Press Releases

Countries Unite Against Tobacco Industry Interference Nov 22, 2008 06:49AM

DURBAN, South Africa, Nov. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today 160 countries agreed on strong new guidelines to block tobacco industry interference in global health policies and the implementation of the global tobacco treaty.

Since it took effect in 2005, implementation of the treaty, formally known as the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), has been systematically obstructed by Big Tobacco. The abuses of corporations like Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco (BAT) and Japan Tobacco have ranged from attempting to write tobacco control laws, blocking the passage of smoke-free legislation, and using so-called "corporate social responsibility" to circumvent ad bans.

Tobacco industry interference has been the number one obstacle to the treaty's implementation, and ratifying countries now see protections against this interference as the backbone of the treaty.

"The tobacco industry has long exploited every opening to perpetuate a preventable epidemic that pads their bottom line," said Kathy Mulvey, international policy director of Corporate Accountability International. "These guidelines will help advocates and public officials begin to slam the door on tobacco industry tactics, and focus on implementing the treaty's lifesaving measures."

The new guidelines are designed to give teeth to Article 5.3 of the treaty which states, "in setting and implementing their public health policies with respect to tobacco control, Parties shall act to protect these policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in accordance with national law."

The guidelines include the following recommendations, rooted in the principle that the tobacco industry has a fundamental and irreconcilable conflict with public health:

-- governments should reject partnerships with the tobacco industry;

-- conflicts of interest such as the "revolving door" between the tobacco industry and public health offices, government investments in the tobacco industry and tobacco industry representation on tobacco control bodies should be avoided;

-- government interaction with the tobacco industry should be strictly limited and transparent;

-- the tobacco industry should be required to be transparent about its activities, a measure which will help to counter interference by Big Tobacco's front groups and allied organizations.

"This week a diversity of countries, facing a diversity of tobacco industry offenses, arrived on a set of universal principles to strip this industry of its ability to threaten public health," said Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals (NATT) spokesperson Bobby Ramakant. "An important precedent has been set that life-threatening corporate practices will not be tolerated."

Ratifying countries also approved strong guidelines for tobacco product packaging and banning tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, but funding to support treaty implementation remains in question.

"In sum, these measures provide a new impetus for the realization of our aspiration for a tobacco-free world. It is even of greater significance because it was achieved on African soil," said Sam Ochieng from NATT in Kenya. "But now our work begins anew in implementing this landmark treaty. Our initiatives on the ground will require increased funding and constant vigilance against an industry whose profit-driven avarice will continue to challenge our advances, though its power to do so has been greatly reduced."

SOURCE Corporate Accountability International

Spice Guys Talk Turkey About Thanksgiving Nov 22, 2008 06:00AM

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 11/22/08 -- ATTN: FEATURE, FOOD & SPORTS EDITORS

Footballers and sports nuts of all stripes may be well advised to heed the advice of some seasoned spice guys this holiday season.

Apparently the best recipe for not only surviving the hectic holidays but thriving during one of the most important sporting weekends of the year, boasts feature ingredients that even the least kitchen proficient footballer can negotiate - and happily.

The spice guys are seasoned (no pun intended) foodies who, as we head into the holiday season - a.k.a. game-after-game-after-game season - are only too happy to share their Touchdown Turkey recipe and a few tongue-in-cheek holiday survival tips sure to keep husbands out of the dog house and bachelors at the top of the most wanted list.

One trip to the mini mall, a little advance planning and some genuine gestures of thanksgiving to those who traditionally take on the majority of holiday shopping and entertaining, is all it takes to clear the conscience and the schedule for day-after-day of relatively guilt-free sporting bliss.

"Our advice to gentlemen sports fans of all ages this holiday season is to spice things up a little at home. Take a little initiative and earn enough goodwill to last way beyond play-offs," says Spice Depot President New Product Development, Danny Ferraro. "It is way more fun and easier than one would think."

"All you need is a little planning plus a fresh turkey and trimmings, some sea salt, fresh flowers, cloth napkins, two spice blends, some Champagne or dry sparkling wine, two votive candles and some genuine and authentic gestures of thanksgiving. "Pre-blended spice grinders make food seasoning quick and uncomplicated, and two savory flavor combinations are ideal for the holidays - just grind as you go." The spice guys' Touchdown Turkey recipe and a few basics tips keep the long holiday weekend fun, entertaining, sporty and delicious for everyone involved.

Tip #1: There are few problems that a long bath, fresh flowers, a massage and Champagne won't solve.

Tip #2: Keep it simple, inexpensive and all natural.

Tip #3: Always use real cloth napkins and decorate with flowers.

Tip #4: Applies equally to spouses, significant others, and most major holidays.

"The tug for so many of us fellows right about now is that holiday season is also football and hockey season and that very often means an inequitable division of labor. Not to worry though as we've got some fun and rewarding ways to turn the table so to speak, show some initiative and make sure everybody gets what they need and deserve during the holidays."

For the full Touchdown Turkey recipe including a quick and easy one-stop shopping list, step-by-step instructions, fun sidebar advice and great holiday food and wine pairing suggestions, plus other recipes visit the Spice Depot website at www.thespicedepot.com. Images relating to this article are available for download.

Spice Depot 'Always Grind Fresh' grinder-top bottles are ideal for all busy, health-conscious sports fans, as the all-natural pre-blends quickly and easily make basic and prepared foods into gourmet offerings. Look for all 12 spice blends on the shelves or in 72-bottle aisle-end displays in grocery, specialty and convenience stores throughout the country.

MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: media3.marketwire.com/fm/3761

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Contacts:
The Spice Depot, Inc.
Danny Ferraro
Media Contact
1-877-983-1922
Email: media@consensuscom.com
Website: www.thespicedepot.com

GOOD MORNING -- November 22, 2008 Nov 22, 2008 05:59AM

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Winners of the Asian CSR Awards 2008 Announced - Asia's Foremost CSR Awards Programme Nov 22, 2008 05:29AM

Singapore, Nov 22, 2008 - (ACN Newswire) - Five companies from India, Philippines and Sri Lanka were recognized this evening for their outstanding initiatives in corporate social responsibility.

Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of Economic and Social Commission for Asia gave away the awards to the winners this evening.

The Asian CSR Awards, co-presented this year by Intel, is Asia's premier Awards program on corporate social responsibility. This year's awards attracted 170 entries representing 120 companies from 15 countries. It recognizes and honors companies in Asia for their projects and programs in corporate social responsibility. The annual Awards are given in five categories: Best Workplace Practices, Concern for Health, Environmental Excellence, Poverty Alleviation and Support and Improvement of Education. There is an exhaustive search and selection process for the Awards that include the generation of entries, initial screening, and short listing by a panel of experts and final judging.

2008 Asian CSR Awards Winners and Excellence Awardees

I. Best Workplace Practices

- Winner: Microsoft Philippines, Employee Wellness Program, Philippines

- Excellence Awardees:

City Developments Ltd, Work-Life Harmony, Singapore

CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd., CLP Quality Work Life (QWL) Programme, Hong Kong

II. Concern for Health

- Winner: Johnson & Johnson Philippines, War on Worms in Western Visayas (WOW-V), Philippines

- Excellence Awardees:

Bangkok Hospital Medical Center, BMC Sky ICU, Thailand

Dialog Telekom PLC, Providing Accessibility: Sri Lanka's first state-of-the-art Hearing centre, Sri Lanka

III. Environmental Excellence

- Winner: Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd. BOOND India

- Excellence Awardees:

City Developments Ltd., "1 Degree C Up" Pilot Campaign, Singapore

City Developments Ltd., Water Recycling and Silt Water Treatment Programme at Construction Sites, Singapore

IV. Poverty Alleviation

- Winner: Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, Business for Peace Initiative, Sri Lanka

- Excellence Awardees:

Philam Foundation, The GoodWell Fund, Philippines

Hindustan Zinc Ltd., Zinc Integrated Poverty Alleviation Programme, India

V. Support and Improvement of Education

- Winner: Bharti Foundation, Satya Bharti School Program, India

- Excellence Awardees:

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, Educational Television (ETV), Philippines

Johnson & Johnson Phils., War On Worms In Western Visayas (Wow-V), Philippines

The INTEL-AIM Corporate Responsibility Award (IACRA) honors specific companies, NGOs, organizations in Asia for excellent CSR projects in one or more of the following areas: Education, Community Involvement, Environmental Stewardship and Poverty Alleviation through providing innovative use of ICT. The winner is Shakarganj Mills Ltd. with NTPC Ltd. as the excellence awardee.

The Banyan Tree Value Challenge is an opportunity for eligible NGOs to get additional funding by making a competitive presentation of a CSR project or program. This year's winner is Tulir Centre for Prevention (India) and the runner up is Center for Health, Education, Training and Nutritional Awareness (CHETNA).

A Special Achievement Award was given to Singapore Compact for Corporate Social Responsibility for their outstanding CSR contribution and the Award was received by Ms. Claire Chiang, President of Singapore Compact for CSR.

More than 480 delegates from 30 countries attended the Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) 2008 at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Singapore on November 20 & 21, 2008.

Recognized as the largest and most significant conference and awards program on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Asia, AFCSR 2008 was co-organized by the Asian Institute of Management's RVR Center for Corporate Social Responsibility (AIM-RVR Center) and Singapore Compact for CSR. Co-chairing the event were Ramon R. del Rosario, President and CEO of Philippine Investment-Management (PHINMA), Inc., Mr. Boon Yoon Chiang, Chairman and Managing Director, Jardine Matheson (Singapore) and Ms. Claire Chiang, President of Singapore Compact for CSR and Senior Vice President of Banyan Tree Holdings Limited. The organizing committee is composed of representatives from major sponsors, regional NGOs, International organizations and CSR organizations.

AFCSR 2008

AFCSR 2008 has the support of distinguished sponsors including Intel as Strategic Partner: Asian CSR Awards and Official Technology Partner; Microsoft, Shell, The Coca-Cola Company and Unilever as Strategic Corporate Partners; Ballarpur Industries Ltd, Borneo Motors (Singapore) Pte Ltd, City Developments Limited, Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd., Holcim and Standard Chartered Bank as Official Industry Partners, Banyan Tree, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, Senoko Power, Starbucks Singapore Pte Ltd. and Tolaram Group as Cooperating Partners and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board. The Official Public Relations Company Partner is Bang Public Relations Pte Ltd with AMEX Team, Creative Crest, Integrated Public Relations, Masso PR and PR Society of Indonesia as Cooperating PR Partners. Official media partners include International Herald Tribune, ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), ACN Newswire, Ammado, Asian Quality Magazine, Asia Weekly, Business Monitor International / Asia Monitor, BusinessWorld, China CSR, CSR Asia, Roof and Facade Magazine, Sustainable Innovation, The Employer Magazine, The Training Magazine and XL Media.

- AFCSR has 26 leading NGO partners from all over Asia. These are:

- Asian Institute of Management Alumni of Singapore

- ActionAid International Vietnam

- ASEAN Foundation

- Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium

- Business Ethics Institute of Malaysia

- Business in the Community-UK

- Center for Development and Integration - Vietnam

- Centre for Social Markets - India

- Community Business - Hong Kong

- Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry

- Council for Better Corporate Citizenship - Japan

- German Technical Cooperation (GTZ)

- Habitat for Humanity International

- Indonesia Business Links

- Kenan Institute Asia

- League of Corporate Foundations - Philippines

- Makati Business Club

- Management Association of the Philippines

- Management Institute for Social Change - Malaysia

- National Center for Sustainability Reporting - Indonesia

- Philippine Business for Social Progress

- Population and Community Development Association of Thailand

- Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum

- PPM Institute of Management - Indonesia

- Responsible Business Initiative - Pakistan

- Singapore Compact for CSR

For further information on the Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility and Asian CSR Awards, please visit www.asianforumcsr.com

About the Asian CSR Awards

Presented by the Asian Institute of Management - Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. Center for Corporate Responsibility, the Asian CSR Awards Program recognises and honors Asian companies for outstanding, innovative and world-class products, services, projects and programs. The companies are assessed in five categories: leadership, sincerity and ongoing commitment in incorporating ethical values, compliance with legal requirements, respect for individuals, involvement in communities and protection of the environment into the way they do business.

About Asian Institute of Management - Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. Center for Corporate Responsibility

The AIM - Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. Center for Corporate Responsibility is a research and programme arm of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM). The AIM - RVR center is committed to develop professional, entrepreneurial and socially responsible leaders and managers for social excellence. It is the Center's belief that only when CSR can be structured as a business model and regarded as fundamental to strategy and general management in order for it be sustainable.

About Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility

Recognized as being the largest and most significant conference on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Asia, the principal hosts of AFCSR 2008 are the Asian Institute of Management's Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. Center for Corporate Social Responsibility (AIM-RVR Center) and Singapore Compact for CSR. The organizing committee is composed of representatives of partner organizations from all over Asia and is co-chaired by Ramon R. del Rosario, Jr. Chairman of the Board of Advisors, AIM-RVR Center for Corporate Social Responsibility and AIM Governor in Singapore, Mr. Boon Yoon Chiang, Chairman and Managing Director, Jardine Matheson (Singapore) Ltd and Ms. Claire Chiang, President of Singapore Compact for CSR.

Contact:Feisal Abdul Rahman
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Benedict Jacob-Thambiah
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Shawn Pamintuan
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OIC EVENTS
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Email: shawnpamintuan@oiceventsasia.comCopyright 2008 ACN Newswire. 

All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

'CSR: Doing the Right Things the Right Way' - AIM Launches Book on CSR at Intel Nov 22, 2008 04:49AM

Singapore, Nov 22, 2008 - (ACN Newswire) - Intel's wide array of corporate responsibility programs is the subject of a new case book by the Ramon V del Rosario Center for Corporate Social Responsibility Asian Institute of Management. Entitled "Corporate Social Responsibility in Asia: Getting It Done The Intel Way," the case book features 15 case studies on the implementation of Intel CSR programs in education, community work, the environment, and supplier ethics in India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

According to Dr Anjan Ghosh, Intel Director of Corporate Affairs for Asia Pacific, "Corporate responsibility is an essential ingredient of how we do business: with uncompromising integrity and respect for the world around us. We are honored that an institution of the stature of the Asian Institute of Management has researched our programs and decided to publish its findings in the form of this book."

Ghosh adds, "It is a pleasure to share our work and we hope our key learnings can carry forward so that others may benefit. Doing things the right way is never easy, but it is a must for any business to thrive and be sustainable."

Based on in-depth interviews with internal and external stakeholders of Intel's CSR programs, the case studies featured in the book demonstrate the concrete benefits of implementing sustainable and well-focused CSR programs, both for society and for companies. The select case studies also show the value of leveraging on the competencies of the company's internal and external stakeholders, including employees, governments, civil society organizations, residents of host communities, and other companies, in effectively addressing key social issues that affect the long-term stability and competitiveness of Asian societies and the firms operating in them.

"Corporate Social Responsibility in Asia: Getting It Done The Intel Way," contributes to the body of knowledge and presents creative documentation of innovative and best CSR practices in Asia.

About Intel

Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

Contact:Tere L Pacis
Intel Technology Phils., Inc.
Mobile: +63 920-9126187
Email: ma.teresa.l.pacis@intel.comCopyright 2008 ACN Newswire. All 

rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com