RCA In-Person Event – Creating Impact: How Social Enterprise Supports Sustainability in Alberta

Connector August 2024


Join the RCA for “Creating Impact: How Social Enterprise Supports Sustainability in Alberta” at the Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation (ABCRC) plant in St. Albert, AB. This in-person event will showcase how social enterprise advances Alberta’s 3Rs industry through innovative and creative programs that benefit both people and the environment.

The evening will feature an engaging panel discussion with key figures in social enterprise and sustainability. Hear from RCA members Guy West from ABCRC, Doug Roxburgh from Goodwill Industries of Alberta, Laura Istead from Two Wheel View, and Janine Tremblay from Find Edmonton as they share their insights on tackling social and environmental challenges.

Network with industry leaders and take a visual tour of ABCRC’s plant, one of two in Alberta, where approximately 2.1 billion single-use beverage containers are collected and processed. Enjoy drinks and appetizers while connecting with pioneers in the field and discovering how social enterprise and sustainability come together to build better communities and protect the environment.

Speakers:

Guy West, President & CEO, Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation
Guy West, President and CEO of Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation (ABCRC), has 35 years of experience in Alberta’s beverage container recycling industry. Starting with Contain-A-Way in 1989, he has become a key figure in enhancing beverage container stewardship through strategic collaborations with industry partners, the government, and NGOs. Passionate about sustainability and social enterprise, Guy has served on the boards of the Recycling Council of Alberta, the Alberta Emerald Foundation, Goodwill Industries of Alberta, and the Alberta Plastics Recycling Association.

Doug Roxburgh, Director of Marketing and Brand Integrity, Goodwill Industries of Alberta
Doug Roxburgh has over a decade of experience in marketing and communications. At Goodwill, he highlights the organization’s efforts in providing employment opportunities for Albertans with disabilities or barriers. Doug’s career includes work with Rogers Radio, Shaw TV, Global News, and Corus Entertainment. Goodwill Industries of Alberta is an organization based on the triple P bottom line of people, profit with purpose and planet. If an item doesn’t find a new home through the traditional retail chain, Goodwill’s Sustainability Action Plan will ensure the item gets a second chance to bring someone else joy in their life or the item will be recycled responsibly.

Laura Istead, Executive Director, Two Wheel View
Laura Istead has led Two Wheel View for 13 years, expanding its impact through bicycle empowerment programs for youth. Under her leadership, the organization has grown significantly, reusing and recycling 1,700 used bicycles in 2023 alone. Laura holds degrees in Geography and Environmental Education and has extensive experience in environmental education.

Janine Tremblay, Marketing and Communications Manager, Find Edmonton
Janine Tremblay combines her background in mental health therapy with communications to support ending homelessness. At Find Edmonton, she oversees marketing efforts for the social enterprise that provides essential reused furnishings to those transitioning out of homelessness and sells low-cost furniture to the public. Janine has dedicated over 15 years to the non-profit sector.