The Summit is On!
Check back here for regular updates throughout the Summit.

Lean and Green Summit Ends
June 11th, 1:32 p.m. EDT

Sorry for the delay in posting - had a computer fail during the afternoon of the final day!

The Summit came to a close with final remarks from Dave Gustashaw. Dave walked attendees through the mass energy balance concept. All inputs to a system have outputs of product and waste. How can we make our systems symbiotic with the environment? Dave challenged the audience to go back and begin the road to sustainability and shared a few of his own stories of what one person can do to make big change.

Thanks to everyone who participated in a GREAT Summit. And for those who couldn't join us, participate with us in 2010. Details soon!

Best Regards,

Dwayne Butcher



Goodbye to Savannah!






Let the Collaboration Continue
June 9th, 1:25 p.m. EDT

The promise that the Summit would be "highly participatory" wasn't an empty promise! Throughout the Summit participants have talked with presenters and one another in "World Cafe" sessions. This afternoon individuals have broken into smaller discussion groups based on their particular interest. These sessions were suggested by attendees and are anywhere from 2 to 10 in size. Some of the subjects being discussed in the "Open Space" sessions include, cradle to cradle, EPA's service, the 8 wastes of green, how to move from money-saving initiatives to true sustainable business models, among others.








Practical Ideas That Can Be Implemented "Monday"
June 9th, 9:02 a.m. EDT

Brett Wills from the Green Enterprise Movement walks through very practical ways that Summit participants can implement on Monday (although he pointed out that tomorrow is Thursday). He discussed phantom power, wasted lighting, compressor/vacuum system leaks, and much more. The point of this presentation is that if Summit participants implemented right away, the cost of coming to the Summit would be covered.



Day 2 is Underway
June 9th, 9:02 a.m. EDT

The 2nd day of the Summit kicked off with Catherine Greener, Doc Hall, and Gil Friend discussing the intersection of lean and green. Gil shares his perspective, "Lean is the key to the execution of green."






Everyone is Out Enjoying Dinner in Savannah
June 8th, 9:22 p.m. EDT

Summit participants signed up for networking dinners at local Savannah restaurants. I'm not sure if you know much about Savannah, but for a city its size, it has some of THE best dining options! Can you say "Paula Dean" from the Food Network?

See you in the morning!
Dwayne

Burt Klein from PortionPac Moves from Conference Chair to Summit Presenter
June 8th, 3:22 p.m. EDT

Less. Burt challenged us to think that in the future companies will produce less. His company, PortionPac, explains how some companies produce and ship cleaning supplies that are 90% water. His company produces and ships cleaning supplies in which water is added by the consumer.




Peter Senge Solo
June 8th, 1:47 p.m. EDT

Peter Senge takes the stage again and discusses how to be an effective change agent. He spent a great deal of time about short-term planning balanced with long-term planning - decades out. Like Rand from WalMart, he challenged us to set aside our assumptions of how "things should be run." His personal insights on some of the world's top companies is fascinating.








First World Cafe and Roger Saillant
June 8th, 10:56 a.m. EDT

Susan Skjei and Jahn Ballard facilitated the first round of World Cafe, which is an interactive, peer, knowledge-sharing session. That knowledge is captured and placed on the wall for all to see.

As I type this, Roger Saillant, former Ford VP and CEO of PlugPower, is presenting. He encouraged the group to move away from the "knowns."
















A Conversation with Peter and Rand
June 8th, 9:26 a.m. EDT

Wow! To sit and listen to Peter Senge, arguably one of today's brightest business minds ask questions of Rand Waddoups, WalMart's passionate VP of Sustainability, with questions and interjections by Catherine Greener... I'm hanging on every word! Burt Klein of PortionPak, and the conference chair, kicked things off.

A couple of quotes... "I think we're at the beginning of the beginning," Peter Senge. "We need to innovate out of instead of regulate into," Rand Waddoups.










A Night at the Reception... Energy Begins to Build!
June 7th, 11:05 p.m. EDT

Half of the Summit participants were able to take advantage of the early registration and networking reception. Not a single person got their credentials and left. They all stayed and with a drink in hand got to know who they'll be collaborating with over the next two days. It will be tough questions that challenge the status quo. The collaboration team has developed a "funnel" methodology that leads our discussions more and more focused until we have a deliverable in the end. A deliverable which will help move forward the emerging thoughts in the lean and green space. Sleep well! Tomorrow we start with Breakfast at 6:00 am in Madison Ballroom.

Preparations Underway
June 7th, 1:36 p.m. EDT

Summit participants are slowly arriving and checking into their rooms. We are busy making final preparations. Tonight's reception will be on the 15th floor of the hotel where participants will get checked in and receive their credentials.






Proof I'm in Savannah. Views from my balcony.
June 6th, 7:41 p.m. EDT