10/01/2008

Early October Events

I'm still working on logistics for a Social Hour event later this month, but wanted to go ahead and post some info on a couple of interesting events happening in the next several days.

Let's start with the 2008 Illinois Solar Tour by the Illinois Solar Energy Association. This tour will include opportunities to see and view more than 100 wind and solar powered buildings within Chicago and the suburban area as well as across the state of Illinois. The date is this Saturday, October 4th. For more info, check out: http://www.illinoissolar.org/solartour/images/stories/tour/SolarTour08.pdf

A second event is the West Suburban Green Trolley Tour by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). This event will include tours of three suburban green buildings:

Wight & Company's office
Lyman Woods Interpretive Center
Argonne National Laboratories Central Supply Facility addition

The tour is happening on Tues., October 7th and will convene at the Jewel-Osco on South Cass in Darien. You can find full details on the USGBC website:
http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=ca4c9b9c-b376-4bc2-9c0a-2828f734c130

Stay tuned for more information and additional events.

9/07/2008

Another September Event

Missed one in the last post...the Illinois Environmental Council's 2008 Environmental Leadership Dinner. It's happening on Thursday, September 25th at the Hotel Intercontinental Chicago, and features Cathy Zoi as the keynote speaker. Zoi is the CEO of The Alliance for Climate Protection, a non-profit, non-partisan effort to halt global warming founded by former Vice President Al Gore in February, 2007.

Full details can be seen here: http://www.ilenviro.org/news/?item=116

And on a related note, the Illinois Environmental Council is seeking an Executive Director. Details on the job description and how to make contact if you're interested can be found at:

http://www.ilenviro.org/news/?item=114.

9/02/2008

Upcoming Events

Well...my overbooked schedule continues to make life interesting. That, combined with a number of interesting local events occurring in the near future have brought me to the conclusion that once again, it will be better to simply point out some of those interesting choices rather than to try to find a way to force another into the mix.

So with no further ado, here are some happenings I think you should be aware of:

First, both in chronological order and in terms of being near and dear to my heart, is a celebration by The Light Center. TLC is a terrific organization that uses rescued animals to enable animal assisted learning and therapy for challenged and at-risk youth. If you're not familiar with them, please take a look at http://www.tlcinunion.org/. Note - in the interest of full disclosure, I should say that I'm an active volunteer and current board member, so my view may be a bit biased. At any rate, TLC is hosting an event at The Anvil Club in East Dundee (http://www.theanvilclub.com/) on Sunday, September 7th to celebrate having helped 1000 kids. The Anvil Club is Chicago's premier private dining club. The TLC event will be an afternoon of wine and hors d'oeuvres on the Veranda. The event will run from 2:00p - 5:00p, and tickets are $50/person. If you'd like more information, please look at the TLC website or contact me.

On September 13th, join Seven Generations Ahead for their Green Home Tour. This event will provide you with an exclusive look inside homes in Oak Park and River Forest that look great, save money, and are easy on the environment. Discover how to green your home regardless of budget or taste. Learn from homeowners and building professionals who have built and remodeled green. More details available at http://www.sevengenerationsahead.org/events.html

Next up is a US Green Building Council (USGBC) event on September 17th. Here's an opportunity to hear from L. Hunter Lovins (Natural Capitalism Solutions) in person at The Natural Leaders Breakfast & Luncheon at The University Club of Chicago.

Join over 200 members and industry professionals from the Chicagoland green building and sustainability community at the 2008 Natural Leaders Luncheon featuring keynote speaker L. Hunter Lovins, co-author of the groundbreaking book, Natural Capitalism. The topic of Ms. Lovins' speech will be "Drivers of Change: The Business Case for Sustainability and Protecting the Climate." In addition, the event will feature a raffle of sustainable birdhouses designed by members of the Chapter's Emerging Green Builders Committee. For full details, visit http://www.usgbc-chicago.org/.

On September 20th, join The Conservation Foundation for the DuPage River Ramble. Update: this event has been cancelled. For details on other TCF events, check out www.theconservationfoundation.org.

A bit further out, but worth putting on your calendar, are two additional events.

On Thursday, October 16th, join the West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs as they present a panel discussion featuring:

Alline Anderson - Proprietor, The Milkweed Mercantile, Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage, MO
Jodi Murphy - President, Murco Recycling Enterprises, LaGrange Park, IL
Tracey Robertson - Proprietor, Share Wear, Chicago, IL

The panel will be moderated by:

Jennifer Weigel
  • Emmy award winning broadcaster and news anchor
  • Host and Executive producer of "TASTE" on NBC
  • Chief Executive Officer of JCW Productions
  • Author of "Stay-Tuned: Conversations with Dad from the Other Side"
  • Star of one woman show, "I'm Spiritual, Dammit!" Viaduct Theatre
Full details are available at http://www.wswe.org/events.htm.

On October 18th, check out the Second Annual Renewable Energy Fair at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove. Featuring hybrid cars, workshops and exhibits
emphasizing renewable energy and sustainable living. Learn how you can make a difference by becoming more Earth-friendly and energy efficient. More details available at http://www.wcc.cc.il.us/downloads/pdf/community_ed/energyfair08/public_flyer.pdf.

I hope you find something in this list that catches your interest. As always, feel free to contact me if there are additional happenings in the area that you feel would be worth communicating to others. You can do so by sending an email to shawn@thirdisolutions.com.

8/06/2008

August Events

My apologies on the lengthy silence. My travel schedule has been such that planning, pursuing, and pulling off a gathering has been difficult to accomplish. That same issue is continuing in August, with my schedule requiring me to be away more than home. So I've decided to push the planned 'Ten minutes of Airtime' session(s) to next month and to highlight some interesting events and activities happening around the area during the next several weeks.

First up is the Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. It's happening this weekend (8/9 and 8/10) in Oregon, IL. That may be stretching the boundaries of 'suburban' a bit much, but it promises to be worth the drive.

The seventh annual Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair will be held on Saturday, August 9th and Sunday, August 10th at the Ogle County Fairgrounds, in Oregon, IL.
The Fairgrounds will open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Admission Fees:
Adults: $7 for one day/$10 for both days
Youths (12 - 16): $3 for one day/$5 for both days
Children (under 12 in the company of an adult): FreeIREA Members: Free

Electric car to be auctioned off.

The Fair will feature over 100 booths and exhibits, 60 workshops, food, entertainment, childrens' activities and tours.

Full details can be found at the IL Renewable Energy Association website: http://www.illinoisrenew.org/


Next up is a US Green Building Council (USGBC) event in the south suburbs.

South Suburban Green Networking Event

Little Red School House Turns GREEN!

Please join the newly established South Suburban Committee at the Little Red School House Nature Center for a green networking event. This event will feature speakers from the architecture and construction firms currently working on the project. It will be a great event to learn more about sustainable design, involvement in our organization, and meet some great people in the green building industry.The main speakers will discuss the green renovation and construction of the Little Red School House Nature Center, a LEED registered project in the South Suburban area. You will learn what needs to be done during the green construction process. Since the project is still in the construction phase, you will have a rare chance to see green construction processes, including recycling and geothermal installation, in use.

WHEN
Thursday, August 14, 2008 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

WHERE
Little Red School House Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road
Willow Springs, IL 60480

FEE
Member
$5.00

Non-Member
$15.00


Next, another USGBC event...this time at Prairie Crossing in Grayslake.

LEED, Leaders & Liters

LEED, Leaders & Liters is an event held several times a year to help increase the USGBC - Chicago Chapter membership. It is a forum for attendees to network with each other and discuss use of the LEED rating system. This event is hosted at Prairie Crossing by the North/Northwest Branch of the Chicago Chapter.In this session, developer G. Benjamin Ranney will speak about the history and Guilding Principles of Prairie Crossing, as well as plans for future development. The discussion will also address the distinctions between the different green building rating systems that have been employed in the community, and provide an opportunity for questions from the audience. Participants are encouraged to come early in order to explore the trails and see the community and its architecture prior to the presentation.Complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be available.

WHEN
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

WHERE
Prairie Crossing
Byron Colby Barn
1561 Jones Point Road
Grayslake, IL 60030

FEE
Member
$20.00

Member with Non-Member Guest
$10.00

Non-Member
$10.00


Full details for both of the USGBC events can be found on the Calendar of Events within the Chicago chapter's section of the USGBC website: http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Calendar/Calendar.aspx?cal=0f6dfcc0-e595-415a-b03f-45cbb8f2d6b6

There are always interesting events happening in the area, and if you're aware of one that you think should be highlighted here, simply send me an email at shawn@thirdisolutions.com. I hope you're able to attend one of those mentioned above, and I look forward to connecting with you at these or other events soon.

6/15/2008

All call for '10 minutes of airtime', Social Hour gatherings for June

I'm working on the details for an event (or possibly a series of events) that will provide an opportunity for deserving suburban organizations to have 'ten minutes of airtime' to tell a bit about their story, why it's important, and what type of assistance or connections they need. For those of you familiar with Green Drinks, this will be similar to the annual event where 30 organizations are presented in 60 minutes. For our first foray into this format, I'd like to offer a bit more time to each participant, so the number of spots will be limited. If interest is sufficient, we'll provide the chance for additional participation in future months.

So let's start with submissions of interested - and interesting - organizations. There are several options for submission.

The preferred option is to do so in person. That allows you to tell me a bit more about the organization you're suggesting and why you think it matters. This month, we'll be gathering in two separate locations to network and discuss these ideas and others. The first gathering will be on Wed., June 25th at Mullen's Bar and Grille in Lisle. The second gathering will be at The Ram in Schaumburg on Thurs., June 26th. Both evenings will begin at 6:30p and provide an hour or two of casual conversation and the chance for good food and drink among friends.

If those dates don't work with your calendar, then feel free to email your submissions to me at shawn@thirdisolutions.com. I'll be out of town this week with limited email access, so please be patient regarding response times.

Again, for the gatherings:

Date: Wednesday, June 25th
Location: Mullen's Bar and Grill, 3080 Warrenville Rd., Lisle
Time: 6:30p

Date: Thursday, June 26th
Location: Ram Restaurant and Brewery, 1901 McConnor Pkwy, Schaumburg
Time: 6:30p

And as always, feel free to forward this to others you feel would be interested. If you would like to be added to the email list to receive information about future events, simply send an email with that request to shawn@thirdisolutions.com. Hope to see you at one of these events!!

5/16/2008

...and one more for May

There's one additional event I'd like to highlight for all to consider. This one is being put on by the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) Chicago chapter, and it's a panel discussion on ways to encourage sustainable housing. So if you've been interested in learning more about what 'green building' is all about, here's your chance to hear from the experts.

Event summary:
The USGBC - Chicago Chapter and the NIHBA are hosting a special event that features an open forum to explore the methods, programs, organizations, and resources available to encourage sustainable housing. This event is being held in Chicago on Thursday evening and in Lisle on Friday morning. The program will be the same with the intent on giving attendees in the Chicagoland area an opportunity to attend at the venue that is most conveniently located.
The panel features members from USGBC (Mike Holcomb), NAHB (Bill Styczynski), Energy Star (Jim Cavallo), and Chicago Green Home Program and will be moderated by Jim Hackler.

The main topics of discussion will be:
Understanding the variety of approaches to sustainable housing.
Fostering cooperation and education among the different groups advocating green homes.
Removing market barriers and increasing demand for sustainable housing.

The forum is not an endorsement of a single approach - but it's hoped will lead to an including strategy to bring more sustainable housing to the Chicago area. The moderator, Jim Hackler, brings a balanced approach to the discussion as a journalist covering environmental issues for GreenBuilder, Natural Home, and Delta's Sky magazines. He also has served as the head of two of the country's leading green building initiatives (USGBC's LEED for Homes and the Greater Atlanta HBA's EarthCraft House).

A breakfast buffet will be served.

When
Friday, May 23, 2008 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Where
Hyatt Lisle
1400 Corporetum Drive
Lisle, Illinois 60532
630-852-1234

Event Registration
Member: $40.00

Discounted Price $30.00 If Registered By Monday, May 19, 2008
Refund Policy: No Refunds

Non-Member: $50.00

Discounted Price: $40.00 If Registered By Monday, May 19, 2008
Refund Policy: No Refunds

For more details, or to register: USGBC - Chicago Chapter

This one is on my calendar, so if you'd like to know more about the world of sustainable housing and green building, I'll see you there.

5/14/2008

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.