There is often a connection between a business's efforts to manage costs, and decisions that prove to be environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. After all, when we look very closely at the bottom line, the waste is.... well, waste. Any way we can tighten up energy usage, recycling of materials, or reducing emissions is good for the community, and good for business.
Identifying the best employees for certain jobs can be seen the same way.
This week, our guests on Connect and Collaborate visit with Cristin Tarr about Community Matters; Chris Fagnant, Director of E. at Qualtek Manufacturing, and Drew Johnson of BlueStar Recyclers share their experience in Environmental Leadership. Both companies have been recognized by the Environmental Leadership Program, a statewide environmental recognition and reward program administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Qualtek was recently designated as a Silver Partner, BlueStar Recyclers has reached Gold Leader status after two years as a Silver partner.
Qualtek specializes in designing and manufacturing solutions for medical, automotive and aerospace components. Chris says that the regard for environmental improvements came in part from the need for environmental sustainability. Simply looking for ways to bring costs down, led them to monitor emissions, electricity use, and the company's over all impact on the community. Their findings, and resulting changes, lead them to form Q-munity, positioning themselves as a leader in creating sustainable communities.
BlueStar Recycling is a 501c3 social enterprise based in Colorado Springs, whose mission to reduce electronic waste and create jobs for adults with disabilities converged when BlueStar COE Bill Morris recognized the the unique skill set match that adults with Autism have for doing a repetitive, production oriented task. As a result, their workforce is made up of people with disabilities, employing a community that is often marginalized, giving them the gift of productivity, pride and disposable income. BlueStar Recyclers is a great model for helping community while building business.
You'll want to tune in for this entire hour, to learn how these two companies work together as mentors and profit partners, while building a non-profit and excelling at Corporate Social Responsibility.
Listen Saturday at 10:00 AM on KNUS 710 – Please let us know what you think of our program, either by commenting here or on Facebook at Connect & Collaborate with ICOSA or join the discussion on Twitter @ICOSAMagazine.