[For some years now the Sierra Business Council (SBC) has been a center of interest and amusement in regional conservative circles. The non-profit NGO has drawn this attention primarily through its somewhat untoward selection of its name, and the longstanding and determined defense of that moniker by its CEO Steven Frisch. Mr Frisch has maintained that the organization does indeed provide solicited services and information useful to the for-profit businesses in this area of the Sierra.
Perhaps, but that claim has been extremely difficult to verify from opportune conversations with managers of serious enterprises located here in the Sierra counties (but then again, a more rigorous study may reveal otherwise). Moreover, when one reads the copy on their website, takes note of the public policy initiatives SBC has backed, and examines the types of gatherings it sponsors, then it is clear even to political neophytes that SBC is an archtypical left-leaning NGO in the ‘business’ (aha!) of promoting progressive causes. In spite of that, Mr Frisch’s protestations (readily available in RR comment streams) continue unabated, wherein he maintains that there is not a hint – ‘smidgeon’ might be a better word today – of cynicism in the inclusion of ‘Business’ in the NGO’s name, that to an arm’s length reader would invoke something more commercially relevant than SBC provides to its 4,000 members.
I, as a lifelong businessman, have a hard time connecting SBC with anything meaningful to the businesses with which I am familiar. Be that as it may, I think that a careful reader can quickly decide for himself and clear the air as to the nature of SBC from a recent article that appeared in our local paper. Oh yes, and for those not familiar with the “Triple Bottom Line”, that well-known term of art in business accounting, I have supplied a graphic of the concept that should serve to explain.
For your reading pleasure I offer the following “submitted” piece from the Sierra Business Council that was published in the 2jul14 Union. Ladies and gentlemen, the SBC in their own words. gjr]
The most impactful way to create lasting improvements to the environmental and social health of the Sierra Nevada is to make positive change profitable.
Sierra Business Council is leading the regional charge to shift businesses, governments and organizations to increase economic, natural and social benefits by embracing Triple Bottom Line strategies.
The Council, a regional network of more than 4,000 including businesses, community organizations, local government groups and individuals, will host Peak Innovation: The Next 20 Years Oct. 8 – 10 at Granlibakken Resort in Tahoe City.
Peak Innovation brings together innovators from throughout the Range of Light to provide inspiration, networking and collaboration opportunities for projects that develop and amplify social, environmental and economic capital.
“For Sierra Nevada communities to thrive, we must be proactive in advancing triple bottom line initiatives that create opportunities for the region while simultaneously building economic, environmental and community capital,” said Steve Frisch, Sierra Business Council president.
Peak Innovation will aim to provide action steps that businesses, nonprofit organizations and government entities can embrace on the path towards sustainability. One panel will showcase the bottom-line economic, environmental and social benefits of achievable sustainable business practices.
Business owners and managers will have the opportunity to discover strategies that can cut expenses while building customer loyalty and contributing to the Sierra’s environmental health. Participants will learn about models that reduce negative impacts on the environment and contribute to employee well-being while saving money and increasing profits in a panel co-moderated by Richard Eidlin, co-founder and policy director of the Washington D.C.-based American Sustainable Business Council, and Michael Penwarden, community network director of the Sierra Business Council.
Patagonia’s Elissa Loughman will discuss what it takes to become a B Corp and how to kickstart a culture of triple bottom line planning with an emphasis on how to get started. In addition, Truckee-based Joanna Walters from Sierra Cost Management will share case studies on how small companies are saving money by significantly reducing waste costs through recycling and employee education.
Nonprofit organizations and agencies will also be addressed. In another panel, also part of the “Cultivating innovation and building scale” track, attendees will hear how leaders are defining and fostering unique versions of triple bottom line innovation.
Stacy Caldwell, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation’s CEO, who recently filmed “Innovation at 6,000 Ft.,” showcasing creative solutions to food security and distribution in the Sierra, will moderate a panel with Reno’s Rebecca Gasca from The Burning Man Project, Don Macke from the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, and San Francisco-based Sally Bingham from Interfaith Power and Light.
Conference registration and more information are available at sierrabusiness.org. Early bird registration is now available.
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