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GRAND RAPIDS – The greater Grand Rapids Community Sustainability Partnership has formed a new leadership team, appointed by Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, Grand Valley State University President Thomas J. Haas, and Grand Rapids Community College President Steven C. Ender, and has set goals for 2011 to help maintain Grand Rapids’ status as the most sustainable mid-size city in the U.S.

“We’re taking this organization to the next level,” said Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell. “We got a good start when CSP was founded in 2005, but it’s time to re-energize and establish future goals that will continue to move the region forward in sustainability.”

The leaders of Aquinas College, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Public Schools, and the City of Grand Rapids formed the partnership, known as the “CSP.” Today over 200 endorsing partner organizations continue to develop and implement sustainable development best practices. Members of the Community Sustainability Partnership include private, public, service and academic organizations. Additional CSPs have been formed in Muskegon; Holland and Zeeland; Spring Lake and Grand Haven; Portage, Battle Creek, and Kalamazoo; and Toledo, Ohio.

A large component of CSP is networking and collaboration. “This diverse group is unique because while members all share common aspirations, they range from municipal to academic to private organizations,” said Grand Valley Provost Gayle Davis. “So there’s constant networking and idea sharing taking place.”

The 2011 leadership team of the Community Sustainability Initiative includes: Mayor George Heartwell and Haris Alibašid, City of Grand Rapids; President Steven Ender and Moss Ingram, Grand Rapids Community College; President Thomas J. Haas and Norman Christopher, Grand Valley State University; Eddie Tadlock , SMG and DeVos Place; Jessica Eimer, Aquinas College; Christina Keller, Cascade Engineering; Andy Johnston, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce; Keith Winn, Catalyst Partners; Gail Heffner, Calvin College; Jennifer Jansma, Kuaka New Zealand and Gayle DeBruyn, West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. Resource team members include: Nancy Meyer, City of Grand Rapids; Janel Curry, Calvin College and Rhonda Lubberts, Grand Valley State University.

The Community Sustainability Partnership is a diverse network of community organizations in West Michigan who embrace and support sustainability-guiding principles in their planning and operations and are striving to make a positive impact in the community. Members of the Partnership are committed to work together to restore environmental integrity, improve economic prosperity, and promote social equity. More information can be found at www.grpartners.org.