A corporation is nothing without its people. They are the heart and soul of any company and can be the factor that sets an organization apart from its competitors. Developing that workforce in a way that helps maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace has become more critical than ever.

In celebration of Pro Bono Week, Taproot Foundation announces that the 2015 standard for the value of pro bono service has increased 25% to $150 per hour. The $150 valuation defines the average, per hour value of time donated by business professionals to nonprofit organizations through pro bono services including expertise in marketing, strategic planning, HR, and IT. This study was developed in partnership with CECP, a coalition of 150 CEOs of the world’s largest companies focused on societal engagement, and is based on an analysis of data included in the 2015 Salary Guides produced annually by professional staffing firm Robert Half.

Our thoughts go out the victims and volunteers who are battling the severe flood damage in South Carolina caused by Hurricane Joaquin. Republic is proud to support ARC response and recovery efforts in South Carolina through our donation to the Red Cross on behalf of those affected by this recent disaster.

Advances in biomedical research are critical to fighting disease, and lengthening and improving quality of life. But today’s health challenges are too complex to be solved by any single organization – government, business, academia, not-for-profit organizations, patient advocates – working in isolation. That’s where the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) comes in.

Wearables have been all the rage recently and many organizations have tapped into the technology, making it easier for consumers to link physical activity to a good cause. Organizations like Charity Miles and collaborations such as Bank of America's work with (RED) and Nike have led the way in the space, getting adults active and excited about making an impact on issues they care about. Now, a new partnership is leveraging technology to inspire children to help others and themselves through the first-ever "wearable for good."