Public Benefit Corporation Law: The Right Thing for Minnesota?

Public Benefit Corporations would be a new class of legal structure options for Minnesota businesses. They would differ from regular corporations in that a “social benefit” would be a legitimate goal for the business — not just earning a financial return for the corporation's shareholders. Under our current laws these social benefits are already permissible — if shareholders agree. Beyond whether this potential new classification is necessary or not, is it beneficial? How so?

More than 19 states have adopted laws like this — and more than a dozen are considering it. A recent one is especially important — Delaware — because it is looked to nationally for new trends in corporate law. Since Delaware has done so, there is great impetus for other states to climb on the bandwagon.

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion. Find out more about the current draft of the bill and its potential impact on both nonprofit and for-profit social enterprises.

Our Panel Discussion features:

Mark Ritchie, Minnesota Secretary of State

Chris Hanson, CEO of thedatabank, B-Lab Certified

Jennifer Reedstrom Bishop, attorney at Gray Plant Mooty

Moderated by Tom Triplett, SEA Twin Cities board member and chair of the Public Policy Committee

Panel Discussion: 4:00pm-5:15pm

Social and Networking Time: 5:15pm-7:00pm

Thank you to our generous hosts, Gray Plant Mooty.

Please note, parking will be validated if you park in the IDS Center ramp located on Marquette Avenue between 7th and 8th Streets.