FINANCIAL TIMES LAUNCHES CSR CONFERENCE, Partners with JustMeans to launch Social Innovation Awards (2008-11-10)
New York, 10 November 2008 - The Financial Times today announces the launch of its first ever conference focused solely on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and investing. The one-day event, called the FT Sustainable Business and Responsible Investing Conference, will be held on 2 March 2009 in New York City at the Altman Building in New York.
The event is being held in association with the Social Investment Forum, a national membership association dedicated to advancing socially and environmentally responsible investing, and JustMeans, a social media website designed to nurture open debate on social and environmental innovations that benefit humanity.
Over the last five years, CSR and investing initiatives have been established at a wide range of major global corporations. At the same time, there is increased recognition amongst investors that the environmental, social, and corporate governance factors addressed in CSR programmes often have a significant, positive impact on performance. The conference will explore how CSR influences investment decisions and how companies at the forefront of implementing these initiatives demonstrate a concrete connection to shareholder value.
The conference will cover such topics as:
- The Evolution of Sustainable Investing
- Managing Risk Through CSR
- Buying the Right to Pollute
- Stakeholder Communication
- Transparency in the Supply Chain
Conference speakers confirmed to date include:
- Gavin Power, Deputy Director and Head of Financial Markets, United Nations Global Compact
- Paul Hilton, Advanced Equities Research, Calvert
- Victor de Luca, President, Jessie Noyes Foundation
- Dave Stangis, VP of Corporate Social Responsibility, Campbell Soup
- Michael Musuraca, Designated Trustee, NYCERS Board
- Hunter Lovins, President and Founder, Natural Capitalism Solutions
- Lance Lindblom, President, Nathan Cummings Foundation
- Rob Frederick, VP, Director of Corporate Responsibility, Brown-Forman
The program will be moderated by:
- John Authers, Investment Editor, Financial Times
- Fiona Harvey, Environment Correspondent, Financial Times
- Sarah Murray, Contributing Writer, Financial Times
Jayne Van Hoen, Global Director of Conferences and Events at the Financial Times, said The Financial Times is committed to helping executives navigate the new world of sustainability in a unique and challenging period where financial and economic pressure put CSR budgets and investment under even greater scrutiny. This conference and awards program reflects another step in that continuing commitment.
The conference will include an awards ceremony to be held during the luncheon on the same day. The FT and JustMeans Social Innovation Awards, sponsored by HP, will showcase the companies and people that are shaping the new world of sustainable business. Categories include:
- Most Innovative Social and Environmental Sustainability Strategy/Program This award will honor one large company, one small-to-medium company and one startup company that demonstrate trendsetting innovation in a specific CSR/sustainability initiative.
- Social Intrapreneurs Award
This award will be given to an individual who has made the most significant contribution to the field of sustainability over the past year.
Martin Smith, CEO of JustMeans, commented, The time for just talking about sustainability and social responsibility is over. Todays times require innovation across companies to achieve long term financial performance in a construct of social and environmental sustainability. Through these awards, we aim to showcase the companies that have moved beyond lip service and are implementing visionary solutions to growing societal challenges.
For more information about the conference and awards, visit: ftconferenceslive.com/csr
For more information about the conference and awards, visit: ftconferenceslive.com/csr
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For further information please contact:
Financial Times
For press inquiries:
Emma Gilpin-Jacobs
Global Director of Communications
Financial Times
T: +44 207 873 4447
Darcy Keller
Head of Communications, The Americas
Financial Times
T: +1 212 641 6614
For program inquiries:
Holly Klokis
Global Conferences and Events
Financial Times
Financial Times
T: +1 212 641 6583
JustMeans
Martin Smith
Chief Executive Officer
JustMeans
T: +44 207953 0542
Notes to the editor:
About the Financial Times:
The Financial Times, one of the worlds leading business newspapers, is recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy. Providing extensive news, comment and analysis, the newspaper is printed at 24 print sites across the globe, has a daily circulation of 451,676 (ABC figures, October 2008) and a readership of 1.4 million people worldwide. FT.com is the definitive home for business intelligence on the web, providing an essential source of news, comment, data and analysis for the global business community. FT.com attracts 7.1 million unique users, generating 72 million page views (ABCe figures, March 2008).
About JustMeans
JustMeans.com is an online platform where companies communicate their social responsibility initiatives through social media. The site is now regarded as the leading online portal for social responsibility news, jobs and networking. Leveraging its own portal, JustMeans provides full-service social media communication strategies for engaging stakeholders. JustMeans works with a variety of for profit and non-profit clients, including Timberland, Best Buy, Pearson, Verizon, Seventh Generation, UnLtd, Jumpstart and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.
About Social Investment Forum
The Social Investment Forum (SIF) is the only national membership association dedicated to advancing the concept, practice and growth of socially and environmentally responsible investing (SRI). Its members integrate economic, environmental, social and governance factors into their investment decisions and SIF provides programs and resources to advance this work. SIF's membership includes more than 500 social investment practitioners and institutions, including financial professionals, analysts, portfolio managers, banks, mutual funds, researchers, foundations, community development organizations and public educators.
