Bagla Joins SSE Board of Directors

The board of directors at Sustainable Surplus continues on its strong growth track with the addition of Kelly Bagla, Esq, owner of Bagla Law.  Ms. Bagla practices business law both domestically and internationally, with a focus on early entrepreneur businesses and mergers and acquisitions.  Additionally she works with nonprofit organizations, lending her experience in board governance and development.

“Kelly fills a core competency needed in our organization,” said SSE executive director, Sue Prelozni.  “Her legal experience rounds out the incredible acumen of our board.”  Prelozni and Bagla met at a Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce event, where they are both active members. 

Read Kelly’s bio here.

SSE Makes Finalist in Fast Pitch Competition for $25,000

Sustainable Surplus has been chosen to be a finalist in the Advance San Diego grant competition, created by San Diego Social Venture Partners (SVP).

The Advance San Diego program provides training and coaching to the executive directors of local nonprofits, in addition to cash awards through the competition.  It is modeled after “fast-pitch” venture capital funding competitions.

“What an incredible experience this has been so far,” exclaimed SSE executive director Sue Prelozni. 

“It’s like the proverbial elevator pitch on steroids,” she said, because in three minutes you must convey who are you, what your mission is and define your impact and outcomes affecting your community.

The program is designed to help nonprofit organizations define their impact and tell their story in a compelling way, in order to more effectively raise the funds needed to build their capacity.

The competition began with over 300 nonprofits in the mix and was whittled down to 30 organizations in the semi-finalist round.  Then 15 nonprofits were chosen as Finalists and will present at the ultimate event on October 9.

For more information about the Final Event and to SUPPORT SSE please click here.

Back-to-School Event Saves Teachers $15,000

The Bring Your Own Box Event (BYOB) continues its popularity and increases its attendance.  An estimated 70 teachers and nonprofit supporters attended the special Back to School BYOB.

 “This was the best event yet,” exclaimed Heidi Jensen, event assistant. 

Sustainable Surplus repurposed approximately 200 boxes of office supplies – full of paper, pens, letter trays, plastic organizers, staplers, tape dispensers, hole punches, wastebaskets and binders. 

Savings to the teachers and nonprofits?  On average a ‘boxful’ is worth $75.  A case of 3-ring binders can cost $45-$100, depending on the size and type of ring.  

As a result, in just two hours, SSE gave away $15,000 of office supplies.  

In Loving Memory of Scott Lukeman

It is with a heavy heart that we at Sustainable Surplus say farewell to a wonderful friend and colleague, Scott Lukeman, PhD.   Dr. Lukeman passed due to a heart attack from natural causes.

Scott was a Board advisor at SSE and worked closely with our team on strategic planning, imparting his skills and extensive experience in business development.

He was a managing partner at Provident Consulting Group, where he advised start-up organizations on business development and alignment with capital funding.  Scott earned a Ph.D. in Pharmacology / Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of Miami.  He worked in life sciences for over 20 years, specializing in cardiac pharmacology.  His career moved into strategic development of pharma/biotech start-up companies. 

Scott had a passion for environmental affairs, especially recycling, and he embraced the mission of Sustainable Surplus.  His enthusiasm, good nature and optimism will be greatly missed. We extend our sympathy and prayers to his family.