Conscious Capitalism CEO Doug Rauch will be the keynote speaker at the Newton-Needham Chamber’s Green Business Awards Breakfast, on Thursday June 19 in Newton.

The Green Business Awards Breakfast will be held outdoors, along the banks of the Charles River, adjacent to the Newton-Marriott Hotel, and will also honor local businesses for their environmental achievements.

A nationally known speaker, Rauch will discuss his newest business venture, an innovative non-profit solution to the issue of “food waste” and hunger/obesity by bringing high quality, nutritious food at affordable prices to the underserved in our inner cities.

Rauch, a Newton resident, spent 31 years with Trader Joe’s Company, including 14 years as president, helping grow the business from a small, nine-store chain in Southern California, to a nationally acclaimed retail success story with more than 340 stores in 30 states. He developed their prized buying philosophy, created their unique private label food program, and wrote and executed the business plan for expanding Trader Joe’s nationally.

He is presently CEO of Conscious Capitalism Inc., a non-profit dedicated to challenging business leaders to rethink why their organizations exist, and to acknowledge their roles in the interdependent global marketplace. He is also a trustee at Olin College and chairs the Board of Overseers at WBUR.

Channel 5 news anchor and Newton native Phil Lipof will serve as the master of ceremonies for the breakfast. Also speaking that morning will be Mass Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner David Cash, Newton Mayor Setti Warren and Needham Board of Selectman Chair John Bulian.

“The Green Business Breakfast is a chance to bring together local businesses, energy and environmental experts and policy makers to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to preserving and protecting our environment,” said Greg Reibman, president of the Newton-Needham Chamber.

The Chamber’s Environment Committee will recognize seven businesses from Newton and Needham that have taken a leadership role in reducing energy or other environmental strategies or for providing noteworthy green products or services.

“The Green Business Awards Breakfast brings business and civic leaders together to discuss and celebrate the economic and social benefits of being green,” said Peter Smith, chairman of the Chamber’s Environment Committee. “It will recognize the outstanding achievements local businesses and civic organizations have taken to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Green Needham is an active participant in the Green Business Awards program.

Advance tickets for the Green Business Awards Breakfast, Thursday June 19 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Newton Marriott Hotel, are $30 for chamber members and $35 for non-members and are now on sale at the Chamber’s web site or by calling 617-244-5300. Tickets on the morning of the event will be $40.