As we mark the first anniversary of City Apparel+Merch becoming a B-Certified Corporation, we reflect on a year filled with purpose, progress, and profound impact. This milestone is not just a testament to our commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices but also a celebration of the collective efforts of our team, partners, and community.
What It Means to Be B-Certified
Being B-Certified means that City Apparel+Merch meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. It signifies our dedication to balancing profit with purpose, ensuring that our business decisions benefit not just shareholders but also employees, customers, and the planet.
Our Mission and Vision
At City Apparel+Merch, we believe in using business as a force for good. Our mission is to empower our employees, uplift our customers, and enrich our community through mindful business practices. We are committed to ethical sourcing, sustainable production, and creating products that our customers can feel good about.
Highlights from Our 2024 Impact Report
Our 2024 Impact Report showcases the strides we have made in our journey towards sustainability and social responsibility. Here are some of the key accomplishments:
- Volunteerism and Community Engagement: Our team dedicated over 420 hours of paid volunteer time, supporting various community initiatives and causes.
- Financial Contributions: We donated a total of $97,396 to various charitable organizations, reinforcing our commitment to giving back.
- Sustainability Efforts: We saved 6,382 bottles with our water bottle filter, recycled 2,000 pounds of textiles, repurposed 11,024 pounds of cardboard, and recycled 15,600 plastic bags.
- Ethical Supply Chain: We maintained a 76% compliance rate in our ethical and sustainable supply chain practices.
Partnerships That Make a Difference
Our partnerships extend beyond profit margins, focusing on creating meaningful impact:
- Braden Kramer Foundation: Supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families, inspired by Braden’s resilience.
- United Way: Partnering for education, healthcare, and financial stability in Hancock County.
- Honor Flight Network: Honoring veterans with recognition for their service.
- Black Swamp Classic: Funding local YMCA’s youth programs and supporting families fighting pediatric cancer.
Awards and Recognitions
In 2024, we were honored with several awards that recognize our efforts and achievements:
- SBA Athena Award
- PPAI Growth Leader
- PPAI Innovation Leaders
- PPAI Responsibility Leader
- PPAI Greatest Companies to Work For
Lessons Learned from Our First Year as a B-Certified Corporation
Our first year as a B-Certified Corporation has been a journey of learning and growth. Here are some of the key lessons we’ve learned:
- Time Commitment: Achieving and maintaining B-Certification requires a significant time commitment. From initial assessments to ongoing compliance, our team has dedicated substantial time and effort to ensure we meet the rigorous standards.
- Engaging Our Team: We have implemented various tools and practices to engage our team in our B-Certification journey. This includes practicing weekly habits that align with our values, highlighting an employee each week as a “Habit Champion,” and celebrating their contributions.
- Do Good Day: Every Thursday during the summer, we celebrate “Do Good Day” by hosting a local food truck that is open to the public. A portion of the proceeds from these events goes to the United Way’s Halt Hunger Initiative, reinforcing our commitment to community support and engagement.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this significant milestone, we remain committed to our mission of making a positive impact. We will continue to innovate, inspire, and lead by example, ensuring that our business practices reflect our core values of sustainability, transparency, and social responsibility.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we can create a better, more sustainable future.