Please see below for session titles, leads, and a brief summary of the content that will be presented at the symposium. Full descriptions will be provided to registrants in advance of the event.

Attendees will have two tracks with six sessions in total to choose from being led by content experts, leaders in their fields, and regional and national organizations, covering a range of topics that span technical engineering, innovative financing, and community-driven equity practices.

Tickets are available starting at $50 for virtual tickets, $60 for Young Professionals (under 35), $90 for non-profit & government employees, $125 for SBN & GSI Partners members, and $155 for General Admission. We invite you to join us and to get a glimpse of our agenda by exploring the sessions and tracks detailed below.

Schedule:

9:00-9:50 AM: Breakfast
Continental style options, coffee & tea (available all day)

10:00-10:10 AM: Opening Remarks

10:10-11:00 am: Opening Plenary
Beyond Traditional Procurement: The Community-Based Partnership Model for Equitable Green Stormwater Infrastructure at Scale

11:10-11:50 AM: Session #1

Track 1: Reframing Laurel Hill’s Legacy Landscape Through Regenerative, Climate-Resilient Green Burial Design
Track 2: Partnerships in Bloom: Financing a Resilient Community Reading Garden

12:00-12:50 PM: Lunch
Assorted sandwiches, salads, chips, desserts, and beverages

1:00-1:40 PM: Session #2

Track 1: Symbiotic Subsurface Bioretention: Integrating Structural Soil Cells and Modular Storage for Dual-Purpose Urban Greening
Track 2: Competency as Capacity: Developing the National Stormwater Workforce

1:50-2:30 PM: Session #3

Track 1: Right-of-Way Stormwater Projects in Tredyffrin Township
Track 2: Reclaiming Land, Growing Resilience: Overbrook Environmental Education Center’s Climate Adaptation Model

2:40-3:00 PM: Closing Remarks

3:00-4:00 PM: Closing Reception
Mini sandwiches, dips, and crudite, beer & wine, and non-alcoholic beverages

Please see below a list of the sessions and speakers that have been planned for this year’s symposium.

Opening Plenary: “Beyond Traditional Procurement: The Community-Based Partnership Model for Equitable Green Stormwater Infrastructure at Scale”

Speakers: Marco Finazzi, PE PMP, Program Director, CIS & Roland Jones, Market Director, CIS

Session Time: 10:10-11:00 AM

Description: Our symposium kicks off with an Opening Plenary that introduces the Community-Based Partnership (CBP), a transformative delivery model designed to scale green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) while addressing the convergence of climate change, aging infrastructure, and social inequities. Using the nation’s first CBP—the Clean Water Partnership (CWP) in Prince George’s County, MD—as a primary case study, presenters will demonstrate how this model overcomes traditional procurement barriers to accelerate urban greening and concentrate economic benefits locally. Since 2015, the CWP has successfully implemented $350 million in GSI through over 200 projects, significantly impacting the local economy: 79% of contracts were awarded to local, women, and minority-owned businesses (WMBE), and 52% of labor hours were performed by county residents, generating an estimated $655 million in local economic impact. Attendees will explore how this model, now expanded to regions including Seattle and Chicago, empowers communities to solve complex stormwater challenges while driving long-term workforce development and climate resilience.

About the Speakers

Marco Finazzi, PE, PMP
Program Director
CIS

Marco Finazzi is a Program Director at CIS, responsible for leading a Community-Based Partnership with the Stormwater Authority of Chester, Pennsylvania and supporting program operations nationwide. He brings over a decade of experience advancing water and wastewater infrastructure improvements, watershed planning, flood resilience initiatives, and stormwater management solutions across North America. A licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states and a certified Project Management Professional, Mr. Finazzi combines strong technical knowledge with strategic program leadership to support effective implementation and long term community outcomes. He holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Columbia University, and a Bachelor and Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from University of Brescia, Italy.

Roland Jones
Market Director
CIS

Roland Jones is the Market Director at CIS and serves as the Program Director for the Clean Water Partnership with Prince George’s County, Maryland, the first Community-Based Partnership in the nation. In this role, he oversees program delivery, stakeholder engagement, and coordination across multidisciplinary teams. Mr. Jones brings decades of leadership experience in public sector procurement, having served as Chief Procurement Officer for Prince George’s County, Director of Strategic Sourcing at the University of Maryland College Park, and Director of Procurement & Contract Management for the Maryland Department of Environment. Before entering the public sector, he built a strong professional foundation through roles at several Fortune 500 companies. A nationally recognized leader in supplier development and diversity, he is Chairperson Emeritus of the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council and remains active in community organizations. Mr. Jones holds a Master of Science in Procurement and Contract Management and a Bachelor of Arts in the Administration of Justice.

Track 1: Urban Greening Management: New Approaches, Stewardship, and Maintenance

Reframing Laurel Hill’s Legacy Landscape Through Regenerative, Climate-Resilient Green Burial Design

Speakers: Karen Steenhoudt, RLA, Lead Landscape Architect, Land+, LLC & Nancy Goldenberg, Hon. ASLA, President & CEO, Laurel Hill Cemeteries & Laurel Hill Funeral Home

Session Time: 11:10-11:50 AM

Description: Once a traditional 19th-century landmark, Philadelphia’s 287-acre Laurel Hill Cemetery is undergoing a profound paradigm shift toward eco-sensitive, regenerative burial practices. This session explores how the cemetery is transforming its historic manicured lawn-scape into a climate-resilient “living landscape” through the integration of native meadows, memorial tree groves, and repurposed urban wood. By prioritizing natural burial methods over high-carbon conventional practices and expanding pedestrian-focused infrastructure, Laurel Hill has evolved into a vital community sanctuary and an educator in land stewardship. Attendees will discover how these sustainable transformations foster deeper connections between people and nature, creating a social and ecological asset that ensures the cemetery’s relevance for generations to come.

About the Speakers

Karen Steenhoudt, RLA
Lead Landscape Architect
Land+, LLC

Karen Steenhoudt, RLA, is a registered landscape architect and Principal at Land+ LLC, where her work focuses on ecological design for public spaces. Her portfolio spans public gardens, cemeteries, and zoological landscapes, with an emphasis on habitat restoration, climate resilience, and long-term stewardship of cultural landscapes. Karen serves as a board member and volunteer at the Delaware Botanic Gardens, where she contributed to the Inland Dunes Habitat Garden and the Living Shoreline Project, an award-winning initiative that integrates native ecology, green infrastructure, and public engagement. She is licensed in Delaware and Pennsylvania and holds master’s degrees in Bioscience Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Landscape Architecture.

Nancy Goldenberg, Hon. ASLA
President & CEO
Laurel Hill Cemeteries & Laurel Hill Funeral Home

Nancy Goldenberg is the President & CEO of Laurel Hill Cemeteries & Laurel Hill Funeral Home, responsible for ensuring that the historic properties remain premier cultural and educational destinations and national leaders in the evolving death care industry.

Prior to joining Laurel Hill, Nancy served for 20 years in multiple executive positions at the Center City District, Philadelphia’s premier downtown business improvement district, planning and managing many high-profile public space capital improvement projects, including the renovation of the Rail Park, Sister Cities Park, Collins Park and Dilworth Park.  She also served as Chief of Staff for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Program Manager for Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park Commission, and Assistant Township Manager for Lower Merion Township, PA.

A native of Cincinnati, Nancy has a B.A. from George Washington University and Master’s Degree in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a board member of the Pennsylvania Cemeteries Cremation and Funeral Association, the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, and serves on the Cemeteries Committee of World Urban Parks, an international organization working to improve urban open spaces world-wide. Nancy is also a member of Greater Philadelphia Gardens and co-chairs PA Gardens, a statewide network of public horticulture entities that amplifies the collective voice and impact of Pennsylvania’s public horticulture organizations.  She is an emeritus board member of the Fairmount Park Conservancy and previously chaired the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commission, the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, and co-chaired the City Parks Alliance. Nancy is most proud of being a founder of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School and an Honorary Member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, a lifetime achievement and among the highest honors that organization confers.

Symbiotic Subsurface Bioretention: Integrating Structural Soil Cells and Modular Storage for Dual-Purpose Urban Greening

Speaker: Steve Shiffer, PE, Engineered Solutions Specialist, Ferguson Waterworks & Rob Woodman, PE, NGICP, CPESC, LEED Green Associate, Director, Engineering & Green Stormwater Infrastructure, Ferguson Waterworks

Session Time: 1:00-1:40 PM

Description: This session introduces a cutting-edge conceptual model for urban greening that integrates structural soil cell technology with high-capacity modular stormwater storage to achieve dual-benefit climate resilience. By moving beyond siloed subsurface designs, this symbiotic approach creates un-compacted root zones that are passively irrigated by captured runoff, simultaneously supporting robust canopy growth and large-volume stormwater retention. Attendees will explore the engineering and environmental potential of combining systems—such as R-Tank Modular Units and UrbanForest soil cells—to maximize space efficiency beneath urban hardscapes while enhancing GSI performance through decentralized infiltration and peak flow reduction. Designed for civil engineers, landscape architects, and urban foresters, this presentation demonstrates how to unlock the full potential of nature-based solutions to deliver healthier, longer-living tree canopies and superior water management in dense, space-constrained environments.

About the Speakers

Steve Shiffer, PE
Engineered Solutions Specialist
Ferguson Waterworks

Mr. Shiffer brings over 12 years of experience in site civil development and green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) projects across both the private and public sectors in the greater Philadelphia region. His previous work involved designing and managing GSI projects as a consultant for the Philadelphia Water Department, one of the nation’s leading GSI programs, where he gained extensive expertise in innovative stormwater solutions. In his current role as an Engineered Solutions Specialist, Mr. Shiffer collaborates with engineers and designers throughout the greater Philadelphia area and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to develop high-performing, sustainable stormwater solutions. He is committed to advancing green infiltration practices where appropriate, supporting the broader goal of achieving environmental, social, and economic benefits through resilient water management strategies.

Rob Woodman, PE, NGICP, CPESC, LEED Green Associate
Director, Engineering & Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Ferguson Waterworks

Mr. Woodman has more than 19 years of experience on a wide variety of engineering and site\civil development projects for private and public sector clients. In his current role as Director of Engineering & Green Stormwater Infrastructure at Ferguson Enterprises, Mr. Woodman strategically leads the business development and technical engineering and design support effort for the company throughout the US with regard to the implementation of innovative, sustainable and high performance stormwater management technologies for clients in the public, private and non-profit sectors from concept design through to value-engineering solutions. Mr. Woodman supports engineers and landscape architects across the country on a variety of challenging stormwater sites.

Right-of-Way Stormwater Projects in Tredyffrin Township

Speaker: Daniel Wible, Water Resources Engineer, Jacobs; Stephen Burgo,

Session Time: 1:50-2:30 PM

Description: This session explores Tredyffrin Township’s proactive, twenty-year journey in implementing green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) within the public right-of-way to address the dual challenges of aging infrastructure and intensifying rainfall. Guided by a comprehensive four-pronged strategy—improving water quality, reducing flooding, protecting infrastructure, and ensuring regulatory compliance—the presentation details the lifecycle of three recent residential projects, from grant acquisition and concept development to construction and monitoring. Attendees will learn how the Township leverages community input via its Citizens Advisory Task Force to transform flood-prone streets into climate-resilient landscapes that protect local watersheds. By sharing critical lessons learned and scalable design approaches, this session provides a practical framework for municipalities aiming to integrate high-performance GSI into established suburban environments.

About the Speakers

Daniel Wilbe
Water Resources Engineer
Jacobs

Daniel has over 25 years of experience in the advancement and design of innovative stormwater Best Management Practices and Green Stormwater Infrastructure. He has contributed to numerous stormwater projects for local municipalities and cities such as Tredyffrin Township, Radnor Township, Philadelphia, Chester, West Chester, Lancaster, and Harrisburg, as well as other cities such as Pittsburgh, New York, Newark, Boston, Syracuse, Atlanta, and San Diego. He has served as a senior technical consultant on several large-scale Green Stormwater Infrastructure implementation programs, most notably Onondaga County, NY’s Save the Rain Program and the City of Lancaster, PA’s green infrastructure program, and has contributed to various stormwater management manuals, guidance documents, and industry publications.

Stephen Burgo
Township Engineer
Tredyffrin Township

Biography coming soon!

Track 2: Funding & Financing Funding and Financing Opportunities for Community Greening & Water Infrastructure

Partnerships in Bloom: Financing a Resilient Community Reading Garden

Speakers: Le Xu, Innovation Director, SALT Design Studio; Sara Pevaroff Schuh, Principal, SALT Design Studio; Kimberly Leichtner & Stephanie Tomei, Co-Chairs, Penn Wynne Library Community Reading Garden; Kate Cronin, Owner, Oakleaf Ecological

Session Time: 11:10 AM-11:50 AM

Description: This session highlights the Penn Wynne Library Reading Garden as a powerful, replicable model for how neighborhood-led mobilization can transform underutilized land into high-impact social and ecological assets. Attendees will explore how a small group of volunteers leveraged strategic storytelling, inclusive design, and multi-stakeholder partnerships to raise over $400,000 for a resilient, community-focused sanctuary. By prioritizing transparency and diverse engagement—ranging from online surveys to localized storytelling—the project successfully integrated native greening and climate resilience into a beloved neighborhood hub. The presentation will share scalable fundraising strategies and leadership approaches that empower communities to navigate common hurdles and turn modest urban sites into meaningful public spaces that foster long-term stewardship and environmental health.

About the Speakers

Sara Pevaroff Schuh
Founder & Principal
Meliora Design

Sara Pevaroff Schuh is founder of SALT Design Studio, an award-winning, woman-owned landscape architecture practice focused on connecting people to place through design, tapping into community engagement as a catalyst for action. Applying sustainable strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and leveraging the landscape as a teaching tool is a hallmark of Sara’s practice. She has 30 years of experience with master planning and design for public parks, secondary schools, college campuses, streetscapes, and urban centers across the country. As a recognized expert in the field, her work has garnered awards and been exhibited as models for social impact and ecological design. Sara lectures frequently on urban design, professional practice and community engagement to school groups and non-profit organizations, and serves on design juries. She holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Political Communication from The University of Texas.

Le Xu
Innovation Director
SALT Design Studio

Le (Cindy) Xu, PLA is a licensed landscape architect and Innovation Director at SALT Design Studio. With a background spanning landscape architecture, planning, environmental design, and product design, she brings an international, interdisciplinary lens to creating landscapes that are visually compelling, functional, and equitable. Her portfolio ranges from schoolyards and cultural landmarks to national park master plans, corporate campuses, public art spaces, and higher education landscapes, with several projects recognized through LEED certifications. Beyond professional practice, Le frequently serves on design juries and participates in workshops at the University of Pennsylvania, and this year, is an invited juror for the 2025 Arizona ASLA Awards and 2026 Connecticut ASLA Awards. She is also deeply engaged in community work, volunteering as a translator and facilitator for engagement efforts in Philadelphia’s Chinatown. Le holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts from Tongji University.

Kimberly Leichtner
Program Manager
The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

Kim Leichtner’s professional experiences are in nonprofit management and leadership development. She’s a Program Manager with the Lipman Family Prize at the University of Pennsylvania, managing the relationships between global prize-winning nonprofit organizations and the university. As a trained facilitator, she moderates civic dialogues with undergraduate students from across Pennsylvania and adults through Keystone Civic Ventures. She’s also been a High Performing Team Facilitator for Wharton undergraduates, observing and coaching them on effective teamwork.

Kim enjoys volunteering in her community and served on the board of the Penn Wynne Library Association from 2018-2024. She joined the board as a co-treasurer and stepped up to be co-president during the COVID-19 pandemic to help the board meet its essential fundraising goals. She currently co-chairs the PWLA Community Reading Garden project. Kim holds a BA from Harvard College and a MPA from Penn’s Fels Institute of Government.

Stephanie Tomei
Public Relations/Communications Consultant
Former President and Board Member of the Penn Wynne Library Association; Co-Chair of the Community Reading Garden Committee

Stephanie has spent her professional career leading PR and communications efforts in both agency and corporate settings in the healthcare field. She currently works as a PR consultant supporting medical start-ups and societies. Outside of work, Stephanie is a passionate community volunteer and provides pro-bono PR support for local non-profit organizations. She served six years on the Board of the Penn Wynne Library Association (PWLA) in the roles of co-president, secretary and as the PWLA representative on the Lower Merion Library System Board of Directors. She served on the Boards of the Penn Wynne Civic Association and local Home and School Associations. She currently serves on the InterSchool Council and Co-Chairs the PWLA Community Reading Garden project. Stephanie has degrees in Public Relations & International Studies from the Pennsylvania State University, as well as a Spanish minor studying at the University of Salamanca.

Kate Cronin
Owner
Oakleaf Environmental

Kate Cronin is the owner of Oakleaf Ecological, where she blends stewardship with the creation of beautiful, dynamic spaces. Her work has been featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer for utilizing native garden design in small settings. Kate previously worked at Riverbend Environmental Education Center and Wissahickon Charter School, where she and her students cultivated a school garden. Kate serves on the Penn Wynne Library Association Board as co-chair for development of the Community Reading Garden. Kate holds a BA from Drexel University.

Competency as Capacity: Developing the National Stormwater Workforce

Speakers: Kaitie Evers, Stormwater and Watershed Training Coordinator, Center for Watershed Protection; Ian Ross, Industry Training-Programming, PowerCorps PHL

Session Time: 1:00-1:40 PM

Description: As urban areas accelerate the installation of green and gray infrastructure, a critical workforce gap has emerged in the capacity to operate and maintain these essential systems. This session explores how the Clean Water Certificate (CWC)—a nationally accredited, entry-level training program—addresses this challenge through strategic partnerships between municipal agencies, workforce organizations, and community-based instructors. Drawing on insights from a January 2026 literature review of national stormwater workforce trends, the presentation highlights competency-based training methods that reduce employment barriers and foster learner confidence through multi-modal instruction. Attendees will examine the operational requirements of maintaining an accredited program—balancing technical rigor with local relevance—and gain a roadmap for strengthening the workforce pipeline through regional modules and job task analysis.

About the Speakers

Kaitie Evers
Stormwater and Watershed Training Coordinator
Center for Watershed Protection

Kaitie Evers is a Stormwater and Watershed Training Coordinator with the Center for Watershed Protection, where she manages and delivers the nationally recognized Clean Water Certificate (CWC) program. Her work focuses on building workforce capacity in the stormwater and green infrastructure sector through professional training, instructor development, and strategic partnerships with municipalities, nonprofits, and industry leaders. Kaitie specializes in translating complex watershed science into practical, field-based learning experiences that support resilient communities and healthier waterways. She holds a B.S. in Plant Science from the University of Delaware and is passionate about environmental education, collaborative problem solving, and advancing sustainable stormwater management practices.

Ian Ross
Industry Training-Programming
PowerCorpsPHL

Ian Ross is the Industry Academy Team Lead at PowerCorpsPHL, where he has worked for 3.5 years. He oversees PCPHL’s workforce and technical trainings for the ‘Water Infrastructure and Land Management’ crews and Skilled Trades Academy.’ Ian also manages work order contracts with partners including the Philadelphia Water Department. Ian taught high school science for 5 years in Philadelphia and is currently studying for his arborist certification.

Reclaiming Land, Growing Resilience: Overbrook Environmental Education Center’s Climate Adaptation Model

Speakers: Michael Busch, Water Resources Engineer, Meliora Design; Jerome Shabazz, Executive Director & Founder, JASTECH Development Services, Inc; Tavis Dockwiller, Principal, Viridian Landscape Studio

Session Time: 1:50-2:30 PM

Description: This session explores the twenty-year transformation of West Philadelphia’s Overbrook Environmental Education Center (OEEC) from a derelict brownfield into a thriving model of community-led ecological restoration. Participants will examine OEEC’s sustained leadership in remediating environmental hazards, highlighted by two landmark initiatives: the recently completed Resilience Hub, which provides climate-adaptive shade and emergency solar power, and the Farmacy/NatureWorks Campus, a multifunctional green space currently breaking ground in 2026. By converting impervious auto yards into healing gardens, nature trails, and educational facilities, these projects demonstrate how strategic urban greening can strengthen neighborhood resilience and provide equitable access to nature-based solutions. Attendees will gain insights into how grassroots stewardship can effectively address public health and climate challenges in historically underserved urban corridors.

About the Speakers

Jerome Shabazz
Founder & Executive Director
JASTECH Development Services, Inc.

Jerome Shabazz is the founder and Executive Director of JASTECH Development Services, Inc., a notfor-profit organization developed in 1997, to promote environmental justice; encourage sustainable community development; and to promote public health in urban communities. In 2002, JASTECH established the Overbrook Environmental Education Center a community-based center dedicated to preserving the built and natural environments of Philadelphia.

Prior to working in the non-profit sector, Mr. Shabazz worked for 25 years at the Philadelphia Water Department and Philadelphia Gas Work in operations, engineering, and training. Mr. Shabazz is also an adjunct professor at Community College of Philadelphia. He is an active member of the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s – Citizen Advisory Council, Environmental Justice Advisory Board, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Board of Directors, and the EPA’s National Environmental Justice Advisory Council.

Michael Busch
Water Resources Engineer
Meliora Design

Michael Busch is a Water Resources Engineer with expertise in applying various hydraulic and hydrologic models to inform green infrastructure and flood reduction planning efforts and design projects. He has designed several large-scale flood reduction and green infrastructure projects that also provide ecological and community benefits.

Tavis Dockwiller
Principal
Viridian Landscape Studio®

Tavis Dockwiller, Principal, is the guiding influence for Viridian Landscape Studio®. Viridian heals ecological systems while making beautiful places for people. Tavis recognizes place-making as integral to the basic framework of society and understanding ecological systems as key to making place. Her work is built from an understanding of long-term strategy and strengthened by client investment in design. Tavis’ designs give people meaningful ways to engage with the environment – to play, learn and relax.

Closing Remarks

Closing Speaker to be announced soon.

Thank you to our Sponsors & Funders!

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Special thank you to this year’s funders! Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation. Additional support provided by the Essential Foundation and The Foundation for Pennsylvania’s Watersheds.

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) is proud to announce the appointment of Zoraida Cordero (she/her) as our new Executive Director.

Zoraida brings a dynamic blend of experience, energy, and purpose-driven leadership that will guide SBN into its next chapter of growth and impact. A U.S. Army veteran, civic educator, and macro social worker, she has built a career rooted in equity, sustainability, and community empowerment across the government, nonprofit, and private sectors.

Her commitment to environmental justice was evident during her tenure at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where she advanced environmental equity through strategic partnerships and community engagement. More recently, Zoraida helped transform neighborhood spaces into hubs of opportunity through her work with Safe-Hub Philadelphia, expanding youth development and programming in underserved communities.

Zoraida holds a Master of Social Work from Temple University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Muhlenberg College. She teaches Civic Engagement at Drexel University and serves on the Montgomery County Commission for Women, further demonstrating her dedication to inclusive leadership and civic responsibility.

Throughout the search process, SBN’s Board of Directors was deeply impressed by Zoraida’s strategic insight, thoughtful leadership style, and clear alignment with SBN’s mission. She is eager to connect with our members, partners, and broader community, and to lead SBN with vision, integrity, and heart.

Cordero’s tenure as Executive Director began Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

About the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia

The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) is building a just, green, and thriving economy in the region. We empower the local business community to be change agents in the movement towards equity and climate resilience, and we advocate with them and on their behalf so an equitable and climate-resilient local economy grows and thrives.  

Since our founding in 2001, SBN has remained the region’s only membership and advocacy organization playing the critical role of serving Greater Philadelphia’s independent values-driven business community. 

www.sbnphiladelphia.org

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The post SBN Announces New Executive Director, Zoraida Cordero appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

PHILADELPHIA, PA July 30, 2025 — The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) is pleased to announce the launch of its 2024-2025 as a part of the Philly Tree Plan, which supports tree canopy expansion in Philadelphia. This year, SBN launched its Food Saver Inventory Wind-Down Challenge in partnership with Saxbys. In total, 28 cafes participated in the challenge with 10 cafes in the Greater Philadelphia Area.

Saxbys is “for students, by students,” meaning that locations are run and operated by student CEOS on college campuses throughout the country. During the end of every semester, Saxbys sees a decrease in consumers. This year’s challenge focused on the collective goal to maintain product availability while cutting down on food waste during the final weeks of the semester.

With invaluable support from the Natural Resources Defense Council’s (NRDC) Food Matters Initiative, SBN coordinated with Saxbys in order to shift production patterns, redistribute food products, and reduce waste through composting. The Student CEOs, tasked with implementing the challenge, each found unique ways to cut down on food waste.

This initiative was driven by the staggering reality that up to 40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted, with Philadelphia alone contributing up to 25% of its waste stream to this figure. On a global scale, food waste accounts for over 8% of greenhouse gas emissions and is responsible for 58% of landfill methane emissions.

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, approximately 250,000 residents lack access to nutritious food, further highlighting the importance of this challenge. The report celebrates the success of the Food Saver Challenge, a pioneering effort by SBN to address food waste. The collaborative efforts of our partnership with Saxbys has resulted in meaningful strides towards diverting waste from entering landfills, promoting sustainability, and engaging our community in the fight against food waste and food insecurity.

Saxbys is an education company disguised as a coffee company: a one-of-a-kind hospitality platform delivering coveted, career-launching outcomes for students and higher education partners. In 2015, Saxbys pioneered The Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform (The Saxbys E.L.P.), a network of cafes entirely designed for and run by college students. The Saxbys E.L.P. emboldens the next generation of changemakers by providing undergraduates with entrepreneurial opportunities, complementing classroom learning with tangible real-world experience. Founded in 2005 by Nick Bayer and headquartered in Philadelphia, Saxbys operates 30 cafes across nine states; 26 of which are part of The Saxbys E.L.P. network, and include Boston University, Georgia State University, Drexel University, Bowie State University, and an array of other incredible partners.

Find the Saxbys location nearest you at hellosaxbys.com or follow @saxbys on Instagram.You can also stay updated on SBN’s food waste reduction efforts by joining the organization, subscribing to its newsletter, and following it on social media @sbngreaterphiladelphia.

The post SBN Releases 2024-2025 Saxbys Food Saver Challenge Report appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

From groundbreaking stormwater management solutions to vibrant urban green spaces, the event highlighted the power of nature-based solutions in creating more resilient and livable communities. Attendees had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge projects, engage with industry experts, and celebrate the remarkable achievements of individuals and organizations leading the way in GSI.

Our expert panel of judges included Amy Cornelius (Greenbeams), Skelly Holmbeck (Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin), Marc Camarata (Philadelphia Water Department), Sara Pevaroff Schuh (SALT Design Studio), and Juan Pablo Vicuna-Reyes (Stantec). The jury reviewed and shared insights on each project and selected awardees in the Private, Public, and Innovation categories. Attendees also had the opportunity to vote live for the Audience Choice Award.

Congratulations to our award winners: 

Michael Busch, Meliora Design, Public Projects Award Winner

Erin Landis, Wissahickon Trails, Private Projects Award Winner

Lyndon DeSalvo, The Nature Conservancy, Innovation Award Winner

Michael Busch, Meliora Design, Audience Choice Award Winner

Thank you to all our sponsors, including Title Sponsor Aqua, An Essential Utilities Company, Villanova University Center for Resilient Water Systems, and Convening Grant funder The Foundation for Pennsylvania’s Watersheds, and our presenters, jury, and attendees for making this event a resounding success!

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors!

Thank You to the Annual Sponsors of SBN’s GSI Partners!

The post 2025 GSI Projects & Innovation Showcase Recap appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

Please see below a list of the presenters that will be speaking at this year’s Showcase awards event, as well as the Jury Members judging these presentations.

See the agenda for Thursday evening’s program here:

4:30 PM – Registration Opens
Food & Open Bar Available

5:00 PM – Welcome Remarks
Devi Ramkissoon, SBN
Mark McCoy, Aqua

5:10 PM – Presentations Begin

6:00 PM – Jury Deliberation; Audience Choice Voting Opens

6:15 PM – Award Winners Announced

Networking Happy Hour

7:00 PM – Event Concludes

Photo credit: Wissahickon Trails

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors!

Thank You to the Annual Sponsors of SBN’s GSI Partners!

The post 2025 GSI Projects & Innovation Showcase Program appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

In 2024, SBN deepened its commitment to building a just, green, and thriving regional economy. From launching new programs like our Business Clinics and Board-led Business Circle Cohort to celebrating our inaugural Food Saver Challenge winner, Crust Vegan Bakery, we provided critical resources and strengthened our business community.

Our advocacy efforts pushed for clean energy priorities and the reintroduction of the Sustainable Business Tax Credit, while our Achieving Climate Resilience through Water Symposium and new Urban Forestry Initiative underscored our leadership in environmental resilience.

Explore the full scope of our impact and see how we’re shaping a more sustainable future.

The post SBN Releases 2024 Impact Report: Sustaining Businesses, Empowering People appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

If you missed the webinar or want to revisit the content, you can watch the full recording here or review the slide deck here.

Election Outcomes and Policy Highlights

The 2024 elections led to significant political shifts, including unified Republican control of Congress. The Trump Administration’s agenda includes a blend of deregulatory measures and a re-evaluation of climate and energy policies, including:

• Energy and Climate Policies: Plans to scale back on clean energy investments and emissions standards while boosting traditional energy sources like oil, gas, and coal.
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): Efforts to weaken provisions of the IRA supporting renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.
• Tax Policy: The continuation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), with a focus on permanent corporate tax cuts and modifications to research and development (R&D) expenses.
• Trade and Supply Chains: Increased tariffs on imports, potentially impacting supply chain costs and accessibility.

What This Means for Businesses

Small and independent businesses, especially those committed to sustainability like SBN’s members, should anticipate changes that might impact their operations. While deregulation may lower compliance costs, cuts to clean energy funding and changes to tax credits could hinder growth opportunities for values-driven businesses.

Tips for Businesses to Adapt and Thrive

• Build Relationships with Legislators
  Advocacy will be critical in this political climate. Engage with policymakers to communicate your business needs and concerns. Organizations like SBN can help to amplify your voice and connect you with decision-makers.

• Assess Your Energy Strategies
  With potential reductions in renewable energy incentives, consider diversifying your energy portfolio or investing in efficiency measures to mitigate rising costs.

• Plan for Tax Changes
  Stay updated on potential changes to the TCJA and related tax policies. Work with your financial advisors or accountants to leverage existing credits and prepare for future shifts.

• Focus on Supply Chain Resilience
  Tariffs and onshoring policies may disrupt supply chains. Explore domestic, local sourcing options and invest in technologies to enhance logistics efficiency.

• Leverage Community and Resources
  Join networks like SBN to access educational resources, peer support, and advocacy tools tailored for values-driven businesses navigating this transition.

Looking Ahead

The Trump Administration’s anticipated policies offer opportunities for businesses to adapt and stay nimble in this changing landscape. During the session, Jason High drove home an important point: “Building relationships with legislators and engaging through networks are essential steps to ensure your business thrives in the new landscape.”

At SBN, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and continue building a just, green, and thriving economy. Whether you’re looking for resources, connections, or advocacy support, we’ve got you covered. Visit us at sbnphiladelphia.org or reach out to us directly at info@sbnphiladelphia.org to learn more about how we can support your business in 2025 and beyond.

This SBN program is a part of Every Voice, Every Vote, a collaborative project managed by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Lead support for Every Voice, Every Vote in 2024 and 2025 is provided by the William Penn Foundation with additional funding from The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, Comcast NBC Universal, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Henry L. Kimelman Family Foundation, Judy and Peter Leone, Arctos Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, 25th Century Foundation, and Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation. To learn more about the project and view a full list of supporters, visit www.everyvoice-everyvote.org. Editorial content is created independently of the project’s donors.

The post Navigating the Post-Election Landscape: Key Takeaways for Businesses appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

“It is time to bring back the City of Philadelphia’s Sustainable Business Tax Credit, which rewards business that do well by doing good,” said Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District), Chair of the Committee on the Environment. “Sustainable businesses have our community’s back, the City should have theirs.”

The SBTC was originally introduced in 2009 and expired in 2023. By restoring the SBTC, Councilmember Gauthier will uplift local businesses that are building an economic ecosystem that centers on localism, serving community needs, sharing wealth, and protecting the environment.

Devi Ramkissoon, Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) said, “SBN applauds Councilmember Gauthier’s re-introduction of the Sustainable Business Tax Credit. This long overdue and vital legislation will allow businesses in the City to achieve sustainability goals that are in line with the Mayor’s Clean and Green initiatives and advance Philadelphia’s reputation as one of the most sustainable and business-friendly cities in the country. This updated legislation will benefit more businesses in an even more equitable way than the first iteration of the SBTC.”

Councilmember Gauthier’s bill would also make the following changes to the SBTC:

• Removes the sunset date, making it a permanent resource for local sustainable businesses.
• Increases the maximum tax credit from $4,000 to $8,000 annually.
• Removes the cap on the number of participating businesses.
• Streamlines the certification process to make it more accessible and efficient for the City and applicants.

Jenn Richey Nicholas, CEO of Pixel Parlor, a women-owned B Corp, said, “The Sustainable Business Tax Credit proves to purpose driven business owners that the city is invested in a sustainable economy and future for its citizens. It makes business owners feel seen and gives them a bit of a boost to keep putting in the hard work.”

Nothing is more make-or-break for our city’s future than preparing for climate change. To do this successfully, the City must incentivize the private sector to be part of the climate solution.

To earn the SBTC, businesses must be a certified “B Corp” or meet the Office of Sustainability’s definition of a “Sustainable Business”. Previous sustainability criteria can be found here.

SBN champions the SBTC. As the then-leader of SBN, Councilmember Gauthier worked with then-Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez to expand the initial version of the SBTC in 2016.

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Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) is the Chair of City Council’s Committee on the Environment. She has years of experience in the sustainability sector. Before joining Philadelphia City Council in 2020, Councilmember Gauthier led the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

Since its founding in 2001, the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia has helped thousands of local independent businesses in the Greater Philadelphia region to build profitable enterprises that serve the community, share wealth, and protect the environment.

The post Philadelphia Councilmember Jamie Gauthier Introduces Bill to Restore Sustainable Business Tax Credit appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

SBN’s new report highlights the significant strides made in reducing food waste within Philadelphia’s food industry. This first-ever challenge, supported by NRDC’s Food Matters Initiative, saw local businesses adopt sustainable practices, leading to impactful waste reduction and the crowning of Crust Vegan Bakery as the “Food Saver Champion.”

(PHILADELPHIA, PA August 22, 2024) — SBN is proud to publish its 2023-2024 Food Saver Challenge Report! From October 2023 through March 2024, SBN spearheaded its first-ever Food Saver Challenge, a groundbreaking campaign designed to assist Philadelphia’s food businesses in reducing food waste.

This initiative was driven by the staggering reality that up to 40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted, with Philadelphia alone contributing up to 25% of its waste stream to this figure. On a global scale, food waste accounts for over 8% of greenhouse gas emissions and is responsible for 58% of landfill methane emissions. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, approximately 250,000 residents lack access to nutritious food, further highlighting the importance of this challenge.

With invaluable support from the Natural Resources Defense Council’s (NRDC) Food Matters Initiative, the Food Saver Challenge urged local businesses to adopt sustainable practices in alignment with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Wasted Food Scale. To ensure this Challenge was a success, we partnered with Sharing Excess, Philly Food Rescue, Bennett Compost, Circle Compost, ClearCOGS, and Drexel Food Lab. These efforts not only contributed to the City’s waste reduction goals, but also offered significant financial savings for participating businesses by reducing food purchasing and disposal costs.

Over six months, SBN actively promoted the Challenge and its participants, raising city-wide awareness and fostering collaboration. At the conclusion of the Challenge, the winning business, Crust Vegan Bakery, earned the prestigious title of “Food Saver Champion” and a $5,000 cash prize.

This report celebrates the success of the Food Saver Challenge, a pioneering effort by SBN to address food waste in Philadelphia’s food industry. The collaborative efforts of our partners and participants have resulted in meaningful strides towards reducing food waste, promoting sustainability, and engaging our community in the fight against food waste.

View the full report here: 2023 – 2024 Food Saver Challenge Report

The post SBN Releases 2023-2024 Food Saver Challenge Report appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

Nearly one decade ago, the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) partnered with the Philadelphia Department of Commerce and the Office of Sustainability to create the Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Business, a practical resource that helps local businesses improve their social and environmental impacts. A lot has changed since the guide’s publication, and SBN is updating and expanding this invaluable tool to reflect the present-day social, economic, and environmental needs of businesses across our region. Our vision is a robust, accessible, and equity-centered resource that is built in collaboration with SBN’s key stakeholders – especially our values-driven business community. We deeply value your input and seek to engage stakeholders every step of the way, empowering our community to shape the future of sustainable business in the Greater Philadelphia Region.

SBN has already begun to make our vision for our new guide a reality. Through our preliminary work on this project, we’ve been transparent and open about our process, ensuring that every step is clear and understandable. We’ve:

• Developed and executed three successful strategies for community engagement to meet stakeholders where they are and ensure meaningful engagement. 
• Engaged 27 stakeholders, including representatives of government agencies, SBN member businesses, and community partners. 
• Produced four informational resources as part of our new guide in partnership with the following SBN stakeholders: Energy Efficiency Alliance, Untapped Communications, Unit of Impact, and Honeycomb Credit.

As we continue to develop our new guide, SBN endeavors to meaningfully engage our business community and other stakeholders to ensure the final product best reflects the topics and tools that local, independent businesses care about most. We encourage our business members, invested government leaders, and community partners to collaborate with us, engage with our content, and follow along with us on this journey. The new guide will be a game-changer for our local businesses, and we’re excited to share this journey with you. 

SBN is proud to share our most recently developed resources, which were produced in collaboration with our member businesses and community partners. These resources cover a range of topics our local business community cares about, including nontraditional commercial financing, energy efficiency for businesses, cultivating and marketing your business impact story, and measuring business impact. Check out our resources below.

In the coming months, SBN will produce more guides relevant for your business. New content will be shared regularly on our website – sbnphiladelphia.org. For entities and individuals looking to get involved in the development of our new guide, please take a moment to complete our survey to provide valuable feedback and share how you’d like to work with us on this important resource. For questions and more information about this project, contact theresa@sbnphiladelphia.org.

Please take our survey to share your feedback and get involved: https://forms.gle/DBvA4aT1iWmCSwvL9. 

The post Announcing SBN’s Updated Beginners Guide to Sustainable Business appeared first on Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.