IN THIS ISSUE

🗳️ Cast Your Vote: Direct Our $1,500 Investment (Deadline: Jan 31)
📢 Add Your Voice: AI Data Center Testimony (Needed by Jan 21)
📚 Member News: Rebecca Lubot's New Book
And much more!

NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

POLICY TEAM UPDATE

As we enter 2026, we recognize the weight of the many challenges currently unfolding—from recent decisions in Venezuela to ICE raids across the country. This chaotic start underscores how much is at stake for our democracy, and continued advocacy will be essential. We remain committed to making your voice heard.

Advancing AI for Good

Your impact is already reaching the Hill. Just two weeks into 2026, the House Committee on Small Business has approached us twice to share business stories about broad deregulation and AI data center impacts. Over 22 business leaders—County Council members, farmers, workers, and small business owners—are ready to add their testimonies by January 21st.

Will you add your voice? Share your testimony on AI data center impacts today, January 16th, for priority media consideration, and by January 21st for legislative testimony.

Use Your Business Voice.

This is a rare policy window where authentic business voices can shape legislation. To maximize this moment, we need resources to prepare testimonies, coordinate media outreach, and amplify impact.

Can you help? Even small contributions make a difference—and donations count toward your 1% for the Planet commitment!

Support Our Initiatives

We have a big year ahead, with potential government shutdowns and midterm elections that will reshape Congressional priorities. We look forward to navigating these changes together.

TAKE NOTE & TAKE ACTION

TAKE NOTE

Quote of the Month

Sustainability is a collective journey, and sometimes the most inspiring insights come straight from the voices leading the way. Each month, we’ll highlight a memorable moment from thought leaders who spoke at our 2025 Business, Policy & Purpose: The Business of Democracy conference — moments that we hope can inspire action! For January, we love this quote from Paul Rice, Founder of Fair Trade USA. Follow us on LinkedIn for more inspo!

TAKE ACTION

Immigration Update

Immigrant Farm Workers Warn of Economic and Food System Impacts from ICE Raids

In 2025, ASBN helped facilitate conversations with Newsweek reporters, resulting in coverage of the economic and human impacts of heightened immigration enforcement on New York’s agricultural sector. The article highlighted how ICE detentions and raids were creating fear, labor shortages, and operational challenges across a multi-billion-dollar industry, threatening livelihoods and food supply chains.

This story serves as one example of how our Tell Your Story campaign has elevated the voices of business leaders and workers alike.

How are immigration, ICE and deportations affecting your business? If you have updates or new experiences to share, you can submit your story here.

TELL YOUR STORY

Cast Your Vote by January 31st!

We received a $1,500 donation with one special condition: our community gets to decide where it goes. This is your chance to directly shape our impact in 2026. We want to invest this gift in the area that matters most to YOU and our members.

Pick your top priority and cast your vote by midnight, January 31st!

CAST YOUR VOTE.

NEWS, STORIES & OPPORTUNITIES

ASBN & MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Clean Water is Good for Business

In December, ASBN called for the Senate to reject the legislation and urged the EPA to strengthen – not weaken – protections in its proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Read the blog and our two media releases here and here.

John Imes, Co-Founder and ED of ASBN Member WEI, on Why COP 30 Matters

Why COP30 matters for Dane County’s business community In Business Madison | January 5, 2026 | John Imes - the co-founder & executive director, Wisconsin Environmental Initiative (WEI) and an ASBN Climate & Energy Working Group member - explains how outcomes from COP30 signal growing market opportunities for Wisconsin businesses, reinforcing ASBN’s focus on practical climate solutions that boost competitiveness, jobs, and local economic resilience.

Frank Knapp, ASBN Board Member, on AI for Good

MEMBER UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES

Rebecca Lubot Keeping a Finger Book Launch

Member Spotlight: NJSBN's Rebecca C. Lubot's Book Launch

Rebecca C. Lubot, Executive Director of Member and State Affiliate New Jersey Sustainable Business Network (NJSBN), has published a book, Keeping a Finger on the Button: Presidential Continuity and the Nuclear Age.

Climate Positive Consulting

Founder David Jaber at ASBN member Climate Positive Consulting is now one of the first 100 people in the world to be a Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Certified Expert. For more information, connect with David on LinkedIn and visit the SBTi site.

Pure Strategies

ASBN member Pure Strategies is now accepting applications for its 2026 Future Leaders in Corporate Sustainability Mentoring Program, a four-month mentorship designed to support students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals pursuing careers in corporate sustainability.

MEMBERS OF THE MONTH

We’re excited to highlight our recent ASBN members of the month!

The GREEN Program (TGP)

TGP is an award-winning experiential education and professional development organization focused on our world’s most pressing issues in sustainable development.

Trillium Asset Management

Trillium Asset Management is an impact-focused, sustainable investing firm dedicated to advancing a global sustainable economy through investment strategies, shareholder advocacy and community leadership.

Big Glasses Consulting

Big Glasses Consulting is a firm dedicated to helping mission-driven businesses transform their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives into tangible business value.

Terrapass

Terrapass is one of the longest-serving carbon credit providers. Founded in 2004, it is a mission-based organization dedicated to reducing global carbon emissions.

Do you have member news to share? Reach out to [email protected] with your latest news for consideration.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

LIFT Economy’s Next Economy MBA

Our partners at LIFT Economy are accepting applications for the Next Economy MBA, a nine-month program for leaders building a more just and regenerative economy. The next cohort starts on March 20. Join a free intro session to learn more, and ASBN members receive 10% off tuition!

Learn More

The best way to show your sustained commitment to business as a force for good? Become an ASBN member to access trainings, real-time policy updates, and the opportunity to connect with other sustainable business leaders. If you believe business should lead the way toward a just, regenerative economy, now’s the time to join us.

Become a Member

Stay Connected & Make an Impact! Follow ASBN on social media for the latest updates and opportunities for sustainable business to drive a just and regenerative economy. Engage with our posts, share your voice, and help amplify the movement. Now more than ever, collective action matters—join us today!

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