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Business Week at LU kicks off with 'Beyond Zero' screening Nov. 7.
The Lamar University (LU) College of Business is kicking off its annual Business Week celebration on Nov. 7 with a special screening of the documentary “Beyond Zero,” which delves into the inspiring story of an industrial pioneer who started a revolution in American commercial flooring.
“We are so excited to bring this event to Beaumont. Not only is sustainability a topic that continues to be at the forefront of discussions for the next generations of business leaders that are learning and entering the workforce through the College of Business, but this particular story is surprising in the topics it captures and the emotions it provokes,” said Elizabeth Newman, senior coordinator of marketing and communications for the college, who is serving as event organizer for the event and all Business Week 2022 activities. “This is a unique opportunity for our students and community. We encourage anyone who is interested in environmental issues, film, and business to join us on Nov. 7.”
The feature-length film chronicles the story of Ray Anderson, visionary leader of the commercial carpet tile and resilient flooring company Interface. Founded in 1973, Anderson saw carpet tile in Europe and wished to bring its potential to modern offices in America. Not only did this start a revolution for the commercial flooring industry, but inspired Anderson to think beyond the constrains of sustainability of the time. As portrayed in the film, Anderson embarks on a high-stakes journey to become a 100% sustainable enterprise. His heroic leadership and the accomplishments in achieving this goal are inspiring to see unfold and serve as an inspiration for organizations at any stage. The film is a call to action that will ignite the human spirit.
The college is hosting this event in partnership with many entities on and off the Lamar University campus. The film screening is sponsored by the Ederan Foundation, founded by Elizabeth and her husband Russ Waddill in honor of her parents Dorothy Anne and C.W. Conn to fund meaningful projects in the areas of the arts, education and the environment. It also is sponsored by Conscious Capitalism Inc., a U.S.-based, nonprofit organization with the purpose of building a movement in business leaders to improve their practice and perception of capitalism in order to elevate humanity so that people can flourish and lead lives with passion, love and creativity.
The screening on Nov. 7, from 6-8:30 p.m., will be at the University Theatre next to the College of Fine Arts and Communication on the LU campus. Volunteers from the College of Business and the LU Green Squad will assist with the event.
Doors open a 6 p.m. with a brief introduction of the film by Russ Waddill of the Ederan Foundation. Audience members are invited to stay and participate in a discussion following the film. The film begins at 6:10 p.m. and a Q&A with director Nathan Havey and Interface’s Danny Airhart will follow.
Havey is the co-founder of the Institute for Corporate Transformation, and a writer and director for many projects including “Beyond Zero” and the podcast “10 Things You Should Know About Stakeholder Capitalism.” He also co-leads the global consultant certification program for Conscious Capitalism Inc.
Airhart serves as regional sales director at Interface in Houston.
The kickoff event is free and open to all students, faculty, staff and community members and will be the first of many events “to educate, enrich and elevate the business student experience at Lamar University” during Business Week. Learn more about Business Week events online at: https://www.lamar.edu/business/events/business-week.html.