EMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE TETONS
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VIRTUAL MONTHLY CHANCE MEETINGS
May 3, 2021, 5 - 6 pm Via Zoom—registration below
Sometimes all you need is the right connection and a little inspiration. Well, what are you waiting for? Find both at our free monthly virtual networking event. You never know...
Theme: Lessons from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
Events over the last year have brought Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ("DEI"), to the forefront of our personal and professional lives. Americans are awakening to a new understanding of what constituted diversity, the existence and experience of inequity, and how we can be more inclusive in small and large ways. Individuals are engaged in rigorous self-reflection and are gaining a new understanding of how we can do better and help create real opportunities for all.
This is all well and good, but why should companies engage in DEI efforts? Is it simply for public relations or out of a sense of obligation? Or, can DEI make a lasting difference in the culture, productivity, and health of a company? We believe it's the latter. Join us for a Chance Meetings on Monday, May 3rd to hear Fred Keller, Founder and Chair of Cascade Engineering, discuss the real-world lessons and benefits of implementing DEI initiatives in the business world. Through Fred's experience, you'll gain a new sense of the value and importance of thoughtful and purposeful DEI initiatives.
Fred Keller is the Founder and Chair of Cascade Engineering, which he started in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1973. With a belief that you can have a successful business and still treat employees with dignity and respect, Fred began molding plastic parts with six employees in a 10,000 square foot building. Today, Cascade Engineering employs 1600 people across 15 facilities in six US locations and additional European operations in Budapest, Hungary.
Cascade Engineering has 9 business units spanning a wide diversity of markets including transportation, recycling/waste management, office furniture, agricultural/industrial containers, polymer compounding, and RFID asset management. Primarily focused on designing, engineering and injection molding of large plastic parts, Cascade Engineering is widely recognized for its business achievements and community involvement, and is one of the largest Certified B Corps in the world.
Fred believes that business has the unique opportunity to complement its efforts on financial performance with important work in the social and environmental arenas. He has emphasized the key role business can play in building financial, social and ecological capital, often through partnerships with government and community agencies. His innovative management approach and work in advancing sustainability are featured regularly in business and industry publications.
NEWS AND NOTES
START-UP SUCCESS EARLY BIRD PRICING UNTIL MAY 1
If you're ready to get your start-up idea or just need a little more help with the foundations of building a successful business we can help. Start-Up Success: Fundamentals is a 4-week intensive business start-up program focusing on building a values-based foundation for your business.
Students will learn key business skills, strategies, tools, and financial templates along with developing answers to the essential questions of how to develop a values-based business. Join a community of fellow budding entrepreneurs, small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and business-oriented students in the journey of building a proven framework by learning, collaborating, connecting, and, ultimately, succeeding. Students will have the opportunity to pitch their business at Silicon Couloir’s Chance Meetings to an audience of entrepreneurs, local leaders, and investors.
Early bird pricing: register and pay half by May 1 for $100 off tuition.
PROFIT, PEOPLE, PLANET: SILICON COULOIR & POWWATER
This inspiring video demonstrates the powerful & productive partnership between Silicon Couloir and Powwater and the shared values of Profit, People, Planet. We're proud to be Empowering Entrepreneurship in the Tetons. Learn more about Powwater here: powwater.com
VISIONARY VENTURES: TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE & OUR FUTURE
What is triple bottom line and why is it one of Silicon Couloir's guiding principles? This month's Visionary Ventures column in the Jackson Hole News & Guide provides answers and insights.
PATCHING THE PLANET: NOSO BUILDS MOMENTUM
Kelli jones of Noso Patches is saving resources while bringing pizzaz and new life to torn nylon gear (think your favorite down jacket). To learn more about her story and how Silicon Couloir is helping support Noso's journey read our Q&A with the queen of patches. We're proud to be empowering entrepreneurship in the Tetons.
Profit, People Planet: Noso Patches
22 in 21 Announced for May 12: Registration Open
What: 22 in 21: Tourism 2021: Undertourism. Overtourism. Ideal Tourism. What Is It and How Do We Know?
Date: Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 noon
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Cost: Free, but donations of any size are welcome and suggested
Sign-Up: Registration is required @ 22in21.com/signup
What might 2021's tourist season hold? This is the focus of Tourism 2021: Undertourism. Overtourism. Ideal Tourism. What Is It and How Do We Know?
The session will combine a series of speaker panels and breakout rooms to explore the session’s four fundamental questions:
How much tourism is too little?
How much tourism is too much?
How much tourism is just right?
How do we know?
The goal of Tourism 2021 is to start a community dialogue on these questions, a dialogue that will be continued at future conferences.
While this is a Zoom conference, registration will be limited to allow for optimal use of virtual chatrooms.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SILICON COULOIR
HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?
As always, please feel free to send news of your company's press, events, successes, and milestones to Gary@siliconcouloir.com and we'll do our best to feature them in our newsletters!
ARE YOU A COMMUNITY CARETAKER?
Silicon Couloir strengthens our Teton regional community by empowering the entrepreneurial ecosystem. More than just business development, we believe in enriching our community character and enhancing our mountain town culture. Help us support business pioneers in the Tetons by becoming a community caretaker!
To offer your time or talent, please email us at Gary@siliconcouloir.com.