INCNOW NAMED 2021 “BEST FOR THE WORLD” IN GOVERNANCE
IncNow is proud to have been given the 2021 ‘Best for the World’™ award in governance from B Lab, a company that certifies businesses that have achieved the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility. The honor recognizes IncNow’s commitment to ethical business practices, accountability, transparency and overall mission.
The Best for the World list includes businesses in the top 5% of all B Corps worldwide in key impact areas evaluated on the B Impact Assessment. This is the second time IncNow has been awarded the honor since IncNow was certified by B Lab in 2019.
As Delaware’s first Certified B Corp, giving back to our community and employees is at the heart of everything we do at IncNow. The company amended its corporate charter in 2018 to declare its mission to the public. This was done to promote a vibrant and healthy workplace for our employees as well as support our surrounding community. The company dedicates up to five percent (5%) of annual gross profits to support specific public benefits. These include the environment, education, entrepreneurship and the arts in the greater Delaware Valley.
IncNow has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the preservation of the environment. The company is committed to pro bono clean water advocacy at the local, state and national level. IncNow President John Williams serves significant roles in the leadership of the Christiana Conservancy and the Delaware Natural Areas Advisory Council. This has enabled the company to promote extensive conservation projects and watershed cleanup initiatives. Conservation efforts have provided support in preserving Delaware’s natural beauty as well as protecting the health and safety of local communities.
Along with improving the environment, IncNow is also dedicated to promoting numerous charitable causes. John Williams is an active member of the Delaware rowing community and utilizes rowing to give back to the local community. IncNow is a proud supporter of Breaking Barriers Rowing and Fitness in Newark. Breaking Barriers is a nonprofit organization run by Dwayne Adams, Sr. A former member of the U.S. National Adaptive Rowing team, Mr. Adams is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the physical and mental benefits gained through rowing, no matter what circumstances they may face. Breaking Barriers offers specialized fitness training programs for people with physical disabilities, under-resourced kids and senior citizens.
IncNow also maintains a strong partnership with the University of Delaware Men’s Crew team (UDMC). The company often offers athletes and members of the coaching staff job opportunities. Flexible work arrangements enable team members to be heavily involved in the sport while still making a living. One of IncNow’s team members, Will Purman, is a member of Puerto Rico’s national rowing team. Will has had the opportunity to compete at several international races all while working for IncNow’s IT department.
Our charitable and environmental involvement does not wholly summarize IncNow’s recognition as a “Best for the World” recipient. Along with providing benefits for the surrounding community, sustainability requires caring for a business’ most pivotal stakeholders: its employees. Identifying and tending to the needs of employees is one of the most important aspects of a viable and long term sustainability strategy. Examples of IncNow supporting its team include company sponsored trips to destinations such as Portugal and Hawaii.
Good governance coupled with the sense a meaning advance IncNow’s public benefit purpose to provide team members with a fulfilling work experience. Whether it is learning about the “aloha” customer service model or European based examples from other cultures. Employees of IncNow believe they are making the world a better place one LLC at a time.
Nearly all successful companies operating today have adopted sustainability into their business practices; however, there are still very few with third party verification, especially from the highest standards of B Lab. The B Corp certification is not simply a “participation trophy”. The process of applying to be a Certified B Corp is long and complex. Applying for B Corp status does not necessarily result in more business. It is an inquisition into a company’s impact on workers, customers, community and environment. Companies pursue certification in order to demonstrate and legitimize their commitment to sustainability, not to increase profits. The seven month process entails an initial 216 question application, the production of corporate documents and a series of interviews. Companies must then recertify every three years and maintain a passing B Impact score.
The application and recertification processes are put in place to ensure that Certified B Corps maintain the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability. According to Juan Pablo Larenas, Executive Director of B Lab Global, “The B Corp Certification does not just evaluate a product or service; it assesses the overall positive impact of the company that stands behind it- like IncNow”. All Certified B Corporations are unified under one goal: transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet.
