Michigan Sustainable Business Forum Celebrates Hall of Fame Inductees for Years of Dedication to Sustainability

Grand Rapids, MI – October 18, 2024 –  Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (MiSBF) is proud to announce the induction of three outstanding leaders into the Michigan Sustainable Business Hall of Fame: William Foley, Jim Justice, and Kris Spaulding. This honor recognizes their decades of dedication to advancing sustainability in Michigan, each making a profound impact on their fields and inspiring others through their work.

The Hall of Fame celebrates those who have made significant and lasting contributions to Michigan’s sustainability landscape. The 2024 inductees have shown unwavering commitment to promoting environmental stewardship, fostering social responsibility, and guiding businesses toward a more sustainable future.

2024 Hall of Fame Honorees:

William Foley, Sustainable Business Assistant Professor at Aquinas College:

Foley’s sustainability career spans over three decades beginning with groundbreaking work in developing sustainable hard wood practices at Herman Miller followed by sustainability training and Circular Economy efforts at Interface Inc. Since transitioning from the business world, he has dedicated energy to educating and mentoring the next generation of sustainability leaders. Through his role at Aquinas College, Foley has instilled a deep understanding of sustainable business practices in his students, emphasizing the importance of integrating sustainability into the core of business Strategies.

“Once you understand what sustainability is, there is a responsibility to take action within your sphere of influence,” said Foley. “The sustainability journey is dependent on sharing what you have learned and learning from those you meet. Along the way you will make many friends, I treasure every one of them.”

Jim Justice, Sr. Vice President of Corporate Responsibility & Resource Management at Kalsec (Retired): Justice has been a guiding force in manufacturing sustainability over the last 30 years of his career. Known for his strategic leadership to align people-centered profitability, with sustainability and environmental stewardship, Justice has played a pivotal role in implementing sustainable practices that have left a lasting impact on the industry and the communities he has served.

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible teams and organizations that aligned with my core values and empowered me to drive meaningful change. At Kalsec, I harnessed the company’s strategic purpose—unlocking the potential of people, nature, and science to nurture the world—to lead its B Corp certification and integrate sustainability goals into its corporate strategy. It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Witnessing those efforts result in measurable outcomes, including significant reductions in food loss and waste, NetZero commitments for both Kalsec and the Kalamazoo Nature Center, and landfill waste reduction, has been truly fulfilling.”

Kris Spaulding, President and Owner of Brewery Vivant and Broad Leaf Local Beer: Spaulding has been a champion for sustainability in the hospitality industry. Her leadership has driven the company to become a recognized leader in sustainability and a Certified B Corporation. Kris’s commitment to local sourcing, waste reduction, and community engagement has set a high standard in the industry.

“I am very honored to be recognized by MiSBF for our commitment to the triple bottom line. One of the greatest benefits of being loud and proud about our values is that I meet so many people interested in starting or building on their sustainability journey. I learn so much from them and from the many leaders and companies that we interact with,” said Spaulding. “As a consumer-facing brand, my hope is that our guests and team members see what is possible through our “Beer the change…” program and request that their employers and favorite brands consider their impact on the earth and their community when making decisions.”

The Hall of Fame Awards will be presented during the 11th Annual Triple Bottom Line Bash on October 23, 2024, at The High Five Grand Rapids. The event will feature an evening of celebration, networking, and a special tribute to MiSBF’s 30th anniversary. Attendees will enjoy a locally sourced dinner and beverages while supporting MiSBF’s ongoing statewide programming that promotes sustainable business practices across Michigan.

Event Details:

• Date: October 23, 2024
• Time: 6 PM to 9 PM
• Location: The High Five Grand Rapids, 819 LaGrave Avenue SE

For more information about the event and to secure your ticket, please visit www.misbf.org/bash.

About Michigan Sustainable Business Forum:

Michigan Sustainable Business Forum promotes business practices that advance climate leadership, social justice, and the creation of a circular economy. It is Michigan’s leading organization for beyond-compliance sustainability, with a community of practice featuring our region’s most recognizable brands, largest employers, and most innovative entrepreneurs, advocates, and educators. It formerly did business in Southwest Michigan as Michigan’s Great Southwest Sustainable Business Forum.

Media contacts:

• Torri Mathes, MiSBF Communications Manager; tmathes@misbf.org, 248-413-7517