Students and faculty from Appalachian State University recently connected with sustainability experts at the GreenBiz Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Grace Houle, a senior economics major, and Charlie Bourne, a senior sustainable development major and sustainable business minor, along with accounting professor Dr. Tammy Kowalczyk and management professor Dr. Jim Westerman, joined approximately 3,000 corporate sustainability professionals across industries at the high-profile sustainable business conference.
“Attending Greenbiz allows us to learn about key trends, cutting-edge technologies, and best practices,” said Westerman. “We bring back knowledge to share with faculty throughout the college so that they can advance and enrich our students’ experiences in the classroom and through co-curricular programming.”
Appalachian State students and faculty at the GreenBiz Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona in February. (L-R): Grace Houle, Charlie Bourne, Don Addu(alumnus & member of the management department advisory board), and Tamara Kowalczyk
“One key takeaway for me was the immense impact of sustainable food systems on climate action,” shared Charlie Bourne. “Of all business sectors, changes in food production and distribution can have some of the fastest and most tangible effects on reducing environmental harm. The conference reinforced the importance of collaboration between businesses, policymakers, and communities to create a more resilient future.”
Greenbiz also provides a rich networking opportunity for students interested in working in the field of sustainable business and opportunities for faculty to engage guest speakers for classes and events.
“During my time at GreenBiz25, I was able to immerse myself in influential learning experiences with other like-hearted individuals,” shared Grace Houle. “I had the opportunity to interact with executives from Microsoft, Toyota, and L’Oréal. During these conversations I gained valuable insight on the future of sustainable business practices and reporting. Being there was incredibly empowering and reinforced the belief that the next business revolution will be the green movement.”
Westerman, who chairs the Walker College's sustainability steering committee, said the committee is planning the college’s annual Global Good Conference to bring sustainability experts to students on campus this fall. The conference, which will be free and open to the public, is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025.
This is the seventh year that App State representatives have attended Greenbiz.
Related: App State students, faculty members seek hands-on, tangible solutions at Greenbiz
Greenbiz is one of many opportunities for transformational experiences that business students can have in the Walker College of Business. Another is the Duke Sustainable Business and Social Impact Conference, which 14 students and faculty members recently attended virtually.
About Sustainable Business at App State
Appalachian’s Walker College of Business is committed to advancing sustainable business practices that promote responsible management of economic, social, and natural resources. The theory and practice of sustainable business recognize that the economy, environment, and society (the triple bottom line) are interconnected and interdependent and strive to enhance the business model so that it can flourish and thrive to benefit future generations. The college offers a sustainable business minor available to business and nonbusiness majors, a bachelor’s degree in environmental economics and policy, and an MBA concentration in sustainable business. The programs focus on student engagement, research, and community involvement. For more information, visit https://business.appstate.edu/sustain.
Appalachian students and faculty at GreenBiz(L-R): Jim Westerman,Grace Houle, Charlie Bourne, Tammy Kowalczyk
Appalachian students and faculty at GreenBiz(L-R): Jim Westerman,Grace Houle, Charlie Bourne, Tammy Kowalczyk