How leaders in Teton County are supporting local businesses – and creating resilient communities

At the Mountain Towns 2030 Summit in Jackson, WY, a dynamic panel convened to discuss how local organizations are advancing sustainable business practices and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. The session explored the successes of the Sustainable Business Leaders program, a collaboration between the Teton County Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling Department and the nonprofit Riverwind Foundation.

The Sustainable Business Leaders (SBL) program serves as a blueprint for fostering sustainable practices across local businesses and organizations. Shannon Shuptrine, Sustainability Program Manager at the Riverwind Foundation, highlighted how the program integrates environmental, social, and economic goals into business operations, aligning participants with Teton County’s climate action and zero-waste goals.

“Sustainability isn’t just about reducing waste,” Shuptrine said. “It’s about creating systems where businesses thrive while protecting the environment and strengthening community resilience.”

The program offers businesses practical support from the Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling, including:?

• Workshops and training on topics like waste audits, composting, and energy efficiency
• Certification guidance to help businesses navigate the process of earning sustainability certifications
• Connections and networking to facilitate collaboration among participating businesses to share best practices

“Our role is to empower businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to make meaningful, measurable changes,” said Rebecca Kiefer, Outreach Coordinator for Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling.

Each panelist shared how their organizations have leveraged the SBL program to integrate sustainability into their operations.

Grand Teton Association

Nick Delmolino described how the Grand Teton Association implemented a Sustainability Management Plan focused on waste reduction and conservation education. By aligning their practices with SBL principles, the organization has significantly reduced landfill contributions while educating park visitors about sustainability.

“We’ve learned that leading by example is one of the most effective ways to inspire change,” Delmolino said.?

Teton Raptor Center

Amy Brennan McCarthy shared how the Teton Raptor Center incorporated renewable energy and waste diversion strategies into their operations. The center also focuses on wildlife conservation, demonstrating how environmental stewardship extends beyond human activities.

“Sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a responsibility we owe to the ecosystems and species we serve,” she said.?

Healthy Being Café, Juicery & Wellbeing Market

Jessica Vandenbroeke highlighted her business’s journey toward sustainability, which includes sourcing local ingredients, eliminating single-use plastics, and educating customers about waste reduction. The café’s efforts have earned them a prominent role as a model for green business practices in the region.

“For us, sustainability is about aligning our values with our operations—ensuring that every decision we make reflects care for our planet and our community,” she said.

The panelists emphasized how the SBL program creates ripple effects across the community. By supporting businesses in reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices, the program contributes to broader county-wide climate goals.

Key accomplishments to date include:

• Waste Diversion: Increased composting and recycling rates among participating businesses.
• Energy Savings: Adoption of renewable energy systems and energy-efficient practices.
• Community Engagement: Greater awareness and action among residents and visitors inspired by sustainable business leaders.

The session concluded with actionable advice for attendees looking to replicate the program in their own communities:

1. Start with Small Wins: Businesses don’t have to tackle everything at once; incremental steps build momentum.
2. Leverage Partnerships: Collaboration between governments, nonprofits, and businesses is key to scaling sustainability efforts.
3. Measure Impact: Tracking progress ensures accountability and demonstrates the value of sustainability initiatives.
4. Engage Customers and Employees: Educating and involving stakeholders creates buy-in and amplifies impact.

“Sustainability isn’t just an operational choice—it’s a way to lead, inspire, and build resilience across our community,” said Shuptrine.

WATCH THE FULL SESSION