CSRwire Press Releases, Events and Reports

Wings for Kids and Discovery Education Launch New Effort to Promote Social and Emotional Learning, and Well-Being for Students Nationwide

09.18.2019 - 12:46PM

Wings for Kids and Discovery Education, the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms, launched a new initiative Soar with Wings: Social Emotional Skills for School and Life, an educational program created to equip educators with digital resources focused on social and emotional learning in the classroom and beyond. Soar with Wings provides free standards-aligned learning activities and lessons for students in grades K-5 that incorporate academics and fun, while helping them build social and emotional skills. The program, powered by Wings for Kids and sponsored by The Allstate Foundation, provides educators, youth leaders, and caregivers with tips and tools to help young learners soar.

“Wings for Kids is proud to partner with Discovery Education to expand the awareness that all learning is social and emotional, and every opportunity is ripe for social and emotional skill development,” said Bridget Laird, Chief Executive Officer, WINGS. “The ‘Soar with Wings’ launch signifies a new chapter in the future of education equality, where we lock arms to change the trajectory of the lives of youth. While we cannot change a child’s economic situation, we can foster a mindset that tells them they can succeed, and we can equip them with the skills needed to command an equitable chance at long-term academic success.”

To extend learning in classrooms nationwide, the Soar with Wings program also announced today, Bringing SEL to Life: Skills for the Classroom and Beyond, a Virtual Field Trip scheduled to premiere on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Shared from the perspective of Wings for Kids student advocates, the immersive experience will introduce students nationwide to the key pillars of emotional intelligence, including: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness and relationship skills. The Virtual Field Trip will transport students from inside the walls of their classrooms to Charleston, S.C. where they will meet other students who share a pledge called Words to Live By. Viewers will follow young learners throughout the day as they explain and model how the words of the pledge help them better understand themselves, control their actions and strengthen their relationships. Educators, parents and students are invited to register for the virtual event here. Participants are encouraged to join @DiscoveryEd, @WINGSforKids and other experts for a live Twitter chat during the premiere by submitting questions and sending pictures using #SoarwithWingsVFT.

“Empowering young people by harnessing their talents and passions will build a better world," said Laura Freveletti, Senior Program Officer, The Allstate Foundation. "We believe the ‘Soar with Wings: Social Emotional Skills for School and Life’ program will prepare and inspire youth to be leaders and history-makers and achieve their full potential."

Research shows that strong social and emotional skills are key to helping kids succeed in school, be prepared for the workforce, and become positive and healthy contributors to society. Research also shows that an effective social and emotional education has the power to strengthen attachment to school, and reduce negative classroom behavior – two significant predictors of who will stay in school through high school graduation. Wings for Kids, Discovery Education and The Allstate Foundation joined forces to launch Soar with Wings to help equip students with the skills they need to succeed and stay in school, then thrive in life. In addition to the Virtual Field Trip, Soar with Wings: Social Emotional Skills for School and Life provides digital lesson bundles, classroom activities, educator guides, family activities and professional learning videos. Overall, Wings for Kids’ long-term vision is to advance a world where there is equity in academics, opportunity, and emotional well-being for children across the nation and around the world, regardless of socioeconomic status.

"Discovery Education is proud to collaborate with Wings for Kids in their important work to bring critical social and emotional learning tools into classrooms nationwide," said Lori McFarling, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Discovery Education. “‘We know from research that often times, school is the only place where these issues can be addressed before young people become active members of society. 'Soar with Wings: Social Emotional Skills for School and Life’ provides educators with interactive, standards-aligned curriculum resources designed to foster new mindsets and build confidence in today’s youth.”

Soar with Wings: Social Emotional Skills for School and Life resources are available at soarwithwings.com and within Discovery Education Experience, an award-winning comprehensive digital service supplementing instruction across all K-12 curricular areas. Discovery Education Experience helps build students’ mastery in interpreting, understanding and evaluating information.

“The ‘Soar with Wings: Social Emotional Skills for School and Life’ helps educators effectively incorporate key social and emotional learning concepts into everyday classroom culture,” Peter Panico, 5th grade teacher, Devonshire Elementary School, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. “When engaged in social and emotional learning, our students must be surrounded by empathetic adults who are well trained in modeling encouraging behavior. Soar with Wings’ digitally immersive activations personalize learning environments that are impactful, informative and safe.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s digital curriculum resources and professional learning services, visit discoveryeducation.com. Stay connected with Discovery Education through social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest @DiscoveryEd.

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About Wings for Kids:
Before grit, 21st century skills or character skills there was Wings for Kids - defining, practicing, and teaching social and emotional learning. What began in 1996 as a summer camp with an explicit focus on emotional intelligence developed into an effective, high-impact, evidence-based program. Wings for Kids operates direct service programs in the Southeast and partners with schools and youth serving organization across the country to bring high-quality social emotional learning to elementary aged students. Learn more at zhttps://www.wingsforkids.org/.

About The Allstate Foundation:
Good Starts Young® is a signature program of The Allstate Foundation, which is an independent charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation. The Allstate Foundation works to create more prosperous communities where people are inspired and empowered to fulfill their hopes and dreams by breaking the cycle of domestic violence, inspiring the next generation of leaders, closing the nonprofit leadership gap and honoring Allstate volunteers. For updates on The Allstate Foundation’s initiatives, follow The Allstate Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. More information on The Allstate Foundation is available at AllstateFoundation.org.

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’s services are available in approximately half of U.S. classrooms and primary schools in the U.K., and reach over 5 million educators and 51 million students in more than 90 countries. 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.

Contacts:
Discovery Education
Charmion N. Kinder, CKinder@Discoveryed.com
(240) 274-2173 phone

Wings for Kids
Liz Mester, liz@wingsforkids.org
(843) 906-3634 phone

The Allstate Foundation
Khim Aday
kaday@allstate.com
(847) 402-5600 phone

Rocky Mountain Institute CEO Jules Kortenhorst Joins Solidia Technologies Board of Directors

09.18.2019 - 09:30AM

Solidia Technologies® has named Jules Kortenhorst, CEO of the Rocky Mountain Institute, to its Board of Directors. A world leader on global energy issues and climate change, Kortenhorst will lend his globally renowned expertise to help Solidia accelerate commercialization of a technology with the potential to eliminate at least 1.5 gigatonnes of CO₂ each year. The Board addition – the first in a series of leadership announcements coming this month – marks Solidia's acceleration of its efforts to rapidly scale-up the technology around the world.

"We are honored and thrilled that Jules Kortenhorst is throwing his passion for climate impact behind Solidia's carbon-reducing technology," said Solidia's President and CEO Tom Schuler. "With his expertise and passion, Jules offers the type of leadership the world needs today to combat climate change and demonstrate the vast potential for industry to shift attitudes and practices, reframing sustainability as a critical engine for growth."

"During my career, I have had the opportunity to observe a great number of sustainable innovations and approaches to addressing our most pressing environmental challenges," said Kortenhorst. "With its capacity to reduce carbon by the equivalent of 4% of the world’s CO₂ emissions each year in the production of cement and concrete, I have seen few as potentially impactful, far-reaching and fast as Solidia's. I am excited to join the team of committed cleantech visionaries on Solidia's Board who are determined to show the world how sustainability can be 'business as usual' in a global industry and make measurable progress in our lifetime."

Global demand for concrete products is second only to the demand for water. Cement is the “glue” used to make concrete. For every ton of cement produced, a ton of CO₂ is released into the atmosphere, making cement production the second largest carbon emitter, responsible for 5-7% of total carbon emissions on the planet. Solidia’s technology starts with a sustainable cement and cures concrete with CO₂ instead of water, reducing the carbon footprint of concrete up to 70% compared to traditional concrete. Using the industry’s existing infrastructure, raw materials, formulations, production methods and specifications, the resulting CO₂-cured concrete products are higher performing, cost less to produce, and cure in less than 24 hours, as compared to the 28 days required for traditional concrete to reach full strength. With higher-performing products that save manufacturers time, money, water and energy, Solidia makes adopting sustainable innovation smart business.

"Jules Kortenhorst offers the stature, impact and credibility a game-changing technology such as Solidia deserves, and we are honored by his willingness to lend his voice and reach as we execute an aggressive strategic, plan for commercial growth," said Solidia Board Chairman Jan van Dokkum.

Kortenhorst's background spans business, government, entrepreneurial, and nonprofit leadership. Prior to RMI, Jules was the founding CEO of the European Climate Foundation (ECF), the largest philanthropic organization dedicated to policy development and advocacy on climate change in Europe. Before launching ECF, he served as a member of the Dutch parliament for the Christian Democratic Party.

During the first 20 years of his career, Jules worked in the business world. He was the CEO for International Operations of ClientLogic Corporation, a global leader in outsourced customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. He worked for almost 10 years for Royal Dutch/Shell, among others as managing director of Shell Bulgaria, and he began his career as an analyst at McKinsey & Co.

Kortenhorst currently serves on the Energy Transition Commission and is the co-chair of the WEF Global Future Council on Energy. He also is a non-executive board member of the Energy Web Foundation and an advisory board member of Land Life Company. He holds an MBA from Harvard and a Master’s in Economics from Erasmus University, Netherlands.

Solidia’s target market—the $1 trillion global concrete and $300 billion global cement markets—are of the few large to make a meaningful impact fast enough on carbon. Solidia’s is one of the only suite of technologies that addresses the carbon challenge from both ends, both reducing CO₂ emissions in the production of Solidia Cement™ plus utilizing and ultimately destroying CO₂ in the production of Solidia Concrete™. At full market conversion, Solidia can also save three trillion liters of fresh water, reduce energy consumption equal to ~260 million barrels of oil (or 67 million tonnes of coal), and eliminate 100 million tonnes of concrete landfill waste every year.

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About Solidia Technologies®

Based in Piscataway, N.J. (USA), Solidia Technologies® is a cement and concrete technology company that makes it easy and profitable to use CO₂ to create superior and sustainable building and construction materials. Solidia’s investors include Kleiner Perkins, Bright Capital, BASF, BP, LafargeHolcim, Total Energy Ventures, Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) Climate Investments, Air Liquide, Bill Joy and other private investors. Honors include: the 2019 Solar Impulse Efficient Solution; 2018 and 2019 BP Advancing Low Carbon accreditation; 2017 ERA Grand Challenge (formerly CCEMC) Second Round Finalist, 2016 Sustainia 100; 2015 NJBiz Business of the Year; 2014 Global Cleantech 100; 2013 R&D Top 100; 2014 Best Place to Work in NJ; 2014 CCEMC Grand Challenge First Round finalist; 2013 Katerva Award finalist; and MIT’s Climate CoLab shortlist. Follow Solidia at www.solidiatech.com and on LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter: @SolidiaCO2.

About Rocky Mountain Institute

Since 1982, Rocky Mountain Institute has advanced market-based solutions that transform global energy use to create a clean, prosperous and secure future. An independent, nonprofit think-and-do tank, RMI engages with businesses, communities and institutions to accelerate and scale replicable solutions that drive the cost-effective shift from fossil fuels to efficiency and renewables.

AEP Accelerates Carbon Dioxide Emissions Reduction Target

09.18.2019 - 09:00AM

American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) is cutting carbon dioxide emissions faster than anticipated and has revised its 2030 reduction target to 70 percent from 2000 levels. The company’s previous target was a 60 percent reduction from 2000 levels by 2030.

AEP also is confident that it will cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 80 percent from 2000 levels by 2050.

“AEP’s overall strategy is focused on modernizing the power grid, expanding renewable energy resources and delivering reliable energy to our customers. Our transition to a cleaner, more balanced resource mix helps mitigate risk for our customers and shareholders alike and will ensure a more resilient and reliable energy system into the future,” said Nicholas K. Akins, AEP chairman, president and chief executive officer.

“We’ve made significant progress in reducing carbon dioxide emissions from our power generation fleet and expect our emissions to continue to decline. Our aspirational emissions goal is zero emissions by 2050. Technological advances, including energy storage, will determine how quickly we can achieve zero emissions while continuing to provide reliable, affordable power for customers,” Akins said.

AEP will achieve future carbon dioxide emissions reductions through a variety of actions including investments in renewable generation, investments in transmission and distribution technologies to enhance efficiency, and expanded demand response and energy efficiency programs.

AEP’s resource plans include adding more than 8,600 megawatts (MW) of new wind and solar generation to serve the company’s regulated utility customers by 2030. The company currently is seeking regulatory approval to add 1,485 megawatts of new wind generation to serve customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

AEP also is investing in renewable energy in competitive markets. Between 2019 and 2023, the company plans to invest approximately $2.2 billion in contracted renewables and renewables integrated with energy storage. AEP already added 1,302 megawatts of contracted renewables to its portfolio this year.

To enhance the efficiency and resiliency of the energy delivery system, AEP’s long-term strategy includes plans to invest approximately $25 billion over the next 5 years in its transmission and distribution systems.

AEP has factored future carbon regulations into the company’s evaluation of generation resource options for many years and will continue to do so. The company already has cut its carbon dioxide emissions by 59 percent since 2000.

AEP’s generation capacity has gone from 70 percent coal-fueled in 2005 to 45 percent today. Its natural gas capacity increased from 19 percent in 2005 to 28 percent today, and its renewable generation capacity has increased from 4 percent in 2005 to 17 percent today.

More information about AEP’s clean energy strategy is available at https://www.aep.com/investors/ESG.

American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is focused on building a smarter energy infrastructure and delivering new technologies and custom energy solutions to our customers. AEP's approximately 18,000 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electricity transmission system and more than 219,000 miles of distribution lines to efficiently deliver safe, reliable power to nearly 5.4 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 32,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including nearly 5,300 megawatts of renewable energy. AEP's family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, AEP Energy Partners, AEP OnSite Partners, and AEP Renewables, which provide innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.

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^{This report made by American Electric Power and its Registrant Subsidiaries contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Although AEP and each of its Registrant Subsidiaries believe that their expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such statements may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are: changes in economic conditions, electric market demand and demographic patterns in AEP service territories; inflationary or deflationary interest rate trends; volatility in the financial markets, particularly developments affecting the availability or cost of capital to finance new capital projects and refinance existing debt; the availability and cost of funds to finance working capital and capital needs, particularly during periods when the time lag between incurring costs and recovery is long and the costs are material; electric load and customer growth; weather conditions, including storms and drought conditions, and AEP’s ability to recover significant storm restoration costs; the cost of fuel and its transportation, the creditworthiness and performance of fuel suppliers and transporters and the cost of storing and disposing of used fuel, including coal ash and spent nuclear fuel; availability of necessary generating capacity, the performance of AEP’s generating plants and the availability of fuel; AEP’s ability to recover fuel and other energy costs through regulated or competitive electric rates; AEP’s ability to build or acquire renewable generation, transmission lines and facilities (including the ability to obtain any necessary regulatory approvals and permits) when needed at acceptable prices and terms and to recover those costs; new legislation, litigation and government regulation, including oversight of nuclear generation, energy commodity trading and new or heightened requirements for reduced emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, carbon, soot or particulate matter and other substances that could impact the continued operation, cost recovery, and/or profitability of AEP’s generation plants and related assets; evolving public perception of the risks associated with fuels used before, during and after the generation of electricity, including nuclear fuel; timing and resolution of pending and future rate cases, negotiations and other regulatory decisions, including rate or other recovery of new investments in generation, distribution and transmission service and environmental compliance; resolution of litigation; AEP’s ability to constrain operation and maintenance costs; prices and demand for power generated and sold at wholesale; changes in technology, particularly with respect to energy storage and new, developing, alternative or distributed sources of generation; AEP’s ability to recover through rates any remaining unrecovered investment in generating units that may be retired before the end of their previously projected useful lives; volatility and changes in markets for capacity and electricity, coal, and other energy-related commodities, particularly changes in the price of natural gas; changes in utility regulation and the allocation of costs within regional transmission organizations, including ERCOT, PJM and SPP; changes in the creditworthiness of the counterparties with whom AEP has contractual arrangements, including participants in the energy trading market; actions of rating agencies, including changes in the ratings of AEP debt; the impact of volatility in the capital markets on the value of the investments held by AEP’s pension, OPEB, captive insurance entity and nuclear decommissioning trust and the impact of such volatility on future funding requirements; accounting pronouncements periodically issued by accounting standard-setting bodies; and other risks and unforeseen events, including wars, the effects of terrorism (including increased security costs), embargoes, naturally occurring and human-caused fires, cyber security threats and other catastrophic events.}

BCG’s Latest Report on Sustainability: “A Circular Solution to Plastic Waste”

09.18.2019 - 08:00AM

AIDA President Felix Eichhorn Presents Green Cruising Strategy at UNWTO Summit in Saint Petersburg

09.17.2019 - 05:27PM

How can we use innovations to tackle climate change? That was one of the central questions at the UNWTO summit meeting which took place in Saint Petersburg (Russia) from September 10–13, 2019. AIDA Cruises President Felix Eichhorn had been invited to discuss approaches for achieving climate targets with high-ranking representatives of the member countries of the UN world organization for tourism.

The company embraces its responsibility for making cruising sustainable. “Our goal is emission-neutral cruising. We support the Paris climate targets and the United Nations’ targets for sustainable development. We can only master the great challenges that lie ahead of us together. By implementing our Green Cruising strategy, we are making a solid contribution to achieving those targets, and our technical innovations are creating important momentum for the maritime and tourism industries,” Eichhorn said in Saint Petersburg.

Sustainable destination management is another important aspect of AIDA Cruises’ commitment. “We are aware that only if cruises are a welcome economic sector that people accept our guests can enjoy authentic and sustainable vacation experiences. We are continuously working with our partners in the various destinations to develop sustainable concepts. Our aim is to preserve the local landscapes, the cultural heritage, and historical treasures,” Felix Eichhorn continued.

As early as the end of 2023, 94 percent of all AIDA guests will be traveling on ships that are entirely powered with low-emission liquefied natural gas (LNG) or, where possible, can be operated when in port with green shore power. At the end of 2018 the company commissioned AIDAnova, the world’s first cruise ship that can be operated entirely with low-emission LNG both in port and at sea, and which has been awarded the German federal government’s eco-label for green ship design, the Blue Angel. As part of its Green Cruising strategy, for over ten years AIDA Cruises has been involved in research into and the use of low-emission LNG in the cruise industry. Two more of these innovative AIDA ships will be put into service by 2023.

Lithium-ion battery storage systems will be put to use aboard an AIDA ship (AIDAperla) as early as 2020. Thanks to the use of this technology, consumption of fossil fuel will be reduced even further, and the efficiency of ship operations significantly increased.

Shore power is an important subject for AIDA Cruises when it comes to retrofitting ships in the existing fleet with eco-friendly technologies. In 2020, 12 of the 14 AIDA ships will be able to make use of shore power where it is available in ports. By using shore power from renewable energy sources while in dock, emissions are virtually reduced to zero. This is an important contribution because a cruise ship spends 40 percent of its operating time in ports.

AIDA Cruises is moreover already researching into synthetic fuels from renewable sources, and the use of fuel cells aboard cruise ships.

Other important elements of the company’s Green Cruising strategy include reducing the use of plastic and disposable items and eventually dispensing with them altogether. Wherever possible reusable items rather than disposable ones are used. Where disposable products such as paper napkins are used, AIDA Cruises strives to ensure that they are biodegradable.

About AIDA Cruises:
AIDA Cruises is the market leader for cruises in Germany and currently employs around 15,000 people from over 50 countries; 13,500 aboard its 13 ships, and 1,500 at the company’s bases in Rostock and Hamburg. Since putting AIDAnova, the world’s first cruise ship that can be fully powered with low-emission LNG, into service in December 2018, the company has commissioned two more of these innovative ships which will be completed by 2023. At the end of 2023, 94 percent of all AIDA guests will be traveling on ships that can be fully powered with low-emission liquefied natural gas or, in port, with green shore power where available.

RESOURCES

Carnival Corporation

AIDA Cruises

CONTACT
Chris Cradduck

+1 (214) 893-9119

chris@ldwwgroup.com

Virginia Governor’s Executive Order to Accelerate Clean Energy Future is the Right Move for the Commonwealth

09.17.2019 - 05:25PM

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s executive order to decarbonize the electricity grid and scale up clean energy in the Commonwealth is the policy leadership needed to address the climate crisis and create a thriving, zero-carbon economy, said the sustainability nonprofit organization Ceres.

Earlier today, Gov. Northam signed Executive Order 43, which set bold new goals to reach 30% renewable energy by 2030 and achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 in Virginia. The order also calls for the Commonwealth to accelerate both on- and off-shore renewable energy deployment, increase energy efficiency and energy storage investments, and prioritize equity and justice in the transition to a zero-carbon economy.

Alli Gold Roberts, senior manager of state policy at Ceres, added:

“The Northam administration’s commitment to prioritizing energy conservation and renewable energy is a win for Virginia businesses and residents. Companies with operations in Virginia have long supported efforts to expand clean energy in the Commonwealth because they know it makes business sense. With more companies both big and small working to meet their own ambitious emissions reduction goals, Virginia is now well poised to attract these clean energy investments and support new economic growth.

Many major investors and companies also stand behind regional programs to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which is a market-based system that would help Virginia meet its bold new goals goals while strengthening the economy. Ceres looks forward to working with private sector leaders in our networks and beyond to ensure Virginia is able to reap the benefits of these programs, and to help Virginia lawmakers, utilities and regulators make the goals of Gov. Northam’s executive order a reality.”

SunTrust Foundations Award $3 Million to Atlanta Police Foundation

09.17.2019 - 05:22PM

The SunTrust Foundation and SunTrust Trusteed Foundations announced today they awarded $3 million in grants to the Atlanta Police Foundation (APF). The SunTrust Trusteed Foundations include the Florence C. and Harry L. English Memorial Fund, the Walter H. and Marjory M. Rich Memorial Fund and the Nell Warren Elkin and William Simpson Elkin Foundation. This funding will support APF’s youth crime diversion program, the At-Promise Initiative, by opening an At-Promise Center on Campbellton Road in Southwest Atlanta.

The center will be named “The SunTrust At-Promise Center Honoring Andrew Young.” It is set to open in 2021, located on land provided by the Walter and Andrew Young Family YMCA. The center will be a state-of-the-art learning and community facility with specialized services and programming, including financial education for youth and their families.

“The grants to the Atlanta Police Foundation are another example of SunTrust Bank’s commitment to Atlanta and efforts to improve the well-being of people in our community,” said Bill Rogers, chairman and CEO of SunTrust Bank. “Honoring Andrew Young as part of the At-Promise Center, which is focused on helping young people get their lives back on track, seemed natural given his legacy of service and devotion to improving opportunities for people in Atlanta and around the world.”

The SunTrust At-Promise Center Honoring Andrew Young will be the third At-Promise Center to open. APF opened the first center on the Westside in 2017 and will open the second center in 2020 on the Southside.

“The grants from the SunTrust Foundations will support and expand programs to help youth build self-sufficiency and better lives,” said Dave Wilkinson, president and CEO of the Atlanta Police Foundation. “Support from community partners allows us to further our overall mission to keep Atlanta safe and inviting to all its residents, workers and visitors.”

“We’re proud to support the At-Promise Initiative, as it focuses on ensuring troubled youth find meaningful pathways to productive lives,” said Jenna Kelly, president, SunTrust Bank Georgia Division. “We believe this investment in community building will pay dividends to our city and our neighborhoods for generations to come.”

The $3 million in grants from the SunTrust Foundation and SunTrust Trusteed Foundations is the largest gift ever made to the At-Promise Initiative.

The At-Promise Initiative has garnered significant national attention, winning the FBI Director’s Award for its success in reducing recidivism, or repeat offenses, among youth offenders. In its first two full years of operation, At-Promise enrollees have a 4% recidivism rate while the national rate is more than 15 times higher.

About SunTrust Foundation
The SunTrust Foundation is committed to SunTrust Bank’s (NYSE: STI) purpose of Lighting the Way to Financial Well-Being by engaging with local and national organizations to advance financial confidence. Grants and activities focus primarily on financial education, financial counseling, career readiness and small business/entrepreneurship, in addition to local community grants. The SunTrust Foundation supports American Red Cross disaster relief efforts and contributes as a United Way Global Corporate Leader. Established in 2008, the SunTrust Foundation has proudly provided grants totaling more than $170 million throughout the United States.

About the Atlanta Police Foundation
The Atlanta Police Foundation was established in 2003 to provide vital support to the Mayor, the Chief of Police and the Atlanta Police Department. The organization is based on a public-private partnership model that has worked to secure and leverage private resources to fund high priority projects designed to enhance the City of Atlanta’s ability to fight and prevent crime. As a result of the work of the APF, since 2003 there has been an increase in the number of police officers on the streets and an increase in the engagement of Atlanta’s business community and neighborhood residents in fighting crime. Additionally, the City has experienced a 58 percent reduction in the violent crime rate and a 41 percent reduction in crimes overall. Our programs are strategically focused to complement the Atlanta Police Department’s vision of becoming the safest, large city in America. We give high priority to programs that address the need for more police visibility and improved police operations. We also provide strategic counsel for the APD and aid in bringing private and public sector resources together for short and long range security planning for the City.

Bloomberg Launches Equity Benchmarks

09.17.2019 - 05:20PM

NEW YORK, September 17, 2019 /3BL Media/ – Bloomberg today announced that it now offers U.S. equity benchmark capabilities. The equity offering includes the Bloomberg U.S. Large Cap Index (ticker: B500) as well as growth, value and dividend indices. These benchmarks will serve as the basis for the new Bloomberg SASB ESG Index family, which also includes ESG-weighted versions of the value, growth and dividend indices.

Read the full press release here.

For more information, please visit this link.

FSG Welcomes John Harper As Managing Director

09.17.2019 - 05:18PM

FSG, one of the world’s leading advisors on creating social impact, is thrilled to welcome its newest managing director, John Harper, to its consulting team.

FSG’s co-CEO, Dr. Lauren A. Smith, said, “FSG’s purpose is to help foundations and corporations use their power to create a more equitable world. John’s passion for equitable social change is matched by his ability to help social change agents to clarify their vision for impact, develop the strategy to support it, and raise the resources to achieve it. From launching multi-million dollar growth capital campaigns to designing innovative programmatic initiatives, John blends external stakeholder engagement and strategic design thinking to help leaders achieve their goals for change. He brings a deep, explicit, and practiced focus on racial equity, which excites us.”

“Throughout my career, I have worked to bring capital, resources, and other supports to communities of need. Joining FSG is a great opportunity to continue this core work in a new capacity. I look forward to working alongside the FSG team and our clients to help design strategies and evaluation systems that are both reflective of and responsive to the communities they are intended to support,” said John.

For more than a decade, Harper has worked with some of the nation’s leading voices in education reform and positive youth development. Prior to joining FSG, Harper worked as a consultant with a variety of clients including the New York State Education Department, Roddenberry Foundation, Turnaround for Children, and America’s Promise Alliance.

Previously, he served as vice president of resource development for America's Promise Alliance, the nation's largest network of people working to improve the lives of children and youth. Before America’s Promise, John led development efforts for Turnaround for Children as their vice president of development, where he helped transform Turnaround from a small school support organization to a national thought-leader on how to reimagine the American public education system.

Harper also served as vice president of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship, an intensive leadership development program for talented African-American men. He began his career in public charter schools, working with Friends of E Prep Schools (now Breakthrough Schools) and Uncommon Schools, where he helped to secure more than $20 million to support the expansion of both networks.

“Foundations and corporations alike are re-examining their role in systems that create inequity. John models the perfect combination of inclusive leadership and innovative strategy that we believe is needed right now. We’re thrilled that he’s joining us,” said FSG’s co-CEO Greg Hills.

Harper will be based in FSG’s San Francisco office, where he will work alongside consulting colleagues as well as staff from the Collective Impact Forum and the Shared Value Initiative, two of FSG’s three learning communities that provide tools and relationships for change agents.

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.

CNH Industrial Named as Industry Leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for the Ninth Consecutive Year

09.17.2019 - 05:16PM

CNH Industrial (NYSE: CNHI /MI: CNHI) is the Industry Leader in Machinery and Electrical Equipment in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), World and Europe, for the ninth consecutive year.

The DJSI World and DJSI Europe are among the most prestigious sustainability-focused equity indices. Inclusion in these indices is exclusively for companies that are judged as exemplary in terms of their economic, environmental and social performance. This year, the DJSI World evaluation process invited 86 companies to participate in the Machinery and Electrical Equipment industry category, 11 of which were admitted to the index. For the DJSI Europe Index, 30 companies were invited to participate and 6 were admitted.

The 2019 assessment resulted in a score of 88/100 for CNH Industrial, compared to an average of 79/100 for the companies included in the DJSI World and Europe for the Machinery and Electrical Equipment industry. All companies selected for consideration in the indices are evaluated by SAM, the business unit within RobecoSAM, which specializes in providing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data, ratings, and benchmarking.

CNH Industrial received the highest score in the areas of: Environmental Policy & Management System, Operational Eco-Efficiency (environmental dimension) as well as Social Reporting, Human Rights and Human Capital Development (social dimension), Code of Business Conduct and Supply Chain Management (economic dimension).

Hubertus Mühlhäuser, Chief Executive Officer, stated: “This result is further confirmation that we are on the right path. Sustainability is a common denominator of our ‘Transform 2 Win’ strategy, which we announced at our recent Capital Markets Day, and is thoroughly consistent with our strategic purpose of ‘Powering Sustainable Transformation’”.

“Sustainability initiatives are embedded in all areas of our business,” said Max Chiara, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer, CNH Industrial. “Some examples include active engagement in reducing CO₂ emissions associated with our manufacturing processes, logistics, and the usage of our vehicles as well as our decarbonization strategy to shift towards a more environmentally-friendly product portfolio.”

In April of this year, CNH Industrial released its 2018 Sustainability Report along with A Sustainable Year, a publication for general audiences recounting some sustainability activities of the Company and its employees accomplished in 2018.

As of December 31, 2018, CNH Industrial was awarded l’ISS-oekom Prime Status, included in the 31 A-listers of the CDP Water Security program and in the following indexes: MSCI ESG Leaders Indexes¹, FTSE4Good Index Series, ECPI Global Agriculture Liquid, ECPI World ESG Equity, ECPI Global Developed ESG Best-in-Class, ECPI Euro ESG Equity, ECPI Global Megatrend 100, Euronext Vigeo World 120, Euronext Vigeo Europe 120, Euronext Vigeo Eurozone 120, STOXX Global ESG Leaders Index, STOXX Global ESG Environmental Leaders Index, STOXX Global ESG Social Leaders Index, STOXX Global ESG Governance Leaders Index, STOXX Global ESG Impact Index, STOXX, Global Low Carbon Footprint Index, STOXX Global Reported Low Carbon Index², Thomson Reuters Diversity & Inclusion Index, and Integrated Governance Index (IGI).

Additional information on Sustainability at CNH Industrial:

cnhindustrial.com/sustainability/

The 2018 Sustainability Report:

cnhindustrial.com/sustainability_report_2018

A Sustainable Year:

cnhindustrial.com/a_sustainable_year_2018

Additional information on the DJSI:

sustainability-indices.com/

⁽¹⁾ The inclusion of CNH Industrial in any MSCI index, and the use of MSCI logos, trademarks, service marks or index names herein, do not constitute a sponsorship, endorsement, or promotion of CNH Industrial by MSCI or any of its affiliates. The MSCI indexes are the exclusive property of MSCI. MSCI and the MSCI index names and logos are trademarks or service marks of MSCI or its affiliates.

⁽²⁾ Those listed are the main global STOXX indexes in which CNH Industrial is included.

Bloomberg LP Chairman Peter Grauer Recognized As a Leading Global Advocate for Women in Business

09.17.2019 - 05:15PM

September 17, 2019 /3BL Media/ – For the third year in a row, Bloomberg Chairman Peter T. Grauer has been recognized as a leading champion of gender diversity. Grauer ranks in the top 10 of the 2019 HERoes Advocate Executives List, which showcases the senior leaders that are creating a more inclusive business environment for women.

According to the awarding committee for the HERoes recognition, Grauer has been a “leading force and champion of diversity and inclusion efforts at Bloomberg, holding the company’s business leaders accountable for the development and execution of business-specific diversity and inclusion plans.”

“Peter has done a terrific job advancing gender diversity here at Bloomberg and far beyond, and it’s great to see him recognized as a global champion for women in the business community for the third year in a row,” said company founder Michael Bloomberg.

The full list is published here. Learn more about Bloomberg’s efforts to advance gender equality at Bloomberg.com/women.

Click here to read the full story.

Employee Spotlight: Kaely Zeiser

09.17.2019 - 05:13PM

MilliporeSigma Employee Spotlight: Kaely Zeiser

As part of our employee spotlight series, we’re sitting down with Kaely Zeiser, business partner, Corporate Responsibility at MilliporeSigma, to learn more about the work she’s doing to ignite curiosity in the next generation of scientists.

1. Tell us about your background (where you grew up, went to school, your family, etc.).

I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and have two older brothers. I attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where I studied business management. After graduation, I worked in marketing and management for four years, then decided to move to Spain to teach English. I taught English in Barcelona, solo traveled throughout Europe, and then sought out a new adventure and moved to a rural village in Northeast Thailand to teach high-school English.

I love to read, ride horses, play sports and, most importantly, babysit my 8-month-old niece.

2. How did you get your start with MilliporeSigma? Explain your role at MilliporeSigma.

After returning from abroad, I was looking for a position where I could utilize my business experience as well as my teaching experience. I almost accepted a position in Mexico, but then I stumbled upon the Curiosity Cube® mobile science lab. Being on a project from the ground floor and with a mission I believed in was something I couldn’t pass up. I began as a coordinator, then took on additional Corporate Responsibility projects. Currently, I oversee all of the education outreach programs, including the Curiosity Cube® mobile science lab and Curiosity Labs™. My role is to provide engaging and hands-on science education programs to students around the world.

3. What sparked your interest in education?

Whether you’re in Asia, Europe or a city in America, children love to learn. It doesn’t matter what country you’re in or what language you speak, there is always a smile when a student learns something new. I’ve been in education for five years and love being able to provide an opportunity that makes students proud of themselves.

4. How did you develop the experiences inside the Curiosity Cube® mobile science lab?

After each visit to the Curiosity Cube® mobile science lab, students and teachers provide feedback on the overall experience and future experiments. Our team reviews the feedback and brainstorms different themes for the next year. MilliporeSigma scientists and employee volunteers also provide expertise on the science content and experiment details. We also partner with Washington University in St. Louis to ensure that we are providing quality science education. The most important part of development is listening to the students. We want to provide relatable, engaging and fun science that ignites curiosity.

5. What is it like to work with SPARK™ program employee volunteers?

I have a rare opportunity to work with thousands of employee volunteers from all different divisions of the company. Every day is completely different. The best part is being able to connect people and provide a space that brings them together. A lot of times, the employees are nervous because they are out of their element. My job is to make sure they are trained and feel comfortable. By the end of the day, everyone is laughing and having fun teaching the students. The volunteers are always so thankful to be in the community and learn from the students and their coworkers. There’s a sense of teamwork by the end of the day. Most of the volunteers don’t know each other when the day starts, but by the end, they come together to help students who need learning opportunities.

6. Out of all the communities you’ve visited with the Curiosity Cube® mobile science lab, what has been your favorite?

My favorite communities are the small towns. In these areas, you can really see how employees make an impact through education in their own community. The students usually come back to the Curiosity Cube® mobile science lab a second time to show their families and make sure their younger siblings have a chance to visit, too. These are some of the best days, seeing one of the students become a teacher to their friends and family.

7. What is one thing that few people know about you?

I’ve been playing chess since the third grade. My brother taught me to play during summer vacation, and I fell in love with it. I taught chess to students in under-served areas and always have a travel board in my car if someone wants to learn how to play.

8. What is most rewarding about your job; what makes it all worthwhile?

What makes it all worthwhile are the days I know I truly made an impact in a child’s life. Sometimes it may not be because of the actual science lesson they learned, but because someone took the time to help them — whether it be me or a volunteer. Everyone has those memorable school days where they loved learning. I hope the students look back on their day at the Curiosity Cube® mobile science lab and have fond memories.

9. If you could learn any new skill or hobby, what would it be and why?

I’d learn to play the violin. It is my favorite instrument, and I love classical and jazz music. I have a violin and tried teaching myself. (I don’t know why my neighbors don’t like me J.

In Continued Effort to Enable Equal Visibility for Women, Secret Deodorant Commits to Boosting Attendance at Women’s Soccer Games, Purchasing 9,000 Seats at National Women’s Soccer League Home Games

09.17.2019 - 05:11PM

Secret Deodorant, a longtime champion of women’s equality and advocate for women in sports, announced today that it will continue to support female soccer players by helping to boost attendance and revenue at upcoming National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) games. With this move, Secret is doubling-down on its efforts to heighten visibility for teams and grow the fan base of the elite professionals who play in the NWSL.

Beginning tomorrow, September 17, through the close of the 2019 season, Secret will purchase a total of 9,000 tickets to nine NWSL games, filling 1,000 seats at one home game for each of the nine teams, and committing more than $200,000 to the effort. In each city, Secret will offer up its tickets to local partners, women’s organizations, youth sports teams, and not-for-profit organizations, inspiring local fans to join in a show of support for the team.

“As a brand for women run by women, we wholeheartedly believe women should not have to sweat gender inequality,” said Sara Saunders, Associate Brand Director, Secret, P&G. “We have been vocal in our support of women in sports and dedicated to helping them to receive equal visibility. Our goal with this effort is to celebrate the excellence of this league and continue to ensure that female athletes have a platform to play and get the attention they deserve.”

In addition to ticket purchases, Secret will show its support through game day giveaways, including Secret Deodorant product, t-shirts and spirit towels, to the first 1,000 fans at each of the following games:

North Carolina Courage – Sept. 17, 2019, Sahlen’s Stadium, Cary, N.C.
Reign FC – Sept. 18, 2019, Cheney Stadium, Tacoma, Wash.
Chicago Red Stars – Sept. 21, 2019, SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, Ill.
Utah Royals FC – Sept. 21, 2019, Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah
Houston Dash – Sept. 25, 2019, BBVA Stadium, Houston, Texas
Washington Spirit – Sept. 28, 2019, Maureen Hendricks Field, Germantown, Md.
Sky Blue FC – Sept. 29, 2019, Yurcak Field, Piscataway, N.J.
Orlando Pride – Oct. 5, 2019, Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Fla.
Portland Thorns FC – Oct. 12, 2019, Providence Park, Portland, Ore.

“We are proud to team up with companies whose values align with our own to make real progress for women in sports,” added Saunders. “Collectively, our aim is to help boost attendance at games and grow a passionate network of women’s soccer fans, yielding an increase in NWSL ticket sales that will make a meaningful and lasting difference for these players.”

For more information, visit Secret.com , or follow Secret on Instagram ( @SecretDeodorant ), Facebook (Facebook.com/Secret ), Twitter ( @SecretDeodorant ) and YouTube ( YouTube.com/SecretDeodorant ).

About Secret

Secret was the first antiperspirant brand designed specifically for women, and for the past 60 years, Secret has been on the forefront of women’s lives, leading with innovation designed to provide superior odor and wetness protection. Through the years, the brand has proudly supported women’s advancement and equality through its campaigns and communications. Its latest campaign, “All Strength, No Sweat,” is a continuation of this commitment to women, celebrating those who boldly challenge the status quo, push through barriers and stand up for what they believe in, without “sweating” the obstacles that may come their way. Secret challenges women everywhere to be all strength, no sweat.

Contact:

Sarah Black, DeVries Global
212-546-8533 | sblack@devriesglobal.com

Nine Early Childhood Education Organizations Share $446,000 From PNC Foundation

09.17.2019 - 05:06PM

Literacy programs, community gardens and cutting-edge research are among the programming being funded by the PNC Foundation in celebration of its 15th anniversary of PNC Grow Up Great® in St. Louis.

PNC Foundation is contributing $446,000 to early childhood education organizations across the Greater St. Louis region as part of its commitment to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. The 2019 grant recipients provide a wide range of resources to the most vulnerable St. Louis residents – young children – and targets both inner-city and suburban areas in the region. Of the nine organizations, two are receiving PNC Foundation funding for the first time and five are being funded for multi-year projects. [See below for full list of grant recipients]

“PNC is honored to support the efforts of early childhood education champions in St. Louis, as they work tirelessly to provide a spark for learning and build a foundation of success in our young children,” said Michael Scully, PNC regional president for St. Louis. “As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are grateful for the many early childhood education partners we’ve had over the years in St. Louis, and look forward to the impact the new 2019 grant recipients will make in our local community.”

Additionally, PNC today funded all pre-K and Head Start project requests in the Greater St. Louis area as part of its alliance with DonorsChoose.org, an online charity that connects individual donors with classrooms in need. Together, PNC and DonorsChoose.org are helping preschool teachers obtain high-quality resources and experiences to inspire their students' love of learning.

Since introducing Grow Up Great to St. Louis nine years ago, PNC has invested more than $5 million to local early childhood education initatives and logged more than 7,500 volunteer hours to benefit early childhood education across Greater St. Louis. This past April PNC celebrated its 15th anniversary of the bilingual, early childhood education initiative, and marked the occasion by announcing an additional $150 million to extend the program – now a $500 million initiative.

The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group (www.pnc.com), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through Grow Up Great, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. To learn more about PNC Grow Up Great, please go to www.pncgrowupgreat.com.

2019 GRANT RECIPIENTS

First Step STL Collaborative
PNC partnered with a group of funders to complete a supply and demand analysis of the early childhood system in the St. Louis region conducted by IFF. This included both quantitative and qualitative research, which paints a picture of what is working in the system and what parents, child care providers and teachers are facing in terms of barriers. This needs assessment breaks out the access issues across neighborhoods and highlights a set of recommendations that the community can pursue in order to provide more equitable access to quality early childhood education. The PNC grant will also provide seed funding for a communications strategy to bring awareness to this important early childhood work.
iff.org/ | @IFFcdfi

LUME Institute
At LUME Institute (LUME), we believe the power to change society lies in changing the way young children are taught. The professional development services provided through the LUME Approach Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (ECMHC) model, helps educators and caregivers gain a deeper understanding that children's emotional development is the foundation for lifelong health, growth, and learning. The LUME Approach ECMHC model was accepted into the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Frontiers of Innovation Portfolio and has proven effective at fostering measurable change in educators’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavior with concurrent statistically significant improvement in mental health outcomes for the children in their care. With funding from the PNC Foundation, LUME will provide LUME Approach training for both early childhood educators and administrative staff who serve the Michelle Obama Early Childhood Academic Learning Center in Riverview Gardens public school district. The training includes instructional and reflective coaching sessions for the early childhood educators as well as a "Leadership Immersion" course for the center's leadership.
www.lumeinstitute.org/ | @LUMEInstitute

Missouri Botanical Gardens
The Missouri Botanical Garden activates it's ‘Nature for All' strategy through its work with the region's youngest citizens and the adults who support, care for, and guide them through life. The Little Years Series seeks to engage parents with children ages 0-3 to experience the garden for the first time, and with the grant funding from PNC, the Garden will be bringing this series to partner organizations throughout St. Louis, including multiple St. Louis Crisis Nursery locations and Our Little Haven. Additionally, PNC funding will support garden educator outreach to students, staff and families at select early childhood centers (Unleashing Potential at Caroline Mission, Urban League Head Start, and Grace Hill Settlement House) to help transform the outdoors into nature-rich outdoor learning labs via the addition of wildlife habitat gardens, teacher professional development and family engagement events.
www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/ | @mobotgarden

Parents As Teachers
Parents As Teachers will be partnering with the PNC Foundation to host an IdeaThon at its 2019 International Conference to impact the field of early childhood education. The day-long session for parent educators will provide an opportunity for participants to pitch challenges they see in their early childhood education work, or present new ideas for addressing these challenges. The final ideas generated during the IdeaThon will be shared with the larger group of more than 1300 conference attendees to decide which ideas are most actionable and how they might be used in the future to benefit the early childhood education field around the world.
parentsasteachers.org/ | @NatlPAT

Springboard to Learning
Springboard to Learning, with support from the PNC Foundation, will deploy Wolf Trap teaching artists, providing residencies, professional development (PD), family workshops and BabyArts Play, to children ages birth to six during 2019-2021 school years. Through residencies and professional development sessions, teaching artists model arts-integrated techniques for the classroom teacher and provide instruction on how to implement the techniques. Family workshops equip parents to integrate arts strategies into daily family home-life, extending learning beyond school, whereas BabyArts Play exposes families to cultural institutions.
www.springboardstl.org/ | @SpringboardStL

St. Louis County Library
St. Louis County Library’s “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program is designed to encourage families and caregivers in St. Louis County to read 1,000 books with their preschooler before they enter kindergarten. Studies show that families who read aloud to their children starting at birth help strengthen important language and vocabulary building skills. With the support of the PNC Foundation, parents and caregivers of preschool-age children can register for the program free of cost and will be able to monitor their progress toward 1,000 books.
www.slcl.org/ | @SLCL

St. Louis Public Library
Born To Read provides a series of comprehensive and equitable programs, services, and strategic community outreach designed to support early childhood literacy development for children birth to age eight in the City of St. Louis. The St. Louis Public Library partners with hospitals, health clinics, early childhood centers, and schools to provide early childhood literacy resources and services. Born to Read programs include Born to Read Bags, My First Library Card, Storytimes, Read it Together, Play Date Theater, and Summer@SLPL.
www.slpl.org/ | @STLpubLibrary

The Magic House
The Magic House, with support from the PNC Foundation, is providing an exciting new venue for early childhood education, the “Wonder Why? Early Childhood Learning Lab.” The Wonder Why? Early Childhood Learning Lab is an innovative space designed to satisfy the boundless curiosity of preschoolers. Staffed by an early childhood educator, this flexible learning environment will provide space for preschool programming, as well as easily transform into an early learning exhibit gallery. In addition, the venue will offer educational opportunities for parents and caregivers, presenting concrete child development information in interactive and engaging ways.
www.magichouse.org/ | @TheMagicHouse

Turn the Page STL
Turn the Page STL, St. Louis' Network Partner of the National Campaign for Grade Level Reading, will be engaging 30 community organizations to provide high-quality educational experiences for families with young children, ages birth to five. With support from the PNC Foundation, Turn the Page STL will align the community organizations’ work in early childhood education to improve school readiness, school attendance and summer learning in the St. Louis Promise Zone.
https://www.facebook.com/turnthepagestl/ | @turnthepagestl

CONTACT
Whitney Wilson

+1 (214) 871-1209

whitney.wilson@pnc.com

@WhitneyW_PNC

Dart Container Corporation Partners With Keep America Beautiful on National Plogging Initiatives

09.17.2019 - 05:03PM

Dart Container Corporation and Keep America Beautiful^®, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, today announced Dart will be the Title Sponsor on all Keep America Beautiful national plogging initiatives, including the Keep America Beautiful Trash Dash™.

Plogging, the act of picking up litter while jogging, debuted in Sweden in 2016 and was adopted by Keep America Beautiful because it incorporates reducing litter, improving recycling, and beautifying communities – the three primary areas of work that Keep America Beautiful and its network of more than 600 community-based affiliates do on a day-to-day basis.

“We have been a Keep America Beautiful supporter for many years, and we're pleased to pioneer this innovative program as part of our enhanced sustainability platform,” said Dart CEO Jim Lammers. “Spreading plogging across America fits perfectly with our sustainability pillars of Innovate, Inspire and Invest. We’re addressing big issues in our industry, from certifying the origins of raw materials to expanding recycling infrastructures, and partnering with Keep America Beautiful helps Dart tackle the significant problem of littered waste in our country."

Dart will be providing litter pickers to all ploggers who either register for a Keep America Beautiful Trash Dash or volunteer with a Keep America Beautiful affiliate to advance the plogging movement throughout the country. In addition, Dart will fund targeted grants to support local plogging initiatives. Dart will support all national Keep America Beautiful Trash Dash events as Title Sponsor.

“Every piece of litter that people pick up while plogging is one less opportunity for that litter to enter our waterways,” said Keep America Beautiful President & CEO Helen Lowman. “Keep America Beautiful thanks Dart Container Corporation for its support of this fun and healthy approach to keeping our streets cleaner, greener, and more beautiful.”

The inaugural Keep America Beautiful Trash Dash took place on Sunday, Sept. 15, in Norwalk, Connecticut, in advance of World Cleanup Day and the International Coastal Cleanup (both on Sept. 21), all designed to prevent litter from entering waterways. Keep America Beautiful partnered with The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk and local affiliate, Keep Norwalk Beautiful, on the Trash Dash to highlight the need to keep litter from entering nearby Long Island Sound.

About Dart Container Corporation
Dart has been designing and producing food and beverage packaging since 1960. As one of the oldest and largest companies in the industry, Dart offers more than 3,000 products used around the world in restaurants, convenience and grocery stores, coffee shops, sports arenas, schools, healthcare facilities, the great outdoors and in the home. Dart is also the industry leader in providing education and recycling options for consumers. For more information visit www.dartcontainer.com/sustainability.

About Keep America Beautiful
Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to End Littering, Improve Recycling and Beautify America’s Communities. We believe everyone has a right to live in a clean, green and beautiful community, and shares a responsibility to contribute to that vision.

Behavior change – steeped in education, research and behavioral science – is the cornerstone of Keep America Beautiful. We empower generations of community and environmental stewards with volunteer programs, hands-on experiences, educational curricula, practical advice and other resources. The organization is driven by the work and passion of more than 600 Keep America Beautiful affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the collaborative support of corporate partners, social and civic service organizations, academia, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.

###

CONTACT
Larry Kaufman

+1 (203) 659-3014

lkaufman@kab.org

Keep America Beautiful

http://www.kab.org

http://www.twitter.com/kabtweet

http://www.facebook.com/keepamericabeautiful

http://www.instagram.com/keepamericabeautiful

http://www.youtube.com/kabnetwork

Noah Ullman

+1 (203) 659-3008

nullman@kab.org

Keep America Beautiful

Update to Arabic Translations of GRI Standards

09.17.2019 - 04:53PM

Additional Arabic translations of the GRI Standards, the world's most widely adopted sustainability reporting framework, are now available.

The updated versions of two Standards - ‘GRI 303: Water and Effluents 2018’ and ‘GRI 403: Occupational Health and Safety 2018’ – have been published in to the Arabic language.

The Arabic translations can be downloaded free of charge from the GRI website.

The translator facilitator was Sustainability Excellence and the sponsors for these translations were:

Zamzam Society for Charitable and Voluntary Health Services
Saad and Abdul Aziz Al-Mousa Endowment

The Arabic translations were peer reviewed by:

Ms. Dima Maaytah, Senior Corporate Sustainability Advisor, Sustainable Mindz, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Ms. Khulood Hindiyeh, Head of Sustainability Department, Blue LLC (member of Alserkal Group), Sustainability Trainer & Consultant, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Language translations of the GRI Standards are also available in Chinese (traditional and simplified), French, Indonesian, German, Japanese, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Those reporting on the topics of GRI 303 or GRI 403 for the first time are advised to adopt the new Standards for their reports. For those already reporting on these topics, the 2016 versions can continue to be used for reports published on or before 31 December 2020.

CBRE Earns Place on Dow Jones Sustainability World Index

09.17.2019 - 04:51PM

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE) today announced that it has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI). This index recognizes global corporations that demonstrate leadership in environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.

The 2,500 largest global companies had the opportunity to be evaluated for the Index. Of these, 318 companies merited inclusion in DJSI-World.

CBRE was also one of 141 companies (out of 600 that are eligible) to earn a place in the DJSI-North America – the sixth year in a row that the company has been included in the North America Index.

“At CBRE, we are proud of our commitment to responsible business practices and our performance on key ESG issues,” said Bob Sulentic, CBRE’s president and chief executive officer. “Our inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index is a measure of our continued progress in creating exceptional outcomes for all our stakeholders.”

CBRE’s ESG performance has also earned the company a place on the FTSE4Good Index for six consecutive years.

Earlier this year, CBRE was ranked #15 on Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s list of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens, and was also recognized as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies by Barron’s.

More information can be found at www.cbre.com/responsibility.

About CBRE Group, Inc.

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2018 revenue). The company has more than 90,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate investors and occupiers through approximately 480 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers a broad range of integrated services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

Comerica Bank Recognized As Top 50 Company For Providing Opportunities To Latinas

09.17.2019 - 04:48PM

Comerica Bank was recognized for its efforts in diversity and inclusion with its selection to the 2019 Top 50 Best Companies for Latinas to Work for in the U.S. by Latina Style. This marks the ninth time Comerica has received the honor.

Companies responding to LATINA Style's questionnaire are evaluated based on matters that LATINA Style magazine readers deemed as most important to them in the workplace. LATINA Style is proud to recognize companies that support programs that encourage training, mentorship and promote Latinas within the company. The LATINA Style 50 report reflects those programs that Latinas are looking for when seeking job opportunities. Among the principal areas of evaluation are: the number of Latina executives, Latina retention, mentoring programs, educational opportunities, employee benefits, job retraining, affinity groups and Hispanic relations. Evaluations for the 2019 annual report are based on 2018 data.

“Nielsen demographics state that Hispanic women are a key growth engine of the U.S. female population and are expected to become 30 percent of the total female population by 2060,” said Comerica Bank Senior Vice President of External Affairs – Michigan Market and National Director of Hispanic Business Development Monica L. Martinez. “Comerica is proud to continue our partnership with Latina Style on programs that educate, network and promote Latinas in all aspects of their career journey.”

Since 1998, the Latina Style 50 list has established the gold standard by which corporations are measured for their plan to hire, retain and promote Latina professionals. The annual awards ceremony honoring the LATINA Style 50 companies will take place on February 2020 during the LATINA Style 50 Awards and Diversity Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.

For more information regarding the LATINA Style 50, visit www.latinastyle.com.

About LATINA Style Inc.

LATINA Style Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is the publisher of LATINA Style Magazine, a national magazine for the professional Hispanic woman. The magazine has been published for 25 years and has a national circulation of 150,000 and a readership of nearly 600,000. The company is host of the LATINA Style Business Series, the LATINA Style 50 Report, the National LATINA Symposium and the LATINA Style Hero Initiative. For further information about the LATINA Style 50 Report visit www.latinastyle.com or call (214) 357-2186.

Inspiring Business Leaders to Explore New Horizons to Solve Today’s Sustainability Challenges

09.17.2019 - 04:46PM

To solve today’s sustainability challenges, business leaders will be called to build new skills, pitch fresh ideas and influence across silos. On October 15-18, more than 650 EHS&S leaders will come together in Toronto to share their latest strategies at NAEM’s annual Forum, an event designed to illuminate the path forward for the business community.

NAEM is the National Association for Environment, Health and Safety and Sustainability Management.

“The extraordinary time we live in is calling us to think bigger, work smarter and commit our whole selves to the challenge of creating an economy that will sustain us into the future,” said NAEM Executive Director Carol Singer Neuvelt.

“There is perhaps no other group of people better prepared to lead this transition than the women and men who are dedicated to making an impact through their EHS&S profession.”

One of those leaders is Sophia Danenberg, the first African American to summit Mount Everest, an experience she said shapes the work she does every day as an EHS Strategy and International Policy analyst for the Boeing Co. In her opening keynote address at the Forum she will share her lessons from the climb, including how she sets an ambitious vision and adapts her plans to meet the conditions of the moment.

“I've learned that you can make meaningful changes when you bring your core values and beliefs into a company as an employee,” she said. “Business decisions can have such a significant impact on the environment. From the inside, you can usually see more efficient and effective ways to achieve environmental objectives and become an internal activist.”

Becoming that internal activist is vital to the EHS&S profession as companies integrate their programs into the fabric of business operations, according to Paul Robbertz, Sr. Director of EHS for Danone North America, who led the conference planning committee.

“The overall scope of our jobs continues to expand. To do our jobs well today requires us to integrate and partner across a whole host of different functions, whether it's supply chain, procurement, engineering, human resources, commercial, legal, or research and development,” he said.

To learn more about the networking, benchmarking and learning opportunities at NAEM’s 2019 EHS&S Management Forum, please visit the agenda online http://ehsforum.naem.org/agenda.php.

2019 SDG Pioneers Announced by United Nations Global Compact

09.17.2019 - 04:44PM

The United Nations Global Compact today announced ten new SDG Pioneers — young business leaders who are doing an exceptional job to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2019 search for SDG Pioneers focused on professionals aged 35 and under, working at any level in a company participating in the UN Global Compact.

“These exceptional young professionals are demonstrating how breakthrough innovation can create the profitable business solutions needed to address today’s global challenges,” said Lise Kingo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. “The 2019 SDG Pioneers are setting a clear example of the kind of personal leadership that is needed to make the Global Goals a reality by 2030 — and inspiring many others to join the movement towards a more sustainable future for all.”

The SDG Pioneers were judged by an expert panel comprised of representatives of Government, business and civil society. The selection criteria included the individuals' commitment to embedding the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact into their companies' core strategies, their efforts to advance the SDGs, as well as their engagement with the UN Global Compact and its Local Networks.

The 2019 UN Global Compact SDG Pioneers are:

Murtaza Ahmed, Managing Director, Artistic Milliners, Pakistan
Mashook Mujib Chowdhury, Sustainability Manager, DBL Group, Bangladesh
Regan Leahy, Assistant Citizenship Manager, Hogan Lovells, UK
Dylan McNeill, Director of Supplier Sustainability, Royal Philips, Netherlands
Muchtazar, Environment Sustainability Programme Officer, Unilever, Indonesia
Seo Jia Han Alvin, Group Sustainability Manager, Singapore Telecommunications Limited, Singapore
Dr. Joyce Sitonik, Head of Clinic Business Operations, AAR Health Care, Kenya
Lindsey Verhaeghe, Sustainability Initiatives and Reporting Manager, Nutrien, Canada
Meg Parker Young, Director of Impact Strategy and Development, Thomson Reuters, USA
Zaw Ye Naung, Founder, Shwe Taung Nyo Gyi Co., Myanmar

The SDG Pioneers programme is part of the UN Global Compact’s Making Global Goals Local Business campaign — a multi-year strategy to drive business awareness and action in support of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The 2019 SDG Pioneers will attend the UN Global Compact Leaders Week to be organized on the sidelines of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly from 23 to 26 September at the UN Headquarters in New York. They will be speaking in the SDG Media Zone on 25 September from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. (EDT). The session will be broadcast live.

For photos of the SDG Pioneers, please contact media@unglobalcompact.org.

About the United Nations Global Compact

As a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the United Nations Global Compact works with companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact guides and supports the global business community in advancing UN goals and values through responsible corporate practices. With more than 9,500 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and more than 60 Local Networks, it is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world.

For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at www.unglobalcompact.org.

About SDG Pioneers

As part of its Making Global Goals Local Business campaign, each year the UN Global Compact recognizes a class of SDG Pioneers — business leaders, who are using business as a force for good to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Earlier this year, Global Compact Local Networks in several countries hosted national-level SDG Pioneers programmes. These winners automatically took part in the global round along with other candidates. The 2019 SDG Pioneers programme is supported by the Tuborg Foundation.

Join the conversation on social media using #SDGpioneers

CONTACT

Leila Puutio

+1 (646) 884-7523

media@unglobalcompact.org

UN Global Compact

https://www.unglobalcompact.org/

https://twitter.com/globalcompact

https://www.facebook.com/UNGlobalCompact

https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-nations-global-compact

https://www.instagram.com/globalcompact/

https://twitter.com/lise_kingo?lang=en

Las Vegas Sands Recognized in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America

09.17.2019 - 04:34PM

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) once again has been recognized by the S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI) for its industry-leading performance in environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts. Sands is the only Integrated Resort company included in the DJSI North America.

In 2019, Sands made significant performance improvements in human rights, corporate citizenship and philanthropy, and operational eco-efficiency, according to SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) results. The SAM CSA results, derived from financially material ESG factors, alongside S&P DJI’s robust index methodology, form the basis of construction and maintenance of the entire DJSI series.

“Sands is driven by delivering strong returns to all of the stakeholders we serve, and inclusion in the DJSI affirms the emphasis we place on positive business impact and good corporate citizenship,” said Robert Goldstein, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands. “Our leadership among Integrated Resort companies and inclusion with this outstanding group of peers is an accomplishment that is highly valued in our company and continues to drive our continued focus on environmental, social and governance issues.”

Sands executes its People, Planet and Communities corporate social responsibility platform through a variety of initiatives that include programs such as the Sands ECO360 global sustainability program; the Sands Cares corporate giving and community engagement program; Project Protect, a program focused on responsible gaming, financial crimes and counter trafficking practices; and Sands Academy, a global Team Member development program. In addition, the company has a strong track record in sustainable business performance through the economic value and social impact it has delivered as part of its commitment to making the regions it serves better places to live and work.

Celebrating its 20th year as the gold standard for measuring and advancing global ESG efforts, the DJSI is one of the most highly recognized indices for corporate sustainability. The DJSI was the first global index to track the largest and leading sustainability-driven publicly listed companies.

Earlier this year, Fortune named Sands one of the “World’s Most Admired Companies” in its annual roundup of the world’s most respected and reputable businesses for a third year in a row.

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About Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS)

Las Vegas Sands is the world’s pre-eminent developer and operator of world-class Integrated Resorts. We deliver unrivaled economic benefits to the communities in which we operate.

Sands created the meetings, incentives, convention and exhibition (MICE)-based Integrated Resort. Our industry-leading Integrated Resorts provide substantial contributions to our host communities including growth in leisure and business tourism, sustained job creation and ongoing financial opportunities for local small and medium-sized businesses.

Our properties include The Venetian and Sands Expo in Las Vegas, Sands Bethlehem in Eastern Pennsylvania, and the iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Through majority ownership in Sands China Ltd., we have developed the largest portfolio of properties on the Cotai Strip in Macao, including The Venetian Macao, The Plaza and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Sands Cotai Central and The Parisian Macao, as well as the Sands Macao on the Macao Peninsula.

Sands is dedicated to being a good corporate citizen, anchored by the core tenets of serving people, planet and communities. We deliver a great working environment for 50,000 team members worldwide, drive social impact through the Sands Cares charitable giving and community engagement program and lead in environmental performance through the award-winning Sands ECO360 global sustainability program. To learn more, please visit www.sands.com.

Contacts:
Kristin Koca
Kristin.koca@sands.com
702-414-3218

Celebrating Legacy at the 5th Annual National Latino Leadership Conference

09.17.2019 - 04:32PM

The Council for Latino Workplace Equity (CLWE) an initiative under the National Diversity Council (NDC) will host their 5th Annual National Latino Leadership Conference on October 16, 2019, in the heart of Los Angeles at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown.

“It is a critical time to preserve and build on the legacy of the Latino culture. This event highlights Latinos who have made their mark in their workplaces and communities in this current climate of underrepresentation to foster change,“ said Dennis Kennedy, Founder of National Diversity Council. “To develop a deeper appreciation for the countless contributions the Latino community is making to the United States of America’s multicultural leadership journey, you must join us at this conference that has become the premier gathering of leaders, influencers and the future majority of this great Nation,” said Angeles Valenciano, CEO of the National Diversity Council.

The full-day conference is a premier leadership development event, gathering Latinos from all over the nation in paneled discussions about crucial conversations, current issues, and ways to bring action and representation in the Latino Community. Being honored for the 2019 Hector P. Garcia Legacy Award winner is Civil rights activist and 2011 Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient, Sylvia Mendez.

The conference will include an awards luncheon honoring the 2019 National Latino Leaders in recognition of their career success and efforts in paving the way for future Latino advancement. Global transformational leader, Karen Hoyos of Karen Hoyos International will be the luncheon keynote speaker. See the full list of the awardees at http://bit.ly/2keOs06

Registration for The 5th Annual Latino Leadership Conference is currently open and can be purchased for $249 at www.clwe.org. For more information about this event please contact Miranda Del Bosque at miranda.delbosque@nationaldiversitycouncil.org

About the Council for Latino Workplace Equity

The Council for Latino Workplace Equity is a resource and platform to foster workplace equity for Latino talent. Its highlights the pertinent issues concerning Latinos in the workplace in order to advance equal opportunities and incite change within organizations. For information about the CLWE is available at www.clwe.org.

Media Contact

Olivia Valdez

Jr. Communications Specialist

California Diversity Council

olivia.valdez@nationaldiversitycouncil.org

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LIXIL to Strengthen Diversity and Inclusion

09.17.2019 - 04:29PM

LIXIL Group Corporation (“LIXIL Group”, TSE Code: 5938), maker of pioneering water and housing products, today announced that it has established a Global Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Department within its HR Function, effective September 1. Akane Odake, formerly Senior Manager of the Global CR Department, has been appointed as General Manager of the Global D&I Department to implement a unified strategy across the organization.

In 2016, LIXIL made Diversity and Inclusion one of the three key pillars of its Corporate Responsibility Strategy, before establishing its Diversity and Inclusion Declaration in 2017. Under its declaration, LIXIL Group has committed to leveraging differences to create new energy and engagement generated by open and honest dialogue across the organization. In line with its business strategy, these efforts will enable employees to build an entrepreneurial mindset that will drive growth and sustainable innovation.

As a first step, the new department will define Diversity and Inclusion related priorities, set a global strategy, and identify key initiatives based on LIXIL Group’s global business strategy by working closely with all the regions and group companies around the world. Each business will then establish a tailored strategy and KPIs, aiming to maximize its local impact.

Jin Montesano, Chief People Officer (CPO) of LIXIL Group Corporation, commented, “Social, political, and technological developments are continually disrupting businesses, and our ability to adapt and grow depends on our organization’s diversity. Companies with strong Diversity and Inclusion strategies and initiatives are often the most competitive when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. At LIXIL, we believe in the power of diversity and are committed to building an inclusive culture where all employees can be themselves, be heard, and reach their full potential. This is fundamental to delivering stakeholder value and realizing sustainable long-term growth.”

With approximately 75,000 colleagues in more than 150 countries, LIXIL Group’s products touch the lives of more than a billion people every day. Accelerating diversity and inclusion enhances collaboration and synergies across the company, unlocking its potential to meet the demands of the dynamic global market. LIXIL Group also undertakes R&D aimed at the development of new products and services that embody ideas generated from different perspectives, using this to help improve people’s comfort and lifestyles, and make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere.

About LIXIL

LIXIL makes pioneering water and housing products that solve everyday, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we create world-leading technology and innovate to make high quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how we do this; through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all, and responsible business growth. Our approach comes to life through industry leading brands, including INAX, GROHE, American Standard, and TOSTEM. With approximately 75,000 colleagues operating in more than 150 countries, we are proud to make products that touch the lives of more than a billion people every day.

LIXIL Group Corporation (TSE Code: 5938) is the listed holding company for LIXIL’s portfolio of businesses.

ANGEL'S ENVY® Calls on Fans to Help Meet Increased Goal of Planting 30,000 White Oak Trees Through 6th Annual "Toast the Trees" Initiative

09.17.2019 - 04:26PM

ANGEL'S ENVY®, the Louisville-based craft distiller that produces small batch, finished whiskeys, today announced its goal of planting 30,000 new white oak trees through its annual "Toast the Trees" initiative, hosted in honor of National Bourbon Heritage Month each September. As part of "Toast the Trees," ANGEL'S ENVY pledges to plant one white oak tree for every photo of an ANGEL'S ENVY drink or bottle posted throughout the month of September on social media (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) using the hashtag #ToastTheTrees. ANGEL'S ENVY has increased its goal by 10,000 hashtags this year to further secure the white oak population and, in turn, the future of distilling for generations to come.

"White oak sustainability is incredibly important to the Angel's Envy family, and we're proud to call some attention to the cause across the bourbon community through our 'Toast the Trees' initiative," said Wes Henderson, ANGEL'S ENVY Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer. "After seeing our fans rise to the occasion to help us not just hit, but exceed our target of planting 20,000 trees in 2018, we're excited to raise our goal this year by another 10,000 and continue to do our part to support a healthy white oak population and, in turn, the future growth of bourbon."

Bourbon must legally be aged in new oak barrels, and the white oak tree is the most common type harvested for North American cooperages. Each white oak tree yields between one and three barrels and takes about 70 years to mature. ANGEL'S ENVY launched "Toast the Trees" in 2014 in an effort to raise awareness for the increased need for a healthy and secure white oak tree population, particularly as bourbon's popularity continues to grow both in the U.S. and internationally.

In 2018, ANGEL'S ENVY's "Toast the Trees" initiative garnered 20,724 hashtags that resulted in 20,724 new white oak trees planted in spring 2019. Since the program's inception, ANGEL'S ENVY has planted nearly 45,000 new white oak trees throughout eastern Kentucky and the surrounding Appalachian areas with the Arbor Day Foundation and Green Forests Work.

"We are thrilled by our continued partnership with Angel's Envy," said Dan Lambe, President, Arbor Day Foundation. "We salute Angel's Envy's commitment to responsible forestry and educating America on the importance of tree planting."

Trees from this year's "Toast the Trees" program will be planted in spring 2020.

About ANGEL'S ENVY

ANGEL'S ENVY is the culmination of the late Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson's storied, 40-year career and his son Wes Henderson's desire to create a premium bourbon that embodied his family's deep-rooted passion and knowledge of the industry.

Driven by a craftsman's desire to improve upon his life's work, Lincoln came out of retirement with Wes to create a whiskey masterpiece that would carry on his family's name and legacy — ANGEL'S ENVY.

ANGEL'S ENVY continues to run as a family venture to this day. Wes' sons, Kyle and Andrew, are both an integral part of the company's operation where they serve as Production Manager and Lead Distillery Operator, respectively.

In addition to the flagship Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels, the company offers ANGEL'S ENVY Rye Finished in Rum Barrels and ANGEL's ENVY Cask Strength Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels. Each Expression exhibits a passion for experimenting outside of the conventional, producing unique whiskey steeped in tradition, but with an unexpected finish.

ANGEL'S ENVY opened its new distillery and brand home in 2016. Located at 500 East Main Street, the distillery is the first full-production whiskey distillery in downtown Louisville. The distillery houses all operations from the milling of grains to blending and bottling on site. The gift shop and The Finishing Room tasting experience add to the distillery tour, offering guests a uniquely personal experience in Louisville and the Bourbon Trail.

For more information, please visit us at www.angelsenvy.com, or on:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AngelsEnvyBourbon
Twitter: twitter.com/Angels_Envy (@angels_envy)
Instagram: www.instagram.com/angelsenvy/

About the Arbor Day Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters and valued partners. Since 1972, more than 300 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to help others understand and use trees as a solution to many of the global issues we face today, including air quality, water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty and hunger.

As one of the world's largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees. More information is available at arborday.org.

About Green Forests Work

GFW's vision is to create a renewable and sustainable multi-use resource that will provide economic opportunities while enhancing the local and global environment. By converting reclaimed, non-native grasslands and shrublands into healthy, productive forestland, GFW is effectively addressing two needs of the region. Our reforestation projects provide jobs for equipment operators, nursery workers, and tree planters, and improve the environment by eradicating non-native species, restoring ecosystem services, and mitigating the effects of climate change. With the help of our partners and volunteers, this vision is quickly becoming a reality. Since 2009, we have planted more than 2.8 million trees on across 4,500 acres in eight states and provided opportunities for over 17,000 volunteers to participate in an initiative to heal lands affected by coal mining in Appalachia. More information is available at www.greenforestswork.org/.

PSEG Long Island Employees Help Local Kids Start School Year Off Right

09.17.2019 - 04:23PM

Hundreds of area school children are heading back to class in style thanks to the generosity of PSEG Long Island employees. Throughout the summer, employees in all PSEG Long Island offices donated school supplies for an annual employee-initiated school supply drive.

Thousands of boxes of crayons, pencils and pens, notebooks and binders, rulers, scissors, and other essentials were collected by the company’s Employee Outreach Council (EOC). Then, in assembly line fashion, the various back-to-school items were packed into nearly 400 PSEG Long Island logoed backpacks and distributed by employee volunteers to a variety of grassroots agencies and organizations across Long Island and the Rockaways for area school children to enjoy.

The PSEG Long Island Employee Outreach Council’s mission is to coordinate support for the specific needs of the communities it serves in order to build and strengthen connections between PSEG Long Island, its employees and its neighbors.

Dozens of PSEG Long Island employees also helped several local organizations distribute donated school supplies to children at various events throughout Long Island and the Rockaways hosted by Family Service League, LIADV (Long Island Against Domestic Violence), New Hour, Salvation Army and the United Way.

“So many of our employees raise their hand for these back-to-school events and it’s so heartwarming,” said Suzanne Brienza, PSEG Long Island director of customer experience and utility marketing. “Supporting children in the communities we serve is another way we give back to our customers.”

PSEG Long Island is committed to giving back to the people and communities it serves by actively supporting hundreds of local charity events each year through the company’s Community Partnership Program. Last year, PSEG Long Island employees logged 26,000 service hours, volunteering at 1,145 fundraising and community events to support more than 400 organizations. For more information on how PSEG Long Island supports the communities it serves, visit https://www.psegliny.com/community.

PSEG Long Island
PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system under a long-term contract. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company.

CONTACT

mediarelationsLI@pseg.com

24/7 Pager: 516-229-7248

Sodexo Earns International Recognition at Hobart and William Smith Colleges

09.17.2019 - 04:21PM

Sodexo, a facilities management and a food services company committed to improving Quality of Life, partnered with Hobart and William Smith (HWS) Colleges to earn ISO 55001 certification from the International Standards Organization (ISO) for its Asset Management Framework methodology for facilities.

The ISO 55001 certification at HWS, Sodexo’s first in the United States, validates the establishment, implementation, maintenance and improvement of the company’s physical assets management system in a manner that is predictable and repeatable. The benefit is an optimized life-cycle of the infrastructure and the assets of Hobart and William Smith’s campus, optimized maintenance and investment costs as well as improved day to day availability of all equipment and installations on campus.

“Sodexo’s experience of over 30 years successfully managing facilities at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, made pursuing the operational excellence prescribed by the ISO 55001 standard a logical next step in strengthening our partnership,” says Satya Menard, Sodexo’s Global CEO, Schools & Universities Worldwide. “The opportunities for ISO 55001 certification in the United States are vast. The benefits of this certification for Universities and Schools are not only financial but also qualitative with improved safety and comfort which drive a better life on campuses for the students, faculty and staff.”

“Our longtime partnership with Sodexo is vital to our work providing students with a robust residential higher education experience,” says Carolee White, chief financial officer and vice president of finance and administration at HWS. “This validation by the ISO acknowledges not only the essential and outstanding work of Sodexo employees on campus but their commitment, and that of the Colleges, to push constantly toward better and better services for the HWS community.”

Sodexo selected its operation at HWS for the first deployment of the company’s facilities management methodology, the Asset Management Framework (AMF), based on the strong and longstanding relationship between the Colleges and Sodexo, as well as the strength of the company’s team on campus.

“We are extremely proud to have achieved ISO 55001 certification which attests to our success in delivering best in class operational technical maintenance service,” says Kwabena Okrah, Sodexo’s vice president of asset management and technical services for North America. “The value we create through this certification is in proving success of our AMF methodology, and highlighting the talent of our on-site team. The team’s stewardship of our client’s property has made them a trusted advisor, and their deliberate attention to our client’s intrinsic needs has enabled us to create and sustain an exceptional experience on campus.”

ISO 55001 standard was first published in 2014 and updated in 2016. The creation of ISO 55001 was the result of a collaboration between the British Standards Institute and Sodexo achieving previous success in certifying the operations of facilities of European clients. The data-fueled approach prescribed by ISO 55001 provides benchmark measurements for clients and helps to fine tune decisions or actions to close gaps and achieve operational excellence.

Sodexo Universities has provided full facilities service to the Colleges’ approximate 2,400 students, faculty, staff, and administration employees since August of 1988.

XXX

About Sodexo North America

Sodexo North America is headquartered in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and is part of a global, Fortune 500 company with a presence in 80 countries. Sodexo is a leading provider of integrated food, facilities management and other services that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life for millions of customers in corporate, education, healthcare, senior living, sports and leisure, government and other environments daily. The company employs 150,000 people at 13,000 sites in all 50 U.S. states and Canada and indirectly supports tens of thousands of jobs through its annual purchases of $9.2 billion in goods and services from small to large American businesses. Sodexo is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion and safety, while upholding the highest standards of corporate responsibility and ethical business conduct. In support of local communities across the U.S., the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has contributed close to $32 million over the past 20 years to help feed children in America impacted by hunger. To learn more about Sodexo, visit us.sodexo.com and connect with us on us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

CONTACT
Alexandra Cauberghs

+1 (301) 233-7507

alexandra.cauberghs@sodexo.com

Sodexo

Do You Know What Sustainability Professionals Earn?

09.12.2019 - 02:00PM

Responding to the Bigger Picture: Telstra’s 2019 Sustainability Report

09.12.2019 - 08:00AM

Creating Our Tomorrow, Sustainably Highlights UPS’s Sustainability Progress in Interactive Report

09.10.2019 - 02:00PM

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.

Securing Opportunities. Adding Value.

09.04.2019 - 06:00PM

Discover the Impact of Our Commitment to Sustainability and Diversity in Our 2018 Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

09.04.2019 - 02:00PM

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.

Marathon Oil 2018 Sustainability Report Includes Enhanced Environmental Disclosures

09.04.2019 - 08:00AM

Stockland Releases Flagship Integrated Annual Report

09.03.2019 - 08:00PM

Maximizing Positive Impact: Albemarle Highlights Sustainability Efforts in 2019 Report

09.03.2019 - 08:00AM

Agilent Technologies Releases 2018 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

08.28.2019 - 08:00AM

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Releases 2019 Sustainability Reporting and Announces New Environmental & Social Framework

08.19.2019 - 08:00PM

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

ITV Announces New Social Purpose Targets, and Creates Award-winning Campaigns

08.01.2019 - 08:00AM

Caesars Entertainment Announces Release of its 10th Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report, Marking a Decade of Positive Impact

07.31.2019 - 02:00PM

Calor Publishes 2018 Responsible Business Review

07.19.2019 - 08:00AM

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) holds second Environment, Social and Governance market briefing last month

07.17.2019 - 02:00PM

Teck Releases 2018 Economic Contribution Report

07.17.2019 - 04:00AM

Wine Grounded in Good: Fetzer Vineyards Details Its Regenerative Development Progress

07.15.2019 - 08:00AM

Teva Drives Progress to Address Pressing Global Health Challenges While Maintaining Focus on Compliance

07.11.2019 - 08:00AM

Prudential Financial Sustainability Report Details Financial Resilience, Responsible Impact

07.09.2019 - 08:00AM

Hess Corporation Shows Continued ESG Commitment and Progress in 2018 Sustainability Report

07.08.2019 - 02:00PM

CBRE Releases 2018 Corporate Responsibility Report

07.01.2019 - 08:00AM

Edmond de Rothschild Makes Progress in Building a Sustainable Future

06.28.2019 - 04:00AM

Unum Shares Its Story of Social Responsibility on New Site

06.27.2019 - 02:00PM

Alliance Data Releases 2018 Sustainability Report Including Updated, Balanced Scorecard

06.27.2019 - 08:00AM

HP Sets Industry-leading Recycled Content Target, Drives Progress to Create Lasting Sustainable Impact

06.26.2019 - 02:00PM

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.

Trends in Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting

03.23.2018 - 10:25AM

During a recent ReportAlert webinar, an attendee asked about trends in corporate reporting around CR and sustainability.

To answer, we have invited reporting veteran Tim Woodall and training extraordinaire Nancy Mancilla to share their observations on how corporate reporters are gearing up for 2018 and beyond.

Hear whether integrated reporting continues gathering steam, how brands are incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals into their updates, and how the Brands Taking Stands movement is manifesting itself in ESG disclosures.

This presentation will also include a focus on two platforms designed for companies and NGOs to drive awareness of their corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives – 3BL Media and ReportAlert. Dave Armon, CMO of 3BL Media, will moderate the discussion.

2018 Sustainability and Circular Economy Summit

03.19.2018 - 06:20PM

Join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation May 9—10 in Washington, D.C. for the fourth annual Sustainability and Circular Economy Summit, "Translating Value to Ignite Action."

Gain the practical knowledge, skills, and applications needed to most effectively implement circular economy communication strategies, both within and outside your organization.

Early Bird prices end in less than two weeks, so make sure to register now before it's too late!

For more information, visit: https://goo.gl/UVbR2y

2018 Sustainability Management Conference

03.15.2018 - 02:11PM

Are you responsible for implementing sustainability efforts, or tracking and reporting their results? Is the scope of your sustainability program expanding in all directions?

This conference will offer insights that will help you improve your company’s performance internally and more effectively manage your sustainability data at both ends of the supply chain.

Compliance Management Conference

02.26.2018 - 02:03PM

The basis of an effective EHS program is the strength of its management system and how thoroughly it is integrated into business practices. Focusing on the core of EHS responsibilities, this conference will bring together a diverse group of EHS professionals to discuss the most effective ways to ensure compliance, reduce risk and drive business results. Attend the EHS Compliance Management conference for case studies and interactive dialogue on emerging trends and issues in EHS management including EHS auditing, data management, risk management, and staffing challenges.

Certified Sustainability Practitioner Program, Advanced Edition 2018

01.11.2018 - 09:00AM

This challenging two-day training offered by CSE aims to give you all the latest practical tools and resources required to implement or upscale corporate sustainability in order to drive your initiatives to the next level by generating value and creating effective strategies.

What you will get from the program:

Two days of instruction Become a CMI member for free (Membership cost 200$).
Certified Learning materials (hard copy) and training guide (electronic copy)
Updated case studies from companies such as Apple, Ikea, Unilever and more.
Informative videos from leading sustainable organizations
Sustainability reports related to your sector Sustainability (CSR) Practitioner Certification

Leveraging Technology for Financial Wellness

01.10.2018 - 11:08AM

Join us for a webinar hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and supported by JPMorgan Chase & Co., where representatives from University of North Carolina Center for Community Capital and nonprofit Leaders in Financial Technology (nLIFT) will discuss the potential for technology innovation in the financial services sector – fintech – to increase financial inclusion in the United States.

"Leveraging Technology for Financial Wellness" will explore key trends in fintech investment and adoption – including barriers to adoption – among low- and moderate-income consumers, and the roles that financial institutions, fintech companies, and non-profit intermediaries can play in meeting the needs of underserved consumers.

The webinar will also feature new work from nLIFT around nonprofits leadership in fintech innovations to help facilitate financial inclusion. Register for the webinar today!

2018 International Women's Day Forum

01.04.2018 - 01:35PM

Our eighth annual International Women's Day Forum, Partner With Purpose: Business for Gender Equality, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the U.S. Department of State, will gather the business community, civil society, and government representatives to advance women’s and girls’ empowerment around the globe.

Achieving full gender equality means overcoming a host of complex issues, including many institutional and societal barriers that prevent progress. Tackling these challenges will require creativity and innovation from across sectors.

This year’s forum will focus on how private and public stakeholders can combine their resources, skills, and expertise for greater sustainability and impact. Equality is in reach, but will only be realized through collaboration.

Join more than 300 stakeholders March 6-7, 2018 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC and share how you’re working to achieve gender equality in the workplace, marketplace, and community.

This year's annual International Women's Day Forum topics will include:

• Workforce and Skills Development

• Leadership, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Entrepreneurship and Value Chain

• STEM

• Women in Tech

• The Digital Divide

• Financial Inclusion and Access to Capital

• Women’s Health

• Girls’ Education

• The Care Economy

• Gender-Based Violence

• Gender Data

• Building Capacity of Displaced Girls and Women

• And more!

Learn more and register with early bird pricing between now and February 2!

Business of Kindness - Washington, D.C. Regional Forum

11.03.2017 - 09:04AM

Join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Born this Way Foundation, and Deloitte on November 17, to learn from business leaders, academics, and community partners on why they are championing kindness in the workplace and how you can foster it in yours.

Topics to be discussed include:

How do we create a cultural shift towards kindness?
How do we engage employees at every level to empower kindness inside their companies?
What is inclusivity and what are the best practices to achieving it?
How can you make the business case for kindness in your workplace?
How do you create an environment for safe, honest, and meaningful discussions?

Kindness is priceless and it makes a powerful impact—together, we can work to put kindness front and center.

Opportunity Forward: 2017 Corporate Citizenship Conference

11.03.2017 - 09:02AM

At the most basic level—businesses are problem solvers. From providing invaluable services to innovating new products, the private sector—by design—find opportunity and drive solutions. So it only makes sense that leading businesses are turning their problem-solving abilities to the greatest social issues of our time. From water scarcity to disaster relief, businesses are taking the problems we face head-on and building innovative cross-sector solutions that drive us forward.

The theme of the 2017 Corporate Citizenship Conference is Opportunity Forward. The business community is uniquely-suited to see and embrace the opportunities that lie in the most vexing problems we face. Join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation on November 14—15 to learn how the business community—together with their partners—are taking action and creating solutions today that build greater opportunities and prosperity for all. Featured Speakers include:

Dr. Jerome Adams, Surgeon General of the United States
The Honorable Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, D.C.
The Honorable Greg Fischer, Mayor of Louisville
Chieh Huang, Founder and CEO, Boxed
Lisa Tanzer, President, Life is Good
Ambassador James Glassman, Former Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy; Chairman, Glassman Advisory
Tae Yoo, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Cisco
Ray Dempsey, Jr., Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, BP America; President, BP Foundation
Katie Beirne Fallon, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Hilton

The challenges of today present opportunities for tomorrow. Join us this November to explore how cross-sector innovation and collaboration can drive us forward.

Brand Authenticity Conference in Berlin

10.20.2017 - 03:58PM

Explore how CSR and sustainability are driving brand value and business results across all industries today at the International Trademark Association’s first Brand Authenticity conference.

As consumers demand that their brands represent their values, being transparent about a commitment to CSR has become a central strategy for many brand owners. Ideal for legal and business professionals, and government relations, advertising and marketing specialists, this two-day conference will focus on how all stakeholders play a role in advancing consumer trust and protecting brand value. In particular, it offers brand counsel the information and tools to be conversant with CSR-related issues and be an even more effective strategic partner for business teams and clients.

The conference program will include keynote speakers, networking opportunities and sessions offering expert insight on timely topics such as:

The value of CSR and sustainability
The intersection of trademark protection and regulatory requirements in the new green landscape
How fighting counterfeiting improves our communities and the environment
Sustainability’s impact on financial ratings and investment decisions
Diversity and inclusion for brands and brand professionals
Update on green-related court decisions in Europe

The expert roster includes speakers from: Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (United States); Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. (Belgium); Elipe Limited (United Kingdom); Fjallraven (Sweden); German CSR-Forum (Germany); LEGO System A/S (Denmark); TOMS Shoes Inc. (United States); and others.

To learn more and to register, please visit www.inta.org/2017berlin.

What Works in Employee Financial Wellness Programs

10.10.2017 - 10:53AM

Join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for a webinar on financial wellness programs (FWP) and learn how your business can benefit by creating or expanding your FWP for your employees.

Nearly a quarter of America’s workers deem their financial stress as high or overwhelming, and about 40 percent of workers report they have more financial strain now, than at the beginning of the Great Recession. Employees’ financial stresses manifest themselves at work, resulting in absenteeism and lower productivity. Employers are recognizing the need to implement a FWP for their workforce and the number and sophistication of workplace FWPs has increased since the Great Recession. Employers now face an abundance of options and little objective guidance on how to choose the right program. This webinar will help employers of ranging industries, sizes, backgrounds and interests to learn about workplace FWPs and receive the tools and resources needed to introduce one to your employees.