| Dear Friends, We're looking forward to seeing our members at our Annual Member Gathering next week at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington. This conference is designed to inspire, engage and challenge the SVN community... so be prepared for something a little different. You can check out the full conference agenda at svn.org/spring2010. We're also excited to share what's ahead for SVN as we move forward with our new strategic plan, so be sure to stick around for Sunday's plenary session. If you've already registered for our gathering, be sure to create a profile on our new Conference Connections site. You'll be able to see fellow attendees, create a custom conference agenda and connect with members. Details are below. SVN is highlighted in an interesting article on Inc.com called "How to Build a Values-Driven Business." The article also features SVN members and member organizations such as Jeffrey Hollender, Jay Coen Gilbert, Metropolitan Group, Free Range, BBMG, Method, White Dog Cafe, BSR, BALLE, and ASBC, so I hope you'll take the time to check it out. Our members and partners are continuing to connect and collaborate at SVN Local Gatherings. Thanks to Libba and Gifford Pinchot for convening a great get-together in Seattle where Don Shaffer of RSF Social Finance spoke to members, BGI students and Social Venture Partner members. Thanks also to Michael and Gwen Martin who hosted a terrific dinner gathering for members in the Twin Cities. Our tenth local gathering of the year will be happening this week in San Francisco. See below for details. Thanks for all you do to create a just and sustainable world. I look forward to seeing you soon! In service,
Deborah Nelson
Executive Director
| | Network Updates |  |  2010 SVN Spring Member Gathering
April 29 - May 2
Stevenson, Washington (just north of Portland, Oregon) SVN's 2010 Spring Member Gathering will bring together a vibrant community of social venture entrepreneurs to explore new ways to create a just economy, strengthen our collective impact, and share resources in leading sustainable enterprises. Come hear inspiring and provocative plenaries and gain practical business acumen from speakers like futurist Watts Wacker and Jones Soda founder Peter van Stolk. The Spring Member Gathering is for SVN members and prospective members. Please review our membership guidelines before registering: svn.org/guidelines. Click here to register.  Join Conference Connections for a Chance to Save $300
Once you register for the Spring Member Gathering you will be automatically invited to join our brand new Conference Connections site. By creating a profile you'll be entered into a drawing to win $300 off your next Spring Gathering registration. Once you join, you'll be able to: Search and browse attendees by name, area of expertise, geographic region and company Make an appointment with a One-on-One Advisor Sign up for the Portland Sustainable Business Walking Tour Start Conversations around interests, needs and offers, and session topics Customize your conference schedule See your LinkedIn connections and Twitter friends who are attending If you've already registered and forgot your password or need your invitation resent, click here. Get Referrred to SVN and Save Your Friend on Reg Fees and Dues Interested in becoming an SVN member or coming to an SVN conference? Know and SVN member? Now's the time to reach out to them. For each first-time attendee referred to SVN we will discount their registration $150, and for each prospective member referred who activates membership in 2010, they'll receive $200 off 2011 membership dues. Please review SVN's membership guidelines to make sure your invitees are candidates for SVN membership at: www.svn.org/guidelines. For more information, please contact Nathan Joblin. | | Members in Action | | Inc. Asks SVNers How to Build a Values-Driven Business Inc. interviewed SVN's Executive Director Deb Nelson on how to build and grow a socially responsible business, and wrote a great guide for aspiring social entrepreneurs. From how to structure your mission statement to maintaining focus on your margin and mission, the piece includes mention of SVN organizations Seventh Generation, B Lab, Metropolitan Group, Free Range, BBMG, Method, White Dog Cafe, BSR, BALLE, and ASBC. Read the full article here.  Maryland Passes Nation's First "Benefit Corporation" Law
Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed the nation's first Benefit Corporation law last week designating a new kind of company that creates social benefit and shareholder value. Unlike traditional corporations, Benefit Corporations must by law create a material positive impact on society; consider how decisions affect employees, community and the environment; and publicly report their social and environmental performance using established third-party standards. The legislation would not have passed without the hard work of SVN members Jay Coen Gilbert and Andrew Kassoy of B Lab and the leadership of nearly 300 Certified B Corporations, including many SVN members. Click here for details.  Responsible Wealth Says "Read My Lips: Raise My Taxes"
SVN members Mike Lapham and Jeffrey Hollender are among 80+ upper-income people who have taken Responsible Wealth's Tax Fairness Pledge to call attention to the need to roll back the upper-income Bush Tax Cuts. Following a press teleconference on April 6, Jeffrey was quoted in numerous national media articles, including this story on NPR (listen online here) and Mike has been making the rounds on CNBC, MSNBC and Fox News (click here to watch). Take a listen and join Jeff and Mike and other SVNers in raising the voice of business for progressive taxes.  David Berge Moves to Vancouver for Vancity
SVN member David Berge has taken the position of SVP of Social Finance for Vancouver-based Vancity, overseeing all business lending, commercial real estate, non-profit lending, sustainability, strategic grant making and mezzanine financing. The move is part of Underdog Ventures' recent strategic investment in Vancity. David will continue overseeing Underdog Ventures and is now working with fellow SVNer Joel Solomon and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson to make Vancouver the lead "Green Capital" in North America.  Mark Albion Receives National Award for Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year
SVN member Mark Albion visited Indiana University's Kelley School of Business on April 16 to receive the 2010 National Award for Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year from the Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Mark was also the keynote speaker for the Johnson Center's third annual IU Entrepreneurial Connection program and gave a keynote entitled "More Than Money: Creating a Career that Reflects Your Values." For more details, click here.  Jeffrey Hollender Publishes New Book: "The Responsibility Revolution"
In their new book, "The Responsibility Revolution: How the Next Generation of Business Will Win", SVN member Jeffrey Hollender and Bill Breen of Seventh Generation challenge business to move beyond the failed promise of corporate responsibility and provide real leadership and innovation, taking on the fundamental challenges of our society and planet. By making the business case for radical, rather than incremental change, highlighting companies that continue to successfully blaze the trail forward and providing six foundational principles to follow (mission and collaboration, transparency and authenticity, community, and consciousness), the authors hope to wake business up and encourage some revolutionary change before it's too late.
Click here to read the first chapter.  New Equity Daily Launches Financing Search Tool for Small Biz and Real Estate
New Equity Daily, a new blog run by SVN member Chinwe Onyeagoro, is dedicated to financing for small businesses, and has just launched an exclusive online search tool whereby business owners and property investors can identify financing in the public and private sectors. The New Equity Search Tool & Locator Service is the first online tool to bring together multiple financing resources. It includes a search engine and matching tool to identify available financing based on small business and real estate project profiles. It also includes customized reports with detailed information about the financing, including description, eligibility requirements and funding agency contact information. Click here to read Chinwe's blogs on New Equity Daily. | | Welcome New Members | | The following organizations have had members join Social Venture Network since last month's Networker. | | Upcoming Events | |  Hollyhock Social Venture Institute
September 15-19
Cortes Island, British Columbia Join business leaders and social entrepreneurs for an intensive, interactive inquiry into how to face the day-to-day challenges of running a socially conscious enterprise at the Social Venture Institute. SVI gets you off the treadmill of your usual business life, while at the same time invigorating and enhancing your professional skills. The course will allow you to share innovative ideas, get direct feedback for current business challenges, and hear inspiring "True Confessions" from experienced leaders. Click here to apply. Hollyhock SVI sells out every year, so be sure to book early. If you need to get away to beautiful Cortes Island before September, Hollyhock is offering some spring spring retreat deals now. $100 off stays of 3 nights or more. $200 off stays of 5 nights or more. Click here for details on their specials. Thought Leader Gathering with Deb Nelson
May 14
San Francisco, California Join SVN's Executive Director Deborah Nelson for a talk entitled: 'Social Responsibility to Global Responsibility: Transforming the Way the World Does Business." Come prepared for an informative, engaging and highly-interactive session. Taking place in San Francisco's Presidio, the talk will be a half-day event which includes breakfast. Click here to register. Thought Leader Gathering's are put on by Heartland, Inc., run by SVN members Craig and Patricia Neal.  BALLE's 8th Annual Conference
May 21 - 23
Charleston, South Carolina Join innovators and entrepreneurs at BALLE's 8th Annual Business Conference "Lighting the Way to a New Economy." Attendees will come together to delve into the most relevant economic issues confronting us today, and to connect, share, and learn about practical, effective initiatives emerging from the grassroots for building local living economies. BALLE is an alliance of 80 community business networks comprised of 22,000 independent businesses from 30 US states and Canadian provinces. Details and registration at www.livingeconomies.org/conference.  Slow Money's Second National Gathering
June 9 - 11
Shelburne Farms, Vermont Slow Money is not an "-ism" (as in capitalism, socialism, consumerism, market fundamentalism), but it is a new way of connecting investors to local food systems. Join this emerging network of thought leaders, investors, donors, entrepreneurs, farmers, and activists from across the country. Collaborate with folks from all over the country where Slow Money is starting to sprout. Hear investment presentations from two dozen small food enterprises. Let's fix America's economy from the ground up...starting with food. Click here for details and to register. imgimgimgimg | | |
"When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world." George Washington CarverWhat is Social Entrepreneurship?Statement of Faith
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