Reaction was swift from the ethics, compliance and governance communities. Professor Ester Bonne from the Center for Ethics Statistics stated “What better way to haphazardly ruin a corporation’s reputation than to name them to the World’s Least Ethical Companies list?” She added “This will surely help reduce excessive executive compensation at these companies, albeit in a roundabout way”.

Ari Kidden, spokesperson for the Ethisphere Institute took a similar view. “We anticipate a lot of web traffic resulting from the publishing of our ‘World’s Least Ethical Companies™ ranking and plan to sell cleverly worded T-Shirts on the website that will make us all a lot of money” said Kidden.

“We are particularly excited about the World’s Most Kinda Ethical™ list as it is sooooo American to celebrate mediocrity, from trophies for Little Leaguers just for showing up, to grade inflation in college. We are excited to be extending this trend into the corporate world” Kidden added.

Some legal experts have already raised concerns about exposure that the Ethisphere Institute may be assuming in designating the world’s “least ethical” companies but others were impressed at the bold maneuver.

One outside counsel, who insisted on remaining unnamed in order to not jeopardize his client relationship with the Ethisphere Institute, called the development “Awesome!”. He added “I can only imagine how upset companies will be to see themselves on the ‘least ethical’ list… and my billings are going to skyrocket.” This individual was nonplussed however about the ‘kinda ethical’ list… deeming it “a waste of time.”

And if you have made it this far… APRIL FOOLS!

Company: Mercer Investment Consulting

Services: Socially Responsible Investing

Description:For more than 25 years, Mercer’s global investment consultants have provided the highest quality of investment advice and practical solutions. Clients are supported by a research staff that evaluates worldwide economic and capital market trends and manages proprietary computer systems and databases that support informed decision making. We assist with every aspect of institutional investing, from strategy and structure to ongoing portfolio management, as well as a wide range of special projects.

Contact:
Phone: 212-345-7000
Website: www.merceric.com

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Company: New Alternatives Fund Inc.

Services: Socially Responsible Investing

Description:New Alternatives Fund is a Socially Responsible Mutual Fund Emphasizing Alternative Energy and the Environment. We seek investments in listed companies that have a positive impact on the environment. We are different from funds that make their environmental contribution by only avoiding companies that harm the environment.

Contact:
Phone: 800-423-8383
Website: www.newalternativesfund.com


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Company: Blue Summit Financial Group

Services: Socially Responsible Investing

Description:Blue Summit Financial Group is San Diego’s premier firm specializing in ethically and socially responsible investing options tailored to your personal values and goals.

Contact:
Phone: 888-698-4330
Website: www.bluesummitinvest.com

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Company: Council on Foundations

Services: Socially Responsible Investing

Description:The Council on Foundations provides the opportunity, leadership and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good.

Contact:
Phone: 202-466-6512
Website: www.cof.org

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Company: Domini social Investments LLC

Services: Socially Responsible Investing

Description:“We are an investment firm specializing exclusively in socially responsible investing. We manage $1.8 billion for individual and institutional investors who wish to integrate social and environmental standards into their investment decisions.

Each of Domini’s stock funds is actively managed according to an innovative strategy that combines the strengths of Domini Social Investments and Wellington Management. Domini is responsible for the development and application of the Funds’ social and environmental standards. Subject to these standards, Wellington Management is responsible for each Fund’s financial standards, and for portfolio construction.”

Contact:
Phone: 800-762-6814
Website: www.domini.com

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Company: Hansen’s Financial Services

Services: Socially Responsible Investing

Description:Hansen’s Financial Services can help you define and meet your financial goals, no matter how lofty or modest they may be. From establishing a retirement plan to defining and planning your financial legacy, Hansen’s Financial Services has the experience and integrity to be your financial partner.

Contact:
Phone: 315-637-5153
Website: www.hansensfinancial.com

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Company: Four Seasons Investment Advisors

Services: Socially Responsible Investing

Description:Four Seasons Investment Advisors, Inc. is an independent, fee-only, investment advisory firm located in Western Colorado. We offer investment management, advice, and planning to individuals, small businesses, and non-profit organizations.

Four Seasons Advisors is not affiliated with, nor does it accept commissions from, any broker dealer, mutual fund, insurance or mortgage company. Providing independent, objective, advice for a fee means never compromising objectivity. Each decision is made in the best interest of the client.

Contact:
Phone: 970-252-7471
Website: www.fourseasonsadvisors.com

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Company: First Affirmative Financial Network, LLC

Services: Socially Responsible Investing

Description:Call it values-based, green or socially responsible investing (SRI)- a sustainable approach to portfolio management integrates personal values or institutional mission into an investment strategy tailored to the investor’s situation. First Affirmative’s Sustainable Investment Solutionsâ„¢ offers unique investment options designed to achieve that goal for individual and institutional clients.

Contact:
Phone: 800-422-7284
Website: www.firstaffirmative.com

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Company: Clean Yield Asset Managment

Services: Socially Responsible Investing

Description:Founded in 1984, Clean Yield is an SEC-registered investment and advisory firm working exclusively with social investors. Clean Yield’s principals are professional money managers who have been with the firm from its beginnings.

Contact:
Phone: 800-809-6439
Website: www.cleanyield.com

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Company: Trillium Asset Management

Services: Socially Responsible Investing

Description: For twenty-five years, Trillium Asset Management Corporation has been the leader in socially responsible investing. We are guided by a belief that active investing can offer good returns to the investor, while also promoting social and economic justice. Trillium Asset Management Corporation is an independent employee-owned firm, dedicated to professional, high quality, individualized service for our valued clients.

Contact:
Phone: 800-548-5684
Website: www.trilliuminvest.com

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