Business People

These are people who are leading efforts to help grow local businesses:

Howard A. Learner, President & Executive Director Environmental Law and Policy Center

Mr. Learner is responsible for the overall strategic policy direction, development and leadership of this public interest organization. Before founding ELPC, he was the General Counsel of Business and Professional People for the Public Interest, a public interest law center, specializing in complex civil litigation and policy development. Mr. Learner is an Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University Law School, teaching an advanced environmental law seminar. J.D., Harvard Law School, 1980; B.A., Political Science, University of Michigan, 1976

Peter Nicholson, Director Foresight Sustainable Business Alliance

A program of the Foresight Design Initiative, a nonprofit organization Peter established in 2002, the FSBA is a diverse network of cutting-edge Chicago based businesses. Peter leads a multifaceted career focused on the creative pursuit of greater social, environmental and economic sustainability. He consults on and undertakes innovative sustainable design projects for a diversity of clients, including government agencies, institutional nonprofits, and businesses.

The short list to living local

Join a local credit union
Participate in your school board, village board or PTA
Invest in local businesses for the long term
Buy local every day, every week
Try to work locally by living as close to work as possible
Retire locally by volunteering your time and expertise