The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Lehigh Valley (SBNLV) is a non-profit organization of local business people, professionals, individuals, social entrepreneurs, non-profit leaders, and government representatives who are committed to building a more socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable local economy.

SBNLV is a member of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), a national alliance of local business networks in North America that are building sustainable economies in their region. Both BALLE and SBN are creating a different way of doing business based on local living economy principles — the triple bottom line: people, planet and profit. The triple bottom line framework is designed to measure a company’s performance in three areas: 1) social impact 2) environmental impact and 3) profitability.

SBNLV Mission:
Our mission is to build a just and sustainable economy in the Greater Lehigh Valley region by connecting, promoting and strengthening locally owned independent businesses that seek to serve the needs of customers, employees, our community and the earth.

SBNLV Objectives

1. Build a diverse network of entrepreneurs, non-profit and government leaders, and investors committed to the mission of sustainability.
2. Create educational programs to increase, promote and help support local businesses with a triple bottom line of people, planet and profit.
3. Increase supply and consumer purchasing of locally produced and environmentally friendly products.
4. Direct capital toward local financial institutions and businesses committed to building a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
5. Increase public awareness of sustainable economies and local, sustainable businesses.
6. Regionally interconnect local economies by sourcing locally unavailable products from nearby, thereby supporting other local economies.
7. Provide civic leadership and public policy advocacy from the business perspective for issues around social justice and sustainability: such as living wage, alternative energy and sustainable agriculture.

Press Clips

Lehigh Valley Style - March 2009

Lehigh Valley Style - January 2009

Morning Call article 02.20.08

WFMZ article 02.19.08

Want to Join?

Visit our Membership page.