Springleaf Adventures

Businesses Giving Back: Keihin in the Community

2012-01-25T17:16:00.004-05:00

Both of my parents are from Tarboro, a small town in eastern North Carolina, and, even though I didn't grow up there, it will always be a special place to me. Tarboro is the county seat of Edgecombe County, which happens to be one of the most economically distressed counties in the state.

That said, I was particularly excited last fall when we brought on a client that is based in Tarboro--and one that is making such a big impact in the community. We are helping them develop a formal sustainability program, but we're especially pleased to highlight just how much they are already doing to give back in so many meaningful ways.

The Client

An electronics manufacturer, Keihin Carolina Systems Technology...but we'll just call them Keihin (see the end of this post for more in-depth details on what they do).

In an effort to create regional job growth opportunities, Keihin actively supports investing in the local educational system and enhancing schools’ technical capabilities. They also created a fine arts grant program that gives teachers funding for projects that round out the student experience (which would not otherwise be possible in the current economic environment).

Go find 'em on Facebook, give 'em a "Like," and check out all their recent community contributions.

Their Dedicated Community Involvement
Keihin started a school partnership program that matches funds and volunteer hours with a local school. They are currently partnering with Southwest Edgecombe High School to provide significant updates to the school’s electronics lab (they are the biggest electronics manufacturer in the area, so this makes perfect sense!).

Last weekend, a team of their employees worked with the teacher and some students on building new workstations and updating technological tools. It's an ongoing project that, when completed, will include complete lab upgrades for the technology program, new flooring, new equipment, and these new workstations.

Check out The Daily Southerner's recent story about their weekend project.

The Partnership
Keihin decided to partner with Southwest Edgecombe High School to develop their electronics program, currently one of just a few in the state. The partnership will support specialized training and education for students interested in scientific or technical careers, providing Keihin will a talented future workforce.

In addition to updating the school’s electronics lab, the company plans to provide technical resources for lectures, grant the school access to facility tours, and develop an apprenticeship program for students.

Straight from the Horse's Mouth (not that we're calling anyone a horse!)
“We want to positively influence Edgecombe County’s youth and show them that there are good, local jobs in science-related fields,” said Chris Eckhardt, Keihin’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “By providing opportunities for students to further their education, we are able to prepare them for the technical jobs we are creating right here in eastern North Carolina."

Keihin’s educational support extends to the community college and university level, as well. Starting this spring, the company will award scholarships to select Edgecombe Community College students transferring to East Carolina University’s College of Technology and Computer Science. Keihin also recently provided funding for an instrumentation lab at East Carolina University.

***

If you watched President Obama's State of the Union address the other night, you may have noticed his praise for creating a pipeline between educational systems, communities, and jobs. That is exactly what Keihin is doing with their investment in high schools, community colleges, and universities.

So, what we're saying here is:

These guys are awesome!
It's cool not just to give back, but to give back in a way that makes a real difference for everyone--whether it's students, teachers, employers, or whomever!

Nice work, Keihin!

The Keihin Nitty-Gritty
Keihin Carolina Systems Technology is an electronic assemblies manufacturer based in Tarboro, NC. The company uses advanced robotics technologies and automated manufacturing processes to lead the industry in quality performance and to provide world-class products. Intelligent products, some of the most highly sought‐after products worldwide, are our specialty. We provide these products to our customers, adhering to a worldwide standard of environment preservation and utilizing state of the art technology. For more information, visit www.cstech-inc.com.

Andrew Revkin: Science Cafe and Musical Treat

2012-01-18T13:46:00.001-05:00

Last night we enjoyed an intimate venue to listen to NY Time Opinion blogger (dotearth.com), Andrew Revkin. He made an appearance at Tir Na Nog in downtown Raleigh (and many other places around the Triangle this week). If you aren't familiar, Revkin was the environmental writer for the NY Times over the past 15 years, and recently left to go into academics at Pace University (Senior Fellow in Environmental Understanding - a title he referenced as the only one he could come up with that addresses how humans perceive environmental information). He's been writing on environmental issues that really matter to our survival on the planet and presents some very thought-provoking ideas on climate change, energy, and other pertinant topics on sustainability.

Okay, without boring you about all the titles of books, lists of awards, and the litany of impressive resume filler (check it out if you would like, but don't skip over his work in exposing political operatives who were attempting to rewrite government climate reports in the early 2000s). Let's just agree that he's an impressive author. Oh, and muscian. I enjoyed a little ditty he played called, "Liberated Carbon." (A video I found online of the number is at the end, since I couldn't get my phone recording in time).

Mr. Revkin came to Raleigh for the ScienceOnline 2012 conference, but is making many stops in the Triangle to explore the question, "Which comes first: Peak everything or peak us?"

He spoke of several concepts, incluing "slow drips," where many catestrophic events actually happen slowly through a process of neglect, apathy, or other lack of action by humans (the bridge that rusts for years before falling, or radioactivity leaking from a nuclear plant for years prior to meltdown).

He also touched on our resource constraints and how, as humans, we do not have a long history of moderating our behavior and getting ahead of the big issues (such as climate change)...how we cannot easily comprehend doing more with less, and that our current policies make it all but impossible to get ahead, make change, and otherwise avert disaster. Interested in learning more? Visit Andrew's blog, check out his Twitter feed (@revkin) or some of his books.

It was great to see how many stops he is making on this trip to meet with folks, get the word out, and, well, be accessible to the public to ask questions and engage in discussion about the environment. Thank you, sir, for stopping in our region and speaking to students and the public alike. We need more education and communication on the environment that is free of propoganda and politics.

It was a great reminder to see folks that have made their career in communicating information on the environment in a way that is meaningful and educational--it's such a difficult concept to think about our world changing, that I think many feel overwhelmed and disconnected from the necessary actions required to preserve our planet so it is habitable now and for future generations. It is what drives me, personally, to work with companies dedicated to making a difference in their own little way.

For your musical enjoyment, here's an older rendition of "Liberated Carbon."

How 1 Hour, 5 Miles, and 12 Doughnuts Make a Huge Difference

2012-01-12T14:40:00.000-05:00

The 8th annual Krispy Kreme Challenge: February 4, 2012

Yes, Krispy Kreme: the blessed makers of those all-too wonderful, magical glazed doughnuts.

No, the challenge is not one of those things where you get a t-shirt or your picture on a wall if you eat an absurd number of doughnuts in a ridiculously small window of time.

It's a charity race--benefiting the North Carolina Children's Hospital--that started 8 years ago at NC State University.

And it's actually become the biggest race in the state of North Carolina, drawing over 7,500 runners. Last year alone, the Krispy Kreme Challenge donated $122,000 to the NC Children's Hospital.

But where do the doughnuts come in?

About 2.5 miles into the race. Seriously.

Starting at the NC State Belltower, competitors race 2.5 miles to the Krispy Kreme where they will scarf down a dozen of the famous glazed doughnuts.

After putting the box-of-twelve to shame, runners race the same 2.5 miles back to the Belltower.

In 1 hour.

I like doughnuts, and I like good causes...but I don't know if I can do it all!

That's why you have the option of signing up as a Challenger or a Casual Runner.

If you're a Challenger, you're in it to win it (and have fun). You're in it for the long haul. You're putting down those 12 glazed doughnuts like it's no big deal, and you're crossing that finish line--wearing whatever crazy costume you might be wearing--in 1 hour. You get fired up just watching this training video.

If you're a Casual Runner, you may or may not go for the dozen. Maybe you'll have 8. Maybe you'll have 1. Maybe you'll jog to Krispy Kreme and lollygag your way back to the Belltower.

Or maybe you don't want to race at all, but want to support the NC Children's Hospital and want a really cool t-shirt. You can do that, too (just register as a Supporter for $10).

This sounds so cool...

That's because it is. It's so cool, in fact, that:

Sports Illustrated ranked it #85 on their 2007 "102 Things You Gotta Do Before You Graduate" list
On NC State's campus, it's the #1 "Thing to Do Before You Graduate"
ESPN's Greg Garber came to Raleigh, covered the event, and participated as a Challenger in 2009
Springleaf's managing director, Evelyn, is already registered for this year's event! Whether or not she signed up as a Challenger, she has yet to disclose.

It's so cool, in fact, that:

You should register for the race.
If you can't participate, you should be a Supporter.
You should follow them on Twitter.
You should like them on Facebook.

Hope to see you on the 4th - in costume would even be better - and be sure to say hey to Evelyn if you see her there!

My Home Loses its 'Energy Leech' Status (thanks to Newcomb & Company)!

2012-01-05T11:54:00.002-05:00

I always try to be conscious of changes I could make in my own life that could cut down on my footprint. Like lots of people, I dream big but can't always afford to turn the dreams into reality, so I tackle the smaller, more manageable things.

One of those big dreams is one I've had for several years now: to substantially invest in and make my home more energy efficient.

Me, just hanging out at home.

A Little Background
Four years ago, I bought my little (as in, 675 sq. ft.) 1950s home, and I've loved everything about it, from my wonderfully eclectic neighbors to the back courtyard that's always filled with romping dogs. I've loved everything, that is, except the 1950s insulation. And by "1950s insulation," I mean absolutely none whatsoever under the floors or in the walls.

During previous winters, my thermostat might be set at 72 degrees, but inside it was probably closer to 60 thanks to all the air leaks. My body was always substantially colder from my shins down...and sometimes I even resorted to taking a shower to warm up (no lie).

Seriously, last winter I put a lit tealight on the floor and watched the cold draft snuff it right out. That's how bad it was.

I've desperately wanted to do something to make my place warm--or at the very least comfortably bearable--but the issues of funds and quality materials always popped up. I didn't want to be cold anymore, but I also didn't want the insulation to be toxic--is that too much to ask??

Back to the Present
Really, it was just dumb luck that I was sitting in a meeting a couple of months ago with our client, Newcomb and Company, about some new materials on home energy efficiency. It was supposed to be a marketing meeting, but when they started talking about sealing residential crawlspaces to make homes warmer and improve indoor air quality...well, let's just say the meeting took a bit of a turn to talk about how they could help me.

The Nutshell Version

Jeremy from Newcomb and Company came out to my house to assess the situation.
The assessment: Pretty daggone bad. My house was one massive energy leech.

During the coldest months of the year, the heat was constantly blowing, jacking up the monthly heating bill close to an absurd $130 (!). Inside, I wore two layers of clothing and a toboggan (NOT a sled, folks).

During the hottest months of the year, I generally kept my AC around the temperature of a sauna and just suffered through it.

My concern: Since my place is connected to a row of three other homes, I was a little worried they wouldn't be able to help me out after all.

Where it Gets Good

Without blinking an eye, they proposed several different options
Based on my budget, they recommended a critical seal of the crawlspace and the attic.

A critical seal: Use spray foam insulation to seal up any and all air leaks/gaps; then install formaldehyde-free insulation on top.

Newcomb estimated a full two days worth of labor: one day for the crawlspace and one day for the attic, but these guys banged it out all in one day (super convenient for me!).

Where it Gets Awesome

That morning, I set the thermostat at 68 and was cold. When the job was all finished, the difference was noticeable and immediate.
That afternoon, I went to turn my thermostat down because it was really getting warm up in there...
...I hadn't touched it all day...
...and I was warm!

Newcomb and Company finished the job right before Raleigh got slapped with a serious cold front and the night-time low was 19 degrees. Two weeks ago, the thermostat would have been set on 74 (probably feeling like -26), I would have slept in two layers, and there would have been an extra blanket on my bed. Instead, I set it at 70 and slept as comfortably as I ever have.

I also decided I'd give my tealight test another try...

Not even so much as a flicker!

To anyone in the area who may have similar issues at home, I cannot say enough great things about Newcomb and Company. They went out of their way to work with me and make the solution possible.

I also cannot thank Newcomb and Company enough. I'm actually warm and comfortable in my home now. The massive amount of energy wasting and the astronomical heating bills are things of the past!

Need help at your home? I have no problem with shamelessly recommending Newcomb and Company. They aren't just a client; they are my comfort savior! Check them out: www.newcombandcompany.com

Happy New Year, and Here's to a Great 2012!

2011-12-30T10:29:00.000-05:00

We just wanted to take a moment to wish all of our friends, family, clients, colleagues, and well, everyone, a very happy new year! 2011 was a great year and we're excited to see what 2012 brings us.

Here are a few things we're excited about:

*Our own office space! We are moving to the Captrust building near North Hills. Hope you can drop by sometime to see our new digs.

*We're growing! We are looking forward to growing our company and adding new personalities in 2012.

*A new website? It's time. 'Nuff said.

*We've finished up some really exciting projects with our friends at the NC Solar Center by updating their logo and creating a fancy new website, and at NC State University (Go Pack!) with new a new website for saving energy and a cool new virtual room. In a short time, we can also highlight our latest project with State's fancy new co-generation unit that is, like, UBER efficient.

*We're re-certifying as a B Corporation. This will be a great testament to our commitment to doing well by doing good.

*We're working on a big sustainability project with an interesting client, Keihin Carolina Systems Technology in Tarboro. This one should be kicking into high gear come January.

*The 2012 NC CEO forum will be another exciting event this year. If you missed it last year, be sure to get on the mailing list for this year.

*We are excited about the growth of Rebuilding Together of the Triangle. We grew our budget and fundraising this year and have been able to help more low income homeowners in the Triangle than ever before. 2012 will bring social media, a new website, and some cool new digs for our very favorite non-profit.

* The Sustainability Award through the Raleigh Chamber is an annual fixture now, and we're proud to play a key role in the award development.

*Last but not least, we're excited about all the little things that make coming to work so great. We celebrate all the accomplishments of our clients, colleagues, and friends. Check out our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, and sign up for our newsletter to keep up!

Happy new year, everyone! We hope you have a safe and happy celebration as we turn another digit. We are looking forward to celebrating your successes in 2012!

From Our Springleaf to Yours...

2011-12-21T15:35:00.000-05:00

Whether you celebrate Festivus or something else entirely this time of year...

...the Springleafers wish you a happy and joyous [insert your holiday here] season!

To all our social media friends, colleagues, and others we've yet to meet,

here's to sharing an awesome, sustainable 2012!

It's [Still] a Festivus for the Rest of Us!

2011-12-14T15:57:00.013-05:00

In keeping with our daily Favorite Things (see Facebook), I've been thinking about things that I'm loving about our virtual Festivus celebration...It's not too late to join the fun and send us your favorite things or haikus!

Seriously...we have a Festivus pole in our company logo. AWESOME!
I can think/talk about Seinfeld every day and no one will think that's overly strange. I get "little kicks" out of it...
A normal work day
Leads me to dream up haikus.
(I get paid for it!) ;)
I get to put together JibJabs...that I still can't stop laughing at...
We send some pretty cool things to the weekly winners of our Airing of Giveaways (Raleigh Winterfest tickets, Cupcake Bar cupcakes, Tierra Ideas recycled bags, and Fullsteam Brewery barware).
At least once a week, we don ridiculous, jingly elf hats to announce said winners.
Throughout the month, a handful of colleagues/ other professionals will raise an eyebrow and say, "So...you're celebrating...Festivus? Online??"
I love highlighting small and/or local businesses in our Favorite Things. We're carrying on Oprah's legacy, people! Just in an entirely different way!
You find out who your [social media] friends are and who really 'likes' you through silly, wacky, crazy Facebook posts.
It is fun to test to see what efforts get more feedback and interaction, what time of day our peeps and tweeps are escaping the workday by hopping on Facebook. Our goal, really, is to entertain YOU!

I know it's the end of the year and we're in the middle of the holiday hustle 'n' bustle; I know everyone has better things to do than be silly with us on Facebook, but I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone that has played along!

YOU make this fun!

Cool, Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas that Help a Small Business? Yes, Please!

2011-12-08T14:53:00.001-05:00

One of our favorite local companies is smack-dab in the middle of a Kickstarter campaign, and we wanna show a little love where a little love is due.

Who? Raleigh's own Tierra Ideas is the exclusive manufacturer of travel bags and purses made from recycled aircraft materials and recycled bicycle inner tubes.

What? “Taking Recycle Higher,” a Kickstarter campaign

When? The campaign will run from November 14, 2011 through December 26, 2011. The goal is to raise $11,000 to support their new Altitude Collection product line, which includes bags made from recycled Delta Air Lines seatback covers and curtains.

Where? The “Taking Recycle Higher” Kickstarter campaign can be found here.

Why (straight from Matt Mahler, Tierra Ideas founder)? “Large amounts of worn-out airline industry materials ultimately end up in landfills. Recently, the industry began focusing significant efforts on finding new ways to recycle this waste. We hope our Kickstarter campaign will allow us to further increase our production and create consumer goods out of materials that would otherwise end up as trash.”

Wait, What is Kickstarter?
Kickstarter is the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects, including those in the fields of design, art, technology, and music. All Kickstarter projects must reach funding goals before their deadlines or no money changes hands, allowing anyone to test concepts with no risk. In exchange for pledging money, each campaign offers unique perks.

How Will Tierra Ideas Use the Funds They Raise?
Donations from backers will go towards the purchase of manufacturing equipment, production, and product development.

Hybrid Laptop Bag, made with recycled aircraft seatcovers

What's in It for Me?

In exchange, the company is offering the chance to pre-order bags made with the latest recycled First Class fabric. These bags have previously only been available in a few select Raleigh, NC stores.

The Rest of the Story
Tierra Ideas and Delta Air Lines formed a partnership last year, allowing for worn aircraft curtains and seatback covers to be upcycled and turned into high quality bags and other accessories. Each bag is made of an average of 85% recycled materials and is sewn in Raleigh, supporting the North Carolina textile industry.

Tierra Ideas has been featured in USA Today, Sky Magazine, Diane Sawyer's Made in America, and Bob Vila's Blog.

Leather Upcycled Wallet, made with
Delta Airlines seatcover materials

If you donate to the "Taking Recycle Higher" campaign and decide you still want more awesome bags, Tierra Ideas' bags and accessories are available for purchase online at tierraideas.com.

Retail stores include: designbox in Raleigh, NC; NOFO in Raleigh, NC; A Southern Season in Chapel Hill, NC; Morgan Imports in Durham, NC; Re- in Peoria, IL; Texture in Norfolk, VA; and Give Green Gifts in Weston, MA.

Another Virtual Party? It's a Festivus Miracle!

2011-11-30T14:11:00.001-05:00

If you know Springleaf (and we think you do), you know we're a fun-loving bunch. If you remember our Birth-iversary celebration in April (and we hope you do), you also know we're not afraid to get a little funky and silly when we get in a festive spirit.

In fact, with the holiday season upon us now, we're feeling so festively funky, we decided to throw another Facebook virtual party à la Seinfeld. Yes, that's right! It's a Festivus miracle!

In the spirit of season, we updated our logo and will be tweaking some of the Festivus traditions:

The Feats of Strength will become the Feats of Syllables. You know we love haikus, so how about a little haiku gift exchange? We'll write ours if you write yours!

Every Friday, the Airing of Giveaways will replace the Airing of Grievances (let's face it: who doesn't love giveaways?).

We'll have Festivus polls instead of the hallmark Festivus pole (because we, too, find tinsel distracting).

And, since this is the first year without Oprah and her famously Favorite Things, we'll feature our own Favorite Things throughout the week (sans the whole giving-every-single-thing-away thing--that's what the Airing of Giveaways are for!).

The celebrations will kick off TODAY, Wednesday, November 30 and will run through Friday, December 23--the day of Festivus!

Drop by our Facebook page and give us a "Like" to get in on the haikus, giveaways (you have to be a fan to win!), and overall Festivus fun.

Our Top 10 Thankful Thoughts 'n Things

2011-11-22T09:23:00.001-05:00

In the Season of the Mad Rush (holiday planning, holiday shopping, business year-ending, and so on-ing), I think everyone starts to get a little silly trying to stave off stress. I'm no different, as evidenced by my initial reaction to Thanksgiving being [insert OMG] tomorrow:

5 Things I Know for Sure at This Very Moment

As time keeps flying by, I'm realizing I have no idea what happened to June.
Fall is entirely too short of a season. That cute, light-weight, perfect-for-fall jacket you just bought? Pretty sure you can wear that a couple more times before you have to let it hibernate in the closet until next year.
Daylight Saving Time is messing with me (who decided that was a good idea, anyway?). I've been confused on more than one occasion when I find myself in my PJs and yawning...only to look at the clock that's screaming "6:00 p.m." at me.
Shockingly cold days to North Carolinians call for short-sleeved shirts up North.
We've got a lot to be thankful for every day--and this is time of year is centered around expressing just that.

That silly little list kicked off a bigger idea. Evelyn, Colleen, and I decided we'd use this Thanksgiving week's blog post as a chance to collaboratively give voice to our thanks--whether it's silly, serious, off-beat, or whatever. (Giving thanks has no adjective requirements or restrictions!)

Springleaf's Top 10 Thankful Thought's 'n Things

Kindness and community. "This past weekend folks from Raleigh helped install the first section of a bereavement garden at the Hospice of Wake County campus on Trinity Road. It was a true community effort with design efforts from NC State professor Anne Spafford, her class, Hospice of Wake County, and a local school's volunteers. Just one example of coming together that makes me thankful for the kindness of others." -- Colleen
"Living in a state as wonderful as North Carolina where I can wear flip flops every day; have access to local, farm grown food; be challenged by forward thinking and progress; and explore the landscape from the mountains to the coast (there's even a Mountains-to-Sea hiking trail!)." -- Colleen
The gift of movement. Running has never been my thing. Lately, however, with the only requirement being a pair of shoes (and for some this isn't even a requirement; just Google "barefoot running"), I have found myself pushing through the run and thinking, "I am lucky to be out here. I am not injured, I am not tired, and I am thankful for the ability to keep going." -- Colleen
2011. "While I loved the year that I started the business, this has been our best year to date because we've grown so much in terms of great employees, awesome clients, and cool projects. I'm so excited to see what 2012 will bring." -- Evelyn
"The opportunity to make a difference and to continue building a company that makes a positive contribution to our community and world." -- Evelyn
Fun with the 5-7-5.
"Thankful for haikus,
Silliness in the office,
And laughs with my team" -- Evelyn
"Having the 'right fit' job that encourages my creativity and personality to come through in my work." -- Catherine
"The joyous season of college basketball. Having grown up feeding on the Tobacco Road fanaticism and the fiercest rivalry of all time, I live for this time of year--and it's finally here! While I'm a rabid Tar Heel fan, I do love a good upset, especially for the ACC." -- Catherine
YOU! "Every day I log on and I'm reminded how happy I am to be a part of the lovely--yet sometimes strange and addictive--world of social media. I'm thankful for the conversations I have, the things I learn, the friends I've made, and...well...the people that continue to read my blog posts and find my tweets interesting!" -- Catherine
"And last but not least, what we're all thankful for: our family, our friends, our animals, our inspirations, and all the things that sustain us through constant love, support, and happiness." -- All of us

From our little nook of the blogging world, thank you for being part of Springleaf Strategies--whether you're a client, a devoted blog follower, a fellow Tweeter, or just a casual web-surfer that happened upon us. What are you thankful for this time of year (or any time, really)?

Happy Thanksgiving!

An 80,000-sq.-ft. Warehouse Filled with Eco-Friendly Shoes?? It's Not a Dream--It's Kinder Soles!

2011-11-17T08:56:00.001-05:00

Check out that space--big enough to fit an 18-wheeler!

We recently had the opportunity to go tour the warehouse of one of our favorite local companies: Kinder Soles. If you haven't heard of them yet, by all means let me introduce them! Kinder Soles is a socially responsible designer of eco-friendly, ergonomic flip-flops made from recycled water bottles. Considering 1) Americans buy 28 billion water bottles every year and 2) around 80% of these bottles end up in the trash, recycled-water-bottle flip-flops are awesome!

As a gal in the sustainability industry and one who lives in 'flops if it's above 50 degrees outside, I was especially excited when Mark Saad, founder and Chief Kinder Sole, invited us to come get a close-up view of the magic behind the scenes. With one shipment from the manufacturing facility, 3,000 pairs of flip-flops end up at the Kinder Soles facility. You can just imagine how quickly the shelves get stocked--I guess it's a good thing they've got an 80,000-square-foot warehouse to work with (and an extra 20,000 square feet of storage out back)! Oh, and people are hired to personally inspect each pair of flip-flops that come in every shipment. Now that is good, ol'-fashioned quality control at its best!

The original Kinder Sole himself, Mark Saad

As a world-traveling importer/exporter, Mark saw first-hand the horrible living conditions and dire need for shoes in third-world countries. He started Kinder Soles in 2010 as a way to raise funds to get shoes on the feet of those who needed them the most. Not only do some of the proceeds from each pair of 'flops go toward this, he also began calling for shoe donations. (Seriously, how many pairs of shoes are collecting dust in the back corner of your closet?)

The response was so overwhelming that Mark started SoleMates Foundation, the non-profit arm of Kinder Soles. SoleMates organizes donation drives, collects the new or gently-used shoes, and handles the logistics (shipping, processing, etc.) of getting the shoes shipped out. As a new non-profit, SoleMates is currently focusing its efforts on the home front by helping those in our region who are in need of shoes. By the end of the summer, they had over 3,000 pairs of donated shoes just waiting for new homes!

I personally got my pair Kinder Soles early this summer and had a hard time keeping them off my feet. If you live in 'flops like I do, or if you just like to occasionally loaf around in them, you won't be disappointed with the comfort and overall cool factor. The holidays are just around the corner, and becoming a Kinder Sole is an awesome way to not only get your shopping done but to help others this time of year, too. Don't think you need flip-flops during the winter? Try one of their organic cotton shirts on for size--their popularity and sales have sky-rocketed! This way you can still be a Kinder Sole, get cool gear, and help others in need!

Be sure to connect with Kinder Soles and SoleMates Foundation on Facebook to stay in the loop about any upcoming shoe drives, ways you can help, and ordering information (pssst, they offer special deals to their Facebook fans!).

Range Anxiety to Range Confidence

2011-11-07T20:58:00.014-05:00

Is 70 miles enough? What about 35 miles? Studies from the transportation industry indicate we drive approximately 40 miles per day. I like to believe I am well below that average...though now a resident of the great American suburbs that may be wishful thinking. Why is this a relevant question? Well, today Evelyn and I had the opportunity to take a firsthand look at the all electric Nissan Leaf and the gas electric Chevy Volt.

I don't consider myself a first mover or early adopter of the latest technology. And our family is not in the market for a new vehicle. However, the Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) Awareness Event at RTI International in RTP this morning started the metaphorical wheels turning. The panel discussions and plug-in demonstrations also answered a number of questions that surround this technology...

Did you know the first electric car was actually available in the United States in 1834. No, that is not a typo. The Model T managed to win out when it hit the market in 1908 with its gasoline-super-powered engine. U.S. drivers have not looked back; until now. Electric vehicles hit the market again in 1996 with the GM-EV1 (Remember Who Killed the Electric Car?). And now in 2012, there are over 20 electric vehicle models from school buses to family sedans. The Chevy Volt is good for 35 miles on one charge, with gas backup for longer road trips. The Nissan Leaf can go 73 miles on a charge but does not have the gas option. I think either mileage is plenty for me, even in the suburbs. But what would motivate me to open my wallet and spend $35,000-40,000 on a new electric vehicle? Besides the cool factor:

Each offers a lower cost to drive than standard vehicles (1/4 the cost in electricity compared to the gasoline costs was reported in today's presentation)
Energy security (especially if we add solar to our roof to charge the car!)
Fewer emissions = cleaner air
Quiet, smooth driving performance

While I won't likely be making the investment today, the second generation is more than appealing. With companies like RTI and cities like Raleigh installing charging stations and encouraging new technologies, what is not to like about the ease of charging up and heading home?

If you are interested in more information, check out this blog on using an electric vehicle by Advanced Energy, or learn more about the plug-in infrastructure by the Electric Drive Transportation Association.

Happy #Halloweenatars!

2011-10-31T16:37:00.002-04:00

In honor of this spooktacular holiday and all the awesome #Halloweenatars on Twitter, we'd like to end this Halloween workday with a video that our friends at UniTherm Insulation Systems (@UniTherm) made:

#Halloweenatars Video

If you are one of the #Halloweenatars, please leave your Twitter handle and your website in the comments so people can find you!

If you are NOT one of the #Halloweenatars, please leave your Twitter handle and your website in the comments so we can find you! :)

Want to Celebrate NC's Clean Energy Economy?? Of Course You Do!

2011-10-26T17:18:00.000-04:00

Did you know...

...there are 1,829 registered renewable energy projects in North Carolina...
...with over 2,800 MW of renewable energy capacity??

No? Want to hear more awesome statistics like these? Of course you do!

Mark your calendars for November 9, and join the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) for Making Energy Work, its annual conference. This year's theme is "Celebrating North Carolina's Success in the Clean Energy Economy"--fitting considered the fun fact above.

Why should you attend?

Everyone loves celebrations.
Check out a kiosk called Sprout that will be showcasing solar panels, a wind turbine, and weather station. Sprout produces real data, connecting technology and information seamlessly, transforming how we learn about clean energy.
Network with state and national business leaders, clean energy professionals, economic developers, elected officials, educators, regulators, and consumers.
Get updates at our Plenary Session on the Duke Energy/Progress Energy merger--straight from those "in the know."
Hit up some breakout sessions like "Clean Energy 101" for the latest in financing trends, innovations, advancements in renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency solutions, and more.
The much-anticipated 2011 North Carolina Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Industries Census will be released! It's the one-of-a-kind source for the number of jobs and businesses associated with our state's clean energy sector.

Now you're gonna wanna check out the full schedule and registration information (or sponsorship information!). Trust me: this is an excellent even that you don't want to miss.

(For all you tweeters out there, when you spread the word [because you should] use the official hashtag: #NCSEAFconf.)

Practicin' What We're Preachin': Electronics Recycling in Action!

2011-10-12T12:05:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, we volunteered to help one of our clients properly dispose of too-old-to-be-salvaged computers and other electronic equipment. Normally people don't get overly excited about moving other people's stuff, but for some reason I enjoy being able to see real-time progress first-hand. I know: it's weird.

One of the best things about this move was being able to practice what we just preached a couple of weeks ago in our local electronics recycling post. Here's the brief run-down: One of our clients mentioned they were moving offices to temporary space. When gearing up for the move, we overheard some of their management trying to figure out what to do with their fleet of busted computer equipment. I say "fleet" because there must have been 50-75 pieces of worthless electronics just piled up in and around the office suite--and for a small company, that's a lot of junk.

Worried that these electronic boat anchors might end up in a landfill somewhere (which, by the way, is totally illegal in North Carolina as of July 1), we volunteered to lend a responsible hand and haul off the 1990s-era artifacts to be recycled. Once Evelyn borrowed a pick-up truck, Springleaf Strategies became Two Gals and a Truck.

As it turns out, the North Wake Multi-Material Recycling Facility off Durant Road is a recycler's dream. They gladly accept just about any electronics that could be lying around any home or office. Since it was our first trip out there, we called to give them a heads-up that we'd be coming with quite a few drop-off items.

Each time Two Gals and a Truck rolled up, guys were waiting to help us unload the sometimes-quite-heavy equipment (my favorite was the shoebox-sized battery that weighed about 200 pounds!). All the equipment we brought--computers, keyboards, cables, mouses (mice? meece?), CRT monitors, batteries, etc.--went into various well-marked bins and/or palettes. It couldn't have been any easier!

While Two Gals and a Truck has since closed its operations for the time-being, it was a great one-day run. We're already finding, collecting, and piling up more items to take down there. Thankfully, this time it won't be another 30 computers!

For those of you in the area with random electronics that you don't know what to do with, remember: no landfills! If you can't get out to the North or South Wake Multi-Material Recycling Facilities, you can call the City of Raleigh to schedule a Special Load Pick-up. Fifty bucks covers the collection of a four-cubic-yard area--or the size of standard pick-up truck bed (but be sure to check out the list of materials they will and will not take).

For those of you outside the area, what does your city do for electronics/multi-material recycling?

Congratulations to Kristen Hess--a 2011 Marshall Memorial Fellow!

2011-09-29T23:54:00.000-04:00

We'd like to extend a huuuge "Congratulations!" to our long-time client and friend, Kristen M. Hess, AIA, LEED AP, president of HH Architecture, for being selected as a 2011 American Marshall Memorial Fellow by the German Marshall Fund of the United States! She is being recognized as one of 16 emerging leaders representing the United States on a 24-day fellowship program throughout Europe.

Through a competitive nationwide and regional process, the Marshall Memorial Fellowship (MMF) selects fellows from politics, government, media, business, and the non-profit sector. Kristen is one of three North Carolinians chosen to represent the US of A!(!)

On the MMF fall trip, Kristen and the 15 other American fellows will learn about the institutions and people that guide Europe’s cities, regions, countries, and multi-lateral systems through open discussions with their European counterparts. Just this morning, fellows convened in Washington, DC to kick off the trip before heading across the pond. Kristen will meet with a range of policy makers and prominent members of:

Brussels, Belgium
Warsaw, Poland
Madrid, Spain
Sofia, Bulgaria
Berlin, Germany

When asked by the press--err, us--for a statement, Kristen said, “I am honored to be selected among such a prestigious group and to be a representative of North Carolina and the United States. Having the opportunity to visit Europe, exchange ideas with my colleagues and international counterparts, and gain a greater understanding of how the world is rapidly changing is a unique and thrilling experience.”

What is the MMF? (abridged)
The Marshall Memorial Fellowship was created in 1982 to introduce a new generation of European leaders to America’s institutions, politics, and people. Fellows come from across the United States and from 37 European countries. To learn more about the Marshall Memorial Fellowship, visit www.gmfus.org/cs/mmf.

The MMF program educates emerging American and European leaders on the importance of the transatlantic relationship and encourages them to collaborate on a wide range of international and domestic policy challenges.

What is HH Architecture? (also abridged)
HH Architecture is a design firm focused on creating spaces that promote learning, wellness, and recreation. We are committed to improving the community through conscientious, responsible design. We are accredited professionals in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and have extensive experience with design that minimizes waste and uses resources wisely. Visit www.hh-arch.com.

Busted Electronics? The 'Hows' and 'Wheres' of Local Electronics Recycling

2011-09-21T15:00:00.001-04:00

Two weeks ago I had the very unfortunate experience of dropping the family computer from our second-story loft to the first-level floor. It likely goes without saying, but the computer didn't stand a chance of surviving. (And yes, it seemingly happened in slow motion.) A computer with an unrecoverable hard drive yet intact memory left me wondering how to properly recycle or reuse what was left. And with the recent addition of our blender to the list of need-to-be-recycled electronics piling up in the garage, I got to thinking, "How many other folks have similar items waiting to be recycled or disposed of properly?" In an effort to share my research and save some time for others in my shoes, here is what I found out:

Computers: Effective July 1, 2011, all television and computer equipment is banned from North Carolina landfills by state law (I wasn't planning on just trashing them but was hoping a search would reveal help from the City). To assist residents in my situation, the City of Raleigh is now offering free curbside pick-up of electronic items twice a month. Acceptable items include televisions, computer monitors, cords, processing units, scanners, parts, keyboards, mice, fax machines, and copiers. For more information, simply visit the City of Raleigh website and enter your street address.

Other Electronics: Thank you City of Raleigh! When you call for a television or computer pick-up, you are allowed up to three items with a cord to be picked up as well. Perfect for those like me who have accumulated their fair share of busted electronics.

For all electronics (and other bulky items), you also have the option to drop them off at Wake County's Multi-Materials Facility. The facility takes care to recycle all items properly.

If you don't live near a facility or don't want to wait for pick-up, Absolute Computers in Raleigh will also recycle laptops, batteries, and many other components. A full list of accepted items is on their website, as well as other resources for properly recycling these items.

For the full list of what is accepted in Wake County, WakeGOV.com has a comprehensive, user-friendly guide.

Thanks to a city and county dedicated to recycling, what I thought would be difficult and take some serious research turned out to be just a phone call. Now I have more time to learn about all the incredible technology improvements to computers over the last four years!

Have you had an experience with any of these electronics recycling facilities/services? Do you know of any others? Help me add to this list. I'd love to hear from you!

Strategy Development: What Does Your Website Say About Your Business?

2011-09-15T10:29:00.000-04:00

We're working on several website projects these days and thought it would be worthwhile to talk about the [sometimes painful] task of creating content for your website.

So you finally made the decision to update your website. It's an exciting time: you are shedding the old and starting with the new. You've hired your website team and they're excited (because this time you've decided not to make the same mistakes from five years ago, where you kept a lot of the work in-house to save a little money). Perhaps you'll even add a cool technology wiz-bang feature that will make you proud to send people to your website.

Does the pain immediately hit you? Someone has to write the content. The website team offered their copywriting service, but you are worried they won't quite get your business. I mean, it's so complex! How could they?? You'll spend hours writing, editing, re-writing, and editing again. Or perhaps you'll ask different departments to write copy to spread out the pain--err, work load. Or maybe you'll write the content once you see how the website is designed. That would certainly be easier, right? (BTW, hopefully your designer will balk at this last suggestion.)

Writing content for your website is just as important as the graphic design. No matter how you cut it, it's a big task. Whether taking on the writing or spreading out the task--either way--it all must come back in one cohesive tone that leads customers down one path: to contact you.

So how do you make this task easier on yourself? Whether you hire the website team to write the copy or you keep it in-house, you must first always start with a few key questions:

--What are my goals for the website?
--What do I want people to do when they come to my website?
--What are the key messages I want people to glean from the home page?
--What are the most important pages?
--How will information be organized?
--How will we integrate social media and rich content?
--What is the 'tone' I want for my website?

Too often companies approach the content for the website in a vacuum and leave off the most important task of developing the over-arching strategy. Without the big picture in mind, you might very well find yourself in Website Content Hell (trust me, it's a real place), writing and re-writing content until you can't remember why you ever decided to even do this.

Here's how we help clients (either for those who write it themselves or when we write it for them):

Spend time developing the navigation of the site and closely evaluate each page to make sure you have organized all the information you'd like to include.
Create a master document (or "script") that has each page in the navigation.
Set limits for content on each page (up to 100 words for parent pages, etc.).
On your master document, include a space for keywords that people will enter in a Google search to find your website. Include those keywords in the copy on that page.
Include 2-3 goals for each page so you can stay focused on what you want to accomplish.
Get feedback from others (Does it make sense? What comes to mind when you read this? Does it make you want to pick up the phone and call?).
Compile photos, videos, etc.
Make sure the tone and the language are appropriate for your audience (I am still trying to cut out the "busini-babble").

It is important not to fall in the trap of thinking you can just re-tool the content once the site is complete. It is worthwhile to invest the time up-front in developing the strategy for the site and ensure the content follows appropriately. It doesn't mean you can't make changes later, but a cohesive website will be designed with content--and the strategy--in mind.

Have you recently developed your site? We'd love to hear from you to see if this fits your experience...

And, just because we're crazy for haikus, here's a little treat for you:

Create web content
Strategy goes a long way
Writing made easy

Reuse With a Twist

2011-09-06T11:17:00.003-04:00

City Museum

This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit a place that is exhilarating, marvelous and intellectually appealing. The city was St. Louis, the location was the City Museum. It was a place like no other I have ever seen before. It was a funhouse for kids of all ages, but one of the cool things about it was how they reused "stuff" reclaimed from around the City. As a person passionate about sustainability and recycling/reusing as much as possible, this oasis in St. Louis piqued my interest right away.

The City Museum in St. Louis, housed in a 60,000 square foot former International Shoe Company Warehouse, defines itself as an eclectic mixture of children's playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architecture marvel made out of unique, fun objects. The museum was created in 1997 with "stuff" they could find as the city was going through a major revitalization.

Big Eli

There are airplanes sitting 6 stories above the ground, floating from wire tubes you could climb through, and a bus perched on the edge of the roof that you can "drive."

The highlight of the trip was riding a Ferris wheel, named Big Eli, a restored, revived and revolving four story adventure atop the roof. You think the rides at the State Fair are tall? We were high enough to see the entire City and into Illinois!

Artist's sculpture using found "stuff"

The structures were incredible. For me, even more amazing, was that an artist had a vision that was brought to life in a larger than life "sculpture." I have heard one person's trash is another person's treasure and this place takes that to the extreme.

Even the tables used to create art in the building were made from reclaimed materials and the art supplies themselves were paintings that no one else wanted and recycled cardboard from the museum.

The view of the slide from 10 stories up

While I am still trying to decide if the 10 story winding slide was more exciting than opening a school bus door teetering on the roof, I do know that I hope our imaginations continue to capture the spirit of the City Museum.

We can find fun and inspiration by reusing, reclaiming and recycling in ways no one else thought possible. If you are heading out to St. Louis, definitely make this a destination - it's like no other place on earth...and possibly has the lowest carbon footprint of any renovation in the City!

Calling All Purchasing Decision-Makers: Samsung's Got the Green!

2011-09-01T12:05:00.000-04:00

So, we've talked before about how purchasing decisions have a considerable impact on operating a sustainable business. But sustainability is about more than just buying eco-friendly products just because. When you add the lens of environmental or social responsibility in your purchase decisions, you can't neglect the fact that it also has to make sense for your business in terms of current goals and finances. If not, it's just not a smart business decision. In the essence of Jim Collins' book Built to Last, it's the power of AND. It has to be environmentally friendly AND make business sense.

So, this month we all received our new business cell phones. Evelyn selected the Samsung Replenish, a phone that uses recycled materials and is actually recyclable (didn't realize that was a problem before, but apparently recycling phone parts is).

Our new company phone, The Replenish

Evelyn was explaining to someone the other day about how her phone was green and that is uses recycled materials, but I think they had a different image in mind:

Purchasing decisions are not part of my daily duties, so I really hadn't considered the thought that went into buying the phones. It wasn't until after making sure Angry Birds installed properly and played well (kidding!) that I started thumbing through the Sprint box and its contents to see what this little device was all about. As it turns out:

The actual phone's casing is made from 34% recycled plastics.
82 % of the phone is made from recyclable content.
The box contains 80% post-consumer paper and is printed with soy ink.
The packaging is made with "renewable materials and can be entirely recycled."
Sprint is also addressing the financial aspect - not only is the Replenish affordable with a contract, they are even waiving the $10 up charge for data content.
Oh, and for those of you who ARE out to make a statement, they even offer a pretty cool little option: a solar-charging battery cover. It goes on the back of the phone, has a mini solar panel, and can give you an extra 20 minutes or so of talking time after an hour in the sun.

Now before I get a bunch of comments blasting the phone for not being green enough, I am aware that it's not 100% recycled, not 100% eco-friendly, etc. (let's face it, no phone is yet)...but I think it's a good effort by Samsung--and one that could be a good example for other manufacturers.

The point is this: Springleaf's need for business cell phones, Sprint's commitment to sustainability, the Replenish's green features, and its attractive low cost (financial responsibility!) made this purchasing decision an easy one. So far, the phone hasn't given me any problems and it gets the job done, so I don't have anything negative to say about it.

If you're a business owner in the market for employee cell phones, consider all the factors before you make the final decision. Remember: if it supports your social and environmental goals but doesn't fit your financial resources, it will never be sustainable!

Nominate, Win, Celebrate: The 2011 Women in Business Awards

2011-08-25T18:48:00.002-04:00

Before we forget -- Don't forget to send in your application to the TBJ's Green Awards. The deadline is coming up September 1st. Don't delay one minute longer (okay, you can wait until AFTER you finish reading this week's post). Now, back to the story...

Sneaky-sneakerson!

Back in May, while recovering from our birth-iversary celebration, we decided to surprise long-time Springleaf client Kristen Hess, principal at HH Architecture, by secretly nominating her for an award. And not just any award--the Triangle Business Journal's Women in Business awards, which recognizes Triangle women who are dynamic, outstanding leaders with significant achievements in business and community service. We stealthily submitted the nomination and then went on our merry way like nothing ever happened...

...until late June when Kristen received an unexpected--yet pleasant--letter congratulating her on being a 2011 Women in Business award winner! Aren't surprises fun? ;)

Here's a peek at some of the things that made Kristen's nomination a no-brainer:

Kristen has accomplished countless successes and milestones since starting HH Architecture in 2005.
In six years, the company has grown from three employees to a staff of twelve and has won high profile public projects, including the North Carolina State Fairgrounds Master Plan and the design of Raleigh's new senior centers.
Her leadership, passion, and drive to succeed have won her and HH Architecture several recognitions:

Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce’s Pinnacle Award for Steady Growth and Profitability (in 2009 and 2010);
Triangle Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 Leader (2010);
Triangle Commercial Real Estate Women's Champion Award for Networking (2010)

Kristen gives back to the community, mentors entrepreneurs, teaches young architects, provides internship opportunities for college students, has achieved tremendous success in business, and has created a culture of hard work and mutual respect in the office.
She seeks out ways to use her time, energy, and expertise for the betterment of others and to help create opportunities for minority‐ and women‐owned businesses across NC.
Kristen and HH Architecture provide pro‐bono design work for several non‐profit organizations.
Some of her leadership roles outside of the office:

Chair of the North Carolina Department of Administration’s Minority Business Capital Projects Advisory Board;
Annual guest lecturer at NC State's College of Design;
Board of Directors for the Girls Scouts of North Carolina Coastal Pines

...and that's just the abridged version!

Anyhow, today we headed out to Durham to celebrate Kristen and 25 other awesome women at the 2011 Triangle Business Journal Women in Business Awards luncheon. Bryan Hamilton, publisher of the TBJ, had this to say about this year's winners: “[They] represent a consummate balance of business success and community building. These are leaders who not only have an impressive list of achievements, but are also looked to as role models and mentors for women hoping to follow in their footsteps.”

Congratulations to all of the Women in Business award winners--you deserve this recognition!

One last thing while we're on the subject of awards:
The TBJ has extended its deadline (now September 1) to accept nominations for the Green Awards. If a person or organization that you know makes efforts to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into their business and the community, jump on it!

In Search of the Blue Bin

2011-08-18T09:22:00.011-04:00

This past March I was lucky enough to attend a keynote address by Raleigh Police Chief, Harry Dolan. He was speaking to a group of high school students to kick off career panel discussions. Chief Dolan spoke of three paths one can follow in life; working a job, pursuing a career and finding a calling. I had always thought of a calling as a path chosen by clergy. And in that room was my light bulb moment. You know, that moment where what you have been looking for becomes clear in an instant.

Four years ago my family and I moved from Boston to Raleigh seeking warmer temperatures, a less expensive cost of living and an opportunity to be closer to family. I applied, interviewed and accepted a position that would allow me to continue pursuing a career in education; this time as an administrator. What I didn’t realize at the time was that this career path wasn’t the one I was meant to follow.

A blue bin was a staple in every office I had worked. I just expected one to be there. The green recycling bin has been in our garage for as long as I can remember. My first day in my new position I noticed something different; no blue bin. No recycling on campus. Where would my rough draft, copy paper end up? Where were all the soda bottles from the vending machines going? I was surprised, but realized this lack of awareness was an opportunity for growth. When you present people with an option to do better, they usually do. And at that moment, my fate was sealed. I didn’t know it yet, but this was the beginning of my career in sustainability.

I didn’t intend to Chair a committee, jump in with both feet and work to promote change. As with many of the best things in life, I was lucky that the timing was right and I was open to accepting the challenge. I learned quickly that adding the bins was the easy part. Creating a sustainable campus would involve far more than I could have known in those early days. Now I know the incredible savings that come from a T8 vs. a T12 bulb. I know native plants and rain gardens can fend off erosion in amazing and natural ways. I know composting can be done on an industrial scale and outside a classroom door. Writing strategic plans, composing grants and analyzing payback periods were rewarding and fulfilling.

But most of all, for me, the reward was finally finding my calling. I'm excited to start my sustainability adventures, and I'm happy to share some insights and experiences along the way. So drop me a note, ckramer@springleafstrategies.com, about your own discoveries and I hope to see you soon!

We're Growing! Please Welcome Colleen Kramer

2011-08-11T11:49:00.001-04:00

We are thrilled to announce that Springleaf Strategies is growing!

We recently hired Colleen Kramer to join our team as Director of Sustainability Services. In her role she will work with clients as an advisor for their sustainability projects. She will also provide strategic planning for environmental and social responsibility programming, employee engagement and training, and grant writing.

Colleen comes to us after working for four years at Ravenscroft School. She led their sustainability initiatives for this 125 acre campus. Her experience in reducing energy use and waste and implementing renewable energy have been impressive enough to win multiple awards from the City of Raleigh, the Triangle Business Journal, and the US Green Building Council.

But when you combine her experience with her educational background, the story of how great a fit she is for Springleaf really comes together: Undergraduate degree in business, Master of Business Administration from UMass Amherst, and a Sustainability Leadership professional certificate. She is focused on how businesses can be more competitive while also achieving their goals for sustainability.

She's an all around local food nut, running enthusiast, and mother of two. Yes, we're pretty impressed.

So, please join us in a warm welcome for Colleen. We hope you will stop by to say hello on Facebook or Twitter. Call us to find out how Colleen can help you! 919.521.5210.

Jim Collins at the NC CEO Forum

2011-08-10T02:03:00.004-04:00

Just a quick post to all of you Jim Collins fans out there. Springleaf was a platinum sponsor of the NC CEO Forum and was behind the scenes working with the team to make this event happen. We're thrilled to be here and are excited to see Jim Collins speak at the event.

Colleen and I enjoyed a sponsor dinner and had the chance to say hello to this chief business strategist. We are in the process of reading these great works and are trying our very best to incorporate his work into how we operate as a business. If you haven't read any of his books, these are on the must-read list.

Business Profile: Chapel Hill Tire Car Care Center

2011-08-04T07:45:00.003-04:00

Chapel Hill Tire's Solar Panels

When was the last time you thought about the sustainability program at your mechanic's shop? No? That thought hasn't occurred to you? Okay, you aren't alone (although I do recall a particular someone had a fit at a 'green mechanic' who tried to pass one over on yours truly, but that's a story for another day).

Green Plus Certified and Indy Pick!

Last week I toured the greenest care car center in the Triangle: Chapel Hill Tire Car Care Center. They have made a real commitment to reducing their environmental impact--in the services they offer and within their operations. This family owned business has been around since 1953 and has been an institution in Chapel Hill. The company became a Green Plus Certified Company, and in 2010, they won a national award for being a pioneering leader in the car care industry for their commitment to environmental and social responsibility. [Check them out on Facebook]

View of natural area out front

In 2010, they opened up their store in Carrboro and instantly became the biggest green renovation in downtown. They are also on my 'favorite companies' list because their President, Marc Pons, pushes back on nay-sayers with, 'Why not?' His philosophy is, if he can reduce the impact of his business, and it gives him a competitive advantage, why not consider new ideas, new strategies for business, and new innovations in his field. I couldn't agree more.

Here are a few details on this very cool operation:

Recycled materials used in sitting area

Renovated a 1910-era gas station, keeping this landmark institution alive and well for the town
Installed a 14KW solar PV system (complete with 81 solar panels) on the roof. They are selling energy back to Duke Energy and their renewable energy credits to GreenCo (a local electric co-op).
Turned the old parking lot into an outdoor sitting area, complete with drought-resistant plants, re-used car parts for seating and pots for plants, and a pebble ground cover to help with stormwater runoff
Rainwater cisterns collect water from the roof to be used to water plants.
Reused concrete from the former parking area as stepping stones
Installed energy efficient light fixtures and appliances
Incorporated low-flow toilets and light sensors inside the office area
They offer recycled oil (E.F.O.) as an alternative to traditional oil (If your car takes conventional or semi-synthetic oil, it will do well with the recycled product. EFO has not been approved for cars that require full synthetic oil).

Rainwater Cistern

As an incentive for folks to pay a premium on the recycled oil change, they are donating $2 of every E.F.O. oil change to NC GreenPower.

Overall, Marc has seen a positive response in his business--customers interested in working with them because of their environmental approach; they can offer more innovative services such as electric vehicle stations or retro-kit conversions; being on the leading edge for improvements in car safety and other considerations for a vehicle's impact on the environment (they were the first to offer the nitrogen gas for tires, and were a leader in eliminating lead wheel weights and finding alternatives that were less harmful to the environment). He credits the Green Plus certification process as the initial spark for fostering this change. I credit his leadership and team for taking the ball and running with it after he became certified (thanks, Green Plus!)

Now they are identifying how they can do more. Marc has challenged his other stores to find ways to save resources--from paper towel use to energy consumption--and he's seeing progress across the company. Late this year/early 2012, they will be opening another store over in Durham. They have already applied their lessons learned to the new store in its design and green features, and even had the opportunity to team up with our friends at Builders of Hope to tote an existing house on the new site off for renovations and sale in a BoH project in Raleigh. Cool!

They have found a way to take a traditional business and commit to reducing their environmental impact. Beyond their efforts to 'green up' their building, they are also looking at the services they offer to see how they can be innovative and provide leadership. Their mechanics are ASE-certified, meaning they have passed rigorous testing and training and are able to work on just about any vehicle (and not just traditional gas-powered ones, either).This certification ensures quality service and work for customers and offers their employees ways to grow and develop their careers. They have also gone through training for converting hybrid vehicles into electric vehicles and are looking to launch this retro-kit conversion service soon.

Lobby display of carbon offsets

After my tour, my mind was buzzing with all the energy and passion Marc and his team have poured into making their business green. The good people at Chapel Hill Tire Car Care Center have found a way to take a traditional business and make it even more successful through their commitment to reducing their impact on the envioronment.

I think it's safe to say that I have found my new business crush...so please, go visit Chapel Hill Tire Car Care Center for your next oil change or service. They'll treat you right (and you can even watch their solar panels produce electricity on the handy-dandy TV in the lobby.

Manufacturing in the Region: Building a Better Business

2011-07-28T22:00:00.005-04:00

We had the good fortune of visiting an electronics manufacturing plant here in the area, Keihin Carolina Systems Technology. Located in Tarboro, Keihin is a leading manufacturer


Evelyn and Colleen suited up

of electronics. They are a state-of-the-art facility that can make just about any electronic product, and have traditionally provided electronic parts to Honda and Acura. They are innovative and are focused on quality. But what also drew us to them was their interest in reducing their environmental impact.

After talking with our excellent tour guide, Chris Eckhardt, it was clear that environmental stewardship fits in perfectly with the mission and vision of the company. Chris explained that being a leader and trusted partner in manufacturing goes hand-in-hand with being a responsible steward of the environment, caring for employees, and giving back to the community. When you consider their primary customer is Honda, it is no wonder that there is an environmental and social mission to their business....

The final products

So, when was the last time you toured a manufacturing facility? It's fascinating! I never get tired of seeing the high tech equipment and manufacturing process move from start to finish. We started with the individual parts and watched them go through the long rows of customized equipment, each with automated arms placing parts on the boards, gluing, soldering, and checking each part to make sure it works...at such a high speed, my head was spinning. Employees shepherd the boards through the process, carefully stationed at key positions to ensure quality.

Other than a general fascination with manufacturing, I particularly enjoyed this visit because of the company's efforts to reduce their environmental footprint. From re-using shipping crates to changes in lighting to reducing hazardous waste to recirculating water from their manufacturing process, Keihin has implemented many different activities to reduce waste.They are ISO 14001 certified and practice Lean Manufacturing. The day we visited, their sustainability manager was adding composting to their robust recycling area in the cafeteria. They are on their journey and believe sustainability is just another way they can show leadership in their industry and in manufacturing. Learn more about environmental initiatives at Keihin.

So, I want you to think about this for a minute. A leading manufacturer of high quality electronic parts...within one hour of the Triangle. In a day where much of the manufacturing in the U.S. has been shipped overseas, this was a great reminder that the U.S. has the skills and expertise to be a leader in the production of high tech parts. This is a story about economic development, innovation, and business. The fact that Keihin places a particular interest in reducing their environmental impact, well, that's part of how they will remain competitive and innovative as their industry changes.

Thanks so much for the tour! We enjoyed learning more about Keihin and the impact you are having on the Triangle.

Plugged In: Electric Cars Are Going Mainstream

2011-07-21T00:03:00.000-04:00

Have you ever considered buying an electric car? Thought the technology was too slow or the range wasn't far enough? Do you have doubts about the viability of the electric car or that it's too expensive? Think it's just for left wing hippies?

Let me just say, the electric vehicle is making a come back! This time, it's going mainstream.

I stopped by the 2011 Electric Plug In conference with a couple of friends over at the convention center this week for public night. We had a tour of the trade show area and caught the documentary, "Revenge of the Electric Car". The documentary highlights the history of the electric car and the challenges they face in becoming mainstream. There is a lot of potential, but we need massive infrastructure change in order to convince 'Joe the Plumber' to buy in. The film was entertaining and enlightening - be sure to catch it online or in a theatre...

This is the first year the conference has been held on the east coast - another first for the Triangle. It was great fun to see all the electric cars on display and the advances in technology.

Today's electric vehicles are both practical and attainable. They are more mainstream than ever. Don't get me wrong, there is still a long way to go. The infrastructure isn't in place (how far 'till the next charging station?), the charge takes too long for practical refueling on the go (30 min fill up for high capacity stations, 4 - 8+ hrs for others), and the range is not far enough to make most folks comfortable for longer trips (20 - 100 miles per charge, depending on the car). BUT, the technology has come a long way.

The cars are getting more miles on each charge (the next generation car will have a range closer to 200 miles), there are more plug in stations going up in various cities around the state (the Triangle will lead the state in plug in stations), and now there are home charging stations that are all helping to improve the infrastructure and viability of electric cars.

Why am I so impressed? One word: Innovation

So many companies have responded to the challenge of making electric vehicles mainstream. I saw a slew of charging stations for the office or for home. I saw wireless technology, fast charging technology, and even an electric motorcycle. Word on the street was the attendance at the event was terrific even though this was the first time on the east coast. Yay!

For the uninitiated, the per-charge range for today's cars is anywhere between 13 miles and 100 miles. There are electric-gas hybrids that will help the mainstream public take a half-step towards an all electric car. But we're not there yet. If I were to buy an all-electric car right now, it would be my 'around town' car. I can't see taking this car on trips outside of the area for fear of running out of charge. But the gas-electric hybrid cars save you gas on that commute by running the first portion on electric charge and then you are getting an incredible mpg (50 mpg or so) that will also help you with the gas bill.

So, I'm thrilled that the conference was held in Raleigh and was well received. The documentary was essentially sold out (they had to bring in more chairs to seat everyone). The conference was a big success. If you missed the fun, check out the website. I highly recommend the documentary - entertaining and an interesting history on electric cars.

Enjoy, and go electric!

B Corps All A-Buzz in NC

2011-07-12T20:21:00.001-04:00

Lately, it seems that "B Corporation" has become a buzz word around these parts. I wrote a post on B Corps back in June when the North Carolina General Assembly began considering to establish B Corps as officially recognized corporations (we also just happened to be going through the B Corp re-certification process, too).

And now, carrying on the buzz, North Carolina is home to 20 B Corps (the most in the southeast!):

Of those twenty, 10 have been added since November 2010.
And of those 10, 6 are located right here in the Triangle!

People ask us all the time - what is the benefit of being a B Corporation? For Springleaf, it was about making a real commitment to being a better company for employees, clients, the community, and the environment. Setting goals is great, but until you put your goals down on paper (or open to the public) and integrate it throughout the company they will never be a priority (or accomplished at all for that matter).

Second, we have found there to be a strong referral network among B Corporations. There is a connection among companies that operate with a focus on something more than just profits. If you have read Built to Last, you know visionary companies do not measure success by profits alone. We strive to work with companies that share our values AND provide a superior product/service. We believe you don't have to choose...

Now, on to the newest members...NC's newest 10 B Corporations. Celebrate them with us >>>

Ad Spice Promotional Marketing (Durham, NC), a full-service screen-printing, embroidery and promotional products firm

AVANT Group (Durham, NC), a full-service staffing company that matches the right candidate, with the right employer, at the right time

DO GOOD Real Estate Company (Wilmington, NC), a socially-minded real estate firm based in that donates 20% of sales commissions to local charities and nonprofits of their clients choosing.

Larry's Beans (Raleigh, NC), a company happily committed to blending and roasting innovative uniquely delicious coffees—and making the world a better place. 100% of their coffee is Fair Trade, Shade Grown, and Organic, all slow-roasted to bring out every note of indigenous flavor (side note: I'm addicted to coffee, and this stuff is amazing).

Piedmont Biofuels (Pittsboro, NC), a community scale biodiesel operation which collects used cooking oil from local restaurants and converts it into a clean-burning renewable fuel

RainWater Solutions (Raleigh, NC), the manufacturers and distributors of the 65-gallon Moby rain barrel (We collaborated with RWS on its marketing program, which received the 2010 Triangle Business Journal Green Marketing Program of the Year Award). They also design and install above and below ground rainwater harvesting equipment.

Riley Life Logistics (Durham, NC), an award-winning provider of global solutions in the areas of supply chain technology, product fulfillment, kitting, and reverse logistics...all while maintaining a relentless focus on the triple bottom line

SJF Ventures (Durham, NC), an impact investment fund with a strong focus on the cleantech sector. They have been investing in high growth, positive impact business across 25 states for the past 12 years.

Spotlight Solar (Chapel Hill, NC), a company that designs solar systems to look like sculptures. Creations are installed on commercial or public property where a lot of people can see them, and become inspired to take their own steps in environmental stewardship.

VIF International Education (Chapel Hill, NC), the nation’s largest J-1 teacher exchange sponsor and a provider of language immersion and global literacy programs

I'd like to say congratulations to our newest fellow B Corps members! We look forward to the opportunity to work with you, refer business to you, and celebrate your successes.

Some Post-Fourth of July Fun in Social Media

2011-07-05T12:41:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful, safe, fun, relaxing Fourth of July! As we ease ourselves into our first day back at the office and our first day away from hot dogs, I thought I'd offer some interesting social media facts straight from The Science of Social Timing Part 1: Social Networks. (And thanks to a favorite marketing blog, KISSmetrics, for the fun stats!)

Best time to retweet? 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (time for highest percentage of retweets [~6%])
Best tweeting frequency? 1-4 times an hour
Best days to tweet? Mid-week and the weekend
Best day to share stuff on Facebook? Saturday
Best time to share stuff on Facebook? Noon and around 7:00 p.m.
Best Facebook sharing frequency? 1 post every 2 days to achieve the most 'likes'

Did any of these little nuggets of information may surprise you??

The Ground is Broken -- Raleigh's Newest Senior Center on Its Way!

2011-06-29T17:25:00.001-04:00

Raleigh's Mayor Meeker with the opening remarks

Woohoo!

On June 16, the City of Raleigh hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the construction of Raleigh's newest senior center: the Five Points Center for Active Adults.

Why is this so exciting?? Because the project has been in the works for years now! We've long been aware of the future senior center since HH Architecture, a favorite client of ours (shameless plug, I know), has been working with the City of Raleigh and Wake County on the design.

A few facts about what will be one happenin' place:

Size: 20,000 square feet
Location: 401 E. Whitaker Mill Road (in Raleigh's historic Five Points neighborhood)
Designer: HH Architecture (Raleigh, NC)
Builder: The Resolute Building Company (Chapel Hill, NC)
Partners: Wake County, Resources for Senior, Meals on Wheels
Funding: $7.7 million (approved by the City in October 2007 as part of an $88.6 million parks bond issue)
Green Building: Pursuing LEED Silver certification through the U.S. Green Building Council

The Five Points Center for Active Adults was specifically designed to mesh with an adjacent historic building. While the exterior will blend in with the older building next door, this center will be anything but your typical senior center (read: antiquated). Some of its amenities and green (!) highlights:

A commercial kitchen for serving Meals on Wheels patrons
A large multi-purpose area
Fitness, art, and game rooms
A rainwater collection and re-use system
Will be sited to control solar gain while maximizing views to existing trees
Will be built using local, natural materials

Breakin' that ground!

Construction is expected to be complete in Summer 2012. I'm hoping to do another blog post this time next year to check out the progress and see just how close to completion the project will be!

Congratulations to the team at HH Architecture for all their hard work and dedication to making Raleigh a great place for people of all ages!

Genworth & Rebuilding Together: Partners in Home Rehabilitations

2011-06-22T13:25:00.003-04:00

I love a "feel good" story just as much as the next person, but I especially enjoy it when it's one that happened in my own backyard.

Earlier this month, Genworth Financial teamed up with Rebuilding Together of the Triangle, a Triangle-area non-profit that performs home repairs for low-income homeowners, to rehabilitate the Southeast Raleigh home of a long-time nursing assistant. This is the third year the two organizations partnered together as part of Genworth's annual commitment to community service (kudos, Genworth!). Genworth provided volunteers and funding to make substantial and necessary home repairs, while Rebuilding Together coordinated and managed the project.

After Rebuilding Together replaced a leaky roof responsible for a good bit of damage, the Genworth team replaced siding, soffits, and fascia that sustained water damage from said roof. Gutters were added to prevent future moisture damage to the house. Volunteers also made repairs to a sliding glass door and re-caulked/painted the trim on all of the windows.

The repairs and renovations made ensure this Southeast Raleigh homeowner can continue to live in the home in safe, healthy conditions.

Here's what the good people at Rebuilding Together and Genworth had to say (courtesy of the official press release):
“Once again, our community and Rebuilding Together have benefited greatly from the extraordinary efforts of the Genworth Financial team,” said Wayne Maiorano, Chair of Rebuilding Together of the Triangle. “Their continued passion and commitment to serve our community is remarkable. With their help and hard work, we have been able to restore warm, safe, and dry conditions to the homes of many needy homeowners.”

“Genworth is in the business of helping provide affordable, sustainable home ownership,” said Kurt Arehart, Volunteer Leader of Genworth Financial in Raleigh. “Projects like this really hit home for us. We’re proud to continue our partnership with Rebuilding Together of the Triangle.”

###

And we're proud of both of you, Genworth and Rebuilding Together! Thank you for your commitment to serving the needs of our community!

Wanna learn more about Rebuilding Together of the Triangle?
RTT continues to generate support for low-income families--who oftentimes are elderly, disabled, members of the military, or veterans and their families--by providing home repairs, improvements or modifications at no charge to the homeowners. Know a family you'd like to refer? Want to get involved? Visit www.RebuildingTogetherTriangle.org or call 919.341.5980.

One Man's Trash is...Another Man's Paver?

2011-06-16T13:05:00.000-04:00

Have you ever been so impressed with a business idea that you can't stop thinking about it? I'm such a sustainability geek that I am guilty of doing this: stalking favorite companies.

My business crush this week is on Earth Stone Products out of Greensboro. They make the COOLEST product--get this--recycled granite pavers and tiles. That's right. RECYCLED GRANITE! It's the same granite that would otherwise have been in your kitchen or bathroom (note to self: remind me to talk with you about CaraGreen's recycled glass and cement countertops if you are in the market for renovations). Instead of the unused portions going to the landfill, Earth Stone collects the 'waste' and makes beautiful, unique pavers and tiles for indoors and outdoors.

And what is even cooler is they have a special process for taking the material and pressing it into various shapes (yes, stamping out shapes from the granite). I have this fabulous state of NC paver from the first time I met with Earth Stone. It is one of my all-time favorite things from being out and meeting people. It was love at first sight!

Their President, Rosemarie Williams, has been a pioneer in the construction waste industry. She was gracious to sit down with me to chat about their process and business...

Their process begins with collecting unused granite from area fabricators. Instead of sending their 'waste' to the landfill, they place the granite into special containers that are then picked up by Earth Stone. The waste pieces come back to the shop and are stacked onto pallets.

Next, the pieces are run through a proprietary machine that literally stamps the granite into specific shapes.

The pavers are then stacked by color and run through machinery that gives them their final surface treatment, depending on whether they will be indoor or outdoor, decorative tiles or actual pavers.

One of the really cool products they create is a decorative tile kit to create a wind daisy that you can install at your house. The photo I took here is the center piece, but you can add more tiles to this to make it a much larger centerpiece for your patio or sunroom.

The company sells its pavers by color tone and use through various outlets across NC and Virginia. They will be in Raleigh for the Southern Living and the Green NC Tradeshow.

If you want to learn more, I encourage you to watch their video to see their process or check out the goods at a location near you.

Thank you to Rosemarie and Earth Stone for the great tour and chatting with me about your company. I hope 2011 is a great year for you and the company!

B Corporations...NC's New Official Corporation?

2011-06-10T15:18:00.000-04:00

In January 2010, we became a certified B Corporation as a way to communicate and reiterate our commitment to the environment, our community, and building a successful business. The values of B Corporations align with ours and our drive to embody 21st century leadership while preserving the long-term health and attractiveness of our company.

Just the other week, we started going through the B Corp re-certification process. "Re-certification process" isn't exactly an exciting phrase, now is it? But how interesting it's been to really sit and consider just how our business has changed and grown over the last year-and-a-half! Where we may have missed points then, we're surely making up for now. What may have been daunting challenges or struggles then, we've no doubt conquered now. It's a rather fulfilling thing to give your company an annual review, if you will. And it gives you a great, fresh perspective on things.

And wouldn't you know, just as we were in the middle of all this, our good friends at the Triangle Business Journal decided to write a story on B Corporations and a proposed B Corp bill in North Carolina. Currently, the General Assembly is considering establishing B Corps as an officially recognized corporation in the Tar Heel State. After passing the Senate 50-0, the legislative world seems hopeful that it will pass the House by month's end. The TBJ posted a great article featuring our friends at The Redwoods Group along with our very own Evelyn Contre:

Check out the article in full...and look out for [the hopeful] news of this proposed bill becoming a North Carolina law!

Help Triangle Land Conservancy Win a New Car!

2011-06-02T15:09:00.000-04:00

Have you heard about Toyota's 100 Cars for Good campaign? They're giving away 100 cars to 100 deserving non-profits this summer...based on YOUR votes!

Have you heard about Triangle Land Conservancy? TLC is the only local conservation organization working across all six counties of the Triangle to safeguard clean water, support local farms and food, protect wildlife habitat, and connect people with nature.

On Friday, June 3, TLC will be competing against four other non-profits in the 100 Cars for Good contest. The non-profit with the most votes on Facebook that day will win a new Toyota hybrid. TLC needs my help, your help, OUR help to to win!

What you can (and should!) do:

Become a fan of TLC on Facebook. They'll remind you to vote on June 3!
Tell your friends to become a fan of TLC on Facebook! And ask them to vote on June 3!
Go to Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Facebook page, and set a reminder to vote on June 3! Just go to “View Contestants,” “Search by Date,” and select June 3. Click “remind me to vote this day.”
Tweet about the contest! Don't know what to tweet? Try "Support Triangle Land Conservancy: Vote 6/3/11 at www.facebook.com/toyota as it competes for a new #Toyota in #100Cars for Good program!" or "Please cast your #Toyota #100Cars for Good vote JUNE 3 for Triangle Land Conservancy! www.facebook.com/toyota"
Share this flyer with your friends, your family, your coworkers, your social media peeps, etc...