Business-Centric Sustainability Panel

Featuring Guest Facilitator Travis Williams, ODC Network  

Buzzwords like climate change, carbon accounting, and circular economy, can make sustainable business a confusing and intimidating space to navigate. Why should you care, what role do you have to play, and where should you start? Join us to learn how fellow chamber members are successfully blazing trails in the world of sustainable business and generating positive outcomes for the social, environmental, and economic wellness of our community.   

Our panel of local sustainability experts will help you to chart your own course to success by...

• Considering how sustainability is linked to your organization's mission and stakeholders
• Considering sustainability goals and the implications of reaching them
• Identifying measurement platforms to understand your current state and track success
• Making connections with local sustainability partners and resources 

Travis Williams

Facilitator

Outdoor Discovery Center, CEO

Travis Williams is the CEO of the ODC Network. He has worked in the field of environmental education and resource management since 1997 including serving as Animal Care Manager for Hope College, Naturalist at DeGraaf Nature Center, Aquatic Toxicology Technician for Environmental Resource Management, and a High School Biology Teacher. He has led the ODC Network since its founding in 2000 and has been instrumental in developing the nonprofit education and conservation organization into the regional entity it is today.  

Travis is involved with numerous community organizations including serving as the Director of the Lakeshore Leadership Council, serving as an advisor to multiple nonprofit organizations, serving on the Ottawa County Ground Water Board, and serving on the Holland Community Energy Plan Strategic Development Team. Travis has also held several roles with national organizations including the Children and Nature Network, National Association for Interpretation, and the Association of Nature Center Administrators.  

Brian Pageau

Panelist

Foresight Management, President

Brian Pageau lives in Holland, MI with his wife of 19 years, Anne, and their two children, Maeve (4) and Simon (3). Nothing he is associated with below is remotely possible without his exceedingly talented partner in business and life, Anne Pageau.  Additionally, Brian has been supported and guided by amazing mentors, friends, and parents along the way.  “It takes a village” as they say… 

Brian Pageau graduated from Hope College in 2003 with a degree in History and secondary education.  After teaching for a few years, he helped start an environmentally friendly office supply company.  In 2010, Brian joined Foresight Management (then Midwest Energy Group) in a sales and marketing role.  Brian was promoted to General Manager in 2013 and became President in 2015.  As President, Brian has led Foresight from a (5) employee Michigan-based energy retrofit contractor, to a (50+) employee full-service energy and sustainability consulting firm with a global client base.   

Dave Koster

Panelist

Holland Board of Public Works, General Manager

A lifelong Holland area resident, Dave Koster has been General Manager of the Holland Board of Public Works since December 2011. This year he celebrated his 31st Anniversary with the organization, having served in prior positions as BPWs Director of Operations, Power Resources Director, Production Engineering Supervisor, and Power Supply Engineer. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Tech University.

Dave represents Holland on Board of the Michigan Public Power Agency, serving as its Chair, and just recently he finished his second and final 3-year term on the American Public Power Association Board of Directors.  Additionally, Dave serves on the Board of Directors for the local economic development organization, Lakeshore Advantage.

Joe Sikma

Panelist

Outdoor Discovery Center, Sustainability Manager