Platform 5280 , Biennial of the Americas

Platform 5280 The Denver Biennial of the Americas has transformed into a platform about global ideas, art and people.

Following Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper’s agenda for economic growth vis-à-vis the arts, culture and design, Platform 5280, Biennial of Americas is set to prompt economic growth as well as bring world class thought leaders and art.

The board of directors for the Biennial consists of 20 members including Erin M. Trapp, Ph.D., Vice President of Advancement and External Relations and Executive Director of the Foundation at Metropolitan State College of Denver.  Ms. Trapp explained that the Biennial is Denver’s way of creating a cultural brand, building upon the established sport teams.

The highlight of Denver’s Biennial is that it looks to art and cultural of the Americas where traditionally Europe and Asia are considered.  The event engages business persons who often times are the demographic supporting the arts.

Abaseh Mirvali is the Executive Director, CEO and Comisaria of Platform 5280 and was recently interviewed by Jan Mazotti of ICOSA.  Ms. Mirvali’s background in contemporary art as a juror juxtaposed to her interest and work in public policy sparks a new type of biennial for Denver, Colorado.  The title of a comisaria is unique and translates to one that works from the “nitty gritty of putting the program together but then also oversees other components of it from marketing to organization,” Mivali.  This event is the epitome of “think globally but act locally,” said Mirvali.  During the interview with ICOSA Mirvali speaks of the process of becoming part of Platform 5280 with a bit of reminiscence, showing the dedication she has to her work.  To watch the interview on Driving Force Radio, visit; http://youtu.be/ccsoqXW7Q00.

An impressive board of directors are involved with Platform 5280 ensuring it ssuccess, including;

Mike Fries, Chairman President and CEO, Liberty Global Inc.

Thomas Williams, Vice Chairman President and CEO, Williams Group, LLC

Frederick B. Taylor, Treasurer President and Co-Founder, Northstar Investment Advisors, LLC

Rick Pederson, Secretary Chairman, NFK Frederick Ross

Don Bailey Chairman and CEO, Triton Investmen tCompany

Patricia Barela Rivera Owner, PBR Solutions

Gayle Dendinger President and CEO, CAP Logistics and Publisher, ICOSA Magazine

Verónica Figoli Director of Outreach and Engagement, Piton Foundation

Amy Harmon Founder and Owner, Urban Market Partners, LLC

Walter Isenberg Co-Founder,President and CEO, Sage Hospitality

Bruce James Managing Partner, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP

Susan McIntire CH2M Hill

Kent Rice Executive Director, Arts & Venues Denver

Hassan Salem President, U.S. Bank, Colorado

Erin Trapp Vice President of Advancement and External Relations, Metropolitan State College of Denver

Michael Van Gilder CEO,Van Gilder Insurance Corporation

Roxane White Chief of Staff, Governor Hickenlooper

Edward (Ted) White Partner, Moye White, LLP

EX OFFICIO Jayne Buck Vice President of Tourism, Visit Denver

Jamie Van Leeuwen, PHD: Senior Advisor, Governor Hickenlooper

“Thereis a natural affinity for us to go tie into Canada and Mexico,” said Publisher of ICOSA Gayle Dendinger.  In kind services offered in collaboration with community organizations, education, governmentand businesses are what bring about Denver’s best interests and get it done.

Opinions vary to how this biennial can be a model.  Dendinger believes it can be exported to other states while Mirvali envisions best practices within relative perspective creating a dialogue then prompting action.

The platform can be used to spark change in one’s own community.  Take ownership and sponsor or volunteer with Platform 5280, Biennial of the Americas.  For more information about Platform 5280, visit; www.platform5280org.

Center for the New Energy Economy

The Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE) is directed by former Governor Bill Ritter.  CNEE works toward the advancement of clean energy policy at the state level.  Ritter takes the CNEE message nationally through speaking events about clean energy.  The CNEE has partnered with the East China Normal University which seems to be strategic in that China was number one in all renewable index rankings for 2011 and 2010, reported Ernst & Young. “We need a national energy policy,” Ritter.  Ritter states the clean energy agenda is really about emissions for example natural gas emissions.  Questioning what forms of energy are most efficient has several factors such as the natural environment of a location.  The factors are numerous however the Feds have some legislation on clean energy.

In the U.S. Federal government the clean energy agenda is basically looking at two issues; one is Property-Assessed Clean Energy, (PACE) financing and two the extension of the production tax credit which the wind energy industry relies upon.

At the state level best practices in extraction and efficiency are being discussed.  The CNEE has worked with about 10 states in advancing clean energy policies.

“What’s really interesting is one size doesn’t fit all, so it is important to tailor our work in states to the resources available in the state—to the economic landscape to some extent—to the way that they are generating electricity, to think about that and what that transition is going to involve.  Interestingly transmission—it’s very difficult and sort of a sophisticated topic but the transmission infrastructure matters a lot because of interconnection—pulling renewables onto the grid can be a very difficult thing to do,” Ritter.

“I think energy is one of those things that should not be all about politics but somehow this debate over whether climate change is real or not, is sort of sucked into it, the whole conversation around clean energy including things like energy efficiency.  It’s about saving energy and good business practices,” Ritter.

Clean energy policy groups such as the Energy Foundation out of San Francisco, Hewlett Foundation, Packard Foundation and the McKnight Foundation fund CNEE.

To read more about the Center for the New Energy Economy, visit; http://cnee.colostate.edu/.

To view the full interview, visit; http://youtu.be/JrnCbJBsEro.

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Greeley Chamber of Commerce

 

The Greeley Chamber of Commerce is in Weld County, Colorado.  They are a WOW town, a lifeline for business and help companies think outside the box.  There key messages include fostering a strong local economy, Greeley Chamber of Commerce promoting the community, providing business connections and visibility opportunities, representing the interests of business with government and building community leadership and development programs.

ICOSA spoke with Kim Barbour, Public Affairs Director at the Greeley Chamber of Commerce since 2007; LeeAnn Sterling, Visit Greeley Director and Sarah MacQuiddy, President of the Greeley Chamber of Commerce.  They discussed the agri-business in Greeley.  In fact 30 percent of business in Weld County is related to agriculture.  Making the Greeley and surrounding area the eighth largest community supplying food sources in the nation.

The full cycle of agri-business is looked at by the Greeley Chamber of Commerce from education of agriculture, to immigration, to water.  The Greeley Chamber hosts tours illustrating various subjects in agriculture.  The tours are one day and focus on subjects such as water and livestock in the area.

LeAnn Sterling of the Visit Greeley Program shared that the community has visitors to the range of 30,000 in three days that bring in about seven million dollars.  A few of the events that bring in the large dollar amounts are ones such as Greeley Jazz, The Greeley Blues Jam and The Greeley Stampede.

Agri-business is big business in Greeley.  They are also a university town.  Greeley is also home of the University of Northern Colorado which brings in an educational component to the agri-business as well as other disciplines for example nursing and liberal arts studies.

The Regional Leadership Program that the Greeley Chamber of Commerce hosts creates dialog in the region including the Fort Collins and Loveland communities.  They focus on the economy, employment, education and healthcare both regionally and nationally.

For more information on the Greeley Chamber of Commerce, visit; www.greeleychamber.com or call 970-352-3566.

 

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

JoAnn Winks  

 

Johann Winks is the Assistant Port Director of Trade with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Area Port of Denver at Denver International Airport.  Winks recently meet with ICOSA and shared the following information and resources.

The department is responsible for guarding nearly 7000 miles of land border shared with Canada and Mexico.  Along with guarding nearly 2000 miles of coastal waters, as well as 9500 miles of maritime border in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.  They also secure and facilitate trade and travel.

Import specialists at customs can assist companies with understanding laws, regulations, quota restrictions and reduced rates of duty.  The U.S. Customs and Border Protection daily ensure U.S. regulations and laws.  The following list of four services/resources they offer is worth consideration.

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifies everything that comes into the United StatesHTC is a global classification system that is able to describe most comedies across the world.  It applies tariff rates and specific statistical categories to all merchandise coming into the United States.  More detailed information is provided at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s website; http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/trade_programs/duty_rates/.

The Generalized System of Preferences is a U.S. trade program designed to promote economic growth in the developing world by providing duty free entry.  It covers 4800 products and benefits 129 countries and territories.  A list of these products can be found at; http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/trade_programs/international_agreements/special_trade_programs/gsp_gen_system/.

Formal entry forms must be filed if merchandise coming into the U.S. is valued over $2,000 and a customs agent or airline should fill it out.  This form and several others can be found at; http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/forms/.

Go to the local Customs and Border Protection office to find out what items are restricted to bring into the U.S. such as animals, animal bi-products, firearms, plants and embargoed items including artifacts from other countries, toys and children items.  Contact information can be found at; http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/.

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Pathfinder Solutions

Alexandra Mitchell  

 

Community service industries such as Pathfinder Solutions are preparing to show a new work force how to get into the civil service/non-profit field of work.  This industry anticipates job opportunities will continue to open as the baby boomer generation retires.  Pathfinder Solutions is building a bridge to connect the right talent with the civil service industry.

Alexandra Mitchell is co-founder and president of Pathfinder Solutions.  Pathfinder Solutions principle goal is cultivating a diverse civil service workforce.  Mitchell related to ICOSA that 1.5 million people work in the civil service industry which is about 10 percent of the national workforce.

Dr. Jeff Pryor

 

Dr. Jeff Pryor, co-founder and CEO of Pathfinder Solutions has decades of experience in philanthropy.  Pryor served for 20 years as the Executive Director of the Anschutz Family Foundation.  Both Pryor and Mitchell believe civil service organizations need to equally spend time developing and inviting talented individual into the industry.

Pathfinder Solutions is a 15 member, team based consulting firm.  They work on projects, with each member bringing their unique skill-sets.  At the forefront is the Talent Develop Inititive Project in Colorado which inspires individuals to consider working in the civil service industry.  Other states are invited to participate in this project.  Currently Pathfinder Solutions is partnering with the National Council on Nonprofits.  People interested should contact their state nonprofit association and mention the Talent Develop Inititive.

Another Pathfinder Solutions project is with the University of Mongolia in China.  They have asked Pathfinder Solutions to develop a non-profit degree program which will offer a certificate or master’s degree.  A symposium has also been proposed for companies, funders and non-profits focusing on non-profits within China.

For more information, visit; www.pathfindersolutions.org or email [email protected] or [email protected].

 

http://www.icosa.co/magazine/looking-for-jane-goodall

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Western Energy Alliance

 

 

Western Energy Alliance is a non-profit trade association representing more than 400 companies across the West connected by the similar interest of environmentally responsible exploration and production of oil and natural gas.

Companies within the intermountain west are represented six ways. 

  1. Regionally and nationally represented in the areas of government access to lands for exploration and production, federal agency permitting, air and water quality, reform of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Endangered Species Act (ESA), wildlife conservation, health and safety, taxation, and other issues.
  2. Western Energy Alliance has established relationships with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. enabling meetings with Congress and the Administration.
  3. Western Energy Alliance is viewed as a valuable resource by policymakers on oil and natural gas.
  4. Current issues are addressed with speaking events
  5. They publish the Wildcatter Weekly focusing on natural gas and oil.
  6. They provide networking opportunities.

Technology and geologic improvements have increased the locations natural gas can be drilled from making it a clean and secure energy source.  It reduces pollution by 50 percent in comparison to traditional energy sources.  This is measured in the reduced amount of mercury burned and the absence of sulfur dioxide emission.

One-third of all natural gas is produced in the west said, Kathleen Sgamma, vice president of Western Energy Alliance.  Sgamma also said a conservative estimate is that six states can produce an equal amount of all oil imported however the areas are oil drilling restricted.

Natural gas is highly regulated.  Sgamma and Kelly de la Torre seemingly agree that regulatory agencies overlap in regulations and are inconsistent.  Kelly de la Torre is an attorney at the Anton Law Group and practices environmental law.  Current regulations implemented by the E.P.A. have little environmental benefit compared to the cost it takes to abide the regulation.

Western Energy Alliance advocates for balance between environmental safety and production of natural gas and oil.  To contact the Western Energy Alliance visit their website at; www.westernenergyalliance.org.

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ACCION

ACCION_PRI_RGB_D  

Accion brings small business loans to micro-entrepreneurs.  The loan model they use is profitable, expanding and viable.  Small loans range from $200 to $10,000.  Most $200 loans are for small inventory build-up or to build credit.  Accion has been a micro-financing firm for about 17 years.  Forty-five percent of their funding comes from revenue they bring in from interest rates and the remainder comes from donations, government and bank entities.

Accion also provides mentors, workshops and community networks.  Accion is a micro-lender that can work with FICO scores of 500 and above.  International micro loans are much smaller, based on trust and range from $20 to $500.  Accion has a 92 percent international micro-finance loans repayment rate.

The collateral is 100 percent due to the risk involved with low credit scores.  Several items can be used as collateral such as car titles and manufacturing equipment.

The mentorship program provides networking for similar industry companies.  Workshops are a more formal and traditional method of increasing business acumen.

Social capital is a way to offer loans to international businesses with no collateral.  For example a group of people may apply for a loan and each must pay back their share in order to take out another loan.  The group shares in the responsibility.

Any small business can apply from trucking companies, service providers or janitorial.

Entrepreneurs who come in with an idea they have wanted to do for some time are better than those with several ideas.  Passion and character piece play a role into lending.

To start the process contact Accion at www.accionusa,org.

Accion is also looking for workshop leaders, volunteer hours, mentors, donations and can be contacted at www.accionusa.org or Jesse Golland through, www.accionnm.org.

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Spherical Phil Lawson

Phil Lawson  

Phil Lawson is the founder and CEO of Spherit Inc. Spherit is a company that looks at the whole of a complex issue and makes sense of it.   Through an online questioner system a chart is created that reports the shape and pattern of a company.  One element the chart produces is staff ability for example is an employee ability being fully used.   The application that does this is called Sphere and it has countless applications.  It can also be used in the areas of health, personal relationships and individual career goals.  The purpose of the application is to assist in navigating to the best possible outcome.

Lawson is also the author.  Being Spherical — Reshaping Our Lives and Our World for the 21st Century is a book about navigating through change.  Lawson co-authored, It's Going to be OK (but not like we thought), “A story about absolute certainty, confounding bewilderment and an inescapable transformation,” says Lawson.

For more information, visit; www.engagesphere.com

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World Smart Energy Week in Tokyo, Japan

Martha Butwin is the senior international trade specialist at the Denver Export Assistance Center, (DEAC).  Some of the programs offered by DEAC are the Trade Fair Certification and Buyers programs.  DEAC’s two types of trade shows are certified and international buyer trade shows.  Each trade show is usually industry specific.  If the trade show has certification the U.S. Commercial Service and U.S. Embassy will support U.S companies in attending the trade show which increases the comfort level of partnerships. To contact the state of Colorado about exporting and trade show opportunities contact Thomas Binet at 303-892-3813 or [email protected].  To contact Martha Butwin email her at [email protected] or call 303-844-6623 ext. 221 Each trade show is a cooperative partnership arrangement between private sector show organizers and the U.S. government.  The International Business Center within each trade shows offers both foreign and domestic industry networking with potential partners.

Wayne Kakos and Christina Alonge from Reed Exhibitions, which is the premier company in trade shows, help companies increase profits through international trade shows.  International trade shows are similar to domestic trade shows due to Reed Exhibitions pre-set-up and organization.  Reed Exhibitions holds over 500 trade shows both domestic and international.  They offer turn-key service options where everything is ready and set-up, a company only has to set-up graphics and the small stuff.

One of Reed Exhibition’s certified trade shows is the World Smart Energy Week in Tokyo, Japan, held on February 29th, 2012.  They will be in the U.S. pavilion during that trade show.  This trade show focuses on renewable energy in Japan.  The trade show is separated into seven different expos, presented in one location as one trade show.  Each of the seven specifically focuses on one type of clean energy.  If you are green you are there in Tokyo.  The trade show ends March 2nd 2012.  20,000 exhibitors and 120 attendees are expected to be in attendance since the isles are jam-packed last year.

Now is the time to enter this market as Japan moves to reach their future energy goals.   For U.S. companies at show the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialists in the Asian clean energy market will assist companies with the regions clean energy sector.

For more information call Wayne Kakos at 203-840-5875 or email him at, [email protected].

Also check out Reed Exhibitions at, www.reedexpo.com

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How to Build Courage, Character and Confidence in Girls―the Girl Scouts

Faye Wilson Tate  

The Girl Scouts Women of Distinction are committed to increasing the impact of the Girl Scouts by volunteering and financial giving.  Leaders are chosen by their dedication of service and leadership.  This year’s Girl Scouts Women of Distinction is Faye Wilson Tate.

Fay Wilson Tate is the vice president and director for Global Diversity and Inclusion at CH2M HILL.  CH2M HILL is a global engineering consulting firm.

The Girl Scouts’ program has played a role in Tate’s community stewardship as she was a Girl Scout herself.  The Girl Scouts also teach respect, teamwork, friendship and inclusion.

2012, is the Girl Scouts’ 100th anniversary.  And as so Girl Scouts Colorado has named 100 Colorado Girl Scouts, Generation WOW!  The Generation WOW honor is given to girls who have exhibited a high level of volunteer achievement and made significant contributions to their community; demonstrated strong leadership skills; participated in a service learning project; promoted healthy attitude, both in mind and body; demonstrated exceptional interpersonal skills in teamwork, conflict resolution and goal setting; and embody the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

The Girl Scouts’ impact on girls and youth is endlessly positive with several girls being able to articulately share their Girl Scout learning experiences.  This is evident in Generation WOW girls―Kaycee Bischoff and Cristina Trimpe and all of Girl Scout troop 4145.

To be part of the Girl Scouts and this up-coming centennial year visit, www.girlscouts.com.

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National District Export Council and Export University

Daniel Ogden  

Daniel Ogden is chair of both the National District Export Council (DEC), and the National DEC Trade Policy Committee. He is a former vice-chair of the North Texas DEC and has been involved in DEC since 2005.  He is an attorney specializing in international exporting which includes intellectual property and export compliance.

The National District Export Council is comprised of 16 DEC members who are elected from individual DECs to the National Steering Committee.  The National Steering Committee supports DEC in mentoring, educating and legislative affairs.  Their bottom line is creating U.S. exports.

Companies first starting out in exports to medium sized enterprises use DEC to increase profits through exporting.

With the vitalization of Export University, DEC’s will play a part in developing a premiere, quality export curriculum with uniformity available across the U.S.  Export University will teach financing, logistics, sales and marketing, etc.

Currently Export University is looking for sponsors, visit http://www.exporttexas.com/ds/become.asp for more information.

To learn more about the District Export Council visit, www.districtexportcouncil.com.

Export University will have a new website late January 2012, and currently has a basic site at; http://www.exportuniversity.com.

To contact Daniel Ogden visit; www.internationaltradeattorney.com or email him at [email protected]

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Kelly de la Torre―Commercial and Residential Energy Use

Conserving energy residentially and at your business saves money.  Small business owners are impacted by energy use both at home and at work so it is important to have a basic understanding of utilities.  Businesses can work back and forth with their utilities to figure out the best energy savings strategy.   Here are the basics of energy use. An energy rate consists of operating costs, recovery costs, actual cost of energy and return on investment to investors.

Factors that influence the energy rate are energy cost, price changes due to weather, economic forecast, general maintenance and time of day.  Time of day is used determine the energy rate.  Peak hours are defined by each utility company.  Typically peak hours are 8am to 8pm.  Peak hour energy rates cost more than off peak.

Commercial rates for energy can be lowered by allowing devices to be cycled during peak hours.  Utility companies and businesses can collaborate to determine when the cycling happens.

Every degree the thermostat is turned down saves three percent which can be $80 to $100 saved per year.

To save on energy power strips can be used on appliances that continually draw phantom energy such as cable boxes, computers and printers, etc.  Anything that is plugged into the wall can be put onto a power strip and shutting that power strip off saves money.

Purchase energy star appliance both at work and home.

For more information, visit: rmenergyblog.blogspot.com.

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Lew Cramer: Go Global, Go Big, or Go Out of Business.

Lew Cramer, president and chief executive officer of the World Trade Center Utahknows that if you are not internationally minded, you will go out Lew Cramer

of business.  Lew Cramer knows this from his extensive background in exporting which includes;

  1. Director general of the U.S. Commercial Service; directing the activities of 1,400 commercial officers at over 150 embassies worldwide, as well as in 65 offices throughout the United States,
  2. US WEST International developing major telecommunications projects in 30 plus countries,
  3. White House Fellow, as a Deputy Assistant Commerce Secretary, and as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for International Trade,
  4. Practiced corporate law in Los Angeles and in the San Francisco Bay area,
  5. Taught at the business schools of the University of Southern California and Georgetown University,
  6. Honors graduate of the charter class of the Brigham Young University Law School.

Utah has doubled exports over the past five years, and World Trade Center Utah played a key role in making that happen.  There are a number of ways they have accomplished this such as applying for grants, hosting events, pushing exporting, etc.  Collaboration is one method the World Trade Center Utah boosts exporting.  WTC-Utah collaborates with the U.S. Department of Commerce, business chambers, universities, economic development agencies, and business.  Collaboration is one of Utah’s strengths.  World Trade Center Utah believes in building with what you got so to get the word out that they successfully assist companies in growing businesses by means of exporting they do by connecting and building partnerships.

The World Trade Center Utah provides businesses with resources and tools and through exporting create profits and jobs by expanding businesses into new territories.

The World Trade Center Utah emphasizes international exporting is not that hard and once you learn it, it’s easy.  An attitude of “we can export” makes a difference.  C-level executives must set that tone.  Businesses must be global.  Exporting is not all about outsourcing but selling American made products/services to another country.

The World Trade Center Utah’s #1 export is metals for example gold and cooper.  China is the near west to Utah and so China is their #2 location to export to.

For more information, visit; www.wtcut.com.

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Rotary International

  Rotary International’s motto is, “Rotary, Humanity in Motion.”  They are a collective of service minded individuals helping up their communities and reaching out to those in need across the globe.  The Rotarians differentiate themselves from other organizations by methodically using their business acumen to accomplish their goals.

One such Rotarian is Ron Burton.  Burton joined Rotary International in 1979 and is the current president nominee for 2013-2014. In Burton’s 32 years of Rotary service he has been Rotary International Director, Vice Chair of the Future Vision Committee, and Chair of the 2011 Rotary International Conference in New Orleans, member of the USA Polio Eradication Advocacy Task Force and past President of The Rotary Club in Norman, Oklahoma.  Burton’s commitment to Rotary is evident in his service and as the 2013-2014 presidential nominee he will be working towards The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations challenge grant.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded The Rotary Foundation a challenge grant that will match, dollar for dollar, up to $100 million.  Rotary has three years to raise this amount to meet the Gates Foundation match.  The grant will fund the eradication of Polio in the world.  Currently Rotary is in 340,000 U.S. cities and with that amount of participation Rotary is on track to meet that match.  Rotary International also partners with World Health, UNICEF and the CDC in their effort to eradicate polio.

The Rotary Club of Norman, Oklahoma has local issues they focus on such as assisting abandon children find apartments, food and home goods.  Another local community project they coordinate is called, “Stuff the Bus,” where they collect backpacks stuffed with school supplies and donate to local schools.

Rotary’s future looks forward to young business people joining, strengthening Rotary clubs, and creating larger and sustainable projects.

And as Ron Burton becomes the president of Rotary International he and other Rotarians will continue to uphold high ethical standards in their mission of promoting world understanding and peace.  And of course I couldn’t leave out my all-time favorite Rotary test in which every Rotarian must ask themselves in making decisions.

1. Is it the truth?

2. Is it fair?

3. Does it build good will?

4. Is it beneficial to all concerned?

To join Rotary International or for more information, visit; www.rotary.org.

 

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Eve Blossom, Interaction Design and Design Thinking

 

 

 

 

Architect Eve Blossom’s design thinking in the business world creates job stability.

For a couple years after graduation she worked but felt something was missing, which led to traveling and working abroad.

The Long Journey of Starting Lulan Artisans

Eve Blossom moved to Hanoi, Vietnam in 1995, to renovate French villas, an American architect’s dream come true.  However, one night she witnessed first-hand the transaction of a six year old girl being sold for sex by her father to a European man.  Blossom intervened but was threatened at knife point. And as so Blossom was unsuccessful at altering the outcome.  The experience truly moved and grabbed Eve Blossom.  That night she realized her life’s work was to prevent human trafficking.  Creating Lulan took consideration after the shock of seeing human trafficking.

Blossom striking realized that human trafficking is a market place and needs to be addressed at an economic level.  Her expertise, background and research around human trafficking led her to find design methods that create social change.   “The path isn’t easy,” said Eve Blossom and she doesn’t regret a moment of it.

Design Thinking

Eve Blossom

Design is a solution to the human trafficking problem.  Prevention is key because the traumatizing effects are devastating.  During an economic downturn people move from villages to cities for work and at that juncture are especially vulnerable so analysis of urban migration trends is important.

Artisan groups are risk affiliated due to their low incomes.  Blossom realized leveraging her expertise in design thinking lent a hand in the business of creating stable jobs for artisans.  Lulan is about job creation and celebrating the techniques and work artisans already do.

As a business woman, Eve Blossom utilizes untapped resources such as talented, trained, skilled and organized artists.  Trained in century old methods and skilled with unique talents Eve Blossom realized their products are an untapped resource.  Design is not just arts and crafts but markets, working and collaborating and partnering with artisans.  They need to reach markets in order to have stable jobs and incomes.  Blossom creates the partnership between the business world and artisans.

The artisans create products that have meaning.  The immerging market is all about meaningful products as decorative objects.  People want products with individual meaning and with a positive impact on someone else’s life, even if it’s a world away.

“Material Change, Design Thinking and the Social Entrepreneurship Movement,” by Eve Blossom discusses social entrepreneurship, human trafficking and Lulan Artisans.  It provides the business model Lulan uses in their for profit social venture.  The model shows a successful interaction design any business can use.  Blossoms says, “You can do good and still be profitable and that is the right model to teach artisans and other groups so they can be self-sustaining.  That is the movement of social entrepreneurship.”

The Business World and Interaction Design

Material Change also gives examples of social entrepreneurship projects around the world including Lulan.  They work collaboratively to ensure everyone is strong and brings their best expertise.  Lulan sells hand-woven fabrics to different markets, educates children, and provides co-housing allowances to artisans partnering with Lulan.  Additionally, cultural sustainability differs within each community so “disruptive entrepreneurs” are needed to examine systems in place and coherency.  This is innovative design thinking.  The business model provided in the back of the book is adaptable for any business. We are evolving the design of how we do business.

Currently Eve Blossom is working on a new website offering artisans goods, launching in 2012, at; www.wevebuilt.com

“Material Change, Design Thinking and the Social Entrepreneurship Movement,” by Eve Blossom is available at www.amazon.com

Similar artists to watch: Massimo Vignelli, Yves Behar, Paula Scher, Bob Gill and Oliver Haas.

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Bruce DeBoskey

Bruce DeBoskey is a Colorado-based Philanthropic Advisor, helping businesses to develop philanthropic strategies.

He gave up a career as a successful trial lawyer for 25 years to focus on giving. As Bruce describes, he was going to battle each day for things that only mattered to the people involved, until he decided he wanted to be involved in something with a broader impact.

Now he encourages businesses to to connect their core competencies in their giving. It is advice that all of us can use when it comes to our holiday giving.

WHY WE GIVE All donors need a strategy for their giving, and it should be something in line with what we value. The place to start is your reason for giving; is it theologically based? For ego gratification? Or to create a legacy, so that the things you care about can continue? If you are considering your business' philanthropy, consider your goal. Are you giving to engage employees, to gain customer loyalty or satisfy shareholders? Realize that pleasing shareholders is a legitimate concern for a business. After all, while we all recognize that philanthropy is for the greater good, business is business to make a profit so it is reasonable to invest in your community, your customers, your supply chain to both improve your surroundings and your bottom line. Likewise, unless you can provide evidence to your shareholders that the company's charitable giving impacts the bottom line, you have failed your fiduciary duty.

HOW WE GIVE

The options for making charitable contributions are innumerable.

One way to narrow things down is a Giving Circle. ( http://www.givingcircles.org/) There are 800 Giving Circles in the United States and about a dozen in Colorado alone. The Giving Circle is a way to come together and make a greater impact by researching topics and investing with others.

Families can determine their giving as a part of their holiday traditions. DeBoskey suggests looking around your home to determine if you and your children have enough stuff. If you find that you do, consider foregoing a holiday gift exchange and pool the money you would otherwise spend and give it to a worthy cause. Make it a family discussion of your values and determine what cause becomes a part of your family mission.

Bruce DeBoskey writes about giving at The Denver Post in his weekly column "On Philanthropy". You can learn more about philanthropy with a purpose at www.deboskeygroup.com.

Cristin Tarr

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The Vx

The Vx, headquartered in Colorado, brings together members of existing women’s affinity groups in a collaborative environment, giving women access to an exceptional resourceThe Goal of The Vx is to: • Secure exceptional resources to foster a community of interest • Inspire women to achieve their personal and professional potential • Integrate the full potential of this community to focus on extraordinary problems Pam Jeffords, Co-Founder and Partner of Via Management Consulting, is an experienced entrepreneur in the Denver community. Pam founded her first company, Maid to Fit, at the age of 30 and sold the company to a competitor three years later. Pam was recruited by ShopAtHome.com to move their offering to the web, growing the consumer base of on-line members to over 1Million and delivering over 1,000 advertisers with banner revenue. In 2007, she joined PAETEC as the General Manager with responsibility for launching six new markets in twelve months. Pam is the Co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Council at Mile High United Way, where she has played an instrumental role since 2003. Pam holds a Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and a Masters in Business Administration from Georgia State University.

 

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Salt Lake City Windustrial

Phil Amburn – Sales/Operations Mgr.  

 

 

 

Rick Jensen – President

 

 

 

 

Salt Lake City Windustrial established in 1968, and today is under the umbrella and guidance of WinWholesale Inc., a leading national supplier of domestic and industrial supplies and materials headquartered in Dayton, Ohio.  WinWholesale is on the Forbes list of America’s largest privately-held companies. Their local wholesale employees receive in the benefits of their partial ownership.

Today Windustrial is in 43 states with more than 450 locally owned and operate Win companies under the following names;  Winnelson, Winair, Winlectric, Windustrial, Wintronic, Winwater and Winsupply.

Windustrial focuses on the local economy providing services to local customers while at the same time having the advantage of international buying power such as sourcing products out of Germany and Switzerland.  The benefit of having local companies is the ability of meet local needs.  The corporate umbrella with local ownership makes Windustrail the supplier of choice.  The Salt Lake City branch has a family atmosphere and profit share program so the harder an employee works, the better they are compensated.  Retaining employees allows the company to keep a personal connection through employee/customer relationships.  Windustrial sees customers as partners with the goal of meeting customer’s need economically, quickly and accurately.  Windustrial pulls together to provide the best service.

Windustrail also recommends problem solving products to customers.  They reach out to both engineers and industry firms to generate projects.  They continually seek new opportunities to provide their services.  To contact Salt Lake City Windustrial, visit their website at; www.saltlakewindustrial.com.

 

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Sustainable Energy in the U.S. Military

The United States military recognizes the need for sustainable energy.  In August the Army established the Energy Initiatives Office Task Force to develop renewable energy projects and improve energy security.  This is a concern because providing energy to remote military locations is dangerous as well as the possibility of the military communications being offline.  In fact one of eight army causalities is a result of protecting fuel convoys.  New energy technology can save lives, money and the environment.  In Iraq from 2003 to 2007, 3,000 people died protecting fuel convoys.  The fuel is used to run generators which provide electricity for communications.  The end cost is $40.00 per gallon which includes all aspects of getting the fuel to remote locations. One reduction to using fuel is providing solar panels that are easily rolled up into an individual’s backpack.  On base solar panels can be mounted on trailers.  The Department of Defense is interested in micro-grids to provide electricity to the military in an energy crisis.  As new energy products are provided and/or developed both by the military and business, most importantly lives will be saved.

For further reading please, visit: http://rmenergyblog.blogspot.com.

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