These days, social issues are often also business issues. Inclusion. Diversity. mental health. environmental sustainability. Workers’ housing.
How to effectively solve these and other issues while running your business is the focus of New Hampshire Business for Social Responsibility (NHBSR).
The group was formally established in 2000 with the idea that business leaders across the state could initially learn from each other about the environmental/climate change impacts of their businesses. According to executive director Michel Vesey, who has been with the organization for his 12 years, as the company’s needs have grown, so has its mission.
“We started with the environmental side. That includes everything, not just thinking more deeply about our impact on the world around us, but also dealing with things like the climate crisis,” Vesey said. “And we also do a lot of work in the community, including volunteering with local nonprofits and community-based groups.
“We also take a close look at our workplace practices, thinking about diversity, equity, inclusion and development opportunities for people within our company, and really creating a culture where people feel valued. “I’m creating it,” she added. “And we value transparency about how the company operates, which is often referred to as governance. It’s about sharing financial reporting with employees. It’s about being upfront about your successes in achieving things. You can greatly engage both your employees and your community in the work you’re doing.”
Its membership is approximately 220 companies and includes a wide variety of companies. The list includes marketing companies, educational institutions, hospitals and health organizations, banks and financial services institutions, chambers of commerce, grocery and retail stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, law firms, and construction businesses, just to name a few. It is included.
Membership forms are available on our website (nhbsr.org). We invite all companies and organizations committed to improving their social responsibility and sustainability performance. Recommended membership levels are based on total revenue.
Companies often use membership in promotional materials as a way to highlight their commitment to particular values.
NEMO, a Dover-based designer of outdoor gear and accessories, is one of them. In its recent announcement of its 2024 product lineup, NEMO describes its organization: Voted one of the Best Places to Work in New Hampshire by Outside Magazine and Business New Hampshire, his NEMO is also recognized by New Hampshire Business as a leader among small businesses for the environment and for social responsibility. ”
B Corps builds “sustainable operations”
Given our shared values, it’s no coincidence that many NHBSR members are certified B Corporations.
B Corp certification certifies that a company meets certain standards and conditions of transparency, accountability, sustainability, and performance with the aim of creating value not only for shareholders but also for communities and society. To do. “B” stands for beneficial. The certification process is managed by B Lab, which was founded in 2006 as an independent, non-governmental group dedicated to the idea that businesses can bring value to both themselves and their communities.
“We encourage people to consider whether they are really involved in all aspects of sustainability,” Vesey said. “In fact, he worked with UNH (University of New Hampshire) when we started creating something called the B Impact Clinic, which is an opportunity for companies to have student consultants assist them with the certification process.”
“Most of the B Troops in the state are members of our organization. And we certainly bring them together to tell the story and show them that they can do everything they do to achieve that position.” “I’m going to share why it’s valuable to you,” she added. “We are doing this in a way that helps encourage other companies to consider engaging in a certification process, not necessarily in the process, but how they can make it more sustainable for their own business. I try to think about how I can bring about possible management.”
Above all, give and take is what makes an organization work.
“There is great value for people to share challenges and unique opportunities with other leaders,” Vesey said.
It can be done in person or online, in small group sessions or at large conferences. Last fall, we worked on creating a workplace. Vesey said past sessions have addressed mental health awareness, an important theme in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Vesey calls a “sustainability slam” is looming this fall. According to NHBSR, the slam format will showcase creative and innovative solutions to environmental and social challenges through dynamic one-and-a-half minutes of storytelling. Categories include community, workplace, and environment.
“We have an independent judging panel that selects the best ideas from large and small businesses. Everyone has a chance. We also run non-profit competitions so they can participate. and share innovative ideas created in collaboration with companies,” she said.
“It’s fast-paced and fun, but it also gives people great ideas to take back to work,” she added.
In addition, earlier this year NHBSR’s annual Sustainability Awards, held in March, recognized the importance of supporting strong communities, building workplaces that respect and value employees and their families, and building workplaces based on their impact on the world around them. Recognize leaders for their collaborative decision-making efforts.
The 2023 winners include companies such as Coca-Cola Beverage Northeast, NH Community Loan Fund, MAYO Web & Marketing Services, Worthen Industries, Goodwill Northern New England, Red River and Hypertherm.
legislative advocacy
NHBSR also works to advocate for legislation that it believes emphasizes NHBSR’s values.
“I think clean energy is probably the biggest area we’re working on right now,” she said. Policy themes include issues such as the lack of widespread infrastructure for charging electric vehicles.
“New Hampshire is often referred to as the donut hole of New England,” she says. “I think one of the challenges for a lot of companies is that when there is no policy support for clean energy in the state, they become less competitive.” The use of renewable energy for.
Vesey is concerned that laws and court decisions aimed at diversity and inclusion in schools could impact the business world in some way.
“We feel strongly that companies are stronger with diverse employees, and we want to help our members become great places to work,” she said. “We feel that if we have a loyal and engaged workforce, we will be able to weather the economic storm better.”