Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Roots and Wings Team Wins Tenth Annual U.S. Strategy Challenge

May 24, 2018 1:05 PM ET

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) today announced the completion of the tenth annual U.S. Strategy Challenge, a ten-week program in which top-performing Morgan Stanley employees provide pro-bono strategic advice to nonprofit organizations on mission critical challenges. This year, nine nonprofits participated in the program, and Morgan Stanley teams presented final strategic recommendations for each nonprofit in a competition at Morgan Stanley’s New York headquarters on May 23.

Green Infrastructure

A Better Approach to Sustainability Is a Better Approach to Business

May 24, 2018 1:05 PM ET

Is sustainability really good for business? We at Mohawk have proven the answer is unequivocally yes. We have seen firsthand that being a leader in the flooring industry and being able to leave a handprint — or net positive impact — are not mutually exclusive.

Environment

Empowering a California Asparagus Farmer to Conserve Water Through IoT Connectivity

May 24, 2018 12:50 PM ET

Being an organic farmer can be challenging. Farmers are faced with constant pricing pressures from conventional competitors and, in places like California, water limitations and labor shortages also can be an obstacle. That’s why many organic farmers are looking for solutions to help them be more innovative and efficient in growing their crops.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Red Nose Day VIDEO | Alliance Data Is Committed to Ending Child Poverty

May 24, 2018 11:40 AM ET

Environment

EHS Tips From a Demogorgon on How to Keep Safety & Compliance Right-Side-Up

May 24, 2018 11:30 AM ET

EHS professionals learn a little something from Demogorgon about EHS risk and compliance in Antea Group’s blog.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Yikes, Inc. Gets $10,000 to Continue Work on Bias-Busting WordPress Plugin

May 24, 2018 11:20 AM ET

Pit two identical, fictitious resumes against each other and hiring managers are likely to offer “John” more money than “Jennifer.”

Backed by $10,000 from the PNC LGBT Business Award, Fishtown-based dev shop Yikes, Inc. is hoping to change that via a bias-busting WordPressplugin called Level Playing Field (LPF).

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

The PepsiCo Foundation Announces Grant to the Robin Hood Foundation

May 24, 2018 11:10 AM ET

The PepsiCo Foundation today announced a $4 million grant to the Robin Hood Foundation – New York City's largest poverty-fighting organization – to support high-quality education and workforce training programs for young women and girls in the Bronx.

Environment

From Props to Production Equipment, Nickelodeon Recycling Efforts Turn Trash into Treasure

May 24, 2018 11:10 AM ET

The set is a key component of any television show. It’s a sometimes subtle, yet always vital backdrop upon which the characters play out their story. After all, what would Nickelodeon’s School of Rock be without a classroom setting, musical instruments and preppy school uniforms?

Diversity & Inclusion

Northern Trust Celebrated The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia (IDAHOTB)

May 24, 2018 11:05 AM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Brothers Find New Life, Full of Love, After Adoption

May 24, 2018 11:00 AM ET

There are many myths about foster care adoption. The truth is, anyone can adopt from foster care if they can provide a safe, loving environment for a child. Single parents, same sex couples or families who rent an apartment or home are all eligible to adopt from foster care.

Events, Media & Communications

TCS and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Assemble Leaders to Discuss Digital Technology’s Impact on the Future of Philanthropy

May 24, 2018 10:25 AM ET

TCS and USCCF are convening today for Digital Empowers: Accelerating Innovation for Business and Social Good at the Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C. The forum connects leaders across business, technology, government, policy, and citizenship areas with on-the-ground partners who are shaping the future of innovation and social impact to discuss with nonprofit leaders how technology can solve pressing societal challenges.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Unlocking Potential: Behind a Corporate Gift to Upskill Women in the Bronx

May 24, 2018 10:25 AM ET

PepsiCo may be headquartered in the New York area, but New York City hasn’t been its philanthropic focus. Befitting its status as one of the world’s top food and beverage firms, the company has taken on broad global challenges like economically empowering women and increasing access to clean water in developing countries.

Health & Healthcare

Nestlé Launches Global Nestlé for Healthier Kids Initiative in the U.S. through Partnership with the YMCA New Jersey State Alliance

May 24, 2018 10:20 AM ET

Nestlé will bring its global flagship initiative, Nestlé for Healthier Kids to the United States through a kick-off event in Newark, N.J. today, that introduces the “Start Healthy, Stay Healthy” program.

Health & Healthcare

Merck for Mothers Lead Dr. Naveen Rao Announces Intent to Retire, Effective July 1, 2018

May 24, 2018 10:05 AM ET

Dr. Rao initiated and led Merck for Mothers, Merck’s 10-year, $500 million initiative to reduce maternal mortality around the world. He was responsible for leveraging the company’s science and business expertise to accelerate progress in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals and advancing Merck’s mission to improve and save lives. Since its launch in 2011, Merck for Mothers has improved access to quality maternal care and family planning services for over 6 million women in more than 30 countries.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

On the Journey to Adopt GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards

May 24, 2018 10:00 AM ET

Understanding and reporting on companies' sustainability impacts cannot be driven by outside forces alone, but are often part of the core values that drive an organization. This article describes the journey of a chemical materials solutions provider Trinseo, which is taking steps together with GRI towards delivering their first GRI Standards report.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

INFOGRAPHIC: Smithfield Foods 2017 Sustainability Report: Helping Communities

May 24, 2018 9:35 AM ET

Smithfield Foods is proud to support the communities we call home. In 2017, Smithfield’s charitable giving donations totaled $27.4 million in support of hunger relief, education, veterans, and other causes that align with our industry-leading sustainability program.

Innovation & Technology

Announcing the 2018 Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge Winners

May 24, 2018 9:20 AM ET

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Tetra Tech Involved in the New Quebec City – Lévis Transportation Link

May 24, 2018 9:00 AM ET

The Groupement mobilité inter-rives―a joint venture composed of Stantec, Tetra Tech, and Hatch―has been chosen by the Quebec Ministry of Transportation, Sustainable Mobility, and Electrification of Transport (MTMDET) to prepare an opportunity study related to the new transportation link between Quebec City and Lévis. This link aims to improve the flow of trips on the Greater Quebec City territory.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Rebuilding Together Montgomery County Brings 400+ Volunteers Together to Help 13 Homeowners with Critical Needs and Repairs

May 23, 2018 7:30 PM ET

Rebuilding Together Montgomery County has provided critical-needs home repair to low-income residents of Montgomery County free of charge for the past 27 years. Last year alone, we completed 304 projects for 112 homeowners thanks to the support of more than 681 volunteers who invested over 6,000 hours of service into our community.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

‘Main Street Investor’ Coalition Aims to Undermine Shareholder Rights

May 23, 2018 4:35 PM ET

A new coalition backed by the National Association of Manufacturers aims to 'undermine critical shareholder rights that investors have long supported and relied on to help them effectively and efficiently protect the long-term value of their investments,' Ceres CEO and President Mindy said in a statement.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

How Wendy’s Created Joy and Opportunity for 200 Top GMs

May 23, 2018 3:55 PM ET

Last month, Wendy’s recognized and celebrated 200 outstanding restaurant General Managers (GMs) for their leadership, performance, dedication, and continued service to the Wendy’s brand.

Diversity & Inclusion

Ultimate Medical Academy’s Brian J. Fitzpatrick Joins the Florida Diversity Council Board of Directors

May 23, 2018 3:30 PM ET

The Florida Diversity Council recently appointed Brian J. Fitzpatrick, senior director of Administration at Tampa-based Ultimate Medical Academy, to its board of directors.

Research, Reports & Publications

Wynn Resorts Issues 2017 Global Sustainability Report

May 23, 2018 3:00 PM ET

Wynn Resorts today issued its 2017 Global Sustainability Report, providing a comprehensive view of the Company’s commitment to responsible business practices, corporate culture, environmental protection, and community service. The report also outlines several new initiatives supporting employee diversity and gender equity at the Company, reinforcing why Wynn Resorts continues to remain the industry employer of choice.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Accenture Commits US$200 Million to Education, Training and Skills Initiatives Over Next Three Years to Equip Disadvantaged People for Work in the Digital Age

May 23, 2018 2:15 PM ET

Supporting its vision to improve the way the world works and lives, Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is committing more than US$200 million over the next three years to help equip disadvantaged people with job skills for the digital age.

Events, Media & Communications

Global Brand Leaders Set to Redesign the Future of Commerce at SB’18 Vancouver

May 23, 2018 2:00 PM ET

Sustainable Brands® recently unveiled the full programming and schedule for the Activation Hub at SB’18 Vancouver, running June 4-7 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Activation Hub is the central hub of the Vancouver conference, an area where attendees gather to hear from solution-providers, to collaborate and co-create on market sector innovations, and to network with current and future partners.