Annual Meeting Celebrates Growth and Sustainability

Electric vehicles and an array of solar devices weren’t the only items of interest shared at the SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support) Annual Meeting held recently at the Cooperage Project in Honesdale, PA. Attendees of the event, “Sowing SEEDS for Future Growth” learned what the region’s leading sustainability non-profit organization has been focusing on since entering its second decade in 2019.

The event began with a brief membership meeting during which elections were conducted, resulting in the confirmation of Denise Bussiere as Corresponding Secretary, Nancy DeYoung as Treasurer, and Jocelyn Cramer as Board Member at Large.

SEEDS chairperson, Kathy Dodge lauded retiring board members, Denise Bussiere (Treasurer), Nancy DeYoung (Corresponding Secretary), Colleen Campion (Board Member at Large) as well as retiring Circle Leaders, Ella Hoerning (Communications) and Jack Barnett (Solar).

For the past eight months, SEEDS has focused on its own sustainability with diligent effort on the Strategic Planning Process launched in January 2019.

Board member, David Ford reported on the progress of the Plan, which includes the establishment of a new Governance Circle led by new board member, Shannon Brown; a new Sustainable Food Circle led by Jack Barnett; the evolvement of the former Solar Circle to the new Energy Circle led by new board member, Andrew Drewchin; and the former Communications Circle to the new Outreach Circle led by new board member, Krista Gromalski.

The draft Strategic Plan has been posted to the SEEDS website at http://seedsgroup.net/seeds-strategic-plan/ for member comment received by October 6, 2019.

SEEDS Executive Director, Sandy Long and SEEDS Circle Leaders highlighted the organization’s achievements, activities and new initiatives.

Following are a few examples:

• The annual Free Book Swap was selected to receive a 2019 Environmental Award by the Northeast PA Environmental Partners.
• The Car Wash on Route 6 was named the winner of the 2019 Green Business Award co-sponsored by the Chamber of the Northern Poconos.
• CPACE legislation is being adopted by the Wayne County Commissioners, supporting sustainable energy options for local businesses.
• A promising new Habitat For Humanity project is underway in Honesdale.
• The new Sustainable Food Circle kicked off with the highly successful Wayne County Farm Tour to develop more programs and activities focused on local foods and farming.
• A new project, SEEDS Reads, is set to launch, featuring a book club, Little Free Libraries and a community reading program, all focused on books that support the SEEDS mission.

Please get in touch to learn more about any of these new projects and activities which contribute to the health and resilience of our regional communities. SEEDS welcomes new volunteers! For more information, email Sandy@SeedsGroup.net or call 570-245-1256.