Sustainability in business refers to incorporating environmental and community concerns into your mission and operations. Sustainability isn’t only good for the planet; it can also improve your bottom line. This program, facilitated by Dr. Terry Porter, associate professor emerita from the Maine Business School, will help you understand business sustainability strategies and put them into practice in your own organization or business.
Many people feel they don’t have time to analyze their business or figure out how to incorporate sustainability. Here we’ll take a step away from the action, review your strategy, and design some practical and affordable ways to increase its sustainability. We’ll sort out the issues, learn about a wide variety of ways to “go green,” and look at what some other firms are doing. We are lucky to live in a state with many supports for going green and we’ll also consider ways you can take advantage of local opportunities.
Greening is not a one-size-fits-all package and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. It starts with one local step and evolves from there. You choose when, where, and how to proceed. If you have more questions than answers but are interested in surveying the field with an eye to your business, then this workshop can help a great deal.
During the 8-hour workshop, you’ll conduct a guided strategic analysis of your organization while learning about global, national, state and local issues in sustainability. You will be introduced to a variety of sustainability tools and consider which ones best fit your organization. We will also examine several case examples of excellence in sustainability practices. You’ll draft a plan for integrating sustainability goals into your business. Though our workshop time is limited, the aim is to leave you with resources and tools to continue your sustainability journey going forward.
PROGRAM DATES AND TIMES
October 21, 2022
9 a.m.–4 p.m. ET
At present, this program is scheduled to be offered in-person. This is subject to change—we will be in touch with participants if the modality shifts.
We also partner with Dr. Terry Porter to offer customized trainings. Learn more about custom trainings here.
MODALITY
This is an in-person program, held at the UMaine Hutchinson Center in Belfast (80 Belmont Ave./Route 3).
We’ll alternate between instructor presentations and hands-on activities tailored to your company.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
- Revisit or develop your business plan using strategic management methods.
- Learn about options for sustainability strategies in business.
- Devise an action plan for benefiting your business by applying sustainability tools and resources.
- Gain information on sustainability opportunities for Maine businesses.
- Better understand current global and national trends related to sustainability in business.
WHO SHOULD ENROLL
This program is designed to benefit:
- Small business owners and managers
- Nonprofit groups, officers and employees
- Entrepreneurs and startups (emerging and established)
- Government officials
- Members and stakeholders of larger businesses
- Concerned citizens
- Students in any field
Whether your business is large or small, for-profit or nonprofit, providing goods or services, this program will benefit you. Companies, businesses and organizations of all sizes can incorporate sustainability strategies into their plans. (You don’t have to be an eco-business to have a sustainable business plan.)
Not sure if this program is right for you? Contact us at um.fhc.pd@maine.edu or 207.338.8002 and we can help you figure it out.
INSTRUCTOR
Terry Porter, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) is an associate professor emerita at the University of Maine, where she taught business strategy and sustainability at the Maine Business School for 13 years. She also initiated a Sustainability track in the MBA program and advised the student chapter of Net Impact, a leadership development program in sustainable business. Dr. Porter holds an MA in Clinical Psychology and is a certified mental health counselor. She is a 2014 Fulbright Scholar. Terry has over thirty years of experience as a teacher, counselor, coach, guide and facilitator.
PROGRAM FEE
$215
New! If your employer is a compact member of the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce, you may be eligible to take this program at no cost to yourself (or your employer!). Click here to learn more.
Click here for more information about paying for your professional development, including information about need-based scholarships, group discounts and tips on how to get your employer on board.
Current UMaine students are eligible for a 20% discount. Use code STUDENT20 at checkout.
CLASS CAPACITY
15
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
7 hours / 0.7 CEUs
Certificate of completion
Learn more about Continuing Education Units here.
ACCOMMODATIONS
For more information or to request an accommodation contact Michelle Patten, Conference and Professional Development Coordinator, um.fhc.pd@maine.edu; 207.338.8002.
