PLEASE NOTE NEW DATES DUE TO HURRICANE SANDY POWER OUTAGES

Global ESG Regulatory Academy™ 2012 Webinar Series: SEC ESG COMPLIANCE—WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD: Requirements, Liabilities, and Challenges for Public Companies, Boards, Auditors, and Institutional Investors

Webinars are limited to 100 participants; early registration is recommended.

THE 2012 WEBINAR SERIES, DESIGNED FOR ALL CAPITAL MARKET PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS, WILL BE PACKED WITH PRACTICAL, MUST-HAVE ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE AND GUIDANCE NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE.

This Webinar Series will get you quickly up to speed on how the SEC regime applies to ESG issues, and explain the associated liabilities and risks for noncompliance for these four large market sectors and for a broad range of capital market transactions. The Webinars are conveniently accessible from your office computer or mobile device. All Registrants, whether or not you can attend the live Webinars, will receive the presentation handout materials and access to the archived recording for the Webinars. Those who attend the live Webinars will be able to ask questions during the live Q&A sessions.

The 2012 Webinar Series will establish your essential knowledge foundation, and will explain the dimensions and impacts of the widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance problem—an estimated 80% of large public company SEC filers are non-compliant on ESG issues, according to the landmark CSR Insight™ Study. "All capital market participants and stakeholders now need to be knowledgeable about ESG financial regulatory reporting requirements, and why this widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance exists and how it can be fixed, because this systemic regulatory noncompliance on ESG issues is producing rising financial and economic risks for all concerned,” states Linda Lowson, Esq., CEO of CSR Insight™ and Founder of the Global ESG Regulatory Academy™.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THESE EXCITING EVENTS! Click here for full event info and to register: http://www.cvent.com/d/lcqs49?refid=csrws.

FOR SPEAKER, SPONSOR, AND REGISTRATION QUERIES: Contact Ms. Lowson at inquiry@csrinsight.com.

With 4 billion videos watched on YouTube every day and projections that video will make up 75 percent of Internet traffic in the coming years, communicating by video has gone from a luxury to a necessity for any organization looking to tell its story.

You may already be using video to tell internal and external audiences about your company's corporate citizenship efforts. The Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship's 5th annual Film Festival, sponsored by Pitney Bowes, will let you share that story with thousands of viewers and demonstrate how you are using video as a communication tool.

Entry in the Film Festival gives companies an opportunity to inform employees of corporate citizenship efforts while engaging them in the festival voting process. The 60,000 people who viewed the videos in the 2012 Film Festival and voted for their favorite sent a resounding message: There is an audience interested in seeing the corporate citizenship story on video.

Here are the important dates for the 2013 Film Festival:

Submission period: January 4 to February 8. Only one video submission is permitted for each participating company.

Public voting: Voting will take place on the Center for Corporate Citizenship website from February 14 through March 1 to narrow the field to 10 finalists. Finalists will be announced on March 6.

Selection of winner: The 10 finalists will be reviewed by a panel of judges to choose the winner, which will be announced April 22 during the 2013 International Corporate Citizenship Conference in Boston. All 10 finalist videos will be available for viewing at the conference.

In order to win, a company representative must be registered and in attendance at the conference.

Click here for more information on submission guidelines and an entry form. 

The Carroll School of Management Center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College is a membership-based knowledge center. Founded in 1985, the Center has a history of leadership in corporate citizenship research and education. The Center engages 400 member companies and more than 10,000 individuals annually to share knowledge and expertise about the practice of corporate citizenship through the Center’s executive education programs, online community, regional programs, and its annual conference. For more information visit the Center’s website at www.BCCorporateCitizenship.org

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATES DUE TO HURRICANE SANDY POWER OUTAGES

Global ESG Regulatory Academy™ 2012 Webinar Series: SEC ESG COMPLIANCE—WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD: Requirements, Liabilities, and Challenges for Public Companies, Boards, Auditors, and Institutional Investors

Webinars are limited to 100 participants; early registration is recommended.

THE 2012 WEBINAR SERIES, DESIGNED FOR ALL CAPITAL MARKET PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS, WILL BE PACKED WITH PRACTICAL, MUST-HAVE ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE AND GUIDANCE NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE.

This Webinar Series will get you quickly up to speed on how the SEC regime applies to ESG issues, and explain the associated liabilities and risks for noncompliance for these four large market sectors and for a broad range of capital market transactions. The Webinars are conveniently accessible from your office computer or mobile device. All Registrants, whether or not you can attend the live Webinars, will receive the presentation handout materials and access to the archived recording for the Webinars. Those who attend the live Webinars will be able to ask questions during the live Q&A sessions.

The 2012 Webinar Series will establish your essential knowledge foundation, and will explain the dimensions and impacts of the widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance problem—an estimated 80% of large public company SEC filers are non-compliant on ESG issues, according to the landmark CSR Insight™ Study. "All capital market participants and stakeholders now need to be knowledgeable about ESG financial regulatory reporting requirements, and why this widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance exists and how it can be fixed, because this systemic regulatory noncompliance on ESG issues is producing rising financial and economic risks for all concerned,” states Linda Lowson, Esq., CEO of CSR Insight™ and Founder of the Global ESG Regulatory Academy™.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THESE EXCITING EVENTS! Click here for full event info and to register: http://www.cvent.com/d/lcqs49?refid=csrws.

FOR SPEAKER, SPONSOR, AND REGISTRATION QUERIES: Contact Ms. Lowson at inquiry@csrinsight.com.

BASF today celebrated the grand opening of its new cathode materials production plant in Elyria, Ohio. The materials manufactured at the Elyria plant will be  used by BASF’s customers to produce advanced lithium-ion batteries that will propel current and next-generation hybrid and full electric vehicles, helping drive the future of electromobility in North America and around the globe. 

Construction of the new cathode materials plant required an investment of more than $50 million, which was supported by a $24.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. In addition, BASF was selected as one of only two licensed suppliers of Argonne National Laboratory patented Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (NCM) cathode materials, which employ a unique combination of lithium and manganese-rich mixed metal oxides. The materials being produced in Elyria leverage this advanced NCM chemistry, which is particularly well suited to the production of lithium-ion batteries for automotive and other high-end applications.

The new four-story, 70,000 square foot cathode materials plant in Elyria leverages state-of-the-art production technologies, and is expected to create approximately 25 new jobs in Elyria. The operation in Elyria is supported by BASF battery materials research laboratories in nearby Beachwood, Ohio, and at the company’s headquarters in Ludwigshafen, Germany.  

“We are delighted to celebrate the launch of this new commercial-scale production plant, which highlights the strong alliance BASF has established with the U.S. Department of Energy and the state of Ohio to deliver advanced battery materials that can provide higher energy density and greater power,” said Frank Bozich, President of BASF’s Catalysts division. “We understand that chemical innovations will be vital to making electromobility more sustainable, affordable and ubiquitous in the years ahead, and we are proud of our role in driving this progress.”

“As the world’s leading chemical company, we see tremendous potential to secure our place as a leading supplier of materials and solutions to battery manufacturers around the globe,” added Ralf  Meixner, Senior Vice President of BASF’s global Battery Materials business. “The launch of this new production facility is an important milestone in this journey.”

As part of its long-term battery materials strategy, BASF will continue to work with partners in industry and science to develop materials and technologies for current and next generation lithium- ion batteries as well as for future battery systems. Additional information is available at: www.catalysts.basf.com/batterymaterials.

About BASF’s Catalysts Division
BASF’s Catalysts division is the world’s leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The group offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics and other products, including advanced battery materials. By leveraging our industry-leading R&D platforms, passion for innovation and deep knowledge of precious and base metals, BASF’s Catalysts division develops unique, proprietary solutions that drive customer success. Further information on BASF’s Catalysts division is available on the Internet at www.catalysts.basf.com.
 
BASF – The Chemical Company
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success, social responsibility and environmental protection. Through science and innovation we enable our customers in almost all industries to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and system solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition and helping to improve the quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF posted sales of about €73.5 billion in 2011 and had more than 111,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

 

For the seventh consecutive year, ING U.S. has received a perfect score of 100% on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2013 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a survey that assesses American workplaces on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. To view the report, visit http://www.hrc.org/cei. 

“As a leading financial services company, ING U.S. is proud to receive a perfect score for the seventh consecutive year,” said Rod Martin, CEO, ING U.S. “Diversity and inclusion enriches our corporate culture, enabling us to deliver on our mission to help Americans with their retirement readiness. Helping the LGBT community better understand virtual marital deductions with life insurance, wealth transfer and retirement planning is part of our overall commitment to help diverse populations better prepare for their financial futures.”

The CEI rates companies on 40 specific policies and practices. To achieve a perfect score and the coveted distinction of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality,” companies must have fully inclusive equal employment opportunity policies, provide equal employment benefits, demonstrate organizational LGBT competency, evidence their commitment to equality publicly and exercise responsible citizenship. A total of 889 businesses were rated in the 2013 CEI, with a record 252 earning a perfect score.

“At ING U.S. we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment to attract and retain the best talent,” said Kevin Silva, chief human resources officer, ING U.S. “We live by our corporate values of ‘We do the right thing’ and ‘We care,’ that embody our integrity, respect and value of all employees for the contributions they bring to our company. Our employee resource groups played an integral role in helping us achieve a perfect score again this year, and recognition by the HRC is a testament to our advocacy for equality.”

About ING U.S.
ING U.S. constitutes the U.S.-based retirement, investment and insurance operations of Netherlands-based ING Groep N.V. (NYSE: ING).  In the U.S., the ING family of companies offers a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients, including retirement plans, IRA rollovers and transfers, stable value, institutional investment management, mutual funds, alternative investments, life insurance, employee benefits, fixed and indexed annuities and financial planning.  ING U.S. holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves approximately 13 million customers across the nation.  For more information, visit http://ing.us.

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATES DUE TO HURRICANE SANDY POWER OUTAGES

Global ESG Regulatory Academy™ 2012 Webinar Series: SEC ESG COMPLIANCE—WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD: Requirements, Liabilities, and Challenges for Public Companies, Boards, Auditors, and Institutional Investors

Webinars are limited to 100 participants; early registration is recommended.

THE 2012 WEBINAR SERIES, DESIGNED FOR ALL CAPITAL MARKET PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS, WILL BE PACKED WITH PRACTICAL, MUST-HAVE ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE AND GUIDANCE NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE.

This Webinar Series will get you quickly up to speed on how the SEC regime applies to ESG issues, and explain the associated liabilities and risks for noncompliance for these four large market sectors and for a broad range of capital market transactions. The Webinars are conveniently accessible from your office computer or mobile device. All Registrants, whether or not you can attend the live Webinars, will receive the presentation handout materials and access to the archived recording for the Webinars. Those who attend the live Webinars will be able to ask questions during the live Q&A sessions.

The 2012 Webinar Series will establish your essential knowledge foundation, and will explain the dimensions and impacts of the widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance problem—an estimated 80% of large public company SEC filers are non-compliant on ESG issues, according to the landmark CSR Insight™ Study. "All capital market participants and stakeholders now need to be knowledgeable about ESG financial regulatory reporting requirements, and why this widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance exists and how it can be fixed, because this systemic regulatory noncompliance on ESG issues is producing rising financial and economic risks for all concerned,” states Linda Lowson, Esq., CEO of CSR Insight™ and Founder of the Global ESG Regulatory Academy™.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THESE EXCITING EVENTS! Click here for full event info and to register: http://www.cvent.com/d/lcqs49?refid=csrws.

FOR SPEAKER, SPONSOR, AND REGISTRATION QUERIES: Contact Ms. Lowson at inquiry@csrinsight.com.

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM), according to a prominent benchmarking organization, is among the nation’s leading companies for workplace equality based on its policies and practices relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announced that MGM Resorts has earned a perfect score from the 2013 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual HRC survey that ranks major companies for their non-discrimination and benefits practices with respect to LGBT employees. A total of 889 businesses have been rated in the 2013 CEI, of which 252 achieved 100 percent, earning them the coveted distinction of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.”

This is the eighth year that MGM Resorts has participated in the Corporate Equality Index assessment, which focuses on corporate standards ranging from policies prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity to equality in health care benefits.

“As the first corporation in our industry to formally adopt a diversity initiative, we stand as a company fully committed to promoting human equality in our workforce as well as the experiences we offer our guests,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. “The essence of hospitality is treating others with the utmost level of respect and gratitude with excellence, and that at the core comprises the bedrock of our company’s culture.”

The 2013 Corporate Equality Index report is available at www.hrc.org/cei.

This year’s report findings include:

• The 2013 CEI saw the largest growth in the survey’s history with 54 new businesses opting in.      
• This year’s CEI marks the first time a majority of Fortune 500 companies protect their employees on the basis of sexual orientation (88 percent) and gender identity (57 percent). 
• Transgender-inclusive healthcare coverage continues to rise. Now in its second year as a mandatory criterion for a company to earn 100 percent, 287 participating companies offer comprehensive healthcare coverage to their transgender workers.

In 2000, MGM Resorts became the first company in the gaming industry to launch a voluntary diversity initiative and in 2004 it became the first company in the industry to offer same-sex health benefits to employees.  Last year, MGM Resorts expanded its supplier and construction diversity programs to include businesses owned by LGBT persons.

In addition to being a committed member of the Human Rights Campaign, MGM Resorts has been an active supporter of The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center), since 2002. The Company has pledged $300,000 to The Center to support the construction of its new building.

For more information about MGM Resorts International’s diversity and inclusion initiative, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit http://www.mgmresorts.com/offers/2012/07_annualcorporatesocialresponsibilityreport/index.html.

About the Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

About the Corporate Equality Index
The HRC's CEI report, released each fall since 2002, provides an in-depth analysis and rating of large U.S. employers and their policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. It is the premiere national benchmark for LGBT workplace inclusion.

Businesses rated 100% are recognized as "Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.” All consumer-oriented businesses are included in our "Buying for Equality" guide.

About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATES DUE TO HURRICANE SANDY POWER OUTAGES

Global ESG Regulatory Academy™ 2012 Webinar Series: SEC ESG COMPLIANCE—WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD: Requirements, Liabilities, and Challenges for Public Companies, Boards, Auditors, and Institutional Investors

Webinars are limited to 100 participants; early registration is recommended.

THE 2012 WEBINAR SERIES, DESIGNED FOR ALL CAPITAL MARKET PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS, WILL BE PACKED WITH PRACTICAL, MUST-HAVE ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE AND GUIDANCE NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE.

This Webinar Series will get you quickly up to speed on how the SEC regime applies to ESG issues, and explain the associated liabilities and risks for noncompliance for these four large market sectors and for a broad range of capital market transactions. The Webinars are conveniently accessible from your office computer or mobile device. All Registrants, whether or not you can attend the live Webinars, will receive the presentation handout materials and access to the archived recording for the Webinars. Those who attend the live Webinars will be able to ask questions during the live Q&A sessions.

The 2012 Webinar Series will establish your essential knowledge foundation, and will explain the dimensions and impacts of the widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance problem—an estimated 80% of large public company SEC filers are non-compliant on ESG issues, according to the landmark CSR Insight™ Study. "All capital market participants and stakeholders now need to be knowledgeable about ESG financial regulatory reporting requirements, and why this widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance exists and how it can be fixed, because this systemic regulatory noncompliance on ESG issues is producing rising financial and economic risks for all concerned,” states Linda Lowson, Esq., CEO of CSR Insight™ and Founder of the Global ESG Regulatory Academy™.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THESE EXCITING EVENTS! Click here for full event info and to register: http://www.cvent.com/d/lcqs49?refid=csrws.

FOR SPEAKER, SPONSOR, AND REGISTRATION QUERIES: Contact Ms. Lowson at inquiry@csrinsight.com.

At a time when overall donations to charities are said to be declining, leading international companies are increasing their contributions.  The latest annual review from LBG, whose 130 corporate members work together to improve the measurement and impact of their community contributions, shows a record-breaking £1.65 billion contribution to community causes and organisations last year across its membership.

Pam Webb, from Zurich Community Trust and chair of LBG, said “LBG members are collectively making a huge difference. Our 2012 report shows that LBG companies are more and more serious about the contributions they make and the results they achieve. By focusing on the long-term they invest more strategically, they build stronger relationships with their community partners, leading to more efficient programmes, greater impact and reliable reporting.”

Key facts:

• Total corporate community contribution reported in LBG is £1.65 billion (US$ 2.65 bn, €1.90 bn)
• Over half (57%) of contributions were classified as ‘community investments’ i.e. longer-term strategic partnerships to address specific causes. On average, the main subject focus is Health (34% of contributions), followed by Education & young people (21%) and Social Welfare (12%)
• More than half of members now attempt to assess impacts across their programme and results continue to improve our understanding of the difference members are making

LBG is a robust, credible and international framework that enables LBG members across the globe to measure the totality of their contribution to the community, and then assess that in the light of the results achieved. LBG is also a network and a group of companies. By adopting the same measurement standard, they can share best practices and benchmark and learn from each other.

To know more about LBG go to LBG website, you can also download our 2012 annual report here.

LBG is run by members for members and managed by the global corporate responsibility consultancy Corporate Citizenship.

Appendices – additional key facts

• These figures cover investments by 130 companies across the globe
• Average contribution per company is up to £15.2 million or 0.20% of revenues or 1.23% of pre-tax profit
• Contributions take the form of cash (54%), time (8%), in-kind and pro-bono (32%) or management cost (6%)
• 291,000 employees were involved in volunteers or pro-bono activities
• On average each member programmes’ are reaching more than 250,000 people
• 19% of these experience a positive change in behaviour, 14% develop their skills and 30% experience a direct impact on their quality of life
• Almost 40% of beneficiary organisations are developing new products or services to deliver to the community as a result of LBG member’s support

(Marketwire) - AT&T* furthered its commitment to Télécoms Sans Frontières ("TSF"), the world's leading emergency telecommunications NGO, yesterday with a donation of $150,000, bringing the total level of support AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have given to the charity over the last decade to $800,000. 

The donation was presented by Charlene Lake, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs & Chief Sustainability Officer, AT&T, at an event hosted by His Excellency Bernard Emié the French Ambassador to Great Britain at his Residence in London. The event marked the 15th anniversary of TSF's first overseas aid mission and the tenth year of AT&T and AT&T Foundation support. It was attended by leading representatives from the telecoms industry along with senior government officials, NGOs and media.

TSF can deploy anywhere in the world within 24 hours to help reinstate telecommunications channels, assist rescue operations and help disaster victims to reach family and friends. The decade of support AT&T has given the French based charity is recognition of the invaluable humanitarian work the organization does to connect people around the world in moments of adversity.

"The work of TSF highlights the importance of communications to the fabric of society," said Charlene Lake speaking at the event last night. "Through establishing telecoms centers in moments of crisis, and re-establishing telecoms and ICT infrastructure post crisis, they connect people to each other and enable communities to rebuild themselves. We at AT&T are committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives and it has been a privilege to champion TSF in the critical work they do."

TSF's President and co-founder, Jean-Francois Cazenave, replied, "AT&T's support will allow us to continue to expand our operations globally and further our ability to respond to disasters and sustain support to communities at times of crisis. We have benefitted from 10 years of shared commitment to connecting people through telecommunications and we are honored that the world leader in the industry continues to renew its trust in TSF."

TSF is currently operating in Syria and North Mali, providing critical communications helping civilians and relief organizations tackle deteriorating security situations.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates -- AT&T operating companies -- are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTBusiness

© 2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives, AT&T has a long history of supporting projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2011, more than $115 million was contributed through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs.

About Télécoms Sans Frontières
Founded in 1998, Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) / Telecom Without Borders is the world's leading emergency telecommunications NGO. For more than 14 years, TSF has participated in emergency response, setting up emergency facilities in war or disaster zones for affected populations and relief workers. With its 24-hour monitoring center and offices in Europe, Central America, Asia, and its office in the United States, TSF rapid-response teams: (1) intervene anywhere in the world in less than 24 hours to provide emergency broadband service; (2) work with partners to make long-term development missions more effective and efficient using broadband and empower advances in health, development, education, and food security; and (3) train governments, UN staff, and NGOs on how to use telecom and Internet tools in emergencies.

In 14 years, TSF has deployed to more than 60 countries, supporting over 650 relief organizations and providing humanitarian calling operations to hundreds of thousands of people in need. TSF is partner of the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and UNICEF. TSF was designated "First Emergency Telecoms Responder" within the United Nations Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC).

Jean-François Cazenave, president of TSF, cofounded TSF in 1998 with Monique Lanne-Petit, TSF's director. www.tsfi.org

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATES DUE TO HURRICANE SANDY POWER OUTAGES

Global ESG Regulatory Academy™ 2012 Webinar Series: SEC ESG COMPLIANCE—WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD: Requirements, Liabilities, and Challenges for Public Companies, Boards, Auditors, and Institutional Investors

Webinars are limited to 100 participants; early registration is recommended.

THE 2012 WEBINAR SERIES, DESIGNED FOR ALL CAPITAL MARKET PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS, WILL BE PACKED WITH PRACTICAL, MUST-HAVE ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE AND GUIDANCE NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE.

This Webinar Series will get you quickly up to speed on how the SEC regime applies to ESG issues, and explain the associated liabilities and risks for noncompliance for these four large market sectors and for a broad range of capital market transactions. The Webinars are conveniently accessible from your office computer or mobile device. All Registrants, whether or not you can attend the live Webinars, will receive the presentation handout materials and access to the archived recording for the Webinars. Those who attend the live Webinars will be able to ask questions during the live Q&A sessions.

The 2012 Webinar Series will establish your essential knowledge foundation, and will explain the dimensions and impacts of the widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance problem—an estimated 80% of large public company SEC filers are non-compliant on ESG issues, according to the landmark CSR Insight™ Study. "All capital market participants and stakeholders now need to be knowledgeable about ESG financial regulatory reporting requirements, and why this widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance exists and how it can be fixed, because this systemic regulatory noncompliance on ESG issues is producing rising financial and economic risks for all concerned,” states Linda Lowson, Esq., CEO of CSR Insight™ and Founder of the Global ESG Regulatory Academy™.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THESE EXCITING EVENTS! Click here for full event info and to register: http://www.cvent.com/d/lcqs49?refid=csrws.

FOR SPEAKER, SPONSOR, AND REGISTRATION QUERIES: Contact Ms. Lowson at inquiry@csrinsight.com.

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATES DUE TO HURRICANE SANDY POWER OUTAGES

Global ESG Regulatory Academy™ 2012 Webinar Series: SEC ESG COMPLIANCE—WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD: Requirements, Liabilities, and Challenges for Public Companies, Boards, Auditors, and Institutional Investors

Webinars are limited to 100 participants; early registration is recommended.

THE 2012 WEBINAR SERIES, DESIGNED FOR ALL CAPITAL MARKET PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS, WILL BE PACKED WITH PRACTICAL, MUST-HAVE ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE AND GUIDANCE NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE.

This Webinar Series will get you quickly up to speed on how the SEC regime applies to ESG issues, and explain the associated liabilities and risks for noncompliance for these four large market sectors and for a broad range of capital market transactions. The Webinars are conveniently accessible from your office computer or mobile device. All Registrants, whether or not you can attend the live Webinars, will receive the presentation handout materials and access to the archived recording for the Webinars. Those who attend the live Webinars will be able to ask questions during the live Q&A sessions.

The 2012 Webinar Series will establish your essential knowledge foundation, and will explain the dimensions and impacts of the widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance problem—an estimated 80% of large public company SEC filers are non-compliant on ESG issues, according to the landmark CSR Insight™ Study. "All capital market participants and stakeholders now need to be knowledgeable about ESG financial regulatory reporting requirements, and why this widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance exists and how it can be fixed, because this systemic regulatory noncompliance on ESG issues is producing rising financial and economic risks for all concerned,” states Linda Lowson, Esq., CEO of CSR Insight™ and Founder of the Global ESG Regulatory Academy™.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THESE EXCITING EVENTS! Click here for full event info and to register: http://www.cvent.com/d/lcqs49?refid=csrws.

FOR SPEAKER, SPONSOR, AND REGISTRATION QUERIES: Contact Ms. Lowson at inquiry@csrinsight.com.

The new 2012 Report on Sustainable and Responsible Investing Trends in the United States, released today by the US SIF Foundation, finds that sustainable and responsible investing (SRI) accounts for 11.23 percent of all assets under professional management in the United States at year end 2011. According to the report, $3.74 trillion out of $33.3 trillion of investment assets is held by individuals, institutions, investment companies or money managers that practice SRI strategies.

This total, an increase of 22 percent since year end 2009, reflects growing investor interest in considering environmental, community, other societal or corporate governance (ESG) issues to refine how they make decisions as they select and manage their portfolios or raise their voices as shareholders.  Additionally, the US SIF Foundation identified many investors that are beginning to develop their in-house capabilities to analyze ESG criteria; these developments speak to the potential for further growth in the US sustainable and responsible investing market.

Overall Summary

Research was conducted from late April – July 2012 and discovered the following:

• $3.31 trillion in US-domiciled assets was held by 443 institutional investors, 272 money managers and 1,000-plus community investing institutions that select or analyze their portfolios using various ESG criteria. 

• $1.54 trillion in US-domiciled assets was held by more than 200 institutional investors or money managers that filed or co-filed through shareholder resolutions on ESG issues from 2010 through 2012.

These two segments of assets, after eliminating for double counting for assets involved in both strategies, yields the overall total of $3.74 trillion.

Main Report Findings

The report found that the total net assets of both mutual funds and alternative investment funds that consider ESG criteria increased significantly:

• Mutual Funds: $641 billion, a doubling from 2010.

• Alternative Investment Funds: $132 billion, a 250 percent increase from the corresponding assets identified at year-end 2009.

The report also found sizable growth in financial institutions that have a mission of serving low- and middle-income communities:

• Community Development Banks: $30.1 billion, a 74 percent increase since 2010.

• Credit Unions: $17.1 billion, a 54 percent increase from 2010.

The report found that concerns about business ties to repressive or terrorist regimes, other country-specific criteria and interest in corporate governance are the top issues for sustainable and responsible institutional asset owners.

• Sudan: $1.63 trillion, a 21 percent increase from 2010; Iran: $1.24 trillion, a 180 percent increase from 2010.

• Corporate Governance: $914 billion, a 161 percent since year-end 2009.

Additionally, the report found a significant increase of institutional investor assets involved in the following ESG criteria, since the last Trends report, published in 2010:

• Environmental issues: $636 billion, 43 percent increase from 2010. Climate change is now considered by 23 percent of institutional asset owners incorporating ESG criteria. 

• Corporate Political Contributions and Lobbying (tracked for the first time by the 2012 survey): $459 billion.

"The 2012 Trends report demonstrates that we are moving closer to a sustainable and equitable economy," said Lisa Woll, CEO of US SIF.  “From the growth in mutual funds that consider ESG criteria and increased investment in community development banks and credit unions to increasingly large votes on shareholder proposals and the availability of sustainable investment options across asset classes, SRI strategies are on the rise in the United States.  We are pleased that this report details many important and interrelated trends that indicate that sustainable and responsible investing will continue its impressive growth and impact.”

About the Survey

The US SIF Foundation sent a confidential, personalized survey link to approximately 1,100 investment management firms and institutional asset owners identified in previous surveys as practicing SRI strategies or believed to be new entrants to SRI practice.  Survey recipients were asked to detail whether they considered ESG issues in investment analysis and portfolio selection, to list the issues considered and to report the value of the US-domiciled assets affected as of December 31, 2011.  They were also asked to report their total US-domiciled assets as of year-end 2011 and whether they filed shareholder resolutions or engaged in other shareholder engagement activities.  The research team also collected additional data from public and third-party sources.

US SIF:  The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment is the US membership association for professionals, firms, institutions and organizations engaged in sustainable and responsible investing. US SIF and its members advance investment practices that consider environmental, social and corporate governance criteria to generate long-term competitive financial returns and positive societal impact. US SIF’s members include investment management and advisory firms, mutual fund companies, research firms, financial planners and advisors, broker-dealers, banks, credit unions, community development organizations, non-profit associations, and pension funds, foundations and other asset owners.

The 2012 Report on Sustainable and Responsible Investing Trends in the United States is a publication of the US SIF Foundation, a 501c3 organization that undertakes educational, research and programmatic activities to advance the mission of US SIF.

Green Key Global, the largest international certification body evaluating sustainable hotel operations, has awarded the prestigious “5 Green Keys" rating to four MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) properties for its Green Key Meetings Program,  including Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and MGM Grand Las Vegas. The four MGM resorts are the first in the United States to receive "5 Green Keys" for meetings, and among an elite group of only six total in North America.

MGM Resorts remains one of the most productive meeting and convention destinations in the world, offering award-wining experiences throughout its three million square feet of meeting and convention space. In addition, each of the 11 MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas as well as Reno and in Tunica and Biloxi, Mississippi and in Detroit, Michigan has taken substantial steps in their commitment to sustainability.

“Green Advantage is MGM Resorts International’s platform to ensure that environmentally-conscious decisions are at the forefront of our business operations and facilities.  We are pleased to have earned the five-key distinction from Green Key Global, validating the significant efforts of our team to build a world class green meeting program,” said Cindy Ortega, Senior Vice President & Chief Sustainability Officer.

The designation of 5 Keys is awarded to hotels that exemplify the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility in relation to their meetings and convention facilities and practices.

“Now, more than ever, the Meeting Planner community is seeking innovative, sustainable solutions when hosting their events,” said Michael Dominguez, Senior Vice President of Sales for MGM Resorts International. “As this is an integral part of the meeting planner organization's objectives, we are extremely proud to be a solution provider meeting environmental expectations while still providing world-class, award-winning service,” Dominguez added.

Green Key Meetings is a comprehensive assessment tool for eco-friendly resorts and hotels that hold meetings of any size. It is designed to provide Travel, Meeting and Conference Planners with a sense of a hotel’s level of commitment to environment issues. Overall, the Green Key Eco-Rating Program has more than 2,850 member hotels and is the foremost “green” ranking and audit program in North America.

“As the first U.S. chain to introduce the Green Key Meetings Program to its portfolio, MGM Resorts has demonstrated that practicing environmental stewardship need not affect the quality of an event but can, in fact, enhance its success,” said Tony Pollard, Managing Director of Green Key Global. “That these four Las Vegas properties have all achieved the highest rating is a testament to their dedication to sustainability within all aspects of their operations.”

Green Key Meetings ranks venues on a level of 1 to 5 keys, with 5 being the highest ranking. Keys are awarded based on how properties perform in six conference and meeting areas: Core Areas (carbon, energy, water, waste, air quality), Communication (information, training), Activities (purchasing, auditing, community), People (health), Exhibitions, and Audio/Visual. The Green Key Meetings properties and rankings are listed at http://www.greenkeyglobal.com/greenkeymeetings.asp

MGM Resorts’ approach to sustainability focuses on five core areas - natural resources conservation, sustainable construction and renovation, waste management, sustainable supply chain and education and communication. This strategic framework of raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainability forms the company's sustainability platform, called Green Advantage. Green Advantage is fundamentally changing the way MGM Resorts, its properties and its 62,000 employees do business.

The Meeting and Convention spaces across MGM Resorts are extending the level of environmental commitment through substantial initiatives for implementing sustainable features. By example, meeting spaces are retrofitted with light sensors and energy efficient lighting and custom programs to deactivate heating, ventilation and air conditioning while spaces are not in use. Comprehensive recycling programs also divert 37.9 percent of all materials from landfills each year. Resorts also offer specialty menus featuring wide selections of organic, sustainable and Fair Trade products as well as additional options for meetings to reduce water consumption.

In 2011, MGM Resorts International was awarded 12 Green Key Hotel rankings for designation of green business operations. At the core of CityCenter, ARIA Resort & Casino was awarded LEED Gold certification for sustainable design and construction from the U.S. Green Building council.

About Green Key Global

Green Key Global is a leading environmental certification body offering a suite of programs and resources designed specifically for the lodging industry.  The Green Key Meetings Program ranks and certifies hotels and resorts based on their commitment to sustainable “green” meeting and conference operations. Developed by Green Key Global and MPI Foundation Canada, the Meetings program delivers relevant green meeting practices by providing specific green requirements that meeting planners expect from hotels. This partnership is a long term commitment to supporting the principles of people, planet and profit. In the United States, delivery of Green Key programs is a joint venture between the Hotel Association of Canada and LRA Worldwide, Inc.  For more information, visit www.GreenKeyGlobal.com.

About MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

SOURCE MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL 

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATES DUE TO HURRICANE SANDY POWER OUTAGES

Global ESG Regulatory Academy™ 2012 Webinar Series: SEC ESG COMPLIANCE—WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD: Requirements, Liabilities, and Challenges for Public Companies, Boards, Auditors, and Institutional Investors

Webinars are limited to 100 participants; early registration is recommended.

THE 2012 WEBINAR SERIES, DESIGNED FOR ALL CAPITAL MARKET PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS, WILL BE PACKED WITH PRACTICAL, MUST-HAVE ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE AND GUIDANCE NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE.

This Webinar Series will get you quickly up to speed on how the SEC regime applies to ESG issues, and explain the associated liabilities and risks for noncompliance for these four large market sectors and for a broad range of capital market transactions. The Webinars are conveniently accessible from your office computer or mobile device. All Registrants, whether or not you can attend the live Webinars, will receive the presentation handout materials and access to the archived recording for the Webinars. Those who attend the live Webinars will be able to ask questions during the live Q&A sessions.

The 2012 Webinar Series will establish your essential knowledge foundation, and will explain the dimensions and impacts of the widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance problem—an estimated 80% of large public company SEC filers are non-compliant on ESG issues, according to the landmark CSR Insight™ Study. "All capital market participants and stakeholders now need to be knowledgeable about ESG financial regulatory reporting requirements, and why this widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance exists and how it can be fixed, because this systemic regulatory noncompliance on ESG issues is producing rising financial and economic risks for all concerned,” states Linda Lowson, Esq., CEO of CSR Insight™ and Founder of the Global ESG Regulatory Academy™.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THESE EXCITING EVENTS! Click here for full event info and to register: http://www.cvent.com/d/lcqs49?refid=csrws.

FOR SPEAKER, SPONSOR, AND REGISTRATION QUERIES: Contact Ms. Lowson at inquiry@csrinsight.com.

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATES DUE TO HURRICANE SANDY POWER OUTAGES

Global ESG Regulatory Academy™ 2012 Webinar Series: SEC ESG COMPLIANCE—WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD: Requirements, Liabilities, and Challenges for Public Companies, Boards, Auditors, and Institutional Investors

Webinars are limited to 100 participants; early registration is recommended.

THE 2012 WEBINAR SERIES, DESIGNED FOR ALL CAPITAL MARKET PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS, WILL BE PACKED WITH PRACTICAL, MUST-HAVE ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE AND GUIDANCE NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE.

This Webinar Series will get you quickly up to speed on how the SEC regime applies to ESG issues, and explain the associated liabilities and risks for noncompliance for these four large market sectors and for a broad range of capital market transactions. The Webinars are conveniently accessible from your office computer or mobile device. All Registrants, whether or not you can attend the live Webinars, will receive the presentation handout materials and access to the archived recording for the Webinars. Those who attend the live Webinars will be able to ask questions during the live Q&A sessions.

The 2012 Webinar Series will establish your essential knowledge foundation, and will explain the dimensions and impacts of the widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance problem—an estimated 80% of large public company SEC filers are non-compliant on ESG issues, according to the landmark CSR Insight™ Study. "All capital market participants and stakeholders now need to be knowledgeable about ESG financial regulatory reporting requirements, and why this widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance exists and how it can be fixed, because this systemic regulatory noncompliance on ESG issues is producing rising financial and economic risks for all concerned,” states Linda Lowson, Esq., CEO of CSR Insight™ and Founder of the Global ESG Regulatory Academy™.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THESE EXCITING EVENTS! Click here for full event info and to register: http://www.cvent.com/d/lcqs49?refid=csrws.

FOR SPEAKER, SPONSOR, AND REGISTRATION QUERIES: Contact Ms. Lowson at inquiry@csrinsight.com.

Is it really worth the time and resources to make your company a recognised sustainability champion? And how on earth should you go about it?

Companies that will be fit for purpose in 2020 are addressing sustainability now. This short, expert book outlines a strategy for how to do that.

Praise from MIKE BARRY, Head of Sustainable Business at Marks & Spencer:

"The greatest skill in life is to say something useful, briefly. That's what Brendan May has done here. Simple, engaging and to the point, his book is based on years of practical experience on the subject of building a sustainable business, where brevity (and usefulness) are rarely the norm.

Read, learn, do!"

More praise for Brendan May's book:

"Rarely does so much good advice come in such a short, readable package. "
CHARLES CLOVER, The Sunday Times

"A must-read guide for any serious player in the sustainable business movement. "
TONY JUNIPER, Senior Associate, Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership

"Here at last is a practical, common sense approach to sustainability that all businesses can follow. This no nonsense guide explains how each business function has an important part to play in the development and implementation of a successful strategy. Most importantly it outlines how such involvement will deliver commercial benefit and real profitability.”
RICHARD ELLIS, CSR Director, Alliance Boots Group

About the book

In this short, expert read, Brendan May offers a succinct strategy for joining the ranks of Marks & Spencer, Unilever and a host of small and medium-sized organisations that are putting sustainability at the heart of their business plan.

May draws on 15 years experience on the front line of sustainable business -- as Chief Executive of a business–NGO partnership, as an environmental campaigner and as advisor to multinational corporations on sustainability strategy and communications -- and outlines the emerging trends that will change the rules of the game forever.

By the time you've finished this book you'll know who you need to know, what you need to know, and the do's and don'ts in the quest to make your business a true champion of sustainability.

Click here to BUY this book or rent it for 48 hours >>

Publisher's Special Offer: For 15% off your entire purchase use code CSR15 when you order from us. We supply all countries. .......................................................................................................................................................

How to Make Your Company a Recognised Sustainability Champion is part of a new series of sustainability 'short works' written by experts, for busy, results-driven professionals. The series was launched by publisher Dō Sustainability in September this year. Forthcoming highlights include short works on: product sustainability, by InterfaceFlor's Ramon Arratia, sustainability standards by Adrian Henriques, SRI by Cary Crosinsky and reporting by Elaine Cohen.

Review editors and bloggers - sign up to receive monthly new and forthcoming book alerts - you can request review copies by replying to these alerts. ....................................................................................................................................................

Keep up to date -- would you like to hear about new and forthcoming DōShorts?

We add 3 to 5 new titles to the DōShorts series every month. Please add your email address here to receive our monthly new book alerts. Like Dō on Facebook for free extracts.

Subscriptions & shared access

We offer subscriptions for individuals and companies. Subscriptions include access to all published and forthcoming books. We also offer shared access to a single book for multiple users, e.g. staff or students. Email gudrun@dosustainability.com.

Review and inspection copies

Book review editors, bloggers and journalists can request review copies here. Course leaders can request inspection copies here. You can also email gudrun@dosustainability.com.

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATES DUE TO HURRICANE SANDY POWER OUTAGES

Global ESG Regulatory Academy™ 2012 Webinar Series: SEC ESG COMPLIANCE—WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD: Requirements, Liabilities, and Challenges for Public Companies, Boards, Auditors, and Institutional Investors

Webinars are limited to 100 participants; early registration is recommended.

THE 2012 WEBINAR SERIES, DESIGNED FOR ALL CAPITAL MARKET PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS, WILL BE PACKED WITH PRACTICAL, MUST-HAVE ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE AND GUIDANCE NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE.

This Webinar Series will get you quickly up to speed on how the SEC regime applies to ESG issues, and explain the associated liabilities and risks for noncompliance for these four large market sectors and for a broad range of capital market transactions. The Webinars are conveniently accessible from your office computer or mobile device. All Registrants, whether or not you can attend the live Webinars, will receive the presentation handout materials and access to the archived recording for the Webinars. Those who attend the live Webinars will be able to ask questions during the live Q&A sessions.

The 2012 Webinar Series will establish your essential knowledge foundation, and will explain the dimensions and impacts of the widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance problem—an estimated 80% of large public company SEC filers are non-compliant on ESG issues, according to the landmark CSR Insight™ Study. "All capital market participants and stakeholders now need to be knowledgeable about ESG financial regulatory reporting requirements, and why this widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance exists and how it can be fixed, because this systemic regulatory noncompliance on ESG issues is producing rising financial and economic risks for all concerned,” states Linda Lowson, Esq., CEO of CSR Insight™ and Founder of the Global ESG Regulatory Academy™.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THESE EXCITING EVENTS! Click here for full event info and to register: http://www.cvent.com/d/lcqs49?refid=csrws.

FOR SPEAKER, SPONSOR, AND REGISTRATION QUERIES: Contact Ms. Lowson at inquiry@csrinsight.com.

(Marketwire) - GRIDbot, a Canadian manufacturer of electric vehicle supply equipment is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with IES-Synergy (IES) to offer improved economics to help accelerate the deployment of electro-mobility in North America. Under the strategic partnership, GRIDbot will distribute IES fast DC chargers and provide service on IES HF on-board battery chargers. IES will further supply GRIDbot with state-of-the-art electronic modules to be integrated in the next Equinox universal fast DC charger combining both CHAdeMO and SAE J1772 Combo protocols. The equipment will be on display in Booth B101 at the Charging Infrastructure Expo from November 13 to 15, 2012.

The Equinox using the new global fast charging standard SAE J1772 combo-connector interface between the charger and EV, enabling power flow and communications in a single wired connection, will be available on the North American market by the first quarter of 2013 and will be the first commercially available unit to combine both protocols within a single station. The SAE J1772 combo-connector standard has been endorsed by the majority of global automotive manufacturers and is expected to be available within a year on a variety of electric vehicles.

The new chargers will be delivered ready to connect to the Plug-n-Ride Network developed to process nation-wide financial transactions, data management and reporting, and the recording of carbon reductions for the development of carbon credits for all electric vehicle users both individually and collectively. Stations connected to the Plug-n-Ride Network will be upgradable at a later date to fully make use of vehicle to grid (V2G) capabilities. GRIDbot and IES are global market leaders in V2G technology with bidirectional charging stations and bidirectional on-board chargers.

V2G will allow vehicles to optimally exchange power with the electricity grid, providing grid-storage benefits in addition to the electric vehicle (EV) transportation benefits of fuel and maintenance savings. The energy storage benefits of grid-interconnected EVs are expected to be used for local peak demand reduction and grid ancillary services.

About GRIDbot

GRIDbot is a North American manufacturer of residential and commercial Level 2 and Level 3 EV supply equipment. GRIDbot designs, manufactures and deploys municipal, commercial and multi-residential charging infrastructures, and offers a global solution for the networking of electric vehicles as a global V2G aggregator. Its unique V2G and vehicle to home (V2H) technologies makes it a leader in this future technology.

About IES-Synergy

As a specialist in power conversion since 1992, IES-Synergy produces over 80,000 chargers annually and has patented a special cooling process making it possible to offer sealed-chargers while keeping their size extremely compact. These small footprint chargers are insensitive to outside factors such as high pressure cleaning, acid, oily dust and vibrations, making them ideal for the electric mobility industry. IES clients include Renault, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda and General Motors among others.

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATES DUE TO HURRICANE SANDY POWER OUTAGES

Global ESG Regulatory Academy™ 2012 Webinar Series: SEC ESG COMPLIANCE—WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD: Requirements, Liabilities, and Challenges for Public Companies, Boards, Auditors, and Institutional Investors

Webinars are limited to 100 participants; early registration is recommended.

THE 2012 WEBINAR SERIES, DESIGNED FOR ALL CAPITAL MARKET PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS, WILL BE PACKED WITH PRACTICAL, MUST-HAVE ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE AND GUIDANCE NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE.

This Webinar Series will get you quickly up to speed on how the SEC regime applies to ESG issues, and explain the associated liabilities and risks for noncompliance for these four large market sectors and for a broad range of capital market transactions. The Webinars are conveniently accessible from your office computer or mobile device. All Registrants, whether or not you can attend the live Webinars, will receive the presentation handout materials and access to the archived recording for the Webinars. Those who attend the live Webinars will be able to ask questions during the live Q&A sessions.

The 2012 Webinar Series will establish your essential knowledge foundation, and will explain the dimensions and impacts of the widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance problem—an estimated 80% of large public company SEC filers are non-compliant on ESG issues, according to the landmark CSR Insight™ Study. "All capital market participants and stakeholders now need to be knowledgeable about ESG financial regulatory reporting requirements, and why this widespread global SEC ESG noncompliance exists and how it can be fixed, because this systemic regulatory noncompliance on ESG issues is producing rising financial and economic risks for all concerned,” states Linda Lowson, Esq., CEO of CSR Insight™ and Founder of the Global ESG Regulatory Academy™.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THESE EXCITING EVENTS! Click here for full event info and to register: http://www.cvent.com/d/lcqs49?refid=csrws.

FOR SPEAKER, SPONSOR, AND REGISTRATION QUERIES: Contact Ms. Lowson at inquiry@csrinsight.com.