Sustainable Business and Job Development Publications

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https://hdl.handle.net/1794/13134

Resource Innovations work in sustainable business and job development is focused on building public education and communication, local and regional business and job economic impact assessments as well as projects related to sustainable food systems and sustainable mobility systems.

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Browsing Sustainable Business and Job Development Publications by Author "Shinabarger, Tim"

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    Eco-industrial development: eco-industrial parks, bio-refineries, renewable energy, and zero waste opportunities for Lane County
    (Program for Watershed and Community Health, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2003-10-10) Atsusaka, Naoko; Darby, Kate; Shinabarger, Tim; Osdobo, Tom; University of Oregon. Program for Watershed and Community Health
    This report outlines business and job opportunities for Lane County, Oregon, in the diverse field of Eco-Industrial Development. The research and writing was completed by a team of graduate student interns from the University of Oregon, along with Tom Osdobo from E4Partners, working with faculty and staff from the UO Program for Watershed and Community Health. In specific, the report assesses the potential to expand, incubate, or recruit businesses and engage civic and government organizations in the development of eco-industrial parks, bio-refineries and bio-based industrial systems, renewable energy systems including biomass, biofuels, hydrogen fuel cells and solar, and zero waste (waste free) programs. Using case studies, information gathered from leading local and national experts, and extensive web research, this report found significant potential for expanding existing businesses and incubating and recruiting new ones in Lane County in the field of Eco-industrial development. Numerous suggestions are offered for initiating and capturing these opportunities. One of the common themes found throughout the recommendations is the need for local and state government, business, civic, and academic leaders from throughout the county to form partnerships aimed at expanding their understanding of the opportunities and developing business and job development strategies. Business and job opportunities in the field of ecoindustrial development are growing rapidly across the globe. Lane County could become a center of excellence in this exciting new field with sufficient attention and proper focus. In doing so, the citizens and communities of Lane County would achieve significant economic, social, and environmental benefits.
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    Growing the natural foods industry in Lane County: a report for the Lane County sustainable business and jobs project
    (Program for Watershed and Community Health, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon, 2003-10-10) Shinabarger, Tim; University of Oregon. Program for Watershed and Community Health
    In winter 2003, graduate students researchers working with the University of Oregon Program for Watershed and Community Health analyzed the size, scope, and interrelationships of the natural foods industry in Lane County. This report summarizes the findings. In Lane County, the natural foods industry comprises more than 30 businesses and 30 organic farms. The 15 natural food companies that responded to a survey mailed to Lane County businesses that were believed to fall into the sustainability sector reported at least 334 local employees and annual local payrolls of at least $8.39 million. The lowest level of annual sales reported was $76,000; the highest was $16 million. This information suggests that the natural foods industry makes an important contribution to for local economy. Our research found that many local food producers, café’s, distributors and organic farms know each other and maintain business relationships. However, our research did not identify a well-defined business cluster. This suggests that with an effective approach, a major opportunity may exist to help stabilize and grow the natural foods industry as a major business cluster in Lane County. In addition, in assessing sustainable business practices within the sector, we found gaps in the supply chain that suggest potential business opportunities. Organic farming became one of the fastest growing segments of United States agriculture during the 1990’s, expanding at a rate of 20-25 percent annually. U.S. producers are turning to certified organic farming systems as a potential way to lower input costs, decrease reliance on nonrenewable resources, capture high-value markets and premium prices, and boost farm income. In Lane County, accredited certifying agents have certified 1,549 acres of organic farmland. Local farms sell produce in local and West Coast markets. Local consumers are educated about organic food, which stimulates local demand. The presence of knowledgeable local customers is often one of the prerequisites for the development of a strong business cluster. Farmers Markets provide direct connections between farmers and consumers. Local residents buy plant starts for home gardens, providing pre-harvest income for greenhouse farmers. These interrelationships suggest a framework may already exist in which to grow the natural foods industry.