A Brief History of Alliance Efforts
The Early Years of AFS (1994-2005) were filled with educational luncheon and evening programs on sustainability. We published a lively newsletter, and annually elected 21-24 members to our board, representing business, government & educators.
The Sustainable Chequamegon Initiative (2005-2006) is a Strategic Plan for the Chequamegon Bay for 2006-2011. Volunteers raised local funds for an office and Coordinator, and sponsored Study Circles to read The Natural Step for Communities. The Alliance supported eco-municipality resolutions in Ashland, Washburn, Bayfield and La Pointe.
Campaign Sustain (2007-2008) was a door-to-door effort to reduce energy consumption and promote the use of public transportation. Interns spoke with over 4,000 area residents each year, traded CFLs for incandescent bulbs, and distributed free passes for the BART public transit system.
The Green Team Network of Early Adopters of Sustainability (2007-2010) is a coalition of 18 businesses, schools, governments, and others who formed “Green Teams” and received training that helped them “green” their day-to-day operations, reduce waste, conserve water and energy, and save money. Green Team Network partners have demonstrated the economic benefits of sustainable operating practices.
Sustainable Business Conference (2008) was held in Ashland and attracted hundreds of attendees from around the State. Bob Willard from IBM was our keynote speaker.
Energy Independent Communities 2009 Pilot Project – The Alliance coordinated one of ten state pilot projects with support from the Office of Energy Independence. Nine local government partners underwent an in-depth energy assessment process, established baseline information, and identified ways to reduce energy use in government facilities, while promoting the use of renewable energy. Partners have saved thousands in taxpayer dollars and leveraged hundreds of thousands of dollars in state and federal grant funds.
Pie and Politics (1997-2010) has been AFS’s largest annual (and FREE!) event at the Big Top Chautauqua. It started as an evening that included a presentation, entertainment, conversation, and free pies. It now includes a local foods dinner beforehand. Our speakers have included mayors, authors, international leaders, farmers, and community activists in the field of sustainability. In 2010, well-known speaker David Morris will speak on the
relocalization movement in an address titled, “Bringing it Home: Building a Resilient Local Economy” on Thursday, June 24. Dinner is at 5:30, presentation at 7:30, pies at 9:00.
2010-Going Forward: The Alliance sponsors Study Circles and is working with state and local government entities to help businesses & residents reduce their impact on the planet using innovative new methods for community-wide energy retrofits. We have just worked through some internal organization structural changes and have moved into a new office on the corner of Main Street and Third Avenue East in Ashland.
The Sustainable Chequamegon Initiative (2005-2006) is a Strategic Plan for the Chequamegon Bay for 2006-2011. Volunteers raised local funds for an office and Coordinator, and sponsored Study Circles to read The Natural Step for Communities. The Alliance supported eco-municipality resolutions in Ashland, Washburn, Bayfield and La Pointe.
Campaign Sustain (2007-2008) was a door-to-door effort to reduce energy consumption and promote the use of public transportation. Interns spoke with over 4,000 area residents each year, traded CFLs for incandescent bulbs, and distributed free passes for the BART public transit system.
The Green Team Network of Early Adopters of Sustainability (2007-2010) is a coalition of 18 businesses, schools, governments, and others who formed “Green Teams” and received training that helped them “green” their day-to-day operations, reduce waste, conserve water and energy, and save money. Green Team Network partners have demonstrated the economic benefits of sustainable operating practices.
Sustainable Business Conference (2008) was held in Ashland and attracted hundreds of attendees from around the State. Bob Willard from IBM was our keynote speaker.
Energy Independent Communities 2009 Pilot Project – The Alliance coordinated one of ten state pilot projects with support from the Office of Energy Independence. Nine local government partners underwent an in-depth energy assessment process, established baseline information, and identified ways to reduce energy use in government facilities, while promoting the use of renewable energy. Partners have saved thousands in taxpayer dollars and leveraged hundreds of thousands of dollars in state and federal grant funds.
Pie and Politics (1997-2010) has been AFS’s largest annual (and FREE!) event at the Big Top Chautauqua. It started as an evening that included a presentation, entertainment, conversation, and free pies. It now includes a local foods dinner beforehand. Our speakers have included mayors, authors, international leaders, farmers, and community activists in the field of sustainability. In 2010, well-known speaker David Morris will speak on the
relocalization movement in an address titled, “Bringing it Home: Building a Resilient Local Economy” on Thursday, June 24. Dinner is at 5:30, presentation at 7:30, pies at 9:00.
2010-Going Forward: The Alliance sponsors Study Circles and is working with state and local government entities to help businesses & residents reduce their impact on the planet using innovative new methods for community-wide energy retrofits. We have just worked through some internal organization structural changes and have moved into a new office on the corner of Main Street and Third Avenue East in Ashland.
