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.


** TAKE NOTE
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Our President and Co-Founder, David Levine, was recently interviewed by Authority Magazinehttps://www.facebook.com/authoritymagazine?__cft__[0]=AZVn0ai7v4WGT5mGPEdyncZfQG7nsTtrCkpxj2XuMlBJr7XdnPyjzGF_0iEoT1oV8zVi87srZ1DgK_6FgMBM4C1j2QV8KSmxJXaGJ2Rqd_ciQ3PUmcgcm824YanQWfPvkZvhlJD2dXE8bMFapKMwrWbUUtHGZjPEYp-aHY40-2M2WgASO4agy-o0UukZ3FaAqPw&__tn__=-]K-R on The Importance of Professional Business Networks ([link removed]) . In the interview, David shared his top 5 Ways to Make the Most of a Professional Business Network. From relationship building to network benefits, David's insights are sure to elevate your networking game. Check out the full interview above, and watch the video below:
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ASBN Partnered on Safeguarding OSHA

On January 30, 2023, the American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN), represented by Democracy Forward ([link removed]) and in partnership with Main Street Alliance ([link removed]) , submitted a "friend of the court" brief ([link removed]) in Allstates Refractory Contractors, LLC v. Walsh, a case in which conservative business interests attempted to overturn the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) longstanding authority to set and enforce workplace safety standards. ASBN's amicus curiae brief urged the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold a lower court decision rejecting this radical attack on OSHA's authority, and explained to the court that OSHA’s workplace safety standards are not only constitutional and necessary but are also good for the bottom lines of small businesses and their employees. Using
testimony from ASBN members, like Keap Candles, we described how OSHA’s targeted enforcement of evidence-based safety standards helps level the playing field between small businesses and larger competitors by preventing businesses from being forced to incur the costs of developing and enforcing their own safety rules.

We were delighted that the Sixth Circuit ultimately rejected ([link removed]) this attack on OSHA's authority but continued to monitor the case as the plaintiff appealed the Sixth Circuit's ruling to the United States Supreme Court. Fortunately, the Supreme Court has declined ([link removed]) to hear the appeal, which ends the case, and cements the victory we helped secure at the Sixth Circuit. For the time being, OSHA's authority to set and enforce sensible workplace safety rules remains intact.


** TAKE ACTION
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With the 2024 Bristol Bay salmon season well underway, ASBN, with our partners Businesses for Bristol Bay, have produced a letter from our broad coalition of nationwide businesses. Please use our letter to let Congress know your business supports the Bristol Bay Protection Act ([link removed]) .

On May 1, Rep. Mary Peltola (AK) introduced this important legislation, which represents the next step in securing lasting protections for the Bristol Bay region against the threat of the proposed Pebble Mine. The bill would take the EPA’s Clean Water Act protections from 2023 and give them the force of federal law. With uncertainty looming in November’s elections, it’s more important than ever to strengthen protections for vulnerable ecosystems and vital sustainable economies. Send today and double your impact! In September, we will amplify your support by adding your business name to the larger sign-on letter with Businesses for Bristol Bay. Send your letter to Congress today! ([link removed])

Want to do more? Make a donation today ([link removed]) to support our ability to continue to advocate for sustainable businesses and practices, and join us by following ASBN across social media. Like and share some of our recent posts to voice your concerns and show your support for a more just and sustainable economy! It’s never been more important to stand together. We hope to see you there!
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** WE’RE HIRING
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Remote. $140-$190k negotiable, full-time equivalent salary (starting at part-time)

Visit our website for more information and to apply ([link removed]) .

In case you missed our announcements, ASBN is seeking an experienced leader to serve as its next executive director! The new executive director will have the opportunity to work with a dedicated team to advocate for solutions that benefit both people and planet. We are looking for someone well-connected, collaborative, and committed to making a positive impact. They will also have a strong background in nonprofit leadership and a deep understanding of issues related to sustainability. The executive director will play a key role in guiding our organization and building partnerships with business organizations, investors, and companies.

The priority deadline is August 12th.


** ASBN IN THE NEWS
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Frank Knapp, ASBN Director of Business for Democracy, had his op-ed How to Bring Civility Back to Politics ([link removed]) , on how ranked-choice voting can help turn down the political heat in elections, shared across more than ten news outlets between July 16-24, including the DC Journal; The Daily Courier (Connellsville, PA); The Robesonian (Lumberton, NC); Daily Independent (Sun City, AZ); Frederick News-Post (Frederick, MD); Post and Courier (Charleston, SC); Tampa Bay Times; Lassen County Times (Susanville, CA); Jacksonville Journal-Courier (Jacksonville, IL); Bangor Daily News (Bangor, ME); and Detroit News.
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** WEBINAR RECORDING
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ASBN took a break from hosting webinars in July, however, check out the video recording of Unlocking the Value of ESG: Strategies for Business Success ([link removed]) from Ohio Sustainable Business Council’s July 23 webinar featuring actionable strategies for integrating ESG factors ([link removed]) into business operations, highlight success stories, and address the current legislative challenges ([link removed]) facing responsible investing. This video has information for business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders alike.
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August 21st | 1pm ET, ASBN Live: Advancing Justice & Regeneration in the Food System: How Businesses Can Advocate for Farmworker Rights in Policy and Their Supply Chains

Join our upcoming interactive webinar, Advancing Justice and Regeneration in the Food System: How Businesses Can Advocate for Farm Worker Rights In Policy and Their Supply Chains ([link removed]) , on August 21st at 1pm ET/10am PT co-hosted with Forum for the Future. This engaging roundtable discussion will feature insights from leading policy advocates, a third-party certifier, and a brand exemplifying their commitment to ethical principles within their supply chains. Find out more and register ([link removed]) .

No new members were added in July during the slow summer season. WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR BUSINESS TO BE FEATURED HERE? REACH OUT TO SHANTI HOLLOWAY (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Interested%20in%20Membership&body=) , DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP SUCCESS, TO JOIN ASBN AS A MEMBER.

August is Black Business Month! This month, we’re highlighting member businesses that are Black-founded, owned or operated. Businesses like:
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Dusseau and Company ([link removed]) . At Dusseau and Company, their journey started with their founders belief in the power of empathy and support. Having spent 17 years as a foster youth in Oakland, CA, he deeply understands the significance of helping others. This formative experience drives their mission: to leverage technology for the betterment of ALL people.

As enterprise software engineers and data scientists, their leaders thrived but saw passionate leaders in healthcare and finance struggling to bring their visions to life. They faced technical barriers and the challenge of finding partners committed to their mission and providing budget-friendly solutions. They needed partners who could relate to the audiences they were building for. So, Dusseau and Company was founded.

Dusseau and Company doesn’t just build products; they build bridges that lead to measurable outcomes. You need technology partners with the right technical skills, effective communication, cost-effective solutions, reliable quality, and, most importantly, one you TRUST. They are here for the social impact leaders, dreamers, and doers determined to improve outcomes. You bring the vision; they’ll handle the tech.

Clean Production Action, Executive Director ([link removed]) - $150,000 - $190,000 (Remote)

Clean Production Action is an innovative non-profit organization whose mission is to design and deliver strategic solutions for green chemicals, sustainable materials, and environmentally preferable products. They seek a dynamic, entrepreneurial, networked, and collaborative individual to lead their organization through its third decade. The successful candidate will be committed to growing Clean Production Action’s existing programs as well as innovating new initiatives to advance safer chemicals, materials, and products in the transition to a sustainable, non-toxic, and circular economy.

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.

For the Growing GRASS project, success depends on reaching and connecting with the nation’s cattle and bison farmers, ranchers, and herders. The team’s detailed outreach strategy leverages strong relationships with trusted messengers and the leadership of livestock membership organizations, who will spread the word about this new opportunity to get more value from meat processing byproducts like bones, hides, and organs.

To facilitate this outreach, the team created a suite of materials that illustrate the project details in living color, including an infographic on how producers can benefit from Growing GRASS, a detailed FAQ section, a short video, and an informational flier.

Before the launch of the project’s screening survey, these materials will be sent to a focus group comprised of cattle and bison producers, who will ensure that the outreach efforts are clear, complete, and effective.

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.

ASBN-BizNGO Chemicals Policy

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

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.

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.

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.
* Read the latest in the CleanWater newsletter here ([link removed]) and share our handy messaging toolkit ([link removed]) with your network!

Climate and Energy

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

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..

Pennsylvania Sustainable Business Network

The Pennsylvania Sustainable Business Network (PASBN) is dedicated to promoting sustainable economic development and environmental stewardship across the state. We serve as a collaborative platform for businesses, nonprofits, and communities committed to creating a resilient and equitable economy.
* To support this mission, please view the sign-on letter here ([link removed]) and sign on to our Clean Energy Manufacturing Action Plan here ([link removed]) .

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.

To find out what you missed in recent calls and to get involved, contact Shanti Holloway (mailto:[email protected]) , Director of Membership Success.

Investors Circle ([link removed]) (IC) is pleased to share the next step in its 30-year history. It has spun off from ASBN as an independent non-profit rooted in connecting angels and investors with early-stage and high-growth for-profit impact companies. The focus is to foster community to invest where profit meets purpose.

Membership, Sponsorship and Donations are now active! Join IC’s community of 100+ investor members who have deployed $275MM+ to 350+ companies over the past 30 years. We welcome people to participate in providing time, treasure and talent in service of business for good.

Upcoming events are posted online ([link removed]) . The next national virtual meeting is on Thursday, September 19, at noon ET. It will feature a special guest speaker and presentations from high-growth impact companies. Regional gatherings, like the one held in New York in late June (see picture below), are planned for later in 2024 and 2025. IC will hold a lunch gathering in Denver on August 8 (please contact IC Executive Director Don Megrath at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) to learn more and RSVP). IC will have another in-person luncheon meeting in Philadelphia, on September 25 (please contact IC Development Officer Drew Tulchin at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) to learn more and RSVP).

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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