Corporate Responsibility

The number of ConAgra Foods facilities achieving Energy Star certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to grow.

The company’s latest class of Energy Star achievers includes eight operations, one of which, the ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston/BSW facility in Warden, Wash., is receiving an Energy Star for the first time.

Electrolux plans to expand its North American headquarters, their second expansion at this location in three years, and will be adding 810 new local jobs as a result.

The new jobs are in the areas of research and development, marketing, design, engineering, supply chain, finance, IT and executive management, and will be added by the end of 2017.

The heartwarming story of a pit bull rescued from a life of torment as a bait dog earned the Pet Rescue Center in Mission Viejo, Calif., a $100,000 grant from the Petco Foundation and Ellen DeGeneres and her natural pet food company Halo.

The rescue group was chosen from among 4,500 submissions and awarded a check during the "Ellen" show on Dec. 23. Thirty-three other animal welfare groups split $500,000 as part of the Petco Foundation’s Holiday Wishes Grant Campaign.

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Police in Bangladesh have reportedly filed charges against the owners of a garment factory that was the site of a fatal fire in November 2012 that killed more than 100 workers. Bloomberg reports that Delwar Hossain and his unidentified wife, owners of Tazreen Fashion Ltd, were among 13 people charged with murder and other offenses in connection with the deadly blaze that resulted in 124 deaths.

Ikea plans to launch an employee loyalty program launch in the new year. Beginning in 2014, every employee worldwide will receive an equal contribution to their pension plan, based on the company's financial goals being met.

The program named Tack! — which means ‘thank you’ in Swedish — was inspired by Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad's wish to “share the success of the Ikea Group with all employees.”

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Cesar L. Alvarez, co-chairman of the international law firm of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, has been elected to membership on the Sears Holdings board of directors.

Alvarez joined Greenberg Traurig in 1973. Prior to his appointment as co-chairman, Alvarez served the firm as its executive chairman for more than three years, and as its CEO 13 years. Prior to becoming CEO in 1997, he practiced securities, corporate and international law for more than 25 years.

Walmart dominated the airwaves this holiday season and the investment paid off, according to advertising measurement firm Ace Metrix which compiled a list of the most effective holiday ads.

Walmart topped the list with a heartwarming spot called Christmas Magic which featuring a selfless child donating a toy he desired to the Salvation Army only to discover he was the recipient of the same toy on Christmas Day. Walmart aired more than 40 unique pieces of holiday-themed creative this season, making it the most prolific advertiser of the season, according to Ace Metrix.