Join Us!

Throughout North America, BALLE networks are effectively linking businesses to create the building blocks of a new economy. They are expanding economic opportunities, teaching sustainable practices, educating the public about the benefits of local purchasing and investing, and reshaping economic development and public policy to be community-based, green, and fair.

What will be covered?

The morning will feature two panel presentations and group discussion, followed by an informal networking lunch. The afternoon will use small group discussion and open space technology to go deeper on the morning’s topics and other topics of interest. Presentation and discussion topics will be identified in consultation with Mid Atlantic networks through planning calls taking place in late January. Please expect to hear from BALLE staff regarding what topics would be most useful for your network!

Panel presentations and small group discussion will focus on both organizational development (fundraising, board development, membership recruitment) and programming successes in multiple local living economy building block areas.

Who Should Attend?

Regional Gatherings are open to all staff, volunteers, and board members of existing BALLE networks- that is, everyone it takes to make a network go! Brining several members of your network's leadership team is highly reconmmended.

Local Network Host

Over the past eight years, the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia has become a national leader in the local business movement and an influential force in the green economy. Their membership is made up of more than 500 companies representing over 5,000 employees in the Philadelphia region.

Since its inception in 2002, SBN has grown from a volunteer-led organization with no budget and no staff to become a thriving organization with nine staff, a budget of over $600,000, and three departments focused on Membership, Educational Programming and Green Economy. SBN has made great impact in their community, and their Green Economy Task Force, which brought together over 400 diverse stakeholders to develop a green collar job strategy that benefits both low-income people and local businesses, is nationally recognized for its innovation.

Travel and Lodging for Regional Gathering

Participants are responsible for their own travel and housing costs. There are a number of hotel rooms available at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for $109 if you reserve by February 12th, 2010. Additionally, there are limited home stay options. Call the hotel directly to reserve a room at 215-561-7500 (mention Social Venture Institute) or call Katie at SBN Philadelphia to inquire about home stay options at 215-022-7400 ext. 6#.

Stay on for the Social Venture Institute

SBN Philadelphia will hold its 8th annual Social Venture Institute (SVI) on February 26th and 27th, 2010, immediately after the Regional Gathering. SVI is the only conference on the East Coast that focuses on businesses respecting three bottom lines: social prosperity, environmental stewardship and profitability.

The format  of SVI is organic and practical, as well as highly interactive and experiential. Join entrepreneurs, innovators, community organizers, government officials, investors, and green business leaders as you explore social and environmental innovations, and expand your business skills and network with recognized national and regional innovators in the sustainable community. You can register for SVI at http://svi2010.eventbrite.com/.  All BALLE Regional Gathering Participants can receive a $25 discount by using code SBN2010.