Managing Our Mission: Sustainable Event Practices at the 2023 B:CIVIC Summit
The 2023 B:CIVIC Summit demonstrated how to balance growth and sustainability during a large in-person event as we hosted 400+ attendees and achieved recognition as a Certifiably Green Denver (CGD) Event. Throughout the Summit, we committed to demonstrating our values, Colorado’s Civic DNA: inclusivity, collaboration, shared vision, leadership and responsibility. Our conference mission was to showcase sustainable event practices and community inclusion and share best practices as to how others may prioritize this at their own organizations.
Learn how we implemented the Summit’s sustainability mission below.
Small Business Spotlight: Premier Members Credit Union
Premier Members Credit Union (PMCU) is the first credit union in Colorado to be certified by the Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN). This certification recognizes PMCU’s greenhouse gas emission reductions, support of environmental sustainability and environmental justice organizations across the front range and their equitable business practices both internally and externally.
“Since 2019, our sustainability program has overseen a 17% decrease in the greenhouse gas intensity of PMCU buildings and increased purchase of renewable energy credits to over 20% of our total electricity consumption,” said Garrett Chappell, Senior Sustainability Specialist at PMCU. “We have also to re-invested over $40,000 to local grassroots organizations across all our member communities fighting to preserve Colorado’s environment and the well-being of our families and neighbors.”
We spoke with Garrett to learn more about the CGBN Certification and PMCU’s sustainability initiatives.
Aligning Your Values Throughout the Workforce Journey Recap
“Employees can do the work; they want to know what kind of environment they’ll arrive to.”
– Carissa McCabe, GFM|CenterTable
10% of people are job searching today, and they’re looking for more than a paycheck. Organizations need to communicate and demonstrate their values to prospective employees and current teammates in order to thrive.
Thank you to Sean Choi of FirstBank, Michael Greenlee of Emerge and Carissa McCabe of GFM|CenterTable for sharing their insights and expertise. Thank you to Anna Costello for being our moderator.
Strategies for Investing in Resiliency
B:CIVIC published “Planning for Resilience: Disaster Response Toolkit” in December 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was developed to support businesses in their efforts to effectively respond to all types of disasters and build resiliency in our community. Nearly three years later, companies and community needs have evolved. We caught up with several of the companies featured in the Strategic Disaster Response Toolkit to learn about new features to their strategies. A common thread across all companies is growing attention to social and environmental resiliency and a proactive approach.
Measuring for Impact & ROI Recap
To demonstrate your impact, remember that ROI is not just the data; it is the storytelling and personal highlights.
To measure for impact, you must determine the why, your specific goals aligned with business objections and identify the story of your cumulative impact for your communities.
Thank you to Angie Ruddell of Lockheed Martin, Jenna McFarlane of Bellco Credit Union and Paul Kelly of Vail Resorts for sharing their insights and expertise. Thank you to Amy Moynihan for being our moderator.
Small Business Spotlight: Green Spaces
B:CIVIC partnered with Denver-based Longer Tables to host a Community Dinner at Green Spaces. Our guests had the opportunity to browse the Marketplace, and we invite everyone to take a closer look at this innovative space. Read more in our interview with Green Spaces CEO Jevon Taylor below.