Becky Kliss is virtually unstoppable. Her dedication to all things environmentally sustainable is becoming legendary, and in the week ahead she will be duly recognized for her seemingly Herculean mentality and efforts by the very organization she helped found seven years ago in 2010.
Kliss will be joyfully roasted by the Michigan’s Great Southwest Sustainable Business Forum on Wednesday when they host their first ever Great Green Gala at the Shadowland Ballroom at Silver Beach in St. Joseph.
The inaugural new event was created to fill the need for a premiere sustainability networking and awards function in Southwest Michigan, according to organizer Kris Martin. He calls the Great Green Gala an opportunity to spotlight local organizations and professionals that are driving positive outcomes for their environment, community and economy.
The highlight of the event will be the roast of the irrepressible Kliss the President of Green Connection, Inc. who founded the organization in 2010 and more recently launched a full scale circular economy boutique in downtown St. Joseph called Re*Imagine. The photo accompanying this story at Moody on the Market.com shows Kliss wielding the ceremonial scissors for her grand opening. She’s already expanding that enterprise with plans to move this winter to the building next door which she purchased last month. More on that in a separate story coming. Kliss has been a tireless advocate for sustainability in the region, and continues to be responsible for introducing the concept to countless local organizations and professionals.
The program will include dinner, drinks, door prizes, the Sustainable Business Awards and a performance by comedian and writer Dave Dyer of “The Bob and Tom Show.”
The Michigan’s Great Southwest Sustainable Business Forum educates, engages and empowers the community to more equally value environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic growth.
It was founded in 2010 primarily as a vehicle for educating the business community in sustainability matters. The organization’s mission is to be an information source and a force for merging environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic strength. The Forum accomplishes that through quarterly in-depth programs and monthly less formal “lunch and learn” sessions. They also sponsor a quarterly Green Drinks event.
Over the years they have grown to more than 100 members. Their 12 events per year have grown to include topics as diverse as water sustainability, community supported agriculture and green cleaning for commercial buildings. Our event attendees come from a diversity of geographic representation, mix of interests, and enthusiasm for sustainability efforts.
Earlier this year the organization merged with West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum to create the largest regional organization for sustainable business practitioners in the entire Midwest. The combined organization is headquartered in Grand Rapids and serves 220 member organizations in a 10-county area, with a unified mission of promoting business practices that demonstrate environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and social responsibility. Members enjoy reciprocal benefits between the two forum programs.
The group’s Leadership Committee is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization, and is currently chaired by Lyn Wolf, Project Manager for Lake Michigan College.
You can purchase tickets for the Great Green Gala coming Wednesday, November 8th by clicking the link below. The event is slated for 6pm to 9pm that evening at Shadowland, located at 333 Broad Street in St. Joseph.
Here’s the link for tickets: https://mgssbf.org/greatgreengala/
In addition to the Kliss roast, the Michigan’s Great Southwest Sustainable Business Forum will honor four local organizations.
The Sustainability Leadership Awards recognize organizations for meaningful and successful investments that helps our community to more equally value environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic growth.
- Indiana Michigan Power – AEP is being recognized for its new Watervliet solar power plant.
- Krasl Art Center piloted a recycling effort at its annual art fair.
- Lakeland Health completed a major efficiency investment.
- Village of Paw Paw is being honored for work to improve water quality in its community.
