Sustainable Business Day Makes Political Impact in GA

February 7, 2005 was Sustainable Business Day, as declared by Georgia Governor Sunny Perdue and Representative Pat Gardner. For the second year, companies and organizations gathered at the state capitol to educate legislatures about how business can be both good for the environment and the economy by demonstrating their own success.

"Sustainable businesses create capital for the community in several forms," explained ifPeople co-founder Chris Johnson, "they provide economic activity, while also enhancing the environment and the health of the community." This "triple bottom-line" provides the necessary economic benefit of business, while also contributing to the quality of life of employees, the restoration of ecosystems, and the wellbeing of the community.

Representative Pat Gardner and Senator Jeff Mullis received these enterprises and spoke about the importance of their contribution to the Georgia economy: sustainable small businesses contribute over $30 million in GA alone. In addition, Bob Donaghue of the GA Department of Natural Resource's Pollution Prevention Assistance Division emphasized the opportunity that Georgia has to be a world leader in sustainable business by leveraging its research, educational, and economic strength.

The event was attended by a variety of sectors and industries, all of which shared a vision for a world where those that do good also do well. From Java Vino, a coffee and wine shop whose owners grow the shade-grown coffee served in the store; to Tucker-based Collective Good, who recycles cell phones (which contain more gold per ton than ore); e-waste recyclers, environmental educational tour guides, and sustainable community planners, Sustainable Business Day highlighted the diversity and impact of businesses that incorporate environmental and social causes into their core business practice.

ifPeople cofounders Tirza Hollenhorst and Chris Johnson joined the Governor, congressmen, organizers P2AD and Sustainable Business Partners, along with dozens of local business leaders for the event (see photo, Tirza in front row and Chris in second row). The event was featured in Lawmakers, the public broadcasting coverage of the GA legislature  (read coverage or watch online).

The Sustainable Business Day made an important statement to lawmakers and the public about the way that we can challenge typical beliefs about the impact of business. However, the State has yet to create legislation actually favoring responsible or sustainable business. An easy way this can be done by public institutions is through procurement policies (such as favoring companies with codes of conduct or certain best practices in place). Though sustainable businesses fundamentally compete on the basis of the quality of their services and products, political stimulation through procurement policies could significantly increase incentives for better business practices, which ultimately benefits all citizens.

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ifPeople delivers world-class solutions to responsible enterprises that enable them to manage business processes, foster effective teamwork, and improve efficiency and productivity. ifPeople creates and implements appropriate information technology solutions and our consulting services provide support in collaboration, marketing, and sustainability strategy. The company is a recognized leader and innovator in the fields of sustainability, social responsibility, and information technology. ifPeople is headquartered in Atlanta, GA and also has an office in Argentina.