* Chinese CSR
Continues Along: This week,
a UN Conference convened in China
to discuss the state of Corporate and Social Responsibility in China. By all
accounts, business is spearheading social change in the country (whatever
works). Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Chinese
backed All-China Federation of Trade Union has successfully increased the
percentage of unionized McDonald’s (MCD)
employees to 80%. My guess is that MCD is NOT lovin’ it.
Wall Street
Journal: Chinese
Union Furthers Reach
* Triple Bottom
Line for Dummies: Vic
Desotelle of the blog “Whole System Innovation” offers a primer on so-called
Triple Bottom Line (people, profit, planet) investing and consumerism.
Whole System
Innovation: A
New Framework for Innovation
* Thinking Green
Doesn’t Mean Investing Green:
According to Tim Paradis of the Associated Press, investors “see room for
investing in alternative energy” however few actually pull the trigger. The
article finds that although many are optimistic about “green investing”,
uncertainty and the long-term mindset needed are key factors in the lack of
adherence. Also this week, Goldman Sachs (GS) released study findings
that, “companies with solid environmental, social and governance (ESG)
performance indicators are the best long-term investment choices.”
Associated Press: Many
Investors See Room for investing in Alternative Investing…
Earth News: Goldman Sachs Study on Green
Business
* Buffet Jr.: Chris Hohn, the founder of the Children’s
Investment Fund, donated $460 million USD to his charitable foundation last
year. I sometimes imagine that the ultra-wealthy have a secret competition to
“out give” one another. Whatever the case, this is great for those in need.
Financial Times: TCI
chief donates £230m to his charity
* Your Portfolio,
Now With Less Terrorism:
S.J. Caplan of The Motley Fool reported on the SEC’s move to provide investors
with visibility as to whether their investments may be supporting terrorism or
genocide. According to Caplan: By going to the Investor Information section
of the SEC's home page and clicking the tab for "State
Sponsors of Terrorism," you'll come to a menu of countries identified
as such…Clicking again on each of those countries will bring you to a list of
companies whose 2006 annual reports disclose business activities in that
country. Then, clicking on a specific company will bring up the relevant
portions of that company's annual report.
Motley Fool: Are
You Spying on Your Portfolio?
* New Google
Blog: The folks over at
Google’s philanthropic arm have announced the launch of their blog this week. I
usually shy away from corporate blogs, but this one is intriguing for two
reasons: 1. Google is extremely innovative, and 2. Any non-profit that wields a
billion dollars per year is worth keeping any eye on. Those two factors may
make for a “must read” blog.
Official Google.org
Blog: http://blog.google.org/
Hey buddy! Interesting post... I just landed on your blog courtesy google. I was thinking.. you could try to put up some current news and happenings. Will make ur blog more interesting.There are many news scrollers. I know of one on http://www.widgetmate.com
Posted by: Andy James | July 17, 2007 at 08:09 AM