Corporate Social Responsibility

Given the recent economic hard times, a lot of economists and social commentators are asking whether the new trend toward corporate social responsibility (CSR) can survive a recession.  After hearing the question a few times we stumbled across this gem from Intel’s CSR blog.

Money quote:

It might be fair to ask if a certain business, product line or initiative would be hurt by a recession – but the WAY you conduct business doesn’t stop in a period of uncertainty.

You’re probably saying to yourself “only a tech company would be trendy enough to be into CSR and have a blog about it.” You may be right about the blog, but at least one local company has been lauded for its corporate responsibility and it isn’t exactly a tech company. So what do you think, will the economy hurt this move toward more responsible business or is CSR here to stay? Also, what do you think the role of the not-for-profit should be in this new, more responsible business climate? Organizations like United Way have built a strong reputation as philanthropic advisers to donors and corporations both locally and nationally. As companies seek to streamline costs as much as possible do you anticipate social impact strategies will continue to be outsourced to non-profits or will companies bring this work in-house? What about at your company? What will you do when you’re CEO?

If you’re interested in hearing more about CSR or how it looks at a local company, we still have a couple seats available at our Lunch & Learn with Vulcan Materials CEO, Don James.  Mr. James was the CEO of the year in Birmingham in 2007 and he will be sure to lead an entertaining and engaging conversation.

Event details:
What: Lunch & Learn with Vulcan Materials CEO, Don James
When: June 24th @ 11:30
Where: 1200 Urban Center Dr, Birmingham, AL. Click here for a map.

Lunch is provided.

*RSVP by Friday, June 13th is required.
Please email us at youngleaders@uwca.org to reserve a seat.
 

 

Scooters are taking over the world.

Well, maybe not quite “taking over the world,” but they’re selling like hotcakes around the magic city. As gas prices go up more people, especially YPs, are turning toward alternative means of transportation including bicycles, carpooling, and two-wheel motorized vehicles. Our own DJ Hampton is mentioned in the article because he is often seen scooting about town on his Vespa. As gas prices approach $4 a gallon, are you changing your commute patterns? Tell us if you’re walking, riding, scooting, or other. A bigger question is will $4+ gas be a psychological barrier that produces a public outcry for a better public transit system?

As hard as the weekly fill-up is hitting you in the wallet, think about the families in our community that were on the verge of poverty or even homelessness before gas prices went off the charts. What about those senior adults that live on a fixed income? And this doesn’t include the effects on food prices and the cost of eating healthy. Look around your community and lend a hand when you can. If gas prices teach us anything, its that we’re all in this together.