San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Green Committee Minutes (Pending Approval) Wednesday, March 11, 2015 -‐ 10:00–11:30 am San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, 817 Mission Street, San Rafael Attendees – Nancy Benjamin, Cory Bytof, Alex DiGiorgio, Bob Herbst, Lindsay Knaebel, Chris Yalonis Notes:
[email protected] I. Introductions II. February Meeting Minutes Approved III. Ask and Offer, Upcoming Events Emily (via Chris) – Marin School of Environmental Leadership + Strategic Energy Innovations Calling all local businesses: seeking senior internship opportunities for juniors attending the MarinSEL. See Google Recruitment form here. Call Emily Quinton, Associate Project Coordinator at 415-‐507-‐2242 Chris -‐ Save the Dates for Green Briefs: Getting Green Done! Announcement of 2015 Expert Sessions: April 8 – Profitable Energy Strategies @ the San Rafael Airport (in conjunction with Networking Mixer, hosted by Bob Herbst) June 17 – Making the Business Case for Sustainability: Getting Approvals and Funding for Sustainable Initiatives August – Waste Minimization and Management October – Making the Most of Green Certifications December – Energy + Optimal Buildings: Lessons from the North Bay’s Top Performers Sat, March 28 |Environmental Forum of Marin – Lecture Series 2015 Continues … Climate Disruption: Is 100% Renewable Energy Possible? 9:00am – 12:00pm RSVP + Admission http://www.marinefm.org/lecture-‐series-‐2015-‐-‐-‐100-‐-‐renewable-‐energy Thurs, April 2 | Marin Business Forum Speaker Series 5:00 – 7:00 pm CEO of Marin Economic Forum, Robert Eyler, Ph.D., on the State of the Economy Drake’s Landing Community Room 300A Drake's Landing Road, Greenbrae http://www.marineconomicforum.org/ Tues, April 14 | Marin Green Drinks 5:30 -‐ 7:30pm at Lotus Cuisine of India Restaurant 704 4th Street Phone: 415 456-‐5808 Green Merchant Services -‐ Commerce with Compassion Jeff Marcous, CEO, Dharma Merchant Services Chris -‐ April 30 to May 3 | Tenth Annual Sustainable Enterprise Conference at Sonoma Mountain Village http://sustainableenterpriseconference.com/
This year’s theme is “Capital for a Sustainable Future,” a topic which highlights the region’s wealth of financial, social and natural capital and explores funding and investing trends that build social capital. iHub Enterprise Accelerator (Chris will be speaking on this day) Fri, May 1 (learn more and register) The iHub Enterprise Accelerator has been added as a 2nd day event, providing learning opportunities for organizations aspiring to embody sustainable principles in company culture and processes. Take part in small, hands-‐on workshops with investors, consultants and organizational advisers. Future Makers Sustainable North Bay Youth Summit Sat, May 2 (learn more & register) Designed for young and innovative people who want to create a better future, discover the possibilities and best practices to engage for sustainable living. The youth summit will offer information about sustainable organizations in the North Bay and featured representatives will be on site to answer questions about their inspirations and work. Network with the existing green community and create entrepreneurial opportunities. Chow Down Community Commons Celebration Sun, May 3 Focused mainly on our local food scene this will be a golden opportunity to expand our community. Enjoy exhibits and the best of the previous three days to Sally Tomatoes for a social event designed to showcase the North Bay as the Epicenter of Sustainability. Cory -‐ Mayor’s Water Conservation Challenge http://www.cityofsanrafael.org/news/2015/3/23/join-‐mayor-‐phillips-‐in-‐taking-‐the-‐water-‐conservation-‐pledge.html The Challenge is on from April 1-‐30 and we’re hoping to be the winning city in our population category. Sign up today! Take the pledge! Cory -‐ Bike to Work Day is Thurs, May 14 City will have an “Energizer Station” on the Plaza. Look for the giant Gorilla! Cory is looking for a group to host a table on th the 5 Avenue side of the Plaza. Table, snacks, etc., will be handled, but need 3-‐4 volunteers to handle the shifts from 6:30 am to 9:00 am. Here is the web site (with last year’s info): http://www.marinbike.org/Events/BTWD/Index.shtml EARTH DAY is Weds, Apr 22 – Most events will take place on Sat, Apr 25 -‐ See My EARTH DAY Marin Website for Events happening throughout Marin County. This is an interactive site where you can post your Earth Day event as well – http://www.myearthdaymarin.org/ Contact: Lynne Scarpa, MCSTOPPP Tel 415-‐473-‐3202 My EARTH DAY Marin Partners include: Marin County Parks City of San Rafael Volunteer Program and Public Works Department San Rafael Clean Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program Marin County Department of Public Works Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership of Marin Marin Municipal Water District Marin County Community Development Agency Kahl Consultants
IV. GreenUP! / Communications Discussed May issue of GreenUP! We will be asking Previous Green Business Winners, 2015 Green Business Nominees, and Green I Belong Members to contribute to the next issue on “tricks of (different) trades” – becoming green, ROI, reaching certification(s), and sustainable practices at work. Discussed Green Briefs: Getting Green Done! 5-‐Session Series See flyer announcing series and detailing April 8 Networking Event + Green Briefs: Profitable Energy Strategies for Business at the San Rafael Airport, 400 Smith Ranch Road Congratulations to the 2015 Green Business of the Year, Marin Clean Energy! Congratulations to All 2015 Green Business Nominees: • Agricultural Institute of Marin • Batteries Plus Bulbs San Rafael • City of San Rafael • Department of Cultural and Visitor Services: Marin County Fair • EO Products • Green River Financial Services • Lotus Cuisine of India • Marin Clean Energy* • St. Vincent de Paul Society • Smart Receivables • SolEd Benefit Corporation *Winner announced at State of the City / Taste of San Rafael Dinner on March 19 V. Meeting Adjourned Next Meeting -‐ Wednesday, April 8 – 9:30-‐11:00 am