Green Drinks attracts a crowd to The Thirsty Woman in Mosier.
Green Drinks is a monthly educational and networking event for businesses, government, and citizens who want to learn more about business in the Gorge tackling sustainability issues. Green Drinks actually happens all over the world and is different in each city. In the Gorge, there is usually a 10- to 20-minute presentation followed by questions and networking. Go to our Green Drinks page to find out about future events.
Educational Programs
The GO! Business Network is partnering with Columbia Gorge Community College’s Small Business Development Center to develop curriculum for business owners, facilities directors, sustainability directors, community members, students and others interested in learning how to reduce the environmental and social footprint of business operations. Check out our Toward Zero Waste page, with more pieces of the green business pie to come.
If you are interested in getting on the mailing list for this class, email us.
Industry Peer Groups
The Gorge has some industry-specific peer groups, including the Gorge Technology Alliance and the Columbia Gorge Wine Growers Association. GO! Business Network wants to help connect business owners with others in their industry to share best practices, co-host events and create opportunities for growth through collaboration. Interested in connecting with peers in YOUR industry?
First, join GO! Business Network. Second, register and log in to the Members-only forum.
Speaker Series
The Gorge Owned Business Network, through its association with the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, has access to regional and national experts on building local economies, socially responsible investing, social and environmental justice, and many other topics. We’re planning an Economic Forum for Winter 2011. Stay tuned!
Local Food
GO! Business Network does not have its own local food program. The Gorge Grown Food Network is a non-profit that supports sustainable food farming and distribution in the Columbia River Gorge. Check out Gorge Grown to learn more about seasonal farmers markets and other Gorge Grown programs.
Local Currency and Banking
If there is one thing the recent collapse of the financial markets taught us, it’s that most Wall Street Banks are “too big to fail.” Community-scaled financial systems reduce systemic risk and strengthen local economies, in large part because their investors and board members live within the community in which they serve. Want to Move Your Money? Check out New Rules Project’s Community Banking Initiative created 7 Easy Steps to do just that.
Did you know the Columbia River Gorge has a complementary currency? River Hours is accepted by many businesses and sole proprietors throughout the Gorge. Complementary currencies do not replace federal currency. Instead, they supplement it. The best thing about River Hours is they never leave Gorge: They circulate over and over again instead of leaking out to distant financial institutions.
GO! Business Network encourages all of its members to consider accepting River Hours. We plan to include a session on complementary currency at our Economic Forum in 2011.
