An important part of Innovate! is leading by example of what it means to operate a “green” and environmentally-conscious organization. In 2010, the company founded the Global Cooling Network, a 501 ©3 non-profit to reflect Innovate!’s commitment to our planet. The mission of Global Cooling Network is to preserve the forested land in its natural, undeveloped state. Propelled by the “green” mission, over a decade ago, Lily and Phill Thomas came up with a few networking events that would focus on their “green” awareness objective while also bringing together partners, clients, and agencies to mingle and enjoy an evening of “getting to know” each other’s world. Two of these events, Earth Day and “Green Halloween” became annual events that grew in popularity each year. Earth Day is held in the Spring, and Green Halloween is held at the end of October around the actual Halloween day. Both these events have provided an outreach opportunity to impart their “green” vision. Each year for both events there is a “green” theme, displaying and offering natural, local and green alternatives for hosting a party.
Phill Thomas, COO of Innovate! states, “While hosting a networking event, it also gives us an opportunity to bring awareness to our “green” mission with a “green” themed event. Each year we spotlight something “green” for all to see and reflect upon. This year we have on display our “Commitment Tree” where we hope that everyone adds a leaf to it reflecting a commitment for the year that will help our earth and the environment.” Innovate! will also be giving away “Vampire Repellent” goody bags for guests to take home with them. What is a “Vampire Repellent?” Phil’s clever idea was to offer cloves of garlic, a-la-Vampire Repellent, as a give-away to his guests for this year’s Green Halloween event.