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Ruth Vandersall
Wayne County Sustainability Energy Network

The Nominator: Carol Pleuss, The University of Akron Wayne College

How has the nominee implemented sustainable business practices in his or her business or organization and what are the triple bottom line benefits (people, planet, prosperity) of the nominee`s work?
Many people and the environment have benefited from Ruth`s organizational, motivational, inspirational and dedicated involvement. She coordinates many environmental workshops, events and presentations as a part of the Wayne County Sustainable Energy Network. (www.wcsen.org), maintains the environmental booth at the Wayne County fair for the WCSEN and does countless work for many people and puts in thousands of volunteer hours.

How has the nominee inspired you to implement sustainable business practices?
Wayne County Sustainability Energy Network Organization, Ohio. Works non-stop as a volunteer organizer of community-wide events, The Scarlet, Gray and Green Fair of Ohio State University/Agricultural and Technical Institute and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) Wooster, Ohio, Wayne County Green Day, Local Roots Cafe and Organic Food Coop, The College of Wooster environmental activities, The City of Orrville Green Team and many others. While she is in her 70`s - she has the energy of more than 20 people half her age. She is always working to "Green Wayne County". She is directly involved in just about any and every environmental event or program here in Wayne County, Ohio.

How can someone else translate the success of the nominee? Is the work of the nominee an example or model that others can follow?
She has inspired our branch campus at The University of Akron Wayne College to start a "Global Green Environmental Club" which has just received University status. She has inspired numerous students at the high school and college age to get involved in environmental activities. She was instrumental in helping to organize the "Green Team" and has inspired our Orrville, Ohio mayor, Dave Handwerk to be the first Wayne County mayor to sign the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Ruth Vandersall is an icon in environmental circles in Wayne County, Ohio

How does the nominee actively participate in the sustainability community? How do they collaborate and share their knowledge with others?
Absolutely. She is a role model that you are never to old to make a difference. While she is in her 70`s, she works at what she does full-time for no pay. She works on behalf of the environment simply because it is her passion and she knows it is the right thing to do. She is a powerhouse.... she is a perfect example of practicing what she preaches of "walking the talk - not just talking the talk"