Dr. Senge has lectured extensively, translating the abstract ideas of systems theory into tools for economic and organizational change. His seminal book, The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization, hit a nerve deep within the business community. With the recent publication of The Necessary Revolution, Senge applies the same approach of systems thinking, collaboration and team learning to a much larger and more complex system – the global economy. In it, he profiles people and organizations that exemplify passionate innovation and the ability to collaborate across boundaries.
At the 2008 North Carolina Awards & Sustainable Solutions Expo, Senge will challenge the audience to lead away from deadend business-as-
Says Senge, “Our real future lies in building sustainable enterprises and an economic reality that connects industry, society and the environment.”
Leadership members of the NC Sustainable Business Council, Burt’s Bees and Cherokee Investment Partners are excited that SNC is bringing Senge’s management insights to North Carolina business and civic leaders.
Burt’s Bees’ Director of Sustainability, Yola Carlough, comments on the importance of Senge’s message: “Increasingly, we see companies implement sustainable practices into their business models that benefit the environment and our communities, and over time, yield significant economic advantages to both corporate stakeholders and the consumers who purchase our products.”
“We are applying the principles of sustainability through our investments and across our company's business practices," explains David O’Neill, vice president of Cherokee Investment Partners. “Senge's message of using our creative capacity in collaboration with others to advance a sustainable future is an important one for businesses, governments and not-for-profits alike."
The Sustainable North Carolina Awards honor organizations that have demonstrated success in integrating social responsibility and environmental stewardship with sound financial practices. This year’s expanded must-attend event will also feature a sustainable business forum, tradeshow, poster session, dinner banquet, and awards ceremony emceed by Carolina Business Review host Chris William. This prestigious event attracts a wide variety of leaders from business, government, non-profits and academia from across the state.
SNC is partnering with the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and Seven-Star Events to produce the Sustainable Solutions Expo (Nov. 9-11) at the new LEED-registered Raleigh Convention Center. The SS Expo is a first-of-its-
Sponsors for the North Carolina Awards & Sustainable Solutions Expo include Cisco, Cherokee Investment Partners, PBS&J, SAS, Burt’s Bees, Lenovo, Duke Energy, Biltmore, Blumenthal Foundation, The Redwoods Group, NC GreenPower and Pepco Energy Services.
For more information about Peter Senge, please visit http://www.solonline.org/
To hear “Quick Talk” MP3s of Senge on the topics of globalization, transformational change and organizational learning, please visit http://www.sustainnc.org/
For more information about the 2008 Sustainable North Carolina Awards, NCSBC Forum, and Sustainable Solutions Expo, visit http://www.sustainnc.org/
About Sustainable North Carolina
Sustainable North Carolina (SNC) is a non-profit organization that works as a catalyst for a sustainable economy through professional education, networking, implementation assistance and recognition. SNC is spearheading the NC Sustainable Business Council (NCSBC) to provide business leadership for an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable future. NCSBC is a member-directed organization that provides a forum for business people to network, collaborate, access information and resources and create awareness.
About Sustainable North Carolina Awards
Sustainable North Carolina initiated its awards program in 2002 to honor organizations leading the way in creating solutions for a sustainable future. Since then, the SNC Awards has grown into a high profile event that attracts hundreds of business, government, non-profit and academic leaders from across the state.
About Burt's Bees, Inc.
Since 1991, Burt's Bees has been offering distinctive all-natural products and marketing them as affordable luxuries and gifts. Today, Burt's Bees is the leading manufacturer of 150 earth-friendly, all-natural personal care products, including face and body care, grooming, baby care and cosmetics. www.burtsbees.com
About Cherokee Investment Partners
Cherokee is the leading private equity firm investing capital and expertise in brownfield redevelopment. The company has evolved its leadership role in the reclamation of brownfields by applying expertise, creativity and resolve to the sustainable redevelopment of properties after remediation. www.cherokeefund.com
Contact: Katy Ansardi
Company: Sustainable North Carolina
Phone: 919-839-2111
Email: kansardi@sustainnc.org
