Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Duke Energy Foundation Empowers Florida Students, Teachers and Workforce Through $1.56 Million in Grants

May 30, 2018 2:10 PM ET

Emphasizing the importance of workforce development and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Duke Energy recently awarded more than $1.56 million in grants to 46 Florida-based programs. The grants are administered through the Duke Energy Foundation, which provides philanthropic support to communities served by Duke Energy, with a focus on "K to Career" educational and workforce development initiatives, the environment and community impact.

Research, Reports & Publications

Wells Fargo Releases 2017 CSR Report, Reinforces Commitment to Donate More Than $400 Million to Non-Profits in 2018

May 30, 2018 1:25 PM ET

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) today released its 2017 Corporate Social Responsibility report, which details the significant progress the company made last year to address social, economic, and environmental challenges through its philanthropy, operations, and products and services. In the report, Wells Fargo also reinforces its enhanced commitment to community investments that support economic growth, resiliency, and sustainability, including a pledge to donate $400 million — or more than $1 million a day — to nonprofits in 2018. The company also recently announced that it will provide $200 billion in financing to sustainable businesses and projects by 2030.

Health & Healthcare

Tyson Foods Invests in Community Healthcare Education and Access

May 30, 2018 1:15 PM ET

As part of Tyson Foods’ efforts to raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do and its commitment to support the communities it serves where help is needed most, the company announced today over $600,000 in grants to six community healthcare providers in four states.

Education

VMware Invests in a New Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab at Stanford University

May 30, 2018 12:40 PM ET

At the 3rd annual Women Transforming Technology (WT2) Conference in Palo Alto, with the theme “Inclusion in Action,” VMware (NYSE:VMW) announced it is collaborating with Stanford University to create the VMware Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab, in the pursuit of dramatically improving female representation in leadership positions.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Model Behaviour: How Val Walls is Leading By Example To Engage LGBT + Employees, Customers and Allies at Scotiabank

May 30, 2018 12:25 PM ET

For Val Walls, the energy at Toronto’s Pride Parade feels like “arriving at the top of the mountain.”

A long-time participant in Pride festivities, Val says she looks forward to experiencing the spirit of harmony and togetherness that permeates the event each year.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

How to Strengthen the (Work-Life) Balance Muscle

May 30, 2018 12:25 PM ET

When I had my children more than two decades ago, I went back to work after four weeks. I even hid my pregnancies from my all-male team for as long as I could. I felt that if I didn’t, I’d be judged and my career would suffer.

Environment

Tod Christenson Announces Retirement as BIER’s Executive Director

May 30, 2018 12:10 PM ET

Effective May 31, 2018, Tod Christenson will be formally retiring from his role as Executive Director of the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER). As one of the original founders of the group back in 2006, Tod has been instrumental in the growth and evolution of the roundtable and in the success of its many initiatives.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

PNC Foundation Named a 2018 Silver Halo Award Winner in Education Category for Grow Up Great/DonorsChoose.Org Initiative

May 30, 2018 12:05 PM ET

The PNC Foundation has been named the 2018 Silver Halo Award winner in the Education category for its Grow Up Great/DonorsChoose.org initiative.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Northern Trust Partners in India Visit the Institute for Mentally Handicapped Children

May 30, 2018 11:35 AM ET

Around 70 partners in India visited the Institute for Mentally Handicapped Children (IMHC) and gave the T.V. room a makeover! The volunteers put on their mask, tapped newspaper throughout the room, scrubbed the walls with sandpaper and began painting! As a team, they were able to create a more positive environment for the boys! Kudos to our partners!

Research, Reports & Publications

Americans More Loyal and Willing to Defend Purpose-driven Brands, According to New Research by Cone

May 30, 2018 11:15 AM ET

Nearly eight-in-10 (79%) Americans say they are more loyal to Purpose-driven brands than traditional brands and nearly three-quarters (73%) are more willing to defend them, according to the 2018 Cone/Porter Novelli Purpose Study. The study, examining consumer expectations and behaviors toward companies that lead with Purpose, finds that Purpose-driven brands can build stronger emotional connections with consumers that go far beyond a transactional relationship.

Environment

Go Mobile: Change the Way You Do SPCC

May 30, 2018 11:00 AM ET

Taking advantage of technology, Antea Group brings you the SPCC automation app. Enter SPCC plan details directly into your mobile device.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Smithfield Foods Donates $25,000 to the Luter Family YMCA to Support Youth Development Outreach Programs

May 30, 2018 10:45 AM ET

The Smithfield Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Smithfield Foods, Inc., is pleased to announce a $25,000 donation to the Luter Family YMCA to support community programs that provide children, families, and individuals the support and resources needed to be healthier, more confident, connected, and secure.

Education

Addressing the Challenges Facing Our City’s Public Schools with ‘Principal for A Day’ – Connecting Students to Success!

May 30, 2018 10:35 AM ET

On Tuesday, May 8th, PENCIL, an organization devoted to ensuring the advancement of New York City students, made it possible for business professionals and school leaders to participate in a variety of activities that connected students to successful and caring adults.

Viacom’s very own Khadijah Sharif-Drinkard, Vice President, Associate General Counsel of BALA, participated in the day’s festivities by volunteering at the same high school she attended, A. Philip Randolph High School in Harlem. Khadijah understands the value of a strong education and participated in the event with the goal of sharing her knowledge and expertise with those who could greatly benefit.

Energy

Beat the Heat: Summer Energy-Saving Tips

May 30, 2018 10:35 AM ET

Aside from hitting the beach and soaking up the sun, summer is the time to start preparing your facility for the heat.

Innovation & Technology

Three Ways IBM Is Using Technology to Serve the Public Good

May 30, 2018 10:15 AM ET

Technologies like AI, blockchain, and cloud are enabling us to make significant progress on many thorny social challenges. But without thoughtful stewardship about how these powerful new technologies are designed, developed and brought into the world, they can also be disruptive in a negative way. Companies that are leading the way in developing new technologies must also lead the way in ensuring they are secure, trustworthy, fair, and benefit all people.

Diversity & Inclusion

How Supporting Diverse Suppliers Supports Local Economies and More

May 30, 2018 10:05 AM ET

For entrepreneurs, having a great product or service is only the first step toward success. The next steps include finding capital, connections, contracts and customers. For many woman-owned and minority-owned firms, gaining access to these vital resources can be a challenge.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

The Pfizer Foundation Announces $5 Million Grant to Support Women and Families

May 30, 2018 10:00 AM ET

The Pfizer Foundation* recently announced a $5 million grant recommitment to initiatives that provide family planning access and education for women and men at the same time children are routinely vaccinated.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Small Change, Big Impact: Using Crowdfunding to Invest in Neighborhoods

May 30, 2018 9:40 AM ET

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Mohawk’s Commitment to Sustainability: Circular Economy

May 30, 2018 9:25 AM ET

Why waste it when we can use it? The world’s leading flooring company views waste as an opportunity to create beautiful floor coverings

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Tetra Tech Wins Léonard Award at “Grands Prix du génie-conseil” in Quebec

May 30, 2018 9:00 AM ET

The “Association des firmes de génie-conseil-Québec”(AFG-Québec, Association of Consulting Engineering Firms-Quebec) held the 16th annual “Grands Prix du génie-conseil” event honoring Quebec’s consulting and engineering experts and the industry’s best projects. Tetra Tech was nominated in 4 out of 11 categories, including Industry, Urban Infrastructures, Environment, and Consulting Engineering Mentor of the Year.

Research, Reports & Publications

A Commitment That Begins With Patients: Amgen 2017 Responsibility Highlights Report

May 30, 2018 9:00 AM ET

As one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, Amgen’s greatest contribution to society comes from discovering and developing innovative medicines to treat patients suffering from serious illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. In undertaking this important work, Amgen makes a positive contribution in numerous other areas—which we share in our 2017 Responsibility Highlights Report.

Sustainable Development Goals

Cerro Verde, a Freeport-McMoRan Company, Supports Early Childhood Education in Arequipa

May 30, 2018 8:45 AM ET

Cerro Verde, a Freeport-McMoRan company, is constructing a new school building for early childhood education. Children who live in the neighborhood of Congata, in the Uchumayo district of Arequipa, Peru, will attend the new school buildings in the fall of 2018. The new building complex for the school will include classrooms for three-year-olds, as well as a multipurpose lounge, administrative offices and a cafeteria.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Ready for Summer: SC Johnson Community Aquatic Center Opens

May 30, 2018 8:00 AM ET

Just in time for summer, a celebration will be held today to commemorate the grand opening of the SC Johnson Community Aquatic Center, the first aquatic center to be developed in Racine County, located in Racine’s Pritchard Park. The Aquatic Center is funded by a $6.5 million donation from SC Johnson, and will open to the public June 2.

Research, Reports & Publications

Coca-Cola European Partners Releases 2017 Stakeholder Progress Report

May 30, 2018 5:00 AM ET

Coca‑Cola European Partners (ticker symbol: CCE) today launched its latest Stakeholder Progress Report, outlining key achievements in the company’s sustainability journey in 2017. The report comes six months following the launch of This is Forward, Coca‑Cola European Partners’ (CCEP) joint sustainability action plan with The Coca‑Cola Company in Western Europe that sets out commitments across six areas including drinks, packaging, and society – to be met by 2025.

Education

In Partnership With National Geographic, the Breakthrough Junior Challenge 2018 Is Now Open for Submissions!

May 29, 2018 7:45 PM ET

National Geographic has joined forces with the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, an annual global competition for students, designed to inspire creative thinking about science.