Sustainable Business Community

Sustainably Sadie

Sustainable Business Community

My husband and I are preparing for the grand re-opening our drive-thru espresso business, Jumping Rainbow Espresso. As we face our third season in business in Twin Bridges, I find myself evaluating the past.  We haven’t yet had the opportunity to grow the business like we would like; however we are blessed to be able to continue taking the leap and attempting doing small town business on scale we can afford. 

I was fortunate to have been invited to the GRVCCA’s first Buy Local meeting in February, 2010, right before we first opened JRE. I was freshly influenced by Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (2007), one of my favorites from author of the fiction, The Poisonwood Bible.  Kingsolver, husband and two daughters chronicled one year of eating as close to home as possible.  We strive for a 100% sustainable home, we also brag about our business being a “green” coffee shop and try to be as sustainable as possible.  In terms of business, staying in business is the first step towards being sustainable. 

We joined the Chamber for exposure and support from other business owners.  I volunteer as chair of the Buy Local committee of the GRVCCA. 

The Greater Ruby Valley Chamber (www.rubyvalleychamber.com) supports the greater area west of the Tobacco Root Mountains:  Alder to Silver Star.  The Chamber sponsors community organizations and events.  I also am a member and volunteer of the Twin Bridges Community Association (TBCA).  The Sheridan Main Street Improvement Team (MSIT) is a similar organization that is working hard at beautifying Main Street, Sheridan—check ‘em out on Facebook. 

The two larger communities in the Ruby Valley, Twin Bridges and Sheridan, receive equal sponsorship from the Chamber for their summer festivals and Christmas Strolls.  The Chamber hosts the Local Business Expo and the Ag Appreciation Banquet, celebrating the agricultural heritage of our area.  Membership to the Chamber gets you a fully custom page of internet exposure and a listing in the Business Directory (distributed throughout Southwest Montana), advertising in Madison County Directory and discounted rates for the Local Business Expo.

The GRVCCA Annual Membership Meeting is Thursday February 16^th, 5:30 to 7:30 at The Philanthropy Building in Sheridan.  The focus of this year’s meeting to learn from other business owners in a moderated panel/ group discussion.  It will be an informative evening filled with food and drink and business networking.    There will also be a Buy Local presentation.  I look forward to seeing you there.  Post/ email at sustainablysadie.blogspot.com and sustainablysadie@hotmail.com

Twin Bits

The Twin Bridges Community Association is hosting its Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser Sunday February 26^th, 1 to 4 pm at The Shack .  Ticket prices are $25 per person or $40 per couple.  Silent auction, door prizes, and souvenir wine glasses, delicious appetizers, a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  The next TBCA meeting is Friday February 17th, 8:30 am at The Old Hotel. 

From TBS Calendar:

Thurs. Feb 9:  JrHi BBB w/ Sheridan @ Home; JV B & GBB @ Butte High

Friday Feb. 10:  State Wrestling Tourney @ Billings Metra; BB @ Lima, 5:30 pm, GB, 11:30 am Pep Rally in MP Gym

Sat. Feb 11:  State Wrestling @ Billings Metra; JrHi BBB @ Sheridan Tourney; BB w/ Sheridan @ Home GBGB, 2:30 pm, Senior Night!  FFA/AG on-line students Dessert Silent Auction Fundraiser @ games,

Sadie Hawkins Dance in Lunchroom 9 pm to Midnight

Feb. 13 – 18, TBS Spirit Week.

Mon. Feb. 13:  JrHi BBB @ Cardwell, 4 pm; FFA Mtg in MT Room @ 7:30 pm; Honor Choir in Whitehall

Tuesday February 14:  Valentine’s Day; JrHi BBB w/ Ennis @ Home

Feb. 15 to 18:  BB District Tournament, Butte MAC Center

Mon. Feb. 20:  No School

Feb. 22 to 25:  BB Divisional Tournament, Butte

March 1 to 3:  Boys’ State C Basketball Tourney, Billings

March 8 to 10:  Girls’ State C Basketball Tourney, Great Falls