WNY Sustainable Business Roundtable

Sustainable Business Forum at Chautauqua: How WNY Businesses are Protecting our Water Resources
2025-07-16 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Chautauqua Institution Smith Wilkes Hall
This event is an exclusive opportunity for SBR members.
Western New York is blessed with abundant water resources, from Lake Erie to Chautauqua Lake and countess rivers, streams and wetlands in between. This make our region attractive to people and businesses across the U.S., especially as many other areas struggle with expanding drought and other climate threats. But as with freshwater resources globally, our waters suffer ongoing environmental challenges. Fortunately, the Western New York business community is stepping up to address these challenges through innovative technologies and practices. Our July 16 forum features five Western New York business leaders who are stepping up to the challenge of safeguarding our water resources.
SBR Members: Access Your Member Registration Code
If you're an SBR member, you received your registration instructions and code in an email sent on June 18, 2025, with the subject line:“Exclusive Invitation: Join Us at Chautauqua for the Sustainable Business Forum.”
To get free parking, simply add both the Forum pass and Main Lot Parking for July 16th to your cart and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. (Main Lot Parking can be found under "Lectures & Daily Tickets" on the site menu.)
Chautauqua Institution, one of America’s premiere arts and cultural institutions, located on beautiful Chautauqua Lake, is please to host this forum and offer free access to WNSBR members on July 16 to all our programming, plus an exclusive happy hour for WNYSBR members. Moreover, July 15 is the Institution’s annual “Buffalo Day” where we offer free access to all residents of the greater Buffalo region. If you’d like to come on July 15 and stay over for the July 16 forum, check out our accommodation options here: https://www.chq.org/visit/accommodations/. We highly recommend you book overnight accommodations ASAP as space is limited.

Register Now!

Buffalo River Clean Up
2025-08-21 16:30 - 18:00 | Thomas F Higgins Park, 152 Bailey Ave, Buffalo, 14220
Join us for an afternoon of hands-on service along the Buffalo River! Connect with fellow SBR members as we help care for one of our region's most iconic waterways. After volunteering, stick around for casual networking and a happy hour at a local bar.
Supplies and water will be provided for volunteers. Parking at the park will be limited! We encourage our volunteers to carpool whenever possible.

Register Now!

Building WNY's Sustainable Workforce
2025-09-24 11:00 - 12:30 | Northland Workforce Training Center, 683 Northland Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14211
Join SBR for a panel discussion highlighting how workforce training programs across Western New York are preparing talent, strengthening the regional economy, and growing the region’s sustainable workforce. This event will introduce businesses to a variety of local workforce development programs.
Panelists will share how their organizations are developing the skills needed for a sustainable workforce and the resources available to employers. Attendees will learn how businesses can engage to address hiring needs, grow talent, and build lasting partnerships.
Lunch will be provided for all attendees.
Featured Speakers:
Stephen Tucker, President & CEO, Northland Workforce Training Center
Richard Hanaburgh, Workforce Dev & Recruitment Manager, PUSH Buffalo Sustainability Workforce Training Center
Sandra Bleckman, Director of Workforce Development, NYPA
Mary Ruelle, Director of Strategic Talent Initiatives, TechBuffalo
Moderator: Linda Batycki, Senior Program Manager, WNY Manufacturing and Tech Workforce Coalition

Register Now!

Inside GreenForce
2025-10-28 16:30 - 18:00 | Viridi Parente, 1001 East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14215, United States
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Viridi and the GreenForce workforce development program. Discover how Viridi is powering a cleaner future and discover how GreenForce is preparing skilled talent to meet the region’s growing demand for sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing jobs. This guided tour will showcase innovative technology, training opportunities, and real-world career pathways driving Western New York’s green economy.
GreenForce helps individuals find and secure employment through comprehensive support, including job search guidance, career counseling, and skill development. Formerly focused solely on training employees for Viridi, GreenForce has recently expanded to provide qualified workers to a variety of organizations across the region.
After the tour, stay for networking and an opportunity to discuss workforce development challenges and solutions with fellow attendees.
Viridi requests that everyone wear safety glasses on the tour. Please bring your own if you have them!
​

Register Now!

2025 Sustainable Business Summit
2025-11-19 11:00 - 18:30 | The Richardson Hotel, 444 Forest Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14213
The Sustainable Business Summit is the Western New York Sustainable Business Roundtable’s annual flagship event and the region’s premier platform for sustainable business leadership.
This year’s Summit will take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the historic Richardson Hotel in Buffalo, NY. The 2025 theme, The Future We Build Today, invites us to explore what’s possible when bold sustainability goals are paired with practical, actionable strategies.
The half-day program will feature an inspiring keynote speaker, expert-led breakout sessions, and energizing networking, all designed to help turn sustainability ideas into practical action.
Tickets are available now!

Learn More

Conscious Cup
2026-02-10 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-03-10 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-04-14 16:30 - 18:30 | Socotra Yemeni Coffee House, 671 Ridge Rd, Lackawanna, NY, 14218
In the spirit of the new year, we’re kicking off our Conscious Cup initiative! Beginning in January and extending through April, Conscious Cup meetings will offer a space for SBR members to meet and connect in a casual setting on the second and third Tuesdays of each month.
No registration is required! Mark your calendars and come meet us for a cup of coffee.
Schedule:
2nd Tuesdays - Facilitated by Fenna Mandolang (716-504-7474)

Time: 4:30–6:30 PM
Location: Socotra Yemeni Coffee House, Lackawanna
Dates: Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14

3rd Tuesdays - Facilitated by Jenny Bruce (716-279-9884)

Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Five Points Bakery, Buffalo West Side
Dates: Jan 20, Feb 17, Mar 17, Apr 21

Conscious Cup
2026-02-17 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-03-17 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-04-21 08:00 - 09:00 | Five Points Bakery, 44 Brayton St, Buffalo, NY, 14213

Operational Sustainability: From Policy to Practice
2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:30
Join SBR for a practical 90-minute session designed to help businesses develop and implement effective internal sustainability policies.
This free webinar will begin with a presentation from Executive Director Anna Attea covering the business case, development process, and core components of internal sustainability policies followed by an optional hands-on workshop where you'll begin drafting or refining policies tailored to your business.
Attendees are encouraged to bring any existing sustainability policy you'd like to review and improve. Perfect for business owners, operations managers, and sustainability champions ready to move from intention to action.
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Location: Zoom

Register Now!

Muddled Together: A Member Appreciation Celebration
2026-03-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Mint Mojito Bar, 1225 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY, 14213
In partnership with LED Energy Solutions, SBR is bringing together current and future members to celebrate sustainable businesses in WNY.
As a part of this celebration, we welcome new organizations interested in learning more about SBR. Members are encouraged to bring a guest and introduce them to the inspiring individuals and organizations that make our community so great.
Join us to connect with fellow members, meet new people, and look ahead to a productive season. Enjoy delicious food and drink at Mint Mojito Bar accompanied by meaningful conversations. Every ticket purchased comes with light appetizers and two drinks. Additional drinks will be available for purchase.
We look forward to celebrating you and this vibrant community as we enter this season of growth.
Date & Time: March 12, 2026 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Mint Mojito Bar, 1225 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY 14213
Tickets: $20 member, $25 nonmember
About our Partner:
LED Energy Solutions (LEDES), based in Buffalo, NY, helps cities, schools, hospitals, and businesses across the public and private sectors modernize energy infrastructure through LED lighting, HVAC optimization, geothermal systems, solar, wind turbines, and EV charging stations — delivered through a proprietary performance-funded model. Projects require no upfront capital and are structured to produce positive cash flow from day one, enabling organizations to achieve their Zero Net Energy goals without capital outlay.

Register Now!

Navigating Climate Mitigation Policy in Buffalo Niagara
2026-04-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
​Join SBR and the UB Regional Institute to explore the recently released Buffalo Niagara Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), tools for implementing the plan’s recommended actions, and the evolving policy landscape shaping climate action in the region.
​This virtual session will examine how state and federal policies are impacting key sectors, including commercial buildings, transportation, and energy generation, and what that means for local businesses. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of the roadmap for climate action in Buffalo Niagara, practical steps to comply with or leverage new or emerging policies, and how incentives, funding opportunities, and regional collaboration can help support and advance climate action in Western New York.
Date & Time: April 14, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Location: Virtual
Tickets: Free

Register Now!
