The HBA Sustainability Club toured local digital marketing firm Arcane to learn about sustainability in organizations. Why Arcane? It could be because of their business success - they doubled in size in 2015. It could also be because many hope to work there one day (beer on tap...yes please!). The main it was chosen Arcane was chosen of their admirable and transparent commitment to their staff and community.
CEO Eric Vardon spoke to the HBA students on Monday, December 5, and showed the students how deeply these values are embedded into the organization. The company takes part in many volunteer and mentorship opportunities in the community; many of which focus specifically on coding for kids. They focus strongly on recognizing their employees publicly for their good work. At each Monday morning meeting an employee is recognized with $100 cash for going above and beyond.
Their commitment to their employees and to environmental sustainability collide - they get fresh, local, organic produce delivered daily to their office. They also have an apiary on their roof, and they make their own honey.
The HBA students were treated to sustainably sourced catering from Field to Fork, headed by Chef Chad Stewart. Stewart is committed to sourcing all ingredients from local, organic farms. For the event, he prepared a bean chili and pared it with oven baked, organic sourdough bread from a local baker.
This was a fantastic opportunity to witness how local businesses can achieve environmental, social, and environmental sustainability. Thank you to Arcane and Field to Fork for such a memorable day, and to RBC for funding special events like these.