Annual Report
ASBN had a busy and dynamic 2021, including campaign organizing in support of the largest infrastructure legislation in recent history, engaging policymakers at ASBN events, and recommencing our in-person annual conferences. We are excited to share our accomplishments and shed some light on the work of the ASBN team and supporters that might have gone unnoticed. Our annual report documents the year in detail and gives a better understanding of everything we were working on throughout the year. It is available now for review and to download here. 

CLICK TO TWEET: ASBN’s 2021 annual report is now available. Read all about their year in summary in their new annual report!
SEC's Proposed Rule
ASBN applauded the Securities & Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) proposed rule in a media release on March 21. This proposed rule would enhance and standardize registrants’ climate-related disclosures for investors. U.S. companies would be required to have some of their carbon emissions included in regulatory filings. ASBN believes that this is a big step in the right direction. We invited our members and network to use our sign-on form to submit their own comments and ASBN will be developing its own comments as well. 
Investors Circle Is an Opportunity for All ASBN Members 

Investors Circle is a program of ASBN that brings together angel investors to invest in innovative and impactful early-stage startups that focus on sustainability and the inclusive economy. This is an opportunity for ASBN businesses to bring their needs for capital to Investors Circle, and for those Investor Circle members looking for impact investing opportunities to support ASBN business members. 

Pitch events are typically reserved only for ASBN members who are accredited investors, however, in March Investors Circle hosted a pitch day focused on wind energy alternatives for all accredited investors. If you’re not sure if you qualify, check herefor criteria. Prospective investor members are invited to join Investors Circle pitch meetings on a trial basis and can email Jillian Gerstley at jillian@asbnetwork.org to learn more. For companies interested to apply for future Investors Circle pitch days, please visit and apply at https://www.asbnetwork.org/investors-circle.  

Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Tanka Bar Report

ASBN released a briefing on individual investments in Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) loan funds. This paper identifies over 70 CDFI Loan Funds in 33 states that accept individual impact investments to provide capital in underserved communities across the United States. These loans are typically for 501(c)(3) nonprofits. They usually come in the form of private notes with a fixed interest rate and term. Read the full briefing here.

ASBN also released our Restorative Investment: Tanka report. This builds off the work of Nwamaka Agbo’s and Alfa Demmellash’s vision of restorative economics. It is an equity investment with a couple of meaningful departures from convention. A component is to grow Indigenous leadership, ensure Indigenous employees had ownership that was kept intact and build upon, a majority of distribution, at least 15%, must go to Native owners first, and so much more. Read the full briefing here. 

Learn How a Ukrainian NGO transformed to Support Humanitarian Efforts 

View a dynamic conversation and live Q&A with Anastasia Dieieva, Executive Director of award-winning Ukrainian NGO – CO 100% LIFE – along with CO 100% Life founder Dmytro Sherembei, Jessica Bleyzer of DAAR Charitable Foundation and Kyiv-based impact investor Igor Konstantinovsky. Hear first- hand accounts from the first days of the invasion and the critical humanitarian efforts now underway. Learn about the amazing story of CO 100% LIFE and their transformation as Ukraine’s largest HIV/AIDS health network into a grassroots wartime lifeline for thousands, recently featured in The Independent. Anastasia, Dymtro, and Igor are working tirelessly to mobilize international partners to support trusted Ukrainian NGOs who are on the ground providing food, healthcare, and protective equipment. They are looking forward to sharing their efforts, answering audience questions, and recommending ways to support life- saving efforts. 

Donate to 100% Life

For tax-deductible donations to 100% Life, donors can also donate via DAAR’s website, but should note “100% Life” along with their donation, so they know to earmark it and forward it on to 100% Life.

CLICK TO TWEET: I donated to 100% Life. Did you to support Ukraine relief? Do so here: https://network.org.ua/donate-en/https://network.org.ua/donate-en/ 

ASBN Live: Learn How a Ukrainian Impact Investor & NGO Collaborated to Support Humanitarian Efforts

This event was hosted by One Light Global, JumpScale, and the American Sustainable Business Network. 
Working Group Updates

Corporate Transparency & ESG Disclosure: 

The working group met on March 9th and was joined by guest speaker Desiree Fixler who focused her comments on greenwashing. The working group is now focused on responding to the SEC proposal on the enhancement and standardization of climate-related disclosures for investors and issued the call-to-action for members, which will be the subject of the next member meeting on April 13th at 3PM. If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out Ali-Reza Vahabzadeh (arv@asbnetwork.org). 

 

Circular Economy: 

The Circular Economy group met this month and introduced the new ASBN leader of Circular Economy policy, Stephanie Erwin, who will spearheading the working group going forward. The group held a strategic discussion about the circular economy policy landscape and the objectives and agenda for the working group going forward.

 

Businesses for Conservation and Climate Action (BCCA): 

Businesses for Conservation and Climate Action had their monthly meeting on March 30th to discuss the America the Beautiful Initiative. Guest speakers Letise LaFeir, PhD (Senior Advisor, Office of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, NOAA) and Raina Thiele (Senior Advisor for Alaska Affairs and Strategic Priorities at the Dept of the Interior) gave an overview of the progress of America the Beautiful on the Hill and next steps to take to further the progress. To learn more about BCCA, clickhere

 

Childhood Cancer Prevention Initiative (CCPI): 

CCPI is moving forward on advocating for the Protect America's Children from Toxic Pesticides Act (PACTPA). ASBN is preparing to launch a campaign in the near future to advocate for a companion House Bill as well as garner bipartisan support. To read more about CCPI, click here

 

Business for Democracy: 

The Business for Democracy group in March had guest speaker, Justin Vail, Special Assistant to the President for Democracy and Civic Engagement, talk about Biden's Democracy agenda and actions to take moving forward. The Business for Democracy Group will turn its attention to key state races in the coming month along with establishing a task force for advocacy. 

 

 

Look for the latest information from ASBN Working Groups on our website and in upcoming issues of Making an Impact. 

Welcome New Members

We All Rise (Community) 

 We All Rise works with local, regional, and international partners to deepen the integrity of community development projects and redefine just and sustainable best practices. One of their current projects is a mass timber project, which is seeking to reimagine the timber value and supply chains in Oregon. The project wants to establish just and sustainable best practices, and promote entrepreneurship pathways within the Timber supply chain for POC and indigenous run businesses. 

  

Good Matter (Community) 

 Good Matter is a not-for-profit think tank that leverages breakthrough research, insight mining, and contagious communications to spark imperative social change – for our environment, our community, and our well-being. 

  

WORC (Community) 

WORC is a unique evaluation and research consultancy for non-profit advocates, community-based organizations, and employers. WORC's team of experts are social scientists, HR experts, and social workers who draw on deep knowledge, broad experience, and rigorous training in cultural competence and job quality to achieve real world results – and generate the evidence to prove it. 

  

Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance (Association) 

The Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance aims to protect the resources that Native people within the US depend upon for cultural lifeways, growing and harvesting foods, and increasing sustainable economic opportunities. 

  

Canopy Certified (Association)  

Canopy's mission is to grow Kentucky businesses to positively impact people, our planet, and our future. Through education, certification, and connection, Canopy helps Kentucky businesses participate and succeed within the Good Business movement. 

  

Green Business Engagement National Network (GBENN) (Association) 

GBENN is a consortium of unique local, state-wide and national green business programs from across the United States. Their mission is to facilitate sharing and relationship-building among green and/or sustainable business engagement programs across the U.S. in order to advance the national interests of such locally-focused approaches and spread effective practices. 

  

RSF Social Finance (Association) 

 RSF Social Finance is a financial services organization dedicated to revolutionizing how people relate to money. RSF provides opportunities for people to align their investing and giving with their values and connects social entrepreneurs with diverse forms of capital. We believe that people are served best by long-term financial relationships that are direct, transparent, and personal. These relationships build the foundation for trust and collaboration to emerge, leading to long-term social, economic, and ecological benefits. Since 1984, RSF has made over $500 million in loans, grants, and investments supporting social enterprises in the areas of food & agriculture, education & the arts, and ecological stewardship. 

 

Please note: For details about ASBN membership levels, benefits and more, visit https://www.asbnetwork.org/membership

Member and Staff News
 
Staff News:
Maritza T. AdonisMaritza T. Adonis Joins ASBN as VP Policy, Advocacy and Government Affairs  

Maritza T. Adonis joined the organization in March.  Maritza is a government affairs and CSR executive, economic and social justice advocate, diplomacy, diversity, and political thought leader, and international arbitration professional. Maritza brings over 15 years of experience planning and leading local, state, federal, and international comprehensive advocacy programs, liaising with community, corporate, and government stakeholders, the US Congress, executive branch agencies, and The White House on behalf of international nonprofits, corporations, trade associations, and educational institutions. The full announcement can be viewed here. 

Munira Ahmed Joins ASBN as Sr. Business Engagement Manager 
Munira Ahmed  joined the organization in the newly created role of business engagement manager effective April 1.  Munira joins ASBN from Matter Unlimited where she was partnerships manager with the strategic and creative consultancy focused on social impact and storytelling. Munira is widely recognized for her leadership and organizing and as a community advocate for inclusion. An inspiring and dedicated advocate for inclusivity, equity, and justice, Ms. Ahmed’s work elevating the voice of historically underrepresented communities across the United States to decision-making powers across all sectors has been widely covered and respected for some time. Her passion for progress is demonstrated in her ongoing commitment to both activism and authenticity, whether advocating on behalf of immigrants, artists, sustainability or small business. Her rise to international prominence came quickly after serving as the face of the non-partisan "We the People" campaign, which was covered extensively by news organizations worldwide. 

Stephanie Erwin Joins ASBN as Director of Circular Economy Policy 
Stephanie Erwin joined ASBN and is leading the working group and strategy for the Circular Economy at ASBN. Stephanie is an entrepreneur and strategist focused on designing and scaling circular and sustainable systems after years of working in the fintech, consumer, and nonprofit sectors. Stephanie holds an MBA in Sustainability specializing in Circular Value Chain and Impact Finance as well as an MS certificate in Environmental Policy from Bard College. She is also a co-instructor in Personal Leadership Development in Sustainability and Energy Justice with Bard MBA and NYPA. 

Member News:

Green Mountain Power 

The 10 most innovative companies in North America in 2022 
 

Grove Collaborative 

Fast Company list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies 

Pirelli  

When should business take a stand? 

ASBN member company, MPowerd is working with organizations to provide our solar power banks and lights to refugees affected by the conflict. Join them in their mission and support today. Learn more here

Steven Salsberg (ASBN Board Member and Former ASBC Board Chair) and Gagan Levy (Former SVC Board Chair) hosted ASBN's Member Meet-Up @ Expo West 2022. Photo courtesy of ASBN member Arno Hesse. 
Membership Interview with Thomas Jonas, CEO and Co-Founder at Nature’s Fynd 

Why is sustainability important to your business? 

Feeding eight billion people is putting a strain on our planet that it simply can't keep up with. Today over 50% of ice-free land on earth and 50% of the water in the US is used to support livestock. By 2040, global demand for dairy is expected to increase by 50% and for meat by 60%. This is not sustainable. Fy™ and our breakthrough fermentation method that creates this nutrient-rich complete protein are a solution. 

 

How do you realize your vision for sustainability/what successes can you point to? 

We believe human ingenuity and scientific curiosity will reveal nature’s solutions to our planet’s challenges. In 2009, our co-founder and Chief Science Officer’s NASA-supported research on extremophiles led him to Yellowstone National Park’s hot springs. He isolated a microbe which he later named Fusarium strain flavolapis and our scientists developed a technology that leverages this microbe’s potential to create a sustainable food source for our world’s growing population.  

 

Inspired by nature’s own efficiency, we invented a revolutionary fermentation technology called liquid-air interface fermentation that grows our new-to-the-world protein 24/7, 365 days a year without the need for rain, sun, or soil.  We also grow it vertically indoors, which enables us to harvest far higher quantities than a traditional, two-dimensional agricultural field. We require 99% fewer land and water resources, and emit 94% fewer greenhouse gases compared to processing beef. Additionally, growing Fy using liquid-air interface fermentation takes a matter of days, making Fy far more efficient than animal and plant sources in generating protein per acre of cropland. 

 

 

What public policy priorities are of greatest importance to you at this time and why? 

New technologies are being developed now that allow our society to accomplish more with fewer resources. These technologies will be scaled in the coming years, enabling us to deliver nutritious food using just a fraction of the land, water, and energy of traditional agriculture. It is critical that governments and regulators see themselves as enablers in scaling those technologies at an accelerated pace. We must prioritize bringing food innovations to the forefront through collaborative efforts and policies that overcome long-standing resistance to change.  

 

How does being part of ASBN help you to fulfill your goals? 

As climate change and the demands of feeding the world’s population become increasingly urgent, Nature’s Fynd and ASBN are answering the call and leading with sustainable solutions. With policies and education driven by ASBN, we can further our impact by offering consumers Fy™, a sustainable alternative fungi-based protein. After years of hard work, our products are now stocked on shelves of key regional retailers across some of the nation’s largest cities, providing customers with Meatless Breakfast Patties and Dairy-Free Cream Cheese choices that both nourish the body and nurture the planet.  

ASBN Members, Let Us Help You Share Your News! 

Your ASBN membership is a valuable networking opportunity to share your news with other mission-driven companies and supporters nationwide. Please send us your product and service introductions, personnel and facility changes, awards, charitable events and other news in your press releases, blogs, captioned photos and videos. We’ll include them in ASBNs monthly newsletter and social media outlets.  

AND....Show your customers, prospects and vendors your values right upfront:  display the “Proud Member of ASBN” logo on your website and marketing materials.   

ASBN appreciates your support for our work and we’re proud to support you all the way! 

Media Mentions
On March 22, Carol Sanford published a book titled “Indirect Work: A Regenerative Change Theory for Businesses, Communities, Institutions, and Humans.” In this book, it discusses the beginning of what was then ASBC, and what we do now. It was great to look back on our creation and see just how far we have come.  
Upcoming Events

April 2-8: Partner Event with Mebl. Starting April 5 12PM ET through April 7 6PM ET. Register for the event here.

April 8 at 12PM ET: Members only event. ASBN-BizNGO Safer Chemical Public Policy. Contact dlevine@asbnetwork.org to participate. 

April 14 at 9AM: Partner Event with Canopy’s 2nd Annual Good Business Summit 

American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) is a movement builder in partnership with the business and investor community. ASBN develops and advocates solutions for policymakers, business leaders, and investors that support an equitable, regenerative, and just economy that benefits all⁠—people and planet. As a multi-issue, membership organization advocating on behalf of every business sector, size, and geography, ASBN and its association members collectively represent over 250,000 businesses across our networks.
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