The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) today announced the formation of the New York State Sustainable Business Council (NYSSBC), an alliance of business organizations and businesses committed to advancing a vibrant, just, and sustainable economy in the state. The organization will promote strategies and policies designed to build strong local economies, prioritize investment and innovation in clean technologies from green chemistry to renewable energy sources, and advance the development of sustainable communities in New York State. As a new partner organization of ASBC, it will also work to bring its agenda to Washington DC.

“The opportunities to build a more sustainable economy for New York State are abundant, but it is important for business leaders to come together to help lead these efforts. This is why New York State-based business organizations are joining together to become this voice and power for a new economy,” said David Levine, CEO, American Sustainable Business Council.

The NYSSBC will offer its members briefings and other educational opportunities on key public issues, as well as the ability to engage and provide direction on public policy campaigns. Organizational and individual business members have an important voice in shaping the agenda of the NYSSBC. Members include:

• Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition
• Buffalo First
• Chefs for the Marcellus
• Local First Ithaca
• Re>Think Local

“Sustainable economic development is by its nature a local endeavor, but it benefits greatly by supportive state and federal policy. We need New York State working with us, not against us and NYSSBC will help get us there,” said Chris Burger, Chairman of the Board, Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition.

“A unified voice for New York State's sustainable business community is key to transforming the state's business culture," said Sarah Bishop, Executive Director of Buffalo First. "Connecting thought leaders across the state will allow the message of cleaner, sustainable and more cooperative business environments to be heard louder from Buffalo to Long Island.”

“Collaborative networking among New York businesses will help us build an infrastructure of values, actions and policy for a sustainable future,” said Hilary Baum, Director, Chefs for The Marcellus.

“ASBC has been a strong, national advocate for public policies that build a healthy, sustainable, local economy. Now is the time to address these same policies at the State level. The NYSSBC will be a powerful alliance to bring our regional voices to Albany,” said Jan Rhodes Norman, Co-founder, Local First Ithaca.

“It’s time to rethink our economy and our communities. We see business as a powerful driver in that. The collective voices of Hudson Valley businesses are primed to be leaders of the triple bottom line movement. Together we can co-create a better New York and eventually a better world," said Ajax Greene, Executive Director, Re>Think Local.

More information about NYSSBC can be found at http://asbcouncil.org/nysustainable.

The American Sustainable Business Council and its member organizations represent more than 150,000 businesses nationwide, and more than 300,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers, and investors. The non-partisan council includes chambers of commerce, trade associations, and groups representing small business, investors, microenterprise, social enterprise, green and sustainable business, local living economy, and women and minority business leaders. ASBC informs and engages policy makers and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant and sustainable economy. http://www.asbcouncil.org

American Sustainable Business Council

American Sustainable Business Council

The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) is a national coalition of mission-driven businesses, social enterprises and sustainable business networks working to create a vibrant, just and sustainable economy. What unites us is a deep belief that we must move to a new economy that is grounded in principles of sustainability and equity.

The Council represents over 55,000 businesses and enterprises and more than 150,000 executives, owners, investors, entrepreneurs and business professionals. It is comprised of partners, which are organizations that represent businesses and social enterprises as well as entrepreneurs, executives, owners and investors committed to building a vibrant, just, and sustainable economy.

ASBC promotes policy change by educating and informing the business community, policy makers and the media about the business case for change, and by engaging the leaders of businesses and enterprises in building broad support for the policies America needs. We work on a range of policy areas, including: financial reform, health care, chemicals policy, climate change and business taxes.

We believe that the policies that will lead us to a sustainable and just economy are also good for business and good for America. Making the right commitments and investments will produce more and better jobs, build strength in key technologies, and make the U.S. more independent and secure.

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