Stories from the Community

9 Advantages of Benefit Corporations
Tom Hering Tom Hering

9 Advantages of Benefit Corporations

There are many advantages to becoming a Benefit Corporation, including doing good for people and the planet. While there is no requirement to be certified to do good for the planet, being a Benefit Corporation could provide perks that you may not have ever had access to on your own.


So what are some of these perks? Below, nine thought leaders give their insights about what they see as the advantages of being a Benefit Corporation.


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Why an Outdoor Adventure Planning App Trekked  To Becoming a Triple Bottom Line Business
Tom Hering Tom Hering

Why an Outdoor Adventure Planning App Trekked To Becoming a Triple Bottom Line Business

When Tribe Pilot decided to become an Oregon Benefit Company, it was not a deviation from their business map. The founders had always focused their mission on becoming a force for good being inspired by the purpose-driven work of outdoors brands like Patagonia.

Recently they felt the time was right to certify their beliefs and practices of serving People, Planet and Profit through Benefit Corporations for Good.

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How a World-Class Research Firm Found  its Big ‘Aha’ in Becoming a Force for Good
Tom Hering Tom Hering

How a World-Class Research Firm Found its Big ‘Aha’ in Becoming a Force for Good

When Marzano Research decided to become an Oregon Benefit Company, they knew that a Triple Bottom Line approach to business was the only way for them. After all, they believe that a business must go beyond just making profit to be of value in the eyes of their employees, their clients and their communities.

Recently they felt the time was right to certify those beliefs and practices of…

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Most Perplexing Question about the Triple Bottom Line?
Tom Hering Tom Hering

Most Perplexing Question about the Triple Bottom Line?

Let’s set the record straight.

We absolutely love the Millennial and Gen Z generations.

In our minds, their passion, their belief in doing what's right and their commitment to a better planet and community is without question.

Yet something troubles us about the Triple Bottom Line…

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Who Else Wants to Help Oregon Small Businesses Impact the World?
Tom Hering Tom Hering

Who Else Wants to Help Oregon Small Businesses Impact the World?

The Oregon Benefit Company was introduced in January 2014. Yet very few state businesses know about it or the simple steps required to become one. In fact, Oregon lists over 320,000 businesses today but only 1800 of them, or less than .5%, have chosen to become one.

How can this be, you ask?

Well, the plain and simple fact is that there is a lack of awareness. But we aim to change that and need your support so we can spread the word about how a business can commit to making a positive impact on society and the environment in addition to making a profit.

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How a Tiny California Town Underscored the Power of the Triple Bottom Line for Me
Tom Hering Tom Hering

How a Tiny California Town Underscored the Power of the Triple Bottom Line for Me

After just returning from an unforgettable trip to Northern California, I must say I have renewed and unabashed enthusiasm for the Triple Bottom Line movement. And it all started with our journey and quest for oysters and a stop at Hog Island Oyster Company.

It's what opened my eyes as we walked into this little gem of an oyster shack. For sure my mouth watered at the sight of the Sweetwaters and French Hog oysters that I saw in front of me. But what really got my attention …

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Confession from a Devoted Advocate for the Triple Bottom Line
Tom Hering Tom Hering

Confession from a Devoted Advocate for the Triple Bottom Line

As I begin my second year as an evangelist for the Triple Bottom Line movement, I need to clear my conscience. You see, I have not always been the greatest example of People, Planet and Profit. And I hate admitting that because I do believe you lead by example.

But my story needs to be told.

Seven years ago…

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How Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez Turned a Vegan Shake Creator into an Oregon Benefit Company
Tom Hering Tom Hering

How Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez Turned a Vegan Shake Creator into an Oregon Benefit Company

Let’s say you create hand-crafted, certified vegan shake blends. They’re dairy-free, soy-free and gluten-free. Oh, yes, they also taste delicious according to the fans of said vegan shake blends. But then you also decide you want to mix in social and environmental impact.   

Well that’s what has happened with David Cascadden, founder of Left Coast Raw in Bend, Oregon.

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Why a Portland Law Firm Became  a Certified Oregon Benefit Company
Tom Hering Tom Hering

Why a Portland Law Firm Became a Certified Oregon Benefit Company

“I graduated law school in 2009. After graduating in the recession and facing a variety of hardships (and bar exams), I became a lawyer in 2017. Here I was finally a lawyer after years of doing other things: marketing and branding, real estate, nonprofit work, conflict resolution/mediation, restaurant work, law firm work, etc. (all legal activity I promise).

Since I was young, I’ve always been…

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