IC100 Alum Creating Shared Value

Roxbury Technology Corporation (RTC) specializes in premium remanufactured toner cartridges and imaging solutions—but that’s only part of the story.  The company began with a mission: create jobs and build the community while making top-quality, earth-friendly products.  A commitment to the community has guided RTC as it continues to grow.

 In 2004, the company built its first remanufacturing plant and started producing 100,000 cartridges annually. Under President and CEO Beth William’s guidance, RTC has experienced double-digit growth.  The company has also garnered awards and positive press for its successful, socially conscious approach to business.  In 2008, RTC ranked second on the IC100 list of top growing inner city companies and was also honored as the top minority-owned and woman-owned business for IC00.  In addition, RTC has earned Emerging Company of the Year by Black Enterprise, Top Diversity Owned Business by Diversity Business.com and Minority Supplier of the Year by AMBE.  

Roxbury Technology Corporation was recently highlighted on WBUR, Boston’s NPR news station, for its commitment to hiring ex-cons.  President and CEO Beth Williams reflected that it’s important to give community residents with Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) employment opportunities.  “I’ve honestly believed, just like we give products a second chance, a second life, people need a second life,” stated Williams.  “These guys come out and they have no place to work and so they fallback into the same thing, so here they come in. Their probation officers come in and check — they’re like, ‘Beth, you’ve saved this young man’s life.’ I think it’s essential, I mean, about 10 percent of my workforce I would say has a CORI.”

RTC’s commitment to hiring ex-cons has proven a win-win situation.  Beth Williams praises the quality of work from her CORI employees.  “I tend to find that those employees are the ones with the most gratitude,” said Williams. “They’re not the ones who come in complaining and griping… they want to really try to make it work and they’re thankful they’ve been given another opportunity.”

Congratulations to Roxbury Technology Corporation for its continued growth and for successfully creating shared value with its Jamaica Plain, MA community.  RTC understands Michael E. Porter and Mark R. Kramer’s notion of “creating economic value in a way that also creates value for society by addressing its needs and challenges.”

Tell us what businesses in your communities are creating shared value!

BY Mary Duggan on September 2nd, 2011

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