Photo: WSU alumnus, Stefan Muhler, a panelist for the forum.)
The College of Business at Washington State University will host the inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Forum in Pullman on Oct. 4 to promote the discussion of CSR and related practices and concepts across disciplines and industry groups. The forum will allow students to gain exposure to the issues facing businesses today, including sustainability, stakeholders, communities, and the environment.
Panelists will include Cassie Phillips, Vice President – Sustainable Forests & Products, Weyerhaeuser Company; Sue Mecklenburg, Vice President – Sustainable Procurement Practices, Starbucks Coffee Company; Roger Woodworth, Vice President, Customer Solutions, Avista Utilities; and Stefan Mühle, General Manager, Orchard Garden Hotel, San Francisco, Calif.
Corporate Social Responsibility has never been more at the forefront of American consciousness. The concept that organizations have an obligation to consider the interests of customers, employees, shareholders, communities, and the environment in all aspects of their operations is not new. But in the face of mounting evidence about the impact of mankind’s ecological footprint and shifting consumer preferences, CSR is gaining momentum and influencing practices at organizations large and small.
“The impact of business on society is always changing,” says CB Dean Eric Spangenberg. “Globally competitive business leaders need to be aware of these concepts and prepared to lead in an environmentally charged environment. This forum is one step toward proving them with the knowledge and tools to do so.”
Leading by example, the CB is taking positive steps to reduce its own environmental impact through more efficient use of electronic communication; using recycled paper products for all College publications; promoting recycling; and hosting Zero-waste events. Additionally, the CB is creating opportunities for students, faculty, and alumni to engage and learn about the impact of business on society and the environment through its selection speakers invited to Power Breakfast events, lecture series, and in-class speakers.
The WSU College of Business is accredited at the baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral levels by AACSB International The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The College spans the four campuses of WSU with the largest campus in Pullman and urban campuses located in Spokane, Vancouver, and the Tri-Cities area. The College conducts scholarly and applied research, and offers degree programs in a variety of business disciplines, and in hospitality business management, supplementing face-to-face offerings through innovative online learning and international programs. For more information, visit the College’s Web site at
www.business.wsu.edu
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