ESG News from Leading Brands

Education

Michael Weiner Scholarship Recipient Susannah Maltz Sees Critical Need to Protect Workers’ Rights

Mar 24, 2017 6:00 PM ET

Maltz believes the Players Association’s record of accomplishment over 50-plus years serves the greater labor movement as a visible example of the gains workers can achieve when they stick together and form cohesive unions.

Environment

Three Companies Leveraging World Water Day to Amplify Water Commitments

Mar 24, 2017 6:00 PM ET

World Water Day took place on Wednesday March 22 and aimed to bring awareness to the global water crisis. Based on the multitude of campaigns, it’s clear that companies are taking note and are motivated to make a difference in the global fight to protect our most precious natural resource.

Diversity & Inclusion

Booz Allen Hamilton’s Problem Solvers Campaign Celebrates Women of Color in STEM Careers

Mar 24, 2017 4:20 PM ET

While the names and enormous accomplishments of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson were left out of history books, these brilliant African American women are now getting the recognition they deserve with the release of the blockbuster film “Hidden Figures” in 2016.

Social Impact & Volunteering

First-Ever National Geographic Teen Service Award Honors Young People Fighting Illiteracy and Climate Change in Their Communities

Mar 24, 2017 4:00 PM ET

21st Century Fox’s National Geographic has selected three high school students as the recipients of the National Geographic Student Expeditions Inaugural Teen Service Award, a new program recognizing young people who have demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in their communities. Alexa Grabelle, Delaney Reynolds, and Kaimana Idica will each receive $500 college scholarships, and Grabelle, as the grand prize winner, will embark on a National Geographic Community Service Expedition to Fiji this summer. The awards program is one of the many ways National Geographic continues to empower the next generation of global citizens and explorers.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan Supports Keep Maryland Beautiful's Affiliation with Keep America Beautiful

Mar 24, 2017 3:35 PM ET

Members of the Maryland Housing and Community Development Neighborhood Revitalization team joined Deputy Secretary Tony Reed and Keep America Beautiful's Senior Vice President/Recycling Brenda Pulley in Baltimore's Waverly neighborhood on March 20 for the launch of Keep Maryland Beautiful, coinciding with the launch of Keep America Beautiful's Great American Cleanup.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Consumers Energy Foundation Contributes $150,000 to Provide Access for Free Tax Assistance, Support 2-1-1

Mar 24, 2017 3:15 PM ET

The Consumers Energy Foundation announced today that it has contributed $150,000 to support free tax preparation services and Michigan’s 2-1-1 network– resources that help families and individuals statewide as they receive their final heating bills from this winter.

Events, Media & Communications

Free Webinar on Safety and Security

Mar 24, 2017 2:45 PM ET

According to the FBI’s most recent data, there were almost 8 million property crime offenses in the United States in 2015. And, according to Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) estimates, roughly 2 million employees per year are affected by some form of workplace violence.

Energy

Prepay Energy as a Gateway for Customer Engagement

Mar 24, 2017 2:00 PM ET

The concept of prepay in the utility space has historically been viewed as utility-centric, complex and cumbersome. Today, the bar has been raised, as customers expect more options, flexibility and visibility regarding the services they receive. What was once a service focused on addressing the needs of the utility has shifted over time to offer a balanced set of benefits that address the needs of both the utility and the customer.

Social Impact & Volunteering

10 Steps to a Successful Corporate Volunteer Program: A Conversation with Roger Hancock of CSAA Insurance Group

Mar 24, 2017 1:25 PM ET

In this episode of the Champions for Social Good Podcast, Jamie Serino speaks with Roger Hancock, Manager of Community Affairs for CSAA Insurance Group about how to build a robust corporate giving program.

Diversity & Inclusion

How Generation Z will Change the Workplace

Mar 24, 2017 1:15 PM ET

Members of Generation Z, the youngest generational cohort, are beginning to enter the workforce. Raised in the era of constant communication and instant gratification, these individuals pave the way for a restructuring of our current workforce. As thought leaders, our job not only calls upon us to monitor workplace trends, but to recognize who influences these changes and the challenges and opportunities they present in the workplace.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

UPS Honored as WBENC Top Corporation for Women Business Enterprises

Mar 24, 2017 12:30 PM ET

UPS (NYSE:UPS), in partnership with the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), is proud to be included on the 17th annual list of America's Top Corporations for Women's Business Enterprises (WBEs) – the only national award honoring corporations for world-class supplier diversity programs that reduce barriers and drive growth for women-owned businesses.

Environment

The Balance: Orvis Video Shows Why We Must Act Now to Save the Everglades

Mar 24, 2017 12:30 PM ET

Orvis has made protecting the Everglades the focus of our conservation efforts this year, and our CEO, Perk Perkins, has been leading the charge by taking out a full-page ad in the Miami Herald, meeting with state legislators to lobby in support of pro-Everglades legislation, and writing op eds.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Digital Remittances and Global Financial Health

Mar 24, 2017 12:20 PM ET

In 2015, there were 244 million international immigrants – the highest number ever recorded and up 12 million from 2013.[i] The 2016 numbers will no doubt be higher. Many immigrants move to new countries in search of a better life. Some are escaping poverty, war, or famine; others are seeking an education; and some simply want to start anew. These immigrants often sign a social contract with their families to send back money – remittances – for support or to invest in local opportunities.

Diversity & Inclusion

Meet Yolanda Carter, Operations Supervisor

Mar 24, 2017 12:00 PM ET

We’re celebrating Women’s History Month this March by introducing you to 10 women who help power your life at Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. They advance our company with their vision, talent, hard work and creativity. These trailblazing women – including a nuclear engineer, astrophysicist and lineman – reveal inspiring stories of persistence, pluck and achievement in largely male-dominated fields. A diverse workplace isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a competitive necessity. Today, meet Yolanda Carter, an Operations Supervisor based in Nashville, Tenn.

Environment

MGM Resorts Joins World Observance of Earth Hour 2017

Mar 24, 2017 11:00 AM ET

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) will recognize Earth Hour, the global effort to raise awareness of climate change, by dimming the exterior lights at 18 of its properties worldwide March 25.

Diversity & Inclusion

#WomensHistoryMonth at Cox Enterprises: Get to Know Kim Guthrie

Mar 24, 2017 10:35 AM ET

In celebration of Women's History Month, female leaders from across Cox Enterprises are sharing insights from their experience throughout the month of March. Kim Guthrie is Cox Media Group’s president.

Environment

68 AEG Venues in Seven Countries Set to Participate in World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour

Mar 24, 2017 10:00 AM ET

On Saturday, March 25, 68 AEG stadiums, arenas, theatres, clubs, convention centers and teams in 36 cities, seven countries and four continents will “go dark” in support of World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Earth Hour, a worldwide grassroots movement to unite people in protecting the planet.

Social Impact & Volunteering

This Free Course on Employee Volunteering Is What You've Been Looking For!

Mar 24, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Transform employee volunteerism with free online course ‘Empathy in Motion: The Power of Employee Volunteering’

Responsible Production & Consumption

PepsiCo's Roberta Barbieri on Managing Water Risk Throughout the Supply Chain

Mar 24, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Roberta Barbieri, vice president of global water and environmental solutions at PepsiCo, spoke to GreenBiz senior writer Heather Clancy at GreenBiz 17 about the company’s updated targets to mitigate water risk.

Health & Healthcare

Harnessing Online Networks to Improve Patient Care

Mar 24, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Our pharmacovigilance centre of excellence collects publically available data from social media and filters out unrelated information and anything that would infringe patient privacy. The Centre’s analysis is helping us to understand the benefits of our products, alert us to unexpected adverse effects, and evaluate the misuse of drugs.

Environment

How to Properly Recycle Electronics Avoiding Environment, Human Rights Abuse

Mar 24, 2017 9:50 AM ET

Electronics recycling often involves a complex, multi-step supply chain. Many of the downstream operations are in the developing world, where waste is exported for treatment. Once it arrives for processing, oversight can be minimal.

Social Impact & Volunteering

AkzoNobel and MasterPeace Join Forces to Color 100 "Walls of Connection"

Mar 24, 2017 9:35 AM ET

People living in more than 40 countries around the world are to benefit from a partnership between AkzoNobel and global peace movement MasterPeace which will involve painting 100 walls.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Easing Transition to Civilian Life for Women Veterans

Mar 24, 2017 9:05 AM ET

Women make up 15 percent of US active duty troops, and they often face unique challenges during their deployment—and after they come home. Unlike veterans with physical wounds, post-traumatic stress disorder, or adjustment problems such as substance abuse or depression, who can look to the VA and other groups for help, many who don’t have such issues also may struggle to readjust. Two BU School of Medicine researchers are building the Women Veterans Network (WoVeN) to help women who have served to thrive in civilian life.

Research, Reports & Publications

PNC Continues to Advance Its Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility

Mar 24, 2017 9:05 AM ET

Similar to a community’s “Main Street,” PNC helps its people, cities, neighborhoods and local businesses. As a Main Street bank, PNC is committed to delivering on each of its strategic priorities while looking out for the best interests of all stakeholders, including customers, communities, employees and shareholders.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

WTRMLN WTR Partners with Whole Planet Foundation® To Alleviate Poverty

Mar 24, 2017 9:00 AM ET