By WKTV Staff
Valley City Electronic Recycling, a Kentwood-based Certified Benefit Corporation – or B Corp – has been named a Best For The World 2019 honoree by B Lab for its significant positive impact in communities, sustainability and environment excellence throughout the state, President Jason Kehr announced on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The electronic recycling company, which provides services throughout Michigan, is ranked among the top 10 percent of all B Corp companies, joining world-renowned businesses, such as Patagonia, Beautycounter, Dr. Bronner’s, TOMS and Seventh Generation.
B Lab, a global third-party nonprofit that honors for-profit businesses with the B Corp designated seal, recognized Valley City Electronic Recycling as a Best ForThe World 2019 company in the Community and Environment categories for its exemplary supplier relations, community involvement throughout Michigan, environmental performance and sustainable business practices.
“We are thrilled to be named a Best ForThe World company by B Lab,” Kehr said. “We pride ourselves on offering a sustainable service that not only is beneficial for our clients, but also makes a positive impact in our community and in the environment. Being ranked with companies, like Patagonia, is a testament to the dedicated business model we believe in wholeheartedly and practice every day.”
Headquartered in Kentwood, Valley City Electronic Recycling received its B Corp designation in June 2018 based on its business practices and level of care for the community and environment. Using the B Impact Assessment, B Lab evaluates how a company’s operations and business model impact its workers, community, environment, and customers. There are 3,000 Certified B Corps throughout 150 industries within 64 countries. Valley City Electronic Recycling is one of 23 B Corps in Michigan.
“We’re incredibly proud of this year’s Best ForThe World honorees,” said Anthea Kelsick, chief marketing officer of B Lab. “These inspiring companies represent the kinds of business models and impact-driven business strategies that are building a new economy—one that is inclusive, regenerative, and delivers value to all stakeholders, not just shareholders. To that end, B Corps like Valley City Electronic Recycling are redefining capitalism and showing that it actually can work for everyone.”
B Lab’s Best ForThe World 2019 honorees will be recognized during the Certified B Corporation’s Champions Retreat in Los Angeles, Calif., in mid-September.
