(Bainbridge Island, WA) In its first case competition ever, Bainbridge Graduate Institute (BGI) beat-out more than a dozen highly ranked business schools, among them, Yale, Berkeley, Duke and Stanford. The MBA newcomer gained respect by finishing 4th in the annual Leeds/Net Impact International Case Competition hosted at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

BGI also outperformed local competitor, The University of Washington.

"It's the classic David versus Goliath story," says BGI President, Gifford Pinchot. "Our secret weapon is taking the environmental and social impact of business decisions seriously. Integrating these issues into business decisions leads to greater profitability through avoided costs, innovation, risk reduction and employee enthusiasm. It's also the right thing to do, and gives students practice in handling ethical dilemmas. Of course, we've known all along that our students can go toe-to-toe with the best of them on issues regarding sustainability. It is nice to know that after only four years our students can also compete in traditional areas like marketing and financial analysis with the very best of them."

Student team member, Greg Camenzind comments, "Not only is BGI a pioneer, but we are also the 'real deal' in terms of being able to take on 'real world' problems."

The competition focused on balancing profitability and sustainability. Four-student teams were challenged to identify a successful growth strategy for U.S. carpet manufacturer Tandus that will allow it to remain a leader in sustainability and achieve its financial goals over the next five years. Company representative Dobbins Callahan was one of the final round judges.

"We are the source of a tidal wave of knowledge that is flooding the greater business community," says student team member, Jean-Michel Toriel. "We'll be competitive because we understand the changes it is going through. We're at the very forefront of that positive change. Bring it on! Or as we say up here in Canada, 'Giv'er!'"

Student team member, Rebecca Bear, is already optimistic about next year. "It shows we are a player. And since it was our first time competing and we placed so well I think the next time we could actually win because now we know what to expect and how to play the game."

Pinchot notes, "The world's getting a taste of what our students can do. Now, just imagine what our graduates can do. For corporations looking for MBAs with ethics fully integrated into their way of doing business, BGI is the best place to look."

About the Student Team (Note: interviews possible)

Greg Camenzind, Cohort 4, Seattle, WA
Rebecca Bear, Cohort 4, Fall City, WA
Jonah Smith, Cohort 3, Chicago, IL
Jean-Michel Toriel, Cohort 4, Vancouver, BC

Results of this Year's Competition on Feb. 24-25

1st University of North Carolina
2nd College of William and Mary
3rd York University
4th Bainbridge Graduate Institute
5th University of California at Los Angeles

About Bainbridge Graduate Institute

BGI was born four years ago when Co-founder and President, Gifford Pinchot, a renowned business consultant, realized that the nation's graduate business schools were churning out one-dimensional MBA graduates with solid short-term profit-maximization skills, but lacking a deep understanding of how to integrate social and environmental issues into business decisions.

The Institute's pioneering MBA and certificate programs prepare a diverse group of leaders to build enterprises that are economically successful, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable. The innovative curriculum preserves the rigor of a traditional MBA program, while infusing sustainability--including both environmental and social responsibility--throughout every course.

Enrollments in BGI's programs have increased over 50% in each of the last three years reaching its current total of 96. Classes are held at Islandwood on Bainbridge Island, Washington just outside of Seattle. It's programs currently attract students from across the country and Canada.

About Net Impact

Originally founded as "Students for Responsible Business," Net Impact is a network of 10,000 emerging business leaders committed to using the power of business to create a better world, Net Impact has developed from a great idea shared by a few business students into a mission-driven network of new leaders for better business.

About The Center for Business and Society

The Center for Business and Society at the Leeds School hosted the competition and supports and encourages intellectual inquiry into the role of business in society, including business ethics and leadership, as well as the impact of business on the environment.

Bainbridge Graduate Institute

Bainbridge Graduate Institute

BGI was born when co-Founder and President, Gifford Pinchot, a renowned business consultant, realized the nation's graduate business schools were churning out one-dimensional MBA graduates with solid short-term profit-maximization skills, but lacking a deep understanding of how to integrate social and environmental issues into business decisions.

The Institute's pioneering MBA and certificate programs prepare a diverse group of leaders to build enterprises that are economically successful, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable. The innovative curriculum preserves the rigor of a traditional MBA program, while infusing sustainability - including both environmental and social responsibility - throughout every course.

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