Press Release: 

(Grand Rapids, MI) – B can stand for many different things. Beer. Bikes. Burgers. At Brewery Vivant, it now also stands for Certified B Corporation, where B stands for Benefit. B Corporations are a new type of company structure that use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. This certification is like Vivant’s building’s LEED Certification, but instead of focusing on one aspect of our business (the renovation and construction of the brewery and pub in the former turn-of-the-century Metcalf funeral home site), it focuses on the entire operation. How Brewery Vivant treats its employees, the way it engages with the community, the steps it takes towards environmental stewardship, all factor into the certification process.

The lengthy, detailed certification process is open to any business. Brewery Vivant sought it out to protect their core mission of sustainability and to strive for continuous improvement in their commitment to the triple bottom line (people, profit, planet). “We also wanted to step it up a notch,” says Kris Spaulding, Co-Founder and Director of Sustainability at the Brewery, “The craft beer industry is known for its independent thinkers, outside-the-box doers, and envelope-pushing community engagers; B-Corp marries a lot of what we’re already thinking and doing into a legal framework.”

Each year Brewery Vivant releases its “Beer the change…” report which includes a look back on the previous year’s goals and benchmarks. It is a guiding roadmap for where the company has been and is going. B-Corp adds another layer to that accountability. “It gives us more to think about as a company and inspires us to reach and stretch,” adds Spaulding. From offering employees affordable healthcare, retirement planning, and profit sharing, to volunteering in the community, working towards operating at zero waste, and donating 10% of profits to charitable causes, Brewery Vivant hopes to serve as a beacon not only in the beer industry, but also elevating the business community as a whole.

“For years, we at Local First have believed that business has the power to positively transform the community. Brewery Vivant exemplifies that,” says Elissa Hillary, Executive Director of Local First, “We appreciate their leadership and are excited to partner with them, and B Corp, to amplify this conversation in West Michigan.” There are currently just over 1000 Certified B Corporations from many industries across the globe. Other companies of interest include New Belgium Brewing (the only other certified brewery), Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s and in West Michigan: Better Way Imports, Cascade Engineering and Gazelle Sports.

For interviews Kris Spaulding can address:
• Why Brewery Vivant pursued B-Corporation certification;
• Standout Benefits Brewery Vivant provides;
• What B-Corp means for the future of Brewery Vivant;
• Sustainability in the brewing industry

Join us at the pub on Thursday, July 24 at 4pm to toast our Certified B Corporation status! In addition, you’ll have an opportunity to hear from all four West Michigan B Corporations and Local First will be on hand to tell more about the assessment process and share ways you can get engaged!

About Brewery Vivant
The brewery is located in the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids, in a renovated funeral chapel built in the early 1900’s. Their staff of around 45 employees specialize in Belgian/French inspired beers and fare in a completely unique setting. Husband and wife partners Jason and Kris Spaulding opened the doors for business in December of 2010. They are the first commercial brewery in the nation to receive Silver LEED Certification from the USGBC.