The document discusses the formation of a Green & Sustainable Business Work Group to develop a sustainability initiative for local businesses. The Work Group found that becoming more environmentally friendly provides benefits like attracting new customers and employees, increased innovation and opportunities. The Work Group recommends the Chamber implement a green business recognition program, advocate for sustainability, and promote green community and economic development.

1. Green & Sustainable Business Work Group

2. Sustainability Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

3. Five Year Strategic Plan The green and Sustainable Work Group was formed to research the creation of a viable sustainability initiative and the positive impact it would have on the environment, the community and most importantly, the benefits to the local business economy. A key element of economic sustainability is the importance of Green Business Practices and the value they create for local business.

4. Why go green? The environment Sustainability Responsibility The Community Attracts new industry Attracts quality employees According to a recent study by staffing firm Adecco USA, 1/3 of workers would be more inclined to work for a GREEN company.

5. Good for Business! Fundamental shift toward environmental concerns! Defining characteristic of great companies! Supported by overwhelming research! A recent study by Alloy Media found that 90% of consumers believe that it’s important for businesses to act in an environmentally responsible way.

7. 53% of consumers now factor a company’s social and environmental practices into their purchasing decisions. Consumers are ready to reward those companies that prove they’re committed to the cause! 57% are likely to trust the company! 60% are likely to purchase its products! 58% will recommend the company to others! We’ve reached a tipping point!

8. Likely to speak out against a company when they learn they are not environmentally friendly! 40%

9. Imagine a world in which eco-friendly and socially responsible practices actually help a company’s bottom line. It’s closer than you think! An immediate and positive impact on your bottom line! Green is the new black ! 2007

10. Organizations who delay are quickly losing their competitive edge. Green to Gold Companies using eco-friendly practices are more innovative More entrepreneurial than their competitors See emerging issues ahead of the pack Better prepared to handle unpredictable market forces Better at finding new opportunities to help customers

11. Work Group Findings 85% of respondents had added “Green” initiatives or started a Sustainability Program. Those who had not, cited limited access to recycling, the lack of time or resources, and a negative view of the “Green” sustainability movement. Interestingly none cited cost as a factor. 79% were interested in furthering or starting a sustainability program and/or joining the Chamber’s Green Workgroup.

12. Green & Sustainable Objectives . To develop and implement a series of best practices that will enhance our community’s sustainability and to educate and assist member businesses about the benefits of integrating sustainability principles and practices into their every day operations. Through unified stewardship, business and government entities can encourage and reward environmentally safe and sustainable business practices. These efforts will help ensure that Ocala/Marion County is environmentally and economically healthy, and well on its way to becoming a greener more liveable community. These objectives will be accomplished through the implementation and focus on the following three areas.

13. Green Business Recognition Program Provide an online application and certification process for businesses to indicate their sustainability efforts. Award qualifying businesses with an “Eco Partner” logo for recognition and marketing. Provide an online directory of all Eco-Partner “green” businesses. Showcase best practices on web and print media. Select small, medium, and large Green Business of the Year and recognize at the Chamber Annual Dinner. Place congratulatory ads in local media.

14. Advocacy and Awareness Publish top 10 reasons for going green Develop portal on Chamber website for Green/Sustainable resources Highlight success stories in Chamber Newsletter and other media partner publications Provide members with info on upcoming “Green” educational events Participate in planning and staging a “Green” jobs summit Cluster Green Businesses at Chamber Expo/Green Workshops Partner with other counties that have successful programs

15. Community and Economic Development through Official Eco Partnerships City/County Green Resolution Assessment of parking requirements associated with building construction Certification of sustainable practices Explore alternatives for waste disposal Residential and Commercial recycling programs Spotlight new and retro fit green businesses Safe and Walkable City Initiative Green business growth through “Economic Gardening” initiative

16. Work Group Participants Stu Anderson Base 3, LLC Jaye Baillie Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce Barbara Burrows Central Florida Community College James Catabia Casting Impressions Dennis Dimatteo The Solar Guys Tamara Fleischhaker Ocala Marion County Chamber of Commerce Patricia Gutman North Shore Girl Boutique David Harden American Heritage Engineering of Florida John Hunt First Avenue National Bank Skip McCall City of Ocala Kevin McDonald Allstate Insurance Daryl Muse City of Ocala Trish Perry Community Bank & Trust of Florida Jody Phillips Phillips Printing Debby Radcliffe Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Tracy Rogers Webster University Elizabeth Stevens Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce

17. In Conclusion We recommend the Chamber: include a Green and Sustainable Business initiative in the 5 Year Strategic Plan Implement a Green Recognition Program Advocate green and sustainable business practices Promote Community and Economic Development through Official Eco Partnerships