June 30, 2010

Meet Partner, David Field!

By Lori Thiel

An SDSVP Partner since 2000, David Field is a long-time proponent of renewable energy technologies, especially solar, and environmental stewardship. He co-founded a renewable energy company specializing in the production of renewable fuel additives (ethanol and methanol) and, following that established and managed a joint venture to develop and operate water infrastructure projects among municipalities and public agencies. David counts among his specialties commercializing sustainable energy technologies, raising investment capital, developing and leading high achieving management teams and driving investor returns. He recently took some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for us:

You have an extensive background in energy, particularly renewable/sustainable energy. What do you think is the best energy source(s) for the next century and why?

I believe that rooftop solar is a “sleeping giant” that is only now awakening. Not only because I manage a solar technology and development company, but rooftop solar tends to be lower cost than all other delivered forms of renewable energy since it avoids incremental investment in unsightly transmission and distribution power lines. As a result of recent dramatic decreases in solar technology and financing structures that take advantage of government incentives, in many cases electricity produced from rooftop solar panels is now lower cost than comparable electricity purchased from our local utility — and that is significant!

You also have been president of the board of Coastkeeper. Do you consider yourself an environmentalist and, if so, how did you come to be one?

I consider myself to be a pragmatic environmentalist — meaning that I try to take into account and balance overall societal impacts versus solely protecting the environment at all costs. For example, one must ask the question, “Do the economic and security benefits of new water sources that are desperately required here San Diego outweigh the environmental costs associated with ocean desalination?” I believe in a balanced approach to protecting the environment, and in the case of ocean desalination, that it should proceed forward based on its societal benefits and in a way that minimizes (not eliminates) its impact on the environment.

How did you come to be involved with SDSVP?

I first joined SVP in Phoenix, Arizona in 2000 and became a partner in San Diego when I moved here in 2003. I believe very strongly in its mission and approach and have seen time, and time again, the effectiveness of the model.

What is the best thing about being involved in SDSVP?

The people. Because of the strength and depth of the partner base, innovative and creative approaches can be adapted to deal with issues that are unique to San Diego. For example, the success that the partnership has had in driving the establishment of the Equinox Center is truly amazing, especially now when one sees the quality of work and impact that Equinox is having on the community. This is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of SDSVP, its model, and most of all, its partners.

What is your favorite place in the world and why?

On my sailboat moored off of Catalina Island. The enormity of the ocean humbles oneself, the beauty of the shoreline is endless....and it’s so close to home in San Diego.

Please tell us about your family.

I am blessed to have a wonderful wife, Caroline and four children, Sarah (11), Katherine (13), Connor (17) and Tyler (20).

Please tell us about favorite pet.

We have a Belgian Malinois (think: police dog) that is the favorite of the family. Jack is truly a big playful child that redefines the phase “go fetch.”

How do you spend your days off?

Going to the beach or being on my boat are my preferred ways to spend my time. I can’t get enough of summertime and being outside in general.

Please tell us about a personal project you can’t wait to finish.

Cleaning and organizing the garage — seriously. Don’t want to start it, but can’t wait to finish it.

What is your most prized possession and why?

The things that I receive from my children tend to be my most prized possessions. Many are made by them, and I love the thoughtfulness that goes into them. For Father’s Day this year, my daughters hand-painted a shirt for me, which I wore with pride when we all went out to lunch to celebrate.

Please tell us one of the most useful or valuable things you ever learned.

Compassion. All of our lives are journeys that take us both up and down, and you never know which is coming next. It is not until we fall down in life do we truly gain the ability and further understand the need to feel and extend compassion towards others. I have been blessed by others in my life who have shown me compassion when I most needed it.

What is your most impressive useless talent?

Unfortunately, I probably have many useless talents, but the one that comes to mind the most — based upon being told as much by my children — is my ability to convey a plethora of useless factoids.

What book will you read at the beach this summer?

Right now, I am reading “The Next 100 Years” by George Friedman. An amazing analysis into our future.

What gets the most play on your iPod / MP3 player?

It depends upon my mood, which changes frequently.

Nobody in SDSVP knows that...

Until I was 21 years old, I spent every summer at a family cabin in northern Canada with no electricity, phone, roads (access by boat only), etc. Probably one of the most valuable learning experiences of my life and serves to define who I am today.

June 14, 2010

Social Venture Partners Continues to Grow Despite Sluggish Economy

SAN DIEGO (June 11, 2010) – During 2009 when the nonprofit sector suffered a 3.5% reduction in charitable contributions, San Diego Social Venture Partners increased its impact to the community, donating a record $3 million of cash and value-added services to nonprofit organizations in San Diego County.

San Diego Social Venture Partners (SDSVP) are community minded professionals who contribute time, money and business expertise to help innovative nonprofits chosen through a rigorous selection process. The organizations selected for investment – called Investees – have a clear vision, strong leadership, a commitment to measuring successful outcomes and a desire to collaborate with high-level volunteers.

SDSVP’s mission is to accelerate social change by developing the organizational capacity and sustainability of each nonprofit they support, empowering them to serve the community more effectively and efficiently. Its Partners are diverse in their interests, but all are united in their commitment to strengthening San Diego County, helping its people achieve long-term social change.

Social Venture Partners International (SVPI) recently announced its latest numbers associated with organizational growth, grant making, and volunteer service. Based on member data, the SVP network grew 2% in 2009. The SVP network of personal philanthropists contributed $3.16 million to 149 nonprofits last year and SVP Partners contributed thousands of hours of volunteer service to nonprofits in 25 cities throughout North America and Japan.

“Our Partners continued to be highly engaged in their communities in 2009.” says Alan Sorkin of San Diego, president of Social Venture Partners International. “For the ninth year in a row, Partner satisfaction continues to improve. About 77% are involved as active volunteers.” SDSVP Executive Director Peggy Kidd said today: “SVP Partners were more engaged than any year to date. Despite the economic downturn, people are eager to get involved in their communities and give more than a financial contribution to a cause. The data shows new people are joining SVP because they see its model as a proven and effective way to make a difference.”

ABOUT SAN DIEGO SOCIAL VENTURE PARTNERS (SDSVP)
Established in 2001, San Diego Social Venture Partners is a nonprofit organization of professionals who invest time and money in innovative nonprofits in San Diego County while becoming more educated and involved givers. Recent Investees include A Reason to Survive, Audeo Charter School, the Community Resource Center, the Corporation for Supportive Housing, ElderHelp of San Diego, Reality Changers and the Tariq Khamisa Foundation. To learn more about SDSVP, call (858) 964-0290 or visit http://www.sdsvp.org/.

June 1, 2010

Meet Partner, John Burnett!

By Lori Thiel

New SDSVP Partner John Burnett, President of John Burnett Marketing in Carlsbad specializes in corporate, legal and non-profit marketing. Dr. Burnett was Professor of Marketing at the University of Denver, Daniels College of Business and Director of the University of Denver Marketing Roundtable and has taught marketing for over 41 years, earning tenure at six universities.

In corporate America, John taught in the senior management program for AT&T for 10 years and was also a partner in the marketing firm and interactive agency Scenario d LLC. He has served as an expert witness on intellectual property/marketing for 20 years.

John has worked in the nonprofit sector for 25 years with such organizations as The Boys Club of America, The American Red Cross, Lubbock General Hospital, the National Parks Service, the Denver Zoo, and Easter Seals.

He is a prolific author with over 70 articles and 20 college-level and trade books to his credit. Now in retirement he plans to continue writing and helping small profit and nonprofit firms.

He took a few moments to answer some questions about himself for us:

1. How did you come to be involved with SDSVP?

Since moving from Denver to Carlsbad in May of 2009 I connected with Parker Pike and his programs at UCSD. SDSVP was mentioned by several of the people I met. However, at the recent AMA Cause Conference a few weeks ago, I shared the stage with Duane Trombly. He sold me on the benefits of becoming a Partner.

2. What is the best thing about being involved in SDSVP?

So far the best thing has been the people. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting friendly, committed, intelligent, and professional individuals.

3. What is your favorite place in the world and why?

Undoubtedly, my favorite place is the Hawaiian Islands. I have been there 15 times over the years. The attraction is the culture, the beauty, and the feeling of peace I experience when I'm there.

4. Please tell us about your family.

My wife, Nancy, has recently retired as a psychotherapist. She is also an author and teacher. We have been married for forty-four years and have three grown children. Laura, age 42, lives in Ft. Collins, CO. She is a brain-injury survivor and the reason why I have committed to working with nonprofits. Michael, age 37, is a photojournalist and lives with his wife, Katherine and daughter, Sadie, in Cardiff. David, age 32, is a social worker living in Denver.

5. Please tell us about favorite pets.

We have no current pets, but my favorite was our Lab, Pat, who loved running in the mountains.

6. How do you spend your days off?

Since I retired last June, all my days are off. However, my favorite activities are writing, working with nonprofits, walking, and playing with my granddaughter.

7. Please tell us about a personal project you can't wait to finish.

I am trying to learn how to use social media.

8. Please tell us one of the most useful things you ever learned.

I have learned empathy spending time with families affected by brain injuries.

9. What will you be reading on the beach this summer?

John Irving's "Last Night in Twisted River."

10. Nobody in SDSVP knows that...I am a life long Cubs fan.

Investee, Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF) in the News!

Click on the link below to learn more about Investee, TKF's impact at a San Diego County School!


San Diego NBC 7/39 News: Breaking the Cycle