PR News is thrilled to announce the finalists of its CSR Awards. The winners and honorable mentions of its annual awards programs will be saluted at the CSR Awards Luncheon on February 11, 2013 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

For a complete list of this year’s finalists, click here.

This must-attend event will honor the most outstanding communications efforts powering corporate social responsibility and green initiatives. The finalists of the CSR Awards program set new standards of excellence and point the way for other organizations to follow.

More information: www.prnewsonline.com/CSR_Luncheon2013/.

PR News will hold a Writing Workshop, which will take place the morning of the CSR Awards Luncheon. This half-day, interactive workshop is packed with proven tips and insights to write effective press releases, pitch letters, slogans, social media and much more. Both the CSR Awards Luncheon and the Writing Workshop will take place at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

To read more about the CSR Awards Luncheon and the Writing Workshop, visit www.prnewsonline.com/CSR_Luncheon2013/.

For questions about attending the CSR Awards Luncheon, contact PR News Marketing Manager Laura Snitkovskiy at laura@accessintel.com. To advertise in the CSR Awards Special Issue or to become an event sponsor, contact PR News Senior Vice President & Group Publisher Diane Schwartz at dschwartz@accessintel.com.

The awards program is presented by the leading industry publication PR News. The PR News family of products includes PR News, the Platinum PR Awards, PR People Awards, CSR Awards, The 100 Best Case Studies Book, Guidebook to Best Practices in CSR; Guidebook to Best Practices in Measurement and the upcoming Crisis Management and Media Training Guidebooks and PR News Webinars. For more information, visit www.prnewsonline.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.

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.

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.

(Marketwire) - Global carpet tile manufacturer Interface, Inc. (NASDAQ: IFSIA) and conservation charity the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) are celebrating the successful completion of a pilot project and the start of a commercial venture with both conservation and socio-economic benefits. The innovative collaboration, called Net-Works™, has been created to tackle the growing environmental problem of discarded fishing nets in some of the world's poorest coastal communities.

By establishing a community-based supply chain for discarded nets, Net-Works aims to improve the livelihood of local fishers, while providing Interface with an innovative source of recycled materials for its carpet tiles. Discarded nets on the beaches or in the sea have a detrimental effect on the environment and marine life as they can persist for centuries. But, most nylon from these fishing nets is the same material used to make carpet yarn.

The viability of the collaboration was proven between June and October 2012. After conducting research and working closely with local communities and NGOs, Net-Works established the infrastructure to collect the fishing nets, gathering one tonne (1,000 kg) of nets in the first month -- and substantially cleaning up the beaches in four local communities near Danajon Bank, a threatened coral reef in the Philippines. Operations are now scaling up, with the intention of developing commercial carpet tiles incorporating the collected nets later this year. 

Collection systems will now be set up in at least 15 local villages, involving more than 280 impoverished households (equivalent of 1,400 people based on an average household size of five). The goal is to collect 20 tonnes of nets by the end of April -- a significant amount that will generate funds directly for communities and make a positive difference, given that family incomes in the area are typically less than $157 a month.

Nigel Stansfield, vice president and chief innovations officer for Interface, Inc., says, "It is really gratifying to see that the concept we've developed with ZSL works and promises so much. At Interface, we are designing for a higher purpose -- and feel a sense of responsibility beyond the products we sell. The collected fishing nets have a nylon that can be recycled directly back into our carpet tiles, which will help us reduce our use of virgin raw materials and, critically, create livelihood opportunities for local communities. We are now looking forward to expanding operations and delivering the first carpet tiles from our collaboration."

Dr. Nick Hill from ZSL says, "Net-Works has been greeted with a huge amount of enthusiasm and interest from the local communities around Danajon Bank. This was clearly seen by the number of people interested in participating in the project and turning out to clear the beaches of discarded nets. Nets are very light, and we always knew our target of collecting one tonne of nets from such a small number of communities was going to be a challenge -- so we're delighted that we have been able to achieve this. It is still early and we will be monitoring both the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the project over the coming year, but the signs are there that these impacts will be positive."

During 2013, Interface and ZSL will explore opportunities to expand their partnership to other parts of the world. They also plan to develop a toolkit to help other groups and organizations establish Net-Works supply hubs.

About Interface, Inc.

 Established in 1973, Interface, Inc. (NASDAQ: IFSIA) is the worldwide leader in design, production and sales of environmentally responsible modular carpet, manufactured for the commercial and institutional markets under the Interface® brand, and for consumer markets as FLOR™.

About the Zoological Society of London

Founded in 1826, the ZSL is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity: the key role is the conservation of animals and their habitats. The Society runs ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, carries out scientific research in the Institute of Zoology and is actively involved in field conservation in 50 countries worldwide. For further information please visit www.zsl.org

About Danajon Bank

The Philippines is the global center of marine shore fish biodiversity, but it faces some of the greatest levels of threat of all marine areas globally. Danajon Bank is a double barrier reef in the center of the Philippines, and one of the most degraded coral reefs in the world. The area has high population densities as well as high levels of poverty. The island villages are highly dependent on marine resources, mainly fishing and seaweed farming.

NOTE TO EDITORS: this press release is available in other languages upon request.

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 ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative, a groundbreaking partnership between ANN INC. (NYSE:ANN), the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, and Vital Voices Global Partnership, launched a nationwide search for young women throughout the United States who embody the skills to be tomorrow’s leaders. The goal of the Initiative is to identify 50 ANNpower Fellows amid rising high school juniors and seniors who have the potential to be the leaders of their generation. Applications are now being accepted until January 21, 2013 at ANNpower.org. The Fellows chosen will receive leadership training and mentorship by prominent women leaders from around the world as well as a chance to turn their trailblazing ideas into real projects that will positively impact their home communities.

As a part of the Initiative, 50 ANNpower Fellows will be invited to attend the 2013 ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Forum, April 1-4 in Washington D.C.  At the Forum, Fellows participate in three days of comprehensive leadership training and mentoring from internationally renowned women who are part of the Vital Voices Global Leadership Network, as well as executives from ANN INC., including President and CEO, Kay Krill. The Forum’s curriculum equips these aspiring leaders with the training and mentorship they need to realize their full leadership potential. Armed with these new skills, the Fellows will then return to their communities to create projects to affect change and apply for project grants to put their ideas into action.  ANNpower grants will be awarded in the Fall of 2013 and winning Fellows will spend the school year implementing their projects and receiving mentoring from ANN INC. associates.

 “At ANN INC. we are driven by a simple yet meaningful purpose - to inspire and connect with women to put their best selves forward every day,” said Kay Krill, President and CEO, ANN INC.  “We are proud to launch this year’s application period alongside the Vital Voices Global Partnership with the goal of finding and empowering the next generation of women leaders committed to making a difference in their communities and the world.”

In support of this effort to find the best and brightest young women applicants, 82 Ann Taylor stores across the nation will dedicate a window during the month of January with the ANNpower recruitment call-to-action: “Do you know a girl who wants to change the world?”

“The ANNpower Initiative speaks to the heart of Vital Voices’ mission. We invest in women whose leadership is transforming communities and improving lives,” said Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership.  “We are proud to partner with ANN INC. as we train, mentor, and empower talented and dedicated young women who want to change the world.”

This past year, the ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative provided grants to 14 passionate and innovative young trailblazers who are implementing meaningful programs in their communities.  For example, 2012 ANNpower Grantee Hanna Karimipour, from Tallahassee, Florida is implementing a project which is focused on addressing the disparities in female leadership within her state.

“The ANNpower Vital Voices Leadership Forum has opened my eyes to the power of women to make change, and the power that I have to make a change. One of the best lessons that I learned is that the best time to take action is now,” Karimipour said. 

ANN INC. has committed to invest more than $1.3 million over a four year period in support of the ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative. For more information about the ANNpower Vital Voices Initiative or to apply for an ANNpower Fellowship, please visit ANNpower.org.

About ANN INC.
ANN INC. is the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, two of the leading women’s specialty retail fashion brands in North America.  The Company operates 981 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT and LOFT Outlet stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada as of October 27, 2012, as well as online at AnnTaylor.com and LOFT.com.  Visit ANNINC.com for more information (NYSE: ANN).

About ANN Cares
ANN INC.'s commitment to corporate responsibility extends into the communities where we live and work. Through our charitable platform, ANN Cares, we develop campaigns that engage, inspire, and connect our clients and our associates with the charities that we support.  We provide support to renowned programs that contribute to women's and children's health and well-being, as well as our associates and the environment.  Since 2005, we have contributed over $25 million to our national charitable partners.  Visit ResponsiblyANN.com for more information.

About Vital Voices Global Partnership
Vital Voices Global Partnership is a leading non-governmental organization that identifies, invests in and brings visibility to extraordinary women around the world by unleashing their leadership potential to transform lives and accelerate peace and prosperity in their communities. Founded by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 1997, the organization trains and mentors women leaders as agents of transformative change in economic development, human rights and political participation. The Vital Voices Global Leadership Network includes more than 10,000 leaders representing 144 countries who have trained and mentored 500,000 additional women and girls in their communities. Visit www.vitalvoices.org to learn more.

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.

Yesterday, Compass(x) Strategy joined thirteen other companies to register as the first benefit corporations in Illinois on its first effective day. Public Act 97-0885, sponsored by Senator Michael Frerichs and Representative Sara Feigenholtz, establishes this corporate form to help create high quality jobs and a more sustainable and inclusive economy.

“I am so proud to have Compass(x) Strategy be one of the first registered benefit corporations. We are choosing to take this step because we want to make a formal commitment that our goals are broader than just make money. We want to ensure that we have a positive impact for all our stakeholders. Business is the most powerful force on the planet. We want to use that power as a force for good,” said Nancy Goldstein, Founder and Chief Strategist at Compass(x) Strategy.

Compass(x) Strategy is a Chicago-based brand strategy firm that works with purpose-driven CEOs to create sustainable growth. Nancy said, “We want to see more purpose-driven businesses succeed. Companies are figuring out that they don’t have to choose between making money and making a difference. It is an exciting time.”

Benefit corporations are a new kind of corporation legally required to: 1) have a corporate purpose to create a material positive impact on society and the environment; 2) expand fiduciary duty to require consideration of the interests of workers, community and the environment; and 3) publicly report annually on its overall social and environmental performance using a comprehensive, credible, independent, and transparent third party standard. This offers business more freedom in defining success and provides legal protection for those looking to pursue a corporate purpose other than maximizing profits for shareholders.

Illinois joins eleven other states, including two of the nation’s largest economies, California and New York in enacting benefit corporation legislation. Similar legislation has passed in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Virginia, Illinois, Louisiana, South Carolina, Hawaii, Vermont and Maryland with strong bipartisan support. Fifteen other states are moving forward for 2013. For additional information on benefit corporations, including national and local legislative updates, see www.benefitcorp.net.

About Compass(x) Strategy

Compass(x) Strategy is a Chicago-based brand strategy firm that creates sustainable growth for passionate companies. The firm works with purpose-driven CEO’s on strategic planning, vision and purpose development, growth opportunity assessments and marketing plans. For more information, contact us at info@compassxstrategy.com or www.compassxstrategy.com. Connect with Compass(x) Strategy on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Pinterest.

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 American Sustainable Business Council and Business for Shared Prosperity, which have called for ending costly upper-income tax cuts, have released a statement explaining their disappointment that the “fiscal cliff” deal does not restore the revenues needed to rebuild our damaged economy and provide modern infrastructure for long-term business success. They also reject the continued use of small business owners as a false excuse for tax cuts for very high incomes and point to positive steps for future tax reform.

“The fiscal deal is disappointing. It does not restore the revenues needed to rebuild our damaged economy and provide modern infrastructure for long-term business success. The deal also continues the destructive myth that upper-income tax cuts create jobs. They don’t.

“Investment in education, research, infrastructure and economic development in our communities creates jobs and increased consumer demand. As Washington addresses the delayed sequester and debt ceiling, Social Security, Medicare and other programs vital for our people and economy must be strengthened, not cut.

“The need for revenue highlights the importance of working toward revenue positive corporate tax reform, including closing the nearly $1 trillion offshore tax haven loophole. America's small businesses want large corporations to pay their fair share of taxes. Any corporate tax reform must end the rigged corporate tax system that has corporations paying the lowest share of taxes in half a century at the same time as their profits have risen to 50-year highs.

“Other ways Congress can make up for the revenue shortfalls in the current deal include closing the carried interest loophole that provides hedge fund managers deep special discounts on their tax rates and adopting financial transaction taxes designed to curb harmful market speculation while raising additional revenue that could be targeted toward job creation.”

The American Sustainable Business Council and Business for Shared Prosperity, along with the Main Street Alliance, organized two sign-on letters to Congress and the President each signed by more than 600 business owners and executives.

The income tax letter says, in part: “As businesses owners, none of us hire more employees simply because someone gives us a tax cut. We hire more employees when our customers demand more of what we have to sell. When a teacher, firefighter or construction worker building public infrastructure loses his or her job, many of us also lose a customer.” The income tax letter and list of signers may be found here: http://businessforsharedprosperity.org/Bush%20Tax%20Cuts/Letter%20to%20Congress/Signatories

The corporate tax letter says, in part: “When powerful large U.S. corporations avoid their fair share of taxes, they undermine U.S. competitiveness, contribute to the national debt and shift more of the tax burden to domestic businesses, especially small businesses that create most of the new jobs.” The corporate tax letter and list of signers may be found here: http://asbcouncil.org/sites/default/files/library/docs/businesscorporatetaxletter121412final.pdf

Nine out of ten small business owners said it is a problem that U.S. multinational corporations use accounting loopholes to shift their U.S. profits to offshore subsidiaries to avoid taxes in a scientific nationwide poll released earlier this year. In the same poll, two-thirds of small business owners said big corporations do not pay their fair share of taxes.

The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) and its member organizations represent more than 150,000 businesses nationwide, and more than 300,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers and investors. ASBC informs and engages policy makers and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant and sustainable economy. www.asbcouncil.org

Business for Shared Prosperity (BSP) is a national network of forward thinking business owners, executives and investors. BSP produced the report, The Business Case for Restoring Tax Rates for High-Income Taxpayers to Pre-Bush Levels. BSP is a member of the American Sustainable Business Council. www.businessforsharedprosperity.org

Organicology is an interactive educational format created by four organic trade organizations designed to meet the diverse needs of our rapidly expanding trade. Organicology offers curriculum designed to advance trade knowledge across a broad front. Seed producers, farmers, distributors and retailers, researchers and educators, chefs, food policy activists, and of course..... eaters of great food - all find topics of interest and sources of inspiration at Organicology.

The 2013 conference will continue to focus on sustainability, farming and seed issues as well as a wide range of pertinent and timely topics including the impacts of climate change on agriculture and Genetically engineered crops.

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.

Nestlé S.A. and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) are pleased to invite you to the live webcast of the 2012 Creating Shared Value Global Forum Creating Shared Value: The role of business in development.

Monday 5 November 2012 9:30 AM – 18:00 PM IST 04:00 AM – 12:30 PM GMT

Nestlé, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), is co-hosting the 4th edition of the Creating Shared Value Forum on Monday 5 November in New Delhi, India. The theme of the Forum is Creating Shared Value: The role of business in development. Our goal is to engage panellists and participants in a thoughtful discussion on how governments worldwide can work together with civil society and the private sector to accelerate sustainable development. Nestlé will share its experience with a business model called “Creating Shared Value”, which provides a powerful example for building such collaboration.

These sessions will focus on: 

• Creating Shared Value: beyond Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility 
• The double burden of malnutrition
• Water, energy, food security 
• Rural Development: a tall order?
• What next for business and society?

The day will conclude with the announcement of the winner of the CHF 500,000 Nestlé 2012 Creating Shared Value Prize.

We are just as keen to hear the views of everyone watching the live webcast and are hosting a live online discussion, in parallel with the CSV Forum, as a platform for interaction and debate around these topics.

If you have a question or comment to the panellists or to Nestlé relating to one of these topics, please submit it for consideration. Find further details about the event at www.nestle.com/csvforum

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.

Wasmer, Schroeder & Company today announced that they have become a Certified B Corporation, making it the first investment firm in Florida and the first fixed income manager of separately managed accounts (SMAs) to achieve B Corporation status.

Joining over 530 other Certified B Corporations from 60 industries, B Corporations build a collective voice for corporate social and environmental responsibility through the power of the unifying B Corporation brand. Unlike traditional corporations, B Corporation must meet higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Over the long term, this will lead to a legally recognized new corporate form (like a C Corp or an S Corp) and tax incentives, procurement preferences, and a social stock exchange for sustainable businesses.

“We are pleased to have received the B Corporation certification and proud to be the first manager of separately managed accounts to receive this certification,” commented Michael Schroeder, President & Chief Investment Officer of WSC. “Similar to our GIPS® verification and the creation of our Socially Responsible taxable and tax exempt fixed income strategies, being certified as a B Corporation demonstrates WSC’s commitment to verified and transparent performance.”

About B Corporations

Certified B Corporations 1) meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance; 2) legally expand their corporate responsibilities to include consideration of stakeholder interests; and 3) build collective voice through the power of the unifying B Corporation brand. As of May 2012, there are over 600 Certified B Corporations from over 60 industries, representing a diverse multi-billion marketplace.

About B Lab

B Lab is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. B Lab drives systemic change through three interrelated initiatives: 1) building a community of Certified B Corporations to make it easier for all of us to tell the difference between “good companies” and just good marketing; 2) accelerating the growth of the impact investing asset class through use of B Lab’s GIIRS impact rating system by institutional investors; and 3) promoting supportive public policies, including creation of a new corporate form and tax, procurement, and investment incentives for sustainable business.

About Wasmer, Schroeder & Company, Inc.

Wasmer, Schroeder & Company, Inc. (WSC) is an independent and employee-owned Florida S‐Corp. WSC was incorporated in 1987 and registered as an investment advisor on July 29, 1988 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Firm’s corporate headquarters are in Naples, Florida, where the tax exempt Portfolio Management team, Client Services, Operations, IT, Accounting, Compliance, Marketing and Administration reside; our taxable Portfolio Management team is located in Cleveland, Ohio; and Client Relationship offices in Exton (Philadelphia area), Pennsylvania and Portland, Oregon. Specializing in fixed income separate account portfolio management for high net worth individuals, wealth management groups and institutions, including foundations, endowments and retirement plans, WSC has $4.40 billion in assets under management, as of 09/30/12. The Firm works with clients and their advisors to provide taxable and tax exempt fixed income portfolio solutions to meet their needs.