The North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce stands in solidarity with the Black community in the fight against systemic racism and injustice‐‐‐we hear you, and we support you.
We support Black Lives Matter’s mission to eradicate white supremacy and violence inflicted on Black communities and will continue this support as more visible protests may lessen. Those in power must not question and roundly reject discrimination, coercion, and disparity. These pervasive issues are deep‐seated.
The Green Chamber is very concerned about the racial divide and inequities in our nation. We are heartened by the dialogue and local voices uniting against racism, making it unequivocally clear that Black Lives Matter. We have a lot of work to do, as an organization and as a public.
The North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce brings together business, environmental and community leaders, as well as trusted influencers in North Florida, who value social an environmental justice as key parts of the triple bottom line. Collectively we seek to convene wide‐ranging perspectives for meaningful conversations, celebrate diversity and, most importantly, to take critical actions to create equity.
We strive to be an example, to demonstrate our intention to stand against racism and systems of oppression. Here in North Florida, we will use our voice to help build a society that is stronger, more equitable, tolerant, and resilient.
Our pledge is to first listen and understand, then move forward, boldly, to build a path to a better future together with the Black community. We will speak up and work to combat acts of violence and systemic racism.
Signed,
Christina Kelcourse, Executive Director and Mary Tappouni, Board Chair
Ford revs up 2050 carbon neutrality target
Ford has become the first maintream US carmaker to vow to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The US automaker unveiled its new ambition in its annual sustainability report, explaining that it would be focusing on slashing emissions from the vehicle use, supply base, and company facilities that comprise 95 per cent of its carbon emissions.
Ford, which has been collaborating with the state of California to deliver stronger vehicle greenhouse gas standards, confirmed that in support of the new long-term net zero emissions target it would implement science-based targets for its Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions, including interim targets.
Bob Holycross, vice president, chief sustainability environment and safety officer, said: “We can develop and make great vehicles, sustain and grow a strong business and protect our planet at the same time – in fact, those ideals complement each other. We don’t have all the answers yet but are determined to work with all of our global and local partners and stakeholders to get there.”
‘Go for it’: Climate advisors urge government to deliver green recovery blitz
The UK government must immediately embark on a major green investment drive to upgrade homes and buildings, plant trees and restore peatland, upskill the workforce, and roll out low carbon transport infrastructure if it is to deliver a resilient recovery from Covid-19 and lay the foundations for a net zero economy, the UK’s top climate advisors have today warned Ministers.
In a “bumper” edition of its annual assessment of progress towards the UK’s decarbonisation targets, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) called on the government to move without delay in supporting a raft of ‘no-regrets’, shovel-ready, and labour-intensive net zero projects that could help get the economy motoring again after the devastation wrought by the coronavirus pandemic.
The 196-page report lays out “strong evidence” that ‘green stimulus’ measures – which have garnered widespread support from businesses, NGOs, academics, and civil society over the past two months – would support both the UK’s short and long term economic needs, in addition to furthering climate goals.
Workforce strategy in the time of coronavirus: The role of ESG
As unemployment soars during the coronavirus pandemic, a key challenge for business is how to ensure a strong workforce pipeline for when the crisis recedes.
Companies with satisfied staff and high attractiveness to prospective hires will have an advantage when the competition for talent heats up. New research from Marsh & McLennan suggests these firms are likely to demonstrate strong performance on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors.
In recent years, ESG investing has gone from niche to mainstream, but it has not stopped there. The value of ESG data is increasingly recognized by a range of stakeholders.
For example, rating agencies are incorporating ESG into their assessments of creditworthiness and racing to provide ESG scores alongside their credit ratings; financial regulators and policymakers are incorporating ESG into supervisory frameworks and reporting requirements; and clients are considering ESG when making procurement decisions.
What’s more, consumers are placing a growing emphasis on companies’ ESG performance, with nearly two-thirds of customers around the world choosing or avoiding brands based on their stance on social or political issues.
The North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director Christina Kelcourse were featured in an article on sustainability in this month’s Florida Trend written by Laura Hampton.
Kelcourse mentioned the Buyer’s Club, a program that maked it easier for businesses to shop for sustainable products. The Buyers Club includes 30 to 40 eco-friendly products available to chamber members.
She said she’s glad the chamber could “keep it local” by using a Florida distributor because it adds an extra layer of local to a concept that was born in North Florida. Now, Kelcourse is working with the U.S. Green Chamber to roll the program out to other cities.
READ THE ARTICLE
North Florida Green Chamber Executive Director Christina Kelcourse will be one of the featured speakers on Friday, June 26 at 2 p.m. during the “Chambers for Sustainability” Webinar by U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce (USGCC).
Multiple Chambers of Commerce from around the nation will discuss and introduce their sustainability programs that have benefited their chambers and their business members.
Throughout the meeting, chamber speakers will have the opportunity to share their chamber’s latest achievements, as well as offer any advice for chambers who may want to become more sustainable.
This webinar is free and open to chambers of commerce, their members, and the general public. USGCC is excited to welcome the chamber speakers and all other participants! We are one step closer to achieving this green revolution.
This webinar will be an online event, via zoom. Participants will register now, so that they can recieve an email with the zoom link one day prior to the event, and once again on the same day of the event.
REGISTER
The North Florida Green Chamber of Commerce (NFGCC) has announced its latest member benefit – the Buyer’s Club – in partnership with Florida-based Auburn Supply Group.
Join us online Tuesday, July 14 @ 2 p.m. for a tutorial on how-to-use the Buyer’s Club. There is no charge, but registration is required.
REGISTER
The new cause-focused discount Buyer’s Club brings together NFGCC members and Auburn Supply Group, in a powerful partnership while being socially responsible and protecting the environment.
Auburn Supply Group designed a member catalog and created an online tutorial to show members how to easily register, login and use the Buyer’s Club.
“What I really love about the Buyer’s Club for our members is that it supports a movement that they care about. It just feels good to be part of something like this,” noted NFGCC Executive Director Christina Kelcourse. “The service allows us to provide deals and discounts for our members.”
Since 2008 Auburn Supply Group has been the destination for innovative, eco-friendly, and compostable supplies for beverage service, food service, events, festivals, take out, catering and other commercial facility operations.
In addition to promoting the economic success of NFGCC members by offering environmental, socially responsible, and sustainable products and services, the North Florida chapter has ongoing networking and educational events, job fairs, newsletter as well as sponsorship opportunities, discounts, and a mentoring program.
