April 7, 2010

The Board of Directors of Sustainable North Carolina (SNC) announced today that the organization, after achieving its original goal of being a leading voice for sustainability across North Carolina, would go through a re-evaluation process and quiet period beginning immediately to determine its future role in driving sustainability statewide.

For more than a decade, Sustainable NC, via its Sustainability Cafés, Sustainable Business Council, and annual awards event, led the adoption of sustainable business and community practices across the state of North Carolina. Informing and influencing the work of the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the state, SNC introduced the concept of sustainability broadly to many industries in North Carolina, supported business-led initiatives in other industries, participated in community-led sustainability and green programs, and helped lead the charge for an economy where people and the planet are balanced with prosperous community development. Over the past 7 years, SNC has recognized more than 50 businesses, initiatives, and individuals across North Carolina with the prestigious Sustainable NC Award.

“Sustainable NC has been of incredible value to the state of North Carolina, proving that business can balance people, planet and profits for overall success,” said Henry McKoy, Chair of the SNC Board of Directors. “The evidence of that work is spread all across the state. As successful and exciting as it has been over the prior years, we know that we are just tipping the iceberg of what is possible in North Carolina as it relates to sustainability. The future is certainly bright and the opportunity for North Carolina to be a national and international leader is obvious. SNC members and its Board of Directors are as committed to sustainability as ever.”

The length of the re-evaluation and quiet period is unspecified. During this time, SNC will not be accepting new memberships and will suspend educational programs and assistance to individuals, communities or businesses. We will direct those in search of information and programming to the myriad of other acclaimed organizations focused on sustainability now in existence across the state.

“Through exceptional board and organizational leadership over the years, Sustainable North Carolina achieved its original aim of helping to demonstrate the importance of sustainability for our state from the mountains to the coast and everywhere in between,” said McKoy. “SNC’s current and past leaders are proud of what the organization has achieved to date. As we re-evaluate, we will explore the best path forward for SNC to be a part of North Carolina’s exciting sustainable future. Stay tuned.”

About Sustainable North Carolina

Sustainable North Carolina is a non-profit organization that works as a catalyst for a sustainable economy through professional education, networking, implementation assistance and recognition. SNC is a member-directed organization that provides a forum for business people to network, collaborate, access information and resources, and create awareness to promote a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable future.

Contact: Cyndy Yu Robinson, Interim President, (919) 839-2111 or info@sustainnc.org