ClearlySo Canada Celebrates its 1st Anniversary!

A year ago today we launched ClearlySo.ca with a party for our 30 founding members and today, on our first anniversary we have lots more to celebrate!

With ten times the number of businesses registered on our site, 311 companies that incorporate social or environmental values and principles into the day-to-day operations of their social enterprises and businesses, ClearlySo Canada’s members are collectively changing the world in a meaningful way.  We know a lot about a few of them but are hoping to learn a whole lot more about each and every company in the coming year.

Like any new business we’ve had our share of challenges.  We are limited by time and resources, are working hard to clearly define and implement our vision and plan, and create value through products and services that are needed by the organizations on our site.  I know we’ve made a significant difference to some, but there is still so much more to do in order to truly unleash the collective power of this network.  If you’re a member on our site and have ideas on how we can collaborate in a way that would benefit others in the ClearlySo Canada on-line community, please feel free to e-mail me at julie.mcdowell@clearlyso.ca.

Today, though, on our 1^st Anniversary, the future looks bright and I am filled with gratitude for having had the opportunity to work with and learn from the many incredible entrepreneurs, advisors, collaborators, clients, sponsors and investors that make up ClearlySo Canada.

I’m especially grateful to Angela Loknath, for her dedication to ClearlySo Canada this past year.  Sadly, Angie is leaving us to accept a terrific position as Environmental Programs Analyst with Lowe’s – a perfect match for her skills and interests and we wish her great success.  Angela was instrumental in getting our website launched a year ago today and has supported all aspects of our start up phase with professionalism and humour.  We’ll miss her smiling face, tireless work ethic, high professional standards and delicious home baked treats, but are thrilled to welcome her as our Environmental Specialist on the ClearlySo Canada Advisory Committee.   Check back in April for announcements on new additions to the ClearlySo Canada team!

Lastly, without the vision of Rod Schwartz, this global network of incredible businesses would never have been created.  Rod is truly a pioneer in the field of social enterprise and investment.  He works tirelessly to advance the interests of social entrepreneurs, a club to which he is a paying member.  His time, talent, drive and courage is creating far reaching returns (both social and financial) to businesses and investors all over the planet.  I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to form ClearlySo’s first international network and to be celebrating its first successful year.

We’re looking forward to announcing some exciting initiatives later in 2011 and hope you will check in from time to time at www.clearlyso.ca and share our newsletters with colleagues. Thanks to those of you who have supported us financially through your membership, sponsorship and collaboration.  If you like what we’re doing you can upgrade your membership here or become a ClearlySo Canada sponsor.

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