SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT 2024

Guided information sessions and interactive activities invited participants to consider and discuss pressing topics related to the intersection of business and sustainability:

• How can I connect with other local businesses that prioritize sustainability?
• How can my business leverage sustainable practices to increase ROI?
• What programs or support systems are available for businesses looking to become more sustainable?
• How can my business utilize the People, Planet, and Prosperity theory?
• How are other Marion County businesses creating innovative and sustainable solutions to common problems?

MRRF recovers materials such as cardboard, concrete, metal, & wood which then gets loaded for transport to various recycling processors and markets. Our main goal here at The MRRF is to divert as much material as possible out of the landfill for reuse or recycling. You can reserve a spot for this tour during event registration. Space is limited.

The Cherriots Maintenance Shop tour will include an inside look on sustainable fleet/system maintenance, including The Cherriots Operations Headquarters and Maintenance Shop, including an inside look at sustainable fleet/system maintenance. You can reserve a spot for this tour during event registration. Space is limited.

Let's celebrate the incredible Marion County businesses that are leading the way in sustainability! For those who take the triple bottom line concept to heart and strive for environmental, economic, and social progress, we invite you to apply for one of the Green Awards. 

These awards recognize businesses that are going above and beyond in their commitment to people, planet, and prosperity. At this year's Sustainability Summit, you can be part of the movement to elevate industry examples and encourage others to learn from their programs. Showcase all of the hard work you've done and share your inspiring stories with us!  

Marion sustainable businesses, we invite you to nominate the businesses (either your own or others in the network) that you think meet the award criteria and deserve recognition. Let's come together and celebrate the success of these Marion County businesses. Nominations must be submitted by July 31, 2024 and will be presented during the Green Awards Luncheon.  

This award recognizes the importance of people in any successful business plan; a commitment to both its staff and surrounding community can be the difference between success and failure. The winner of this award will stand out as a leader in community building, having demonstrated a lasting commitment to the people around them. They will be a mentor and role model, providing opportunities for others to grow and flourish within the local community. Firmly rooted in Marion County, this business serves as an example of what can be achieved when a tangible commitment to investing in people is made. Through their efforts, the business will have become an invaluable part of the community, a cornerstone that locals know, appreciate, and rely upon. 

The award recognizes inspiring financial and entrepreneurial performances through meaningful sustainability initiatives. By submitting exciting and innovative ideas, entrants will showcase creative and pioneering changes or programs designed to generate progress and spark transformation across the industry. Ranging from established sustainable principles to ambitious new visions, submissions of all shapes and sizes will be welcome. Every submission has the potential to be recognized and rewarded for bringing extraordinary and impact-driven ambitions to life! 

This award stands for sustainable, solid, and successful – a true testament to what can be achieved when we strive for planet-friendly success. The winner of this award will be a shining example of sustainability with their commitment to environmental responsibility embedded in their everyday operations. They will have developed the mindset and muscle memory to ensure that all their decisions - be they big or small - contribute to a greener, healthier planet. The winner of this award will demonstrate how businesses can build a future that is sustainable and prosperous. 

If you attended the 2024 Sustainability Summit, we would appreciate your feedback! Please complete the event survey and the breakout session survey to help us improve this event for next year.

Marion County Environmental Services and the 2023 Sustainability Summit Planning Committee was dedicated to putting on this event while creating as little waste as possible.

Attendees received reusable containers to enjoy drinks all day. Lunch was served in durable takeout containers, and attendees were encouraged to pack a second serving of the meal for later to prevent food waste.

Attendees got to take these containers home in insulated bags to reuse again and again after the Sustainability Summit. Tableware and napkins were durable alternatives to single-use items. Digital alternatives were used in place of paper handouts and surveys.

The Sustainability Summit Planning Committee organized this event to prevent waste, and only generates ONE bag of trash for the entire event.

Thank you to all our business and representatives who participated in the 2024 Sustainability Summit Planning Committee.