In our Seidman Legal Environment of Business course (BUS 201), we want our students to understand that business can make a positive societal impact in our West Michigan community and beyond.  To make our classroom discussion relevant, and to weave course material with actual business practice, we use business articles (like this one) to connect business theory to “real world” application right here in West Michigan.  For example, in class we highlight B Corps and their dedication to the triple-bottom-line of “profits-planet-people” when making business decisions. This theory comes alive when students have reading assignments that showcase how West Michigan businesses actually put this into practice (An approach worth standing for, n.d.).   A case in point is our in-class discussion of Cascade Engineering (CE), Michigan’s first certified B Corp.  A current Seidman student said, “I thought the Cascade Engineering paper was very beneficial; it was nice to learn about a business in West Michigan and the positive societal impact and difference the business is making.”

While there are many admirable aspects of CE’s business, this article will briefly highlight the company’s focus on hiring and supporting employees and how this dedication makes a positive difference in West Michigan.

CE is a family-owned, plastic injection molding manufacturer that markets products for a variety of industries including automotive.  One hiring challenge they experience is that many potential workers, including those of Generation Z, generally do not seek employment in manufacturing.  If the company wants to grow in West Michigan, CE must be able to tap into all available talent pools and break down any barriers that might be holding people back from seeking employment. 

When a person has a good job, not only does the employee feel good about themselves, but the individual contributes to the well-being of the community (a win-win for everyone).  CE has established a culture of inclusion that values diversity as a strategy to unlock each employee’s full potential thereby benefiting the company’s innovation and problem-solving efforts.  In addition, CE promotes both physical and psychological health and safety for all employees.  This ties into the need for people to have a place where they feel safe and can thrive.  The end-result is that employees are valued as human beings and are treated with dignity and respect regardless of racial, cultural, or individual differences.

Part of CE’s employment growth strategy is to think “outside of the box” and implement several programs to encourage the hiring of all potential workers, including individuals who have been incarcerated, people on public assistance, and those from other underrepresented groups.

For example, CE has implemented a Returning Citizens program.  This initiative gives former inmates (disproportionally impacting people of color) an opportunity they may otherwise never get to return to society as thriving, contributing citizens.  Nationwide research shows that over 30 percent of individuals who return to their community after prison are incarcerated again within three years of their release (ASPE, n.d.). While employment does not guarantee successful re-entry into society, statistics suggest obtaining a job can help significantly.  Cascade gives individuals a second chance for a successful re-entry into their communities.  

CE makes a difference in Michigan. It was reported in 2020, that Michigan’s recidivism rate was the lowest in state history at 26.7% (State of Michigan, n.d.). In 1998, the rate was 45.7%. This rate reduction is supported by companies like CE that have made an effort to hire individuals released from prison.

CE has implemented the Welfare to Career program, designed to guide people off welfare and into a meaningful career. Since 1999, this program has helped nearly 800 individuals.  This has increased employee engagement and retention, making the program a win-win that’s been recognized and replicated across the nation.  In supporting this program, CE has explored ways to assist employees with issues of transportation, childcare, health care, and continued employability.

Each year in February, CE recognizes Black History Month by adding additional information to the company website honoring the triumphs and acknowledging the struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history.  The additional information includes articles surrounding the civil rights movement and stories of African Americans’ achievements in artistic, cultural, and political endeavors.  Examples of the materials posted include more recent works such as Amanda Gordon’s “The Hill We Climb” poem to timeless and iconic pieces from the works of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s writings and speeches.

CE is an anti-racism organization which the company defines as creating an environment where all employees, regardless of race or the color of their skin, know they are valued.  Cascade has found that anti-racism leads to a stronger work culture and a more dynamic workplace, which in turn leads to a more prosperous company. In addition, because of CE’s visionary leadership to improve the health equity for the African American community in West Michigan, Christina Keller of CE was honored with the prestigious GRAAHI’s award for her visionary leadership in this area (GRAAHI, n.d.).

CE help found and develop the Young Professionals of Color conference.  As a supporter of diversity and inclusion efforts in the West Michigan area, Cascade Engineering helps to create a space for young professionals of color to gather and engage with peers and leaders to share their insights, knowledge, and expertise and helping future leaders navigate their way through their careers.

Additionally, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency has recognized Cascade Engineering for their commitment to military veterans. The Women’s Business Enterprise has acknowledged CE for its commitment to diversity in the company’s supply chain management efforts where women owned businesses are given strong consideration as suppliers.

By promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, CE has clearly made a difference for employees and in turn, been able to hire the talent needed for business growth.  Some may criticize businesses such as CE for being involved in ESG (environmental, social, governance), DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) and other so-called “woke” policies and practices.  These same critics argue that it is strictly pure profit maximization that matters in business activities. The authors of this article believe that a business can be a force for good in society and be profitable.  Cascade Engineering is a West Michigan Business we discuss with our students that demonstrates how a company can make a positive difference in the world and in our local community.

An approach worth standing for. Cascade Engineering. (n.d.). Retrieved December 2, 2022, from https://www.cascadeng.com/what-we-believe 

Michigan's recidivism rate. SOM - State of Michigan. (n.d.). Retrieved December 2, 2022, from https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/recidivism-rate#:~:text=The%20recidivism%20rate%20in%20Michigan,now%20stands%20at%2023.6%20percent  

Gala 2022. GRAAHI. (n.d.). Retrieved December 2, 2022, from
https://graahi.com/events/gala2022/ 

Incarceration & reentry. ASPE. (n.d.). Retrieved December 2, 2022, from
https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/human-services/incarceration-reentry-0