SOURCE:Amgen Foundation

DESCRIPTION:

Amgen employees from the Corporate Audit team at the Thousand Oaks, CA HQ volunteered at their local Habitat for Humanity. Not only did they learn valuable skills, they helped provide housing for families in need.

Amgen recognizes the importance of giving back to our local communities. Each year, thousands of Amgen staff generously devote their personal time, energy, talents and funds to a variety of charitable organizations across the globe. Amgen encourages staff to become involved in their local communities through Amgen Impact Day, which offers staff members a paid day off to volunteer, as well as the Amgen Foundation’s staff involvement programs: Amgen Volunteers and Matching Gifts. For more information, please visit the Amgen website.   

Tweet me:Amgen staff from Thousand Oaks recently volunteered at their local Habitat for Humanity: http://bit.ly/2rszaml #AmgenImpact

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Amgen, volunteer, Thousand Oaks, Habitat for Humanity, Volunteering

Bobbi Wells Explains How Big Challenges Create Big Opportunities

SOURCE:FedEx Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

THE MOTIVATOR  

Bobbi Wells, Vice-President of Aviation Safety & Airworthiness, FedEx Express

Bobbi Wells joined FedEx through a program that gave U.S. military officers the opportunity to work at a corporation for one year. A quarter century later, she has risen to a tough job with serious responsibility. As Vice President of Aviation Safety & Airworthiness at FedEx Express, she holds the safety of FedEx team members in her capable hands.

“In FedEx, I found a company that values women leaders and diversity of all kinds — that knows we are stronger because of our diversity.

Military values of service and leadership are closely aligned with FedEx values, one reason why hiring veterans like myself is part of the FedEx DNA. As an Army captain, I learned about servant leadership: Never eat or sleep before your troops. Encourage improvement from the bottom up.

While I was director of the FedEx Fuel Sense Program, I worked with our front lines to identify opportunities that eventually saved us more than a billion dollars in aviation fuel costs.

In my current role, I work with our pilots, ramp personnel, aircraft technicians and aircraft dispatchers to identify hazards and reduce risk as we continue to strive for excellence. At FedEx, everyone has a chance to make a difference.

From my father, I learned not to be afraid to reach higher. He told me, if you’re not falling down, you’re not learning. I never thought that I couldn’t do something because I was a woman. I tell young women at FedEx, if you doubt yourself, you’re wasting time. We all have qualities that make us extraordinary — you just have to find your passion and go do it.”

To learn more about citizenship efforts at FedEx, visit csr.fedex.com to view the 2017 Global Citizenship Report. Highlights from the reporting period covered by the report include:

• More than 22% of management roles across FedEx are held by women
• FedEx was named one of America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
• FedEx has committed $150,000 to support the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative

Tweet me:.@FedEx gives veterans post-military career opportunities http://bit.ly/2rzMQfx

KEYWORDS: Diversity & Inclusion, Veterans, aviation, FedEx, citizenship, military

SOURCE:Walmart

DESCRIPTION:

Walmart’s first quarter 2017 earnings report was gratifying. A focus on a few key fundamentals such as associate merchandise training, quality products, internet retailing, and giving back to those in need underpinned the better than expected results.

Read the full article via Forbes.com 

Tweet me:Via @Forbes >> @Walmart Reports Strong Comps, Shows Leadership And Fights Hunger http://bit.ly/2qBE03A

KEYWORDS: Media & Communications, Research, Reports & Publications, Walmart, GRR

SOURCE:Keep America Beautiful

DESCRIPTION:

Earlier in May, Keep America Beautiful Reno, Nevada-based affiiliate Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB) hosted its 11th annual Great Community Cleanup -- a local initiative of the Great American Cleanup, the nation's largest community improvement program.

More than 700 volunteers worked across 24 sites throughout the Truckee Meadows region surrounding Reno. Volunteers helped to remove invasive weeds, pick up trash in the downtown Reno corridor, and clean up illegally dumped trash. During the 2016 Great Community Cleanup, preliminary results indicate that the volunteers removed an impressive 113,600 pounds of trash and weeds.

Continue reading here.

Tweet me:#FF @kabtweet Affiliate Stories: @ktmbeautiful #GreatCommunityCleanup another big success! #KTMB #DoBeautifulThings http://bit.ly/2rAjKMZ

Contact Info:

Mike Rosen
Keep America Beautiful
+1 (203) 659-3008
mrosen@kab.org
http://www.twitter.com/kabtweet
http://www.facebook.com/keepamericabeautiful
http://www.instagram.com/keepamericabeautiful
http://www.youtube.com/kabnetwork

Larry Kaufman
Keep America Beautiful
+1 (203) 659-3014
lkaufman@kab.org

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Environment, Keep America Beautiful, Great American Cleanup, Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful, Great Community Cleanup, volunteerism

Lester, a cancer survivor, goes to bat for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation

SOURCE:Major League Baseball Players Trust

DESCRIPTION:

Chicago Cubs pitcher, Jon Lester, has built quite the résumé through his first decade-plus in the majors, helping to win two World Series with the Boston Red Sox and adding another last year with the Cubs. Jon has also made four All-Star appearances, won an NLCS MVP award and a Babe Ruth Award, and has even pitched a no-hitter.

But his major-league journey, as many people know, was far from smooth sailing. Back in August 2006, Lester experienced back pains which he thought stemmed from a car crash earlier that month. Jon was later diagnosed with a treatable form of anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Lester underwent chemotherapy during the off-season. Four months after his diagnosis, a CT scan showed no signs of the disease.

As a cancer survivor, Lester is now on a mission to fight cancer and raise awareness. The left-hander supports the Never Quit (NVRQT) campaign, which is run by the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation.

According to NVRQT’s official website, their goal is to strikout pediatric cancer. “It is our warriors and patients whom we fight by funding life-saving pediatric cancer research,” the website states. You can learn more about Lester’s NVRQT campaign, here.

Lester, along with the NVRQT campaign, has hosted events to raise funds and awareness. But last year, he and his wife, Farrah, switched things up a bit with a country-themed occasion. It went so well that cowboy boots will be appropriate again this year.

On July 5, 2017, Jon, Farrah, Cubs players and coaches will host a country concert at Joe’s Bar in Chicago that will feature a “nationally recognized country music recording artist.”

“I feel like we’re really taking off here in Chicago,” Lester said at last year’s event. “I feel like last year we hit the ground running here and the people we met last year are really starting to come together and making a lot of strides in pediatric cancer.”

Major Leaguers are #GoingToBat for causes near and dear to them, as they personify the Players Trust’s motto to ‘care, act and inspire.” To learn more about the charitable interests and activities of Jon Lester and other Major Leaguers, please visit the Major League Baseball Players Trust website.

Tweet me:.@JLester34 of @Cubs & a #CancerSurvivor saddles up for @NVRQT31 & #PediatricCancerResearchFoundation http://bit.ly/2rA0O0G

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Events, Media & Communications, pediatric cancer, Jon Lester, chicago cubs, Major League Baseball, MLB, cancer survivor, Major League Baseball Players Trust, Country Music

SOURCE:International Living Future Institute

DESCRIPTION:

Every year, we recognize individuals who have demonstrated a fierce commitment to the Living Building Challenge with their desire to continually raise the bar on behalf of the green building industry.

This year, nine recipients are inspirational in their quest to help safeguard our future.

“We recognize these heroes not for simply doing less harm, but because they are working to create a built environment that is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative,” said Amanda Sturgeon, CEO of the International Living Future Institute. “These individuals have not only adopted the Living Building Challenge – they live its principles and inspire others to do the same.”

This year’s heroes are:

Kirsti Luke

Kirsti is Chief Executive of Tūhoe Te Uru Taumatua, Ngāi Tūhoe’s Tribal Authority. She holds a Bachelor of Law (LLB), is extremely knowledgeable about the tribe’s treaty claims, and was involved in the establishment of Te Uru Taumatua. Her goal is to build the organization and the tribe’s economy and improve descendants’ quality of life. Her role includes recruiting management staff, building relationships with stakeholders and government agencies, developing policies to improve or coordinate options for housing, health and employment for Tūhoe and providing business recommendations to build up the tribe’s economy.

Beth Heider

As Chief Sustainability Officer, Skanska, Elizabeth (Beth), FAIA, and LEED Fellow, translates Skanska’s commitment to sustainability into action while serving on Skanska USA’s Management Team. She’s an everywoman whose touch can be found on all phases of design and construction – from architect to construction manager to sustainability leader. Known for her work making the business case for greenbuilding, including the Living Building Financial Study, she has been invited to present at over 200 international conferences focusing on the nexus of design, sustainability and good business. Beth served for six years on USGBC national Board of Directors, including a stint as chair 2012. She was recently by Green Building & Design as one of the Ten Most Powerful Women in Sustainability, and serves on the Envision Review Board. She’s also Chair of the Board of Trustees for Excel Academy, the first all-girl charter school in the District of Columbia.

Priya Premchandran

Priya is the Team Design and Construction Lead for the Google Real Estate Workplace and Services. She was part of the Google Chicago Renovation project that is a Petal Certified Project. She is responsible for the program’s integration into Google’s global portfolio to deliver healthy and high performing workplaces. Priya brings over 10 years of focused experience in integrating sustainability concepts into high performing projects with a particular focus on understanding the impact and benefits to human health, user experience, and sustainability. 

Pete Munoz

Pete is a licensed engineer and certified wastewater treatment plant operator who has been lucky enough to work with some of the most influential green building projects in the United States. He’s committed to creating aspirational infrastructure that helps reconnecting our communities with what makes them work. Pete speaks around the country on a variety of topics including green infrastructure, regenerative design, and climate change solutions. He is a partner in the Alliance for Regeneration and he teaches several water related courses at Yestermorrow Design/Build in Warren, Vermont.

Carlo Battisti

Carlo is a sustainable innovation consultant and project manager with more than 20 years of ecosystem construction company experience across the world. He is LEED and WELL Accredited and co-founded the Living Building Challenge Collaborative in Italy. His passion project is co-created 64 hour design contest called REGENERATION for young European professionals, entirely based on the Living Building Challenge.

Jason Jewhurst

An avid outdoorsman from New Hampshire, Jason’s passion for reconnecting with the natural environment informs his work in sustainable and high-performance building design, and the intersection of tested construction traditions and new technologies. He leads design teams to create high-performance contemporary architecture that is beautiful, inspiring, and embodies the shared values of its community. Both the Regenerative Village at Yale Divinity School Master Plan and the R. W. Kern Center at Hampshire College are designed to meet the Living Building Challenge, and his designs for the Institute for Global Citizenship at Minnesota’s Macalester College earned LEED Platinum certification and inspired him to commit more strongly to sustainability. Jason is a founding member of the International Living Future Institute’s East Coast Congress, a think tank for sustainable policy and advocacy.

Jason Forney

Jason is an AIA, LEED AP Principal at Bruner/Cott & Associates who combines creativity with building performance to craft sustainable design solutions. He thrives on connecting the grittiness of our past with the potential of our future, layering old and new in designs that convey a unique sense of place, emphasize environmental responsibility, and reflect client goals. He was instrumental in developing the Yale Divinity School Regenerative Village Master Plan and designing the R.W. Kern Center at Hampshire College in Amherst, both aiming to meet the high standards of the Living Building Challenge. Jason has also designed multiple LEED Gold- and Platinum-certified college campus projects across the country. He has lectured at the Rhode Island School of Design, Harvard University, and the Boston Architectural College and presented at both regional and national AIA conventions.

Scott Kelly

Scott Kelly is co-founder of Re:Vision Architecture leading an interdisciplinary team in designing or consulting on hundreds of innovative green projects, many of which are “firsts” of their kind. Scott has been a champion of Living Building Challenge (LBC) since its inception in 2006. He is the Architect for the LBC Certified project, Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Environmental Center (Grass) and has brought lessons learned to six other project teams as an LBC Consultant. He is the founder of the LBC Philadelphia Collaborative and has led dozens of educational events -- from deep technical workshops on LBC Petals to Charrette Facilitation and to LBC Philadelphia Collaboratives Demonstration Project that involved over 100 building and design professional volunteers.

Jason Gamache

Jason is driven by the daily challenge of living in the polar north; the front line of our rapidly changing environment. A partner at McCool Carlson Green in Anchorage, Alaska, he’s also a licensed Architect in Washington and Hawaii. He’s also worked in Germany exclusively on low energy projects, which embodied design principles of Passive Haus, Net Zero and Cybernetics + Structure. Jason dedicates his work to the development of sustainable building practices; reconnecting indigenous design with modern innovations seeking solutions that are cost-effective, create healthy environments, are energy-efficient, with an overarching goal to eliminate negative environmental impacts, and build sustainable communities. Jason is working on Alaska’s first net positive energy buildings with no combustion fuel source in a pursuit of the Living Building Challenge.

Tweet me:Meet the heroes of the Living Future unConference http://bit.ly/2pGE9zq #LF17 #Genius&Courage

KEYWORDS: Awards, Ratings & Rankings, Environment, International Living Future institute (ILFI), Living Future Conference, LF17

SOURCE:Las Vegas Sands

DESCRIPTION:

Las Vegas Sands’ Team Members around the world are taking part in the annual Sands ECO360 Clean Plate Challenge, a global campaign designed to reduce food waste and to improve the company’s worldwide waste diversion rate. The event is a global engagement and educational initiative that is designed to encourage Team Members at all Las Vegas Sands’ properties throughout the US and Asia to return “clean plates” after eating meals in Team Member Dining Rooms.

The event is being conducted in parallel with each property’s action plan efforts to reduce food waste and raise Team Member awareness about food waste and efficient resource use. During the challenge, the total number of clean plates and participation rate will be tracked by each property. Any plate that has edible food waste on it will be excluded from the count. All Team Members who return a clean plate will be entered into a drawing to receive prizes.

The sustainability teams at each property will consult and collaborate with their respective property chefs in order to encourage a “zero-waste” meal service, helping the company cut food waste. Any leftover food following the meal service will be donated or fed into onsite food digester machines that will turn the food into grey water which can be safely discharged, as opposed to being sent to the landfill.

Las Vegas Sands is working to align its Sands ECO360 global sustainability strategy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of seventeen aspirational “Global Goals” with 169 targets between them. The objectives of the challenge are in alignment with Goal 12, which calls for, among other targets, a 50% reduction of per capita global food waste by 2030 at the retail and consumer levels, in addition to reducing food losses along production and supply chains.

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, an estimated one third of food produced worldwide is wasted. Las Vegas Sands believes reducing food waste is one of the easiest personal efforts to reduce carbon emissions and make a contribution towards a better environment for the entire planet.

The Sands ECO360 Clean Plate Challenge will take place during the week of May 22nd for a minimum of three days for global alignment, with properties having the option to participate for the entire week. The result of the event, total number of clean plates, will be announced on June 5th – World Environment Day.

Stay tuned to the Sands Confidential blog and LVS social media channels for updates.

Tweet me:.@LasVegasSands team members around the world are taking part in the annual #SandsECO360 Global #CleanPlate Challenge http://bit.ly/2rLrYlA

KEYWORDS: Responsible Production & Consumption, Environment, Las Vegas Sands

SOURCE:PNC Financial Services Group

DESCRIPTION:

Q: How do you envision our approach to ESRM evolving over the next five years?

A: We know that corporate responsibility will continue to grow in importance, especially as technology and environmental issues evolve. Therefore, we will continue to learn and make thoughtful decisions as we go, and we will continue to engage with our constituents to better understand what’s most important to them. Among other insights, our stakeholders have taught us that in addition to managing risk, we can and should capitalize on business opportunities, such as those related to the transition to a low-carbon economy. We will pursue financing opportunities that support the environment and are consistent with our risk framework.

The full Q&A can be found here

Download the Full 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility report

Tweet me:Q&A with @PNCBank Mike Lyons highlights PNC’s environmental and social risk management http://bit.ly/2qN8UWF

KEYWORDS: Responsible Business & Employee Engagement, banking, csr, PNC, low carbon economy, environmental issues

In the First of Three Charitable Projects this Season, LA Galaxy Foundation and SNHU Teamed up with Habitat for Humanity and Mission Continues to Support Veterans

SOURCE:AEG

DESCRIPTION:

LOS ANGELES, May 23, 2017 /3BL Media/ – The LA Galaxy and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), a private non-profit university and the exclusive education partner of the club and Major League Soccer, are expanding their relationship to focus on giving back and supporting the Los Angeles community. As a part of the expansion, SNHU is partnering with The LA Galaxy Foundation to participate in three community initiatives during the course of the 2017 season.

For the first event, the LA Galaxy Foundation and SNHU joined forces with Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization that improves long-term financial security by providing affordable homes for families in need, and Mission Continues, a non-profit dedicated to helping veterans transition to life at home through community impact. On May 19, SNHU and the LA Galaxy along with Mission Continues participated in a community build for Habitat for Humanity in Downey, CA. The home went to a young, deserving family of six, the Moores, whose own apartment had many structural issues and was not safe for their young family. Also, a part of the build day, SNHU surprised veteran Tamara Lindsay, a U.S. Navy veteran, with a full scholarship, showing that higher education, like home ownership, is a reality that can be achieved.

“We are thrilled we could be in Los Angeles this weekend to surprise Tamara with a full scholarship to SNHU and see the Moore family into their new home,” said Emily DeVito, Assistant Director of Military Initiatives, SNHU. “SNHU is devoted to helping military families transition to civilian life and we look forward to continuing our work with the LA Galaxy and other great partners to help the men and women who have done so much for us.”

SNHU’s partnership with the LA Galaxy Foundation will build on projects and relationships the foundation has cultivated with Habitat for Humanity, Mission Continues and other community organizations and initiatives. This was the fourth build the LA Galaxy has done with Habitat for Humanity in the past two years and the organization’s second year of working with Mission Continues. SNHU will work with these foundation partners and others throughout the course of the season as the university and the LA Galaxy look to support and give back to the community that surrounds the club and SNHU’s students – many of which are veterans.

“The LA Galaxy is committed to serving its community and supporting our fans throughout the many local neighborhoods,” said Chris Klein, President, LA Galaxy. “It’s an honor to continue our relationship with Southern New Hampshire University in a way that gives back to the so many deserving men and women of Los Angeles and furthers our relationship with some great organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Mission Continues.” 

Similar to its efforts with the LA Galaxy, the university works to make scholarships and other types of monetary assistance possible for the men and women who have served so bravely for our country. SNHU supports its military service members and families through education benefits, tuition assistance, and community partnerships throughout the United States.

SNHU has more than 85,000 students nationwide, including a large population in Southern California. The university has a long track record of making higher education accessible and affordable for military service members both at home and abroad. With more than 13,000 military-affiliated students serving in all 50 states, SNHU is ranked one of the top Military Friendly® colleges with more than 25 percent of their military student base on active duty.

ABOUT SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with an 85-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving 85,000 students worldwide, SNHU offers more than 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as the “Most Innovative” regional university by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each student. Learn more at www.snhu.edu.

ABOUT LA GALAXY FOUNDATION
The LA Galaxy Foundation, the 501c(3) organization associated with the LA Galaxy, is dedicated to assisting the community in which the team lives, works, and plays. LA Galaxy players, coaches, alumni and staff spend countless hours giving back to the community at local schools, hospitals, fields, and events. The LAGF continually strives to aid organizations that meet its mission of supporting and creating education, health, and soccer-related activities and programs for youth in the greater Los Angeles area. For more information, visit www.lagalaxy.com/community/foundation

ABOUT LA GALAXY
The LA Galaxy is Major League Soccer’s most successful club. Based in Carson, Calif. at StubHub Center, the Galaxy have won the MLS Cup a record five times (2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014), the MLS Supporters’ Shield four times (1998, 2002, 2010, 2011) and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup twice (2001, 2005) since their inception in 1996. Led by LA Galaxy President Chris Klein and Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena, the Galaxy are the premier club in MLS, with stars like Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard, Giovani dos Santos, and Cobi Jones representing LA over the team’s 20-years in MLS. For more information on the LA Galaxy, visit www.lagalaxy.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Kristi Mexia
Beck Media & Marketing for AEG Global Partnerships
kristi.mexia@beckmedia.com | 310 300 4810

Tweet me:.@LAGalaxy & @SNHU team up in support of LA community & veterans in first of three charitable initiatives this season http://bit.ly/2qOsnpY

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Education, AEG, LA Galaxy, Southern New Hampshire University, Habitat for Humanity, Mission Continues, Veterans, Major League Soccer, LA Galaxy Foundation

SOURCE:HP, Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

HP is committed to accelerating the transition to sustainable, low-carbon fuel and related technologies for road freight. We join with other leading companies, like Walmart Stores, UPS and IKEA, in supporting BSR's Sustainable Fuel Buyers' Principles. The Principles provide a robust framework to catalyze lasting change to the road freight fuel system. Learn more about the Sustainable Fuel Buyers' Principles at http://blit.ly/2qilPw9, and follow HP's progress at www.twitter.com/hpsustainable.

Learn more about how HP is reinventing for a better world.  

Follow our progress on Twitter at @HPSustainable.

Tweet me:HP Supports @BSRnews #Sustainable Fuel Buyers' Principles http://bit.ly/2qJ6e9U #lowcarbon #fuel @HPSustainable #SDGs

KEYWORDS: Environment, Climate Action, HP Inc, BSR, Sustainable Fuel Buyers Principles, Low carbon fuel

Company announces more than 170,000 veteran hires since 2013 and grants $100,000 to Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

SOURCE:Walmart

DESCRIPTION:

BENTONVILLE, Ark., May 23, 2017 /3BL Media/ - Today, Walmart announced expansions to its military leave of absence policy, offering differential pay to all eligible military associates taking on assignments lasting more than three days and through the duration of leave – including basic training. Walmart has offered differential pay since 2008. The enhancements, which go into effect June 24, mean that if an associate’s military salary is less than what they were making at their job at Walmart, the company will pay them the difference while they are on a military leave of absence. In 2016, Walmart associates took more than 4,400 military leave of absences.

Walmart is one of the first major retailers to apply differential pay to include basic training, so associates who are considering enlisting in the armed forces can make that decision without fear of losing wages. In addition, Walmart is taking steps to streamline and simplify the internal process required to obtain differential pay with the goal of making it easier on associates and their families, so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time on their service.

“At Walmart, we’re turning jobs into fulfilling careers for veterans, active service members and their families, and we’re making it easier for them to work, live and serve,” said Retired Brigadier General Gary Profit, senior director of military programs for Walmart. “We believe that anyone who wants to serve in our Armed Forces should be able to do so without fear of losing wages or leaving their family in a lurch. The changes we’re making will remove financial barriers for all associates serving their country, including those who are starting their service journey through basic training.”

The changes build upon Walmart’s already-robust support for veterans, military members and their families.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, in 2016, more than 200,000 men and women serving in the military transitioned to civilian life, and many find it difficult to navigate multiple agencies offering job placement and other services. To date, Walmart hired more than 170,000 veterans since it announced its Veterans Welcome Home Commitment in May 2013*. Of those veteran hires, more than 22,000 have been promoted to jobs with higher pay and greater responsibility.

On Memorial Day 2013, Walmart introduced the Veterans Welcome Home Commitment, which guaranteed a job offer to any eligible, honorably discharged U.S. veteran who was within 12 months of active duty. The initial goal was to hire 100,000 veterans by the end of 2018. In May of 2015, Walmart announced the expansion of that original projection, with the goal of hiring 250,000 veterans by the end of 2020. Walmart has also changed the eligibility from within 12 months of active duty, to any veteran who has been honorably discharged since the announcement of the commitment in May 2013.

In addition to its commitment to hiring veterans, Walmart also ensures their family members can build long-lasting careers. Walmart’s Military Family Promise guarantees a job at a nearby store or Sam’s Club for all military personnel and military spouses employed by Walmart and Sam’s Club who move to a different part of the country because they or their spouse have been transferred by the United States military. Walmart also participates in the U.S Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes Program, recruiting tens of thousands of veterans through career fairs.

To recognize families who have made the ultimate sacrifice, Walmart is also announcing a $100,000 grant to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the national organization that offers help, hope and healing to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in the Armed Forces. The grant will enable TAPS to reach more survivors through their Casework and Emergency Assistance Programs.

“As a military widow, I know how isolating it can be to lose a loved one,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS president and founder and a 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient. “The critically needed support provided by Walmart will enable TAPS to offer assistance to military families when they need it most, after the loss of their hero. We are grateful for our partnership with Walmart, which engages their employees across the nation and brings the strength of their brand to positively impact the lives of the families of America's fallen heroes. On behalf of over 70,000 surviving military families who receive support from TAPS, we thank Walmart for leading the way in caring for those who have sacrificed for our nation's freedoms."

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have a long history of supporting veterans, service members and their families. In 2011, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation committed $20 million by 2015 to support veterans and their families with assistance for programs that provide job training, transition help and education. With the early completion of the commitment in May 2014, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation renewed the commitment, announcing an additional $20 million through 2019 to support job training, education and innovative public/private community-based initiatives that address challenges many veterans face when returning to civilian life. 

For more information about Walmart’s commitment to veterans, service members and military families, please visit: http://www.walmartcareerswithamission.com/ or http://corporate.walmart.com/global-responsibility/veterans-military-families/ and follow on Twitter @WalmartToday.

*Editor’s Note: These projections and reported hires/promotions include veterans hired under our original and expanded Commitment as well as other veterans hired by Walmart in this time frame. While we think it is particularly important to support service members as they make the transition to civilian life, Walmart believes all veterans deserve our respect and support, no matter when they left active duty.

About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, over 260 million customers and members visit our 11,695 stores under 59 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. With fiscal year 2017 revenue of $485.9 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.

Tweet me:.@Walmart announces more than 170,000 #veteran hires since 2013 & grants $100,000 to @TAPSorg ‏http://bit.ly/2qNnMnO

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Diversity & Inclusion, Walmart

World’s largest leisure travel company ranked 23rd in annual survey of 1,000 largest U.S. public companies by Corporate Responsibility Magazine

SOURCE:Carnival Corporation & plc

DESCRIPTION:

MIAMI, May 23, 2017  /3BL Media/–Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest leisure travel company, has been named one of the top 100 Best Corporate Citizens for 2017 by Corporate Responsibility Magazine (CRM).

Carnival Corporation ranked number 23 in CRM's 18^th annual survey, a significant improvement from last year’s ranking at number 51. The company achieved the highest rank in corporate responsibility among firms in the travel and tourism sector and was the only cruise-specific company to make the list, which uses as its base the Russell 1000 Index of the 1,000 largest U.S. public companies. This marked Carnival Corporation’s fifth time in the past seven years to be recognized with the 100 Best Corporate Citizens distinction.

Of all companies on the 100 Best Corporate Citizens list, Carnival Corporation ranked in the top quarter in two categories: environmental (at number 16) and governance (at number 23). The environmental category includes environmental disclosure, policy disclosure and performance. The governance category is how a company establishes policies, policing itself and its employees from the top executives on down.

"As the world’s leading cruise company with 10 global brands, we have a deep commitment and have made it a top corporate priority to preserve and respect the environment and communities in which we operate, while returning value to our shareholders,” said Roger Frizzell, chief communications officer for Carnival Corporation. “Being recognized by the highly regarded Corporate Responsibility Magazine is a great honor for all 120,000 of our employees at Carnival Corporation. Making the CRM list is a major accomplishment alone, but being named one of the top 25 companies in America for corporate responsibility is particularly rewarding and provides plenty of incentive to continue our progress.”

Citing transparency and accountability, CRM evaluates U.S. public companies in seven categories, including environment, climate change, employee relations, human rights, governance, finance and philanthropy/community support. The magazine's research team rates the 100 Best Corporate Citizens after compiling 260 data points for all companies on the Russell 1000 Index, with all the data gleamed from publically available information.

“Being a good corporate citizen is a goal of most leading organizations, but actually achieving this can be a challenge in today’s business climate," said Belinda Sharr, editor of Corporate Responsibility Magazine. "When a company such as Carnival Corporation succeeds at being transparent, responsible and accountable in areas such as the environment, while also succeeding financially, they are rewarded with a spot on our coveted list."

Carnival Corporation was also winner of a 2016 Ladder Award, recognizing companies that have advanced the most places on the CRM list and made the most dramatic developments in their commitment to corporate responsibility and social impact.

Tweet me:.@CarnivalPLC Rated Among America’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens by @CR_Mag http://bit.ly/2qO8z69

Contact Info:

Claire West
LDWWgroup
claire@ldwwgroup.com

Ellie Beuerman
LDWWgroup
ellie@ldwwgroup.com

KEYWORDS: Awards, Ratings & Rankings, Diversity & Inclusion, governance, environmental disclosure, environmental performance, Transparency, climate change, employee relations, Human Rights, philanthropy, CRM, Corporate Responsibility Magazine, 100 best corporate citizens, Carnival Corporation, cruising

SOURCE:Cox Enterprises

DESCRIPTION:

This year, Cox Enterprises announced the completion of the New River Energy Facility in Beckley, W. Va. The New River Energy Facility is part of the company’s Cox Conserves sustainability program, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The company seeks to send zero waste to landfill by 2024 and become carbon and water neutral by 2044. Since 2007, Cox Enterprises has invested more than $100 million in sustainability and conservation initiatives. Through these investments, the company has offset 82,000 tons of carbon, diverted 97,000 tons of waste from landfill and conserved 57 million gallons of water.

Here are five interesting facts about Cox Enterprises’ New River Clean Energy Facility:

1. The facility captures landfill gas to generate energy and reduce methane emissions, which produces positive outcomes for the local community and the environment.

2. The facility has the capacity to annually offset 14,200 tons of carbon and produce enough clean energy to power nearly 2,000 homes.

3. The New River facility is part of Seven Islands Environmental Solutions, a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises that implements new technologies and programs to create a positive impact on the environment. Seven Islands has entered an agreement with Raleigh County Solid Waste Authority (RCSWA) to utilize the landfill gas for the beneficial purpose of energy generation rather than emitting it to the atmosphere.

4. A system of wells captures the landfill gas generated by 2 million tons of waste buried at the site. Collected gas is cleaned, dried and compressed to fuel generators.

5. 136 million tons of municipal solid waste finds its way to our nation’s landfills each year. With time, waste in landfills decomposes, releasing methane, carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs). Landfill gas-to-energy facilities, like the New River Clean Energy plant in Beckley, filter and convert methane into a renewable energy source.

​Cox is utilizing multiple waste management technologies to make a positive impact on the environment. The company’s Golden Isles Conservation Center annually removes 80,000 tires from the waste stream, converts them to their original components and repurposes them for second life. Cox is also reducing its consumption of materials and has seven zero waste to landfill facilities across the nation.

To learn more about Cox Conserves and the company’s progress towards its social impact and sustainability goals, explore Cox Enterprises’ 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility Report at www.CoxCSRReport.com. 

Tweet me:#CleanAirMonth: Learn more about Cox’s New River Clean Energy Facility http://bit.ly/2qMvQW8 #CoxConserves

KEYWORDS: Awards, Ratings & Rankings, Green Infrastructure, Cox Enterprises, Conservation

Digital platform helps business better understand, implement closed-loop systems

SOURCE:USCCF Corporate Citizenship Center

DESCRIPTION:

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 23, 2017 /3BL Media/ — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Corporate Citizenship Center, in partnership with The Sustainability Consortium (TSC) and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), today launched the Circular Economy Toolbox, an online platform to help companies incorporate more sustainable business practices that eliminate waste and increase efficiency. 

“The circular economy has the power to transform the business community,” said Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “The Circular Economy Toolbox will help foster innovative ideas and solutions that can strengthen business performance while invigorating sustainable development and economic growth.”

The concept of the circular economy emphasizes longevity, reuse, and recycling within business operations beyond standard sustainability practices. The Toolbox will assist organizations in the development of programs that capitalize on the business value of the circular economy, providing actionable tools and steps for companies to adjust their practices and take advantage of the long-term benefits of becoming more circular.

The Toolbox features a repository of projects that highlight how companies have successfully implemented circular business practices. The Toolbox also provides useful information for businesses, including:

• An overview of the circular economy;
• Background on the differences between circularity and sustainability;
• A glossary of terms and keywords; and
• A list of circular economy resources.

“The circular economy concept is important because it gives us a way of looking at product supply chains as holistic systems rather than as separate, individual activities. Using this tool, we can now expand the scope of sustainability right across the supply chain, rather than getting products to market first and tackling the sustainability issues after,” said Euan Murray, chief executive of The Sustainability Consortium. “This approach aligns well with the vision and methodology used by TSC to look at a system as more than the sum of its parts. TSC is honored to partner with RILA and the U.S. Chamber Foundation to create this essential and important tool.”

“RILA is excited to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and The Sustainability Consortium to create this important resource for brands looking to participate in and grow our nation’s circular economy,” said Adam Siegel, senior vice president of research innovation and sustainability at RILA. “We designed this toolkit to help America’s retailers navigate the process of moving away from the traditional ‘take-make-waste’ approach into a circular and more sustainable model. As America’s retailers focus on promoting sustainability from shore to shelf, we want to help them every step of the way. This toolkit is a new way to help move industry forward.”

The Toolbox will be a dynamic platform and will accept new projects for consideration on an ongoing basis. 

The Circular Economy Toolbox was supported by Tarkett and can be found online here.

The Sustainability Consortium (TSC) is a global organization dedicated to improving the sustainability of consumer products. TSC convenes our diverse stakeholders to work collaboratively to build science-based decision tools and solutions that address sustainability issues that are materially important throughout a product’s supply chain and lifecycle. TSC also offers a portfolio of services to help drive effective implementation. Our mission is to use the best sustainability science to help companies make the everyday products we use better and more sustainable.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is the trade association of the world’s largest and most innovative retail companies. RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers domestically and abroad.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center is a leading resource for businesses dedicated to making a difference. For more than 15 years, our programs, events, research, and relationships with key NGOs and governments have helped businesses make the world a better place.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness. We educate the public on the conditions necessary for business and communities to thrive, how business positively impacts communities, and emerging issues and creative solutions that will shape the future.

Tweet me:Want to be more sustainable but don’t know where to start? Check out @USCCFbiz4good #circulareconomy toolbox: https://goo.gl/TGwFIL

KEYWORDS: Environment, sustainability, circular economy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Corporate Citizenship Center, The Sustainability Consortium, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Circular Economy Toolbox

Collaboration with International Medical Corps focuses on disaster preparedness

SOURCE:FedEx Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

THE FIRST RESPONDER

Rebecca Milner, International Medical Corps

International Medical Corps dreamt of the perfect solution to help injured disaster survivors — a portable, rapidly deployable, fully functional hospital. Rebecca Milner explains how FedEx helped to make the impossible possible.

“After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, International Medical Corps maintained a 60-bed portable field hospital in Boise, Idaho, ready to deploy for the largest natural disasters. But a disaster of the magnitude of the Haiti earthquake hasn’t occurred again.

We knew that we could use the hospital to save lives and treat injuries in smaller scale emergencies. We needed the right collaborator to help us develop a more flexible and easily deployable version of the hospital.

What we needed was a way to deploy the hospital to meet specific on-the-ground needs, with a smaller number of beds. FedEx was the natural place to turn. Their speed and expertise is a backbone of the disaster response community time and again.

Around twelve FedEx logistics experts have offered their services. They helped us figure out how to make the hospital more modular, for easier transport, and recommended moving it to Memphis, Tennessee for quick access to the FedEx world hub. From there, FedEx will deploy all or part of the hospital for us in its aircraft and be on the ground as soon as humanly possible, saving lives.

There are more than 65 million people displaced in the world — the highest number since WWII. Natural disasters are occurring more frequently and affecting more people, and conflicts are a daily reality.

At a time when logistics expertise is absolutely critical, FedEx is helping International Medical Corps be there for even more people when they need it most.”

To learn more about citizenship efforts at FedEx, visit csr.fedex.com to view the 2017 Global Citizenship Report. Highlights from the collaboration between FedEx and International Medical Corps include:

• Since 1984, International Medical Corps has helped tens of millions of vulnerable people in over 70 countries, delivering emergency relief and training.
• The 60-bed mobile trauma and surgery facility, which FedEx will transport to disaster zones can provide 300 surgeries and 6,000 outpatient consultations per month, when fully staffed.

Tweet me:Find out how @FedEx and @IMC_Worldwide collaborate to rapidly deploy a portable hospital when disaster strikes http://bit.ly/2rP3oQv

KEYWORDS: Innovation & Technology, Health & Healthcare, international medical corps, FedEx, disaster relief

E-pub showcases pioneering approaches to supply chain finance, employee engagement and global sourcing

SOURCE:Avnet, Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

Tweet me:New Issue of #SupplyChain Navigator from @Avnet Celebrates #DisruptiveInnovation http://bit.ly/2rPgCN6

KEYWORDS: Supply Chain & the Circular Economy, Events, Media & Communications, Avnet, Supply Chain Navigator Magazine, disruptive innovation

SOURCE:Habitat for Humanity

DESCRIPTION:

ATLANTA and CARY, N.C., May 26, 2017 /3BL Media/ - Ply Gem, a North American manufacturer of building products, is partnering with Habitat for Humanity for the second consecutive year in support of the Ply Gem Home for Good project, a campaign to help families in need of affordable housing. Darius Rucker, three-time Grammy Award winner, is this year’s project ambassador.

The Ply Gem Home for Good project is a multi-year initiative that includes a donation of over $1 million of exterior building products and funds to support Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to call home. As part of the Home for Good project, Ply Gem is the presenting sponsor of Habitat for Humanity’s Home Builders Blitz, a weeklong campaign in which Ply Gem and professional homebuilders will donate their time, muscle and talent to help Habitat raise awareness of the need for affordable housing. This year, homebuilders in more than 70 communities across the U.S. will volunteer to help build, rehab or repair more than 200 homes as part of the initiative.

“The need for affordable housing is immense and we are grateful to Ply Gem for its support of Habitat and our mission,” said Colleen Finn Ridenhour, senior vice president, Development, Habitat for Humanity International. “Because of Ply Gem’s continued commitment, we are able to help more families better their lives and their futures.”

“At Ply Gem, we’ve taken our nearly 75 years of experience creating homebuilding products that make beautiful homes, and turned it into our mission through the Home for Good project,” says Gary E. Robinette, chairman and CEO, Ply Gem. “And, we believe it’s our role as a leader to make the entire building industry aware of the positive impact that affordable housing has on local families and communities.”

In 2016, Ply Gem donated building materials – including windows and siding – to help 300 Habitat homeowners build or repair their homes in more than 60 communities.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.

About Ply Gem Building Products

Ply Gem, headquartered in Cary, N.C., is a leading manufacturer of exterior building products in North America. Ply Gem produces a comprehensive product line of windows and patio doors, vinyl and metal siding and accessories, designer accents, cellular PVC trim and mouldings, vinyl fencing and railing, stone veneer and gutterware, used in both new construction and home repair and remodeling in the United States and Canada. Visit www.plygem.com for more information.

Tweet me:.@PlyGem partners with @Habitat_org to build homes across America for its second annual #HomeForGoodProject http://bit.ly/2qSkYWO

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Non-Profits, affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity, Ply Gem Building Projects

‘Gold Level’ Veteran-Friendly Employer from State; Military Times ‘Best for Vets’ List

SOURCE:Consumers Energy

DESCRIPTION:

Consumers Energy is being recognized in Michigan and nationally for its commitment to providing job opportunities for military veterans. Consumers Energy has been named a gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, one of only seven employers to earn the highest certification the state offers. In a separate, independent ranking, Military Times named the energy provider to its “Best for Vets” list.

“We’re proud to be recognized for our ongoing work to provide an inclusive workplace for military veterans and people of all backgrounds,” said John Broschak, a U.S. Navy veteran and Consumers Energy’s vice president of generation operations. “One quarter of our new employees in the past year are military veterans, and we are a stronger company because of the skills and background they bring to provide service to our Michigan customers.”

In both rankings, employers are recognized for efforts to recruit and retain military veterans, plus create a culture that supports their distinct needs. Some examples:

• Consumers Energy sponsors a Veterans Advisory Panel that provides resources to veterans who work for the company.
• The company makes accommodations for employees to fulfill active and reserve military commitments.
• Three company vice presidents are military veterans.
• Last year, Consumers Energy also collaborated with the Michigan National Guard and Power for America to create a Natural Gas Boot Camp to train qualified military veterans and provide them with job opportunities.

Consumers Energy also was recognized this month for its success in building a strong workplace culture for all employees. Forbes magazine ranked Consumers Energy as Michigan’s best employer based on surveys of nearly 30,000 employees nationally.

“We want to leverage the skills of qualified military veterans as we continue to build a stronger, world class company that delivers hometown service,” said Cathy Hendrian, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president for human resources. “We take this recognition to heart and will keep recruiting and creating a great place where veterans can continue their service to serve Michigan communities.”

Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

Media Contacts
Brian Wheeler
517-788-2394
Terry DeDoes
517-374-2159

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For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com

Tweet me:.@ConsumersEnergy recognized at state, national level for commitment to employing military veterans http://bit.ly/2r0brN8 #Veterans

KEYWORDS: Diversity & Inclusion, Consumers Energy

SOURCE:Aflac

DESCRIPTION:

Aflac was #ThereWhen Aflac employee and policyholder Chad Melvin’s son was diagnosed with a very rare blood disorder called LCH. What started as a day at the pool became a two-year journey for young Grant at the Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center. #duckprints 

Tweet me:.@Aflac was #ThereWhen Aflac employee and policyholder Chad Melvin’s son was diagnosed with a very rare blood disorder http://bit.ly/2qsWBP8

KEYWORDS: Health & Healthcare, Diversity & Inclusion, Aflac, Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center

by Aubrey Sanders

SOURCE:Barclays

DESCRIPTION:

Forests cover over thirty percent of the planet’s land surface, provide sustenance and medicine for 1.6 billion people, cool and infuse our air with oxygen and moisture, and shelter 80 percent of the world’s biodiversity. Yet every year, 15 billion trees are destroyed by subsistence farming practices, commercial logging, development, and a host of natural stressors.

Deforestation not only endangers endemic ecosystems and communities, but it also dramatically increases greenhouse gas emissions by releasing carbon dioxide stored in timber into the atmosphere. Despite enormous planting efforts, the planet still experiences a net loss of six billion trees annually.

Lauren Fletcher, CEO and Founder of U.K.-based startup BioCarbon Engineering, leaned on over 11 years of experience as an engineer at NASA to develop a faster, more efficient method of reforestation. His solution? Use drones to replenish our forests, one billion trees at a time.

Unreasonable sat down with Lauren to discuss working with astronauts, rebuilding Earth’s ecosystems, and refusing to take “no” for an answer.

Continue reading on Unreasonable Impact >>>

Tweet me:.@UnreasonableImpact: #Reforesting a Future with #Drones http://bit.ly/2qsW0ge @BioCarbonEng #Sustainability @Barclays_cship

KEYWORDS: Innovation & Technology, Environment, Barclays, unreasonable impact, BioCarbon Engineering