Richmond, Virginia, July 31, 2014 — Impact Makers was named ‘Best for the World,’ and ‘Best for Community’ for the second consecutive year. Ninety-three companies worldwide were recognized for creating the most positive, overall social and environmental impact by the nonprofit B Lab with the release of the third annual ‘B Corp Best for the World’ list. The impact economy is global and diverse: 93 companies from 15 countries and 31 industries recognized as leaders in redefining success in business.
The ‘B Corp Best for the World’ lists honor businesses that earned an overall score in the top 10% of all Certified B Corporations on the B Impact Assessment, a rigorous and comprehensive assessment of a company’s impact on its workers, community, and the environment. Honorees were recognized among micro, small, and mid-sized businesses.
The ‘Best for the World’ companies come from 31 different industries such as manufacturing, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and real estate. A majority operate in a service industry, including 17 honorees in financial services and 15 in environmental consulting. 30% of honorees are based outside the US with 15 companies operating in emerging markets, such as Afghanistan, Kenya and Colombia. (Full list of 2014 honorees below and at bestfortheworld.bcorporation.net.)
“Locally, Virginia had five companies recognized,” said Michael Pirron, CEO and Founder of Impact Makers. “We are proud to be in a community where social enterprise is valued and growing.” The other Virginia-based companies include Greater Richmond Grid, Virginia Community Capital, Acorn Sign Graphics and Rivanna Natural Designs.
“Employees, consumers, investors, and policy makers increasingly want to support companies that create a positive impact in the world and the Best for the World honorees are the best of the best,” said Jay Coen Gilbert, co-founder of B Lab, the nonprofit organization that certifies B Corporations and governs the independent third party standard used to generate the comparable assessment of corporate impact. “It’s particularly inspiring that 21% of the 2014 honorees are first time winners but long time B Corps. They’re winning the race to the top.”
Each honored company is a Certified B Corporation. They use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems and have met rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Today there are over 1,060 certified B Corporations, across 60 industries and 32 countries, unified by one common goal: to redefine success in business.
About Impact Makers
Impact Makers is a management and technology consulting company based in Richmond, Virginia. We provide Management Consulting, Information Technology Services, Project and Portfolio Management, Digital Services and Governance, Risk and Compliance Services. We are a for profit company whose corporate charter requires us to contribute 100% our net profits to local nonprofits. Impact Makers ranked 514th on the 2013 Inc. 500|5000 List of Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. For more information, visit www.impactmakers.com.
About B Lab
B Lab is a nonprofit organization that serves a global movement to redefine success in business so that all companies compete not only to be the best in the world, but the best for the world. B Lab drives this systemic change through a number of interrelated initiative: 1) building a community of Certified B Corporations to make it easier for all of us to tell the difference between “good companies” and good marketing; 2) passing legislation to accelerate growth of social entrepreneurship and impact investing (20 states have already passed benefit corporation legislation); 3) developing B Analytics, a customizable platform for investors to benchmark and report the impact of their global private equity portfolios; and 4) providing free, powerful tools for businesses to measure, compare and improve their social and environmental performance (more than 16,000 businesses use B Lab’s free B Impact Assessment). For more information, visit www.bcorporation.net.
Best for the World 2014 Honorees
10 Midsize Businesses Honorees (50+ Employees)
Co2 Bambu (Granada, Nicaragua) – CO2 Bambu designs, manufactures and assembles ecologically sound structures for homes, schools, and clinics.
Cooperative Home Care Associates (NY) – CHCA is the nation’s largest worker-owned cooperative, providing high-quality home care services to elders and individuals living with disabilities—primarily African-American and Hispanic residents of the South Bronx, Harlem, and Washington Heights.
d.light design (CA, China, Kenya) – d.light manufactures and distributes solar lighting and power products providing access to reliable, affordable, renewable energy for nearly 30 million people in 60 countries.
Echale a tu casa (Mexico City, Mexico) – Echale is a social housing production company that delivers affordable homes to communities through the implementation of innovations in construction technology and finance, streamlining the self-build process and strengthening social inclusion.
Give Something Back, Inc (CA) – Give Something Back Office Supplies (GSB) is California’s largest independent office supply company, with giving back to communities integral to its core mission and purpose.
Home Care Associates (PA) – Home Care Associates of Philadelphia (HCA) has dedicated itself to a quality care through quality jobs mission. By providing quality home care jobs, HCA works to ensure quality care across the Philadelphia metropolitan area for elders and people with disabilities.
Namaste Solar (CO) – Namasté Solar is an employee-owned cooperative that designs, installs, and maintains solar electric systems for homes, businesses, non-profits, and government entities. One PacificCoast Bank (CA) – One PacificCoast Bank is an innovative, triple-bottom line, community development financial institution.
Roshan -Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd. (Kabul, Afghanistan) – Roshan is Afghanistan’s leading telecommunications provider.
Sunrise Banks (MN) – Sunrise Community Banks is in the business of developing strong communities that provide homes and jobs to their residents.
26 Small Businesses Honorees (10-49 Employees)
Advanced Home Energy (CA) – Advanced Home Energy partners with homeowners who are interested in going green and offer a wide range of home energy efficiency solutions.
Bay Area Medical Academy (CA) – Bay Area Medical Academy offers job-oriented training in high-growth, high-demand, specialized areas of the healthcare field and prepares individuals for successful long term careers.
Channel Islands Outfitters (CA) – Channel Islands Outfitters is a Santa Barbara and Channel Islands based paddle sports outfitter and fitness center.
Community Wealth Partners (DC) – Community Wealth Partners offers strategy and implementation services to nonprofit organizations and philanthropic foundations, partnering with them to design and implement innovative approaches to growth and sustainability.
Delight Co, Ltd (Seoul, South Korea) – Delight manufactures and distributes hearing aids at affordable prices.
FINAE SAPI DE CV SOFOM ENR (Mexico City, Mexico) – FINAE is a social impact financial institution created to give more students access to private university education.
Green Living Enterprises (ON, Canada) – Green Living Enterprises is a full-service media, marketing, custom content provider and events company that has increased public awareness of environmental issues and inspired personal action through print publications and www.greenlivingonline.com.
Highland Craftsmen, Inc (NC) – Highland Craftsmen Inc designs, manufactures and sells all- natural Bark House® brand architectural elements to building, design and furniture professionals as well as individuals.
Hybrytec Solar (Antioquia, Colombia) – Hybrytec Solar designs and installs solar energy systems for health centers, fishing villages, schools, hotels, and private customers.
Impact Makers, Inc. (VA) – Impact Makers delivers information technology and management consulting professional services, focused on government and the healthcare industry.
Imprint Capital (CA) – Imprint Capital is an impact investment firm that creates and manages high performing impact investment portfolios for foundations, families, and financial institutions.
Indigenous Designs Corporation (CA) – Indigenous Designs is a leader in organic and fairtrade clothing. Their clothing supports thousands of artisans in the most remote and impoverished regions of the world.
Ingage Partners, LLC (OH) – Ingage Partners delivers Information Technology and Management Consulting services to help their clients successfully navigate business and technology change.
Juhudi Kilimo (Nairobi, Kenya) – Juhudi Kilimo finances targeted agricultural assets for smallholder farmers and rural enterprises across Kenya. Operating exclusively in very rural areas, they give smallholder farmers access to the tools they need to scale up and succeed.
Mal Warwick Associates (CA) – Mal Warwick Associates help nonprofits and political organizations build long-term, mutually rewarding relationships with individual donors through integrated fundraising and marketing programs.
Metropolitan Group (OR) – Metropolitan Group is a national strategic and creative services firm increasing impact for socially responsible businesses.
Moving Forward Education (CA) – Moving Forward Education provides tutoring and mentoring services for underserved students in the Bay Area.
New Resource Bank (CA) – New Resource Bank supports businesses, nonprofits, and people that are pursuing innovative solutions to environmental, economic, and social challenges.
Quetsol (Guatemala City, Guatemala) – Quetsol provides affordable solar power to off-grid communities.
Re:Vision Architecture (PA) – Re:Vision Architecture is an architecture, planning, and consulting firm specializing in sustainable design and development.
South Mountain Company, Inc (MA) – South Mountain Company is an employee-owned design, build, and renewable energy company on Martha’s Vineyard. The company plans and develops residential and commercial buildings, as well as designing and installing solar & wind energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.
TAS (ON, Canada) – TAS is a real estate development company with a commitment to Shaping Beautiful Cities™.
The Paradigm Project (CO) – The Paradigm Project is a low-profit limited liability company operating in cooperation with The Paradigm Foundation, whose collective mission is to create sustainable economic, social and environmental value within developing world communities.
Trillium Asset Management (MA) – Trillium Asset Management, LLC is the oldest independent investment advisor devoted exclusively to sustainable and responsible investing (SRI).
Veris Wealth Partners (NY) – Veris Wealth Partners, LLC is a wealth management firm committed to helping align wealth with a customer’s mission.
VIF International Education (NC) – VIF International Education is the nation’s largest J-1 teacher exchange sponsor and a provider of language immersion and global literacy programs.
W.S. Badger Co, Inc (NH) – W.S. Badger Co manufactures Badger Balm and other USDA organic body care products.
56 Micro-Enterprises Honorees (<10 Employees)
Alter Eco (CA) – Alter Eco works with dozens of small scale agricultural cooperatives in the Global South to provide a fairer deal and market access for small farmers. Alter Eco offers a large range of exquisite Fair Trade, Organic and Carbon Neutral foods.
Andean Naturals (CA) – Andean Naturals acts as a bridge between South American quinoa farmers and US food companies. It facilitates the growth of the organic and fair-trade quinoa market while improving the lives of over 4,500 small family farmers through increased income, technical assistance and sustained demand.
Animal Experience International (ON, Canada) – Animal Experience International (AEI) has a mission to help animals around the globe by matching clients with animal-related volunteer opportunities at sanctuaries, wildlife hospitals, animal clinics and conservation projects.
Atayne, LLC (ME) – Atayne makes high-performing outdoor and athletic apparel from 100% recycled materials.
Beartooth Capital (MT) – Beartooth Capital is a leading impact investment fund manager whose mission is to generate strong investment returns, real conservation results, and community benefits.
Blue Garnet (CA) – Blue Garnet is a strategy and management consulting firm that works with organizations to create lasting social change by harnessing the combined power of business acumen and social impact.
BluPlanet Recycling Inc (AB, Canada) – BluPlanet Recycling Inc. is a Calgary based multi- family residential and commercial recycling collection service provider.
Buy the Change (MI) – Buy The Change works with NGO’s and small craft co-operatives throughout the developing world to source fairly-traded, woman-made accessories, jewelry and home décor products, many of which are made from eco-friendly, up-cycled materials.
Byoearth (Guatemala City, Guatamala) – Byoearth’s goal is to have all degradable waste be transformed into benefit for people, the environment, and earth through vermiculture and vermicomposting.
CAP Global (CA) – CAP Global develops and commercializes novel pharmaceuticals for global populations through local partnerships.
CDI Lan (São Paulo, Brazil) – CDI Lan generates income & employability through education & training in low income communities by providing access to high social impact solutions through internet cafes.
ChangeIt (ON, Canada) – ChangeIt is a giving program that enables users to support their favourite causes with every electronic purchase.
Climatesmart Business, Inc (BC, Canada) – Climate Smart is a social enterprise that trains businesses and provides them with software tools to track and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Council Fire, LLC (MD) – Council Fire is a world-class management consulting firm working with clients to “operationalize” sustainability and harness the power of information to drive competitive advantage and success in both the public and private sectors.
Dolphin Blue, Inc (TX) – Dolphin Blue is an online retailer of ecologically sustainable products for use in commercial and home offices.
Down to Earth Markets (NY) – Down to Earth Markets curates and manages approximately 20 farmers markets in Westchester County, Rockland County, and four of the five boroughs of New York City.
Ecotrust Forest Management (OR) – Ecotrust Forest Management is a forestland investment management and advisory services company that generates long term value for both investors and society by facilitating positive environmental outcomes and supporting job creation in rural communities.
Education Funding Partners (CO) – Education Funding Partners provides Fortune 500 corporate marketing sponsorships exclusively for major public school districts.
Emerge Financial Wellness (TN) – Emerge Financial Wellness is workplace-based financial wellness program that partner with employers to help their workers plan their financial futures.
Enviro-Stewards (ON, Canada) – Enviro-Stewards Inc’s engineers & scientists serve as sustainability catalysts for industrial, commercial and institutional facilities. As such, they stimulate increased margin on sales while reducing environmental footprints and improving social conditions.
Fans Without Footprints (NY) – Fans Without Footprints leverages the power of sports and the passion of its fans to benefit the environment by offering the opportunity to join with their favorite team to support local green projects in the community.
Farmland LP (CA) – Farmland LP acquires conventional farmland and converts it to organic, sustainable farmland.
FlipGive (ON, Canada) – FlipGive provides a digital platform that connects brands to the $200+ billion fundraising market, converting customers into a sales force to raise money.
FutureProof, LLC (CA) – FutureProof is a nationally recognized interdisciplinary firm which provides full-service sustainability masterplanning, green infrastructure design and development, integrated water management landscapes, LEED and technical consulting.
Greater Richmond Grid (VA) – Free magazine providing upbeat news and resources to the greater Richmond area.
Green Retirement Plans, Inc (CA) – Green Retirement Plans helps businesses, nonprofits and their employees harness the power of their retirement plan assets for good.
Grounds for Change (WA) – Grounds for Change is a certified organic coffee roaster specializing in 100% fair trade coffee. They roast organic fair trade coffee that is grown in shaded conditions and offer comprehensive wholesale and fundraising programs.
Impact First Investments (Tel Aviv, Israel) – Impact First invests in early stage healthcare, edtech, agritech, and cleantech social enterprises.
L. International (CA) – L. is a condom company with a cause: to support women globally by focusing on their sexual empowerment. L. International creates the highest quality condoms for the modern consumer in safety, comfort, and design.
Little Pickle Press (CA) – Little Pickle Pressis a publisher of high quality, high impact media for children, dedicated to helping parents and educators cultivate conscious, responsible little people by stimulating explorations of the meaningful topics of their generation.
Manzimvula Ventures, Inc (BC, Canada) – Manzimvula Ventures is a values-based consulting firm whose purpose is to support organizations who choose to build socially responsible and profitable enterprises that profoundly impact their organizational communities and the individuals they affect in a compassionate and sustainable manner.
Mikado Consulting (Istanbul, Turkey) – Mikado is a social enterprise committed to serving sustainable development and yielding social impact. They craft innovative models and solutions by creating partnerships among the private sector, civil society, academic institutions and international organizations.
Ned Schaub Consulting — Social Change Strategy (CA) – Ned Schaub Consulting Social Change Strategy (NSC SCS) facilitates and supports sustainability planning, philanthropic strategy, retreats and workshops, particularly for organizations in the healthcare and social service sectors.
New Avenue (CA) – New Avenue is an online platform that sells architecture services, loans and construction to homeowners who want to add a second unit to their single family home.
One Earth Designs (Hong Kong and China) – One Earth Designs develops and markets technology solutions, including solar ovens and generators, for those who lack access to clean and affordable energy.
Pacific Northwest Kale Chips (OR) – Pacific Northwest Kale Chips is a small-batch chip maker founded on the principles of delivering locally-sourced, organic, and sustainable food to all sectors of society.
Palmetto Ventures (London, United Kingdom) – Palmetto offers a fully integrated service to lead organizations towards cost-effective and sustainable solutions. Through customized planning and efforts to deliver tangible investment opportunities, they have delivered over $10 billion towards a clean energy future.
Piedmont Biofuels (NC) – Piedmont Biofuels is a community scale biodiesel operation which collects used cooking oil from area food service establishments and converts it into a clean burning renewable fuel.
Project Repat (MA) – Project Repat upcycles t-shirts into more fun and fashionable clothing accessories while creating jobs.
PwrdBy (CA) – PwrdBy develops community, awareness, and support for charity through photo-sharing apps on iPhone & Android.
Renewal Funds (Vancouver, Canada) – Renewal Funds is a social venture fund dedicated to delivering financial returns by investing in leading environmental and social mission businesses in Canada and the USA.
RSF Capital Management, Inc. (CA) – RSF offers investing, lending, and giving services that generate positive social and environmental impact while fostering community and collaboration among participants.
Sechler CPA PC (AZ) – Sechler CPA PC is a completely virtual accounting firm serving the tax and consulting needs of approximately 350 local, national and international nonprofit organizations.
Seeds Printing (PA) – SEEDS is a green printing company comprised of environmentally conscious, creative professionals with years of experience in the fields of printing, design, marketing, writing and editing, and world-class customer service.
SEQUIL Systems, Inc (FL) – SEQUIL Systems, Inc. is a professional services firm which provides highly technical building commissioning, LEED program management, energy modeling and sustainability consulting services to the architecture, engineering and construction industry.
SLOWCOLOR (CA) – SLOWCOLOR is an integrated bottom line high impact clothing enterprise committed to revitalizing the use of age-old traditions to dramatically reduce the social, environmental and health impacts of textile manufacturing.
Social Enterprise Associates (NM) – Social Enterprise Associates is a consulting firm offering business acumen, managerial experience, financing opportunities, and practical research to business and community efforts seeking social good.
Social Good Network (ID) – Social Good Network works at the confluence of cause and commerce, using its innovative software to create and measure the success of digital cause marketing campaigns for brands.
Sustainability Advantage (ON, Canada) – Sustainability Advantage provides educational talks and resources to help lead a transformation toward a sustainable global society.
Sustainable Law Group, PC (CA) – The Sustainable Law Group, PC serves as corporate counsel to nonprofits, businesses and estates. Attorneys Cecily Jackson-Zapata and Becki Ueno provide organizations and businesses in California with comprehensive legal counsel.
The Arnold Development Group (MO) – The Arnold Development Group is a purpose-driven real estate investment and development firm that creates sustainable mixed-use projects.
The EarthKeeper Alliance (CA) – EarthKeeper Alliance is dedicated to the conservation, preservation, restoration and thoughtful development of large tracts of land previously slated for large‐scale development.
The Majora Carter Group (NY) – The Majora Carter Group offers pioneering solutions to concentrated environmental problems through economic development by way of public speaking engagements, workshops, and consulting services.
Water Power Group LP (ON, Canada) – Water Power Group is a private power producer working in partnership with local and Aboriginal communities to develop small run-of-river hydroelectric projects in markets across North America, primarily in Ontario, Canada.
X-runner Venture GmbH (Lima, Peru) – x-runner provides waterless toilets and waste management services to families that do not have standard toilets.
Yellow Leaf Hammocks (CA) – Yellow Leaf Hammocks are 100% hand-woven, customizable hammocks that offer customers supreme comfort, strength and durability, along with a commitment to cultivating a sustainable economic opportunity for marginalized ethnic groups like the endangered Mlabri Tribe.
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