Socially Conscious Business Group 'Good Work Austin' To Launch

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Officials from small, locally owned commercial enterprises have scheduled a gathering on Wednesday to launch Good Work Austin, a socially responsible organization of business owners born of the fight to pass the city's paid sick leave ordinance.

The fledgling group advocates for policies that build good jobs while promoting quality workplaces at the local and state levels, officials said in a press advisory. Moreover, the group aims to develop a community of values-focused businesses in Austin, according to the notice.

Several Good Work Austin members originally came together through their work with city council in helping to draft the city's paid sick leave ordinance seeking to compel local business owners to provide employees with paid time off in emergencies. While the ordinance is essentially on hold now given litigants' opposition to the measure, the experience fostered a desire among GWA business owners to work together in expanding a values-driven approach to owning and operating small businesses, officials said.

"As a business owner, I have the opportunity and privilege of helping create the world I want to see for my workers and for my community,” said Valerie Ward, owner of Sweet Ritual, a vegan ice cream parlor. “It can be hard to put my values first when there are so many pressures from all sides. That's why I'm so excited to be joining with other like-minded businesses to combine our resources to make doing the right thing easier for all of us."

Scheduled to attend the gathering is Mayor Steve Adler along with members of the Austin City Council and other city leaders. Also scheduled to be in attendance are members of GWA’s leadership team, officials said.

The gathering will kick off at around 6:15 p.m. with welcoming remarks to those in attendance, followed by a primer on the group's history, an outlining of its priorities and unveiling of its official logo, according to a press advisory. Adler is scheduled to address the gathering following the presentation, according to GWA officials.

For the remainder of the event, the gathering will take on the form of a business mixer as GWA members interact with potential members and others interesting in learning more about the group's mission, officials said.

The Good Work Austin launch party is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Nov. 28 starting at 6 p.m. at the Butterfly Bar/The Vortex, 2307 Manor Rd.

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