Cascade Engineering announced today that it has been certified as a B Corporation by B Lab, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organization dedicated to using the power of business to help solve social and environmental problems. Cascade Engineering is the first and currently the only company in Michigan - and at this time the largest company worldwide - to receive this certification. Worldwide, there are more than 380 Certified B Corporations from more than 50 industries, representing over $1.8 billion in collective revenues.

To gain B Corporation status - a reference to the "b" in "benefit" - companies must participate in a rigorous assessment process, and ensure adherence to comprehensive and transparent social and environmental standards. Evoking well-known corporate structures such as S and C Corporations, the B Corporation designation is intended to help build a diverse community of large and small businesses sharing one common goal - changing the world for the better through business. Unlike traditional corporations, Certified B Corporations are required to consider the potential impact of their decisions on their stakeholders - including employees, suppliers and consumers - as well as the broader community and the environment. As a result, consumers and investors should be better able to distinguish "good companies" from "good marketing," and support organizations that are genuinely committed to greater economic and social opportunity, and achieving positive environmental outcomes.

"We are pleased to join the growing number of businesses who are finding collective strength and voice through the power and credibility of the 'B Corp.' brand," said Cascade Chairman and founder Fred Keller. "While some may view B Corporations as a new kind of company, at Cascade it's who we've been all along - passionate advocates for the positive impact business can make economically, socially and environmentally."

Some of the ways corporations can benefit from this certification are benchmarking and learning from peers of other mission-aligned companies, increasing awareness of areas where sustainability focus can be improved, enhancing brand equity/corporate image, and saving through discounts from other Certified B Corporations and service partners.

"Cascade Engineering is looking forward to interacting with and learning about other Certified B Corporations and their best practices. This will help us enhance our systems, processes and practices and hopefully give us the opportunity to share ideas and learn from other Certified B Corporations" said Kenyatta Brame, Chief Administrative Officer and Group Vice President - Services.

B Lab's founders are also pursuing legal recognition for B Corporations at the U.S. state level, with a long-term goal of creating a sector that reaches 5-7% of U.S. GDP. In April 2010, Maryland became the first state to adopt legislation making B Corporations official, and recently registered the first B Corporations in the United States.

About Cascade Engineering
Cascade Engineering is a manufacturer and marketer of multiple products and services supporting a variety of industries including renewable energy, automotive, commercial truck & bus, solid waste & recycling, material compounding, furniture, RFID, and material handling. The Cascade Engineering Family Of Companies is a global company with more than 1000 employees and 14 businesses. The company's world-class engineering, technology and manufacturing allows it to provide leading-edge solutions, while maintaining a strong commitment to lean manufacturing and environmental stewardship. Cascade's business model is rooted in diversification and innovation and a commitment to creating sustainable products and services that contribute to the triple bottom line. For more information, visit the company's website at www.cascadeng.com.

Cascade Engineering

Cascade Engineering

Cascade Engineering is a manufacturer and marketer of multiple products and services supporting a variety of industries including renewable energy, automotive, commercial truck & bus, solid waste & recycling, material compounding, furniture, RFID, and material handling. The Cascade Engineering Family Of Companies is a global company with more than 1,200 employees and 14 business units.

Cascade's world-class engineering, technology and manufacturing allows it to provide leading-edge solutions, while maintaining a strong commitment to lean manufacturing and environmental stewardship. Cascade's business model is rooted in diversification and innovation and a commitment to creating sustainable products and services that contribute to the triple bottom line.

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