SOURCE:Mohawk Industries

DESCRIPTION:

CALHOUN, Ga. Aug. 30, 2017—As an official supplier of the 2017 IRONMAN® 70.3® World Championship, Mohawk Industries will be supporting some of the world’s most elite athletes as they gather Sept. 9–10 in Chattanooga, Tenn. for the competition of their lives.

More than 4,500 athletes representing more than 90 countries, regions and territories and ranging in age groups spanning 18 to 89 will participate in the world-famous long-distance triathlon. Mohawk Group’s Spectrum V30 commercial broadloom carpeting (in Blaze Red) will greet participants at all transition areas. Completing their race, competitors will stride across a finish line covered in Durkan Synthesis Ripple PDI carpeting featuring IRONMAN 70.3 and Mohawk Industries logos.

“Competing in an IRONMAN 70.3 is a true challenge for athletes seeking to push their limits,” said Michel Vermette, president of Mohawk Group, the commercial division of Mohawk Industries. “We at Mohawk believe in better and understand that commitment to excellence. Our flooring products stand for the relentless pursuit of durability and outstanding performance. As the leading global flooring manufacturer, Mohawk is honored to support these amazing athletes and to partner with a world-class name in sports, health and fitness.”

Mohawk will not just be providing the carpet. Employees have volunteered to spend a portion of their weekend to staff one of the aid stations along the race course. There they will distribute water and nutrition while cheering on athletes as they take on a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run.

Contact:
Luke Chaffin
762.204.5607
luke_chaffin@mohawkind.com

About Mohawk
Mohawk Industries is a leading global flooring manufacturer that creates products to enhance residential and commercial spaces around the world. Mohawk’s vertically integrated manufacturing and distribution processes provide competitive advantages in the production of carpet, rugs, ceramic tile, laminate, hardwood, stone and vinyl flooring. Our industry-leading innovation has yielded products and technologies that differentiate our brands in the marketplace and satisfy all remodeling and new construction requirements. Our brands are among the most recognized in the industry and include Mohawk, American Olean, Daltile, Durkan, IVC, Karastan, Marazzi, Pergo, Unilin and Quick-Step. During the past decade, Mohawk has transformed its business from an American carpet manufacturer into the world’s largest flooring company with operations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia and the United States.

Tweet me:.@MohawkFlooring Makes the Finish Line at @IRONMANtri http://bit.ly/2wTe1by @mhkgreenworks #EmployeeEngagement #volunteering

KEYWORDS: Events, Media & Communications, Public Relations, Ironman 70.3 World Championship, Mohawk Industries, Mohawk Flooring

SOURCE:The Walt Disney Company

DESCRIPTION:

The Walt Disney Company and its owned ABC television station KTRK in Houston today jointly announced a $1 million cash commitment to the American Red Cross in support of recovery efforts for communities affected by Hurricane Harvey.

In addition, on Thursday, August 31, Disney|ABC Television Group (DATG) will host a “Day of Giving” to benefit those impacted by the hurricane. Starting in the morning with ABC local affiliates and Good Morning America, and throughout the day on ABC, Freeform, Radio Disney and across all DATG social platforms, there will be a call-to-action to donate to the American Red Cross, with those dollars going to benefit those most impacted.

“Our hearts go out to everyone in the devastating path of this historic storm,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. “It’s hard to fully appreciate the impact, in part because it isn’t over yet. But we know thousands of people have lost everything and now face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities back together, and we’re using our unique resources and reach to help those in need.”

Plus, eligible Disney employee donations to the American Red Cross and other qualified organizations involved in the Hurricane Harvey relief effort will be matched dollar for dollar by Disney Employee Matching Gifts: A Program of The Walt Disney Company Foundation.

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Disaster Relief, Hurricane Harvey, Disney, ABC, day of giving, matching gifts, American Red Cross

Beginning September 5, nonprofits to submit applications online at www.mgmresortsfoundation.org

SOURCE:MGM Resorts International

DESCRIPTION:

LAS VEGAS, August 30, 2017 /3BL Media/ - Beginning September 5, The MGM Resorts Foundation will accept nonprofit grant applications through its online portal until October 13, 2017. Funding will be awarded to local nonprofit agencies that provide services focused on strengthening neighborhoods, strengthening children and providing strength in difficult times. 

As a result of the contributions made by MGM Resorts International employees, The MGM Resorts Foundation will award qualifying agencies in Southern Nevada, Michigan and Mississippi. 

Grant decisions will be made by the company’s Community Grant Councils, a voluntary committee that distributes donations not ear-marked for specific nonprofit organizations or programs into a grant fund with awards based on a competitive proposal process. Last year, the Council awarded 89 grants. 

“In 2016, MGM Resorts employees gave more than $4 million to support nonprofit organizations that serve the communities where we live and work,” said Shelley Gitomer, Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Engagement for MGM Resorts International. “Thanks to their generosity, thousands of children and families were provided with vital assistance including medical care, mental health counseling, food and shelter.”

Nonprofit agencies may visit www.mgmresortsfoundation.org/grants to review eligibility criteria and begin the online grant application process. Nonprofits are required to provide support of a Community Grant Fund focus area and operations must be in existence for a minimum of 36 months to be considered.  

To learn more about The MGM Resorts Foundation, visit www.mgmresortsfoundation.org.

#    #   #

About MGM Resorts Foundation
The purpose of The MGM Resorts Foundation is to collect and distribute monies and assets donated by employees of MGM Resorts (NYSE: MGM) for the aid and support of qualified community nonprofit programs, agencies or organizations designated exclusively by MGM Resorts employees. In addition, the Foundation collects and distributes donations to the Foundation by third-party non-employees to support charitable, scientific, literary, and educational activities approved by the Foundation's Board of Directors and organized by MGM Resorts employees to benefit qualified non-profit charitable organizations designated by the Foundation's Board.

Media Contacts:
Sonya Padgett
MGM Resorts International 
702-692-6807
spadgett@mgmresorts.com

Tweet me:Beginning Sept. 5 the @mgmresortsintl Foundation will accept nonprofit grant proposals for the Community Grant Fund http://bit.ly/2wT7D47

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Community Development, MGMCares, MGM Resorts International

SOURCE:Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable

DESCRIPTION:

Climate change poses one of the greatest challenges to the continued prosperity of societies and businesses around the world, as well as the vitality of our natural resources and environment.
 
Since 2006, members of the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) have been working to advance environmental sustainability in the beverage sector and fight climate change through collaboration, data collection, standard setting and more.

With the recent adoption of the Paris Agreement at the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP21) in December 2015, our work has taken on new meaning and relevance as our member organizations that have operations that span more than 170 countries.
 
As a result, our resolve to continue our collaboration and global leadership has never been stronger. In 2015, we documented our ambitious goals in BIER’s Joint Commitment on Climate Change, showing the world we recognize the challenges of climate change and we’ll continue to do our part. And BIER members are making amazing progress individually and collectively.

Check out the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable's (BIER) Climate Change blog post, highlighting our commitments and the collective progress we've made so far, as well as hear from members on how they're taking action within their own organizations.

About BIER

The Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) is a technical coalition of leading global beverage companies working together to advance environmental sustainability within the beverage sector. BIER aims to affect sector change through work focused on water stewardship, energy efficiency and climate change, beverage container recycling, sustainable agriculture, and eco-system services. BIER members include: American Beverage Association, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bacardi, Beam Suntory, Brown-Forman, Carlsberg Group, The Coca-Cola Company, Constellation Brands, Danone Waters, Fetzer Vineyards, Diageo, Heineken, Jackson Family Wines, New Belgium Brewing, MillerCoors, Molson Coors, Pernod Ricard, Ocean Spray Cranberries, and PepsiCo. For more information, visit www.bieroundtable.com.

Tweet me:How are @BIERoundtable members tackling #climatechange? Read on to find out http://bit.ly/2xNs2nP

KEYWORDS: Environment, Climate Action, Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER), Energy, climate, climate change, Paris Agreement, UNFCCC

Supplies distributed through relief partner organizations across Texas and Louisiana

SOURCE:Nestlé

DESCRIPTION:

STAMFORD, Conn., August 30, 2017/3BL Media/ – Nestlé Waters North America has collaborated with relief organizations to donate more than 1.3 million bottles of water to those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Thirty-seven truckloads – and counting – have delivered clean, safe bottled water to communities in Texas and Louisiana distributed by relief partners on the ground, including Americares, the American Red Cross, Gleaning For The World, Convoy of Hope and Feeding America. 

“We are committed to delivering critical supplies of clean water to impacted individuals, families and communities in the wake of this disaster,” said Fernando Mercé, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Waters North America. “I am humbled by the efforts of our dedicated associates and relief partners in providing on-the-ground assistance during this time of tragedy and immense need.”

Texas is home to more than 1,300 Nestlé Waters associates and Ozarka^® Brand Natural Spring Water, which is sourced from three natural springs in the state, and distributed regionally in Texas and several nearby states. Since 2007, Nestlé Waters North America has donated more than 5 million bottles of water to disaster relief and other important causes in Texas.

Nestlé Waters will continue to monitor the evolving needs in Texas and Louisiana and work closely with its partners to provide additional assistance. Deliveries are currently under way to disaster relief sites in Houston, San Antonio, Arlington, Corpus Christi and El Paso.

How to Help

Those interested in aiding relief efforts can support the work of the American Red Cross or Americares. To get in contact with or to seek assistance at a disaster relief site, please call, e-mail or visit the following websites:

Americares
usemergency@americares.org
P: 1-800-486-HELP

The American Red Cross
 P: 1-800-RED-CROSS

About Nestlé Waters North America
Nestlé Waters North America provides people with an unrivaled portfolio of bottled waters for healthy hydration. Brands such as Ozarka^®, Poland Spring^®, Nestlé^® Pure Life^®, Perrier^®, and S. Pellegrino^® have driven Nestlé Waters North America to be the third largest non-alcoholic beverage company by volume in the U.S. Nestlé Waters North America also owns and operates ReadyRefresh ^SM by Nestlé^®, the largest home and office water delivery service by volume in the U.S.. Based in Stamford, Connecticut with some 8,500 associates, Nestlé Waters is committed to reducing its environmental footprint across its  operations. As a natural resource company, Nestlé Waters sustainably manages our 47 spring sources and maintains nearly 14,000 acres of natural watershed area. The company is also committed to creating shared value and being a good neighbor in the 140 communities where it operates in the U.S.   

#  #  #

Tweet me:.@NestleWatersNA donates more than 1.3 million bottles of water to #HurricaneHarvey relief. http://bit.ly/2vK3Ykf

Contact Info:

Chris Rieck
Nestle Waters North America
+1 (203) 629-7243
chris.rieck@waters.nestle.com
@NestleWatersNA

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Social Impact & Volunteering, Hurricane Harvey, flood, bottled water, Donations, relief efforts, Texas, Louisiana, Nestle Waters North America

SOURCE:TD Bank Group

DESCRIPTION:

TD Bank Group, through its urban greening grassroots program, TD Tree Days, is proud to be reaching its goal of planting its 300,000^th tree this year. Since the program launched in 2010, TD Tree Days has worked with community organizations across Canada, the United States and Europe to bring together TD employees, their families and friends, and community members to help make a difference in their communities.

To date, TD Tree Days events have seen over 285,000 trees and shrubs planted, helping to green communities and build healthier, more biodiverse public spaces. Last year, over 9,000 volunteers, including more than 3,800 youth, participated in over 160 community events.

Greening community spaces is vitally important, both for environmental purposes and for fostering healthy communities. As trees mature, they help absorb more carbon dioxide (C02), contributing to the mitigation of climate change. Approximately 140 tonnes of C02 has been sequestered by the trees and shrubs planted through TD Tree Days since 2010, equaling roughly 335,532 miles driven by an average vehicle in one year, or more than 100 times the distance across the United States. Trees also help to regulate temperatures, filter water and reduce noise pollution in urban areas.

With the help of volunteers, TD Tree Days will soon be planting its 300,000^th tree. This year, TD Tree Days is part of #TDCommonGround celebrations, a $6 million initiative to revitalize green spaces at over 150 sites across Canada. To learn more, visit www.commongroundprojecttd.com.  

Visit www.tdtreedays.com for more information on community plantings.

Tweet me:TD to reach goal of planting 300,000th tree in North America http://bit.ly/2wTR1cG #TDTreeDays #TDCommonGround

KEYWORDS: Environment, Trees, natural capital, TD Bank Group, TD Tree Days

AEG employees prepare more than 1,400 food kits to be distributed to seniors in the greater Los Angeles area

SOURCE:AEG

DESCRIPTION:

In conjunction with AEG’s longstanding relationship with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and AEG’s core principles of public service, community outreach and volunteerism, more than 70 employees from AEG’s Los Angeles offices spent the day preparing food kits at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank in Commerce, Calif. on Aug. 29.

Following welcoming remarks from AEG President and CEO Dan Beckerman and a food bank orientation, AEG employees assembled and packed more than 1,400 food kits to be distributed to seniors living in the greater Los Angeles area.

Since 1973, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has distributed more than one billion pounds of food to people in need throughout Los Angeles County and conducts ongoing hunger education and awareness campaigns.

In addition to AEG’s many foundations and programs that focus on public service initiatives, community outreach, and volunteerism, AEG has contributed more than $100 million in direct financial and in-kind support of charitable, community and civic programs over the past 10 years.

Tweet me:.@aegworldwide partners with @LAFoodBank to host Community Impact Day! #wefeedla http://bit.ly/2wTBSI6

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, AEG, Dan Beckerman, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Employee Engagement, volunteerism, service day

Up to $10M in Requested Medicines Plus $250K Donation to Relief Partners

SOURCE:Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

DESCRIPTION:

Bristol-Myers Squibb and the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation have increased support of emergency relief efforts in southeastern Texas following Hurricane Harvey, the first major hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. in over a decade.

Bristol-Myers Squibb is donating medicines with a wholesale value of $10 million to a network of the company’s of global relief partners to support their efforts in Texas. The first shipment of medicines is being sent today.

In addition, the Foundation is donating an additional $200,000, for a total of $250,000, to Americares, Direct Relief International and American Red Cross to provide desperately needed medical care and supplies for those in needs. The Foundation is also matching US and Puerto Rico employee donations to all eligible organizations working on the relief efforts.

“As the devastation of Hurricane Harvey continues to unfold, we are increasing our support to meet the significant needs of the communities impacted,” says John Damonti, president, Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation. “Bristol-Myers Squibb’s increased support will provide access to basic supplies and support relief partners in their work, as well as get medicines in the hands of patients who need them.”

Bristol-Myers Squibb and its disaster relief partners will continue to diligently monitor the situation to provide support as needed.

Tweet me:Bristol-Myers Squibb donates $10M in medicines to #HurricaneHarvey victims http://bit.ly/2vGnoXR $250K to #disasterrelief @BMSnews

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Health & Healthcare, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, Hurricane Harvey, Americares, direct relief international, American Red Cross, houston, Texas

SOURCE:Sea Change Radio

DESCRIPTION:

Recently, in response to the 45th president’s shameful mishandling of the incidents in Charlottesville, Virgina, UC Berkeley Energy Professor Daniel Kammen resigned as a State Dept.  Science Envoy. His resignation letter picked up national attention — in part because the first letter of each paragraph spelled out the word “IMPEACH.” This week on Sea Change Radio, we hear from Prof. Kammen, learn more about his role of special envoy, how it changed under the current administration, and some of the reasons why he felt the need to leave the post. Then, we reach back to our 2015 discussion with Prof. Kammen and hear about the strides that are being made to provide electricity to the 20% of the world’s population that doesn’t currently have access to it.

Tweet me:This wk's @SeaChangeRadio - "Daniel Kammen Spells Relief I-M-P-E-A-C-H" http://www.cchange.net/2017/08/29/impeach/

KEYWORDS: Environment, Leadership, sea change radio

Contributes Immediate and Long-Term Assistance Through a Network of Public-Private Partnerships Designed to Assist With Wide Range of Needs

SOURCE:UPS

DESCRIPTION:

August 31, 2017 /3BL Media/ - UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced more than a $1 million pledge, through The UPS Foundation in support of recovery efforts in Texas and Louisiana following the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. The pledge is a combination of cash grants, in-kind transportation movements and technical expertise to provide urgent relief, as well as support for long-term needs ranging from rebuilding to personal and financial recovery assistance.

“In this time of enormous need, it is critical to establish and support extensive networks of public-private partnerships to get aid to those who need it, as quickly as possible,” said Eduardo Martinez, president of The UPS Foundation and chief diversity and inclusion officer. “At the same time, setting aside funding and other resources for long-term recovery efforts is also important, and we are laying that groundwork as well.”

The UPS Foundation is working with FEMA, the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and other humanitarian aid partners to assess longer-term needs, and will commit an additional $500,000 in cash and in-kind assistance for recovery needs that will be specified during the post-crisis recovery phase in the coming months. 

When a disaster strikes, The UPS Foundation moves quickly to support first responders and provide immediate in-kind relief to assist with recovery efforts on multiple fronts. The UPS Foundation will work with its preeminent group of humanitarian relief agency partners to provide over $500,000 in assistance in the short-term.

Immediately, The UPS Foundation is engaging with the following organizations, committing both cash and in-kind assistance:

• American Red Cross – $150,000 in cash and in-kind support, in addition to The UPS Foundation’s annual commitment to the Annual Disaster Giving Program that provides funding that enables the American Red Cross to open shelters immediately for Hurricane Harvey flood survivors. 
• The Salvation Army - $125,000 in cash and in-kind support for hurricane relief efforts.
• Good360 - $150,000 in funding and in-kind support.
• National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster - $50,000 to assist member in-kind needs and  provide warehouse technology solutions  to expedite and track recovery items.
• SBP – An additional $25,000 to send an advance team to Texas to support home recovery efforts.
• Operation Hope – An additional $25,000 to provide financial counseling  to disaster survivors to speed their recovery.
• Toolbank Disaster Services – UPS will transport the tool trailer to assist volunteers with clean up and rebuilding.
• Hewlett PackardConnection Spot Trailer – UPS will transport the communication trailer to provide Wi-Fi internet access, printers and charging stations to help expedite flood claims processes.

UPS and The UPS Foundation have a history of leveraging the company’s logistics expertise and moving quickly to assist in delivering humanitarian aid and relief efforts after natural disasters. In fact, providing humanitarian relief is an ongoing program. Last year, The UPS Foundation responded to 20 major world disasters and invested more than $13 million in funding, in-kind, and technical support for community safety initiatives that included enhancing urgent disaster response preparedness, response, and recovery. Also last year, the UPS Foundation provided in-kind support for 468 shipments of humanitarian aid and relief in 53 countries – almost $6 million worth of in-kind services.

About The UPS Foundation

UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight; the facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. Founded in 1951, The UPS Foundation leads its global citizenship programs and is responsible for facilitating community involvement to local, national, and global communities. In 2016, UPS and its employees, active and retired, invested more than $116 million in charitable giving around the world. The UPS Foundation can be found on the web at UPS.com/Foundation. To get UPS news direct, follow @UPS_News on Twitter.

Tweet me:The @UPS_Foundation mobilizes relief networks, pledges more than $1 million toward #HurricaneHarvey cleanup efforts http://bit.ly/2vt2uzm

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Disaster Relief, UPS, United Parcel Service (UPS), Salvation Army, American Red Cross, FEMA, good360, Hurricane Harvey

SOURCE:TD Bank Group

DESCRIPTION:

This year, in recognition of Canada's 150^th anniversary , TD Bank Group launched the #TDCommonGround Project, an initiative to revitalize over 150 community green spaces across the country to bring people together.

Public green spaces are essential to building healthy, strong communities — it's where people meet, talk and play and find common ground. In rejuvenating these green spaces, families and community members will be able to come together to connect with nature — and one another — for generations to come.

The projects range in scale and include seven flagship initiatives:

Dartmouth North Community Centre (DNCC) and Library in Dartmouth

A green space is being created that will extend the four concrete walls of the local library to the outside, bringing the love of reading and nature together for a growing community. The outdoor library will also be equipped with 24-hour Wi-Fi, and support language and computer literacy, education and programming. The project will also include the development of a naturalized playground, an enhanced community event space, improved accessibility pathways and storm water management systems.

The Green Corridor along Five Schools in Montreal

The development of this green corridor in Montreal is the first of its kind in Montreal's 375-year history. The corridor will link five primary schools and secondary schools with two large parks and playgrounds, including an outdoor classroom and the planting of 750 new trees. The newly greened area will cover 4.6 hectares and will provide a powerful connection to nature for the over 6,000 students, school staff and residents who travel through it daily.

Victoria Park Revitalization in Kingston

The redevelopment of the 125-year old Victoria Park will feature a multi-functional green space for families and community members to enjoy. Some of the initiatives include the diversification of the existing tree canopy, a new water play installation with conservation education, a natural garden, and the expansion of community meeting areas.

Pollinator Education Centre at Morningside Park in Scarborough

The creation of a pollinator meadow will connect Morningside Park to the Scarborough Butterfly Corridor, while also serving as a place for the community to learn about the importance of pollinators. A visitor education centre will also be built that will act as an outdoor classroom and learning space through which students and individuals can participate in a variety of educational programs. In collaboration with the Indigenous Place Making Council, the centre will also be transformed into an Indigenous Gathering Place to provide an inclusive and safe place for celebration and for Indigenous communities to come together in the park.

Waterloo Park Pedestrian Entrance and Bridge Twinning in Waterloo

The addition of a new pedestrian entrance and bridge twinning will greatly improve the community's access to the historic 47-hectare Waterloo Park. The new pedestrian bridge will be built alongside the existing bridge, providing separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians, and it will include a lookout area over the lake. This development will help connect the city's two universities (Waterloo and Wilfred Laurier) to uptown Waterloo.

Ralph Klein Park Natural Playground in Calgary

The creation of a natural playground at Ralph Klein Park — which already features an award-winning Environmental Education Centre — will enhance nature-based play for child development and learning. The new construction will be built entirely from natural materials, and will include log and timber climbing structures, hill slides, water play and sand features and arbor hide-outs. This new playground will engage a new audience of visitors.

Forsyth Park in Surrey

A park space is being created in the growing community of Surrey. In collaboration with Surrey Nature Centre, the new 0.6 hectare park will feature custom-designed natural play elements, new trees and gardens, connected pathway systems and other greened areas. This project will also support outdoor studies in the park and new environmental education programs.

In total, TD has invested $6 million in #TDCommonGround projects, helping to create a legacy of community green spaces. To learn more, visit www.commongroundproject.td.com/.

Tweet me:.@TD_Canada helps build over 150 green spaces to bring people together: http://bit.ly/2iKTIXF #TDCommonGround

KEYWORDS: Environment, Diversity & Inclusion, TD Bank Group, Canada, TD Common Ground Project

SOURCE:Booz Allen Hamilton

DESCRIPTION:

More than 50 percent of the workforce will be comprised of Millennial talent by 2020. This generational shift, combined with the increasing demand for companies to find top STEM-based talent, has resulted in an arms race for interns. What is the secret sauce to attracting and retaining top tech-savvy Millennials?

Booz Allen Hamilton is challenging the traditional idea of the internship by creating a competitive platform that gives interns the chance to solve real-world problems – from using drones to track Ebola or harnessing high-tech sensors to stop human trafficking. After the atypical 10-week program, intern teams present their projects to senior leaders – think: Shark Tank for Social Good– and the winning team is given funding to turn their ideas into reality.  Now, three years into our program, we have found our model for attracting and retaining the next generation of innovators.

This summer, over 80 intern teams across Booz Allen offices in 24 cities tackled some of society’s greatest challenges. They developed apps to help first responders locate people most in need of help after disasters. They challenged the IOT and empowered consumers to secure their own smart home devices. They employed machine learning to help secure the nation’s critical infrastructure.

Read about the intern team that won the Summer Games challenge and three other notable intern projects that hold the promise of creating lasting change in the world.

WINNING PROJECT

• Improving the reliability of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) during the winter: The DOD employs Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to support a variety of tactical, operational and strategic operations. But icing, which poses a risk to all aircraft, is especially a problem for military UAVs because of their small size, autonomy, and flying conditions. “It’s estimated that icing damage to UAVs has cost U.S. taxpayers more than $100 million dollars over the past ten years, as well as untold lost mission opportunities,” said team member Francesca Jarrett.

The team developed a product that improves the reliability and effectiveness of UAVs with a three-part system that works to prevent, detect, and remove ice. “The team’s breakthrough moment occurred when we realized that we weren’t looking for one large advance to solve the problem of icing on UAVs—if that were the case, the solution would have been found already,” said Ethan White, lead scientist at Booz Allen and the team’s mentor. “Instead, we realized that the solution would require a number of a cutting-edge technologies working in concert and evolving over time—that’s what is unique about our solution.”

“The ARID system offers a solution to the problem of icing at a very low cost,” Francesca added. “We estimate that our product will cost around $150 per UAV, potentially saving hundreds of millions of dollars for the DOD while transforming the field of UAV flight.”

“In 10 years, I think we will all wonder how we ever lived without UAVs delivering everything from food to clothes and life-saving medicine,” Ethan said. “The technology is growing in ways we can’t imagine and we are happy to be a part of making the technology more reliable.”

NOTABLE PROJECTS

• Pitching in to fight the nation’s opioid epidemic: A team based in Washington, D.C. developed both a diagnostic tool to predict which preventative programs will best serve cities and communities, and an app to connect opiate-addicted people with community resources. “Booz Allen encourages innovation and new ideas while demanding we seek our fullest potential; our project will benefit society by connecting communities, raising awareness, and saving lives from opioids,” said team member Emma Branch.
   
• Improving drivers’ ability to judge water level during flooding: As we approach National Preparedness Month, a proactive Charleston, S.C.  team developed a tool to potentially help prevent vehicle-related deaths during a flood. The team’s app allows users to visualize street flood levels using their phone camera and an interactive augmented reality display. “Our hope is that our mobile application transforms risk communication for the Digital Age,” said team member Nicole Woolcock.
   
• Transforming assistive technology for people who are blind:  The winner of last year’s Summer Games Challenge Cup, Team Iris, built a high-tech navigation system for people who are blind. This summer, a new group of interns revisited the project and worked to make the Iris device less cumbersome and to build a marketing campaign for the assistive technology. “We see a bright future for Iris and we are making sure its users can access the technology soon and at its best. Our goal is for Booz Allen to successfully take this product to the market to introduce a product that could greatly change peoples’ lives,” said team member Ali Epstein.

As Labor Day nears, the Summer Games interns will return to school. Some of these projects will receive funding and additional support from the firm.

And the vast majority (80%) of the Summer Games Class of 2017 will continue to pursue their passions after graduation when they join the firm as full-time employees.

Think you have what it takes to be a Summer Games Intern? Learn more here.

Tweet me:Revolutionary #drone solution takes home the gold at @BoozAllen’s Summer Games challenge http://bit.ly/2esJxFS #SummerInternship #UAV

KEYWORDS: Awards, Ratings & Rankings, Innovation & Technology, Booz Allen Hamilton, summer games, Summer Interns, drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs, opioid epidemic

SOURCE:Scotiabank

DESCRIPTION:

Fintech innovation is continually addressing how to improve the way banks serve their customers. As technology shapes how we interact in our daily lives, Scotiabank is committed to collaborate with and seamlessly exceed the needs of their customers to make them better off.  Identifying opportunities where fintech can be used to better serve our customers is at the core of Brad Roach’s position as Scotiabank’s Senior Fintech Specialist in Enterprise Innovation in Digital Banking.

The following interview is part of Scotiabank’s new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Perspectives series. The series will highlight various initiatives at the Bank through the lens of employees in relation to Scotiabank’s CSR priorities and commitments. Read how the work of Scotiabankers is creating meaningful opportunities for the Bank’s stakeholders. 

Can you please explain your role in supporting our commitment to customers at Scotiabank?

I help identify opportunities where technology can be used to better serve our customers. Financial technology has completely changed customers’ views and expectations of what they want from their bank. So we want to make sure that we continue to meet our customers’ evolving needs. It’s about understanding our customer as much as possible and then utilizing that understanding to create products and experiences that work for them.

Why is fintech innovation important to both Scotiabank and customers?

Whether you’re purchasing lunch, paying a bill, making an investment, or buying a new home, most people interact with their bank several times on any given day. Fintech innovation has the potential to improve every single one of these interactions — helping our customers save time, enhancing security, or making money management as seamless as possible — so the implications for our customers are pretty big. And from the Bank’s perspective, these innovations can help us deepen our relationships with our customers.

On a personal level, what excites you most about the work you’re doing?

Collaborating with entrepreneurs and fintech startups — because they’re offering a completely new way of doing things and a new lens for looking at banking. Collaboration is what drives me and I’m really, really passionate about it. Together we are exploring completely new ways of serving our customers’ needs. And that’s aligned to our core focus — helping customers become better off.

Is there a specific story that comes to mind as an example?

In Canada, approval for a typical business loan used to take up to six weeks. For many small business owners, that’s simply not a feasible amount of time to wait. So we created a fully digitized process that provides existing small business customers with access to funds in as little as seven minutes. It was made possible by partnering with Kabbage, a fintech company that was using advanced data analytics and non-traditional data sources to adjudicate credit.

How is Scotiabank’s insight into customers helping them become better off?

By furthering our understanding of customers, we can go beyond just helping them manage their finances. We can integrate seamlessly into their lives, save them time, protect their identities and security, and even anticipate what their needs are going to be. By thinking about our customer’s success and wellbeing from a holistic point of view, we can help them become better off in a variety of exciting new ways.

Learn more about Scotiabank's commitment to customers

Tweet me:.@ScotiabankViews CSR Perspectives: how to improve the way banks serve their customers via Fintech #CSR

KEYWORDS: Diversity & Inclusion, Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment, fintech, empowering employees, Banks, csr, Scotiabank

By Leon Kaye

SOURCE:TriplePundit

DESCRIPTION:

COMMIT!Forum will convene hundreds of corporate social responsibility leaders and CEOs from CR Magazine’s annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens ranking.  The event includes a pre-conference workshop on integrated CSR and sustainability reporting from BrownFlynn.  Join MGM’s Chief Diversity and CR Officer Phyllis James, Terracycle CEO Tom Szaky, Aman Singh, editor in chief of Futerra, and Icema Gibbs, head of CSR at Jetblue Airways. More information here. 

For several years, corporate social responsibility (CSR) advocates have suggested that companies will lag on solving their environmental and social challenges, putting them at risk – unless CSR is integrated into the company instead of cast aside in a silo. To that end, Campbell Soup Company is one firm that stands out for making CSR critical to both its overall strategy and brand value.

Almost 150 years old, the $8 billion food giant has witnessed plenty of change recently, both internally and externally. Campbell’s CEO, Denise Morrison, changed an old-fashioned food processing company into a more nimble and innovative operation. She has pushed the company to be more responsive to consumers’ needs while encouraging employees to step out of their comfort zones and take risks.

Campbell’s, along with its competitors within the prepared foods industry, really has had little choice but to evolve with the times. Consumers are more inquisitive about where their food is sourced, demand more transparency and ask for more sustainable and ethical ingredients. Campbell’s has been proactive on that front, as Morrison announced in 2014 when she insisted the company would to become one making “real food that matters for life’s moments.”

One way in which Campbell’s held its commitment to transparency was with last year’s announcement that it would disclose whether genetically modified organisms (GMOs) were present in its food products. At the same time, Campbell’s also went a step further by breaking ranks with many food companies and trade associations with its support of mandatory federal GMO labeling for food products. That decision sharply conflicted with the stance taken by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA); when Campbell’s announced it would end its membership with the GMA last summer, Morrison explained to investors that the company’s departure was driven by “purpose and principles” and it was not a financial decision.

Campbell’s willingness to share information about its ingredients now occurs even before a consumer enters a supermarket. The company has launched a web portal, WhatIsInMyFood.com, that allows visitors to understand the ingredients that end up in Campbell’s products, from its chicken noodle soup to Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies. These are not just a simple list that appears on a product’s label or package – consumers have a tool to understand how various foods gain that crunch, sweetness or texture. As with any food company’s supply chain, some ingredients, such vegetable oils, cornstarch and sugar may be derived from GMO crops – or may not – but in any event, the consumer at least can really gain a deep knowledge of those ingredients before they end up in a shopping cart.

In addition to that microsite, social media has become the fastest means for the company to communicate with stakeholders and consumers about their concerns as well as changes that the company is undertaken. On that front, Dave Stangis, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Chief Sustainability Officer at Campbell’s, has contributed to the company’s agility at communicating to its stakeholders via platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn.

“Campbell’s approach toward social media has been evolutionary,” explained Stangis as he detailed the company’s changes since he joined the company nine years ago. “During my first two weeks on the job, I was looking for a way to communicate progress between my start date and the first company sustainability report I worked on.” Stangis found his home on Twitter, where he has an impressive 14,000 followers and tweets multiple times a day.

Stangis and Campbell’s stick to audience-based communication for their social media strategy. “We try to paint a picture as if our customers are looking into the window,” said Stangis as he noted the company’s efforts to be more transparent. “We want them to know what our employees are working on.”

Indeed, the ongoing conversation between the Campbell’s and its customers is a two-way street, as the company provides customers several options for communicating with the company. But this conversation is not limited to what the company is doing now – Stangis said it is also important for the company to display thought leadership on a wide array of issues, from community work to health to corporate sustainability.

As with any public company, Campbell’s has a rigorous policy covering employees’ use of online platforms. After all, it only takes one rogue or careless employee to spark a public relations fiasco. “People get comfortable on social media,” Stangis quipped. At the same time, platforms such as Twitter help various voices within Campbell’s share their perspectives with the company’s stakeholders. Stangis writes and reviews a sizable portion of the content for the company’s Twitter handle that focuses solely on its CSR efforts. But Stangis’s team and other employees across the company also have opportunities to build Campbell’s ongoing story on social media and in its newsroom.

Collaboration across Campbell’s various teams has also helped the company deal with changing consumer trends and external events that could easily throw any company a curve ball. For example, more consumers voiced their opposition to adding the synthetic compound bisphenol A (BPA) as linings for canned foods over health concerns. Even though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined BPA is safe, Campbell’s listened to both consumers and advocacy groups, and announced in 2012 that it would phase out its use in its products. That process accelerated last year; in the meantime, Campbell’s continued the conversation with its stakeholders on various outlets including Twitter until all BPA was removed from can liners this summer.

And just a few weeks ago, Campbell’s found itself in the spotlight again when Morrison announced her departure from the White House’s manufacturing council after the violence in Charlottesville. In the days leading to that decision, various users voiced their displeasure at corporate tweets that seemed out of touch. Stangis was quick to note Morrison had served on an exports advisory council during the Obama Administration – and the company, one that tries to stay out of the political spotlight, would have Morrison stay on the council. “She always thought that being on these councils was the best thing to do to support U.S. jobs and employment growth,” Stangis said.

But it was clear after the president’s press conference at Trump Tower on August 15 that remaining on the council was untenable. Morrison also felt there were other ways to work on boosting economic growth – and after that decision, the company allowed supporters and critics of President Trump to duke it out in comments that are still posted on Campbell’s website.

Whether the company takes a stand on GMO labeling, racism, the Paris Accords or diversity, Stangis insists that Campbell’s decisions are not political in nature, but are made because they are the right thing to do. Even though Morrison made the ultimate call about the council, she still consulted the C-suite within the company’s Camden headquarters, including legal, public affairs, communications and Stangis – who, after seven years of reporting to the company’s general council, now reports directly to Morrison and has for the past two years.

It is important to remember that Campbell’s corporate responsibility commitment is to engage its employees just as proactively as its customers. In addition to communicating the company’s decisions through conventional means such as press releases and social media, employees are kept in the loop as major decisions and policies are made. Morrison held a town hall to explain her reasons for leaving the White House advisory council to employees.

This is not the Campbell Soup Company of our parents’ and grandparents’ generations. Other than the iconic soup can labels made famous by Andy Warhol in the early 1960s, much about the company and its customers’ preferences has vastly changed. Cutthroat competition has moved sales from brick-and-mortar to the cloud, millennials’ eating habits and health and nutrition research have transformed Campbell’s and much of the food industry. Through it all, Stangis is tasked with his two overarching goals: protect and build the brand. Stakeholders are clearly buying in, as Campbell’s is a mainstay in rankings that measure corporate citizenship and companies’ reputation in the marketplace.

Image credit: Campbell Soup Company

Based in Fresno, California, Leon Kaye is a business writer and strategic communications specialist. He has also been featured in The Guardian, Sustainable Brands and CleanTechnica. When he has time, he shares his thoughts on his own site, GreenGoPost.com. Contact him at leon@greengopost.com. You can also reach out via Twitter (@LeonKaye) and Instagram (GreenGoPost).

Tweet me:Campbell's addresses topics like GMOs, BPA and diversity through social media and #CSR initiatives http://bit.ly/2xAOSjf @TriplePundit

KEYWORDS: Responsible Business & Employee Engagement, Events, Media & Communications, Campbell Soup Company, Campbell's, Commit!Forum

SOURCE:Habitat for Humanity

DESCRIPTION:

ATLANTA, August 31, 2017 /3BL Media/ – Habitat for Humanity is mobilizing its response to Hurricane Harvey and putting out a call for support for long-term recovery efforts along the Texas and Louisiana coast.

“Harvey may prove to be the largest housing disaster in American history,” said Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford. “Building on more than 20 years of disaster response, we are prepared to help Texas and Louisiana on the long road to recovery.”

Donations can be made at habitat.org/harvey or by calling 1-800-HABITAT (1-800-422-4828 ).

“We need to be prepared for this recovery to take years, not months,” Reckford added. “We encourage those contributing to the Harvey response to consider the long-term needs of these communities by supporting Habitat’s response.”

Habitat is deploying Mobile Response Units and Disaster Corps volunteers to the region to begin rapid assessments as flood waters recede. There are about 30 local Habitat for Humanity offices throughout the parts of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana affected by the storms. With their help, Habitat for Humanity International is assessing the shelter and housing needs in areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey and developing response options.

In addition to long-term housing repair and construction, Habitat’s response will include organizing volunteers and resources to help with the cleanup and mucking out homes damaged by wind and flood waters. Construction plans will be determined after evaluations and will depend on the level of support received from donors, volunteers, corporate partners and other community organizations.

Habitat for Humanity has been responding to disasters since 1997 and to date has helped more than 230,000 families in 52 countries through its disaster response work. Following Hurricane Katrina, Habitat organizations along the Gulf Coast built more than 6,000 homes and removed debris and cleaned more than 2,500 homes in preparation for rehabilitation. Habitat also mounted responses to Hurricane Sandy, tornadoes through the South and Midwest, and earthquakes and typhoons overseas.

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.

Tweet me:#HabitatForHumanity mobilizes #HurricaneHarvey response, calls for support http://bit.ly/2et6wAA @Habitat_org

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Disaster Relief, Habitat for Humanity, Hurricane Harvey

SOURCE:Newmont Mining Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

At the base of our newest operation – the Long Canyon mine near the cities of West Wendover and Wendover on the Nevada-Utah border – is the Big Spring, an important water source that the two communities once depended on. Recognizing early on that our mining activities might potentially impact this source, we engaged technical experts and both communities to work in partnership on sharing this vital resource.

In 2012, Newmont and the two cities formed a Water Working Group, which negotiated a water agreement to address two major goals: safeguard the cities’ existing supply of water during the life of the mine and provide Newmont with an additional source of water for its activities at Long Canyon.

As part of the agreement, the cities granted Newmont access to the cities’ surplus water supply, and Newmont agreed to construct two potable water municipal wells. Finished in 2016, the well system provides the cities a more sustainable water source than the spring. In addition, the wells’ capacity is approximately four times greater than that of the old system.

At another one of our operations – the Ahafo mine in Ghana – we have partnered with the communities near the mine for more than a decade to develop and strengthen their potable water infrastructure. Much of this work has been done in Ntotroso and Kenyasi, where community members who were resettled as a result of mining activities reside.

Initially, small potable water systems were built and a Water and Sanitation Committee (WATSAN) – composed of trained committee members – was formed to develop the knowledge needed for community members to ultimately independently manage their water system. In 2010, work started on the Kenyasi Water Project (KWP) – an expansion and integration of the water systems. Today, there are three water systems serving more than 50,000 residents, and activity is expected to continue with additional boreholes and the construction of a new overhead reservoir planned for 2017.

Tweet me:In recognition of #WorldWaterWeek see how @Newmont creates potable water sources for #communities around the world http://bit.ly/2wVgiTM

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Clean Water and Sanitation, Newmont

For the third consecutive year, the pharmaceutical company was named to the 2017 Great Place to Work® ranking among medium-sized multinational businesses across all industries in the country

SOURCE:Astellas

DESCRIPTION:

SÃO PAULO, Brazil, August 31, 2017 /3BL Media/ – Astellas Farma Brasil (AFB) was recently named one of the 20 best medium-sized multinational companies to work for across all industries in the country, according to the Great Place to Work® Institute's latest rankings. Earlier this year, the company was also honored by the Institute as one of the top ten workplaces in the pharmaceutical industry.  

The Great Place to Work Institute is a global human resources consulting, research and training firm. Its Great Place to Work® Model is based on 25 years of research and data collected through its Trust Index© Employee Survey, which is taken by over 10 million employees annually worldwide. This year, 90 percent of AFB employees participated in the survey.

"AFB’s collaborative and supportive culture provides employees with a work environment where they can grow and thrive," said Percival Barretto-Ko, senior vice president and head of International Operations at Astellas. "Great Place to Work's latest recognition further validates our efforts while motivating our team to maximize their potential in support of patients."

AFB fosters a strong culture based on the "The Astellas Way"– a philosophy that emphasizes a commitment to patients, ownership, results, openness and integrity. AFB also recognizes the importance of balance between personal and professional life and offers a number of programs to enhance quality of life for employees.

"As a 20-year veteran of the pharmaceutical industry, I believe that Astellas is unique because it provides me the autonomy to propose new innovations and ideas, work in a team environment, and grow my career while balancing my personal and professional life,” said Luis Claudio Balbino, technology coordinator at Astellas Farma Brasil. “The combination of these elements motivates me to bring my full self to work and makes me proud to work at Astellas.”

About Astellas Farma Brasil
Astellas Farma Brasil, an affiliate of Astellas Pharma Inc located in Tokyo, Japan, is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. Astellas Farma Brasil focuses on Urology, Oncology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases as core therapeutic areas. Astellas is on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into value for patients. For more information on Astellas Farma Brasil, please visit: http://www.astellasfarma.com.br.

Contact Info:

Tarsis Lopez
+1 (224) 205-8833
tarsis.lopez@astellas.com

KEYWORDS: Awards, Ratings & Rankings, Responsible Business & Employee Engagement, Astellas Farma Brasil, Great Place to Work, astellas

SOURCE:21st Century Fox

DESCRIPTION:

Nearly 500 of 21st Century Fox’s colleagues in Texas are affected by the unprecedented rainfall from Hurricane Harvey, including those based in Fox Networks Group’s critical network operations center in The Woodlands and the local Fox Television Stations. As an initial step in its response to the flooding and devastation in that area, the company is donating $500,000 to United Way of Greater Houston’s relief fund.

The relief fund will help meet storm-related needs and recovery in its local community, with a priority given to safety, shelter and basic needs like food. Once the community is stabilized, United Way will focus on long-term recovery efforts.

21CF colleagues and their families were able to find shelter on-site at Fox’s disaster-ready facilities in the affected areas, with live events and news coverage kept on the air since Hurricane Harvey made landfall. Affected colleagues will be eligible for financial assistance grants from the company to help meet their relief and rebuilding needs.

“Our contributions will make a significant, lasting impact in communities that have been forever changed by this disaster,” said 21CF EVP and Chief Communications Officer Julie Henderson, and 21CF EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer Thomas Gaissmaier in an internal memo to 21CF colleagues. 21CF will also match colleague donations to the United Way relief fund.

“It’s been really gratifying that I’ve gotten so many emails from all over the country continuing to ask how our employees in the FOX Sports family are doing down in The Woodlands,” said Eric Shanks, President, COO and Executive Producer of FOX Sports, during a Town Hall in New York on Wednesday. He shared that the FOX Sports facility in the area withstood the hurricane and flooding, staying on air to produce 80 games over the last few days and giving colleagues and their family members a safe place to live. FOX Sports is also encouraging its on-air and online viewers to donate to relief efforts.

At least 31 people are confirmed to have died as a result of the severe rainfall and flooding in the affected areas in Texas, and nearly 50,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed. Estimates for the total damage run as high as $190 billion.

“We have received donations of all sizes from individuals and companies and we thank everyone who has answered this urgent call for help in our community – every gift counts,” said Anna M. Babin, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston.

To donate, go to United Way of Greater Houston’s website or text “UWFLOOD” to 41444.

Tweet me:.@21CF donates $500,000 to #HurricaneHarveyRelief efforts, and sets up financial assistance for affected colleagues: http://bit.ly/2glHYXn

KEYWORDS: Responsible Business & Employee Engagement, Disaster Relief, Hurricane Harvey, The United Way, Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, 21st century fox

SOURCE:Ceres

DESCRIPTION:

September 1, 2017 /3BL Media/ - Hurricane Harvey, potentially the costliest disaster in U.S. history, “starkly exposes the colossal financial burden of climate change and its impacts on the economy, the environment and human health,” Ceres said in a statement today.

Cynthia McHale, the director of insurance at Ceres, added:

The staggering suffering and economic losses brought by Hurricane Harvey are further evidence that the climate is changing. Climate scientists have long predicted that a warming atmosphere will bring more frequent and extreme rainfall events. Harvey also shines a stark spotlight on the insurance industry—and its regulators—which for the most part have severely neglected to address the destructive impacts and escalating costs of climate change.

While estimates about the ultimate costs of Hurricane Harvey are still preliminary, property damages will be in the many tens, if not hundreds, of billions, and most of these losses are not insured. Additionally, due to the complex network of refineries, oil and gas storage tanks and other fossil fuel energy infrastructure, the extensive flooding has caused significant environmental and public health threats in the city of Houston and surrounding areas, as well as disruptions to energy supplies.

As Harvey’s expansive and costly climate change-fueled impacts continue to unfold, we know that insurers may not pick up much of the tab for rebuilding Texas. At the same time, through their underwriting of coal, oil and gas companies and as major institutional investors with vast holdings in the sector, insurers have extensive financial ties to the fossil fuel industry that contributes the lion’s share of carbon emissions that are driving climate change. A 2016 Ceres report found that the 40 largest property casualty and life insurance companies held nearly $500 billion in coal, oil and gas, and electric and gas utility investments.

As the strongest hurricane to hit Texas in 50 years, and the wettest single storm in the history of the continental U.S., Harvey’s unprecedented impacts demonstrate the urgent need for effective federal, state and local leadership, as well as action from the insurance sector to increase our resiliency to current and future climate change-driven extreme weather events.

Only a few leading insurers, including Allianz, Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts, The Hartford, and Munich Re have declared that they will continue climate action to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Insurance companies by-and-large have failed to communicate the threat or respond adequately to the mounting risks of unabated climate change.    

###

Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization working with the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. For more information, visit www.ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.

Contact Info:

Sara Sciammacco
Ceres
+1 (617) 247-0700ext. 172
sciammacco@ceres.org

KEYWORDS: Environment, Energy, Harvey, Hurricane Harvey, houston, climate change, Natural disaster, flooding

By Donna McKinney

SOURCE:Whirlpool Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

Dwight Blackledge served as a field artillery officer in the U.S. Army for more than five years. Today, he puts that military experience to good use in his job as global information systems project manager at appliance manufacturer Whirlpool Corporation.

Blackledge explains that his job is to ensure that for any new or existing technology the business uses, “its functions are best-in-class and continue to meet the business requirements in a fast, ever-changing environment.” While the projects Blackledge works on are varied, he always certifies that the technology meets the necessary standards.

His natural interests and his undergraduate degree – systems engineering – have equipped him well for the job at Whirlpool today.

Click here to read the full story

Tweet me:U.S. Army Veteran credits military training, experience to successful career @WhirlpoolCorp http://bit.ly/2eviJVH via @DivInAction

KEYWORDS: Diversity & Inclusion, Military, whirlpool, Dwight Blackledge, U.S. Army, veteran, military, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Project Manager, Diversity In Action