CSRwire Press Releases, Events and Reports

Abilities First at Hershey

08.14.2020 - 12:00PM

Originally published by The Hershey Company

July 26 marks the 30th anniversary of the ADA, a landmark piece of legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and all places that serve the public. This act was a game changer for millions of individuals with disabilities in the United States, giving them more independence and opening up doors that were previously closed to them. Prior to the ADA, many individuals with disabilities were confined to their homes because they simply couldn’t access public spaces — a feeling of isolation that many of us can relate to right now due to the global pandemic.

What the ADA means for my family

My daughter, Molly, was born with a rare neuromuscular condition that causes severe muscle weakness. As a result, she uses a power wheelchair for mobility. In order for our family to participate in activities outside of our home (i.e. going to the grocery store, attending school, going to the doctor, going to Hershey Park, etc), we need plenty of space to load and unload Molly’s wheelchair into our car, curb cuts to access sidewalks, and elevators or ramps whenever we encounter stairs.

Generally speaking, we don’t have to worry about accessibility issues thanks to the ADA. I say “generally speaking” because we still run into access issues on occasion. For example, imagine my surprise when our family went to see the Blue Man Group in New York City and found the only way to access the theater is through a very narrow, steep staircase. Luckily, Molly is still small enough that we can carry her when we run into accessibility issues like this, but as she grows, that will no longer be an option. I’m happy to report that Molly loved the show, and the Blue Man Group gained a new fan that night! We learned from that incident, and now whenever we travel to new places, we plan every activity ahead of time and call to verify the venues we’re visiting are wheelchair accessible.

We run into the occasional business that does not comply with the ADA, but for the most part, we’re able to enjoy the same freedom of movement as other families are. That might not seem like a big deal, but when your life gets turned upside down suddenly by a disability, the little things most people take for granted suddenly take on new meaning.

The ADA benefits people without disabilities

It’s not just families like mine that benefit from the ADA. Many modern conveniences we enjoy today were invented to give individuals with disabilities more independence. For example:

Text Messaging: This popular communication method was originally developed to help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing communicate to others who don’t speak sign language.
Speech to Text / Voice Recognition: This feature was designed to help individuals with disabilities easily dictate text into documents. You may use this feature today to dictate text messages or ask Siri/Alexa what the weather will be today.
Good Grip kitchen utensils: Thick silicone handles were added to a variety of kitchen utensils to make them easier for the elderly and individuals with disabilities to grasp. Their popularity extends well beyond their initial target audience and they are widely popular with cooking enthusiasts.

When we design with those living with a disability in mind, everybody wins. After all, many do not realize that people living with disabilities constitute the largest minority group and the only group someone can become a member of at any time.

Abilities First at Hershey

As a co-lead of the Abilities First Business Resource Group (AFBRG), I have a unique opportunity to pursue the passions I have developed in my family life through a company-sponsored group. Through Abilities First— which is meant for individuals with a disability (IwD) or anyone passionate about creating equal opportunities for others—we are able to raise awareness and funds for causes we feel are important and serve as advocates. One of the most beloved activities we participate in is raising and training puppies to be future service dogs for Susquehanna Service Dogs.

Through my involvement with the Abilities First BRG, I am able to learn about workplace considerations, while also advocating for people living with a disability. I am also able to help my colleagues understand what is required to continue to make opportunities equitable for employees, job candidates and our consumers.

Dow Receives Top Score on 2020 Disability Equality Index for 4th Consecutive Year

08.14.2020 - 10:30AM

For the fourth consecutive year, Dow (NYSE: DOW) has received a top score on the 2020 Disability Equality Index® (DEI), again placing the Company among the “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.” Administered jointly by Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the DEI serves as the most comprehensive benchmarking tool for disability inclusion.

“Dow’s top rating on the 2020 Disability Equality Index is a testament to the inclusive culture we are building,” said Peter Holicki, executive sponsor for Dow’s Disability Employee Network and senior vice president of operations, manufacturing and engineering. “We recognize that an inclusive culture – one that creates an environment where everyone can thrive – delivers significant business results and fosters a true sense of pride, inspiration and belonging for all colleagues.”

The DEI survey measures key performance indicators across culture, leadership, accessibility, employment practices, community engagement, support services and supplier diversity. Participating companies self-reported their disability policies and practices, and were then scored on a scale from zero to 100.

Dow is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can bring their whole selves to work. In addition to Dow’s policies and programs, the company offers an employee resource group, the Disability Employee Network (DEN), to empower employees with disabilities and to raise awareness and educate about disabilities to become better allies.

Visit Dow’s website for additional information on the Company’s commitment to inclusion and diversity and to explore its annual inclusion report, SHINE 2019.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation and leading business positions to achieve profitable growth. The Company’s ambition is to become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company. Dow’s portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure and consumer care. Dow operates 109 manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 36,500 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $43 billion in 2019. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.dow.com or follow @DowNewsroom on Twitter.

For further information contact:

Scott Thomas
734-395-5887
sthomas@dow.com

We Can — and Should — Talk about Mental Health

08.14.2020 - 10:00AM

By Jon Freier, EVP of Consumer Markets for T-Mobile

For too long, the topic of mental health has been cloaked in shame and silence. As someone who’s experienced firsthand the damage done by depression and suicide in his own family, I’m actively working to open up the conversation.

It starts with the Consumer Markets organization I oversee: more than 100,000 frontline employees representing T-Mobile’s most diverse ethnic and gender makeup, serving all types of communities across the country. As their leader, I take their health, safety and wellbeing as my personal responsibility.

The members of my team experience their own challenges and carry their own burdens. This is especially true amid the disruption caused by the unexpected, unprecedented events happening in the world right now. These are historically challenging times, and the struggle to maintain mental wellbeing is not easy. I believe the more we talk about our struggles, the more we lighten our burdens.

Given how much time and energy Americans spend in the working world (virtual or otherwise), it’s important to address mental health in the workplace. My goal is to create a safe space across T-Mobile, where employees, managers and leaders can easily find the help they need to better support their families, friends and colleagues every day — and in the process take care of themselves.

The dangers of ignoring mental health are real. According to the National Institute of Mental health, America’s suicide rate has increased by 31% since 2001. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among ages 10-34 in the U.S. and the 10th-leading cause of death in general in the U.S., claiming over 45,000 lives each year. Like many mental health conditions, depression and suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background.

But I’m saddened to say they’re particularly prevalent among our most vulnerable populations. LGBTQIA+ youth are three times more likely to attempt suicide than other young people. Veterans are one and a half times more likely to die by suicide than Americans who never served in the military, and for female veterans, the risk factor is 2.2 times more likely. In recent years, self-reported suicide attempts by Black teens increased by 73%. Black children younger than 13 are twice as likely to die by suicide than white children.

Just typing those words breaks my heart. We’re talking about more than statistics. We’re talking about human beings who need help.

Thankfully, as a society, mental health is no longer a taboo topic. And that goes for the workplace — we understand that people can’t just turn their emotions on or off when they show up to work. As a leader, I recognize that my responsibility is to open the dialogue and listen.

To that end, I host regular virtual Town Halls with my 5,000-plus managers to ensure this open-eared approach cascades to every corner of my team. I want to make it as easy as possible for my people to be proactive when they need extra support. T-Mobile also offers a wellbeing program called LiveMagenta, available to all employees and their families 24/7. LiveMagenta is a hub for confidentially accessing mental health resources, whether that’s a life coach, mental health provider or crisis counselor.

We at T-Mobile are not alone in our concern for greater mental health awareness. In fact, just a few weeks ago the Federal Communications Commission approved the 988 National Suicide Prevention Hotline, a three-digit phone number that anyone in crisis can dial to connect with suicide prevention specialists and mental health counselors. Rolling out over the next two years, 988 is a critical step for our nation. T-Mobile is joining the FCC on this initiative because we know a single phone call can be the difference between life and death.

Experts estimate that replacing the current 10-digit number with a three-digit number will result in millions more Americans reaching out for help. It also reduces the stigma associated with seeking assistance from suicide prevention and mental health services. T-Mobile is proud to partner with the FCC to provide this essential new tool that will ultimately save lives. We applaud Chairman Ajit Pai and the entire FCC for its leadership on this matter.

T-Mobile’s partnership with the FCC on the 988 hotline is just our latest initiative to support mental health at the federal level. Last November, T-Mobile signed the Department of Veterans Affairs’ “Pledge to Prioritize Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing in the Workplace.” With this pledge, we committed to providing our employees — veterans and civilians alike — with the services and resources they need to stay mentally fit.

As T-Mobile has opened the conversation around mental health in the workplace and beyond, the results have been incredible. Once I made myself more accessible to my team, people got in touch to share their stories and their gratitude. It should come as no surprise that T-Mobile employs folks who have considered taking their own lives. If I or any of my staff have provided relief to even one of them, then we’re doing our job as colleagues and human beings.

The more we listen and learn, the better we can support our peers and our employees, and the more we improve our personal wellbeing. Because when it comes to mental health, we can always do better — and we’re just getting started.

Our Latest Wellbeing Initiative: Sustainable, Eco-Friendly & Vegan Care Packages on a Pandemic Budget

08.14.2020 - 10:00AM

Three months down the line into lockdown, I’ve been feeling the burn of not seeing most of my colleagues in so long. At Acre, we’re pretty social – we’re big on drinks in the pub or in the bar at the office, playing rounders in the park, coming together for cake at birthdays and summer parties. Not being able to do that sucks for all of us, especially when the cultural aspect of your job is one of your favourite things about it!

I got to thinking about how we could bring people together in a budget-friendly and COVID-appropriate way, beyond a pub quiz on a skype call, so I started looking into helpful promotional items we could send to the team; this then developed into care packages.

A few conversations down the line and with support, strict budget and sign off from our CEO & Founder I was on my way, with a fairly obvious caveat; this has to be environmentally friendly.

As a group of sustainability recruiters, our team are all pretty on-brand in that respect, and I don’t think anyone would’ve appreciated a pile of plastic turning up on the doorstep. I sourced nine products in the end, all of which had great sustainability credentials, be that plastic-free, zero waste, ethically sourced, vegan – or all of the above.

Here are the products we settled on:

1. Baukjen Face Masks | Click here

Following the announcement that they would be mandatory on public transport in the UK, we chose BAUKJEN face masks as a practical and helpful gift, and because of their excellent sustainability credentials.

They’re organic, reusable, ethically sourced – and as I found out when they arrived, totally beautiful and soft! It’s always good to know where your products come from, and these makes are made in a family-run factory in Portugal.

2. Zero-Waste, Plastic-Free Hand Sanitiser | Click here

Wearth always has an amazing selection of eco-friendly products - but this was actually the only hand sanitizer I could find anywhere online that was totally zero-waste. With packaging made from recycled glass and aluminium, this one was a winner all around – and totally practical for those trips back into the office (whenever they may be!)

3. Sleep Scented Isle of Skye Candles | Click here

It’s been widely reported in the news that sleep has taken a hit for most of us throughout lockdown. We looked into sending pillow spray and struggled to find something which was a} not packaged in plastic b} suitable for posting {glass isn’t always great} and c} budget-friendly, so we decided on a candle instead.

I’m so glad we did, as these candles smell glorious. They’re crafted from completely renewable soy wax, and the environment is as important to the Isle of Skye candle company as it is to us. We went for the ‘travel tins’ which were again really postal-friendly and plastic-free.

4. The Happy Newspaper | Click here

The Happy Newspaper is personally my favourite item in the box. Written and produced by a small business owner in the UK, Emily Coxhead, this big ‘ol dose of positivity is what we all need right now. It’s packed full of little environmental wins and examples of the good still going on in the world.

5. GrowMe Boxes | Click here

As another way of bringing us all together, we’ve kicked off a global sunflower growing competition. These little ‘Be Happy’ sunflower boxes from Gift Republic are great – no plastic, no waste, and giving us all some green shoots to nurture from home! We also tried to order the basil kits for some lockdown cooking but to no avail - we settled on the equally appropriate ‘Many Thanks' boxes.

6. Conscious Chocolate | Click here

Appealing to Andy, our founder, and his constant need to be fed – snacks were a must. I settled on conscious chocolate, and the clue is in the name. This vegan, gluten-free raw 75% dark chocolate is absolutely glorious and available in a ton of flavours. It’s produced in the UK, with ethically sourced ingredients, and packaged in biodegradable packaging.

7. Candy Kitten Sweets | Click here

Further indulging Andy in his snacks, I went for a variety of flavours of Candy Kittens - another local, UK supplier of vegan and vegetarian goodness. Whilst this was the only bit of plastic which snuck into the box, the bags can be recycled at stations in most large supermarkets.

I ordered some of these directly from Candy Kittens, but as they’re in heavy demand {because they’re just SO good} I also ordered from mighty-small, a great online supermarket which only sells from local and independent brands.

8. Loch Ness Bakery Biscuits | Click here

I spotted these biscuits on ‘the vegan kind’, another online supermarket, and they looked too good to be true. They’re incredibly reasonable in price, from an entirely vegan range/bakery, and delicious. They’re also not too weighty – which is great from a postal-cost perspective. I ordered directly from the bakery as we needed a ton of packs, and they were super helpful.

9. Gift Cards | Click here

I designed some gift cards which we ordered from hatch print on their seedling paper, which can be planted and grows into either ‘wild meadow flowers’ or a ‘wild herb garden’. These definitely aren’t the cheapest option out there, but they were so well received - I would definitely recommend making the investment!

Sustainable Packaging:

Postal Boxes | Click here

I waited until our items had all arrived before deciding what size postal boxes to order, just to make sure everything fitted and we wouldn’t be left with a ton of spare space to fill. In the end, I ordered cardboard 75% recycled postal boxes online for this. These are totally recyclable and really easy to assemble and to store until you need to send them. What’s also a bonus is that in the size we ordered, 36 x 28 x 8cm, they still fit small parcel criteria with most carriers.

Recyclable Tape | Click here

I felt truly awful about coating all of the lovely, sustainable goodies in more plastic and went on the hunt for a recyclable option.

I saw this incredibly cute brown paper parcel tape on Etsy, made by Nikki McWilliams, and couldn’t resist. It’s printed in the UK on kraft paper with eco-friendly water-soluble inks - I was more excited to see the tape arrive than all of the other presents!

DIY Packing Materials

You’ll need something to stop your products moving around inside the boxes and getting damaged in transit. I naively didn’t think about this until the day we were packing them up for postage.

Sitting in my living room surrounded by mountains of cardboard which I’d have been truly embarrassed to throw away, I took myself off to Argos to buy a {hefty capacity} shredder and it was actually one of my favourite things about the project!

We weren’t left with a shred of waste, no pun intended, and it was really satisfying to know it’d all been recycled effectively.

My Advice

This all sounds like a lovely project, and by the end when I saw the parcels bringing a smile to people’s faces, it definitely was!

That doesn’t mean that it wasn’t without its headaches, so here are the top tips to help navigate this project yourself.

1. You’re going to need some storage, and some time
Things don’t always turn up as quickly as you’d hoped when you buy them in bulk.

You’ll need some space to stash stuff in for a week or two whilst it arrives, and somewhere to set up a production line to send them out.

For reference: here’s my living room on packing day. Not for those faint-of-heart and fond of a clean house. After a 7 hour day of packing between myself and Sean Desouza, I’m still finding cardboard under my sofa a week later.

2. Order things which aren’t too heavy

Be mindful that things like books or big packs of sweets would be heavy and take up a lot of space in your boxes – which will drive up your shipping costs. Try and stick to lightweight items, like our seedboxes!

3. Price up your shipping and include it in your budget

I used Transglobal Express which ended up being the most cost-effective solution – but shipping isn’t cheap. It’ll add £5 per parcel to your project, and you can times that by 3-4 if you’re hoping for fast shipping overseas.

In terms of time, it was also pretty efficient - You’ll need to upload a spreadsheet of all of your delivery addresses, and hey presto – a quote appears, as does all of your shipping information, and they can collect all of the parcels from your house the next day providing you’re within a certain radius. London is fine!

4. Buy in bulk, negotiate trade prices

I was ordering between 45 and a hundred of everything for our care packages – which called for some negotiation. After emailing all of the suppliers I managed to get a discount/trade price for almost everything we bought, which really helped to make sure everyone got a bigger box full of goodies!

So, all of that said, I think this was one of my favourite Acre projects yet.

It was so nice to see all of the photos of the care packages flood in as they arrived as a surprise delivery on people’s doorsteps over the weekend! As Harco, our Managing Director in Amsterdam said;

"This is what makes Acre so amazing; a company that exceeds all expectations when it comes to putting people first and foremost.

Promotional gifts and company presents can be sustainable, cruelty-free and truly valuable! It is so often not about money, but about focus. Putting your teams first will get you the results!"

Thanks for the help with delivering this project Sean Desouza and Laura Imbrogno, and thanks to Andy Cartland and Richard Wright for the backing & support!

Tetra Tech's Michael Michels Awarded MSW Management's Legacy Award

08.14.2020 - 08:00AM

Tetra Tech’s Solid Waste Solutions Executive Vice President, Michael Michels, was awarded the 2020 Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management’s Legacy Award for his 40 years of service in the solid waste solutions industry. He was recognized in the June 2020 edition of MSW Management Magazine, a leading trade publication, for significant contributions to advancements in the industry.

Michael began his career as a surveyor and drafter in west Texas, staking and contouring landfills before becoming a licensed professional engineer—and is now licensed in five states. Since then, he has worked on innovative solid waste solutions projects across the United States.

When Tetra Tech asked Michael which projects made the biggest impact on his career, he reflected on some of his work over his 40-year—and counting—career. Michael has managed more than 50 projects that addressed landfill gas (LFG) collection in compliance with National Society of Professional Surveyors air quality rules. While managing one of those projects for the Waste Industry Air Collation to modify the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Pollutant Emissions Factors, his team successfully performed emission estimation procedures, which include the allowance for cap attenuation, reduction in estimates of hydrochloric acid emissions, and reductions in estimates of other hazardous air pollutants in LFG.

One project that particularly stood out in his memory was the time he managed an emergency gas collection system at the Milwaukee County Landfill in Wisconsin in response to a home that exploded 100 feet from the limit of waste. Of course, traveling around the United States for work has its perks. He was fortunate to spend time managing two biogas projects on the islands of Maui and Kauai in Hawaii. Currently, Michael is working on a $3 million dollar design-build project converting wastewater treatment plant digester gas to vehicle fuel.

His extensive history has made Michael a leader in siting and designing landfills and implementing biogas-to-energy beneficial use projects. He now serves Tetra Tech as an expert in the solid waste solutions industry and is working with clients on complex environmental energy projects. Thank you, Michael, for your valuable and ongoing service to Tetra Tech and our clients.

Online or In-Person, Junior Achievement Equips Tomorrow's Leaders with Financial Education

08.14.2020 - 08:00AM

August 14 is National Financial Awareness Day.

But truth be told, every day is Financial Awareness Day at Junior Achievement (JA). For decades, the non-profit has worked to equip tomorrow's leaders – students in elementary school through high school – with financial and entrepreneurial tools to build meaningful careers and successful lives.

A global provider of marketing, loyalty and payment solutions, Alliance Data is also a strong advocate for financial education, and has actively supported JA for years, not just in central Ohio where the Company is headquartered, but throughout the U.S. The organization is a natural fit for Alliance Data, whose sustainability strategy includes a focus on responsible business practices and community investment.

By leveraging the talent, commitment and resources of corporate partners like Alliance Data, JA works with educators to fill gaps in their curriculum by offering in-classroom and other onsite programs that teach financial literacy, ignite an entrepreneurial way of thinking and build skills for success both in careers and life. The central Ohio chapter of JA is no exception.

In the greater Columbus area, JA of Central Ohio serves more than 30,000 K-12 students across 235+ schools annually. Unfortunately, COVID-19 presented significant challenges to this highly successful organization. When Columbus-area schools closed in the spring due to the growing pandemic, JA could not deliver its traditional in-person programming.

But in the spirit of the entrepreneurs JA strives to inspire, the organization quickly pivoted and transitioned almost all of its programs to an online format. And shifting to virtual classes and workshops has revealed a silver lining, according to JA of Central Ohio’s President, Mike Davis.

“In the past, due to organizational capacity, we have struggled to serve schools outside the immediate Columbus area,” Mike explained. “Now, with programs that can be recorded and played back, or occur live with a volunteer ‘beaming in’ from home or work, we have an opportunity to engage an even more diverse array of volunteers and students. There are so many more jobs and careers that we can help students explore with a virtual curriculum.”

The diversity of experiences provided by volunteers is appreciated by the educators. Bryce Culver, a teacher at Columbus’ Gahanna Lincoln High School, said that the JA Career Speaker Series has been a great way for students to connect virtually with a wide range of workers during COVID-19.

“One of the biggest challenges teachers face is obtaining real-world experiences for our students,” Culver said. “Junior Achievement helps bridge the gap between the business community and classroom. My students are learning about new career fields and opportunities they may not have realized even existed.”

From Utah to Ohio and everywhere in between, Alliance Data proudly supports Junior Achievement’s lasting impact on students as its curriculum and programs help shape the next generation of leaders. In fact, last year, on National Financial Awareness Day, Alliance Data announced the results of a survey the Company sponsored with Junior Achievement USA. The survey found that nearly one-in-five teens (17%) have never been in a physical bank and one third of teens (34%) didn't have a bank account – facts that illustrate the need for financial education at an early age.

And while Alliance Data makes a significant corporate donation to support JA programs and staffing every year, the biggest impact comes from team members who give their time, like the nearly 100 associates who volunteered with JA across the United States in 2019. Those who volunteered are actively helping tomorrow’s leaders understand and appreciate the importance of financial literacy and economic independence.

As a new school year is set to begin in Columbus and elsewhere, Junior Achievement is in need of volunteers across the country. By sharing knowledge and skills via live or recorded online training sessions, volunteers will help give children the tools they need to own their economic success, plan for their future and make smarter choices.

Today’s uncertain times further reinforce a key tenet of JA’s platform – that individuals, businesses, and communities need to plan for the unexpected and be prepared to innovate. And everyone can help in that effort.

To learn more about JA and find local volunteer opportunities, visit https://jausa.ja.org/. To learn more about Alliance Data’s commitment to sustainability and community investment, visit https://www.alliancedata.com/sustainability/default.aspx.

Mohawk Group Provides Carpet to Learning Spaces Through School Crashers Program for Seventh Year

08.13.2020 - 04:25PM

Each year Mohawk Group partners with Georgia United Credit Union Foundation to “crash” deserving schools all over the state. Faculty and administration across Georgia apply for facility makeovers based of specific needs that would enhance their respective curriculum and campus. One winner receives a school makeover grant funded by the foundation and runner-up schools receive grants for specific projects.

Earlier in the summer, donations of carpet tile and adhesive were dispatched on the Mohawk fleet for School Crashers to refresh media centers at Avondale Elementary School in Avondale Estates and Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta. Additionally, Mohawk Group helped make a new sensory room a reality at New Hope Middle School, which sits just down the street from some of its manufacturing facilities in Dalton as the closest school crash to date.

“In these uncertain times, budget cuts and whatever else our future may possibly hold, a winning grant and the donation of carpet is so wonderful,” said Cami Baldivid, the New Hope Middle School teacher who submitted the award-winning application. “Our teachers of exceptional students and paraprofessionals are ecstatic about using this room with our students to meet their daily needs and challenges.”

The school used the $20,000 award to establish an inspiring and engaging environment specifically set aside for a population of nearly 30 students that have diverse academic needs that range from autism, intellectual disorders, physical impairments, visual impairments and oppositional defiant disorders. Floor-to-ceiling upgrades have breathed new life into a formerly unused and outdated computer lab. The safe space will provide a designated area where these students can relax to calm and refocus themselves as they return to in-person instruction later this month.

“Georgia United is committed to improving the quality of life for children and families in our communities,” stated president and CEO, Debbie Smith. “The School Crashers program is now in its seventh year and has provided 50 school makeovers totaling nearly $1.5 million in improvements. School Crashers unites the community, donor partners like Mohawk and volunteers with the goal of providing inspiring learning and play spaces for the students, at no cost to the school.”

The donation of carpet allowed the school to reallocate some of the budget to use on other items to fill and further build out the sensory room. In addition to providing the carpet, Mohawk also supplied some of its own volunteers who, while undertaking certain precautions, helped install flooring, paint, put together furniture and set up each of the rooms.

“We might not ever get to meet these kids face-to-face, but we hope that by contributing we’ve been able to make a difference in their school year,” said Mike Gallman, president of Mohawk Group. “We appreciate the ongoing partnership with the foundation that allows us to leave a lasting impact for the next generation of students in our state — especially in a city we love so much.”

Four additional public schools across metropolitan Atlanta and middle Georgia were the deserving recipients of School Crashers program grants with the addition and makeover of playgrounds and outdoor classrooms.

“We look forward to this opportunity every year because we understand the impact of environment on the educational experience,” said David Dembowitz, senior vice president of education and government for Mohawk Group. “By improving the look and feel of spaces at three schools this year, we know this will also improve their student experience and create pride, which studies show lead to higher test scores and better grades.”

To learn more about School Crashers, visit GUCUFoundation.org/SchoolCrashers.

About Mohawk Group
As the world’s leading producer and distributor of quality commercial flooring, Mohawk Group believes that better floor coverings emerge from better design, innovation, sustainability, project solutions and operational excellence. Mohawk Group addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in contract interiors with a comprehensive carpet and hard surface portfolio of all types and price points. As the commercial division of Mohawk Industries, the company has a heritage of craftsmanship that spans more than 130 years. To learn more about our full line of flooring products, please visit MohawkGroup.com.

About Georgia United Credit Union Foundation
Georgia United Credit Union Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for children and families in the communities they serve through impactful programs funded by way of corporate contributions and delivered through volunteerism from the credit union and community partners. The Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is the philanthropic arm of Georgia United Credit Union. Learn more at GUCUfoundation.org.

Leading Commercial Real Estate Investment Firm Releases Annual Report on ESG Initiatives

08.13.2020 - 04:23PM

Clarion Partners LLC, an independent investment manager of Franklin Templeton, has issued its annual report on the firm’s substantial environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. In addition to being a leading commercial real estate investor on behalf of its clients, Clarion strives to own and operate buildings that provide tenants with healthy and efficient spaces while actively embracing, promoting and supporting impactful initiatives that advance the firm’s key values of diversity, respect, inclusion and sustainability.

The Clarion Partners 2019-20 ESG Report can be accessed here.

ESG is ingrained in the firm’s work: Clarion’s Executive Board oversees the firm’s formal ESG strategy, which includes a mission statement, policies and environmental performance targets.

“Clarion Partners recognizes that environmental, social and governance principles play an important role in providing a path forward to a more sustainable and equitable future,” writes Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer David Gilbert.

“Clarion has a long-standing tradition of responsible investing. And while there is always more work to do, I am proud of our efforts to further integrate ESG into all aspects of our business to the benefit of our clients, tenants, employees and the environment.”

Metrics bear out Clarion’s commitment. At year-end 2019, the firm’s 304 employees managed 1,260 properties with 262 million leasable square feet, with assets under management of $53.6 billion. Clarion’s offices span the globe, in Berlin, Boston, Dallas, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Washington, D.C. The firm offers a broad range of real estate strategies across the risk/return spectrum to more than 350 domestic and international institutional investors.

“We provide investors with long-term real estate solutions to support their investment objectives, mindful of our commitment to accountability, transparency and integrity,” the report states.

Clarion Partners is distinguished by a performance-driven approach, accountability to clients and exceptional customer service for tenants. The firm’s strategic and thoughtful decision making, as well as integration of ESG principles across the portfolio, has earned Clarion a variety of industry awards and recognition. A few highlights include:

Maintained an A+ rating for Strategy and Governance and an A for Real Estate from the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI)
Seven properties (up from five in recent years) were rated in the Top 1% of the Online Reputation Assessment (ORA) Industry Leaders Survey
2019 Multi-Housing News (MHN) Property Management Company of the Year Award for Clarion’s Gables Residential business, the firm’s fourth in seven years

The firm also maintains a Women’s Leadership Network (CPWLN) to support and enhance the professional advancement of women within the firm through education and business development opportunities that are aligned with Clarion’s organizational goals and objectives.

Clarion reported supporting an even broader range of charities this year, including Direct Relief, which works to equip doctors and nurses with life-saving medical resources, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the U.S.’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community.

In addition, the firm is a founding leader and participant in the PREA Foundation’s SEO Real Estate program, a first-of-its-kind real estate training and internship program for qualified Black, Hispanic and Native American undergraduates.

The 48-page report provides governance information on risk management, transparency and reporting, ESG integration and sustainable development goals. For environmental, it details performance metrics, lists initiatives and certified properties, and offers two case studies. Social initiatives are grouped under workforce, employee community involvement and occupation health and well-being initiatives, listing industry leadership and partnerships with one case study.

About Clarion Partners

Clarion Partners, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser with FCA-authorized and FINRA member affiliates, has been a leading U.S. real estate investment manager for more than 38 years. Headquartered in New York, the firm has offices in major markets throughout the U.S. and Europe. With $56.4 billion in total assets under management, Clarion Partners offers a broad range of both debt and equity real estate strategies across the risk/return spectrum to its more than 350 domestic and international institutional investors. More information is available at www.clarionpartners.com.

About Franklin Templeton

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 165 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company brings extensive capabilities in equity, fixed income, alternatives and custom multi-asset solutions. With offices in over 30 countries and 1,300 investment professionals, the California-based company has more than 70 years of investment experience and approximately $1.4 trillion in assets under management as of July 31, 2020. For more information, please visit franklinresources.com.

CONTACT

Darrell Oliver

+1 (646) 784-7601

Darrell.Oliver@frankintempleton.com

Return of the Roar on World Lion Day

08.13.2020 - 04:19PM

In just one year since the release of Disney’s “The Lion King” in 2019, fans like you have helped the Disney Conservation Fund, and collaborators around the world, to make huge strides in protecting lions and their habitats across Africa. As we celebrate World Lion Day today, we’re excited to share some of the progress we have made together toward “protecting the pride,” and healthy landscapes for African wildlife and communities!

As you might recall, in honor of the release of Disney’s “The Lion King” last year, we launched the “Protect the Pride” global conservation campaign, focused on protecting and revitalizing the lion population across Africa by raising awareness and contributing to the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund (LRF).

The LRF has directed this support to partner organizations working across Africa with a three-pronged approach to lion recovery: investing in conservation projects on the ground, developing campaigns that support the protection and revitalization of Africa’s lion population, and expanding collaborations among organizations.

To date, Disney’s support has helped the LRF fund 44 lion conservation organizations with 107 projects, spanning 21 African countries. These grants have been disbursed across wildlands containing more than 50 percent of the African lion population, benefitting lions, their habitats and their prey as well as countless human communities involved in the protection of this iconic species!

Here are just a few examples of the projects that we’ve helped the LRF fund:

Discovering New Prides – In Tanzania, the Ruaha Carnivore Project and the Frankfurt Zoological Society are working with Tanzanian authorities and other partners in the vast Selous/Nyerere ecosystem to examine lion population dynamics in this large wilderness and discover threats to the cats in this key landscape to determine how to best protect the prides there.
Securing the Last Lions – Panthera is providing funds and equipment for the dedicated rangers in Niokolo-Koba National Park to bolster protection of Senegal’s last population of lions.
Empowering Communities – SORALO is working with Maasai communities in Kenya to secure safe spaces for lions outside of national parks, promote peaceful coexistence with people and support sustainable, pastoral livelihoods.
Creating New Parks – In the Central African Republic, African Parks is establishing a new, vast protected landscape around Chinko Nature Reserve to reduce ecosystem degradation and provide the resources for lion prides to grow in the center of the continent. The vastness of this landscape (21,000 square miles) means that the area has arguably greater potential for lion recovery than anywhere else in Africa.
Reaching Across Boundaries – LRF and Disney are funding collaborations to protect interconnected landscapes for lions to be able to move and thrive, such as the work of Kalahari Research and Conservation and Cheetah Conservation Botswana, who are working with communities to sustainably manage lion habitats and prevent human-lion conflict in Botswana.

Both our Guests and our Cast have been an important part of supporting these achievements, from joining us on Kilimanjaro Safaris during the opening week of Disney’s “The Lion King” film, to the efforts of our cast to provide exceptional care for our pride of lions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, inspiring our guests to learn more about these incredible animals every day.

One of the reasons we were excited to partner with the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund on this important effort was their strong vision to double the wild populations of lions by 2050. We believe that, together with you, we can work toward this vision and ensure the lion’s roar can be heard across Africa for generations to come.

Looking for ways to celebrate lions with your family, or help Protect the Pride?

Learn more about the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund
Help your family get to know the animals that inspired your favorite characters through free activities to try at home in “The Lion King” Activity Packet
Pick up a copy of The Art and Making of “The Lion King” to learn about Disney Publishing Worldwide’s contribution and Disney’s commitment to conservation
Be inspired by Simba, Nala and their friends, add “The Lion King” to your movie collection today on Digital and Blu-ray, or stream it on Disney+

Comcast Launches New Internet Essentials Programs as Nation Gears Up for the Academic Year

08.13.2020 - 04:15PM

With distance learning plans rolling out across the country due to the coronavirus, Comcast today announced a new program for cities, schools, and nonprofits to connect large numbers of low-income K-12 students to the Internet at home.

The “Internet Essentials Partnership Program” is designed to help accelerate Internet adoption at a critical time. In nearly ten years, Internet Essentials has become the nation’s largest and most successful low-income Internet adoption program and has connected millions of people to the Internet. It offers households low-cost, broadband Internet service for $9.95/month, the option to purchase a heavily subsidized computer, and multiple options for digital literacy training. Comcast also announced today it is giving all Internet Essentials customers its innovative xFi platform, which enables parents to control and manage their children’s WiFi connected devices.

The program also includes two months of free Internet service for new Internet Essentials customers. Recent partnerships with schools in Chicago, Atlanta, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Arlington, VA mean more than 200,000 qualified students now have a greater opportunity to get connected. Visit comcastcorporation.com/IEPP for more information.

“We’ve seen firsthand that low-cost Internet access is an important part of improving digital equity and creating positive opportunities for low-income students and families,” said Dana Strong, President of Xfinity Consumer Services. “Through this new partnership program, we are accelerating the efforts of cities, schools, philanthropies, nonprofits, and private citizens to collaborate and open the doors of Internet access for more families in need.”

The initiative builds on Comcast’s recent announcement that it will continue to offer, through the end of 2020, all new Internet Essentials customers two months of free Internet service and it will forgive back debt due so more families can apply.

With it, they can see what devices are connected, set safe-browsing modes so children can only access age-appropriate content, get notifications about activity on their home WiFi, and have the ability to pause devices for dinner or bedtime.

Comcast also announced plans today that it will convene a series of virtual national and regional summits this fall. Each one will focus on several issues including: education, broadband adoption, digital and media literacy and training, and Internet safety. In addition, this fall Comcast will publish its annual Internet Essentials progress report and relaunch its Internet Essentials Partner Portal, located at www.internetessentials.com/partner, to include case studies, research, and links to creative broadband adoption solutions. Resources there will be made free for anyone to access, including other Internet Service Providers and nonprofits.

Nourishing Young Minds

08.13.2020 - 04:12PM

2019 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

Beginning in 2018, Hershey has collaborated with one of the largest providers of the Midday Meal Scheme in India, Annamrita, along with IIT-Bombay and Sion Hospital. This collaboration is exploring how different foods and snacks could enhance Annamrita’s existing school lunches to provide even greater nutrition to school-aged children.

In 2019, the consortium of partners first completed a baseline assessment of the nutritional status of 800 children aged six to 18 in four urban schools in underserved areas of Mumbai. The research results indicated that 30 percent of the children had a below normal body mass index. Of this 30 percent, 18 percent were determined to be thin, 11 percent were severely thin and 0.9 percent were underweight.

In response to the baseline data, the Hershey India Research & Development team then worked to reformulate one of our flagship products Sofit soymilk. The new product, Sofit Plus, is a vitamin and protein-enhanced version of the original beverage specifically formulated to address the nutrition needs identified in the baseline study. Hershey is now working with Annamrita to distribute the beverage alongside their mid-day meals to approximately 800 children.

WHAT’S NEXT
Throughout the first half of 2020 Sion Hospital and IIT-Bombay will continue to assess the nutritional and educational impacts, where possible, of Sofit Plus.

“We are excited about the potential of this product, backed by thorough research and development, to help address the low nutrition levels amongst the designated group of children and further help us contribute towards a brighter future for them.”
Herjit Bhalla, Managing Director, Hershey India

How to Stop the Tidal Wave of Multicultural Women Fleeing Corporate America

08.13.2020 - 04:11PM

Together with Working Mother Media, Moody's is committed to ending the multicultural gender gap in corporate America.

In their latest report Moody's Global Head of CSR, Arlene Isaacs-Lowe, shares advice for employers on promoting diversity:

Demonstrate to women of color that you see their potential and are willing to provide coaching and sponsorship.
Don't look at bias from your experience but from theirs. I was often told "you are just being oversensitive."
Work to ensure people are giving and getting candid and transparent feedback. Encourage environments that allow for Black women to avoid being defensive when receiving constructive criticism, to alleviate concerns that "it's going to be an HR issue."
Try to get to know people outside of work so you see what their lives are really like, where you might have shared experience and find empathy.
Examine your customers and clients and see how they manage bias.

Read the full report here to learn more.

Contact:
Jordan Brueckner
Communications
jordan.brueckner@moodys.com
+1.212.553.7931

Linking Technology and a Sustainable Supply Chain

08.13.2020 - 12:30PM

Originally published by Dow

Supply chains are an important link to sustainability and safety at Dow, and technology is increasingly helping to improve resource efficiency, transparency and collaboration.

Dow operates an extensive, integrated global supply chain. Our company procures more than 100 billion pounds of raw material and hydrocarbon feedstock from more than 1,000 suppliers worldwide, and manages about 3 million product shipments to external customers and other Dow locations each year.

“Our vision for a sustainable supply chain goes well beyond the boundaries of ‘greening’ the supply chain,” said Greg Jozwiak, Dow’s vice president of Integrated Supply Chain. “It addresses the fundamental attributes of sustainability, including safety and security, profitability, reliability and resilience, and social and environmental responsibility.”

Using technology to achieve a sustainable supply chain
Across our supply chain, we are utilizing technology in new ways to quantify and improve our safety and sustainability metrics. These include:

LOWERING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT.

Shifting to a low-carbon economy means reducing carbon emissions not only from our direct operations, but that of our supply chain, too. For example, consolidating shipments can save on emissions during transportation. In 2019, we launched an initiative to consolidate smaller shipments to customers and reduce the number of trucks hauling material. Leveraging technology, we implemented a transportation optimization engine to identify when products can be shipped together, while respecting all relevant constraints, including material compatibility, route, temperature requirements and delivery times. In 2019, the program reduced GHG emissions in North America by 4,400 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 72,755 tree seedlings grown for 10 years. In 2020, we are expanding the program in North America and introducing it in Europe.

IMPROVING SAFETY AND LOWERING RISK.

Our web-based container tracking portal gives our company and customers the ability to track shipments no matter what mode of transportation or area of the world. GPS and RFID technologies are coupled with sensors that allow supply chain managers to monitor the condition of the material and the integrity of the container. Electronic seals can monitor whether a door has been opened and whether the sensors detect light. In 2019, we worked with intermodal and rail carriers to develop technology that will allow for temperature monitoring in route for temperature-sensitive or reactive products. When the material approaches a temperature that would require action, a notification is sent to alert the logistic service provider, so adequate risk mitigations can occur before there is a safety concern.

IMPLEMENTING CAPACITY-BUILDING PROGRAMS.

By engaging in collaborations, we also are driving sustainable business practices while improving supply chain capability and transparency. In India, we continue to work on initiatives to ensure greater transparency, visibility of shipments and emergency-response support through the implementation of Nicer Globe, a Responsible Care® initiative by the Indian Chemical Council, as well as use technology to streamline procedures and improve efficiency around paperless vehicle inspections and centralized data accessibility. For example, we are using technology to help manage safe-driving behavior in India through a sensor-enabled assessment of driving risks. This includes monitoring sharp turns, sudden braking and tailgating; and accounting for traffic patterns and uneven roads.

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR SUSTAINABILITY

These practices support Dow’s corporate sustainability goals, including our “World-Leading Operations” 2025 Sustainability Goal. They also align to our new, multi-decade “protect the climate” targets, which reflect our commitment to accelerate our work with suppliers, customers and value chain partners to ensure Dow’s ecosystem is carbon neutral by 2050.

In addition, a sustainable supply chain enabled by technology also is a key enabler of business growth.

“Implementing technology across our supply chain is delivering tangible business benefits, including lower total cost to serve and working capital in the form of logistics costs and inventory requirements, both with a focus on achieving greater efficiency,” Jozwiak said. “In addition, these tools and technologies also are helping improve the customer experience through increased transparency and identification of improvement opportunities.”

CIT Funds Student Computer Lab With Donation to Musical Arts Institute in Chicago

08.13.2020 - 11:30AM

CIT Group Inc. (CIT) recently announced that it has made a donation to the Musical Arts Institute (MAI) to fund a computer lab that will strengthen the organization’s music instruction in Chicago's underserved areas, a community need identified by a CIT Small Business Solutions customer as part of the company’s Acts of Caring initiative.

CIT’s donation provides five Apple iMac computers with Logic Pro X software to help MAI establish a greatly anticipated computer lab for students to write and create music, practice instruments and learn music theory.

Musical Arts Institute equips students to compete for college scholarships and to pursue sustainable professional careers in music, providing lessons in vocal, piano, percussion, string orchestra, wind instrument, bass and guitar and music theory and production, in addition to specialized classes. MAI engages 2,500 students annually to grow and refine their talent and support college placement, including scholarship assistance.

“When Musical Arts Institute was founded a decade ago, we noticed that students in the Chicago public school system and in Black communities lacked access to advanced music instruction, so we compiled a team of professional musicians and educators to serve this need and provide music instruction for students,” said Michael Manson, executive director at Musical Arts Institute. “CIT’s donation of computers and software will further support these students in their musical endeavors, providing them with the technical tools they need to succeed.”

“CIT is proud to support the needs of our communities and complete projects on behalf of our customers as part of our Acts of Caring initiative,” said Ken Martin, managing director of Small Business Solutions at CIT. “We’re pleased to provide MAI with computers and software that will enhance the music education of students in underserved areas and support their dreams of going to college and pursuing a rewarding career.”

CIT Acts of Caring

As part of CIT’s Acts of Caring program, the company invited customers to nominate a need in their hometown and share how the company could support those efforts on their behalf. Identified by a customer of CIT's Small Business Solutions, Musical Arts Institute is one of ten projects nationwide that was selected to receive a donation from CIT this summer.

The customer program follows a month-long social good project where CIT employees completed more than 3,000 Acts of Caring and dedicated nearly 5,000 hours in support of causes such as COVID-19 relief, addressing food insecurity, improving the environment and advancing social and economic justice.

Learn more about CIT’s Acts of Caring initiative at cit.com/ActsOfCaring.

About Musical Arts Institute

The Musical Arts Institute (MAI) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), music school which provides high quality instrumental and vocal training for culturally and economically underserved Chicago youths. Its mission is to transform the minds our youth via world class musical instruction. Since its founding 10 years ago, MAI has become a leading music performance organization whose purpose is to prepare students, particularly those who live in under-resourced communities, with the character and skills aligned with success in school and life, thus reaching their full potential. Our students receive in-school instruction as well as intensive after school private and group training when access to music education is limited or nonexistent. Musical Arts Institute is recognized as one of the top-rated nonprofits in the United States based on community service and financial responsibility.

About CIT

CIT is a leading national bank focused on empowering businesses and personal savers with the financial agility to navigate their goals. CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) is a financial holding company with over a century of experience and operates a principal bank subsidiary, CIT Bank, N.A. (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender). The company's commercial banking segment includes commercial financing, community association banking, middle market banking, equipment and vendor financing, factoring, railcar financing, treasury and payments services, and capital markets and asset management. CIT's consumer banking segment includes a national direct bank and regional branch network. Discover more at cit.com/about.

MEDIA RELATIONS:
Susan Fitzpatrick
212-461-7806
Susan.Fitzpatrick@cit.com

JetBlue Is the First U.S. Airline to Commit to and Achieve Carbon Neutrality for All Domestic Flying

08.13.2020 - 11:00AM

JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) today announced it has followed through on its commitment to go carbon neutral on all domestic flights. Earlier this year, JetBlue became the first major U.S. airline to commit to this critical and measurable step toward reducing its contribution to global warming, and is now the first U.S. airline to achieve carbon neutrality on all domestic flying.

On July 1, the airline began offsetting its carbon dioxide emissions (CO₂) from jet fuel for all domestic JetBlue-operated flights. JetBlue views carbon offsetting as a bridge to other industry-wide environmental improvements like fuel with lower emissions. Therefore, JetBlue is also investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and to start, the airline is fueling flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with SAF.

Carbon neutrality is just one way JetBlue is preparing for a changing climate and ensuring a more sustainable business for its crewmembers, customers, shareholders and communities. JetBlue’s carbon reduction strategy focuses on reducing emissions in the first place. This includes investments to shrink its impact through fuel-saving technologies and aircraft, and advocating for a more fuel-efficient air traffic control system. JetBlue has achieved reductions in emissions on an intensity basis since 2015, and most recently improved 2.2 percent per available seat mile (ASM) from 2018 to 2019. Offsetting all remaining emissions from domestic flights and investing in SAF will help JetBlue move toward the lower-carbon economy for which aviation and all sectors must plan.

“The global pandemic reinforces the need to mitigate risks that threaten the health of our business. Our commitment to sustainability has only become more important as we prepare our business for a new climate reality,” said Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer, JetBlue. “Even with a long recovery ahead following the COVID-19 pandemic, JetBlue remains focused on short- and long-term environmental opportunities, particularly lessening our largest impact – carbon emissions – and more fuel efficient flying.”

Offsetting emissions from all domestic flights

Since 2008, JetBlue has been offsetting CO₂emissions from jet fuel with programs to balance customer flying, including a month of carbon neutral flying network-wide in 2015 and again in 2019. Offsetting all domestic flying expands those efforts in a bigger and more impactful way. Prior to this announcement, JetBlue had already offset more than 2.6 billion pounds of CO₂emissions in partnership with CarbonFund.org Foundation—a leading U.S. based nonprofit carbon reduction and climate solutions organization. JetBlue’s new carbon offsetting partners include two experts in climate solutions and carbon offsetting – South Pole and EcoAct, in addition to Carbonfund.org.

JetBlue will offset all emissions from jet fuel for domestic routes and expects to ramp up to offset 15-17 billion pounds (7 to 8 million metric tons) of CO₂emissions each year – the annual equivalent of removing more than 1.5 million passenger vehicles from the road.

As part of its offsetting program, JetBlue selects projects around the globe that will balance the emissions from its jet fuel. Many projects operate in developed countries where a bigger community impact can be made. Emissions reduction projects reduce the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere in at least one of three ways – avoiding greenhouse gas emissions in favor of renewable sources, removing emissions from the atmosphere, and destroying emissions when possible.

JetBlue’s sustainable aviation fuel program begins on flights from San Francisco

JetBlue has started purchasing and flying on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Neste, the world’s third most sustainable company and the largest producer of renewable diesel and SAF made from waste and residue materials, starting in July 2020 for flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Neste’s SAF will contribute to JetBlue’s efforts to reach its climate goals, providing an immediate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from any aircraft using the fuel.

“Neste is proud to be supplying and working with JetBlue, an airline with a strong track record of sustainability leadership," says Chris Cooper, Vice President for Renewable Aviation at Neste North America. "We are bringing additional SAF production capacity online and stand ready to provide JetBlue with even more of this low-emission, high-quality fuel to help them achieve carbon neutral growth. Our work with JetBlue is sending a clear signal to anyone wondering what the future of air travel is - it will be lower-emission, it will be more sustainable, and it will be increasingly powered by SAF.”

Neste is now successfully delivering SAF to SFO via pipeline, a milestone the airport has called a “climate quantum leap”. Once Neste’s SAF enters SFO’s fuel consortium storage, it is available to the commercial, cargo or business aviation entities that operate at the airport. JetBlue was a first mover in adopting Neste’s SAF at SFO, recently taking delivery of the fuel at the airport. With agreements like this, JetBlue is helping to kick-start the SAF market by improving the economics and increasing the use of these lower carbon fuels.

Neste’s SAF is produced from 100 percent renewable and sustainably sourced waste and residue materials. Over the lifecycle and in neat form, it has up to 80 percent smaller carbon footprint compared to fossil jet fuel whilst also emitting less particulate matter, SO_X, and other pollutants. The fuel is shipped via the fuel pipeline, and is fully compatible with the existing jet engine technology and fuel distribution infrastructure when blended with fossil jet fuel. Safety is JetBlue’s number one priority, and the fuel is used alongside regular fuel without any changes in safety or impact.

How carbon offsetting works – When projects that reduce CO₂ emissions are developed, every ton of emissions reduced results in the creation of one carbon offset or carbon credit. A carbon credit is a tradeable certificate that represents the avoidance or removal of one ton of carbon dioxide emissions. Buying carbon credits means investing in emission reduction projects that require carbon offsets financing in order to take place (a.).

JetBlue will support carbon offsets projects focused on but not limited to:

Landfill Gas Capture (LFG): Landfill gas is a natural byproduct of the decomposition of organic material in landfills. Instead of escaping into the air, LFG can be captured, converted and used as a renewable energy resource. LFG energy projects generate revenue and create jobs in the local community and beyond.
Solar/Wind: These projects develop expansive solar and wind farms, generating power that otherwise would have been supplied by fossil fuels like coal, diesel and furnace oil. These projects also create jobs and revenues for local communities.
Forestry: Forest conservation projects prevent deforestation by helping voluntarily forego plans that would have converted forests for other purposes, while having additional co-benefits for communities and local wildlife.

All of JetBlue’s purchased carbon offsets are audited, verified and retired on the airline’s behalf. These projects are audited to confirm the carbon reductions are permanent and ongoing. The sale of carbon offsets help to finance the projects. (b.)

JetBlue’s focus on climate leadership – JetBlue’s environmental social governance (ESG) strategy focuses on issues that have the potential to impact its business and the industry in the long-term. Customers, crewmembers and community, as well as stakeholders, are key to JetBlue's climate and sustainability strategy. Demand from these groups for responsible service is one of the motivations to further reduce the airline’s environmental impact. Shareholders, including many crewmembers, have demanded that JetBlue’s ESG strategy benefit stakeholders and the airline’s financial position. Tying ESG to its treasury function, including cash investments and a sustainability-linked loan with some terms dependent on the airline’s ESG scores, further demonstrates JetBlue’s commitment to combat climate change.

Carbon offsetting is just one example of how JetBlue is mitigating its contribution to climate change in response to public and market demand. JetBlue’s 2019 Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Report identifies key sustainability factors that affect the airline’s business and financial performance. For more information, visit jetblue.com/sustainability.

About JetBlue

JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America. For more information, visit jetblue.com.

About Neste:

Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) creates sustainable solutions for transport, business, and consumer needs. Our wide range of renewable products enable our customers to reduce climate emissions. We are the world's largest producer of renewable diesel refined from waste and residues, introducing renewable solutions also to the aviation and plastics industries. We are also a technologically advanced refiner of high-quality oil products. We want to be a reliable partner with widely valued expertise, research, and sustainable operations. In 2019, Neste's revenue stood at EUR 15.8 billion. In 2020, Neste placed 3rd on the Global 100 list of the most sustainable companies in the world. Learn more about Neste and its mission to fight climate change at Neste.com. Follow Neste on twitter: @Neste_NA and on LinkedIn.

(a.) Sourced with permission from www.southpole.com/carbon-offsets-explained

(b.) Carbon Offsets Project Certification – JetBlue has purchased high-quality carbon credits that adhere to a strict set of standards. Projects are registered with a third-party internationally recognized verification standard, including the Gold Standard, Verra's Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), Social Carbon and Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standards (CCBS), or standards verified by the UNFCCC. These standards also help highlight different benefits while ensuring that the project is real, verified, permanent and additional.

Projects certified under each standard means that they have been developed following the rules and requirements of the particular standard; have been independently audited and verified; follow defined GHG emission reduction quantification methodology; and carbon credits are assigned serial numbers and are issued, transferred and permanently retired in publicly accessible emission registries.

JetBlue follows the below principles when selecting projects:

Real: All GHG emission reductions must be proven to have occurred.
Measurable: All GHG emission reductions must be able to be quantified.
Permanent: Steps must be in place to ensure a minimal risk of reversing the project emissions reductions, and if reversal takes place, a plan to rebalance the expected reduction.
Additional: All GHG emission reductions must be in addition to what would have happened if the project were not developed.
Independently Audited: An accredited verification entity experienced in the relevant sector and location has assured all stated emissions reductions have occurred.
Unique: No double counting of carbon credits has occurred, with each assigned a unique serial number.
Transparent: All GHG-related information must be disclosed.
Conservative: Approaches and assumptions are conservative to avoid over-estimation.

CRB Earns ConstructSecure Platinum Safety Award

08.13.2020 - 10:35AM

Originally published by CRB

ConstructSecure, Inc., a cloud-based mobile platform that empowers clients to make smarter risk management decisions, has announced the recipients of its prestigious safety awards and CRB is proud to announce that it has received the Platinum Safety Award. This award is presented to companies that register a safety score of 95% or greater in the Safety Assessment Program administered by ConstructSecure.

“Platinum status is not easily achieved. CRB has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to implementing safety management systems resulting in exceptionally low incident rates,” states Garrett Burke, CEO of ConstructSecure.

The Safety Assessment Program reviews a company’s historic safety performance and current safety management systems. The platform normalizes data for vendor or contractor size and type of work performed.

The program provides thorough, objective and consistent evaluation of company performance so clients can identify, monitor, and manage risk smarter. The results provide a strong indicator of how a vendor or contractor values safety and a reliable predictor of future performance.

For more information on CRB’s safety culture, please click here!

About ConstructSecure:
ConstructSecure, Inc. is a global Saas company. The cloud-based and mobile platform empowers clients to make smarter risk management decisions. Proprietary algorithms developed at an Ivy League University, leverage safety and financial indicators to accurately pre-qualify vendors. The data captured by the suite of integrated solutions ensure that clients, and subcontracted vendors, can more effectively and accurately identify, monitor and mitigate risk to reduce potentially dangerous and costly exposures. The solutions go beyond solely meeting regulatory standards and approach safety and risk in a way that reduces the number of injuries, loss rate, EMR, defaults, and insurance premiums, and positively impacts the overall financial health of the company.

Comerica Bank Strengthens Local Communities Through Volunteerism and Philanthropy

08.13.2020 - 09:00AM

Comerica encourages our colleagues to share their time and expertise to support our commitment to the communities in which we operate. Our volunteer programs help drive Comerica's success by improving the lives of individuals, groups and communities in which we do business by building and managing relationships and strategic partnerships. Our colleague volunteers give their time and talent generously by participating on boards, conducting financial education training and providing services requested by local community groups, all helping to improve the communities we serve.

When it comes to investing in our communities, our Core Values of Collaboration and Involvement have led us to achieve strong dedication to charitable organizations within our key markets through our financial and volunteer support. We believe this approach not only strengthens our company and the communities we are a part of, but also helps create a strong, positive image for the company.

Through our philanthropic efforts our three-fold mission is to (1) target issues that are important to both our communities and the company, (2) address diversity needs, and (3) create pride and loyalty for Comerica colleagues. It is our priority when giving to assist low- and moderate-income individuals and families in a manner that aligns with our overall business approach and supports our strategic direction as a financial services provider.

For additional highlights and metrics of Comerica’s volunteerism and philanthropy, review our corporate responsibility report at www.comerica.com/sustainability.

Teck Releases 2019 Economic Contribution Report

08.13.2020 - 08:00AM

T‑Mobile Offers a Welcome “Returnship” for Women in Tech

08.12.2020 - 05:39PM

By Marissa Mancini

“I took a break relatively early in my career, and each time I navigated to an online application, it began with two choices: either ‘I am a recent graduate’ or ‘I am a seasoned professional.’”

That left Emilie Davidson feeling a little out of place. “With no local or recent professional contracts, I applied to dozens of positions each month and heard absolutely nothing back. It was easy to see how women in my situation fell through the cracks of the recruitment system,” Davidson explains.

Talking through the challenge with Sara Culjan, a friend, fellow mom and business analysis manager at T-Mobile, convinced Davidson to take a new approach to her job search. “Sara really supported me through my return-to-work journey,” says Davidson. “She encouraged me to apply for a few jobs at T-Mobile and helped update my resume to fit the T-Mobile culture. She suggested filling the career gap’s space on my resume with ‘stay-at-home parent’ as my current role, including business jargon-y descriptions of the parenting role.”

Davidson’s effort generated some call backs, and, though no interviews followed after, reworking her resume offered something else: “Writing those descriptions actually helped me see how my time as a stay-at-home parent was practical experience, and surprisingly relevant to many paid jobs.”

Then, a few months after their initial conversations around her career hunt, Culjan forwarded information to Davidson about T-Mobile’s TechX Returnship pilot. The description of the need for the program — “to create more on- and off-ramps in the workforce” — resonated. “I felt like I had taken an exit ramp from the workforce and this created clear direction and some space to get back up to interstate speed.”

The TechX Returnship Program — a partnership with reacHIRE, which helps facilitate paths to leadership roles for women returning to the workforce in technology roles — provides opportunities for women who’ve taken a long professional career break to care for family members, raise children and/or for other personal reasons. Seeking openings to return to the workforce after a significant period of time can prove challenging — but the company knows crucial team members are out there, and taking such a break doesn’t diminish their contributions to T-Mobile’s various teams.

The initial Returnship Pilot, which ran from November 2019 until May 2020, announced six impressive roles, including engineering, project management and analyst positions within T-Mobile's Technology Service Delivery & Operations (TSD&O) organization.

For just those six roles, the program attracted almost 400 applicants quickly. But the unique pilot offered the opportunity to expand the traditional HR recruitment model, and focus on problem solving and critical thinking over existing skills or platform proficiencies — and hiring managers easily found top talent for their teams.

Managers and mentors were hand-picked for the pilot program based on proven leadership and commitment to other technology career programs. After Returners attended a week-long onboarding and training session to equip them with skills they needed to be successful, managers provided their Returners with challenging projects and plenty of opportunities to build their professional network, plug into relevant training and connect frequently with people in their TSD&O community.

The TechX Returners quickly adapted to the new working environment — with the initial transition back into work, and then having to work remotely due to COVID — and exceeded all expectations on their assignments and projects.

One thing was clear: each Returner brought refreshing, exciting and unique perspectives to the business.

“The other five women in my cohort are incredible, and it’s just baffling to see so clearly what would have been a huge missed opportunity if we had given up,” Davidson says. “I also look back at the time I had at home with my daughter and see the incredible missed opportunity it would have been if I had not chosen what felt best for my little family at that stage in our lives for fearing the challenge of a comeback.”

The TechX Returnship’s program has roots in the intersection of T-Mobile's commitment to professional development and diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives. A few engineers attending a session about returnships at the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing conference as part of the Women & Allies DE&I subgroup, Women in Technology, were inspired to text Brian King, SVP & Chief Operations Officer, Technology. As King recently explained to CIO Magazine, the idea of the TechX Returnship Pilot was born out of this outreach.

“We wanted to learn through the pilot,” King told the magazine. “We wanted to make sure that we have the right managers and mentors and that they were set up to be successful. We now have a formula that works. And we have a formula that we can scale within the rest of technology and make sure that we’ve got the right level of champions within each of the departments.”

When the pilot program concluded this spring, all six Returners successfully landed full-time roles — five within T-Mobile, and one externally — placements the team (understandably) considers a 100 percent success rate.

“T-Mobile has lived up to its reputation for supporting employees and having a wonderful business culture,” says Davidson, who landed a job as a program manager in the Technical Training & Development department. “I am so grateful that ReacHIRE was able to bridge the gap between an eager and qualified workforce and a fantastic company, and would encourage other companies and individuals to participate in the program.”

And thanks to that incredible success, TechX is expanding the Returnship program, and now seeking 20 talented Returners for a six-month program that will run from November 2, 2020 to May 14, 2021.

Applications are now open for a wide variety of roles, including project management, product management, software engineering and business analyst positions. Returners will be hired as paid Non-T-Mobile Workers (NTW) and will work full-time hours (40 hours per week). Returners may be eligible to receive an employment offer at T-Mobile at the end of the program.

To be eligible for the program, applicants should:

Be able to work in a full-time role.
Have at least two years of professional work experience.
Have taken a two-year (or more) career break.
Have authorization to work for any employer in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

Interested parties can apply here.

Fifth Third Supplier Diversity Leader Joins Financial Services Roundtable Board

08.12.2020 - 02:26PM

Marsha Thornton, Fifth Third Bank vice president and director of supplier diversity, recently was named to the board of directors of the Financial Services Roundtable for Supplier Diversity. This premiere member organization comprises more than 50 top U.S. financial institutions and insurance companies and is responsible for leading key supplier diversity benchmarking data, sharing best practices, making supplier introductions and referrals, and developing industry-specific requirements. Thornton’s representation on this board will help maintain Fifth Third’s position as a leader in supplier diversity and provide the Bank the opportunity to continue to invest, expand and increase engagement with diverse suppliers.

Hall Family Foundation Names Mayra Aguirre as Its New President

08.12.2020 - 01:43PM

The Board of Directors of the Hall Family Foundation today announced the appointment of Mayra Aguirre as the Foundation’s new president. She will assume the full-time duties of her new position on September 22, at the conclusion of her maternity leave.

For the past four years, Aguirre has served as the Foundation’s vice president and secretary. Bill Hall is retiring this September, following 38 years as the Foundation’s president and assistant to the Chairman of Hallmark Cards. The Board conducted a nationwide search for his successor.

“Mayra’s deep-seated passion for truly making a difference in Kansas City, and her ability to collaborate so effectively with others will make her a great addition to the civic community,” said Donald J. Hall, Jr., executive chairman of Hallmark Cards and Foundation vice chair. “Mayra understands the values and mission of the Foundation, and possesses the vision and dedication needed to build on the Foundation’s legacy.”

“When one retires from a position in which they have been invested for so long, you want to know it is in good hands,” said Bill Hall. “I am confident that with Mayra’s leadership, the Foundation will continue to enhance human life in Greater Kansas City. I am immensely confident she will carry out her work with humility and respect for our philanthropic partners.”

Aguirre: Deep Compassion and Commitment to Foundation Mission

Prior to joining the Hall Family Foundation, Aguirre was a senior program officer at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, executive director of the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund and a coordinator at Mid-America Regional Council (MARC)’s Metropolitan Council on Early Learning. She has dedicated her career to working with members of the community, finding solutions to the difficult challenges they face.

As Aguirre assumes leadership of the Foundation, she says she sees herself as a servant leader, much as Hallmark Cards Founder J.C. Hall was. She plans to be deeply engaged in the Kansas City community to reinforce the passionate, community-based values of the Foundation, and to build on the Foundation’s rich legacy.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to succeed Bill Hall as president of the Hall Family Foundation,” said Aguirre. “I have had the great privilege to work alongside Bill for the last four years. Under his leadership, I witnessed firsthand his commitment to the donor intent of this Foundation, to improve the quality of life of Kansas Citians, and to the nonprofit organizations doing the work. As I assume this role,” she continued, “I look forward to continuing our deep engagement in the community. This is more than a job,” Aguirre said. “It’s really a calling.”

A native of Emporia, Kan., Aguirre was the first person in her family to graduate from college; she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Emporia State University. She went on to earn her Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from The University of Kansas School of Law. Aguirre serves on The University of Kansas Advancement Board, and on the boards of the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund, Ewing Marion Kauffman Charter School, and UnidosUS.

Aguirre says she has a strong desire to lead change in a way that recognizes, appreciates, and listens to the voices of those individuals most connected to the community’s challenges.

“Early in my career, I recognized the roles, large and small, that philanthropy played in supporting my dreams,” said Aguirre. “In small ways, individuals took time to mentor and support me. In big ways, institutions educated me and advanced my learning and abilities while relying on philanthropic support. I know first-hand the impact our grant dollars can have at an individual level as well as the institutional level,” she explained.

“I have deep compassion, empathy and commitment to the mission of the Hall Family Foundation, and hope to bring a unique first-hand understanding of our community and those we serve.”

Hall Family Foundation Focus

The Hall Family Foundation concentrates its philanthropic efforts on six primary areas of need in the Kansas City Area: early and K-12 education, higher education, children, youth and families, neighborhood revitalization, the arts, health, and supporting community-wide efforts that seek to provide long-term solutions to high priority local issues.

Among the initiatives of which the Foundation is proud include:

Supported Children’s Mercy Hospital through the construction of clinics and hospital facilities, the recruitment of physicians, and most recently the new Children’s Research Institute benefitting children locally and around the world.
Provided support for Truman Medical Center capital improvements to their cancer center, maternity area, and area health clinics, so that our largest regional safety net hospital can provide quality health care to those who are most vulnerable.
Led efforts to renovate Kansas City’s Music Hall and The Spencer Theatre at University of Missouri-Kansas City, and played a lead role in planning and acquiring world- renowned sculptures for display in the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, so that all Kansas City citizens can experience the arts.
Partnered with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation to improve educational outcomes in both charter and traditional public schools. Engaged in civic efforts to improve pre-K access in the Kansas City, Missouri School District.
Provided a grant to launch the new Health Education Building and Hemenway Research Building at the KU Med Center, and provided key backing for KU’s National Cancer Institute designation.
Established the Oxbridge Program to allow William Jewell scholarship students the opportunity to study and travel abroad as part of their education.
Engaged in the revitalization of downtown’s Quality Hill neighborhood and the resurrection of Union Station well ahead of Kansas City’s urban revival.
Provided the seed funding for establishment of The Hispanic Development Fund and Black Community Fund at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. Through minority leadership of these funds, including Mayra’s, they have become national models for philanthropic engagement within minority communities.
Served as a partner in countless efforts to support local social services that serve the needs of the community’s most vulnerable—from homeless shelters, youth support services, violence prevention programs, food pantries and more. Led efforts to provide emergency assistance during times of economic crisis, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Working with Don Hall, the Board of the Foundation and community partners, Bill Hall was a catalyst for numerous civic and charitable activities benefitting the Greater Kansas City region. In recognition of his efforts, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce named him Kansas Citian of the year in 2007.

“During the over four decades we have worked together,” said Don Hall, chairman of the Foundation, “Bill’s leadership of the Foundation established by my parents helped shape Kansas City and benefit our fellow citizens. We are so proud of what he has accomplished. As president of the Hall Family Foundation,” he concluded, “Bill has also done an extraordinary job of bringing to life the vision of my mother and father.”

“Bill will leave a significant mark on the Kansas City community through his leadership and, more notably, through his dedicated service to our city and its people. I have no doubt that Mayra will be a passionate and energizing force to carry that legacy of service forward into the next generation of our region’s leadership,” Don Hall, Jr. concluded.

About the Hall Family Foundation

The Hall Family Foundation is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of human life. Programs that enrich the community, help people and promote excellence are considered to be of prime importance. The Foundation views its primary function as that of a catalyst. It seeks to be responsive to programs that are innovative, yet strive to create permanent solutions to community needs in the Greater Kansas City area. For more information, visit www.hallfamilyfoundation.org/.

Johnson & Johnson Earns the #3 Spot on the 2020 Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 List

08.12.2020 - 01:00PM

Originally published on jnj.com

In the wake of COVID-19, it's organizations with the strongest supply chains that have been able to ensure people around the world continue to receive access to the products they need to stay safe and healthy—and Johnson & Johnson has been recognized as one of those organizations.

Gartner, Inc., the world's largest research and advisory company, recently honored Johnson & Johnson with a #3 ranking on its annual 2020 Supply Chain Top 25 list, which spotlights exemplary global supply chains at companies with more than $12 billion in general annual revenue across industries.

Gartner cited Johnson & Johnson's commitment to continuously improving its supply chain and the broader supply chain community, its ability to put those improvements into practice by partnering with teams across the company and industry at large and its efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For example, in relation to its vaccine work, Johnson & Johnson is broadening its global manufacturing scope, including establishing new vaccine manufacturing capabilities and scaling up capacity in other countries, with the goal of supplying more than one billion doses of a potential COVID-19 vaccine globally through the course of 2021, provided it is safe and effective.

And Ethicon, a Johnson & Johnson Medical Device Company, was able to leverage its manufacturing network, 3-D printing technology and a collaboration with Prisma Health to make and distribute a VESper™ Ventilator Expansion Splitter at no cost—going from concept and design to launch in just 10 days. The device, authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use only, allows a single ventilator to be fitted with it and used for two rescuable patients for ventilatory support during the COVID-19 pandemic until individual ventilators are available.

Another example of how the company is repurposing its supply chain: In accordance with appropriate guidelines, including those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA, Johnson & Johnson has converted some manufacturing lines at facilities around the world to produce hand sanitizer, which is helping to protect employees who work in research and development, manufacturing and distribution. Hand sanitizer is also being donated to health and community service workers.

Additionally, when demand for Tylenol® doubled in some markets as COVID-19 spread, the company ramped up production of this critical medication by running manufacturing sites 24/7 and producing and shipping at all-time high rates, while maintaining high levels of safety, quality and compliance. The company is taking all possible measures to maximize product availability and produce the highest volumes of the medicines people need right now, while prioritizing employee safety.

To spur innovation and new ideas for years to come, in October of last year Johnson & Johnson created the Innovation Engine collaboration space for employees to come together with customers and external experts to share ideas and bring innovation to life. One example of this type of collaboration: The Advanced Case Management solution, which streamlines the logistics of the surgical implant process to improve efficiency, reduces costs for sterilization, saves time for surgical set-up and ultimately frees up staff time to focus on helping patients.

“Over the past few years, our global supply chain has been working hard to continuously improve its operations and the supply chain community at large, while accelerating new levels of innovation in products, services and experiences for the doctors, nurses, patients and customers we serve,” says Kathy Wengel, Executive Vice President and Chief Global Supply Chain Officer, Johnson & Johnson. “By building foundational capabilities in key areas like business continuity, digital and planning, not only have we been able to respond to the global pandemic, but we've ultimately been able to harness new levels of agility and get ahead of changing needs. This is a testament to the dedication of our supply chain teams around the world, who are doing their part to inspire hope in these uncertain times, and to the scale and stability of our business, even during this time of great change.”

WildEyes™ AI: Helping to Save Wild Elephants and Prevent Human-Elephant Conflict

08.12.2020 - 11:30AM

On World Elephant Day 2020, the NGO RESOLVE and the AI software company CVEDIA announce a novel solution to reduce harm to wild elephants and the humans who live near them. Over the past two decades, Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) has become a major cause of population declines of these iconic mammals in Asia and Africa. Crop raiding by elephants threatens community livelihoods, food security, and human fatalities, often prompting retaliatory killings of endangered elephants. This conflict stresses the most marginalized rural communities, for example, causing over $10 million in crop and property damage annually in Sri Lanka^[1] and $600,000 worth of crop damage in Tanzania in 2019.^[2]

A scalable solution to this challenge requires a low-cost technology to detect elephants and transmit alerts to wildlife managers and communities to prevent conflict situations before they occur. Using new advances in artificial intelligence technology, RESOLVE’s camera system, called WildEyes™ AI, now enters the field. The small cameras work remotely, hidden in a tree above the reach of elephants, and when the camera’s motion sensor is triggered, it uses computer vision to detect elephants in the frame and transmits those images in near-real time to the cell phones of village guardians.

In tech speak: A sophisticated AI algorithm detects elephants based on synthetic data models created by CVEDIA, running on the Intel Movidius vision processing unit (VPU) embedded in the WildEyes AI camera. The camera remains asleep until the motion sensor is triggered and then, leveraging the AI algorithm, the Intel VPU filters out false triggers. By filtering “on the edge” i.e., only transmitting true positives of elephants, the camera conserves vital battery life. Due to the VPU’s low power requirements, WildEyes AI can run for more than 1.5 years on a single charge of its small rechargeable Lithium Ion battery—a game changer for a field-based sensor. The image of the elephants can be sent over a GSM network, or via a long-range radio link in areas without cell connectivity, in under two minutes from the camera, to the Internet, and back to the local guardians, completing the loop.

“This wildlife camera system, created by engineer Steve Gulick at RESOLVE, can detect elephants before they enter into conflict. With the tremendous partnership and support of Intel and CVEDIA engineers, we can contribute to reducing one of the world’s most pressing wildlife management problems,” said Dr. Eric Dinerstein, Director of Biodiversity and Wildlife at RESOLVE.

“Elephants are beloved by many but not by the agriculturalists who live near them and grow crops elephants like to eat. Here in India, home to most of the world’s Asian elephants, human-elephant conflict is our major problem. RESOLVE’s very clever WildEyes AI camera system gives us an exciting new tool to detect elephants congregating in known staging sites inside protected areas before leaving them and entering conflict hotspots and corridors. This tech advance will allow rangers and villagers to respond before elephants raid crops, destroy homes, or endanger local villagers,” Dr. Bivash Pandav, Wildlife Institute of India, and noted expert on human-elephant conflict.

“Using our unique approach to creating AI algorithms trained on synthetic data, in under three weeks we were able to create a detection algorithm with high accuracy that processes using very low power inside the camera itself. We’re excited about our partnership with RESOLVE and are just getting started: detectors for other high-value wildlife species are also ready to launch,” Arjan Wijnveen, CEO of CVEDIA.

Enhancing Monitoring of Elephants

The AI elephant detector can also be used to advance the management of elephant populations in tropical forests in Africa and Asia. Current monitoring approaches rely on radio-telemetry, field observations, and aerial surveys and are resource intensive; their limitations are much more pronounced in dense forested environments where the majority of African forest elephants and Asian elephants reside. To retrieve and process data from the field creates a lag time between event and detection, ranging from weeks to months. A network of cameras running the CVEDIA elephant detector strategically positioned within elephant home ranges can autonomously detect elephants 24/7 with high accuracy and near real-time notification capabilities, an affordable alternative to traditional surveys or to support existing monitoring efforts.

The CVEDIA elephant detector has the ability to identify all three elephant species: Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana), and African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis). Release of cameras running the CVEDIA elephant detector will begin in early September 2020. This work was supported by grants from the Shared Earth Foundation, the Stadler Family Foundation, the Weeden Foundation, and One Earth Philanthropy.

About RESOLVE

RESOLVE is a Washington, DC-based non-profit organization that forges sustainable solutions to critical environmental, social, and health, challenges by creating innovative partnerships where they are least likely and most needed. RESOLVE’s Biodiversity and Wildlife Solutions Program tackles the most pressing conservation problems of our time – the approaching extinction of endangered wildlife and threats to habitats, including tropical forests where most of the world’s species reside – through technological innovation, ambitious global agreements, and targeted land protection.

About CVEDIA

CVEDIA is an AI solutions company creating machine learning algorithms for applications where data is limited or unavailable. We’ve mastered synthetic data for computer vision, using a combination of data science and machine learning against a backdrop of 3D design.

^[1] International Elephant Foundation (2018)
^[2] Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resource and Tourism (2019)

Image Caption: The WildEyes AI camera system (right) uses AI to detect elephants and transmit alerts in near-real time to designated personnel, helping to greatly reduce the risk of human-elephant conflict or enhance research and monitoring efforts. Shown here is the technology accurately detecting elephants during lab testing (bottom) and field testing at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, DC (top). Photo credits: RESOLVE and Bivash Pandav.

OMV Again Ranked Top Performer by Sustainability Rating Agencies

08.12.2020 - 10:00AM

OMV has again been confirmed as a sustainability leader in its industry by key global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating agencies.

OMV has been awarded prime status by ISS (Institutional Shareholder Services) ESG for the third consecutive year

ISS ESG awards prime status to companies with an ESG performance above the sector-specific prime threshold, which means that they fulfil ambitious absolute performance requirements. With its absolute score of B-, OMV ranks among the top 5% in the global oil, gas & consumable fuels sector.

MSCI awarded OMV the rating AAA, the highest rating possible, for the eighth year in a row

MSCI ESG Research provides ratings on global public and a few private companies on a scale of AAA (leader) to CCC (laggard), according to exposure to industry-specific ESG risks and the ability to manage those risks relative to peers. With its rating of AAA, OMV ranks among the top 10% in the integrated oil and gas sector and is listed in two MSCI indexes, the MSCI ACWI (All Country World Index) ESG Leaders Index and the MSCI ACWI SRI Index.

OMV has also been recognized as a sustainability leader by Vigeo Eiris

OMV has been included in the Euronext Vigeo Europe 120 index for the first time and been relisted in the Eurozone 120 index. This means that OMV is among the top 120 sustainable companies in Europe and the Eurozone across all sectors.

Beyond these achievements, OMV is also listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, the FTSE4Good Index, and the STOXX Global ESG Leaders Index (based on the Sustainalytics rating).

OMV proactively engages with ESG rating agencies and socially responsible investors (SRI) to ensure the disclosure of the information investors need to evaluate sustainability risks and opportunities related to OMV’s performance. ESG ratings increasingly drive investor decision-making, and, as of end 2019, 20% of OMV’s institutional investors are classed as socially responsible investors.

More information about OMV’s approach to sustainability can be found at www.omv.com/sustainability

Background information:

OMV Aktiengesellschaft
OMV produces and markets oil and gas, innovative energy and high-end petrochemical solutions – in a responsible way. With Group sales of EUR 23 bn and a workforce of around 20,000 employees in 2019, OMV Aktiengesellschaft is one of Austria’s largest listed industrial companies. In Upstream, OMV has a strong base in Central and Eastern Europe as well as a balanced international portfolio, with Middle East & Africa, the North Sea, Russia and Asia-Pacific as further core regions. Daily average production was 487,000 boe/d in 2019. In Downstream, OMV operates three refineries in Europe and owns a 15% share in ADNOC Refining and Trading JV, with a total annual processing capacity of 24.9 mn tons. Furthermore, OMV has a 36% participation in Borealis, one of the world’s leading producers of polyolefins. The Company operates about 2,100 filling stations in ten European countries. OMV runs gas storage facilities in Austria and Germany; its subsidiary Gas Connect Austria GmbH operates a gas pipeline network in Austria. In 2019, gas sales volumes amounted to around 137 TWh. Sustainability is an integral part of OMV’s corporate strategy. OMV supports the transition to a lower-carbon economy and has set measurable targets for reducing carbon intensity and introducing new energy and petrochemical solutions.

Mohawk Donates Cleaning Supplies, Hand Sanitizer and Water Bottles to Local Schools

08.12.2020 - 10:00AM

Mohawk Industries is supporting safety precautions as local students, teachers and staff return to school.

The company recently made several large donations in northwest Georgia prior to the beginning of the school year:

Calhoun City Schools: 4,250 water bottles and 420 cannisters of disinfectant wipes
Dalton Public Schools: 500 gallons of hand sanitizer
Gordon County Schools: 6,700 water bottles, 840 cannisters of disinfectant wipes and 100 boxes to cover water fountains
Whitfield County Schools: 500 gallons of hand sanitizer

“We reached out to our local schools and asked what we could provide that would best help students and teachers safely make the transition back to in-person learning,” said Becky Redd, Mohawk’s director of talent management. “Everyone’s top priority right now is keeping each other healthy and limiting the spread of COVID-19. We’re so glad we could support our communities with these donations so that everyone can return to the classroom with confidence.”

Members of the Mohawk Flooring North America human resources and supply chain teams partnered to coordinate the donations and deliveries. More than 4,700 Mohawk employees currently live in Gordon and Whitfield counties, where these items were donated.

Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) North America Announces Google Achieves AWS Certification—the First Major Tech Company to Pursue the Industry-leading Water Standard for Its Campuses

08.12.2020 - 09:30AM

The Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) North America today announced Google achieved AWS certification at its Mountain View, Calif., Los Angeles, Calif., and Dublin, Ireland campuses under the AWS Standard. Earning AWS certification for commercial office space demonstrates Google’s commitment to understanding the complex issues and opportunities within the watersheds it operates and to work with local stakeholders to achieve the five outcomes of water stewardship to include: sustainable water balance, good water quality, good water governance, the healthy status of important water-related areas (rivers, marshes, etc.), and safe water access, sanitation and hygiene for everyone (WASH).

“A majority of companies recognize that sustainability is important but going from ‘knowing’ to ‘doing’ takes both strategy and dedication,” said Matt Howard, director at the Alliance for Water Stewardship North America. “Google has not only signaled its commitment to water stewardship as a member^{^[1]} of AWS, but also by starting its water stewardship journey and being the first major tech company to achieve AWS certification^{^[2]} for its office operations.”

At the heart of any stewardship initiative is understanding how to identify and mitigate risks while also addressing shared challenges and opportunities that arise from a site’s use of resources. Many of the systems that supply, distribute and treat our water are based on centuries-old technology and assumptions that may no longer be valid in our ever-changing world. The internationally recognized AWS Standard meets that need by enabling companies of any size, and in any industry, to learn about the state of water in its location, engage with key stakeholders, and create customized strategic plans that address internal and external water-related risks unique to its operations and watershed.

“Water is local with each site facing its own unique risks and challenges,” said Eddie Corwin, sustainability manager for Google’s real estate. “The Alliance for Water Stewardship certification provided the framework for aligning our existing water efficiency efforts with the ambitious water stewardship outcomes. The AWS certification helped initiate the internal and external conversations necessary for embarking on our water stewardship journey.”

Key partners and tools, such as LimnoTech, WWFs Water Risk Filter and WRI’s Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas, enabled Google to rank and prioritize sites based on its water risk. A few ways a site can begin to address water stewardship challenges include creating an on-site water stewardship team, using efficient fixtures, managing stormwater runoff, and collecting air-conditioning condensate and rainwater for irrigation.

###

About Alliance for Water Stewardship North America

Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) ignites and nurtures global and local leadership in credible water stewardship that recognizes and secures the social, cultural, environmental and economic value of freshwater. AWS is a global network dedicated to advancing and deepening the impact of credible water stewardship. Through our collaborative work we inspire water users and managers to be responsible stewards of our freshwater resources. The Water Council is the official North American regional partner of the AWS. Learn more at www.awsnorthamerica.com.

FOR INQUIRIES

Matt Howard
+1 414 988 8749
Director, AWS North America
matt@a4ws.org

^{^[1]} AWS membership acts as a forum to exchange learning and advance the uptake of water stewardship worldwide.
^{^[2]} Implementers follow the steps and guidance in the AWS Standard to achieve good water stewardship practices that improve site water performance and contribute to wider sustainability goals.

Freeport-McMoRan Publishes 2019 Annual Report on Sustainability and Inaugural Climate Report

08.05.2020 - 04:00AM

DuPont Publishes 2020 Sustainability Report

07.30.2020 - 02:00PM

“Good for You, Good for the Planet” – 2020 Report

07.27.2020 - 08:00AM

National Bank of Kuwait Takes Further Steps in Building a Sustainable Future

07.23.2020 - 04:00AM

Canary Wharf Group Commits to Ambitious Science Based Targets in Its Latest 2020 Sustainability Report, ‘Together We Can’

07.22.2020 - 04:00AM

Experian Sustainable Business Report 2020 Highlights Financial Recovery Solutions, Carbon Neutral Commitment

07.21.2020 - 04:00AM

Healthpeak Properties, Inc. Publishes Its 9th Annual ESG Report

07.08.2020 - 04:00AM

Prudential Financial Sustainability Report Details Inclusive Economic Opportunity and Sustainable Growth

07.07.2020 - 08:00AM

Engineering a Better Tomorrow, ON Semiconductor Publishes 2019 Corporate Social Responsibility Report With the Comprehensive GRI

07.06.2020 - 08:00AM

UPS Surpasses Four 2020 Goals One Year Ahead of Schedule

07.01.2020 - 08:00AM

Edmond de Rothschild Achieves 4-year Goals for Sustainable Development

06.29.2020 - 08:00AM

MetLife Releases 2019 Sustainability Report Covering COVID-19 Response, New ESG Priorities, and More

06.29.2020 - 04:00AM

ArcelorMittal Highlights the Intersection of Business and Sustainability in the 2019 United States Integrated Report

06.25.2020 - 08:00AM

HP Sets Target to Reduce Single-use Plastic Packaging, Makes Progress Toward Diversity Imperative

06.24.2020 - 02:00PM

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Releases Living Progress Report

06.24.2020 - 04:00AM

Ralph Lauren Shares Progress on Global Citizenship & Sustainability With Fiscal Year 2020 Design the Change Report

06.22.2020 - 08:00AM

Crestwood Advances Its ESG Commitment and Sustainability Strategy With the Publication of its 2019 Sustainability Report

06.11.2020 - 02:00PM

Alliance Data Releases 2019 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Performance Report

06.11.2020 - 04:00AM

Pilgrim’s Reports 5% Reduction in Annual Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity in 2019 Sustainability Report

06.10.2020 - 08:00AM

BCE Reports 2019 ESG Performance

06.08.2020 - 08:00AM

Landsec Publishes 2020 Sustainability Update

06.08.2020 - 04:00AM

JBS USA Beats Water and Electricity Use Goals Early in 2019 Sustainability Report

06.03.2020 - 08:00AM

Teva Showcases Global Impact in 2019 Environmental, Social and Governance Progress Report

06.02.2020 - 08:00AM

CBRE Group, Inc. Releases 2019 Corporate Responsibility Report With Special Focus on COVID-19

05.29.2020 - 08:00AM

Virtual Demo Day for Cox Enterprises Social Impact Accelerator Powered by Techstars

05.20.2020 - 12:02PM

Join us online for Cox Enterprises Social Impact Accelerator powered by Techstars Virtual Demo Day! Register to gain access to ten of our founder company presentations. Access will become available on Thursday, May 28, 2020 at 5:00pm EDT. Your registration confirmation will provide you with a specific viewing URL.

If you would have any questions, please contact Paige Hrubik, Program Manager at paige.hrubik@techstars.com.

Date And Time

Thu, May 28, 2020

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM EDT

Location

http://demoday.techstars.com/social-impact-2020-t1

Click here to register!

Make a Difference from the Safety of Your Own Home through Virtual Pro Bono

05.18.2020 - 01:15PM

Taproot Plus: A Guide to Volunteering Your Skills Virtually

Wednesday, May 27 at 1 PM ET / 12 PM CT / 11 AM MT / 10 AM PT

Nonprofits need your support now more than ever. You have the power to make a difference using your professional skills, all from the safety and comfort of your own home. On Taproot Foundation’s free online platform, Taproot Plus, thousands of experienced professionals just like you are connecting with nonprofits doing critical work to end hunger, expand human rights, provide healthcare, and much much more, for pro bono marketing, IT, HR, strategy, or finance projects and consultation sessions.

Start giving back virtually by joining Taproot’s free webinar on Wednesday, May 27 where you'll learn:

Why it’s crucial that we all step up to support nonprofits during these challenging times
How to find and apply for a virtual pro bono opportunity with a cause you’re passionate about that matches your unique skill-set
And strategies for managing pro bono projects remotely once you’re matched with a nonprofit

Register now to attend and spread the word to other business professionals who are searching for ways to make a difference! During the webinar, you'll be joined by a few of Taproot’s experienced skilled volunteers so you’ll hear first-hand what an impactful experience pro bono can be.

Can’t attend live? Go ahead and register anyway—Taproot will send out a recording to all registrants. 

REGISTER NOW

Wednesday, May 27 at 1 PM ET / 12 PM CT / 11 AM MT / 10 AM PT

Access to this webinar and Taproot Plus are free of cost for social good organizations and business professionals in the US, UK, EU, and India.

3BL Media to Host ‘Learn from Home’ Live Event, May 13: Corporate Citizenship and Reputation, Featuring Dave Stangis

04.27.2020 - 08:00AM

Business is adapting to new standards set by the novel coronavirus. A major risk during this economic reset is the deprioritization of corporate sustainability programs.

Join 3BL Media and Dave Stangis, CEO & founder of 21C Impact and former chief sustainability officer, vice president, public affairs and corporate responsibility for Campbell Soup Company on May 13 at 1 p.m. ET for “Learn from Home: Corporate Citizenship and Reputation,” a free webcast with live Q&A.

Stangis, respected for his decades of leadership in corporate communications and sustainability, will share insights on how sustainability provides business value, the imperative of anchoring your strategy to stakeholder priorities and best practices for navigating change.

REGISTER NOW

Mohawk Group Invites Design Community to “Revitalize Knowledge and Renew Well-Being” With Resourceful CEU Series

04.07.2020 - 03:17PM

Accredited digital educational offerings continue Wednesday

For commercial architects and designers currently looking for learning and other professional development opportunities in the midst of a non-traditional workplace and social landscape, Mohawk Group is offering free digital CEU programming. The Resourceful CEU Series was created to provide outlets for the design community to revitalize their knowledge and renew their well-being while many are working remotely.

All continuing education courses take place through May 6 on Wednesdays from 12–1 p.m. EST. Each CEU is free to attend virtually, but all attendees must register to view and receive credit.

“We felt it important to provide the design community with impactful accredited opportunities to take deeper dives into a variety of subject matter,” said Jackie Dettmar, Mohawk Group’s vice president of design and product development. “We are thankful we are able to share the talents of our amazing team to bring unique digital learning experiences to those now juggling a new reality that includes spending more time working remotely.”

On April 8, Mohawk Group A&D design director Royce Epstein will present “Color + Design Vision 2020: Return to Humanity.” The course will highlight a focus on human-centered design through the lens of the company’s 2020 forecast. After several years of global turmoil, both humankind and nature are in dire need of renewal. The CEU asks and answers the questions: “How can we become more human in the presence of digital life and artificial intelligence; what makes us human and how do we get back there; how can we connect better with nature to remind us who we are?” Attendees will experience how design can inspire and motivate positive change in a shifting world dynamic as expressed through the hand, heart, and mind. This CEU is accredited through AIA and IDCEC. Click here to register.

The free program continues with the following sessions:

April 15, 2020
Handprints Over Footprints: Combining Social Impact with Environmental Stewardship to Create Net-Positive Enterprises
Presenter: Rami Vagal – Senior Sustainability Manager, Mohawk Group
Credits available: AIA, IDCEC
REGISTER

April 22, 2020
Scrap Culture: Sustainable Design Practices in a World of Waste
Presenter: Royce Epstein – A&D Design Director, Mohawk Group
Credits available: AIA, IDCEC
REGISTER

April 29, 2020
The Path to Living Product Challenge
Presenter: Rami Vagal – Senior Sustainability Manager, Mohawk Group
Credits available: AIA, IDCEC, USGBC
REGISTER

May 6, 2020
Dematerialized Rematerialized
Presenter: Royce Epstein – A&D Design Director, Mohawk Group
Credits available: AIA, IDCEC
REGISTER

A full listing of the CEU events is available on at Facebook.com/MohawkGroup/events. For specific questions about Mohawk Group’s Resourceful CEU Series, please click here.

About Mohawk Group

As the world’s leading producer and distributor of quality commercial flooring, Mohawk Group believes that better floor coverings emerge from better design, innovation, sustainability, project solutions and operational excellence. Mohawk Group addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in contract interiors with a comprehensive carpet and hard surface portfolio of all types and price points. As the commercial division of Mohawk Industries, the company has a heritage of craftsmanship that spans more than 130 years. To learn more about our full line of flooring products, please visit MohawkGroup.com.

# # #

Contact:
Luke Chaffin
762-204-5607
luke_chaffin@mohawkind.com

Event: Corporate and Education Leaders to Discuss the Impact of COVID-19 on Education During Virtual Convening Hosted by Discovery Education

04.07.2020 - 10:59AM

Stakeholders Invited to Join Leaders from Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Microsoft, and the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation on April 9th at 1:30pm ET for Open Conversation About Continuity of Learning

SILVER SPRING, Md., Apr. 06 /CSRwire/ - On April 9 at 1:30pm ET, Discovery Education will convene a virtual discussion between corporate and education leaders on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the US education system. A full agenda and registration information can be found here.

This unique conversation will be moderated by US Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Senior Vice President Marc DeCourcey and will include Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, Microsoft’s General Manager of Education Dan Ayoub, and Discovery Education’s Chief Product Officer Pete Weir. Among the topics this panel will cover are:

How K-12 schools are meeting the challenge of these unprecedented circumstances
How the Miami-Dade County Public Schools built a world-class virtual learning program
The move from traditional in-person teaching to virtual learning
The unique opportunities for corporate America to step up and support schools during this rapidly evolving crisis
Examples of meaningful corporate responses that are building long-term, substantive solutions supporting education beyond this health crisis

“As a global company serving 45 million students across 140 countries , we, like many of our partners have heard firsthand the array of challenges COVID-19 has placed in the way of educators, families, and communities alike,” said Lori McFarling, President of Corporate Education Partnerships at Discovery Education. “The unnatural disaster of this pandemic highlights the importance of collaboration and partnerships. We look forward to this industry convening, as we believe it will be the catalyst to grow the network of resources, support systems, and communication channels needed to effectively serve the millions of students and educators impacted by COVID-19.”

Attendees are invited to submit their questions to the panel as part of the registration process.

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Discovery Education is offering schools and school systems not currently using the company’s digital services free access to Discovery Education Experience. Schools accepting this offer will have access to Discovery Education’s dynamic K-12 learning platform and its ready-to-use digital lesson plans, activities, and standards-aligned resources through the remainder of the school year. In addition, Discovery Education is offering a suite of no cost resources for parents and caregivers called Daily DE that can be used at home. For more information, visit Discovery Education’s comprehensive Virtual Learning resource website dedicated to helping educators adapt their instruction to meet today’s needs.

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About Discovery Education

Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms. Through its award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia resources, and the largest professional learning network of its kind, Discovery Education is transforming teaching and learning, creating immersive STEM experiences, and improving academic achievement around the globe. Discovery Education currently serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 140 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to empower teachers with customized solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at DiscoveryEducation.com.

Reimagining Volunteering: Creative Ways to Do Good in a Time of Crisis

04.07.2020 - 08:20AM

As we cope with a global pandemic, volunteering is going to have to look a little different.

Join us for our webinar, Reimagining Volunteering: Creative Ways to Do Good in a Time of Crisis to hear from Accenture Canada, Dolby Laboratories and VolunteerMatch, who’ll offer insight into how you can reimagine volunteering in small but meaningful ways! Whether it’s offering virtual or remote opportunities, or encouraging small acts of Goodness, these new strategies could help your people find a sense of purpose.

The presenters will share best practices and answer your questions — you can submit them during registration or online during the webinar.

Leading and Learning in a Time of Crisis: Free Webinar on the Corporate Response to COVID-19

03.25.2020 - 02:00PM

Leading and Learning in a Time of Crisis: Free Webinar on the Corporate Response to COVID-19

As COVID-19 puts governments and civil society to the test, corporations are emerging as leaders in the global response by:

Rapidly changing policies to better support their most vulnerable workers
Adapting products and services to meet emerging needs
Supporting communities, relief efforts, and scientific research
Contributing to public discourse and sharing expertise

FSG Co-CEO Greg Hills moderates a conversation with three social impact leaders to learn how they are approaching their companies’ responses, the challenges they are facing, and what they are learning.

Panelists:

Lynette Bell, President, Truist Foundation
Julie Gehrki, Vice President of Philanthropy, Walmart
Michael Stroik, Director, 3Mgives and Vice President, 3M Foundation

Monday, March 30 @ 1:00 pm ET

Learn more and register >

About FSG
FSG is a mission-driven consulting firm supporting leaders in creating large-scale, lasting social change. Through customized consulting services, innovative thought leadership, and support for learning communities, we help foundations, businesses, nonprofits, and governments around the world accelerate progress by reimagining social change. Learn more at www.fsg.org.

Behind the Masthead: TriplePundit 2020

03.25.2020 - 01:27PM

What makes TriplePundit different from other news organizations?

As the leading voice covering the triple bottom line, TriplePundit reports on companies that are implementing effective ESG practices to help stakeholders, communities and countries respond to crises around the world.

On April 1 from 2-3 p.m. EST, join TriplePundit editors Leon Kaye and Mary Mazzoni for “Behind the Masthead: TriplePundit 2020,” a webinar presented by 3BL Media, for a virtual tour inside the newsroom that’s been making the business case for sustainability since 2005.

Tune in from the comfort of your home to discover:

Best practices for authentic storytelling that doesn’t read like an advertorial.
How to pick up earned media coverage with the help of TriplePundit’s Sponsored Series.
The ESG trends to watch in 2020 and beyond.

Register

SB'20 Long Beach

03.05.2020 - 11:05AM

The business case is clear. Purpose-led brands attract customers, fulfill employees, and outperform competitors.

At Sustainable Brands, we believe purpose is the driving force of a thriving business, and sustainable innovation separates leaders from the pack. Year after year, we bring together our global community of change agents to share the latest developments in sustainable business, to collaborate around solutions to difficult obstacles, and to inspire a new generation of business leaders.

For the past decade, we’ve laid the foundation for a regenerative future. Now, we’re moving forward with even greater conviction to restore ourselves, our brands, our businesses, and our planet.

Now is the time to move your brand toward becoming a positive force for a regenerative economy. Your business can do well AND do good. The Sustainable Brands community is the only place to find trusted leadership with a depth of understanding of the landscape, shared ambition to shape a new direction, and insightful tools to take action. Join the change agents who are co-creating the framework for a flourishing future at SB’20 Long Beach.

3BL community members receive an exclusive 20% off all pass types! Register using the code “ptr3bl” to take advantage of this special offer.

Location: Long Beach Convention Center
Dates: June 1 - 4, 2020 9:00am-5:00pm PT

GreenBiz 20

12.09.2019 - 08:15AM

The sustainability profession is evolving, with new concerns and concepts emerging faster than ever. GreenBiz 20 (Feb. 4-6, Phoenix) is the premier annual event for sustainable business leaders exploring the latest trends, tools and insights.

Attend GreenBiz 20 to network with and learn from this powerful community of more than 1,500 sustainability thought leaders and practitioners from business, government, academia and NGOs. Save 10% with our discount code GB203B. Learn more: http://bit.ly/352SlYc

2019 Net Impact Conference

10.07.2019 - 06:00PM

When was the last time you gathered under one roof with 1,500 people who care just as deeply as you do about social impact?

At NI19, you will:

Connect to changemakers, innovators, sustainability leaders, activists, influencers, students and companies.
Be inspired to tackle today's biggest challenges.
Learn how to make an impact from where you are.

We're bringing together an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers, social change activists, corporate visionaries, authors and cutting-edge thinkers this year.

Global leaders like Microsoft, International Paper, and TerraCycle will be part of Career Central to talk shop about employment opportunities and the future of your career. Pioneer programs like REDF and Uncommon Schools will inspire you with their untraditional and innovative approaches to tackling social and environmental issues. Top leaders from companies like Intel, Lime, Campbell’s and The Coca-Cola Company will talk openly about CSR, sustainability, and what it’s like to be a woman growing an enterprise. And our fast-paced networking salons will give you the chance to connect with like-minded activists and leaders who care about the same topics you do.

We hope to see you in Detroit!

VERGE 2019

09.09.2019 - 12:55PM

The VERGE 19 conference and expo (October 22-24, Oakland) is the platform for accelerating the clean economy. The event convenes more than 3,000 leaders — from the private and public sectors, utilities, solution providers, NGOs and startups — to explore scalable, cross-cutting solutions and to collaborate more effectively to advance them. The event is framed around four key markets driving the transition: clean energy, transportation and mobility, the circular economy and carbon removal.

2019 Environmental, Health, Safety & Sustainability Management Forum

09.04.2019 - 01:31PM

The Forum is the largest annual gathering of Environmental, Health, Safety & Sustainability (EHS&S) managers, directors and vice presidents.

With four days of networking, peer-led interactive sessions and keynote presentations, this is the premier event dedicated to showcasing best practices in EHS & Sustainability management.

Corporate Philanthropy Conference: Measurement Metrics and Outcomes

08.16.2019 - 11:00AM

Join us as we take a deep dive on building and sustaining a philanthropy strategy that aligns with your organization’s business strategy, culture, and mission. This year’s event will examine the “business” of corporate philanthropy through case studies and real-world scenarios with perspectives from both corporations and beneficiary organizations.

Session topics will cover the decision-making process as it relates to corporate strategy, as well as metrics, measurement, impact, output versus outcome, employee engagement, portfolio analysis, and more. This conference is designed especially for executives with responsibilities in the following areas:

Corporate Philanthropy
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Citizenship
Corporate Foundations
Community Affairs and Community Relations
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
Board Service
Corporate Communications
Public Relations
Legal, Regulatory, and Financial Advisory
Cause Marketing

To Register, download the agenda or learn more, visit us at: www.conferenceboard.org/philanthropy SAVE $100 with Code: CSR100

Sixty Minutes with Hazel Henderson: Transitioning to Science-Based Investing (Security and Sustainability Forum)

08.09.2019 - 12:03PM

Join me and in a sixty minute webinar with Hazel Henderson, world renowned futurist, evolutionary economist, worldwide syndicated columnist, and leader in sustainable development. We will discuss science-based investing, which is the focus of the 2019/20 edition of her Green Transition Scoreboard Report.

Hazel is the founder of Ethical Markets Media, Certified B Corporation and the creator and co-executive Producer of its TV series. She is the author of The Axiom and Nautilus award-winning book Ethical Markets: Growing the Green Economy (2006) and eight other books. She co-edited, with Harlan Cleveland and Inge Kaul, The UN: Policy and Financing Alternatives, Elsevier Scientific, UK 1995 (US edition, 1996), and co-authored with Japanese Buddhist leader Daisaku Ikeda, Planetary Citizenship (2004).

Don't miss an opportunity to engage with one of the most transformational economic leaders of our time.

I hope you'll join this course.

Sincerely,

Edward Saltzberg, PhD
Managing Director
Security and Sustainability Forum
www.ssfonline.org
esaltzberg@securityandsustainabilityforum.org

Innovations in Social Impact Measurement Symposium

08.02.2019 - 08:00AM

Your company is dedicating time and resources to be a responsible corporate citizen. Are those efforts working? Are they having an impact? Does anyone care if they are or aren't? How do you communicate the importance of measurement to stakeholders who don't see the value, and how do you communicate your impact to those who do?

We're bringing together corporate social responsibility and social impact measurement experts to grapple with these questions and more at our upcoming Innovations in Social Impact Measurement Symposium in San Francisco. The symposium will consist of a keynote speaker, panel discussions, and a skills development workshop where we will explore simple and effective ways to improve impact measurement for your organization's CSR programming.

Register now to join the discussion and network with fellow corporate responsibility and social impact professionals. We're looking forward to seeing you there! Lunch and mingling provided.

Date and Time
Thu, September 19, 2019
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM PDT

Location
Marines' Memorial Club & Hotel
609 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

Early-Bird Registration (available until Aug. 15^th): $95
Standard Registration: $130

Our Innovations in Social Impact Measurement Symposium will include:

Panel Discussions

Our panelists will tackle questions like:

How do you mainstream impact measurement into your business plan?
When in the project life cycle do you begin measurement planning?
What are the current trends in social impact measurement?
What does the future hold in terms of how we measure social impact?

Skills Development Workshop

You will be given tools and learn skills for:

Measuring Social Return on Investment
Pre-Design, Design, and Implementation of Social Impact Measurement
Adapting SIM tools/templates to your needs and projects

18th Annual Employee Engagement Summit

04.08.2019 - 12:09PM

This two-day peer-to-peer event brings together corporate citizenship and employee engagement professionals to learn and network, share promising practices, discuss the latest trends, and create greater social impact together.

Through interactive sessions and breakouts, the summit provides a forum for learning and effective practice exchange to engage the most pressing challenges facing today’s CSR professionals.

This year’s themes include how to align your corporate brand with social and employee activism, integrating business goals with CSR, measuring and demonstrating impact, the latest trends in employee engagement, the new frontiers of diversity and inclusion, and more.

Innovations in Social Impact Measurement for CSR Symposium

03.29.2019 - 03:43PM

Join us for a two-day symposium on the latest innovations in self-led social impact measurement for corporate social responsibility programs.

We will review how to develop a strategy for identifying and addressing non-technical risks (NTR), proving you’re having a meaningful impact, and learning how to improve. You will be introduced to easy-to-complete impact measurement tools that can be used across the company and allow for a uniform yet flexible approach across all initiatives, no matter the stage of development, type of investment/engagement, or geography.

The event will also review social return on investment (SROI) techniques, strategies for positioning CSR and social impact measurement in your organization, and getting the most out of your impact data.

Charities@Work

03.01.2019 - 02:25PM

“The Charities@Work Summit offers something that CSR professionals cannot find at any other gathering focused on CSR: the ability to connect the issues our companies face with practical, applicable solutions that will make a difference in supporting employees, brand and most importantly culture,” said Michael S. Carren, summit chair and head of corporate social responsibility at The Guardian Life Insurance Company.

“Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned professional, Charities@Work gives you the opportunity to interact with and learn from other leaders in the field. I am proud to have been affiliated with this event for over a decade and have taken so much of what I have learned through the conference back to my professional practice with great results.”

Through interactive sessions and breakouts, the summit provides a forum for learning and effective practice exchange to engage the most pressing challenges facing today’s CSR professionals.

2018 3BL Forum Brands Taking Stands — The Long View

10.03.2018 - 12:31PM

On October 23-25, 2018, 3BL Forum will once again convene a diverse group of business, policy and NGO leaders to share insights, advance best practices and workshop forward-thinking solutions to the most pressing sustainability challenges of our time.

3BL Forum 2018 will feature the same theme as 2017, 'Brands Taking Stands' with a focus on 'The Long View – The Role of the Corporate Responsibility Professional as Companies Build for the Future Amid Pressure to Prioritize Profit Today.'

Total Impact Boston: October 4 & 5

09.26.2018 - 01:30AM

Total Impact is a multi-city convening series providing practical impact education and execution strategies to advisors, investors, family offices, wealth managers, and HNW individuals interested in aligning their investments to their values and mission.

Total Impact travels to Boston on October 4 and 5. Total Impact Boston will feature actionable impact strategies and tools across asset classes for advisors and investors. In addition, in partnership with key Boston stakeholders, we will highlight place-based opportunities and the impact success stories of the greater Boston area.

Receive a $200 discount when you use this code at registration: TI_SUBSCRIBERS

Total Impact conference series is a Good Capital Project initiative.

2018 EHS & Sustainability Management Forum

09.04.2018 - 03:15PM

NAEM's EHS & Sustainability Management Forum is the largest annual gathering of environment, health and safety (EHS) and sustainability decision-makers. Attend this year’s Forum to find answers to some of your toughest EHS and sustainability challenges and network with the best in the industry. This year’s program will include 5 different tracks, over 25 sessions, and will be led by more than 90 EHS and sustainability leaders. Register today before it sells out!

Digital Empowers: Accelerating Innovation for Business and Social Good

04.18.2018 - 03:42PM

Innovative partnerships, where businesses can work with and leverage the assets of governments, NGOs, and civil society can help develop creative, sustainable, and scalable solutions that can create significant impact. The partnerships and the technologies that make this possible is the focus of Digital Empowers: Accelerating Innovation for Business and Social Good, a forum hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

This event will bring together business leaders, technical experts, and on-the-ground partners that are shaping the future of innovation and social impact. Participants will share how their organizations leverage new technologies and digital innovations, including blockchain, design thinking, virtual reality, robotics, data collaboratives, and cloud analytics to increase access and equity to individuals and communities.

Learn more and register here: https://goo.gl/osXZa9

The Future of Sustainability Reporting: Trends to Watch

04.13.2018 - 12:00PM

The Columbia Business School Alumni Club of New York (CBSACNY) is an alumni organization seeking to strengthen alumni networks, support services, professional development, and education opportunities. The Sustainable Business Committee produces events related to green businesses, the environment, sustainability, and pioneering new industry. Visit CBSACNY online at http://www.cbsacny.org.

Hear from expert panelists with diverse experience in CSR and Sustainability Reporting.
Understand key factors and motivations that guide a company’s reporting strategy.
Learn about different reporting methods, frameworks, and standards.
Explore trends in CSR and Sustainability Reporting in the US and around the world.
Get answers to your questions - unique opportunity for open audience Q & A.

As companies strive to protect their reputational assets and earn trust from stakeholders, sustainability reporting and disclosure are no longer reserved solely for “green” or mission-oriented companies. Demand for transparency and disclosure is increasing, and sustainability reporting is becoming mainstream. However, how reporting is done may vary depending on the target audience and purpose of those disclosures. Dominant frameworks such as GRI and SASB, and emerging methods such as Reporting 3.0, Trucost, and <IR>, are evolving to play different parts and complement each other. Our expert panel will discuss best practices employed by companies, and how such practices create value for shareholders and stakeholders. While sustainability reporting remains largely voluntary, our panel will explore legal trends and any potential movement to integrate sustainability and financial disclosures, from a US and global perspective.

Register and learn more: http://www.cbsacny.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1088046

For more information, please contact:
Leila Goldmark, LGoldmark10@gsb.columbia.edu (re event details)
CBSACNY, contactus@cbsacny.org (re event registration and ticketing issues)

Webinar: How to Craft a Winning Citizens Nomination

04.04.2018 - 09:34AM

Every year, hundreds of businesses apply to win a Corporate Citizenship Award, making it one of the most prestigious awards in the field. How can you ensure your nomination stands out from all the rest?

On May 3, join the Chamber Foundation for a webinar that will share tips and strategies for crafting a winning Citizens Awards nomination. The webinar will feature past judges and winners who will highlight ways to strengthen your nomination and best tell your story.

From now until June 29, the U.S. Chamber Foundation is accepting nominations for the 19th Annual Corporate Citizenship Awards. Since 2000, the Citizens Awards have honored the most strategic and innovative corporate citizenship programs from businesses and chambers of all sizes.