Beam Suntory hosts third annual Together for Good Global Community Service Event

Premium spirits leader activates employees in Kentucky, New York, Madrid, Chicago, Singapore and other markets to support its goal of 1 million community service hours by 2030

03-May-2022 - USA

Whether it’s reforesting reclaimed mine land in Kentucky, cleaning up waterways in Singapore and Chicago, supporting flood victims in Australia, or engaging in virtual volunteering opportunities, Beam Suntory employees are digging in to support their communities through the company’s annual “Together for Good” community service event.
As part of the global premium spirits company’s vision of Growing for Good, and its Proof Positive sustainability program, Together for Good supports the goal of donating 1 million employee volunteer hours to communities around the world by 2030.

Throughout April and May, employees are expected to engage in volunteer opportunities in as many as 15 countries. Activities include reforestation efforts, with thousands of trees anticipated to be planted during the program window.

“I’m so proud of this global program, which just gets bigger and more impactful every year,” said Beam Suntory President & CEO Albert Baladi. “After two years of the pandemic, it’s also incredibly gratifying to be able to do so many of these important events in person. Giving back to our communities is core to our company’s DNA, and our employees’ passion in this area truly was the inspiration for this program. Together, I’m absolutely confident that we can reach our 1-million-hour community service goal.”

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Here’s a snapshot of employee experiences at volunteer events and experiences around the world:

Kentucky: In partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Green Forests Work, 75 Beam Suntory employees and partners participated in a two-day event to reforest reclaimed mine land, planting more than 7,000 trees.

“Kentucky is the heartland of our business, and rebuilding healthy forests is critical to the future of the environment and the Central Appalachian community,” said Kim Marotta, Beam Suntory Global Vice President, Environmental Sustainability. “Through this event and our broader partnership with TNC, we are gaining deeper insight into sustainable practices that impact our industry.”

Mexico City: Teams will clean the Presa Madin Dam, located just outside the Mexican capital in Atizapan de Zaragoza, which has been heavily polluted. Participants will also learn more about recycling and how to further reduce their ecological impact as individuals.

“Not only is water critical to every product that we make, but it’s an important resource for our community and local ecosystems,” said Randy McCann, Managing Director, Mexico. “Our brands start with the blessings of nature, so it’s up to us to continue taking care of our communities.”

Chicago: In partnership with Chicago Gateway Green, an organization working to green and beautify Chicago’s expressways, gateways and neighborhoods, teams planted trees, mulched, and removed litter from the Humboldt Park neighborhood.

“It’s such a pleasure to come together as a team to give back to our communities,” said Paula Erickson, Beam Suntory SVP Chief Human Resources Officer. “Chicago is home of our North America headquarters, which is why we’re so committed to beautifying this community as we Grow for Good.”

Singapore: In partnership with the Waterways Watch Society, employees cleaned up a litter hot spot in the Marina Reservoir at the heart of the city and learned about how litter accumulates in the water, the impacts on wildlife and the importance of water conservation.

“Supporting local waterways through the removal of trash is so important to the entire ecosystem,” said TBD. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn about how I can better support the environment through my own actions, and to be part of the solution here in Singapore.”

Charlotte, NC: More than 140 leaders of Beam Suntory’s North America business volunteered to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. This group packed 6,000 boxes of food, which will support families in the Charlotte area for up to three months.

“Beam Suntory aims to be a company that always benefits its community,” said Greg Hughes, Beam Suntory North America President. “Our communities give so much to us as a business and as individuals, so giving back is really central to who we are."

Sydney: Partnering with Building Furniture for Families, Beam Suntory teams will build furniture for families that have lost their homes in the wake of recent flooding.

“We’re so grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community and help some of these families as they rebuild their lives,” said Andrea Parker, Managing Director – Oceania. “It’s programs like these that make me so proud to work for Beam Suntory.”

New York City: The team supported The Bowery Mission, which serves homeless and hungry New Yorkers and provides services that meet their immediate needs, to prepare and serve meals.

“We were so excited to support New Yorkers in need, and give back to the community that’s so important to our business,” said Heather Boyd, Managing Director, US RTD. “As our global headquarters opens in New York City later this year, we’re looking forward to furthering our positive impact on our new hometown.”

In addition to Together for Good, Beam Suntory provides eligible employees three paid days each year that may be used to give back in their communities or engage in social activism.

Beam Suntory launched Proof Positive in 2021, the company’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, representing a $1 billion+ commitment to making a positive impact on nature, consumers and communities.

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