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Stuart Hart

Professor in Residence, University of Michigan, Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise

Creating Sustainable Value

Just as the creation of shareholder value demands performance on multiple dimensions, the challenges associated with sustainability are also multifaceted, involving economic, social, and environmental concerns. These challenges have implications for virtually every aspect of the firm’s strategy and business model. Yet many companies continue to frame sustainability not as a multidimensional opportunity but rather as a one-dimensional nuisance, typically involving regulations, added costs, and liabilities. Accordingly, in this session, I develop a four-quadrant framework (the sustainable value portfolio) that links the challenges of sustainability to the creation of shareholder value by the firm. The four strategies—pollution prevention, product stewardship, clean technology, and base of the pyramid each possess their own strategic logic and unique set of challenges. Particular emphasis will be given to clean technology and base of the pyramid strategies as they are typically under-exploited by companies and offer the greatest potential return—and benefit to the world—in the long run.

March 25, 2024

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

International Ballroom, JW Marriott

Register - In-PersonRegister - VirtualLearn More
Luncheon Pass and Virtual registration is open to members only.
Members must be logged into their accounts to receive member pricing.

2023-2024 Event Schedule

September 11
September 25
October 9
October 23
November 6
November 13
December 4
January 8
January 22
February 5
February 26
March 11
March 25
April 15
April 29
*Event dates subject to change

Member Luncheon

$ 48

Per Event

Guest of Member Luncheon

$ 68

Per Event

Non-Member Luncheon

$ 98

Per Event

"The Economic Club of Grand Rapids is an incredible member-driven organization. By providing a forum to connect, inform and inspire, leaders are able to engage in relevant educational and networking opportunities. I have valued meeting new people at the events and learning something new with each session. I appreciate the collaboration, continuous learning, diverse perspectives and meaningful networking."

Tina Freese DeckerPresident & CEO, Corewell Health

“When I was new to town, I found the Economic Club was emblematic of the DNA of West Michigan, strong public private collaboration. It is a great place to connect with individuals who appreciate the power of a strong collective and deepening our understanding of current economic conditions for our organizations and our community. Grand Valley State University, I know, has benefited from our membership as have I.”

Philomena MantellaPresident, Grand Valley State University

“I love the vibrancy of our Economic Club of Grand Rapids and its strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Our regional economy will greatly benefit with the vision of the Econ Club of bringing everyone together.”

Guillermo CisnerosPresident & CEO of West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

“I have been extremely impressed by the content over the past few months the Econ Club has provided and have been so encouraged and inspired as a leader in my organization.”

Tessa KeenaShareholder at Hungerford Nichols CPAs + Advisors

“It's so important to dig deeper on important issues facing our businesses and community.  Econ Club not only gives us access to thought provoking leaders it connects us all for growth and learning!”

Lynne Jarman-JohnsonChief Marketing Officer of Consumers Credit Union

“The Econ Club is an excellent forum to hear from diverse perspectives on relevant topics that impact the economic health of our community. The speakers are outstanding--events are well run and attended.”

Praveen ThadaniPresident of Priority Health

"I loved being a part of the GR Econ Club before moving to AZ! Just yesterday I shared insights that I learned from a futurist presentation about five years ago. Best of all, the people I met and relationships formed were invaluable."

Sue GiffordDirector of Individual and Legacy Gifts at Child Crisis Arizona

"Thanks to the Econ Club I have been able to expand my business network as well as stay informed on economic and talent-related issues affecting our community and the country."

Carlos SanchezExecutive Director, Latino Program, Davenport University

"The Economic Club of Grand Rapids is an important connection point for business and community leaders to make an impact. Their thoughtful programming helps inspire and enable continued economic vitality in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan."

Garrick RochowPresident & CEO, Consumers Energy

"With all we have gone through the past two years, now more than ever we need a place where leaders gather, learn and build relationships. The Econ Club helps keep the community on the leading edge of economic trends and opportunities, while providing a venue to network with area leaders. For those reasons, Econ Club membership is the first thing I signed up for upon returning to West Michigan."

Randy ThelenPresident & CEO, The Right Place

“Moving to Grand Rapids in 2016, I wanted to connect with community leaders, learn more about the region and continue to grow as a leader. The Econ Club was a great place to have all of those goals met in one place. I have had the privilege of serving on the Board for several years now and it is an honor to serve with business leaders that are so passionate about our community, volunteering their time to ensure that everyone in our business community can come together through the Econ Club’s Mission - Connect, Inform and Inspire.”

Scott LewisPresident & CEO, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

“The Economic Club of Grand Rapids connects business and community leaders together over relevant topics and thought-provoking conversations. I always leave inspired and with a new connection. Whether you are a young professional or seasoned business leader, there is a place for you at The Economic Club of Grand Rapids.”

Alexis ReameClient & Community Relations Director, PNC Bank

“Becoming a member of The Economic Club of Grand Rapids has been a great experience. From discussing a variety of topics relevant to today's workplace to connecting with other professionals in the Grand Rapids area, the opportunities to be connected, informed, and inspired are endless!”

Anja HarmonSenior Vice President, Employee Benefits, Hub International Midwest Limited

“When I first came to Grand Rapids in 2018 I quickly realized there was plenty of opportunity to get connected within the community, I just had to find out how. The Econ Club solved that by allowing me to form organic connections with a diverse group of business professionals across all corners of the West Michigan community. Whether you're new-in-town or a West Michigan native, the Economic Club of Grand Rapids is the place to get connected, stay informed, and be inspired.”

Nicholas EspinozaAssistant Vice President, Business Banking, Bank of America

“I started attending Econ Club just after I graduated college because I wanted to stay informed and immerse myself in the Grand Rapids business community. It has helped me immensely on both fronts; I’m very happy I took the chance on joining. The best part of Econ Club, for me, is being able to sit with different people every time. The members are very welcoming and engaging, and the interactions are genuine. I’m always left looking forward to the next one!”

Andrew KapanowskiTerritory Sales Manager, Haworth

"As someone who's been attending Economic Club meetings for 35 years, I've been amazed and inspired by the new talent who have joined the organization. My lunch table is often filled with start-up executives, investors, and social entrepreneurs looking to grow their organizations in West Michigan's economic ecosystem. What hasn't changed in 35 years? The quality of programs, and the ability to build relationships with a wide array of business leaders. The Economic Club of Grand Rapids is THE PLACE to connect with impact players in West Michigan."

Beth KellyPresident, HR Collaborative

"Having been a member since 1988, the Economic Club of Grand Rapids has consistently provided leading edge presentations that are of immeasurable benefit to the Grand Rapids community."

Tom Madison

"I'd heard about the quality of the speakers and level of engagement at Econ Club events since we came back to Grand Rapids three years ago. As a new member, I now see why so many successful organizations choose to call the Econ Club home."

Mark HamiltonPresident, Versa Culture

"Being a member since the Club's founding, I have always valued the opportunity to network with other for-profit, and not-for-profit business leaders in our community and more broadly across the Region. Truly a regular, healthy business perspective with a mission of continually bringing top talent to Grand Rapids. Thank you."

Greg RhodesBusiness Development Consultant, AEBetancourt
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