Never Too Far from Helping Others with United Way Worldwide

Posted by Maggie Gallagher on Fri, Aug 18, 2017 @ 02:22 PM

We all benefit when a child succeeds in school, when someone finds a job that will help them provide for their family or when more people are able to access quality, affordable healthcare. United Way Worldwide fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community.

United Way is the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit, supported by 2.8 million volunteers, 9.8 million donors worldwide and more than $4.7 billion raised every year. So it’s no surprise they received the Gold Stevie Award for Best Annual Report and for “New Product of the Year, Education, K-12 Course or Learning Management Solution” in The 2017 American Business Awards.

Anyone Can Help Everyone

united way people.pngProviding a platform to make a bigger, deeper difference is what Southerlyn Worsham, Director of Public Relations at United Way Worldwide, says is a top priority when getting involved with United Way Worldwide.

“We’re engaged in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide to create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our communities.”

United Way partners include global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, government, civic and faith-based organizations, along with educators, labor leaders, health providers, senior citizens, students and more.

The Importance of Celebrating Lasting Change

It’s hard to quantify the value of helping people around the world, especially at United Way’s scale. But lives being changed for the better can be acknowledged and celebrated with awards that represent the hard work people do day in and day out. Southerlyn enjoys sharing these stories as testaments to the difference that communities can make when we come together to create lasting change.

“Our team is awed by the awards and the double victory. Our entire office is so proud of the two awards and have been congratulating each other. It has been amazing for morale and pride. These victories have reignited our passion to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community.”

The Gold Stevie Award in The 2017 American Business Awards for Best Annual Report was given to United Way Worldwide for their multi-media annual report about their efforts and results, including 1,800 locations, 40 countries, six continents, served by 2.8 million volunteers and 9.8 million donors. The annual report details individual efforts, collective results and large-scale impact in childhood success, youth success, financial stability and access to healthcare.

The Versatility of Giving

Giving money to fuel community solutions, volunteering your time or lending your voice to a cause that matters to you are just some of the ways people can get involved. United Way also allows people to gift stock with stock transfer instructions provided.

In keeping with the times of constant innovations for sending money, you can now even donate using Bitcoin, by giving to the United Way Worldwide’s Innovation Fund. The Innovation Fund drives the development of new technology and new strategies to expand their reach and impact in communities around the world. Also, every year, millions of employees around the world launch campaigns to support local United Way solutions that improve education, financial stability and healthcare.

Topics: American business awards, new product awards, annual report awards, best new product or service, best new product, best annual reports

How a Stevie® Award Winner is Meeting Asia Pacific’s Energy Challenge in a Sustainable Way

Posted by Maggie Gallagher on Thu, Nov 03, 2016 @ 01:28 PM

The 2015 Annual Report of CLP Holdings Limited, in Hong Kong, China, won the Gold Stevie® Award for Innovation in Annual Reports in the Annual Report & Other Publications Awards categories of the 2016 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards.

The 2017 (4th Annual) Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards is now accepting entries.

REVIEW THE ENTRY KIT HERE.

We asked Geert Peeters, Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer at CLP Holdings, for some insight into how the Stevie® Award-winning 2015 Annual Report was created, and what winning a Stevie® Award has meant to the people who created it.

Geert Peters, Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer at CLP Holdings, was delighted that his company’s 2015 Annual Report had won a Gold Stevie® Award in the 2016 Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards.  He told us: “We are deeply honored to have won the Stevie Award for Innovation in Annual Reports. As an organization that prizes innovation, we are delighted by the recognition of our excellence in this regard.”1610CLPsmall.gif

Encapsulating guidelines by the International Integrated Reporting Council and the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, CLP’s 2015 Annual Report is the company’s fifth integrated annual report. Structured around the theme of CLP’s “unwavering commitment to the communities we serve,” the Report presents a connected view of the social, environmental, operational, and financial aspects of CLP’s overall performance in an integrated and innovative manner.

Innovation

Explained Geert: “We entered the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for continuous learning: every year, our colleagues across different departments and countries work very hard to put together an annual report that makes us proud, so winning the Stevie Award is definitely a strong recognition of these efforts.”

“We have benefited immensely in the process, because innovation is a continuous undertaking and we are still learning how to do better,” continued Geert.  “For example, we are an early adopter of integrated reporting, which means we report our business achievements alongside our environmental, social, and governance performance. Such an approach has provided us a holistic picture of what we do and what values we deliver to our stakeholders.

“The awards we have received motivate us to innovate and try new ideas, like designing a posting bag that can double up as a recyclable shopping bag. We also make use of a feedback form to drive donations for selected NGOs. Through these channels, we are able to better engage with our different stakeholders, and deliver values to them in ways that we never could before.”

Design and Format

Electricity is an indispensable part of modern life,” explained Geert. “It powers the machines that keep our communities safe, and allows us to live and work comfortably and with convenience. To highlight the close relationship between CLP and our stakeholders, this year we decided to create a relaxing home feel, reflected in our Annual Report’s vivid and colorful illustrations, well-designed diagrams, intuitive infographics and selective use of photographs. To provide an at-a-glance look at our business performance, we captured and visualized all key information with figures, graphics. and tables in the opening six-page section of ‘A Snapshot of CLP in 2015’.”

Accessibility and Interactivity

To expand CLP’s reach to broader audiences, the print version of its Annual Report went live with an online multimedia Snapshot and Sustainability Report. As Geert put it: “Our Snapshot presents an overview of our business using multimedia tools such as videos, whilst our Sustainability Report provides a more detailed account of our sustainability principles, strategies, and efforts. Together with our website and other CLP literature, we aim to enable our stakeholders to have a more informed assessment of our company.”

Charitable Donations

In addition, Geert stated: “We have also developed an innovative way to strengthen our interaction with readers by pledging to make charitable donations of HK$60 for each feedback that we receive on our Annual Report, online Snapshot, and Sustainability Report, with a cap of HK$350,000 in total.”

In conclusion, Geert told us that “being recognized by such a well-regarded organization is a strong vote of confidence on the work we do. It gives us the motivation to strive for the best.”

Environmental Concerns

With energy and its impact on the environment a topic of major concern, we asked Geert what plans CLP had for 2017.  He commented: “We are fully aware of the impact of the activities of the energy industry on environment.  That’s why we decided about a decade ago that we would shoulder our responsibility to address the risk and effect of climate change. Adopting the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong’s ESG Reporting Guide is a part of that commitment. In fact, we were one of the few companies that began to report on environmental and social performance way back in the 1990s, and this later evolved and became our Sustainability Report which is available online. So we are no strangers to ESG reporting.”

Reducing the Carbon Footprint

To play its part in reducing the carbon footprint, CLP encouraged e-communication by donating HK$60 for each shareholder’s request to switch to its electronic publications. For the mailing of hard copies, the company specially designed a posting bag which could be converted into a reusable carrier bag in order to promote conservation and reduce waste.

Sustainability Principles

Added Geert: “In our 2015 annual report, we already disclosed ESG information that fell under the ‘comply or explain’ provisions. In our 2016 annual report, which will be published in March 2017, we plan to do more. But for us to be able to report, first we must have the action. Last year, the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at tackling poverty, hunger, climate change, and other global problems by 2030. The SDGs have provided the international community with a clear direction on the transformative steps that are urgently needed for sustainable development. They also inspired us to develop our own Sustainability Principles, which set the foundation for articulating our sustainability priorities in support of our longer-term business strategy. This signifies our willingness to play a role in helping the world achieve the SDGs, especially those on combating climate change and affordable electricity.”

Inspiration for the Future

Geert is optimistic about the future.  “CLP’s goal is to meet Asia Pacific’s energy challenge in a sustainable way–from one generation to the next,” he explained.  “This means we want to be able to supply our customers with electricity that is reliable and safe, and to make sure it is done in an environmentally friendly manner and at a reasonable price.”

Continued Geert: “We recognize the world is changing rapidly, however. We need to have a clear vision of tomorrow and be able to harness the power of innovation so that we are well equipped and ready for change. To become the utility of the future, we need to transform to become a customer-centric energy company that can compete in a low carbon world.

“This opens up a whole new vista of possibilities. Renewable energy is definitely one of them. It has been exciting to see that more and more countries in Asia are generating energy through renewable means, be it solar or wind. This is especially true in Mainland China and India, CLP’s two growth markets, which both have ambitious clean energy targets. Over the years, CLP has developed more than 3,000 megawatts of renewable projects, mostly in these two markets. And we have plans to do more.

“Meanwhile, our presence in these markets is inspiring on another level. We have seen the emergence of private savings in these emerging markets. Through the issuance of local currency bonds, including green bonds, we are thrilled to be able to help people to channel their hard-earned savings into infrastructure projects that will ultimately advance their home lands. And I am excited to be able to contribute to this adventure.”

About Geert Peeters:

Geert Peeters has been the Group Director & Chief Financial Officer since 1 April 2014, responsible for Group financial control & reporting, Group treasury, Group tax, Group corporate finance, risk management, and investor relations for CLP Holdings Limited. He was appointed the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of CLP Holdings with effect from 1 January 2016.

Mr. Peeters has over 25 years of experience in the energy industry. Prior to joining CLP, he was the Deputy Chief Financial Officer of GDF SUEZ (now known as ENGIE) Group based in Paris. Mr. Peeters was with GDF SUEZ from 1997 to 2013, gaining extensive experience in senior financial and operational roles in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. He also served as the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of International Power plc, a GDF SUEZ subsidiary listed on the London Stock Exchange and part of the FTSE 100 index until July 2012. Before joining GDF SUEZ, he worked for KBC Bank in Brussels and New York and for Tractebel Energy Engineering at the Doel Nuclear Power Plant in Antwerp (Belgium). He also served as a Reserve Officer in the Belgian Air Force.

In the past three years, Mr. Peeters has served on the boards of several listed energy companies, including International Power plc, E-CL, listed in Chile, and Glow Energy in Thailand. He is a member of the CNBC Global CFO Council.  Mr. Peeters is a Knight in the Order of King Leopold. He has a Master of Science in electro-mechanical engineering from Ghent University, Belgium, a postgraduate degree in business and IT administration from ICHEC Brussels, Belgium, and he attended executive business training at INSEAD Paris, France

About CLP Group

CLP Holdings Limited, a company listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, is the holding company for the CLP Group, one of the largest investor-owned power businesses in Asia Pacific. Through CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, it operates a vertically integrated electricity supply business providing a highly reliable supply of electricity to 80% of Hong Kong’s population.

Outside Hong Kong, CLP holds investment in the energy sector in Mainland China, India, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Australia. Its diversified portfolio of generating assets uses a wide range of fuels including coal, gas, nuclear, and renewable sources. CLP is one of the largest external investors in the Mainland’s renewable energy sector. In India, it is one of the biggest renewable energy producers and among the largest foreign investors in the electricity sector. In Australia, its wholly owned subsidiary, EnergyAustralia, is one of the largest integrated energy companies, providing gas and electricity to over 2.6 million households and businesses.

CLP is listed on the Global Dow–a 150-stock index of the world’s leading blue-chips, the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index (DJSI Asia Pacific), the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific 40 Index (DJSI Asia Pacific 40), Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index Series, and MSCI Global Sustainability Index Series.

Topics: business awards, annual report awards, Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, best annual reports

American Business Awards 2016: Annual Reports and Publications Judging Committee

Posted by Maggie Gallagher on Fri, Apr 08, 2016 @ 04:31 PM

We invite you to meet The 2016 American Business Awards Annual Reports & Publications Judging Chair and Committee.

Now through the end of April, the professionals listed below will determine the Stevie Award winners in five categories for annual reports, e-books, sales kits, and more. See the full list of categories they will be reviewing at the end of the post.

It's not too late to submit your 2016 American Business Awards nominations - the entry deadline was extended to April 19. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations -- public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. The 2016 awards honor achievements since the beginning of 2015.

REVIEW THE ENTRY KIT HERE.

Meet the judging chair and committee:

Chair:

Justin Bell, CEO
Lion Agency, Miami, Florida, USA

16-ABA-PUB-Chair-1.gifJustin Bell is an experienced marketing executive and brand strategist residing in Miami, Florida. Justin is CEO of Lion Agency, a multinational digital agency with offices in Buenos Aires, Miami and São Paulo. Lion Agency is an award-winning agency (earning five American Business Awards in 2015), and works with leading brands including American Express, Celebrity Cruises, Elizabeth Arden, FANIA Records, Tío Gazpacho, and the University of Miami.

Justin joined Lion Agency in 2015 when Lion Agency acquired Arc+Arrow Creative Group. Justin founded Arc+Arrow in 2013 after working his way through various senior leadership roles at Omnicom Group where he worked with brands including Best Buy, Costco, Motorola, Wal-Mart, and Samsung, as well as Carphone Warehouse, Dixons Retail, and John Lewis in Europe.

Justin is a graduate of The Ohio State University and Ashland University with degrees in marketing.

Committee:

Alex Breitman Alex Breitman, Marketing Director
National LGBTQ Task Forc, New York, New York, USA
As Marketing Director for the National LGBTQ Task Force, I handle awareness efforts including advertising, branding, merchandise and event production Lead on all marketing aspects of our annual events, ranging from the annual Creating Change Conference, a skill-building conference for the LGBTQ community in January, to Winter Party Festival, a weekend of dance and social events, in March. Oversee various campaigns within the organization to raise awareness around issues affecting the LGBTQ community.

Jessica Fish Jessica Fish, Senior Strategist
Leader Networks, Amherst, New Hampshire, USA
Jessica Fish is a skilled community and social media marketing practitioner. At Leader Networks she develops focused and actionable social business strategies for clients with a keen eye to both their needs and the capacity for their products and services to make the most impact possible. Jessica often teaches, facilitates workshops, and speaks on the areas of inclusion, social justice, and mindfulness.

Kyle Johnson, Principal & Creative Director
BlkMrkt. Cr8tiv Labs, Houston, Texas, USA

Jeannine McHenry, Art Director
One17 Creative, Marina Del Ray, California, USA

Ruth Moyte Ruth Moyte, Wordmaker
Red Dandelion Creative, Temecula, California, USA
Ruth Moyte has over 23 years of experience in the global event and marketing industry, writing for and producing events for many of the world’s leading brands. She is a past member of the International MarCom Committee for the International Special Events Society and the Advisory Board of Special Events Magazine.

Fabi Preslar Fabi Preslar, President
SPARK Publications, Matthews, North Carolina, USA
Fabi Preslar is president of SPARK Publications, a creative firm specializing in publication design for magazines, books, and catalogs in print, digital, and interactive media for niche and professional audiences.

Marilyn Schultz Marilyn Schultz, President & Publisher
Big Deal Media/Marketing Projects, Inc., Barrington, Illinois, USA
Founder, president and publisher of Marketing Projects, Inc. and Big Deal Media, with a 35+ year track record in educational publishing and marketing. During her career, Marilyn has worked with hundreds of companies in the education market including technology companies, textbook publishers, supplemental materials publishers, equipment manufacturers and service providers, for which she has developed award-winning materials and content-driven websites.

Tim Smith, Partner
Eagle Print Dynamics, Orange, California, USA

Marilyn Schultz Michelle Thorsell, President
SMT Architects, P.C., Lombard, Illinois, USA
Michelle is president and owner of SMT Architects in Lombard, Illinois established in 1994; client base consists of public and private with a special interest in public housing. Activities include LWV Board member; past activities include Village Trustee, County Stormwater Committee member, Environmental Commission Chairman, Children's Ministry Director, youth leader.

Annual Report and Publications categories include:

F01. Best Annual Report
            a. Online/Electronic
            b. Print

F02. Best Marketing or Sales Brochure or Kit
            a. Online/Electronic
            b. Print

F03. Best Newsletter or House Organ/Publication
            a. Online/Electronic
            b. Print

F04. Best E-Book: All e-books published by persons or organizations in the U.S.A. since January 1 2015, dealing with a subject related to business - finance, careers, professional education, training, business journalism, corporate history, personal growth, etc. - are eligible to be nominated.

F05. Best Business Book: All books published by persons or organizations in the U.S.A. since January 1 2015, dealing with a subject related to business - finance, careers, professional education, training, business journalism, corporate history, personal growth, etc. - are eligible to be nominated.

Topics: American business awards, annual report awards, best annual reports, best business book, best e-book