** IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------

* NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
* TAKE NOTE & TAKE ACTION
* NEWS, STORIES & OPPORTUNITIES
* STATE AFFILIATE HIGHLIGHT
* NEW ASBC BOARD MEMBER
* PARTNER CORNER



** NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]

Greetings Friends,

It’s been a crazy and productive few weeks!

Biggest thanks to everyone who participated in the Business, Policy and Purpose Conference. It was a huge success! Our community came out in full force.

As the team and I set our sights on 2026, I can’t help but feel a nervous energy in the air. This is our year to stand for democracy. A year to stand for the hard won wins we’ve made over the past 50 years. We have the privilege of fighting for an affordable and better world.

ASBN has lofty ambitions for the coming year. It will be a year of advocacy in action and we’re going to need your support to get our shared values and concerns on every ticket in every state in the midterms. If you’re able, please make a donation today. We’re going head to head with deep-pocketed industries and CEO’s. We have no intention of backing down, and I hope you don’t either. Every dollar goes directly into the work, and amplifies your voice.

In solidarity and in the fight,

Camilla Taylor
DONATE - MAKE OUR COLLECTIVE VOICE LOUDER ([link removed])


** TAKE NOTE & TAKE ACTION
------------------------------------------------------------


** TAKE NOTE
------------------------------------------------------------


** ASBN Conference Recap: The Business of Democracy
------------------------------------------------------------

From Oct 21-23, 2025, ASBN hosted the Business of Democracy: Business, Policy and Purpose Conference to bring together sustainable business leaders, policymakers, and advocates committed to building a just, regenerative economy.

Across three days of keynotes, interactive breakouts, and networking events, one message stood out - sustainable business has the power to strengthen democracy through collective action. ICYMI, here’s a quick recap:

Day 1 - Driving Impact: Business as a Force for Democratic Resilience

The conference opened with a grounding session led by Diné activist and artist Pat McCabe, followed by an inspiring keynote from Paul Rice, founder of Fair Trade USA, on how business can be a powerful force for good. Attendees explored topics including clean water policy, impactful hiring, and Tribal-business partnerships, and wrapped up the day with global insights from Martin Baxter of ISEP.

Day 2 - Policy and Advocacy: Rewriting the Rules for an Inclusive Economy

Dr. Michelle Chatman led a mindful grounding session, followed by an engaging conversation between Jamie Ager and Ahmed Baba on grassroots economic resilience and civic engagement. Breakouts covered green momentum in purple states, safer chemicals, circular economies, and strategies for demystifying advocacy—culminating in a closing discussion with Saru Jayaraman, President of One Fair Wage.

Day 3 - Purpose in Practice: Building Community Power and Collective Action

The final day featured a powerhouse opening keynote featuring nine women executives from U.S. Impact Investing Alliance, B Lab U.S. & Canada, Forum for the Future, Ceres, Inc., Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), Democracy Forward, ReSurge, and ASBN. It was a highlight of the conference for all who attended!

We spent time networking and attending breakout panels on topics such as regenerative food systems, tools for community

Thank you to all our speakers, sponsors, and attendees for making this year’s conference a resounding success!


** Thanks for a Great Local Networking Experience
------------------------------------------------------------

Group photo from the Boston event.

A big thank you to everyone who hosted or attended local in-person networking events during the Business, Policy & Purpose: The Business of Democracy conference! From watch parties to live discussions, it was fantastic to see communities nationwide coming together to talk about democracy and sustainability. We're excited to keep building momentum and driving change, locally and nationally.

We continued the Networking momentum virtually as well, with networking opportunities on each of the three days of the virtual conference. Attendees, speakers, and the ASBN team came together each day to collaborate and discuss businesses and their role in uplifting democracy across industry, size, and geography.

If you have conference feedback or if you attended an in-person networking event and want to share your feedback with us, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .


** AMIBA Shop Indie Local Week
------------------------------------------------------------

We’re excited to partner with the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) for Shop Indie Local Week from Nov 28 to Dec 2, 2025. At ASBN we are featuring members who contribute to the mission of supporting local economies and the stakeholder economy.

This campaign encourages us to shop small and make a big impact in our communities.

Stay tuned for ways to get involved and help make a lasting impact!
LEARN MORE ([link removed])


** ASBN at COP
------------------------------------------------------------

COP30 begins on November 10, 2025, in Belem, Brazil. This is where world leaders come together under the UNFCCC to make decisions and set targets to address climate change. It is always an important time to bring attention to climate on the world stage, and this year it is even more important that American businesses demonstrate, highlight, and learn opportunities to advance the private sector climate leadership back home in the US.

Read more from ASBN Senior Advisor on Climate and Energy Policy, and self-proclaimed climate optimist, Michael Green in his latest blog post: "American Business Climate Leadership at COP30: Why US Companies Must Show Up in Brazil ([link removed]) "


** Engagement Opportunities
------------------------------------------------------------

Our 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.
[link removed]

Actions shared in the update:
* Safeguarding the Clean Water Act ([link removed])
* Protect Business: Tell Congress to Keep Government Open ([link removed])
* Support Regenerative Agriculture & Resilient Supply Chains ([link removed])

The Clean Water is Good for Business campaign asks all members to fill out this quick survey on the future of the working group.
WHAT’S YOUR STANCE ON CLEAN WATER ([link removed])

For any other resources or links mentioned above, contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])


** TAKE ACTION
------------------------------------------------------------

Tell your Representative to oppose any pesticide riders in the Farm Bill

We are asking House Members of Congress to sign on to a ‘Dear Colleague’ letter, led by Representatives McGovern, Raskin, and Jayapal, opposing pesticide riders and defending local authority to protect communities.
SEND A LETTER ([link removed])

Protect Business: Tell Congress to Keep Government Open

Shutdowns don’t just expose weak points in government; they expose how deeply integrated the public and private sectors actually are. From transportation to agriculture to innovation financing, the federal government is a business partner, customer, regulator, lender, and safety net.
SIGN ON HERE ([link removed])


** UPCOMING EVENTS
------------------------------------------------------------


** The State of Sustainable Business at GBENN - Nov. 12th
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]

Date: November 12th at 11:15 am CT

Join ASBN’s Executive Director, Camilla Taylor, on November 12th at 11:15 am CT as she shares opportunities to shape and support green business. This session offers a look at the current landscape of sustainability in business in the United States. ASBN will provide a review of current and key policy priorities, as well as legislative trends, that impact business sustainability today. Learn how ASBN is mobilizing businesses to advocate for a just and regenerative economy and discover actionable opportunities for your organization to engage with national efforts to drive policy change and ensure sustainable business is here to stay.
GBENN SUMMIT AGENDA ([link removed])
DETAILS ON LINKEDIN ([link removed])

[link removed]

See all of our upcoming events, including our upcoming member networking event, The ASBN Exchange ([link removed]) , on the ASBN Events page of our website.

Look out for an email later in the month with more detailed information about upcoming events!
VIEW ALL EVENTS ([link removed])

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!
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]


** NEWS, STORIES & OPPORTUNITIES
------------------------------------------------------------


** ASBN & MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------

Planet Forward | 16 years of impact: Alumni share how Planet Forward launched their careers ([link removed]) | October 28, 2025 | We’re proud to see ASBN's own Terrius Harris, a Planet Forward alum, leading the charge for Indigenous partnerships and inclusive economic solutions. As Director of Indigenous Partnerships and Inclusive Economy, he exemplifies how Planet Forward alumni use storytelling to drive collaboration, sustainability, and equity—values that align with ASBN’s mission for a more inclusive, sustainable economy.

CounterPunch | Missing Labor Data, Squeezing the Economy ([link removed]) | October 24, 2025 | Explore how missing federal labor data is creating economic instability, particularly for small businesses. ASBN’s Camilla Taylor emphasizes the impact of unreliable data on market volatility, as small businesses face reduced consumer spending. Read more on how this uncertainty is squeezing the economy.

Associated Press | American Sustainable Business Network Urges Leaders to Join Summit: Turn ‘No Kings Day’ Energy Into Policy Action ([link removed]) | October 18, 2025 | ASBN called on business leaders, policymakers, and advocates to channel the momentum from the historic 'No Kings Day' protests into sustained policy action.

This was also shared in EIN Presswire ([link removed]) , North America Today ([link removed]) , Fox2 ([link removed]) , and MENAFN ([link removed]) .

Wisconsin Examiner | Purple state, green momentum: Don’t make Wisconsinites pay more to get less ([link removed]) | October 14, 2025 | John Imes highlighted the importance of maintaining Wisconsin's clean energy momentum amidst potential funding cuts at the ASBN conference. He stressed that rolling back clean energy programs would result in higher bills, job losses, and slower progress, urging stability to protect jobs and affordability.

ROI-NJ | To Address the Energy Affordability Crisis, New Jersey’s Next Governor Must Double Down on Clean Energy ([link removed]) | October 14, 2025 | Rebecca C. Lubot, Executive Director of the New Jersey Sustainable Business Network, urged the next governor of New Jersey to accelerate the state’s clean energy transition amidst rising energy costs. She emphasized the economic, environmental, and public health benefits of renewable energy, while also calling for legislative action to ensure an equitable and sustainable clean energy future for the state.


** STATE AFFILIATE HIGHLIGHT
------------------------------------------------------------


** Power Play NJ is Live!
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]
WATCH NOW ([link removed])

Our state-affiliate, the New Jersey Sustainable Business Network (NJSBN), is one of more than 35 environmental, community, faith, business, and advocacy organizations advocating for Power Play NJ. Power Play NJ is a bold plan to power New Jersey with 100 percent clean energy,

make clean energy faster and cheaper by cutting red tape, and make Big Tech and private utilities pay their fair share.

Please take a few minutes to watch the launch video ([link removed]) that features Rebecca Lubot, Ph.D., M.Sc., executive director of NJSBN, and check out the Action Network ([link removed]) link ([link removed]) .


** NEW ASBC BOARD MEMBER
------------------------------------------------------------


** Dr. Ellonda Williams, to the ASBC Board of Directors!
------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Ellonda L. Williams is an Equity-driven Community Relations Operator, Inclusion Artist & Strategic Organizational Leader. She serves as Senior Director of Community and co-Lead Executive at B Lab U.S. & Canada; one of six global partners of the B Lab Global Network that foster and mobilize a growing community of people and businesses working towards a more fair and inclusive economy in the United States and Canada.

In her day-to-day work, Dr. Williams balances focus on demonstrating the indispensable business value of certification, building community, and driving impact.

Ellonda possesses a rich background, with education in Human Services, Psychological Studies, Education, and Leadership Management; her experiences vary widely, giving her a keen eye and ear in the spaces she takes up. With both personal and professional commitments to the equitable treatment and inclusion of those who are historically and regionally marginalized, she has been a lifelong proponent and champion of social justice. She brings those ethics and ideologies to her everyday work and conversations.


** PARTNER CORNER
------------------------------------------------------------


** New Industry Affiliate member - Fairtrade America
------------------------------------------------------------

We’re excited to announce Fairtrade America ([link removed]) as a new Industry Affiliate member of our ASBN community!

Fairtrade America works to rebalance trade, making it a system rooted in partnership and mutual respect rather than exploitation. It's about businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers all working together to provide fairer pay and more resilient communities for the people behind our food. Fairtrade America is the U.S. branch of Fairtrade International, the global organization that sets and upholds Fairtrade standards worldwide.

A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, with more than 30 years of experience working for fair trading practices in more than 60 countries across the globe, Fairtrade America is the most recognized ethical label in the world.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FAIRTRADE ([link removed])
LEARN ABOUT MEMBERSHIP ([link removed])

Explore the Member Benefits ([link removed]) page and become a Member ([link removed]) today! Questions? Contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=)

Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe for monthly updates ([link removed]) .
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]

Copyright (C) 2025 American Sustainable Business Network. All rights reserved.

You are receiving this email because you registered for our communications on our website, participated in an ASBN or partner campaign, attended a webinar or event, are or have been a member, or have communicated with ASBN in some way.

Want to change how you receive these emails? We have two list options! Receive our monthly Leading the Way newsletter for the latest business news for a more sustainable, just and regenerative economy, and stay on our Advocacy Campaign list for the most timely updates, to engage and take action on the latest policies impacting businesses today!

We hope you continue to find value in the work of ASBN. If you have any feedback on our communications, reach out to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) . You can update your preferences at any time and choose one or both list options here ([link removed][UNIQID]&c=957feb9603) .

Donate to support our work ([link removed]) .

Our mailing address is:
American Sustainable Business Network
712 H Street NE
PMB 42
Washington, DC 20002
USA
This email was sent to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
why did I get this? ([link removed]) unsubscribe from this list ([link removed]) update subscription preferences ([link removed])
American Sustainable Business Network . 712 H Street NE . PMB 42 . Washington, DC 20002 . USA