Cause Talk Radio: The Cause Marketing Podcast

  Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Jon Olinto, co-founder of b.good, a Boston-based chain of farm-to-table burgers and fries joints with 54 locations up and down the east coast, about how his b.good leverages every aspect of its business to support the local community. On the show, Megan, Jon, and Joe discuss: How b.good got started and how social good was mixed in right from the beginning. How b.good is sharing its mission of health and sustainability with its customers. How b.good invested in a farm off the coast of Boston to feed its mission and expand their work with at-risk youths. What b.good has learned through the years about involving customers in their social good experiments. Mobile has played a key role! How b.good balances talking about its food with sharing its philanthropic message when customers are in the restaurants. The work of the b.good foundation and the challenge of making money and giving it away. Links & Notes b.good b.good on Facebook b.good on Instagram b.good

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Alison DaSilva, Executive Vice President, Cone Communications, about their latest study, the Cone Communications 2017 CSR Study. This year’s research shows that consumers care about CSR more than ever, with 89% of Americans saying they would switch brands to one associated with a good cause. In addition, the tumultuous past year has only convinced consumers more that businesses need to be a force for change in society. The question is no longer What do you stand for? but What do you stand up for? On the show, Megan, Alison, and Joe discuss: The background of the study and why Cone asked respondents to share what issues they wanted companies to stand up for. The universal expectation among consumers that companies balance profit with purpose. What were the hottest issues that consumers want companies to stand up for? The business imperative of being engaged in social good. No longer an option. How consumers - especially Millennials - are researching companies t

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe speak to Cia Tucci, Vice President of CVS Health’s Store Brands and Quality Assurance Department, about the brand's recent decision to remove potentially dangerous ingredients from their line of personal care products. On the show, Megan, Cia, and Joe discuss: What brought about the decision to address ingredients in personal care products. The important role customers played in the decision. Why these chemicals are being removed from personal care products. Consumer reaction to the decision and the nonprofit partners CVS is working with. CVS' plans to educate consumers on safe chemicals. Other brands that are planning to remove these chemicals from personal care products. What challenges CVS has encountered in eliminating the ingredients from 600 products. How CVS is making changes to position healthy foods closer to the front of the store. How CVS is communicating changes to customers. Links & Notes CVS Health

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Pete Brace, Vice President of Pet Parent Relations & Communications for Merrick Pet Care, a leader in natural and organic pet food, about their 3-year partnership with K9s for Warriors. Merrick Pet Care is making a difference in the lives of vets with PTSD! On the show, Megan, Pete and Joe discuss: How Merrick got involved with K9s for Warriors. How Merrick quickly grew the partnership to branded products. How K9s for Warriors helps veterans adjust to civilian life. Why private support is so critical to K9s for Warriors. How service dogs are chosen and paired with veterans. Merrick's release of Hero's Banquet and the success of the product since it went on sale in March. The importance of having a long-term commitment to the cause. The business benefit to Merrick of working with K9s for Warriors. Links & Notes Merrick Pet Care Pete Brace on Twitter K9s for Warriors

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to A. J. Petitti, President of Petitti's Garden Centers, a 8-store chain based in Ohio, about their partnership and support for Cleveland Clinic's Children's Hospital. The program has consistently raised over $100,000 thanks to an enthusiastic fundraiser at Petitti's stores and matching gift support from Scotts Miracle-Gro. On the show, Megan, A. J., and Joe discuss: How Petitti's got involved with Cleveland Clinic. The challenges of launching their first cause marketing fundraiser and growing it from a modest start of $8,000. How Petitti's measures the impact of their cause marketing, both for the hospital and their business. How Petitti's got Scotts Miracle-Gro involved in the fundraiser as a matching gift partner, which doubled the campaign's success! How employees have responded to the program. How the hospital works with Petitti's to educate employees and show the impact of their hard work. The two other fundraisers Petitti's hosts during the year. A. J.'s a

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Sarah Delea, President of the Mondelez International Foundation (MIF) on the impact and results from its school and community-based gardening programs on five continents. MIF is the giving arm of Mondelez International, a world leader in biscuits, chocolate, gum, candy and powdered beverages, featuring global Power Brands such as Oreo and Trident gum.  On the show, Megan, Joe, and Sarah discuss: The background of Mondelez International and how the foundation got started with its Call for Well Being. MIF's global work and the success they've had with "aquaponics." How MIF is tracking the success of its work, and how they cross-pollinate good ideas around the world, including here in the United States. Success stories from China, Mexico and some of the cultural challenges MIF has had. How Joe can eat a sleeve of Oreos and still keep his sexy shape. The size of MIF and the important role partnerships play in achieving their goals. Links & Notes Mondelez Int

In this episode of Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Kari Hayden Pendoley, head of the Rodan + Fields Prescription for Change Foundation, the giving arm of skincare brand Rodan + Fields, about their charitable work with empowerment organizations and upcoming #RFGoNaked fundraiser. On the show, Megan, Kari and Joe discuss: The background of Rodan + Fields and their business model of Independent Consultants. How Rodan + Fields built cause into the business right from the beginning. The company’s work with buildOn, an organization breaking the cycle of poverty, illiteracy and low expectations through service and education. How Rodan + Fields involves encourages its Independent Consultants to Support, Serve & Share with partners. Rodan + Fields’ upcoming campaign #RFGoNaked that encourages customers to post a public make-up free selfie to trigger a donation up to $500,000 to their global partners. How Rodan + Fields is using offline strategies to promote its online campaign. Links & Notes Prescri

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Alison McArthur, Community Achieves Coordinator for Metro Nashville Public Schools about the The Whirlpool Care Counts laundry program. Whirlpool is fighting against education inequality by installing washers and dryers in schools to remove this barrier to attendance, and give students the confidence they need and deserve to get through class each day. On the show, Megan and Joe discuss: How the Whirlpool Care Counts laundry program got started in Nashville schools. The little-known problem of children missing school because they don't have clean clothes.  How the program works in three Nashville schools. How the schools create a welcoming atmosphere for families so that they use the laundry center. The emphasis on collecting data so that Whirlpool and the schools know the program is working. How the program might expand in Nashville and across the country. How the program supports Whirlpool's business objectives. Links & Notes Whirlpool Care Counts

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Jeremy McGilvrey, an entrepreneur, author, and trainer who's amassed a massive audience on Instagram. Jeremy is here to share his advice on how causes can use the Internet's hottest property to recruit and engage supporters and to raise money.  On the show, Megan, Jeremy, and Joe discuss: The business case for being on Instagram. Jeremy's own journey. What exactly is an "influencer" on Instagram, and why you should tap into them. The positive vibe on Instagram that aligns well with causes. Instagram best practices for brands. How to use Instagram hashtags effectively. How to collect email addresses with Instagram. Top causes to follow on Instagram. How underutilized Instagram is by causes. Links & Notes @jeremymcgilvrey on Instagram @iamjoewaters on Instagram @meganstrand on Instagram Elevate Your Mindset Instagram Secrets

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan Joe talk to....each other! Don't worry. We're sure you'll enjoy it because we're belatedly celebrating the show's 200th episode with a look back at our favorite episodes of Cause Talk Radio. Here are the must-listen shows that Megan and Joe picked. 104: Content Marketing and the Future of Nonprofit Fundraising 132: White Castle's In-Store Fundraising Spikes 48%. What's On The Menu? 134: How an Ex-Con's Bread Company Gave Rise to Second Chances for Others 136: How Columbia Sportswear is Using Cause Marketing to Blaze a New Trail 151: Organic Valley Boosts Sales with Spoof on Cause Marketing 155: How One Sub Sandwich Chain Raised $8M for 180 Charities

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Peter Zandee, U. S. Sales Manager, Tony's Chocolonely, about their efforts to fight child slavery in the chocolate industry in West Africa. On the show, Megan, Peter and Joe discuss: How Tony's got started by a Dutch journalist who was appalled by the slavery in West Africa. The founders had no experience making chocolate or working in West Africa. But they had a powerful commitment to the cause. The problem of childhood slavery in West Africa and why it's getting worse. How Tony's is trying to address the problem of child slavery by paying cocoa growers a living wage and adding traceability to the supply chain. Tony's want to be a model for the industry. Other companies Tony's is working with to eradicate child slavery. How Tony's communicates its mission with stakeholders. The importance of leading with great tasting chocolate and then the social impact. Links & Notes The Story of Tony Chocolonely Tony's Chocolonely Tony's Chocolonely on Facebook

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe are talking to Erich Marx, Director of Marketing, Nissan North America, about their participation in Habitat for Humanity's new cause marketing platform Home is the Key. This month, Nissan is aiming to raise $250,000 for Habitat by donating $1 for each time the hashtag #HomeistheKey is used online. On the show, Megan, Erich and Joe discuss: How Nissan got started with Habitat for Humanity back in 2005. Nissan's first impression of Habitat's new cause marketing platform, Home is the Key. How Nissan is supporting Habitat in April with a hashtag fundraiser to raise $250,000. They are also doing a special build in Atlanta with Heisman Trophy winners. How Nissan is partnering with iHeartRadio to promote Home is the Key. How employees have participated in the partnership with Habitat. Key facts everyone should know about Habitat houses. How Nissan is the number one car among Millennials! Links & Notes Nissan's #HomeIsTheKey 209: Habitat Launches First Cause Marketing

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Icema Gibbs, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, for JetBlue Airways, about JetBlue for Good. The goal of JetBlue for Good is to inspire humanity – both in the air and on the ground. It's focused on giving back in meaningful ways in the communities the airline serves and to inspire others to do the same. On the show, Megan, Icema and Joe discuss: How JetBlue for Good got started. JetBlue's signature program, Soar with Reading, that was created six years ago. It's goal is to bring books and reading to poor communities. The innovative approach JetBlue took to delivering books via vending machines. Why JetBlue chose to focus on youth and education. How JetBlue communicates with its employees about their cause initiatives, and rewards them for their efforts. The importance of cause initiatives to younger employees and how it keeps them engaged with the company. How JetBlue engages consumers inflight with their different cause-related programs. Why it's impo

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Scott Goldberg, President of Bankers Life, a national life and health insurance brand, about their work with the Alzheimer's Association. In their 14 years of support, the company has raised more than $4.5 million to support the Alzheimer care, education and research. And they've done it by asking their agents to hit the streets and collect donations from passersby.  On the show, Megan, Scott and Joe discuss: How Bankers Life got involved with the Alzheimer's Association. Why they decided to take to the streets to raise money and "Can for Change." How Bankers Life designed the program to make it easy for employees to ask people for money. What surprised Scott on who donates the most to their street campaigns. How the program has evolved through the years. It's expanded across the country. How Bankers Life and Alzheimer's Association communicates the impact of the program. Links & Notes Bankers Life Forget Me Not Days

Today on Cause Talk Radio Megan and Joe talk to Colleen Ridenhour, Senior Vice President Resource Development for Habitat for Humanity International, and Tracy Cioffi, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Sur La Table, about Habitat's new cause marketing platform, Home is the Key. On the show, Megan, Colleen, Tracy and Joe discuss: After 40 years, Habitat for Humanity is launching its first signature campaign, Home is the Key. Why now? What can stakeholders expect to see when the platform launches in April? How Sur La Table got involved with Habitat. What are the biggest myths surrounding Habitat? Do they really give away homes? Habitat is so successful, do they really need the money? What's happening in Sur La Table stores in April to support Home is the Key?  How Sur La Table educated their employees on Habitat and prepared them for their first national cause marketing program. They've got Habitatitis! How Habitat engages volunteers beyond building homes. Habitat is very active after disasters. How Sur L

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Jeff Terry, Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Amway Corporation, about Power of 5. This campaign is designed to build awareness of childhood malnutrition and address the critical need for proper nutrition during the first 5 years of life and offer a way that everyone can help. On the show, Megan, Jeff and Joe discuss: The background of Power of 5 and its tie to Amway's nutrition brand, Nutrilite. How Amway's One-by-One program evolved into Power of 5 as Amway realized it could do more than give money. They could apply their expertise to address the problem of malnutrition in the world. How Amway works with its business owners around the world to involve them in Power of 5. How Amway uses its internal website to raise money directly from business owners. They've raised $11 million just in the past year. How Amway works with 20 NGO's, especially with CARE, which is its global partner. Joe tests Jeff knowledge of Amway with trivia! Megan was thrille

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Buffy Swinehart, Senior Manager, Cause Marketing for Aflac, on the company's Duckprints campaign to fight childhood cancer. One of the components of the campaign included rallying people across America to create or share posts related to childhood cancer using the hashtag #Duckprints on social media. For each social media activity, Aflac pledged to contribute $2, up to $1.5 million. All told, there were more than 900,000 social media engagements across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, making this the first time that the program, which began in 2013, has reached its goal of $1.5 million in contributions. On the show, Megan, Buffy and Joe discuss: How did Duckprints get started? A fundraiser's cold call on Aflac's foundation led to a $3 million gift, a corporate commitment to fighting childhood cancer and Duckprints! How Duckprints evolved to a social media fundraiser with the hashtag #duckprints. How Aflac is a great model of how traditional corporate

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to Jenny Davis-Peccoud, a partner with Bain & Company who leads their sustainability and corporate responsibility practice, about a new report that finds that only 2 percent of corporate sustainability programs achieve or exceed their aims. To get sustainability efforts back on track, the report offers four guidelines to deliver lasting gains. On the show Megan, Jenny and Joe discuss: How Jenny defines "sustainability." How data was collected for the report. 300 companies from around the world completed a survey and Jenny's team followed up with interviews. Was Jenny surprised that the success rate was so low? Employee reaction to sustainability. Employees weren't convinced that sustainability wasn't a real priority for their company. Four things companies can do to make their sustainability efforts more successful. Make a bold, public commitment to sustainability. CEO's need to lead by example. Highlight the business case. Use process and incentive changes

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to James Mitchener, Marketing Manager at Waste Industries, about the Full Circle Project, a customer-driven fundraiser that to-date has donated nearly $1 million to charities. On show, Megan, James and Joe discuss: How the Full Circle Project works. Customers get to choose which charities Waste Industries supports. How did Waste Industries educate customers about the program? It took some time to engage customers and convince them that Waste Industries was adding the donation to their bills! Focus of the program is on local charities and Waste Industries identifies charities within nine "need" areas (e. g. cancer, animal rescue, veterans, etc.). Waste Industries works with local nonprofits to communicate the success of the program. They'll even prepare media releases for the nonprofit. How the waste industry is learning from James and his team on how to create win-win cause marketing programs.  What has surprised James and his team most about the Full Circle Proj

Today on Cause Talk Radio, Megan and Joe talk to co-founders Kevin Finn and Mark Edelson of Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, a privately owned restaurant known for their handcrafted beers and New American cuisine. Iron Hill is also known for its cause marketing, having raised $200,000 for children's pediatric cancer. On the show, Megan, Kevin, Mark and Joe discuss: How Iron Hill got involved with CureSearch and fighting children's pediatric cancer. How Iron Hill decided on a dessert to benefit CureSearch. To Joe's delight, Kevin and Mark describes the Triple Chocolate Hill, a double fudge brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, peanut butter-caramel sauce, chocolate sauce and whipped cream.  Since 2004, Iron Hill has raised $200k by selling the dessert at 12 locations. Kevin and Mark discuss their partnership with CureSearch and what a great partner they've been. This fundraiser is unique in that it's promoted year-round. How does Iron Hill sustain the enthusiasm for the fundraiser, especially with employe