Category: past events

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Speaker: Melissa Giovagnoli, Founder and CEO, Networlding

Host:William Wrigley Jr. Company

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Melissa Giovagnoli, a leading expert on the development of social networks as a means of growing and accelerating brand loyalty and performance improvement inside and outside organizations, will share examples she has seen implemented as well as a number of public examples to help us gain a better understanding of what can and should be done when it comes to implementing effective social media initiatives. She will also discuss what NOT to do as social media spreads more and more into the area of reputation management, impacting everyone in all types of organizations.

 

Melissa and her social media team have spent thousands of hours researching what works and what does not work, providing relationship marketing, social media management and innovation programs for organizations such as AT&T, CNA, UBS, Hewitt, Motorola and Disney. They have also been at the cutting edge of social media innovation. She will share her team’s insights as to what is coming around the bend and even a bit further to help us get ahead of the social media curve.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

The future belongs to companies who can create synergies between their company’s people, profits and passions. Doing so begins with understanding which markets and stakeholders are key to your company’s success, and taking calculated risks that challenge the status quo while keeping values intact.

The Corporate Responsibility Group of Chicago (CR Group) has invited leading executives to discuss their views on how to stay on the forefront of game-changing social issues while addressing the larger question of taking collective action to create a win-win climate for business and society.

Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Wacker Drive

This discussion features a panel comprised of thought-leaders and trend-setters among Chicago’s leading companies.

Panel Moderator:
Francia Harrington, Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility, JPMorgan Chase & Company

Panelists:

Ruth Ann M. Gillis, Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative and Diversity Officer, Exelon Corporation; President, Exelon Business Services Company

Richard P. Kiphart, Lyric Opera’s CEO and Head of Private Client Advisors, William Blair & Company

Shannon Schuyler, US Corporate Responsibility Leader, PwC

Eric S. Smith, Managing Director, Investment Banking Group, JPMorgan Chase & Company

Special Welcome by William Mason, General Director, Lyric Opera of Chicago

Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Speaker: Professor David Scheffer | Mayer Brown/Robert A. Helman Professor of Law
Director of the Center for International Human Rights -Northwestern University School of Law

Host: Northwestern University School of Law | Bluhm Legal Clinic
375 East Chicago Avenue /8th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611

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In the complex and rapidly evolving arena of corporate social responsibility, satisfying a company’s social contract with the community clearly is no longer enough and leveraging social change to drive business value is just one of the innovative ways of meeting and staying ahead of the challenges. The new paradigm of the business case for CSR also includes the need for sophisticated, multi-layered regimes of compliance. Not just for solely moral imperatives or in order to create and capture business value for the long run, but also in order to protect the very existence a corporation and the worth of its stock as CSR issues take hold in the courts and beyond.

Professor David Scheffer, a former U.S. Ambassador at Large for War Crimes Issues (1997-2001), who teaches International Human Rights Law, International Criminal Law, and Corporate Human Rights Responsibility at the Center for International Human Rights, will discuss with us his five levels of CSR compliance—rhetorical deference to CSR compliance, self-regulatory compliance with industry standards, Alien Tort Statute compliance, compliance strategies to manage and minimize risks, and a “counterattack” level of compliance. 

The law of compliance and liability is changing perhaps just as fast as the definition of CSR. Prof. Scheffer will explain some of these changes – in particular, the extremely significant developments in the federal courts just since August on corporate liability under the Alien Tort Statute. He will engage us in a discussion of the impact those developments may have − alone and in conjunction with the Supreme Court’s decision, that a corporation is a “person” for purposes of First Amendment freedom of speech protection − on a corporation’s and its board of directors’ liability – even criminal liability.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Speaker: Jason Saul | CEO and Founder – Mission Measurement LLC

Host: William Wrigley Jr. Company
410 North Michigan Avenue / 410 Club Conference Rooms
Chicago, IL 60611

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Most citizenship strategies were originally designed to satisfy the company’s social contract with the community. Yet with the recent economic challenges, almost all community/citizenship activities are being evaluated as to their value to the community and to the business. Is it possible to meet both successfully, and how can this be evaluated and communicated to the various stakeholders? Jason Saul, who, in addition to heading up Mission Measurement, teaches corporate social responsibility and nonprofit management at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, serves on the faculty of Boston College’s Center for Corporate Citizenship, and in 2010, was named one of the Nation’s 25 Most Promising Social Entrepreneurs Businessweek Magazine, will discuss how these possibilities can be realized. Based on five years of research measuring the impact of corporate social strategies, Jason will present five strategies from his upcoming book Social Innovation, Inc.  that leverage social change to drive business value.  Additionally, Jason will reveal best practices in outcomes measurement that are relevant to both social change and business value.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Speaker: Kelly O’Brien | Vice President of Communications and Marketing
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago

Host: Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP
225 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois  60606-1229

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For a nation that proudly declared it would leave no child behind, America continues to do so at alarming rates. Despite increased spending and politicians’ promises, our buckling public-education system, once the best in the world, routinely forsakes the education of millions of children. From the creators of An Inconvenient Truth, Waiting for Superman is a new documentary that follows five promising students through a system that inhibits, rather than encourages, academic growth and talks to educators and reformers trying to find lasting solutions within a broken education system. During this session, Kelly O’Brien will share a sneak peak of Waiting for Superman, lead a discussion about possible solutions and talk about the steps United Way is taking in Chicagoland to make a change.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Speaker: Shirley R. Madigan | Chairman
Illinois Arts Council

Host: Northern Trust
181 West Madison Street – 7th Floor
Chicago, IL 60603

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Shirley Madigan will engage us in a lively conversation about why corporations should continue to care about cultural development in Chicago. She will share her perspectives on why and how cultural development equates to economic well-being – yes – even in the current difficult economy. She will motivate, cajole and provoke the audience, and will invite a healthy debate on the assets and challenges of corporate responsibility within Chicago’s cultural sector. Libby Lai-Bun Chiu, CRG Board Member, will serve as Chairman Madigan’s “interviewer.”

Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Speaker: Terry Mazany | President and CEO
The Chicago Community Trust

Host: Chase Bank
10 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60603

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Without the prospect of hosting the 2016 Olympic Games to fuel Chicago’s plans for civic growth and vitality, Chicago has an urgent need to develop a new vision for inspired economic development in order to retain its standing as one of the world’s top 10 global cities. 

Terry Mazany will discuss how this imperative, in the wake of the Great Recession, is the most important challenge facing the baby boomer generation – a challenge that demands us to lead boldly, as those who came before us did in the turbulent times of World War II and the Great Depression, to ensure that Chicago remains a vibrant, thriving metropolitan center. 

Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Speakers: Kevin Willer | Head of Industry, Technology & Telecom
Jake Parillo |Public Affairs
Google Inc.

Host: Google
20 West Kinzie Street
Chicago, IL 60610

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Without a doubt, Google is a dominant force in the rapidly changing environments we discussed at our March meeting, but in many more ways than we might know. Google offers tools and strategies to aid corporations in advancing socially responsible agendas, including getting their CSR message out, motivating and organizing corporate-supported volunteer programs and transforming those volunteers into fund raisers, annual donors, board members, etc. At the same time, Google offers a variety of marketing and productivity tools for little or no cost to non-profits that can help them raise money online, recruit volunteers, get their messages out, and run their organizations. Kevin Willer and Jake Parillo will also discuss their Google.org work and focus. They invite you to bring your questions.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Speaker: Professor Timothy J. Feddersen | Wendell Hobbs Professor of Managerial Politics
Director of the Social Enterprise at Kellogg Program (SEEK) |Kellogg School of Management
Northwestern University

Host: Kellogg School of Management |Northwestern University
Wieboldt Hall | 340 East Superior Street – 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611

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In recent decades corporations have increasingly become the dominant source for political and social change. Increased globalization and technological progress have further accelerated this process. Businesses are now held accountable by standards other than legal compliance or financial performance. Successful business and nonprofit leaders have recognized that these challenges are best mastered by a commitment to values-based management. However, simply “doing the right thing” is not enough. Organizations must be prepared to handle rapidly changing environments and anticipate potential threats, and business leaders must anticipate the reaction of stakeholder groups within the firm, in the media, in legislatures, courts and in public opinion broadly.
Professor Tim Feddersen will address these issues and discuss the intersection of leadership and managerial decision making within the broader social environment. He will share a little about how the Kellogg School is supporting socially responsible global leaders and helping them learn tools and frameworks necessary to navigate the nonprofit, business and government sectors.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Speakers: Nicole Teti |Director of Strategic Advancement
Carli Franks | Senior Associate of Community Fundraising
American Red Cross of Greater Chicago

Host: Deloitte Services, LP
111 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL  60606

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Learn about the relief response to the situation in Haiti from these two American Red Cross professionals. They will also discuss local efforts to support the Haiti relief effort as well as how your corporation or organization can get involved in general disaster relief activities through the ARC’s program, “Ready When the Time Comes.”

 

Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Speakers: Bill Geiger | President and CEO
McGaw YMCA, Evanston, IL

Diane Kemp | Executive Director
American Heart Association, Midwest Affiliate

Host: ArcelorMittal
One South Dearborn Street
13th Floor ­– the Tubarao Room
Chicago, IL  60603

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Learn about wellness programs, educational and motivational tools and other creative and bold ways nonprofits are assisting corporations’ employees, their families and youth in the community in being more active every day, more in control of a healthy future and in combating the alarming increase of child obesity. Highlighted will be the YMCA’s “Activate America” and the AHA’s “Jump Rope for Heart” programs.

November 17, 2009
Speaker: Robert Christi | Vice President Government and Legislative Relations
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Host: Northwestern Memorial Hospital – Prentice Women’s Hospital
3rd Floor Conference Center – Room M
Superior and Fairbanks Streets
Chicago, Illinois

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An Update on the Healthcare Reform Debate: Healthcare Reform and Its Impact on Hospitals

October 20, 2009
Speaker: Gaye van den Hombergh- President |Winning Workplaces

Host: Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP
225 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois  60606

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Winning Workplaces, a nationally recognized not-for-profit organization headquartered in Evanston, along with its media partner, The Wall Street Journal, recently announced the 15 Top Small Workplaces in North America. This is the sixth year Winning Workplaces has identified and honored leaders and organizations for their work in creating the kinds of workplaces that are “better for business, better for people and better for society.” These companies have been ahead of the “corporate responsibility” curve, and their corporate values, people practices, and community involvement have served them well during these economic times.  Ms. van den Hombergh will discuss how corporate social responsibility is actually gaining importance in corporate concerns about recruitment, retention, professional development and “the bottom line.”

Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Speakers: Gregory M. Mueller, Ph.D. | Vice President, Science and Academic Programs

Location: The Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, Illinois  60022

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Unbeknownst to many, the Chicago Botanic Garden is much more than just an outstanding place of natural beauty – it has been working on research, education, sustainability, corporate responsibility and conservation for 15 years and is at the forefront of plant conservation science with one of the largest and highest impact plant conservation science programs in the world.  The new, LEED certified, 38,000 square foot Plant Conservation Science Center will serve as headquarters to the Botanic Garden’s extensive efforts in plant conservation, as a state of the art research facility for the Garden’s 200 scientists, graduate students, interns and collaborators, and as home to a unique master’s and Ph.D. programs in plant biology and conservation in offered in partnership with Northwestern University.  The Center – a fully functional research and laboratory facility with fully accessible green roof garden – will also be open to all visitors to the Botanic Garden − making science an integral part of any visit to the Garden! And it is just the first phase!

We will begin at the Linnaeus Room at the Regenstein Center – just follow the signs from the Visitor Center. After opening remarks by MS. Sophia Siskel, we will go by tram to the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center for a private tour conducted by Dr. Mueller.
There is so much more to tell you about this – so you must come and hear Mr. Ball and Dr. Mueller present all the Botanic Garden has to offer!

Tuesday June 16, 2009
Speakers: Adele Simmons | Vice Chair and Senior Executive – Chicago Metropolis 2020
Vice Chair – The Burnham Centennial Committee
Randy Blankenhorn | Executive Director
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

Host: Exelon Corporation
10 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois  60603

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There are exciting plans for celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the collaboration of Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett and the Commercial Club of Chicago in creating a new plan for the greater Chicago region. Please join us for a discussion of how the Burnham Plan Centennial celebration is providing a springboard for our region’s communities, leaders and institutions to come together and build on the success of the Burnham Plan to ensure that metropolitan Chicago continues to be one of the world’s best places to live and work. Ms. Simmons and Mr. Blankenhorn will speak about the bold plans from around the region, such as the Green Legacy Projects, Chicago Metropolis 2020 and the GO TO 2040 regional plan, setting us on the path to succeed in the 21st century global competition for jobs, prosperity and quality of life and explain how organizations and individuals can get involved.

May 19, 2009
Speaker: R. Rene Friedman | Partner – Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP

Host: Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP
225 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois  60606-1229

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Please join us for an informative and up-to-the minute presentation on recent trends in not-for-profit governance, including:
*Director liability for failure to adequately monitor and supervise.
*The new Form 990 and how post-SOX developments are impacting the not-for-profit world.
*Recent enforcement trends and how those impact corporate governance going forward.  
*Best practices regarding issues of conflict of interest and independence of board.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Speakers: Colleen Lennon | Resource Development Director – Boys and Girls Club of Lake County
Amy Newkirk | Geography Marketing Senior Associate – PricewaterhouseCoopers

Host: PricewaterhouseCoopers
6th Floor – One North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606

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From the perspective of a corporation and a non-profit organization, the speakers will discuss the types and numerous benefits of corporate-supported volunteer programs. Then they will explore the very important whys – again from both perspectives − and hows of transforming those volunteers into fund raisers, annual donors, board members, etc.

We invite you to participate in this discussion as well.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Speakers: Christopher Clinton Conway | Executive Director – The Joffrey Ballet
James Cuno | President and Eloise W. Martin Director – The Art Institute of Chicago

Host: The Joffrey Ballet
Joffrey Tower – Studio E on the third floor
10 East Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601

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Join Mr. Conway and Mr. Cuno at Joffrey Tower, the first permanent home for The Joffrey Ballet, one of the premiere ballet companies in the world, for a conversation about the significant, vital contributions the Arts can make to communities during these difficult economic times and how, at the same time, the economy threatens the vitality and even the survival of cultural institutions and programs. These distinguished leaders of the Arts World will explore strategies for Arts programs to remain vigorous in the face of the current economic climate. In addition, Mr. Conway will discuss the new facility and what a permanent home means for The Joffrey, and Mr. Cuno will give a preview of what is in store for us when the Modern Wing at The Art Institute opens in May. Immediately following the meeting, tour the new facility and, if your schedule allows, stick around to watch the beginning of a company class at 10 a.m.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Speaker: Thomas Kerwin, FAIA | Managing Partner – Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
Lead Designer for the 2016 Olympic Bid

Host: Chicago Architecture Foundation
Santa Fe Building
224 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60604

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Architecture is becoming increasingly central in critical debates about sustainability, community development, infrastructure and the health of urban regions. In Chicago, the quintessential city of modern architecture and a model for public-private partnerships, corporate social responsibility leaders are in a unique position to take an active role in these debates. Thomas Kerwin, a trustee of the Chicago Architecture Foundation, will address these and other pressing questions. He will speak about the renewed national attention to issues of urban areas and the built environment and will situate Chicago in the context of the global building boom of the past decade and the current economy. Mr. Kerwin, the lead designer of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid, will also discuss the impact of the bid on all of these issues for the Chicago area.

In addition, our morning presentation will include a unique “guided tour” of the permanent exhibition “You Are Here” housed in the ArcelorMittal CitySpace Gallery − highlighting and illustrating the morning’s discussion.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Speaker: Chef Christopher Koetke | Dean, School of Culinary Arts – Kendall College

Host: Kendall College
900 N. North Branch Street
Chicago, IL  60622

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In 2005, Kendall College School of the Culinary Arts began its sustainability focus, which includes not just sorting trash for recycling, but also composting; using not only chlorine-free, recycled paper products, but also aluminum foil made from recycled material – and much more in its operational practices. However, the School also takes sustainability into its classrooms by integrating recycling and composting as daily practices in its classroom kitchens, with 10 hours in the fine-dining curriculum dedicated to exploring issues surrounding sustainability – and much more.

Join us as Dean and Chef Christopher Koetke (La Francais, L’Escargot – USA; Pavilion Elysees, Pierre Gagnaire, Taillevent and Pierre Orsi − France) discusses the School’s Sustainability Initiative to prepare and inspire all its students to become industry leaders and responsible global citizens.