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Barb Brown & Margie Flynn
BrownFlynn

The Nominator: Rachel Downey, Studio Graphique, Inc.

How has the nominee implemented sustainable business practices in his or her business or organization?
BrownFlynn implements sustainable business practices in two ways; through their service offering and in their operations. They are committed to “walking the talk” and are constantly looking for ways to make their operations as sustainable as possible. Examples of BrownFlynn’s sustainable operations practices include: > Signing on in 2007 as one of first signatories in the Midwest to the United Nations Global Compact (Note: This requires them to report on their sustainability efforts/progress within two (2) years of becoming a signatory. Therefore, BrownFlynn will be producing its first sustainability report in 2009.) Applying for/becoming a Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) stakeholder in 2007. In October 2008, BrownFlynn was selected by the GRI through an exhaustive application process to be the exclusive U.S.-based certified training partner of the GRI. This designation will be a great differentiator of BrownFlynn and will clearly position them as a leader in the sustainability reporting space. Joining the United States Business Council for Sustainable Development and the United State Green Building Council. Investing in two employees to become LEED Accredited Professionals (Note: One is now accredited and the other is taking the exam in December). Recently completed waste audit to identify waste management opportunities. Paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum and glass recycling (they recycle roughly 80%, by volume, of their waste stream). In the process of preparing their office building’s property for certification through National Wildlife Federation’s Backyard Habitat Program. Reduce carbon emissions associated with their natural gas use by purchasing a blend of renewable gas and carbon emissions offsets through their energy provider. Always looking for sustainable vendors (such as London Cleaners) and attempting to make their procurement more sustainable. They use recycled paper, work with only FSC-certified printers for their Firm’s collateral materials, purchase sustainable corporate gifts, etc. From a social perspective, all employees are required to donate time, treasure and/or talents to community organizations or causes; serve on boards or committees, etc. BrownFlynn currently donates time and in-kind services to more than 30 non-profit organizations. In general, they foster a company culture that values sustainability, and work individually to be more aware and conscientious in their daily behaviors; part of this means constantly being aware of resource use, recycling, energy saving, printing double-sided or not printing at all, etc. Sustainable service offerings. Sustainability strategies and impact planning. Social responsibility programs – strategic philanthropy, cause marketing, employee volunteer programs, corporate-public partnerships. Corporate responsibility and sustainability reporting for transparency. Stakeholder engagement. Brand enhancement. Number of pro-bono services offered to non-profits; such as developing marketing/launch materials for the new Cleveland Carbon Fund.

What are the triple bottom line benefits (people, planet, prosperity) of the nominee`s work?
By carving out a niche in helping other companies, including Fortune 500 businesses, become more sustainable, BrownFlynn multiplies their client’s impact, enhances their brand and benefits BrownFlynn’s bottom line. Economically, BrownFlynn contributes to the success of their clients, and through strategic use of environmental and social programming and reporting, they, in turn, benefit their local economies. From a social responsibility standpoint, they help companies understand how to be strategic in their community engagement/outreach/benefit – which enhances their brand but also makes maximum impact with the resources they invest. BrownFlynn’s real impact is to begin a ripple effect that carries the triple bottom line far beyond their 10-employee radius. BrownFlynn’s focus on the triple bottom line also has benefited the Firm’s employee attraction and retention efforts. Through their sustainability efforts and niche focus, they also have been able to establish a number of valuable alliances with companies, including Visible Strategies, URS Corporation, Angel Points, etc., which round out their service offerings and expand their opportunities for growth

How has the nominee inspired you to implement sustainable business practices?
BrownFlynn and Studio Graphique work in partnership to encourage and inspire each other to implement sustainable practices in our offices and with our clients. We share tips, knowledge and resources surrounding sustainability, and are inspired by BrownFlynn’s ability to do good and do well. Northeast Ohio is lucky to have them.

How can someone else translate the success of the nominee? Is the work of the nominee an example or model that others can follow?
BrownFlynn has been able to transfer their enthusiasm and focus on sustainability to organizations big and small, making them aware of the positive impact they can make locally, globally and on their own bottom line by becoming more responsible. This is proof positive that by focusing on sustainability themselves, they are able to influence others.

How does the nominee actively participate in the sustainability community? How do they collaborate and share their knowledge with others?
BrownFlynn is currently involved in numerous sustainability organizations and initiatives in Northeast Ohio, including: Entrepreneurs for Sustainability, Member - Corporate Sustainability Network, Member and Steering Committee - GreenCityBlueLake Institute, Advisory Board Member - Cleveland Carbon Fund, Advisory Board Member - Great Lakes Energy Development Task Force, Member and External Relations Committee - Net Impact, Member - Burning River Fest Foundation Board, Member - ParkWorks Board, Member The Firm collaborates with and shares its knowledge with all of the organizations noted above through speaking engagements and other meetings/programs in which it participates. In addition, BrownFlynn strives to share its knowledge on a local, regional and national level through published articles and speaking engagements with organizations such as The Conference Board, Net Impact, National Investor Relations Institute, Women Entrepreneur’s Inc., Greenleaf Publishing, The Ohio State University, Baldwin-Wallace College, Case Western Reserve University, John Carroll University and many others.