A business professional committed to building stronger communities by promoting local and independent businesses is being recognized with a 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).
Amy Robinson, founder and executive director of LOCO BC and a KPU environmental protection technology (EPT) graduate, will be honoured June 14 during convocation ceremonies at KPU Surrey.
Robinson’s work focuses on improving the sustainability of businesses large and small. She has a passion for local business and seeks opportunities to share the benefits of supporting the local economy.
“I see how hard local businesses work, how much they define our communities, how they aren't just big corporate entities. They are in our communities and care about their people, their places, the planet,” she says. “Our communities and our society wouldn't be the same without them, so I've dedicated my life to helping them survive and thrive.”
When climate change starts to significantly impact our economy and lifestyles, the relationships created in a local economy will help sustain us and transition to a new system, says Robinson, adding she’s impressed by the environmental leadership of local businesses despite their limited time and resources.
“There are many ways in which local businesses help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. There hasn't been a lot of research on this, except for some that shows how online shopping creates more GHGs in transport and waste. LOCO has been trying to change that. In 2021, we partnered with Vancity to study the GHG impacts of purchasing local products from local businesses, and found that it has a huge climate change benefit – up to 66 per cent less emissions.”
Robinson’s LOCO BC organization leads the buy local movement in B.C. by promoting the idea to consumers, businesses, and governments and institutions. LOCO also works to improve small business sustainability.
“LOCO has contributed a number of studies to the body of research on the impact of independent business, and I always get a thrill when someone quotes our statistics. Our research is used across B.C. and the rest of Canada, to promote buying local, and to justify policy changes, and I'm super proud of that.”
She’s also proud of how far she’s come since completing her EPT diploma from KPU in 1998. Robinson, who also holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and serves as a sessional community economic development instructor at Simon Fraser University, remembers being terrified of public speaking as a KPU student.
“I literally read my entire first presentation from my notes and made no eye contact with the class while my heart pounded loudly in my chest. I knew I had it in me to become a good public speaker. I still get the jitters sometimes, but I know how important it is, and I've become a bit of a spokesperson for the buy local movement.”
Her advice to graduating students is to take risks and learn from mistakes.
“Break some rules, don't take no for an answer. I always say that 75 per cent of my success is due simply to persistence, and to not taking things personally. In order to survive as a species, we are going to need all hands on deck, with every one of us bringing forward our craziest, most creative ideas.”
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes KPU alumni demonstrating lifetime accomplishments in one or more of three areas: professional, entrepreneurial, innovation; service; exemplified resilience in the face of adversity; and significant regional, national or international contribution.
Paul Richard, an instructor in KPU’s EPT program, nominated Robinson for the award, noting her work has benefited countless small businesses that – by being local – help the environment.
“Amy’s whole career has been working with small businesses to embed sustainability. Small, local businesses often feel isolated and not empowered to adopt sustainability principles. Amy recognized that need early and by addressing it, has made our communities healthier and more vibrant. She has created an exemplary career without compromise, always for the benefit of the community.”