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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 M AY 3 0 , 2 0 2 2 C O R P O R AT E R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y preferred purchasing from underrepre- sented groups and sustainable seafood sourcing. Androscoggin Bank, certified in 2021, has committed to employee-led workgroups focused on topics like giv- ing, volunteerism, internal events, well- being and environmental stewardship. Common elements include transparent governance, employee empowerment and sustainable practices. Complex by design e complexity is by design, says Tara Jenkins, founder of Conscious Revolution, a consultancy that works with CEOs and founders to build con- scious businesses. It's the latest Maine- based B Corp. "It pushes you to the next level of your organization's development," Jenkins says of the assessment. "It's designed to go deep, to change the way the business ecosystem works." at complexity is why Wilson founded the B Impact Clinic. "Four or five years ago, I saw two needs. One was a growing interest by companies wanting to explore B Corps certification," Wilson says. "Many com- panies, particularly smaller and medium size companies, don't have the time or the in-house expertise to tackle the B impact assessment." Companies must earn at least 80 of 200 points in the assessment for ini- tial certification, and must gain points for recertification. "It's a rigorous process and a steep learning curve," she says. Wilson also noticed among college students a growing dissatisfaction with "business as usual" among companies focused simply on maximizing profits. "ere's a hunger in this generation," she says. "ey want to work for and buy from and invest in companies they think are aligned with their values, things like climate change and diversity, equity and inclusion. ey want to help be part of a movement for a different kind of business. So the idea of B Corps really resonates with this generation." e impact clinic was formed to meet both sides of the equation. e clinic trains students in the assessment and supports them with skills around project management and client commu- nication. Students then assist companies through the assessments for certifica- tion or recertification. e B Corp concept is also a great fit with Maine, she says. "I think people who run businesses here are naturally inclined toward think- ing about the environment, because we live in such beautiful state and so much of our economy is derived from the natural environment," she says. "And we live in a state where people care about people." e companies have met regu- larly since 2019 to discuss topics such as best practices and outreach about the movement to consumers, poten- tial employees and business partners. Becky McKinnell, founder and CEO of Portland digital marketing and branding agency iBec Creative, put together a Maine B Corps website. Her company has nearly completed the certification process. "It's a contagious energy," McKinnell says. "I keep hearing of more companies that are going through the certification process. People want to get involved." Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at lschreiber @ mainebiz.biz MEREDA Recognizes the Top 7 Notable Project Recipients for 2021 Projects from Bangor to Portland to Biddeford received special recognition at MEREDA's 2022 Spring Conference on May 24th. The exemplary projects, completed in 2021, not only embody MEREDA's belief in responsible real estate development, but also exemplify best practices in the industry, contributing to Maine's economic growth by significant investment of resources and job creation statewide. Each of the seven projects was selected in part based upon criteria including: noteworthy and significant project completed* in 2021, environmental sustainability, economic impact, energy efficiency, social impact, uniqueness, difficulty of development and job creation. Harold Alfond Hall Bangor Husson University Harnois & Emery Apartments Westbrook Westbrook Development Corp., Westbrook Housing Authority, Anew Development Children's Museum + Theatre Maine Portland Zachau Construction Deering Place Portland Zachau Construction | Avesta Housing Thornton Heights Commons South Portland South Portland Housing Development Corporation 40 Free Street Portland J.B.Brown & Sons | Ryan Senatore Architecture Riverdam Mill Complex Biddeford Port Property *Building Occupancy Permit issued by 12/31/21 Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible! P H O T O / J E N D E A N P H O T O G R A P H Y Tara Jenkins founded Conscious Revolution to help CEOs and founders build conscious businesses. F O C U S

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