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Muhammed Yunus - "The Father of Microcredit" - to Keynote the 2012 SRI Conference Held in New York City Area

05.04.2012 - 10:35AM

Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, who is widely regarded as the father of microcredit and also is the founder of Grameen Bank, will be the keynote speaker on the opening night of the 23rd annual SRI Conference on Sustainable, Responsible, Impact Investing ("The 2012 SRI Conference") taking place October 2-4, 2012 at the Mohegan Sun Conference Center in Connecticut.

Organized by First Affirmative Financial Network, The SRI Conference (formerly known as SRI in the Rockies) is the largest annual gathering of responsible investors and investment professionals in North America. The October 2012 conference represents the first time the major industry event has been held on the East Coast, with easy access to and from New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C. For more information, go to http://www.SRIconference.com.

In March, 2012 Fortune Magazine named Yunus as “one of 12 greatest entrepreneurs of our time.” In 2006, Professor Yunus and Grameen Bank were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The Wharton School of Business chose him as one of “The 25 Most Influential Business Persons of the Past 25 Years.” In 2008, in an open online poll, Professor Yunus was voted the second topmost intellectual person in the world on the list of Top 100 Public Intellectuals by Prospect magazine (UK) and Foreign Policy magazine (US).

First Affirmative President, Steve Schueth, producer of The SRI Conference, said: "The SRI community and the 2012 SRI Conference sponsors are very pleased that one of the seminal figures in the world of microcredit and sustainable investing will be joining us to open the 23rd annual SRI Conference. This will be a must-attend session for investors, investment professionals, and companies interested in directing the flow of investment capital toward a truly sustainable future.

Professor Yunus was born in Bangladesh in 1940. In 1965, he received a Fulbright Scholarship to study economics at Vanderbilt University, and received a PhD in economics in 1969. He returned to Bangladesh in 1972 and joined University of Chittagong’s Department of Economics as its chairman. In 1976, Professor Yunus started to experiment with providing collateral free loans to the poor. The project was called the Grameen Bank Project which later, in 1983, became a full-fledged bank providing loans to the poor, mostly women, in rural Bangladesh. Today Grameen Bank has over 8.4 million borrowers, 97 percent of whom are women, and disburses over one and a half billion dollars (US) each year. His microcredit idea has spread to almost all the countries of the world, including the industrialized countries of the West.

Professor Yunus is one of only seven individuals to have received the Nobel Peace Prize, the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal. Other notable awards conferred upon him include the Ramon Magsaysay Award (1984), World Food Prize (1994), International Simon Bolivar Prize (1996), Sydney Peace Prize (1998), and Seoul Peace Prize (2006).

About the SRI Conference

The SRI Conference (http://www.SRIconference.com) is the leading forum for the sustainable, responsible, impact (SRI) investment industry in North America. For more information about the agenda, speaking, or sponsorship, please contact Krystala Kalil, at 888-774-2663 or krystala@SRIconference.com. Register at http://www.sriconference.com/register.jsp.

About First Affirmative Financial Network

First Affirmative Financial Network, LLC (http://www.firstaffirmative.com) is an independent Registered Investment Advisor (SEC File #801-56587) offering investment consulting and asset management services through a nationwide network of investment professionals who specialize in serving socially conscious investors. First Affirmative produces the annual SRI Conference (http://www.SRIconference.com).

Dow Announces Completion of Community Apartment for Elderly Victims In Fukushima; Donates Complex to Soma City

05.02.2012 - 01:49PM

The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) today announced the completion of Dow Soma Nagaya (Soma City, Fukushima), an apartment complex for the elderly victims of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, and donated the building and its ownership to the City of Soma.

At Soma City Hall in August, 2011, Dow Chairman and CEO Andrew Liveris announced the construction of the Dow Soma Nagaya complex and pledged to donate it to Soma City upon its completion.

“A number of Dow Chemical employees work in Soma, and their families live there. Soma is our precious hometown,” said Diego Donoso, president, Dow Japan, in the presence of Soma City Mayor Hidekiyo Tachiya and more than 150 others in attendance, including community leaders, Soma city council members, companies involved in the construction and local Dow employees and family members, among others. “By taking care of the elderly in our community, we can also cultivate a sense of security among the younger generation, and they will feel Soma is their safe and peaceful permanent hometown. We are committed to operating our Soma plant and at the same time, we will continue to support the Soma rebuild.”

To commemorate the occasion, Donoso handed a key made of Dow STYROFOAM^TM brand extruded polystyrene foam to Mayor Tachiya.

Soma City Mayor Hidekiyo Tachiya commented, “We are deeply appreciative of Dow Chemical’s donation. We hope that efforts to prevent elderly victims from dying alone, such as this community housing project, will spread to other disaster impacted areas.”

The complex was made possible through the application of Dow’s technology and expertise, and features many elements of traditional Japanese housing, such as tatami-covered communal social space and dining and bathing facilities, as well as traditional engawa, corridor type verandahs. And with spaces provided for volunteer activities and other group gatherings, the Nagaya is designed to lessen tenants’ feelings of isolation and to enhance a sense of companionship and social connection with the local community. The barrier-free, single-storied Nagaya is also designed to respect personal privacy, with each of the 12 individual apartments equipped with two rooms and private bathroom and kitchen.

Soma Nagaya is insulated with STYROFOAM^TM brand extruded polystyrene foam, Dow’s insulation material which contributes to less CO₂emissions and keeps the building warm in winter and cool in summer. The stable temperature in the Nagaya is expected to prevent heat-shock accidents among the elderly tenants during cold winter.

Construction and donation of the complex is a part of a multi-million dollar commitment made by Dow following the earthquake and tsunami. In the immediate aftermath, the Company donated $US2 million for emergency relief efforts to the Soma City Disaster Relief Fund.

The Dow plant has been part of the Soma community since 1993, manufacturing ion exchange resins and providing a reverse osmosis membrane rinsing operation. The plant was shut down in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, reopening in September of the same year and re-establishing the ion exchange resin to Dow’s customers who are themselves playing a critical role in the recovery of Japan, specifically in the areas of pure drinking water and energy generation.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2011, Dow had annual sales of $60 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 197 sites in 36 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

Media Report Shows that Ethics and Trust are Material to Investors

05.02.2012 - 11:59AM

Eurosif announces the launch of the Eurosif Media Sector Report 2012. The report, based on research by Ethix SRI Advisors, describes the key environmental, social and governance issues facing the sector and their importance in investment decisions. These include trust and freedom of expression issues as well as privacy and intellectual property, environmental and content diversity issues.

Executive Director of Eurosif, François Passant notes that “ Investors are aware that the media sector faces specific risks particularly relating to trust and ethics which can have very significant financial impacts, as seen in the UK’s phone hacking case. In our report we recommend that publishers are more transparent about the reliability of their sources, adhere to accepted ethical standards and distinguish more clearly, fact and opinion. By enhancing trust, publications grow their audience and advertising revenue, which appeals to investors.” Alma Media, a new case-study in the report, is experimenting with several imaginative techniques to build trust with its readers.

Ulrika Hasselgren, CEO Ethix SRI Advisors, said: “The media sector is going through huge changes driven by new technologies, the convergence of the media sector with the technology and communications sectors, and the need for companies to radically transform their business models as growing number of consumers expect to access content anywhere anytime, without charge. What this means is that companies need to be acutely aware that their business risk profile may be changing dramatically: software companies may be sued for breaches of copyright law, telecommunications companies may find that their overall footprint increases as they partner with traditional print media companies, all companies will be under pressure to properly manage personal data and information”.

Dr Rory Sullivan, Strategic advisor Ethix SRI Advisors commented: “From an investment perspective, it is very difficult to assess the investment implications of ESG issues at a sectoral level. Instead analysts will need to analyse these issues at the individual company level and frequently at the level of individual business lines. Moreover, this analysis is not static; the rate of change in the sector means that, now more than ever, investors need to look forward and try and understand how the company and the sector as a whole are changing”.

Notes to Editors

1. The Eurosif Media Sector Report is the fifteenth in a series of sector reports http://www.eurosif.org/research/sector-reports . The report was researched by Ethix SRI Advisors and compiled by Eurosif.

2. Ethix SRI Advisors advises leading large institutional investors around Europe in the area of responsible investment including policy development, portfolio monitoring, engagement and communication www.ethix.se.

3. Eurosif (the European Sustainable Investment Forum) is a not-for-profit, think tank whose mission is to develop sustainability in European financial markets. Eurosif’s Board of Directors is drawn from the national Sustainable Investment Forums (“SIF”s) of France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Belgium. These SIFs assist Eurosif to represent their national members, in addition to Eurosif’s member affiliates, at a European level. As a multi-stakeholder organisation, Eurosif speaks authoritatively and broadly on SRI issues. As a discussion platform for its member affiliates, Eurosif nurtures best SRI practices and the sharing of experience on the implementation of SRI policies. Eurosif’s Member Affiliates include institutional investors, academic institutes, trade unions and NGOs. The association is a not-for-profit entity that represents assets totalling over €1 trillion through its Member Affiliates. A biography of François Passant, Executive Director of Eurosif is available here.

Eurosif Procurement Report 2012

05.02.2012 - 11:56AM

Eurosif Media Sector Report

05.02.2012 - 11:56AM

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Announces Launch of Investing with Impact Platform

04.26.2012 - 01:30PM

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney today announced the launch of a new investment platform designed to help clients align their financial goals and their personal values. The Investing with Impact Platform offers clients and Financial Advisors a broad range of investment options.

The concept of integrating social and environmental impact into investment decisions is not new, but its growing importance has led to a greater opportunity set for investors. Nearly one in eight dollars under professional management in the U.S. or about $3.07 trillion follows investment strategies that consider corporate responsibility and societal concerns.¹

"This is an important initiative for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney," said Andy Saperstein, Head of Wealth Management, U.S., at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney."We hear frequently from clients and Financial Advisors about the importance of integrating sustainability themes into their investment portfolios. Now through the Investing with Impact Platform, MSSB is able to offer our clients an action-oriented approach to combine financial returns and their personal values."

At launch, the Investing with Impact Platform will offer clients access to many opportunities spanning public and private market products through their Financial Advisors. This is the first phase in Morgan Stanley Smith Barney's focused effort to meet investors' desire for investment opportunities that center on positive social and environmental impact, without sacrificing financial performance potential. The launch of the Investing with Impact Platform will provide a substantial base on which to expand our offerings over time.

"Our goal is to build this into a robust offering to meet our clients' needs, regardless of their impact priorities or what their portfolio fit might require," said Paul Hatch, Head of Investment Strategy & Client Solutions at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. "With over four million clients who have more than $1.7 trillion of investable assets, we are in a unique position to extend the reach of an 'investing with impact' program to one of the largest sets of investors in the world. Even a fraction of this total represents a substantial amount that could be invested in support of the common good."

"At Morgan Stanley and MSSB, sustainability is at the core of our business and now, with the launch of the Investing with Impact Platform, we are able to help our wealth management clients align their investments with their desire to positively impact their communities," commented Audrey Choi, Head of Global Sustainable Finance at Morgan Stanley. "We believe investments targeting positive environmental and social impact should be available to all investors from individuals to large scale institutions, and we look forward to continuing to broaden the reach."

To find out more about the Investing with Impact Platform at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, please contact your Financial Advisor or email InvestingwithImpact@mssb.com.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, a global leader in wealth management, provides access to a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses and institutions, including brokerage and investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, credit and lending, cash management, annuities and insurance, retirement and trust services.

For further information about Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, please visit www.morganstanleysmithbarney.com.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services. The Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals from more than 1,300 offices in 43 countries. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.

¹ U.S. SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, Report on Socially Responsible Investing Trends in the United States, 2010

Johnson Controls Ranked #3 on Maplecroft Climate Innovation Indexes

04.24.2012 - 12:58PM

Johnson Controls, a global diversified company in the building and automotive industries, today announced its inclusion in two Maplecroft Climate Innovation Indexes (Maplecroft CIIs) that identify top performers in climate-related innovation and carbon management.

Johnson Controls ranked third on the Maplecroft CII Benchmark, which includes 346 of the largest U.S. companies engaged in climate related initiatives. The company also ranked third on the Maplecroft CII Leaders, which includes the 100 top performing companies from the Maplecroft CII Benchmark. Inclusion in these indexes demonstrates superior management, mitigation and adaptation in the field of Climate Innovation.

“The third place ranking of Johnson Controls in the CIIs is mainly driven by its strong commitment to technological innovation,” states Maplecroft CEO, Alyson Warhurst. “Its development of advanced battery systems to improve fuel efficiency in cars, along with data management technology to help customers reduce and track energy use and GHG emissions across their operations, were important factors in its rating. The company, which is a sector leader in the CIIs, is also actively involved in more than 500 renewable energy projects involving solar, wind, geothermal and biomass technologies.”

“Johnson Controls’ commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat,” said Stephen A. Roell, chairman and chief executive officer of Johnson Controls. “Our employees around the world continuously innovate in ways that support environmental responsibility. In addition to renewable energy projects, our energy savings performance contracting projects have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by over 17.8 million metric tons since 2000.”

The Maplecroft Climate Innovation Indexes (CIIs) are the single most exhaustive study of the USA’s largest multinational companies and how they manage and adapt to climate change, with a special focus on innovation. Maplecroft rated each company against more than 100 criteria, including: technological innovation and new working practices to combat climate change impacts; management of climate-related issues; adaption to physical climate-related risks, such as flooding or more extreme weather events throughout the supply chain; and, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Maplecroft rates each stock using numerous public domain sources, including Web sites, sustainability reports, investor presentations, and UN Global Compact Communications on Progress. This is supplemented by third party stakeholder viewpoints and direct engagement with the companies, particularly in the area of innovation. The rating methodology also uses Maplecroft’s global risk indices to understand wider climate change risk exposures across the entire footprint of each company.

Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 162,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2012, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #5 company in its annual “100 Best Corporate Citizens” list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

Maplecroft

Maplecroft is the leading source of global risks intelligence. We analyze, index and map over 100 global risks to help organizations identify areas of high risk and navigate the complex challenges encompassed by climate change, pandemics, resource security, terrorism and human rights. Our comprehensive portfolio of data sets, risk indices, interactive maps and country reports are complimented by an award-winning reporting service and a unique company rating system that calculates exposure to risks across supply chains, operations and distribution networks. Maplecroft stands for risk, responsibility and reputation. Maplecroft is a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment. www.maplecroft.com

The Coca-Cola Company Contributes $2 Million To Catalyst's 'Changing Workplaces, Changing Lives' Campaign

03.30.2012 - 12:00PM

The Coca-Cola Company today announced a $2 million, multiyear award to Catalyst Inc. to help women worldwide grow and thrive in business. The donation was announced in conjunction with Catalyst’s 50^th anniversary celebration held this week in New York City.

Catalyst, a nonprofit organization working to accelerate the advancement of women globally, will use the funding to create the Center for Corporate Practice Research, which will analyze more than 20 years of initiatives on inclusion used by large corporations. It will share its findings and best practices with global markets working to achieve gender parity.

“At The Coca-Cola Company, we believe the real driver of the 21st century will be women, who will play a pivotal role in shaping our global economy and our society,” said Ingrid Saunders Jones, Chair of The Coca-Cola Foundation. “As we considered the global needs of women and the extraordinary work being done by Catalyst, we chose to support Catalyst in a way that would enable women worldwide to succeed.”

Empowering women to thrive in business is a global commitment for The Coca-Cola Company, which in 2010 announced an initiative to enable the economic empowerment of 5 million women entrepreneurs across its global value chain by the year 2020.Through 5 BY 20, Coca-Cola is developing and implementing programs that enable women entrepreneurs to break down the barriers they face. These programs include business skills training courses, access to financial services and access to support networks of peers or mentors.

In addition to 5 BY 20, The Coca-Cola Company’s Women’s Leadership Council directs the Company’s internal focus on women. Led by Chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent, this group of 17 women executives works to identify strategies to recruit, develop and retain women into senior leadership positions.

Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit membership organization expanding opportunities for women and business. With offices in the United States, Canada, Europe, and India, and more than 500 preeminent corporations as members, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about women at work. The Coca-Cola Company has previously awarded more than $1.2 million to Catalyst for sponsorships, general operating and program support.

The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world's most valuable brand, our Company's portfolio features 15 billion dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of more than 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system employees. For more information, please go to www.thecoca-colacompany.com or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo.

Major Investors Warn Energy Companies of Business Risks in Flaring Gas at Shale Oil Wells

03.29.2012 - 04:34PM

With escalating shale oil production putting the US on track to become the world’s largest oil producer, investors are challenging an increasingly common industry practice – burning off or ‘flaring’ associated natural gas from shale oil wells – as environmentally damaging, economically wasteful and a threat to the industry’s bottom line.

“We are concerned that excessive flaring, because of its impact on air quality and climate change, poses significant risks for the companies involved, and for the industry at large, ultimately threatening the industry’s license to operate,” wrote three-dozen investors in a letter sent this week to 21 of the industry’s largest shale oil producers, including Continental Resources and Chesapeake Energy.

The letter notes that in North Dakota alone, which produced an average of 418,000 barrels each day last year and is now the third largest source of domestic oil production behind Texas and Alaska, annual flaring-related emissions were equivalent to more than two million tons of carbon dioxide, as much as adding 384,000 cars to the road.

Shale oil holds the potential to transform the US oil industry, but its benefits will be drastically reduced if we don’t address flaring head-on,” said Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres, the business-investor coalition that helped organize the letter. “The industry’s current approach to the issue raises serious questions as to whether that will happen, and merits a red flag from an investment community that looks to companies for long-term sustainability.”

“Excessive flaring is not only environmentally damaging but also a waste of a valuable resource,” added Karina Litvack, director, head of governance and sustainable investment at F&C Asset Management, one of the investors sending the letter. “We want to encourage companies to articulate plans for resolving this issue while shale oil production is still in its relative infancy.”

Shale oil production is growing rapidly as a result of advances in recovery technologies, particularly directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. These technologies have opened up previously inaccessible reserves of oil in shale formations in North Dakota, Texas, California, Colorado, Ohio, and several other states. Goldman Sachs recently forecast that the U.S. is poised to become the world’s top oil producer in the next five years - a position it last occupied in 1973. Nearly all of this increased production would come from shale oil fracking.

The letter focused on the industry’s practice of allowing billions of cubic feet of natural gas to be flared or vented as a byproduct of shale oil production. The practice is only loosely regulated at the state level.

“Few if any companies appear to have well-articulated plans for managing this growing risk,” said Steven Heim, director of social research and advocacy at Boston Common Asset Management. “As long-term investors, such a short-sighted approach raises significant concerns.”

“On a lifecycle basis,” the investors’ letter continues, “emissions from oil produced with high flaring rates may be comparable to those from Canada’s vast oil sands region” - a particularly high-carbon oil source. “This could make it subject to penalties under clean fuel standards like those adopted by California, and being actively considered by the 13 Northeast states that are members of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Such standards reduce the carbon intensity of fuel over time and limit the market for more carbon-intensive sources.”

Shale oil fracking takes place in an environment where regulation hasn’t kept up with booming production. At the moment, this type of energy production is mostly regulated by the states, many of which are relatively new to oil and gas production and don’t yet have strong regulatory regimes in place.

The investor letter requests “information about the amount (each company) is currently flaring, as well as details about your plans to reduce flaring at existing wells and prevent it at future wells.” The response deadline is May 1. Investors also asked to meet with the companies.

The letter, addressed to the CEOs of companies with major shale oil holdings, was sent to Anadarko, Apache, BP, Chesapeake Energy, Chevron, Continental Resources, Devon Energy, EOG Resources, ExxonMobil, Hess, Marathon Oil, Noble Energy, Oasis Petroleum, Occidental Petroleum, Pioneer Natural Resources, Royal Dutch Shell, SM Energy, Statoil, Talisman Energy, Total, and Whiting Petroleum.

The investor signatories, representing $500 billion in assets, include, among others, Boston Common Asset Management, F&C Asset Management, Local Authority Pension Fund Forum, PaxWorld Management, Portfolio 21 Investments and Presbyterian Church (USA). The investor letter, with a full listing of signatories, can be found at: http://www.ceres.org/files/oil-gas/investor-flaring-letter

Ceres is an advocate for sustainability leadership. Ceres mobilizes a powerful coalition of investors, companies and public interest groups to accelerate and expand the adoption of sustainable business practices and solutions to build a healthy global economy. Ceres also directs the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a network of 100 institutional investors with collective assets totaling more than $10 trillion. For more information, visit http://www.ceres.org and http://www.incr.com.

Sunrise Community Banks Awarded for Innovation in Helping Communities

03.29.2012 - 11:34AM

Sunrise Community Banks, a family-owned banking group consisting of the Twin Cities’ Franklin Bank, Park Midway Bank and University Bank, was selected as a 2012 Community Reinvestment Award winner in the lending category at the National Interagency Community Reinvestment Conference.

The Community Reinvestment Awards recognize financial institutions that advance innovative solutions for lower-income communities. Two of Sunrise Community Banks’ initiatives, The Socially Responsible Deposit Fund and the New Markets Tax Credit Loan Program, were key in earning this award for their focus on lending in the urban core of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

“Sunrise Community Banks has consistently been one of the top banks in partnering with the City of Minneapolis to support small businesses,” said Bob Lind, business finance director for the City of Minneapolis.

Sunrise customers may direct their deposits to fund affordable housing, small business development and community services through the Socially Responsible Deposit Fund. Led by Park Midway Bank, the New Markets Tax Credit Loan Program was established through a $25 million award from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to encourage investment in economically distressed communities throughout the Twin Cities.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for caring for our communities, which is at the center of our organizational mission,” said Nikki Foster, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer for Sunrise Community Banks. “It is wonderful to be known as a financial organization that improves people’s lives.”

Sunrise Community Banks was selected among 75 nominees and judged on three criteria: effective use of partnerships, flexibility and innovation, and the ability to meet the needs of small businesses. For more information, visit www.sunrisebanks.com.

About Sunrise Community Banks

Sunrise Community Banks, located in St. Paul is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with a mission to be the “Leader in Improving Our Urban Community.” The bank holding company affiliates (Franklin Bank, Park Midway Bank, University Bank) focus their lending in the urban core of Minneapolis and St. Paul and offer deposit customers a Socially Responsible Deposit Fund (SRDF) option. When customers choose to participate in the SRDF, it offers them the chance to be an agent of change in our community. These deposits help fuel the banks’ support of affordable housing, small business development and community services offered through not-for-profit organizations.

First Round of Keynotes & Panelists Announced for SOCAP:Designing the Future

03.22.2012 - 12:00PM

March 21^st 2012 - SOCAP:Designing the Future, SOCAP’s 2^nd European-based event to be held this year in Malmö, Sweden May 8-10, has announced it’s first round of confirmed keynotes and panelists.

In total, 100+ pioneering individuals will speak on global innovations happening within the event’s four core themes - Scaling Social Enterprise, Public Private Partnerships, Inclusion, and Biosphere Economy. Collaborative formats at the event will include keynotes, problem-solving sessions, in depth conversations, and explorations of new models mixed with practical lessons from the field on what’s working and what’s not.

Select announced keynotes & panelists include:

Jean-Philippe de Schrevel, Founder & CEO, Bamboo Finance
Audrey Selian, Director, Artha Initiative
Simon Tucker, CEO, Young Foundation
Luke Disney, Executive Director, North Star Alliance
Göran Carstedt, Chairman, Natural Step
Alejandro Litovsky, Founder and Director, Earth Security Initiative
Paul Cheng, Founder, SharedImpact
Jason Mollring, Head of Connect, UnLtd Future
Ajaita Shah, Founder/CEO, Frontier Markets Consulting Inc.
Simon Tucker, Chief Executive, The Young Foundation

>>> View More on Website

SOCAP:Designing the Future is hosted by Social Capital Markets in partnership with local hosts in Sweden; Region Skåne, Malmö University, City of Malmö and Business Region Skåne. What makes SOCAP different? SOCAP brings together more world-changing, interdisciplinary individuals than any other conference. Taking place in Malmö, Sweden - a creative region known for being open to new ideas and innovative methods - SOCAP:Designing the Future aims to be a platform where Scandinavia and Europe can manifest their innovative influences and attract capital to new ideas, initiatives and social entrepreneurs operating in that region and beyond.

Toys For Tots Literacy Program Marks $2 Million Milestone

03.22.2012 - 10:00AM

The UPS Store ^® network, exclusive sponsor of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, announced today that it recently reached a milestone of raising more than $2 million since the program began in 2008.

As the first year-round initiative of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, the literacy program offers the nation’s most economically disadvantaged children direct access to books and educational resources. This helps enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively, enabling them to compete academically and succeed in life.

Participating The UPS Store locations sell donation cards in the spring as well as in November and December. Centers continue additional fundraising activities throughout the year, including a coin box program for customers to donate spare change. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation uses every dollar donated to purchase books for less fortunate children in the communities in which the donations were made.

To give the program a healthy launch each year, Mail Boxes Etc., Inc., franchisor of The UPS Store, donates $50,000 and The UPS Foundation provides a $100,000 grant.

“Over the past four years, our franchisees and their customers have been the driving force of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program,” said Stuart Mathis, president of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. “As locally owned businesses, we understand the importance of giving back to our communities.”

The UPS Store franchisees help drive the Toys for Tots Literacy Program by identifying local organizations that serve less fortunate children. In Reston, Va., The UPS Store franchisee Hal Berens helps make an impact in his local community by hosting an annual book donation event at his center. This year, Berens presented $10,000 worth of books to four local organizations. Since 2008, with the support of his local community, Berens’ location has donated nearly $25,000 worth of books to local children.

“It’s great to see first-hand the impact these donations make on my community,” Berens said. “These schools and organizations need the funds now more than ever.”

Nearly 5,000 miles away from Virginia, in Honolulu, Hawaii, The UPS Store franchisee Larry Adler has actively supported the program since its launch in 2008, raising nearly $32,000 at his five The UPS Store locations.

“This program provides us the unique opportunity to work with a nationally recognized organization yet make a local impact,” Adler said.

“The UPS Store franchise owners are truly making a difference in communities across the country through the more than $2 million they’ve donated to the Toys for Tots Literacy Program,” said LtGen. Pete Osman, USMC (Ret), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “We believe that reading is the most important skill a child can learn, and we look forward to continuing to work side-by-side with The UPS Store on this important cause.”

For more information on the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, visit www.toysfortots.org/literacy.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 65^th year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to less fortunate children through the gift of a new toy or book during the Christmas holiday season. Our gifts offer these children hope, recognition and a positive memory they will cherish for a lifetime. Many of the gifts we provide, such as books, games and sports equipment, make a significant contribution to the educational, social and physical development of these children. In 2011, Marines distributed gifts (to include over 1.4 million books) to 7.2 million children in 729 communities nationwide. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation relies on individual donations from the American public as well as support from corporate sponsors. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

With nearly 4,700 locations in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada, The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. ^® network comprises the world’s largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal, printing and business service centers. In the U.S., The UPS Store locations are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc., a subsidiary of UPS(NYSE:UPS). In Canada, locations are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of master licensee MBEC Communications, L.P. Services, pricing and hours of operation may vary by location. For additional information on The UPS Store, including information on franchise opportunities for opening a The UPS Store location, visit www.theupsstore.com.

B Lab Announces 53 GIIRS Pioneer Funds and 17 GIIRS Pioneer Investors

03.21.2012 - 06:13PM

B Lab is pleased to announce the final group of GIIRS Pioneer Funds. Eleven new funds have joined the Pioneer Funds since October, bringing the total number of funds to 53. These new funds represent $366 million in invested capital, with a combined total assets under management for the 53 Pioneer Funds of $1.9 billion and investments in over 30 countries around the globe. The commitment by these investment practitioners to transparently measure impact using GIIRS is the driving force that makes the impact investing industry real. Please join us in celebrating their leadership.

The new GIIRS Pioneer Funds represent a diverse range of investment vehicles that address the financing needs of entrepreneurs globally, ranging from early-stage equity to long-term debt funding. Joining the GIIRS Pioneer Fund community in this final group are: Agri-Vie’s Agri-Vie I Fund, Pearl Capital’s AAC II Fund, Business Partners International (BPI) Rwanda SME Fund, Developing World Markets' (DWM) new private equity fund, Claro y Asociados’ Fondo de Inversión Social (FIS) Fund, Pacific Community Ventures’ PCV Growth Fund II, AlphaMundi’s Prometheus BoP Energy Access Fund, SEAF’s Permanent Capital Vehicle (PCV) Fund, RISKebiz’s Fund I, TBC Capital’s TBCCIIF-I Fund, and Conservation International’s Verde Ventures Fund.

All Pioneer Funds are listed on the GIIRS website. To date, 24 of these funds have received their GIIRS Rating Reports and are listed on the GIIRS Fund Directory.

More and more investors are committing to put their capital to work in these GIIRS Funds. Two new investors have joined the class of GIIRS Pioneer Investors. Sarona Asset Management and Halloran Philanthropies, both leading organizations in the impact investing industry, have publicly declared an investment preference for GIIRS rated companies and funds, and will use GIIRS Analytics to manage and benchmark their impact investing portfolios against a broad universe of impact data. There are now 17 GIIRS Pioneer Investors that collectively have $1.7 billion in impact assets under management.

These GIIRS Pioneer Funds and Investors recognize that scaling the impact investing industry requires improved capital markets infrastructure, including generally accepted standards for defining, measuring, and comparing positive social and environmental impact. “The leadership commitment of the GIIRS Pioneer Funds has created a wave of interest from investors who have been hesitant to make impact investments without transparent and comparable data on impact. Thanks to the GIIRS Pioneer Funds, these impact investors can come off the sidelines with exciting, viable investment options” said Andrew Kassoy, co-founder of B Lab, the non-profit organization that operates GIIRS Ratings and Analytics.

About B Lab and GIIRS

B Lab is a US-based nonprofit dedicated to building a new sector of the economy that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. In pursuit of this vision, B Lab focuses on (i) developing the Global Impact Investing Rating System (GIIRS), a rating system that links private investment capital with for-profit social enterprises, (ii) establishing social and environmental performance standards for certifying B Corporations, and (iii) promoting a new corporate form for profit-based companies providing a public benefit. As of September 2011, there are over 450 Certified B Corporations from over 50 industries, representing a diverse multi-billion marketplace. For more information, visit http://www.bcorporation.net.

GIIRS is a comprehensive and transparent system for assessing the social and environmental impact of developed and emerging market companies and funds with a ratings and analytics approach analogous to Morningstar investment rankings and Capital IQ financial analytics. It seeks to spark the impact investment movement by providing a tool that is intended to change investor behavior and unlock the potential of this new asset class. GIIRS Ratings & Analytics will allow entrepreneurs, companies, and fund managers to better serve their customers, workers, and communities by raising capital from mission-aligned investors based on the social and environmental impact of their underlying businesses or portfolio companies. For more information, visit http://www.giirs.org/.

UPS Foundation Donating To Humanitarian Relief, Road Safety Initiatives

03.20.2012 - 10:00AM

UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced the award of 18 grants by The UPS Foundation totaling more than $5.5 million to non-profit organizations that promote community safety through urgent humanitarian relief efforts and road safety initiatives.

The UPS Foundation is the philanthropic arm of UPS and leads its corporate citizenship efforts. Sharing UPS’s extensive knowledge of logistics, coupled with financial support through grants, The UPS Foundation works with non-profits in the humanitarian relief space to enhance their ability to prepare and respond to natural disasters.

Additionally, The UPS Foundation creates innovative community safety partnerships with non-profits to champion road safety. UPS is currently expanding it’s safe driving program, UPS Road Code^TM, which leverages UPS volunteers around the world to instruct teens and novice drivers on safe driving techniques.

“UPS and The UPS Foundation are committed to promoting safety and prosperity by supporting organizations that champion a variety of community safety initiatives,” said Eduardo Martinez, president of The UPS Foundation. “We are honored to apply our knowledge and command of logistics to help others prepare for the unknown and create safer roads and communities.”

The Foundation’s humanitarian relief grants will support several organizations, including:

The American Red Cross will allocate grant dollars from UPS to their Annual Disaster Giving Program and the support of both domestic and international relief efforts
CARE USA received grants that support the continued implementation of commodity tracking and supply chain unit development to manage their emergency relief efforts.
The Salvation Army will use grant dollars provided to fund a warehouse project in Haiti and toward their Emergency Response Fund.
UNICEF’s grant dollars will be used for their emergency fund, a Supply Chain Stock Replenishment and Enhancement Program, and transportation initiatives
United States Association for United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) received grants towards technology solutions that assist with equitable distribution of food in refugee camps, a warehousing project in Africa and their Emergency Fund.
The World Food Programme (WFP) will use grants to support several initiatives including Logistics Response Team (LRT) training and the Purchase for Progress program in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an effort that leverages the WFP’s purchasing power and its expertise in logistics and food quality to offer smallholder farmers opportunities to access agricultural markets.

Organizations supported by the road safety grants include:

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada will use grants to support the expansion of the UPS Road Code program in Canada.
Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V.will apply funds to help establish the UPS Road Code program in Germany.
The United Nations Decade of Action will leverage their grant award to support the rollout phase of the Fleet Forum Fleet Safety Modular Driver Training program that is being implemented in Africa.
UK Youth will leverage the grants to expand the UPS Road Code program in the United Kingdom.

UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight; the facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. Founded in 1951, The UPS Foundation is responsible for leading the organization’s philanthropy and corporate citizenship efforts. In 2011, UPS and its employees, active and retired, invested more than $93 million in charitable giving around the world. The UPS Foundation can be found on the web at UPS.com/foundation. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.

Renewal2 Launches Elevation Brands, LLC, a Company Using Mission-Driven Foods to Solve Health and Environmental Challenges

03.15.2012 - 08:00AM

Renewal2 is pleased to announce the launch of Elevation Brands, LLC, a company formed to meet the demand for new kinds of mission-driven food brands that more and more consumers must trust before they taste.

The first two charter brands of Elevation Brands are Blue Horizon Wild and Ian’s Natural Foods – true pioneers in their respective categories of sustainably sourced, wild-caught seafood and all-natural, allergy-friendly foods.

Ian’s Natural Foods produces 30 all-natural, allergy-friendly versions of food favorites like chicken nuggets and French bread pizza. These products give children and adults whose diets are severely restricted by food allergies and Celiac disease the ability to enjoy the same foods as their friends and families.

Blue Horizon Wild is a leading brand of frozen, wild, sustainable seafood products. The company has 18 unique seafood SKUs sourced from artisan fisheries and maintains the highest standards for sustainable fishing practices for its products.

Renewal2 was introduced to Ian’s Natural Foods by senior food executive, Jeff Mains. Seeing the opportunities for synergies between Ian’s and Blue Horizon, Renewal2 led the deal to form Elevation Brands. The deal was a true merger of strengths and bringing the two companies together under one roof allows them to share the critical operations and resources necessary to quickly grow distribution and market share without compromising quality, consistency or consumer trust.

Paul Richardson, CEO of Renewal2, states, “The establishment of Elevation Brands signifies the enormous financial, social and environmental potential of foods that give individual consumers the power to influence the health and well-being of their families and the world we share.”

Chuck Marble, current General Manager of Ian’s Natural Foods, will become CEO of Elevation Brands. “Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their food choices. They also know that the key to solving a number of health challenges facing the world today lies in what we eat. We’re here to make history as pioneers of foods that matters.”

While Elevation Brands will continue operations, manufacturing, sales and marketing activities for its brands, both Ian’s and Blue Horizon Wild will continue to be marketed as distinct consumer brands. Both brands will be based at Ian’s facility in Framingham, Massachusetts.

For more information about Blue Horizon Wild, visit their website at www.bluehorizonseafood.com

For more information about Ian’s Natural Foods, visit their website at www.iansnaturalfoods.com

About Renewal2 Investment Fund

Based in Vancouver, BC, Renewal2 is a social venture fund that builds upon almost two decades of experience in successful high-impact investing. Renewal2 is dedicated to delivering financial returns by investing in leading environmental and social mission businesses in Canada and the U.S. www.renewal2.ca

Disclaimer: This is not an offer or solicitation to sell securities of, or financial interests in, the Fund. Investment in the Fund is limited to a restricted pool of investors, namely “Accredited Investors” and others not requiring disclosure by prospectus as defined under applicable securities laws.

Application Experts Announces B Corp Certification For Doing Good While Doing Business As A Software Provider For The Alternative Asset Industry

03.12.2012 - 11:00AM

Application Experts (App-X), provider of web-based software solutions AIM and PULSE for the alternative asset industry, is announcing its certification as a Benefit Corporation - or B Corp - for its positive impact on society and the environment, including providing free software to nonprofits so they can track and measure their social and environmental impacts around the world.

Since 2006, App-X’s tech-and investment-savvy team has positioned the company as a trusted adviser delivering flexible software solutions including AIM, customized specifically to help fund managers track fundraising and investing, and PULSE, developed in partnership with today’s leading social impact organizations to holistically measure social impact activities. As a result, App-X now has more than 70 clients worldwide who collectively manage over $80 billion in assets.

“Our B Corp certification is a natural outgrowth of our focus on making a positive impact on the world while generating profits via our cloud-based software solutions for the alternative asset industry,” said Kevin Kelly, App-X CEO and founder. “Our PULSE software is used by some of the best known organizations in the burgeoning social impact movement to capture, measure and report metrics that paint a picture of the social change caused by their investments, products and services.”

App-X’s AIM software is a modified CRM system that centralizes institutional knowledge related to fundraising, investment due diligence, and portfolio management for alternative asset fund managers and institutional investors. AIM transforms Salesforce, the market’s leading CRM platform, to provide better communication with limited partners, deeper understanding of all investments in the pipeline, and decreased time spent hunting for information and preparing for meetings.

PULSE, winner of a Fast Company Social Capitalist Award, makes metrics easy to track for more than 50 organizations on six continents, including Acumen Fund, Root Capital, Inter-American Development Bank, Inveneo, World Resources Institute, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Think: seats opened in inner-city charter schools in the United States, broadband services connecting people in rural Africa, water systems delivering clean water in India, and affordable housing units built in Latin America.

B Corporations must create a positive impact on society and the environment, consider non-financial interests when making decisions, and report overall social and environmental impacts as assessed against a third-party standard. To obtain certification, App-X passed an assessment of its company activities, structure, environmental diligence and community impact.

App-X earned its B Corp Certification by proving positive impacts on all of its stakeholders, including employees, customers, the community and the environment. App-X gives back to the community through support of the Chanda Plan Foundation, a nonprofit improving the lives of people with disabilities through education and access to integrative therapies. The company also makes sustainable practices an integral part of its culture through a zero-waste office, composting and alternative transportation.

“Our technical experts have deep understanding of the private equity industry, a combination that puts us ahead of the competition and allows us to offer customizable software that leads the industry in functionality, extensive consulting services, and local support,” said App-X CTO Joe McVicker. “When we add to this expertise our B Corp focus on profits with a positive purpose, we are furthering the social impact movement’s goal of seeing all private equity and venture capital organizations care about the effects of their investment activity on society.”

B Corporations are a growing trend in the United States and part of a worldwide movement of for-profit companies voluntarily using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. App-X is one of more than 515 Certified B Corporations across 60 industries that represent a diverse multi-billion marketplace. B Corp Certification is offered by the nonprofit organization B Lab. To become certified, a company must score an 80 or higher on the "B Impact Rating System" that assesses social and environmental performance. B Corporation members also are required to adopt the "B Corporation Legal Framework" designed to expand corporate transparency and accountability beyond what is required of traditional corporations.

About Application Experts

Application Experts, LLC, (App-X) is the leading provider of flexible web-based solutions for Alternative Asset Fund Managers and Institutional Investors. App-X clients are leaders in the Alternative Asset Community with over $80 billion in assets under management. App-X is headquartered outside of Denver with offices in Boston and Chicago. For more information, visit the App-X website.

First Affirmative Financial Network One Of Three U.S. Financial Services Companies Recognized As "Best For The World” In Worker Impact

03.07.2012 - 02:00PM

First Affirmative Financial Network (First Affirmative), the leading U.S. fee-only Registered Investment Advisor that focuses on sustainable, responsible, impact (SRI) investing, is being recognized today as one of the “Best for the World” companies in terms of creating the most positive worker impact.

First Affirmative is one of the first 500 “Benefit Corporations” in the United States and one of only about 30 in Colorado.

B Lab, the nonprofit organization that governs the B Impact Assessment and also certifies B Corporations, recognized First Affirmative Financial Network as:

Among the 15 top U.S. corporations in terms of positive worker impact.

One of three U.S. financial services companies to rank the highest on positive worker impact. In addition to First Affirmative, B Labs also awarded top honors to Partnership Capital Growth and The Caprock Group.

One of only three Colorado corporations to rank in the top of positive worker impact. The other two Colorado companies so recognized are Rally Software and Namaste Solar.

“First Affirmative Financial Network is a leader in the global movement to redefine success in business,” said Jay Coen Gilbert, co-founder of B Lab, the nonprofit organization that governs the B Impact Assessment and certifies B Corporations. “First Affirmative is among the best in the world at being the best for the world.”

“Unlike traditional corporations, B Corporations consider the full impact of all internal decisions on their employees, suppliers, community, consumers, and the environment—and are legally allowed to do so,” said First Affirmative President Steve Schueth. "This is the way we have conducted our business every single day over the past 24 years. The recognition that First Affirmative is receiving today is a confirmation of the value of operating in a more responsible manner. It also translates into a way to characterize the kind of companies we look to own in client portfolios.”

First Affirmative and the other “Best for the World” businesses earned a score in the top 10 percent of all Certified B Corporations and scored considerably higher than nearly 2,000 other sustainable businesses that have completed the B Impact Assessment. The B Impact Assessment, governed by the nonprofit B Lab, is the most rigorous, comprehensive, and comparable independent assessment of overall corporate impact and shows the relative value businesses create for society by comparing nearly 200 individual metrics on corporate impact on workers, consumers, suppliers, community, and the environment.

Certified B Corporations must: 1) meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance; 2) legally expand their corporate responsibilities to include consideration of stakeholder interests; and 3) build collective voice through the power of the unifying B Corporation brand.

About First Affirmative Financial Network

First Affirmative Financial Network, LLC (http://www.FirstAffirmative.com) is an independent fee-only Registered Investment Advisor (SEC File #801-56587) offering investment consulting and asset management services through a nationwide network of investment professionals who specialize in serving socially conscious investors. First Affirmative produces The SRI Conference, the premier annual gathering of investors and investment professionals focused on sustainable, responsible, impact investing in North America.

About B Lab

B Lab is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. B Lab drives systemic change through three interrelated initiatives: 1) building a community of Certified B Corporations to make it easier for all of us to tell the difference between “good companies” and just good marketing; 2) accelerating the growth of the impact investing asset class through use of B Lab’s GIIRS impact rating system by institutional investors; and 3) promoting supportive public policies, including creation of a new corporate form and tax, procurement, and investment incentives for sustainable business. For more information, go to http://www.bcorporation.net/ on the Web.

Dow Expands Commitment to Habitat for Humanity

02.27.2012 - 10:07AM

The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) today announced a two-year commitment for financial and product contributions to help Habitat for Humanity to create safe, affordable housing in partnership with low-income families around the globe.

Adding to the more than 20 countries where Dow has participated in Habitat builds, this year the company will support projects in Africa, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Asia Pacific and North America, as well as Habitat’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project – Habitat’s most widely recognized annual event aimed at raising global awareness of the need for decent, affordable housing.

As part of its commitment, Dow has pledged nearly $1.5 million to help fund 26 Habitat builds and other key projects around the world in 2012. Additionally, Dow anticipates gift-in-kind contributions of STYROFOAM^TM brand insulation products in excess of $4 million, which represents the first half of a two-year product commitment.

“Faithful support from terrific partners like Dow enables us not only to serve more families, but to increase our impact in communities around the world,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “Dow has been a trendsetter in helping us further our mission, and we are grateful for their financial and product support, for the employees who give of their time and talents on Habitat projects and for their voice that encourages others to work for adequate housing for all.”

The announcement takes place on International Corporate Philanthropy day, an international advocacy day intended to build awareness of corporate-community partnerships and to inspire businesses around the world to engage further. Led by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, International Corporate Philanthropy Day is recognized each year on the fourth Monday in February.

“Dow and Habitat are like minded in our passion for providing safe, affordable housing to families all over the world,” said Bo Miller, global director for Corporate Citizenship at Dow. “We could not think of a better way to put our skills, our products and our contributions to work. We see this holistic approach as the most effective way to engage as a corporate citizen in everything we do and we are proud to continue to join hands with Habitat in its mission.”

The renewed agreement between Dow and Habitat brings the company’s aggregate Habitat contribution to nearly $14 million in funding and almost $30 million in gift-in-kind support over the span of their collaboration, with thousands of Dow volunteers helping families around the world realize their dreams of homeownership. In addition to widespread volunteer support, Dow also works with Habitat by providing personnel who serve as subject matter experts in energy efficiency and conservation in the construction of homes and by serving as Habitat affiliate board members.

About Dow

Angel-Backed Start-Up Challenges Venture Firms to Invest in Their First B-Corp

02.27.2012 - 10:00AM

There are close to 30 million companies in the U.S. – of those, only 500 are certified B-Corps. Earlier this year, Ethical Ocean (www.ethicalocean.com) joined the ranks of this exclusive group, becoming one of the first angel-backed start-ups to earn the certification usually reserved for well-established companies.

To be a certified B-Corp, a company must make its social and environmental impact core to its mission. Once certified, Directors of the firm are legally entitled to consider the interests of employees, the community, and the environment when making business decisions. While many start-ups see this as limiting and restrictive, Ethical Ocean sought certification as an important part of their funding strategy.

The online retailer that specializes in eco-friendly, cruelty-free, fairly made products launched early in 2011. In their first year they posted an impressive 50% month-on-month growth rate and raised $500,000 in angel funding. Looking forward they intend to raise $3-4 million in venture-backed investment this spring to continue fuelling their rapid growth – growth, however, that they won’t prioritize at the expense of the company’s principles.

This is one of the start-up’s strengths, explains CEO Chad Hamre. According to Hamre, becoming a B-Corp is an important step in Ethical Ocean’s funding process. “It tells investors exactly where we stand,” he says. “We will not disregard our principles to maximize profits and at the end of the day, we want to work with investors who share our values and understand that this commitment is also good for business.”

Some are theorizing that the newly founded certification may help companies like Ethical Ocean command higher valuations because the trust B-Corps build with customers, employees, and partners ultimately bolsters brand equity and goodwill. However, to date, it appears that the most prominent venture firms – Sequoia Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Greylock Partners – have yet to invest in a B-Corp. Ethical Ocean thinks they will be among the first.

“Gaining B-Corp status is a way to ensure that positive social and environmental impact remains part of our corporate DNA,” according to Hamre. “We’re confident this unwavering commitment will increase the attractiveness of this investment to any investment firm that recognizes how quickly the ethical market is growing.” Only time will tell if the venture industry is ready to embrace B-Corp.

Institutional Investors, with Total Assets of Over $20 Trillion, Demonstrate that Investing for Positive Social Impact Can Align with Generating Financial Returns

02.21.2012 - 09:05AM

A new report released today by InSight at Pacific Community Ventures and the Initiative for Responsible Investment at Harvard University, and funded by The Rockefeller Foundation, examines the practices of the largest U.S. investors in investing for both financial return and positive social and environmental impact.

The report, Impact at Scale: Policy Innovation for Institutional Investment with Social and Environmental Benefit, explores the extensive role of public policy in shaping how institutional investors channel capital. The research reveals numerous government strategies that catalyze private investment for public good, including laws in 20 states that allow or encourage “economically targeted investments” where a public pension system invests in its home state to support local economic growth while also targeting a financial return to the fund.

“Institutional investors, such as pension funds, insurers and endowments, with over $20 trillion in assets, are critical to the growth and strength of the impact investing sector,” said Dr. Judith Rodin, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. “This new report clearly demonstrates that Institutional Investments that have social and environmental value are also earning a competitive rate of financial return, allowing institutions to maintain their fiduciary duty while simultaneously having a social impact. Policy makers can now only build on this track record and provide institutions with even more opportunities to invest for positive social impact in addition to market rate financial return.”

These anchor investors play a fundamental role in U.S. and world capital markets, and sometimes leverage their investments to address crucial social needs. Among the examples cited in the report:

The $230 billion California Public Employees Retirement System has invested over $1 billion in the “California Initiative,” a program of private equity investments targeted to companies in underserved communities in California.
The $80 billion State of Wisconsin Investment Board has invested over $350 million in its Private Loan Program, which lends capital to companies headquartered or operating in Wisconsin.
The $45 billion State of Michigan Retirement Systems has invested $35 million alongside Dow Chemical and the U.S. Small Business Administration in the InvestMichigan! Mezzanine Fund, which will invest in small businesses in underserved areas of Michigan.

“As we examined how institutional investors are responding to critical challenges of our time like climate change, urbanization and demographic shifts,” noted David Wood, Director of the Initiative for Responsible Investment, “we saw that the diversity of investor activity in this area, and of government policy, demonstrates that financial intermediaries are acquiring the expertise to use mainstream capital markets as a tool to create social and environmental impacts.”

Impact at Scale outlines public policies that build on institutions’ increased willingness and capacity to seek social impact through their investments. Among the policies highlighted are government subsidies like the New Markets Tax Credit and Low Income Housing Tax Credit, both of which aim to create vibrant and competitive markets for affordable housing and other real estate projects providing social and environmental benefits.

The report articulates three strategies for government support of “impact investing” by institutional asset owners. An “enabling” strategy – focused directly on the asset owners – providing greater flexibility for institutions to mitigate the real or perceived risks of investing for social and environmental impact in addition to financial return. An “integrative” strategy – focused on financial intermediaries – bringing social impact to conventional investment vehicles, using tools such as tax credits and embedding performance standards into sub-markets. Lastly, a “developmental” strategy – focused on market infrastructure – supporting the application of research and development as well as technical assistance programs toward an effort to foster under-developed markets, for example in education or health care, so they may become suitable for the deployment of larger amounts of capital.

“It is evident that institutions are already investing for social impact. And by supporting initiatives such as the U.N. Principles for Responsible Investment and the Investor Network on Climate Risk, these large investors have demonstrated that they care deeply about the social and environmental challenges affecting their beneficiaries,” said Ben Thornley, Director of InSight and a report co-author. “Their commitment provides a great foundation for government to identify where barriers to impact investing remain, and to address them.”

ABOUT INSIGHT AT PACIFIC COMMUNITY VENTURES
InSight is the thought leadership and advisory practice at Pacific Community Ventures, a U.S. Community Development Financial Institution and nonprofit organization. InSight provides research on community development and impact investing to clients including The Rockefeller Foundation, Annie E. Casey Foundation, and The California Endowment. InSight also evaluates the social and economic performance of more than $1 billion of targeted private equity investments by pension funds including the $230 billion California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), investment managers including Hamilton Lane, and foundations including the Northwest Area Foundation, and of $18 billion invested by CalPERS in California across asset classes. For more on InSight’s work visit www.pacificcommunityventures.org/insight/.

ABOUT IRI
The Initiative for Responsible Investment (IRI), a project of the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Harvard University, promotes the development of the theory and practice of responsible investment through research and dialogue. The IRI encourages the development of responsible investment theory and practice across asset classes, builds communities of practice around innovative responsible investment strategies, and catalyzes new opportunities and concepts in responsible investment. For more on the IRI’s work see www.hausercenter.org/iri.

ABOUT ROCKEFELLER
The Rockefeller Foundation’s mission to promote the well-being of people throughout the world has remained unchanged since its founding in 1913. Today, that mission is applied to an era of rapid globalization. Our vision is that this century will be one in which globalization’s benefits are more widely shared and its challenges are more easily weathered. To realize this vision, the Foundation seeks to achieve two fundamental goals in our work. First, we seek to build resilience that enhances individual, community and institutional capacity to survive, adapt, and grow in the face of acute crises and chronic stresses. Second, we seek to promote growth with equity in which the poor and vulnerable have more access to opportunities that improve their lives. In order to achieve these goals, the Foundation constructs its work into time-bound initiatives that have defined objectives and strategies for impact. These initiatives address challenges that lie either within or at the intersections of five issue areas: basic survival safeguards, global health, environment and climate change, urbanization, and social and economic security. For more information, please visit www.rockefellerfoundation.org.

Hub Ventures Announces Unique Collaboration to Accelerate Human Safety Innovation

02.14.2012 - 12:15PM

Hub Ventures (www.hub-ventures.com), a startup accelerator for entrepreneurs building a better world, today announced an innovative collaboration with Lakeland Ventures Development (LVD) of Grosse Pointe, MI (www.lakelandventuresdevelopment.com). Their collaboration will identify and accelerate the growth of startups developing breakthrough products and services that save lives and improve human safety and wellbeing.

Through this collaboration, Hub Ventures will identify up to four human safety focused startups to participate in its upcoming Spring 2012 cohort, an intensive 12-week business accelerator program. Each startup will receive $20,000 in seed funding. Upon completion of the Hub Ventures program, as many as four of these human safety startups will be eligible to receive an additional $75,000 each to further grow their businesses. LVD is providing the targeted investment capital and business development assistance.

“We are thrilled to work with LVD”, said Rick Moss, Hub Ventures Founding Director. “Together we are applying a proven accelerator and investment model to fund and support entrepreneurs with businesses that save lives.”

Lakeland Ventures Development co-founder Scott Flood added: “In Hub Ventures we’ve found kindred spirits. We believe that new life- saving technologies are as likely to come from entrepreneur’s garages and kitchens as they are from labs and research centers at multinational corporations, and we are taking a position as their dedicated patrons. This collaboration exemplifies LVD’s approach to identifying, developing and investing in businesses focused on solving problems associated with human health and safety issues. We’re looking forward to a long and successful relationship with our friends at Hub Ventures.”

Hub Ventures provides funding and support to technology-powered and other scalable startups focused on a variety of impact areas including mobile technology for development, collaborative consumption, healthy food systems, off-grid energy, human health and safety, clean water, and civic engagement. Last year’s Spring 2011 cohort featured 16 high-caliber startups including MobileWorks, a crowdsourcing platform that raises incomes for workers in India; Zamzee, a device that combats teen obesity by motivating them to be more active; and SpyGlass, a first-in-the-world wireless water quality monitoring platform. Hub Ventures is now taking applications for its Spring 2012 cohort, and entrepreneurs can apply at hub-ventures.com/apply through March 5^th.

About Hub Ventures

Hub Ventures is a startup accelerator for entrepreneurs building a better world. The program operates 12-week cohort cycles during which startups receive seed funding and engage in mentorship, peer collaboration, workshops, and speaker events relevant to impact-oriented startups, and investor connections. Hub Ventures is based at the Hub Bay Area, a purpose-driven collaborative workspace with over 1,000 members in San Francisco and Berkeley and connected to 30 other locations through the global Hub network. Hub Ventures is a member of the Global Accelerator Network, an alliance championed by TechStars and is partnered with Lakeland Ventures Development, Village Capital, Good Capital, and SOCAP. For more information, please visit www.hub-ventures.com.

About Lakeland Ventures Development

LVD is an innovative new enterprise focused on identifying, developing, and investing in start-up and established companies working to solve problems associated with human health and safety issues. LVD is a privately held partnership making strategic investments independently and with corporate partners that value the firm’s domain focus and access to deal flow from its association network of start-up accelerators, venture capital and private equity firms, national and university labs, and the bankers and law firms that service the community. For more information, please visit www.lakelandventuresdevelopment.com.

FT Investing in a Sustainable Future

02.14.2012 - 09:08AM

Now in its 4th year, the Financial Times' Investing in a Sustainable Future conference is a must-attend for investors interested in learning what the leaders of some of the world's largest multinational corporations are doing to improve their organizations' ability to continue to profit and grow. Chaired by the FT's US Managing Editor, Gillian Tett, this event will include keynote speakers Robert Hormats, Under Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs and Anne Stausboll, CEO of CalPERS. This one-day conference will also feature speakers from large listed corporations describing specific ways their companies are moving towards greater sustainability.

Investors Challenge 10 Electric Power Companies on Climate Change and Air Pollution Risks

02.09.2012 - 03:54PM

Leading U.S. investors today announced they have filed shareholder resolutions with Southern Company, FirstEnergy, Ameren and seven other electric power providers, pressing them to disclose their plans for managing the risks associated with climate change and pending clean air regulations.

Most of the resolutions press companies for information that will help investors assess the companies’ readiness for complying with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, which goes into effect in 2014. Electric utilities will need to replace aging coal-fired power plants with cleaner generation sources like natural gas or renewables, or retrofit older plants with pollution control technology, to comply with the new standard.

“Leading electric utilities are expanding energy efficiency programs, adding renewable energy generation, and switching from coal to natural gas to diversify their strategies for providing cleaner electricity,” said Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres and director of the Investor Network on Climate Risk, which helps coordinate the resolutions. “Investors want to know which companies are ahead of the curve in making this shift, which will help them comply with the new mercury standard and eventual climate regulations.”

The New York State Comptroller’s Office filed resolutions with DTE Energy, CMS Energy and Ameren--each of which relies on coal for more than three quarters of its power generation--asking the companies to assess actions to build shareholder value and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and air pollution via comprehensive energy efficiency and renewables programs for customers. The Comptroller filed a similar resolution last year with FirstEnergy, which recently announced that it would retire six old coal-fired plants in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Maryland in order to reduce emissions.

Other resolutions filed in the electric power, homebuilding and natural gas sectors in recent years have achieved significant improvements as detailed in Proxy Power: Shareholder Successes on Climate, Energy & Sustainability.

“Reducing pollution is not just an imperative for the world, it’s a necessary step for companies to remain at the cutting edge of this industry,” said New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. "Working with Ceres, we are urging companies to find ways to be transparent, sustainable and profitable in the context of our current regulatory environment."

Ameren received an additional resolution from the shareholder advocacy group As You Sow, asking it to report on plans to reduce company exposure to coal-related costs and risks, including progress toward achieving goals to minimize commodity risk, emissions other than GHGs, costs of environmental compliance, and construction risk. Duke Energy and FirstEnergy, and Empire District Electric Company, received similar resolutions.

"Due to a changing regulatory landscape and increased market pressures from low-cost natural gas and alternative energy sources, electric utilities reliant on coal are exposed to significant financial risk," said Corinne Bendersky, As You Sow’s Energy Program Manager. "We want companies to report on plans to minimize coal-related risks, demonstrating to investors that they are prepared to meet these challenges and protect shareholder value."

Other resolutions filed include:

The New York City Comptroller John C. Liu filed resolutions with GenOn and Dynegy asking the companies to report on plans for setting GHG reduction goals.
FirstEnergy and Southern Company also received resolutions from Green Century Capital Management asking them to report on plans for managing the environmental financial, legal, and reputational risks associated with coal ash disposal. Ameren received a similar proposal from the Midwest Coalition for Responsible Investment.
The New York State Comptroller filed a resolution with Duke Energy (which is merging with Progress Energy) seeking disclosure on actions the company could take to expand energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.

The resolutions filed with electric power companies are part of a broader investor initiative challenging companies to address climate and sustainability risks. The resolutions were filed by some of the nation’s largest public pension funds, foundations, and religious, labor and other institutional investors. Many of the investors are members of Ceres’ Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), which has 100 members managing over $10 trillion in assets.

Thus far in the 2012 proxy season, investors coordinating with Ceres have filed 86 resolutions with 69 companies, including businesses with direct exposure to climate change, such as oil and gas companies, and companies with indirect but significant exposure through their supply chains or products, such as food, clothing and telecommunications firms. For the complete list, see www.ceres.org. These resolutions are a subset of the hundreds of sustainability-focused resolutions filed this year.

Ceres is an advocate for sustainability leadership. It leads a national coalition of investors and public interest groups working with companies to address sustainability challenges such as global climate change and water scarcity.

Investors Challenge 18 Oil and Gas Companies On Climate Change, Hydraulic Fracturing, and Sustainability Risks

02.08.2012 - 12:12PM

Leading U.S. investors today announced they have filed shareholder resolutions with Exxon-Mobil, Chevron, Chesapeake Energy, ConocoPhillips and 14 other oil and gas companies, pressing them to disclose their plans for managing environmental and workplace challenges such as hydraulic fracturing, greenhouse gas emissions and worker safety.

“The common thread of these resolutions is stronger management focus on environmental and social challenges that will have real bottom line impacts,” said Mindy Lubber, director of the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR) and president of Ceres, which helps coordinate the filings. “These investors are telling companies they expect to see real progress on climate change, clean energy and other sustainability fronts, despite the policy paralysis in Washington.”

Most of the resolutions with oil & gas firms are associated with financial risks from hydraulic fracturing—called “fracking”— for natural gas. Resolutions filed with EOG Resources, Chevron, Penn Virginia, Anadarko Petroleum, Range Resources, Chesapeake Energy, Noble Energy, Ultra Petroleum, Exxon Mobil, and Stone Energy seek detailed financial accountings of how the companies are addressing the risks associated with community concerns, regulatory changes and drilling moratoriums.

“As community opposition and regulatory risks for fracking operations grow, investors are likewise concerned about how businesses are managing their exposure to these risks,” said Larisa Ruoff, Green Century Capital Management, which filed resolutions with Chesapeake Energy, Chevron, EOG Resources, Noble Energy and Ultra Petroleum, and coordinates efforts to press companies on fracking risks along with the Investor Environmental Health Network.

The resolutions come as public opposition to the controversial extraction technology continues to grow. They follow other resolutions filed in recent years that have achieved significant improvements in the homebuilding, electric power and other industries, as detailed in Proxy Power: Shareholder Successes on Climate, Energy & Sustainability.

“Shareholder resolutions that promote transparency and disclosure are potent weapons to ensure that companies are operating safely and in the long-term interest of investors,” said New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, whose office manages the $146.9 billion Common Retirement Fund. "Oil and gas companies that are held by the Common Retirement Fund must operate in a manner that promotes long-term sustainability, especially when dealing with natural gas, a critical part of our nation’s energy supply.”

Other resolutions filed this year with oil & gas firms request that they:

Set greenhouse gas reduction goals or report on climate change risks to the company (ConocoPhillips, Exxon-Mobil). The Exxon-Mobil resolution builds on similar a resolution filed last year that received 26.5% shareholder support. Companies that voluntarily disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and carbon reduction strategies have been found to have higher stock value, according to a recent study from the UC Davis Graduate School of Management.
Link executive compensation packages to company environment, social and governance performance. They also request that companies add board members with specific environmental expertise. Resolutions were filed with Cabot Oil and Gas, Chevron, Range Resources, Southwestern Energy Company, Occidental Petroleum. Linking executive pay to company performance on accident risk mitigation or greenhouse gas emissions reductions helps to ensure that management gives these issues the attention they deserve, and reduces incentives for excessive risk taking.
Report on business and environmental risks from oil sands extraction in Canada (filed with Exxon-Mobil). Investors want the company to report on possible long-term risks to the company’s finances and operations posed by the environmental, social and economic challenges associated with the oil sands, including environmental regulations, lawsuits and growing public opposition to oil sands development.

The resolutions filed with oil and gas companies are part of a broader investor initiative challenging companies to address climate and sustainability risks. Thus far in the 2012 proxy season, investors coordinating with Ceres have filed 86 resolutions with 69 companies, including businesses with direct exposure to climate-related business trends such as electric power and coal, and companies with less direct though still significant exposure through their supply chains or products, such as food, clothing and telecommunications firms. For the complete list, see http://www.ceres.org/files/press-files/shareholder-resolutions-tracked-by-ceres/.

First Peoples Worldwide Announces Partnership with Trillium Asset Management

02.01.2012 - 02:00PM

First Peoples Worldwide (FPW), a global indigenous nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Indigenous Peoples, today announced a new partnership with Trillium Asset Management. Under the terms of the partnership, Trillium is undertaking custom research and shareholder advocacy focused on how corporate policies and programs can better protect and enhance Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

Founded in 1997 by widely acclaimed advocate Rebecca Adamson, FPW supports projects that preserve biodiversity, identify contemporary applications for traditional knowledge, mitigate the impact of climate change, and advocate free prior informed consent.

Adamson, a Cherokee, has developed creative, mutually beneficial economic models since 1970 and was just interviewed for the 2013 PBS series entitled “Women Who Make America.” Her work includes creating the first microloan fund in the United States, the first tribal investment model, a national movement for reservation land reform, and legislation that established new standards of accountability regarding federal trust responsibility for Native Americans.

First Peoples’ new small grants fund, Keepers of the Earth, makes grants directly to communities in ways that ensure capital is engaged to reflect cultural values. It is an effective platform for donors who want 100 percent of their monies directed to some of the most remote grassroots communities in the world. FPW is the only organization worldwide that distributes global grants using the collaborative intelligence of indigenous wisdom to address contemporary challenges in areas of wealth, environment and cultural preservation.

In keeping with Rebecca’s ongoing focus on innovation, she looked to Trillium to help build a new partnership to promote Indigenous voices in the corporate boardroom.

Trillium is the oldest independent investment firm focused exclusively on Sustainable and Responsible Investing. Under this partnership, Trillium is leveraging its expertise in corporate responsibility research and advocacy as well as its deep ties within the sustainable investing community. This collaboration culminates in a FPW publication called “Corporate Engagement Strategies: Indigenous Partnerships for Best Practice Solutions.”

As part of this publication, Trillium is providing FPW with regular research updates examining best practices in corporate America and reviewing new developments in legal cases and local and national legislation.

Trillium is also helping FPW engage in broader policy discussions around corporate responsibility. For example, Trillium helped FPW provide formal input into the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Guidelines’ next generation framework. A recent letter signed by Rebecca Adamson, and supported by Trillium, makes the case that the current GRI reporting guidelines can be significantly improved by developing indicators that more explicitly address the reporting organizations’ impact on Indigenous communities and how well companies are equipped to anticipate, forestall and mitigate negative impacts.

According to CEO Matt Patsky, “We believe Trillium Asset Management is uniquely positioned to work with First Peoples in developing cutting edge research and advocacy on Indigenous peoples’ issues. We have been integrating these issues into our investment process since our founding in 1982.”

Rebecca Adamson said of the partnership, “Our partnership with Trillium signifies one of the first genuine platforms for Indigenous grassroots voices to be heard by corporate America. Trillium’s deep understanding of research and advocacy related to corporate sustainability policies is a powerful springboard that drives grassroots voices into the boardroom.”

This partnership illustrates well Trillium’s ability to provide custom research and advocacy services on behalf of other groups of investors. Trillium believes there may be a strong demand for such a service from a variety of investor groups.

This partnership is a natural extension of the work Trillium has undertaken for some time to address Indigenous peoples’ rights. Trillium was one of the first investment companies to explicitly reference Native American and Indigenous peoples’ rights as a specific area of focus in its sustainable investment criteria. Trillium also addresses these issues through dialogue and shareholder proposals with some of the largest companies in America.

First Peoples Worldwide is a global development nonprofit based in Fredericksburg, VA with expertise in indigenous management principles and solutions for best practice in corporate strategies. The FPW flagship fund Keepers of the Earth links donors directly with communities all over the world by making small grants in ways that successfully apply indigenous intelligence and support economically effective platforms for positive change.

Trillium Asset Management, LLC is the oldest independent investment advisor devoted exclusively to sustainable and responsible investing. With over $950 million in assets under management, Trillium has been managing equity and fixed income investments for high net worth individuals, foundations, endowments, religious institutions, and other non-profits since 1982. A leader in shareholder advocacy and public policy work, Trillium's goal is to deliver both impact and performance to its investors.

Mohegan Tribe To Host Largest Annual U.S. Sustainable And Responsible Investing Conference

01.20.2012 - 03:47PM

The Mohegan Tribe joined First Affirmative Financial Network today in announcing that the sovereign Indian nation will host the 23rd annual SRI Conference for Sustainable, Responsible, Impact Investing (The SRI Conference) at the Mohegan Sun Conference Center in Connecticut, October 2–4, 2012.

The Mohegan Tribe’s role as host of this major industry event reflects the sharp rise in interest among Native American nations in community impact investing, which is one of the major elements of sustainable, responsible, impact investing (SRI).

Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council said: “The Mohegan Tribe already makes major investments in housing and education programs, including many that operate in Connecticut outside of our lands and where the members of the Tribe are not the beneficiaries. We see this as an important opportunity to showcase the efforts of Indian nations across the U.S. in the rapidly emerging field of community impact investing. The Mohegan Tribe expects to be among the parties that will benefit from this learning opportunity.”

First Affirmative President Steve Schueth, producer of the 2012 SRI Conference, said: “We embrace increasing diversity in the world of sustainable, responsible, impact investing, which we see as one of the real long-term strengths of SRI. The rise of Native American interest in community impact investing is already at a point where it is safe to say that no other unit of government in America has become so invested, both literally and figuratively, in SRI. We see this as a unique opportunity to encourage that trend and to inform others about it.”

In Connecticut, Indian tribes represent one of the largest sources of revenue to the state. Both the Mohegan Tribe and the nearby Pequot Tribe pay 25 percent of their slot machine revenues to the state in lieu of taxes. This money helps pay for badly needed local services in Connecticut cities and towns. That’s not only more than any other state employer pays the state; it’s more than all other Connecticut corporations pay in corporate taxes combined (after factoring in corporate tax breaks).

About the SRI Conference

The SRI Conference (formerly SRI in the Rockies) http://www.SRIconference.com is the leading forum for the sustainable, responsible, impact investing (SRI) industry in the North America. The 22nd annual conference was held in New Orleans Hotel, October 2–5, 2011. For its 23rd year, The SRI Conference will move to the Mohegan Sun Convention Center in southeastern Connecticut, October 2–4, 2012. For more information about the agenda, speaking, or sponsorship, please contact Krystala Kalil, at 888-774-2663 or krystala@SRIconference.com. You can register here: http://www.sriconference.com/register.jsp.

About the Mohegan Tribe

The Mohegan Tribe (http://www.mohegan.nsn.us/) is a sovereign, federally recognized Indian nation, with a reservation on the Thames River near Uncasville, Connecticut. The Mohegan Tribe received formal recognition in March 1994. The Tribe currently includes about 1,920 members and owns and operates the Mohegan Sun and a number of other businesses.

About First Affirmative Financial Network

First Affirmative Financial Network, LLC (http://www.FirstAffirmative.com) is an independent fee-only Registered Investment Advisor (SEC File #801-56587) offering investment consulting and asset management services through a nationwide network of investment professionals who specialize in serving socially conscious investors. First Affirmative produces the annual SRI Conference, the premier gathering of investors and investment professionals focused on sustainable, responsible, impact investing in North America.

World's Top Companies Gathering in Vancouver; Business and Action Top Items on the Agenda at Globe 2012

01.17.2012 - 04:20PM

The international business community is shifting its focus to Vancouver this March as GLOBE 2012, one of the world’s largest and longest-running events dedicated to business and the environment, takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Generating more than $20 million in economic spin-off for the city of Vancouver every two years, the biennial GLOBE Conference and Trade Fair, now in its 12^th edition, is where business leaders, corporate executives, NGOs, and government policymakers gather to share insights and make business deals that are beneficial to the planet and the bottom line.

“More than 400 leading environmental and clean energy technology firms from around the world recognize that the GLOBE events in Vancouver are the place to showcase and sell their products and services to a global audience,” says John Wiebe, President and CEO of the GLOBE Foundation.

From March 14-16, 2012, GLOBE 2012 will connect exhibitors and buyers from more than 50 countries – including China, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Germany, United States, United Kingdom, Poland, Austria, and France – to do business. More than $2 billion in business has been generated as a result of GLOBE.

“Beyond the unique opportunity for businesses to build relationships with foreign buyers, GLOBE brings together the brightest business minds behind some of the most successful and sustainable corporations on the planet,” says Wiebe. “When we started GLOBE back in 1990 our philosophy was that environmental problems are business opportunities and that’s more valid today than ever before.”

GLOBE participants include CEOs and other top-level executives from corporations such as Microsoft Corporation, Royal Bank Canada (RBC), Cenovus, DuPont Sustainable Solutions, SNC-Lavalin, Duke Energy, Tetra Pak Inc., and more.

For more information please visit www.GLOBESeries.com.

About GLOBE
GLOBE 2012 is produced by the GLOBE Foundation, an international consultancy organization in the business of the environment. GLOBE’s expertise lies in project management, event development, and management and consulting in the fields of environment and energy, urban development, and corporate responsibility. The GLOBE Foundation is North America’s longest operating producer of environmental events.

Investors Act on Climate Change: UN Event to Showcase Actions, Challenges From Global Warming

12.20.2011 - 11:16AM

Despite the weak economy and inconclusive climate talks in Durban, South Africa, global investors are bringing unprecedented attention to climate change and its wide-ranging risks and opportunities for investment portfolios.

On January 12, 2012, nearly 500 of the world’s investors and most powerful financial players will gather at the United Nations to showcase their actions and discuss promising trends to catalyze the large-scale investment needed to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate potentially catastrophic climate impacts.

Investors are pouring more money than ever into the clean energy sector with total investment recently topping the $1 trillion mark since 2004. The US solar industry experienced more growth in third quarter 2011 than it did in all of 2009. And leading investors are moving more decisively to price the risks and opportunities of climate change into their holdings and to develop creative financing mechanisms that encourage energy efficiency and address water and resource scarcity.

Sponsored by Ceres, the United Nations Foundation and the United Nations Office for Partnerships, the Investor Summit on Climate Risk & Energy Solutions, the event comes on the heels of Durban as carbon emissions are rising sharply, and a new UN report shows strong linkages between climate change and extreme weather events that are causing far-reaching business ripples.

A full agenda can be found at: www.ceres.org/incr/investor-summit/investor-summit-2012.

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Kevin Parker, Global Head, Deutsche Asset Management
Michael Liebreich, CEO, Bloomberg New Energy Finance
Bill Green, Senior Managing Director, Macquarie Capital
Abby Joseph Cohen, Senior Investment Strategist, Goldman Sachs & Co.
Chad Holliday, Chairman, Bank of America
Mark Vachon, Vice President, GE Ecomagination
Thomas DiNapoli, Comptroller, New York State
Jack Ehnes, CEO, California State Teachers' Retirement System
Janet Cowell, Treasurer, North Carolina
Richard Trumka, President, AFL-CIO
Andrew Stern, Special Envoy for Climate Change, World Bank
Robert C. Orr, Assistant Secretary General, United Nations

The entire event, from 9 am to 5 pm, is open to the media. There will also be a press conference in the Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium from 1-1:30 pm.

Reporters attending the summit will need U.N. press accreditation. Those who need this should send an e-mail, using your news organization’s letterhead, to malu@un.org, and cc your e-mail to tripoli@ceres.org. Please include in your e-mail the names of each person from your organization who wishes to attend, and specify whether you will be bringing electronic equipment.

About Ceres and INCR

Ceres is an advocate for sustainability leadership. It leads a national coalition of investors, environmental groups and other public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges such as global climate change and water scarcity. Ceres also directs the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a network of 100 institutional investors with collective assets totaling about $10 trillion. For more information, visit www.ceres.org and www.incr.com.

About the United Nations Foundation

The UN Foundation was created in 1998 after entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner's gave a historic $1 billion gift to support UN causes and activities. The UN Foundation builds and implements public-private partnerships to address the world's most pressing problems and also works to broaden support for the UN through advocacy and public outreach. The UN Foundation is a public charity. For more information, visit www.unfoundation.org.

About the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP)

The United Nations Office for Partnerships serves as a gateway for collaboration between the private sector, foundations, and the United Nations family. It promotes new partnerships and alliances in furtherance of the Millennium Development Goals and provides support to new initiatives of the Secretary-General. UNOP oversees the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships (UNFIP), the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and Partnership Advisory Services and Outreach to a variety of entities. For more information, visit www.un.org/partnerships/YAboutUs.htm

Partnering for Global Impact

12.02.2011 - 11:32AM

Partnering for Global Impact is a new initiative to facilitate transactions in social investing and philanthropy through one-to-one meetings between investors, philanthropists and social enterprises. The inaugural event will be held in Lugano, Switzerland, July 9-10, 2012 and will feature presentations of impact investment products and services and philanthropic projects. Our focus on transactions and results is supported by industry-leading partnering systems and technology.

EBD Group’s one-to-one meeting system, partneringONE, allows attendees to identify potential partners and schedule meetings ahead of time. This efficient process and the innovative design of our meeting spaces turn networking into tangible partnerships and results.

This annual forum for investors, social entrepreneurs, foundation leaders, development agencies, families and executives from family offices offers two days of insightful panel discussions, product presentations and, most crucially, one-to-one meetings. The conference will attract major players from each group, making it an exclusive, high-level, partnership-oriented setting. Join us in Lugano to bring your impact goals to the next level.

Technology Meets Social Innovation and Impact Investment

11.09.2011 - 01:18PM

Information and communication technologies are finally becoming part of the mainstream of social innovation. Mobile technology, for example, has already been deployed successfully in microfinance, health, disaster response and agricultural pricing, among other applications. Large networked platforms are also helping intermediate capital from environmental credits markets to primary offerings to venture funding.

Our panelists will tell us more about how technology is changing the world of social enterprise and share horizons for the future.

Sponsored by Liquidnet's Markets for Good, wine and snacks will be served afterwards for attendees to enjoy and connect.

Speakers

Jalak Jobanputra, Investor and Entrepreneur, former Director, Omidyar Network
Dr. Neal Lesh, Chief Strategy Officer, Dimagi and Co-Founder, Spark MicroGrants
Giulia Stellari, Co-Founder, AgSquared
Mike Van Patten, Founder and Principal, Mission Markets

Moderator

Jamie Daves, Founding Partner, Platform Equity and Venture Partner, City Light Capital

Socially Conscious and Fiscally Responsible Money Management...Are They In Conflict at Not-for-Profits?

11.04.2011 - 03:52PM

Much has been written and said about socially conscious investing. But do socially conscious and fiscally responsible contradict in investing a NFP's monies? And what, exactly, is the definition of socially conscious? Does socially conscious mean something different for individuals than for organizations?

Join us for a panel discussion where experts who manage these issues regularly discuss their viewpoints and provide their insight on how they handle these possible conflicts.

Panelists include:

Janet M. Morgan is President of CSRwire, the corporate social responsibility and sustainability newswire in Springfield, MA. Previously President of the consulting firm Morgan Amadeo LLC, Director of Not-For-Profit Consulting Services at RSM McGladrey, and Director of American Express Tax & Business Services' Not-For-Profit Consulting Group in NY.
Stephanie Lynn Ackler is Managing Director – Investments and head of Ackler Wealth Management of Wells Fargo Advisors, which she established shortly after joining a predecessor firm in 2001. With over 27 years in the financial industry, Stephanie brings not only the experience of a Chartered Financial Analyst, but also the insight that comes from staying tapped into market changes and industry trends. She was recognized by Barron's as one of their Top 1,000 Advisors for 2009* and as a Chairman Council member at Wells Fargo Advisors in 2011.
Matthew R. Elkin is a partner in Morgan Lewis's Tax Practice. Mr. Elkin focuses his practice on tax and corporate matters affecting tax-exempt organizations, with an emphasis on sponsorship of charitable investment funds and other social investing programs, international grant programs, corporate governance and policies, and representation before government agencies.
Terry Mollner, Ed.D., is a founder and chair of Stakeholders Capital, Inc., a socially responsible wealth management company in Amherst, MA. In the 1970s, Dr. Mollner was one of the earliest pioneers of socially responsible investing and, in 1982, was one of the founders of the Calvert Social Investment Funds, the first such funds with the full panoply of social screens. Today it is the largest family of such funds with nearly $5 billion under management.

When: Thursday, November 10, 2011
5:45 - 8:00 pm

Where: Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
767 Fifth Avenue
(Between 58th and 59th Streets)
NYC

Cost: $40 FWA Members
$50 Non-Members

For more information, click here.

Slow Money's 3rd National Gathering

09.08.2011 - 12:01PM

Looking for a new kind of social investing for the 21st century? If so, plan to join Slow Money’s emerging network of thought leaders, investors, donors, farmers, social entrepreneurs and everyday folks for their 3rd National Gathering this October in San Francisco.

Three days of conversations, network building and action planning on an historic wharf in a food-loving town. What could be better? The list of speakers includes award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster David Suzuki; global thinker, scientist and acclaimed author Vandana Shiva, named by Forbes as "one of the seven most influential women in the world"; Wes Jackson, founder of The Land Institute, which for 30 years has conducted cutting-edge research on sustainable agriculture; Leslie Christian, CEO of Portfolio 21; and many more.

There will also be investment presentations from two dozen small food enterprises and break out sessions on topics ranging from New Visions of Corporate Philanthropy to Mapping Local Food Sheds, plus the opportunity to collaborate with folks from around the country who are finding new ways to connect money, culture and the soil - including members of the 11 chapters channeling millions of dollars into local small food enterprises.

The Slow Money National Gathering brings together people who are rebuilding local food systems across the U.S. and around the world. More than 1,000 people attended the first two national gatherings - resulting in more than $4.25 million invested in 16 small food enterprises!

Join this forward-thinking group now.

For details and to register, go to www.slowmoney.org/national-gathering/.

Editor's Note: View the associated press release here.

Mission Markets Investor Webinar - Meet Two Companies Changing the Education Landscape

08.18.2011 - 12:47PM

Tune in on Thursday, August 25th at 2 pm (ET) for the latest Mission Markets webinar. The objective of this webinar is to allow investors to connect with two Mission Markets listed issuers. Both innovative companies using the power of business to transform the educational landscape-demonstrating how commercial strength can reinforce social impact and a commitment to impact can strengthen commercial success. The webinar format allows the Mission Markets community to experience the investment and impact stories straight from the management team, to understand the companies’ growth prospects and to ask questions about each opportunity.

The participants will include: Paul Sansone - CFO Better World Books is a global online bookstore, poised to become an international brand synonymous with the 'triple bottom line.' An award-winning social entrepreneurship venture, Better World Books has raised $8.8 Million for literacy and donated over 3.5M books since its founding to over one hundred domestic and international literacy partners. From helping to build a nursing library in Somaliland to offering customers carbon neutral shipping on every book they buy, doing good is not just a part of Better World Books’ business—it is the business. Register for the webinar to hear Paul discuss BWB’s past successes, future plans and commitment to impact.

Neil Shenoy - Co-Founder & Publisher Speakaboos offers educational and entertaining children’s digital picture books including properties such as Curious George, Snow White, Arthur and Sid the Science Kid via a subscription service – picture books can now be enjoyed on computers, tablets and mobile devices. Speakaboos has built one of the largest catalogs of children's interactive picture books in the industry working alongside major publishers such as Time Inc. and Jim Henson Productions. Speakaboos was named “one of the great websites” by the American Library Association, received an A+ from Education World and was recently chosen as a "Top Education Startup" by The Aspen Institute.

Space is limited...Take advantage of this opportunity to understand exactly how a business model can translate into doing well by doing good!

Click Here to Reserve Your Webinar Seat Now

Mission Markets Webinar: How Individuals & Advisors Can Make a Real Difference with Impact Investing

08.02.2011 - 03:05PM

Impact Investing is an exciting asset class that many have heard of but few market participants completely understand.

While experts have estimated a profit opportunity between $183 billion and $667 billion over the next decade in impact investments¹ - accessing these ground-breaking transactions remains a challenge for individual investors. Mission Markets provides a platform for those interested in capturing the hybrid power of philanthropy and private equity.

Please join us for a Mission Markets webinar on Tuesday, August 9th at 2:00pm EST.

Discussion Topics

Unleashing the market potential for impact investments for individual investors
Explaining the market size, investment execution and growth potential of the developing impact investing space
Discussing investor and issuer success stories first hand
Understanding how to stay informed, connect with others and start investing with a purpose

Moderator

Casey Gheen, Managing Director - Mission Markets

Panel Speakers

Malaika Maphalala, Financial Advisor - Natural Investments LLC - Bio
Ted Barber, Co-Founder - Prosperity Candle - Bio

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about Mission Markets and our platform!

Space is limited.

Click Here to Reserve Your Webinar Seat Now

You will receive a confirmation email immediately after you register with a link to join the meeting.

¹ "Report estimates an investment opportunity of between $400 billion and $1 trillion and profit opportunity of between $183 billion and $667 billion over the next decade in five sectors - housing, water, health, education, and financial services - serving global populations earning less than $3,000 annually" - JP Morgan and The Rockefeller Foundation case study

Responsible Investing: Impact & Innovation

05.16.2011 - 08:30AM

This event offers a unique opportunity to network with leaders of sustainable and socially responsible investing, and to learn about new approaches, trends and policy developments in the field. The conference will attract representatives of investment management and advisory firms, research firms, financial planners and advisors, broker-dealers, community development institutions and asset owners such as pension funds and foundations, along with policymakers and corporate leaders.

You can look forward to keynote and plenary presentations from:

Al Gore, Chairman, Generation Investment Management
Luis A. Aguilar, Commissioner, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Janet Cowell, Treasurer, State of North Carolina
Roger Urwin, Global Head of Investment Content, Towers Watson Investment Services
Martin Eakes, CEO, Self Help and Center for Responsible Lending

Breakout sessions will address a wide array of topics including private equity and alternative investments, evolving interpretations of fiduciary duty, breaking down barriers to community investing, investor strategies for climate change solutions, and foundation approaches to sustainable investing.

TBLI CONFERENCE(TM) ASIA 2011

03.18.2011 - 10:46AM

Theme for 2011: "Connecting the sustainable global economy."

The prime annual global networking and learning event on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Impact Investing.

In existence for over 12 years, TBLI CONFERENCE™ consists of two annual conferences. These two-day events give the world's leaders on sustainability an opportunity to network and exchange information on the latest developments in screening, auditing, reporting, SRI analysis, corporate citizenship, indexes, and research.

Investors' Circle Spring 2011 Venture Fair & Forum

03.12.2011 - 10:40AM

Investors' Circle Spring 2011 Venture Fair & Forum

VALUES WITH VELOCITY
Come support great entrepreneurs that are addressing social and environmental issues! We'll look at 15-20 high impact deals that are seeking investment now. Experience a program that provides ample networking time and space, highly collaborative knowledge sharing workshops plus a due diligence process that starts right away! For accredited investors, wealth managers and advisers only.

SOCAP/Europe

02.22.2011 - 07:38PM

May 30th - June 1st, join Europe's key social impact innovators in Amsterdam at SOCAP/Europe, Europe's inaugural gathering at the intersection of money and meaning.

SOCAP/Europe will kick off with an opening night reception followed by two days of deep-dive sessions into the social enterprise space.

Convening at the historic site of the first stock exchange, Beurs van Berlage, SOCAP/Europe gathers leading investors, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, government funders, and innovators for a dynamic conversation. Together we will explore models, form partnerships and fund innovative solutions to the world's great challenges.

Editor's Note: See associate press release here.

Novo Nordisk Annual Report 2010

02.10.2011 - 09:04AM

SRI in the Rockies

02.09.2011 - 04:52PM

SRI in the Rockies is the premier annual national gathering of sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) professionals and related organizations who work to direct the flow of investment capital in transformative ways.

A professional conference, SRI in the Rockies offers many opportunities to meet and learn from passionate, creative people from all corners of the SRI industry in the United States and around the world. We hope you will plan to join us October 2 - 5, 2011 at the Sheraton New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Information regarding Registration and Sponsorship Opportunities are available at www.SRIintheRockies.com. If you are interested in gaining visibility for your organization within the fast-growing SRI industry, we encourage you to consider one of the 2011 Sponsorship Opportunities. SRI in the Rockies is produced by First Affirmative Financial Network in collaboration with other organizations within the SRI industry. Please provide us with your personal contact information so we can keep you informed of new developments: 888.774.2663.

Following SRI in the Rockies, First Affirmative will host a Summit Camp for brokers, financial planners, and investment advisors October 5 - 7, 2011, the final offering of the 2011 BaseCamp SRI series.

Healthy Money Summit

01.17.2011 - 07:53PM

Many people find that money is one of the most challenging areas to deal with in their lives. That's why we're co-sponsoring a free online event called the Healthy Money Summit. Join us January 24-27th and learn how you can create a healthier, happier and more productive relationship with money.

Hosted by Vicki Robin, bestselling author of Your Money or Your Life, the Healthy Money Summit will feature luminaries such as Riane Eisler, Lynne Twist, John Robbins, Satish Kumar, Hazel Henderson, David Korten, Alisa Gravitz and many more notable authors, thinkers and leaders.

With so much fear and confusion about the economy and record unemployment levels across the U.S., we truly need to create a new relationship with money that brings renewed hope for our communities.

During this free four-day telesummit, you'll learn all about:

Earning and spending habits that liberate your time and passion for your real life's work

Investment strategies that favor the triple bottom line and sustainable business practices

How to practice the state of being that favors generosity and sharing over hunkering down

New currencies that favor connection and community over hoarding and lack

New economies that favor Main Street over Wall Street, and prioritize community well-being as the new bottom line

Developing a new money spirit of "enough for all," rather than "winner takes all"

A healthy economy, healthy habits and healthy attitudes toward money are possible; and the speakers in this series will reveal their latest insights and wisdom on how we can create a better financial future for us as individuals and as a collective whole.

You can participate live on as many calls as you like and interact with both the featured leaders and other participants via the state-of-the-art MaestroConference platform, which will connect you to participants from around the world.

Join us January 24-27th for the Healthy Money Summit, and transform your relationship with money!

Please share this invitation with your friends and allies! All of us working together can create a shift toward more healthy ways of relating to money.

The Healthy Money Summit provides free, live access to the following luminaries:

Riane Eisler, Lynne Twist, John Robbins, Liz Pullman Weston, Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, Helena Norberg-Hodge, David Korten, Stacey Tisdale, Hazel Henderson, Alisa Gravitz, Bernard Lietaer, Judy Wickes, Satish Kumar, Catherine Austin Fitts, Rob Hopkins, Woody Tasch, Vicki Robin, Nipun Mehta, Betsy Taylor, John DeGraaf, Edgar Cahn, Anne Ellinger, Jay Walljasper.

Co-sponsors include:

The American Sustainable Business Council, CSRwire, Global Sufficiency Network, MaestroConference, The Shift Movie, The Shift Network.

Sustainable Manufacturing Underwriting Standard

11.03.2010 - 08:14PM

The Capital Markets Partnership (CMP) is convening a November 12 Organizational Meeting at Allianz Global Investors, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, NYC from 10:00 to 3:00 for the National Consensus Sustainable Manufacturing Underwriting Standard/Green Value Score.

The Draft Standard's Green Value Score identifies increased share value and profitability from sustainable manufacturing attributes for financial incentives including discounted insurance premiums, increased interest rates for business banking, cheaper cost of capital, higher credit ratings, and Green Convertible Securities. For the first time, manufacturers and retailers will receive capital markets financial incentives for sustainable product metrics covering their global supply chain and all product stages based on life cycle assessment.

A Planning Meeting for the Standard occurred on April 27, 2009 at the Milken Institute Global Conference session on Convertible Securities, and the Standard was announced at the Capital Markets Partnership August 18, 2009 Sustainable Investment Initiative Press Conference at the New York Stock Exchange. The AGI meeting will formulate the Standard's National Consensus Committee, cover the consensus voting process, discuss the Standard's derivation from the National Consensus Green Building Underwriting Standards/Green Value Score, and review the Draft Standard and ANSI approved Industry Trade Association Policy that will be adhered to, both of which are available to participants.

The Draft Standard is based on four years of peer reviewed due diligence on Wall Street with investors, investment banks, and rating agencies, documenting that green buildings and certified sustainable products are more profitable, less risky, and preferred by investors. This due diligence and its extensive background documents were publicly released at CMP's New York Stock Exchange Meeting, are summarized in CMP's Fact Sheet available to participants.

Please RSVP. Attendance may be limited to a first come first serve basis. For questions: mts@sustainableproducts.com or 202-338-3131.

Green Bonds Ministerial Summit 2010: from the UN to Wall Street and the world

09.17.2010 - 08:37AM

The Green Bonds Ministerial Summit 2010: from the UN to Wall Street and the world

Green Bonds United Nations Ministerial Summit September 25th, 2010 at the United Nations. From the UN to Wall Street and the world: Green Energy Finance and Power and Utility transformation to a Low Carbon future.

On Saturday, September 25, 2010, during the Ministerial week of the United Nations General Assembly & the Millennium Development Goals discussions, over 300 Political Leaders, Energy Ministers, Finance Chancellors, Bankers, Power & Utility Industry and renewable energy Finance thought leaders and Ambassadors from the developing world, will convene in New York for the 3rd Annual Green Bonds Ministerial Finance Summit for New Energy.

http://www.environmentalparliament.org/greenbonds

With a record attendance of over 300 political global leaders, Bank heads and Corporate decision makers in 2008 & 2009 in London, and featuring attendees from over 150 companies and 70 countries, and after the great success of the Green Bonds Ministerial Summit for New Energy Finance 2010 in Shanghai earlier this summer, we are now organizing the Green Bonds for the World and Wall Street at the United Nations in New York.

This September 25, 2010 and during the Ministerial week of the UN about the MDGs, the Environmental Parliament, Green Capital, the EP Energy Events and the United Nations office of partnerships are delighted to be hosting anew the world's premier New Energy Finance Summit in accord with the MDG targets.

This Thought and Action Leadership, UN Ministerial Summit will bring about Economic Growth and Change that along with smart Public Policy for a Low Carbon Economic transformation of our Energy, Power & Utility industries will result in much needed Macro-Economic Growth. Join us at the United Nations in Manhattan, New York City during this Autumn's opening of the UN General Assembly week. China, India, US, UK and the developing world are well represented in this East-West, developing-developed, North-South and South-South dialogue of nations in the spirit of our interconnectedness in Energy, Economy and Finance in these times of Climate Change.

The Green Bonds Ministerial Summit 2010: from the UN to Wall Street and the world, ushered the Green Bonds movement, now three years old, that was started in the UK by the Environmental Parliament, as a way to finance the transformation of the Energy, Power & Utility industry towards a lower carbon footprint. Open sourcing the finance knowledge, introducing the players and sharing the successful Power Purchase & Carbon agreement methodology for large New Energy infrastructure finance, will greatly assist the developing world in avoiding the high carbon emissions development route, in their P&U industry development.

Since the global $75 Trillion P&U industry accounts for more than half of all CO2 emissions worldwide, this is a remarkable way to use the tools of finance, industrial action by Investors and the United Nations development levers, for New Low Carbon Energy transformation, with economic development and environmental balance.

Finance leaders mindful of a warming planet, changing climate and the polluted atmospheric Commons, are the main teachers in this process of economic, societal and political transformation towards the unambiguous responsible stewardship of long term economic development and private capital.

Future Environmental Bonds, Ministerial Summits: GREEN BONDS Energy Finance in 2011: London on April 30th & May 1st. In mainland China, Beijing on June 4th and Shanghai on June 18, 2011. San Francisco on Sep. 10th and at the United Nations in New York on Sep.24, 2011. Join us

To participate at The Green Bonds Ministerial Summit 2010: from the UN to Wall Street and the world, and future summits as well for all relevant membership, sponsorship, speaking and participation inquiries regarding Green Bonds 2010, please contact Mr. Rudy Wallace at the email address: envpar@gmail.com

Investment Priorities Webinar

03.17.2010 - 10:38AM

Learn how colleges and universities invest endowment funds in-line with their commitments to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Discover the financial, social and environmental benefits of investing in renewable energy funds and community development loan funds and other sustainability-related ventures. Hear more about findings about colleges investments found in research for the College Report Card 2010 (http://greenreportcard.org).

The Investment Priorities webinar will take place from 1:30-2:30pm EST.

To join the webinar room, go to http://my.dimdim.com/seicambridge/

For audio, dial (702) 473-3463, passcode 1234

Dow Jones Sustainability Index: The path to corporate responsibility recognition and improved internal management

03.17.2010 - 06:00AM

Dow Jones Sustainability Index: The path to corporate responsibility recognition and improved internal management

Companies are increasingly looking to promote their corporate responsibility activities. External validation is an important avenue for helping consumers, customers, and other stakeholders understand the robustness of your company's citizenship program. Dow Jones created its Sustainability Index to recognize publicly traded companies with outstanding economic, environmental, and social performance. Inclusion on this list has now become one of the most respected signs of effective corporate responsibility programs and sustainability-related risk management. Corporate Citizenship is offering a free webinar about DJSI, including the benefits of applying, the application process, and insight into what it takes to be selected for inclusion.

Corporate Citizenship's Peter Hughes, Director, and Megan DeYoung, Director, US Operations, will leverage their experience advising companies, including Super Sector leaders, on their citizenship activities and Dow Jones Sustainability Index applications.

The webinar will provide insight to companies that have never applied before as well as to those that are already listed. During the webinar, several critical questions will be answered:

Why is the DJSI important for investors?

What do I need to know about their assessment process?

What are the internal and external benefits to the application process and selection?

If my company has never applied before, when is the right time to start?

What kind of documentation and references are most effective for backing up my submission?

This free Webinar will be offered twice:
1. First offering: March 23, 2010 at 1 PM EST, 5 PM GMT
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/540128961

2. Second Offering: March 26, 2010 at 9 AM EST, 1 PM GMT
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/975561480

About Corporate Citizenship
Corporate Citizenship is a management consulting company that offers clients around the world breadth and depth of experience in corporate responsibility. Since 1997, we have advised leading, multinational corporations on how to enhance and align their citizenship and traditional business activities to create strategic business value. We work with clients like Abbott, Cadbury, Chevron, HSBC, Lafarge, Pearson, Richemont, Unilever, and Vodafone.

For more information contact Megan DeYoung at megan.deyoung@corporate-citizenship.com.

Microfinance USA Conference

03.02.2010 - 09:02AM

Microfinance USA:
The conference where microfinance practitioners, investors, and enthusiasts meet.

Explore, Engage, and Expand microfinance in the United States.

General Registration: $275
Student Tickets: $50
www.microfinanceusa2010.org
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Featured Speakers:
Maria Shriver, First Lady of California
Premal Shah, President of Kiva

Conference Features:
Microfinance Careers Roundtable
Microloan Client Tours
MicroEntrepreneurs Food Festival & Cocktail Reception

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Principal Sponsor: Chevron
Prime Sponsor: Bank of America
Signature Sponsor: Citi

2010 Doing Good and Doing Well Conference

02.25.2010 - 12:39PM

The Doing Good and Doing Well Conference (DGDW) is a two-day event to be held in Barcelona, Spain on February 26-27, 2010, with interactive panel discussions and keynote speeches on major opportunities and challenges faced by responsible businesses and organizations. The conference attracts students and professionals from around the world, and is organized by IESE, a top-ranked business school, and Net Impact, an international nonprofit whose mission is to inspire, educate, and equip individuals to use the power of business to create a more socially and environmentally sustainable world.

By challenging participants to consider the potential for sustainable developments, the DGDW conference helps to develop innovative strategies and business models, as well as foster meaningful relationships between industry professionals and graduate students.

Confirmed keynote speakers for the conference include Zein Abdalla, CEO of PepsiCo Europe, and Michel Camdussus, Managing Director of the IMF, 1987-2000.

ReVisioning Value 2010 Conference | The Intersection of Purpose + Profit

01.06.2010 - 07:45PM

ReVisioning Value 2010 - A Conference at the Intersection of Purpose and Profit will bring together leaders from the varied fields of impact investing and social innovation to share how new models for both are increasing the flow of capital to the creation of a more just and sustainable world. The one-day conference is followed by a day of hands-on workshops and strategic action roundtables designed to help participants apply the ideas offered at the conference to their own organizations as well as create real tools and strategies as an outcome.

EVENT DETAILS
Conference Dy (Learn and Connect)
Monday, April 26th
8:30am-5:00pm Conference Sessions
5:00pm-7:00pm Awards and Networking Cocktail Reception
The Gearding Theater at the Armory, Pearl District, Portland

Workshop and Action Day (Understand and Apply)
Tuesday, April 27th Workshops + Strategic Action Roundtables
9:00am-Noon In-Depth Workshops
1:00pm-4:00pm Strategic Action Roundtables (free)
Venue Pearl, Pearl District, Portland, Oregon

Social Capital Markets 2009

06.02.2009 - 05:11PM

The Social Capital Markets Conference will hold its highly anticipated second annual SoCap conference September 1-3 in San Francisco. High-profile funds and VCs, government players, foundations and socially responsible entrepreneurs will gather to explore the growing marketplace for “impact investing.”

Integrating ESG into Portfolios

06.02.2009 - 10:32AM

The US has traditionally been the home of socially responsible investment (SRI) based on the screening out of unfavourable companies or the best-in-class positive weighting approach to investment.

More recently, however, new SRI terminology has entered the lexicon: ESG integration, a holistic look at where environmental, social and governance factors can add value or mitigate risk across an entire institutional investment portfolio. The trend has been taken up strongly in Europe and the same is happening in the US.

With more than 500 institutional investors (both asset owners and investment managers) signed up to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI) – of which the number of US signatories is 78 and rising fast – there is now a wall of institutional money lined up to evaluate ESG integration.

Yet, the UN PRI Report on Progress includes the key finding that: “Principle 1 of the PRI, which focuses on incorporating ESG issues into investment analysis and decision making, was ranked the most difficult to implement.”

As a result, there is much that investors can learn from each other. Responsible Investor Events aim to translate discussion into practical solutions.

Integrating ESG into Portfolios is a one-day seminar examining how institutional investors and portfolio managers can integrate environmental, social and corporate governance issues into mainstream investment analysis and decision-making, including the wider portfolio impacts.

Delegates will hear from practitioners who will deliver knowledge and insights gained via their first-hand experience. The entire event will focus on best practice.

Confirmed speakers from: AP Government buffer funds (Sweden), APG Investments (Netherlands), ASrIA (Hong Kong), ASSET4 (Switzerland), Barroway Topaz Kessler Meltzer & Check, LLP (USA), Blue Wolf Capital (USA), Bloomberg (USA), The Boston College Institute for Responsible Investment (USA), Boston Common Asset Management (USA) Domini Social Investments (USA), GES Investment Services (Sweden) Mercer (USA), Nathan Cummings Foundation (USA), Robeco (Netherlands), Social Investment Forum (USA), Sustainable Asset Management (Switzerland), TIAA-CREF (USA), UNPRI (USA) Walden Asset Management (USA), Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting (USA)

In association with the US Social Investment Forum (US SIF)

May 20th Renewal2 Investor Call

05.19.2009 - 04:57PM

Conference Call

We invite you to join Paul Richardson, President and Joel Solomon, Chairman on a call to learn more about Renewal2, a fund which is designed to achieve excellent returns by providing early and growth capital, as well as guidance, to businesses at the forefront of environmental and social innovation. The Renewal team is building on their successful 15-year track record of high-impact investing with the launch of this fund.

Joel and Paul will share the Renewal2 story for approximately 20 minutes and then have Q&A.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20TH @ 10:00-11:00 AM PST / 1:00-2:00 PM EST
Dial-In: 1- 866-223-7781 (toll-free)

RSVP to Jennifer Merryman or 604.844.7474 ext. 625

Please send your questions in advance to Jennifer Merryman at jennifer@renewal2.ca or 604.844.7474 ext. 625.

If you are Vancouver-based, we invite you to join us at our office in the Tides Renewal Centre located at 200-163 West Hastings Street, for the call.

Please share this invitation with anyone you feel would be interested in learning about social venture investing and this opportunity.

Renewal2 Investment Fund is a Limited Partnership Fund and all investors must qualify as accredited investors.

SJF Summit on the New Green Economy: How to Make it Work

05.19.2009 - 04:28PM

The SJF Summit on the New Green Economy, which coincides with SJF’s 10th anniversary, brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policy makers, and community leaders to share strategies for investing in and building the new green economy. The Summit will be launched with a keynote from Nicholas Parker of Cleantech Group LLC, which has helped catalyze the exponential growth of North American cleantech investment to $5.9 billion in 2008, and will also include keynotes by: Jeff Wolfe, chief executive officer of groSolar; Majora Carter, principal of Majora Carter Group; and Martin Eakes, founder and CEO of Self-Help Credit Union and the Center for Responsible Lending. In addition, eight CEOs from cleantech companies will discuss innovative business strategies, and more than 15 investors, economic developers, and green job leaders will share best practices. Join us and be inspired by innovative businesses and organizations which are creating green jobs, and take away useful strategies, policies and best practices for your company, organization or region.

FT Sustainable Business, Responsible Investing

03.01.2009 - 11:00PM

This event will provide an opportunity for the investment community and the corporate world to interact. Investors will hear the issues that Corporate Responsibility Officers face moving forward, and CROs will hear from investors on what they are looking for in a company's CSR approach.

This event is for Asset Managers, Public and Corporate Pension Funds, Corporate Chief Responsibility Officers, Foundations and Endowments, SRI Funds, SRI Indices, Hedge Funds, Investment Banks, Insurance Companies, and NGOs.