market Develpment for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, introduced the issue and its impacts. PADNOS Sales Associate Lynn Mulder and Kristen Wieland of Kent County Department of Public Works shared how lower prices and fewer buyers are impacting what can be recycled by local businesses. Steelcase Environmental Scientist Heidi Frasure shared how the office furniture maker has been forced to make investments and adopt new practices in order to maintain its recycling program.

The September Forum was presented by Mercy Health Saint Mary’s.