~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nancy King Smith

The Nominator: Rebecca Reynolds, Green Clean

What is the triple bottom line benefit (people, planet, prosperity) of the nominee`s work?
Nancy King Smith demonstrated to hundreds at Cleveland Bioneers that environment goes well beyond our front door. She showed through hard work and example that you can hold an event that has all of the pizzazz of a formal conference and make it lean and green. From her well coordinated speakers who educated on the environment, to sustainable local and organic food sources that all shared as the menu for the event, to the Eco friendly compostable cups and meal accessories.

How has the nominee inspired you to implement sustainable business practices?
Nancy is an inspiration as a strong woman, a leader, a fearless campaigner for justice, and a dedicated steward of the earth. Her message is that we are powerful and can invoke change through peaceful and meaningful choices. By speaking out and standing up for her beliefs and passions, Nancy has shown that the City of Cleveland can support a National organization`s efforts to bring sustainability and social awareness to the forefront.

How can someone else translate the success of the nominee? Is the work of the nominee an example or model that others can follow?
We can all follow Nancy`s lead and be proactive to the issues and concerns we believe in.

How does the nominee actively participate in the sustainability community? How do they collaborate and share their knowledge with others?
Nancy is a regular attendee at E4S. Under her direction, Shaker Lakes Nature Center flourished, and grew closer to sustainability and protection of the environment as a whole. Through her efforts with Bioneers, Nancy brought many sectors of business, students, and the general public together as one community to be educated and enlightened.

Schneiderman Award
1. Although Nancy does not have employees any longer, those that volunteered for Bioneers were rewarded by our efforts through meaningful connections, and future contacts. 2. Attendees of the program were given the opportunity to hear some of the top environmentalist and peacemakers speak on environmental and social issues that affect us all. In addition, attendees were able to meet some of Cleveland`s change makers, sit in on discussions, and have the opportunity to be a part of a grassroots mission that will change Cleveland for the better. 3. Those that were vendors, or sponsors of the event got to meet attendees, display their wares, and discuss their mission. 4. Cleveland State University was most definitely seen as a partner in the environmental movement and an important educational force. 5. Through greater awareness, and education, Cleveland comes closer to sustainability as a City. To the public of Cleveland, the offerings of such a high profile event, the increased awareness of this timely topic and worldwide movement to embrace sustainable practices being featured in our very own hometown is a powerful message to all.

Back to the List of 2007 Sustainability Champions Nominees