Some people say capitalism is all about greed, that you can’t trust business to think of the public good. I don’t agree. Unfortunately greed exists, but don’t paint all business with that stroke. And don’t tell me the government can do a better job of meeting society’s needs or that it’s greed-free. Please.

 

Besides providing employment for people who need jobs, which is no small thing, how else do business owners serve their communities? Here are some examples we know of personally: 

  • An insurance agency underwrites the printing and postage for a nonprofit’s mailing that raises over $16,000 for programs that help people overcome poverty.
  • An event planner puts together athletic competitions to motivate young people, encourage healthy habits, and give kids confidence to succeed.
  • A manufacturer researches new methods of separating and recycling industrial plastic waste.
  • A photographer donates publicity portraiture to executive staff of a nonprofit.
  • A bank pays all its employees for a day’s work painting fences at a city park.
  • A communications consultant teaches 7th graders how to conduct themselves in the work world.
  • A pizzeria gives leftover pizzas to a local food pantry.
  • An interior designer works pro bono to make a nonprofit agency’s remodeled space as efficient and energy-giving as possible. 

Pro-business is a good thing.