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V O L . X X X I I N O. V § 2 T he way people live their lives and the causes they support shape not only personal deci- sions but business practices as well. rough corporate social responsibility, companies intention- ally develop policies that give back to the community through environ- mental, ethical, philanthropic, and economic initiatives. For Maine businesses, corporate social responsibility is not simply a buzzword. It reflects a deliberate com- mitment to giving back in meaning- ful, multifaceted ways. Corporate social responsibility also delivers tangible business benefits, including greater customer loyalty and enhanced brand recognition. A 2021 Harvard Business School analysis found that 77% of consumers are motivated to buy from companies committed to making the world a better place, while 73% of investors say efforts to improve the environment and society influence their investment decisions. Serving coffee with a conscience Since its founding in 1994, Coffee by Design in Portland has served globally sourced coffee while actively supporting causes that impact both local neighbors and farming partners in Africa. e company's commitment to arts and culture, sustainability, and economic justice stems from inten- tional daily choices that reflect their mission and values. For Mary Allen Lindemann, Coffee by Design's owner and chief creative director, the approach to corporate social responsibility centers on three pillars: people, planet and profit. "People first. e planet, obviously how we treat the environment is impor- tant, and that we are a for-profit entity, but how we make our money and how we choose to invest it and not spend it, but invest in what we feel makes a dif- ference," Lindemann explains. ese priorities, established from day one, have led to tangible initiatives. Since 1998, Coffee by Design's Rebel Blend Grants have given over $100,000 to support local artists. e funding is made possible by the company donat- ing one dollar for every pound of Rebel Blend coffee sold or brewed at its cof- feehouses. Lindemann believes that by lowering barriers to arts and culture, people are better able to understand one another and appreciate different perspectives. at global mindset is also reflected in how Coffee by Design works with its farming partners, particularly in Africa. Farmers in Rwanda told Lindemann about the challenges of preparing for their next crop amid higher inter- est rates and limited access to capital. To help address the issue, Coffee by Design offered to pay one-third of its sales agreement upfront. e risk paid off with a successful crop. e farm- ers were able to purchase livestock and secure better health insurance, improving their quality of life. Coffee by Design has repeated this practice for three consecutive years and hopes to eventually docu- ment the economic ripple effect in a formal case study. "With my product the choices I make are really important. People talk a lot about climate change. As farm- ers have shared with me, it really is about economic justice first. We have to be willing to pay them a price so that they can afford to not just survive but thrive and they can invest that into new ideas that can combat climate change," Lindemann says. One misconception some businesses hold is that it costs more to run a socially conscious company. According to Lindemann, the opposite is often true. Authentic alignment with company values builds customer loyalty and drives sales, while strong staff loyalty improves retention and reduces costly turnover. Whether down the street in Portland or a world away in Africa, Coffee by Design leads with intentionality. Lindemann advises companies of all sizes and backgrounds to write down their mission and vision as a "north star" to guide decisions in both good times and challenging moments. "I was raised to those who much is given, much is to be expected. How can I build it if I don't invest and take care of the people in my community, that only Coffee by Design succeeds, but the community does not thrive. at doesn't make sense to me," she says. "I think that we all need to be working together as a community to raise one another up. And what has come out of it is incred- ible customer loyalty. People say they can count on us." Giving back where it matters most Norway Savings Bank's focus on vol- unteerism and philanthropy is central to its commitment to giving back. In addition to donations and sponsorships that support local charities, the bank provides employees with eight hours of paid volunteer time off, allowing staff to assist organizations of their choosing. Corporate social responsibility Maine businesses aligning purpose with practice S l o a n e M . P e r r o n With my product the choices I make are really important. People talk a lot about climate change. As farmers have shared with me, it really is about economic justice first. — Mary Allen Lindemann Coffee By Design 4 M A R C H 9 , 2 0 2 6 / B U S I N E S S F O R G O O D F I L E P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Mary Allen Lindemann, Coffee By Design

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