Cotopaxi Successful In Becoming B Corp

Benefit Corporation and Outdoors Gear Brand expands to include B Corp Status

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Feb 09, 2016, 08:07 ET

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cotopaxi, the Salt Lake City based outdoors gear company dedicated to funding solutions that address the most persistent needs of those living in extreme poverty, has successfully been certified as a B Corp, building on its pre-existing Benefit Corporation status. Certified in December 2015, Cotopaxi joins the ranks of brands such as Patagonia and Warby Parker, working together to "advance the hybrid business movement and utilize the power of business as a force for social, environmental and economic good."

"Cotopaxi is committed to inspiring social and environmental change as a means to improve the human condition, increase social consciousness and alleviate poverty through its core values and giving initiatives," says Founder and CEO Davis Smith. Becoming a B Corp directly aligns with this business model, ensuring that Cotopaxi is able to closely monitor its performance against its goals as the company grows and evolves.

According to BCorporation.net, "B Corps are for-profit companies certified by the nonprofit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency."

There are currently more than 1,400 B Corps worldwide, with the number growing as companies and brands recognize the need to redefine success and profitability in business and business practices. Cotopaxi has lived and emphasized this mission since its inception in April 2014.

Cotopaxi's values shine through in its operations, its giving and its culture. From offering "in-the-wild" time to employees, which encourages team members to spend 10 percent of work time outdoors, adventuring or doing community service, to launching a skills-based volunteering initiative that responds to needs in the community of Salt Lake City, to giving focused grants around the world, Cotopaxi sets itself apart in terms of community impact and holistic giving. The company's Chief Impact Officer, Lindsey Kneuven, is working to create a strong company culture and believes wholeheartedly in the power of business to drive social change.

"We believe in integrated philanthropy and focus on initiatives that utilize our full suite of resources," says Kneuven. "At Cotopaxi one of the core pillars of our giving strategy is livelihoods development, i.e., initiatives that empower individuals and communities to lift themselves out of poverty by creating sustainable income opportunities. Our Coding Project is a great example of how this strategy plays out locally. We are helping our team contribute their time and talent to cultivate a meaningful career pathway for refugee youth through computer science education."

Cotopaxi focuses on global poverty alleviation, investing in health, education and livelihoods initiatives that have demonstrated outstanding impact and the potential to scale.

For more information or media requests about Cotopaxi, please email Jess Smith at [email protected]

About Cotopaxi: We create innovative outdoor products and experiences that fund sustainable poverty alleviation, move people to do good, and inspire adventure.

Cotopaxi: http://www.cotopaxi.com
Cotopaxi's B Corp Profile:https://www.bcorporation.net/community/cotopaxi
More information about B Corps:https://www.bcorporation.net/what-are-b-corps

Contact: Jess Smith, OutsidePR
[email protected]

SOURCE Cotopaxi