Sierra Commons

On Thursday, at 6pm, Sierra Commons will host several nonprofit leaders as part of panel discussion on the environment, NPOs, and local business. Speakers will include Heidi Hall (SYRCL), Izzy Martin (The Sierra Fund), and Peter Van Zant (Sierra Watch).

Part of the discussion will naturally focus on environmental preservation, conservation, and restoration. The discussion will focus mainly, however, on issues common not just to environmental nonprofits, but also to nonprofits and businesses in general. Each of these organizations, after all, is adept at creating and mobilizing public interest, building coalitions, and campaigning to build advocacy and support. These are techniques that are essential not just to the success of nonprofits but to businesses as well. (more…)

The event will feature two speakers: Lynne Cody Lacroix, Recycling Technician, Nevada County Recycles and Tom Larsen of GreenSmart, Inc.  They will address the history of the “Keep the Sierra Green” (KSG) program, the economic and business advantages of the program, as well as marketing opportunities for KSG members. Those interested in the event can check out the flier. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to secretary@sigba.org.

The Fund Development Panel Discussion scheduled for tomorrow Thursday, March 4th at Sierra Commons has been canceled. The event is being rescheduled for a later date.

If you still need your Sierra Commons fix tomorrow, then we have several options for you. Immediately following the Economic Resource Council Annual Meeting and Breakfast , Robert Trent will be giving tours of the Sierra Commons facility to interested parties. This open house will take place from 9-10AM.

Additionally, if you want to join us for our weekly brown bag lunch in the luxurious conference room, please get your peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and locally grown organic carrot sticks ready. We’ll be introducing our new office manager, discussing how Sierra Commons can support local cottage industries and micro manufacturing, choosing our next non-profit to sponsor, and shooting the breeze. The brown bag lunch starts at noon. Brown bag not required.

With word getting around the Commons about SiGBA’s upcoming event, the usual Commons office banter turned green (greener than usual, anyway). With my own trip to Tesla’s San Carlos office/showroom, the discussion quickly evolved into a back and forth about current and future electric and zero emission vehicles.  The larger topic of sustainable living seems worthy of some consideration here.

It’s no secret that Nevada City has aspirations towards a completely sustainable lifestyle.  NC already has the highest ratio of solar panels per household in the state and many groups, including SiGBA, are leading a green building effort to renovate existing buildings and build new ones following green/sustainable guidelines.  (more…)

Sierra Commons will host a presentation by the Sierra Green Building Association (SiGBA) on green business and ecological and economic sustainability as part of the “Keep the Sierra Green” Business Program.

This program is an important part of the SiGBA mission to “educate and promote environmental building and business practices for a sustainable lifestyle in the Sierra Nevada communities.” Anyone interested in sustainability and either becoming or supporting a green business is welcome to attend. For info on SiGBA and how to sign up for the event, please visit the SiGBA website. More info will be posted here as the event nears.

The Sierra Business Council, as part of its Sierra Nevada Energy Watch program, will be offering a FREE three day workshop on energy auditing skills for individuals/businesses in small and medium-sized commercial facilities (under 500kW).  The workshop will be held in Auburn from April 14-16.

According to the SBC website and the Workshop flier, the focus of the workshop is to help identify retrofitting opportunities that would help reduce overall energy usage and increase efficiency.  For businesses and entrepreneurs, this would mean a long-term reduction of energy costs and well as a lower carbon footprint. (more…)

Looking for ways to get your business up and running?  Curious about available careers in the growing Green industry?  Need help with your business plan?  How about help with human resources?  Or tips on using social media to market your business?  The Economic Resource Council, or ERC, is an organization dedicated to assisting business retention, expansion, and creation in Nevada County.  Outlined below are some upcoming events listed on their Community Calendar.  These events should help anyone with their business endeavors and ongoing education and evolution as an successful entrepreneur. (more…)

SEDCorp, a private, non-profit regional economic development organization, is continuing to ramp up its business training.  For those of you who were interested in, but missed out on, February’s SEDCorp Business classes, have no fear.  Due to high demand, SEDCorp will be offering Coryon Redd’s Internet Marketing classes in March. Check out the dates they will be offered below, and head over to the Nevada County New Business Network for more info on the cost and how to sign up.
(more…)