Corporate Responsibility

In recent years, the refugee crisis has expanded to unprecedented levels, with nearly 1 in 100 people worldwide displaced from their homes. Amidst a widespread perception of federal inaction, companies and NGOs have seen an increasing demand from consumers to step up and do their part to make a difference. In fact, more than two-thirds of consumers cited immigration as a top priority for companies to take the lead on.

The intersection of business and politics—which for so long has rarely been encroached upon unless companies felt compelled to rally against policies on specific issues that might directly affect their profits—is shifting. U.S. companies are now speaking out on divisive hot button issues.

Keep America Beautiful, in collaboration with the East Side Partnership, lived up to its call-to-action to #cleanYOURblock by conducting a Great American Cleanup event on June 20 at a number of locations in Stamford, Connecticut, home of its national headquarters.

Today at the 2017 US Circular Economy Summit, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) officially launched its Practitioner Guide to the Circular Economy after a three-week beta testing period.

Metallurgist Emmarencia Shanglee predicts that more women will occupy top leadership positions in mining in the future.

At IBM, responsibility is integral to our business and draws us to social challenges where we can matter, where innovation and expertise can improve communities and lives. Our approach involves forging sustained partnerships with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, academia and other companies — allied in purpose, focused on results. Our ongoing work across a range of activities is detailed in our 2016 Corporate Responsibility Report.

At the Paris Climate Conference in 2015 (COP 21), most countries agreed to reach net zero greenhouse emissions by the second half of this century. It is an ambitious, but achievable target. It also represents an opportunity for businesses to prepare for a low carbon future with simple determination, and by leveraging their innovation and expertise.

There's only one week left to save on the leading event for collaboration and action on sustainable business. Rates for the BSR Conference 2017 go up June 30.

A new garden is coming to life in Phoenix! Keep Phoenix Beautiful is launching a crowdsourcing campaign to raise $25,000 for their new Keep Phoenix Beautiful Community Garden. Funds raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Keep America Beautiful and Lowe’s, up to $25,000, bringing the potential total amount to invest in sustainable practices here in Central Phoenix and nationwide to $50,000. Donate now through Aug. 31st at http://bit.ly/helpkpbgrow.

In conjunction with the Learning and Development courses offered to all Team Members, Sands Academy has established the Elevate Series. The series focuses on providing the tools for leaders to set the example for their Team Members and building relationships to ensure success within their teams. The Elevate Series offers four classes that are mandatory for all Supervisors and Managers with one that is mandatory for all Directors to offer support in various areas.