Net Impact- Full Circle

Jerry Greenfield, former CEO of Ben & Jerry's Homemade put it well when he told the attendees of Markets with a Mission that he defined business differently. "The combination of organized human energy and money is power. Business is the most powerful force in society today." The keynote speaker invigorated the Ross community with an exploration of the relationship between markets and mission. Ross Net Impact's Markets with a Mission conference gave students the chance to redefine their position on the role of business in society, and Ross students will continue to hone those skills at November's Net Impact National Conference at Cornell University in Ithaca.

Thursday's events - resume reviews, corporate presentations, career panels, networking, and an evening reception - provided students with opportunities to advance professionally. Beni Chhun, MBA1 attended the Thursday evening events and noted that "it was very affirming." She was seated with a representative for the Fair Trade industry and "was impressed by the caliber of students. Sitting with the panelists was a great way to get to know the work they do and get to know them personally."

Friday's events focused on student learning with panels, keynote speakers, and a conclusion to the case competition. MBA1 Ed Karpiel was "definitely glad I went. Jerry Greenfield told a good story and it resonated with what we talked about in Strategy class - the difficulties of being socially responsible in a large corporation." The highlight for Ed, however, was "Made to Measure: Quantifying Sustainability in the Food Industry". "That panel was really interesting, and it was really crowded! Students had a lot of good questions and it was nice to hear from people who are really excited about what they do."

Markets with a Mission gave students a chance to get together and discuss the pressing issues they care most about while advancing their industry knowledge.
Looking Forward to Net Impact National:
From November 11th to 13th , students and professionals from around the world will converge on Cornell University in Ithaca, NY for the Net Impact National Conference. Over 350 speakers will be present to address students through panels, workshops, and other sessions. Ross Net Impact will be represented by students and staff numbering over 50. Ross has historically had an impressive showing at the conference and hopes to again this year. The past three years, Ross Net Impact was selected as "Chapter of the Year" at this conference.

Ed Karpiel, MBA 1 plans on attending the conference and is looking forward to "the networking opportunities, specifically Climate Corps," which recruits at the event. "Also, it will be a chance to see what it's like before we host it next year."

The 2010 Net Impact National Conference will be hosted at Ross, and if Markets with a Mission is any sign, the students and community are waiting with open arms for a deep exploration of the toughest issues facing society and business.

To learn more about the Net Impact National Conference, visit http://www.netimpact.org/conference
To learn more about Ross Net Impact, visit https://ross-netimpact.campusgroups.com
To learn more about Net Impact National, visit http://www.netimpact.org/

Rand Waddoups - Senior director of business strategy and sustainability, Walmart (speaking) and Chris Stemen, Senior Director of Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship, Aramark
Elizabeth Senecal, first year School of Natural Resources and Environment student