January is almost over. Yes, you made your new year’s resolutions. You are hitting the gym, eating well and feeling great. Good for you! But what about your business? Did you make new year’s resolutions for your business? Is your business striving to contribute back to the community in 2013? Maybe you read an article or two about businesses becoming more socially responsible. Maybe you are realizing that businesses, like individuals can make a difference. No matter your reason, 2013 is the year to be green. Let’s explore some different ways a business can step up to lead the community to a greener environment and build customer relationships at the same time.

• Abandon Paper Advertising. First, we need to cut down on commercial waste. Have you done an ROI analysis on your paper advertising recently? Businesses are becoming increasingly aware that flyers, post cards, door hangers and other paper advertisements are not cost effective. Customers find these types of advertisements more of an annoyance than informational. So why not cut your cost and save a tree. Stop the plastering of unwanted flyers and postcards. Your customers will appreciate not having to deal with the annoying pieces of paper waste.

• Spread the Word. Perhaps you are not yet aware of the power that your business holds in shaping the opinions of your customers. This thinking should be dashed by Chick-Fil-A’s political stand last year and the swift actions and reactions caused by it. Your customers support you because they have a certain trust in your business. This kind of trust is powerful in bringing a positive change in our society. So tell your customers that you care about the environment and be a part of this positive change.

• Build Your Green Brand. Take the step above a bit further. Build an advertising campaign around your message of being green. Let your customers know that you are contributing back to the communities that support you. Your customers will subconsciously associate your brand with being responsible and wholesome. This subconscious association can make the difference when your customers have to choose between you and your competitor.

• Bring It All Together. Adopt a Highway. How exactly can a business do all of the above at the same time? By adopting a highway! Adopt a Highway Programs allow you to put your business name & logo in front of millions of motorists that drive the busy highways in the largest cities of America. The exposure your business will receive is unrivaled. When you adopt a highway, you are displaying corporate citizenship to your current and potential customers. Your business is contributing to a cleaner environment while bringing your brand to your customers. Your green advertising will give back to the community that supports your business. See what others say about Adopt a Highway Programs.

So what are you waiting for? Let 2013 be the year that your business commits to being green! Take the steps and bring positive change to your community. To find out more about Adopt a Highway Programs in your city, contact Adopt a Highway Litter Removal Service of America, Inc for pricing and information at (800) 499-2367.

Greenability is Kansas City’s only green magazine and is the most sustainably produced publication in the area. As a forum for community events and accomplishments, the magazine tells the stories of Kansas Citians who go above and beyond in environmental initiatives.

Each issue is full of resources and ways that readers can get involved in eco-friendly practices and activities. Story topics range from recycling, energy efficiency and local foods, to repurposing, renewable energy and green jobs.

This year, Greenability added a digital magazine edition to its website at www.greenabilitymagazine.com. It also started a Greenability Job Network to help connect job seekers with green employers through a job search website, www.greenabilityjobs.com. Readers can stay connected with weekly news through the free Greenability E-News.

Greenability was recently awarded the Green America second place national recognition for its sustainable paper practices. It has also received awards from Bridging the Gap, Sierra Club and Missouri Small Business Development and Technology Center. For the past four years, the magazine has been nominated for the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award.

Greenability is produced on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified

paper, which is 100% recycled and contains 60% post-consumer waste. It is printed using soy-based (not petroleum) ink, and the electricity used in the paper production and printing processes is all offset by renewable energy credits. The paper is also Ancient Forest Certified.

In each issue, Greenability publishes an environmental benefits statement outlining the resources saved by its printing practices. Since 2007, Greenability has saved:

• 510 trees
• 226,620 gallons of water
• 150 million Btu of energy
• 13,770 pounds of solid waste
• 47,040 pounds of greenhouse gases.

We’re excited to be partnering with Adopt-a-Highway to help clean up our urban environment,” said Julie Koppen, publisher.

It’s truly a pleasure to work with like-minded businesses that care about the environment and their communities. We are proud to highlight one of these great businesses in Missouri, Lee’s Summit Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram.

LSDCJR has been under its current ownership since acquiring the dealership in February 2007. However, the store has been here for over a dozen years as part of the Lee’s Summit community. They support the local school sports teams, the neighboring home owner’s association, the BBB, the city COA and various charities throughout the KC metro area. LSDCJR has over 100 employees at our location and welcome their families as part of the family.

“We are a nationally-recognized award-winning Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership with a diverse customer and employee base. We are here to help the community as a whole through our charity and community involvement. We are a state-of-the art dealership with highly trained staff members to assist our brand customers with service, sales and accessories.”

LSDCJR cares about the community, that’s why we chose to partner with Adopt-A-Highway. We want to keep Missouri roads clean and beautiful.

If you would like to join LSDCJR in Missouri’s Sponsor a Highway Program, please contact Sarah Parkes at (800) 540-8694 or email her sarah@adoptahighway.net.

SCHMOOZE \’shmüz\ (verb) : to converse casually, especially in order to gain an advantage or make a social connection.

PALOOZA \’pa•lü•zah\ (noun) : a large scale party!

The IndyChamber is hosting Schmooza Palooza, a networking event for local businesses on June 20th, 5-8 pm at the Banker’s Life Fieldhouse. Adopt-A-Highway Litter Removal Service of America, Inc., will be joining in on the fun. Come by our booth and find out how your business can advertise to millions to motorists, day and nigh all year long with the Sponsor A Highway Program. Premium downtown locations are available in Indianapolis now. Your business can be seen by thousands of potential customers. With available sign locations receiving an Average Daily Traffic Volume (ADT) of 130,000 to 160,000 per day you gain unrivaled exposure 24/7.

So, let’s meet up at Schmooza Palooza, the Chamber’s largest party of the year. Schmooza Palooza provides Chamber member companies with the opportunity to promote their business to Chamber members, as well as others in the community. ! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for your chance to win an iPad2.

If you have any questions about the Sponsor a Highway program in Indiana, please contact our Territory Manager, Sarah Parkes.

The community of Grain Valley, MO has cleaner highways thanks to GE Transportation.

GE Transportation is a global technology leader and supplier to the railroad, marine, drilling, wind and mining industries. GE provides freight and passenger locomotives, railway signaling and communications systems, information technology solutions, marine engines, motorized drive systems for mining trucks and drills, high-quality replacement parts and value added services.

Not only does GE Transportation help with the building of our roadways, they are helping to keep them clean! A big thank you to our friends at GE. If you would like to join GE and take part in the Sponsor-A-Highway Program in Missouri, contact Sarah Parkes at (800) 540-8694.

GE Transportation is honored to be a part of such a great organization such as the “Sponsor-A-Highway” program. The Grain Valley site takes a lot of pride in knowing we can contribute to helping keep our roadways clean. The company likes the program so well we plan on signing up our Warrensburg General Electric site! – Dan Morton, GE Transportation

Adopt-a-Highway Litter Removal Service of America, Inc. (AAHLRSA) is partnering with Earth Day Network to support A Billion Acts of Green®. Your business can join the effort and make everyday Earth Day!

Highway sponsorships provide business communities with an opportunity to fund the removal of litter and to be recognized for their contribution to safer highways and a cleaner environment.

Commit to an Act of Green and join the Sponsor a Highway Program with AAHLRSA. Your business will receive an outdoor sign that is visible to millions of motorists in one of America’s largest cities. Recognition signage displays your business logo to potential customers day and night, all year long.

Sponsor-A-Highway.. it is “Your road to a cleaner America”. Pledge now and proudly display your corporate citizenship.

April 22 is Earth Day! Get ready to take part in making our Earth a greener planet. There is no better time to adopt a highway in your area and contribute to a cleaner environment. Adopt-A-Highway Programs will put your business in front of millions of motorists twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year. You will receive unrivaled exposure for your business.

With Earth Day approaching, there is a heightened sense of environmental awareness and social responsibility. By adopting a highway, you are displaying corporate good citizenship to your current and potential customers. Your business is contributing to a cleaner environment while bringing your brand to your customers. Green advertising gives back to the community that supports your business.

Pledge now to a cleaner environment and Adopt-A-Highway. And don’t forget to go to Earth Day Network and share your pledge.

University of Phoenix in Indiana is teaching its students more than just academics. Setting a good example of social responsibility, University of Phoenix is a Sponsor of three locations in the new Sponsor-A-Highway Program in Indiana. In addition to the Sponsor-A-Highway Program, University of Phoenix contributes to numerous other community service projects, including the Teaching It Forward scholarship and a Volunteer Program that partners with Points of Light Institute.

University of Phoenix believes in giving back to our community and getting involved. Through our Corporate Social Responsibility office, we have an exciting opportunity to create advantageous partnerships and relationships while making a tangible impact on our local communities. Helping to ensure healthy, vibrant and prospering communities is good for our employees, their families and our neighbors.

Our most notable Adopt a Highway sponsor in the Greater Seattle area is none other than Snoqualmie Casino. With multiple locations on I-5, I-405, I-90, and SR18, Snoqualmie’s contribution to clean highways in Seattle is significant. Their commitment in giving back to the community is exemplary. Next time you are looking to support a socially responsible business in the Greater Seattle area, stop by the Snoqualmie Casino. You will find yourself having a good time while helping Snoqualmie keep our highways clean.

Experience the thrill of Vegas-style gaming and world-class entertainment mere minutes from Seattle at I-90 east, Exit 27. From the fast-paced gaming floor, to the pulsing nightlife in our three upscale lounges, clubs and bars, the action is endless.

Add a renowned concert venue, five exceptional restaurants, a swanky cigar lounge, and you’re a world away from boredom. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable night on the town, or want to bask in luxury for an afternoon, Snoqualmie Casino caters to your idea of a good time.

There is a new sponsor in town cleaning up the highways of New York Long Island. ShopRite of Patchogue has joined the Sponsor a Highway program to contribute to a cleaner environment. This family-owned business is focused on giving back to their community as they bring freshness and convenience to their neighbors.

A native of New Jersey, Harry Janson’s 40 year career (1970-2010) in the Supermarket Industry led him from New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Alabama, and Arkansas before bringing him close to his home state in 1998. That’s when Harry, President of Janson Supermarkets, L.L.C, became a Wakefern/ShopRite member when he built a new ShopRite location in Hauppauge, New York. He and his family including his wife, Elizabeth, sons Harry II and William and daughter-in-law Amy manage this 61,000 square foot location. Just this past October, The Janson Family opened their second location in Patchogue, New York.

From day one, Harry was focused on giving his customer’s the best. Every day, his Bakery Department prepares Bagels and Donuts from scratch. The Prepared Foods Department features Rotisserie Chicken and Fried Chicken, which is breaded and fried on site.  Harry also has a full-time Sushi staff that prepares fresh Sushi daily, using only Grade A Ingredients.With many of his customers being working couples with young children, Harry offers ShopRite from Home.

Making sure customer’s have the ethnic foods they need is important to the Janson’s. The store’s ethnic aisle includes Polish, German, Indian, and Spanish products as well as a selection of Hala and Kosher foods including both a Kosher Red Meat Case and Chicken Case.

Harry Janson and his family feel very strongly about helping within their community.