WMSBF Annual Meeting 2021: Regional and State Progress on Sustainability Goals

West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum will host its Annual Member Meeting on Monday, July 12 at the LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park. The meeting will feature a panel discussion highlighting the importance of the coming decade to our state and region’s sustainability goals. Featured speakers include State Senator Winnie Brinks, Dar Baas, Director of Kent County Department of Public Works, and Sarah Chartier, Senior Sustainability Project Manager for Spectrum Health System. Baas will provide an update on the Kent County Sustainable Business Park, a generational investment in the development of a circular economy in West Michigan. Baas will share the DPW’s progress toward selecting an anchor use of the Park, and how that will impact local business and industry. Chartier will introduce Spectrum Health’s new sustainability goals, which recently established it as the largest employer in West Michigan to make a carbon neutral commitment. In addition to that 2040 goal, Spectrum Health has set five-year goals for electric vehicle usage, solid waste, local purchasing, and anti-racism. The Annual Meeting will also include an update on the organization, introduction of new board members and recognition of the 2021 President’s Award honoree. The President’s Award recognizes a Forum member for contributions to the growth and sustainability of the organization. The outdoor event will follow relevant safety protocols for in-person networking.