News

Washington, DC – The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) and member businesses released statements supporting the Main Street Employee Ownership Act, which is scheduled to be signed into law today. The bill, introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Nydia Velazquez earlier this year and included in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, will support the creation of more worker-owned companies and direct the Small Business Administration to provide more funding and resources to this type of business.

ASBC member Brian England, President of BA Auto in Columbia, MD, is quoted in this Associated Press story about the weekly jobs report. He said he has, “has raised starting pay roughly 10 percent in the past two years. The more you make an employee healthy and happy, the more that they’re going to stay with you.”

Washington, DC – Today, the leading policy advocacy group for responsible businesses released a statement criticizing the Economic Security for Parents Act that will be introduced by Senator Marco Rubio, saying that it would provide limited benefits and reduce Social Security for participants. The following statement may be attributed to Christine Blackburn, Policy Director of the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC):

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R– CO) introduced the 21stCentury Internet Act, which would restore the main principles of net neutrality. Additionally, Rep. Coffman has signed the House of Representatives’ Net Neutrality Congressional Review Act (CRA) discharge petition, making him the first Republican to do so. In response, the American Sustainable Business Council released the following statement, which may be attributed to John B. Minor, Policy Manager:

ASBC’s Board Chair, Jeffrey Hollender, discusses how corporate sustainability encompasses the impact a business has on the planet, as well as society.

Mac Clemmens, CEO of Digital Deployment (an ASBC member), wrote an op-ed in the Sacramento Business Journal urging all California businesses and residents to signed on with the American Sustainable Business Council to support SB 822 that protects net neutrality.

An article in Forbes noted ASBC’s commitment to protect net neutrality.

The San Francisco Chronicle highlighted ASBC’s letter in support of net neutrality and CA state bill SB822, authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco.

Amy Hall, director of social consciousness at Eileen Fisher, wrote an op-ed in Crain’s New York in support of a state-mandated price on carbon for New York to further its reputation as a national leader on climate change and as a state that is profitable for businesses.

Source Publication Date: January 24, 2018

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ASBC’s Ryan Rabac, manager of digital marketing, is quoted in this Fundera.com blog about that impact on small businesses with the loss of net neutrality.

An article in the Baltimore Sun quoted David Brodwin, ASBC VP of communications and media, in supporty of employee ownership.

ASBC’s Ryan Rabac, manager of digital marketing, speaks with Hope King and Baker Machado on Cheddar TV to discuss the impact of the FCC’s net neutrality decision on businesses, what to expect as a business owner, and steps forward.

An article in MultiBriefs Exclusive cited ASBC’s opposition to the Republican Party’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

An article in Slate.com praised ASBC members Badger Balm and TCG, Inc., for following high road workplace policies and citied ASBC advocacy guide.

An article in TriplePundit promotes ASBC’s advocacy guide for responsible business leaders about how small business owners to CEOs can make their voices heard by lawmakers and the media on these important issues.

Jim Osgood, CEO of Klean Kanteen (an ASBC member), wrote an op-ed in GreenBiz urging business leaders to protect the EPA’s Clean Water Rule.

Michael Eberhart, ASBC’s Public Relations Intern, wrote an op-ed in TriplePundit urging businesses to support high road business policies for a stronger economy.

An article in Bloomberg BNA quoted ASBC’s CEO and President David Levine urging the SBA to cancel the contract to conduct a study on the disproportionate cost impact of regulations on small businesses. The contract was awarded to two researchers whose previous work has been widely criticized. Said Levine, “The SBA should start over and do a better job of reaching out to qualified entities.”

The Greek Reporter announced Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, president and CEO of Earth Friendly Products and ASBC board member, was awarded Chapman University’s School and College Distinguished Alumni.

The Boston Herald quoted John O’Neill, ASBC’s senior tax analyst, saying that tax reform isn’t as useful to the economy as investing in infrastructure and education. This AP piece also ran in at least 160 outlets in the US.

Richard Master, CEO of MCS Industries (an ASBC member), wrote an op-ed in The Hill in support of transitioning to a single-payer, centrally-financed health care system.

John Abrams, founder and CEO of South Mountain Co. (an ASBC member) wrote an op-ed in the Cape Cod Times in support of a carbon fee.

An article in Cap Times discusses the proposed Foxconn deal in Wisconsin. ASBC’s High Road Principles was cited as a guide for employers who want to operate responsibly and “take care of their own.” Providing a livable fair wage, family friendly benefits, work-life balance, education and training opportunities, and community engagement are all ways Foxconn can pledge to operate as a responsible, high-road employer.

David Levine, CEO of ASBC, wrote in Conscious Company Media urging business leaders to join coalitions to advance their values in the larger economic and political system.

Kyle Tafuri, senior sustainability advisor at the Hackensack University Medical Center (an ASBC member) and Richard Eidlin ASBC’s VP of policy, wrote an op-ed in Becker’s Hospital Review in support of the Clean Power Plan.

Ad Age listed ASBC as one of the leading groups standing by the Paris Agreement after President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the climate pact.

CBS News quoted David Levine, ASBC’s CEO and co-founder, opposing the U.S. pulling out of the Paris treaty. Said Levine, “The value of Paris to businesses is the clear market signal that the future is in lower carbon, rather than a chaotic and unsustainable future of business disruptions from rising seas and changing weather patterns.

ASBC co-founders David Brodwin and Richard Eidlin wrote a column in GreenBiz urging bipartisan support for a carbon tax to combat climate change.

The Huffington Post quoted ASBC CEO David Levine opposing the Regulatory Accountability Act.

An article in In these Times cited ASBC press release urging Congress to oppose the Working Families Flexibility Act (HR 1180/ S.801) saying it is poorly designed, permits much potential abuse by employers, and places a major liability on business balance sheets.

Chris Lu, former Deputy Secretary of Labor and ASBC board member, wrote an op-ed in The Daily Princetonian encouraging students to pursue opportunities in the state and federal government.

An article in ChemicalWatch quoted Bryan McGannon, ASBC director of policy, in support of the Safer Choice Program.

Richard Lawton, coordinator of the NJ Sustainable Business Council (an ASBC member) and CEO of Triple Ethos, wrote an op-ed in the Asbury Park Press supporting renewable energy for job creation, cleaner air and growing the economy over fossil fuels.

An article in Waste Today magazine quoted Richard Eidlin, ASBC VP of Policy and Campaigns, in support of U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison”s (D-MN) Zero Waste Development and Expansion Act. Said Eidlin, “Growing local economies while cleaning up the environment makes great business sense. We’re happy to lend our support to Congressman Ellison’s ‘Zero Waste Development and Expansion Act’

GreenBiz Editor in Chief Joel Makower interviewed Richard Eidlin, ASBC’s VP of Policy and Campaigns (30:48) and Adobe’s head of sustainability Vince Digneo (43:50) about their respective thoughts concerning the future of sustainable business during the next four years.

Yale Climate Connections quoted Richard Eidlin, ASBC VP of policy and campaigns, encouraging business leaders to engage in climate policies. “Businesses that are in [favor] of addressing climate change, and maintaining environmental safeguards need to really express their views and express the business case for doing so.”

An article in In These Times quoted ASBC CEO David Levine in support of regulations. “Well-constructed regulations actually help business. Businesses depend on good regulations that promote prosperity and ensure a level playing field.”

An article in The Hill cited ASBC’s objections to the Midnight Rules Relief Act.

ASBC Policy Director Bryan McGannon told Bloomberg BNA that safety and health practices should be a part of overall personnel practices. In addition to providing a safe workplace, sustainability includes such benefits as good pay and paid leave.

David Levine, ASBC CEO, told Bloomberg BNA Pruitt’s views could harm chemical and other businesses saying, “Science should form the basis of the EPA’s chemical and other decisions.”

An article in U.S. News & World Report, discussing Trump’s Secretary of Labor nominee Andy Puzder, quoted ASBC CEO David Levine. Said Levine, “With Mr. Puzder’s nomination, Mr. Trump is choosing the wrong model for helping the working and middle classes – and businesses that depend on healthy consumer demand.”

An article in CBS News quoted ASBC co-founder David Brodwin about Trump’s CEO advisory committee to furnish guidance about economic growth. Said Brodwin, “Many of the multinationals represented on his new forum continue to lobby for tax cuts and deregulation that

An article In These Times quoted Richard Eidlin, ASBC co-founder and vice-president of policy and campaigns, in support of regulations that protect employees. 

Luke and Sally Gran, owners of Prudentera (an ASBC member), wrote an op-ed in the Des Moines Register in support of clean water protections.

An article in Westfair Business highlighted the launch of the Connecticut Sustainable Business Council, an ASBC organizational member.

Frank Knapp, president and CEO of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce and co-chairman of ASBC, wrote an op-ed in the Florence Morning News in support of new economic policies to strengthen small businesses.

An article in Bloomberg BNA quoted ASBC CEO David Levine in support of chemical reform. Said Levine, “Transparency is the key frame that needs to be addressed, and it’s only partially covered by what we see presently in the Lautenberg bill to reform TSCA.”

An article in The Guardian quoted David Levine on the benefits of green chemistry.  Said Levine, “Green chemistry is providing an opportunity for a stronger economy and a healthier society.”

ASBC Co-founder David Brodwin wrote in US News & World Report, explaining that business tax breaks don’t really create jobs but persist for political reasons.

Zach Bernstein, ASBC’s research and social media manager, wrote a column in TriplePundit supporting high road workplace principles.

Zach Bernstein, ASBC’s research and social media manager, wrote a column in TriplePundit about how voters in Washington state will decide whether their state becomes the first in the country to pass a carbon tax.

Zach Bernstein, ASBC’s research and social media manager, wrote a column in GreenBiz.com urging business leaders to support a carbon tax, proper GMO labeling and the Young Farmer Act.

Cleveland.com discussed ASBC’s policy Forum at Cleveland State University on July 20th on climate change, carbon dioxide reductions and corporate sustainability programs aimed at making business greener—all issues largely ignored by the Republican National Convention.

Zach Bernstein, ASBC’s research and social media manager, wrote an op-ed in TriplePundit urging a bipartisan approach to tackling climate change.

Zach Bernstein, ASBC’s research and social media manager, wrote an op-ed in GreenBiz.com about how the fight to create a truly sustainable chemical policy must continue.

Frank Knapp, Jr., co-chair of ASBC and president & CEO of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, wrote an op-ed in The Hill urging passage of healthy regulations to support small business.

Zach Bernstein, ASBC’s research and social media manager, wrote an op-ed in GreenBiz.com about issues that the ASBC is working on with many other organizations. 

Matthew Dillon, the director of agricultural policy and programs at Clif Bar (an ASBC member), was quoted in MarketWatch urging Congress to add farmers to the list of workers entitled to student loan forgiveness after 10 years. Said Dillon, “Farming is a tough business. It’s a lot of risk and if

An article in GreenBiz.com used ASBC and the Green Chemistry & Commerce Council (GC3)’s report, Making the Business & Economic Case for Safer Chemistry.

Fisherman Tim Rider, member of the North Atlantic Marine Alliance (an ASBC organizational member) wrote an op-ed in the Portland Press Herald making the business case for clean water.

Frank Knapp, Jr., co-chair of ASBC and president & CEO of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce wrote an op-ed in the Augusta Free Press urging Congress to pass the bipartisan Incorporation Transparency and Law Enforcement Assistance Act (ITLEAA) — which requires all states to identify the beneficial owners of the companies they create.

Source Publication Date: April 21, 2016

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An article in Environment & Energy News discussed ASBC Co-chair Frank Knapp, Jr.’s testimony in support of smart regulations at the Senate Environment and Public Works subcommittee hearing on April 12, 2016. (Please note: this article is behind a paywall)

An article in the Black Enterprise Magazine quoted a statement by David Levine, CEO of ASBC, and Frank Knapp Jr., co-chair of ASBC, urging Congress to hold hearings for Merrick Garland’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court.  The statement in part said, “Hundreds of thousands of small business leaders believe that we must move beyond partisan politics.

Zach Bernstein, ASBC’s research and social media manager, wrote an op-ed in GreenBiz.com about three pro-sustainable business policies that will help advance change on a societal level.

An article in Media Matters used ASBC’s polling results to show how small business supports the proposed protections for streams and wetlands in the EPA’s Waters of the United States rule.

Richard Eidlin, ASBC VP of policy and campaigns, calls on the Colorado state legislature to pass a bill to close tax loopholes that give large corporations an unearned advantage over small ones in the Denver Post.

An article in thedailystar.com quoted David Levine, ASBC’s CEO and president, in support of paid family leave. Said Levine, “The American Sustainable Business Council along with members across the state of New York, proudly supports the paid leave bill.”

An article in the Greek Reporter discussed Earth Friendly Products’ special event to introduce the work of the American Sustainable Business Council.

The Huffington Post published Claudia Viek’s, CEO of the California Association of Micro Enterprise Opportunity (an ASBC organizational member), blog about how it makes economic sense to invest in women business ownership in this country to boost household income and shore up the middle class.  The blog was originally posted on ASBC’s blog section.

David Brodwin, ASBC VP of Communications and Media, wrote an op-ed in U.S. News & World Report, praising the US military for showing leadership on paid leave.

Zach Bernstein, ASBC’s research and social media manager, wrote a letter to the editor of The New York Times in support of the op-ed “Proof That a Price on Carbon Works.” Said Bernstein, “Done right, carbon pricing can be a boon not just for fighting climate change but for moving our economy into the 21st century.”

An article in the Bronx Free Press quoted ASBC President and CEO David Levine on banning toxins from children’s toys. Said Levine, “If we can take the lead out of gasoline, or the BPA out of baby bottles, then we could eliminate toxins in toys.”

Audrey Britton, Chair of Small Business Minnesota (an ASBC member), wrote an op-ed in the Faribault Daily News, St. Cloud Times, the Detroit Lakes Tribune, and the Bemidji Pioneer making the business case for the EPA’s Clean Water Rule.

David Bolotsky, founder and CEO of UncommonGoods (an ASBC member), wrote an op-ed in SouthCoastToday and the Corpus Christi Caller-Times making the business case for raising the federal minimum wage.

The Union Leader and the New Hampshire Business Review reported on an event that was co-sponsored by ASBC, the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation and the Center for American Progress to discuss the benefits of family-friendly policies and their impact in the workplace.

Richard Eidlin, ASBC’s co-founder & vice president of policy and campaigns, wrote an op-ed in the American Forum – National urging business to turn the Paris Climate agreement into actions that will actually save the planet. Eidlin’s op-ed appeared in The Daily Journal, the Courier Post, Detroit News, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, and the Alexandria Metro Herald.

Michael Green, executive director of CABA (an ASBC member organization), wrote an op-ed in The Hill making the business case for a carbon tax.

Zach Bernstein, ASBC’s research and Social Media manager, wrote an op-ed in TriplePundit about three pro-sustainable business policies that will help advance change on a societal level.

Bob Keefe, executive director of Environmental Entrepreneurs (an ASBC partner organization), wrote an op-ed in the Huffington Post praising the efforts of business leaders at COP21 in Paris and cited ASBC letter asking Congress not to interfere with the Paris climate talks. 

David Brodwin, ASBC VP of Communications and Media, wrote an op-ed in U.S. News & World Report, cautioning Congress’ extension of tax cuts and preferences that would otherwise expire this year.

PV Tech quoted Richard Eidlin, ASBC’s VP of policy and campaigns, in support of Clean Energy Victory Bonds. Said Eidlin, “The market is speaking, and it’s speaking in favor of clean energy. As the world comes together in Paris to address climate change,

An article in the Wall Street Journal quoted Bryan McGannon, ASBC’s Director of Policy and Engagement, in reaction to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee’s subcommittee hearings on tax policy.