SWITCH is a network of sustainable energy sector and supply chain businesses; education and public institutions; researchers and innovators; professionals; community-minded volunteers and students. We work together to position the south-eastern Ontario region as a leading centre for sustainable energy innovation, education, adoption, products, and services. Leadership in Sustainability: We believe
that SWITCH can and must take a leadership role in building a society whose economic activity and resource usage is consistent with maintaining a sustainable environment, and reducing the environmental footprint. Building on our organizational success in the Kingston region, we are expanding our regional reach in 2011 to include south-eastern Ontario. Strong Brand Recognition: SWITCH was founded in 2002, and is known in the Kingston region as the ‘go-to’ networking hub; and source of technical information, sustainable energy news and business advice for those involved in alternative energy. We build and maintain strong member and strategic relationships, which are of primary importance to our work and brand recognition. Innovation: We support innovation in technology, public policy, conservation, energy generation, education, consumer choices, and commercial activities. We believe in the ability of innovation to provide our society with a path to sustainable energy usage. Communications: SWITCH publishes a weekly e-newsletter reaching over 1300 subscribers who believe in the efficacy of sustainable initiatives. We use our websites and social media to communicate on a daily basis. We leverage membership in national sustainable energy organizations, like the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA), to communicate our activities, our member activities and raise the profile of our members, the City, municipalities and organizations involved in sustainable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. Open Meetings: Monthly Open Meetings provide a vehicle for businesses to communicate their corporate sustainability goals, initiatives and success; and promote their products and innovations. SWITCH Open Meetings allow individuals to remain current and involved in the sustainable energy sector and provide excellent networking opportunities for organizations and individuals to connect with service and product suppliers, potential clients and customers, collaborators, employers and employees. Events: In March 2011 the SWITCH Green Profit Conference and Exhibition brought together 165 people from over 35 communities across Ontario; and 90 businesses, institutions, non profits and economic development corporations to learn about sustainable energy solutions for their organizations. The Conference was sponsored by organizations; such as, TD Bank Group, Gowlings, Lafarge, Queen’s University, St. Lawrence College, RBC Royal Bank, Cruickshank Group, KEDCO, OSEA, and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. Member Value Proposition: As a member-based non profit organization we believe that our members are our strength. SWITCH creates a competitive advantage for its 140 members by bringing together the sustainable energy and wider community to collaborate on projects, share information and leverage knowledge; and by promoting our members and sustainable energy in the media and to potential customers, collaborators and business partners.
