SALINAS, Calif – Measure to Improve, LLC (MTI), the fresh produce industry’s go-to sustainability expert, is proud to announce they have earned B Corporation (B Corp) certification, advancing the firms commitment toward operating its businesses as a force of good.
B Corp certification is a verification process administered by the nonprofit B Lab and measures a company’s social and environmental performance. To become a certified B Corp, companies undergo a rigorous review of the impact of their operations and business model on their workers, customers, communities, and environment.
“In early 2022, we set out a goal to become a certified B Corp,so we could demonstrate to our clients and the produce industry that we walk the talk when it comes to creating a positive impact in our community and that we understand what it means to go through a certification process,” said Nikki Cossio, Founder and CEO of MTI.
“B Corp is comprehensive, and the process encouraged us to upgrade and formalize several of our operational systems, which will help us provide strong, consistent services as the company expands. MTI has always worked for the betterment of the produce industry, planet, and community. We are delighted to have that formally recognized through the B Corp certification.”
Echoing those sentiments, Lori Taylor, Founder and CEO of The Produce Moms BB #:366223, was quick to congratulate MTI based on their own Certification in April 2022. “It’s always a thrill to learn about another leader and brand joining the B Corp community. Nikki is my mentor on all things sustainability, and I credit her in my passion for B Corp Certification. Measure to Improve is well-positioned to be a leader in this esteemed global community.”
There were specific areas that the company scored the highest, which was very gratifying based on MTI’s mission and vision. The analysis highlighted their customer relationships specific to response and support in making changes within their companies to achieve sustainability. MTI also received high scores for how they nurture and care for staff. The assessment recognized that team members stay and grow within the company, acknowledging salary and benefits, particularly as a small business.
The B Certification assessment also recognized MTI’s contributions to the community, both in terms of the dollars donated to charities aligned with the company’s mission, the hours of expertise that staff donates to related industry associations working on sustainability, and volunteer hours that team members work in their communities.
The nature of MTI’s work – helping organizations measure, improve and credibly promote your sustainability efforts – aligns with B Corp certification. After all, helping companies achieve certification is one of the core services it provides. Whether TRUE Zero Waste or Sustainably Grown, MTI has helped numerous clients achieve their third-party certification goals.
Therefore, MTI found that it was only appropriate to go through the rigors of a certification process itself. Having gone through one now, MTI can confidently lead through experience, better serving its clients. MTI also anticipates it will differentiate itself as an employer, increasing its ability to attract and retain top talent.
Measure to Improve, LLC is joining a network of 6,000 B Corps in 80 countries and 150 industries worldwide, including other companies in the fresh produce industry, such as Bonduelle Fresh America and The Produce Moms.
To learn more about Measure to Improve, visit measuretoimprvoellc.com or connect with Measure to Improve, LLC on Facebook or LinkedIn.
About Measure to Improve, LLC:
MTI was founded in 2014 by Nikki Cossio. Nikki is a recognized leader in the produce industry known for building successful sustainability programs and implementing innovative solutions. Prior to founding MTI, Cossio served as the Director of Sustainability for Gills Onions LLC, one of the largest producers of fresh-cut onions in the US, where she established the sustainability department in 2007. Today, MTI has a dedicated staff with a proven track record of helping companies identify and implement strategies to increase resource efficiency, validate results, and communicate sustainability efforts. Measure to Improve, LLC (MTI) offers the fresh produce industry comprehensive solutions for all sustainability needs. The company specializes in helping clients take a proactive approach to sustainability throughout their operations strengthening brand marketability, revealing cost savings and mitigating risk.
