Free Public Lecture on Corporate Responsibility

THE VERMONT BUSINESS CENTER
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT

Leading and Learning Discussion Series
April 1, 2010

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
AND THE BOTTOM LINE:
Leveraging CSR as Strategic Tool for Innovation

Traditional thinking suggests that efforts to create a more environmentally friendly or socially responsible business lead to added costs but no immediate financial return. Yet some highly successful companies have found that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives contribute directly to their bottom line results and the overall performance of their organizations. This learning discussion series will explore the role of CSR programs within a for-profit business model and how they can be leveraged strategically.

Michael Dupee will share his experience leading the CSR arm at successful Vermont-based company, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. As Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Michael manages the company's allocation of 5% pre-tax earnings into socially responsible projects, provides strategic direction, and reports publicly on the company's social responsibility initiatives and programs. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is one of the nation’s leading specialty coffee companies, recognized not only for its award-winning coffees but also for its socially responsible business practices. Michael’s talk will focus specifically on how CSR is supporting Green Mountain Coffee’s current branding campaign.

Benefits:

Explore the bottom-line advantages of CSR programs

Learn methods of integrating CSR activities with traditional
business functions

Understand the importance of relevant and accessible CSR messaging

 Explore ways of aligning CSR initiatives with specific brands

For more information, contact the Vermont Business Center at (802)656-4033 or vbc@uvm.edu. To register, visit http://vbcleadershipseries.eventbrite.com.