Global electricity leader State Power Investment Corporation Limited (SPIC) has today joined nearly 200 forward-thinking companies as the newest member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Alliance Data is a data-driven company, and to enable our clients to connect with their customers we need to be able collect, steward and protect data that in some instances is sensitive personal data. This year, in recognition of International Data Privacy Day, we educated our associates about the potential impacts of European Union's general data privacy regulation (GDPR).

Every year, Benevity and our community takes a little time to recognize progressive companies who are harnessing the power of their people and communities through a modern approach to corporate giving and employee engagement. These companies have infused a culture of Goodness into the world through their employees, consumers, communities and beyond. They inspire us with their innovative approaches, their contributions and, most of all, their impact.

FIND OUT WHICH COMPANIES WENT HOME WITH ONE OF EIGHT CORPORATE GOODNESS AWARDS.

Diamond traceability back to the mine of origin – vital to the international due diligence movement for precious gems and minerals – just took a giant step forward. SCS Global Services, an internationally recognized certification body and standards developer, is pleased to announce that its diamond provenance certification program now incorporates advanced laser testing that can identify the source of any rough, cut, or polished diamond, anywhere in the chain of custody. Use of this disruptive technology, combined with comprehensive certification assessment protocols, provides unmatched assurance to diamond retailers and consumers alike that the diamonds they purchase or sell are not coming from conflict-affected and high-risk sources. This is a first for diamond origin verification.

The 50x50 Commission, launched in October 2017, is chaired by Audi of America President Scott Keogh and National Grid U.S. President Dean Seavers, and includes Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto (D) and Fort Worth, Texas, Mayor Betsy Price (R), along with leaders representing vehicle manufacturers, utilities, federal agencies, environmental and consumer groups, infrastructure providers and public transit. It is holding its next meeting in Washington, D.C., in March, and the Commission’s final report, a roadmap to cut energy use in half in the U.S. transportation sector by 2050 while meeting future mobility needs through federal, state and local policies, is due in September.

John Perry Barlow, Grateful Dead lyricist, co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation and environmentalist, died in his sleep this past week at the age of 70 after a lengthy illness. Host Alex Wise had the honor of meeting and interviewing Mr. Barlow for Sea Change Radio a couple of times and this week we pay tribute to him by re-visiting those discussions.

JetBlue, New York's Hometown Airline®, today announced the development of a Caribbean consortium with The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). Aligned with other like-minded partners across multiple disciplines, this effort will address conservation and commerce in the Caribbean. The Consortium will start with a “Spotlight on Cuba” and will focus on other Caribbean destinations in the future. In 2016, JetBlue became the first U.S. airline to bring affordable and convenient commercial air travel to Cuba after more than 50 years.

During year one, this group will make recommendations on development and environmental issues, to help ensure that Cuba’s natural habitat is protected for future generations.

On Jan. 30, 2018, VolunteerMatch’s Director of Growth and Relationships, Alvaro Tijero, offered insight into: How to balance corporate priorities and employee passions without sacrificing results, challenges other companies face and strategies for overcoming them, and how to ensure your employee volunteer program has tangible, positive effects on the communities it serves. Missed the webinar? Watch the video!