Marion County’s Environmental Services Department is gearing up for its second annual Sustainability Summit, scheduled for Friday, September 27, at the Keizer Civic Center. The event, organized by the Marion County Sustainable Business Network, aims to bring together over 100 participants to celebrate and promote sustainable business practices in the area.
The summit itself is designed to be a model of sustainability, with organizers implementing various eco-friendly measures. County spokeswoman Erin Burt emphasized the importance of “walking the walk” when it comes to sustainability. Attendees can expect to see practices such as the use of digital surveys, reusable dishware, and swag containers for leftovers, all aimed at minimizing waste. In fact, the entire event is projected to generate just one bag of trash.
The Sustainable Business Network, previously known as EARTHWise, launched this summit in 2023. This year’s event will feature informational sessions on sustainability topics and provide networking opportunities for businesses across Marion County. Membership in the network and certification as a sustainable business are offered free of charge to local companies.
Burt highlighted the network’s environmental assistance program, which provides support to businesses seeking to implement sustainable practices. This includes guidance on recycling programs, waste reduction, and energy conservation. The summit will also showcase resources for accessing local, state, and federal sustainability grants and programs.
Businesses joining the network undergo an energy audit to identify areas for waste reduction and energy savings. Burt noted that these sustainability efforts not only benefit the environment but also lead to significant cost savings for small business owners.
The summit’s agenda includes breakout sessions covering a range of topics, from public transit commuting to solar energy implementation for commercial sites. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about new eco-friendly products and the transition to electric vehicle fleets.
Bryan Gyllen, vice president of operations at DeSantis Landscapes, will be speaking on fleet electrification during the summit. Gyllen’s company, which operates in Salem and the Portland metro area, has sustainability built into its core business model. This includes minimizing chemical usage through organic fertilizers and reducing emissions with electric vehicles and tools. The company is also exploring innovative solutions like automowers, which Gyllen describes as “Roomba-style” machines for landscaping.
The summit’s luncheon will be catered by Ann Shultz, owner of Le Petit Bistro in Hubbard. Shultz has implemented a reusable container program at her restaurant, made possible by grants from the sustainable business network. This initiative has not only reduced waste but also saved money for her business. Customers at Le Petit Bistro now have the option to take food home in reusable containers instead of disposable ones, with many regular patrons participating in the program by returning the containers for sanitization and reuse.
While the Sustainability Summit is free to attend, space is limited, and interested businesses are encouraged to register online. The event represents a significant effort by Marion County to promote
sustainable practices among local businesses, offering both
educational opportunities and practical examples of sustainability in action. By bringing together a diverse group of business owners and sustainability experts, the summit aims to foster a more
environmentally conscious business community in Marion County.