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Business & Finance

Businesses often have an origin story or need to introduce new offerings. Today, consumers also look for businesses with a social conscience and a clear mission.

One of the best ways to showcase new products or services is by sharing real-life stories of people who have used them and benefited from them. Storytelling is also one of the best ways to demonstrate a company's social conscience in action. The examples below include stories produced for a wide range of industries.

Berkeley Strategy Advisors

Published Jun 2022

Digital Stories

Berkeley Strategy Advisors is made up of a team who met while students at UC Berkeley in the 1980s. Reunited after careers in the corporate and academic worlds, they are now piloting a program aimed at local businesses called Economic Gardening 2.0. It amplifies the successful longtime national Economic Gardening project by helping business owners implement the research and data that can help their companies grow, all while supporting their communities.

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Pioneer Community Energy

Published Oct 2021

Publications

Pioneer Community Energy offers local control of electrical service in Placer and El Dorado counties, giving those communities power over their choice of power.

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United Public Employees

Published Sep 2019

Publications

United Public Employees is dedicated to representing some of the lowest paid workers in public service, fighting to secure good working conditions and fair pay for people who provide critical services to society.

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CalSavers

Published Jul 2018

Videos

Business owners and state officials outline the new CalSavers retirement savings program, which gives California private-sector workers a way to save for retirement.

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CalSavers

Published Jul 2018

Videos

The Penny Ice Creamery owner talks about the advantages of the CalSavers retirement savings program for business owners and employees.

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CalSavers

Published Jul 2018

Videos

Janico Building Services talks about the advantages of the CalSavers retirement savings program for business owners and employees.

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CalSavers

Published Jul 2018

Videos

The owner of GEPermit talks about the advantages of the CalSavers retirement savings program for business owners and employees.

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CalSavers

Published May 2018

Publications

Los trabajadores de California merecen jubilarse con dignidad. Gracias a una ley estatal, todos los empleadores con cinco o más trabajadores pronto tendrán que ofrecer un plan de ahorros para la jubilación o brindar acceso a CalSavers, el nuevo programa de ahorros jubilatorios del estado para empleados del sector privado. CalSavers ayuda a los dueños de negocios a garantizar la seguridad financiera de sus empleados, sin cargos para los empleadores y con esfuerzo mínimo. Para los trabajadores, CalSavers hace que sea fácil ahorrar para la jubilación —se deduce automáticamente de su sueldo antes de que tengan la oportunidad de gastarlo—. Es como pagar antes que nada tu futura jubilación.

Spanish

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CalSavers

Published May 2018

Publications

Nearly half of California's workers are on track for retire into economic hardship. Currently, more than 7 million California workers are not offered a retirement savings plan by their employer. Californians deserve to retire with dignity. That's why all employers with five or more employees will soon be required to offer retirement savings plans through a private sector company or through CalSavers, the state's new retirement savings program. CalSavers has no cost and no risk for employers while giving employees an easy way to save for retirement through an automatic deduction from their paycheck. Learn what employers and employees are saying about this safe, simple and portable way to save for retirement.

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CalSavers

Published May 2018

Publications

Nearly half of California's workers are on track for retire into economic hardship. Currently, more than 7 million California workers are not offered a retirement savings plan by their employer. Californians deserve to retire with dignity. That's why all employers with five or more employees will soon be required to offer retirement savings plans through a private sector company or through CalSavers, the state's new retirement savings program. CalSavers has no cost and no risk for employers while giving employees an easy way to save for retirement through an automatic deduction from their paycheck. Learn what employers and employees are saying about this safe, simple and portable way to save for retirement.

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CalSavers

Published May 2018

Publications

Nearly half of California's workers are on track for retire into economic hardship. Currently, more than 7 million California workers are not offered a retirement savings plan by their employer. Californians deserve to retire with dignity. That's why all employers with five or more employees will soon be required to offer retirement savings plans through a private sector company or through CalSavers, the state's new retirement savings program. CalSavers has no cost and no risk for employers while giving employees an easy way to save for retirement through an automatic deduction from their paycheck. Learn what employers and employees are saying about this safe, simple and portable way to save for retirement.

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CalSavers

Published May 2018

Publications

Nearly half of California's workers are on track for retire into economic hardship. Currently, more than 7 million California workers are not offered a retirement savings plan by their employer. Californians deserve to retire with dignity. That's why all employers with five or more employees will soon be required to offer retirement savings plans through a private sector company or through CalSavers, the state's new retirement savings program. CalSavers has no cost and no risk for employers while giving employees an easy way to save for retirement through an automatic deduction from their paycheck. Learn what employers and employees are saying about this safe, simple and portable way to save for retirement.

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Valley Clean Energy

Published Apr 2018

Publications

A new, local power company gives residents the chance to reduce their carbon footprint and reduce their electric bill.

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Capitol Compliance Management

Published Dec 2017

Publications

Relax and take a deep breath — recreational cannabis is legal now in California! In this publication, new and returning marijuana users will find information on selecting appealing products and tips for how to enjoy them safely. They'll also find a directory of Sacramento-area dispensaries affiliated with Capitol Compliance Management, a cannabis consulting and management firm that is bringing local dispensaries into a new era of legitimacy.

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SMUD

Published May 2017

Publications

There’s a side of the SMUD story that’s not often told. As a community-owned energy provider, every decision made at SMUD is based on the benefit of the community. SMUD has made a promise to be a good corporate citizen and give back through volunteers, donations, education and support that creates a more vibrant community that uses energy more efficiently. The voices of its partners who have benefited from SMUD’s leadership, generosity and expertise highlight SMUD’s corporate citizenship philosophy and the many ways in which SMUD Makes Sacramento Brighter.

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River City Phoenix

Published Apr 2017

Publications

At River City Phoenix, patients’ needs always come first. River City Phoenix (RCP) is a medical cannabis dispensary with a history of providing patients with a variety of medicine, personalized recommendations and education around each product they offer. Since it opened as RCP in Sacramento, professional, caring staff strive to maintain the gold standard for the medical cannabis dispensary business model. This publication aims to reach medical marijuana patients who are not yet connected with RCP, encouraging them to come in, meet the staff and see what RCP offers. It's also intended for a more general audience, reducing stigma around medical marijuana businesses and users. Their stories show that patients are a diverse group with a variety of needs, and that staff are there to help everyone.

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Eco Foundation Systems

Published Mar 2017

Publications

Eco Foundation Systems uses ground screws to replace common concrete foundations, resulting in a quicker, more efficient and more environmentally sustainable way to build. Find out where the ground screw came from, what it's being used for and why cities, counties, government agencies and solar contractors should give Eco Foundation Systems a turn on their next public project.

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Ray Morgan Company

Published Oct 2016

Publications

The workplace is evolving. If you’re a business owner today, you don’t want to be stuck in the past — because it could be costing you time and money. Enter a new era: Ray Morgan Co. is a Document Technology Solutions company that specializes in improving efficiency and cutting costs. In this publication targeted at businesses of all sizes, readers will learn what makes Ray Morgan Co. different from the other guys and some of the solutions that enable RMC to improve workplace efficiency.

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The Sacramento Rendering Company

Published Jan 2016

Publications

Where do the animal byproducts from the agriculture and food processing industries go? The answer is they are recycled into products we use every day (like dog food and soap) through the ancient practice of rendering. Find out why rendering makes sense for the environment, health and safety and our economy.

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Goodwill

Published Oct 2015

Publications

When you come to Goodwill, the person sorting donations and selling items is there because of you. Your donations create jobs and support training that make people more employable in our community.

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SMUD

Published Jul 2015

Publications

SMUD is committed to supporting local businesses to ensure they not only stay in business but thrive. SMUD is here to help businesses with incentives and guidance that in turn support the local economy. SMUD recognizes that when businesses save money and energy is conserved, it’s good for everybody.

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Vaping Education Council

Published Jun 2015

Publications

Vapor products have allowed many to reduce or completely quit smoking conventional cigarettes. Learn how vapor organizations are protecting people's access to vapor products.

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Monterey County Department of Health and Human Services

Published Mar 2015

Publications

Tax season offers an opportunity for low-income individuals and families to access hundreds or even thousands of dollars by filing a tax return. Yet, too many local families making under $53,000 annually fail to file tax returns and take advantage of tax credits that they are entitled to. Monterey County Department of Health and Human Services and United Way Monterey County have partnered to offer free tax preparation at volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) sites.

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Chico Hearing Aid Center

Published Feb 2015

Publications

When you can't hear what's going on around you, every aspect of your life can be negatively affected — your relationships, your work and your overall happiness. It's never easy to admit you need help. But why miss out on hearing your favorite sounds when a solution is available? The Chico Hearing Aid Center can help!

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SMUD

Published May 2014

Publications

Small to mid-size business owners can help keep costs down and increase the profitability of their ventures by managing energy use. And SMUD makes it easy, with two Energy Solutions programs to provide incentives, rebates and even financing for energy-saving upgrades.

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Intel

Published Sep 2013

Publications

Intel is more than just an innovative technology leader. The company provides several philanthropic opportunities for its employees to give back to the communities they live in.

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Root of Happiness

Published Aug 2013

Publications

For more than 3,000 years, Polynesian culture has shared and enjoyed the calming properties of kava. Now, the drink is making waves in Northern California.

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California Restaurant Association

Published Aug 2013

Publications

The Affordable Care Act serves up new insurance coverage standards for employers. The California Restaurant Association is helping to navigate the restaurant industry through health care reform.

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Sacramento Republic FC

Published Jul 2013

Publications

Sacramento Republic FC is Sacramento's own professional soccer team. The team logo, crest and colors were unveiled after three months and thousands of entries from excited soccer fans in the community.

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Sacramento Republic FC

Published Jul 2013

Publications

The dream of having an MLS soccer team in Sacramento can be achieved. Sacramento Professional Soccer is working toward that goal by bringing a professional team to play and prove the city is ready to compete on a national level.

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SMUD

Published May 2013

Publications

The future looks bright. Sacramento Municipal Utility District can help homeowners transform lighting in their homes to more efficient and less costly options.

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California Beef Council

Published Apr 2013

Publications

How does beef get from the farm to your dinner table? The California Beef Council helps educate consumers about beef production and works to ensure the highest quality product.

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California Pork Producers Association

Published Feb 2013

Publications

Pork is a versatile dish. The California Pork Producers Association is working to ensure quality care for their animals, as well as decreasing the environmental impact of their farms.

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Consumer Watchdog

Published Dec 2012

Publications

When it comes to looking out for average Americans, Consumer Watchdog has got your back. The organization aims to educate, advocate and litigate on behalf of the consumer to protect them from corporate and political corruption.

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SMUD

Published Sep 2012

Publications

Imagine a future where your car is not dependent on the gas pump. Electric vehicles are a great environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel-dependent vehicles, and SMUD is powering the road ahead.

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California Restaurant Association

Published Jul 2012

Publications

California is home to a vibrant restaurant scene. The California Restaurant Association provides advocacy, education and resources for restaurant professionals in one of the state's largest industries.

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NeighborWorks

Published Jun 2012

Publications

Buying a house for the first time can be a daunting task. Neighborworks assists potential and current homeowners in Sacramento to achieve long-term financial success with homeownership.

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Bell Bros

Published May 2012

Publications

Keep cool during summer and warm during winter for less with efficient central heating and air. The Bell Brothers are Sacramento's leading heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) company.

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Chico Hearing Aid Center

Published Apr 2012

Publications

One hearing aid does not fit all. Chico Hearing Aid Center has a history of bringing sound to those who could not hear, and doing so on a personal, case-by case basis.

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Citibank

Published Mar 2012

Publications

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) lets working people who do not earn high incomes keep more of what they earn. Citibank provides instructions on how to claim the tax credit and make the most of your money.

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“Bank On” Committee & Citi

Published Feb 2011

Publications

Tax season provides an important opportunity for economic opportunity. Citibank offers tips on filing taxes, banking and achieving financial freedom.

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