The Gift that Gives Back – Supporting Local B Corporations in AVL and ATX
Since it’s the season of giving, we’re diving into the vibrant communities of our office locations in Asheville, NC, and Austin, TX, to shine a spotlight on Certified B Corporations that are not just businesses but agents of positive change. Certified B Corporations, which balance profit with societal benefit, are increasing in importance as consumers continue to demand sustainability and transparency from their favorite brands. Join us as we celebrate and champion the businesses that are shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy right in our neighborhoods.
This holiday season, consider shopping B Corps for meaningful, sustainable gifts, and choose joy with a positive impact!
What is a B Corp?
- Certified B Corporations lead a global movement toward an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. The B Corp Certification signifies a commitment to high standards in performance, accountability, and transparency.
- To achieve certification, businesses must showcase exceptional social and environmental performance.
- Crucially, companies commit to legal changes in corporate governance, prioritizing all stakeholders over just shareholders. In jurisdictions where available, they obtain benefit corporation status, solidifying their dedication to societal well-being.
- Transparency is paramount, with certified companies making information about their performance against B Lab’s standards publicly accessible on their B Corp profile. This openness fosters trust, invites scrutiny, and encourages a culture of continuous improvement.
- B Corp Certification is a transformative journey, urging businesses to be forces for good, embrace responsibility, and contribute to a future where business acts as a positive catalyst for change.
Bloom is a B Corp!
Did you know that Bloom Communications is the first and only B Corp Certified communications agency headquartered in Texas? It’s true! In July 2022, we were honored to receive our B Corp Certification after meeting and exceeding all requirements. Our commitment to giving back to the local community and being socially responsible is paramount to our agency and we hold it in the highest regard.
To become B Corp certified, Bloom underwent an extensive application process that began in 2019, demonstrating the business is part of a solution to global problems like wealth inequality, climate change, social issues, and corporate transparency. To be considered for review for certification by a B Lab analyst, a company must earn a score of 80 or more through B Lab’s impact assessment process. Following B Lab’s thorough analyst review and verification protocol, Bloom earned a score of 90.6.
To learn more, take a look at our September 2022 B Corp Blog and view our B Corp Report.
Check out these B Corps in Asheville, NC, and Austin, TX
Asheville, North Carolina
French Broad Chocolate – Chocolates
An artisanal chocolate maker known for producing high-quality, handcrafted chocolates. French Broad Chocolates is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, fair trade practices, and environmental responsibility. They offer a variety of chocolate products, including truffles, bars, and confections, often featuring unique and locally inspired flavors.
New Belgium Brewing | Asheville, North Carolina Brewery
A well-known craft brewery celebrated for its innovative and high-quality beers. Founded in Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1991, the brewery expanded to Asheville in 2016. New Belgium is renowned for its commitment to sustainability. New Belgium emphasizes environmental responsibility, employee ownership, and community engagement.
LOOM Imports | Handmade Artisan Accessories & Home Decor
LOOM Imports grew out of personal connections to master artisans throughout the world and a deep commitment to sustainable and fair trade. The relationships we’ve nurtured over the years are woven into our work, sharing thoughtfully crafted goods for conscious consumers. We honor and support the talents and livelihood of our artisan partners by providing a living wage and fostering the growth of their businesses. Over the years, we’ve seen these partnerships lead to sustainable economic growth and the preservation of historic techniques for future generations.
Gaia Herbs® | Herbal Supplements & More: Gaia Herbs®
Known for its commitment to organic farming and sustainable practices, Gaia Herbs produces a range of herbal extracts, supplements, and herbal teas. The company prioritizes quality, often using ingredients grown on its certified organic farm. Gaia Herbs is recognized for its dedication to purity, potency, and environmental responsibility in the production of herbal products.
East Fork Pottery | Home Goods Made With Integrity
A ceramics studio known for crafting handmade, functional pottery with a focus on quality and sustainability. The studio produces aesthetically pleasing dinnerware and household items, emphasizing both beauty and everyday functionality. East Fork Pottery is recognized for its signature glazes and commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, including the use of locally sourced materials.
Austin, Texas
Our mission drives us. Enabled by our Pledge Good Foundation, we can use our products as a vehicle or do social and environmental good – positively impacting the world around us. Premium frozen novelties made with clean, plant-based, organic, and responsibly sourced ingredients! If it’s a GoodPop, it’ll never have HFCS, GMOs, Refined Sugar, or Sugar Alcohol Sweeteners.
Nada Moo! | The Original Coconut Milk Frozen Dessert
A family-owned business, Nada Moo! Is made with organic coconut milk, so every spoonful retains a creamy, rich, and delicious experience while remaining dairy-, gluten-, and GMO-free.
Raven + Lily | Socially Conscious Accessories
Socially conscious accessories brand that offers expertly crafted bags, jewelry, and home goods using natural and sustainable materials. A Certified B Corporation and a member of the Fair Trade Federation, we are committed to responsible production. Our global network of skilled artisan partners uses regionally sourced, natural, and sustainable materials to bring our designs to life.
Noonday Collection | Artisan Jewelry and Accessories
Jewelry and accessories are created in collaboration with talented Artisans, using unique materials and traditional skills to create beautiful jewelry. To make a difference in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, we partner with Artisan Businesses that share our passion for building a flourishing world. We develop these businesses through fair trade, empowering them to grow sustainably and to create dignified jobs for people who need them.
Lafes | Personal Care Products
The mission of Lafe’s Natural Bodycare is to create a genuine and authentic natural personal care brand that promotes sustainable living and supports a strong commitment to environmental stewardship by creating products consumers can trust and are affordable to all.
Interested in learning more?
If you’re not in Asheville or Austin and want to find a local B Corporation in your area, check out the National B Corporation Directory on their website. And, if you’re a socially conscious company that would like to become part of the B Corp program, learn more here.
To stay up-to-date with all things Bloom Communications, subscribe to our monthly newsletter here!