My kinda town, Chicago is.

I have to say that the Chicago business community continues to amaze and impress me.

As we talk to more and more businesses about the goals, programs, and vision of the Alliance, I continue to be inspired not just by the energy around the sustainability activities in the Chicago business community, but especially by how many different kinds of businesses and individuals have crossed our path unexpectedly with that same excitement.

The industries represented by current Alliance members already include:

• Financial Services
  
• Real Estate
• Green Building Materials
• Media & Communications
• Governmental Agencies
• Strategy and Product Design Consultants
• Interior Designers
• Retail
• Printing

Yesterday we went from an energizing meeting at the Funky Buddha to discuss the planning of our December 6 Green Drinks event. We chatted about all opportunities and challenges of sustainability in the night club/restaurant industry, and about how useful a central organizing force would be to facilitate the move towards a much more local and organic standard for the food service providers in Chicago.

As if that weren't enough inspiration for one day, we then went to Green Drinks -- Business Edition to hear PortionPac's Burt Klein talk about their sustainability successes. Not only was the presentation itself excellent, there were also several new businesses and industries represented that we were unfamiliar with, and it was great to get the chance to hear their ideas and energy about the topic too. For example, I met Stel at onShore Networks, an IT Consulting group. While they do traditional networking, security, and other services, they also are working on the infrastructure for alternative heating and cooling systems.

So, I just wanted to say, keep on keepin' on, Chicago. We all have a lot to learn from the diversity of businesses that are tackling sustainability in our city. The possibilities for new connections seem endless.

Welcome to our newest Founding members!

• Conscious Choice
• Baum Realty
• Forbo Flooring