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]

As we continue to make an impact in 2023, ASBN is excited to share our February highlights with members, partners, business leaders, investors and allies across the nation as we build a more equitable economy. 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.
ASBN STATEMENTS
Statement from ASBN on the 2023 State of the Union Address

“Let’s finish the job.”

A phrase President Joe Biden repeated throughout his State of the Union address earlier this month. Bold and impassioned, his message to the nation was clear – let’s finish the job. On the topic of climate resilience – let’s finish the job, rebuilding America’s infrastructure – let’s finish the job, economic recovery and stability for workers and families – let’s finish the job. ASBN will continue to lift up these best practices and identify opportunities and solutions that support the Administration’s push for full economic recovery.

ASBN IN THE NEWS

BCCA's Noah Oppenheim Discusses Redefining American Conservation in Recent Interview
In a special edition of the Futuring Podcast, Noah Oppenheim joined Sandra Seru and Kim Pate to explore what it means to redefine American conservation and how centering equity and honoring local and traditional wisdom is essential to a climate transition that can restore social, ecological, and economic health. Tune in to hear them explore how we can achieve more grounded and equitable climate solutions by learning from pre-existing Indigenous conservation practices and working in partnership with one another to create collective change. Listen now on Spotify ([link removed]) or Google Podcasts ([link removed]) .

ASBN featured in Documentary Exploring the Dangers of Flame Retardants
Regen Films recently released their film Advance Warning, which discusses the history of flame retardants and what we can do to mitigate the risks going forward. ASBN's David Levine lends his expertise to the conversation and makes the business case for addressing toxic chemicals. ASBN is pleased to work with Regen Films to advance documentaries exploring regenerative food, agriculture, health and the environment. To view Advance Warning, visit Regen Films ([link removed]) today.

ASBN Urges EPA to Pass Soot Reductions Rule
Last month, the EPA published ([link removed]) an updated soot pollution standard. While the EPA proposed strengthening the standard, the proposal released is insufficient and fails to meet the recommendations of the agency’s own scientific advisory panel. Join ASBN in urging the EPA to strengthen the soot ruling by submitting your comment here ([link removed]) to ensure cleaner air for families, advance environmental justice, and protect our health -- because a healthy economy starts with a healthy society.

ASBN Attends FMLA 30th Anniversary Celebration
ASBN Policy Associate Abby Maxwell was honored to attend the 30th anniversary celebration of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) at the Department of Labor earlier this month. The event celebrated the protections provided to workers through FMLA -- like taking time off of work to welcome a newborn or care for a sick relative without fear of losing their job. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff recognized these vital protections and reiterated the need to expand FMLA to include paid leave for all workers. As a long-time advocate of policies like family and medical leave as a part of its high road business priorities, ASBN looks forward to continuing to work with government agencies to advance a high-road economy.

Join ASBN and Stand Up for Southeast Alaska Fishing Families
Our partners at the Alaska Longline Fisherman's Association shared that The Wild Fish Conservancy has singled out Southeast Alaska’s troll fishery in its lawsuit against the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The lawsuit challenges NMFS’ Biological Opinion regarding Southeast Alaska’s fisheries and the impact of the fisheries on Washington’s Chinook and Southern Resident Killer Whales. If you're interested in getting involved, please find more information here ([link removed]) . Alaska and Washington Residents are encouraged to join in the conversation by offering messages of support through the link as well.

ASBN Welcomes the Re-Introduction of PACTPA as Smart Solution to Rebuild US Food System
ASBN applauds U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) for the re-introduction of a package of bills designed to reform the nation’s agriculture sector – including the Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act (PACTPA), which ASBN has identified as essential to protect the safety of children, farmworkers, America’s food system and the environment. For too long, the interests of pesticide companies have outweighed the health and safety of the American people and weakened the integrity of our agriculture and food system. The re-introduction of PACTPA is a win for responsible business, our children and families and the planet. As ASBN continues to advance public policies that address the threat of harmful chemicals, we look forward to collaborating with policymakers like Senator Booker to bring relief to families and build a healthy and regenerative food system.

ASBN Celebrates the EPA's Final Determination Report Prohibiting Large-Scale Mining at Bristol Bay
ASBN is honored to work with Businesses for Bristol Bay to protect Bristol Bay and supports the final 404© Clean Water Act protections that advance the long-term economic health of our country. We have stood with the local communities and businesses in opposition to Pebble Mine and commend the EPA for recognizing Bristol Bay as an exceptional place deserving of exceptional protection while restoring science and public trust in the 404© process. Bristol Bay’s wild salmon support a renewable economic engine that drives Alaska’s economy and feeds into a variety of business sectors around the country. From commercial fishing to tourism to food service to recreation, Bristol Bay’s salmon provide income for thousands of businesses, support 15,000 jobs, and generate $2.2 billion in annual economic activity. The EPA’s determination today ensures that the people of Bristol Bay can live without the Pebble Mine overshadowing their future.

ASBN Invites Members to Support Indigenous-Led Economic Development
ASBN invites businesses, foundations, impact investors, Indigenous-led businesses, Indigenous-led foundations, Native-led financial institutions, and Tribal Leaders to participate in our DOI Public-Private Partnership Working Group. If you're interested in learning more, please complete the interest form. Contact David Levine at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or Terrius Harris, at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) if you have additional questions.

Please note, this is a member-only working group
Member News

New Members

Impact Grove ([link removed])
Impact Grove's purpose is to help forward-thinking companies become more competitive and valuable by embracing their triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit. Their vision is that for-profit businesses will be leaders in solving the world's greatest threats such as climate change and social inequality. Impact Grove supports businesses to join the Beneficial Impact Capitalism movement by providing consulting services including ESG Impact Assessments, B Corp Certification guidance, and Strategic Planning.

Manufacturing Renaissance ([link removed])
Manufacturing Renaissance's mission is to advance inclusive sustainable development anchored in manufacturing. Their programs represent tangible, direct solutions that if scaled as part of a comprehensive, systemic development approach have the potential for dramatically improving economic outcomes for low-income, Black, Latinx, Indigenous and other person of color (BIPOC) communities.

Member News

Tristatz
ASBN's Ali-Reza Vahabzadeh met with new member William Scott of Tristatz at a recent member meet up in Washington, D.C to discuss how their work is impacting communities in Alabama. The company was started because of a need to provide community and economic development consulting services to give clients better access to a variety of resources and increase potential long-term return. Tristatz joined ASBN at the end of 2022 and we are excited to explore more opportunities for partnership and collaboration. For more on Tristatz, visit their website ([link removed]) .

Canopy
Canopy’s mission is to grow Kentucky businesses to positively impact people, our planet, and our future. Their 3rd Annual Good Business Summit aims to introduce newcomers and longtime friends to the global Good Business movement and the innovative ways Kentucky businesses are showing up for our people and our landscape. This year’s event will feature a luncheon keynote talk, impact based learning opportunities, Good Business showcase, facilitated networking, and more! Learn more at [link removed]

Buy Social USA
Buy Social USA is hosting a free virtual Logistics EXPO on March 31 to connect social enterprises in the logistics industry with businesses and purchasers of logistics services. The EXPO provides an opportunity for logistics social enterprises to network, showcase their abilities and impact, and help businesses discover social procurement and the social and environmental impact of incorporating social enterprise logistics vendors into their supply chains. The event aims to personalize connections through prior introduction of participating social enterprises to attending businesses, and to facilitate relevant connections during the networking portion of the event. For vendors, participation is by invite only so if you’re interested submit the Vendor interest form ([link removed]) . Buyers can register at Virtual Logistics Expo ([link removed]) . Participation in the event is FREE for all.

National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC)
NSAC is hosting a “Walk the Halls” for the National Bottle Bill/Recycling Refund in Washington D.C. on March 31. If you’re interested in participating, sign up here ([link removed]) today or email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Small Biz Silver Lining
Small Biz Silver Lining is excited to share an exclusive opportunity for US-based ASBN SMBs. Apply Now for The American Small Business Growth Program, created to close the Revenue Gap experienced by underserved small business owners. Let's change the economy - one small business at a time - starting with yours. Get a full year of business support at a Pay-What-You-Can rate, thanks to Wells Fargo & Silver Lining. Spots are limited, apply NOW at www.smallbizsilverlining.com/wellsfargo.

Career Opportunities with ASBN
Pennsylvania Sustainable Business Statewide Coordinator ([link removed])
Spring Intern ([link removed]) (multiple positions)
Upcoming Events

This month, ASBN held its first regional member event since the pandemic. Understanding that a high concentration of members live in the New York area, ASBN was excited to kickoff its 2023 programming in the Big Apple. The reception was held at ASBN member David Robinov's restaurant, Farm to People ([link removed]) in Brooklyn.

Members and their family and friends mingled and enjoyed food from Farm to People's local suppliers. Members heard welcome remarks from ASBN president and co-founder, David Levine, an overview of ASBN's 2023 policy agenda from VP of Strategy and Policy, Stephanie Erwin, a member testimonial from Diane Keefe, and an overview of Investors Circle from long-time advocate and supporter, Babbie Jacobs. For more on upcoming in-person and virtual events, visit ASBN's 2023 events calendar ([link removed]) . Please contact Thulasi Sivalingam at [email protected] with any questions.

Special thanks to Babbie for her continued support. It was her passion for members that made this event possible.
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 © 2023 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]