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Sustaining Business

Northwest farmers, foresters, scientists and businesspeople have the necessary expertise to generate a regional "sustainable industry." Economic indicators validate that demand for sustainable products and services will grow. But new structures and alliances will need to be created for us to successfully export this expertise nationally and worldwide.

That's what I learned today, along with 400 other people attending the first ever Sustainable Industries Economic Forum sponsored by the Sustainable Industries Journal and ShoreBank Pacific.

US Bank Western Regional Economist John Mitchell entertained us with jokes, poked fun at industry jargon and inspired us with his economic analysis. Who knew that an economist could be funny?


Photo used with permission from Sustainable Industries Journal.

Confessing to never having eaten any organic food and not knowing the definition of sustainability, Mitchell felt he was an unlikely candidate to speak on this topic. Yet that's what made him the draw he was, compelling the who's who of the regional sustainability world to gather for his pronouncement on whether or not "this sustainability stuff" really can be a smart business strategy for local companies.

The stage has been set. A bonafide economist says the industry is "pregnant with possibility." Now it's time to organize. We'll be doing our part to move this industry forward. How about you?

-- Vicky Hastings

posted on June 01, 2005


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  This spirited, open forum by Maxwell PR staff members, studio mates and colleagues features people who are, in our opinion, doing the right things to get people talking. You'll see us rave about organizations building communities and rant about those who are missing obvious opportunities. We sprinkle in a little marketing and PR rhetoric from time to time for extra vigor and enthusiasm, and will share observations and insight based on our own experience honing our craft every day.  
 

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