On April 13, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed the nation's first Benefit Corporation law designating a new kind of company that creates social benefit and shareholder value.

From a company’s point of view, the new law empowers directors of Benefit Corporations to consider employees, community and the environment in addition to shareholder value when they make operating and liquidity decisions. And, it offers them legal protection for those considerations.

In less than two weeks Investor's Circle, an organization committed to exploring new patient capital strategies for facilitating the flow of capital to socially responsible young companies, will be hosting its spring conference in San Francisco.  Since its inception in 1992, over $133 million has been invested by Investors' Circle members into 200 companies or small venture funds.  If you have an interest in impact investing we highly suggest you check it out.  At the Venture Fair you'll have a chance to check out