West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum

Members in the News

WMSBF to become distinct 501c3 organization

For the last 14 years, WMSBF has operated under the provision of the West Michigan Environmental Action Council, which provides fiduciary and administrative support. But the group hopes to break out from that umbrella and be an independent organization like other sustainable business forums in the state, according to Marylu Dykstra, WMSBF board chair.

Cascade Engineering Company Product Receives Cradle to Cradle certification

Decade Products, a Cascade Engineering company, has received Cradle to Cradle Certification for its new RACX© pallet.

LEED tax credits coming?

A tax incentive proposal written by Eric DeLong and WMSBF member Guy Bazzani is currently under consideration by the Michigan Climate Action Council. Under the proposal LEED-certified buildings could could receive up to a 50 percent property tax decrease.

Catching the Green Wave

An opinion piece by Deborah Steketee, director of Aquinas College Center for Sustainability, and WMSBF member, discusses recent developments in the sustainable business community including the West Michigan Sustainable Purchasing Consortium.

An overview of the Sustainability movement from the Detroit Free Press

Another general take on all that the Grand Rapids area is doing to promote sustainable business practices and green living. Several WMSBF members, including Herman Miller and the Green Well Gastro Pub, are highlighted.

Green is not enough: Sustainability is key

Several members of the WMSBF including President Marylu Dykstra and Board members Kelley Losey and Matthew Tueth are quoted in this look at the importance of the sustainability movement in the Grand Rapids area business community.

Kentwood Office Furniture finds success in remanufactured and used furniture

In keeping with their motto of “Go Green — Save Green”, WMSBF member Kentwood Office Furniture is promoting environmental friendly remanufactured office furniture.

Bata Plastics sees growth in business

Not only can recycling be a major component of a sustainable business plan, but it can save a company money. WMSBF member Bata is prospering as more businesses discover this.

Grand Rapids and WMSBF featured in Fast Company

The October 2008 issue of Fast Company calls Grand Rapids “America’s Greenest City” and talks with several member companies of the WMSBF.

Sustainability gives office furniture global advantage, execs say

Brian Walker, president and CEO of Herman Miller, a WMSBF member, participated in a sustainability panel at this week’s West Michigan Regional Policy Conference.