2009 Scholar in Residence: Bruce Piasecki Bruce Piasecki is the author of six books on business strategy, valuation, and corporate change. In his newest book, World Inc.: When It Comes to Solutions — Both Local and Global — Businesses Are Now More Powerful Than Government, Dr. Piasecki examines a “new phenomenon in socially responsible capitalism,” one that looks to business instead of government to solve society’s problems. World Inc. explores how “the corporations that can best address social issues by creating superior products will thrive and profit in this new world.” Other books by Dr. Piasecki include In Search of Environmental Excellence: Moving Beyond Blame, the Nature Society's book of the year. His business articles have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Baltimore Sun, Technology Review, and Christian Science Monitor. World Incorporated
Past Scholars in Residence 2008: Victor Morrison Victor Morrison, president of the American Flatbread Company, is a nationally-recognized leader in sustainable business practices. He has served as financial operations manager for IBM in Essex Junction; as the CFO for SkiTuner/Grindrite; as CFO/VP of Finance and Administration for Planned Parenthood of Northern New England; as CFO and later CEO of the Elan Ski and Snowboard Company; and as Operations Manager for Efficiency Vermont. The American Flatbread phenomenon began as a small restaurant in Waitsfield, VT, serving homemade pizza baked in a wood-fired oven. Today it is a privately-held company with four restaurants and a national sales operation of frozen baked goods. The business started as “an experiment in post-modern bread baking,” using traditional methods and simple wholesome ingredients produced locally. American Flatbread Company
2007: Will Rapp Will Raap founded Gardener's Supply - an employee owned company based in Burlington - in 1983 after an accomplished career with many major corporations. Raap is honorary founding member of the board for the Intervale Foundation, a nationally recognized center for sustainable agriculture in Burlington. Board appointments include the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, Vermont Partnership for Environmental Technology and Science, Vermont Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Council and Living Technologies, Inc. Gardener's Supply Company Intervale Foundation
2006: Spencer Putnam Spencer Putnam has served executive director of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR), a statewide coalition of leaders in the green business field. His own successful business career includes positions as General Manager of Danforth Pewterers and as Vice President of Operations at the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, among others. Putnam has been active in local and civic affairs, including service as a member of the boards of the United Way, CommunityAction, Agency on Aging, and The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
