Month: September 2023

Thousands of students in 20 communities received a little help getting ready to go back to school this year.

For the third year in a row, Aramark volunteers, including members of several of the company’s employee resource groups (ERGs), partnered with nonprofit community organizations to provide backpacks and school supplies to families across the U.S. and in Santiago, Chile, throughout July and August 2023. Several locations held cooking demonstrations and provided nutritious meals and healthy snacks, as well.

“Many students and families just need a little extra help getting excited and ready for going back to school,” said Joel Hernandez, Resident District Manager, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. Hernandez, co-chair of the company’s Impacto ERG, helped initiate the first back-to-school project in 2021. “These community service projects are a meaningful way to engage our employee volunteers while providing necessary school supplies.”

To help fill backpacks and supply bags for distribution, the company hosted a virtual back-to-school drive at which Aramark employees everywhere could purchase and donate school supplies from an Amazon list for the drives.

“We are committed to enabling a healthy and equitable society by empowering workforce success, inspiring healthy lives, and building vibrant communities,” said Jami Leveen, Vice President of Community Partnership, Aramark. “These back-to-school events are a great demonstration of the Aramark Building Community work we do year-round and a further commitment to creating positive impact in our communities.”

In all, more than 700 volunteers:

Distributed more than 2,000 backpacks;Donated 25,354 school supplies (weighing more than 12,000 pounds!);Served 2,600 meals;Reached 20 communities, partnering with Aramark client locations and community partner organizations, including Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) locations (photo at top: volunteers at BGCA Middle Tennessee, Nashville); andHelped support thousands of school students and their families.

Aramark Back-to-School Event Highlights 

On August 2, Aramark volunteers partnered with Purdue University and BGCA Lyn Treece to provide 125 backpacks and supplies to local school students.

Volunteers met with students and even played dodgeball after the backpacks were distributed. The event was covered by the local TV news (photo).

In Santiago, Chile, Aramark volunteers assembled 80 backpacks and held a cooking demonstration for seventh grade students August 3 in partnership with America Solidaria, an international community organization focused on children and adolescents.

Aramark volunteers worked with the Chicago Urban League August 5 to assemble 250 healthy meal tote bags and offered a “build-your-own” healthy trail mix demonstration along with healthy snack recipes and ideas to students and families. The volunteers even added personal notes of encouragement to give the students an extra boost.

On August 30, Aramark worked with longtime Philadelphia community partner, Congreso de Latinos Unidos, providing 50 backpacks and more than 1,000 school supplies to local students. Volunteers also prepared and offered healthy snacks.

Passengers could soon erase the guilt surrounding their air travel carbon emissions with the introduction of the world’s first electric airline.

Dale Vince, the founder of green energy company Ecotricity, has announced the launch of Ecojet, which will be powered by renewable energy.

This is the latest groundbreaking innovation to boost decarbonisation and disrupt the aviation industry by making net-zero and emission-free air travel possible for the first time.

Decarbonisation can be accelerated by ensuring innovations become mainstream in the 2030s, including sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), permanent carbon removal and the introduction of new technologies such as electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft.

With aviation responsible for around 2.5 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions, the UK government unveiled its Jet Zero Strategy last year with the target of achieving net zero emissions across all airports in England by 2040.

Repurposing old planes

Ecotricity’s pioneering design sees Ecojet’s fleet of conventional planes retrofitted with hydrogen-electric powertrains, which will operate with the same level of power but with the added benefit of a 100 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.

The decision to repurpose old planes rather than build brand new models is expected to save a staggering 90,000 tonnes of carbon per year. While the only byproduct will be water, this can be mitigated by capturing and releasing the liquid into the lower atmosphere to avoid the harmful effects of contrails, which may contribute to global warming.

Improving environmental impacts doesn’t end there – plant-based meals will be served on board, single-use plastic items will be eliminated and staff will be kitted out in planet-friendly uniforms.

Ecojet’s future flight plans

Ecojet is the result of a collaboration between Dale, experienced pilot Brent Smith and a team of aviation specialists who expect flights across the UK to commence in early 2024.

Initial flights will take off from Edinburgh to Southampton, with plans to expand to mainland Europe shortly after, and later followed with a plan for future long-haul flights.

While waiting for routes and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) license to be secured, Ecojet will launch using conventionally fuelled planes. It will utilise two different turboprop aircraft sizes, a 19-seater and 70-seater aircraft (with a turbine engine that drives an aircraft propeller). The aircraft will be retrofitted with the hydrogen-electric powertrains (once approved by the CAA) with the first retrofits expected to begin in 2025, a year after the flights commence).

Dale Vince said: “The question of how to create sustainable air travel has plagued the green movement for decades, Ecojet is by far the most significant step towards a solution to date.

“The desire to travel is deeply etched into the human spirit, and flights free of CO2 emissions, powered by renewable energy will allow us to explore our incredible world without harming it for the first time.”

Jonathan Goldsmith, Head of Transport and Infrastructure at Acre – UK, said: “This is an exceptional move in the right direction and a prime example of how innovation and technology can synergise to accelerate towards a cleaner economy and healthier planet.

“It is exciting to see how Ecojet will disrupt the aviation industry and prompt other airlines to take action, but as always, collaborating and forming robust relationships between parties to share knowledge, expertise and best practice is the ultimate key to success in decarbonising the industry.”

About Acre

At Acre, we work with the most aspirational businesses with potential to make real change; from those who are just starting out to those who are well on the journey to crafting a legacy.

Our 18 years’ experience in sustainability recruitment, combined with our extensive global network, enables us to provide talent solutions that are designed to deliver this change.

Through our unique behavioural assessment technology, we understand the types of people, skills and behaviours required to create impact. We can develop these qualities within your existing teams too.

We find talented people and develop their skills to ensure they make a true impact in ambitious, progressive organisations.

Acre. Making companies ready for tomorrow.

At Covia, we view education as a vital component of strong communities. In 2022, many of our facilities engaged with local schools to provide educational opportunities, support school programs, and donate time and resources to help meet the essential needs of students in local school systems.

At our Emmett, Idaho, site, we hosted a mine tour where almost 100 fifth graders from Carberry Elementary joined us to learn about important topics such as climate control, erosion, plate tectonics, rock classifications, and other subjects covered in the state’s standardized testing curriculum. The tour also demonstrated the value our Emmett mine brings to the community, and how Covia contributes to improving the everyday lives of those in our neighborhoods.

Team Members at our Wedron, Illinois, site hosted 120 second grade students for a “Kids Day” at Shabbona Park, where Plant Manager Jeff Jurewicz presented a woolly mammoth tusk that was found at the Covia mine several years ago. We provided fun and educational opportunities for the students, including an opportunity to create sand art using colored sand produced at our Mineral Visions plant. Additionally, students went “mining” for gems that Team Members hid in plastic pools filled with sand. The gems they found by sifting the sand were then turned in for prizes. Richmond County Schools received much-needed help and supplies from Team Members at Covia’s Marston, North Carolina, plant. Team Members not only donated backpacks, facial tissue, cleaning supplies, and other essential school items for the local “Stuff the Bus” event, they also volunteered their time to help organize and distribute the items. In partnership with the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations, 4,000 pencils, 1,000 erasers, and many notebooks were distributed to local families.

Our Cleburne, Texas, Team Members remained actively involved with the Glen Rose School District, donating time and resources to local students. From donating scrap metal for youth and career development projects, providing lighting for the high school batting cages, and awarding multiple scholarships, Team Members invested in students’ success in many ways. For more information on our Cleburne site’s community initiatives, please watch this video.

Team Members in Jáltipan, Veracruz, are focused on supporting quality, affordable, and accessible early childhood education across the state of Veracruz. Covia contributes to the Jáltipan School, which serves 153 kindergarten and elementary-aged students, by providing scholarships for students, salaries for teachers, infrastructure maintenance, and regular equipment upgrades. Similarly, Team Members at our San Juan, Veracruz, site support two local schools, Cerquilla and San Juan School, by providing furniture, supplies, and monetary contributions to help break down barriers to quality education.

For more information about how Covia inspires Positive Social Impact, visit our 2022 ESG Report.

The United Family and its vendor partners have once again raised $500,000 for 26 non-profit organizations through its annual Jacky Pierce Charity Classic (JPCC) golf tournament, which takes place on August 27 and 28.

Before the annual dinner on Sunday night, checks were presented to the 26 groups in a recognition event. Since its inception in the early nineties, the JPCC golf tournament has raised more than $6,000,000 for non-profit organizations across Texas and New Mexico.

Sidney Hopper, president of The United Family, said this event continues to be a core part of United’s charitable work thanks to the generosity of the company’s vendor partners. He said this tournament remains special because of the funds’ impact on communities across The United Family’s trade area.

“Making a positive impact on our communities is at the heart of our mission and, after all these years, the Jacky Pierce Charity Classic continues to be a major part of that,” Hopper said. “The non-profit organizations, including The United Way, who benefit from this tournament do an outstanding job of making our communities better. We know these funds will greatly impact the thousands of people they serve.”

Named in honor of Jacky Pierce, longtime produce director for United Supermarkets, the tournament remains a place for not only charitable giving, but for fellowship and community.

“It goes without saying that this tournament would not be the same without the amazing relationships of our vendor partners,” Hopper said. “Not only does this event support an important cause, but it also allows relationships between like-minded companies who are focused on helping their communities grow even more. That’s why it means so much to all of us.”

The first round of the 32nd iteration of the JPCC tournament was played on the morning of Sunday, August 27 while the remaining four rounds will be played on Monday, August 28. More than 600 golfers from across the country will hit the links for the charity tournament over the two-day event.

Tournament beneficiaries include:

Brown County United WayDallam-Hartley Counties United WayDeaf Smith United WayGraham Area United WayHutchinson County United WayLubbock Area United WayNorth Texas Area United WayOchiltree United WayScurry County United WayThrive of Southern New MexicoUnited Way AbileneUnited Way Amarillo & CanyonUnited Way Denton CountyUnited Way Metropolitan DallasUnited Way of Moore CountyUnited Way of Carlsbad and South Eddy CountyUnited Way of Central New MexicoUnited Way of Chaves CountyUnited Way of Eastern New MexicoUnited Way of MidlandUnited Way of Northern New MexicoUnited Way of OdessaUnited Way of the Concho ValleyUnited Way Tarrant CountyUnited Way-Lea CountyPampa United Way

Media Contacts:
Joey Marcades                                                                               Abie Rampy
Communications Manager                                                           Director of Public Relations
C: 806.281.8078                                                                              C: 806.438.1194
jmarcades@unitedtexas.com                                                       abie.rampy@unitedtexas.com

About The United Family®

In its 107th year of operation, United Supermarkets, LLC – d.b.a. The United Family® – is a Texas-based grocery chain with stores in 54 communities in Texas and New Mexico. A self-distributing company with headquarters and distribution centers in Lubbock, The United Family currently operates 98 stores under five unique banners: United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos, Albertsons Market and United Express, along with ancillary operations R.C. Taylor Distributing, Praters, United Food and Beverage Services and Llano Logistics. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Albertsons Companies Inc. For more information, please visit www.theunitedfamily.com.

WASHINGTON, September 12, 2023 /3BL/ – Today, the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) announced the 2023 winners of their annual Purpose Awards for exceptional leadership in corporate social impact. The awards, presented in partnership with Rocket Social Impact, recognize CSR and ESG professionals making a significant social and business impact in their companies and communities.

This year’s recipients are:

Beth Satterfield, Chief Operating Officer, William Blair – Champion for ChangeLynette Bell, President, Truist Foundation – TrailblazerAlicea Starr, Manager, Community Impact and Engagement, Veradigm – Rising StarNovartis Giving and Volunteer Team – Corporate Social Impact Team of the Year

“ACCP is thrilled to shine a spotlight on these exemplary leaders in the field of corporate social responsibility,” said ACCP President and CEO Carolyn Berkowitz. “Their dedication and innovative approaches to the work inspire us all as they represent what’s truly possible when business and social goals align in creative ways.”

“Recent data shows the demands and responsibilities of CSR professionals continue to increase,” said Rich Maiore, CEO & Founder of Rocket Social Impact. “It’s critical we recognize the multiple positive contributions CSR and ESG professionals are making within their company, communities, and globally. “

The Champion for Change Award recognizes a senior corporate executive who provides leadership that advances social and business impact in communities where the company operates and throughout the world. Beth Satterfield’s leadership at William Blair has increased the visibility of philanthropy and ESG within the firm, leading to an increase in their philanthropic investment by nearly 20% in Beth’s first year directing the team.

The Trailblazer Award honors a senior CSR practitioner whose leadership, strategy, and partnerships resulted in significant business and societal impacts. As President of the Truist Foundation, Lynette Bell has created thoughtful and groundbreaking strategic partnerships embedded with the principles of justice-centered philanthropy to advance underserved communities, particularly in the Southeast.

The Corporate Social Impact Team of the Year Award recognizes a team of CSR and/or Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) practitioners whose collaborative and innovative approach to a project or program generated significant business results for the company and social impact in the community. Novartis’ global Giving and Volunteering Program combined traditional philanthropic efforts and innovative approaches to address one of the world’s most significant humanitarian challenges, the refugee crisis occurring in more than 50 countries.

Finally, the Rising Star Award is given to an emerging professional in corporate citizenship whose work creates meaningful impact inside and outside the company, often requiring influence well beyond the level of their position. As the only employee in Veradigm’s corporate social impact department, Alicea’s leadership of strategic initiatives focused on health equity and emphasis on community partnerships and engaging Veradigm’s employees set her apart.

Separate committees of judges chose this year’s Purpose Award winners, comprised of past Purpose Award recipients and current CSR and ESG industry leaders.

The Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) is the preeminent membership organization advancing the practice of corporate social impact. ACCP increases the effectiveness of CSR & ESG professionals and their companies by sharing knowledge, fostering solutions, and cultivating inclusive and supportive peer communities. ACCP amplifies the voices of its practitioner network to elevate strategies that work, provide innovative solutions, and expand impact. www.accp.org

Rocket Social Impact is a leading CSR & ESG consultancy, advising established and emerging companies on their social impact strategy, implementation, and communication. Go further, faster. www.rocketsocialimpact.com