As the business world continues to change with the challenges of climate change and resource scarcity, being resilient has never been more important. Businesses in Western New York are facing new pressures, from changing regulations to evolving customer expectations, making it essential to adapt and innovate. This year’s Sustainable Business Summit is here to tackle these topics, providing valuable insights and strategies to help organizations thrive in a fast-paced environment. Our theme—Translating Risk to Resilience—focuses on how businesses can navigate uncertainties while finding opportunities for growth and sustainability.
To kick off the Summit, we’re excited to have Dr. Tracy Fanara, a Buffalo native and well-respected environmental scientist, as our keynote speaker!
Meet Our Keynote: Tracy Fanara, PhD
A Buffalo native and renowned environmental scientist, Dr. Tracy Fanara is the Coastal Modeling Portfolio Manager at NOAA, where she works to protect human health and wildlife by forecasting environmental threats. Her extensive academic background in water quality, sustainable design, and habitat restoration, coupled with her role as the founder of the platform Inspector Planet, positions her as an expert on the most pressing issues businesses face today.
Her message is clear: businesses have an enormous responsibility—and an incredible opportunity—to lead the charge in sustainable change. Through her work, Dr. Fanara has empowered millions to understand and address environmental hazards, inspiring change through investigation, engineering, and education.
Understanding the Sustainability Landscape for WNY Businesses
In today’s ever-changing business landscape, getting a handle on sustainability is key to success. The 2024 Sustainable Business Summit is all about equipping local leaders with the insights needed to tackle the complexities of climate change, resource management, and shifting market demands. With our theme, Translating Risk to Resilience, the summit will highlight practical strategies that help businesses adapt and thrive, even in uncertain times. This is your opportunity to discover how emerging trends can transform your business practices, boost efficiency, and encourage community involvement. Here’s a peek at the key topics we’ll cover at this year’s summit, helping you get your organization ready to tackle the challenges ahead!
- Climate Change and Business Resilience:
Businesses across Western New York are already experiencing the effects of climate change, from extreme weather events to shifts in resource availability. As climate-related disruptions become more frequent, businesses must build resilience in their operations. The Summit will cover practical ways to adapt to these changes, from managing supply chain risks to safeguarding infrastructure and workforce well-being.
- Embracing Sustainability as a Business Opportunity:
Sustainability isn’t just about compliance—it’s a growth strategy. The summit will explore how adopting sustainable practices can unlock efficiencies, attract customers, and position your business as a leader in the Western New York region, a hub for innovation and environmental stewardship.
- Leveraging Innovation and Technology:
From clean energy to material management, the Summit will introduce attendees to innovations and strategies that can help reduce environmental footprints while boosting competitiveness and operational efficiency.
- The Impact on Communities and Public Health:
Dr. Fanara’s keynote will emphasize the vital role businesses play in their communities. Environmental changes directly affect public health, and businesses must recognize their responsibility to mitigate these impacts—not only to safeguard their workforce but to ensure the well-being of the communities they serve.
- Building a Culture of Environmental Stewardship:
Beyond policies and strategies, businesses must foster a culture of sustainability. The summit will offer strategies to engage employees, customers, and stakeholders, ensuring that environmental stewardship is embedded in your organization’s mission.
Join Us at the 2024 Sustainable Business Summit
This Summit is designed to give businesses the knowledge, connections, and tools they need to not only survive but thrive. This is your opportunity to gain practical insights and connect with leaders who are driving meaningful change in Western New York and shaping the national conversation on sustainability. With key topics addressing the most pressing sustainability challenges, this event will equip you with the knowledge and tools to build a more resilient, sustainable business. Don’t miss out—learn more about the event and register today!