For the Greater Good - Volume 12, Issue 4
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
-Barack Obama
As another year is rapidly coming to close, I'm reminded of the word "change." How do I as a leader continue to work toward our mission in helping create meaningful change in my community?
To spread the word of all the good the benefit corporation can do for its employees, its community and its world. And to attract other conscientous leaders to carry our banner for social and environmental impact one company at a time.
To that end, here are a few highlights of the BCFG work we did in 2023:
Advocated for and led successful effort for Oregon bill giving benefit corporations a sustainable advantage in seeking state government contracts (first in the country). Thank you Rep. Thuy Tran!
Hosted 3 "Happy Hours for Good" for our purpose-driven community that drew over 150 business professionals
Shared the benefit corporation message with several new communities including smaller, rural communities
Reached 32/32 5-star reviews for our certification work
Added our 9th "certified business" state of Pennsylvania! (10th state coming early 2024).
Most of all, I'm putting a spotlight on all of you change-makers reading this final e-letter of 2023. Your commitment to the work you do in helping create a better, more just world through your businesses is just plain inspiring. It's truly the change we are seeking.
Happy Holidays to You!!!
Are you ready to become a benefit corporation and a triple bottom line business? Here are 12 simple questions to help you answer that: http://tinyurl.com/bdcaawem
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Now about this issue of For the Greater Good.
First of all, you can discover just how purpose-driven your culture is from this data-driven post from the Gallup organization. Does your business align with 12 statements?
Secondly, do you know what kind of business in the manufacturing sector chooses to become a triple bottom line business? Here's your answer.
And finally, why did a video production company choose to become a certified BCFG? (It's all about mission.)
Just How Purpose-Driven is Your Organizational Culture? When your organization succeeds, does the world also flourish? It's a big question -- and your answer will determine your organization's future. In the past, an organization could become exceptional through philanthropy and corporate social responsibility. Now, responsible changes and admirable promises are insufficient: People are choosing to share their resources with organizations that they are certain share their purpose. Learn More Now
What Kind of Manufacturing Business Chooses to Become a 3BL Company? What kind of small business chooses to become a certified Benefit Corporation for Good? Glad you asked. For we are putting the spotlight on businesses that believe in and practice a triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profit. Here we are putting the light on Willamette Technical Fabricators in Portland, Oregon. Read Now
Why a Video Production Company Defined Itself by a Triple Bottom Line What kind of small business chooses to become a certified Benefit Corporation for Good? Glad you asked. For we are putting the spotlight on businesses that believe in and practice a triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profit. Here we are shining the force for good light on Bridge City Media in Portland, Oregon. Read Now
NEWS
NICE NEWS STORY about Ramsay Real Estate, a certified Benefit Corporation for Good led by Charles Ramsay, and its reason for becoming a business with a heart. https://tinyurl.com/4hvtynxd
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LEARN MORE about our 8 standards for becoming a certified Benefit Corporation for Good.
EVENTS
January 17: Small Business Success Summit
Info here.
January 31: Happy Hour for Good
Email Tom to RSVP: tom@benefitcorporationsforgood.com
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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.
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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 eaders 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.