Green Businesses - Break Up With Your Mega-Bank!

The Green Business Network Our mission is to work with businesses everywhere to grow a green economy that’s good for people and the planet. We are a vibrant community of over 3,000 businesses committed to creating a better world.

Connect. Market. Grow. Seal Of Approval Backed by Almost 30 Years of Experience and Reputation National Green Pages Sold at Newsstands & Distributed to Green America Members Green Festivals 10 Years and 1 Million Attendees Green Business Seminars Experts on Green Business

The NEW GreenPages.orgGreenPages.org has a brandnew look and many excitingnew features – all designed tobring you more customers.NEW Showcase Listings let youadd graphics, videos, couponsand more!

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Have Questions?Desireé Reese-WolfordDeputy Director, Green Business Network202-872-5330dreese@greenamerica.orgwww.GreenBusinessNetwork.orgwww.facebook.com/greenbusinessnetworkwww.twitter.com/greenbiznetwork

Today’s Focus!What is Community Development Banking?Getting the banking products and services you needin ways that:•Support low-to-moderate income communities•Support small business•Support job creation•Provide responsible loans and services•Often provide technical support•Are rooted in the community it servesBanking that is mission driven –like you!

What are Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)? “CDFIs” are banks, credit unions, loan funds, and other financial institutions dedicated to the economic uplift of struggling communities. Many CDFIs are certified by the federal government – a high credential that attests to the institution’s commitment to strengthening lower income neighborhoods. “Community Bank” vs. “Community Development Bank” – a community bank can be a good choice; a community development bank ensures there is a positive impact on communities in need.

What Does Community Banking Mean for Green Business?•The Story of Growing Home – urban agriculture,Chicago•Danny Schwartzman’s story – entrepreneur, caféowner, MinneapolisThere are thousands of stories across thecountry…yours could be one of them!

Mega-Bank Problems•“Too big to fail”•Predatory practices•Failure to follow the law•Deceptive terms(tricks and traps)•Strip wealth from those who can leastafford it•Invest in coal (mountain top removal),projects internationally lacking supply chainor environmental oversight•Not interested in theneeds of small,green businesses.

Now is the Time! Break Up With Your Mega-Bank!Since Valentine’s Day 2008, Green America’s Break Upwith Your Mega-Bank Campaign has been urging thepublic to “break-up” and start a healthy, new bankingrelationship with community development, or greenbanks, dedicated to people and the planet.We support the Occupy Wall Street movement,the Move Your Money Campaign, and otherinitiatives calling on people to choose betterbanks.

Green Business Choose Green Banks!As a green business, you pay attention toissues affecting the health of yourcustomers, the well-being of yourcommunity, the environment, energy usage,waste management, and more.How green is your banking?Our GreenGain tool includes green bankingas an important part of being a greenbusiness.

How Do I Switch?Green America makes it easy.STEP #1: Locate Your New Bank/CreditUnion

Where do I Find Green Banks or Credit Unions? How to find possibilities: •Green America Business Members •CDFI Fund Certified •Community Development Banks •Community Development Credit Unions

Next StepsSimple Steps:•Open your new account•Transfer money to new bank or creditunion•Transfer auto debits and credits•Set up online banking•Once systems are in place at your newbank or credit union – close your mega-bank account (or only keep it open forlimited needs).

Overcoming Barriersa. Inertiab. Time/hasslec. Questions about how to proceed (break up)d. Lack of knowledge of where to find a better banke. Lack of knowledge about safety/soundness ofbetter banksf. Concern about getting business needs met (issueof using more than 1 banking institution) All addressed in our kit!

Contact Fran Teplitz fteplitz@greenamerica.org 202-872-5326 Todd Larsen toddlarsen@greenamerica.org 202-872-5310breakupwithyourmegabank.org

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Green Businesses - Break Up With Your Mega-Bank!

by GreenBizNetwork on Apr 12, 2012

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Green Businesses - Break Up With Your Mega-Bank! Webinar Transcript