Ice cream legend to speak at IU

Jerry Greenfield, who with long-time friend Ben Cohen helped to build a $300 million ice cream empire, will speak today at IU.

His presentation, “An Evening of Entrepreneurial Spirit, Social Responsibility & Radical Business Philosophy,” begins at 7 p.m. at the IU Auditorium. The event is being presented by the Kelley Institute for Social Impact. It is free and open to the public.

“Jerry Greenfield’s presentation will show the audience how every person can make an impact — whether you want to start a socially responsible business or simply buy products that support the environment and community development,” said Molly Barwick, one of KISI’s co-directors, in a press release.
 
Cohen and Greenfield, friends since junior high school, started Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc. in May 1978. They opened their first parlor in Burlingon, Vt.

The duo soon became known throughout Vermont for their rich, unusual flavors, such as Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey, as well as their community-oriented
approach to doing business.

Greenfield and Cohen are now a model for the American business and have been recognized for fostering their company’s commitment to social responsibility by the Council on Economic Priorities, which awarded them the Corporate Giving Award in 1988 for donating 7.5 percent of their pre-tax profits to nonprofit organizations.

The U.S. Small Business Administration named them Small Business Persons of the Year in 1988.

Ben & Jerry’s continues to be operated independently and keeps strong to its guiding principles toward employees, philanthropy and use of Vermont, growth hormone free milk.

Greenfield is co-author with Cohen of the 1997 best-selling book “Ben & Jerry’s Double Dip: Lead With Your Values and Make Money” (Simon & Schuster) as well as the 1987 book “Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book” (Workman Publishing Co.).