SUSTYBIZ17 Delivers Insights and Connections
ASBC’s 6th Annual Sustainable Business & Policy Summit gave an inside look at how the public policy process works. On day one, federal and state legislators, political strategists, journalists and business leaders explored how responsible businesses can improve lawmaking on climate change, diversity, minimum wages and the role of money in politics. This year’s SUSTY Award presentations honored Senator Sheldon Whitehouse; Senator Angus King; Representative Elijah Cummings; Holly Sklar, founder and CEO of Business for a Fair Minimum Wage; Barry Cik, founder and technical director of Naturepedic; and Jerry Taylor, president of the Niskanen Center.
Day two led off with Senator Bernie Sanders joining us live for a discussion of healthcare reform. Summit attendees then fanned out across the Capitol to meet with nearly 40 legislators and staff to talk about carbon pricing, healthcare reform, tax reform, and family medical leave. As one inspired business owner concluded, “This Summit was full of insights and learning opportunities to effectively advocate on issues that matter to sustainable companies.” Thanks to all who joined this game-changing event.
What's New
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ASBC Endorses DC Carbon Price Proposal
ASBC has joined the Put a Price on It DC Coalition which calls for setting a price on carbon in the District. ASBC is considering the Coalition’s recent proposal to tax energy producers, return revenues to residents and businesses and invest in new green energy initiatives. Learn more at carbonpricedc.org.
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After eight years of service, Co-founder and Vice President for Policy and Campaigns Richard Eidlin will be leaving the American Sustainable Business Council this week.
David Levine stated, “Over the past eight-plus years, Richard has made significant, unique contributions to the emergence and growth of ASBC and its national policy, fundraising and communications work. Richard’s portfolio of responsibilities was extensive, as was his capacity to build key relationships and coalitions with critical stakeholders on Capitol Hill, the Obama White House, state legislatures, businesses and allied organizations. His vision of, and commitment to build, a powerful national advocacy force for sustainable businesses from all sectors and all sizes has been important to countering the profit at all cost narrative. We thank Richard for his many years of commitment and selfless leadership, and wish him the very best.”
ASBC’s policy team will now be led by Chris Blackburn, Director of Policy, who will continue to advance the organization’s mission to create sustainable economic development, environmental protection and regeneration, and social justice.
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Media Coverage, Blogs, and More:
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The High-Road Workplace: Route to a Sustainable Economy - ASBC’s groundbreaking report describes what it means to be a high-road business, why it matters, and how smart policy can help more businesses adopt high-road practices. Download the report.
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Chapman University Honors Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks -The Greek Reporter announced that ASBC board member Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, president and CEO of Earth Friendly Products, was named to Chapman University's School and College Distinguished Alumni in recognition of her leadership and influential voice in the green movement and in corporate social responsibility.
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ASBC Denounces Sabotage of Nation's Health System - Common Dreams quoted ASBC’s CEO David Levine opposing the latest executive order that undermines the Affordable Care Act. Said Levine, "This executive order will throw sand in the gears of the ACA markets.”
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Our Commitment to Environmental & Social Values - Rebecca Rubin, CEO of ASBC member Marstel Day, wrote a letter to her employees addressing the Charlottesville tragedy and the increased polarization around issues of equity in our nation.
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Member and Staff News
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Beautycounter’s VP of Community Affairs & Engagement, Lindsay Dahl, was nominated for a 2017 Excellence in Advocacy Award for a Federal Issue Campaign by the Professional Women in Advocacy Conference. Also nominated was Bob Bland, CEO and co-founder of Manufacture New York, for Excellence in a Controversial Issue Campaign.
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Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance (NAMA) attended the court sentencing of Carlos Rafael, the "Codfather," in an effort to #ExposeConsolidation affecting our ocean and community-based fishermen. To learn more about this case and NAMA’s fight against corporate takeover of fisheries’ access, read the press release or this article in Mother Jones.
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UncommonGoods was featured on CNBC in coverage of New York State’s approach to paid family leave. By January 1, 2018, all businesses in the state of New York will have implemented one of the nation’s most progressive paid family leave policies, very similar to UncommonGoods’ existing eight weeks of paid leave a year.
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ASBC Welcomes New Members
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Fiduciary James Beyersdorf, principal of Financial Sherpa, has more than 20 years’ experience as an advisor in personal, corporate and charitable finance. His strategic guidance and portfolio management makes innovative use of market instruments to design highly efficient, effective investment strategies.
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NewGen Surgical helps customers deliver cost-effective, quality care while preserving and protecting the foundation of all health – a healthy environment. It reduces or eliminates single-use disposable plastic products in the operating room by replacing them with sustainable products that use less energy and non-renewable resources and reduce plastic pollution.
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Upcoming Events
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NERC's Fall 2017 Conference
Amherst, MA | November 13 - 14
Partner: Northeast Recycling Council (NERC)
Materials Management in a Sustainable Economy - Keynote by ASBC's David Levine. Levine will share his expertise and perspective about the sustainability of economic development and materials management.
BALLE Leadership Summit
Pacific Grove, CA | November 15 - 17
Partner: BALLE
This event explores how visionary leaders foster healthy, equitable local economies across North America by creating quality jobs and pathways to equity in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Richard Eidlin will moderate a panel on public policy strategies.
Social Venture Network 30th Anniversary Conference & Gala
Sonoma, CA | December 7
Partner: Social Venture Network
The SVN conference facilitates peer-to-peer relationship building and creates a community where attendees can enhance their leadership, improve their businesses, and expand their impact. David Levine will moderate a panel on policy.
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