HOLIDAY BYOB Slated for December 3

It's that favorite time of the year AND that favorite event of the month -- A Holiday BYOB!

Sustainable Surplus combined your two faves into one.  Come celebrate, Bring Your Own Box and  fill it with FREE office supplies. 

This is a MEMBERS ONLY event, so don’t forget to sign up at our website.

Already a member?  Great!  Just RSVP here.

Share holiday treats and surprises, and a raffle for a Free Christmas Tree!  All items in the Exchange will be on sale – this event only – up to 25% off!

See you next Tuesday! Cheers & Happy Thanksgiving!!

Board Retreat Unifies All in Mission

It was a meeting of the minds, hearts and passion of Sustainable Surplus at its first annual board retreat.

“Our goal was to solidify and focus the efforts of our team so we can best utilize everyone’s talent to take SSE to the next level,” commented executive director, Sue Prelozni.

SSE board directors and advisory staff met for the better part of a Saturday to collectively learn, contribute and plan. They participated in thought-provoking exercises which refined the parameters of SSE’s mission and strategy.

The meeting was facilitated by Tom Iselin, 20-year veteran of business and board building, and author of “First Things, First.  “It was an awesome experience,” commented Board director, Connie Hoch.  “Tom really captured the attention and input of everyone in the room.”

Board adviser, Patti Mason, added, “In my ten years’ experience running a nonprofit, I sat through a lot of these types of meetings, but none compared in excellence to this.”

An underlying theme of the meeting was to choose words that best define SSE’s corporate culture.  On this everyone agreed:  Environment, Sustainability, Unity/Community,Communication, Repurposing, and Commitment.

In attendance were:  Sandy Atkinson, Kelly Bagla, Alan Ball, William Conner, Steve Hermes, Shari Joyce, Connie Koch Harrell, Patti Mason, Michelle Mueller and Sue Prelozni.

Michelle Mueller Joins SSE Advisory Board

Just on the wings of retirement after 15 successful years at SDG&E, Michelle Mueller joined Sustainable Surplus’ Advisory Board. 

As vice president of SDG&E’s external affairs, Ms. Mueller oversaw communications, public affairs and community relations activities, as well as customer segmentation and strategy.  “Michelle's experience will take our communications and community outreach to the next level,” said SSE executive director, Sue Prelozni.  

An incredibly commanding and accomplished woman, Ms. Mueller allows no grass to grow under her feet. 

She is also very active in the charitable community, giving her time and talent to LEAD San Diego, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the American Cancer Society.

"SSE's mission to repurpose commercial surplus for non-profit and education partners helps keeps waste out of landfills.  The more we can engage and educate San Diegans, the more we can accomplish,” said Mueller.  “I'm delighted to be part of the team.”

SSE Director Joins IFMA Sustainability Committee

Executive Director, Sue Prelozni, is now serving on the Sustainability Committee of the San Diego Chapter of IFMA (International Facilities Management Association.) 

“This is a good fit for both our organizations,” said Prelozni, who was a previous member of IFMA for several years. The core goals of the committee are to share information and resources with its members on sustainable best practices, and impart ideas and examples of green solutions in facilities management. 

SSE works with the facilities directors of companies throughout San Diego.  “They have first-hand knowledge of items which can be re-purposed as their organization makes changes,” Prelozni added.  

Connie Koch-Harrell Joins Board

Sustainable Surplus continues its expansion with the addition of new board member, Connie Koch-Harrell.  Ms. Harrell is the President of the Southern California chapter of the Keiretsu Forum.

Her unique business sense and creative vision has been the blueprint for her proven successes in various industries.  She is a serial entrepreneur with accomplishments in retail, telecommunications, printing, graphics and forms design, technology, and internet community development.

“We look forward to working with Connie as we build our infrastructure and get the processes in place to expand Sustainable Surplus,” said SSE executive director Sue Prelozni. “Her resources for strategic planning will be especially useful.”

Ms. Koch has also served as CEO/COO over companies in publications, telecommunications, technology, enterprise management systems, public relations, and fundraising. “I have a belief that people and relationships are the most vital part of life,” said Ms. Harrell.   Her pioneering attitude and insatiable desire for new experiences will help take SSE to the next level.