Ecolab Inc. was recognized by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, as one of the most community-minded companies in the U.S. The 2017 Civic 50 list, announced June 20, recognizes companies that use their time, skills and other resources to improve the quality of life in the communities where they operate.

For the fourth consecutive year, Comcast NBCUniversal has been named to “The Civic 50,” which recognizes the most community-minded companies in the nation, by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service.

MGM Resorts International was named to The Civic 50 list of America's most community-minded companies by Points of Light, the largest organization in the world dedicated to volunteer service. The company was recognized as a result of its participation in an annual survey used to identify companies for their exemplary commitment and activities to improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business.

UPS today was named among the 2017 Civic 50 community-minded companies by the Points of Light organization. This marks the fourth year UPS has been recognized for its community engagement and philanthropic efforts.

The Taproot Foundation's U.S. Pro Bono Summit is an annual gathering of leaders from across sectors and industries with a shared vision to make the talents and skills of the business community accessible to social change organizations.

Vacations are essential for improving employee quality of life. A major U.S. longitudinal study of 12,000 middle-aged men found that taking an annual vacation is associated with reduced risk of death due to heart disease. Vacations also improve employee performance. Iowa State University economics professor Wallace Huffman found vacations can boost productivity as much as 60 percent for up to two months following the vacation. Yet, Glassdoor.com reports that many employees are not using their full paid-time off allotment.

As summer swings into high gear, it’s vacation season in offices across America. With temperatures high and the kids out of school, it behooves employers to encourage employees to use some of their paid time off.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) today announced a total of $500,000 in donations to four local nonprofits to help revitalize El Paso neighborhoods through the Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLIFT® program.

KeyBank has been recognized by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, as one of the most community-minded companies in the United States. In addition to honoring KeyBank on the 2017 Civic 50 list, Points of Light also designated Key a 2017 Sector Leader in Financials. The Civic 50 provides a national standard for superior corporate citizenship and showcases how companies can use their time, skills and other resources to improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business.

It’s summer. School is out. Time to reflect, prepare, appreciate; to review the past and think about the year ahead.