The American Sustainable Business Network's monthly newsletter highlighting news on policy, business, capital, and more. 

MAKING AN IMPACT

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.
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Earth Month Action Update

We need more #ClimateSolutionsNow! That’s why last month, for Earth Day, we celebrated the $53 billion the Biden administration has already allocated to advance environmental justice, deliver cleaner air, and tackle climate pollution! We have 30 signatures, but we need more! If you haven’t already, sign the petition to Defend Our Climate ([link removed]) and help us reach our sign-on goal!
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ICYMI, the Business Case for Safer Alternatives to Fertilizers and Pesticides is out!

Last month, ASBN released The Business Case for Safer Alternatives to Fertilizers and Pesticides ([link removed]) . This resource connects agricultural chemical inputs, like pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, with harm to soil health and the business solutions that exist to avoid dangerous chemicals, including those currently negatively impacting waterways across the country. Help us spread the word! Read and download the case study ([link removed]) , share and read the blog ([link removed]) on the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed’s site, and use our handy toolkit ([link removed]) to amplify this resource with your constituents and followers.
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Support the ReGen Ag Farm Bill Sign-On!

Congress recently released drafts of the 2024 Farm Bill! The Senate version included many of ASBN’s policy priorities ([link removed]) , while after drawn-out markups, the House wasn’t as successful. The fight is far from over, and there is still a long road ahead in negotiations. ASBN’s ReGen Ag and Justice working group has crafted a sign-on letter to leadership on both sides emphasizing the importance of IRA conservation funds to farmers and ranchers, businesses, advocacy organizations and the wider economy. Show your support for regenerative agriculture and positive climate change impacts today! ([link removed])


** PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT
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IMPORTANT TRIBAL BUSINESS UPDATE

ASBN is pleased to report that, building on its success to date, The U.S. Department of the Interior has extended the American Sustainable Business Network MOU with the agency so that ASBN can continue to leverage our business and investor community to support tribally-led, community-based economic development. The original agreement was signed in December 2022.


** ASBN IN THE NEWS
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ASBN’s Business for Democracy work gained momentum last month with a published commentary from Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker of the Arizona chapter led by Frank Knapp. The powerful piece in the AZ Mirror discusses how democracy can be improved by fostering more competition. Read it here ([link removed]) . Another Arizona chapter member, Bob Sommer – co-owner of Changing Hands Bookstore, Arizona’s largest independent bookstore – had an op-ed published last month in the AZCentral on anti-democracy ballot amendments ([link removed]) .

On May 8, POLITICO ([link removed]) highlighted the impact of policies like the IRA on local economies and businesses in the United States, like Eos Energy Storage ([link removed]) . Eos' VP of Strategic Partnerships & Public Affairs, Chad Fitzgerald, is a steering committee member of ASBN state affiliate Pennsylvania Sustainable Business Network.
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** ASBN Spotted
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ASBN leaders, staff and contractors are busy each month advocating for sustainable and regenerative business practices and progressive policies. Here is one of the ways ASBN represented sustainable business voices this last month:

David Levine, co-founder and president of ASBN, was the keynote speaker at the US-Ethiopia Social Enterprise Engagement kickoff event on May 23. David spoke on the rising movement for a sustainable and inclusive economy, the establishment of ASBN, and its involvement in lobbying for sustainable economic policies. This engagement helped reinforce ASBN's continued dedication and work to support the African business diaspora in the U.S.

HAVE AN UPDATE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE ASBN COMMUNITY?
CONTACT SHANTI HOLLOWAY (mailto:[email protected]?subject=NEW%20MEMBERSHIP&body=null) , DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP SUCCESS, TO BE INCLUDED IN OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER.


** ASBN Events
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Save the date for these upcoming events
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June 12 | 12pm ET, ASBN Live: Integrating Social Impact – A Blueprint for Small & Medium-Sized Businesses

Join ASBN as we explore the transformative power of integrating social impact initiatives into your business model. Today’s consumers are increasingly drawn to businesses that prioritize social responsibility, community engagement, reducing environmental footprints, and ethical values. Learn actionable steps for seamlessly integrating social impact into your business operations. Find out more and register ([link removed]) .

June 14 | Community-Based Collaborative PFAS Summit,

Virtual or In-Person in NJ

All are welcome to attend (virtually or in person in Hoboken, NJ) the inaugural Community-Based Collaborative Summit focused on PFAS ([link removed]) on June 14th, 2024. You can register here. ([link removed]) This Summit, hosted by Hugo Neu, Stevens Institute of Technology, Waterkeeper Alliance, the American Sustainable Business Network and the New Jersey Sustainable Business Council, will unite a diverse group of subject matter experts, practitioners and stakeholders focusing on the critical issues associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their impact on public and ecological health. With a strong emphasis on community-first approaches, we aim to empower local communities and foster protection strategies against these persistent environmental threats. For more information about the summit and to view the agenda, visit: Community-Based Collaborative PFAS Summit
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June 18 | Advancing Racial Equity as Institutional Investors,

Webinar

What role do institutional investors play in furthering racial equity at the portfolio and societal level? Join the Intentional Endowments Network and the Belonging Collaborative for the Juneteenth webinar ([link removed]) on June 18 at 6 pm ET to explore effective ways to enhance endowments and foundations' efforts toward racial justice. This conversation will delve into practical actions institutional investors can take to address the harms to BIPOC communities, as well as the complexities of systemic racism, the racial wealth gap, and the disproportionate impacts of climate change on frontline communities. Speakers will share ideas on best practices to identify and tackle these pressing issues to drive tangible change within our current systems. Register here.
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Belonging Collaborative is the collaboration of six peer networks to develop a shared vision to advance racial equity across the investment industry. The Collaborative includes American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN), Confluence Philanthropy, The ImPact, Impact Capital Managers (ICM), Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) and Toniic.

Did you miss our recent ASBN Live Webinars?

Members can access all previous ASBN Live webinar recordings, however, we’ve decided to share the recent ASBN Live - Transformative Strategies for Moving Capital to Communities of Color ([link removed]) with the broader ASBN community as part of our commitment to the transition to a more equitable economy. Enjoy!
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Softly Solutions ([link removed]) helps businesses steer clear of litigation and safeguard their reputation by surveilling retail websites for risky environmental product claims. The Softly risk monitoring and analytics platform proactively alerts businesses of non-compliant green marketing claims. And put ESG and climate regulations at your fingertips with ChatESG. . . The launch of this AI sustainability navigator is coming soon!
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Etho Capital® ([link removed]) is a financial technology company on a mission to align investor profits with a climate-positive planet. Etho combines unique climate data and deeper sustainability analysis to create investment strategies that deliver deep decarbonization, Net Zero alignment, and financial returns driven by efficiency, innovation, diversification, and superior environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Etho's flagship ETHO ETF was the 1st broadly diversified fossil-free and ESG-aligned index fund on the US market, and Etho continues to innovate climate investing through indexes and bespoke asset owner consulting services.
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Keep Waco Beautiful ([link removed]) was established by a group of engaged community members who were dedicated to making Waco, Texas, a more beautiful and sustainable place to live.
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Sphere ([link removed]) makes climate-friendly investing available to everyone, by making it easy for employers to offer climate-friendly options in 401(k) retirement plans. Sphere helps advisors and employers demonstrate their commitment to fiduciary duty with a high-quality product at reasonable fees while satisfying the clients' deeply personal desires without having to choose between them.
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Dusseau and Company ([link removed]) is a team of mission-driven founders and entrepreneurs helping impact and mission-driven startups and small businesses to ideate, design, and develop web and mobile applications.
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TheSmall Business Anti-Displacement Network ([link removed]) is made up of organizations across the U.S. and abroad that work to prevent displacement of BIPOC- and immigrant-owned small businesses in gentrifying neighborhoods.

WANT YOUR BUSINESS FEATURED HERE NEXT MONTH? JOIN ASBN! CONTACT SHANTI HOLLOWAY (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Interested%20in%20ASBN%20Membership&body=) , DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP SUCCESS.
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Handprint.io ([link removed]) is a new kind of hiring platform designed by and for impact companies. They understand the challenges of hiring diverse talent efficiently and affordably. Current hiring practices are often inefficient, expensive, and maintain the status quo of bias and inequality. That’s where Handprint.io ([link removed]) comes in - created to connect people-first companies with exceptional, diverse, and values-aligned talent at an unbeatable price.

ReSeed, a pioneer in regenerative agriculture, came to them to fill one Ag Solutions Project Manager position, but were so impressed with the candidates, they created a second one in order to engage the exceptional talent. Founder & CEO of ReSeed, Josh Knauer, shared, “Handprint was fantastic in helping our young clean-tech startup find great candidates.”

As a valued member of the ASBN community, prepay for a job post now, and they will create your company profile for FREE. Job post credits never expire, and you'll always have full control over your profile. Find your next great hire effortlessly with Handprint.io ([link removed]) .

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR BUSINESS TO BE FEATURED HERE? REACH OUT TO SHANTI HOLLOWAY (mailto:[email protected]?subject=ASBN%20Member%20Spotlight&body=) , DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP SUCCESS, WITH AN OFFER FOR ASBN MEMBERS, UPCOMING LAUNCH, EXCITING NEWS OR EVENTS FOR CONSIDERATION.

In conjunction with Other Half Processing, the American Sustainable Business Institute is the grantee and administrative home of the Growing GRASS project. Growing GRASS ([link removed]) is a five-year, $35 million project funded by the USDA Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities grant program, dedicated to improving the beef and buffalo byproduct supply chain. Contact Anna Straus (mailto:[email protected]) .

Growing GRASS Hosts Kickoff Meeting in Minnesota

In May, members of the Growing GRASS ([link removed]) project convened in Red Wing, Minnesota, to officially launch their collaborative effort to create a stable, resilient, growing supply chain for the byproducts of regeneratively raised beef and bison.

This project, funded by the USDA “Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities” program, deploys the GRASS verification system ([link removed]) to validate the climate benefit of regenerative grazing systems. Over the next four years, the collaboration between farmers and ranchers, processors, brands, and experts aims to increase the supply and profitability of regeneratively raised beef and bison byproducts.

To ground, connect, and inform the diverse and dispersed project members, the meeting agenda featured in-person visits to partners along the regenerative byproduct supply chain, including a local regenerative ranch, the S.B. Foote Tanning Company, and the Red Wing shoe company manufacturing plant. The group explored the pathways to their shared ultimate goal, discussed the tools and communication channels they’ll need to succeed, and spent time building trust and familiarity alongside deeper technical knowledge. The meeting concluded with consensus on the shape of the shared work, and a collective commitment to and energy for the next steps.

(Photo credit: Greene Photography, LLC)

The Growing GRASS project partners pose for a photo on the Luhman family’s multi-generational cattle ranch.

(Photo credit: Greene Photography, LLC)

Project partners learn more about the foundations of the project in a meeting at the St. James Hotel in Red Wing, Minnesota.

(Photo credit: Greene Photography, LLC)

Project partners see how hides are turned into leather on a tour of the S.B. Foot Tanning Company in Red Wing, Minnesota.

(Photo credit: Greene Photography, LLC)

Rancher Jared Luhman explains the history, rationale, and outcomes of his family’s regenerative grazing practices.

ASBN’s Working Groups and Task Forces allow members to shape and engage in policy work organized around significant issue areas and specific campaigns. Contact Shanti Holloway (mailto:[email protected]) , Director of Membership Success, to get involved in working groups and learn about other membership benefits.

Working Group: ASBN-BizNGO Chemicals Policy

We engage in public policy initiatives for safer chemicals and sustainable materials.

Next meeting: Friday, June 14th, 12:00 PM ET

Working Group: Climate and Energy

Identifies key problems, solutions, and strategies to address our planet's climate and energy crisis.

Next meeting: June 27th, 1:00 PM ET

Working Group: Regenerative Agriculture and Justice

Working with farmers and other agricultural stakeholders, we advocate for sustainable agriculture, environmental justice, and support for underserved and BIPOC farmers.

Next meeting: June 13th, 1:00 PM ET

Working Group: Clean Water is Good For Business

The Clean Water is Good For Business: Delaware River Watershed Steering Committee works with businesses based in the Delaware River watershed to advocate for cleaner water.

Next meeting: July 8th, 1:00 PM ET

Working Group: Business for Democracy

Business for Democracy believes that a strong democracy is essential for a vibrant entrepreneurial economy. Business for Democracy Collaboratives have been established in eight states to raise the voice of small businesses to protect democracy; we are working to establish a chapter in the Maryland/DC area. If you live in that region, please contact Frank Knapp (mailto:[email protected]?subject=I%20want%20to%20be%20involved%20in%20the%20ASBN%20Business%20for%20Democracy%20Working%20Group&body=) to get involved.

Next meeting: July 3rd, 3:00 PM ET

Register Here ([link removed])

Working Group: Circular Economy

Emphasizes recycling, reuse, sharing, repair, and remanufacturing, and the reduction of waste, pollution, and carbon emissions throughout the economy; meets the third Wednesday of each month.

Next meeting: June 26th, 3:00 PM ET

Working Group: Livable Planet

Dedicated to the shared mission of protecting and renewing life on planet Earth. LPWG is a place for learning, collaborating, and amplifying the good work happening in the world; meets the first Thursday of each month, 1:00-2:15 p.m. ET. Visit our website HERE ([link removed]) .

Next meeting: Thursday. June 6th, 1:00 PM ET

Investors Circle News:

Investors Circle has a new website: investors-circle.org. There, you can read about IC’s rich history and mission, which is rooted in connecting angels and investors with early-stage and high-growth for-profit impact companies and fostering a community where profit meets purpose.

For upcoming details and events, find out more at: [link removed] and reach out to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=)

Next Meetings:
* Investors Circle NY & National Chapter Meeting - Thursday, June 20th at 12pm ET | (Virtual only). This month we will have two Company pitches and Special Speaker, Meagan Packard, Southwest Angel Network (SWAN) Director of Impact Reporting on the topic: “Unlocking the Power of Impact Investing.” Please contact Don Megrath at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) to obtain details about attending this or other future IC investor and entrepreneur connection meetings.
* Investors Circle New York City Investor Luncheon - Thursday June 27 in person. Investors Circle past Members, Sponsors, Friends AND all those interested in impact investing who want to learn more. Meet old and new friends as we share IC for 2024 and our vision for the organization beyond. RSVP required. Please contact Drew Tulchin at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
* Philadelphia Chapter Meeting – Meetings are on vacation for the summer and will resume in September with more information in future updates.

The National PFAS Conference ([link removed]) will be held this year on June 10 - 12 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This conference series is uniquely designed to exchange information, support PFAS-affected communities, and facilitate engagement across diverse sectors involved with PFAS to accelerate the protection of health and the environment.

Are you a current active ASBN Member and receiving this email?

If so, please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=) so we can move your email address so you can receive the members-only newsletter with more exclusive content and opportunities instead!
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