Once in a while a stranger will look-out for you and tell you, “your shoe laces are untied”, “be careful” before you drop something, or “watch out” before step into a crosswalk... It’s not that you’re not careful or irresponsible, but it’s a sign that good people are out there and they care. And since this April is the mark of our Three Year Anniversary, I want to tell you a story of a friend who warned me about something very important and I feel compelled to pass the warning on to you.

Through our Chairman, Bob Noble, I’ve come to meet some of the smartest people in Sustainability. And a few years ago, I met Charles Angyal, who was also literally there when Gottfried and Italiano held numerous informal meetings with a core group of like-minded professionals that led to the incorporation the U.S. Green Building Council.

So back in February of 2009, Charles took my phone call to talk about his plans for the future, when out of left field he asked me plans for the Club. I told him I wanted to show films in 2009 and he gave me a warning: “You Should Show This Movie To Your Club... You Really Need To Pay Attention To This! Its called I.O.U.S.A.” Charles even sent me and email that day with the link: http://www.iousathemovie.com. The documentary was a warning about the National debt and I didn’t watch the whole film because many of the warnings went right over my head...

Then over a recent weekend (now one year later), I was watching CNN and they were running a finance special called “ I.O.U.S.A. Solutions” and the CNN network was airing the film! Of course, now it was important to me because CNN said so. And what I learned were some of the same messages that other smart people were saying all last year --- “that the economy is not coming back”, “that consumers are not going to spend again like they did before”, and “that the American dream will have to change or be modified for the next generation.”

I thought about it more and I’m really OK with living with less and living within my means, however when starting a business... you do want to do what’s needed to be legitimate, i.e., office space, equipment, employees, etc. And, anyone who really knows me, knows that I will also advocate for people to join the revolution with a business of their own. But, sometimes you need to lead by example and saving money takes discipline. 

So, I'm excited to announce that we've launched a new venture called “EcoHub”  to do just that ---- SAVE MONEY! The Eco Investment Club is saving money by being headquartered here and we're excited to have a new mailing address, 4542 Ruffner Street, Suite 170, San Diego, CA. 92111.

This helps start-up businesses reach their potential and accelerate their growth.  By providing an affordable shared space via a membership system, entrepreneurs can not only take their dreams to the next level, but be surrounded by like-minded individuals.  We believe there is a tremendous value in the synergies that can be created by getting people together in a collaborative environment. By sharing a common vision, purpose and even resources may lead to a new model of doing business in these most challenging of times.
 
In addition, our real estate partners at Square One Development support our vision to potential transform our location into a green corporate campus.  This relationship and available infrastructure allows us to accommodate our member companies’ growth and expansion needs.  As companies “graduate” out of our shared innovation space, they can remain within our two building campus.  This will allow them to continue to participate in the collaborative atmosphere, events and educational opportunities. We have a number of companies already participating and currently accepting applications for new members. EcoHub will also provide The Eco Investment Club not only a new permanent home, but is the logical next step for the evolution of our operations as one of EcoHub’s first members and a key strategic partner. Bob Noble,Chairman and CEO of Envision Solar and EcoHub’s first member company to relocate explained his desire to be part of this new venture, “We wanted to be in a space where the building owners not only understood our mission but wanted to be part of it.  Being surrounded by like minded-professionals opens up new avenues for collaboration and partnership”.
 
EcoHub’s shared innovation space even looks different than a typical office, with a bold design and custom furniture created by LEED AP and Club spokes model, Kristianne Watts of KW Designs. Members will enjoy the full use of all professional amenities including a lush landscaped courtyard, all at a very affordable price. Centrally located at 4542 Ruffner St. off Balboa at I-805, EcoHub is poised to become the center of the fast-growing green business community. I would welcome an opportunity to share more of the details with you and the collaborative community EcoHub is poised to become. But I also promised to pass on a warning... Pay Attention To Those Who Are Looking Out For You Because You Never Know What Changes What Changes You Need To Make On Your Own!! The I. O. U. S. A. filmmakers told the viewers to warn the younger generations to stay out of debt and save your money, now!

Sounds good to me.
 
Next on the Calendar:

Roasting The Founders: Yeves Perez & Bob Noble

Celebrating The Eco Investment Club's Three Year Anniversary on Earth Day 2010

Please Join Us for our Annual Networking Reception & Presentation Celebrating the Club and the Green Economy!

Date: Thursday, April 22nd, 2010
Time: 6pm- 9:30pm
Where: Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
3580 Carmel Mountain Road, Ste 300 San Diego, CA 92130
Phone: 858.314.1543

NOTE: FREE PARKING and HOSTED APPETIZERS!

Our story is simple. We had an idea that turned into a vision, that turned into an amazing "network", and today, a recognizable brand name.

We never started the organization to receive  prestigious recognition, but over the years we've had many people try to describe us... and in 2009, the Club earned this quote: "The Eco Investment Club is one of the greatest --- probably one of the most influential environmental organizations in San Diego and that's why we are here" - Shad Balch, General Motors. The Chevy Volt made its debut appearance in San Diego on Nov. 20th 2009 at the Eco Investment Club. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N82JyAMkU9k

Now, join us April 22nd, as we invite a panel of members and "friends of the founders" to come out and Roast Yeves Perez and Bob Noble on everything from bad habits, to work ethics, to funny gestures and sayings that only Yeves and Bob can do!

We'll have special guest speakers, local Sustainability leaders, and media friends joining us as well.

Please email yevesperez@ecoinvestmentclub.com to RSVP!
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

EcoHub Makes It Easier to Be Green
A New San Diego Start-up Delivers On Green Entrepreneurial Infrastructure

SUMMARY: EcoHub, Inc. is being launched to serve the immediate needs of San Diego’s clean-tech start-up companies. EcoHub seeks to become the center of the entrepreneurial community where companies can collaborate, grow and thrive. By incorporating the best elements of successful co-working spaces and providing core services to address each member company’s unique needs, EcoHub will accelerate growth and ensure success. http://www.ecohubinc.com/, http://www.facebook.com/EcoHub

PRESS RELEASE:
(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) San Diego, CA - April 15, 2010 - EcoHub, Inc. is being launched to serve the immediate needs of San Diego’s clean-tech start-up companies. EcoHub seeks to become the center of the entrepreneurial community where companies can collaborate, grow and thrive. By incorporating the best elements of successful co-working spaces and providing core services to address each member company’s unique needs, EcoHub will accelerate growth and ensure success.
EcoHub has partnered with Square One Office Plaza to develop a Green Campus, which will provide member businesses opportunities to expand while being fully integrated into the growing community of green entrepreneurs. The objective is to create a clean-tech cluster by bringing these businesses together. Click here to read more: http://3blmedia.com/theCSRfeed/EcoHub-Makes-It-Easier-Be-Green

TWEET ME: EcoHub provides green and cleantech startups in San Diego with a unique work space to collaborate, grow and thrive http://3bl.me/57q749