Awards

Gap Inc., is the only retailer to appear on a flawed list called The Civic50 that presumes to recognize the nation’s most community-minded companies.

Now in its third year, the lack of retail representation on The Civic50 is highly curious considering retailers enjoy a high level of visibility within the communities where they operate and are typically quite generous in supporting local charities and national causes. The consumer packaged goods was also under-represented on The Civic50 although companies such as ConAgra, General Mills and Hershey were included.

NEW YORK — Chain Store age sister publication Retailing Today has released the findings of its first "Best Retailers to Work With" research report.   The exclusive research report examines suppliers’ perceptions of the retail industry in areas such as innovation, collaboration, digital readiness, expectations of trading partners and reputational factors.  

New York – Earning a reputation is not always a good thing, but in Google’s case it is a positive development. Google has received top ranking in the new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) RepTrak Study from Reputation Index. Google beat out number two company Microsoft, which held the top spot in 2012 and 2013. Nestle exited the top 10 list this year, while Lego is the one new entrant. The full top 10 list is:   1. Google 2. Microsoft 3. Walt Disney

Brentwood, Tenn. – The new Tractor Supply Company store support center in Brentwood, Tennessee, has achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED certification is awarded for buildings that are energy efficient and environmentally sustainable in design and operation.   

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wisconsin - Kohl’s Department Stores has once again been recognized with a 2014 Sustained Excellence in Green Power Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

Plano, Texas – J.C. Penney Company Inc. has provided an equity inducement award of 2.07 million restricted stock units (RSUs) to Marvin Ellison, the company’s president and CEO-designee, in connection with his employment. Penney previously disclosed this award in connection with the announcement of Ellison`s appointment in October.

San Jose, Calif. -- PayPal and Braintree have named named the $100,000 grand prize winner of the 2014 BattleHack Series. At the World Finals, competitors were tasked with building an application that incorporates PayPal, Braintree or Venmo APIs.    The grand prize was awarded to the team from Tel Aviv, with two hackers, Shai Mishali and Pavel Kaminsky.   

Former Costco executive Robert Craves died last week shortly after being diagnosed with cancer, The Seattle Times reported. He was 72.

New York --Chain Store Age invites retailers, design firms, architects and suppliers to submit entires for its 33rd annual Retail Store of the Year design competition. For more information and an entry form, click here.

Archer Daniels Midland Company has appointed Juan R. Luciano the next CEO and also has elected him to the company’s board of directors, effective immediately.  Luciano previously served as company’s president and COO responsible for leading and running the company’s global operations.

Luciano succeeds Patricia Woertz, who will continue in the role of ADM’s chairman of the board and is expected to retire in May 2016.