We are excited to announce a new collaborative opportunity for ILC members. Starting July 1, 2024, CIRAS will assume the mission of the Iowa Sustainable Business Forum (ISBF).
This integration will provide ILC members access to enhanced sustainability and process improvement programs; we believe continuous improvement and sustainability are inherently interconnected and complement each other to drive organizational excellence.
What can you do now?
- See if your organization is already a member the ILC and ISBF
- Connect with those focused on EHS and sustainability within your organization and discuss the potential benefits of this new opportunity
- Regularly check the CIRAS and ILC websites and keep an eye on your inbox for more details about upcoming learning opportunities for ILC and ISBF members
A copy of the message sent to ISBF members is below.
If you have questions or would like to be involved in the development of this opportunity, please contact me at tschust@iastate.edu
Communication to Current ISBF Members
Dear Valued Member,
We are excited to announce a new chapter for the Iowa Sustainable Business Forum (ISBF).
The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) will assume the mission of the ISBF effective July 1, 2024. The stand-alone 501(c)(6) will cease operations at that time.
CIRAS, our co-founder and primary funder, has committed to offering sustainability programming for two years through the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC). The ILC bears many similarities to ISBF in that it is a member-driven consortium dedicated to connecting organizations to the resources they need to develop their teams and improve their operational performance. Throughout this period, CIRAS will assess the needs of current ISBF members and other Iowa businesses with an interest in sustainability.
Specifically, you can expect:
- ISBF members with dues paid through June 30, 2024, will receive the member rate for ILC events through December 31, 2025.
- ILC will offer several sustainability-focused events over the next two years, including programming at the ILC Conference in October 2025.
- The existing ISBF member library will remain available through CIRAS.
- CIRAS will continue to explore ways to further the mission of ISBF.
To assist with this transition and ensure ongoing emphasis on sustainability, Lisa Brunie-McDermott, ISBF’s Vice President and HNI Corporation’s Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, has joined the CIRAS Advisory Board. CIRAS will provide additional opportunities for current ISBF members to drive content.
A Message from the ISBF Board Leadership
Alicia Simmons (Board Chair) and Lisa Brunie-McDermott (Vice Chair):
Since ISBF’s founding, CIRAS has played a critical role in fulfilling our mission: to connect Iowa companies to continuously improve practices that positively impact people, planet, and profits. We are excited about the opportunities that this merger will mean for our organization, and our ability to continue to promote sustainability among Iowa businesses into the future.
A Message from CIRAS Leadership
Mike O’Donnell, CIRAS Director:
Mike: Sustainability is an essential competency for industry in Iowa. Creating solutions that consider people and the environment while meeting business needs gives Iowa a competitive advantage. This partnership will join sustainability professionals with lean professionals to ensure that they all have access to the education and networks they need to thrive. We’re excited to continue to add more ways for professionals to learn from each other and world class experts.
Tracy Schuster, Director, Iowa Lean Consortium:
To the casual observer, Lean and sustainability may seem like separate paradigms, but when you peel back the layers and take a closer look, you will see they are two sides of the same coin. They share essential common objectives: increase efficiency, reduce waste, and continually improve by raising and solving problems while keeping respect for people at the forefront.
I am excited to lead the collaboration between Lean practitioners and sustainability professionals by facilitating opportunities where each can learn from the other. By bridging the gap between these disciplines, you can increase your impact on organizational excellence.
In May, you will receive communication from Tracy Schuster with specific details on how to participate in events, provide inputs on programming, and access online materials.
Like the ISBF, CIRAS and the ILC take pride in making decisions based on the needs of Iowa business. We encourage you to reach out to any of us with questions, ideas, and feedback.
Thank you,
| Megan Baker | Alicia Simmons | Lisa Brunie-McDermott |
| Executive Director, ISBF | Sustainability Manager | Director, Corporate Social Responsibility |
| info@iowasbf.org | Frontier Co-op | HNI Corporation |
| 319-227-7996, x1197 | 563-264-7100 | |
| alicia.simmons@frontiercoop.com | bruniemcdermottl@hnicorp.com |
| Mike O’Donnell | Tracy Schuster |
| Director | Director, Iowa Lean Consortium |
| CIRAS | CIRAS |
| 515-509-4379 | 515-715-0164 |
| modonnll@iastate.edu | tschust@iastate.edu |