November Newsletter Content
  • Introduction
  • Conference Corner
  • Energy Innovation Grant Program
  • Forward Careers Training Grants
  • Sustainability Events
  • In the News
  • Inspiration Corner
Happy November!

The past few weeks have been a flurry of activity, but WSBC has been working hard to plan our annual conference — with a variety of important sustainability topics and regional experts, it's an event you won't want to miss.

This week, we're highlighting our keynote speakers, Barbara Tormaschy, Vice President and Treasurer at Alliant Energy and Bob Willard, CEO, The Sustainability Advantage. Both of this year's speakers exemplify responsible leadership in their respective careers, and we can't wait to hear their insights in December. To learn more, read the conference corner below to gain insights on their business and keynote topics.

As the holiday season approaches and the weather drops, we want to wish you all a healthy and safe holiday season. Don't forget to share your gratitude's on Thanksgiving!
2020 Conference Corner
WSBC Virtual Conference 2020
December 8 and 9 from 11 AM to 5 PM Daily

The theme this year is Sustainable Futures – Leveraging this Moment in Time and focuses both on the current state of sustainability and how businesses are leveraging this moment to rethink, reimagine, redesign for sustainable futures.

This year, the conference is a series of candid conversations about topics important to and relevant to advancing sustainability. You can join us for one or two days of the event, from the comfort of your desk. The virtual platform allows you to mingle and chat with participants, tune into the live sessions, ask questions and view pre-recorded content!

Conference Sponsorships are a great way to showcase your commitment to sustainability and get in front of our audience with a virtual exhibit booth that allows you to live chat with attendees. If you'd like to learn more about our sponsorship packages, check out our info packet here and register online here.
Keynote Speakers Announced!

Opening the conference this year is Barbara Tormaschy, Vice President and Treasurer at Alliant Energy.

A focus on sustainability is engrained in Alliant Energy's operations, say's Barbara's, whose keynote will discuss their Clean Energy Blueprints for accelerating the transition to renewable energy. The keynote will also address their community-oriented approach to business and how sustainability plays a vital role in addressing business challenges and opportunities today. WMEP's Rich Rovito sat down with each of the keynote speakers to learn more.
Bob Willard to Keynote Conference Day Two
Bob Willard has authored multiple books focusing on corporate sustainability, including The Sustainability Initiative, and has developed very user friendly open source tools for business sustainability. In his keynote, Bob will discuss how you can drive sustainability change in your organization, not matter your title and how to get buy in from team members and leadership. He will also lead a session day one about how companies can carry out environmental best practices while generating more profits.
Again, WMEP's Rich Rovito sat down with each of the keynote speakers to learn more.
Sustainability Grants

Energy Innovation Grant Program
Apply online by Jan 22, 2021 at noon
The Energy Innovation Grant Program covers a wide variety of energy related projects that reduce energy consumption, increase the use of renewable energy and transportation technologies, bolster preparedness and resiliency in the energy system, and incorporate comprehensive energy planning. Grants are open to manufacturers, utilities, hospitals, school, municipalities and nonprofits.

Forward Careers Training Grant


Applications due Nov 20 for Spring
When employees lack training, businesses experience skills gaps. A company’s ability to retain employees, grow and prosper can be compromised. Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the IWT program provides both employees and employers with the opportunity to build and maintain a quality workforce and increase competitiveness. Open to any industry sector.

Amount: Based on available funds, the maximum award amount may not exceed $10,000 per business per program year.

Deadline: 12 pm on Friday, November 20, 2020
Sustainability Events

Racine Sustainable Business Network - “The Benefits of a Green Team”


Virtual | November 18 | 7:30 - 8:30 AM
A Green Team or a Sustainability Coordinator can help to guide a company or a business. It demonstrates the company commitment, generates ideas, gets many people on board, and holds the company accountable.

Join this free event to learn from companies that have a green team or a sustainability coordinator about how they set it up, how it works, and what the benefits are. You will hear from CREE, Horizon Home Care, and Butter Buds.
Wisconsin Business Leadership Roundtable: Leading on Climate Change in Transformative Times

Virtual | November 18 | 9:00 - Noon

WSBC, together with the WI Academy is hosting this virtual event with C-suite level leaders from Wisconsin businesses to discuss why and how they are leading on climate change in today’s transformative times. There are two segments to this event, the first is Leading with Bold Innovation and the second, The Way Forward.

Join the conversation to hear how these businesses are lowering their carbon footprints and positioning their businesses to lead on addressing societal challenges. Registration is pay what you can.
Waukesha County Green Team brings you: Reducing Waste During the Holidays


Virtual | December 1 | 6:30-7:30 PM
Americans throw away 25% more trash from Thanksgiving to New Year's holiday than any other time of year! Join the Waukesha County Green Team as they discuss tips and easy swaps to reduce that waste and create new holiday traditions. The webinar will discuss gifting, packaging, decorations, meal planning, and more!
Alliance for Water Stewardship
Standard System Training

Virtual | December 8th to 10th
Day 1: Foundations Training (9 - 3:30)
Day 2: Advanced Training (9 - 1)
Day 3: Specialist Training (9 - 1)
Advance your water stewardship strategy with expert-led training. In partnership with WMEP, AWS Standard System Training draws on best practices from leading companies, such as Ecolab and Molson Coors, that have successfully implemented the International Water Stewardship Standard (AWS Standard) in North America.
In the News
10 Reasons Sustainability Needs To Be Part Of Your Digital Transformation Strategy

With the pandemic accelerating digital transformation, it's important to stay focused on supply chains and their integral role in achieving sustainability initiatives. As every organization works to re-invent itself to survive, achieving greater sustainability goals will make them stronger and more resilient.
Business as a Force for Good: Unpacking Social Sustainability

Over the past few years, businesses have shifted how they think about stakeholders — with sustainability playing a greater role in these considerations. Check out this article co-authored by WSBC Board Member Lisa Geason-Bauer, President of Evolution Marketing!
Corporate sustainability leadership during a pandemic

The 2020 Sustainability Leaders, a GlobeScan-SustainAbility survey of experts worldwide, reveals which companies are perceived to be leaders on sustainability during this challenging time by sustainability professionals representing business, government, NGOs and academia. Learn more about the survey's findings in this article!
Inspiration Corner
American Family pledges carbon neutrality by 2030

Last week, American Family Insurance announced their goal of being carbon neutral by 2030, along with signing “We Are Still In,” a commitment to hold the company accountable to achieving the goals laid out by the Paris Climate Agreement. Part of the announcement urges other business to join in making this commitment and strive for a more sustainable future.

Check out this press release about American Family's efforts to kick-off a conversation urging other Wisconsin businesses to join the "We are Still In" commitment!