Stories for the Benefit Corporations Community.
8 Unique Ways Regular Businesses Can Make an Impact
Why a Growing Community Bank Adopted a Triple Bottom Line for Its Business
With community banks few and far between in this merger era of financial institutions, Pacific West Bank found itself joining a different group of companies. These forward-thinking businesses are all aligned in their belief of doing business for the greater good. That's why the bank decided to become an Oregon Benefit Company.
Recently the team felt the time was right to certify their beliefs and practices of serving People, Planet and Profit by becoming a Benefit Corporation for Good.
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.
9 Reasons Why Small Businesses Should Demonstrate Environmental Sustainability
Climate change is a glaring issue. Individuals are trying to find ways to do their part to help the environment, but what about businesses? Since a business has a considerably large carbon footprint, it should take into consideration its impact on the environment.
To further explore the topic, we asked 9 thought leaders to share their thoughts on why businesses should care about sustainability.
See what they have to say about it, below.
13 Unique Ways Small Businesses Can Make a Powerful Impact in their Communities
Right now humanity is a little shaken up. Even though we can’t come together physically, we can support one another from a distance.
To find inspiration we asked 13 small businesses, “What's the best way for a business to make a powerful impact on the world?”
Here’s what they have to say.
Oregon Benefit Company Pioneers a New Business Structure to Preserve Mission
Founded in 1978, Organically Grown Company has been a pioneer in sustainable, organic agriculture for over 40 years. From its roots as a nonprofit started by activists, OGC has grown into one of the largest independent organic produce distributors in the US. Along the way, they have evolved and iterated their ownership structure to continually deepen their mission and multi-stakeholder approach, a journey which took them from nonprofit to farmers’ cooperative, and later to an S-Corp with an employee stock ownership plan.
But a few years ago, the company was faced with a common business challenge: how does a mission-based company scale and create liquidity for its founders and employee-owners without selling or going public?
Benefit Corporations: Champions for Social Justice
Across the country, individuals, families and communities are protesting systemic racism that kills, maims, and snuffs out the soul of Black Americans.
Change is not only needed but critical for our democracy to survive. Reform needs to come not only from within law enforcement, government, education, judicial, penal, and other institutions but with in the hearts and minds of the business community.
Black people are being discriminated within the workplace. Most of the business community…
The World Demands a New Business Model. It’s Possible Right Now.
As our world “re-opens,” it is time to think about how we can do things differently.
It’s time to rethink our business models.
We are students of leadership and business evolution and we follow business literature. It provokes and inspires us. We are delighted and applaud the emergence and growth of the Benefit Corporation which at its heart embraces the Triple Bottom Line of “people, planet, profit.”
Why Humility is Critical in the Workplace More than Ever
During this tragic but unique time in our history, we have time to rethink leadership values. And as we reopen our country, we can acknowledge that some worksite behaviors need to be reinvigorated.
Which got me to thinking about the resurgence of…
7 Virtues: The Case for a Corporate Culture Reboot
Getting ahead, winning, triumphant, victorious, rock star. These are words we have historically heard in our corporations, our organizations, in politics and in the news around the world. They embody the traditional philosophy of individual success in our society. They reflect a culture of competition, achievement, ambition.
Yet, today during a worldwide pandemic that challenges all of us…
Now’s the Time for Right-Brain Thinking In the Age of COVID-19
I have read so many thoughtful and poignant essays about the impact of the CoVid-19. The insights are often provocative, astute, and perceptive. Much of the thinking resonates strongly with me. And I find I don’t have much to add to the conversation which has not already been said.
Indeed, on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, we are all focused on daily survival and our efforts revolve around staying healthy and avoiding the spread of this virus.
And many of us are asking ourselves, what else can we do?
How To Find Yourself with an Australian Stick
Have you ever found yourself wondering how you got to where you are? Where you really took a deep dive and started turning over rocks and getting introspective?
Here's my story...
Listening to ALL Voices: How To Build an Authentic Community
Every day, we talk to small businesses and non-profits about Conscientious Leadership. It’s all about understanding our responsibility towards people and planet and the importance of practicing humility and authenticity in the workplace.
And almost without exception, these leaders get it. It’s like preaching to the choir.
Which makes us feel hopeful.
When we gather with these colleagues, CEOs, Board Members and Executive Directors, we discuss the pressing topics of the day and what we're working on. Climate change. Purpose-driven businesses. And social justice issues, to name just a few. Clearly, these important matters resonates with them.
But it was a comment at the end of one recent discussion that really brought things home to us. Or should we say one word.
Building a Better Business: The Hope and Force of Women Entrepreneurs
Yup, I was a former corporate woman in a not-so-kind industry that I hoped to change. I paid my dues and rose through the ranks trying to make a difference in corporate culture. Then I hit that perennial “glass ceiling.” It wasn’t fair then and it’s not fair now.
The Triple Bottom Line: Alive and Well in Quito, Ecuador
We hear the words often: “The Triple Bottom Line.” Which means, of course, “People, Planet, Profit.”
It sounds so nice, so lofty --- but often it is hard to put into action, to actualize these principles daily. What it really comes down to is “Conscientious Leadership” or as we like to say “Putting Soul into Business.”
Why an Innovative Wellness Company Committed To Improving More Than Its Customers' Health
When Mindful Proteins decided to become an Oregon Benefit Company, they knew that a Triple Bottom Line approach to their wellness business was non-negotiable. You see, the company’s co-founders believe their brand should not only encourage their customers to pursue a more mindful life centered on wellness and balance. But those same principles must be applied to their community and planet as well.
Recently they felt the time was right to certify their beliefs and practices of serving People, Planet and Profit through Benefit Corporations for Good.
1 Secret To Effectively Communicating with Your Key Stakeholders
Every leader needs to communicate effectively. Whether it's with customers, clients, partners or donors, you want to make sure you get your audience's attention. As one of my favorite ad gurus David Ogilvy is known to have said, "You can't save souls in an empty church."
But how do you really make sure that happens?
Is there a single action you can take to all but guarantee you have open ears and eyes ready for your message?
Who Else Wants To Help Oregon 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?