“Focus on the good you have, not the lack of it, because whatever gets your attention will increase the energy of gratitude. That's how joy rises.”
-Unknown

Thanksgiving is always a catalyst for me to count my blessings. To see all that I have. To appreciate all the people in my life. To be grateful for the good health of my family, friends and neighbors.

That's not to mention the appreciation of the outstanding business leaders who are part of our purpose-driven community. They truly believe and practice what the world so desperately needs from each of us.

They believe thata better business means a better world.They believe that making a difference while making a profit is the only course of action for their businesses.

They believe thatdoing good starts with them. They know change must start with them. It’s inherent in their responsibilities as leaders and obvious in their ethics as members of their communities.

They believe indoing good and expect nothing in return. To be of service, to be of help is not only what is in their DNA, it’s what they must do to lead a meaningful life.

So on this Thanksgiving week, I wish to honor them and all of our community including those readers ofThe Greater Goodto have a wonderful holiday. I'm so grateful for all of you.

Are you a BIPOC business? Helping create an inclusive and welcoming community, embracing all, is the highest priority for us. To do so, we are now offering 15% off our certification fee to all BIPOC businesses that choose to become a Benefit Corporation for Good. Just reach out to us.

Why does a business choose to become a Benefit Corporation for Good?
5 leaders weigh in on why their business is part of our purpose-driven community.

Are you ready to become a benefit corporation and a triple bottom line business? Here are 12 simple questions to help you answer that: https://bit.ly/3H5ArYn

Now about this issue of The Greater Good.

First of all, you can see our second video of a BCFG campaign putting the spotlight on purpose-driven leaders and why they chose to become a certified Benefit Corporation for Good.

Secondly, you can learn more about Patagonia's recent decision to put all its profits toward a climate trust and why small businesses are often in a better position than publicly traded companies to align competitive market targets with a social mission.

And finally, you can discover what a purpose-driven business really looks like and how to make sure your employees know what your company stands for.

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Why Did Your Small Law Firm Become a Certified BCFG? Many people have asked us what is a certified Benefit Corporation for Good? To help answer that, a video series has been created with responses from the leaders of our growing purpose-driven community. Here's the second in our series featuring Michael Jonas, founder of Rational Unicorn Legal Services Watch Now

Is Patagonia the End Game for Profits in a World of Climate Change?
Many brands are aligning profits with purpose, but Patagonia’s decision in September to convert its for-profit business to one under which all the profits flow through to fighting climate change is the most complex move yet by a U.S.-based company in the realm of sustainable capitalism. Is it a model for other companies to pursue in the future? Read Now

What Does a Purpose-Driven Company Look Like? These days, purpose is becoming increasingly mainstream. You’ll find it sprinkled throughout your social media feed and making headlines at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Leaders at companies, global brands, nonprofits, and everyone in between are asking that important question: what is a purpose-driven company? What is a purpose-driven business? And what does purpose look like in practice? Read Now

HIGHLIGHTS

THANKS TO OUR PR FIRM at Allen Hall PR, we've developed a couple of new posts to go along with our video campaign. It's all about the "why" for becoming a certified BCFG from a leader's perspective.

NO COST WORKSHOP if you're interested in learning more about the "why" and "how" for the benefit corporation. We're happy to put on a "no cost" workshop for groups of 3 or more. Either in-person or via Zoom. Just email me at tom@benefitcorporationsforgood.com

LEARN MORE about our 8 standards for becoming a certified Benefit Corporation for Good.

EVENTS

December 3: How to Come Up with a Great Business Idea
Info here.

December 7: Building an Employee-Owned Business
Info here.

December 10: Startups Mentorship Program
Info here.

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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.

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.