May Events

Once again, it's been a busy month...and it's only half over. Or I should say it's already half over. After considering various options for dates for this month's event(s), I have decided that trying to fit another gathering into an already full month of sustainable activities and events is not the best answer. Instead, I'd like to communicate the details on some of those events that I plan to attend and invite you to join me there.

First up, the Green Festival. It's happening this weekend at Navy Pier. I know, I know, that's in the city and this organization is suburban in focus. It's worth the trip to attend this event, as it's the largest gathering of sustainable companies, organizations, and presenters in the entire area for the year. If you're not familiar with this event, check out the full details at:

http://www.greenfestivals.org/content/view/230/200/

It takes place on Saturday (10a - 8p) and Sunday (11a - 6p) at Navy Pier. Take the train or carpool with a friend - you'll be glad you did. I'll be there on Saturday afternoon, taking in the sights and sounds and speeches. If you're interested, send an email (shawn@thirdisolutions.com) and I'd be happy to try to coordinate times to walk through the show together.

Next up, a chocolate tasting happening Sunday at 2p at Citizen Kane in Geneva (319 W. State St.). And just what does chocolate have to do with sustainability, you ask? Plenty, is the answer. In this case, the chocolate happens to be the unprocessed dark chocolate variety which also includes acai berries and blueberries. All of which provide loads of antioxidants, helping to lower blood pressure, lower bad (LDL) cholesterol, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. More details to follow shortly, but hey...what better way to spend a bit of time on a Sunday afternoon than hearing about - and tasting - how chocolate is actually good for you?!?

And last (at least for the moment), but certainly not least: a Net Impact event. On Wed. May 21st, join me at their event: The Secrets to Successful Social Entrepreneurship. Location is the IIT Stuart School of Business at 565 W Adams St. in Chicago. I know, I know, another city event!! All I can say is once again, it'll be worth it!! Here's more detail:

The Secrets to Successful Social Entrepreneurship
Date/Time: May 21, 2008 at 6:30pm
Place: Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) – Stuart School of Business
565 West Adams Street, Chicago IL 60661
** 10th Floor Event Room

Panelists : Rich Cohen – Founder and CEO, Distant Village Packaging
Lauri Alpern – Partner, Return On Inspiration
Katie Das – Owner, Das Foods
Jill Bunton – Senior Business Development Director, Heartland Health Outreach

RSVP: ChicagoEvents@NetImpact.org by May 16, 2008
(please indicate if you are a member of Net Impact and which local chapter you are affiliated with)
Cost: Free for Net Impact members, $5 for non-members
Questions: Contact Tricia Sheehan, Chicago Net Impact, tricia24@gmail.com

Event Description: Passionate about making the world a better place through business? Chicago’s top social entrepreneurs are joining the Chicago-area Net Impact professional and student chapters for an insightful discussion on the secrets to success in social entrepreneurship. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur with a big idea or just starting to learn about social entrepreneurship, this event will help you understand the secrets to success in using your entrepreneurial spirit to improve the world.

"Social entrepreneurs are not content just to give a fish or teach how to fish. They will not rest until they have revolutionized the fishing industry." - Bill Drayton, CEO, chair and founder of Ashoka


So as you can see, there's a lot going on already. I hope that one or more of these events captures your interest, and look forward to seeing you there.