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NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR |
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20 Days and Counting! Rick Steves is READY for the Business, Policy and Purpose Conference!
ICYMI, television host, author and activist, Rick Steves, is the closing headliner and keynote speaker at this year’s conference. In this short video, Rick shares a sneak peek into his speech, sharing how important it is for business leaders to advocate for our democracy, our environment, and our social responsibility. |
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Conference Ticket Giveaway
We're giving away 4 free tickets to the Business, Policy and Purpose Conference! Don’t miss your chance to join top changemakers, entrepreneurs, and policy leaders driving the sustainable economy forward - for free.
🎟️ Full access to all sessions, networking events, and keynotes could be a drawing away. No purchase necessary. |
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🎤 Keynote SpotlightGraham Platner and Jamie Ager are Shaking Up the Status Quo |
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Click the images below to watch the videos… |
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Real change happens when the people most affected by policy have a seat at the table. Join us for a powerful dialogue with leaders who bring authentic working-class perspectives to policy advocacy—an oysterman dependent on the sea and a farmer dependent on soil health who understand the daily realities of resource-dependent communities. This conversation explores how environmental, economic, and social policies impact working families and small businesses, and how community leaders are fighting for policies that protect livelihoods while building sustainable, resilient local economies. Platner and Ager both looked around and realized that not just their work but their communities were being negatively impacted, and they decided to do something to fix that. Discover how grassroots voices are driving conversations about fair wages, environmental stewardship, and economic policies that work for the people who power America’s communities. |
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ASBN is a bipartisan network. ASBN and our affiliates do not endorse any speaker’s views but provide a platform for open dialogue and diverse perspectives that advance our mission to build a just and regenerative economy. |
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Bonus Giveaway: Win Organic Sleep Essentials Valued up to $4,930!
Thanks to our generous sponsor and ASBN member, Naturepedic, when you register for the conference, you're automatically entered to WIN! Each randomly selected winner will take home one of these 10 incredible Naturepedic door prizes*: |
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| GRAND PRIZE:
ADDITIONAL PRIZES: 2 Organic Cotton Sateen Sheet Sets ($199 - $299 each) 2 Down Pillows with Organic Cotton Fabric ($199 - $249 each) 2 Organic Cotton Quilted Mattress Pads ($219 - $329 each) 1 Organic Waterproof Protector Pad ($129 - $219 value) 2 Organic Travel Pillows ($79 each)
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Can't attend live? Register anyway – all sessions will be recorded for registrants AND you're still entered in the giveaway! |
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*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to US residents 18+. Entry period: October 1-20, 2025, 11:59 pm ET. Automatic entry for conference registrants. See the complete rules here. |
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Want to bring your team to the conference for free?
We’re offering 50% off all new memberships across every tier for your first year! Just become a member before October 21, and registration for you and your team is on us.
Use code JOINASBN50PERCENT for 50% off your ASBN membership. |
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Join us for timely policy insights, actionable engagement opportunities, and space for meaningful connection. Attendees will leave with a clear picture of where policy stands, how ASBN is shaping the conversation, and where their voice can make a difference. Whether you’re newly engaged or deeply involved, this meeting ensures you’re connected to the big picture—and empowered to take part. 📆 October 7th, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET 🔐All are welcome - If you have a colleague or a partner interested in engaging in policy to advance a regenerative economy, please feel free to bring them! What to Expect: Policy Updates – Key developments from ASBN’s policy experts Engagement Opportunities – Concrete ways to take action on current campaigns Q&A + Networking – A chance to ask questions, share ideas, and join small-group discussions with members and partners by area of interest
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| See all of our upcoming events, including our upcoming member networking event THE ASBN EXCHANGE, on the ASBN Events page of our website. Look out for an email in the next two weeks with more detailed information about upcoming events! |
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Our newly reformatted engagement opportunities ensure that wherever you are in your advocacy journey, there’s a place for you. Watch the video below to hear the latest updates from ASBN’s team of topic experts. |
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Actions shared in the update: |
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What This Government Shutdown Really Means for Your Business |
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The government shutdown is creating real operational disruption for businesses across every sector. With 750,000 federal workers furloughed and critical services frozen, the impacts are immediate.
Our latest blog post penned by ASBN Executive Director Camilla Taylor breaks down: 7 specific ways shutdowns hurt your business—from frozen SBA loans and stalled permits to contract delays and tourism losses Why healthcare negotiations are blocking resolution and what that means for workforce planning How both parties must come to the table to end this impasse Actionable steps to protect your business and make your voice heard
Plus: Use our tools to call Congress and share your shutdown story. You cannot have a strong private sector without a functioning public sector. Read how this affects you and take action |
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The American Sustainable Business Council and 22 of our members are proud to announce that we are among the 50 trade organizations and businesses to sign Davis Wright Tremaine's Employer DEI Amicus Brief in support of Chicago Women in Trades v. Trump, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit.
Our goal? To help the court understand why it is in our interest to preserve our right to maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Our brief makes it clear: DEI policies are legal and effective—they prevent discrimination and foster fair, thriving workplaces. DEI is good for business and our stakeholders—diverse teams drive innovation and success. Attacks on DEI are attacks on free speech and our longstanding commitment to opening doors of opportunity for all.
Now more than ever, it’s critical to stand up for the values that make our workplaces—and our society—stronger. We’re grateful to work alongside so many dedicated partners in this effort.
Let’s keep pushing for progress and opportunity for everyone. |
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| On October 1, ASBN hosted an engaging and solutions-driven session exploring the complex lifecycle of plastics - from innovation to pollution and the paths forward toward circularity. Part of our Policy Forums, this webinar brought together three expert voices across industry, innovation, and advocacy: Holli Alexander (Eastman Chemical Company) Aditya Siroya (rePurpose Global) Alexandra Bede (Grove Collaborative)
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Moderated by Martin Wolf, ASBN’s Senior Advisor on Safer Chemicals and the Circular Economy, the session sparked dynamic dialogue around scalable strategies for plastic reduction, recovery, and reuse, which were all grounded in both policy and practice. |
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Stay Connected & Make an Impact! Follow ASBN on social media for the latest updates and opportunities for sustainable business to drive a just and regenerative economy. Engage with our posts, share your voice, and help amplify the movement. Now more than ever, collective action matters—join us today! |
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NEWS, STORIES & OPPORTUNITIES |
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Board Member Recommended Event |
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Business Briefing for Federal Deployments: Know Your Rights and Options Board member Richard Eidlin recommended this event from the West Philadelphia Corridor Collaborative for all business owners, especially those in Blue states. Join this webinar on October 14 for a critical briefing on National Guard deployment and ICE actions affecting business communities nationwide. Former military leaders and immigration experts will provide non-partisan facts on legal authorities, business impacts, and workforce protection strategies. Learn how to prepare for potential disruptions, understand your legal options, and protect your operations. Speakers include former Army Secretary Patrick Murphy, retired Brigadier General Dave McGinnis, and immigration attorney Jonathan Grode. Find out more and register. |
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ASBN & MEMBERS IN THE NEWS |
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Fair Labor | Fair Labor Association welcomes new Board Chair Chris Lu | October 1, 2025 | Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor and ASBN board member Chris Lu has been appointed Chair of the Fair Labor Association. A strong advocate for workers’ rights and sustainable business, Chris brings deep experience in public service and global labor standards. We’re proud to see an ASBN leader helping shape a more just and accountable global economy. |
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WisPolitics | ASBN State Affiliates in Action - Purple state, green momentum: How Wisconsin turns climate action into common sense | September 26, 2025 | ASBN Conference speaker, State Affiliate, and Wisconsin Environmental Initiative co-founder John Imes makes the case for pragmatic, bipartisan climate leadership in his latest WisPolitics column: “Purple State, Green Momentum.” Imes highlights how Wisconsin is turning clean energy into common sense — creating jobs, cutting costs, and building resilient communities.
Don’t miss John at the ASBN Conference session, Purple State, Green Perspective! |
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| ASBN Member Networking Events During the Business, Policy and Purpose Conference
Please keep an eye out next week for details on the networking events hosted by ASBN members NCSBC, NYSBC, TXSBN, PASBN, SBN of Massachusetts, Wisconsin Environmental Initiative, and Resilient VA! Don’t miss out, register for the conference today and join the local events! |
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We’re excited to highlight our recent ASBN members of the month! |
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| BASEstud.io BASEstud.io is a woman-led public benefit corporation rooted in climate justice. Their modular streetlight stations are built to withstand fires, floods, storms and blackouts—keeping communities powered, connected, and resilient when it matters most. |
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| CommonWise CommonWise, founded by Cheryl Heller, advises leaders at critical inflection points to define and design new business models, learning experiences, and programs that go beyond problem-solving to navigate uncertainty and realize a desired future. |
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| Sexsmith Architects Founded in 2021 by Alexander Sexsmith, AIA, Sexsmith Architects creates inspired, health-centered environments that harmonize nature with contemporary and traditional materials. With deep sensitivity to toxic-free design, the studio emphasizes sustainability, craftsmanship and interdisciplinary collaboration—builders, engineers, artists—all united to design spaces for the spirit. |
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| Climate Positive Consulting Climate Positive Consulting is a California‑based, Certified B Corporation founded in 2009 to help businesses decarbonize with clear, science‑based strategies. |
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| Pure Strategies Pure Strategies is a U.S.-based, Certified B Corp sustainability consulting firm founded in 1998. They help companies—from Fortune 500 brands to emerging businesses—develop and implement climate, nature, safer chemical and circular economy strategies. |
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| Want your business featured here?
Curious about becoming a member and being featured within the ASBN Community? For a limited time only, enjoy 50% off your first year of membership with this code: JOINASBN50PERCENT |
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Know of a business that should join ASBN?
Help us grow the network for a sustainable, just and regenerative economy! Feel free to forward this email to them or invite them to contact [email protected].
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Join our partner, Reimagine Appalachia, for the virtual Summit for Appalachian Manufacturing Strategy on Thursday, October 16, from 11 am to 3 pm ET. This is a vital opportunity for manufacturers and stakeholders to collaboratively shape the future of manufacturing in our region. |
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The Investors Circle (IC) community brings together angel investors and others backing early-stage entrepreneurs building companies that generate both strong financial returns and meaningful social and/or environmental impact—where profit meets purpose. ASBN members can be part of both ASBN and IC by joining IC as an IC Associate Member at this link at a discounted rate. We welcome investors and other potential members to "Be Our Guest" and visit before making a membership decision. Our next monthly virtual meeting is on October 16 from noon to 2 pm ET, which you can register for at this link. We have some other exciting community activities, events and meetings this fall. See our events page to check out details and register.
Some of our recent and upcoming events include: September 21-28 NYC Climate Week Multiple Events with IC Community Members and Friends – see photo nearby with Babbie Jacobs and other IC friends and Community Partners at Jody R. Weiss’ gathering us all together across our networks & with Women Funding the World during Climate Week NYC. October 21: in-person - An Evening of Insight, Inspiration and Impact in Washington D.C., exploring how values-aligned investors and financial advisors can direct capital to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)—and in doing so, create lasting change in underserved communities across the U.S. October 24: In-person – Investors Circle - Philly Investee Site Visits (12:30 pm – 5:00 pm) and Philly Alum Gathering – Philadelphia (5:30 pm - 8:30 pm).
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