Sustainability

ATLANTA — Coca-Cola on Thursday announced that Geoffrey Kelly will be retiring from his post as SVP and general counsel.

Kelly, who joined the company in 1970, will retire in February 2012. He has served in the role of SVP and general counsel since 2005.

Succeeding Kelly is Bernhard Goepelt, who will take on the role of SVP general counsel and chief legal counsel, effective immediately. Kelly will remain SVP during a transition period, Coca-Cola noted.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Foundation on Thursday announced it is investing nearly $1.4 million in neighborhoods across the Southeast through partnerships with 116 nonprofit organizations, providing a broad range of services.

By providing grants to programs that feed the hungry, assist women and children in need, help the sick and address inequalities in education and health, the Winn-Dixie Foundation reaches out to neighbors in five states across the Southeast, the foundation noted.

Beachwood, Ohio -- DDR Corp. announced the appointment of Luke Petherbridge as senior VP capital markets. In this role, Petherbridge will be primarily responsible for capital raising, actively managing the balance sheet and maintaining strong lender relationships.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis.--Kohl’s Department Stores will pilot electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at 33 stores nationwide. Each participating Kohl’s store will have one to four parking spaces reserved for EV drivers to charge at no cost while they shop. Charging stations can be activated by EV drivers in various ways including radio frequency identification (RFID) cards available at Kohl’s customer service desk and via phone numbers provided on the charging stations.

Dallas — Davaco has acquired Ecoxera, an Austin, Texas-based retail sustainability consulting firm. Justin Doak, who is the founder of Ecoxera, will continue to serve as president.

Wal-Mart Stores' Mexican subsidiary, Walmex, is now part of the Mexican Stock Exchange's newly created Sustainable Index, the company reported. 

New York City -- Wal-Mart Stores spent $1.49 million on lobbying in the third quarter on a wide range of issues including food safety, nutritional labeling and corporate tax reform, according to a recent disclosure report.

The total is the same as the $1.49 million the discounter spent in second quarter 2011.
 

Spokane, Wash. -- Ecova, a total energy and sustainability management company, has been selected by Rite Aid to provide utility expense and energy management services. Ecova will assist Rite Aid in monitoring, understanding and reducing energy use at approximately 4,700 Rite Aid pharmacies nationwide.