Here is a 2011 idea (modeled on something that they have in Vermont) that I never got around to following through on. (Life intrudes sometimes.)
DELAWARE BUSINESS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL (DBLC)
The Need:
There is a widespread awareness in the Delaware business community that a well-run state government and successful communities are “good for business.” Unfortunately, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, which claims to speak on behalf of Delaware businesses, follows an extreme, right-wing agenda that is primarily concerned with lowering Delaware taxes paid by large multi-national corporations.
The State Chamber routinely supports damaging tax cuts for the wealthiest companies, which has the downstream effects of undermining successful social programs such as Medicare, and, in addition, advocates cutting funding for teachers and first responders.
These short-sighted financial policies are certainly not policies that benefit the broader Delaware’s business community or the middle-class Delawareans that depend on Delaware’s small businesses. There is a strong desire in the business community to ensure that Delaware’s legislature does not view all questions related to our business environment through the narrow, intensely ideological lens of Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.
The DBLC Concept:Delaware Business Leadership Council (DBLC) members believe that laws which recognize equality, support fairness, and promote our state’s infrastructure and quality of life lead to a strong business environment.
Therefore, our mission is to foster a business environment in Delaware that advances a business ethic that values multiple bottom lines—economic, social, and environmental.
We pursue our mission through:-Public Influence: Initiating tangible change in public policy that combats exploitation and promotes sustainability. We work to capture the inherent power of business to represent socially responsible ideals to legislative bodies, news media, and the general public.
-Education: We provide concrete resources and information to help improve our members’ business practices.
Membership
DBLC members represent innovative businesses and organizations who share the common goal of conducting business with high standards for employees, their communities, and the environment.
We ask everyone considering membership to take a moment before joining to reflect on our mission and our multiple bottom-line approach, and consider how your own business ethics and goals will provide a positive addition to DBLC’s membership.
Rates
$30 – Student – For Full- and Part-Time Students of Accredited Institutions
$100 – Friend – Individual membership and start-up businesses (start-up businesses will be eligible for the $100 rate for the first 2 years)
$190 – Basic Member – Small companies or organizations
$500 – Basic Member – Medium to large sized companies or organizations
$1,000 – Gold Member – Established and successful companies or organizations
$5,000 – Champion – Our sustaining members!