The Evolution of Green
On April 2, 2009, from 3-7 PM, the Strathcona Business Improvement Association (BIA) presented Vancouver’s second annual sustainability expo for small businesses. The event brought local green business leaders together at ChapelArts to discuss why now more than ever it pays to go green. Drawing on the successful partnerships already growing within the Strathcona Green Zone, the event will focused on how collaboration builds community and creates new opportunities for sustainable businesses. Keynote speaker Majora Carter, founder of Sustainable South Bronx ,spoke to the challenges and opportunities facing Strathcona businesses and Vancouver's Downtown East Side. With her inspired ideas & her motto “Green the Ghetto”, she pushes both for eco-friendly practices, job training, and green-related economic development.
The Shades of Green Panel, featured local businesses that are just taking their first green steps and others that have been incorporating green strategies for years. Panelists Saul Brown of Saul Good Gift Co., Danielle Carrie of Frogfile Office Essentials, and Peter Joe of Sunrise Soya Foods shared how collaborating with other local businesses on sustainability initiatives has helped them profit and succeed during these changing economic times.
The Upside of Greening your Business
The Strathcona BIA presented Sustainability 1.0, Vancouver's first small business sustainability expo in January 2008 at 'Chapel Arts', 304 Dunlevy Street. The event was designed to introduce sustainability to businesses, to educate them on what sustainability means, why it's important and how it can be used to strengthen businesses, improve profitability and create new opportunities. Sustainability 1.0 was a great success - Over 150 people came to check out the inspiring speakers, local businesses, and to network.
Congratulations to Josephine Ringdahl who won the Electric Bike from City Biker!
Thursday, August 26, 2010 | 8:00AM to Thursday, August 26, 2010 | 9:30AM
Our Green Zone Connects events are networking workshops where BIA members learn how to deal with problematic materials and collaborate with each other to redefine their wastes as resources.
Our first Green Zone Connects event is scheduled for Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 8:00 am in the Tatami Room at the Vancouver Japanese Language Hall. If you want to be among the first to learn about the Resource Exchange and start redirecting your wastes, please register to attend.
Whether you are new to this whole sustainability thing, or you've been practicing the three R's forever, you will benefit from attending this workshop.
Attendees will:
* Receive a demonstration of the new Resource Exchange
* Have an opportunity to discuss their material inputs and outputs
* Collaborate to find new uses for their waste--a great way to save money and reduce environmental impact
This event is open to all BIA members and their employees. If you are not able to make it, consider sending a representative of your organization in your place. Space is limited to 30 attendees so please register early.
I hope that you will join us!
Register at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/788175454
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 | 12:00PM to Wednesday, August 18, 2010 | 2:00PM
Come to network, meet your neighbors and our new staff members Joji Kumagi, Acting Executive Director and Sophie Agbonkhese, Sustainability Co-ordinator. Enjoy the top floor mountain and port views at the Japanese Language School.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 | 5:00PM to Tuesday, July 6, 2010 | 7:00PM
What is Change@INGDirect?
Every 1st Tuesday of the month, a leader of the green/business/non-profit will host and informal discussion about opportunities and innovative approaches for the business community to move towards sustainability. The great folks at ING provide delicious organic appetizers and refreshments to enhance our discussions!
Please contact us if there is someone that you'd like to hear from at an upcoming event in the series.
This event will feature Joel Solomon, chairman for Renewal2 and President, CEO of Renewal Partners.
About Joel Solomon
Based in Vancouver, BC, Renewal2 builds upon Renewal Partners’ 15 years of high impact investment experience and has delivered financial returns by investing in some of North America’s leading environmental and social mission businesses. Joel was instrumental in the development of Renewal Partners and the Endswell Foundation and has led them since their inception in 1994. Renewal Partners has invested in over 75 companies that share its commitment to socially responsible growth. Joel is Board Chair of Hollyhock, Canada's leading education retreat centre on Cortes Island, BC and also sits on the boards of Tides Canada and Tides US.
Where: ING Direct Cafe
466 Howe St @ Pender
When: Tuesday July 6th, 5-7pm
What: sip - munch - connect
Format
Doors: 5pm (drinks and light refreshments)
Talk: 5:45-6:00 pm
Questions/Discussion: 6:00-6:15 pm
Networking: 6:15-7:00 pm
Please forward to other progressive individuals and organisations that may like to attend this event.
This event is Free of Charge for BOC members, $5 for non members. You can join BOC (at no cost until we have 1,000 members).
Please RSVP by sending an email to monika@boardofchange.com with the subject RSVP for Change@ING Direct July 6
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 | 7:30AM to Wednesday, June 30, 2010 | 9:30AM
Is your business prepared for HST?
Avoid Canada Day jitters and join us on June 30th to brush up on HST know-how. When July 1st rolls around you can kick back and relax, knowing just how HST will affect your business.
On July 1st the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) & the Federal Goods & Services Tax (GST) will be merged into the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). To assist business owners in understanding these changes the Strathcona BIA is offering members a free seminar led by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) to help you make a smooth transition this summer.
Topics to be covered:
How HST Works
Self Assessing
Filling Returns
Point-of-sale Rebates
Applying Tax to Goods & Services
When: Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
Time: 7:30 am - 9:30 am
Where: Strathcona Community Centre, 601 Keefer Street
The main presentation will run from 7:30-9:00am followed by a half hour for questions. Light refreshments will be served.
Registration deadline is June 25th at 4:00pm. Reserve your spot today. RSVP On this site.
If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to phone the SBIA office at 604.258.2720.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 | 10:30AM to Tuesday, June 22, 2010 | 11:30AM
Seminar/information session on the local green economy:
June 22nd, 10:30-11:30am, at BOB (163 East Pender),
Friday, June 4, 2010 | 6:30AM to Friday, June 4, 2010 | 9:00AM
Come celebrate cycling with us at commuter stations in Strathcona on June 2nd and June 4th, 2010! You can get fueled up with free snacks, drinks and coffee, get your bike tuned up for free by our helpful on site bike mechanics, and get your motivation primed with prizes and give-aways.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010 | 4:30PM to Wednesday, June 2, 2010 | 6:00PM
Come celebrate cycling with us at commuter stations running on June 2nd and June 4th. At these stations you can get fueled up with free snacks, drinks and coffee, get your bike tuned up for free by our helpful on site bike mechanics, and get your motivation primed with prizes and give-aways.
Saturday, April 24, 2010 | 9:30AM to Saturday, April 24, 2010 | 2:30PM
Join the community in celebrating spring at the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall on Alexander Street in the heart of Strathcona next weekend. The spring fair will include basket making, crafts and a plant sale. Not to mention a bunch with the famous VJLS&JH waffles! Bring your family and friends down to 487 Alexander Street on April 24th for some green thumb action. All proceeds of the event will go to the Heritage Renovation Daycare Project Capital Campaign which involves a green renovation of the 1906 heritage building to incorporate LEED status and a full time daycare.
Thursday, April 15, 2010 | 7:30AM to Thursday, April 15, 2010 | 9:00AM
Everyone has a different approach to marketing. Some go to networking events, others use direct mail or the yellow pages and most recently businesses are using social media platforms to promote and market their business. The foundation behind any successful marketing campaign is a clear understanding of the market you are servicing , how they need to hear information, and the format and schedule with which to share information. Understanding these components will make marketing an investment for your business; not understanding them runs the chance of spending money with no chance of return. This session will discuss the common mistakes business owners often make and the steps they can take to ensure their future marketing efforts are always a wise investment for their business.
Join us April 15th at the Strathcona Community Centre, 601 Keefer Street at 7:30am.
Space is limited so reserve your spot today. RSVP deadline is April 12th at 4:00pm.
Register Online!
Thursday, March 18, 2010 | 7:30AM to Thursday, March 18, 2010 | 8:30AM
Join us March 18th at the Strathcona Community Centre, 601 Keefer Street at 7:30 am. Space is limited so please reserve your spot today. RSVP deadline is March 15th at 4:00pm.
Find out what separates companies that flourish from those that flounder
Business development is the evolution of your business. In this workshop, you will learn the top 10 most common bad habits of business development and how to avoid them while making better choices. New and refreshing approaches will ramp up your revenues, target niche markets and develop a systematic approach to building business seven days a week, twelve months a year.
Monday, January 18, 2010 | 8:00AM to Monday, January 18, 2010 | 9:30AM
The Strathcona Business Improvement Association is proud to present
Being a Bull in a Bear Market: Building a Strong Business in tough times
Discover 10 proven business development techniques suited for use in a tough business climate.
If you find yourself doing the same things over and over in your business and getting lackluster results its time to try something new. Join us for a fresh perspective and challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and do things differently. In every downward economy, there are opportunities for business owners, but you have to know where and how to capitalize on them. In this seminar you will learn 10 proven business development techniques for building business during challenging times. From looking at current customers through to bundling products and services with strategic partners, you will be able to not only ride out what will be a major market storm, but prosper and grow.
Facilitated by a proven business development coach from that has extensive experience in building a companies. In adversity lies great opportunity. We will show you the opportunities for you to grow your business.
Thursday, December 10, 2009 | 4:00PM to Thursday, December 10, 2009 | 8:00PM
Come network with your neighbours and celebrate the season! Join us for festive appys & refreshments at Chapel Arts. RSVP by December 4th 2009. Questions? Contact the office at 604 258 2720.
Friday, November 20, 2009 | 5:00PM to Friday, November 20, 2009 | 10:00PM
The Eastside Culture Crawl is an annual FREE 3-day visual arts festival. This event involves artists in their studios who work on the east side of Vancouver, BC, Canada in an area bounded by Main Street to Commercial Drive and from First Avenue north to the waterfront. On this site you will find complete information about the event, including a 2009 printable map and a list of our participating artists.
PLEASE NOTE THE CRAWL IS AN ALCOHOL FREE EVENT.
NOV 20: 5pm to 10pm
NOV 21 + 22: 11am to 6pm
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 | 7:30PM to Tuesday, November 10, 2009 | 9:00PM
Remembering 2 Give is an evening to enjoy together and give
together, and make difference in the lives of youth. It’s about contributing to our
future, giving back to the community and supporting recreational opportunities for
underprivileged children. 100% of the ticket proceeds will be donated to the
Strathcona Community Centre.
The third annual Remembering 2 Give succeeds two fantastic events, and we
would love to have you there to make this year’s event another success. Enjoy
delicious hors d'oeuvres and libations, jazz music featuring Jackée - recent winner
of CBC’s Galaxie Rising Star Award - and a silent auction of attractive items. It
will be an evening to remember, for a very worthwhile cause.
For most children in the Strathcona community, participation in community center
programs is out of reach because parents are unable to afford the costs. For the
past 30 years, the Strathcona Community Center has offered subsidized or free
recreational and educational programs for over 200 children daily. Please join us
in keeping these programs active, and giving youth the means to participate in
positive activities, and grow in a positive environment.
We would like to thank all the people and organizations who have helped support
our passion for helping youth. On November 10th, we look forward to celebrating
the spirit of giving, and remembering to give with you.
_____________________________________________________________________
Remembering to Give presents a night to celebrate, give and remember:
REMEMBERING 2 GIVE – PART III
Hosted by Josip Maras and Corrado Lenzi
WHERE: DISTRICT 319 @ 310 Main Street, Vancouver
WHEN: NOV 10, 2009 @ 7:30 PM
SINGLE TICKETS: $50
For tickets please email: remembering2give@gmail.com
Visit www.remembering2give.com for details.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, October 31, 2009 | 10:00AM to Saturday, October 31, 2009 | 12:00PM
On Saturday October 31st, volunteers are gathering at the corner of E Hastings and Hawks Avenue in Strathcona to create the raised bed garden boxes necessary to transform more than 15,000 square feet of unused asphalt parking space into an urban garden that will provide food, employment, and training opportunities for inner-city residents. This project is part of a larger initiative undertaken by SOLEfood, an initiative of United We Can. The property belongs to the owner of the Astoria Hotel who is letting the Green City Cluster convert it to a garden in exchange for paying the taxes for the next couple years.
Volunteer spots may be limited. For more information and pre-registration please email Projects In Place at projectsinplace@gmail.com
Also needed are tools and materials, contact Seann Dory of United We Can (seann@uwcbd.org) for the latest list of what is needed. Part of this project involves a mural which will include permanent recognition of the groups that made SOLEfood a reality.
Projects In Place, Sharp & Diamond Landscape Architects Inc. have been working with United We Can develop a master plan and Vision for the farm. By Spring of 2009, the hope is to have a fully functioning urban farm along Hastings Street.
Additional Partners:
• Building Opportunities with Business
• Kristina Welch and the Centre for Sustainability and Social Innovation
• Louise of the Recycling Alternative
• Toby Barazzuol of Eclipse Awards and SBIA
• Potluck Cafe
• VEEES
• Green Inner-city Cluster members
Friday, October 2, 2009 | 10:00AM to Friday, October 2, 2009 | 8:00PM
You are invited to our First Annual Open House and Mojito Party is coming up on Friday and we're hoping you can join us. It's hosted by Saul Good Gift Co. and Eclipse Awards.
Be among the first to preview the offerings from our companies including a new line of sustainable holiday corporate gift ideas and green recognition awards and have a chance to visit our newly renovated green roof and headquarters in Strathcona.
We are part of a new generation of businesses that aim to harness the power of commerce into positive social change and sustainability; as our companies grow, so does our positive impact on the Downtown Eastside.
Join us on Friday, October 2nd between 10am and 8pm at 614 Alexander St., Vancouver, to find out why the power of recognition is stronger than ever and how giving can help build relationships and tell your organization's story. We'll have a great spread of local, organic and artisan food & drink for your tasting pleasure.
Please RSVP ONLINE ASAP. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=WyucNKW_2bO7PUSV6kSiGeqA_3d_3d
For your convenience, we will also provide complementary shuttle service (pick up and drop off) to those who are in Vancouver. When replying, simply indicate your desired time, and if you will require a shuttle. We will then get back in touch to confirm details. The pick-up options are:
Friday, October 2: 10am - 12pm
Friday, October 2: 12pm - 2pm
Friday, October 2: 2pm - 4pm
Friday, October 2: 4pm - 6pm
Friday, October 2: 6pm - 8pm
Both Saul and Toby will be available to have one on one conversations with people who are interested in learning more about how sustainability and being an active community member can help strengthen your business.
For more information on what we've been up to lately, check out the Saul Good and Eclipse Awards Facebook pages. Or follow us on Twitter @tobybarazzuol @itsaulgood.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 | 4:30PM to Wednesday, July 22, 2009 | 6:30PM
You are invited to attend the Strathcona BIA’s Renewal Open House where you will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the Strathcona BIA’s 7 year strategic plan, on projects the SBIA is currently working on, as well as areas the association should focus on in the future.
The open house will be held Wednesday July 22nd from 4:30-6:30pm at the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Hall, 475 Alexander Street and will feature light refreshments. This is one of a number of initiatives to provide members an opportunity to have input to the SBIA as we seek to renew our mandate.
Please RSVP attendance to admin_strathconabia@telus.net or 604 258 2720.
