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

View this email in your browser ([link removed])
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
mailto:[email protected]
[link removed]

ASBN, Other Half Processing (OHP), and a diverse set of collaborators were recently awarded $35 million by the USDA as part of the Department's Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative. Funds awarded by the USDA will center the ongoing work and lived experiences of producers most impacted by climate. Through the Growing GRASS Project, ASBN, OHP and collaborators will ensure producers have the financial support and market opportunities necessary to implement and sustain climate-smart agricultural practices. Read our full media release here ([link removed]) and our full list of partners here ([link removed]) .
MEMBER INTERVIEW
Read ASBN's featured interview ([link removed]) this month with Julia Collins, CEO and founder of Planet FWD.

PODCAST
Catch up on ASBN's latest Just & Sustainable Economy podcast episodes ([link removed]) .

ASBN IN THE NEWS

ASBN was mentioned in an article by Fast Company ([link removed]) showcasing our member Avocado Mattress and our partnership with them.
Working Groups
Regenerative Agriculture and Justice:
This month, Chris Pawelski, farmer and Director at Farmroot ([link removed]) , discussed his proposal for a farm bill program to connect specialty crop farmers to local food banks. Cathy Day, Climate Policy Coordinator at National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), joined the group to go over NSAC's emerging priorities around climate, local markets, conservation, and more for the farm bill. The group is currently developing informational "leave-behinds" for congressional staffers that outline the business case for farm policies that invest, support and incentivize regenerative and just agriculture.

Corporate Transparency and ESG Disclosure:
The working group met earlier this month and were joined by Jon Hale, Global Head of Sustainability at Morningstar.

Businesses for Conservation and Climate Action (BCCA):
Terrius Harris, BCCA's Indigenous Business Outreach Coordinator, attended the Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance (BNGA) October gathering in Standing Rock.

Business for Democracy:
This month the Business for Democracy working group had special guest Dan Weiner, Director of Elections and Governance at the Brennan Center for Justice. Mr. Weiner discussed the importance of Congress passing the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The ASBN Business for Democracy state collaboratives are advocating for passage of these Acts to secure our democracy as well as the bipartisan bills in the House and Senate to reform the Electoral Count Act.

Childhood Cancer Prevention Initiative:
CCPI was happy to support and participate in a lobby day advocating for further co-sponsorship and overall support of the Protect America's Children from Toxic Pesticides Act (PACTPA) hosted by Friends of the Earth. To learn more about ASBN's continued work on PACTPA please read and sign-on to the Investor Letter in Support of PACTPA, found here ([link removed]) .

Investors Circle:

Entrepreneurs and Partners in the News

Congratulations on being 2022 Recipients of the Heinz Awards ([link removed])
* Many IC members have invested in Oweesta ([link removed]) | For over 20 years, Oweesta has provided the tools, training, and capital to help Native people control their economic destinies. Congratulations Crystel Cornelius


* Project Equity ([link removed]) is an invaluable partner in our Transforming Business Project ([link removed]) . Project Equity helps businesses and communities discover the power of employee ownership. Congratulations Hilary Abell & Alison Lingane


Solstice - Solstice is becoming a part of MyPower, an affiliate of Mitsui.

“This partnership revolutionizes our capacity to bring solar power to underserved communities and expand into new states across the country.” Steph Spiers
*
** MyPower Corp. Acquires Solstice Power Technologies, Inc., a Prominent Service Provider Specialized in Customer Management for Community Solar in the U.S. ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------

* Solstice currently has spots available ([link removed]) on solar farms in NY, IL & MA.
* sign up ([link removed]) at no cost for these solar savings (up to 10% on your electric bill each month)



Goalsetter ([link removed]) | Entrepreneur's 100 Women of Influence ([link removed])

Tanya Van Court, Founder; was named as one of Entrepreneur's 100 Women of Influence. Goalsetter ([link removed]) , aims to close the wealth gap by teaching kids and families about financial literacy, and builds off her work as a former senior vice president at Nickelodeon.

BlocPower: City and County of Denver Partners, BlocPower and Energy Outreach Colorado, Collaborate to Implement a New Healthy Homes Program ([link removed])


Investors Circle

November 10th | In Partnership with FOOD FUNDED | 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM PST

Investors Circle is pleased to announce that we will be co-hosting the upcoming FOOD FUNDED ([link removed]) event.

At this virtual gathering, food entrepreneurs and investors will convene for educational sessions and live investor presentations to catalyze investments in our food & ag system.This exciting partnership with FOOD FUNDED leverages our combined interests in JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) the food, ag, and impact investing space.

Discountedtickets ([link removed]) . Contact Jillian (mailto:[email protected]) for a complimentary ticket for all ASBN members.

Investor Education

Invest for Better ([link removed])

Racial Wealth Gap: Past, Present & Potential for Change ([link removed])

The nonprofit Invest for Better ([link removed]) is partnering with Impact Collective for a new 3-month course. This course addresses the role our money can play in addressing systemic racism. Monthly live meetings (second Tuesday of each month, November 8, 2022 | December 13, 2022 | January 10, 2023) 12:00PM-2:00PM ET | 9:00AM-11:00AM PT. Meetings will feature different guest speakers and have multiple opportunities for intimate connections and conversations.

Investor for Better will also be offering four more Deep Dive courses this Fall ([link removed]) . These courses will take place over a 3-month period and offer opportunities to learn together with other women.
* Back to the Basics: Financial Planning ([link removed])
* Values Align Your Stock Portfolio ([link removed])
* How Angel Investing Works ([link removed])
* Find a Values-Aligned Financial Advisor ([link removed])

The courses are run as peer-led Circles and the meeting schedule will be determined later this month by each facilitator based on enrollee availability. Courses are free with Invest for Better membership ([link removed]) , and new offerings will be made available several times per year. You can learn more here ([link removed]) or by emailing IFB's Program Manager, Jasmine Tanguay at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .


Mark Your Calendars
Rocky Mountain Gathering- December 6, 5:30-8:00 MST
NY Holiday Gathering - December 14th, 5:30 - 8:00pm ET
For more information contact Jillian at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or Babbie at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

If you are in New York we’d love to see you. Details to follow.

Dismantling Racism & Inequality Faith-Based Community Investing ([link removed])
Please visit our newly launched working group webpage

To raise awareness and drive value-aligned investment opportunities, we will host a series of conversations to allow investors to learn about the possibilities of faith-based investing and how to use these investments as a tool to dismantle racism and oppression.

Under the theme of Beloved Community, the “Introduction to Faith-Based Community Investing” series will feature dynamic speakers, clergy, and congregations who will give insight into the faith-based community investing movement, along with case studies from different faith communities. In addition, we will provide an overview of existing opportunities and how to take advantage of them based on the unique perspectives and values of the attendees.

Upcoming Events

November 10 | 7:30 – 9:00pm ET

Dismantling Racism & Inequality | Faith Based Community Investing – Part II

Registration Link ([link removed])

November 14 | 1:00 – 2:00pm ET | Informal Follow On Conversation with Faith-Based Institutions

Registration Link ([link removed])


In Case You Missed It - Webinars

Dismantling Racism and Oppression | Faith Based Investing - Part 1 - October 6

Recording ([link removed]-)

Panelists:
* Andrew Schneiderman / Director, Impact Investing at the San FranciscoJewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund ([link removed])
* John Harris / Speaking from an Episcopal perspective
* Sarah Smith /Mercy Partnership Fund ([link removed])
* Vanessa Lowe / UUA’s Investment Committee + UUCEF

Dismantling Racism & Inequality | Community Investing for Institutions and Individuals | October 14th (stories of individuals who have invested in CDFIs) Recording ([link removed])
* Moderator: Pam Porter
* Panelists: Babbie Jacobs, Dorothy Adams, Tom Abood
For more information on upcoming convenings or to join us in shaping future Dismantling Racism & Inequality community and faith-based investing conversations, please contact Pam Porter, (mailto:[email protected]) Tom Abood (mailto:[email protected]) , Babbie Jacobs (mailto:[email protected]) , or Derek Peebles (mailto:[email protected]) .

Restorative Investing Task Force ([link removed])

In Case You Missed It: Here is the recording ([link removed]) .

Beyond Impact Investing & ESG | Friday, October 7

Panelists:
* Lynne Hoey, Chief Investment Officer @ Kataly Fund ([link removed])
* Laina Greene, Founder and CEO @ Angels of Impact ([link removed])
* Malia Lazu, CEO & Founder @ The Lazu Group ([link removed]) (The Urban Labs)
* Laurika Harris-Kaye, Change maker, systems enthusiast, and seeker


The truth is the financial system and institutions are not broken, they are designed to oppress and create inequity. The Restorative Economies Fund at the Kataly Foundation is based on its CEO, Nwamaka Agbo’s restorative economics framework and focuses on systems change for the prosperity of all. In this session, we will learn more about what intentional finance for systems change based on restorative economics look like, examine some examples of restorative investing, and also discuss the policy changes needed to make this approach successful.


Transforming Business Ownership Project ([link removed]) (Please visit our Webpage for Policy Updates)


** Exploring Employee Ownership: Why Business Owners Choose it and what it Could Offer Your Company | Friday, October 21st | Recording ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------

Whether you want to stay or go, employee ownership could strengthen your business and help preserve your legacy.

In honor of Employee Ownership month, the ASBN “Transforming Business Ownership” working group is pleased to present this special panel.

Speakers will include leaders of employee-owned businesses who can share different perspectives on the value of employee ownership and how it contributes to their company’s success, whether through employee engagement and retention, succession planning and ownership transitions, or just another way to express the company’s commitment to sustainability. Panelists will address different scenarios through which businesses can transition to employee ownership:

The original owner retires and wants to ensure business continuity and success into the future

The original owner wants to sell the business but continue on in a leadership role.


Panelists:

Kevin Koch | Technicians For Sustainability ([link removed]) | Co-Founder

Rachel Battles | Happy Earth Cleaning Co-op ([link removed]) | General Manager

Tommy Smith | Kaiser Permanente | Impact Spending ([link removed]) | Manager-Economic Impact

Joined by Employee Ownership experts:
* Ellen Vera | Co-op Cincy ([link removed])
* Hilary Abell | Project Equity ([link removed])
* Kristen Barker | Co-op Cincy ([link removed])


Thank you for theEmployee Ownership Experts who joined us for the October 28th in depth conversations:
* Corey Rosen | NCEO ([link removed]) - Using an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) for business transition
* Ellen Vera | Co-op Cincy ([link removed]) - Learn about what things to consider as well as the practical steps for selling your company to your employees
* Hilary Abell | Project Equity ([link removed]) - Employee ownership as a strategy for quality jobs, business continuity / succession, and reducing inequality. Learn about Project Equity’s EO transition services, and our work on public policy (including co-founding Worker-Owned Recovery California and passing the California Employee Ownership Act in 2022).
* Jack Moriarity | Ownership America ([link removed])
* Karen Kahn | The Democracy Collaborative ([link removed]) - Do you have general questions about what’s happening in the employee ownership field? What are the models? Recent trends? Innovations? Impact? Join journalist Karen Kahn, who has been covering the employee ownership field for the last four years at Employee Ownership News ([link removed])
* Matt Kruetz | Firebrand Artisan Breads ([link removed]) - How to use a Perpetual Purpose Trust to lock in mission and democratize governorship.
* Ra Criscitiello | SEIU-UHW West ([link removed]) - How labor unions and worker cooperatives can work together to expand employee ownership, with a focus on unionized staffing cooperatives in the healthcare sector.



Employee Ownership News/Events:

Resources:
* Delta Pipeline Inc ([link removed]) - In 2017, they proudly instituted an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and became 100% employee-owned. They currently employ 68 team members. Delta Pipeline is a company with many success stories, including entry-level Pipelayer Helpers joining the team with no experience becoming fully-skilled Pipelayers, Foremen, Superintendents, and even Project Engineers.

* Co-op Cincy’sBusiness Legacy Fund Application ([link removed]) is due November 15. Co-op Cincy is designed to preserve local businesses and retain good jobs in Greater Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio.
* Business owners anywhere in the country can book a free consultation with Project Equity Project Equity free consultation link. ([link removed])

* Denver’s Center for Community Wealth Building Accelerates Growth of Worker Cooperatives ([link removed])
* Kaiser Permanente, along with city and state, fund new co-op development ([link removed]) | by Karen Kahn | Employees Ownership News

Employee Ownership:
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the California Employee Ownership Act (Senate Bill 1407 ([link removed]) , Becker) not law on September 29th, making California the second state to have an employee ownership "hub" within a state agency, and the first to create it through legislation. Read the press release celebrating the new law here ([link removed]) .
The bill's sponsors, Worker-Owned Recovery California, Project Equity, and Ownership America, are engaging with the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development to help inform the law's implementation and to advocate for funding for outreach and technical assistance programs.
Calls to Action:
* California residents: please call your state senator's and assembly member's district office to thank them for supporting SB1407. The bill passed unanimously and we want to let everyone who voted for it know we appreciate their support of employee ownership.
* Advocates in other states: if you are interested in learning more about employee ownership policy efforts in California, and how you might take action in your state, contact Hilary Abell at Project Equity ([email protected] (mailto:[link removed]) ).

The success of SB1407 is one example of growing momentum toward employee ownership in public policy. Another example, at the federal level, is the inclusion of employee ownership in the CHIPS and Science Act that President Biden signed into law in August. As the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives explains in their summary ([link removed]) , several provisions of this new law help tech and manufacturing businesses to learn about and pursue employee ownership models.

Contact Babbie Jacobs (mailto:[email protected]) , Eric Leenson (mailto:[email protected]) , or Derek Peebles (mailto:[email protected]) with any questions or suggestions you may have. This work is a community effort.

Alternative Impact Investment Structures

There is a growing need for the impact investor and entrepreneurs to rethink how investments are made. How can impact investors and social entrepreneurs use investment structures to be more mission-aligned rather than push for a quick exit?

Tools of the venture capital trade are becoming increasingly popular, both among entrepreneurs and angel investors; but are SAFES and priced equity rounds the best options for impact investors and social enterprises? This working group explores alternatives to the VC toolkit; from revenue notes; to crowdfunding campaigns; to alternative corporate structures. We will develop case studies and best practices with a view toward educating the impact community and encouraging the broader use of alternative investment structures.

For more information, contact ASBN members: Claude Arpels (mailto:[email protected]) or Babbie Jacobs (mailto:[email protected]) .

Livable Planet:
Thank you to those who could join us Tuesday for our monthly Livable Planet Working Group meeting. Here ([link removed]) is the recording (Passcode: ZQ97?2Vj).

In the meeting, we heard a fruitful set of updates from members, grounded in our shared agreements and vision (attached), discussed ASBN engagement and the upcoming conference, and reflected on climate week NYC and the systemic constellation work we've been engaged with through Collective Transitions ([link removed]) brought forth to the LPWG by Nancy Zamierowski, Luea Ritter, and Logan Yonavjak.

The Livable Planet Working Group's next official meeting will be on Tuesday, November 15th from 1-2:30pm ET. If you haven't, please register here ([link removed]) . A poll for preferred days and times to meet in 2023 is forthcoming from ASBN.
Member News

New Members
Okeanos ([link removed])
Okeanos is a sustainable technology and manufacturing company, that provides solutions to reduce plastic pollution and CO2 footprint in single-use items and packaging through upstream solutions. By replacing the majority of oil-based resins with naturally abundant, affordable, CaCO3, Okeanos can measurably reduce both the plastic content and carbon footprint of these products by up to 70% - TODAY!

Full Spectrum Capital Partners ([link removed])
Influencing individuals to transfer assets faster to community owned and community controlled solutions via the Good Life Pledge.

CoFED (Cooperative Food Empowerment Directive) ([link removed])
CoFED (Cooperative Food Empowerment Directive) is a QBPOC-led organization that partners with young folks of color from poor and working-class backgrounds to meet our communities’ needs through food and land co-ops. We are building the leadership of young BIPOC cooperators to practice cooperative values, economics, and strategies for collective liberation.

New Mexico Community Capital ([link removed])
New Mexico Community Capital is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to change the status quo in Native-owned business through tailored mentorship, financial literacy and digital skills programs, and specialized technical assistance and services for tribes and tribal enterprises. They seek to build and support a more equitable future, by providing economic and sustainability tools for success to Indigenous people in New Mexico, and throughout the U.S.

Motthida Chin, LLC ([link removed])
Motthida offers practical, high-impact sustainability and social responsibility leadership guidance, coaching, and training for companies, NGOs, educational institutions, and anyone interested in making the world a better place.

Member News:
Patagonia
Patagonia CEO: Why business leaders should make it easier for employees to vote ([link removed])

Fluxus
Fluxus at the World Economic Forum’s Urban Transformation Summit 2022 in Detroit, highlighting the Future of Real Estate: Attainable Housing ([link removed])

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WITH ASBN
Bookkeeper / General Administration ([link removed])
Upcoming Events
ASBN Events Member & Partner Events
* November 1: Partner Event ([link removed]) : Remaking American Democracy: The Ballot and Beyond 7PM.
* November 2: ASBN Live ([link removed]) : Countdown to the Midterms: A Conversation with Movement Voter Project on Long-Term Investments Impact Democracy and Sustainability 1PM.
* November 9: Partner Event ([link removed]) : Business Planning: Finding the Right Process to Grow Your Business 12PM
* November 10: Partner Event ([link removed]) : Food Funded 2022 Regenerate 12:30PM.
* November 10: Member Event ([link removed]) : Dismantling Racism & Inequality: Faith Based Community Investing Series Part 2 7:30PM
* November 14: Member Event ([link removed]) : Informal Follow On Conservation with Faith-Based Institutions 1PM.
* November 30-December 2: Conference ([link removed]) : Building a Regenerative Just & Prosperous Economy.


* All time Eastern. Submit member/partner events for consideration here (mailto:[email protected]) .

Download Your Member Badge to Display Your Proud ASBN Affiliation on Your Website Below.

Horizontal Badge ([link removed]) | Vertical Badge ([link removed])

(for .eps files to add to printed materials and product logos, email [email protected])

============================================================
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** LinkedIn ([link removed])
** LinkedIn ([link removed])
** YouTube ([link removed])
** YouTube ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
** Email (mailto:[email protected])
** Email (mailto:[email protected])
** Website ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
Copyright © 2022 American Sustainable Business Network, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email as someone who registered for an ASBN event or service, you have been a member, or you have communicated with ASBN previously.

Our mailing address is:
American Sustainable Business Network
33 Prospect St.
Canaan, Connecticut 06018
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.
Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp
[link removed]