History of CEBC

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Our History

The Center for Ethical Business Cultures was founded in 1978 by Minnesota CEO's that were deeply committed to the highest standards of business conduct and to the leadership role business plays in addressing community challenges. Originally launched as the Minnesota Project on Corporate Responsibility, the Center focused on addressing community and social responsibility issues. The philosophy of the founding members was clear:

“The only reason for the existence of the free enterprise system is to serve society.” - Kenneth Dayton, Dayton Hudson Corporation

“The major problems of society cannot be solved without the direct participation and resources of business initiated and sponsored by active personal involvement of the Chief Executive Officer.” - Judson Bemis, The Bemis Company

In 1982, the Center incorporated as the Minnesota Center for Corporate Responsibility (MCCR), applying stakeholder management principles to business strategy and focusing on critical policy issues such as education reform, diversity, and stakeholder management.

After affiliating with the University of St. Thomas in 1988, the Center took its message to a global business audience through The Minnesota Principles, a document that subsequently formed the core of the international Caux Round Table Principles for Business.

In 1998, the Center launched a new era. It reframed its mission, changed its name to the Center for Ethical Business Cultures (CEBC), expanded its commitment to serving member companies, reached out to collaborate with organizations nationally and internationally, and joined with the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management in addition to the University of St. Thomas College of Business to create a unique three-way, business–academic partnership.

In July of 2004, the Center entered into a permanent joint venture with the University of St. Thomas - Minnesota. This new relationship brings added stability and academic resources to the Center as it prepares to deliver increased services in the coming years.