REAP Business Association was founded in Calgary in 2006 with the vision to create a vibrant living economy where citizens understand and value the impact of shopping locally. REAP members are Calgary businesses with visionary leaders who are concerned about helping to create a more sustainable city. They make ethical business decisions – buying green power, paying their employees a living wage, supporting local suppliers and giving back to their community – because they believe in the importance of corporate social responsibility. By supporting these companies, citizens enhance their quality of life and actively express their highest values.

We believe that transformative education is needed if we are to accelerate our progress toward a sustainable future. Calgarians can only make decisions that benefit the greater good if they are aware of the issues facing the city. So our mission is to help educate people about the impact of their decisions in order that they make more decisions that have positive consequences.

We do this through three separate but related programs:

• Our free online magazine educates citizens about issues of sustainability and the positive impact that Calgary businesses have on the community, the economy and the environment. REAP encourages people to support these businesses whenever possible. Events help to create a sense of community and establish networking opportunities for concerned citizens.

• Through its members-only online forum and quarterly membership meetings REAP helps business leaders deepen their commitment to sustainability by sharing resources and best practices. 

• Our elementary school curriculum teaches students to become responsible citizens, urges them to participate in the democratic process, and inspires them to support constructive change in their community, their society, and their world.

Through these three programs REAP strives to engage a variety of stakeholders in all walks of life.