In September of 2007, I had a dream of creating a local organization. It would be a single resource for the networking and educational needs of businesses and organizations in our community which had the desire to become more sustainable. This was a lofty idea, and I knew I needed help. I contacted Isbel Ingham who was working with NextStep Recycling. After our very first meeting, Isbel immediately introduced me to Daniel Swantek, owner of Green Solutions Printing.
Daniel was a young and progressive entrepreneur who had built Green Solutions Printing. In an industry not traditionally known for being green nor eco-friendly Daniel had launched a company committed to his beliefs of being a socially and environmentally conscious corporation. Not only was Daniel leading the way in his eco-conscious business practices, but he also lead his life as a shining example of good stewardship and sustainable living. It is easy to see why I was immediately impressed by this soft spoken and yet aggressively passionate man.
Over the next year, Daniel, Isbel and I met weekly and sometimes daily, to discuss our goals and how to achieve them. Daniel’s input was invaluable and our time together was always fruitful. From our basic ideas, GreenLane Sustainable Business Network was formed. Through great teamwork, we went from a concept, to a steering committee, to our first networking meeting, creation of GreenLane’s first Board and ultimately to our inaugural kickoff event, on the dark, cold evening of January 15, 2009. Inside this event, there was just an incredible amount of love and warmth generated by over 250 GreenLane members and business leaders, who came to Northwest Community Credit Union in support of the newly formed GreenLane Sustainable Business Network. On this evening, Daniel and I spoke of what we hoped this organization would accomplish in the years to come. With his wife Dhira and young daughter Athena by his side, Daniel shined as a beacon of success for all to see. I am very honored to have shared this event with him.
On May 8th, 2010, Daniel Swantek, our wonderful friend and co-founder of GreenLane Sustainable Business Network, passed away in his sleep. Daniel was a beloved husband, father, friend and so much more. Words cannot express our sorrow at this unexpected and untimely departure. Daniel touched so many lives and will be missed by so very many people. He was a man who lead by example and like so many others, I too was taught so much by just being near him. Although, we will all miss Daniel terribly, his spirit and bestowed wisdom will be carried on by those he touched and his generosity and love will continue on.
Goodbye dear friend.
Allen Perkins and the entire Board of GreenLane Sustainable Business Network.
Donations for Daniel’s wife and daughter can be made out to:
The Daniel Duffy Swantek Memorial Trust Fund
C/O Emily Chaison
450 E. 32nd Ave.
Eugene, OR. 97405
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