A just-released report, “CEOs Speaking Out on Social Media,” adds yet more numbers to the argument for brands taking stands, and to the growing assumption that chief executives should take the lead. Authors Ann Charles, founder and CEO of BRANDfog, and Susan McPherson, founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, set out to examine “social media as an effective tool that enables CEOs to amplify their positions on key social issues.”
JetBlue today announced the opening of the application period for the next round of its BlueBud business mentoring program. BlueBud offers innovative environmentally and socially responsible companies a unique opportunity for business mentorship and access to JetBlue’s senior leaders and unique product development culture. Applications are currently being accepted here through September 30, 2018.
As New York’s Hometown Airline®, JetBlue’s BlueBud program has historically focused on sustainable and pioneering food brands based in New York. However, as the largest carrier in Boston, JetBlue is extending the opportunity to small businesses in the greater Boston area for the program’s fourth year. JetBlue is also extending the focus beyond just budding food and beverage brands.
As New York’s Hometown Airline®, JetBlue’s BlueBud program has historically focused on sustainable and pioneering food brands based in New York. However, as the largest carrier in Boston, JetBlue is extending the opportunity to small businesses in the greater Boston area for the program’s fourth year. JetBlue is also extending the focus beyond just budding food and beverage brands.
For 33 years, Duke Energy has partnered with employees and customers to lend a hand to those struggling to pay their energy bills. The company is reinforcing that commitment with an additional $600,000 contribution to its Share the Warmth program to help South Carolina customers pay their high seasonal energy bills.
The Allstate Foundation announced today it is awarding $1.25 million in Moving Ahead grants to state domestic violence coalitions under its Purple Purse® initiative. The grants will enable the coalitions to provide financial empowerment resources for nearly 500,000 domestic violence survivors to help them break free from abuse.
From massive natural disasters to complex and escalating conflicts, communities around the world experienced unprecedented incidences of crises requiring emergency response last year. The global cost for natural disasters in 2017 alone totaled $330 billion. In the wake of disasters, many companies mobilize to offer volunteers for on-the-ground rapid response activities and to provide financial assistance, often spending significant portions of their philanthropic budget on disaster relief. But, is there room for more to be done?
FCA US announced today that it has invested more than $30 million at its Chelsea Proving Grounds in southeast Michigan to further development and testing of autonomous vehicle and advanced safety technologies. The all-new facility, which begins testing programs in September, features a dedicated autonomous highway-speed track, 35-acre safety-feature evaluation area and a high-tech command center.
The Smithfield Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Smithfield Foods, Inc., is pleased to announce a significant donation to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina to support its Wilmington Branch Location, serving Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Pender counties in southeastern North Carolina. The company presented a $100,000 donation while Smithfield employees volunteered, helping to pack meals for those served by the food bank in the Wilmington community.