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| Michigan Sustainable Business Forums Fact Sheet |
The triple bottom line guides the actions of Michigan's sustainable business forums. Environmental and social considerations coupled with the bottom line are known as the triple bottom line, a metric used to evaluate the impact of a business's operations. Michigan's sustainable business forums use the triple bottom line to develop successful business strategies promoting long term growth, responsible environmental management, and social equity.
There are six sustainable business forums in Michigan. They are the Northwest Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, the Southwest Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, the Central Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, the Saginaw Bay Sustainable Business Partnership, and the Southeast Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. Listed below is an overview of each forum and respective contact information. For further information please contact Carol Panagiotides at panagioc@michigan.gov.
Mission Statement
Michigan's Sustainable Business Forums are united in their efforts to achieve sustainability by working cooperatively to foster the long term economic growth and financial success of their members, while being mindful of the triple bottom line. Each forum encourages its members to adopt responsible environmental management and product development strategies that move beyond regulatory compliance. Michigan's forums also work to improve quality of life for their members and stakeholders.
Goals and Objectives
- Provide a learning network to implement sustainable strategies
- Mentor members to adopt resource efficiency, environmental management systems, and other sustainable tools
- Develop partnerships with surrounding communities, organizations, and government
- Spread awareness and interest in sustainability through local events, conferences, and workshops
- Identify potential barriers to sustainable development
Northwest Michigan Sustainable Business Forum
The forum offers web resources and workshops on topics including energy efficiency and conservation, green energy, resource recovery and waste reduction, green tourism, local agricultural products, and sustainable transportation systems. Members can learn more about sustainable practices and profitability through an on-line discussion forum. The forum includes representatives from the hospitality industry, municipalities, universities, research groups, chambers of commerce, tribes and casinos. The Northwest Michigan Sustainable Business Forum serves the Grand Traverse-Manistee Bay area.
West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum
The forum's website provides information about sustainable practices that promote economic vitality, social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Examples include case studies on best practices, guidebooks on sustainable business and design, routine meetings, workshops, and conferences. The West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum is dedicated to developing the expertise and means to achieve triple bottom line objectives. Members include a wide range of Grand Rapids area businesses, industries, governments, and non-profit organizations.
Southwest Michigan Sustainable Business Forum
The Southwest Michigan Sustainable Business Forum encourages ecologically, economically, and socially-appropriate practices mindful of the triple bottom line. Regular meetings and member presentations provide peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities on issues such as green building and energy efficiency. Forum membership includes consultants, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, architects, interior designers, and industries throughout SW Michigan. For more information, please email Heather Smith at
hsmith@naturecenter.org.
Saginaw Bay Sustainable Business Partnership
The Saginaw Bay Sustainable Business Partnership focuses on best management practices and stakeholder collaboration. Forum events and workshops provide opportunities to learn more about topics such as green building design, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and the Natural Step for Business. Members include municipalities, non-profit organizations, individuals, industries, and educational institutions throughout the Saginaw Bay area. For more information, please contact George Puia at puia@svsu.edu
Southeast Michigan Sustainable Business Forum
The Southeast Michigan Sustainable Business Forum promotes sustainable practices through awareness of global trends, identification of best environmental practices, education and mentoring. Resources include routine meetings, conferences, workgroups, technical presentations, and white papers on issues such as smart growth, green buildings, and environmental management systems. This forum consists of businesses, governments, and nonprofit organizations in the Southeast Michigan area. For more information, please visit the website.
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