WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable

A Panel Discussion on The How: Developing and implementing a Climate Action Plan
2020-03-18 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | NY, United States
A Panel Discussion on The How: Developing and implementing a Climate Action Plan

UPDATE: This event will be conducted via Zoom. Everyone who has registered will receive an email invitation to the online meeting.

Register here!

SBR’s Carbon Footprint Semester (The Why, the What and the How) will conclude with this upcoming third session, hosted by University at Buffalo.
This session series is ideal for: C-suite Executives, Sustainability Directors, Sustainability / Environmental Consultants, Environmental Compliance Officers, Environment Health & Safety Professionals, Finance Professionals, Health Professionals, Energy/ LEED Professionals and all companies/ personnel who have an interest in climate change.
You already know about the latest science around climate change and how New York is moving forward with the recently enacted Climate Leadership Community Protection Act (from our forum on 1/7) and on February 6th an extensive session was held on how to roll up your sleeves and start counting carbon.
Our final carbon discussion will focus on the How, i.e. action! Climate Action Plans (CAPs) are being adopted by pioneering organizations to motivate measurable actions on reducing emissions and increasing resonance with today’s markets. CAPs are effective tools for companies to be transparent about their footprint and engage their employees to create meaningful change from within.
Join us on March 18th to get a better understanding of:

The key steps towards creating a Climate Action Plan (CAP)

Strategic decisions and crucial steps for implementing your plan

Ways to make best use of local /regional / state resources available for your WNY company.

PROGRAM (updated due to online format)

3:30 – 4:30: Presentations & Resource Panel

Welcome & brief introduction to SBR – Kris Ann Bolt, President of WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable & Environmental Health & Safety Officer at Harmac Medical Products

Welcome and introduction to the speakers – Ryan McPherson, Chief Sustainability Officer, University at Buffalo

Presentation: “Not Your Grandma’s Climate Action Plan (CAP): An Interactive CAP for Storytelling and Spurring Change,” – Amir Rezaei, Senior Associate, CannonDesign & Ryan McPherson, Chief Sustainability Officer, University at Buffalo

Presentation: “I’ve Created the Plan Now What the #$%#$% Do I Do? : Success stories from The Carbon Reduction Challenge” – Elizabeth Thomas, Assistant Professor, University at Buffalo

Implementation Resource Panel: Representatives from GoBuffaloNiagara, National Grid, NFTA, NYPA, NYSERDA and NYS Pollution Prevention Institute, will give a brief overview of what types of programs they have (technical assistance, incentives, tools, etc/transportation, energy conservation, etc) to help businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions

4:30: Wrap up and goodbye

Register here!
SBR Members: Free
All others: $25.

SBR’s Very First Quarantini Happy Hour
2020-04-08 16:30 - 17:30 | Online
SBR’s Quarantini Happy Hour – Join Our Zoom Bar!
The Coronavirus Emergency has turned happy hours at the bar into drinks in our individual homes, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop socializing and get support from your SBR community. Join us for an online opportunity to network with your sustainable business colleagues & friends, while supporting SBR Member Community Beer Works. Please supply your own favorite adult beverage!
SBR Members only. Preregistration is required. Register here!

Where?: Zoom.us
When?: Wednesday, April 8, 4:30 – 5:30 PM
How? Free event, SBR Members only. Register by April 7. Everyone who signs on will get an opportunity to win a gift certificate to Community Beer Works
What? See draft program below…
… We will connect and discuss two main topics during a one hour Zoom Bar:
1) What kind of topics would SBR members like to hear about during this time; and
2) What are some of the lessons learned from our current Coronavirus Emergency, for sustainability professionals and others?

Depending on number of attendees, we will divide attendees into Zoom Breakout rooms, moderated by SBR Board Members.
We encourage everyone to prepare your drink of choice ahead of time! Perhaps a virgin mojito, a light or dark beer (preferably from Community Beer Works!) with a whiskey shot, or a simple glass of wine? There will also be an opportunity to compare and discuss “Quarantini” recipes, which is basically a mixed drink containing whatever liquor you have on hand. A popular recipe is 3 oz vodka or gin/ “whatever liquor”, 2 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey and 1 packet powdered vitamin C, see this link for more drink inspiration.
We also encourage everyone to turn on your cameras and to use the grid view, to make the experience as pleasant and interactive as possible for everyone!
SBR Members only. Register by April 7, and you’ll be sent the meeting link and login instructions. Everyone who signs on will get an opportunity to win a gift certificate to Community Beer Works!
Community Beer Works has been brewing quality beer in Buffalo since 2012 and been SBR members for a few years. They are truly passionate about beer and devoted to supporting the communities that connect us. Now it’s our turn to support them back!
SBR Members only. Preregistration is required. Register here!

Quarantini Happy Hour
2020-05-14 16:30 - 17:30 | Zoom
Back By Popular Demand: Quarantini Happy Hour!!!
No matter if your company is currently overworked or has been hit hard financially by COVID-19, understand that you’re not alone. Your SBR family is here with you in your time of need. Join us in saying cheers to the value of (e)networking in another Zoom Bar! This is a free event, open to both SBR Members and non-SBR members. Space is limited. Register NOW!

The purpose is threefold:

To give each other support
To learn from each other
To discuss and define what type of support is needed from SBR at this time

You can expect some good laughs (and some deep sighs at times) … You can also expect a couple of informal polls as we kick off the bar, and to be sent away at times to a few different areas within our e-bar, including the roof top terrace, the hour’s oeuvres table, the drinking fountain. The different areas – with a handful of Zoom Bar goers in each – will be moderated by SBR Board Members.

We will connect and discuss the below main topics:
How has your essential business vs non-essential businesses responded to COVID-19, and what do you expect in the coming weeks/months?
What would you and your business find most valuable in terms of support from SBR during these uncertain times?
There will also be joint discussions among all attendees between the breakout sessions, and also at the end of the hour.

Come Join The Fun!
Where: Zoom.us
When: Thursday, May 14th, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
How: This is a free event, open to both SBR Members and non-SBR members. Register by 10 a.m. on May 14, and you’ll be emailed the meeting link and login instructions.
Wondering what to drink? We encourage everyone to prepare your drink of choice ahead of time, and keep a refill option nearby! Perhaps a virgin mojito, a light or dark beer (preferably from fellow SBR member Community Beer Works!) with a whiskey shot, or a simple glass of wine? We also encourage everyone to turn on your web camera and to use the grid view to make the experience as pleasant and interactive as possible for everyone!
Space is limited. Register HERE!

Annual Meeting
2020-06-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Join us for SBR’s Very First Virtual Annual Meeting!
Register before 2 pm on June 8th. SBR Members will be prompted to answer if they are their organization’s member representative (one per organization) when they register. Non-members are also welcome, so feel free to forward this invite to someone you think should be a member of our growing sustainable business community!
Register here!
This will be an interactive event, so be prepared to turn your camera on so we can see everyone’s lovely faces (we miss you all!).There will be opportunities for networking before and after our official meeting program, so make sure to keep your digital business card and your favorite hot or cold beverage nearby.

SBR’s President Kris Ann Bolt will present her review of 2019 and vision for 2020 and beyond, and you will hear from all our committees: Communications, Development, Education, Membership, Recognition and Summit. Please click on this link to see our formal agenda.

The meeting will also include Board Election and Bylaw Revision & Approval. Please note that all SBR Members in good standing can self-nominate or nominate another Member in good standing for the Board of Directors. Nominations must be communicated to the Board and announced prior to the annual meeting! Send Asa Guilamo an email or text with the name of your ideal candidate a.s.a.p.
Bios for Board Nominations (as of June 5) are posted here.

We will also do a few informal polls and ask you to use the chat function for committee signup. Non-members are welcome, so feel free to forward this invite to someone you think should be a member of our growing sustainable business community!
Welcome!!!
Register here! Pre-register required, before 2 pm on June 8th. SBR Members will be prompted to answer if they are their organization’s member representative (one per organization) when they register. You will be emailed the Zoom link and login instructions the day before the meeting. Non-members are also welcome, so feel free to forward this invite to someone you think should be a member of our growing sustainable business community!

Show me the money!
2020-06-17 16:00 - 17:00 | Online
Show Me the Money – Paying for Building Sustainability Improvements
Target Groups: Facility Managers, Engineers, Architects, Sustainability Professionals, Business Managers

It’s time to further explore state and utility programs to offset the cost of sustainability improvements for your facility. Whether you have a project in mind or have no idea where to begin, join SBR and our friends at NYSERDA and National Grid for this interactive workshop on Zoom!
Open to both SBR Members and non-SBR Members. Register by clicking HERE!

For many businesses, improving energy efficiency is a great way to fill some of the revenue gaps created by the Covid-19 pandemic. Operating costs of most buildings remain substantial even when a building is temporarily vacant or is operating at a reduced occupancy. Additionally, the return on investment in energy efficiency starts immediately upon project completion and lasts for the duration of the new efficient equipment’s lifespan.
Daniel Keating, Engineering Manager at National Grid and Stacey Sabo, Senior Project Manager at NYSERDA, will present rebate and incentive programs to help pay for energy and sustainability projects. Example projects include energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy systems, EV charging stations, and cost-shared facility assessments.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about these programs and explore case studies of recent projects receiving rebates in Western New York! fter presentations and Q&A, there will be time for some networking, as we’re doing a Quarantini Mini Happy Hour between 5:00 – 5:30 pm. Join the workshop only, or stay on to mingle with others in our welcoming sustainable business community. We hope to see you there!

Where? Zoom.us
When? Wednesday, June 17, 4:00 – 5:00 (or 5:30 for extra networking)
How? Open to both SBR Members and non-SBR members. Register by 1 pm on June 17th, and you’ll be sent the meeting link and login instructions. Space is limited, register today!
How much? PWYW event (Pay what you want), suggested ticket fees: $0, $25, $50
REGISTER TODAY!

Western New York Sustainable Business Roundtable: Development, Growth, and Lessons Learned
2020-07-23 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
LINK to the recording.

Target groups: National business representatives, state officials and others with an interest in building more sustainable business knowledge communities. Regional business representatives, universities, NGOS, investors with an interest in sustainable business. And local organizations with an interest in learning more about SBR.
Pre registration is required. Register HERE!

The purpose of this presentation is to share lessons learnt and results to date from developing a business roundtable in Western New York. We will share WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable (SBR’s) journey:

“How it all started”: key driving forces within local businesses leaders and SBR’s anchoring institutions
“Important milestones”: significant events during the first few years & key grant outcomes, including case examples
“Building capacity for success”: the importance of collaboration, member value, and streamlined reporting
“Recognizing Superior Performance” – how the Roundtable members are showcasing progress within SBR’s Recognition Program

Program

1:00 – 1:05 Welcome and introduction to SBR
1:05 – 1:15 SBR’s journey
1:15 – 1:25 Development of SBR’s Recognition Program
Why would member companies want to track data and take the time to fill out the application?
What data do companies need to collect and report?
How can a program overcome concerns, e.g. confidentiality, ease of participation and aggregate data collection?
1:25 – 1:45 Recognition Panel
Lessons learned from Benchmarking study
Lessons learned from the company perspective; 2-3 representatives share their experiences (TBC)
1:45 Q&A
1:55 The next steps & wrap-up
2:00 Extended Q&A / Networking
2:30 Meeting ends

Pre registration required. Register HERE!
Venue: Online Zoom Meeting
Registration: by 5 pm, July 22nd

Speaker Bios

Kris Ann Bolt

Kris Ann Bolt is the Environmental Health & Safety Officer at Harmac Medical Products. She has been with Harmac for 15 years, and previously held positions in Operations Management, Quality Assurance and Product Development Engineering. Harmac Medical Products has embraced sustainability and community engagement through their ISO 14001:2015 certified program and their Bailey Green Community Initiative.

Mary Sennett
Mary Sennett is the Quality & Compliance Manager at Tapecon. She has been a quality management professional for 20 years in the manufacturing field with an emphasis on quality systems and regulatory compliance.

Ryan McPherson
Ryan McPherson is University at Buffalo’s Chief Sustainability Officer. In this role, Ryan connects people across the university with information, innovation, and tools to reduce UB’s footprint on the future and enhance quality of life by improving environmental stewardship, increasing economic efficiency and augmenting cultural values and awareness.

Josh Wilson
Josh Wilson is Erie County’s Coordinator for their Pollution Prevention Program. He manages a group focused on e.g. implementation of the EC Internal Operations Climate Action and Sustainability Plan (CASP), expansion of the EC Watershed and supports the WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable.

Tiffany Vanderwerf
Tiffany Vanderwerf is the Chief Conservation Officer and Deputy Director at the Buffalo Zoo, leading the Zoo’s conservation and sustainability efforts while overseeing the Animal, Veterinary, Education, and Facilities departments. Her passion for wildlife conservation led her to the Buffalo Zoo where she has been for the past 24 years in a number of positions.

Asa Guilamo
Asa is SBR’s Executive Director. She conducts the day-to-day business of the organization, and coordinates the initiatives set by SBR’s Board of Directors. Asa has worked at the intersection of policy, information and business internationally for more than 15 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science and a Master’s Program Degree in Environmental Management & Auditing from Uppsala and Stockholm University.

Morning Coffee Roundtable
2020-08-05 08:00 - 09:00 | Online
Join your fellow SBR members, prospect members & supporters for a morning coffee and roundtable discussion. Our use of zoom networking techniques will let you connect with new and old friends, colleagues and acquaintances, all while enjoying early morning refreshments of your choice at your own desk and/or garden swing!
Register HERE!

Connections, sharing and learning are needed, perhaps more now than ever. Remember that while we may be socially distancing, we are not alone. This is an opportunity to meet and engage virtually with representatives from our sustainable business community. The purpose is twofold: To give each other support & To learn from each other.

You can expect some good laughs. You can also expect a couple of informal polling questions as we kick off the morning discussion, and to be sent away at times to a few different areas within our e-coffee bar: the tea drinkers only table, the condiments area, the croissant heaven and so on. The different areas – with a handful of Zoom Coffee Bar goers in each – will be moderated by SBR Board & Committee Members. You’ll be introduced to The WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable and learn how you can get involved.
Those who attend will determine the discussion topics based on current situations and needs, and we’ll encourage everyone to turn on their cameras and to use the grid view, to make the experience as pleasant and interactive as possible for everyone. There will also be joint discussions in between the breakouts and at the end. Warmly welcome!
Space is limited and pre registration is required. Register NOW!
Open for SBR Members AND Non-Members.

Where? Zoom.us
When? Wednesday morning, August 5, from 8:00 to 9:00 AM
How? Free event, open to both SBR Members and non-SBR members. Register by 1 PM on August 4th, and you’ll be sent the meeting link and login instructions.
What to eat & drink? We encourage everyone to prepare your breakfast and drink of choice ahead of time, and with refill options nearby!

2020 Sustainable Business Summit
2020-09-22 14:00 - 2020-09-23 16:00 | Zoom
Meet up with peers, engage with sustainability leaders, and be inspired! We are excited to announce our move towards a more sustainable and climate friendly event model, hereby presenting SBR’s “2020 Summit Reimagined – The Value of Business Resilience”.
It’s a 2-day virtual event experience that is designed to be fun, engaging and dynamic. We offer 4 Keynote Panels with Prominent National Speakers, Meaningful Connections, Live & On Demand Sessions plus Live Networking. You can participate from the comfort of your own couch, but still be able to actively engage with other attendees, speaker and sponsors.
Our goal is to navigate you through key sustainability topics for “the new normal”. Join the conversation!

Greening Your Employees' Commute
2020-10-21 10:00 - 11:15 | Online
Join us for a workshop covering different ways to incentivize employees to take other forms of transportation, and what considerations unique to WNY must be taken into account.
Pre registration is required. Register HERE!

This panel discussion is ideal for: Sustainability Directors, Sustainability / Environmental Consultants, Environmental Compliance Officers, Environment Health & Safety Professionals, Human Resources Personnel, Sustainability Managers, Facilities Managers who deal with parking, bike facilities, clearing sidewalks, charging stations etc.
Did you know that the average American has a work commute of about 25 minutes each way, and flies about 17 hours per year? When remote employees are returning to their workplaces after a sudden shift to remote, companies have a golden opportunity to encourage employees to lower commuting emissions.

You will learn about:

– Commuter programs for businesses
– Infrastructure considerations when installing electric charging stations
– Pros and cons of telecommuting
– Resources available to employers encourage the use of alternative forms of transportation
– How implementation of these programs can contribute to a safe and equitable community for your business and its surrounding area

Program
10:00 – 10:05: Welcome & Intro to WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable and today’s presenters
10:05 – 10:40: Presentations from NFTA, National Grid & Go Buffalo Niagara
10:40 – 11:00: Questions and Answers
11:00 – 11:15: Speed networking in smaller groups
11: 15 Program ends

Presenters
Gary Bennett, Business Development Manager, NFTA, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
Timothy Ferguson, Senior Program Manager, Electric Vehicles, National Grid
Katie O’Sullivan, Senior Transportation & Smart Mobility Consultant, Go Buffalo Niagara
Moderator: Lisa Kenney, Smart Mobility Advisor, Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council

Pre registration is required. Register HERE!

Carbon Neutral Fleets
2020-11-17 13:00 - 14:15 | Zoom
Companies across the globe are actively moving toward a reduction and elimination of their carbon footprint, and the logistics and transport industry is going to be affected the most. Reducing carbon emissions is becoming an essential part of operations. This webinar will cover the latest innovations in vehicle technology and the different options to get the ball rolling for your WNY business.
Pre registration is required. Register HERE!

This webinar is ideal for: Facility & Fleet Managers, Logistics & Transportation Professionals, Sustainability Directors, Sustainability / Environmental Consultants, Environmental Compliance Officers, Environment Health & Safety Professionals.

Join our webinar to get:
Concrete & actionable advice on different tools to track and reduce your company’s fleet emissions
An overview of different options for alternative fuel vehicles and electrification of fleet vehicles and off-road service vehicles, including pros and cons from a performance & maintenance perspective as well as potential cost savings
A better understanding of what’s fueling demands for cleaner transportation, e.g. customer/client demands and employee’s health and safety
An update regarding energy storage opportunities & infrastructure requirements.

Program
1:00 – 1:05: Welcome & Intro to WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable and today’s presenters
1:05 – 1:50: Presentations from Clean Communities, NFTA & Viridi Parente
1:50 – 2:00: Questions and Answers
2:00 – 2:15: Speed networking in smaller groups
2: 15 Program ends

Presenters
Craig Jackson, Coordinator, Clean Communities of Western New York
Jeffrey Sweet, Equipment Engineer, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA)
Dennis Elsenbeck, President, Viridi Parente/ Green Machine

Eventbrite registration

Key Takeaways from the WNY Clean Production Leaders so far
2020-12-11 14:30 - 16:00 | Online
Interactive workshop, “Key Takeaways from the WNY Clean Production Leaders so far”
Register HERE!
Do you want to find out how managing chemicals can generate real corporate benefit? Is your company interested in knowing more about the chemicals used in manufacturing and contained in your products? Look no further!
Join SBR and our smart chemical management program partners for an interactive afternoon presenting local businesses leading the way to cleaner air and waterways! Sign up for this workshop to explore how you can get your organization’s journey started. You will get an opportunity to learn about lessons learned from program participants Tapecon, Catholic Health and Madiba Janitorial, and how they have worked closely with Clean Production Action and NYS Pollution Prevention Institute over the last few months.
They will discuss their strategies when it comes to internal communications, chemical inventories and takeaways from the chemical footprint survey. Our experts from Niagara Share/ CoRE, NYSP2I and Clean Production Action will also be there to share the most recent trends and ways they can assist you with expert guided support in calculating your own chemical footprint! In addition, you will hear from the soundscape artist Chantal Calato’s and her recent exhibition Unseen.
You will get an introduction to practical tools, free resources available for your WNY business and inspiration on how to ramp up chemical reduction work during a global pandemic. Sign up today!

Tentative program
2:30 – 2:40 Welcome and introduction
2:40 – 2:55 Tapecon’s journey (recording displayed)
2:55 – 3:05 Catholic Health’s and Madiba Janitorial’s journeys so far (live)
3:05 – 3:15 How taking a proactive approach to chemicals can benefit your company
3:15 – 3:30 Moderated Q&A
3:30 – 4:00 Discussions in smaller groups & wrap-up

Presenters
Mary Sennett, Quality & Compliance Manager, Tapecon, Inc
Patrick Goraj, Director of Facilities and Engineering CCD and ARTC, Catholic Health
Rubens Mukunzi, President & Owner, Madiba Janitorial
Charles Ruffing, Director, NYS Pollution Prevention Institute
Cheri Peele, Program Manager, Clean Production Action
Alexandra McPherson, Principal, Niagara Share
Chantal Calato, Artist

Video Links
Unseen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MA8RelpYpY&ab_channel=chantalcalato
Recording from Tapecon: https://youtu.be/bnIdd9TSKAE

Eventbrite registration

Holiday Cocktail Hour
2020-12-11 16:30 - 17:30 | Online
Welcome to SBR’s Holiday Cocktail!
Register HERE by December 7th
It has been a challenging year indeed, solidifying the importance of collaboration and strong relationships to help us get through difficult times.
Each December, SBR’s members, sponsors, allies, and friends merrily celebrate the holidays, the lessons learned from the year behind us, and what lies ahead for the WNY sustainable business community. This year it will look a little bit different, but we can still ensure you a high spirit of comradeship, enthusiasm, and devotion to our common cause!
Let’s get together virtually to celebrate and explore future ways of collaborating. Enjoy drinks while exploring connections within our local, place-based community united by SBR’s 4 keywords: invest, connect, learn & recognize.
Get in the right grove by:
Preparing your ecofriendly ugly sweater. Either hunt through the racks at your local thrift store or vintage shop. The other – perhaps the best – option, is to make your own. It’s an easy way to recycle items from around the house and you will end up with a one-of-a-kind work of art!
Preparing your cocktail to go kit – delivered to your door or picked up in East Aurora. A 32 oz “Painkiller” in a reusable jar. Ingredients: rum, fresh-squeezed orange juice, pineapple, coconut ($20 value).
You can expect some good laughs (and maybe some deep sighs at times). You can also expect a couple of informal polls as we kick off the holiday cocktail hour, and to be sent away at times to a few different areas within our virtual bar. We will have breakout groups for everyone: the ones on The Naughty List, The Holy Rollers, The Roasting Chestnuts, Santa’s Helpers, Silent Knights, The Mulled Wine Enthusiasts and more. The different rooms – with a handful of Zoom goers in each – will be moderated by SBR Board Members.
There will also be joint discussions among all attendees between the breakout sessions, and also at the end of the hour. Join the fun! The most creative ugly sweater – as decided by our jury of experts on the topic – wins an Autographed Buffalo Bills Jersey!
Sign up before Monday December 7th so we can get everyone’s cocktail kits delivered in time: LINK TO REGISTRATION
The Holiday Cocktail Hour is sponsored by The Knoer Group, PLLC. The Knoer Group provides legal services and counsel to individuals, businesses, government agencies, landowners and developers: www.knoergroup.com. We also thank the Buffalo Bills for donating the jersey!

Making Plans
2021-01-28 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom
Making Plans – “So What is Sustainability Anyway?”
Pre-registration is required. Register HERE!
This workshop is ideal for: Sustainability Directors, Sustainability / Environmental Consultants, Environmental Compliance Officers, Environment Health & Safety Professionals, Accountants, Marketing & Communication professionals with an interest in sustainability.

The past year served as a dress rehearsal for future disruption. SBR will kick off 2021 with a semester focused on what businesses can take away from 2020 to forge a better way forward. Our winter semester focuses on creating and implementing a sustainability plan – what should be included in a plan, measuring progress and reporting to stakeholders.
Sustainability planning is intended to articulate an organization’s vision to create a more sustainable business and provide a blueprint that outlines goals and initiatives, and how and when identified initiatives will be accomplished. The plan provides the framework for the organization to move to a higher level of sustainability, balancing costs with environmental benefits and the impacts to the stakeholders involved.

This workshop will address:
What sustainability means and how a business can relate to the Sustainable Development Goals
How a business can address the “S” and “G” in ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) by showcasing examples that include equity, ethics, board oversight, etc.
How a business can move forward with creating a plan utilizing tools and templates

Program
4:00 – 4:05: Welcome and intro to WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable and today’s speakers
4:05 – 4:10: What do we mean by sustainability and what do you think (interactive poll)
4:10 – 4:30: Presentation, What is sustainability and what should be included in a sustainability plan?
4:30 – 4:45: Company Panel, presenting their past, current and future plans
4:45 – 5:00: Beehive discussions in smaller groups
5:00 – 5:20: Report back from beehives and moderated Q&A
5:20 – 5:25: SBR tools to assist you with your planning
5:30: Program ends
Speakers:
Amanda Pike, Senior Sustainability Consultant, Quantis
Nira Johri, Sustainability Director, Rich Products
Brenda Young, Owner, Niagara Malt
Asa Guilamo, Executive Director, SBR

Pre-registration is required. Register HERE!
The zoom meeting link will be emailed to all registered attendees ahead of the workshop.
Welcome!

Measuring Progress
2021-02-23 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom
Pre-registration is required. Register HERE!
Target Audience: Sustainability Directors, Sustainability / Environmental Consultants, Environmental Compliance Officers, Environment Health & Safety Professionals, Accountants, Marketing & Communication professionals with an interest in sustainability

Once goals have been set and a plan has been made, a business must effectively track their progress to assure actions will be completed. Building on the Roundtable’s January event focused on sustainability planning, this event will focus on measuring progress to meet the sustainability goals outlined within these plans. Tracking progress using metrics, key performance indicators if you will, can range depending on a company’s sustainability goals, industry, and their stakeholders’ considerations. With proper understanding of the applicable tools and metrics a business can effectively communicate the status of their sustainability journey to both clients and stakeholders, helping to create a transparent flow of information.

This Workshop Will Address
Which metrics are most applicable to understanding a business’s sustainability journey and how these metrics should be used for benchmarking, adjusting baselines, etc. There will be an emphasis on defining metrics to better track and improve a business’s role in equity and inclusion in the workforce.
The need for transparency in the business space, with discussions on common barriers/challenges business’s face and strategies to overcome these issues.
How to utilize existing resources provided by the WNYSBR to enhance the sustainability focused data tracking and measuring within an organization.

Program
4:00 – 4:05: Welcome and intro to WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable and today’s speakers
4:05 – 4:10: What do we mean by sustainability metrics and what do you think (interactive poll)
4:10 – 4:30: Metrics Overview – Materiality, benchmarking, adjusting baselines, and an emphasis on defining metrics for equity and inclusion in the workforce
4:30 – 4:45: Beehive discussion in a smaller group
4:45 – 5:05: Panel Discussion on Transparency: Common barriers, challenges and solutions for moving forward
5:05 – 5:15: Striving toward our collective vision: SBR Membership Metrics/Recognition Application
5:15 – 5:30: Moderated Q&A and Closing

Speakers
Denielle Harrison, Manager, Business for Social Responsibility
Bilal Bawany, Global Cocoa Sustainability Manager, Mars
Travis Axelrod, Tesla (TBC)
Ryan McPherson, Chief Sustainability Officer, University at Buffalo

Pre-registration is required. Register HERE!

The zoom meeting link will be emailed to all registered attendees ahead of the workshop.
Welcome!

Tell Your Story
2021-03-25 15:30 - 17:00 | Online
Pre-registration is required. Register HERE!
Target Audience: Sustainability Directors, Sustainability / Environmental Consultants, Environmental Compliance Officers, Environment Health & Safety Professionals, Marketing & Communication professionals with an interest in sustainability, Human Resources, and Owners/CEOs.
Sharing your sustainability journey effectively is vital to communicating with your employees, customers, and the public. Building on the Roundtable’s January and February events focused on sustainability planning and metrics collection, this event will focus on how to best tell your organization’s story. Key insights and case studies will be shared by one of WNY’s leading communication firms, Mower. Cannon Design will highlight the power of data visualization by sharing examples from recent projects.
This Workshop Will Address:
How to identify the pillars around which to organize your particular sustainability message.
Tools and tips on how to share your story with a variety of audiences – employees, clients, investors, and the public.
An overview of tools & resources for effective data visualization and communication.
Guidance on best use of data visualization techniques.
Program:
3:30 – 3:40: Welcome and intro to WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable and today’s speakers
3:400 – 4:10: “Telling Your Story” Overview – tools, tips and case studies
4:10 – 4:35: Beehive discussions in smaller groups
4:35 – 4:50: The power of data visualization
4:50 – 5:00: Moderated Q&A and Closing
Speakers:
Brad Rye, Vice President, Mower
Becky Cania, Manager of Employee and Corporate Communications, Paychex
Amir Rezaei, Senior Associate/High Performance Building Analyst, Cannon Design
Austin Izzo, Project Coordinator, The Levy Partnership

Pre registration is required. Register HERE!
The zoom link will be emailed to all registered attendees ahead of time (one day before and one hour before the workshop).
Welcome!

"Wine & Whine - networking conversations focused on engaging employees"
2021-04-15 04:30 - 17:30 | Online
Pre-registration is required, register HERE!
“Wine & Whine – networking conversations focused on engaging employees”
Back by popular demand in a revamped version! We will soon have passed the one-year marker of “the new normal” including SBR’s first Quarantini Happy Hour back in April of 2020. Virtual interaction is still a big part of our lives, and SBR is still eager to create spaces for folks to share, complain, seek therapy and support from others. Join our “Wine & Whine” to listen, learn and connect to like minded. Be ready to vent. Bring your success stories, epic fails, and upcoming goals!

The week and month of Earth Day tends to be a hectic time for many sustainability professionals, whether it is an ongoing pandemic or not. You might have a million other things on your mind as well, things that were fairly easy to vent about in person but now are left unresolved? We are creating a safe space where you can essentially talk about whatever is on your mind. We will all give input and provide guidance, thoughts, approaches that have worked for us (if applicable). We will present topics for discussion & support:

The ups and downs of engaging employees and nurturing a “Green Team”
The balancing act of getting leadership involved in sustainability efforts

You can expect some good laughs (and some deep sighs at times) … You can also expect a couple of informal polls as we kick off the Happy Hour, and to be sent away to a more intimate area within our e-bar: a separate table, the rooftop garden, the VIP Room, the hidden balcony and so on. The different areas – with only a few Happy Hour attendees in each – will be moderated by SBR Board Members. There will also be joint discussions in the beginning and at the end.

Where?: Online
When?: Thursday, April 15th, 4:30 – 5:30 PM
How? Free event for SBR Members and non-SBR members $15. Register by 2 PM on April 15th, and you’ll be sent the login details ahead of the meeting.
What to drink? We encourage everyone to prepare your drink of choice ahead of time, and a refill option nearby! We also encourage everyone to turn on your cameras to make the experience as pleasant and interactive as possible for everyone!

Space is limited. Click HERE to register now!

2021-05-05 14:00 - 2021-05-06 17:00 | Online
SBR is recreating the virtual summit model we launched in 2020. The 2021 Summit will host two afternoons of live keynote panels, intertwined with longer networking sessions, Roundtable discussions and more.
Click HERE for more information and registration!

SBR Annual Meeting 2021
2021-06-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join The 2021 Annual Members Meeting!
Register HERE before 2 pm on June 3rd. SBR Members will be prompted to answer if they are their organization’s member representative (one per organization) when they register. Non-members are also welcome, so feel free to forward this invite to someone you think should be a member of our sustainable business community!
This will be an interactive event, hosted in Zoom, with opportunities for networking before and after our official meeting program, so make sure to keep your digital business card handy! Where will you be joining us from? Your socially distant office set up, your backyard hammock or your favorite lunch spot?
SBR’s President Kris Ann Bolt will present her review of 2020 and the board’s strategic plan for 2021 and beyond (hot off the press!). You will also meet SBR’s new honorary members and hear from our committees: Communications, Development, Education, Membership, Recognition and Summit. SBR Volunteers will be thanked and presented with ice cream vouchers! You will have the ability to move freely in between different rooms and participate in Zoom whiteboards. We have the following breakout room options for you to pick and choose from:
Learn how to engage your employees by giving them more sustainable finance options (Talk & chat with Mateo Escobar)
Earn from the Sun, SBR’s Community Solar Campaign (June to September)
The annual meeting will also include Board Election. Please note that SBR Members (https://wnysustainablebusiness.org/members) in good standing can self-nominate or nominate another Member in good standing for the Board of Directors. Nominations must be communicated to the Board and announced prior to the annual meeting! Send Asa Guilamo an email or text with the name of your ideal candidate a.s.a.p. Bios for three board nominations (as of June 1st) can be found HERE.
AGENDA
Program
11:00 – 11:05: Welcome, Call meeting to order & Approve Agenda (Kris Ann Bolt, SBR President)
11:05 – 11:10: Announcement: SBR honorary members
11:10 – 11:30: Year in Review & 2025 Vision and Q&A
11:30 – 11:45: Committee reports (incl thank you to volunteers) & 2021 Nominations
11:45 – 12:00: Votes for BOD Election in Voxvote & Stretch Break
12:00 – 12:05: Result of votes announced
12:05 – 12: 30 Breakout rooms
12:30 – 12:35: Report back from breakouts
12:35 – 12:55: Networking in smaller group
12:55: Wrap-up and meeting adjourned
Register HERE!
Warmly welcome!

Earn from the Sun
2021-06-15 08:00 - 2021-09-15 17:00 | NY
WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable is conducting the “Earn from the Sun” Community Solar Program, in partnership with Erie County & Omni Renewables. The overall goal of the program is to provide solar energy to residential and commercial subscribers, furthering our efforts to foster an environmentally resilient Western New York.
Become a subscriber and enjoy monthly savings on your electricity bill, earn a $75 gift card and support the SBR! Sign up AND share this offer, using our flyer found HERE, with your colleagues and others in your sustainable business network so we can all enjoy the benefits of earning from the sun!
Subscribe HERE, using promo code WNYSBR
If you would like to learn more about our program or speak directly with an OMNI representative, join our corporate service day on July 15th where we will be cleaning up and touring Red Jacket park, as well as engaging with OMNI Renewables to learn more about Earn from the Sun. Further details can be found HERE.
What is community solar & how can it save you money?
Community solar allows you to access solar energy from projects in our local area. Power generated from these solar projects, or solar farms, is fed into the power grid and into your home, see NYSERDA’s video for further details. Now there is no need to undertake the hassle and potential complications of installing solar panels on your roof or property to benefit from solar energy. By subscribing to community solar you will earn credits on your energy bill each month for your portion of solar energy generated, resulting in an easy way to reduce your monthly electricity costs, and more money in your pocket.

Why subscribe to Earn from the Sun?
There are several great reasons to subscribe to community solar! By signing up during SBR’s Earn from the Sun Campaign you will:
Save up to 10 percent on your monthly electric bill.
Earn a $75 Visa Gift Card upon enrollment.
Support local community solar farms for home and business use.
Support the WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable, ensuring that our organization’s work with your workplace and other businesses in WNY continues to succeed.
Show New York State that Western New York is serious about leading the way to a green future, helping the state achieve its goal of 100% clean power by 2040.

How do I sign up for Earn from the Sun?
Becoming a subscriber to Earn from the Sun is easy! Simply follow this link below to our vetted Community Solar partner, OMNI Renewables, landing page and enter our promo code WNYSBR. This will allow you to begin your Earn from the Sun subscription process, which typically only takes 5 -10 minutes to complete, see tutorial video here. Please make sure to have a recent electricity bill on hand as you will need to submit this during your subscription application.
Signing up is not only completely free, but you will also receive a $75 electronic visa gift card as a thank you! You can join from any geography as our vetted Community Solar provider OMNI Renewables has the capacity to serve both National Grid and NYSEG customers, and you can opt out at any time with a 90 day advanced notice. Click below to begin your transition to clean energy and great savings!

Why Omni Renewables?
There are many providers offering community solar, which can make choosing a provider intimidating. SBR, in collaboration with Erie County, has vetted several high quality proposals during spring of 2021. Omni Renewables is an industry-leading community solar manager, specializing in customer acquisition and subscriber management of community solar projects. Through Omni Renewables, households and businesses can subscribe to local community solar farms and start saving on their monthly utility bill with no upfront cost while supporting clean energy development in their community. Enrollment in our community solar farms is simple and easy and most importantly, when you subscribe to one of our solar farms in New York, you are a neighbor and not a number. We are confident OMNI Renewables will provide subscribers with great value and further our organization’s efforts to foster an environmentally resilient Western New York.
SBR’s review and selection process focused on values such as:
Benefit to subscribers
Valuing minority participation
Supporting local projects
Other sustainability attributes
SBR enables our member businesses to create, build and act on sustainability goals, grow prosperity, and promote healthy communities, therefore our Omni Renewables was chosen as it mirrors our organization’s values. OMNI Renewables’ solar projects are open for subscriptions within National Grid and NYSEG territories located in Western New York and with connection dates in the very near future. Use of local labor and agri-voltaic influences (i.e. bee friendly pollinators and sheep for grazing) will be also used when feasible. Best of all:
Subscribers will not have to worry about credit score requirements, fees or extra bills!
Signing up is completely free and there is no second bill, as billing is consolidated with your current utility company.
Subscribe HERE, using promo code WNYSBR
Thank you and enjoy earning from the Sun!

Corporate Volunteer Service Day
2021-07-15 15:00 - 17:30 | Red Jacket Riverfront Park, 20 Smith Street, Buffalo, New York, 14210
SBR’s 2021 “Summer Camp Semester” is all about valuing nature and exploring our interconnectedness. Join us outdoors for an afternoon of fun, learning and community impact. This is an opportunity to renew your team spirit, all while making a difference in habitat restoration in the Old First Ward neighborhood. Become an SBR local habitat hero by dedicating your time removing trash and debris from along the shoreline of the Buffalo River and throughout Red Jacket Riverfront Park, and get rewarded with popsicles!
Register HERE!
SBR’s Corporate Volunteer Service Day enables you and your colleagues to break from the office (or work from home) routine and unite for a common, positive goal as a business and Roundtable member. Plus, as your team works together, you will learn about habitat restoration work, SBR’s Earn from the Sun Campaign and get to walk through part of the future Riverline Trail.

Program
3:00 – 3:15: Check in, safety talk & passing out of gloves, garbage bags etc. (SBR & partners)
3:15 – 4:30: Red Jacket Park clean-up hosted & led by Erie County (Kristen Guadagno)
4:30 – 4:50: Meetup & Refreshments/ Popsicles. Reflection on cleaning up the park & introduction to why and how you can Earn from the Sun (SBR & Omni Renewables)
4:50 – 5:00: Q&A in the shade
5:00 – 5:10: Introduction to the Riverline Trail, current and ongoing plans (Nancy Smith, WNY Land Conservancy)
5:10 – 5:30: Walk-through part of The Riverline Trail (led by Nancy Smith)
5:30: Meetup back at the parking lot: thank you and goodbye (SBR & partners)

Where: Red Jacket Riverfront Park, 20 Smith Street, Buffalo, NY 14210. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, Google Maps will take you to the wrong location if you enter the Park by name, please use the Park address for more accurate directions.
When: Thursday July 15 @ 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM (rain date: July 22)
What to expect: You and your team will check in and receive clean up supplies. Everyone will then form teams to take on assigned clean up tasks. We will clean together for about 75 min and then meet up to report our results, reflect and to return any borrowed supplies.
What to wear: Please wear closed-toed shoes and clothing appropriate for working in the sun. Hand sanitizers will be available at check-in. Unvaccinated individuals will be responsible for maintaining proper social distancing of six feet and wearing a mask as per CDC guidance.
What to bring: Garbage bags and work gloves will be provided along with a few small hand tools and trash grabbers. Please bring your own if you happen to have some at home. The closest bathroom is at Tim Hortons located at 1176 South Park Avenue, so please plan accordingly. Remember to bring plenty of water and consider applying sunscreen and insect repellant prior to the event!
What if it rains: The rain date is Thursday July 22nd. In case of heavy rain, we will send all registered attendees an email in the morning to inform you about next steps.
How to sign up: Pre-registration required. Register HERE by Tuesday July 13th. Registered attendees will receive an email reminder on July 14th including a map to the meet up location.

Welcome!

About the park
Red Jacket Riverfront Natural Habitat Park is only a couple blocks south of busy South Park Avenue, and easily accessible from the I-190, yet is the most remote of the Buffalo River Parks. It’s situated between two railroad lines, and although some industry does still exist, fish and wildlife have come back to reclaim their historical homes. More about the park’s history: https://www2.erie.gov/parks/index.php?q=red-jacket-riverfront-natural-habitat-park
About Earn from the Sun
SBR is conducting a community solar campaign, in partnership with Erie County and Omni Renewables. The goal of the campaign is to provide solar energy to residential and commercial subscribers, furthering our efforts to foster an environmentally resilient Western New York. Subscribers will enjoy monthly savings on their electricity bills, earn a $75 gift card and support the SBR: https://wnysustainablebusiness.org/events/earn-from-the-sun
About Riverline
The Riverline is a former stretch of rail corridor that links The Cobblestone District with the Buffalo River. Once complete, this greenway trail will be a 1.5 mile nature corridor. It will feature meadows, gardens, woodland, and wetlands, with plenty of educational and recreational opportunities. Riverline website: https://theriverline.com/

Give 716!
2021-07-15 19:16 - 2021-07-16 23:59 | NY
This past year has created an unprecedented time for our community and a critical gap in the services that local nonprofits are able provide in Western New York. In response to these challenges, the idea of Give 716 was born as a collaborative effort between the Buffalo Bills Foundation and Buffalo Sabres Foundation by using their collective resources for good.
The goal of Give 716 is simple, to unite Bills and Sabres fans with the Western New York community in an epic day of giving! It also aims to bring awareness and develop deeper, more meaningful connections between nonprofits providing the vital supporting services to our community.
Give 716 will bring together individuals, groups and businesses in support of any nonprofit headquartered in one of eight counties to include, Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua. Give 716 will provide a unique opportunity for this community to discover and support causes they are most passionate about while providing local nonprofits the opportunity to increase awareness, expand their donor database and funding.
Your support of SBR will allow us to continue our mission of building an environmentally and economically resilient Buffalo-Niagara region! Please consider donating during one of the power hours listed below to maximize your support of our organization! Donations can be made directly on our Give 716 page here until 11:59pm tonight with amazing donation matching power hours throughout the day. Please consider donating at the top of one of the power hours to double your support for SBR with no added effort! Thank you for your support and Let’s Go Buffalo!

Tour of 6MW Solar Farm at Riverview Solar Technology Park
2021-08-19 15:30 - 17:30 | NY
Tour of 6MW Solar Farm at Riverview Solar Technology Park
August 19th @ 3:30 pm, rain date: August 26th
Register here!

Event description:
Montante Solar will be hosting a tour of a 6MW Single Axis Tracker System, located inside Riverview Solar Technology Park in Tonawanda, NY. In conjunction with the tour, there will be stations available to visit that will talk about how you can contribute to ecosystem health as you network at the end of the tour:

Molly Ventura- Landscape Architect: Will talk about the importance of pollinators and how to incorporate pollinator plants into corporate and at-home landscaping
Erie County & the Black Rock Riverside Alliance: Will talk about habitat certification effort (Black Rock Riverside Alliance) & Healthy Lawn Program (County)

Where: Riverview Solar Technology Park, 855 Riverwalk Parkway, Tonawanda NY 14150.
When: Thursday August 19 @ 3:30 PM (rain date: August 26)
What to expect: We will be taking a walking tour of the 6MW Single Axis Tracker System Solar Array at the Riverview Solar Technology Park. The tour should last approximately 40 minutes. After the tour you will be able to network and interact with two different stations that will speak about how you can contribute to our overall ecosystem health. The stations will be under a tent so there will be an opportunity to cool off in the shade.
What to wear: Please wear shoes and clothing appropriate for walking outside on unpaved ground. Unvaccinated individuals for COVID-19 will be responsible for maintaining proper social distancing of six feet and wearing a mask as per CDC guidance.
What to bring: Montante Solar will provide water bottles at the event, however, they ask that in an effort to go-green to please bring your own reusable bottle. A portapotty will be available on site, so please plan accordingly. Remember that this is an outdoor event in an uncovered area, please consider applying sunscreen and insect repellant prior to the event!
What if it rains: The rain date is Thursday August 26th. In case of heavy rain, we will send all registered attendees an email in the morning to inform you about next steps.
How to sign up: Pre-registration required. Register HERE by Tuesday August 17th. Registered attendees will receive an email reminder on August 18th including a map to the meet up location.

About Riverview Solar Technology Park:
Riverview Solar Technology Park is a 200-acre business park powered by the sun. Each building has some kind of solar array associated with it (roof mounts, ground mounts, or even a solar canopy) and hosts some of the country’s largest industry leaders like Amazon & FedEx.
State of the Art Solar Array:
The solar array we will be touring holds +15,000 solar panels over 22-acres and has smart racking that tracks the sun throughout the day increasing solar production by ~12%. The site is a re-use of an old Ashland Oil tank farm. Montante Solar needed to clean up the old tank infrastructure and complete a substantial amount of civil work to prep the site as needed for the solar installation. The solar array produces over 8.2 Million kWh of renewable energy per year.

Electrify Buffalo
2021-09-25 11:00 - 15:00 | NY
Join BNMC and National Grid on September 25th from 11am – 3pm at their Electrify Buffalo, Community Ride-Around event!
Test drive electric vehicles, demo EV charging stations and take a ride-around on e-scooters, e-bikes, e-backhoes and other electric transport! Must be age 18+ to drive. Food trucks, Raffle prizes, Kid zone and Free entry — Bring the family!
COVID restrictions require staff and attendees to wear masks during the event and only people from the same household should be in a test drive vehicle at the same time.
For more information and to register visit their website.
When: September 25th, 11am – 3pm.
Where: BNMC Innovation Center (Parking Lot), 589 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203

Happy Hour at the Solar Carousel
2021-10-14 17:00 - 18:30 | NY
Register here!
Who is ready for some much needed in-person networking?? Join SBR on October 14th, from 5:00 – 6:30pm for a Happy Hour at the incredible solar powered Buffalo Heritage Carousel at Canalside! Network and socialize with your fellow member businesses as well as enjoy a ride on the Carousel! We are also excited to have SBR’s member, eco_logic STUDIO, architecture & engineering, PLLC Kevin Connors show off some sustainability highlights of this new attraction.
Looking forward to raising a glass with you!
All guests in attendance will need to be fully vaccinated or have taken a covid test with negative results 72 hours prior to the event in order to attend. Thank you for your understanding.

Facilities Management Expo
2021-10-20 10:00 - 16:00 | NY
The Roundtable is excited to continue out sponsorship and participation at the Facilities Management Expo this year! Stop by to see our table and gather for business-to-business connections in property management fields.
The Western New York Facilities Management Expo is a regional showcase featuring products and services for maintenance, renovation, modernization and management of commercial, industrial, institutional, income properties and more. As the largest Facilities Management Expo in the WNY region, with vendors and visitors from Western New York, and North Western Pennsylvania, attendees have a wide range of displays, seminars, and demonstrations to attend throughout the event.
When: October 20th 10am – 4pm
Where: Hamburg Fairgrounds, 5820 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY 14075
Pre-register online to avoid lines at the event!

Sustainable Sourcing Panel
2021-11-16 15:00 - 16:30 | NY
Sustainable Sourcing Panel
November 16th @ 3:00 – 4:30pm
Virtual Event: Register here!

It all starts with asking a question…
The products and services you and your business purchase make a difference! Join us to learn about sustainable procurement strategies and product choices. We’ll discuss how to build local and inclusive procurement strategies through executive engagement, capacity building for procurement staff, and using data to inform strategy. Our guest speakers will share valuable insights on publicly available green product specifications, different green product certifications, and how to identify and avoid greenwashing when making purchasing decisions large or small. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from a successful case study in which the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus worked with healthcare institutions to create a food procurement supply chain that makes it easier to support local farmers and provide healthy food to patients, visitors, and employees.

Speakers:
Antonina Simeti, Program Director at the Buffalo Purchasing Initiative
Shea O’Neill, Vice President, U3 Advisors
Brendan Woodruff, Director of Sustainability at NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Jodi Smits Anderson, Director of Sustainability Programs at the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY)
Marla Guarino, Farm to Institution Program Coordinator, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

Speaker Bios:
Antonina Simeti, Program Director, Buffalo Purchasing Initiative
Antonina joined the Buffalo Purchasing Initiative (BPI) in 2019 as its first staff member. She is leading the local initiative to convene large employers in the Buffalo region to explore strategies, share resources and expand procurement opportunities for businesses owned by people of color in order to help create job opportunities and build wealth. Her role is to build the Initiative’s tools and operations, engage procurement managers, supplier diversity staff and leaders at BPI member organizations, find, learn about and support local businesses owned by people of color, and ultimately work to make connections and build relationships between these businesses and large purchasing organizations.
Antonina is an urbanist committed to creating new models for economically and environmentally sustainable development. Antonina’s professional experience includes non-profit management, public policy research, design strategy, and user research. She has experience collaborating with a wide range of organizations, and has worked with business leaders, community-based organizations, government agencies, elected officials, cultural institutions, designers and educators.
Antonina received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Tufts University and holds a Master of City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Shea O’Neill, Vice President, U3 Advisors
In his capacity as vice president, Shea builds the foundation that supports U3’s data-driven approach to economic and real estate development. Shea manages the majority of U3’s data and analytic needs and works across the company on a variety of projects. With a background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Shea is able to leverage public and institutional datasets to visualize novel trends, such as where employees and students live and the overall impact on the local housing market. Shea also leads U3’s Buy Local Initiatives, and has helped grow and support local purchasing organizations and initiatives in Buffalo, Memphis, Rhode Island, and Chicago. In 2019, Shea began to expand U3’s external research footprint. He presented novel research on the formation of Anchor Districts at the Coalition of Urban and Municipal Universities and is currently developing tools on how to identify and support small colleges in financial distress.
This work is enriched by Shea’s background in GIS and data management. Shea came to U3 out of University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Masters in City Planning with a focus on GIS and Community and Economic Development. Outside of U3 Advisors, Shea continues to grow his knowledge of GIS by teaching graduate level courses at the University of Pennsylvania and Jefferson University.
Brendan Woodruff, Director of Sustainability at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Brendan Woodruff is the Director of Sustainability at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation where he focuses on lowering the environmental footprint of state government through providing resources and assistance to state agencies and authorities to meet their sustainability goals, creating green purchasing policies, and engaging employees on how they can be part of the solution. Prior to joining DEC he worked in the environmental advocacy field and in labor services. He has a BA in History from Skidmore College and a MS in Policy Studies from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
Jodi Smits Anderson, Director of Sustainability Programs at the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY)
Jodi is an architect and has been the Director of Sustainability at DASNY for 14 years, working on design/construction and NYS interagency greening. She focuses on process, iterative learning, and on illuminating the health, economic, and equity benefits in intentional connections with Nature and Community.
Marla Guarino, Farm to Institution Program Coordinator, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus
Marla Guarino works in food system strategy to help healthcare institutions form and implement plans to increase local food procurement. A dietitian by trade she is passionate about the intersection of food and health outcomes. Food access and equity is the foundation of her work. She joined the BNMC in the Department of Health and Wellbeing in September of 2019 as a Farm to Institution Catalyst working to implement the grant funded USDA Local Food Promotion Program: Farm to Hospital Initiative. With a deep understanding of the food system, she works to enhance food chain transparency from farm to distributor to institution while increasing awareness and knowledge among consumers of local food procurement efforts and benefits. Marla has a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Allegheny College and a Bachelor of Science from the Dietitian Education Program at SUNY Buffalo State College.

Canceled - Member Happy Hour
2022-01-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Duende at Silo City, 85 Silo City Row, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States
This event has unfortunately been canceled due to COVID safety. We look forward to safe and healthy happy hours in the future!
Where: Duende at Silo City
When: January 20, 5 – 7pm
Register for free here!
SBR is happy to announce that we will be hosting our annual member only happy hour at Duende at Silo City! Have your first drink on us, enjoy some great food and get to know your fellow members. We will also be introducing our new Executive Director so make sure to stop by and say hello!
Our clothing drive as part of the event and the giving season is still ongoing! The Buffalo City Mission is in need of mens plane white undershirts, sized large to 2XL, and mens pajama pants. Please consider purchasing these items new and either bringing them to the event or heading to a wishlist page set up for SBR on amazon where you can buy them using your account and they will be sent directly to the Buffalo City Mission. We appreciate your generosity this Holiday season.
All guests in attendance will need to be fully vaccinated or have taken a covid test with negative results 72 hours prior to the event in order to attend. Thank you for your understanding.

Rules & Regulations - Virtual Panel Discussion
2022-01-26 16:00 - 17:30 | NY
Register for free here!
Do you know about the upcoming environmental rules and regulations? SBR has you covered!
Join us for a virtual panel discussion and learn about the upcoming laws that could impact your business! Hear from subject matter expects on food waste, PFAs and paint care. Each panelist will make a brief 10 – 15 minute presentation providing a high level overview of the individual law and how it will impact businesses and organizations. With the remaining time, we will enter into a Q&A discussion where you can ask your specific questions to our experts.
Don’t be caught unaware by these laws! Make sure you and your business are prepared.
When: Wednesday, January 26th 2022, from 4:00 – 5:30pm
Where: Virtual

Update on the NYS Climate Act
2022-02-16 12:00 - 13:30 | NY
Register here!
When: February 16, 12 – 1:30pm
Where: Virtual
Why: Seize Opportunities & Manage Risks
New York State’s bold new climate change law is moving into implementation and understanding the opportunities and changes this has on business is key.
Join SBR for a virtual presentation and Q&A with NYSERDA’s Vice President for Policy and Regulatory Affairs, John Williams. John will be providing an overview of the current status of implementation of the CLCPA (Climate Leadership Community Protection Act) and what it means for businesses in New York State. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit their questions before the event, which will be presented by our moderator, Ryan McPherson, UB’s Chief Sustainability Officer.
We hope to see you at this great event!

Sunrise Walk at Tifft Nature Preserve
2022-03-16 07:30 - 09:00 | NY
Register HERE!
When: Wednesday, March 16th, 7:30 – 9am
Where: Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203
Join us for our first networking event of 2022! We will be hosting a guided walk through Tifft Nature Preserve before work to start your day with fresh air, an easy walk to stretch your legs and caffeine to fuel some networking. During our walk we will learn about the preserve and the different projects the organization is working on. The walk will be predominantly flat and at an easy level, however, there are no paved roads at Tifft so we will be walking primarily on dirt and gravel. March also tends to be muddy at Tifft so please wear appropriate footwear that you don’t mind getting dirty! Our walk will last roughly an hour, where we will then return to their indoor visitors center for some coffee, tea and networking. BYOM (Bring your own mug/thermos) is encouraged, however, Tifft does have ceramic mugs available. There will be restrooms and parking is available for free at a lot next to the visitors center, see map.
Should the weather be uncooperative, we will listen to a presentation from our Tifft guide and then transition into networking at their visitors center.
