Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Events, Media & Communications

CEOs and Senior Execs from Dell, Rockwool, Smurfit Kappa, Accedo, Heineken, Grundfos and SC Johnson Will Gather in London to Discuss How to Deliver Social Purpose and Impact

Nov 17, 2016 4:00 AM ET

In light of the recent UK referendum and US election business faces uncertain times. What is a certainty is the need for organisations from across the globe to come together to continue to push the sustainable and responsible business agenda.

Education

21CF Partners with PepsiCo to Launch 'The Search for Hidden Figures' Contest, Empowering Young Women to Pursue STEM Careers

Nov 16, 2016 7:40 PM ET

To celebrate the release of "Hidden Figures," 20th Century Fox's upcoming film following three female African American mathematicians during the 1960's Space Race, 21st Century Fox has teamed with PepsiCo to launch "The Search for Hidden Figures," a contest encouraging young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The contest asks high-school and college students, as well as professionals, to answer essay questions and provide video submissions about the importance of STEM to themselves and the world. More than $200,000 in scholarships and other awards will be granted to the 12 winners, and more will receive membership to the New York Academy of Sciences and other prizes. "Hidden Figures" stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe and more.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Benevity, Inc. Ranks 3rd on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50™ and 22nd on Fast 500™ Companies Lists

Nov 16, 2016 7:00 PM ET

Benevity, Inc. was named one of Canada’s and North America’s fastest growing technology companies today in the 19th annual Deloitte Technology Fast 50™ and Fast 500™ awards. These awards demonstrate bold innovation, dedicated leadership and strong growth. Benevity ranked 3rd in Canada and 22nd in North America and grew 5,870 percent from 2012 to 2015.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Volunteers Bill and Susan Tyson Receive the Edna Silberman Humanitarian Award

Nov 16, 2016 5:10 PM ET

Bill and Susan Tyson, long-time volunteers with Susquehanna Service Dogs in Grantville, Pennsylvania, recently received the Edna Silberman Humanitarian Award. This award is given annually to the person or persons who has made significant contributions to people, the community, and Keystone Human Services, and has played a major role in making Keystone Human Services’ vision real in the lives of others.

Environment

Turn Your Food Waste Into Fertilizer in a Day with Zera (Hands-On)

Nov 16, 2016 5:00 PM ET

WLabs, the arm of Whirlpool Corporation tasked with designing, developing and manufacturing small-batch products on the quirkier side of the spectrum, has found a clever, albeit pricey, alternative to composting.

Innovation & Technology

All Roads Lead to Marrakech: Formula E and COP22 Combat Climate Change

Nov 16, 2016 5:00 PM ET

This week, Formula E race cars will weave their way through the streets of Morocco, a first not only for the city but for the entire continent. And that’s not the only reason all eyes will be on Marrakech: The 2016 FIA Formula E Marrakech ePrix will be the official sporting opening event of the 22nd session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22).

Social Impact & Volunteering

Subaru Encourages Dog Lovers Everywhere to Enjoy the Great Outdoors with Their Dogs as Part of REI #OptOutside Movement

Nov 16, 2016 4:40 PM ET

Today, Subaru of America announced that, through its partnership with REI, it is bringing together two passions of Subaru drivers, the outdoors and pets, to invite dog lovers everywhere to #OptOutside with their four-legged friends on Black Friday. Subaru is encouraging millions across the country to #OptOutside with their pets and share their outdoor adventures on social media leading up to and on Black Friday itself.

Social Impact & Volunteering

A Nonprofit Guide to Quantifying the Value of Pro Bono

Nov 16, 2016 4:00 PM ET

Corporate skills-based volunteerism is on the rise. Today, 54% of companies are offering skills-based volunteering opportunities for their employees. This is good news all around. Good news for companies who are seeing tangible talent development returns; good news for employees who are reporting higher levels of engagement with their company and their community; and good news for nonprofits who are leveraging this influx of talent to build their capacity to serve.

Energy

GM Makes its Largest Green Energy Purchase to Date

Nov 16, 2016 3:45 PM ET

General Motors has made its largest renewable energy procurement to date, purchasing enough wind power to equal the electricity needs of 16 of its U.S. facilities, including business offices in Fort Worth and Austin, Texas, a major assembly and stamping complex in Arlington, Texas, and 13 parts warehouses east of the Mississippi River.

Research, Reports & Publications

Domtar’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions are Less than Half the Average Producer in Asia

Nov 16, 2016 3:15 PM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

How Books Can Help End the Illiteracy Cycle in Our Country and Open Doors for Children

Nov 16, 2016 2:50 PM ET

Kids across the country are headed back to school, but statistics say that more than 10 million children living in poverty in the U.S. do not have books to call their own. With 8,000 students dropping out of high school every day, the time to end the illiteracy cycle in our country is now, and Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF) is working to do just that.

Environment

U.S. Chamber Foundation Launches New Project: “Beyond 34: Recycling and Recovery for A New Economy”

Nov 16, 2016 2:00 PM ET

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today launched a new project, “Beyond 34: Recycling and Recovery for A New Economy.” Focused on breaking through the current 34 percent recycling barrier in the United States, the project will provide a scalable model for improving recycling and recovery rates in order to help communities, cities, and businesses achieve their circular economy and sustainability goals.

Energy

National Grid Joins Nationwide Effort To Raise Awareness Around Utility Customer Scams

Nov 16, 2016 1:35 PM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

How a Disciplined Asset Management Strategy Can Directly Lead to a Better Quality of Life

Nov 16, 2016 1:20 PM ET

Every organization has a mix of assets on its balance sheet. These probably include infrastructure, human resources, financial assets, as well as some “intangibles.” The key to an organization’s success is getting the most value out of each one.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

A Bold Vision for the Future

Nov 16, 2016 1:10 PM ET

At Prevent Child Abuse America, we focus on delivering great childhoods to all children. We know that if we want the next generation of American leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs to be as successful as they can be, we need to ensure that all children are raised in safe, stable and nurturing relationships and environments. We work every day to build a future in which no child is ever abused or neglected.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Jake Peavy and Volunteers of America Upgrade Veterans Transitional Home

Nov 16, 2016 1:00 PM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Arrow Electronics Highlights Startup and Small Biz Support Services at Annual Denver State of Small Business Event

Nov 16, 2016 12:50 PM ET

Arrow Electronics Chief Digital Officer Matt Anderson lent his expertise to a panel on how startup companies and small businesses can access capital and go-to-market resources at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Denver Metro Small Business Development Center annual State of Small Business event earlier this month.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Child-Focused Recruitment: What is It and Why Does It Work?

Nov 16, 2016 12:30 PM ET

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption exists for one reason: To dramatically increase the number of children adopted from foster care. Currently there are more than 130,000 children in the U.S. and Canada waiting for permanent loving homes.

Environment

HPE Stands with More Than 365 Other Leading Businesses Reaffirming Strong Support for the Paris Agreement

Nov 16, 2016 12:15 PM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Tis’ the Season to Give Cheer

Nov 16, 2016 12:00 PM ET

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and while it’s a season of giving gifts to family and friends, it’s also a season of giving gifts to the people and causes that need it most. Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Sanofi Recognized by “Patents for Humanity” Program

Nov 16, 2016 12:00 PM ET

Sanofi announced today that the U.S. Commerce Department’s United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has recognized the company in the prestigious “Patents for Humanity” program. Sanofi has been chosen for an Honorable Mention for its sustained commitment to develop the investigational anti-malarial compound Ferroquine.

Innovation & Technology

Taproot Foundation and NetSuite.org Release a Hands-On Playbook for Companies to Pair Software Product Donations with Pro Bono Service to Maximize Social Impact

Nov 16, 2016 11:30 AM ET

Today at the Social Innovation Summit in Silicon Valley, a global convening of thinkers, practitioners, and leaders in the social impact sector, Taproot Foundation and NetSuite.org are releasing an easy-to-use Product Donations + Pro Bono Service Playbook. This playbook is designed for companies interested in combining pro bono service—donated professional expertise from their employees—with a product donation program, in order to maximize the social impact of their programs.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

United Way of Lake County Strengthens Program Providing At-Risk Children With Access to Care

Nov 16, 2016 11:00 AM ET

United Way of Lake County will expand its high-impact program, Success By 6 Home Visiting, which provides at-risk children with early intervention services and healthcare to ensure they reach age-appropriate developmental milestones, with the support of a $25,000 contribution from Baxter International.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Engaging in the Movement: Leveraging Technology for Good

Nov 16, 2016 10:40 AM ET

Andrew Troup, Director of Corporate Giving & Engagement Strategy at MicroEdge + Blackbaud, explains how the technology you use every day can contribute to greater social good.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Election Weighs Heavily as Sustainable Business Execs Gather in DC

Nov 16, 2016 10:35 AM ET

Congress returned to work Monday for a lame duck session following last week’s election. Today, hundreds of corporate social responsibility (CSR) executives head to Washington hoping their sustainable business missions are not up-ended by a Donald Trump presidency.

The elephant in the room at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's 2016 Corporate Citizenship Conference is whether campaign rhetoric turns into policy, and whether business leaders will stay the course on ambitious social impact and environmental initiatives.

I will be attending the conference, themed “Progress and Purpose,” and will provide updates for 3BL Media during the two-day event. Here’s a link to the agenda, which can be followed on Twitter using the hashtag #USCCFPurpose.