ESG News from Leading Brands

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Biking Across America for Children in Foster Care

Aug 22, 2016 11:00 AM ET

It’s country music capital of the world, you can buy cowboy boots on sale and you might even see Blake Shelton take to The Stage on any given day….but this weekend Nashville was just the next stop on Ed Anderson’s cross- country bike ride to raise $1 million for the children in the U.S. foster care system.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Meet The Garden of Giving - 2016 Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser Winner

Aug 22, 2016 10:40 AM ET

Since its inception in 2004, the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser has grown to be the largest single fundraiser event in Monroe County, giving back more than $2 million to the community. More than 480 community enthusiasts attended this year’s event, titled “Keeping It Close to Home.” Event founder, Diamond Sponsor and host Sanofi Pasteur once again covered all event costs. As a result, 100 percent of ticket sales and sponsorships directly benefitted the non-profit recipients.

Environment

Three Strategic Options for Managing Acquired Environmental Liabilities

Aug 22, 2016 10:30 AM ET

As companies strive to remain competitive and profitable in today’s uncertain economy, asset transactions continue to play a leading role in their efforts to transform, adapt and re-invent themselves. A well-thought out and well-executed acquisition can bask even the most gloomy of balance sheets in sunshine by bringing rapid revenue growth, added geographic coverage, a complimentary value offering to customers or even entry to a more favorable space in a competitive market.

Unfortunately, many of these acquisitions also harbor a “shady” spot or two that comes in the shape of legacy environmental liabilities. Acquiring liabilities is not entirely negative – typically this is an unavoidable part of getting the deal done, and many times it devalues the total asset asking price favorably

Education

FedEx Donates $1 Million to National Urban League Work Force Development Programs

Aug 22, 2016 10:20 AM ET

FedEx is investing $1 million in the National Urban League (NUL) as part of its FedEx Cares initiative to build a stronger workforce by creating pathways to meaningful employment for underserved communities.

Research, Reports & Publications

Taproot Foundation Releases Highlights from the U.S. Pro Bono Summit: The Upshot

Aug 22, 2016 10:10 AM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Food is More than Just Food When it’s Fortified with Nutrients that Billions Would Otherwise Lack

Aug 22, 2016 10:10 AM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Final Days to Nominate Environmental Volunteers for Atlanta’s 2016 Cox Conserves Heroes Awards Program

Aug 22, 2016 10:05 AM ET

Channel 2 WSB-TV, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land, is honoring environmental volunteers through the 2016 Cox Conserves Heroes program.

Energy

New Ingersoll Rand® Rotary Screw Air Compressors with Variable Speed Drive Increase Energy Efficiency by up to 35 Percent

Aug 22, 2016 10:00 AM ET

Ingersoll Rand®, a global leader in compression technologies and services, has introduced new models to its revolutionary line of Next Generation R-Series compressors, which incorporate the latest advancements in variable speed drive (VSD) technology to increase air flow output by up to 15 percent, reduce energy costs by up to 35 percent and increase system reliability.

Environment

Who We Are Is What We Leave Behind | There Is No Away

Aug 22, 2016 9:00 AM ET

Responsible Production & Consumption

Fyffes: Valuing the Workforce to Improve Performance

Aug 22, 2016 9:00 AM ET

Fyffes’ CR policies apply best practices that improve business performance — and support employees. Miranda Ingram reports…

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

The Business Case for Generating Mutual Value

Aug 22, 2016 9:00 AM ET

The correlation between responsible business practices and profitability has become increasingly apparent as communities, governments and employees hold companies accountable for generating mutual value. Defining that value in relevant terms is equally important – and accomplished through long-term relationships with stakeholders.

Innovation & Technology

Just Add Water—Cooking Up Successful Corporate-NGO Partnerships

Aug 22, 2016 9:00 AM ET

What do you get when you combine a quarter cup of water with table salt and a zap from a car battery? Enough chlorine to purify 200 liters of drinking water.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

LIVESTRONG and RideAustin Partner to Raise Money for People Affected by Cancer

Aug 22, 2016 8:00 AM ET

Innovation & Technology

2016 Ideagen Power 100 Lists - Individuals and Organizations Empowering Women & Girls Across the Planet

Aug 19, 2016 5:55 PM ET

The Annual 2016 Ideagen Power 100 List of Individuals Empowering Women and Girls provides us with the opportunity to highlight leaders and luminaries, CEO’s and actors, ambassadors and presidents, most importantly the list is qualitative and a spotlight on these individuals from across sectors, individuals that are changing the world with their ideas, leadership and vision to empower women and girls!

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Five Recovery Steps for Business Owners in Louisiana

Aug 19, 2016 4:00 PM ET

Our hearts are with the communities in Louisiana dealing with the devastating flooding. In this time of need the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation provides resources and tools to help small businesses recover after disaster strikes. Our Disaster Help Desk for Business 1-888-MY-BIZ-HELP provides one-on-one advice and expertise to help you navigate the recovery process, supported by the Office Depot Foundation. Our Disaster Recovery Quick Guides also have tailored tips for small businesses and chambers.

Innovation & Technology

The Drawer of Many Cords

Aug 19, 2016 4:00 PM ET

For a long time, I’ve wanted to teach a course in popular literature exploring how social change is reflected in book series. When prolific authors’ works span years, even decades, you can see how social issues emerge and attitudes change.

Research, Reports & Publications

Improving Sustainability at the Caterpillar Job Site

Aug 19, 2016 4:00 PM ET

Caterpillar recognizes that our customers need to realize the full value of their assets and we work to go “beyond the iron” to increase asset utilization. Designed and delivered by the Caterpillar Job Site Solutions team in partnership with Cat® dealers, these solutions help customers address areas of safety, sustainability, equipment, productivity and financials.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers Encourages Others to Rise to the Challenge

Aug 19, 2016 3:30 PM ET

Clayton Kershaw can often be found on the mound when he’s at Dodger Stadium. Last Thursday, however, he found himself behind a ping pong table, alongside celebrities and teammates for the 4th annual PingPong4Purpose event.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Here's Progress, the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Way

Aug 19, 2016 3:20 PM ET

One cornerstone of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s sustainability strategy, albeit somewhat self-serving, centers on encouraging the use of information technology for "social good."

Social Impact & Volunteering

Timberland Factory Strives for Excellence in Craftsmanship and Service

Aug 19, 2016 3:15 PM ET

The Stratham, N.H. based outdoor lifestyle brand, Timberland, strives to make its products responsibly, protect the outdoors and serve its communities. All of these efforts recently converged at Timberland’s factory in the Dominican Republic (DR), where it recognized employee volunteer champions with a unique day-long celebration of service. The factory employs more than 3,000 skilled workers who pour their craftsmanship into 3.9 million shoes on average every year, and also contribute to their community through Timberland’s Path of Service™ program.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Corporate Giving: Tips for Assessing Impact

Aug 19, 2016 2:00 PM ET

Dear Andy: My organization is spending money on grants, donations, and sponsorships. The problem is we don’t have any idea whether we’re having the impact we’d hoped for. Further, my team is constantly being asked by executives for reports that slice & dice data we don’t even collect. How can we assess the full impact of our Corporate Giving? ----- Lost with Zero Visibility

Environment

Keep Brevard Beautiful and Partners Launch New Lagoon Friendly Lawns Program to Combat Nutrient Pollution

Aug 19, 2016 1:35 PM ET

Protecting Florida’s Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America, can now start right in a Brevard County resident’s backyard with Keep Brevard Beautiful’s new Lagoon Friendly Lawns program.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Resources for Businesses Affected by Louisiana Flooding

Aug 19, 2016 1:30 PM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Wendy’s Franchisee Keeps Pedaling for Kids in Foster Care

Aug 19, 2016 12:05 PM ET

Ed Anderson, Wendy’s franchisee, is riding his bike across the country to help the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption find homes for “unadoptable” children. We catch up with Ed after a grueling day of biking across 91 miles of hills… Hear his update from Louisville….25 percent through his race!

Diversity & Inclusion

IIE’s Women Enhancing Technology Program Celebrates the Achievements of the Next Generation of Female Tech Leaders in India

Aug 19, 2016 12:00 PM ET

Multinational corporations and local students are coming together in a grassroots effort to enable new opportunities and empower women in technology and entrepreneurship.