Here are three profiles of local companies that are doing well by doing good: Larry's Beans, Southern Energy Management, and Self Help
Larry's Beans - organic, Fair Trade, slow roasted beans. Larry's Beans buys its coffee from
small farmers, paying a minimum of fair trade prices for their beans (if not more). What does that mean? The farmers are guaranteed a better price for their coffee beans, and ultimately an opportunity at economic security. Why does this matter? Fair Trade requires sustainable farming techniques, helping to ensure the land is protected and available for long-term agricultural use. Why should I care? The products are higher quality, and because they're organic, they don't have the toxic chemicals found in modern-day agricultural practices.Larry's Beans pays more for their coffee, but that means they are providing you with a high-quality bean that cares for the environment and the producer. They build long-term relationships with their farmers and are able to consult on improved growing practices. Basically, Larry and his team can sleep at night knowing they are doing a good thing for everyone while also building a successful business. They also have a whole slew of fun environmental practices at their Raleigh office - use of passive solar designs, deliver local recycled veggie oil, operate Raleigh's only gasoline-free biodiesel pump, harvest rainwater with mulitple cisterns, composting, duel-flush toilets, recycling, and more. They also started Sustainability School to educate others on how to reduce their environmental impact. I heart Larry's Beans!
Year Founded: 1999
# Employees: ~20
Southern Energy Management - solar power and energy efficiency. Southern Energy Management is a leader in solar thermal, solar PV, and energy efficiency services. Their mission is to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change, and building a sustainable triple bottom line company that values people, planet and profit. What does this mean? By providing services that help property owners reduce their carbon emissions, SEM is working to address a problem that affects all of us and the generations to come: Global Climate Change. They are also running an organization that cares for its people, reduces its own environmental impact, and maintains a profitable business. Why does this matter? Running a sustainability-focused business means engaging employees in a meaningful way. Whether it is employee profit sharing, buying hybrids for its fleet, or office-wide composting, SEM makes decisions everyday based on factors that go beyond profitability: Will it also benefit employees, the community, and the environment? As for helping to reduce the CO2 emissions, there is a growing requirement by federal, state, and local municipalities to reduce energy consumption. Providing those services not only helps companies reduce their environmental impact, it has become a very attractive business industry. Why should I care? Having local expertise in energy efficiency and renewable energy means our region is better positioned to reduce our environmental impact and conserve energy. It also means our state is becoming a hot spot for a burgeoning green economy, and attracting other businesses (and jobs!) that will help carry NC into the 21st Century as a leader for the nation. How cool is that?
Year Founded: 2001
# Employees: ~50
Self Help - community development lender and real estate developer working with underserved individuals, organizations, and communities. What does that mean? They provide financial tools for individuals and organizations that are working to improve the community - this could be through making home ownership possible for individuals that don't meet financing standards from traditional banks or community development loans in low-wealth or rural areas. They even make loans to entrepreneurs or small businesses to help build wealth and give people the tools they need to become financially independent. In fact, I would dare say any description I put here will not capture the real impact of Self Help's efforts. Another reason they made it on my company profile list - they have also turned their focus to environmental sustainability. In traditional Self Help way, they started looking on the inside on what they could do internally, and have now extended that effort outward to incentivize their clients to be green through some creative programs. Why does this matter? Even before the current economic downturn, Self Help played a big role with helping people and organizations improve their economic position and build wealth. Now their role is even more critical. The institution has invested in people and communities, not a statistical model created by someone without any understanding of the needs of a community. I also love that they've given people a financial reason to reduce their environmental impact. Self Help is truly committed to the communities it serves. Why should I care? This is a great demonstration of a mission-driven organization that is focused on making a social impact by creating financial tools to serve the underserved. When you add in the component of creating internal and external programs extend the mission of reducing environmental impact to the client base - that's amore!
Year Founded: 1980
# Employees: ~250
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