Corporate Responsibility

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — M&M's brand candy has launched a new cause-related marketing partnership with Habitat For Humanity International designed to make 'America Better With M' by funding home construction across the United States.

In case you missed it, one of America’s biggest and most iconic brands was in the news recently for something other than the latest sales figures: Wal-Mart announced an ambitious plan to hire approximately 100,000 veterans over the next five years.

SEATTLE — Sally Jewell, CEO of REI, has been nominated as Secretary of the Interior. 

Sally has led REI as CEO since 2005 and during that time has provided steady leadership for the co-op and its thoughtful growth. During her tenure REI has increased sales from $1 billion to nearly $2 billion, added 71 stores, and greatly expanded its online business. Under Sally's leadership, the company has been named annually to Fortune Magazine's list of the Best Companies to Work For.

By Jeff Weidauer, [email protected]

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — OfficeMax partnered with Chicago Public Schools and wide receiver Brandon Marshall to surprise 100 local teachers on Thursday with a $100,000 total donation in essential school supplies for their classrooms. 

BURLINGTON, N.J. — Burlington Coat Factory has joined forces with The Foundation for National Institutes of Health (FNIH) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's (NHLBI) The Heart Truth campaign dedicated to raising awareness of heart disease among women.

NEW YORK — Saks has introduced its Saks Love Your Cause Initiative, which will give 5% of all registered purchases to the American Red Cross and select local organizations, during February.

“Saks Fifth Avenue is committed to our local communities. We appreciate our customers’ charitable involvement and look forward to giving back locally for a second year with this exciting and newly implemented national program,” Steve Sadove, chairman and CEO, Saks Inc., said.

TORONTO — The Home Depot Canada has joined other Canadian retailers in complying with the government's planned phase out of the penny.

However, the retailer noted that many Canadians were unaware of the phase-out, and wanted to ensure its customers that it is doing its best to inform them of the change. As of Feb. 4, the penny will no longer be in circulation. 

NEW YORK — JCPenney is inviting customers to make a difference this February by rounding up their purches to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to benefit Dress for Success, an organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. 

CINCINNATI — Robert Moeder, president of Kroger's central division, is retiring from the company after more than 40 years in the retail industry.