How the e-newsletter company Constant Contact works with their nonprofit bookstore neighbor More Than Words

By: Bob Nicoson and Sue LaChance*

More than Words provides empowering leadership and supportive employment opportunities for youth who are in foster care, court-involved, homeless, or out of school to prepare them for self-sufficiency as they transition to adulthood. Waltham-based Constant Contact, a leading provider of email marketing and online surveys for small organizations, has a long-standing relationship with More than Words, both as a service provider and as an ardent supporter.

While More than Words is a customer of Constant Contact’s email marketing tools, the relationship between the two organizations extends much deeper:

·       Constant Contact has hosted More than Words youth at its the Waltham headquarters to give them a glimpse of what a “day in the life” of the company, featuring some of the real world attributes of life in the corporate workforce. 

·       The company has initiated book drives and holiday-themed giving trees with donated items to benefit youth members in the More than Words program.

·       Most recently, the company participated in a day-long offsite for its leadership team who helped to put together office furniture for the second More Than Words bookstore slated to open in October.

Details on the leadership team service initiative:

In an effort to ensure that Constant Contact remains a great place to work, the leadership team is guided by two principles: developing and nurturing great managers and giving back to the communities in which it does business. The leadership team, which includes anyone who manages at least one staffer, has grown to more than 100 people. When searching for options for this particular leadership offsite, the human resources team organizing the offsite eliminated most of the traditional “team building” exercises and looked instead for something more meaningful. The goals of the offsite were to get leaders thinking about what skills, experiences, attributes and outlooks they could bring to the company table and how to leverage those for the greater good through an unusual team building exercise.

The company team asked More than Words what they needed most, which turned out to be office furniture for the new storefront. A team from the company and a group of More Than Words kids rented a large truck, gathered their lists, and went to the local IKEA to purchase the required items.  They also ferried the unassembled furniture to the offsite location where the leadership team was tasked with assembling all of the furniture, as a team and with the participation of every company leader from CEO Gail Goodman to the greenest manager. The goal was to get people to focus on their strengths and apply them in a team setting.

In the middle of the day the bookstore’s founder and Teen LEEP director Jodi Rosenbaum Tillinger came to speak, alongside Rolgems Alphonse, one of the More than Words success stories. Both Jodi and Rolgems told their stories of leadership, followed by an appreciation of the organization by Gail Goodman. All of the speakers focused on the questions “What can you be the best at?” “What are you passionate about?” and “What drives your economic engine?” By sharing their individual stories, they encouraged others to think about their own strengths and ambitions.

The value from the offsite was both individual and collective. More than one-third of the Constant Contact participants signed up to do additional work with More than Words on an individual basis and the company has offered to continue working with the organization to address its needs. When the furniture was delivered at the More than Words location, the program participants were thrilled to see its arrival and begin to feel the unfolding reality of the second bookstore. For Constant Contact the satisfaction of accomplishing its goals for the offsite meeting was as palpable as the energy generated by giving back to a great community organization.

* Bob Nicoson, is Chief Human Resources Officer and Sue LaChance is Director, Organizational and Leadership Development at Constant Contact.

Bogus quantification attempts to compress complex problems and analyses into single observations. The annual report of the United Nations Human Development Program is an entirely admirable endeavor. The agency focuses on three broad dimensions of development – health, education and material standard of living – and reports on progress towards these goals among UN members.

Then the curse of Kelvin strikes:

Health is measured easily enough. Take life expectancy at birth, subtract 25 years, then divide by 60. This score has a one-third weight in the final total. Educational development is measured as a combination of attainment – adult literacy – and opportunity – enrolment. Material standard of living is measured by gross domestic product per head at purchasing power parity. But differences in GDP are much larger than differences in life expectancy, so you prevent this measure from swamping the whole calculation by using the logarithm of GDP rather than the level. Finally, you give equal weight to each of the three components and come up with your ratings. Iceland, ironically, comes top, and Sierra Leone bottom.

FT column: John Kay Kelvin and the curse of numeracy

“When you cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge is of a meagre and unsatisfactory kind.” This observation scores high on the list of silly remarks made by clever men, to which its author, Lord Kelvin, made several sterling contributions. The knowledge possessed by Plato and Shakespeare, Austen and Darwin was neither meagre nor unsatisfactory.

Wow, the Fed is taking what would appear to be a very hard line on pay practices at the top 25 banks. It has floated plans to scrutinize–and reject if it deems necessary–pay practices at these banks, including pay for many employees, not just the top earners.

Pay packages would require approval in advance from the Fed. This has the feel of a trial balloon to some extent. It will not go over well on Wall Street, but the industry has certainly brought a lot of criticism and anger on itself. It will like rely on claw backs and long-term incentives. These were ideas that top banks were embracing anyway. So the impact may be more symbolic than substantive. Still, it is eye-catching. 

By Jim Kim on FierceFinance.com

For more:
- here’s a CNBC write up

THE  MUST SEE CALCULATOR ITEMIZES THE BIGGEST BILL IN HISTORY - $35 TRILLION

The Economist has launched the Global Public Debt Clock, an interactive tool that allows people to track and forecast public debt in countries around the world. In the spirit of The Economist’s famous Big Mac Index, the Global Public Debt Clock is not perfectly accurate, but rather is intended to provide a graphic perspective on an important economic issue.   http://buttonwood.economist.com/content/gdc

A sampling of data from the Global Debt Clock shows:

1.  Global public debt is currently at nearly $35 trillion and is predicted to rise to $45 trillion by 2011

2.  US public debt is currently at $6.7 trillion and is predicted to rise to over $10 trillion by 2011

3.  Chinese public debt per capita is currently $649.52.  In the US, per capita debt is $21,863.70  

and will rise to $32,307 per person by 2011   

About the Global Public Debt Clock:

http://buttonwood.economist.com/

The Global Public Debt Clock was developed using data and forecasts from the Economist Intelligence Unit database.  It is, of course, inspired by the ‘National Debt Clock’, a rolling measure of the US public debt that physically resides in midtown Manhattan.  This clock was originally sponsored by a real estate developer, Seymour Durst, who wanted to make people aware of the rising public debt, which at the time was less than $3 trillion.  The Global Public Debt Clock includes historical data on sovereign debt back to 1999 and forecasts through 2011.  Data can be parsed to view country comparisons, including figures on public debt per capita, debt as a percent of GDP, and yearly rate of change.

The worst global economic storm since the 1930s may be beginning to clear, but another cloud already looms on the financial horizon: massive public debt. Across the rich world governments are borrowing vast amounts as the recession reduces tax revenue and spending mounts—on bail-outs, unemployment benefits and stimulus plans. New figures from economists at the IMF suggest that the public debt of the ten leading rich countries will rise from 78% of GDP in 2007 to 114% by 2014. These governments will then owe around $50,000 for every one of their citizens  Not since the second world war have so many governments borrowed so much so quickly or, collectively, been so heavily in hock. And today’s debt surge, unlike the wartime one, will not be temporary. Even after the recession ends few rich countries will be running budgets tight enough to stop their debt from rising further. Worse, today’s borrowing binge is taking place just before a slow-motion budget-bust caused by the pension and health-care costs of a greying population. By 2050 a third of the rich world’s population will be over 60. The demographic bill is likely to be ten times bigger than the fiscal cost of the financial crisis.

Astute readers will observe that for a number of countries, such as Congo, Greenland, and Mongolia, no data is provided.  That is because the Economist Intelligence Unit does not currently track debt figures for these nations.  The data for the clock is available for download in a spreadsheet.  We invite any interested individual to provide us with sourced data on these countries and we will include it in a future update to the clock.  Forecasts change frequently, of course, and updated data will be fed into the clock regularly.

Historical data were sourced from finance ministries and central banks. For purposes of this clock, public debt is defined as total debt (both local and foreign currency) owed by government to domestic residents, foreign nationals and multilateral institutions such as the IMF.  This public debt is usually, but not exclusively, owed by central governments.

Brilliant! Ed

Judge rejects Bank of America settlement again

Judge Jed Rakoff has again rejected the SEC’s $33 million settlement with Bank of America as wholly inadequate–to the applause of some. He has set a Feb.1 trial, directing both sides to begin preparing. What an odd trial it would be.   

Both sides, of course, wanted to end the matter, but the judge just wasn’t buying the whole premise of it. He suggests that it was a mere “contrivance” allowing both sides to win in the PR battles. The SEC gets to chalk up a much-needed victory. Bank of America gets to gets to claim that they have been coerced into an onerous settlement by overzealous regulators. And all this is done at the expense, not only of the shareholders, but also of the truth, says Reuters.  By Jim Kim at FierceFinance.com

–>READ THE FULL EDITOR’S CORNER

A humbled US Securities and Exchange Commission was warned on Thursday that it must “reform itself from within” or Congress will do it for the agency which bungled several opportunities to stop Bernard Madoff’s ”Ponzi” scheme.

Richard Shelby, the Alabama senator, questioned the agency’s contention that it will need more resources to patch the flaws that allowed Mr Madoff’s to go on for 16 years despite numerous tips and investigations.

“The Commission is going to need to make a broad-based change,” Mr Shelby said at a US Senate Banking Committee hearing about improving the SEC’s performance.

The warning came after a 477-page report last week by David Kotz, the agency’s internal watchdog, described how SEC officials could have uncovered Mr Madoff’s fraud at almost any time but was hindered by “systematic breakdowns”. The US Senate Banking Committee is helping to shape the future role of the SEC amid a broader revamp of financial regulation.

Source: FT.com by Alan Rappeport in New York—SEC faces reform ultimatum

Empty docks:  Wheels of justice are grinding awfully slow

How many financiers do you think ended up in jail after America’s Savings and Loans scandals? The answer can be found in a fascinating, old report from the US Department of Justice.

According to some of its records, between 1990 and 1995 no less than 1,852 S&L officials were prosecuted, and 1,072 placed behind bars. Another 2,558 bankers were also jailed, often for offenses, which were S&L-linked too.

Those are thought-provoking numbers. These days the Western world is reeling from another massive financial crisis that eclipses the S&L debacle in terms of wealth destruction.

Insight: A matter of retribution

By Gillian Tett Published: September 3 2009 on FT.com

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f197ed60-98a5-11de-aa1b-00144feabdc0.html

In a new executive education program, leading historian and HBS Professor Niall Ferguson explores why most quantitative economic models failed to anticipate the magnitude of the current global economic crisis, and illuminates future scenarios for the world economy.

The Descent of Finance
What will the U.S. financial services industry look like as the economy recovers—and how will this affect the global financial system? Faculty member Niall Ferguson offers his thoughts on why America—and the world—could emerge stronger than ever.

$350,000 grant to produce comprehensive strategy for reducing hunger and malnutrition

PITTSBURGH – The H. J. Heinz Company Foundation announced today that it will sponsor a nutrition-mapping project conducted by the World Food Program (WFP) in Bangladesh, which will result in a comprehensive strategy for addressing that country’s nutritional deficiencies in an efficient and sustainable manner.

The H. J. Heinz Company Foundation is supporting the project in the first year with a grant of $350,000, as well as in-kind technical assistance.

Although significant progress has been made in recent years, under nutrition remains one of the most chronic and pressing public health issues in Bangladesh. Young children and women are particularly at-risk, as nearly 40 percent of both groups are underweight, and almost half of children under five suffer from stunted growth.

According to multiple data sources, most Bangladeshis are also deficient in vitamins and minerals, especially iron, vitamin A and zinc, resulting in cognitive impairment, anemia and blindness, among other conditions.

“In Bangladesh, Heinz is helping WFP identify the most vulnerable populations and formulate strategies to improve their access to food and their nutritional intake. The goal is to create a model for helping to build a healthier, more productive and self-reliant society from the ground up,” said Tammy Aupperle, Director of the H. J. Heinz Company Foundation.

WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, fighting hunger worldwide both through emergency response and long-term projects, which improve people’s lives.

This year, WFP was aiming to feed 5 million hungry people in Bangladesh, who have been seriously affected by high food prices and the downturn in the global economy – including many who were affected by last year’s Cyclone Sidr.  Due to major funding shortfalls, however, WFP can now only reach 1.4 million – or around one quarter of the original caseload. In Bangladesh, WFP distributes wheat flour, biscuits and blended food, all fortified with essential micronutrients. It also distributes micronutrient powders, which can be added to food, to targeted groups.

“The World Food Program is thrilled to be partnering with the H. J. Heinz Company Foundation on a unique project to comprehensively map the nutritional status and needs of Bangladesh, and then develop with other key stakeholders a sustainable strategy for eradicating hunger and micronutrient malnutrition in this nation,” said John Aylieff, WFP Bangladesh Representative.

The H. J. Heinz Company Foundation is dedicated to helping reduce global malnutrition through its signature program, the Heinz Micronutrient Campaign (HMC).

Through its sponsorships, the HMC has pioneered the development of micronutrient powders that can be added to staple foods in the developing world to combat anemia and other disorders related to micronutrient malnutrition.

“As one of the world’s leading producers of nutritious foods for infants and children, Heinz is dedicated to reaching those people who cannot access or afford our products with a low-cost solution to the serious global health challenge of micronutrient deficiency,” said William R. Johnson, Heinz Chairman, President and CEO.

To date, the HMC has reached approximately 3 million children with single-serve micronutrient sachets containing a culturally appropriate mix of vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin A, folic acid, zinc and other essential nutrients tailored to the needs of a specific population.

A regimen of 60 sachets administered over two months can meet the micronutrient needs of a child over the course of a year for a cost of about $1.50.

The HMC is currently sponsoring with the Chinese Ministry of Health a pilot program in China’s northern and western provinces aimed at reaching 500,000 children. Other projects are under development in Tanzania, India, the Philippines and Cambodia.

About the Nutrition Mapping Project for Bangladesh

For every project WFP undertakes it must first establish what type and quantity of food is needed to address the problem at hand, considering the local population’s cooking and eating habits.

WFP is working with corporate partners, universities, UN agencies and NGOs to develop and assess the effectiveness of innovative products, such as micronutrient powders, in preventing and treating malnutrition.

With this data in hand, a comprehensive strategy can then be devised to determine what nutritional support tools to utilize, with a focus on optimizing use of local ingredients and delivery mechanisms.

The project will produce a summary of what is known about the nutritional status and needs of different target groups based on age, sex, disease prevalence (i.e. malaria, tuberculosis, AIDS), urban vs. rural areas, and regional differences related to climate and local food production.

An assessment will also be conducted of existing programs, policies and structures that target nutrition and food security. This assessment will identify the main stakeholders for nutrition in government and the private sector.

Once this is complete a proposed country nutrition strategy will be created with a timeline for implementing short, medium and long-range goals. The strategy document will recommend the most suitable stakeholders from both the public, academic, NGO and private sectors for carrying out the strategy’s different elements.

About the World Food Programme

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide.  In 2009, WFP aims to feed 108 million people in 74 countries. Some 10,200 people work for the organization, most of them in remote areas, directly serving the hungry poor.  For more information, please visit www.wfp.org.

About the H. J. Heinz Company Foundation The H. J. Heinz Company Foundation was established in 1951 to make contributions to further the public welfare.  Funded each year by the H. J. Heinz Company, the H. J. Heinz Company Foundation is committed to promoting the health and nutritional needs of children and families, with priority given to programs in communities where Heinz operates.  The Foundation proactively donates funds to develop and strengthen organizations that are dedicated to nutrition and alleviating under nutrition, diversity, and fostering healthy communities.  The Foundation supports socially responsible endeavors and encourages Heinz employees to participate in voluntary activities in support of charitable organizations.