In April of 2010 Maryland became the first state to pass Benefit Corporation legislation. Michigan legislators will soon have the opportunity for follow suite.

Benefit Corporations are a type of corporation that is legally required to positively influence society. These corporations have a responsibility to consider employees and share holders equally in making decisions. They could also be asked to support environmentally friendly practices as well as public projects in the arts or scientific research.

Benefit corporation legislation encourages ethical and responsible business practices by making it profitable to benefit society. By passing this legislation Michigan would be helping promote a new style of corporation built around sound and transparent business practices that reach out to their community.

Help business and society in Michigan. Tell legislators to support bills instituting Benefit Corporations.

Benefit corporation legislation has already been passed in Maryland, Hawaii, Vermont, New Jersey, and Virginia and attracted 428 businesses and counting in signing up to become a B-Corp. It is time to join these states in bringing benefit corporations to Michigan.

Benefit corporations would help make business more honest and beneficial to society. By requiring transparency, responsibility in considering employees and share holders equally, and promoting societal support of a range of causes these corporations positively impact their communities and contribute to improving the environment.

Please support better business practices and give corporations the tools to make a difference by passing benefit corporation legislation in your state.