The importance of B Corp certification

Butler/Till was introduced to the idea of becoming a B Corp in 2015 through an acquisition, and the company realized that the values involved in the certification process aligned with its own values. The B Corp certification is a shorthand for a purpose-driven company that balances profits with people and the planet. The certification process is not 100% altruistic, and it pushes companies to reevaluate their commitment to corporate social responsibility across five areas. Butler/Till is finishing up the recertification process, which is spearheaded by a dedicated committee of employees. Recently, B Corp certification has come under fire from within the community, citing flaws in the certification process and accusing it of being susceptible to exploitation. In response, B Lab published new rules to rectify the situation. Dr. Bronner's, one of the companies that signed the letter, decided to relinquish its B Corp status, citing unacceptable ecological and labor issues among large multinational companies. The author applauds Dr. Bronner's conviction but believes that denouncing the system rather than staying and fixing it is shortsighted. The author argues that giving up on efforts to do business in a better way is not the answer, especially in a time when corporate social responsibility is being questioned. Butler/Till is committed to working together to do good, creating an environment where people can do their best work, and earning a good living doing it. The company is also a 100% ESOP, which allows it to make decisions in the best interest of its clients and employee-owners.