A Fashion Find That Feeds
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Coach. Vera Bradley. Kate Spade. Who would have thought the next up and coming tote bag would be made popular by the United Nations?
The FEED bag, created by the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), may not have been a predictable addition to any popular fashion mags "Must Have Accessories" list, but this organically made tote bag seems to be frequenting the shoulders of celebrities and average Joes alike. And contrary to what I initially thought—the proceeds do not go to starving farm animals.
So here is the story behind the FEED bag:
Don't Drive Day!
Tomorrow, August 13 is Don't Drive Day in Charlotte. This Mecklenburg County Air Quality program initiative aims to limit and minimize air pollution and promote education and awareness around the community.
So take the Lynx, ride a bike, or a vegetable cart, but whatever you do, don’t drive! And then be sure to email [email protected] to explain how you got to work, and to be eligible for prizes!!
Lending a Helping Hand
The other day our creative department was brainstorming ideas and activities to help keep our creativity fresh and our momentum going. We were suggesting all kinds of activities from visiting the local library to spending the day at an amusement park, when someone mentioned volunteering. What a great idea! Volunteering not only provides an outside activity for us to engage in, but it is a great team building exercise and, of course, it benefits the community.
I later came across an article on the CNN website titled, “Volunteer Work Can Be Good for Career.” The article talks about new ways in which companies are offering incentives for their employees to volunteer in the community. It also mentions an organization called VolunteerMatch which matches non-profit organizations with volunteers.
VolunteerMatch has a website on which individuals or groups can search for local volunteer opportunities. What I found particularly interesting are the Corporate Solutions that VolunteerMatch offers. Companies can join VolunteerMatch to promote volunteering in the workplace and gain access to VolunteerMatch’s resources. Several companies such as Target, Johnson & Johnson, and General Mills have already jumped on board. Companies that promote volunteer work and take an interest in the community are not only fostering a better work environment, but they are building their brand’s reputation as well.
I started thinking about ways in which our employees are involved in the community and serve as volunteers. Maghan Cook, an Addison Whitney employee spends a lot of her time volunteering for Planned Parenthood and United Family Services. Every year in December, Addison Whitney participates in the “Giving Tree,” a project sponsored by the local Department of Social Services. Employees can donate money or toys to help children in foster care or group homes have a happy holiday. inVentiv Communications employees contribute to GRACE, a charitable initiative to assist senior citizens in need access life-sustaining prescription drugs and other healthcare services.
What is the most interesting or rewarding volunteer opportunity you have participated in?
By: Jessica McGrail
Big-Hearted Brands: Sweet Feet
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If you are like me, you probably have at least twenty pairs of shoes in your closet. You probably even want to kick yourself, with that new pair of shoes you just bought, for straining your finances in the name of fashion.
However, there is a new shoe brand on the market that will not only go easy on your wallet, but make you feel good as well (and not just because these shoes are super comfortable)!
Read more
Big Hearted Brands
What do TOMS Shoes, The Gap, and the United Nations Development Group all have in common? These organizations, along with many others, are making an earnest effort to make the world a better place.
"Cause branding" is becoming a popular medium for companies, organizations, and their customers, to show support for humanitarian issues and promote social responsibility. Stay tuned for posts about new products you can buy that not only look good, but will make you feel good too!
Contributed by Laine Beyerl
Think Before You Ink!
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Addison Whitney employees are taking steps to make the office lean and green. Kristin Everidge and Maghan Cook enlisted the help of intern Kelsey Bryant, from Elon University, to design a poster encouraging everyone to reduce, reuse, and recycle print paper. The posters are displayed at each printer station with instructions on how to print on the reverse of unneeded printouts and a bin for collecting scrap paper.
Want to use this poster for your workspace too? Just follow these simple instructions.
1. Download the poster and accompanying instructions sheet
2. Open using Adobe Reader
3. Print the large format poster (page 1) on 11” x 17” (Tabloid) or scale to print on 8.5” x 11” (US Letter)
4. Print instruction sheet (page 2) on 8.5” x 11” (US Letter)
5. Hang by your printers and start to make a difference!
This resource will also be available on the DOWNLOADS tab on brand salsa.