"It was not enough for Pennye Jones-Napier to sell eco-friendly chew toys or fair-trade collars at her Takoma Park pet store, the Big Bad Woof. She wanted to make sure her customers could hold her accountable to the sustainable practices she preached.

That is why she jumped at the chance to incorporate her business as a "benefit corporation," a legal designation binding her to the socially conscious commitments written into her charter. Jones-Napier was one of 12 business owners to apply for the status on the day Maryland, the first state in the country to recognize this new class of company, opened registration in October."

Danielle Douglas reports for the Washington Post January 23, 2011. [2]