Our SVI partner, Social Venture Network (SVN), was recently featured on Oprah.com's list of 28 resources that make up her "Toolbox" for becoming a leader in socially responsible business. Along with SVN member-led and ally organizations like Investors' Circle, StartingBloc, Center for Social Innovation, Echoing Green, and Social Enterprise Alliance, SVN is included as an organization that can help nurture profitable and innovative businesses that will transform the world.  Renewal CEO Joel Solomon was a founding member of SVN and Renewal COO Pam Chaloult is the former Co-Executive Director.

I had a new birthday on November 14. That was the anniversary of my first full year with a new kidney. There's no way I can describe the gratitude and joy that I feel. People ask how long it took to recover. That recovery continues, because it has taken me far beyond the health of even two years before the transplant. In fact, best I can judge, I'm ten years younger than when the surgeon marked the spot with his felt pen.

Renewal friend and founder of eco-based web networker Happyfrog.ca, Ron Williams recently announced an exciting merger with 3rd Whale. This innovative grouping will broaden the strength for green consumers who are seeking values-aligned businesses by combining 3rd Whale's mobile phone application with happyfrog.ca's rich web 2.0 platform.

We encourage you to check out the newly enhanced Happyfrog.ca and read the full announcement here.

Ever wonder what might happen if the dragons left their den and entered the realm of social enterprise? Here is an invitation to a special business case contest where two social enterprises will pitch their key challenges to a judge and jury of their peers.

Check out this article by Social Change Institute alumnus Van Jones: Working Together for a Green New Deal.

Jeffrey Holender, CEO of Renewal investee Seventh Generation Was named CEO of the Year by Corporate Responsibility Officer (CRO) magazine.

Earlier this year, Seventh Generation was selected as the "#1 best company on the planet."

Utne Reader's 50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World is a great read with links to biographies and video interviews, speaches, and other footage. 

Earlier this year, Fraser Basin Council and Vancity Credit Union did an online survey of small to medium sized enterprises earlier this year. With an impressive volume of respondents and very detailed responses, participants explained their sustainability strategies and the actions they are undertaking.

Karen Mahon, Executive Director of Endswell Grantee Hollyhock Leadership Initiative (HLI), was recently interviewed for an article, "Green movement a form of spirituality for many: Religions and the sustainability movement are both trying to create a kinder, more loving world."