Posted By: Abby Rae LaCombe, Rocky Mountain Regional Director

This past weekend we sent a variety of Better World Books employees to the Idealist 2007 conference in Chicago.  How great to see so many motivated students finding new and innovative ways to help their communities. 

An excellent highlight to the conference was our very own Xavier Helgesen’s presentation on Green Business Practices.  The conversation covered an excellent and wide array of topics including many of the efforts the BWB is making to be a greener company everyday.  We had a great time discussing the concept of being a carbon neutral company and how carbon credits and investment in alternative energy practices are rapidly becoming integrated in daily business practices across the country.  It was also an excellent opportunity for blossoming entrepreneurs to get some great feedback on the difficulties and finer points of starting a socially conscious business.  WorldFund’s Michelle Viegas was also attended, which enabled some excellent discussions on the differences between the non-profit and for-profit business worlds. 

It was wonderful to meet representatives from all over the country and I am grateful for such a warm welcoming from the whole Idealist crew, DePaul University, and everyone who attended the conference.