Corporate Responsibility

DALLAS — Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s are joining together to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with two large construction projects that will bring together Lowe’s Heroes, community organizations, schools and local VIPS to celebrate Hispanic heritage while building strong foundations for the future in partnership with Dallas and Houston families. The project includes building two new homes and completing critical repairs on three existing homes in partnership with low-income families.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s reaffirmed its green reputation with the announcement that it will expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging station initiative with 36 new stations across 18 additional Kohl’s locations by the end of fall 2012. The expansion spans three new states, including Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin and adds additional locations to the company’s Texas EV program. With the expansion, Kohl’s shoppers will be able to take advantage of a total of 101 charging stations at 52 Kohl’s locations across 14 states.

Philadelphia -- The Pep Boys has named David Stern as executive VP, CFO, effective Sept. 10.  He will oversee the finance function, as well as technology and corporate development.

Stern most recently served as executive VP, chief administrative officer and CFO for A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts. Prior to that, he held roles at Coldwater Creek.

CINCINNATI — Kroger has released its sixth annual sustainability report.

BERLIN, N.J. — For the second year in a row, A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts along with its associates and customers, will team up to raise funds from Sept. 9 through Oct. 13, 2012, for the American Cancer Society through A.C. Moore's "Crafting a Better World" program." This initiative coincides with the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign in October, and gives customers an opportunity to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market said Friday that it has launched two new eco-friendly gift cards, with plans to replace the  recycled plastic cards that will be phased out over time.

The new cards – one made of paper and the other of responsibly harvested wood— are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and have a lower carbon footprint, are reusable, recyclable, compostable and require less energy to be produced.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has donated $150,000 in cash and products to assist with Hurricane Isaac relief efforts. A $120,000 cash donation was given to the American Red Cross in support of response efforts. An additional $20,000 in product donations and $10,000 in Target gift cards will be given to other nonprofit organizations in affected areas for essentials such as water and food.

The Marine Stewardship Council received a nearly $11 million cash infusion from a trio of charitable foundations, including the Walton Family Foundation.

The groups said the multi-year investment would support expansion of a seafood certification program and continue development of partnerships with fishermen, industry and retailers.