David Bronner: Fighting soap maker

Posted on April 28, 2016 by David

David Bronner is Cosmic Engagement Officer (CEO) of Dr. Bronner’s, the top-selling brand of natural soaps in North America and producer of other organic body care and food products. The iconic soap brand is noted for its famous label that espouses a philosophy of world peace it calls ALL ONE.

David Bronner is a grandson of company founder, Emanuel Bronner, and a fifth-generation soap maker. Under David and his brother Michael’s leadership, the brand has grown from $4 million in 1998 to just under $100 million in annual revenue in 2015.

David has been a high profile activist on hemp legalization, organics, drug policy reform, GMO labeling, and livable wage. Dr. Bronner’s soap currently features a label advocating “Fair Pay for All People.” Bronner has been arrested in front of the White House for protesting about restrictive hemp laws.

David Bronner talks about his grandfather’s legacy, his company, and his activism. (April 27, 2016 broadcast)

David Bronner, CEO, Dr. Bronner’s

Tom Stearns: From teen seed merchant to Small Business Person of the Year

Posted on March 23, 2016 by David

Tom Stearns launched High Mowing Organic Seeds in 1996, and in its first year sales were $2,000 and he was the sole employee. Twenty years later his company has grown to be one of the top organic seed companies in the U.S., and today has more than 60 employees.

Stearns was named Vermont’s 2016 Small Business Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration. He was recognized for growing his company, increasing sales, employee growth and contributing to the local community.

High Mowing Organic Seeds is a farm-based company that produces and distributes vegetable, flower and herb seeds throughout the U.S. and Canada. High Mowing Organic Seeds is the first organic company guaranteeing all of its seeds are non-genetically modified organism verified.

Stearns talks about his journey from being a teenager fascinated with seeds to being part of a burgeoning national local and organic food movement. (March 23, 2016 broadcast)

Tom Stearns, owner and founder, High Mowing Organic Seeds

Women and Sustainable Business: Allison Hooper and Sara Newmark

Posted on November 20, 2014 by David

We talk with two Vermont women who are leaders in sustainable businesses about the challenges faced by women in business and the unique voice that they bring: They join us from the VBSR Fall Conference at Mt. Snow:

Allison Hooper, co-founder, Vermont Creamery

Sara Newmark, Director of Sustainability, New Chapter, the Brattleboro-based national brand of organic vitamins and herbal supplements

Domestic spying in Vermont; Landmark GMO labeling law, 4-23-2014

Posted on April 23, 2014 by David

Vermont attorney David Kelley discusses domestic surveillance vs. the bill of rights. In the second half of the show, Vermont Senator David Zuckerman discusses the passage of Vt’s historic GMO labeling bill today and what it means for the state and the nation.

Under the golden dome: Perspectives on Gov. Shumlin’s initiatives, 1-14-2014

Gallery

Posted on January 15, 2014 by David

Mark Johnson of WDEV previews Gov. Peter Shumlin’s 2014 budget address. Advocates discuss their legislative priorities: Avram Patt, energy consultant and former general manager of Washington Electric Co-op, talks about net metering; Chris Miller, activism manager of Ben & Jerry’s speaks about GMO labeling; and … Continue reading →

Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry’s; Labeling GMO’s, 4/17/2013

Posted on April 17, 2013 by David

Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, discusses what makes a business socially responsible, his Stamp Stampede campaign to get money out of politics, the boycott campaign against Ben & Jerry’s over ice cream sales in Israel and the Occupied Territories, his thoughts on Occupy Wall Street, and humor in organizing. We also talk with Falko Schilling of VPIRG about the campaign to require labeling of genetically engineered food.

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Tag Archives: GMO labeling