A Community-Driven Success for a Greener, More Sustainable Future

A transformative recycling initiative is taking root in Shiawassee County—and it’s being powered, in part, by the next generation of local changemakers. Backed by strategic support from Lionbear Ventures and spearheaded by the Cook Family Foundation, this movement is laying the groundwork for long-term environmental sustainability.

But this foundation-supported collaboration isn’t just about reducing waste. It’s using circular market development to build community capacity, grow local leadership, and ensure Shiawassee has the resources to create a cleaner, greener future for all.
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The Shiawassee Community Recycling Workgroup,formed with a common mission: create a robust recycling program that builds a stronger, sustainable local economy. The workgroup began in public forums and united 22 local organizations with partners from municipalities, nonprofits, small businesses, and environmental advocates. The program plan is building opportunities that align with Michigan’s 2022 update to Part 115 legislation - where the the state of Michigan would create a system that focused on managing materials instead of managing waste through landfills.

Connecting Key Players For Maximum Impact
As part of this foundation-supported collaboration, strategic advisor Ashley Connelly of Lionbear Ventures helped connect key partners to strengthen the project’s reach and resources. Resourceful Recycling and the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce were accepted into Michigan’s NextCycle accelerator program thanks to support and guidance from Connelly.

Additionally, the Chamber received funding from the Cook Family Foundation to expand its ability to provide waste reduction education and market development services—an investment that will help further activate local business leadership in sustainability efforts.

“Bringing the right people to the table is just as critical as having the right plan,” said Ashley Connelly, founder of Lionbear Ventures. “This collaboration is about unlocking potential already in the community and giving it the structure and support to succeed.”

Community Engagement Builds the Foundation in Shiawassee County
Public forums hosted earlier this year brought together residents from across the county; Corunna, Owosso, Perry, and beyond, to share insights on recycling needs and challenges. Facilitated by Kari Krantz, these sessions created space for authentic feedback, ensuring future recycling efforts reflect the needs and concerns of the people who live here.

“Future successful recycling initiatives throughout the county can only happen if they are supported by area residents,” said Krantz.

Cook Family Foundation Aids Youth-Led Innovation Sparks Action
One of the most exciting outcomes from the project so far? Local high school students are taking the lead.

Students from Corunna, Morrice, and Owosso high schools were given the chance to design and launch their own community-centered recycling initiatives. On June 21, 2025 the Resourceful Recycling event held at Owosso high school collected 5,862 pounds of electronics to be recycled. These projects are more than just classwork: they’re living proof of what happens when today’s youth are trusted with not just leadership roles but supported with the appropriate tools.

“This is the kind of work we love being a part of,” said Connelly. “When young people feel empowered to shape their community, you’re not just assisting with funding a project—you’re investing in a future where innovation and civic engagement go hand in hand.”

What’s Next?

• Continue to COLLABORATE in the exchange of information and ideas with both private and public stakeholders.
• PARTICIPATE by hosting community listening sessions & building public awareness of the benefits of waste reduction benefiting multiple generations. The community will see continued outreach and collaboration as plans evolve.
• BUILD a local recycling economy by 
  • leveraging community assets
  • creating new products markets via a recycling ecosystem
  • assembling competitive grant applications to fund reductions, recycling, climate resiliency, & sustainable businesses. 
    
    

Want to get similar collaboration aid for your community projects? Interested in making your company a member of innovative solutions?
Reach out to Lionbear Ventures today and we’ll get you started to get on track! Let's talk.