HomeSBN’s 2023 Annual Meeting Recap

SBN held its first in-person Annual Meeting in nearly three years, welcomed new Board leadership, and launched a new award recognizing local, values-driven businesses throughout Greater Philadelphia.

 

On February 2, 2023, the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) kicked off the new year by hosting its first in-person Annual Meeting in nearly three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

Guests arrive to SBN’s 2023 Annual Meeting

 

SBN’s Board Chair, Nima Etemadi, and Associate Director, Jared Lowe

 

Close to one hundred of the region’s local business community gathered at the Center for Architecture and Design to celebrate our region’s accomplishments, learn more about SBN’s developments over the past year, meet SBN’s new Board Members, and connect with familiar and new faces over breakfast. The program included remarks from SBN’s Board Chair, Nima Etemadi, co-owner of Cake Life Bake Shop, and SBN’s Executive Director, Devi Ramkissoon shared highlights from SBN’s 2022 Annual Report, speaking of the progress and impact SBN has created in our region over the last year.

 

SBN’s Executive Director, Devi Ramkissoon, and Associate Director, Jared Lowe

 

 

Philadelphia City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier

 

Former SBN Executive Director and Philadelphia City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier served as the morning’s keynote address speaker, sharing her insights and experiences on the vitality and diversity of the region’s local business community amid COVID-19, rising gun violence, supply chain distribution, and other challenges. 

 

The morning also celebrated three Board members: Chris Jacobs, Kim Quick, and Kimberly McGlonn, who ended their Board titles and introduced new Board members. These leaders exemplify the triple bottom line, and we are grateful that they choose to commit their time and talents to the SBN community. Those who joined SBN’s Board included: 

  • Alice Sun of ezcomposting 
  • Alisa Shargorodsky of ECHO Systems 
  • Marsha Levell of PolyMath Consulting LLC 
  • Shiny Mathew of JMT 
  • Steven Chintamen of Bellevue Strategies 

Towards the end of the program, SBN announced the first-ever recipient of the Triple Bottom Champion award, which recognizes a business within SBN’s membership that embodies the triple bottom line approach of being mindful of people, planet, and profit. This year’s nominees included Birchtree Catering, Bridges 2030, Fishtown Seafood, Love City Brewing, LUHV Food, and OLIN. The general public voted for the recipient via an online form. With over 200 responses, Bryan Szeliga of Fishtown Seafood was announced as the award recipient, remarking “on the support of organizations like SBN that help independent business owners grow in their businesses.” 

 

SBN’s current 2023 Board

 

SBN thanks all the community members, Board, and staff for making this year’s event possible! 

Creating a thriving impact economy means evolving from possibility to practice. The Greater Philadelphia region is a leading example of this evolution, driven by our SBN community. Consider making a gift to SBN or becoming a member. Your contribution supports our work in building a just, green, and thriving local economy for all. 

 

Photography by Jamie J. Marrero 

Event Sponsors: 

Ode a la Rose was a proud sponsor of SBN’s 2023 Annual Meeting. Ode a la Rose sources superior-quality flowers from eco-friendly farms in Columbia, Ecuador, and the Netherlands to utilize the best blooms for long-lasting bouquets. Their policy of sourcing only fresh, high-quality blooms makes for a long-lasting impression. Go to odealarose.com to order a floral arrangement today and get same-day delivery service throughout Philadelphia!