ECOpreneuring? What is it and how do I do it?
Saturday, November 8, 7:30pm
Enrico’s Tazza D’Oro
1125 N. Highland Ave, Highland Park
Sustainability is fast becoming an economic development tool for America’s urban and rural fabric and, increasingly, launching for- or non-profit ventures is seen as the means to create a more sustainable and socially just tomorrow. The ecopreneurs running them are becoming the very foundation of the emerging new green economy of the 21st Century. You might be considering the ecological/economical convergence yourself, but how do you get involved and turn this into the good life for you and vitality for your planet and community?
Ecopreneuring is a fresh and dynamic approach to entrepreneurial thinking, blending passion for the planet with small business pragmatics and smashing the stereotype that “doing good” and “running a business” are exclusive. Join John Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist – 11-year ecopreneuring veterans and trailblazers – as they discuss ways to take advantage of existing business structures and incentives to benefit our endeavors, our planet, and ourselves. John and Lisa will share their decade of experiences insights as told in their book ECOpreneuring, and provide vital how-to insight to those looking who want to start a venture, already running one, trying to differentiate themselves from competitors in the for- and non-profit worlds, want to leverage sustainability as a revitalization engine within their community.
About the Presenters
Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko are innkeepers of the award-winning Inn Serendipity Bed & Breakfast, completely powered by renewable energy. This husband-and-wife duo are national speakers, marketing consultants and co-authors of Rural Renaissance and Edible Earth. They regularly contribute to projects for the non-profit Renewing the Countryside, providing success stories and practical resources for rural entrepreneurs and farmers. Kivirist is also a distinguished W.K Kellogg Foundation Food and Society Fellow and Ivanko is the co-author and photographer for numerous multicultural children’s books for the Global Fund for Children. They share their organic Wisconsin farm with their son, a thriving colony of honeybees, millions of ladybugs, and visitors from around the globe. Their most recent book, ECOpreneuring, is a how-to guide for those looking to blend social and environmental change with entrepreneurial endeavors.
