Texas Green Network Events
San Antonio -- Texas Green Network March Meeting
“Fair Trade and the Green Business Connection”
Thursday, March 25th 5:00pm-8:00pm
C4 Workspace
108 King William, San Antonio, Texas 78204
(210-222-2405 info and directions at www.c4workspace.com)
Free Admission
Please rsvp at rsvp<at>texasgreennetwork.org (please specify event)
After a nice first introduction to the San Antonio green business community, we are back with our second installment, featuring our Open Mike for guest introductions, fun green networking and a panel discussion on Fair Trade.Our March Fair Trade Panel features:
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René Geneva: René is founder and design entrepreneur of René Geneva Design. The company offers eco-chic, ready-to-wear apparel. From certified organic fabrics to fair trade labor, every aspect of the business is eco (and human) friendly. It is important to René to promote sustainability at every touch point beginning with the earth, throughout production, and delivery to the consumer.
Jennifer Lucas: Jennifer is founder of fair trade organization Ethical City and represents Theo Chocolate, the only Organic, Fair Trade, Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Factory in the United States.
Aswini Sivaswamy: Aswini is founder of SESA Teas, which supports a better living condition for workers on tea estates in India. Programs such as free housing and healthcare improve the livelihood and support the wellbeing of people who help produce SESA products.If you would like to be a sponsor of this event and have a table, contact Reed Sternberg @ reed<at>texasgreennetwork.org.
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Austin -- Texas Green Network March Meeting
“Fair Trade and the Green Business Connection”
Wednesday, March 31st 5:00-8:30pm
State Capitol Building, Conference Room E2.002
(Parking is available at the Visitor Center at 12th and San Jacinto.)
Free Admission
Please rsvp at rsvp<at>texasgreennetwork.org (please specify event)The State Capitol hosts our Austin networking event this month featuring our open mike for guest introductions and part 2 of our Fair Trade panel discussion featuring:René Geneva: René is founder and design entrepreneur of René Geneva Design. The company offers eco-chic, ready-to-wear apparel. From certified organic fabrics to fair trade labor, every aspect of the business is eco (and human) friendly. It is important to René to promote sustainability at every touch point beginning with the earth, throughout production, and delivery to the consumer.
Jennifer Lucas: Jennifer is founder of fair trade organization Ethical City and represents Theo Chocolate, the only Organic, Fair Trade, Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Factory in the United States.
Aswini Sivaswamy: Aswini is founder of SESA Teas, which supports a better living condition for workers on tea estates in India. Programs such as free housing and healthcare improve the livelihood and support the wellbeing of people who help produce SESA products.If you would like to be a sponsor of this event and have a table, contact Reed Sternberg @ reed<at>texasgreennetwork.org.
More Upcoming Events:
April 17th San Antonio Earth Day Celebration
April 21st Austin Earth Day Celebration
Past Events:
Texas Green Network February Meeting -- Interactive Showcase of TGN at Austin Energy
If you have never been to a Texas Green Network event before or haven’t been in a while, this is the perfect chance to check out what is going on with us recently. This month, Austin Energy hosts our interactive showcase on Texas Green Network features and functions.
This is a chance to get the lowdown on what we are doing, meet the whole team and give us your feedback on the value and positioning of our modern green chamber-of-commerce.
A series of stations will be set up around the hall for interactive participation.
VIDEO PODS—TGN introduces our member video pods that will spotlight innovative TGN member companies and will be viewable at our website and other online venues. Our talk show format will be live, as Reed Sternberg interviews TGN members for our first wave of “green business video spotlights”.
SOCIAL MEDIA-- Carolyn Cummins will talk about what TGN is doing in the social media world. Live workstations will be set up for linking to Texas Green Network, with real time suggestions on how to best set up your business presence and link to TGN online.
TEAMS OF 6 NETWORKING—Sign up to participate in one of our teams-of-6 networking groups that will be going on throughout the evening. Chris Moyseos leads this popular TGN function, which provides participants a fun way to really connect with 5 new business associates.
NEWSLETTER—Dante Dominick, our newsletter editor, will be talking about the present and future of our Green Business Newsletter. He will also be accepting and discussing stories for the newsletter so bring your company story for an upcoming issue.
OPEN MIKE—Paul Severin hosts the return of our open mike. Sign up for an introduction at the microphone so that interested attendees can find you and connect right away.
Special thanks food and beverage sponsors:
If you would like to be a sponsor of this event and have a table, please contact Reed Sternberg at reed<at>texasgreennetwork.org.
AUSTIN
Green Tradeshow Workshop & Show Featuring Members of Texas Green Network
January 27th, 2010
Hosted by: Xtreme Xhibits
Our workshop was kicked off by our panel discussion featuring Emily Kahn of Green Fern Events and Jill Amerie and Justin Schmitter of Xtreme Xhibits. They shared a wealth of experience and practical info with our discussion participants.
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Our mini-trade show featured a broad range of Texas Green Network members. Fresh from a discussion, the trade show style environment was a perfect networking environment for this month’s event.
SESA Teas and Theo Chocolates were among our food and beverage providers!
An Introduction to San Antonio’s Green Business Community
January, 21st, 2010
Hosted by: Holiday Inn SAN ANTONIO- INT`L AIRPORT, Green Engage Pilot Hotel*
On January 21st, 2010, the Texas Green Network, the first Green Chamber-of-Commerce in Texas, started developing in the San Antonio area. For this inaugural event, we recreated some of our best activities from Austin events in the past few years,including our six person networking teams..
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Jon Lebkowsky led our discussion. Jon is a culture strategist and social commentator, a respected Internet pioneer who was involved in seminal online communties and advocacy organizations including the WELL, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, EFF-Austin, HotWired, Electric Minds, Global Internet Liberty Coalition, and many others. He was cofounder of an early online community-based company/culture hack, FringeWare, Inc. An early blogger and social web thought leader. he was involved in discussions leading to "web 2.0" and the current revolutionary advances in social technology. He is currently CEO of the media/events think tank, Plutopia Productions, and is a consultant with Social Web Strategies.
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*A Note About Our Hosts: The Holiday Inn San Antonio International Airport launched an environmental “green” campaign nearly three years ago, posting results that have garnered National and International attention. We have been the feature Hotel on Green Lodging News, Eco Green Hotel, and The Hotel Guide. The Hotel’s results were the target of a case study produced by Caroma and marketed by Lighthouse Marketing, and now we are the Pilot Hotel for InterContinental Hotels Group Green Engage Program to be rolled out globally… join us on our green journey.
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December, 2009 Our Second Annual Green Holiday Party
Hosted by:
Texas Green Network • Austin EcoNetwork • Eco Series • NetImpact
Public Citizen • Sierra Club • Design Build Live
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The beautiful Barr Mansion, the first certified organic events facility in the nation, hosted us again this year to bring together seven great organizations for one great evening. We got down to the Latin/World Fusion music of Nelson Saga.
About the Event Hosts:
Texas Green Network
The First Green Chamber-of-Commerce in Texas
Advancing the Green Business Economy and the Adoption of Sustainable Business Practices
Austin EcoNetwork
Helping Austinites lead the way as stewards of the planet’s resources, creating healthy home and work environments and contributing to a thriving local economy.
Eco Series
Eco Series is a grass-roots effort that stemmed from our passion for enhanced understanding and the search for solutions to some of mankind’s most pressing issues: climate change, energy independence and sustainability.
NetImpact
Net Impact Austin is the action-based organization of professionals and entrepreneurs working directly with Austin businesses and non-profits to further social and environmental sustainability.
Public Citizen
By promoting cleaner energy, cleaner government, cleaner cars, and cleaner air for all Texans, we hope to provide for a healthy place to live and prosper. We are Public Citizen Texas.
Sierra Club
To explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth; To practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; To educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.
Design Build Live
"a sustainable learning center"
...to share, practice, promote and nurture Natural Building and living. Visit us online at designBuildLive.org.
Texas Green Network November, 2009 Austin Meeting at Austin Yoga
“Developing and Communicating Marketing Messages for Green Businesses” Workshop
& Panel Discussion on Sustainable Transportation Modes
Wednesday, November 18th 4-7pm
Austin Yoga School at1122-C South Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704
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This month our “Teams of Six” Networking Groups*engaged in a workshop on “Developing and Communicating Marketing Messages for Green Businesses”. *
“Sustainable Transportation Modes for Business”
Thomas Butler, Board Chair of Austin CarShare also works at the Downtown Austin Alliance as the Director of the Transportation and Streetscapes Program. Austin CarShare is the first car sharing program in Texas.
Mr. Butler was joined by Justin Murrill and Jenny Nazak to lead a sustainable transportation discussion.
Food and Beverage!
Ecstatic Cuisine will be serving delicious vegetarian finger foods including their Roasted Garlic Hummus, Homemade Traditional Babaganoush, Smoked Turkish Tomato Salad, Arabian Spiced Pita Chips & Much More!
Theo Chocolate Enjoy chocolate from the only Organic, Fair Trade, Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Factory in the United States!
SESA Teas Amazing, refreshing, handcrafted tea blends, organic and fair trade.
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*What are the “Teams of Six”?
Many people comment that networking events can be kind of a free-for-all with limited opportunity to make real connections. The Texas Green Network’s Teams-of-Six give attendees an opportunity to make 5 new friends and real connections in a stimulating and fun environment.
When you arrive, you will find sign-in sheets with only six blanks on each. Look for names you do not know, sign in and sit down right away with your new team. The event activities will be a surprise but don’t be surprised to make a few new business colleagues.
Your passion for your business and for the issues important to you comes out when working in one of our Teams-of-Six. Our common passion is one reason why great connections are made at the Texas Green Network.
xSAN ANTONIOTuesday, February 23th 5:00pm-8:30pm
Austin Energy Auditorium (721 Barton Springs, Austin, TX 78704)
Please R.S.V.P. at rsvp<at>TexasGreenNetwork.org
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS...
October 2009: Joint Fall Event
Our joint event with Austin EcoNetwork and Eco Series in October was a great time with upwards of 175 in attendance. Not a traditional TGN event but a nice party and a chance for some new people to learn about the kindred organizations.
Green Fern Events provided some post-event analysis: We had less than 2 full bags of trash with all recyclables going to Ecology Action. We recycled 50 pounds of glass. This converts to saving 1.05 kilowatt hours and 2 cubic yards of landfill space. This is not a lot which means everyone did a good job of reducing waste upfront making for a truly environmentally sustainable affair.Thank you to Green Fern Events, Spoon and Co./dishalicious, SESA Teas, Greater Texas Water Co., Fifth Nation, Live Oak Brewery and Maine Root for contributing to a successful and enjoyable event.
HOSTED BY: www.austineconetwork.com + texasgreennetwork.org + www.ecoseriesaustin.com SPACE PROVIDED: www.urbanspacerealtors.com & www.thresholdinteriors.com
September 2009: Meeting at Austin Energy
“Guerrilla Green Networking – Back to Basics” was our theme for the September meeting. Our panel discussion was lead by Chris Moyseos (Verdure Investments, www.verdureinvestments.com).
Our panel:
- Scott Ingram(Network In Austin, www.networkinaustin.com)
- Jon Lebkowsky(Social Web Strategies, www.socialwebstrategies.com)
- Reed Sternberg(Texas Green Network, texasgreennetwork.org)
Our six person networking groups took on a nice atmosphere and great participation. We divided up for some green business networking scenarios, referred to as an inspired networking environment!
We enjoyed music by Bill Oliver and refreshments from Freebirds Burritos and SESA Teas. Thanks to Austin Energy too for hosting a great event!
August 2009: Meeting at Southwest Key Center
Texas Green Network and P.O.D.E.R. Austin came together Wednesday evening, August 26th at the
Southwest Key Center to support the sustainability leadership of the East-Austin business community.
Aiden Cohen of the City of Austin Green Purchasing Program shared their plans and answered questions about Austin's sustainable purchasing initiatives.
Delicious herbal tea from SESA teas and fresh tortillas from El Milagro were donated to the event, which complimented the healthy food prepared by TGN members Paul and Barbara for the evening's meeting.
June 2009: Welcome Austin’s New City Council in an Eco-Change Exchange !
On Thursday, June 25th from 5:30 – 9:00 PM at Austin City Hall, the Texas Green Network and several other environmental groups welcomed the newly inaugurated Austin City Council. In this time of economic and environmental crisis, Texans are coming together to reshape our future, make Austin a model of a sustainable city, and welcome our elected officials to take action on the issues of:
- Healthy Food
- Clean Water
- Clean Energy and Reducing Carbon Emissions
- Landfill Expansions and Reducing Waste
- Alternatives to More Highways and Sprawl
- Participatory Democracy
- Climate Change
- Environmental Justice
The Texas Green Network joined the following: Austin Eco-Network, Ecology Action, Central Texas Zero Waste Alliance, Public Citizen, Coal Block, Alliance of Community Trainers, Save Our Springs Alliance, Save Barton Creek Association, Texas Campaign for the Environment, Environment Texas, PODER, Austin Sierra Club, Solar Austin, PowerSmack.org, and Clean Water Action.
May 2009: Meeting at the Austin Farmer's Market
We met in the shaded courtyard on Wednesday the 27th next to the Austin Farmer's Market at 46th & Triangle Ave to hear from Suzanne Santos of the Sustainable Food Center speaking on how people can become further involved in supporting our local sustainable food system.
April 2009: Earth Day & Meeting at Sustainable Waves
On Saturday, April the 18th, we celebrated Earth Day at Republic Square in downtown Austin.
On Tuesday, April the 28th, we held a jammin’ monthly meeting at Sustainable Waves, a company that specializes in sustainable energy solutions for the entertainment industry. We combined their Solar Tuesday meeting with the TGN monthly mixer. Our guest speaker, Luke Metzger of Environment Texas, spoke on the subject of “Solar Legislation and Opportunity in the Texas Business Community”.
March 2009: Austin City Hall - 2009 Candidate Forum
Mayoral - 5PM to 6PM ( David Buttross / Josiah Ingalls / Lee Leffingwell / Brewster McCracken )
Place 1 - 6PM to 6:30PM ( Perla Cavazos / Chris Riley )
Break - 6:30PM to 7PM - Atrium
Place 2 & 5 - 7PM to 7:30PM ( Mike Martinez & Bill Spelman )
Place 6 - 7:30PM to 8PM ( Sheryl Cole / Samuel Osemene )
*** Carole Keeton Stayhorn (Mayor) and Joe Quintero (Place 2) did not attend.
Thank you to HEB for providing beverages & to Mama Fu's for donating appetizers during the break.
…and a special thanks to Councilwoman, Randi Shade, for sponsoring our event at Austin City Hall.
February 2009: Meeting at Texas State Capitol
Thursday, February the 19th at the Texas State Capitol was the place to learn about the current green initiatives being considered in the legislature. Both Robert Howden, a former State Director of the NFIB, National Federation of Independent Business, and Stephen Raines. former energy policy person for Speaker Craddock, provided their perspective on the Green issues at hand along with answering the audience's questions.
The County Line provided plenty of BBQ sausage, grilled chicken wraps and stuffed baked potatoes, along with chips and salsa and iced tea to all the Texas Green Network members and non-members. Thank you Mark & Chuy for attending and for all your support! The open microphone portion wrapped-up our meeting and provided further introductions for everyone to network and support our local businesses!
Larry Walker of the LCRA provided a tour of the Redbud Center before our meeting started to a small group and then spoke to our audience about the green features of this energy efficient, sustainable building.
Everyone was treated to delicious BBQ wraps from the County Line along with three different fresh juice creations from the Daily Juice.
five green organizations all came together for a year-end celebration at the beautiful Barr Mansion,
the first certified organic events facility in the nation!
Texas Green Network • Austin Eco-Network • Net Impact Austin
Green Technology Alliance • Bootstrap Sustainability
Kent Cummins performs Environmental Magic!
Music by Texcentricity — A Diverse Swing/Blues Combo
Photography for the event by Kat Sparks Photography
The German-Texan Heritage Society was host to our mixer on Friday, October the 3rd.
Susan Meredith of HumanExcel spoke to the audience about her new book, Beyond Lightbulbs, while everyone enjoyed the delicious organic sandwiches and wraps from Austin's The Green Cart.
August meeting on Thursday the 28th in the magnificent Artisan Ballroom
of the Barr Mansion located just east of IH-35 on 290.
Gourmet, organic pizza and salad was generously provided by the Barr Mansion, along with the space and staff members for this event. To learn more about the Barr Mansion's Journey to Zero-Waste,
click here to download their Media Kit (4.5MB).
July 2008: Meeting at Opal Divine's
to hear Brandi Clark speak on the subject of Action! Her positive words on believing change is possible,
getting clear about your passion, and finding your unique role to create a better world
was the perfect prelude to the evening's main topic of forming TGN initiative committees.
TGN visitors enjoyed a generous tour and One World even gave away a pair of Sinbad tickets for the following night. One World Theatre provided a wonderful setting for TGN, built using recycled materials, with green building techniques throughout the grounds.
ThunderCloud Subs made a generous donation of sandwich trays,
joined by El Milagro, Sabor! Salsas, Larabar and HEB as food sponsors for June.
Many joined us for the TGN open mike and many others participated with table displays.
April 2008: Meeting at the Historic German Free School
for an afternoon mixer on Friday, April the 25th where Bijoy Goswami, founder of Bootstrap Austin, provided insight about how entrepreneurs must tap into their own sustainable way of building a successful business.
His talk spurred others at the meeting to pick-up the microphone and share points of interest
about their own businesses.
A special thanks goes out to the number of Austin businesses that generously contributed to the success
of this event. Door prizes of select books were given away by Cleantegrity and additional lush,
potted plants were provided by Touch of Green. The wonderful, fresh food at event was provided by:
Thank you!