The Ohio Sustainable Business Council (OSBC) is a statewide coalition of businesses & business networks committed to public policies at the local, state, & federal levels that support a vibrant, just, & sustainable economy. It advocates for policies that result in strong & healthy communities, a clean environment, and a just society.
OSBC Executive Director Mayda Sanchez Shingler and Board Member Chuck Lynd are long-time friends & partners of Simply Living. Additional staff include Tinu Okotore, Legislative Director, Daniel Awomnab, Development & Communications Director, and Mark R Shanahan, Board Member.
Supporting a Sustainable Economy
The business community must play a key role in growing our economy in a manner that creates good jobs and lays the foundation for sustainable economic growth & a strong middle class. The OSBC ensures that businesses that believe in sustainability have an active presence in the policy making process both in Columbus and throughout Ohio.
The OSBC supports a sustainable economy by advocating for legislation & other policy actions, providing a platform that enables policy makers & policy experts to engage with business professionals, helping its members engage with the media on matters related to sustainability, conducting polls & surveys of sustainable business owners to understand their views & concerns on policy issues, and collaborating with other organizations to promote sustainable practices & policies.
It communicates to policy makers, businesses, and the press about how a sustainable economy based on triple bottom line principles (people, planet, & profit) is good for business and good for Ohio. It shares resources and spotlights sustainable businesses in Ohio and the region.
Membership in the Ohio Sustainable Business Council
The OSBC offers a variety of Memberships Levels. Members gain opportunities to speak out on key issues, meet directly with legislators & other policy makers, network with other businesses committed to triple bottom line principles & practices, and participate in education & training programs. Organizations can network with other organizations to increase the collective impact, share resources, and promote sustainable practices. Individuals can subscribe to the OSBC mailing list to find opportunities for conference calls & webinars with policy makers & policy experts and to participate in online actions to promote policy change.
The OSBC also accepts donations to enhance its ability to provide educational & networking events, enabling the community to share sustainability stories and stay informed about important policies.
Upcoming: MORPC’s Summit on Sustainability
The Summit on Sustainability will take place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown. This is the signature environmental conference of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), bringing hundreds of community leaders together to explore & share sustainable ideas & solutions and recognize individuals & collaborative sustainability efforts through the Regional Sustainability Awards. The Summit will feature two plenary sessions as well as breakout sessions focusing on MORPC’s sustainability programs.
MORPC is a regional council of governments and the metropolitan planning organization for central Ohio. It coordinates transportation planning, sustainability initiatives, housing, economic development, and regional policy. It guides long-term planning & regional collaboration in central Ohio.
Its core responsibility is to facilitate the region’s transportation planning process, and is expert in research & forecasting, public policy, facilitating financing, and acting as a bridge to convene & connect local governments.
MORPC has over 90 local governments & community partners as members. This diversity ensures that communities of all sizes can participate in regional planning. Membership provides access to advisory services, grants, & financial resources, GIS & data services, local government internship programs, annual member visits & regional collaboration meetings, and grant finder tools & other planning support.
