Month: September 2019

2019-09-27T13:01:01

(BPT) – A year ago, Cheri’s chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was classified as stage IV, requiring constant support from an oxygen tank. Even rolling over in bed at night exhausted her.

Cheri was on a waiting list for a lung transplant when her pulmonologist in Eugene, Oregon, asked her if she would be interested in undergoing a new minimally invasive procedure, a bronchoscopic lung volume reduction. During the procedure, a doctor uses a bronchoscope to place one-way valves in identified lung airways. The valves stop air from entering the diseased part of the lungs and allow the healthy part of the lungs to expand, thereby decreasing shortness of breath.

Despite the fact that the closest doctor who could perform the procedure was 600 miles away in Mountain View, California, Cheri decided to proceed. In March 2019, she traveled to El Camino Health’s Mountain View Hospital. She was required to arrive at the hospital one day prior to the operation to meet with the interventional pulmonologist.

“I had looked up Dr. Ganesh Krishna on YouTube, so meeting him wasn’t like meeting a stranger,” Cheri recalls. “As a retired nurse, I know when you get into specialty treatment areas, it can become more scientific and confusing, but his compassion and concern never made me feel overwhelmed.”

The Mountain View Hospital was the first hospital in California to offer the Zephyr treatment for patients with severe COPD/emphysema, and Cheri was among the first 10 patients to receive the treatment. At the time, it was only available at select hospitals that were part of clinical research trials to get the device approved.

After the procedure, Cheri spent three nights in the hospital while being monitored with telemetry and by a respiratory therapist. A physical therapist also came in to assist her with walking. She was nervous about being discharged and living so far away should something happen, but the team reassured her she was in good hands with her primary pulmonologist back home.

“Entry to exit, everybody at El Camino Health was professional, kind and very helpful,” Cheri said. “The nursing care was a step above the norm.”

Since Cheri and her family made the lengthy drive from Eugene to Mountain View, they decided to extend their stay in California. Four days following the treatment, the family visited Six Flags in Vallejo, where Cheri and her granddaughter swam with dolphins — an activity that would’ve been impossible a week before.

“I feel unbelievable now,” Cheri said. “I’m no longer relying on oxygen and I can play with my toddler grandchildren, walk up and down flights of stairs and walk long distances, no problem.”

2019-09-27T13:33:01

(BPT) – SPONSORED

From small home offices to co-working spaces to hotels and airplanes — as a small business owner, you’ve likely learned that being flexible with your work environment is critical to establishing and growing your business. No matter the spaces you travel to and run your business from, there are a few important resources to have in place to ensure that your operations are productive, efficient and a step ahead of your customer’s needs.

Office-quality equipment at consumer prices

As a small business owner, time and cost savings are precious. Make sure you know what tools your business needs to function smoothly, and choose the most efficient, cost-effective equipment to meet those needs. Whether it’s a good phone system, up-to-date computers or a shredder to safely dispose of sensitive documents, your business is only as good as the equipment you rely on. For example, a great product to invest in is a high-quality, reliable cartridge-free printer, like the Epson^® EcoTank^® Monochrome Supertank printer. Print more and worry less with a printer that comes with an easy-to-fill supersized ink tank that holds enough ink to print up to 6,000 pages and has a fast first page out time. Available in-store at Office Depot and OfficeMax, the Epson EcoTank wireless SuperTank printers also allow you to use voice-activated printing via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, giving you the convenience to focus on what’s most important for your business.

Professional IT support

Build a tech support team that keeps your business running no matter where you are. You likely don’t have the time to run your business and be your own IT support help desk. With help from a 24/7 remote tech support team from Workonomy™ at Office Depot, you can have access anytime and anywhere to a dedicated experienced tech support team by chat or phone. There’s never a good time for computer problems, but with a reliable 24/7 tech support team that helps with everything from data recovery to virus scans, you can have confidence that your tech will be running smoothly and optimize your business for efficiency.

A method and a space for resetting

Just because you can bring the office with you wherever you go doesn’t mean you should. Make time to leave it all behind. Create a toolbox of activities that help you reset, relax and rejuvenate your thoughts so you can bring fresh ideas to your business. From a brisk walk or a podcast episode to a phone call with a friend, choose one or two activities that you can quickly call upon each day to reset your mind and passion.

A workplace that’s as flexible as you are

Whether you are traveling, meeting a new client, need some help with your laptop or just want a small space to call your own, a great resource to have on hand is a co-working space. Office Depot’s Workonomy™ Hub co-working service provides support and assistance to home-based and small businesses in select locations. From private offices and conference rooms to daily drop-in, there’s a space and a plan that fits your work style. You can also take advantage of services including tech support, storage, packing and shipping, and more. Check out the available services and locations near you at officedepot.com.

Being a business owner requires you to wear a lot of hats and sometimes work in unique and on-the-go places. Your environment doesn’t have to impact the output of your business. With the right equipment and tech support, outlet to relax, and a flexible co-working space, you can set your business up to run efficiently and give yourself more time to do what you’re most passionate about. Sponsored by Office Depot.

2019-09-27T14:57:00

(BPT) – Fall marks the beginning of back to busy — back to school and the office, back to sports and other activities, and back to a season of social occasions with family and friends. Healthy, portable snacks such as fresh California grapes play a key role in providing energy and hydration to help power the day’s activities.

Make-ahead dinners are ideal when everyone eats dinner at a different time due to different schedules. Chipotle Chicken and Grape Tacos calls for rotisserie chicken — leftover chicken works well too — heated in a quick-blended chipotle sauce and then finished with California grapes and other toppings for make-your-own tacos.

A quintessential fall dessert can be the showstopper for weekend meals or special occasions. Grape Apple Sheet Pan Pie pairs two fall fruits, apples and fresh black California grapes, in a flavorful and richly colored filling nestled in a buttery crust. Using fresh black grapes delivers a depth of flavor and lovely color to this dessert. This sheet pan pie makes enough for a large crowd or for extras to keep for another meal.

California grapes multitask beautifully as a snack, an ingredient and a refreshing dessert, so keep the refrigerator well-stocked!

For more ideas, visit grapesfromcalifornia.com.

Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Grapes

Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

Chipotle Sauce

-1/2 medium onion, roughly chopped

-1 clove garlic

-1 teaspoon ground cumin

-1 tablespoon honey

-2 tablespoons adobo sauce

-1 tablespoon lime juice

-3/4 cup chicken broth

3 cups pulled rotisserie chicken

8 corn tortillas

1 cup halved California grapes

1 avocado, cut into eighths

2 radishes, sliced

2 ounces queso blanco, crumbled

Cilantro for garnish

Directions

In a blender, combine the onion, garlic, cumin, honey, adobo sauce, lime juice and chicken broth; blend until smooth. In a medium saucepan, combine the blended sauce with the chicken. Cover and simmer on medium-low, stirring often, for 6-8 minutes, to thicken the sauce and re-heat the chicken. To serve, place the tortillas on a serving platter and top each with chicken, grapes, avocado, radishes, queso blanco and cilantro.

Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 490; Protein 34 g; Carbohydrate 42 g; Fat 21 g (39% Calories from Fat); Saturated Fat 5 g (9% Calories from Saturated Fat); Cholesterol 90 mg; Sodium 360 mg; Fiber 7 g.

Grape and Apple Sheet Pan Pie

Yield: Serves 16

Ingredients

Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons kosher salt

3 1/2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 cup ice water plus additional if needed

Filling

3 pounds Granny Smith or other tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced (about 9 cups)

4 cups black California grapes

3/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Pinch of salt

1 egg

Demerara sugar for garnish

Directions

To make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar and salt. Add the butter and toss with flour. Smash each cube of butter flat with hands then stir in the cold water with a fork. Knead lightly until dough comes together in a ball. Transfer to a floured work surface and roll into a 10 x 15-inch sheet with a well-floured rolling pin. Fold each short side into the middle and close like a book. Fold it once more to make a thick block and cut in half. Wrap each piece in plastic and chill at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

For the filling: In a large bowl, combine apples, grapes, sugar, flour, lemon juice and pinch of salt; set aside.

To assemble the pie: Heat the oven to 375 F. Roll one half of the dough out to an 18 x 13-inch rectangle. Transfer to a 10 x 15-inch heavy baking sheet; place in refrigerator to chill while rolling out the top sheet. Roll out the remaining dough to another 18 x 13-inch rectangle and cut with a pastry cutter into 1 1/2-inch wide strips. Transfer the filling into the pastry and spread evenly. Lay the dough strips on top of the filling in a lattice pattern and crimp the sides together. Mix the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush the top of the pie. Sprinkle with Demerara sugar and bake until filling is bubbling and crust is nicely browned, about 45-50 minutes. Let cool, then slice and serve.

Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 560; Protein 6 g; Carbohydrate 74 g; Fat 28 g (45% Calories from Fat); Saturated Fat 17 g (27% Calories from Saturated Fat); Cholesterol 85 mg; Sodium 220 mg; Fiber 5 g.

2019-09-26T10:34:01

(BPT) – When it’s time to hit the road for a vacation, to visit friends and family or just to get away, you’re looking for fun and relaxation — and the last thing you want is to waste time or money.

As drivers gear up to head out, Hankook Tire offers the following do’s and don’ts for a smooth road trip.

Don’t: Leave the roof rack on

Popular destinations often call for some extra equipment, be it luggage, skis or snowboards. Many vehicles require a roof rack to transport these items … and, according to the latest Hankook Gauge Index Survey, 40% of drivers have one. Of that, 52% of drivers leave the rack on at all times, as opposed to only keeping the roof rack on when transporting the items it carries. However, it’s better for fuel efficiency to remove the rack unless there’s a use for it, so save some money at the pump by only having the roof rack on your car when you need it.

Do: Pick a peppy playlist

The survey revealed that more than half (55%) of drivers will get behind the wheel for longer than 50 miles if they’re heading to a music festival or concert. That goes to show that people are driven to travel for experiences and that for many, live music is a key ingredient for a fun vacation. Music can also help keep the attitude in the car upbeat, no matter what hour of the trip it is. For the ultimate road trip, drivers should curate a variety of playlists ahead of time for every mood and be sure to switch through them before sliding the car into drive — or hand it off to the passenger and let them play DJ.

Don’t: Let the gas light turn on

Hankook found nearly half of drivers (49%) noted that filling up the gas tank is their number one checklist item before any long road trip. They’re keen to save money at the same time. In fact, the Gauge revealed that most Americans (80%) will drive up to 10 miles out of their way to save money on a tank of gas … and one in 10 (11%) will drive over 21 miles, which can get risky when that fuel light comes on. While every vehicle varies on how far it has left after the light goes on, it is wise to avoid it altogether and plan your rest stops accordingly.

Speaking of rest stops, gas station convenience stores are called that for a reason — they do make for easy pit stops along the highway — but not everyone opts for convenience when deciding where to pull over. The price of gas is the number one influencing factor for drivers determining where to stop for gas on a long road trip (41%). The convenience factor comes in second as 36% say the most convenient location is the biggest determining factor on where they will fill up.

Do: Check your tires

Hankook found that two-thirds of Americans consider checking their tires — either the pressure or the tread depth — as one of the most important to-dos before heading out on any long trip. Consider checking the tread depth a few days in advance, to allow for ample time to swing by the local tire shop for any necessary repairs, rotations or replacements.

For those who do need to switch out the tires, it’s important to consider the destination and driving habits before making the purchase. It can also be helpful to keep an eye on any rebates, promotions or sales to capitalize on the best deal.

2019-09-26T08:31:00

(BPT) – Baltimore is a city with a rich history, thriving culture and eye on the future. Quickly becoming one of the top destinations for travel enthusiasts, visiting this vibrant city satisfies wanderlust any time of year, but it’s the upcoming fall season that really has travelers enthused. Here are five reasons to visit Baltimore this autumn and embrace all the excitement kicking off on Oct. 1.

Experience Awe-Inspiring Visual Arts

From October through December, Baltimore’s visual art scene will be buzzing. If you want to mix and mingle with Charm City’s best and brightest, you can attend the 31st Annual Open Studio Tour to meet artists, see their work and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their working processes on two weekends: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, to Sunday, Oct. 13, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, to Sunday, Oct. 27.

If you can’t make the Studio Tour and need an event to combat the post-holiday blues, visit Baltimore on Dec. 31 for the New Year’s Eve Spectacular where people of all ages will be amazed by the incredible fireworks display.

Be Brilliant in Baltimore

The hype is real! Those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience can attend Brilliant Baltimore, an innovative and unified celebration of two of the city’s most beloved events: Light City + Baltimore Book Festival. This event will illuminate Baltimore with world-class light art installations, thought-provoking literature and live performances from Nov. 1 to 10, 2019. Visitors and locals alike can explore art installations and activities like dance parties in 20 Baltimore neighborhoods including the Inner Harbor.

Revel in the Literary Arts

Looking for literature instead? Book nerds can unite at the Baltimore Book Festival Literary Marketplace with more than 100 booksellers, publishers and presses, independent authors, ‘zines and book artisans lining the lovely waterfront promenade from noon to 10 p.m. the entire weekend of Nov. 1-3. What’s more, there will be 10 stages featuring local, regional and national authors, innovators and thought leaders. Baltimore’s Book Festival offers something for everyone — from poetry to political and even children’s books — with appearances by Ibram Kendi, Chris Wilson, Dave Cullen in conversation with Erricka Bridgeford, Barbara Bourland, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha and Nnedi Okorafor, just to name a few.

Appreciate the Performing Arts

Theater and performance arts are alive and well in Baltimore! If live music is more your speed, check out Sound Off Live! (SOL!), presented by Hard Rock Cafe Baltimore, taking place on Nov. 6 and 7, 2019. SOL! showcases two packed evenings of live music from 18 of the region’s most exciting up-and-coming bands/musicians. If you can’t make it on Nov. 6 and 7, come into town the weekend before on Nov. 1 to experience “Aerial Artistry,” a once-in-a-lifetime moment where innovation and tech meet music and entertainment when 100 drones dance 100 feet high above the harbor, choreographed to a custom soundtrack.

Savor the Culinary Arts

Only in Baltimore can you mix and mingle with celebrity chefs like Sam Talbot and Carla Hall. Recognized as one of the top culinary destinations in America, and ranked by Yelp! as one of the 10 best Foodie cities, Baltimore is the place to visit if you are looking for the complete culinary experience. The Charm City’s dining spots span from casual pubs to award-winning chefs and unique food halls, offering something for everyone.

2019-09-26T09:15:00

(BPT) – Face it, getting enough exercise is tough for everyone, and it’s certainly true when it comes to our pets. The amount of exercise your dog may need varies, depending on the age, size and breed, but most dogs need more exercise than they’re getting, especially during the colder months when we all prefer to stay indoors. Consult your veterinarian for guidelines about how much exercise your dog should be getting to stay in top condition, then make a plan to add more pep to your dog’s step.

Dr. Jeff Weber, Emmy award-winning celebrity veterinarian, says that play and exercise are key to keeping our four-legged friends healthy: “Just like humans, there is a strong correlation to obesity in pets when they eat more and exercise less. In fact, it has been estimated that up to 50 percent of dogs and cats in this country are overweight or, worse yet, obese. It’s important to get your pet up and moving.”

What are the best ways to keep your pup — and you — active and moving?

1. Vary your walking route

When you’re walking your dog, switch up the route now and then to keep it more interesting for both of you. Work on adding a few minutes or a couple of extra blocks to your walk any chance you get, and you’ll both benefit from the extra steps.

2. Pick up the pace

Rather than just taking a leisurely stroll, walk with purpose, like you’re trying to get somewhere. This will make it a more heart-healthy workout for the both of you. Ease into it slowly, trying 5 minutes quicker, followed by 5 minutes slower, until you both get used to the faster pace. Enlist different family members to join you or take turns at the walks to vary the walking pace your dog experiences.

3. Bring friends along

You’re more likely to enjoy and stick with regular walking dates if you can make some of your walks into a social occasion, whether your friends also have dogs or not. Instead of meeting someone for coffee or drinks, meet up with them for a walk-and-talk with your dogs.

4. Make time for active play

In addition to walking every day, mix it up! Spend a little extra time encouraging active play like a good game of fetch with your dog. You can play fetch at a nearby park or right in your yard, if you have enough space for your dog to run around. Not good at throwing? No worries — a toy like Chuckit! launcher from Petmate can keep your dog engaged and excited to run and fetch for a lively, active play session that will be fun for both of you.

“Fetch play is a terrific way to increase stamina and keep your pup in shape,” says Weber.

The interactive game of fetch encourages healthy movement and cardiovascular endurance for pets and pet owners, especially as active play and movement declines when the weather gets colder. Fetch is also an effective way to help train and develop positive behavior in puppies or newly adopted four-legged family members.

5. Exercise their brains

Create an obstacle course in your yard or use puzzle games to help keep your dogs mentally active — which can relieve boredom for dogs who spend time alone.

Research your dog’s breed to discover what stimulus they are most likely to respond to, so you can find new toys and activities your dog will love. Examples might be hide-and-seek games, having them use their sense of smell to find treats or chasing (non-toxic) bubbles.

Spending time playing with your dog is not only fun and a terrific stress-reliever for both of you, but it also strengthens the human-pet bond. Give your pet healthy exercise that every dog needs and your furry friend will be happier, too. Celebrate National Fetch Day this Oct. 19 by playing a rousing game of fetch with your dog.

2019-09-26T10:26:44

(BPT) – Planning a party doesn’t have to be difficult. Instead of agonizing over appetizers, opt for serving wine with a charcuterie board — a variety of cured meats, cheeses and condiments that can range from simple to sophisticated. Even a basic spread can look elegant, while providing your guests with inviting flavor combinations.

Todd Knoll, executive chef at Jordan Vineyard & Winery, offers expert tips on combining select cured meats and cheeses with balanced wines to bring out the best in a charcuterie board.

Choose great wines

To keep it simple, offer one red and one white. Choose wines to complement a range of flavors and seasonings in meats and cheeses, so you can offer an interesting variety to tempt your guests.

Chardonnay is popular with wine lovers, and for good reason, with its crisp, fruity notes and vibrant acidity. Many traditional unoaked chardonnays are lighter and so may not pair well with charcuterie, since salted and cured meats and aromatic cheeses have strong tastes that may overwhelm and diminish their delicate flavors. But some French oak-aged chardonnays are created in a fruit-forward, elegant, lower-alcohol style, making them more robust and versatile than other varietals. A young Jordan Chardonnay can even complement most mild blue cheeses, Knoll says.

Another great selection for charcuterie is Champagne, which has just the right acidity — and bubbles — to refresh the palate while sampling meats and cheeses with a higher fat and salt content.

For a red wine selection, Knoll recommends Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. It pairs well with a wide range of meats and cheeses, due to its balance and elegance. Red wines containing a lot of alcohol and tannin pose a challenge to salty and/or spicy meats like salami and prosciutto. Salt accentuates alcohol, so combining salty food with high alcohol and tannin levels in a wine makes the wine taste hot and the meat even saltier. Because Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon has a fruit-forward flavor, good acidity, subtle tannins and lower alcohol, it works well with charcuterie, providing an unexpected flavor to complement many meats and cheeses.

Select flavorful meats

For a charcuterie board that is as Instagram-able as it is edible, provide a variety of contrasting flavors and textures, Knoll advises. This means choosing harder, salty and spicy cured meats, such as salami. Then add softer salted meats, such as thinly sliced prosciutto, for textural and flavor contrast. Finally, provide a creamy pate, terrine or rillette that guests can spread on bread or crackers.

Choose delicious cheeses

Offer guests a choice of flavors and textures that also complement the wine. Sheep’s milk cheeses, such as Roquefort, manchego and pecorino Romano, pair well with cabernet sauvignon, particularly cheeses that have been aged at least six months for complexity and nutty flavor. Firmer, more aged cow’s milk cheeses, such as Gouda and cloth-bound cheddar, will complement a variety of cabernet sauvignon styles. Knoll says that firmer cheeses that have been aged longer have a milder, nuttier texture and smooth taste that highlight the oak and berry notes in cabernet sauvignon.

A creamy Camembert is a good match with chardonnay, as is brie and other soft cheeses, according to Knoll. Chardonnay can also be paired successfully with creamy goat cheeses. Champagne complements washed rind cheeses such as taleggio, Limburger and Epoisses, as its acidity cuts through the richness of these more pungent cheeses.

Add delectable condiments

A fabulous charcuterie board is not complete without an array of flavorful condiments. Source good mustard like whole grain Dijon, Knoll advises, plus quince paste or pear mostarda. Add olives, fresh or dried fruit, nuts or pickles to taste, plus fresh, warmed crusty bread or crackers.

Watch your temperature

The three essentials of a great charcuterie board — meat, cheese and wine — all shine when served at the proper temperature. Before guests arrive, chill white wines. Cheeses should warm to room temperature for best flavor, while meats should be cold.

Designing your platter

Slice different shapes and sizes of the cheeses and meats to provide visual interest, such as triangles, squares and rectangles for cheeses, and circles, rosettes and folded triangles for meats. Spend time arranging the elements, coupling colors and textures to create a platter far superior to store-bought versions. Place condiments and nuts in small, colorful dishes atop the board for convenience and color contrast. Add fresh herbs or edible flowers for garnish. Get inspiration from Knoll’s How to Build a Charcuterie Board video on the Wine Country Table website.

Parties can be more relaxing — and delicious — with an easy-to-prepare charcuterie board and good wine. For more tips on wine, food and entertaining, visit winecountrytable.com.

2019-09-26T08:05:00

(BPT) – Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, is more than a business pillar — it is increasingly regarded as a key indicator of a company’s character. Now more than ever, consumers are taking note of company priorities and values before offering their patronage. To reiterate this point, Aflac’s 2019 CSR Survey found that 77% of consumers are motivated to purchase from companies committed to making the world better.¹

CSR is not just for large corporations, as some may think the name suggests. Small businesses can build their own social responsibility programs to help their communities, which in turn will benefit their business. By giving back locally, small-business owners can support their communities and become leaders of change. CSR programs can benefit companies of all sizes by attracting new employees and customers, while allowing current employees to gain valuable experiences, enhancing their work and happiness.

Below are some tips that small-business owners can follow when implementing their own CSR programs:

CSR is scalable to business size

Small businesses do not have to execute grandiose campaigns to showcase their social responsibility. CSR is scalable to what a business can effectively implement, like a one-day park clean up or a clothing drive in the office. Even small gestures, like going paperless in meetings or adding a recycling bin, can make a difference. Initiatives do not need to be extravagant, but they must be carried out with care and consideration for your colleagues and community.

CSR is rooted in community

Take the time to find the right cause that aligns with your small business and passions, and is sustainable over time. When getting started, inquire about your community’s needs with organizations like the local food bank or sports teams. Simple monetary donations can also make a big difference for homegrown charities and causes. Connecting with members of your community will not only help you determine where your business can make the most impact, but it is also a great way to network with other local leaders and community members.

CSR is an extension of company values

CSR is best implemented when it is rooted in company culture. For example, Aflac’s contributions to childhood cancer research through The Aflac Foundation, Inc. connects with the company’s pioneering work in cancer insurance. Aflac’s independent sales agents, many of whom are small-business owners themselves, have wholeheartedly joined this movement by donating more than $6 million every year from their commission checks to the cause.

While the tens of thousands of independent agents across the country support Aflac’s work to help with research on childhood cancer, they also support their communities using Aflac’s CSR-in-a-Box tool kit. CSR-in-a-Box offers agents licensed to sell Aflac an opportunity to ingrain themselves into the fabric of their communities by helping with local projects, initiatives and programs that are also aligned with the company’s priorities. The toolkit provides customizable materials, like email templates and social media posts, for agents to use when implementing their own CSR strategy for maintaining a social responsibility program that is tailored to their community and, as a result, they can become go-to leaders in their community.

CSR is a long-term effort

The many ways CSR positively affects a business are not discovered overnight. It takes time to build a genuine, holistic approach for each company. Implementing a sustainable program means doing more than one-off efforts. Activities can be done throughout the year and continuously evaluated to see what works and what can be improved.

Today, consumers who research a company before investing in their products or services will recognize and potentially shun a company with an inauthentic CSR program or one that comes across as self-serving and hasty. Consumers respond well to an honest, well-planned, philanthropic approach, especially one that appeals to their own interests.

CSR is meaningful to employees

Social responsibility is not just a reputation management tool, it is part of a sound business strategy. CSR is integral for recruiting and retaining employees, especially millennials. In fact, the Deloitte Global Millennial Survey 2019 found there is a strong correlation between those who plan to stay in their current job and those who said their companies deliver high on community impact.² Small businesses can consider creating a committee that organizes volunteer events for the office or coordinates pro-bono work for a local nonprofit. Another way you can support employees’ desires to volunteer is by accommodating flexible schedules, making it easier for them to leave the office early to make a regular volunteer shift. By making CSR a part of your culture, you can help employees find more meaning and satisfaction at work.

Even if you start small, creating the foundation for a sustainable CSR platform will help you better engage with customers, employees and your community. Learn more about how CSR leaders like Aflac are giving back at Aflac.com/ACSR.

¹ The 2018 Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility Survey. Accessed Aug. 27, 2019. https://www.aflac.com/docs/about-aflac/csr-survey-assets/2018-csr-survey-deck.pdf.

² The Deloitte Global Millennial Survey 2019. Accessed Aug. 27, 2019. https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/About-Deloitte/deloitte-2019-millennial-survey.pdf.

Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999.

Z190897 Exp. 9/20