Wilmington CPA lands prestigious environmental, social certification

CPA Adam Shay is one financial professional who believes entrepreneurship means a whole lot more than making money. In fact, it’s his solid commitment to the greater good that has garnered him a unique professional recognition.

Shay’s Wilmington-based firm – Adam Shay CPA, PLLC – recently earned Certified B Corporation standing, enlisting him in a coalition of North American companies pledging to solve social and environmental problems. Shay’s is one of only three CPA practices nationwide to have earned this distinction.

“I think that achieving B Corp status comes down to my personal values and doing things the right way,” said Shay, who refers to his triple bottom-line public accounting business as a “firm with personality.”

“My mom’s parents provided a great example of giving back their time and money when they retired. I don’t want to wait that long. The environment is near and dear to my heart because I love the outdoors. And the natural environment – along with the historic district – is what makes Wilmington, North Carolina, such a special place.”

With his B Corp certification, Shay joins an elite federation of 439 companies in the United States and Canada. Together, they generate revenues of more than $2.18 billion spanning 54 industries. Members include Dansko, Seventh Generation, Thomson Reuters Foundation TrustLaw, BetterWorld Telecom, Rimon Law Group and U.S. Tile Company.

According to Shay, B Corp qualification involves a rigorous assessment, changes in a firm’s legal structure and the signing of a Term Sheet and Declaration of Interdependence.

“It was a matter of redesigning my business to tackle basic community and conservation issues,” he said. “As a Certified B Corporation, we also will encourage our business and personal clients to take advantage of green tax credits, which saves on taxes and operating costs, all the while helping the green technology and building industries continue to grow.”

Shay also signed onto the 1% for the Planet Program, which entails embracing new technologies, creating a paper minimal environment and donating 1% of sales to local environmental non-profits.

“I am realistic – I am only one business owner and I’m not perfect,” Shay said. “The bigger picture? Rather than focusing solely on my direct impact, I see my end goal to influence other business owners for the better as to how they view and use their business. I want to raise awareness and encourage other businesses to take similar paths.”
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About Adam Shay, CPA, MBA
Adam Shay earned a Bachelor of Business Science degree in Commerce from the University of Virginia and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Maryland. Guided by the core values of commitment, integrity and trust, he has a two-pronged professional goal: to help business and individual clients make intelligent financial decisions and to legally minimize their tax liability.
With a long history of community service, Shay currently sits on the board of the Cape Fear Economic Development Council and is actively involved in the Cape Fear Green Building Alliance. Shay also is on the Steering Committee of Getting Connected, a Middle Sound community group and is a member of Wrightsville United Methodist Church. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, a variety of outdoor activities and spending time with his wife Sarah, son Wagner, and dog TJ. To learn more, visit http://www.wilmingtontaxesandaccounting.com.

About Certified B Corporations
Certified B Corporations are a new type of corporation using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. Unlike traditional companies, B Corps meet comprehensive and transparent social and environmental performance standards; maintain higher legal accountability standards; and build business constituency for good business. For more information, visit http://www.bcorporation.net.