Breakout Sessions (Saturday)

Chocolate, Social Responsibility,
and Fair Trade

Speaker

Chocolate is a universally loved product that has been around for centuries. Although some of the well-known chocolate companies were pioneers of “social responsibility” in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many are now lagging in that arena. However, there is a new breed of chocolate companies that are making their chocolate within a socially responsible and fairly traded business model.

The chocolate (and other products) we as consumers choose to buy, and the companies we buy from, can make a difference in shaping the world we live in. This session will examine a company that firmly believes that creating economic and social value are not mutually exclusive, and that a business is most successful when it is achieving both, and offering consumers the opportunity to participate in their mission.

Showcasing Products From Developing Countries

How Large Retailers Impact Global Poverty

Speaker

Large retailers sell many bulk products — such as clothing and shoes — that originate in developing-country factories. In contrast, a few small, “fair trade” stores sell specialty goods made by artisans from the same parts of the world. Can large retailers profitably emulate the principles, practices, and impact of these specialty stores — but at a much larger scale?

This session will focus on the stories of two Seattle-based companies and the unique partnerships they are involved in to address poverty in an economically sustainable manner through showcasing specialty goods from the developing world.

Faith, Business, and Human Flourishing

Panelists

Jacinta Tegman, director of fund development, Crista Ministries

This session is geared toward entrepreneurs and executives who seek guidance on how faith —focused on the Christian tradition, but open to all who are interested — influences the conduct of business, especially as it affects poor and vulnerable people.

For example, job creation adds social value, but it may just be a place to start. Employees, their families, and their communities flourish when business leaders become servant-leaders who recognize employees as "whole persons" and create organizational cultures that serve and empower them.

In this session we will also explore infrequently addressed topics, such as the role of profit, how it's ultimately used, and how to create metrics for multiple bottom lines.

Business Legal Structures and
Your Values

An Overview of the Advantages and Restrictions of For-profit, Nonprofit, B-Corps, L3Cs, and Hybrid Entities

Panelists

A panel with the co-founder of Pura Vida Coffee, a pioneering social enterprise recently profiled in The New York Times and Harvard Business Review, this session includes a review of legal structures for social ventures (Benefit Corporations, L3Cs & Hybrids) with two plain-speaking attorneys and one experienced social entrepreneur. Anyone interested in learning how to maintain mission along with profitability should consider attending this session.

A View From Europe: Big Business for the Bottom Billions

Speaker

As a Brit leading a unique project at the University of Cambridge, Peter Heslam will take session participants on an inspirational "tour" of some of the big global brands that are significant to the themes of the conference.

This session will highlight the rich traditions and commitments behind multinationals such as Cadbury, Marks and Spencer, Barclays, Boots, Guinness and Unilever. Their founding visions have gathered dust in the marketplace of ideas. Are they poised for rediscovery in humanity's quest for a better future? Come find out.