Great Conversations and Green Ideas at Valley Network Happy Hour with a Purpose

On a warm July evening, Sustainable Stillwater MN welcomed community members, Green Business Directory members, and local business leaders to Rustic Roots Winery for our Valley Network Happy Hour with a Purpose. While smoky skies kept a few attendees at home, those who joined us enjoyed an evening full of thoughtful conversations, valuable connections, and fresh ideas for creating a more sustainable future.

Greg Sandager

One of the evening's highlights was hearing from Greg Sandager, owner of Rustic Roots Winery, who shared how a $50,000 BizRecycling grant helped his business purchase a keg washer—an investment that reduces waste while improving day-to-day operations. His story demonstrated how sustainability and smart business decisions can go hand in hand.

Andi Arnold, Jeff Riegle, and Sabrina Fay

Guests also enjoyed an engaging panel discussion on green investing featuring Sabrina Fay of Bond & Devick Wealth Partners and Jeff Riegle of Green Guardian Wealth Management. Jeff, an environmental engineer turned wealth strategist, shared how financial planning can reflect personal values while building long-term financial security. Together, the panel explored sustainable investing, the importance of transparency, how to recognize greenwashing, and practical ways individuals can align their investments with the future they want to create.

The conversation didn't stop when the panel ended. Attendees stayed to ask questions, exchange ideas, and build new relationships with fellow sustainability-minded community members. The relaxed setting at Rustic Roots made it easy for meaningful conversations to happen, whether participants were longtime Green Business members or meeting Sustainable Stillwater MN for the very first time.

Beyond the networking, the evening strengthened partnerships throughout our community. We were grateful to welcome members of the BizRecycling team, celebrate one of our outstanding Green Business Directory members, and introduce prospective members to Sustainable Stillwater MN and the growing Green Business network.

A special thank you goes to Rustic Roots Winery for generously donating the use of their beautiful event space, BizRecycling for their continued partnership and fun giveaways, Greg Sandager, Sabrina Fay, and Jeff Riegle for sharing their expertise, and everyone who attended despite the summer heat and smoky conditions.

Events like this remind us that some of the biggest ideas begin with simple conversations. We look forward to hosting more Valley Network gatherings that bring together people, businesses, and organizations working toward a stronger, more sustainable St. Croix Valley.

Thank you to everyone who joined us—we can't wait to see you at the next Valley Network event!

• 

• 

•