Tag: CSR

Health Care

Utah Based Charity Donates $1.5 Million RMB To China’s Earthquake Relief Efforts

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SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — (NYSE: USNA) Disaster can strike anywhere, anytime and the effects are felt around the world. That’s when organizations like the USANA True Health Foundation step in. Because of the way the foundation is set up, it’s in a position to help with unforeseen catastrophes in an urgent and timely manner. The non-profit organization donated $1.5 million RMB to aid in relief efforts surrounding the massive 6.5 magnitude earthquake that struck Yunnan province, southwestern China province on August 2.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130425/LA01443LOGO

Contributions will go to the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA), a non-profit organization, engaged in managing domestic and overseas-donated funds and materials.

“It’s devastating when a natural disaster hits your home, and we will be there when people are suffering,” said President of the USANA True Health Foundation, Elaine Pace. “We thank all the members of our USANA family who have made it possible for the True Health Foundation to assist in life-saving events such as this.”

The $1.5 million RMB donation includes cash and premium products provided by USANA Health Sciences. The money will be transferred to CFPA, supplies such as food, water, tents and other urgent needs will be delivered to the Yunnan Civil Affairs Bureau and 200-thousand boxes of USANA® Probiotics will be delivered to the disaster area once the roads are fixed.

Earthquake Overview (estimated numbers provided by Time.com)

  • Death toll: 398
  • Injured: 1,801
  • Aftershocks: 411
  • Homes destroyed/damaged: 204,000
  • People evacuated: 230,000

The Yunnan province is in dire need of aid. The USANA True Health Foundation is continuously asking for support to help with unforeseen catastrophes. Anyone can donate at www.usanafoundation.org.

About USANA True Health Foundation: The USANA True Health Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created by Dr. Myron Wentz, USANA‘s founder, and USANA CEO Dave Wentz to help expand and enhance USANA’s on-going charitable efforts. Its mission is to provide the most critical human necessities to those suffering or in need. USANA True Health Foundation has an active partnership with organizations such as International Relief Teams and the Children’s Hunger Fund, which share the same vision of making the world a happier and healthier place. Learn more at our website (www.USANAfoundation.org), follow us on Twitter (@USANAfoundation), or like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/USANAfoundation).

Media Contact: Elaine Pace
President USANA True Health Foundation
+1-801-954-7743
Elaine.Pace@us.usana.com

General WRK

New World Facilities Management First Honored as “Family-Friendly Employer”

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HONG KONG, Aug. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — New World Facilities Management Company Limited (NWFM) which manages and operates Youth Square is commended for the first time as the “Family-Friendly Employer” under the 2013/14 Family-Friendly Employers Award Scheme organized by the Family Council, in recognition of its outstanding achievement in implementing family-friendly employment policies and practices that enable employees to manage their time to undertake their family commitments and balance family life in the past year. 

As a non-profit making company, NWFM regards staff as the most valuable asset. During the past year, NWFM proactively instituted diversified family-friendly policies and practices including paternity leave, compassionate leave and early release on festive days to enable staff to manage their time to take care of their family needs. NWFM also cares about the wellness of staff and offers a variety of activities for them including family engagement events, festive meals, community events and interest groups, etc. to achieve a balance between work and life.

Established in 2011, the Family-Friendly Employers Award Scheme is launched by The Family Council. It aims at recognizing companies or organizations who attach importance to the family-friendly spirit, encouraging them to continue to put in place measures to raise employers’ awareness of the importance of family core values, and fostering a pro-family culture and environment. With reference to criteria including family-friendly employment policies and practices, benefits to the company and employees, as well as commitment shown by the management, the Assessment Panel honors those companies or organizations fulfilling the family-friendly requirements of the Award Scheme.

New World Facilities Management Company Limited

New World Facilities Management Company Limited is a non-profit making company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of New World Development Company Limited (Stock Code: 17.HK). Embracing the mission of youth development and supporting youth to contribute to society, we strive to develop Youth Square as the platform for youth to exchange knowledge and experience and to develop and discover their potential.

For more information on New World Facilities Management Company Limited, please visit www.nwfm.com.hk.

Youth Square

Youth Square is a project commissioned by the Home Affairs Bureau of HKSAR Government, and aims to be the hub of diversified youth development activities for youth to develop their potential. Youth Square has a 643-seat Y Theatre, Y Studio, multi-function areas and Y Loft with 148 guest rooms. Youth Square is located in Chai Wan and is managed and operated by New World Facilities Management Company Limited on a non-profit making basis.

For more information on Youth Square, please visit www.youthsquare.hk.

 

 

 

Health Care

Mundipharma Announces Principal Partner Sponsorship for Singapore’s National Day Parade 2014

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SINGAPORE, Aug. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Mundipharma, one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical companies in the region, announced today its status as principal partner of this year’s National Day Parade (NDP)  — the first time ever for a pharmaceutical company to hold this position. In celebration of Singapore’s 49th year of nation building, Mundipharma will be distributing free samples of its flagship BETADINE® antiseptic product range in 220,000 NDP funpacks.

The sponsorship comes shortly after Mundipharma’s establishment this year of its award-winning regional headquarters in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, where its operations for Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa are based.

BETADINE® is one of Mundipharma’s leading products, a well-established name in the prevention and healing of topical infections for over 50 years. It is used to manage various types of infections due to its broad spectrum of germ killing actions effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi without resistance of clinical significance. It is widely used by health care professionals and consumers alike for wound care, throat and oral care, and feminine care.

“Through this sponsorship, Mundipharma is honoured to be able to demonstrate our commitment to Singapore and the region following the recognition of our regional headquarters here,” said Raman Singh, President of Mundipharma Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa.

“Singapore is a valued biomedical hub in the region, and we hope to show our appreciation for the support we’ve been receiving from authorities and consumers by contributing to this year’s celebrations.” Raman added.

About Mundipharma 

Mundipharma’s global network of companies are privately owned entities covering the world’s pharmaceutical markets. Mundipharma provides patients across 6 continents with a growing portfolio of 19 products in 5 therapeutic areas, which include moderate-to-severe pain, consumer healthcare, oncology, respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, antisepsis and laxatives. Mundipharma is a prime example of a company that consistently delivers high quality products while standing by the values that represent the company. Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of patients with cancer and non-cancer pain and to substantially improve their quality of life.

For more information please visit: http://www.mundipharma.com.sg

For further information please contact:

Stephenie Vasko
stephenie.vasko@mundipharma.com.sg  
+65-6303-9732

Timothy Weller
timothy.weller@edelman.com  
+65-6347-2326

General

Shiv Nadar Receives the AIMA Corporate Citizen Award 2014

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NEW DELHI, Aug. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ —

– Recognized for his philanthropic endeavours in leadership development in India

The All India Management Association, an apex body of professional management in India set up in 1957, awarded the AIMA Corporate Citizen Award 2014 to Shiv Nadar, Founder & Chairman, HCL and Shiv Nadar Foundation, for his unparalleled efforts in philanthropy.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140806/700689)

Accepting the award, Shiv Nadar said, “This is a great honor and I thank AIMA for this recognition. Education is a key determinant of development while inclusive education goes a step further to enable the progress and regeneration of communities. The Shiv Nadar Foundation would continue to harness the power of inclusive education to bridge the urban-rural divide and drive exponential social transformation in India by creating leaders from every socio-economic segment.”

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman of the Jury, AIMA Managing India Awards 2014 & Chairman, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group said, “I congratulate Shiv Nadar for the award and for his truly exemplary work in institution building and education. His vision is an inspiration and worthy of emulation and admiration. Under his guidance, HCL and the Shiv Nadar Foundation have established high benchmarks with regards to best business practices and inclusive leadership development.”

Shiv Nadar, acknowledged as visionary in modern computing and technology in India, founded HCL in 1976 as one of India’s original IT garage start-ups. Currently, HCL comprises three companies in India – HCL Technologies, HCL Infosystems and HCL Healthcare with annual revenues of US$ 6.5 billion and over 95,000 professionals from diverse nationalities operating across 31 countries including over 500 points of presence in India.

In 1994, he established the Shiv Nadar Foundation, a private philanthropic organization. A significant driver of social change and transformational education, the Foundation has set up landmark institutions in India spanning the entire education spectrum, from universities and colleges to K-12 schools. These include the SSN Institutions, India’s top ranked engineering college; the Shiv Nadar University, a multidisciplinary university with strong research orientation and Vidya Gyan, a radical experiment in leadership development through free residential education to meritorious rural poor children. The Foundation has invested Rs 2,946 crore till March 2014 as per audited accounts, and is on course to spend Rs 3000 crore committed in 2013 over the next 5 years.

For more information please click here

Bhaswati Chakravorty
Bhaswati.chakravorty@hcl.com
+91-0120-2535071

Health Care HOU

Infinitus (China) Donates RMB 1.2M for Yunnan Earthquake

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GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — At 16:30 of 3 August, the 6.5-magnitude earthquake jolted Ludian county of Zhaotong, Yunnan. By 14:30 of 5 August, the death toll had reached 410 with 2,373 people injured. Over 10, 000 houses collapsed. The situation in the area is very severe, with electricity, telecommunications and traffic badly affected.

The whole nation had great concern for the earthquake, so did each employee of LKK Health Products Group (LKKHPG). Right on that day, Infinitus (China) Company Ltd., member of LKKHPG, immediately contacted its branch company in Yunnan for information of the local distributors and employees, whom have all been reported safe by far. Meanwhile, Infinitus paid real-time attention to the situation of the quake-stricken area and initiated the Company’s natural disaster relief mechanism in no time. On 5 August, Infinitus (China) made an urgent decision to donate RMB 1.2 million through the Si Li Ji Ren Foundation to support the Ludian quake-stricken area.

In 2012, Infinitus (China) donated RMB 20 million as original funds to set up the Si Li Ji Ren Foundation. Approved by National Ministry of Civil Affairs, the foundation focuses on public health, poverty and education for the vulnerable groups in poor areas. After the Ya’an earthquake in April 2013, the foundation immediately initiated the natural disaster relief mechanism and called for donation among its global administrative staff and distributors. In the end, a total of RMB 3.66 million was donated to support the Ya’an earthquake.

With “Infinitus” as the core brand, LKKHPG has four members, namely, Infinitus (China) Company Ltd., Infinitus (Hong Kong) Company Ltd., Infinitus International Company Ltd., and Infinitus International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. Since its founding, LKKHPG has regarded corporate social responsibility as a must to do for the enterprise. Adhering to such philosophy, it will be paying ongoing attention to the situation of the quake-stricken area and helping the local people through this disaster.

ECP Energy and Power

AT&S Publishes First Ever Sustainability Report

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SHANGHAI, July 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — AT&S produces highly complex printed circuit boards with a minimal impact on people and the environment. In its first sustainability report for the financial year 2013/14, AT&S gives a comprehensive insight into its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The report was drawn up in accordance with the international G4 reporting criteria issued by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). For AT&S, this development marks an important step towards systematic documentation of the company’s integrated sustainability activities.  

Sustainability has always been a top priority at the AT&S Group and is enshrined in the group’s strategy. AT&S has set a benchmark in China and India thanks to its efforts to protect the environment, and the socially responsible attitude on show at all of its sites worldwide. The Group plays a pioneering role for the entire industry and sees itself as an ambassador for sustainability. Its successes in this area underpin the correctness of AT&S’s approach, under which “people, planet and profit” are reconciled with one another.

The AT&S Group focuses intensely on the impact of its commercial activities on the environment and society. As a market leader in an industry that demands an intense amount of resources, the Styria-based printed circuit board manufacturer has introduced the CO2 footprint as one of its key indicators. With savings of 4kg CO2 per square metre of printed circuit board since 2010, AT&S has already delivered considerable savings. Ever more efficient use of resources is also evident in the 90 litre reduction in the amount of fresh water that goes into making each square metre of printed circuit board over the past three years.

“We want to outline how our company is making a living reality of sustainable practices, what action has been taken in the past, and how we plan to achieve sustainable business success in future. We firmly believe that sustainability is a good investment for the future,” explained CEO Andrea Gerstenmayer.

The report can be downloaded from http://www.ats.net/company/corporate-social-responsibility/.

AT & S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik AG —  first choice for advanced applications

AT&S is the European market leader and one of the leading manufacturers of high-value printed circuit boards. The Group produces leading-edge technologies on an industrial scale for its core markets: mobile devices, automotive and aviation, industrial electronics, medical and health care, and advanced packaging. In 2013 AT&S took the next logical step towards implementing its high-tech strategy by entering the IC substrate business, through a collaboration agreement with a leading global semiconductor manufacturer. As an international growth enterprise AT&S has a global presence, with two production facilities in Austria (Leoben and Fehring) and one each in India (Nanjangud), China (Shanghai, Chongqing under construction) and Korea (Ansan, near Seoul). It currently employs about 7,300 people.

For more information visit http://www.ats.net.

Energy and Power

Mohawk Industries Highlights ‘Good Choices’ In Fifth Annual Sustainability Report

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CALHOUN, Ga., July 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Sustainable practices are ultimately good choices. In its fifth annual sustainability report, Mohawk Industries, the world’s largest flooring manufacturer, highlights the good choices the Company makes each day for customers, employees, shareholders, communities and the environment.

“Mohawk’s success is attributable to the good choices made in the past and will be sustained by making good choices in the future,” said Dave Patton, Mohawk Industries’ chief sustainability officer. “As our business continues to grow and expand into new geographies, we remain committed to making responsible choices that create the greatest value for our stakeholders, our customers and the men and women who make up our Company.”

Mohawk’s sustainability report underscores the Company’s commitment to good choices while maintaining consistency, transparency and accuracy in reporting. The 2013 sustainability report includes Mohawk’s three recent acquisitions, which ensures a comprehensive report that truly covers the entire enterprise.

“Last year, Mohawk’s global footprint expanded significantly, and our three major recent acquisitions are reflected in our sustainability report,” said Jenny Cross, vice president of corporate sustainability at Mohawk Industries. “Companies usually require years to fold acquisitions into their sustainability reporting, but our 2013 report includes complete and accurate performance metrics from our entire enterprise.” 

Mohawk’s interactive report, available exclusively online at www.mohawksustainability.com, highlights the Company’s good choices in 2013 and reaffirms its commitment to global stakeholders.

Highlights from Mohawk’s 2013 Sustainability Report include:

  • Continuation of the Company’s legacy of sustainable product innovation with Continuum™ clean recycled polyester fiber processing and Easy Airtight™ energy efficient roofing insulation panels
  • Extension of “Zero Manufacturing Waste to Landfill” program with twelve new sites earning the designation
  • Expansion of ability to meet local market needs into new geographies for laminate and ceramic products
  • Employment of 28% more individuals than in 2012
  • OHSAS 18001 health and safety certification at two North American Ceramic facilities
  • Completion of EPDs for all ceramic products manufactured in North America
  • Partnership between commercial carpet business and the International Living Future Institute and addition of Declare™ labels to products within the commercial carpet portfolio
  • FloorScore® certification for all solid wood, engineered wood and laminate floors manufactured in the U.S.

During 2013, Mohawk continued to make positive progress toward all of its 2020 environmental goals, which are key components of the Company’s sustainability platform. Using 2010 levels as baselines, Mohawk has committed to 25% intensity reductions for energy, greenhouse gases (GHG), water and waste to landfill by 2020.

“We remain committed to using resources more efficiently, reducing our emissions and up-cycling our waste stream into first quality products,” said Cross. “These practices are consistent with the values of millions of people, and we encourage that community to enter into dialogue with us through our social media platforms. We welcome feedback and good ideas that can help us further improve our sustainability practices.”

Individuals can post comments on Mohawk’s LinkedIn platform or follow the company’s Twitter feed (@mhkgreenworks). The Company also has a dedicated e-mail account to respond to sustainability inquiries: mohawkgreenworks@mohawkind.com.

To access Mohawk’s fifth annual Sustainability Report, please visit: www.mohawksustainability.com.

Aviation

Two Teachers from Indonesia Joined the 10th Anniversary of Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy

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JAKARTA, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Binar Sejati and Melva Manalu, two science teachers from West Java, were among more than 200 teachers from around the world to receive a scholarship  for Honeywell (NYSE: HON) program called Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy (HESA) — the “game-changing” experience celebrating its 10th anniversary of inspiring teachers who, in turn, inspire students to pursue science and math education and careers.

Created in partnership with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC), Honeywell (NYSE: HON) developed the award-winning scholarship program to help middle school math and science teachers become more effective educators in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). During the past ten years, Honeywell has awarded scholarships to 2,176 teachers from 56 countries.

“Inspiring students begins with inspiring teachers,” said Alex J. Pollack, president of Honeywell Indonesia. “HESA gives teachers an engaging and unforgettable learning experience that heightens their ability to become even more effective educators. I am glad that more Indonesian teachers are getting the opportunity to join this terrific program.”

This year, 204 teachers from 27 countries attended one of two five-day programs offered over consecutive weeks from June 11-24 at the USSRC in Huntsville, Alabama. Teachers were given rigorous training focused on science and space exploration including astronaut-style exercises like high-performance jet simulation, scenario-based space mission, land and water survival training, and interactive flight dynamics programs.

Both Sejati and Manalu said the program exceeded their expectation and they have learned a lot during the best week of their lives.  

“I was impressed that the entire program relied heavily on interdependence,” said Sejati who is teaching at the Darul Hikam International School. “I realised that the STEM learning is one that will bring students attention, passion, and curiosity. If we combine that with team work, the result will be magnificent. I look forward to integrate my learning in my class.”

Manalu from the SDK Plus BPK Penabur said, “Everything in this program enhanced our understanding not only about space, but also about math, chemistry, technology, and even history. I learned about the authentic integration of science, math and other subjects, the importance of team work, and how to develop enthusiasm among students.”   

Since 2004, educators have shared their experiences and knowledge to more than 2 million students, inspiring many to pursue STEM education and careers. From winning grants from local and federal governments, to entering students in international and NASA educational projects, to creating STEM-focused after school programs, the impact of the program is continuing beyond the classroom. To help mark the program’s decade-long run, 10 HESA alumni were selected, one representing each year, to be the guests-of-honor at the graduation ceremony on June 23.

“This program is all about re-igniting passion in teachers,” said Tom Buckmaster, president of Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s global citizenship initiative responsible for HESA. “STEM subjects are some of the most challenging to teach, but this experience helps teachers discover new ways of delivering lesson plans to the next generation of engineers, programmers, mathematicians and astronauts.”

Food and Beverage

Walmart to Sponsor Food Fraud Prevention Online Course In China

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BEIJING, June 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Walmart has agreed to sponsor the translation of a Food Fraud Prevention online course to the Mandarin language. The course was developed by Dr. John Spink, Professor at Michigan State University (MSU) and Director of the University’s Food Fraud Initiative. Dr. Spink, a recognized expert in this area, has joined Walmart in their efforts to help customers, regulators, suppliers and retailers increase public awareness of food fraud prevention in China and prevent food fraud through joint efforts in the market.

MSU’s first Food Fraud Prevention Overview was originally conducted in May of 2013 and it has only been offered in English. Since its debut, the massive open online course (MOOC) has seen over 800 participants from 48 countries take in the free course. Following the first MOOC, there has been great interest in follow-up courses and translation into other languages. The Walmart sponsorship of the first language translation of the MOOC into Mandarin is a critical next step in protecting against food fraud and improving the global food supply chain.

This two-week MOOC is offered free to anyone, anywhere, who has Internet access. The first Mandarin version of the two-week course will be offered in two sections, on August 5 and August 12. It is especially targeted to be a tool to help food companies in China further strengthen their food fraud prevention and surveillance programs.

Participants of the MOOC will gain important insights into the reasons food fraud continues to be a major issue in the global supply chain. The course will draw on a wide range of current experience and expertise, infusing many real-world applications and problem-solving exercises that will provide a framework for success in the future.

Frank Yiannas, Vice President of Food Safety for Walmart said, “At Walmart, we take the issue of food fraud very seriously. Because prevention of food fraud is a shared responsibility and education is a key to deterrence, Walmart is delighted to be able to help Michigan State University make the course more broadly available to regulatory officials, industry professionals, consumers and other stakeholders in China.”  

Dr. Spink said, “We are grateful for forward–thinking companies like Walmart who are working, and investing in, improving the safety of the world’s foods.” He elaborated that, “When we rapidly expand the education and awareness building at this early stage in the development of the science, we can more efficiently establish a starting point and trajectory of our actions.”

“Food fraud has been recognized as a common challenge not only for retailers but also the whole supply chain,“ Walmart China Chief Compliance Office Paul Gallemore said. “As the largest retailer in the world, Walmart intends to leverage global food safety expertise and best practices to help our suppliers address the problem together in order to provide even greater assurance of food product quality, authenticity and safety to our customers.”

The retailer recently announced they are continuing to invest heavily in food safety for China with their total investment for 2013, 2014 and 2015 reaching 300 million Yuan. A portion of this investment has been heavily focused on supplier training and management. Walmart is helping suppliers understand and comply not only with China’s regulations, but the company’s extensive and rigorous food safety policies. Meanwhile, the company will perform additional testing and tougher standards for suppliers in 2014, increasing DNA testing on meat products by 100 percent and facility audits and inspections of primary producers by more than 30 percent from 2013. Walmart China has also taken a zero-tolerance policy on food fraud.