MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa – January 28, 2014 – Alliant Energy’s Iowa utility announced today its partnership with eleven local businesses across the State of Iowa in The Sustainability Circle program.
David Vollmar, key account manager for Alliant Energy says the program is a great partnership. “We are happy to be involved in this project. It provides a way for local businesses to come together and brainstorm ways they can become more sustainable. It is exciting to see measurable results, after just three meetings.”
The program offers an innovative learning environment for small and mid-sized businesses that is affordable and action-oriented. Businesses meet times over six months and the goal of the program is a customized action plan that outlines ways each company can incorporate sustainability into their business model while increasing profits and employee engagement.
Environmental coordinator of Lennox Industries Inc., John Schuler says, “We have found value in joining the Sustainability Circle. The knowledge gained since joining the circle, has allowed us to establish focused sustainability goals and enhance employee engagement.”
Participating organizations include: City of Marshalltown, City of Mason City, Curries Division of ASSA ABLOY, Inc., Fisher Controls International, Iowa Veterans Home, JBS USA LLC, Lennox Industries, Inc., Marshalltown Community Schools, Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center, DuPont Pioneer-Reinbeck and The Eastern Iowa Airport.
Kurt Hennings, productivity improvement coordinator for DuPont Pioneer-Reinbeck says, “Being a part of the Sustainability Circle is empowering. Each session is packed with relevant topics and tools that get to the core of sustaining business. You come away with motivation to make a difference, strengthened by networking and idea sharing among the Circle.”
Teams from each business will present their sustainability action plans at the final session on March, 26, 2014 in Marshalltown.
