BigChill

Keeping Our Planet Clean, Green and Cool.

Happy Earth Day to you! Here in Santa Barbara, environmental issues take on a certain resonance and gravitas, for it was on these very shores in 1969 after a catastrophic oil spill decimated our once pristine coastline, that the environmental movement was launched. In fact, the spill was a catalyst in the passage of the Environmental Protection Act of 1970.

Forty years later, this awareness now permeates the mainstream consciousness like never before, as mass media, private citizens, the corporate sector and public policy-makers realize that the health of our national security, economy and well, health, are all inextricably intertwined with the health of the planet. As reported in our last newsletter, a significant portion of the recent $787 billion stimulus package that President Obama signed, allocates $60 billion for clean energy, environmental projects and scientific research advocating growth in green jobs and alternative energies. The stimulus also includes $500 million for green job training. With expansive projected growth in the green sector, it is critical to understand how this relates to effective growth and investment for companies and how to prepare your organization for the changes ahead, while recognizing the green opportunities on the horizon:

BigAddress

Earth has its own day, and now it may get its own internet domain. According to Variety, a new ".eco" domain name is in the works. The initiative is spearheaded by a group of Hollywood figures, web entrepreneurs and even former VP Al Gore. The idea is for environmental organizations to have a streamlined place to promote their causes and initiatives. Profits from registration fees will go to fund scientific initiatives in climate change and other environmental areas.

BigFriend

A systems ecologist and business strategist with over 35 years experience, Gil Friend helps companies and communities gain competitive advantage and develop breakthrough performance by building the laws of nature into their business strategies and operating systems. Or more simply put, Gil Friend helps companies boost profits while reducing environmental impact. He offers insights and methodologies for achieving both economic and ecological sustainability. "Nature's ecosystems have spent 3.85 billion years building efficient, complex, adaptive, resilient systems," he observes. "Why should companies reinvent the wheel when the R&D has already been done?" Tomorrow Magazine called Gil Friend, "One of the country's leading environmental management consultants – a real expert who combines theoretical sophistication with hands-on, in-the-trenches know-how."

His latest book, The Truth About Green Business, is receiving rave advanced reviews for both its far- reaching environmental vision and down-to-earth practicality, including: "Most efforts have a theoretical orientation that is difficult for business to put into practice. Gil Friend not only makes a compelling argument for urgent adoption of sustainable business principles but also builds a practical & understandable blueprint for action." And "Gil Friend's years of experience yields 52 paths to green action -- one for each week of the year -- to boost your firm's profit while also benefiting society." Call BigSpeak to bring Gil Friend to your next conference... and make sustainable attainable.

In the Green Room
Shaun Tomson: Riding the Green Wave

The Surfrider Foundation recently presented its annual John Kelly Environmental Achievement Awards to recognize those who have made the greatest contributions towards protecting or enhancing the coastal community and environment. This year, big wave legend, entrepreneur, environmental advocate and speaker Shaun Tomson, was one of the recipients. The John Kelly Awards are given out every year to promote environmental activism by honoring the efforts and achievements of inspirational individuals and organizations. The former world champion surfer was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Shaun Tomson has been a respected environmental activist and speaker for ocean conservation ever since he moved to California from his native South Africa. Shaun has lectured, lobbied, and testified throughout Southern California about public responsibility for ocean conservation. After serving as Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Surfrider Foundation, he will join the Board of Directors this year.

Fast and Furious
Leilani Munter: Racing for Sustainability

BigVision

The UK magazine Ecologist which bills itself as "the world's leading environmental magazine" recently deemed BigSpeak futurist, author and sustainability expert Duane Elgin one of "10 Visionaries for a better world." The April edition features profiles of specialists in various fields who the Ecologist believes have a demonstrated a clear vision for creating a better world. The magazine emphasizes that many of its designees have worked within the system for at least part of their professional lives, but it is their willingness to step outside - to better view what needs to be done - that links them. Elgin stresses what he terms a new " lifeway" - one that embraces living a simpler, less materialistic life. "Living simpler lives shouldn't be looked at as sacrifice," he advises, "but as a life lived in harmony." Currently writing a new edition of his popular work Voluntary Simplicity he states, "In our financial crisis, this approach to living is taking on new meaning and relevance." Duane Elgin has worked as a senior staff member with the Presidential Commission on the American Future, and as a senior social scientist at SRI International where he co-authored numerous studies on long-range future trends. Duane Elgin delivers the big picture of our world at the tipping point, grounded in the relevant, practical reality of our everyday lives.

BigWorld of Sports

BigSplash

A 12-time Olympic medalist in swimming (four gold, four silver, four bronze), Dara Torres at age 41, became the first U.S. athlete to compete in five Olympic Games. While competing in the 2008 Beijing games, just two years after the birth of her first child, her three medal wins tied the record for overall medals won by an American female athlete. On April 26th, The National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in New York, will induct Dara Torres into its halls. With her brand new book Age is Just a Number on the shelves, it’s the perfect time to have Dara inspire your audience and show them how to achieve their goals...at any age.

BigLeague

Speaking of hall-of-fame athletes, our very own Baseball Hall-of-Famer Dave Winfield has joined ESPN. During his 22-year Major League career, Winfield was a 12-time All-Star and seven-time Gold Glove winner, winning a world championship with the Blue Jays in 1992. As a Baseball Tonight analyst he will mainly work with host Karl Ravech and analysts Peter Gammons and John Kruk throughout the Major League Baseball season. "We’re thrilled to add Dave Winfield to our Baseball Tonight team," said Norby Williamson, executive vice president, event production. "He will be able to draw from his experiences as a Hall of Fame talent and world champion who has been a pioneer for the game in various capacities, both on and off the field. We welcome his unique voice and believe he will be a great addition to ESPN." At BigSpeak, we’ve known about the legendary prowess and presence Mr. Winfield brings to every endeavor for quite some time. To bring a major league line-up to your next event, call-up BigSpeak today.

BigBill

Rounding out our hall-of–fame line-up, we’ve recently welcomed NFL all-star quarterback Jim Kelly to the team. He led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowls between 1991 and 1994. In 2002, Jim Kelly was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Kelly was perhaps best known for running the Bills' "No-Huddle Offense ", which was a fast-paced offense that denied opposing defenses the opportunity to make timely substitutions and established Buffalo as one of the NFL's most successful and dangerous offensive teams. Today, Jim Kelly is a polished keynote speaker and philanthropist, working with his foundations and sports camps. He has spoken to a wide variety of organizations including Fortune 500 companies, universities, healthcare systems and many others. In his presentations, he shares his life story of overcoming obstacles in addition to his insights on leadership, teamwork and raising a special needs child. Contact BigSpeak to bring Jim Kelly’s story of "Perseverance" to your team.