This ends the interview with Kristin (@PanigramResort). Next TwitInterview with Colette Marshall that starts at 11am CST.
Latest Updates: Kristin Boekhoff RSS
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Kim Beasley
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Kristin Boekhoff
@PanigramResort Thank you for having me Kim! People can reach me via email at: kboekhoff@panigram.com. I would be happy to answer anyone’s questions. Also, you can learn more about Panigram Resort at our website: http://www.panigram.com.
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Kim Beasley
@PanigramResort Thank you for allowing me to interview you. Please share how people can contact you.
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Kristin Boekhoff
@PanigramResort One easy thing to do is again to look for local suppliers. You save a lot of energy by not transporting goods half way around the world. Is the paper you print your documents on manufactured in Michigan or Malaysia?
Do you have your own building? If so, can you partially integrate alternative energy into your power system like solar or wind power?
Are the raw materials that you are using to create your product coming from environmentally friendly sources? If not, are there greener alternatives?
What is the lifecycle of your product? How does someone dispose of it at the end of the day? Can you recycle it instead?
At Panigram Resort we are doing several things to make our project more green including:
–We will use alternative energy (solar and wind power)
–We are building the resort from mud and bamboo, both locally available highly renewable resources
–We will have an environmental education program in a local school
–Our toiletries will be made from fresh ingredients and the excess will be composted
–The fruits and vegetables for our restaurant will be organically grown at the resort. -
Kim Beasley
@PanigramResort Good points. Last question, how can a regular company become more green?
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Kristin Boekhoff
@PanigramResort Ha! Well, there are many ways that businesses can incorporate socially responsible components into their business. Can you use local suppliers/ merchants? (You support the local community.) Can you have part of your business in a developing country (i.e. manufacturing)? If so, you can employ local people, pay them a living wage, and give them benefits (like health insurance, maternity leave, etc.); most companies in developing countries don’t provide these things.
Socially responsible means that your company helps improve the lives of the people in your host area. Whether you are in New York or Dhaka, think about ways that your company can reach out and support your local community.
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Kim Beasley
@PanigramResort Great advice. Now how can I create a socially responsible business?
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Kristin Boekhoff
The same thing goes for your business plan. A business plan is something that the business owner needs to create for him/herself. It is the road map for your company.
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Kristin Boekhoff
@PanigramResort If you mean do they need to use a CPA or financial advisor to create their pitch, then I would say no. In fact, you definitely need to create it yourself. If you don’t understand how to put your numbers together, then you won’t be able to defend it to the people that you are pitching to.
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Kim Beasley
@PanigramResort Does a business owner need to include a CPA or financial advisor in the development of their financial pitch?
