CSR, which stands for Corporate Social Responsibility, is such a huge aspect of business these days. I read an article about Brad Mills, the chief executive officer of a local office-supply firm, who is conscientious of our environment and community. As part of a plan to reduce carbon output, he has purchased a $130 000 emission-free eStar delivery vehicle. Furthermore, in order to help out the community, he works with a non-profit organization that hires and trains hard-to-employ locals, mainly with the Downtown Eastside. But aside from being a good corporate citizen, Mr. Mills is doing so much more for his business! CSR is a brilliant business tactic for small and medium firms that need to complete with bigger companies. Mr. Mills’s firm was able to land big customers such as the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympics! Not only are customers demanding an outline of company’s social/environmental activities before they go with the firm, CSR attracts eco conscious employers and businesses that are careful with their supply chain. I especially like the quote from John Stanton, who is the founder of the Running Room, another eco and socially conscious firm:
“If you look after the customer, they’ll look after you. Great companies are those that look at what they’re doing for themselves, their customers and their community – they create a triple win.”
Check out the article here