This course delves into the implications that sustainability principles have on different aspects of an enterprise. Participants will gain an understanding of how the pursuit of sustainability can impact product/service development, marketing, finance, human resources, and operations. Issues such as an integrative approach, priority setting, and incremental implementation will also be explored.

Co-taught by an experienced business executive and Foresight staff, the course will also cover real life examples and applications. Although the course builds on concepts introduced in FSBA 101, attendance at 101 is not required.

Presenters:

Burt Klein
President, PortionPac Chemical Corp
Founded In 1964, PortionPac pioneered high concentrate detergent formulations, portion control packaging and environmentally sustainable programs. Dozens of concepts from safer chemicals to color coded products and formal custodial education were introduced to the janitorial and plant maintenance industry through PortionPac. Burt was born in Chicago and after graduation from the University of Illinois he worked for the Chicago Board of Trade ensuring that member firms had sufficient capital and led a team that enhanced the financial surveillance systems. Before working for PortionPac, he was Chief Financial Officer of Sheridan Investments, a money management firm in Chicago, during their four-fold growth in managed assets. Burt is a frequent speaker about sustainable business. He has been invited to speak the at the Illinois Governor’s Pollution Prevention Award ceremony, America’s Small Business Development Center Network and the School Nutrition Association. He currently is on the Board of the Industrial Council of Near West Chicago, Foresight Design Initiative and the University of Illinois’ Family Business Council.

Amanda Medress
Fusionist 1, Foresight Design Initiative
Amanda Medress, a graduate of Oberlin College’s Environmental Studies and Creative Writing programs, brings a diversity of well-honed talents to Foresight. At Oberlin, Amanda co-founded the Student Experiment in Ecological Design, the first house in America to monitor its carbon footprint in real time. The project earned Amanda the Joyce Gorn Memorial Prize for excellence in environmental work and a front page of the New York Times. In addition to her passion for sustainability, Amanda has authored and illustrated an environmental children’s book, Quaid McQueen, Trash Machine. As a certified conflict resolution practitioner, Amanda has arbitrated over a dozen mediations and facilitations at the Oberlin College Dialogue Center, which treats issues through a social justice lens.

Important Notes

• FSBA Members tickets are only available to active FSBA Members, who have applied and paid dues, only. Learn more about membership.
• Pre-Registration Required.
  
• Cancellation Policy: All Foresight tickets and/or event registrations are non-refundable. If an event is canceled or postponed by Foresight, participants will be offered a full refund. Please contact us if a personal emergency keeps you from attending an event. At Foresight's discretion, a refund may be offered in these cases.