A Good Company Seal

While there appears to be an upsurge in the number of social and environmental sustainability guides rating "good companies", Iconoclasts Inc in the US has launched the Good Company Seal that it says uniquely recognizes companies that are at the forefront of the social responsibility movement.

It says the program is unique in that it is not singular in focus, but rather examines company conduct as it relates to a list of Core Principles where:
– Business operations reflect a commitment to the environment
– Employees are treated as valued partners in the business
– Consumers are sold goods/services that are additive to their well-being
– Vendors/Suppliers are treated as valued business partners
– The business contributes to the well-being of the community at large

Jeffrey McKinney, President of Iconoclasts Inc says nearly two-thirds of consumers say that socially responsible business practices do influence their purchase decisions, but unfortunately there is general confusion about which companies are legitimately good.

McKinney says while there are multiple sources of information regarding business practices, they are usually single focused in nature and of limited benefit to consumers.

He says the Good Company Seal is a trademarked name and logo available to forward-thinking companies that demonstrate a commitment to being a socially responsible company. 

Good Company Seal recipients are able to display the Seal (showing a ‘thumbs-up’ caricature) on all product packaging, signage, consumer and trade advertising, and public relations communications.

McKinney says that for a company to qualify as a Good Company Seal recipient they must complete a rigorous application process. 

The application, with a fee of $US995, requires US-based companies to demonstrate how their commitment to being a socially responsible business manifests itself as it pertains its employees, the environment, its consumers, the community and its suppliers. 

He says all applications are reviewed by an Integrity Committee, comprised of a cross-section of consumers, researchers and business professionals who agree to a strict code of ethics, 4 times a year and those companies awarded the Good Company Seal are offered a 3 year license agreement as long as they are maintaining those standards.

Web link: www.goodcompanyseal.com