Hot Topics
Hot Topics Archive: Past Features
October 2007
Businesses Respond to Subprime Mortgages
Amid the slew of activity aimed at decreasing foreclosures in the subprime mortgage market, some proactive corporate responses have been overlooked. Some companies are actively figuring out ways to help low-income homeowners weather the subprime crisis.
How Business Is Promoting Global Development
As the UN General Assembly meeting draws near and with it, discussion of the status of the Millennium Development Goals, development agencies, multilateral organizations, and governments in poor countries are waking up to the fact that multinational companies may be vital for their success.
September 2007
Returning to New Orleans—BCLC Report on Recovery, Two Years Later
Stephen Jordan captures his experiences and findings from a week-long visit to New Orleans -- his 11th since Aug. 2005 -- in this travel log.
August 2007
Counterfeiting: The High Cost of Low Cost Fakes
Until recently, most people weren't aware of the evils of counterfeiting. Health and safety concerns, funding of terrorism, and money laundering are inherent with counterfeiting. Kathy Shepard, New Balance SR manager, discusses the issue.
Corporate Month of Service Challenge: Consider the possibilities
Could we be doing more? How can we come together to bring about positive change? Corporate Month of Service (CMOS) provides a vehicle for companies to make a meaningful investment in their communities through volunteer service. Hands On Network is challenging the business community to consider the possibilities.
July 2007
You Have One Year
The circumstances of many of our country's disasters are very different, but also very much the same. Chambers of commerce can learn from each other about how to continue to serve members and the community in times of turmoil. Nancy Ploeger, president of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, discusses lessons learned in recovery from 9/11.
June 2007
Incentives for Private-sector Investment in America's Distressed Communities
On behalf of its Corporate Community Investment working group, BCLC sumitted this memo to Jay Hein, White House Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives (PDF), to offer ideas and BCLC's findings on increasing the incentives for business investment in America's distressed communities.
The Relevance of the UN Global Compact to the U.S. Business Community
On behalf of its Global Corporate Citizenship working group, BCLC sent this letter to the Georg Kell, head of the UN Global Compact Office (PDF), to advance dialogue on how the Compact and the working group can better work together.
Aligning Philanthropic Interests with Business Initiatives
The Fannie Mae Foundation announced that, after nearly 30 years in operation, it is closing its doors. Philanthropic activities are carried on through a new office in the corporation. Stacey D. Stewart, SVP of Fannie Mae's newly created Office of Community and Charitable Giving, discusses the transition.
Goals, Trends, and Successes: Corporate Investment in America's Communities
Corporate investment in America's communities is a new focus for BCLC in 2007. Our recent survey shows that 95% of companies are planning to stay put in their headquarters communities for the forseeable future -- but in the era of globalization and the knowledge economy, partnerships and collaboration are needed to keep America's communities competitive. Eva Blum, SVP and director of community affairs, PNC Bank, discusses what it takes.
What Happens if the New Madrid Fault Quakes?
It hasn't caused major problems in nearly two centuries, but scientists predict we're in for the next big one soon. For perspective, emergency management officials rate it as a "Top 5" national nightmare. What does this mean for business?
May 2007
An Excruciating Dilemma Between Life and Law: Corporate Responsibility in a Zone of Conflict
Chiquita Brands International's chairman and CEO, Fernando Aguirre, speaks out about its dealings with the U.S. Department of Justice and Colombian paramilitary groups.
The Human Element: Setting the Standard for Sustainability in the Next Decade
The Dow Chemical Company's chairman and CEO, Andrew N. Liveris, reports out on the company's sustainability goals and progress.
