Mission & History

Mission Statement

The Business Environmental Alliance (BEA) promotes the economic benefits of responsible environmental practices and provides resources to enable businesses to implement these measures.

History of the BEA

Business and the Environment - the Bottom Line

The dichotomy between business and the environment is quickly disappearing as we begin the 21st century. Businesses throughout the country are realizing that profits increase as they reduce waste and use their resources more efficiently.

Why Sonoma County?
Sonoma County is located in Northern California, in the heart of California Wine County. It encompasses over 1 million acres, is home to approximately 435,000 residents and is known for its scenic beauty. Within this county agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and information technology industries comprise the major economic sectors. For Sonoma County to maintain its high standards of living, business needs to realize that voluntary responsible environmental practices are in their own best interest, as well as in the interest of the surrounding community.

Forming the BEA
In 1995, the Board of Supervisors created the Sonoma County Environmental Business Task Force, a committee comprised of business, environment and government representatives. In December 1995, the Task Force recommended the formation of the Business Environmental Alliance (BEA) to implement an integrated program of voluntary responsible environmental practices by local business. The BEA is one of the first initiatives of its kind. This business-driven community partnership, coordinated by the Sonoma County Economic Development Board, centers on the use of business-to-business communication to promote voluntary responsible environmental practices as a means toward economic profitability.

Green Business is Good Business
As an article in the July 19, 1998 New York Times recognized, there is "increasing evidence that green begets green." The BEA works to share information between businesses and to provide businesses with resources so that Sonoma County becomes a benchmark leader for profitability through environmental responsibility.

Back to top