Crash Course in Sustainability: Featuring Resources and Tools

OVERVIEW:

This is an educational event for businesses in Waukesha County that are working on adopting sustainability actions in their operations. We will dive into the evolution of sustainability, share why now is a great time to act, and share local resources to support your organization's journey in sustainability.

We will also have a panel of Waukesha County businesses from various sectors sharing their case studies on why and how they have implemented sustainable practices. This event is meant to be educational and interactive so bring your questions!

The last portion of the event will have networking time with the attendees and presenters.

AGENDA:

8:00 to 8:30: Arrival and check-in. **Coffee and snacks provided by Stone Creek Coffee

8:30 – 9:30: A Crash Course in Sustainability: Featuring Resources and Tools for Waukesha County Businesses

• Background on the Evolution of Sustainability and the Business Case
• How to get started on your journey
• Local resources to support your journey
• The Workforce Connection
• Social Impact Tools and Resources for Business

9:30 – 10:45 - Case Study and Q&A Business Panel

• Inpro Corporation
• Evolution Marketing
• Stone Creek Coffee

10:45 - 11:00 Network

EDUCATIONAL SPEAKERS:

• Abbie Liedtke, Recycling and Solid Waste Supervisor, Waukesha County
• Analiese Smith, Workforce Development Board Director
• Jayne Jenks, Conservation Specialist, Waukesha County
• Jessy Servi Ortiz, Managing Director, WI Sustainable Business Council
• Lisa Geason-Bauer, President, Evolution Marketing and Chair of B Local WI

BUSINESS PANEL SPEAKERS:

BUSINESS PANEL SPEAKER BIOS:

MODERATOR: Jessy Servi Ortiz, Managing Director, WI Sustainable Business Council

As a member-driven organization, the WSBC offers tools to educate, assess and integrate business-based sustainability practices. Jessy's background includes sustainability management, regenerative agriculture, design systems, and business. She has experience in developing and managing sustainability programs, including strategy, engagement, communication, and collaborating across departments to develop, track and oversee KPIs.

Jessy is the co-founder and co-chair of the (Wisconsin) Women in Sustainability group, a network of professionals working to advance social and environmental sustainability. She also serves as an advisor to the UW Sustainable Management Program through UW Extended Campus and has won honors and awards for her work and leadership. Jessy previously worked as a sustainability manager for Outpost Natural Foods in Milwaukee and earned her MBA in sustainable business management in 2013. She holds several certificates, including Permaculture and Regenerative Design, and is a certified professional coach.

Lisa Geason-Bauer, President, Evolution Marketing and Chair of B Local WI

Lisa is the president of Evolution Marketing, a Wisconsin-based woman-owned Certified B Corporation® specializing in the area of sustainability consulting and storytelling, environmentally responsible creative design, and ethical marketing. When Geason-Bauer founded Evolution Marketing in 2007, she made the strategic decision to operate the firm in a triple-bottom-line manner. Since then, she has publicly shared the challenges and unique opportunities presented when one implements environmental and social sustainability strategies and practices in a professional service business.

For more than a decade Lisa has played an active role in shaping the discussion within the business world regarding the adoption of strategic sustainability strategies and the inclusion of corporate social responsibility programs into day-to-day business operations. As a practitioner of sustainability initiatives and a leader in the business for good movement, Lisa is proud that Evolution Marketing can offer its professional services in a carbon-neutral manner. She currently serves as the Chair of B Local Wisconsin, and she is the Vice Chair of the Waukesha-Ozaukee-Washington County Workforce Development Board.

Jessica Jenkins, Environmental & Technical Project Specialist, Inpro Corporation

Jess studied Conservation & Environmental Science at UW-Milwaukee and is certified as a LEED Green Associate and TRUE Advisor. At Inpro, she focuses on product transparency, environmental stewardship, compliance, and employee engagement. She has also been involved in planning and augmenting Inpro’s Zero Waste initiatives, with a company-wide goal of achieving Zero Waste by 2025

Rachel Perik, Director of Employee Care, Stone Creek Coffee

Rachel started her career over 5 years ago as a barista in our Wauwatosa cafe and throughout her time here demonstrated remarkable care to both employees and her coworkers. She is honored to use her skills to create this experience for employees and the community with clarity and care in hiring, benefits, processes, and more. Working alongside other company leaders and striving to do all of this work in the same spirit that B Corporation embodies makes this work all the more fulfilling and rewarding.

EVENT PARTNERS and PROMOTIONAL PARTNERS:

• B Local Wisconsin
• Waukesha County Business Alliance
• Waukesha County Department of Parks & Land Use
• Waukesha-Ozaukee-Washington Workforce Development Board
• Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council