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Sustainability was presented as a top business topic at an Atlanta Roundtable on August 18th. Top executives from Georgia Pacific, Interface, Home Depot and Cox Enterprise were part of a panel that shared what their companies were doing to be sustainable, protect the environment and save money. They each felt that sustainability was an essential component of a business model in todays economic world.Sustainabililty positions companies to be more competetive and brings about change in the company. When Wal Mart did a survey of its vendors, they were forced to identify where and how products are produced. Sustainbility makes a company accountable for products on the shelf; to be more transparent.

Along the Gulf Coast, Sustainable Business practices are being discussed on a regular basis. The Green Coast Council is in the process of forming with Businesses Organizing for Sustainable Solutions.  Businesses have been meeting monthly hosted bya company that shares their products and services and also sustainable practices they are implementing. They are also beginning to document the savings and the impact on the enviroment and the community.

Rob McElroy of Daphne Utilities discusses sustainable project to collect grease to keep out of the sewer system.

Jennifer Denson of Partners in Environmental Progress, presents information about the Synergy Program.

The last two sessions were hosted by Envision Coastal Alabama/ Mobile Chamber and Daphne Utilities.

The next meeting of the Green Coast Council will be September 28th. For more information contact Wendy at 251.510.8002

 

 

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Smart Coast is now accepting applications to fill one AmeriCorps VISTA position to assist with communication and marketing. This position requires a one year commitment.

Smart Coast is a regional organization serving the coastal counties of Alabama and promoting smart growth and sustainable development. Our Healthy Coastal Connections project is working to increase connectivity and working to make our streets safer for active transportation by promoting Complete Streets and Smart Walks to school. These projects and initiatives work to create healthier, more active lifestyles for citizens and encourage active participation in community planning. Sustainability programs are based on the 3P’s: People, Planet and Profit. Smart Coast is a fast paced organization and is looking for someone to fit that pace and be able to be autonomous and productive. This is a great opportunity to learn community organizing skills.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a social networking and web development plan which would include email, twitter, facebook, utube and other developing segments of social networking.
• Use social marketing to assist with marketing Smart Coast and publicizing Smart Walks to School projects; Complete Streets Program; Sustainable Business Council.
• Additional tasks as needed.

Qualifications:

• Extensive experience with computer/social marketing.
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite 2007; social networking i.e. Facebook and Twitter.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently; excellent critical thinking skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment.
• Passion for sustainability which balances the protection of People, Planet, and Profit. 
• Willingness to use personal laptop within work setting.
• Personal car or transportation needed.

Compensation:

Provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service through the AmeriCorps VISTA program and include: Bi-weekly Stipend; Federal Employee Health Benefits; and choice of End-Of-Service Stipend or Education Award.  For more information, visit www.americorps.gov.

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