Press Release
10% Solution grants certification to three Orange County-based companies for their corporate giving programs
10% Solution recognizes LaFlam Sullivan LLP, The Road Less Traveled and Simple Peace Bags
DANA POINT, Calif., May 6, 2008 - With the mission of enacting positive global change through certified giving programs, 10% Solution recognized three Southern California-based businesses during the first quarter of 2008. Like the Good Housekeeping seal of approval or other international organizations for standardization, the 10% Certified designation ensures that qualifying companies meet rigid standards for corporate giving programs in three key areas: volunteering, philanthropy and a commitment to green sustainability.
"These businesses are not only doing what is right for the world, they are enacting socially responsible business practices and responding to consumer demand," said Jamie Welsh, founder and president, 10% Solution. "Research shows that when consumers are given a choice between two similar products or services, they consistently choose the one that demonstrates social return on investment (SROI) strategy. Businesses today no longer have to choose between the bottom line and doing good. Today, a fully integrated social and environmental responsibility platform is good for business! 10% Solution has created a way for consumers to recognize and support businesses that engage in certified corporate giving programs and a framework for organizations to follow."
This year so far, 10% Solution has confirmed that the following businesses have met the requirements to become 10% Certified:
Newport Beach, Calif.-based LaFlam Sullivan LLP is a business law firm providing business litigation and business planning. Its proprietary methodology proactively supports and complements the entire business model, addressing everything from structure to succession planning and giving clients tools to incorporate it all from a planning perspective.
The Road Less Traveled is an environmental and human conscious store in Santa Ana, Calif., dedicated to bringing healthy alternatives to every part of living.
Corona Del Mar, Calif.-based Simple Peace Bags creates and distributes reusable bags that are beautiful, certified organic, simple and sustainable.
To earn certification, all businesses agree to adhere to a 10 percent formula for giving. Certified companies donate 1 percent of sales or 5 percent of pre-tax profits, whichever is applicable for their company and industry, to meet the financial requirement. To meet the time requirement, companies organize, track and manage employee volunteer programs with an overall volunteer rate of 2.5 percent to meet the time requirement. Companies participate in a formal green business practice, as outlined in industry-recognized certification programs, to meet the 2.5 percent sustainability requirement.
"Through the certification process, 10% Solution can rule out companies that are 'green-washing' or "giving-washing" their products or services or philanthropy," said Welsh. "These terms define the deceptive tactics some companies use to appear more environmentally or socially conscious. To help companies evaluate whether they qualify for certification, 10% Solution created a simple online quiz."
10% Solution also recognizes that many companies do not qualify today but want to integrate the 10% formula into their day-to-day business practices. 10% Solution has pre-certification consulting services to assist organizations on their path to a social responsibility platform. The goal of the company is to create a "business world" where every company wants to be, is on the path to becoming, or is a 10% Solution certified company.
About 10% Solution
Founded in 2007, 10% Solution helps companies and individuals enact positive global change through certified giving programs. Its 10% Certified designation is the only business accreditation program certifying the key social tithing initiatives: volunteering, philanthropy and sustainability as a single certification. The 10% Solution online community provides helpful information for individuals on how they can live a more 10% life. Their individual portal provides recommendations on useful articles, sites, practical solutions and has original content designed to help everyone incorporate daily giving practices. Their goal is to be the center for individuals, groups and neighborhoods to connect through giving networks. The company also offers outreach and corporate enhancement programs that educate individuals, groups, businesses and corporations about the power of sustainable business practices. In addition, its K-6 education programs connect schools with local service-oriented groups and organizations. Learn more at www.10percentsolution.com or call + 1 949-218-6722.
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Media Contact:
Cara Good or Jennifer Walker
WunderMarx|PR for 10% Solution
714-861-1112
cara.good@wundermarx.com
jennifer.walker@wundermarx.com
