IEMA Workshop: A unique course for CSR Professionals hosted by CSE in Chicago March 25 - 26, 2010

(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) Chicago, IL - January 10, 2010 - Developing Corporate Sustainability Strategies is gradually becoming one of the key issues in managers’ agenda for both global and local enterprises. As the challenge has moved from “whether” to integrate corporate social, environmental, and economic impacts into management decisions, to “how” to formulate a sustainability orientated strategy to meet corporate stakeholders’ needs, the implementation of a strategy is revealing the degree of commitment and actions towards social responsiveness. 

Therefore, the main paradox revealed here is meeting the social and environmental performance requirements while creating financial value. While the drive for corporate strategies that integrate social, environmental, and economic Impacts is mainly from external pressures (such as government regulation, marketplace demands, competitors’ actions, or pressure from non-governmental organizations), managers now tend to notice the potential impact on long-term corporate profitability.

More important they tend to see the relationship between stakeholder input and engagement and the financial value for the corporation through enhanced revenues and lower costs. It is through the identification, measurement, and management of sustainability impacts that they can improve performance and drive growth. The management commitment to sustainability from a core value now needs to become a tool, a detailed model, a measurement system and guidance procedure in order to meet expectations for actions and results. And regardless of whether this concern is for society and environment, government regulation, stakeholder concerns, or economic profit, managers must make significant changes to effectively manage social, economic, and environmental impacts; they must integrate them to the corporate culture, to the way the company does business. The greater challenge whoever remains: How to turn corporate social responsibility into a competitive advantage!

Now more than ever it is critical to understand how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can increase efficiency and be cost-effective in a growing, developing, and highly competitive industry that is dramatically shifting standards and priorities in strategic development.

The Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) has a global network of partners that have made them Europe’s leading sustainability and strategic consulting organization. Specializing in sustainable development solutions for corporations, CSE is launching their inaugural North American Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) certification workshop, a unique two day intensive program for executives and sustainability professionals to acquire the skills and competencies required to grow and to become qualified CSR practitioners. The workshop will be hosted by world-renowned sustainability pioneers and experts in Chicago, Illinois at the Talbott Hotel, 20 East Delaware Place, Chicago, IL 60611, March 25 - 26, 2010.

The CSR Practitioner’s workshop is certified by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), and is designed for all professionals responsible for the management of CSR, Marketing, and Public Relation activities. General Managers, Public Relations Managers and Sustainability and Environmental Professionals will advance their CSR understanding, acquire the skill and knowledge that will bring added value and authenticity to their company, and also earn an official business qualification. 

The ultimate goal of the CSE workshop in North America is to provide the tools and training that will instill the growing importance of corporate social responsibility into company strategy and also help demonstrate ethical business practices. This will in turn build corporate and community recognition in sustainable business through the examination of current best practices. With specialized, detailed and highly focused training, the CSE workshop will cover:

• CSR & Sustainable Development Concepts

• Global Warming & Climate Change Issues

• Future trends & legislation in the U.S. & Worldwide on Corporate Responsibility

• The Stakeholder Approach & CSR

• CSR Communication & Reporting

• Global Standards/Models/Guidelines & Tools for practical CSR integration (GRI, UN Global Compact, EFQM)

• A CSR Action Plan for your organization (prerequisite for CSR practitioner Qualification)

To request additional information, contact David at info@cse-northamerica.org or visit the CSE website at www.cse-northamerica.org.