Skip to main content
User Name Password

 

Events by Region > Buffalo

Expand All | Collapse All
There are no future events to display in this category.
 

Past Events

11.05.2008 | Buffalo | More Details | See Who Came
CEN Buffalo: Is Sustainability the Answer to Upstate’s Economic Woes?

Is Sustainability the Answer to Upstate’s Economic Woes? featuring Warren Emblidge ‘65, President of S.J. McCullagh, Inc. and the leader in an upstate New York  coalition to promote sustainable, or green, practices

Long before it was “the thing to do,” Warren Emblidge followed a sustainable business model: his coffee company was one of the first American businesses in Vietnam, and he credits his company’s profitability to engaging and embracing the community and using natural resources in a delicate way.

Fast forward 22 years, and S.J. McCullagh is one of the region’s largest coffee companies. The company is a member of the Rainforest Alliance (http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/) and is continually searching for more ways to go green in three areas: product development, logistics and headquarter operations.

Beyond his own company, Mr. Emblidge is currently assembling a regional network comprised of businesses, government entities, educational institutions and charitable organizations. The purpose of the network is to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices as a way to boost our region’s economy.

At this event, you’ll hear Mr. Emblidge talk about:

  • Why he’s been choosing green and how it’s benefited McCullagh’s bottom line
  • Why a region wide dedication to sustainability is good for our environment and everyone’s profitability
  • How you and your business can participate

About Our Speaker

In 1986 Warren Emblidge '65 acquired S.J. McCullagh Inc., a local coffee roaster and distributor, founded in Buffalo NY in 1867. At the time of the acquisition, coffee was a “low-cost hot, black drink;” today it is “an expensive experience.” He expanded the business out of necessity, since the WNY economy was, is and most likely will be in decline. Today, McCullagh and its related companies operate throughout North America and in S.E. Asia. Environmental sustainability achieved in a financially prudent manner plays a key role in his businesses.
 
Mr. Emblidge was employed at Buffalo Savings Bank / Goldome until 1986, earning various promotions to senior management positions. The late 1970’s and 80’s were very difficult for thrift institutions, since inflation was high, short-term interest rates were higher and the bank’s loan portfolio yield was less than interest expense. He represented the bank and worked with the thrift industry officials on many important financial matters; unfortunately he can’t remember the details. A failed effort to convert the Bank in 1983 to publically owned institution convinced Mr. Emblidge and his wife that a “Plan B” was required.
 
Mr. Emblidge was born and raised in Western New York. Two early Cornell connections influenced his life: Ira G. Ross, then President of The Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory encouraged him to apply to Cornell, and William H. Harder ’30, invited him to apply for employment at Buffalo Savings Bank.

Mr. Emblidge holds an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and an AMP from the Harvard Business School. He is an Eagle Scout, was a finalist in the 1964 Olympic Sailing trials, is a cancer survivor, plays piano in a mainstream jazz group and is involved in the usual community activities.
 
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 ~ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
6:00 PM Hors d'oeuvre Reception/Networking
7:00 PM Speaker/Q&A/Open Mike
8:00 PM Dessert/Coffee/Networking

Cost: $20 Includes Food, Drinks, Networking, and Speaker Presentation
Cocktails: Sponsored by McCullagh Coffee
Guest Policy: Alumni may bring up to 3 non-alumni guests
Location: The Buffalo Club, 388 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, New York 14202, 716-886-6400
Directions: http://www.thebuffaloclub.org/Default.aspx?p=DynamicModule&pageid=246386&ssid=102651&vnf=1 

Event Contact: Amanda Christofferson, amc392@cornell.edu or 607.254.7111

The event is produced in partnership with the Cornell Club of Buffalo