News & Events

Just One Thing (JOT) Campaign Invites Businesses and Nonprofits to Share Their Sustainability Success Stories

Concord, New Hampshire, September 8, 2023 — New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) is excited to announce that its Just One Thing (JOT) initiative is in full swing, inviting businesses and nonprofits to share their simple sustainability stories where action has created impact. NHBSR recognizes the power of these narratives to inspire positive change and seeks to showcase and celebrate the efforts of companies committed to making a difference in the environment, their community, and their workplace.

The JOT Campaign encourages businesses of all sizes and industries to participate. Whether it's a story of reducing carbon footprint, engaging in community initiatives, or creating a more welcoming workplace, NHBSR wants to hear and share these stories with a broader audience.

Why Share Your Story?

Sustainability stories have the potential to inspire action and on a larger scale. By sharing these tales of positive change, businesses can:

  • Inspire Others: Your story can motivate others in the business world to take meaningful steps towards sustainability.
  • Recognition: Selected stories will be highlighted as JOT Finalists and featured at the celebrated Sustainability Slam, a dynamic event where finalists present their stories to a live audience of engaged business leaders.
  • Community Impact: Sharing your success story can also have a positive impact on the communities and environments in which you operate, setting an example for responsible business practices.

How to Participate:

Participating in the JOT Campaign is simple:

  1. Submit Your Story: Visit our website www.nhbsr.org/jot and share your sustainability success story. 
  2. Become a JOT Finalist: Exceptional stories will have the opportunity to become JOT Finalists and present their narratives at the Just One Thing Sustainability Slam in November.
  3. Audience Participation: The audience at the Sustainability Slam will vote in real-time to select the night's winners, adding an interactive element to the campaign.

Categories Include:

  • Community (Large Company & Small Company)
  • Workplace (Large Company & Small Company)
  • Environment (Large Company & Small Company)
  • Nonprofit

No Limit on Entries: This campaign is open to regional businesses, nonprofits, organizations, and individuals. Participants can enter multiple times in multiple categories with different stories.

Important Deadline: To be considered for the upcoming Sustainability Slam in November, make sure to submit your story by September 22, 2023.

More Information: https://nhbsr.org/JOT

NHBSR is dedicated to sharing and celebrating stories of sustainability impact. It aims to inspire businesses, organizations, and individuals to take action for a better, more sustainable future. 

 

ABOUT NHBSR

New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) fosters socially and environmentally responsible business in New Hampshire, recognizing that people, principles, and profit must be linked. NHBSR is a statewide membership organization providing educational, networking, and promotional opportunities to encourage sustainable business. NHBSR includes a wide range of companies, nonprofits, and individuals at various stages of implementation, from those just getting started to leaders in sustainability.

 

Executive Director
Michelle Veasey
michelle@nhbsr.org
Tel: 603-377-8817

Media Contact:
Debbie Roy, Communications Manager
Tel: 603-377-8821
debbie@nhbsr.org www.nhbsr.org

 

Note to Editors: High-resolution images and additional information are available upon request.

 

New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility Announces 2023 NH Sustainability Awards Winners

Concord, New Hampshire – New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) celebrated the leading efforts of the state’s most environmentally and socially conscious businesses at the NH Sustainability Awards, held on March 8, 2023 at Southern New Hampshire University. The event marked the organization’s 23rd anniversary and honored the driving force of NHBSR’s impact over the past two decades—the incredible network of businesses and nonprofits dedicated to positive change.

The 2023 Sustainability Award Winners were recognized for leading collaborative efforts in supporting strong communities; building workplaces that respect and value employees and their families; and making decisions informed by their impact on the world around us. The Sustainability Awards also recognize and highlight student leaders within the educational system with Changemaker Awards. Responses to NHBSR’s Measure What Matters 101 annual survey highlight these sustainability efforts and serve as a basis for these awards.

“We strive to share ideas and opportunities that encourage and enable learning, expand thinking, inspire innovation and collaborative action. We hope that shining a spotlight on the efforts of tonight’s finalists and winners will help to elevate the opportunities for you.” says Michelle Veasey, Executive Director of NHBSR.

2023 Sustainability Award Finalists Include: 36creative, 900 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, Bona Fide Eco + Refill Shop, Coca-Cola Beverages, Northeast Delta Dental Northeast Goodwill Northern New England, Hanover, Image 4, MAYO Designs, Inc., NH Community Loan Fund, Pete and Gerry’s Organics, Placework, Red River, Seacoast Science Center, Stout Heart, The Terra Firma Company, LLC, Unitil, Velcro Companies, and Worthen Industries.

2023 Measure What Matters Award Winners:

Cornerstone Innovator Award: NHBSR is grateful to recognize Fiona Wilson, the Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer at the University of NH. Fiona has worked tirelessly to build strong partnerships between businesses dedicated to advancing sustainability practices and sustainability engagement students. During her career at UNH, she elevated the Corporate Sustainability Leadership certificate and designed and built the B Impact Clinic-a program that continues to develop leaders prepared to support businesses in their B Corp certification journey. She leads an incredible team that inspires students to take on valuable fellowship projects that address critical business and local needs like climate action, and continually inspires more profound sustainable efforts that engage students and benefit the economy. 

Community: Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast champions their core values of enriching local communities through advocacy, partnerships and creating shared value. They empower local teams to determine the most effective way to create an impact for the underserved, underrepresented, and disadvantaged within their communities.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: NH Community Loan Fund is making strides in their Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion efforts because everyone is engaged in their mission to empower people with their work. Their efforts provide funding and loans to residents and entrepreneurs who have faced racism and discrimination, paving the way for disenfranchised people to participate in our communities and economy fully.

Environment: MAYO Web & Marketing Services is committed to going beyond internal efforts to create positive environmental impact by supporting their communities and their clients. They have given thousands of hours to reducing climate impact and addressing environmental degradation with large-scale events, influencing action at the local level and participating on municipal committees driving change. 

Climate and Energy: Worthen Industries is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint through energy efficiency projects and the installation of renewable energy at all of their plants in New England and beyond. Their carbon reduction efforts are not limited to energy, extending to the incorporation of recycled or bio-based content in their products. 

Governance: Goodwill Northern New England engages in sustainability efforts with representatives from leadership and staff, fully supporting an understanding of the needs of employees and clients. They strive to support their stakeholders, with the goal of bringing 10,000 people in their three-state area into stability by 2027.

Workplace: Red River dug deep to ensure an equitable pay environment existed for all. They implemented a pay equity analysis looking at all organizational levels to evaluate any potential discrepancies in pay by gender, race, or other non-employment-related factors and made adjustments to align with positions and geographic locations. They engage their employees in all aspects of their mission and goals, creating an environment where teamwork is deeply valued. 

Systemic Leadership: The Systemic Leadership Award defines a business that understands its role as part of a larger system and works to build relationships that help develop that whole system. Hypertherm Associates continues to take on big sustainability challenges head on and excels in achieving their goals while also sharing best practices with the broader business network. They demonstrate leadership in all aspects of NHBSR’s Measure What Matters 101 survey, approaching sustainability with a systems-thinking lens.

Student Change Agent Award Winners: NHBSR understands that young people are the heart of their future. That’s why they partner with the University of New Hampshire, Granite State College, Southern NH University, Franklin Pierce University and Saint Anselm College. Through this partnership, they have found that students are deeply engaged in sustainability, creating impact on campus and off with their passion and dreams. Congratulations to this year’s winners: Salvatore (Sal) Ferragine of Southern NH University, Megan Jioie of Southern NH University, and Matthew Oriente, a senior at the University of New Hampshire.

NHBSR recognizes that New Hampshire will truly thrive when we engage the power of business and our people to build a sustainable and prosperous state for all. “It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that NHBSR spotlights the efforts of these luminaries. Seeing the impact of their efforts over the years has been inspiring, but seeing the progress, just since we started measuring impact, has been incredible. Their efforts have made our state and region stronger because of the support they give to their communities and their people.” says Michelle Veasey, Executive Director of NHBSR.

ABOUT NHBSR

New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility is a member-based, non-profit organization that convenes, inspires and supports businesses and community stakeholders to build a more sustainable and prosperous state for all. More information on NHBSR and upcoming events, resources and membership can be found at nhbsr.org. 

Special thanks to presenting sponsor Citronics and event sponsors Mascoma Bank, Stonyfield Organic, Revision Energy, Liberty Utilities, Sunrise Labs, NHPR, John Benford Photography, Digital Prospectors, Image 4, Southern New Hampshire University, New Hampshire Business Review, and W.S. Badger.

Please contact NHBSR Executive Director Michelle Veasey at 603-377-8817 or email michelle@nhbsr.org if you have any questions or would like more information.

 

Photos. Photo Credits: John Benford Photography, NHBSR event attendees enjoy networking and connecting on sustainability best practices.

New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) Announces the Appointment of Three New Board Members

New Board Members bring a wealth of collaborative sustainability experience to NHBSR.

Concord, New Hampshire, December 2, 2022 – New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) announced today the appointment of three new members to the Board of Directors. The addition of Jennifer Gureckis from BerryDunn, Sarah Johnson from the NH Department of Environmental Services, and Anne E. Richardson from the Richardson Media Group enhances the Board's expertise. They bring an impressive array of collaborative sustainability leadership and initiatives to NHBSR.

"These community leaders exemplify NHBSR's core values of inclusivity, integrity, encouragement, and transformative collaboration," said Michelle Veasey, Executive Director NHBSR. "They bring a wealth of insight and forward-thinking vision to our already dynamic board, and we look forward to working with them."

Gureckis is a senior manager in BerryDunn's Financial Services Practice Group and provides audit and accounting services for banks, credit unions, and trust companies. She also provides employee benefit plan audit services for organizations in various industries. For the past 16 years, Gureckis has worked out of BerryDunn's Manchester location and helped develop sustainable practices within the office. She received her MSA from the University of New Hampshire.

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Johnson is the Small Business Technical Assistance Program Manager and Small Business Ombudsperson for the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. She has 25 years of experience in New Hampshire state government and serving the small business community; she represents Region 1 on the National Steering Committee (NSC) for Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs and was Chair of NSC from 2014 to 2016. Johnson was awarded the Karen V. Brown Leadership Award in 2022 and the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program Award in 2018 by the NSC. She earned her B.S. in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina University and her MS in Resource Management and Administration from Antioch University New England. 

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Richardson is the owner and media director at Richardson Media Group, a media planning,  buying, and SEO agency located in Portsmouth, NH. She is a Business Advisor to the UNH B Impact Clinic, helping companies and student-led teams navigate the B Corporation certification process. She chaired the Marketing Committee for the Spring 2022 New England BLD Conference and is an active business member of 1% for the Planet. Richardson earned a BA from Bowdoin College and a master's from Lesley University. In 2022, the Richardson Media Group earned its B Corporation certification making them the first marketing agency to become a B Corp in the State of New Hampshire.

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Richardson is "excited to join the NHBSR Board to collaborate with a group of purpose-driven leaders from a wide range of industries who share a willingness to work together to make a difference in the lives of others."

NHBSR is pleased to welcome these new board members and knows they will be strong allies in the nonprofit member organization's mission to convene, inspire and support businesses and community stakeholders to build a more sustainable and prosperous state for all. More information on NHBSR and upcoming events, resources, and membership can be found at nhbsr.org.

 

ABOUT NHBSR

New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) fosters socially and environmentally responsible business in New Hampshire, recognizing that people, principles, and profit must be linked. NHBSR is a statewide membership organization providing educational, networking, and promotional opportunities to encourage sustainable business. NHBSR includes a wide range of companies, nonprofits, and individuals at various stages of implementation, from those just getting started to leaders in sustainability.

 

Mailing Address:
PO Box 3562
Concord, NH 03302-3562

Executive Director
Michelle Veasey
michelle@nhbsr.org
Tel: 603-377-8817

New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) Announces the Appointment of Three New Board Members

New Board Members bring a wealth of collaborative sustainability experience to NHBSR.

Concord, New Hampshire, December 2, 2022 – New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) announced today the appointment of three new members to the Board of Directors. The addition of Jennifer Gureckis from BerryDunn, Sarah Johnson from the NH Department of Environmental Services, and Anne E. Richardson from the Richardson Media Group enhances the Board's expertise. They bring an impressive array of collaborative sustainability leadership and initiatives to NHBSR.

"These community leaders exemplify NHBSR's core values of inclusivity, integrity, encouragement, and transformative collaboration," said Michelle Veasey, Executive Director NHBSR. "They bring a wealth of insight and forward-thinking vision to our already dynamic board, and we look forward to working with them."

Gureckis is a senior manager in BerryDunn's Financial Services Practice Group and provides audit and accounting services for banks, credit unions, and trust companies. She also provides employee benefit plan audit services for organizations in various industries. For the past 16 years, Gureckis has worked out of BerryDunn's Manchester location and helped develop sustainable practices within the office. She received her MSA from the University of New Hampshire.

jennifer_g_0.jpg

Johnson is the Small Business Technical Assistance Program Manager and Small Business Ombudsperson for the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. She has 25 years of experience in New Hampshire state government and serving the small business community; she represents Region 1 on the National Steering Committee (NSC) for Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs and was Chair of NSC from 2014 to 2016. Johnson was awarded the Karen V. Brown Leadership Award in 2022 and the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program Award in 2018 by the NSC. She earned her B.S. in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina University and her MS in Resource Management and Administration from Antioch University New England. 

sarah.jpg

Richardson is the owner and media director at Richardson Media Group, a media planning,  buying, and SEO agency located in Portsmouth, NH. She is a Business Advisor to the UNH B Impact Clinic, helping companies and student-led teams navigate the B Corporation certification process. She chaired the Marketing Committee for the Spring 2022 New England BLD Conference and is an active business member of 1% for the Planet. Richardson earned a BA from Bowdoin College and a master's from Lesley University. In 2022, the Richardson Media Group earned its B Corporation certification making them the first marketing agency to become a B Corp in the State of New Hampshire.

ann.jpg

Richardson is "excited to join the NHBSR Board to collaborate with a group of purpose-driven leaders from a wide range of industries who share a willingness to work together to make a difference in the lives of others."

NHBSR is pleased to welcome these new board members and knows they will be strong allies in the nonprofit member organization's mission to convene, inspire and support businesses and community stakeholders to build a more sustainable and prosperous state for all. More information on NHBSR and upcoming events, resources, and membership can be found at nhbsr.org.

 

ABOUT NHBSR

New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) fosters socially and environmentally responsible business in New Hampshire, recognizing that people, principles, and profit must be linked. NHBSR is a statewide membership organization providing educational, networking, and promotional opportunities to encourage sustainable business. NHBSR includes a wide range of companies, nonprofits, and individuals at various stages of implementation, from those just getting started to leaders in sustainability.

 

Mailing Address:
PO Box 3562
Concord, NH 03302-3562

Executive Director
Michelle Veasey
michelle@nhbsr.org
Tel: 603-377-8817

NHBSR’s 2022 Sustainability Slam Winners Selected

Derry, New Hampshire, November 8, 2022 – Leading sustainability initiatives took front and center stage at New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility’s (NHBSR) 8th Annual Sustainability Slam on November 3, 2022. The event, held at LaBelle Winery in Derry, showcased creative and innovative solutions to our environmental and social challenges through dynamic storytelling.

As part of NHBSR’s Just One Thing Campaign, the Sustainability Slam recognizes the efforts of local companies and nonprofits to make a positive difference in our world. The 2022's Slam finalists were chosen by an independent panel of judges based on the impact and scalability of their stories in our communities, workplaces, and environment. At the Sustainability Slam, finalists competed in their category by delivering a 90-second presentation or pre-recorded videos. Winners were selected by a live poll at the event.

Congratulations to the 2022 Sustainability Slam winners:

COMMUNITY large company: Red River Technology, LLCes
COMMUNITY small company: John Benford Photography
ENVIRONMENT large company: Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc.
ENVIRONMENT small company: Officially Knotted Bowties
WORKPLACE large company:  Kennebunk Savings
WORKPLACE small company:  Working Fields
NONPROFIT: New Hampshire Public Radio

2022's Sustainability Slam is made possible by the generous support of presenting sponsor Velcro Companies as well as sponsorship from Granite State College, New Hampshire Public Radio, New Hampshire Business Review, Coca Cola Bottling Company of Northern New England, Mascoma Bank, BerryDunn, Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs, Timberland, Enterprise Bank, Full Spectrum Wellness, W.S. Badger, John Benford Photography, Sweaty Turtle Entertainment, Chop Shop Mediaworks, Image 4, and Sunrise Labs. Special thanks to the evening’s emcee, Jesse Lore.
 

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ABOUT NHBSR
New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility is a member-based, non-profit organization that convenes, inspires and supports businesses and community stakeholders to build a more sustainable and prosperous state for all. More information on NHBSR and upcoming events, resources and membership can be found at nhbsr.org.

You can learn more about the Slam or NHBSR by contacting Michelle Veasey at 603-377-8817 or michelle@nhbsr.org.

Overview Of SEC Proposed Climate-Related Disclosures Rules, FREE Webinar!

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A brief introduction to ESG reporting, climate-related disclosures, an overview of the SEC’s proposed rule, SEC explanatory timetables, an overview of required disclosures, SEC proposed requirements for voluntary actions, a timeline for compliance, etc. Presenter: Eric Amundsen, Senior Consultant

Civics Secures Democracy FREE Webinar

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NHBSR and Business for America are pleased to present a webinar on the urgent need for civics education. Panelists will discuss the business case for civics education, the state of civics education in NH, local efforts to improve and increase civics education, and the importance to the community and businesses.

NHBSR’s Spring Conference Returns to In-Person with a Roar!

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More than 200 members of the sustainable business community attended New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility’s (NHBSR) spring conference – Uniting on Purpose – on May 4, 2022 for over a dozen vibrant, interactive, educational and inspiring workshops. 

In between the morning’s Mindfulness session and the afternoon’s Community Conversations and Corporate Citizenship Plenary Panel, NHBSR presented several awards.

Hanover Co-op Food Stores and Auto Service Centers received this year’s Cornerstone award. The Co-op has long demonstrated outstanding leadership in community activism and advocacy, strong workplace policies and practices, and an 84-year-long commitment to the environment. They are dedicated to innovative community collaboration and programming in the Upper Valley, and in sharing best practices to inspire others. Several of the Co-op’s initiatives have been recognized at NHBSR’s Sustainability Slam, but most recently their Car Connects program inspired another NHBSR member to propose the same initiative in other areas of the state.  

NHBSR’s Partnership for Innovation Award winners are recognized for their collaborative efforts to create synergy and progress on a sustainability initiative where it might not otherwise have been possible. The partnerships demonstrate creative approaches and measurable results that inspire other business leaders in New Hampshire to take action. This year’s Partnership for Innovation award recipients were: The Nature Conservancy, Clean Energy NH, NH Community Develop Finance Authority, NH Small Business Development Center, SkiNH and Ceres. This group shone a spotlight on leading businesses, communities and legislative leaders recognizing outstanding impact with the hope that their stories will inspire others to move their energy work forward.

 The Changemaker Award was presented to Paul Michael, a Granite State College student and supervisor at Lindt Chocolate. While working as a Jamaican person in New Hampshire, he has experienced significant exclusion and inequities, which prompted him to start a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) committee at Lindt Chocolate Factory. Paul also works as a volunteer firefighter to aid others in emergency situations. He works tirelessly to promote a diverse and equitable future for all.

“Get to know someone who doesn’t look like you,” Paul advised. Just by taking that simple step, you can learn, grow and strengthened connections with others in your community.

New Hampshire Business Leaders Call for Smart Clean Energy Policy and Programs

More than 100 New Hampshire businesses have signed the ‘Clean Energy Principles’ to call for robust clean energy policies and programs in the Granite State.

New Hampshire business leaders gathered today in Concord to showcase their support for smart clean energy policies that will encourage economic growth and business development. In a press conference held at the New Hampshire State Capitol, representatives from the Duprey Companies, Hypertherm, Ski New Hampshire and Worthen Industriesreleased new New Hampshire Clean Energy Principles. First released in January 2018 with 50 business signatories, the principles highlight the importance of transitioning to a clean energy economy as a way to improve the competitiveness of New Hampshire’s economy, as well as the state’s prosperity, health and security.

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UNH, NHBSR Partner on B Impact Clinic

Through a new collaboration between the  Center for Social Innovation & Enterprise  at the University of NH and  NH Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR), the B Impact Clinic aims to help companies elevate their corporate sustainability and university students to engage in high-impact learning opportunities.

The B Impact Clinic gathers teams of students to serve as consultants for NH businesses seeking to increase their social and environmental impact. Students are matched with companies to help them complete the B Impact Assessment. Nearly a decade old, the B Impact Assessment is an open-access, rigorous assessment tool developed by the nonprofit B Lab to assess a company’s impact on society and the environment.

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