Think Local First | DC Locals Mean Business!

Overview

Last month, Think Local First DC hosted its first Do Good Summit, a one-day, intensive, interactive conference for entrepreneurs interested in transforming business through smart growth. It was held on May 11, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at George Washington University.

Do Good Summit Kick-Off

As a pre-Do Good Summit event, TLF DC co-hosted Locals Unplugged: Social Enterprise Salon at Busboys & Poets on Thursday, May 10, 2012. The Salon was led by three DGS summit speakers: Andy Shallal of Busboys & Poets, Robert Egger of CForward/DC Central Kitchen, and Paul Saganaw od Zingerman’s Family of Business. They engaged in candid discussion about business models for generating social and economic value in communities.

Photos of the Social Enterprise Salon, taken by Elizabeth Parker Photography, can be viewed here.

Do Good Summit

Do Good Summit attendees arrived at George Washington University ready for a conference jam-packed with guest speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Key speakers Robert Egger of CForward/DC Central Kitchen, Paul Saganaw of Zingerman’s Family of Business, Michael Shuman of Cutting Edge Capital, and Andy Shallal of Busboys & Poets each presented inspiring, thought-provoking talks.

In addition to hearing these speakers’ presentations, attendees partcipated in morning and afternoon workshops, all of which were led by industry professionals and focused on important aspects of operating a sustainable, smart business. Workshops included “PR Strategies to Make Your Message Stick” and “Beyond Branding: Company Culture and Crafting Your Internal Narrative”.

Immediately after the day-long conference, TLF DC and attendees who wanted to join headed over to Ris for the Do Good Happy Hour.

Elizabeth Parker Phoography documented the Do Good Summit. View those photos here.

Do Good Summit Feedback

“I was so grateful to have attended this first Do Good Summit. I enjoyed hearing from wonderful and experienced business leaders, and interacting with various local business owners and supporters representing a plethora of interests and stages in business development. It was such an invigorating treat!” – Erin Caricofe

“Excellent speakers with an important message of Doing Something Good for your community and the benefits we all reap from that.” – Cherry Woodburn of Borderless Thinking

“In addition to just being plain inspired, I found at least three business resources I have looked for in the past, got some great ideas on how to make my businesses more sustainable, and reconnected with long lost friends. I loved every minute of the day!” – Gina Schaefer of Ace Hardware

TLF DC would like to thank all of the speakers, workshop leaders, attendees, and sponsors who made the Do Good Summit a great success!