Summer Update 2013 for Conscious Capitalism Florida

Chapter News

Outreach

It’s been an exciting few months since our announced launch by the Tampa Bay Business Journal and we have had a great reception from Florida’s various stakeholders. Our state’s business and nonprofit communities keep providing examples that illustrate Florida is already embracing the idea of Conscious Capitalism.

Additionally chapter President & CEO Vinny Tafuro has had conversations with the University of South Florida, University of Tampa, and University of Florida about student outreach in the fall semester in an effort to kickstart our first college chapters for Conscious Capitalism.

Benefit Corporations

With Delaware becoming the 19th state to enact Benefit Corporation law in July, Conscious Capitalism Florida has increased our efforts to pass the legislation in Florida during the 2014 session. This new corporate entity will provide limitless possibilities to use for-profit business to drive positive change through innovation and entrepreneurship.

B Corp legislation will open Florida up to over $3 trillion in impact investment money. Additionally B Corps can also help sustain Florida’s important agriculture industry and lands far into the future by allowing private for-profit land management to include sustainability standards without government regulation.

• Forbes: Delaware ’Public Benefit Corporation’ Lets Directors Serve Three Masters Instead of One.
• NY Times: Capitalism, but with a Little Heart

State News

Publix

Forbes Magazine covered Publix and how Conscious Culture and associate ownership is helping them win the grocer war. Publix’s president, Todd Jones, who started out as a bagger 33 years ago stated, “We believe that there are three ways to differentiate: service, quality and price… You’ve got to be good at two of them, and the best at one. We make service our number one, then quality and then price.”

• Forbes: The Wal-Mart Slayer: How Publix’s People-First Culture Is Winning The Grocer War

Live Nation

Live Nation who operates two amphitheatres in Florida announced that all their concessions at its 38 amphitheaters around the country will serve only local produce and humanely-raised meats. Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino said “We know from working so closely with the artist community and from the fans that come to our events, that it’s important to many of them as well.”

• TBO: MidFlorida Amphitheatre to groove to local grub

Columbia Restaurant Group

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Richard Gonzmart of the Columbia Restaurant Group broke ground on a new restaurant named Ulele along the Tampa Riverwalk. The project combines the restoration of a historic landmark, highlighting Native American tradition, and serving sustainable local produce and seafood to illustrate stakeholder integration.

• TBO: Mayor calls restaurant key to revitalizing Tampa Heights

The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium officially launched their Seafood Now program on World Oceans Day in June. The program invites restaurants to learn more about the best choices when it comes to serving sustainable seafood. During World Ocean Week, Mitchell’s Fish Market, Byblos Café, Datz, Parkshore Grill, Oishi Sushi and Steakhouse, Thai Thani, and Whole Foods served a special sustainable seafood menu, with part of the proceeds benefiting The Florida Aquarium.

• TBO: Aquarium encourages restaurants to go sustainable