ESG News from Leading Brands

Media & Communications

FX Networks’ 'Atlanta' and 'Better Things' Win Peabody Awards for Telling “Stories That Matter”

May 25, 2017 8:10 PM ET

Two of FX Networks’ most acclaimed comedy series, Atlanta and Better Things, were honored on May 20 at the 76th Annual Peabody Awards ceremony, a celebration of excellence in storytelling across the media industry, including investigative journalism, documentary filmmaking, entertainment television, and radio/podcasts. Better Things creator and star Pamela Adlon, as well as Atlanta cast members Brian Tyree Henry and Zazie Beetz, were on hand to accept the awards.

Research, Reports & Publications

Announcing the 2017 Cone Communications CSR Study

May 25, 2017 6:00 PM ET

2017 will be remembered as the year that corporate social responsibility (CSR) was once again redefined. Although CSR will always be grounded in business operations, the stakes have gotten a lot higher. Companies must now share not only what they stand for, but what they stand up for.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Michael Bloomberg Gives $75 Million to Shed Arts Center

May 25, 2017 5:35 PM ET

The ambitious new arts center known as the Shed, rising in Hudson Yards, has received $75 million from Michael R. Bloomberg, showing just how much the Far West Side continues to be shaped by a small group of influential billionaires.

Energy

Senate Bill to Cut MPG/Emissions Benefits is Bad for Business, the Economy and Consumers

May 25, 2017 4:45 PM ET

A new bill would roll back the many benefits of fuel economy standards that are currently working to protect jobs and keep hard-earned dollars in local economies, Impax Asset Management and Ceres said in a statement.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Great Place to Work® and Fortune Name Astellas to Inaugural Best Workplaces in Chicago List

May 25, 2017 3:15 PM ET

Astellas ranked among the Top 20 best workplaces across all industries based on surveys from more than 81,000 employees at Great Place to Work® Certified™ organizations in the Chicago area. The survey results show that our employees enjoy a supportive work environment that fosters open communication, trust in leadership and making an impact in the community around us. Our employees also expressed pride in their work, reflecting a commitment to keeping the patient at the center of all we do.

Research, Reports & Publications

AEP Releases 2017 Corporate Accountability Report

May 25, 2017 3:00 PM ET

American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) issued its 2017 Corporate Accountability Report today, the 11th annual assessment of AEP’s stewardship as a public company and a community partner. It is accessible online at www.aepsustainability.com.

Diversity & Inclusion

Wendy’s Offers English as a Second Language Program for Employees

May 25, 2017 2:40 PM ET

Maria Diaz and Cecelia Contreras are two Spanish-speaking employees who didn’t know very much English when they started working at Wendy’s. While they are both hard working employees, they asked not to work at the front register because they weren’t confident in their English. When I told Maria and Cecelia about the ESL program, they accepted right way and showed a lot of excitement about the chance to better themselves.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Amgen Staff in Atlanta Volunteer with a Local Food Bank

May 25, 2017 2:25 PM ET

Atlanta biopharmaceutical sales reps give back to Fountain of Hope Food Bank.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

"Are You Going to Be Back Tomorrow?”

May 25, 2017 1:45 PM ET

That’s what wide-eyed Andrew asked after his first meal at a No Kid Hungry supported summer meals site in Baltimore. When a volunteer assured him that, yes, they’d be back at the same time the next day, Andrew looked up into the volunteer’s eyes while lifting up his pinky and asked, “Pinky swear?”

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Habitat for Humanity and Wells Fargo Team Up with Veterans to Improve 100 Homes

May 25, 2017 1:20 PM ET

Habitat for Humanity and Wells Fargo & Company today announced a new commitment to improve 100 homes with veterans in nearly 30 communities across the country from Seattle to South Palm Beach, Florida.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Alliance Data Associates Around the World Celebrate Red Nose Day

May 25, 2017 1:00 PM ET

With a little bit of silliness and a lot of awareness we know together we can help end child poverty!

Energy

Generating Renewable Energy from Waste: Q&A with Lockheed Martin’s Craig Moeller

May 25, 2017 12:05 PM ET

Waste generation around the world is expected to almost double by 2025. Landfills are filling up. Something has to be done. Lockheed Martin wants to be part of the solution.

Health & Healthcare

The "Make5Happen" Operation is Launched - A Solidarity Chain to Train Midwives in Africa

May 25, 2017 12:05 PM ET

For International Day of the Midwife 2017 on May 5, the Sanofi Espoir Foundation is supporting the "Make5Happen" operation organized by its partner the AMREF.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Tuesday’s Children Wins Ninth Annual U.S. Strategy Challenge

May 25, 2017 12:00 PM ET

Morgan Stanley today announced the completion of the ninth 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 24.

Energy

LG Electronics Refrigerator Promotion Encourages Americans to ‘Flip Your Fridge’

May 25, 2017 12:00 PM ET

Long-time ENERGY STAR® Partner LG Electronics USA is encouraging consumers to “Flip Your Fridge” in a nationwide retail promotion that offers attractive discounts on ENERGY STAR certified LG refrigerators.

Research, Reports & Publications

Take Sustainability to the Next Level with the Circular Economy Toolbox

May 25, 2017 12:00 PM ET

This week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center, The Sustainability Consortium (TSC), and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), along with support from Tarkett, launched the Circular Economy Toolbox, an online platform to help companies incorporate more sustainable business practices that eliminate waste and increase efficiency.

Environment

Brave New World: Rabobank Offers a Look into the Future of Food and Beverage

May 25, 2017 11:40 AM ET

The Global Sector Strategist-Beverages for Rabobank talks about the trends and challenges that he sees the industry facing, and offers some suggestions for what companies can do about them. Read his blog at the Antea Group website.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

HPE Launches World’s First Supply Chain Program Based on Climate Science

May 25, 2017 11:05 AM ET

HPE is leading the way to a sustainable ICT supply chain with emissions reductions targets that could equate to taking 21 million cars off the road for an entire year. This first-of-its-kind supply chain management program will serve as a model for the industry and the world.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

How to Improve Your CSR Score – Download e-Books

May 25, 2017 10:50 AM ET

CSRHub has released two e-books focused around the topic of ‘How to Improve Your CSR Score’, sponsored by Triple Pundit. In this e-Book series, How to Improve Your CSR Score, we’ll share our experience to help you better manage your rating stakeholders, improve your performance, tell your CSR story, and improve your CSR score.

Diversity & Inclusion

Asia Society Names Medtronic Top Employer

May 25, 2017 10:40 AM ET

Being honored as a top employer requires employees who help to create a unique culture every day. That kind of impact at Medtronic was given the spotlight in May when the Asia Society, a leading educational organization, awarded Medtronic with multiple awards including “Best Employer for Promoting Asian Pacific American Women” and “Best Employer for Marketing and Support to the Asian Pacific American Community.”

Environment

Aramark Sets The Stage For Summer Travel Season

May 25, 2017 10:35 AM ET

As travelers embark on family vacations and cross-country trips this summer, Aramark (NYSE: ARMK), the award-winning food and hospitality partner for national and state parks and other leading leisure and cultural attractions, is rolling out new programs, enhancements and celebrations at the country’s premier travel destinations to help guests relax and enjoy themselves.

Innovation & Technology

Blackbaud Increases Corporate Volunteer Engagement with New AngelPoints Updates

May 25, 2017 10:00 AM ET

MicroEdge + Blackbaud is pleased to announce exciting new updates to its AngelPoints employee giving & volunteering technology solution that will help companies improve the way they engage their employees in volunteerism!

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

After Nine Years in Foster Care, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Finds a Home for Cody.

May 25, 2017 10:00 AM ET

By the age of 13, Cody had spent 3,372 days in foster care and been placed in eight different foster homes. That’s more than nine years being moved house to hose, not feeling settled and wishing for consistency. It’s hard to not give up hope in a case like this, but EVERYTHING changed for Cody on April 25 when he was adopted!

Health & Healthcare

Powerful Partnership: NRG Joins Forces with American Diabetes Association® to Enhance Employee Wellness

May 25, 2017 9:50 AM ET

Sustainable Development Goals

De Beers Group Gathers Business Leaders to Discuss a Legacy Boost for Community

May 25, 2017 9:35 AM ET

Ways of bringing about positive changes to the host community of De Beers’ Venetia mine were on the agenda at a business breakfast.