Walden, N.Y. (January 8, 2013) – Benefit corporations or “B Corps”, a new type of corporation that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems, will be the focus of an upcoming Re>Think Speaker Series hosted by Jacobowitz & Gubits at their Walden office on January 30, 2013.
The session, led by Jacobowitz & Gubits Senior Counsel Gary M. Schuster, together with Sophie Farris of B Lab and Ajax Green, executive director of the non-profit Re>Think Local, will discuss this opportunity to rethink corporate purposes and practices. They will explain the difference between a NY State benefit corporation and a “certified” B Corp. They will also answer questions and provide further insight into the process of becoming a B Corp.
“The new B Corp designation is all about sustainable business practices, representing a newer way of thinking in the private sector that has become a global movement,” said Schuster. “We are very pleased to host this event and share this relatively new development in New York business law.”
The Benefit Corporation Law officially took effect in February 2012. The state has more than 20 benefit corporations, including some that relocated to New York to take advantage of the designation. To be considered a B Corp, a company must work with an independent ratings agency that determines how well the organization is producing public benefit. There are a number of agencies that conduct this analysis, including industry leader, B Lab, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit with an office in New York City.
“Becoming a B Corp is a very involved process. It’s important to understand a variety of factors before deciding if it’s right for your company,” said Schuster. “An organization must comply with some tough standards every step of the way, but approval as a B Corp brings a number of benefits. We invite all interested individuals to attend this event and learn more about the possibilities.”
“Being a B Corp is one of the most important steps a triple bottom line company can take,” said Re>Think Local executive director Ajax Greene. “It goes beyond marketing. It’s about being a good company, with solid business fundamentals, but also about being a good citizen in the community. It’s about redefining success in business. This event will bring the knowledge of this growing international movement to like-minded businesses right here in the Hudson Valley.”
“Re>Think Local: Benefits of a B Corp” will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on January 30 at Jacobowitz & Gubits’ office at 158 Orange Ave. in Walden. Admission is $10 for Re>Think Local Members, $15 for non-members.
To learn more about the event, visit http://www.rethinklocal.org/events/rethink-speaker-series-benefits-of-a-b-corp/.
About Jacobowitz & Gubits, LLP
Jacobowitz & Gubits, LLP, was founded in 1963 to provide sophisticated legal representation to businesses and individuals throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley and the state of New York. The solo firm established by Gerald N. Jacobowitz has grown into a practice with 28 attorneys and a full staff of paralegals and legal assistants to service a growing and dynamic client base.
Jacobowitz & Gubits, LLP, handles a wide range of legal issues including business litigation, commercial real estate, elder law and estate planning, municipal law, land use and zoning, equine law, veterans disability & income, health care law, personal injury, employment, family law, criminal law and bankruptcy.
For further information on the firm of Jacobowitz & Gubits, LLP please visit www.jacobowitz.com or call (845) 778-2121 or (845) 454-6000.
About Re>Think Local
Re>Think Local (www.rethinklocal.org) is co-creating a better Hudson Valley: vibrant, sustainable, locally rooted and human scale with equal concern for people, planet and prosperity. We’re addressing economic, environmental, cultural and social issues through education, tools and resources, policy, influence and community-building. We’re supporting and collaborating with locally owned, independent businesses, the creative class, and innovative entrepreneurs committed to a value- and values-driven Local Living Economy.
