Abbott Named One of the Top 20 Community-Minded Companies

Abbott was named one of America’s most community-minded companies in "The Civic 50" ­survey, the first comprehensive ranking of S&P 500 corporations that best use their time, talent and resources to improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business.  Abbott ranked No. 19 on the list, which was conducted by the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) and Points of Light, in partnership with Bloomberg LP. 

Bloomberg BusinessWeek highlighted Abbott as one of the top companies on the list; click here to see photos and additional information.

Abbott's civic work focuses on addressing unmet societal needs that directly align with the company's business, including expanding access to health care and advancing science education. This allows the company to apply its core capabilities, expertise, products and resources, working in partnership with organizations in communities across the U.S. and around the world.

The contributions of company volunteers and the donation of critical products are an important part of Abbott's approach to corporate giving. Employees are donating their time and expertise through innovative programs designed to help address critical community needs, including the following examples:

• Abbott volunteers and products help coastal communities prepare in advance of hurricanes; 
   
• Abbott scientists and engineers help advance science education in local communities;
   
• Abbott scientists, engineers and other experts are helping to address malnutrition; and
   
• Abbott scientists volunteer their time and expertise to help find new treatments for neglected diseases

Companies were evaluated on seven specific metrics:  leadership, measurement and strategy, design, employee civic health, community partnerships, cause alignment and transparency. Winning companies employed increasingly sophisticated tools to measure the impact of community engagement and alignment of these programs with their business’ core competencies.  More than two-thirds of the top 50 companies say they “frequently” or “always” use the professional skills of their workforce to address social issues and real community challenges.  Sixty-six percent of the top 50 say they have “mission-level” alignment with the community partners, meaning they work with them on the highest strategic level, not just on individual programs or events.

For more information about the Civic 50 rankings, please visit www.businessweek.com/interactive_reports/civic_50_2012.html.  An article on the rankings also will appear in the November 12-18, 2012 issue of Bloomberg Businessweek.