Earthenterprise Tool Kit - International Institute for Sustainable ...

EarthEnterprise Tool Kit
TOOL
Social Venture Network
1388 Sutter Street, Suite 1010
San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel: (415) 771-4308
Fax: (415) 771-0535
Contact: Jennifer Chapman, Deputy Director
The Social Venture Network, formed in 1987 and headquartered in San
Francisco, is a membership organization composed primarily of entrepreneurs,
investors, and investment professionals who believe that business is not only a
means of financial success but a potentially powerful force in creating a more
just, humane, and sustainable world. The organization strives to build a
community of business leaders who have demonstrated concern for social
issues and to strengthen the credibility of innovative business initiatives.
The 400-member organization sponsors national meetings twice a ye a r.
Members receive specialized mailings and regular newsletters, and information
on resource people, services, projects, and businesses of interest to them. A
data-base is maintained on each member’s activities and interests.
Membership is by invitation only for individuals who have demonstrated
e n t re p reneurial talent, substantial net worth coupled with active priva t e
investing, experience in corporate leadership or investment management,
p h i l a n t h ropic or organizational leadership, or who can make a special
contribution to the Network’s efforts.
Tap the Expertise of Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations have a wealth of expertise and contacts to share.
Although some still engage in adversarial relationships with the business
community, many others are open and willing to participate in collaborative
efforts.
When Loblaw, the Canadian grocery giant, decided to launch its Green Line
products in 1990,the company went to Friends of the Earth and Pollution Probe
for advice. Both organizations suggested products for the line, evaluated the
merits of a variety of items, and made recommendations on marketing
strategies. The organizations’familiarity with a range of environmental issues,
coupled with their ability to distinguish the truly superior environmental
products from those making spurious claims, gave credibility to the entire
launch effort.
Thermco, of Mississauga, Ontario (see pages 64-69), a manufacturer of energy
e f f i c i e n t , reduced-CFC condensers for re f r i g e ration and air conditioning
ADOPTING NEW BUSINESS PRACTICES AND RELATIONSHIPS
101