SOURCE:Source Intelligence®

DESCRIPTION:

Familiarize yourself with the new definition of due diligence by reading the following Technical White Paper: Conflict Minerals Due Diligence Examined: Considerations for Compliance

Where do we start? Many companies are currently asking themselves this question when it comes to complying with the new U.S. regulation on Conflict Minerals. For companies that manufacture thousands of products-such as retailers with name brands-the requirement to publicly disclose the origin of gold, tin, tantalum and tungsten (3TG) used in these products is especially challenging. What are the typical actions to engage in due diligence? The following White Paper answers the questions you been dwelling on.

Feel free to connect with Source Intelligence on LinkedIn. Send us your questions and or comments.

Tweet me:Conflict Minerals Compliance Gets Board Level Attention: Know the New Definition of Due Diligence - http://bit.ly/15uIXbc

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Education, Energy, Environment, Events, Conferences & Webinars, Fashion & Apparel, Finance & Investment, Health and Wellness, Human Resources, Marketing, Media & Communications, People, Social Action & Community Engagement, Reporting, Ratings & Rankings, Technology. Innovation & Solutions, due diligence, Conflict Minerals, Conflict Minerals Compliance, Source Intelligence

SOURCE:BSR

DESCRIPTION:

Joyce Sood, Digital Communications Manager

Today, on International Women’s Day, I found myself reflecting on BSR’s work in women’s empowerment. Last summer, I had the privilege of attending the annual BSR HERproject convening in Thailand, where I spoke to representatives from NGOs in the nine countries where we work. Since its inception six years ago, HERproject has reached more than 200,000 women in 150 factories and farms across the globe, increasing health awareness through sustainable workplace programs.

The impact of HERproject, however, is far greater than the numbers tell. “It has given a new life to young girls,” says Nazneen Huq, executive director of Change Associates in Bangladesh. Nazneen, along with other women from HERproject's global civil society partners, shares her story in our latest video:

Building on its success in health empowerment, HERproject recently launched a second initiative focused on improving financial literacy and inclusion for factory workers in global supply chains. Piloted in India, HERfinance addresses systematic barriers to financial inclusion for the working poor, such as awareness, physical access, and eligibility.

Of course, health education and financial literacy are just a few of the challenges women and girls in developing countries face. Take our women’s empowerment poll on Facebook, and let us know what you think are the most pressing issues of today.

Tweet me:Learn how @bsrherproject empowers #women thru #health education & #financial literacy in @BSRnews' blog by @joycesood http://ow.ly/ixwrX

KEYWORDS: HERfinance, BSR HERProject, International Women's Day, IWD, Women's Empowerment, health education, financial literacy, Financial Inclusion

SOURCE:Source Intelligence®

DESCRIPTION:

Today Source Intelligence, a Source 44 Company, launched a Supplier Networking platform designed to simplify regulatory compliance and enable supply chain transparency by connecting companies across the supply chain.

"Connecting with tier one suppliers is no longer enough," said Matt Thorn, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Source Intelligence. "Our platform is quickly becoming the fastest-growing global network of companies, empowering them to connect and share information throughout the supply chain."

The launch coincides with Source 44's announcement that it has changed its name to Source Intelligence. 

"Our new name reflects the values we strive to bring to companies worldwide," said Jess Kraus, CEO and Co-Founder of Source Intelligence. "Because our solutions facilitate information sharing, collaboration and transparency throughout the supply chain, Global Brands rely on us to help them make intelligent decisions about where they source their products."

To join the Source Intelligence Supplier Network, visit: www.sourceintelligence.com

Tweet me:Source 44 changed its company name to Source Intelligence & launched a Supplier Networking platform: http://bit.ly/14VsywY

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Energy, Environment, Events, Conferences & Webinars, Fashion & Apparel, Food & Farming, Finance & Investment, Health and Wellness, Human Resources, Marketing, Media & Communications, People, Social Action & Community Engagement, Technology. Innovation & Solutions, Source Intelligence, Source 44, Supplier Network, Supply Chain Compliance, Supplier Network Platform, A Source 44 Company, Conflict Minerals, compliance

SOURCE:Southwest Airlines

DESCRIPTION:

Medical Transportation Grant Program Uses Airplane Seats for Good

Addison is a fighter. Since she was born, Addison has fought Larsen's Syndrome, a disease that causes many dislocations to her body.   The Medical Transportation Grant Program has allowed Addison to travel to Children’s Hospital in Boston to receive care from one of the top hospitals in the nation. Since 2009, Addison has learned how to stand on her own, take her first steps, jump her first jump, walk by herself, and enjoy having fun like the rest of the kids her age. 

Addison is one of thousands of patients who have benefitted from Southwest’s Medical Transportation Grant Program over the last six years to get the medical treatment she needs.  Through this program, we’re proud to have the opportunity to use our airplane seats for good and turn miles into smiles by providing complimentary, roundtrip airline tickets to nonprofit hospitals and medical organizations that then provide the tickets to patients and their caregivers who must travel for treatment.

For 2013, Southwest will provide more than $2.8 million in free transportation to caregivers and patients seeking medical treatment.  Now in its sixth year, Southwest has provided more than $10 million to organizations in 24 states.  This year, we’re excited to partner with more than 90 nonprofit organizations and welcome new recipients to the program such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, an airport currently served by AirTran that will convert over to Southwest service by the end of 2013.  Now, more than a year after celebrating our red bellies touching down in The Peach State, we’re thrilled to have three medical organizations in Atlanta part of the program—Emory University Hospitals, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, and Shepherd Center.  To see a full list of the 2013 recipients, please visit: www.southwest.com/medicalgrant.

After more than four decades of giving from the heart, we are humbled to ease the difficulties these patients and families are facing through the Medical Transportation Grant Program.  This infographic highlights the lives we’ve been able to touch through this unique program. 

Here are just a few sound bites that we’ve heard along the way from caregivers of patients and hospitals that have benefitted from the grant program.

"The financial burden on our family has been severe. I have many things to be thankful for, but regaining my health has been a long, expensive road. Southwest Airlines has been a true blessing. Thanks to them the burden is lightened."– Medical Transportation Grant Program Recipient

"It is difficult to put into words how grateful me, my wife, and my disabled son are for Southwest Airlines' Medical Transportation Grant Program. It has been a very difficult ordeal to go through these past two years, but without the assistance of Southwest, I would not have the chance to extend my life to this point and beyond, and for that reason we thank you from the bottom of our hearts."–MD Anderson Patient

"The Medical Transportation Grant program has been an incredible help for our family. We never thought that we would have a life-threatening disease that would turn our lives upside down. Thanks to this program, we had one less thing to worry about and were able to focus on our child’s health."–Parent of Medical Transportation Grant Program recipient

To learn about qualifications for travel assistance through the designated organizations, please contact the Social Work, Travel/Concierge Service, or Patient Assistance Department directly at each location, as each have unique guidelines for administration of tickets. Find out more about all the ways Southwest stands for community by visiting www.southwest.com/citizenship. 

Tweet me:.@SouthwestAir Medical Transportation Grant Program provides more than $10 million in free travel: http://social.southwest.com/9DF

KEYWORDS: Southwest Airlines, medical transportation grant program, csr, Nuts About Southwest

SOURCE:Green Living Enterprises

DESCRIPTION:

March 8, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Shop. Taste. Learn. Play. Be inspired by influential speakers and find thousands of innovative products and services that are good for your health and the environment.

What: The Green Living Show is North America’s largest consumer show dedicated to workable solutions for leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. This three-day event offers inspiration for all ages and features influential speakers, innovative products, educational demonstrations and fun activities for the entire family.

NEW THIS YEAR:

The Ontario Culinary Adventure:  A taste adventure awaits as chefs from across Ontario team up with local farmers, distillers, brewers and vintners to showcase the best of Ontario food and beverage. Learn why culinary tourism is good for your health, the environment and the economy.

The EcoParent Village: Using a “how-to” approach, experts will offer presentations, workshops and demos, for parents who want to build a better world--one kid at a time.  Shop from hundreds of products that make it easier to be an eco-parent. 

Fashion and Beauty: A revamped fashion and beauty experience will showcase the most fashion forward “Green Couture” from leading designers. Discover fashion that is stylishly sustainable, and learn about the latest up-cycling and vintage trends.  Participate in a head-to-toe eco-makeover, beauty and fashion demos and VIP shopping events.

Health, Fitness and Lifestyle: Get the latest information about toxins, explore a myriad of diet and nutrition solutions, participate in a yoga class, and let your spirit soar to exotic locations from travel exhibitors with a social purpose. Visit the Whole Life Expo, showcasing natural health and nutrition.

Youth Day: On Friday, April 12 children are invited to participate in interactive programing and educational displays.  In partnership with Free The Children and Me to We, keynote speaker Spencer West will inspire the next generation of social and environmental change makers, followed by “Theory of Change” leadership breakout sessions. Take part in the Owlkids Scavenger Hunt and Environmental Quiz Show, crafts, activities, and much more.

Driving Innovation / The Canadian Green Car Award: Discover the latest innovations in charging stations, fleet management, motor bikes, and test-drive the latest in hybrid, electric and fuel efficient vehicles.  Find out about the top green car contenders and be part of the unveiling of the first-ever Canadian Green Car Award! 

The Fresh Water Pavilion: The “A River Runs Through It exhibit” is a 2000 square foot museum feature, which will take visitors on an uncommon journey where they will explore the river above and underwater life below.

Business Forum: An expert panel will discuss the progress of impact investing in Canada.  B Corp founder, Bart Houlihan will present the case for benefit corporations and their rapid global expansion.  The Council for Clean Capitalism will discuss and release their first publicly visible blueprint and recommendations.  This ticketed event runs prior to show opening on Friday, April 12 (7:30–10 AM). For tickets, go to http://greenlivingbusinessforum2013.eventbrite.ca/

Speakers: Learn from world-class speakers discussing current affairs, trends, health and innovation.  Main Stage speakers to date:

• Rob Stewart, acclaimed filmmaker/director Revolution and Sharkwater, uncovers the truth and finds the secret to saving the ecosystems we depend on for survival.
• Bruce Poon Tip, Founder of G Adventures and Planeterra, a leader in sustainable tourism discussing the how tourism can be a force for growth, change and global good.
• Gordie Wornoff, host/star of TV’s Junk Raiders and owner of A Higher Plane, transforms junk into new and repurposed products.
• Celine Cousteau, Documentary Filmmaker and granddaughter of Jacques Cousteau, explores social, cultural and environmental issues through the human relationship to the natural world.

More: Shop from more than 400 Green Living approved companies who will be exhibiting thousands of products and services across all lifestyle categories.  The Green Living Show is your one stop shop for all things healthy and green.

Be inspired to lead a healthier sustainable life. 

Where:        Green Living Show

                     Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place,

                     100 Princes Blvd. Toronto, ON M6K 3C3

When:          Friday, April 12: 10 am-9 pm

                     Saturday, April 13: 10 am-9 pm

                     Sunday, April 14: 10 am-6 pm

Admission:  Free admission with a donation of e-waste, courtesy of Samsung

                      Canada. Regular ticket prices posted online.

For sponsorship or to exhibit, contact: Leslie Haber / lhaber@green-living.ca

More info:     GreenLivingOnline.com  /  GreenLivingShow.ca

                     twitter: @GreenLivingPage

                     facebook: /GreenLivingPage

Media Contact / Photos / Interviews:   

Annette Borger (416) 988-7086 / aborger@green-living.ca

Tweet me: Find out what's new this year at the Green Living Show 2013: Culinary Adventures, Green Cars, Seminars & more! #GLS13 3bl.me/ezgk5e

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Eco-Living, Consumption & Travel, Environment, Fashion & Apparel, Food & Farming, Health and Wellness, Technology. Innovation & Solutions

Tupperware Is the Second Most Admired Company in the Home Equipment Category

SOURCE:Tupperware Brands

DESCRIPTION:

ORLANDO, Fla., March 8, 2013 /3BL Media/ - For the sixth consecutive year, Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE: TUP) was recognized as one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" in the Home Equipment category of the annual ranking from FORTUNE. Tupperware reclaimed its second-place ranking in the category, surpassing industry peers including Stanley Black and Decker and Steelcase.

Tupperware was noted for the quality of its products and services, global competitiveness and social responsibility, ranking first within the industry in those categories.

"Our core business is built on investing in the economic development of women around the world through social and product innovation," said Rick Goings, Chairman and CEO of Tupperware Brands Corporation. "Being ranked on FORTUNE's Most Admired Companies list for the sixth year in a row is both an honor and validation that our business is making a measurable difference to millions of individuals and hundreds of communities worldwide."

Released annually, the FORTUNE World's Most Admired Companies list is seen as the definitive report card on corporate reputation. The rankings reflect the observations and opinions of industry executives, directors, and analysts on multiple criteria, from investment value to social responsibility.

The latest rankings can be found in the March 18, 2013 issue of the magazine, as well as online.

To download broadcast quality b-roll click here.

About Tupperware Brands Corporation 
Tupperware Brands Corporation is a portfolio of global direct selling companies, selling innovative, premium products across multiple brands and categories through an independent sales force of 2.7 million. Product brands and categories include design-centric preparation, storage and serving solutions for the kitchen and home through the Tupperware brand and beauty and personal care products for consumers through the Armand Dupree, Avroy Shlain, BeautiControl, Fuller Cosmetics, NaturCare, Nutrimetics, and Nuvo brands.

Media Contact:

Elinor Steele, Tupperware Brands
(407) 826-8448
ElinorSteele@Tupperware.com

Tweet me:#Tupperware Brands - Most Admired Company for 6th year by FORTUNE. http://3bl.me/rwy76z

KEYWORDS: People, Social Action & Community Engagement, Tupperware Brands, social responsibility, csr, Fortune, Tupperware

SOURCE:Caterpillar

DESCRIPTION:

Research consistently proves that educating and empowering girls breaks the cycle of generational poverty. For each year a girl is educated, her income increases significantly, and a country’s GDP increases based on the number of educated girls. Education also reduces population growth, child mortality, HIV rates, and more.

The Caterpillar Foundation is investing in 10x10, a fund to bring awareness to the challenges and value of educating girls. At the heart of 10x10’s work is a documentary film, “Girl Rising,” that shares the stories of nine girls in nine countries, highlighting each girls’ struggle. The Caterpillar Foundation hosted a film screening of “Girl Rising” on March 7, the eve of International Women’s Day, in downtown Peoria, Ill.

Michele Sullivan, Foundation president said, “Our goal with showing the film was to help employees understand the issue, understand why it affects us all, learn more and advocate for girls education.”

Stacey Delvecchio, senior engineering tech team leader and soon-to-be president of the Society of Women Engineers starting July 1, said she could describe the film with one word: “Amazing.”

“Until you see all these young girls walk through the hardships in their lives you forget how good we have it,” Delvecchio said. “It brings it home, once again, that there’s a big need out there and these girls that need help and encouragement.”

Jen White, Diversity & Inclusion consultant, added, “I think that anyone, even someone who is very well-versed in women’s or civil rights issues, would find this film to be an eye-opening experience that, if nothing else, makes you feel grateful for what you have and make you want to do more for others.”

In the U.S. and around the world, the Caterpillar Foundation invests in programs to support girls’ education, like Opportunity International, Girl Scouts, Room to Read, and more. Director of Corporate Affairs, Jim Baumgartner, explained, “Investing in girls yields the highest return on investment. This affects everyone – both men and women worldwide and the ripple effect is undeniable.”

For more information on 10x10 and Girl Rising, visit 10x10act.org. To listen to a radio interview with Christa Michaud of the Caterpillar Foundation on the investment with 10x10 and the importance of educating girls around the world, click here.

About the Caterpillar Foundation
Caterpillar Inc. supports the philanthropic efforts of the Caterpillar Foundation. Founded in 1952, the Caterpillar Foundation has contributed more than $550 million to help make sustainable progress possible around the world by providing program support in the areas of environmental sustainability, access to education and basic human needs. To learn more about the global impact of the Caterpillar Foundation, please visit www.caterpillar.com/foundation.

Tweet me:#Caterpillar Found brings awareness to girls' education by investing in @10x10act nonprofit, sharing film #GirlRising http://3bl.me/xvmy7s

KEYWORDS: Caterpillar Foundation, 10x10, Girl Rising, International Women's Day, Education

Maria Blair is the Society’s national vice president, strategy.

SOURCE:American Cancer Society

DESCRIPTION:

In the western world, the deadly toll of cervical cancer has been greatly reduced because women have access to critical services for cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.

However, in many parts of the developing world, cervical cancer is a leading cancer killer of women, causing devastating effects on families and communities. Out of the estimated 275,000 women who die each year from cervical cancer, more than 85% of these deaths occur in developing countries. By 2030, cervical cancer is expected to kill more than 474,000 women per year, at the prime of their lives.

We have the knowledge and tools to prevent unnecessary loss of life from cervical cancer. Recently, GAVI (the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations) committed to curb the threat of this disease. Through GAVI’s help, by 2020, more than 30 million girls in developing countries could have the opportunity to be immunized against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease that is the leading cause of cervical cancer.

Many women and girls around the world are faced with unnecessary and premature death from cervical cancer simply because of where they live. It is the role of civil society, together with our partners in the health, government, and private sector, to raise awareness about the impact of cervical cancer on women and girls in the developing world and to work toward eliminating the threat of this highly preventable and curable disease.

We need to accelerate adoption of the HPV vaccine, increase access to resource-appropriate cervical cancer screening, and increase global resources and attention to cervical cancer prevention and control.

More on the American Cancer Society's global priority of cervical cancer.

Tweet me:No Woman Should Die from Cerivical Cancer #womensday http://bit.ly/14DuabW

KEYWORDS: Research & Policy, Maria Blair, American Cancer Society, International Women's Day, cervical cancer, cancer burden, global cancer burden

International Women's Day is a time to highlight and recognize the talents and contributions of women

SOURCE:Baxter International Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

A Culture of Inclusion and Opportunity

International Women's Day, which falls on March 8th, is a time to highlight and recognize the talents and contributions of women. Baxter International Inc. fosters a culture of inclusion, and one in which diversity is optimized and valued. Women and men across Baxter are actively involved in a multitude of initiatives to attract and develop talented women in the organization.

Continue reading about Baxter's efforts in inclusion and diversity.

Tweet me:A Culture of Inclusion and Opportunity http://3bl.me/va97zs

KEYWORDS: Baxter, diversity, inclusion, International Women's Day, csr, Corporate Social Responsibility

SOURCE:Source Intelligence®

DESCRIPTION:

March 8, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Companies have limited options to meet the legal requirements of Dodd-Frank Section 1502. Most companies don’t have human or capital resources to build an internal force to implement the supplier tracing, data collection and reporting as required under the new supplier due diligence process. To date, companies have had two options: 1) hire consultants on an hourly basis to collect supplier data, or 2) purchase 'do-it-yourself' software.

The elephant in the room? Neither of these options accounts for additional resources needed to manage and verify the data.

Source Intelligence’s Supplier Engagement Team is the only comprehensive solution that offers the necessary resources to take on the burden of supplier data collection and reporting. This expert team of specialists engages directly with suppliers, collects and aggregates information, talks their language, and does it all on their schedule. No other solution on the market offers a complete service including:

·         24/7 operation for worldwide supplier accessibility

·         Call handling in seven different languages with access to many more

·         Experts in engaging with suppliers globally

·         Staff trained in OECD framework for supply chain due diligence

·         Cloud technology enabled, accessible anywhere, anytime

·         Direct access to quantifiable metrics in real time

·         Rapidly scale supplier due diligence efforts up or down based on needs

·         Calls recorded and accessible to meet tracking and audit requirements

Why settle for a ‘solution’ that implies taking man-hours away from your company when the obvious choice is Source Intelligence’s Supplier Engagement Team?

For more information on Source Intelligence’s Supplier Engagement Team call 877. 916. 6337 ext:1001 or visit www.sourceintelligence.com.

To learn more, request a demo. 

About Source Intelligence®
Source Intelligence^® delivers supply chain intelligence and supplier data collection and analysis services that support regulatory compliance, sustainability and social responsibility initiatives.  Experts at engaging suppliers and tracing supply chains, Source Intelligence^® combines advanced data analytics with powerful visual reporting tools to help clients gain insight into operational efficiencies and spot potential exposure to risks.

Source Intelligence^® combines the best of cloud-based technology with a 24/7 Supplier Engagement Team to provide clients with the scalability, flexibility and expertise needed to turn supply chain data into something both meaningful and actionable. Source Intelligence^® provides a range of solutions to help you navigate the complex web of inter-relationships between suppliers across the supply chain: from Supplier Assessment and product and/or facility footprinting to regulatory compliance programs that trace restricted materials, identify banned substances or locate the origin of conflict minerals.

Source Intelligence® is headquartered in Solana Beach with additional offices in San Diego and San Francisco, CA.

Tweet me:The Elephant in the Room; How to address #ConflictMinerals Compliance: http://www.sourceintelligence.com/conflict-minerals-compliance

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Energy, Environment, Events, Conferences & Webinars, Fashion & Apparel, Food & Farming, Finance & Investment, Health and Wellness, Human Resources, Marketing, Media & Communications, Technology. Innovation & Solutions, Global Brands, Conflict Minerals, Conflict Minerals Compliance, Supplier Due Diligence, Dodd-Frank Section 1502, Supplier Engagement Team, supply chain

SOURCE:Enbridge, Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

On March 8, every year since 1911, thousands of events are held througout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. This day is International Women's Day, and Enbridge celebrates it with a variety of activities across the organization to honour the achievements of women employees.

The activities this past week included presentations in Edmonton and Calgary by Enbridge Director Catherine Williams, who shared experiences from her career; a drop-in session in Toronto to share information about International Women's Day with employees; clothing and accessory drives in Toronto, Ottawa, Niagara, and Edmonton in support of local women's charities; and, a joint celebration with other corporations in Calgary to share information about CARE Canada and its activities in support of women in poverty throughout the world.

To read the rest of the article and learn about Women@Enbridge, a program to support women's career advancement and professional development click here.

Tweet me:Enbridge Celebrates #InternationalWomensDay http://3bl.me/tsr97b

KEYWORDS: International Women's Day, women, diversity, Leadership, Mentoring, Enrbidge, Women@Enbridge

SOURCE:Carroll School of Management Center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College

DESCRIPTION:

Are you facing challenges with your corporate citizenship strategy? Looking for solutions? Hoping to have more impact?  You're guaranteed to find answers and learn how other companies manage similar situations during the 2013 International Corporate Citizenship Conference.

When people register for the conference we ask them to share their greatest challenges and then plan the conference breakout sessions with these needs in mind. Panelists and the professionals in attendance will share their knowledge and experience to address issues like these:

• Logging hours, launching a company-wide effort, and establishing formal policies around opportunities are just some of the challenges professionals cited related to volunteer programs.
  The session on Trends and Best Practices in Corporate Volunteering will address these and other issues such as the dynamics of volunteering with a global work force, setting up the logistics to make an event successful, tracking/rewarding employee engagement, and doing it all with limited resources.     

• Keeping the program fresh and forward-thinking; overcoming decisions based on immediate return; generating tangible return on investment; boosting investment in our corporate citizenship brand to remain relevant and impactful to our communities and stakeholders.
  Do these concerns sound familiar? You won't be alone in seeking help at our session on Long-Term Investments: How to keep programs strong. Hear from companies that have had long-term success using new strategies and technology to keep the vitality in their corporate citizenship programs and their value.     

• How do you execute a global strategy that is sensitive to local needs? What does it take to engage international teams in corporate citizenship activities? Where do you draw the line between tailoring initiatives to differences in countries and cultures and keeping activities around the world aligned and integrated for impact?
  In the Going Global session you'll get answers to these and other questions raised by those already registered to attend.

With the conference only five weeks away, now is the time for to register and let us know about your challenges. Start designing your conference opportunity now. Conference registration includes time-limited admission to our exclusive online community, where you can engage with other attendees before meeting them in April. To register for this event please visit the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship website. 

Tweet me:Are you facing challenges with your #CSR strategy? Looking for solutions? Attend #BCConf13. http://bit.ly/WFM13H

KEYWORDS: Education, Events, Conferences & Webinars, csr, Corporate Citizenship, CSR Strategy, bc conference, sustainability

New Study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports

SOURCE:Elsevier

DESCRIPTION:

SAN DIEGO, Calif., March 12, 2013 /3BL Media/ – A new study from the Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reports that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are primarily responsible for higher caloric intakes of children that consume SSBs as compared to children that do not (on a given day). In addition, SSB consumption is also associated with higher intake of unhealthy foods. The results are published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Over the past 20 years, consumption of SSBs — sweetened sodas, fruit drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks — has risen, causing concern because higher consumption of SSBs is associated with high caloric intakes. Until recently it was unclear what portion of the diet was responsible for the higher caloric intakes of SSB consumers.

“The primary aims of our study,” said lead investigator Kevin Mathias of the Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, “were to determine the extent to which SSBs contribute to higher caloric intake of SSB consumers and to identify food and beverage groups from the overall diet that are associated with increased SSB consumption.”

Culling data from the 2003-2010 What We Eat in America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, investigators analyzed a sample of 10,955 children ages 2 to 18, and reported results for three separate age groups: 2-5, 6-11, and 12-18 year olds. Results showed that while intake of food increased, intake of non-sweetened beverages decreased with higher consumption of SSBs. By examining both food and non-sweetened beverages the authors were able to conclude that SSBs are primarily responsible for higher caloric intakes among 2-5 and 6-11 year olds. A similar finding was observed among children aged 12–18 years; however, both food and SSBs contributed to higher caloric intakes of adolescents consuming greater than 500 kcal of SSBs.

Mr. Mathias stated that, “Among all age groups analyzed, the energy density (calories per gram) of food consumed increased with higher SSB intake.” These findings suggest that higher consumption of SSBs is associated with consumption of foods with high caloric contents. “This is concerning because many foods that are associated with higher SSB consumption (e.g., pizza, cakes/cookies/pies, fried potatoes, and sweets) are also top sources of solid fats and added sugars; components of the diet that the 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommends Americans should limit.”

Notes for Editors

“Foods and Beverages Associated with Higher Intake of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages,” by Kevin C. Mathias, MS; Meghan M. Slining, PhD, MPH; and Barry M. Popkin, PhD (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2012.11.036).  It appears in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Volume 44, Issue 4 (April 2013), published by Elsevier.

Full text of the article is available to credentialed journalists upon request; contact Brianna Lee at +1 858 534 9407 or eAJPM@ucsd.edu. Journalists wishing to interview the authors should contact Kevin C. Mathias at kmathias@unc.edu.

About the American Journal of Preventive Medicine
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine (www.ajpm-online.net) is the official journal of The American College of Preventive Medicine (www.acpm.org) and the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research (www.aptrmweb.org). It publishes articles in the areas of prevention research, teaching, practice and policy. Original research is published on interventions aimed at the prevention of chronic and acute disease and the promotion of individual and community health. The journal features papers that address the primary and secondary prevention of important clinical, behavioral and public health issues such as injury and violence, infectious disease, women's health, smoking, sedentary behaviors and physical activity, nutrition, diabetes, obesity, and alcohol and drug abuse. Papers also address educational initiatives aimed at improving the ability of health professionals to provide effective clinical prevention and public health services. The journal also publishes official policy statements from the two co-sponsoring organizations, health services research pertinent to prevention and public health, review articles, media reviews, and editorials.

The American Journal of Preventive Medicine, with an Impact Factor of 4.044, is ranked 12th out of 157 Public, Environmental and Occupational Health titles and 17th out of 153 General & Internal Medicine titles according to the 2011 Journal Citation Reports® published by Thomson Reuters.

About Elsevier
Elsevier is a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. The company works in partnership with the global science and health communities to publish more than 2,000 journals, including The Lancet and Cell, and close to 20,000 book titles, including major reference works from Mosby and Saunders. Elsevier’s online solutions include ScienceDirect, Scopus, Reaxys, ClinicalKey and Mosby’s Nursing Suite, which enhance the productivity of science and health professionals, and the SciVal suite and MEDai’s Pinpoint Review, which help research and health care institutions deliver better outcomes more cost-effectively.

A global business headquartered in Amsterdam, Elsevier employs 7,000 people worldwide. The company is part of Reed Elsevier Group PLC, a world-leading provider of professional information solutions in the Science, Medical, Legal and Risk and Business sectors, which is jointly owned by Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. The ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange).

Tweet me:#Kid’s #Consumption of #SugaredBeverages Linked to Higher #CaloricIntake of Food http://3bl.me/c5dd9p

Contact Info:

Brianna Lee
+1-858534 ext.9407
eAJPM@ucsd.edu

KEYWORDS: Elsevier, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, consumption, beverages, calorie intake, BMI, diet

AIAG’s Conflict Minerals Work Group outlines actions that suppliers must take between January 1 and December 31, 2013.

SOURCE:Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG)

DESCRIPTION:

AIAG’s conflict minerals work group, which includes representatives from the OEMs and Tier One suppliers, is working on strategies to help member companies effectively meet the requirements of the SEC’s Conflict Minerals Rule.

To comply with the rule’s reporting requirements, each manufacturer in the supply chain must request information from their direct suppliers. In turn, these suppliers must solicit that same information from the next tier of suppliers. The work group has developed a draft letter that suppliers at all levels can use to communicate their reporting requirements to the next level in the supply chain.

The company-level report needs to be submitted to Tier One suppliers during Q3 2013 and  to the OEMs during Q4 2013. The draft letter encourages use of the iPCMP system, a web-based tool developed by iPoint (in collaboration with AIAG members) that enables companies to roll up conflict minerals information throughout their supply chains. Additional information on iPCMP training is in this e-newsletter.

If reporting through the iPCMP tool is not possible, a manual report may be completed using the EICC-GeSI Conflict Minerals Reporting Template.

For more information on AIAG’s conflict minerals initiatives, contact Program Development Manager Tanya Bolden at tbolden@aiag.org.

Learn more about how AIAG and the Auto Industry are addressing Conflict MIneral issues at the 2013 AIAG Corporate Responsibility Summit, April 24-25. 2013: http://bit.ly/aiagcr13

Tweet me:New Draft Letter Helps #AIAG Members Comply with #ConflictMinerals Rule http://3bl.me/vebc45 #CSR #auto

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Finance & Investment, People, Social Action & Community Engagement, Conflict Minerals, dodd frank, 1502, compliance, Congo, DRC, SEC, iPCMP, ipoint, EICC-GeSI, auto, auto supplier, auto OEM, csr

SOURCE:Verisk Health

DESCRIPTION:

Salt Lake City, Utah, March 12, 2013 /3BL Media/ - Verisk Health,a leader in data-driven risk assessment and performance management technologies, announced today it will host a complimentary webinar featuring Humana’s key analytic strategies for fighting fraud, waste, and abuse. Jean Sexton, area director, special investigations unit at Humana will discuss the use of Verisk Health’s technology to uncover complex fraudulent patterns and reduce significant financial losses.

The presentation will be held on March 13 from 1 to 2 p.m. E.T. To register, visit http://www.veriskhealth.com/webinar/humana-keys-to-fighting-fraud.

“Fraud, waste, and abuse schemes across Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial programs cost the industry, the government, and taxpayers billions each year,” said Joel Portice, president of Verisk Health. “Humana is taking a firm stand against this persistent and growing trend. By combining pre-payment fraud detection technology, human expertise, emerging data sources, and an intimate level of cross-functional collaboration, Humana has developed a fraud prevention strategy that is un-paralleled in the industry. We’re excited to share the results of their efforts.”

Verisk Health’s fraud, waste, and abuse solution suite is used by leading public and private payers to drive payment accuracy across the entire care continuum. For more healthcare fraud prevention insight, read Verisk Health’s latest Profiler Magazine: http://www.profilermag-digital.com/profilermag/2012issue9#pg1.

About Verisk Health
Verisk Health drives performance excellence in the business of healthcare. By combining clinical and analytics expertise with robust technology and services, we empower customers to fully leverage their data to achieve long-term measurable results. Our data-driven risk assessment technologies and business decision analytics enable clients to proactively seize opportunities for improving clinical, financial, and performance results, including care management; risk identification and stratification; HEDIS compliance; benefit program measurement; fraud, waste, and abuse prevention; payment accuracy; and revenue cycle management. Verisk Health is a subsidiary of Verisk Analytics (Nasdaq:VRSK). For more information, visit www.veriskhealth.com.

Contact:

Trish Tarantino

ttarantino@veriskhealth.com

781-693-3784

Tweet me:.@veriskhealth employees to host a webinar on @Humana’s #Healthcare Fraud Fighting Success http://3bl.me/tx78qk

KEYWORDS: IT, Technology & Devices

SOURCE:Sea Change Radio

DESCRIPTION:

Listening to the national dialogue on energy policy can be a little discouraging. Not only does it feel like progress is not happening fast enough, it often feels like as a regular person you’re just not going to have any way to influence energy policy. Enter Vote Solar. Vote Solar is a grassroots solar policy advocacy organization that reminds us that all politics is local and that tremendous progress can be made by focusing on local regulatory roadblocks.

Our guest this week on Sea Change Radio is Adam Browning, the executive director of Vote Solar. Driven by a vision of affordable and widespread renewable power, Browning co-founded the organization after a successful campaign in San Francisco for a bond measure that would enable more residents to adopt solar power. While they now have national reach, Vote Solar does not concentrate its efforts on a national front - as Browning likes to say, “If your plan involves congress, it's a bad plan.” Listen now as Browning describes to host Alex Wise how solar initiatives are being advanced from deep blue California to scarlet Georgia, on the basis of simple economic sense.

Tweet me:This wk on @SeaChangeRadio - Adam Browning, the Exec. Dir. of @VoteSolar talks about his org.'s mission: http://is.gd/GCpuO8 #solar

KEYWORDS: Energy, Environment, adam browning, alex wise, California, Energy Policy, policy advocacy, renewable power, san francisco, sea change radio, Solar, solar power, vote solar

Recent stories highlight the CSR community on Twitter

SOURCE:NativeEnergy

DESCRIPTION:

Twitter is often viewed as the social media site for celebrity news and fleeting updates, but behind this image lies a strong community of CSR leaders. Through a networked series of Twitter accounts, executives, reporters, and engaged customers connect and share their knowledge of sustainability best practices.

Several recent articles have highlighted this community, from GreenBiz’s “34 corporate sustainability execs to follow on Twitter” to The Guardian’s “Women in sustainability - twitter list.”

NativeEnergy was proud to be included in TriplePundit’s list of the “Top 25 Sustainable Brands on Twitter” last Friday. The online magazine, which covers CSR business topics, selected the companies for “using Twitter to support their advocacy of the triple bottom line of people, planet, profits.”

There are great brands on all of these lists. To get started, pick a few to follow and join the conversation:

• TriplePundit: Top 25 Sustainable Brands on Twitter
• GreenBiz: 34 corporate sustainability execs to follow on Twitter
• The Guardian: Women in sustainability - twitter list

Follow NativeEnergy on Twitter at @NativeEnergy.

About NativeEnergy
NativeEnergy is an expert provider of carbon offsets, renewable energy credits, and carbon accounting software. With NativeEnergy’s Help Build™ offsets, businesses and individuals can help finance the construction of wind, biogas, solar, and other carbon reduction projects with strong social and environmental benefits. Since 2000, NativeEnergy’s customers have helped build over 50 projects that are now keeping millions of tons of greenhouse gases out of the air. All NativeEnergy carbon offsets undergo third-party validation and verification. Learn more at www.nativeenergy.com.

Tweet me:Recent stories highlight the #CSR community on Twitter: ow.ly/iOzl3 @triplepundit @GreenBiz @GuardianSustBiz

KEYWORDS: Corporate Social Responsibility, Green Professionals, Sustainability Professionals, NativeEnergy, csr, community

SOURCE:SAP

DESCRIPTION:

NEW YORK, Mar. 12, 2013 /3BL Media/ - The Innovation Bottom Line, MIT Sloan Management Review's recent study on sustainability and business, reports that nearly 50 percent of companies have changed their business models as a result of sustainability opportunities, with another 37 percent of respondents reporting a profit from sustainability.

Sustainability is about more than going green and is driving a fundamentally different approach to business, innovation and profit models. One of the key drivers of this trend is Integrated Reporting of financial and non-financial (e.g., sustainability) metrics.

On Monday, March 25, 2013, SAP will host a webinar to launch and introduce its first Integrated Annual Report, which combines the company’s sustainability and financial performance results. The release of this integrated report represents a significant milestone in the company's journey towards making sustainability central to its overall corporate strategy.

SAP has reported on its sustainability performance since 2008 and has been a strong proponent of non-financial and integrated reporting. The company has received numerous recognitions for its forward-looking, multimedia approach. For viewers, this live webinar will be a rare opportunity to participate in an open dialogue on the challenges and best practices of SAP's new Integrated Report with senior leadership.

Speakers will include SAP Chief Sustainability Officer Peter Graf, CSRwire's Editorial Director Aman Singh and other third-party sustainability experts, who will provide their perspectives on the major successes and key challenges for corporate sustainability. The discussion will include an overview of SAP's sustainability results for 2012, what's next for the technology company and an overarching debate on:

• How financial and non-financial measurements are interrelated
• The connections between financial performance and management of natural and human resources.
• How creating an integrated report can become a powerful tool to drive integrated systems thinking and understanding how sustainability is material to your corporation.
• The role of sustainability in SAP's market-leading technology innovation.

Details:

Date: March 25, 2013

Time: 11:00am ET

Event hashtag: #SAPIntegrated

Where: RSVP here and send out the following tweet:

I will join @sustainableSAP @csrwire & @amansinghcsr on 03/25 to discuss #SAP's 1st Integrated Report! #sapintegrated http://bit.ly/sap_csr

About SAP:

As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device – SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 197,000 customers (includes customers from the acquisition of SuccessFactors) to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit www.sap.com. 

Tweet me:.@sustainableSAP to launch its first integrated report with live webinar feat. #Sustainability Chief Peter Graf http://3bl.me/cz52ta

KEYWORDS: sustainability, Peter Graff, SAP, integrated report, webinar, The Innovation Bottom Line

SOURCE:Justmeans

DESCRIPTION:

The five years since the global financial crisis began have seen youth unemployment rates explode upwards in most Western economies, joining the already high rates in their emerging counterparts. Those starting out tend not to have the experience employers are after, supporting the adage that it is easier to find a job when you are in one. The difficulties of young people leaving school for a world that offers ever more limited job opportunities are highlighted at a time when more than 75 million young people can't find jobs and countless more are underemployed.

Investing in opportunities for youth is not only a critical development issue but also a growth strategy for businesses around the world. Rising to this challenge is Hilton Worldwidewhich has commissioned a white paper titled, Creating Opportunities for Youth in Hospitality, from the International Youth Foundation (IYF), which actively highlights solutions to youth joblessness that the global hospitality sector is uniquely positioned to provide.

This white paper and Hilton Worldwide leadership provide a critical foundation for how hospitality companies can respond to youth development strategically, while also supporting their business goals. It spotlights the economic and social struggles facing the world's youth and the key issues that need to be addressed to solve these challenges. Leveraging insights gained through its partnership with Hilton Worldwide, IYF also presents the hospitality industry with a roadmap for action that focuses on creating career pathways for this emerging workforce while also meeting critical industry-wide hiring needs.

Click here to continue reading and comment

Sangeeta Haindl is a staff writer for Justmeans on Social Enterprise. When not writing for Justmeans, Sangeeta wears her other hat as a PR professional. Over the years, she has worked with high-profile organizations within the public, not-for-profit and corporate sectors; and won awards from her industry. She now runs her own UK consultancy: Serendipity PR & Media.

Tweet me:.@HiltonWorldwide provides foundation for how hospitality companies can help youth #unemployment http://3bl.me/39y4mf @Justmeans

KEYWORDS: Hilton Worldwide, unemployment, Hospitality, youth unemployment, csr, sustainability, opportunity

SOURCE:Source Intelligence®

DESCRIPTION:

Responsible Recycling, known as R2, is the leading standard for the electronics recycling industry, setting a high bar for practices that protect the environment, human health, safety and the security of the recycling process.

With the recent adoption of the R2 Guidance document, this webinar will touch on:

• An overview of R2 Due Diligence requirements and why it is a best practice (Corey Dehmey, Momentum, Inc.),
• Firsthand account, challenges and benefits of becoming R2 Certified  (Jeanne Shackelford, Arrow Electronics) and, 
• Solutions for tracing and monitoring downstream vendors (Dr. Jennifer Kraus, Source Intelligence).

Join our panel of experts in exploring the importance of downstream due diligence within the R2 framework and find out how this provision of the R2 Standard can be put into practice cost effectively and efficiently.

Click here to watch R2: Insights and Solutions in Downstream Due Diligence.

Tweet me:Electronics Recycling Industry: Critical Considerations for R2 Certifications http://3bl.me/grrqna

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Energy, Environment, Events, Conferences & Webinars, Fashion & Apparel, Food & Farming, Finance & Investment, Health and Wellness, Human Resources, Marketing, Media & Communications, People, Social Action & Community Engagement, Technology. Innovation & Solutions, R2, electronics, R2 Certification, Recycling, electronic recycling