At that time, about 60 close friends and colleagues interested in pursuing projects and companies that make a positive impact on the planet attended the first event. Five years ago EcoTuesday was one of the only gatherings for sustainability-minded professionals so the energy in the room was high! Now we have events in cities across the country!

Since that initial gathering, EcoTuesday has held over 400 monthly events in cities across the country, bringing people from all areas of sustainability together to collaborate and connect with one another and learn from high-quality andengaging speakers. Thousands of professionals have attended EcoTuesday throughout this time, sharing their work with others, developing strategic business relationships and even creating long-lasting friendships. My hope is that these actions all support a shift in the way we relate to "business."

Thanks so much to the fantastic Ambassadors across the country who dedicate their personal time to creating the best sustainability events in their city. Additonally, many thanks go out to all of our past Sponsors that have provided support in various ways to keep EcoTuesday running smoothly. Participants, thank you for returning each month and for sharing the event with friends.

We're celebrating the Fifth Anniversary in San Francisco a week earlier than usual (on Tuesday, February 21st). The events in Cleveland, Dallas and Silicon Valley will still take place on the fourth Tuesday of February (February 28th). Register early - that always makes us happy.

On a personal note, it's been an honor for me to lead EcoTuesday for five years. There have been transitions, setbacks and triumphs in all areas of the company and it has continued to grow throughout the entire process. I don't think I'll ever be able to measure the quantitative impact of EcoTuesday, but I am happy to know that the community has changed lives and businesses in many positive ways.