The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility Celebrates Four Decades of Action

Pioneer organization in shareholder advocacy to commemorate 40th year at annual South Street Seaport event

NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After a year of reflection and renewal, the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) will be celebrating its 40th anniversary  with a capstone event titled "Taking Stock: Shaping a New Age in Corporate Responsibility" this Thursday, 9/22, at its annual event at Bridgewaters at the South Street Seaport in NYC.

ICCR first formed in 1971 as a faith-based shareholder coalition in opposition to the racist policy of apartheid in South Africa. Faith organizations with investments via pension and mission funds chose to exercise their voice as shareholders to protest major U.S. corporations doing business in South Africa. As a result, ICCR is credited as a pioneer in shareholder advocacy and for helping to found the broader movement of corporate responsibility.

While the coalition is still largely faith-based, today's ICCR membership also comprises top responsible asset management companies such as Domini Social Investments, Boston Common Asset Management, Calvert Group, Trillium Asset Management as well as state and city pension funds and several unions and foundations. ICCR membership stands at nearly 300 organizations with combined assets under management valued at over $100 billion.

"We have named our 40th anniversary event 'Taking Stock' quite deliberately," said Laura Berry, ICCR's Executive Director. "After spearheading the movement 40 years ago, it's a wonderful moment for both introspection and circumspection - for assessing not just how far we've come as a coalition, but what lies ahead for the future of corporate social responsibility."

Said Susan Makos, ICCR Board Chair, "As we recall our four decades and the challenges we've faced, we also recognize the tremendous strides made by many of the companies we have worked with and roundly applaud them for their progress as we work together to promote just and sustainable business practices."

Said Mark Preisinger, Director of Corporate Governance of The Coca Cola Company, "This is an exceptional year for ICCR. Their work over 40 years to address some of the planet's toughest issues is indeed a legacy to be celebrated. Over the years The Coca Cola Company built a relationship of trust and respect with ICCR as we worked together to address many of the challenges facing our company. This collaboration on a range of issues from workplace rights to water stewardship has truly led to improvement in our policies and practices."

The program for the event includes a panel discussion including Max Anderson, author of the MBA Oath, Gara LaMarche, well-know social justice activist and former CEO of the Atlantic Philanthropies, David Miller from Princeton's Faith and Work Initiative, and moderator Connie Schultz, Pulitzer Prize winning writer of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

ICCR will also be inaugurating their Legacy Award at this year's event. The first recipients are Sr. Valerie Heinonen, OSU, and Mr. Paul Neuhauser, both longtime members and lifetime social justice crusaders.

The 40th anniversary event will be attended by representatives from leading global companies as well as ICCR's allies in corporate responsibility, including other responsible shareholder coalitions and NGOs.

About the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR):
Currently celebrating its 40th year, ICCR is the pioneer coalition of active shareholders who view the management of their investments as a catalyst for change.  Its 300 member organizations with over $100 billion in AUM have an enduring record of corporate engagement that has demonstrated influence on policies promoting justice and sustainability in the world.

SOURCE Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility