For everyone in Northeast Ohio that is interested in sustainability and how they can make a difference, you should look into a group called E4S. E4S stands for Entrepreneurs for Sustainability. We heard about this group late last year, and started attending the events. We were not disappointed. The group has proven to be a hotbed of creative ideas on how to make the world a better place. They explain who they are best, so here is the text from their site:
E4S is a diverse network of over 5000 leaders who are putting the principles of sustainability into action. We started the E4S Network in 2000 with the classic entrepreneurs and have attracted the entrepreneurial thinkers, the change agents from business, government, academic and non-profit sectors of our community.
What we share is a belief that sustainability principles are drivers for new business opportunities and tools to improve our quality of life. Together we are building a sustainable economy in Northeast Ohio that will create prosperity and total community health.
To E4S, success means that there are increasing numbers of businesses and organizations embarking on the sustainability journey. Building a sustainable economy starts one business at a time, one project at at time. To support these projects E4S provides network connections (CONNECT), and sustainability skills learning programs and resources (LEARN). E4S also provides a range of implementation services for individual companies and industry-focused economic development projects (DO).
Working together with the E4S Network, we have begun to propel the new triple-bottom line business economy forward—teaching entrepreneurial business leaders how to integrate people, planet and profit to create a healthier, more prosperous economy and community.
Holly Harlan is the president and founder. She seems to be organized and driven. I have heard her speak at a number of events locally and have always been impressed. She is also dedicated to helping business find solutions to the issues at hand, and help them be more successful in the marketplace. Every time I have talked with her about our business, I take away new ideas and insights.
We attend the monthly networking event. It is the third Tuesday of the month and is usually held at the Great Lakes Brewery Tasting Room. I love the Great Lakes Brewery, and they are always friendly. The events are always a good place to network with like minded individuals, and E4S has done a great job. They vary the content of the presentations, and work to involve the entire group to some degree. This makes their monthly event one of the best events that we attend. I look forward to it every month. They also have an event in Akron every month. This month is about growing the local food economy. Last night I attended a start up member roundtable. Basically it was a chance to for start up companies to discuss ways to be more successful in the current economic climate. I came away with more than just a “rah-rah” feeling, but with some tangible ideas that I can implement to make our business more viable. They have Green Energy and Green Jobs Regional Workshop and Tradeshow events coming up this summer. They are truly working to help create the future of Cleveland. The next event is Tuesday, May 19. It is free and open to the public, but you need to register. I hope you will come down and meet some of the people who are making Cleveland a great place to thrive, not just live!
