by Christine Sismondo

SOURCE:Bacardi Limited

DESCRIPTION:

With nearly everyone happy to see the backside of 2016, most of us are especially grateful to have a shot at that symbolic clean slate that January always promises. And this year, clean living doesn’t seem to be quite as important as social responsibility judging by many in the food and drink industries who are renewing their commitments to making the world a better place. As such, 2017 is already shaping up to be the Year of Mindful Eating and Drinking.

Bacardi, for example, is trying to eliminate plastic straws in cocktails (for the ocean’s sake), and Corby’s, which already picks up the tab for Toronto transit riders on New Year’s Eve, is removing the polar bear logo from its bottle to raise both money for and awareness of the effects of climate change on the habitat of polar bears. Proceeds from sales will go to Polar Bears International.

Read the article in its entirety here.

Tweet me:Will 2017 be the Year of #MindfulEating + Drinking? http://bit.ly/2k4smaO via @GlobeandMail @BacardiLtdComms #NoStraw #GoodSpirited

KEYWORDS: Ethical Production & Consumption, Business & Trade, The Globe And Mail, Bacardi, good spirited, No Straw, Mindful Eating

SOURCE:Cisco Systems Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

We all care about certain issues. What are yours? Poverty, inequality, climate change? Today more than ever, we have the power to overcome these challenges. When we combine tech know-how, ingenuity, and social consciousness, we can help people thrive, build new commerce, and become guardians of our planet. Here are six top qualities of a Global Problem Solver. 

What kind of Global Problem Solver are you? Take our quiz to find out!

Download Cisco's 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that has been making the Internet work since 1984. Our people, products and partners help society securely connect and seize tomorrow's digital opportunity today. Discover more at newsroom.cisco.com and follow us on Twitter at @Cisco. 

Tweet me:What makes a #GlobalProblemSolver? See INFOGRAPHIC to find out! http://bit.ly/2hRqkt4 @CiscoCSR #socialimpact #CSR

KEYWORDS: Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Business & Trade, cisco csr, global problem solvers, Poverty, inequality, climate change

Program helped 12,725 homeowners since 2012 through homebuyer education and down payment assistance grants to boost sustainable homeownership in 48 communities

SOURCE:Wells Fargo & Company

DESCRIPTION:

SAN FRANCISCO, January 20, 2017 /3BL Media/ – More than 2,000 families and individuals purchased their home in 2016 through Wells Fargo LIFT programs, which offer homebuyer education plus down payment assistance in local communities.

Wells Fargo and NeighborWorks^® America created the NeighborhoodLIFT^® program to help local economic recovery and advance neighborhood revitalization through sustainable homeownership.  Since 2012, Wells Fargo has invested more than $327 million in LIFT programs for 48 communities to help create 12,725 sustainable homeowners.  As part of the effort, Wells Fargo donated $29 million in local initiative grants to nonprofits in support of neighborhood revitalization. NeighborWorks America and its local network members administer the program, determine eligibility and provide the required homebuyer education.

This year, Wells Fargo and NeighborWorks further enhanced the program by specifically focusing it to meet the needs of low- and moderate-income homebuyers, military servicemembers and veterans by offering matching down payment assistance grants up to $7,500 for those who are eligible.  During the year, with a $50 million investment by Wells Fargo, NeighborhoodLIFT program was expanded to Maricopa County, AZ; San Diego County, Calif.; Philadelphia; Minneapolis-St. Paul; Seattle-King County, Wash.; Columbia, S.C.; Austin, Texas; Jacksonville, Fla.; and El Paso, Texas.

“The NeighborhoodLIFT program helps make homeownership achievable,” said Kim Smith-Moore, LIFT programs national manager with Wells Fargo Home Lending. “Having completed homebuyer education, these 12,725 families and individuals are better prepared to be successful and sustainable homeowners over time.”

Grant Money Still Available in Many Communities
Grant funds are still available for LIFT programs down payment assistance in Detroit; San Diego County; Minneapolis-St. Paul; Seattle-King County, Wash.; Columbia, S.C.; Austin, Texas; Jacksonville, Fla.; and El Paso, Texas. 

The Wells Fargo 2016 NeighborhoodLIFT program matching down payment assistance grants may be combined with other down payment assistance programs to provide additional financial benefit and homebuyers can obtain mortgage financing from any qualified lender.  Interested homebuyers can learn more about the program at www.NeighborhoodLIFT.com.

To be eligible for NeighborhoodLIFT down payment assistance, homebuyers must meet criteria such as income not exceeding 80 percent of the area median income – or up to 100 percent for military servicemembers and veterans, complete an eight-hour homebuyer education course with a HUD-approved counselor, have a contract to purchase a home, and make an appointment with a participating NeighborWorks network member to reserve a down payment assistance grant. A video about the program can be viewed on Wells Fargo Stories.

LIFT programs impact report by NeighborWorks America
An analysis of the impact of LIFT programs among the first 10,000 homebuyers compiled by NeighborWorks America indicates:

• Sixty-one percent of LIFT homebuyers earn 80 percent or less of the area median income, compared with 21 percent of conventional buyers.

• Among LIFT buyers surveyed, 43 percent pay less for housing than they did previously. Of those who are paying more, the average increase is just $77.

• Eighty percent of LIFT participants stated that the homebuyer education services they received will help them manage their finances and sustain homeownership.

“This collaboration with Wells Fargo, our network members, and local communities helps put people on the path to homeownership,” said Marietta Rodriguez, vice president, National Homeownership Programs with NeighborWorks America. “A study of the first 10,000 homeowners created through LIFT programs illustrates the majority of grant recipients earn 80 percent or less of their area median income.  The program is helping mortgage-ready families overcome the barrier of coming up with a sufficient down payment and the required housing counseling education classes are proven to help buyers both prepare and achieve their goals of responsible homeownership.”

About NeighborWorks America
NeighborWorks America is a national nonprofit that creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities. NeighborWorks America supports a network of more than 240 nonprofits, located in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Visit www.neighborworks.org to learn more.

About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.9 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 8,600 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 42 countries and territories to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 269,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 27 on Fortune’s 2016 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.

# # #

Tweet me:#NeighborhoodLIFT by #WellsFargo @NeighborWorks helped 2K people buy homes in 2016 http://bit.ly/2iFGHOR Grant $ available in many cities

Contact Info:

Chris Hammond
+1 (415) 222-4106
chris.l.hammond@wellsfargo.com

KEYWORDS: Finance & Socially Responsible Investment, Business & Trade, Wells Fargo

SOURCE:Amgen Foundation

DESCRIPTION:

Journey to Science

How did you become interested in science?

My mom is a scientist. She carried out microbiology research as a graduate student, and later as a postdoc, for most of my upbringing. I would go to the lab with her, and I also remember working intensely on school science projects. I liked microbiology, but I ultimately became interested in neuroscience because some of my relatives had conditions that affected the brain.

Academic and Professional Ambitions

What’s the larger significance of your Amgen Scholars research? What’s your ultimate career goal?

Working in Mary Kennedy’s lab at Caltech, I studied a protein that is mutated in some people who have epilepsy, autism, or intellectual disabilities. I had research experience at MIT, but in Professor Kennedy’s lab I was able to delve deeper into biochemical techniques that I had wanted to learn. I definitely want to pursue a career in science, and am considering a PhD and industry careers.

Why did you apply to the Amgen Scholars Program?

I was really interested in conducting research at Caltech, and the Amgen Scholars Program was one of the only summer programs that provided funding support for visiting students. Professor Kennedy’s lab was working in an area of neurobiology I wanted to be in, and luckily, she sponsored my application.

What aspects of the program did you enjoy most?

Because the lab I worked in was smaller, I got to spend a lot of time of time interacting with my mentors. I learned how they were thinking about the research, and it felt nice to have that understanding. I received a lot of guidance, but was also able to do my project on my own. It was cool to have that freedom and envision how graduate school might be.

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To learn more about the Amgen Scholars Program, please visit our website and check out the #AmgenScholars hashtag on Twitter. Visit AmgenInspires.com and follow @AmgenFoundation to stay up to date with all STEM-related news from the Amgen Foundation.

Tweet me:“It was cool to have that freedom & envision how grad school might be – Anthony Preza on the #AmgenScholars Program http://bit.ly/2jNBzbo

KEYWORDS: Education, Amgen Scholars, Amgen Scholars Program, Amgen Foundation, Anthony Preza, CalTech, MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, summer research

Powered by ASSET360 TM, SEKOIA benefits clients by uniting spatial engineering, data integration and analytics to improve project execution

SOURCE:Black & Veatch

DESCRIPTION:

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., January 20, 2017 /3BL Media/– Black & Veatch announced today a new tool aimed at helping utilities deploy large-scale grid modernization projects. The company’s cloud-based Spatial Engineering Knowledge Optimization Immersive Analysis system – SEKOIA– is a central hub for all project management and design-build applications.  It provides project teams with real-time views into a project’s status and performance which can be accessed anytime and from most mobile devices, driving more informed decisions about operations and planning.

SEKOIA, powered by Black & Veatch’s data analytics platform, ASSET360^TM -- uses a services-oriented architecture. This open system allows SEKOIA to easily apply the latest processes in project management, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), such as building information modeling (BIM) and geographic information systems (GIS), to create a unique user experience and tool. 

With GIS becoming more integral to the design-build process, SEKOIA uses GIS information to build dynamic maps and status sequencing animations where teams can quickly view past, present and future scenarios. For an EPC project, having a single source of truth keeps the project aligned throughout its lifecycle.

“Utilities investing in digital upgrades for the smart grid are faced with the complex issue of adding hundreds, or as many as thousands of assets to their systems,” said Jeff Mehlin, Associate Vice President of Utility Telecom & Automation for Black & Veatch’s Telecommunications business. “Black & Veatch has used its experience in designing and building distributed, multi-site networks to design a tool that simplifies the process. It brings all of our proven design and project management applications together in a single system, so our clients experience better collaboration, accelerated schedules and, overall, a quality execution.”

SEKOIA helps manage, visualize and act on the influx of project data involved with designing and building communication and automation upgrades. It captures, integrates and analyzes data and defined key performance indicators (KPI) such as field data, drawings, schedules, budgets, resources, and quality metrics. Data from multiple applications and devices are imported and visualized via a single, centralized view that offers actionable information to guide day-to-day operations and decision-making.

After a project is finished, SEKOIA maintains a historical account of assets that can seamlessly transition into operations and maintenance, creating a long-term asset management tool, further maximizing return on investment. Any type of project with hundreds, even thousands, of assets distributed across multiple locations can be efficiently managed and deployed using SEKOIA.

Editor’s Notes:

• Learn more about SEKOIA by visiting Black & Veatch at DistribuTECH, booth 2625.
• Visit http://www.bv.com/SEKOIA for more information.

About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is an employee-owned, global leader in building critical human infrastructure in Energy, Water, Telecommunications and Government Services. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people in over 100 countries through consulting, engineering, construction, operations and program management. Our revenues in 2015 were US$3 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and in social media.

Media Contact Information:

CHRISTOPHER CLARK | +1 913-458-2778 P | +1 816-674-0572 M | ClarkCA@bv.com

24-HOUR MEDIA HOTLINE | +1 866-496-9149

Tweet me:SEKOIA helps #utilities deploy large-scale grid modernization projects using data analytics http://bit.ly/2k5qmPo

KEYWORDS: Technology, Energy, Black & Veatch, asset management, Data analytics, utilities, engineering, project design, grid modernization, design-build, project management, EPC

Ten Members to Attend Educational Program and Conduct Trail Marking Historic Trees -- “Trees of Significance” -- on Park Land

SOURCE:Keep America Beautiful

DESCRIPTION:

STAMFORD, Conn., January 20, 2017 /3BL Media/ – Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading nonprofit that envisions a country in which every community is a green, clean and beautiful place to live, will provide it’s National Youth Advisory Council members with the chance to experience Manassas National Battlefield Park in a unique way – by mapping “Trees of Significance” throughout the park.

The National Youth Advisory Council will gather at the Visitor Center on Monday, Jan. 23, and receive an orientation to the battlefield by park historian Hank Elliott before conducting a ‘Trashless Tree Trails’ project in the park. “Trashless Tree Trails” is a component of the Keep America Beautiful Schools initiative, in partnership with Texas A&M Forest Service, that involves measuring existing trees (i.e. height, crown spread, circumference), mapping them, and calculating their annual economic and environmental impact.

Youth Advisory Council members will create a “Trashless Tree Trail” within the park that includes “Trees of Significance,” which are trees that mark special places or times in the park. The youth will also clean up trash along the way and input litter measurements online at http://texasforestinfo.tamu.edu/treetrails/.

Keep America Beautiful's National Youth Advisory Council provides a unique opportunity for high school students from diverse backgrounds across the nation to participate in a service-learning and leadership development program. Keep America Beautiful selects 10 students nationwide to contribute to and inform Keep America Beautiful on programs, while acting as ambassadors and leaders for youth service in their communities. The Youth Advisory Council is gathering in Washington, D.C., from Jan. 24-26 for Keep America Beautiful’s annual National Conference.

The members of the 2016-2017 Youth Advisory Council class come from across the nation:

• Eugen Cotei, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Riley Dehr, North Platte, Nebraska
• Sammi Dorfan, San Diego, California
• Sarah Gain, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Reagan Gifford, Danville, Illinois
• Maegan Mikkelson, Cape Coral, Florida
• Brady Millwood, Boaz, Alabama
• Elena Prenovitz, Erie, Pennsylvania
• Nicholas Ranieri, Palm City, Florida
• Cyan Simmons, Chicago, Illinois

About Keep America Beautiful
At Keep America Beautiful, we want to ensure that beauty is our lasting signature. A leading national nonprofit, Keep America Beautiful inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. We envision a country in which every community is a clean, green, and beautiful place to live. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful provides the expertise, programs and resources to help people End Littering, Improve Recycling, and Beautify America’s Communities. The organization is driven by the work and passion of more than 620 community-based Keep America Beautiful affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the support of corporate partners, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals. To learn how you can donate or take action, visit kab.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, like us on Facebook, or view us on YouTube.

About Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas National Battlefield Park preserves lands and resources associated with two major Civil War battles, First and Second Manassas (Bull Run). The 5,000-acre park is located approximately 25 miles west of Washington, D.C., in Northern Virginia.

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Tweet me:.@kabtweet national #Youth Advisory Council attend educational program at #Manassas National Battlefield Park. http://bit.ly/2iJ5LVf

Contact Info:

Tom Morales
Keep America Beautiful
+1 (203) 659-3044
tmorales@kab.org
http://www.twitter.com/kabtweet
http://www.facebook.com/keepamericabeautiful
https://www.instagram.com/keepamericabeautiful
http://www.youtube.com/kabnetwork

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

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Environment & Climate Change, Keep America Beautiful, Youth Advisory Council, Texas A&M Forest Service, Keep America Beautiful Schools, Manassas National Battlefield Park

SOURCE:Antea Group

DESCRIPTION:

The Boston office is staffed with a diverse team, experienced in providing health and safety, environmental compliance, site assessment and remediation, and facility decommissioning support to a broad range of clients. We work with clients throughout Massachusetts and New England in the technology, food and beverage, railroad, oil and gas, healthcare, and manufacturing industries.

Read the rest on the Antea Group website.

About Antea Group

Antea Group is an international engineering and environmental consulting firm specializing in full-service solutions in the fields of environment, infrastructure, urban planning and water. By combining strategic thinking and multidisciplinary perspectives with technical expertise and pragmatic action, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. With more than 3,000 employees in over 100 offices around the world, we serve clients ranging from global energy companies and manufacturers to national governments and local municipalities. Learn more at http://us.anteagroup.com. 

Tweet me:Introducing the @AnteaGroup Boston Office! http://bit.ly/2h5NcVi

Contact Info:

Margaret Uttke
+1 (651) 697-5234
margaret.uttke@anteagroup.com

KEYWORDS: Diversity & Human Resources, antea group, EHS consulting, sustainability consulting

SOURCE:America's Charities

DESCRIPTION:

Do I pay the rent or feed my children? Do I heat my home … or do I eat? These are some of the tough choices many families in America face today. Did you know that a staggering 1 in 6 children faces hunger in America? The biggest reason for this is, of course, poverty. Poverty is a painful reality faced by families all across the U.S.—many of them are your neighbors, friends or family. Ironically, many are working families who hold steady jobs (sometimes multiple jobs) but still struggle to make ends meet. In many countries around the world, poverty often means that children are not only hungry, but that they also don’t have access to clean water, health care or education. These complications can lead to disease and sadly … even death.

But there’s an organization that has been working diligently since 1979, along with their many faithful partners, in the fight against child hunger. They’ve made huge strides, but as we know, there are still many children around the world suffering from hunger and poverty… and they’re asking you to join them in this fight. It’s a fight that concerns us all … as the children are truly the future.

Take Action:

Donating through Workplace Giving Campaigns is a simple way to help, and provides a powerful way for businesses and their employees to make a dent in hunger. It sends employees a clear message that your company is invested in children as well as in your community. If your company does not have a Workplace Giving Program, please ask your Employee Benefits Director to contact America’s Charities at www.charities.org/simple-employee-giving-solution for more information and use this volunteering and giving guide from Feed the Children to plan different ways to support Feed the Children throughout the year. To learn more about Feed the Children, visit www.feedthechildren.org. 

Tweet me:.@AmerCharities @FeedtheChildren: Pay rent or feed my children? Heat my home or eat? Help America's Working Poor http://impact.ac/2jH9oKD

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Business & Trade, employee giving, Feed the Children, alleviate poverty, Hunger, America's Charities, Employee Engagement, Fundraising, cause marketing, corporate philanthropy, workplace giving, social responsibility, csr

SOURCE:VolunteerMatch

DESCRIPTION:

By Caleb Dow, Porpoise

At Porpoise, we often hear HR Managers tell us that they aren’t seeing high enough participation rates within their volunteer initiatives. Based on the trends we’ve seen, we know a few reasons why their programs might not be working – and how to fix them.

1. Low Awareness

Levels of participation in any program are naturally going to be low if the level of awareness of the program is equally low. Advertise and raise awareness about the program. Also, some team members may feel that they don’t actually have permission to use these volunteer days, because no one else is using them. Top-down permission coming from a c-level executive can go a long way in boosting participation.

2. Not Understanding the Importance

Stress to your people why you have a volunteering program in place. What do employees get out of it, and how does it benefit the organization? Explain to your employees that it is an opportunity for them to support a cause that they are passionate about while building and improving their skillset. People are much more likely to do something if they understand why. If they feel there is a mutual understanding of the value they are creating for the organization, they will be more likely to participate in the program.

3. Outside Constraints

Employees are under pressure to meet deadlines and targets and may feel that they will fall behind or miss opportunities if they volunteer on company time. For this reason, employees may wish to volunteer on their own time. This is equally as valuable to the organization and should be recognized. You can also provide support to your employees by reducing their workloads, allowing flextime, and setting attainable goals. Employees who receive this kind of support report 35 more hours of volunteer time than those who do not. In 2013 there were 8,382,000 volunteers who were employed part or full time. 4,610,100 (55%) of these volunteers received some form of employee support.

4. Lack of Recognition

For some employees, participation is low because they feel they won’t be recognized for their volunteer efforts. Recognition and positive feedback leads to increased engagement and participation. For every employee that participates in your corporate volunteering program, greater than $2400 of value is generated for the organization.

Tweet me:Why Your Employees Aren’t Using Their Allotted Volunteer Hours: http://bit.ly/2jI4TQg via @VM_Solutions

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Diversity & Human Resources, Employee Volunteer Program, Volunteering, corporate volunteering, VolunteerMatch

By DANIEL DEMAY, SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF

SOURCE:Boeing

DESCRIPTION:

Originally published on www.seattlepi.com.

Sea-Tac Airport could become one of the first major U.S. airports to start using biofuel for every flight that leaves its tarmac.

That’s the lofty goal that drove a study released yesterday on how to build the infrastructure needed to get aviation biofuel into Sea-Tac’s fuel supply.

Read more on www.seattlepi.com.

Tweet me:.@Boeing, @PortofSeattle, @AlaskaAir study IDs best infrastructure options for delivering biofuel to SeaTac Airport. http://bit.ly/2k5xBXF

KEYWORDS: Technology, Sustainable Solutions, Boeing, csr, CSG, Biofuel, Port of Seattle, Alaska Airlines, SeaTac Airport

Business has the opportunity and obligation to advance critical social and environmental issues--and the momentum is undeniable

SOURCE:Cone Communications

DESCRIPTION:

When the votes came in on November 8, many social and environmental advocates feared the worst: a new reality where important issues would sit on the back burner for four or more years as a new administration stripped away regulation and policies.

For many in my industry, the question became, "will companies shirk their bold CSR commitments and goals if the pressure from government isn’t quite as strong?" The answer is crystal clear: not only does purpose transcend politics, but the environment in Washington DC gives companies the chance to lead and craft forward progress on many important global issues.

Business has the opportunity and obligation to advance critical social and environmental issues—and the momentum is undeniable. Regardless of who may be in office, business continues to move the needle on crucial causes.

To read the full article, visit prweek.com here.

Tweet me:.@Cone's CEO explains why companies will lead with values & drive important issues post #inauguration http://bit.ly/2iKckXv #CSR

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Corporate Social Responsibility, Cone Communications

SOURCE:International Living Future Institute

DESCRIPTION:

SEATTLE, January 20, 2017 /3BL Media/– The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) announced that the Living Product Challenge and Declare are now recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its Recommendations of Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for federal purchasers.

The recommendations, which help federal purchasers identify and procure environmentally sustainable products and services, include the Living Product Challenge and Declare as recommended standards for a range of low-emitting materials including carpet, flooring products, furniture, and interior latex paint.

“We designed the Living Product Challenge and Declare to transform the building materials marketplace through innovation, transparency and the highest standards of health and toxic chemical avoidance,” said James Connelly, Director of the Living Product Challenge for the ILFI. “We thank the EPA for their extensive work to identify standards and ecolabels that encourage the U.S. federal government – one of the world’s biggest materials markets – to measurably improve its environmental performance, and we are thrilled that the Living Product Challenge and Declare are a part of this initiative.”

About the Living Product Challenge

The Living Product Challenge re-imagines the design and construction of products to function as elegantly and efficiently as anything found in the natural work. It provides a framework for manufacturers to rethink the way products are made. Instead of trying to be “less bad” than the alternative, this initiative challenges manufacturers to create products that are healthy, inspirational and give back to the environment. Living Products are free of toxins, socially responsible and made in a way that respects the rights of workers, and create net-positive benefits for both humans and the environment.

About Declare

Declare is a ‘nutrition-label’ for products that clearly and elegantly discloses a product’s ingredients. The Declare label informs consumers about where a product originated, what it is made of, and where it goes at the end of its life. Originally envisioned as a voluntary program to accelerate transparency in the market as quickly as possible, Declare now also provides product manufacturers the option for third party validation from trusted third party verifiers. The Declare product database now has over 800 products listed, simplifying the materials specification and certification process so that designers can quickly and easily identify products that meet the materials requirements of the Living Building Challenge, LEED V4 or the WELL Building Standard.

About International Living Future Institute

The International Living Future Institute is an inspiring hub for visionary programs. Our mission is to lead and support the transformation toward communities that are socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative. Com­posed of leading green building experts and thought-leaders, the Institute is premised on the belief that providing a compelling vision for the future is a fundamental requirement for reconciling humanity’s relationship with the natural world. The Institute runs the Living Building Challenge, Living Community Challenge, Living Product Challenge, Net Zero Energy Certification, the Cascadia Green Building Coun­cil, Ecotone Publishing, Declare, JUST and other leading-edge programs. A global network of volunteers drive the local adoption of restorative principles in their com­munities.

Tweet me:The @EPA includes @Living_Future's Declare + LPC in recommendations for federal purchasers http://bit.ly/2jIk4Zx

Contact Info:

Lisa Lilienthal
International Living Future Institute
+1 (404) 661-3679
lisa.lilienthal@living-future.org

KEYWORDS: Ethical Production & Consumption, Environment & Climate Change, International Living Future institute (ILFI), living product challenge

SOURCE:Eastman Chemical Company

DESCRIPTION:

Thanks to our Eastman team members -  and several community partners and neighbors, we collected a record-setting 25,000 items for the 2016 Supplies for Soldiers campaign! In December, more than 1,000 care packages made their way around the world to 73 U.S. soldiers deployed overseas.

Each soldier received multiple boxes of toiletries, entertainment items such as books and playing cards, non-perishable food/drink mixes, and practical items, including batteries, note pads and much more. Each soldier also received notes and letters from area students sharing their gratitude and sweet wishes:

“Thank you for fighting for this country and me.”
“Thank you for protecting us.”
“Thank you for my freedom.”
“You’re my hero and I’m going to be a soldier one day like you.”
“I’m sorry you’re not home with your family.”    

Started by a small group of employees in 2009, Supplies for Soldiers provides support to loved ones, friends, family members and neighbors that are deployed overseas during the holiday season. In 2012, Eastman adopted the program and has since expanded the program to other domestic sites through the company’s Corporate Responsibility efforts.

“In 2015, we nearly doubled the number of items donated over the previous year, and we topped that number again in 2016,” said Angela McCamy, Corporate Social Responsibility specialist, and campaign manager. “This is the most successful collection year in the history of the program. I’m excited about the level of participation from Eastman sites across the U.S. and from our local communities. It makes my heart happy to know that 73 soldiers and their units who could not be with their families this Christmas, received some comforts from home. They know that we’re thinking and praying for them and they’re not forgotten.”

“Eastman has always been a strong supporter of the military and this program exhibits our personal support for those service men and women deployed overseas,” said Etta Clark, vice president of Global Public Affairs and Policy. “Simply providing items like toothbrushes, magazines, snack bars, books, or blankets – small things that we take for granted and use every day but are needed and appreciated by our soldiers - affords us the opportunity to show our troops how much their service to our country means to us".

After receiving their packages, thank you notes from deployed soldiers began pouring in at a rapid pace.

“Thank you, thank you and thank you Eastman Supplies for Soldiers.”

“…It’s easy to forget why we do what we do, especially after being in the service for several years. But this kind gesture of care packages like these reminded us all of the reason we ‘raised out right hand.’ Thank you to all that were involved in Eastman Supplies for Soldiers…”

“…These care packages obviously have had a great deal of thought and effort put into preparing them; it really does help boost spirits. Knowing there are more people back home thinking of us, other than our families, is extremely uplifting. Thank you again…”

Thanks to everyone for your donations. Every small item adds up to make a big impact. Thanks to the many volunteers who worked hard to collect, sort, pack and ship these comforts of home to our deployed soldiers. It’s takes all of us to make this campaign a success every year.

Tweet me:.@eastmanchemco Eastman Supplies for Soldiers Ships Record Number of Packages http://bit.ly/2iKmEi8

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Philanthropy, Eastman, Supplies for Soldiers, Corporate Responsibility

SOURCE:Keep America Beautiful

DESCRIPTION:

Hey hockey fans! Do you want to see hockey’s greatest players at this year’s NHL All-Star Game in Los Angeles? Well it’s time to hit the ice — or at least the “enter” button — for the Keep America Beautiful Hockey All-Star Game Sweepstakes!

Keep America Beautiful, the nation's leading nonprofit that envisions a country in which every community is a clean, green and beautiful place to live, has launched the Hockey All-Star Game Sweepstakes as part of its "#DoBeautifulThings — Sports" initiative.

Eligible Participants may enter by completing the following steps: To enter, visit http://www.facebook.com/keepamericabeautiful and click on the sweepstakes tab or visit http://woobox.com/gq8nsp to access the online entry form. The Sweepstakes ends at 11:59:59pm Eastern Time on January 24, 2017, so enter now!

GRAND PRIZE (1): Two (2) tickets for lower level seating (Sec. 104) at the NHL All-Star Game on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017 at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, one copy of the Official 2017 NHL All-Star Game Program and one Keep America Beautiful t-shirt made from 100% recycled content. Travel and accommodations are not included.

SECOND PRIZE (9): One copy of the Official 2017 NHL All-Star Game Program and one Keep America Beautiful t-shirt made from 100% recycled content.

"For hockey fans, this is an easy way to help more Americans #DoBeautifulThings and spread the word about our efforts to End Littering, Improve Recycling and Beautify America’s Communities, while delivering positive economic, environmental and social impact nationwide," said Mike Rosen, senior vice president, marketing and communications, Keep America Beautiful.

Winners will be selected at random from eligible entries. On Jan. 25, 2017, the Eligible Participants whose entries are randomly drawn (“Potential Winners”) will be notified via the email address provided in their completed online entry form.  Potential Winners must respond per the instructions provided in the email notification by 12:00pm ET on Jan. 26, 2017 to claim their Prizes. Tickets will be delivered to Grand Prize winner by FedEx, UPS or comparable overnight express courier no later than Jan. 27, 2017. Copies of the Official NHL All-Star Game Program and Keep America Beautiful t-shirts will be delivered 2-4 weeks from the date of the selection of winners.

For the Official Rules, visit https://woobox.com/offers/rules/gq8nsp.

Tweet me:Enter @kabtweet @Charitybuzz sweeps for a chance to win tix to hockey's biggest game on Jan. 29 in LA! http://bit.ly/2ef2arY

Contact Info:

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

KEYWORDS: Media & Communications, Marketing, Keep America Beautiful, Charitybuzz, NHL All-Star Game, Keep America Beautiful Hockey All-Star Game Sweepstakes, hockey, #DoBeautifulThings

SOURCE:Gildan Activewear

DESCRIPTION:

For the fifth consecutive year, Gildan has qualified for inclusion in the 2017 RobeccoSAM Sustainability Yearbook, receiving the Bronze Class distinction this year for its strong sustainability performance.  RobecoSAM’s Sustainability Yearbook is one of the world’s most comprehensive publications on corporate sustainability. 

A Bronze Class distinction signifies that Gildan achieved a score within 5% to 10% of the top score in the Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods industry. Overall RobeccoSAM assesses over 21,000 companies across 60 industries with the goal of identifying those companies that exemplify leading corporate sustainability practices and a focus on long-term growth drivers. 

Every year since 2004, The Sustainability Yearbook has listed the world’s most sustainable companies in each industry as determined by their score in RobecoSAM’s annual Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), with companies that have demonstrated the most leadership in the area of corporate sustainability recognized with one of their special class distinctions.  This year, the Sustainability Yearbook highlights some of the key challenges facing companies in the textile, apparel and luxury industry, the foremost being the importance of responsible sourcing models and the need for transparency on the efficiency, safety and working conditions across all levels of operations.

One advantage Gildan has stems from its vertically-integrated manufacturing model which provides it with complete visibility over the conditions and practices under which the vast majority of its garments are manufactured.  With its ownership of the facilities and operations where 90% of its products are made, Gildan is able to have the proper oversight and influence needed to ensure it is able to make a positive contribution to the employees and communities everywhere it operates.

Tweet me:.@GenuineGildan qualified for inclusion in the 2017 Sustainability Yearbook, receiving the Bronze Class distinction http://bit.ly/2iKkTBF

KEYWORDS: Awards & Recognition, Business & Trade, Gildan, 2017 RobeccoSAM Sustainability Yearbook, Bronze Class distinction, Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), Textiles Apparel and Luxury Goods industry

Care. Act. Inspire. - The Major League Baseball Players Trust

SOURCE:Major League Baseball Players Trust

DESCRIPTION:

2016 was the 20th year Major League Baseball Players have been stepping to the plate to help their neighbors in need through the Players Trust. The Players Trust doesn't replace what Major Leaguers do individually to support the causes close to their hearts; it allows the Players to help causes important to the group while encouraging others to care, act and inspire.  For more information, please visit www.PlayersTrust.org

Tweet me:2016 was our 20th year helping others in need while encouraging others to do the same. #CareActInspire http://bit.ly/2k9mo8v

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Business & Trade, Major League Baseball Players, Players Trust, Major Leaguers, Major League Baseball Players Trust

SOURCE:Delos

DESCRIPTION:

The latest report by the Global Wellness Institute highlights how the design and construction communities are shifting to build for human health through new technologies and standards, so that our homes, offices, schools, hospitals and hotels can keep us healthier and happier. 

Read the full report and learn how Delos is forging the path forward.

About Delos™
As the pioneer of Wellness Real Estate™, Delos is transforming our homes, offices, schools, and other indoor environments by placing health and wellness at the center of design and construction decisions. Delos helps create spaces that actively contribute to human health, performance and well-being by marrying the best innovations in technology, health, science, and real estate. The Delos platform includes programming, design, consulting, research, and an array of innovative solutions and technologies designed to improve health and well-being. More information on Delos is available at www.delos.com. 

Tweet me:#Wellness #Architecture is Named a Top Wellness Trend for 2017 http://bit.ly/2jZr15d @Global_GWI @DelosLiving #RealEstate

KEYWORDS: Reports, Health, Wellness Architecture, workplace wellness, Delos, Global Wellness Institute

SOURCE:Cisco Systems Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

Tune in to the live broadcast of Talent for Cities on Wednesday, February 1, 2017, and hear from smart city leaders, futurists and education disruptors address the “elephant in the room” question: Who will build, prepare, and continuously innovate these digital cities for the future? 

Previous guests have included: Sam Liccardo, Mayor of San Jose, California; Lenny Mendonca, director emeritus and founder of McKinsey & Company U.S. state and local public sector practice; and Jason Kelly Johnson, founding partner of Future Cities Lab

Even with massive investments in new technology, infrastructure, and urban development, without a robust pipeline of digitally ready talent, how will cities realize their full potential? The Talent for Cities show will explore how cities, businesses and education can partner, collaborate and innovate to accelerate the path to a Smart-City Workforce. How can we disrupt the current model to help future digital cities to innovate, grow, and thrive?

Sign up for the live broadcast here.

Learn more about Cisco's pledge to positively impact 1 billion people by 2025 in the 2016 Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that has been making the Internet work since 1984. Our people, products and partners help society securely connect and seize tomorrow's digital opportunity today. Discover more at newsroom.cisco.com and follow us on Twitter at @Cisco.

Tweet me:Talent for Cities: 2/1 #Webcast Tackles Issues w/ #SmartCity #Leaders + #Entrepreneurs http://bit.ly/2jGGpE8 @CiscoCSR #digitaleconomy

KEYWORDS: Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Business & Trade, talent for cities, cisco csr, Digital Economy, Smart Cities

SOURCE:FedEx Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

For 17 years, FedEx has been helping keep kids safe though our sponsorship of Safe Kids Worldwide and the Walk This Way program. This infographic highlights seven ways children are getting hit, paired with seven tips to prevent them from happening.

Check out an interactive infographic here: https://www.safekids.org/howtowalk/

Tweet me:.@FedEx has collaborated with @safekids for 17 years to raise awareness for road safety and help keep kids safe http://bit.ly/2k9QDwk

KEYWORDS: Education, pedestrian safety, FedEx, safe kids

iCare Benefits joins the Business Call to Action with a pledge to provide workers with access to essential items while eliminating informal lending

SOURCE:Business Call to Action (BCtA)

DESCRIPTION:

Singapore, January 23, 2017 /3BL Media/ – Employee-benefit programme iCare Benefits has joined the Business Call to Action (BctA) with a commitment to provide 80 million workers worldwide with access to essential products and services by 2020. By 2019, the company aims to enable access to free education for over 32 million workers and their families through its online platform.

Launched in 2008, the BCtA aims to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals by challenging companies to develop inclusive business models that engage people with less than US$8 per day in purchasing power as consumers, producers, suppliers and distributors. It is supported by several international organizations and hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In Asia, factory workers commonly earn between US$100 and US$400 per month, which means they do not qualify for financing from banks or other financial institutions. Even  though these workers have steady incomes, they are not able to make investments in essential products and services such as healthcare, education and time- and money-saving home appliances. For these workers, the most common alternative to cash payments is informal loans from friends, family or the black market, which charges exorbitant interest rates that sap workers’ incomes.

Launched in 2012 in Vietnam, iCare Benefits was born out of consultations with labor union representatives. Now headquartered in Singapore, the company is active in Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Philippines (and is starting up in Bangladesh, Myanmar and Brazil). There are plans to expand its reach to over 30 countries across Asia, Latin America and Africa.

The company’s inclusive business model employs an innovative approach to financing within a seamless retail platform. Workers at participating factories can purchase products online or from workplace-based showrooms. iCare Benefits’ repayment limit of 30 percent of gross monthly salary reinforces responsible spending habits and ensures that workers do not over-leverage their incomes.

“By providing access to essential products and services that improve the quality of workers’  and their families’ lives, iCare is helping to end the cycle of poverty and build the next middle class in the countries where it operates,” said iCare Benefits CEO Trung Dung. “As a result of our efforts, number of workers in factories where we operate using black-market loans and pawn assets to purchase essential products has decreased from 30 percent to 3.5 percent.”

In addition, iCare Benefits is engaging a range of partners to create a unique global education platform for workers and their families. By 2018, the platform will provide access to critical knowledge such as financial literacy, health, basic language skills, digital literacy and occupational education, including safety and workers’ rights.

“Reducing workers’ reliance on informal lending while building their knowledge improves financial and social resilience, especially for women, who make up over 85 percent of employees in factories served by iCare Benefits,” said Paula Peleaz, Programme Manager of the BCtA. “iCare Benefits is giving women greater purchasing power and enabling families to build a solid foundation of education and health – both fundamental enablers of sustainable development”.

To achieve its ambitious BCtA commitment, the company is building a public-private alliance with investors, global NGOs, foundations, government bodies, global brands, manufacturers and service providers. It has pledged to bring together at least ten global and five local partners in each country of operation in order to promote collaboration in providing access to essential products, services and education for working families.

For further information:

Business Call to Action: Minja Nieminen at minja.nieminen@undp.org

iCare Benefits: Pawel Gorski at pawel.g@icarebenefits.com

Membership in the Business Call to Action does not constitute a partnership with its funding and programme partners, UNDP or any UN agency.

About the Business Call to Action (BCtA): Launched at the United Nations in 2008, the Business Call to Action (BCtA) aims to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by challenging companies to develop inclusive business models that offer the potential for both commercial success and development impact. BCtA is a unique multilateral alliance between key donor governments including the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), UK Department for International Development, US Agency for International Development, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Finland, and the United Nations Development Programme— which hosts the secretariat. For more information, please visit www.businesscalltoaction.org or on Twitter at @BCtAInitiative.

About iCare Benefits: iCare Benefits is a for-profit social enterprise that enables manufacturers, social organizations, banks and service providers to serve workers at the bottom of economic pyramid. The company aims to give employees immediate access to essential products and services that will improve their quality of lives and well-being, and enable comfortable, healthy, smart and prosperous living both in the workplace and at home. The success of iCare Benefits is founded on these core values, which orient the way iCare Benefits staff think and work with their co-workers, and serve their customers. The company was awarded the Global Top100 award by Red Herring – a prestigious list honoring the year’s most promising private technology ventures. For more information about iCare Benefits, visit www.icarebenefits.com.

Tweet me: #iCareBenefits + @BCtAInitiative pledge to provide #workers w essential #EmployeeBenefits http://bit.ly/2k0SkQC #GlobalDev #SDGs

KEYWORDS: Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Business & Trade, Business Call to Action, BCtA, icare benefits, employee benefits