Recap of KCMPI's November Program

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By Shari Hockenbery, CMP

The entire world is turning "Green," sparking new conversations, new actions and new relationships all over the globe. But environmental sustainability is only a part of the overall strategic concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). On Nov. 6, in a promised follow-up to the successful "Environmentally Conscience: It's Easy Being Green" meeting, KCMPI held a forum on CSR at the beautifully restored Kansas City Athenaeum.

R.T. Salsman Catering and the historical Athenaeum graciously hosted KCMPI and the meetings industry for an afternoon of cutting-edge education, and delicious food and drink. Speaker Elizabeth Henderson, CMM, CMP, M.E. Des, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at MPI, led the lively, interactive discussion about people, planet and profit, and helped attendees understand how responsible environmental and social sustainability will benefit stake-holders, the environment and the bottom line. As Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for MPI, Elizabeth works to integrate these principles into MPI's internal operations and the global community at large. She works with MPI chapters to help teach members how to inspire, inform and activate their local communities in regard to both environmental and social responsibility.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the recognition that an organization is unavoidably intertwined with society and the earth, and must take action in regard to the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. A solid strategic plan, embraced by the business culture, which understands the importance of CSR, will lead to good decisions that benefit stake-holders, the environment and the bottom line. CSR is not only about being green and integrating a depth of environmental sustainability, it is about social sustainability as well. The meetings industry sets a high moral standard by identifying and endorsing collaborative action around social sustainability, and developing best practices consistent with real-world obligations.

If anyone is interested in viewing Elizabeth Henderson's CSR PowerPoint presentation, please visit the Web site at www.kcmpi.org.   In addition to R.T. Salsman and the Athenaeum, KCMPI would also like to voice our sincere gratitude for the generosity of our program sponsors: Show Me Audio Visual, Overland Limousine Service and the Q Hotel & Spa!