Challenge One: How to invest the profits we make on tourism. We're not the only ones interested in the profits of tourism. As you know, there are several tax proposals flying around Helena trying to address general budget issues and to address issues that are unique to the tourism-dominated economies like Park County. It is uncertain whether these taxes generated by our businesses will be spent based on our input. The lodging industry, for example, already pays a 7% “sales” tax. None of that money goes towards protecting the wide open spaces and clean water -- i.e. in business parlance, “the product”. Roughly half goes to state’s general budget and the other to marketing Montana. Most of us wouldn't spend half of our business's operating budget on marketing. I’m not opposed to taxes; but, if I’m expected to collect them as a business, I expect to have a say in how they are spent...regularly.  One area we could spend some of our profits on is protecting, preserving, and actually improving the product itself.

 

Challenge Two: How to scale the investments from our profits so they matter. As you know, there are a plethora of great conservation groups – many of whom are bi-partisan and apolitical –  who are constantly soliciting us for our time, interest and money. Frankly, it is difficult to keep up...especially when we are busy running businesses. Furthermore, it is difficult to formulate an ROI on our charitable investments from a holistic perspective. But, perhaps most importantly, it is difficult to really scale our individual "spend" so that it actually makes a difference...the kind of difference great businesses can make.

 

Is there a way for us to work together to address these challenges?  

 

Last Autumn, several of us sat down informally and discussed launching 1% For the Planet in Montana as a way to invest  in Park County’s open spaces and natural ecosystems...by doing so, we are investing in our business, but also in our quality of life and those creatures, children, and neighbors who call this place home. So, we are now reaching out to all of our contacts to share additional details, sign-up local businesses and launch the initiative in Paradise Valley in April.   

 

As many of you know, 1% for the Planet is a global movement inspiring businesses and individuals to support local conservation solutions through annual membership and everyday actions. Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia and Montana’s very own Craig Mathews, 1% for the Planet has certified more than $200 million in giving from its members. Of local relevance, the initial impetus was driven by the need for conservation along the Madison River in Montana. You’ll see some familiar Paradise Valley scenes in this video describing the initiative. 

 

Businesses that join 1% for the Planet commit to supporting approved conservation and social-benefit nonprofit partners by donating the equivalent of 1% of sales (overall or of a specific product category) through a combination of financial donations, in-kind products and services, and approved advertising contributions.  For more information, here is a basic member fact sheet and a more detailed member guide.

 

What do you get in return: 

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1. A simple process, based on an audited, predictable, annual (I.e. one-time) charitable donation. This third party certification brings integrity and authenticity to local community donations, is easy for customers to understand and appreciate, while streamlining business donations to community NGOs. (additional details here) 

2. Local impact – we annually choose NGO’s who have proven to do local work. 

3. A trusted brand we can leverage in our own business marketing to communicate impact with your customers (e.g. add the 1% for the Planet in Montana brand to your menu or signage or website). 

4. Choice: The model allows businesses to direct giving to any of the approved nonprofits in the network, or recommend new ones. Any current giving, volunteering, and/or certifications with approved (or approvable) organizations will count toward a 1% for the Planet commitment. 

 

We would like to launch 1% for the Planet in Montana initially as a Paradise Valley led initiative with commitments from at least 15 local businesses. The undersigned NGO’s are registered with 1% for the Planet and officially endorse this coordinated donor outreach with local businesses; contact their leadership for validation of their support.