ESG News from Leading Brands

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

GRI and Switzerland Partner to Foster Job Opportunities in the Developing World

Sep 5, 2016 10:00 AM ET

Today, GRI and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) announced the start of the second phase of the Corporate Sustainability and Reporting for Competitive Business (CSRCB) program, which helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the developing world, use sustainability reporting to gain better access to global value chains. Entering global value chains will contribute to creating more job and income opportunities in the target countries.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

GRI Podcasts: Beyond Reports - Episode 7, Dr. Suman Majumdar

Sep 5, 2016 9:45 AM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Insurance, Social Impact, and Profit

Sep 5, 2016 9:00 AM ET

When you think about insurance companies, do you think about social impact? It’s likely not the first thing that comes to mind, but FSG client Skandia has realized the significant impact they can create by helping prevent risks rather than just insuring against them.

Education

University of Cambridge and the Amgen Foundation Inspire Future Science Leaders at Unique Europe Symposium

Sep 5, 2016 1:00 AM ET

Top scientific minds from across Europe will descend on the University of Cambridge September 5-6, as the Amgen Scholars Europe Symposium brings together leading scientists and 101 star pupils from 59 colleges and universities across 25 countries to exchange ideas and experiences gleaned from a unique summer research placement initiative.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Whirlpool Corp. and Lake Forest Middle School Join BEST Program

Sep 2, 2016 6:25 PM ET

For more than 24 years, the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce has united businesses with local schools to benefit both “best.” BEST, an acronym for Business & Education Serving Together, is a workforce development initiative of the Chamber of Commerce that seeks through these partnerships to enhance the quality of life for the community and provide business support for educational programs.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Over 1,000 Local Teachers Receive Classroom Supplies Donated by MGM Resorts International’s Las Vegas employees

Sep 2, 2016 4:00 PM ET

MGM Resorts International is committed to supporting public education and the teachers in our community. For the 8th year, employees from the company’s Las Vegas resorts came together during the company’s annual Back to School Drive to donate classroom supplies to teachers from the Clark County School District (CCSD).

Environment

General Motors Corporate Responsibility Newsletter - September 2016

Sep 2, 2016 3:25 PM ET

General Motors has recently teamed up with the White House in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Air Force and the Army, and the Environmental Protection Agency to engage key stakeholders that can lead the expansion of EV charging infrastructure.

Environment

Agriculture, Food, Environmental Leaders Launch Effort to Support Farmers, Strengthen Conservation in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska

Sep 2, 2016 3:00 PM ET

For the first time ever, leading food and agriculture supply chain companies and conservation organizations have formed an “end-to-end” partnership to support farmers in the improvement of soil health and water quality. The collective announced today the launch of the Midwest Row Crop Collaborative — a broad-based effort to support, enhance, and accelerate the use of environmentally preferable agricultural practices already underway in Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Major Leaguers Around the League Unite to Strike Out Cancer

Sep 2, 2016 2:30 PM ET

Jason Motte, Billy Hamilton and Anthony Rizzo might be rivals on the field, but today they are on the same team – the K Cancer Team – uniting to help Strike Out Cancer.

Environment

Collaborative Solutions to Bring Real Change to Drought-Stricken California

Sep 2, 2016 2:30 PM ET

The theme at this year’s World Water Week is Sustainable Growth, and I’m here, along with thousands of global water experts, to talk policy action for addressing the world’s most critical water problems that threaten the livelihood of communities and threaten business and investment risks.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Disneyland Resort Helps Local Community Shine During Diamond Anniversary

Sep 2, 2016 2:25 PM ET

The Disneyland Resort has been proud to call the city of Anaheim home for more than 60 years. To celebrate our 60th Diamond Anniversary, and thank residents in Anaheim and across Southern California, Disneyland Resort created several new programs designed to positively impact children and families today and for many years to come. As part of this celebration, Disneyland Resort contributed more than $4.4 million to local nonprofits in Anaheim and throughout the region, which is in addition to our annual giving of $19 million in 2015.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Ecolab Is Working to Solve the World’s Water Challenges

Sep 2, 2016 2:00 PM ET

Fresh water is the world’s most precious natural resource. Water is critical for survival and to the production of the food we consume and products we use every day, but increasing demand is putting unprecedented pressure on the world’s limited supplies.

Innovation & Technology

Weight. Weight. Don’t Tell Me. - The Dicey Nature of Ewaste Reduction Targets

Sep 2, 2016 1:00 PM ET

E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world and it’s only natural to want to set goals to reduce it.

Health & Healthcare

Spotting Trends in Population Health Management

Sep 2, 2016 12:25 PM ET

Did you know that 40 percent of an individual’s well-being is determined by healthy behaviors, while medical care determines just 10 percent? It’s true, and it makes the point that you are what you eat. Eighty-six percent of U.S. healthcare dollars are spent on the treatment of chronic, often preventable health issues linked to an unhealthy diet such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Education

Meet Christelle Rigal from France

Sep 2, 2016 11:50 AM ET

"New ideas on how to teach science and practical skills" are how Christelle describes two of the great benefits Amgen Teach brings to her classes. An earth and life sciences teacher with nine years' experience.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Reducing Our Impact with Water Recovery

Sep 2, 2016 11:30 AM ET

Tetra Pak shares water conservation practices to help companies better manage water resources and meet water recovery goals.

Events, Media & Communications

It's Time To Support Healthy Materials at the Living Product Expo

Sep 2, 2016 10:00 AM ET

We are on the verge of a new era of regenerative manufacturing. Companies like Bureo, Owens Corning and Humanscale are using the framework of the Living Product Challenge to redefine sustainable products.

Environment

Kimberly-Clark's Unconventional Mindset Is Making Alternative Fibers A Reality

Sep 2, 2016 9:15 AM ET

We are committed to reducing our impact on natural forests, and we’re going to great lengths to find alternatives to traditional sources of fiber used for manufacturing paper towels and tissues.

Education

KFC U.S. Reach Grant Program Expands to Include All KFC Restaurant Employees

Sep 2, 2016 9:05 AM ET

All KFC U.S. restaurant employees at participating restaurants can now apply for college tuition assistance through the recently expanded KFC REACH Educational Grant Program.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Using Technology to Focus Disaster Response

Sep 2, 2016 9:05 AM ET

The $25 million disaster commitment by Walmart and the Walmart Foundation includes grants for technologies that will accelerate and focus disaster relief efforts.

Innovation & Technology

HP’s Maker Space

Sep 2, 2016 8:40 AM ET

Projected to open this Spring, the HP Maker Space in Boise, Idaho will help grow the maker spirit globally at HP

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Volkswagen Teams With Giuliana Rancic’s Fab-U-Wish and The Pink Agenda to Auction Off Limited-Edition #Pinkbeetle to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Sep 1, 2016 5:00 PM ET

Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA), in collaboration with Giuliana Rancic and The Pink Agenda, today announced the auction of the limited-edition 2017 Volkswagen #PinkBeetle.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Proceeds From Sale of HGTV's ‘Brother vs. Brother’ Renovated Homes Benefit Rebuilding Together

Sep 1, 2016 4:30 PM ET

Responsible Production & Consumption

Global Brands are Committing to Chemical Transparency

Sep 1, 2016 4:10 PM ET

In just the last few years, there has been a positive trend of leading global brands such as Walmart, Target and Nike that have made visible commitments to both chemical transparency and cutting down hazardous chemicals along their supply chains. Furthermore, many brands are starting to collaborate with NGOs and other industry experts to create momentum around achieving transparency goals.

Events, Media & Communications

Dexter Fowler and Bryce Harper to Co-Host MLB Players Trust's 13th Annual Golf Tournament

Sep 1, 2016 3:00 PM ET

A pair of Major League All-Stars, Dexter Fowler of the Chicago Cubs and Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals, are looking for a full-house when they co-host the Major League Baseball Players Trust’s 13th annual fundraising golf tournament and third annual MGM Grand Poker Tournament to benefit the Players Trust in Las Vegas, January 11 & 12, 2017.