2010

About the Institute

Founded in 2000, the Leadership Institute is a 501©3 public charity based in Sonoma County and dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future for California’s North Coast. Our mission is to train people to be more effective leaders, and to educate community leaders and the public to understand that the future of our economy and quality of life are dependent on each other. The Institute is active throughout the year, providing education, training, and networking opportunities for community leaders. We have four main program areas:

Sustainability

Sustainability recognizes that the planet’s resources are finite, and that if we want to be responsible stewards of the earth, we have to use those resources wisely, so they last indefinitely. To act responsibly in this regard, we must look beyond our day to day lives. We must examine the impact of our actions in a broader context. We must demonstrate leadership to our friends and neighbors, and embrace ecological sustainability as a continual process of improvement.

A Focus on Policy Makers

Existing laws, regulations, and economic policy make it costly and difficult to live a sustainable lifestyle. There is a growing consensus that government must make it easier to protect our natural environment, foster social equity, and support a prosperous local economy. Most elected and appointed officials want to do the right thing—they need encouragement, education, and support. The political will to change will come from a grassroots movement, not from city hall.

Leadership Training for a Sustainable Future

Our core program educates community leaders to be more effective in shaping public policy. Participants meet for a full day a month, from September through May. Class members work with key political and civic leaders, attend workshops on sustainability, take field trips, and engage in leadership training exercises. The class emphasizes the links between economic viability, ecological sustainability, and social equity. The issues range from global to local, the topics are relevant, and the discussions are lively and informative. Graduates of the program have held elected or appointed office in every community in Sonoma County.

Policy-Maker Outreach

We educate and inform elected and appointed officials with non-partisan analysis, research, and studies that help them make the right decisions for sustainable communities. Graduates of the Leadership Training for a Sustainable Future regularly act in advocacy roles in their communities, influencing public policy and building healthy communities.

Community Education

A key part of our mission is to raise public awareness about the linkages between economics, sustainability, and social justice. We sponsor public workshops and forums, often working cooperatively with other organizations. Our website, www.ecoleader.org, is a powerful tool to link individuals and organizations with resources and information.

Leadership Networking

There are now more than 200 graduates of the Leadership Training for a Sustainable Future. These Fellows of the Institute are a dynamic, highly-motivated group of individuals who want to make a difference in their communities. The Fellows have vastly different economic, social, cultural, and political backgrounds, yet they share an interest in a just and sustainable future. We offer regular networking opportunities for the Fellows, many of whom are also involved in the ongoing work of the Institute.

Learn more: http://ecoleader.org/

West Coast Solar Energy is a full service independent solar integrator based in Sonoma County. We install the highest quality solar panel arrays for residential and commercial applications of any size. Every installation is custom designed to meet the job's energy requirements and the natural potential of the location.

Located in California's premier wine country 40 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma State is a small campus with big ideas. With a tradition of promoting intellectual and personal growth, leadership opportunities and technological proficiency, SSU offers its 8,500 students a friendly, safe and informal atmosphere on a beautiful campus setting of 269 richly-landscaped acres. Currently, campus housing accommodates 2,400 students in both apartment and residential suite style facilities.

Building on a four decade long commitment to community development and sustainable business practices, the 32nd Annual Harmony Festival, June 11th-13th, 2010 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, California, welcomes 35,000 attendees to the largest and longest continuously produced (32 years) music, arts, camping and ecology festival on the west coast.  The Harmony Festival employs a unique "progressive county fair" business model, incorporating into the event a diversity of "edutainment" – entertainment & educational programming with cross-generational appeal promoting both traditional community values, as well as cutting edge creative arts, sustainable business practices and healthy living.

Our innovative programming, blending socially conscious themes with cutting edge music, arts and culture creates one of the most unique events of the festival season. The June 2010 event is shaping up to be the most dynamic and well attended Harmony Festival on record with our strongest music and speakers lineup ever, combined with the continued development of our youth oriented action sports programming and the revitalization of our Health & Fitness attractions. 

This year’s festival selected sponsors currently include:

Verizon Wireless, Comcast, Spin Magazine, Fuel TV, Honest Tea, Kokomo Wines, Reed’s Ginger Brew, Sierra Nevada Brewery, Lagunitas Brewing Company, The Bay Guardian, Yelp!, Elevate Films, The California Institute for Integra Studies, Yoga Tree, Coconut Bliss, Living Mandala, General Hydroponics & The Actions Sports Environmental Coalition.

2010 Confirmed Performers & Speakers (many more TBA):

Ms. Lauryn Hill, Steel Pulse, Galactic feat. Lyrics Born & Chali 2NA, Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution,

The Expendables, Fishbone, Bill Kreutzman & Steve Kimock, Jai Uttal, Snatum Kaur, Delhi 2 Dublin

+ The Eco-Rally Action Sports & Skate Expo

Speakers: Dan Millman, Paul Stamets, Dr. Bruce Lipton, Saul David Raye & Caroline Casey

Locally owned and operated since 1996, PASTA BELLA in Sebastopol now offers many products organic and locally sourced culminating in events once a month which offer a fully local and organic sourced menu from the olive oil to the the biodynamically grown veggies, sauces to pasture raised meat. Come check out our featured wine dinner, MAY 18th, with Sebastopol's Balletto Vineyards featuring all local and sustainable ingredients. We are proud to be part of our LOCAL community.

Washing vehicles, parts, equipment and machinery or using water in a manufacturing process generates water that must be captured and treated prior to reuse and eventually discharge to sewer systems. US HydroTech Environmental Solutions provides answers to businesses, industry or governmental operations in meeting local, state, and federal regulations for discharge of wash or process water.

US HydroTech Environmental Solutions can reduce liability and add value to any establishment that uses water in their operation. US HydroTech Environmental Solutions offers customized evaluation of the appropriate technology for wash water treatment. We also offer equipment installation, maintenance services along with employee training in Best Management Practices (BMPs) designed to reduce water usage, reduce costs and reduce liability.

The combination of experience and expertise allows US HydroTech Environmental Solutions to be a single source Provider of answers to any size business, from those who use a single pressure washer for equipment to a manufacturing plant washing thousands of parts each day.

1007 W. College Ave #461 Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Ph# (707) 793-4800     Fx# (888) 473-3650

www.UsHydroTech.com  e-mail: info@Ushydrotech.com

The Lafayette Book Store is an independent, community-based bookstore located in Lafayette, California.  We are the oldest bookstore in the county (since 1963) and were twice voted the best indie bookstore in the East Bay.  

Dave Simpson has owned the store since February, 1998, and has introduced dozens of innovations to the business, expanding from the sale of new books into used books, online used books, parking lot sales, book club programs, fundraisers, a very active off-site events program, and most recently BOOK CULTURE, a revolutionary membership program where members receive all their book purchases at cost (typically 40% off). 

The staff of the Lafayette Book Store is widely regarded for their knowledge of books and their ability to put the right books into people's hand.  Linda Grana, our store manager, reads over 150 books a year and is an excellent predictor of what our readers are going to like.  Aleks Sedzielarz, our used book manager, draws from an extremely eclectic knowledge-base to help with complex book searches.  Lorilee Sugden and Amy Williams are both avid and eclectic readers who work closely with our readers.

Dominican University of California's GreenMBA is an engaged learning community that seeks to promote financial viability, ecological sustainability, and social justice in business and organizations of all types. Students graduate with practical skills and experience, prepared to innovate, communicate, and lead effectively in the face of global challenges.

We provide a culture of collaboration and innovation for those ready to take responsibility in a complex world that needs rethinking.

Dominican’s GreenMBA is an on-site program whose graduates receive a Master of Business Administration degree in Sustainable Enterprise. Students have a choice of two-year full-time and three-year part-time structures to accommodate life/work balance while pursuing the degree.

Skills/Curriculum

The GreenMBA curriculum integrates the stewardship of financial, human, and natural capital – beyond the triple bottom line - into a world-class program. Our collaborative, project-oriented approach integrates the development of entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial skills with critical thinking and leadership capacities. Our emphasis on systemic approaches to understanding complexity equip students to innovate and nurture resilience in organizations of all sizes.

Community

The GreenMBA community is a diverse, multi-generational group with a rich variety of life experience and work backgrounds. We cultivate a sense of place and belonging, and our network extends beyond northern California to global partners and a broad array of organizations and individuals who share our common purpose. Community events for students, alumni, faculty, and guests promote cross-pollination of ideas and the expansion of personal and organizational networks. Small classes, transparent communication, faculty-mentors, and collaborative, project-oriented learning create a supportive, challenging environment.

Transformation

Our guiding principle is: “Transform Yourself. Transform Business. Transform The World.” Program participants begin by exploring their beliefs, purpose, passion, and world view. Students acquire the tools to lead organizations to transcend ‘business as usual’ practices and adapt with a rapidly changing world.

Now accepting applications for Fall 2010.

Follow us on Twitter and the GreenMBA blog.

We provide tools and information for growing food at home.  Our solutions range from free advice and connections to support networks to cementlined raised beds with covers that create barriers to all and any pests.  Our goal to to manufacture using local and sustainable resources whenever possible.

Earthsite is a New Media Agency for Sustainable Brands.  Earthsite specializes in building trusted brands, web strategy, and social media marketing.

Our clients include brands such as: Real Goods Solar, Numi Organic Tea, The Green Festival, San Francisco Department of the Environment, and Dominican University of CA.

The Green Chamber of Commerce is a growing and diverse business network dedicated to:

• Promoting the success of our members,
• Supporting the development of sustainable business practices, and
• Advocating for a green public policy

Proud to be a sponsor of the 2010 Sustainable Enterprise Conference

IDEX Health & Science LLC

600 Park Court

Rohnert Park, CA  94928

707-588-2000

www.idex-hs.com

Daily Acts is a sustainability non-profit that offers tours and workshops which promote ecological design solutions to environmental and social crises. Our sustainability tours and workshops are classes on a wide variety of subjects from greywater installation and edible landscape design to personal ecology and leadership. We partner with municipalities to expand our reach, and educate thousands of individuals each year. Upcoming events and tours include the Sonoma County 350 Garden Challenge May 15th and 16th, Sustainable Seaweed Harvesting, and Cob Earthen Oven Building Workshop. Call 707-789-9664 for more information, or visit our website.

Michael’s Custom Built Inc. is a progressive upholstery shop, We build new furniture and Reupholster, Recycle, Restyle, Reduce, Reuse, Redesign, Recover and Redecorate your Residence and Commercial offices, hotel, wineries and restaurants. We have the resources to make any upholstered piece more earth friendly. We carry unique natural fiber fillers and fabrics such as silk, wool, cork, linen, and cotton.

Michael’s offers clients an environmentally conscience product without compromising on design or style. Either a new piece of furniture or the reworking of an old treasured piece we are committed meeting every client’s individual needs and desires.

In the past few years Michael’s has researched and located sources from around the world to supply us with natural and organic materials for our Green Furniture clients.

When creating a piece of new environmentally friendly furniture we use organic cotton and hemp for our batting, ticking, and webbing. Our frames are made from recycled wood or F.S.C. (Forest Steward Council) certified wood. We use low V.O.C. glues and adhesives and latex rubber.

In our small way we feel proud that we are encouraging the reduction of furniture waste in our overcrowded landfills. By reupholstering furniture and building new furniture using the most renewable resources we are helping to protect our soil, water, and air.

Living Earth Structures was started by Miguel "Micah" Elliott after years travelling the world studying various natural building practices.  LES specializes in sculpting adobe pizza ovens and benches using local Earth on site when possible in an attempt to revive the earthen building tradition in Sonoma County left behind by General Vallejo.   Our structures provide the perfect outdoor entertaining opportunities with a warm fireplace you can actually cook in anad benches which heat up from the fire.

Design Motif is an award-winning international web design and branding consultancy based in beautiful Sonoma County, California.

We offer:

Web Design:

Award-winning, custom turnkey web design, branding, and site optimization

Custom CMS:

Design, install, and train you for custom WordPress and Joomla content management

Social Media:

Social media marketing strategies to help you develop a deeper online presence

We specialize in building on the soul of your brand, helping you maximize your market presence and build strong two-way client relationships, two of the most important factors affecting your organization's success.

Established in 1970, Ashton Vineyard has been the source of fine wine grapes at the heart of some of California's most notable wines.

We are proud to introduce our own wines made exclusively of grapes from our estate at the foot of Sonoma Mountain in Glen Ellen in the Valley of the Moon. We grow and make two varieties:
Pinot Noir and Syrah.

The Vineyard

We started our vineyard with Pinot Noir some 38 years ago. We spent two years researching our site which faces east, providing the vineyard early morning sun. The sun leaves the vineyard earlier in the day than if we were on the other side of the Valley, which gets the late afternoon sun. Pinot Noir, one of the earliest ripening red wine grapes, benefits from our Eastern exposure which provides slow ripening with extra "hang time." The vineyard contains 7 clones of Pinot Noir which add to its depth and complexity.

The style of Syrah we love is like that of the Hermitage region of the northern Rhone area of France. Our choice of Syrah for the east-facing slopes on the southern section of the property was based on the cooler climates of the Hermitage region. Our Syrah also benefits from extended hang time and cooler late afternoons.

Our vines are sustainably grown, free of chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides

The Wines

Ashton Vineyard Pinot Noir is a rich, full flavored yet elegant wine that pairs beautifully with lamb, grilled sea bass, seared ahi tuna and, as we discovered with our friend, actor Daniel Benzali, French Vietnamese food.

Ashton Vineyard Syrah is a handcrafted artisan wine. The grapes were picked by hand, hand sorted and barrel aged for 36 months. The wine is deep, succulent and concentrated with richly layered fruit flavors, abundant mid-palate sensations and a lingering taste.

Proprietor ~ Stephen Ashton

Winemaker ~ Robert Rex

Conservation Corps North Bay (CCNB) was established in 1982 as America’s first local conservation corps and is a national leader in the local corps movement.  Our mission is to develop youth and conserve natural resources for a strong, sustainable community. For the past 28 years, our organization has helped thousands of young people break the cycle of poverty, while improving local parklands and communities, cultivating strong environmental leaders, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Each year our Corpsmember Development program provides more than 120 predominantly high-risk young adults, ages 18–28, with the job training, education, and social services needed to transform their lives, while making a difference in local communities and public lands. Our corpsmembers help reduce fire/flood hazards, construct/maintain trails, restore riparian/wildlife habitat, and collect more than 75 tons of recyclable materials annually. 

ECOrecruiters is a small management through executive-level recruiting firm based in Santa Rosa, Ca and we have been matching passionate people with sustainability-focused companies in the North Bay and nationally since 1999.

We know that individuals, non-profit organizations and governments alone can’t address the many challenges facing the environment. Companies, both public and privately owned, must be involved in the process, and to do so, they need the right team members. ECOrecruiters helps companies with green strategies make the best hires to increase their competitiveness. With every candidate we help place, we help others who contribute to the protection of the environment. It feels great to be a part of that commitment and to see our efforts multiplied.

• A percentage of every search fee is donated to various environmental, humanitarian and animal welfare charities
• GreenAmerica Green Business Seal of Approval
• Excellent track record of success and integrity. Client references provided upon request and please see "Testimonials" on our website.

ECOrecruiters is proud to be a part of the Sustainable Enterprise Conference 2010.

* Mention that you found us through the Sustainable Enterprise Conference, and we will take 20% off our fee for our first project with your company/organization*