Profit and social responsibility can succeed together Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility to meet in Brattleboro

Profit and social responsibility can succeed together
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility to meet in Brattleboro
By BOB AUDETTE
BRATTLEBORO—Being a socially responsible business and making a profit are not mutually exclusive.
That's the message from Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, a statewide association with more than 675 members, including Ben and Jerry's, Green Mountain Power, Green Mountain Coffee, Chroma Technology, Building Green and Vermont Artisan Designs.
"The Vermont brand and the Vermont environment are a big part of making our businesses special and keeping them thriving," said Andrea Cohen, VBSR's public policy coordinator.
While each member of the organization is concerned about the bottom line and being profitable, she said, it's also important to them that they treat their employees and their families, the community and the environment in a respectful manner.
"We take a very long-term perspective. We're willing to make investments now for long-term results. If you invest in people and the community it will give good returns in the long run."
Most of the members of VBSR have continued to grow, despite the current economic woes, she said.
There are a variety of reasons why a business might be a member of VBSR, said Andrea Cohen, One of the major reasons, she said, is that the organization gives them a united voice in the Statehouse in Montpelier.
The organization also gives businesses an opportunity to network and learn from each other, said Cohen.
On Sept. 8, VBSR will be in Brattleboro, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Marlboro
College Graduate Center on Vernon Street to present its "Public Policy Forum."
The forum is open to the public, and not just members of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. Attendees are being encouraged to bring a lunch, but beverages and dessert will be provided.
The event is one of many VBSR holds around the state and gives members a chance to learn about what the organization will focus on during the 2010 session of the Vermont Legislature.
It's also a chance for them to weigh in on the issues, said Cohen.
VBSR members are concerned about health care, energy, taxes, education, public transportation, child care, Internet access, unemployment insurance and worker's compensation.
"But it doesn't matter unless you are making money," said Julie Lineberger, of LineSync Architecture in Wilmington, the chairwoman of the VBSR board.
Those who are not members should consider joining, said Lineberger, because "you get the support to become a more successful business and contribute to the long term health of your community."
Small businesses are the backbone of Vermont, she said. "To compete on a national and international level, we need the support that larger businesses have."
The meeting in Brattleboro is one of five different discussions around the state so that members can tell VBSR "where do they want us to focus our advocacy work," said Lineberger.
"It's a matter of aspiring to do your best to be a good business and to be socially responsible," said Greg Worden, of Vermont Artisan Designs. "That includes having a good product, knowledgeable staff and supporting the community and the state the best that you can."
VBSR, unlike some business organizations, "doesn't see the government as the enemy," said Cohen. "Businesses, government and individuals can work together to make positive changes."
Many of the members don't mind paying taxes, she said, but they do want to know that the money is being spent wisely by the state.
"It's fiscally prudent to make sure your infrastructure is in place and is being invested in," she said.
VBSR was founded in 1990. "The policies and the mission are still relevant, more so today than ever," Cohen said.
For more information on Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, visit http://www.vbsr.org.
Bob Audette can be reached at , or at 802-254-2311, ext. 273.