Amuse Consulting: Ethically Sourcing the Development of Slovak House
Publish Date: August 2009
As an event planning contractor who offers services driven by creativity as well as social consciousness, Marc Smith of Amuse Consulting knows how important it is to be flexible. That flexibility is one of the Vancouver-based company’s greatest strengths, and it has enabled him to approach Games-related opportunities with an open mind and the ability to adapt to “business as unusual.”
While Amuse Consulting has only two permanent employees, what it lacks in size it makes up for in scope. By subcontracting with a wide range of B.C.-based partners, Amuse provides comprehensive event planning and support services, from the concept stage through to execution.
Amuse has recently been referred by the Vancouver International Film Center (VIFC) to provide event planning services at the Slovak House hospitality venue for the 2010 Winter Games. Having produced a number of events at the VIFC in the past, Smith was introduced to the Slovak House Project Manager by a VIFC representative, and was able to secure his Games-related contract without a complicated bidding process. But he understands the value of keeping informed about other formal bid opportunities, and is currently in the proposal stage for another cultural hospitality venue project.
Growing his company has included attending Business Opportunities workshops at the 2010 Commerce Centre. For Smith, the workshops have been a great opportunity to network, and to orient himself with the qualities buyers are looking for in their search for suppliers.
Amuse’s commitment to both environmental and social sustainability is a big plus. With a vast network of partner-suppliers and sponsors, Amuse can provide environmentally ethical sourcing of everything from food and beverages to flowers and decor.
“Wherever possible, we work with suppliers who share our commitment and whose products and services are sensitive to the impact on the environment and the community,” says Smith.
The company’s smaller gestures – such as avoiding disposable supplies or projecting signage instead of printing on paper – also add up to large environmental contributions.
This philosophy also comes through in Amuse’s support of the local community. Smith himself is a founding board member of the BC Ethics in Action Society, which recognizes business leaders engaging in environmentally sustainable corporate practices. His experience chairing the annual Ethics in Action Awards gala equipped him with the tools and network to apply his passion for sustainability to all aspects of his business operations. Smith also sits on the board of the Just Singin’ Round Showcase of West Coast artisans – an initiative of the Synergy Foundation charity – and volunteers his services at annual events for A Loving Spoonful.
Smith swears by outside-the-box business strategies. He urges other small businesses interested in becoming involved in Games-related opportunities to do the same when considering how to apply their skills and expertise.
“When an unusual opportunity presents itself, don’t think, ‘that is not how we do business,’” he says. “Rethink it, so you can decide how you can best incorporate it into your business. Challenge yourself to be open to new business opportunities.”
Smith has also learned the value of preparation in putting together formal RFP packages. Having realized from experience just how much writing some bid opportunities require, he advises other business owners to put together a practice bid proposal when they have some down time.
“With a collection of foundation proposal material on hand, it’ll be much easier to quickly put together a comprehensive bid package when an appealing opportunity comes up,” he says.
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