In this newsletter:
- A recap of who we are and what we’re focused on
- Registration is open for our next virtual event in the “Local Sustainable Economies” series! Join us for an exciting discussion on “New Directions for Business and the shift toward the triple bottom line!”
- Reminder of the SGB Arts Network Launch Party on Sunday, October 2nd. Get your tickets here!
A review of who we are and what we’re focused on
The Institute of Southern Georgian Bay’s Vision, Aspiration, and 4 Priority Areas
September often brings a fresh and focused energy, doesn’t it? On that theme, we thought we’d take this opportunity to re-introduce The Institute’s mission and 4 Priority Areas. As you read, consider if you are drawn to a certain topic. Want to help make a difference in your community? Let us know if you’re interested in joining TISGB as a volunteer subgroup member or as a financial partner!
VISION:
Harness the power of people and place in Southern Georgian Bay to grow social, environmental, and economic prosperity and be the smartest, greenest, healthiest, and most caring region in Ontario.
ASPIRATION:
Together, we are working toward a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future. We are a connected group with unlimited potential. We bridge the gaps across sectors to address some of the challenges and opportunities for Southern Georgian Bay – social needs, environmental impacts, and new ideas for a vibrant economy.
OUR FOUR PRIORITY AREAS:
1. Regional Arts Network
The South Georgian Bay (SGB) Arts Network is a new interdisciplinary, member-driven organization serving artists who live and work in the South Georgian Bay region. The network is a place for artists from all artistic disciplines to share best practices and explore potential collaborations. Artists and arts organizations are much stronger together than we are apart. This network works to amplify the collective voice of the artistic community and leverage our ability to advocate for space, time, and funding needed to support creative work.
2. Sustainable Business
There is a growing number of entrepreneurs who are creating new enterprises, or evolving existing ones, to align purpose, values, and profit. We’re building the audience for the Green Economy Hub event and feasibility study for a Green Economy Hub in SGB, as well as outlining the feasibility for a Social Enterprise/BCorp Network and Platform in Southern Georgian Bay for knowledge exchange, coaching and mentoring, and networking.
3. Social Finance and Housing
We believe that every dollar we spend, lend, or invest locally helps to shape our communities and impacts our sustainability. See our Updated Social Finance Primer as a powerful resource on innovation and collaboration.
The Institute’s Social Finance & Housing Group is participating in a National Lab with Social Innovation Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) looking for new community-led solutions to the housing crisis. Our question is how can we not only give, as volunteers and donors, but also buy, sell, and invest in the kind of community we want to live in, using personal resources to help build a community where an affordable home is possible for everyone? There is a part for every one of us to play.
4. Green Economy
The need for a collective community response to climate change mitigation is now. With an ever-growing number of cities and towns across Canada already committing to meaningful Green House Gas (GHG) emission reduction targets and proactive low carbon efforts, Southern Georgian Bay has a valuable opportunity to follow suit with its own regional approach.
Now, more than ever, we all need to work together to engage our municipal, business, non-profit, philanthropic, and grassroot organization assets in taking a united stance for a resilient, sustainable, and equitable future. Let’s imagine a regional Climate Action Plan inspired by leaders in the field and our own creativity to create a low carbon future!
Local Sustainable Economies
6-part regional online discussion series – June-December, 2022
Thanks to many of you for your input and help, we are excited to be presenting four more events in the Local Sustainable Economies this fall!
Our programming is building on the knowledge and new ideas shared during several of our regional online events held last year. Over 400 people participated in these discussions and there was significant interest in Building the Next Economy, Envisioning a Low Carbon Future, and The Impact of Innovation on Resilient, Sustainable Economies.
Join us on Wednesday, September 21 for Part 3 in the series:
New Directions for Business- The shift toward triple bottom lines
There is a growing number of entrepreneurs who are creating new enterprises, or evolving existing ones, to align purpose, values, and profit. In this event, speakers will share their insights as to why more businesses are wanting to be socially and environmentally impactful and what the benefits are for our communities.
Gain insights, connections, and learn more about:
- companies that are passionate about sustainability,
- the impact of B-Corporations,
- social enterprises designed to create positive social, environmental, or cultural value, as well as
- investment and mentoring opportunities for ensuring success.
Registration for this free, virtual event is open NOW! Let’s continue to bring together business, nonprofits, government, and philanthropic leaders and residents to collectively explore how we build our Local Sustainable Economies.
SGB Arts Network Launch Party
Join us for a LIVE event, celebrating the launch of The Southern Georgian Bay Arts Network! The SGB Arts Network will hold our Launch Party on Sunday, October 2nd from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Collingwood Brewery. We are excited to host the first in-person event to launch the network. Please join us for an evening of celebration and networking with artists, arts organizations/ businesses, and supporters of the SGB arts and culture community. The event will also showcase live music, dance, and poetry from artists representing the SGB region.
Tickets are PWYC and can be booked via Eventbrite. All proceeds directly support the Network.