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Social Sustainability: More critical than ever

Join the Haworth College of Business for a virtual discussion about social sustainability initiatives, how a social mission is good for communities and businesses, and cases of social sustainability in action in West Michigan. Presenters will discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on businesses and social sustainability initiatives. The presentation will be held on Tuesday, October 27, noon - 1 p.m.

This event is sponsored by the 51¸£ÀûÉç MBA program.

Panelists

Dr. Tim Palmer

Dr. Tim Palmer is interim chair and professor of management. He also serves as director of the Center for Sustainable Business Practices 51¸£ÀûÉç Michigan University's Haworth College of Business.

Palmer received a Michigan Campus Compact Faculty and Staff Community Service-Learning Award in 2009. In addition, he earned the 2014 Distinguished Professor of the Year Award from the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan, as well as 51¸£ÀûÉç’s 2014 nomination for the Carnegie Foundation Professor of the Year Award.

His research on student learning, organizational reputation, sustainability and strategic decision making has appeared in numerous publications.

Sharon Darby

Sharon Darby is director of environmental, safety and sustainability at Cascade Engineering, a company that specializes in large-part plastic injection molding.

Sharon is an integral part of the organization’s Triple Bottom Line culture, leading Safety and Environmental, Zero Waste Team, Anti-Racism Credentialing, Diversity Coordinating Council, Charitable Contributions, Bicycle Friendly Business, LEED Certification and Sustainability Forum. 

She is an adjunct professor at Davenport University and a founding executive member of The Saranac Promise. She has an MBA in strategic management, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Davenport University, and many certifications. 

Chris Lampen-Crowell, B.S.'82

Chris Lampen-Crowell is the co-founder of Gazelle Sports. The original store opened in downtown Kalamazoo in 1985. The Michigan-based, locally owned and operated retail chain now has seven locations, an ecommerce store, and more than 200 staff members.

Founded on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, Gazelle’s core values are active living, care, excellence, learning and community.

Lampen-Crowell co-founded the Greater Kalamazoo Girls on the Run and founded the Kalamazoo Downtown Retailer and Restaurant Association. He has created, organized and led hundreds of healthy, fun events for Michigan communities.