Director's Blog: Conference Keynotes Feature Insightful, Inspiring Voices

Katherine V. Smith, Executive Director, Boston College Center
Apr 8, 2013 12:45 PM ET

Director's Blog

More than 600 corporate members will arrive in Boston for our 2013 International Corporate Citizenship Conference this month. We look forward to welcoming all those who will be with us - and to keeping those of you who aren't able to be with us on-site involved via social media in the important conversations that will take place.

The Travelers Companies, Inc. will get us off to a great start Sunday evening when Andy F. Bessette, Travelers executive vice president and chief administrative officer, introduces a panel of The Travelers Companies, Inc. colleagues who will talk about how they connect the areas of public policy, diversity, and community relations, with a continuing focus on aligning with the company's business objectives. This collaborative style has been at the core of the firm's successful efforts in executing corporate citizenship in a decentralized, matrixed organization.

Monday morning, Timothy R. Baer, executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for Target Corporation will tell us about the evolution of the company’s corporate responsibility strategy. Target has always linked its business health to the health and stability of its communities and now sees an emerging need for corporate citizenship leaders to have a public voice on issues and engage with consumers, peers, and other stakeholders to advance common goals.

Denise Morrison, president and CEO of Campbell Soup Company, will speak about how the company strives to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.  She will share her personal story and relate the ways that Campbell’s corporate citizenship works to nourish consumers, neighbors, employees, and the planet. Her presentation will touch on Campbell’s efforts to improve nutrition and wellness,  leverage social responsibility and sustainability as drivers of their corporate culture, and reduce Campbell’s environmental footprint. Read more.