Sharing Our Stories for Impact

By Debbie Roy, Director of Communications, NHBSR

For a quarter-century, New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) has championed a vision of business as a force for good. The organization’s enduring mission has been to cultivate a sustainable and prosperous New Hampshire by connecting and inspiring businesses dedicated to responsible social and environmental practices. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, NHBSR is launching “Stories for Impact,” an initiative designed to showcase the tangible ways businesses are making a positive impact across the state.

Inspired by NHBSR’s “Just One Thing” campaign, “Stories for Impact” feature concise video narratives that highlight specific sustainability endeavors undertaken by NHBSR members. These stories aim to move beyond abstract concepts, offering concrete examples of how businesses are contributing to their communities, safeguarding the environment, enhancing their workplaces, and creating economic prosperity. The power of storytelling lies in its ability to foster connection and inspire action, and this initiative seeks to amplify the voices of those leading the charge in corporate responsibility.

One such story comes from Mark Bodin of Savings Bank of Walpole. The bank’s approach to employee retention is deeply rooted in fostering a strong internal community. By prioritizing employee well-being and professional growth, they’ve seen not only reduced turnover but also a ripple effect of positive community engagement. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to invest in their local community, creating a symbiotic relationship between internal culture and external impact.

In another story, Image 4 illustrates how sustainability can be woven into the fabric of a successful business model. Their focus on providing sustainable solutions extends beyond simply offering eco-friendly materials; it’s about a commitment to offering innovative solutions that help businesses reduce their environmental footprint throughout their operations. This approach showcases that responsible business practices can also be highly competitive, meeting market demands with environmentally conscious alternatives while empowering a new generation of leaders to drive groundbreaking initiatives.

Further underscoring the economic impact of responsible practices is Fiona Wilson, Chief Sustainability Officer for the University of New Hampshire. Wilson illustrates how educational institutions can drive economic growth by cultivating a workforce equipped with the knowledge and skills that fuel industry and development across the state. The UNH Sustainability Institute’s robust internship and fellowship programs are key drivers in this regard. By placing students directly into New Hampshire businesses, these programs provide a new generation with practical sustainability expertise. This not only offers immediate value to companies looking to adopt more responsible practices but also develops a workforce ready to lead future economic growth that is aligned with social and environmental stewardship.

These narratives, collected through “Stories for Impact,” serve as a powerful testament to the idea that business success and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive. They demonstrate how a commitment to sustainable business practices can lead to stronger employee relationships, innovative product offerings, and broader economic benefits for the entire state. NHBSR’s initiative provides a platform for these successes to be shared, inspiring other businesses to join the growing movement toward a more sustainable and prosperous New Hampshire. To learn more or share your story, visit www.nhbsr.org.