In the up-and-coming months, it may seem as if there’s a new presence in Alter Hall.  However, do not be fooled!  We’re the same organization, with the same structure and mission, only we’ve added a network of 30,000 members(no big deal).  Since its inception several years ago, SRB has been working towards becoming a chapter of Net Impact, which until recently was only available for graduate student chapters.  Known globally, Net Impact has been working to better the business world for years and its mission has been a model for the leaders who founded Students for Responsible Business.  When Net Impact finally became available for undergraduate chapters, there was no delay in SRB’s involvement in the organization.  However, the time has now come for us to emerge with the organization through association with its name and logo.  There are huge benefits to becoming a chapter of Net Impact.  First of all, Net Impact is recognized on a much larger scale than Students for Responsible Business.  While we cherish our unique identity, it is more important to be connected to a larger network of individuals who believe in the same principles of socially responsible and sustainable business.  Also, with the flexibility of the Net Impact chapter structure, we are still able to maintain our unique identity through the projects we are involved in.  Not to mention, Net Impact exceeds beyond the scope university involvement.  So after you graduate, you still have the opportunity to remain a Net Impact member and become involved as a graduate student or professional.  We look forward to this great new opportunity for SRB to expand the organization and increase awareness of Net Impact.  So next time you’re in Alter, look out for our new blue logo—although you should still be able to point us out with our green tie-dyed table!

For more information on SRB’s rebranding, check out our REBRANDING Q&A!    

This past Wednesday, March 28^th, SRB had the pleasure of welcoming Dave Stangis, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at the Campbell Soup Company, to speak on behalf of Campbell’s innovative sustainability measures. Stengas began by talking about the importance of having a technical background, and how his position and that of CSR in general has evolved into its important and center-placed role within the Campbell’s company, especially in addressing childhood obesity.

Stengas, also noted the importance of sustainability and CSR to Campbell’s as not only fitting the company’s culture, but as a marketing strategy, as Campbell’s is a 140 year-old house-hold company whose brand includes Swanson, Pace, Prego, Pepperidge Farm, and V-8, all brands that have a reputation for health and well-balanced nourishment.

During his time in his current position as VP of CSR, Dave has also been able to bring a unique philosophy to Campbell’s endeavors into sustainability. He accomplishes this by combining the concepts, ideas, and values of Campbell’s employees, ranging from Campbell’s executives and human resources to supply chain management and marketing, and utilizing their unique experiences to maximize productivity and foster innovation.

So far Dave’s initiatives have paid off, as they have added long-term value and sustainability to the Campbell’s Company and have lent Campbell’s the reputation as one of the mot sustainable and innovative companies in its industry.

On March 21st SRB hosted Scott Tattar, Senior Vice President and
Director of PR at the local Philadelphia Advertising Agency LevLane.
LevLane is the only Philadelphia Agency that has a specialty in
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The agency has worked with
clients that already make a positive impact in their local communities
and helped them communicate these practices to their customers.
LevLane has also worked in a consulting capacity to advise clients on
how to effectively make a positive impact in their community. Scott
gave an incredible presentation on the origins of CSR and presented
some interesting case studies. His lesson on the difference between
companies with huge profits that funnel some of this money to
charitable foundations and companies who empower their customers by
directing percentages of their money spent to local nonprofits was
especially educational. His presentation helped our members get a
better grasp on what CSR really is, and how it is beneficial for all
stakeholders.

On Wednesday we had John Doyle from John and Kira’s speak with Students for Responsible Business members; John graced us with John and Kira’s chocolates. He mentioned the feeling a person should have when eating his chocolates; he wants us to think these chocolates are the best we’ve ever had. John and Kira’s chocolates are the best I have ever had and this impression was felt by almost everyone. These chocolates come from high quality chocolate and (sometimes local) ingredients.

John told us about their Urban Garden Program which began in Philadelphia and partners with Drew Elementary and UC High School. This program allows for children to produce mint, rosemary, and chili peppers then have their products in John and Kira’s chocolates. This program has expanded beyond Philadelphia and now John and Kira’s has partnered with schools in Washington, DC and Chicago, IL. John has proven that a business can use local resources while doing good business and doing good for the community.

This past week, Jim Keady put on an eye-opening presentation for business ethics students about Nike’s sweatshops in Indonesia, and the unfair pay of laborers. He began by showing a video about how he became involved with research on Nike sweatshops, which detailed his trips to Indonesia, where he immersed himself in the every day life of Indonesian workers. Jim’s video exposed the outright lies of Nike executives, as they claim to offer fair wages to their workers. Jim concluded his presentation with ways we, the students, can get involved and support his mission to prevent the exploitation of workers, starting with industry leader, Nike. While his goal is a huge undertaking, his cause is worthy and deserves attention. So take a second and make your voice heard by joining Jim’s Facebook page and telling Nike how you feel:http://www.facebook.com/TeamSweat