ASBN is excited to share what we have in store for July 2023 and our highlights from June with partners, business leaders, investors and allies across the nation as we build a more equitable economy. ASBN is committed to working with and alongside our network to develop and elevate the policy solutions needed for inclusive and long-lasting systems change -- thank you all for your part in advancing our mission.

Remembering Mitch Rofsky, President of Better World Club and Secretary of the ABSN Board

ASBN mourns the loss of our dear friend and ally in creating a just economy, Mitch Rofsky who passed away on Saturday, June 16th. 
 

Mitch Rofsky was a longtime member and ASBN Board Member and devoted his entire career to socially responsible business. Mitch was present at the creation of a number of important progressive business institutions: the National Cooperative Bank, Working Assets, Business for Social Responsibility, and Better World Club. Mitch lobbied Congress for Ralph Nader’s Public Citizen, where he was associated with a string of legislative victories, including creation of the National Cooperative Bank.

He moved to The Co-op Bank and provided the funding that started a number of well-known businesses, including Working Assets and Green America. Mitch later became President of Working Assets, one of the nation’s leading socially-screened mutual fund families. Mitch was President of Better World Club, the only green alternative to AAA. Better World stands apart from AAA’s “highway lobby” policy agenda, and offers many services/discounts, including the nation’s only nationwide bicycle roadside assistance.

Mitch was the first Chair of Business for Social Responsibility. Mitch’s writing has been published by The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, and The Huffington Post among others (including Better World Club’s e-Newsletter, Kicking Asphalt.)  He is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business and the Law School of the University of California, Los Angeles.

Interim CEO Search

ASBN is searching for an “acting CEO” to replace Jeffrey Hollender, who has graciously agreed to delay his departure-if needed by up to two months (until September 1).

The job description can be found here.

If you know someone who would like to be considered, please email a resume and cover letter to [email protected]g

The Business Case for Carbon Labeling

Carbon is the leading source of human-induced climate change. It contributes to air pollution, ocean acidification, global temperature fluctuations and on and on. Many businesses have introduced carbon labels as an affordable and viable option to reduce their emissions, not only to help the environment but to strengthen their business model as well.  

ASBN’s Carbon Labeling Campaign's objective is to support policies that include carbon labeling and emissions transparency, such as voluntary action and policy requirements. For more information on the benefits of carbon labeling, read ASBN’s latest thought leadership piece on the Business Case For Carbon Labeling.

ASBN's 2022 Annual Report

We are happy to announce the release of our 2022 Annual Report!

It has been a year since the merger of ASBC & SVC and we have continued our efforts to advocate for policies that promote sustainable business practices, support responsible businesses, and address pressing economic, social and environmental challenges. 

Read and download the report here.

Washington, D.C. - A Week in Action  

Members of ASBN had the opportunity  – including business leaders, board members, staff, and allies –to meet with policymakers on Capitol Hill and in the Biden Administration June 13 - 15, 2023 in Washington D.C.. The group discussed ASBN members’ priorities and proposals, gained insights on relevant legislative and administrative actions, and increased ASBN’s visibility among key Washington players. 

Thank you to ASBN members Megafood and Jeffrey Scales for their donation and allowing Farmers to participate in the Farm Bill lobby day in DC with ASBN on June 13th.

Uniting the Legacy & Future of Socially Responsible Business: ASBN’s 2023 Conference
 

Join us in Berkeley, CA this November 29 through Dec 1, 2023 for ASBN's event of the year! The conference offers daily engaging main stage sessions, action-oriented breakout workshops, deep dives, opportunities to reconnect and forge new relationships with your fellow attendees, and attend local Berkeley excursions.

Don't miss this event. Get your tickets HERE.
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Tribal Nation and Native-led Bison Restoration & Economy: The Opportunity to Engage and Support | ASBN Live Webinar

Wednesday, July 26, 3-4pm ET

The American Sustainable Business Network, NAP (Native Americans in Philanthropy), and the Indian Affairs Office of Strategic Partnerships (OSP) of the Department of Interior will partner to host a public-private partnerships (3P) meeting to highlight opportunities with Tribes and Native-led organizations to support bison restoration and conservation, ecosystem conservation and a sustainable and resilient bison economy. The goal of the meeting will be to bring together philanthropic and private sector leaders to identify areas of interest and where coordination is needed to leverage federal and philanthropic resources to support bison restoration.

Register HERE.

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For more informing on upcoming events, visit ASBN's 2023 events calendar.
Please contact Thulasi Sivalingam at [email protected] with any questions.