"Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair." 
- Dahr Mann

Building trust is at the core of all positive human relationships. You simply cannot be successful without trust.

The most compelling way to do that as a triple bottom leader is to honor your word. Say what you do. Do what you say. 

You communicate what you're doing in your company's annual benefit report. This is a requirement in most all 37 states that have passed benefit corporation legislation. You're required to create a report every year that discusses how you met material positive impact on people and planet as well as profit.

And the same applies to recertification as a Benefit Corporation for Good. You cannot be recertified without an annual benefit report. It's all about accountability. And yes, it helps build trust with your stakeholders.

One closing thought: As voting is top of mind for me (I just finished writing letters to 60 individuals in the state of Ohio), please don't forget to cast your ballot by November 5. It's the best way you can help shape policy in your city, county, state and country. 

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Since our September newsletter, the following has happened:

• 2 new BCFGs have joined our community

• 2 current BCFGs have recertified, and

• 12 states and 1 Canadian province now feature a BCFG certified business

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Note: Our "Happy Hour for Good" has been quite popular for Portland-based companies. These quarterly get-togethers present the opportunity for values-driven leaders to connect, to learn and to laugh for 90 minutes. Beginning in October, we are bringing our "Happy Hour for Good" to the internet as a virtual event. Be on the look out for details coming soon to our LinkedIn and Instagram pages!

BCFG Manifesto

We dare to believe that every business can positively impact the world.

We believe that by joining the benefit corporation movement you reinvigorate the planet with sustainability, transparency and empathy.

We believe in the 3 P’s practice of putting People and Planet first because it means more Profit for those who see the wisdom in serving the “greater good.”

We believe in helping empower companies to become benefit corporations because we know that a rising tide lifts all boats. Call us crazy, call us dreamers but we have the audacity to believe we will answer JFK’s words, “If not us, who? If not now, when?”

Want to learn more? Check these out!

How To Build Trust
More and more companies are committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment. For solopreneurs and small business owners, this often means integrating ethical practices into their operations, prioritizing sustainability, and striving to create meaningful change. But how can you effectively communicate these efforts to team members, prospective customers and stakeholders. The answer lies in creating a Benefit Report. READ NOW

How Purpose-Driving Marketing Helps Build Stronger Brands
Did you know purpose-driven businesses increased brand value by 175% over the last 12 years, compared to the 70% growth rate of brands with no specific purpose? This statistic from Kantar Consulting’s Purpose 2020 study that gathered insights from 20,000 consumers highlights a powerful trend: consumers increasingly align their purchasing decisions with their values.  READ NOW


How To Find Current Information about DEI and Carbon Footprint Strategies for Your Small Bsuiness
As a purpose-driven leader, you want to stay on top of current best business practices. To learn more about how you can do better for people including your employees, customers and community members. To discover the latest ideas and tools to reduce your carbon footprint. On our BCFG Resources page, you'll find up-to-date white papers, guides and research documents to help you. READ NOW 

Highlights:

Many thanks to the BCFG Advisory Council for generous time and counsel about building a better BCFG standard and community. You'll be hearing more about these new and exciting ideas soon!

Upcoming Events:

October 4: Non-Competes are Out. Other Ways to Protect Your IP
Info here

October 9: Happy Hour for Good - Marketing Your Purpose-Driven Business
To RSVP, email tom@benefitcorporationsforgood.com

October 18: Financial Foundations for Small Businesses
Info here

October 24: Virtual Happy Hour for Good
Details coming soon!

INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING THE SMALL BIZ COMMUNITY THROUGH ADVOCACY?

The Small Business Utility Advocates is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that represents, protects, and promotes the interests of small business utility customers. Energy, water, and other utilities have a direct impact upon the success of small businesses.
As strong supporters of the work of SBUA, Benefit Corporations for Good has seen the organization in action before the Oregon Public Utility Commission and in B2B meetings using expertise and experience to push for equitable treatment for small businesses.

 If you're a business leader in the Portland, OR area and want to support SBUA through work advocating for small business, you might be eligible for some compensation for your time and efforts. For details contact diane@utilityadvocates.org.   
For more information about what SBUA has been doing generally and in Oregon see www.utilityadvocates.org/news-and-resources.

KNOW OTHERS WHO BELIEVE IN A BETTER BUSINESS MODEL?

Do you know other people who are interested in the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet and Profit? Conscientious leaders and businesses who believe in doing business for the greater good? Then send them this link so they can receive our eletter free every other week devoted, of course, to the greater good!
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If you're interested in seeing the companies we've certified to date, go here.
If you're interested in learning more about our certification process, go here.

If you're interested in becoming an Oregon Benefit Company, go here.