Roatarian James Wernicke speaks about Benefit Corporations (B Corps), those companies that recognize and accommodate the demand for responsible business practices … ‘creating a balance of purpose and profit’. Courtesy/Rotary
By LINDA HULL
Vice President
Rotary Club of Los Alamos
James Wernicke, the newest member of the Rotary Club of Los Alamos, spoke to members at the end of January about Benefit Corporations (B Corps), those companies that recognize and accommodate the demand for responsible business practices. They are best described as “creating a balance of purpose and profit.”
While “all corporations strive to be profitable, B Corps also strive to improve society and the environment.” This is accomplished through conscientious leadership, sound environmental practices, community engagement with a focus on customer service and sustainable work-life balance.
As Wernicke outlined in a PowerPoint presentation, Benefit Corporations are “for-profit entities that create a positive impact for its stakeholders, not only the shareholders.”
B Corps “protect business operators who make decisions in the interest of the stakeholders even if at the expense of the shareholders.” This business model, “working as a force for good,” has been legislated in 35 states.
A for-profit business can become certified as a B Corp, a distinction conferred by B Lab, “a non-profit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet.” Through a stringent process, businesses must demonstrate that they meet “a high level of social, economic, and environmental responsibility.” Essentially, B Lab measures an applicant’s entire social and environmental impact. According to Wernicke’s data, there are more than 6300 certified B Corporations in 89 countries. The U.S. and Canada have the most, about 2,000, followed by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Brazil.
Being a certified B Corp attracts talented employees and provides opportunities to collaborate with peers. There are online communities for B Corps; Santa Fe has a chapter that meets regularly. Some of the most well-known B Corps are Ben and Jerry’s, Eileen Fisher, Warby Parker, King Arthur Flour, Patagonia, Bombas, The Body Shop and Redbox.
The late Madeleine Albright, the U.S. Secretary of State from 1997-2001, said of B Lab, “In my work, I often wonder to what extent business can help society in its goals to alleviate poverty, preserve ecosystems, and build strong communities. B Lab has proven that there is a way—the B Corp movement shows us that business, the driving force of our economy, can be an agent of change and live up to society’s standards.”
To view Wernicke’s presentation:
For more information about benefit corporations:
James Wernicke was born in Louisiana, but has lived most of his life in New Mexico. He graduated from high school in Albuquerque, attended New Mexico Tech, and came to Los Alamos after graduation in 2013. He, wife Alejandra, and their children, Trey and Luna, are active outdoor enthusiasts and travelers, typically exploring Alejandra’s home country of Mexico or skiing in the Rockies.
Wernicke is a LANL scientist and researcher. He mentors the CoderDojo Los Alamos Youth STEM Club, coaches the Los Alamos Youth Rugby Club, and builds trails with the Pajarito Trail Builders. In recent months he volunteered with the Rotary Club’s Meals of Hope, ran for County Council, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, volunteered on-site in Florida after Hurricane Ian devastated parts of the coastline, and modified Christmas toys for children with disabilities.
Wernicke is especially involved in advocating for small businesses, corporate responsibility and volunteerism.
About The Rotary Club of Los Alamos:
The Rotary Club of Los Alamos, through its 1312 Club Foundation, is a 501(c)3 non-profit and one of over 34,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary, which now has 1.5 million members, was founded in 1905; the local Club was chartered in 1966. Rotary areas of focus include promoting peace; fighting disease, particularly polio; providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; supporting education; saving and enhancing the lives of mothers and children; growing economies; and protecting the environment.
The Rotary Club of Los Alamos meets in person Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m., in the Community Room at Cottonwood on the Greens at the golf course. A Zoom option is available by contacting Rotary Club Vice President Linda Hull at 505.662.7950. Hull also is happy to provide information about the Club and its humanitarian service. The community is invited to attend meetings and become members.
