Presented by PR News, the leading publication covering the public relations trade, the CSR Awards recognize people and companies that successfully demonstrate that altruism, philanthropy and employee commitment to “do good” can go a long way towards making an impact on a community, key stakeholders, and a company’s bottom line.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) March 23, 2008 — Hard Rock, Staples, Pacific Gas, Shell Oil and Nike were among the diverse range of companies recognized today as leaders in Corporate Social Responsibility during PR News’ annual CSR Awards (http://www.prnewsonline.com/awards/csr/event_info.html) luncheon at the National Press Club. Among the executives winning the first-time CSR Pioneer and Leader Awards were William Johnson, head of H.J. Heinz, Dr. Monica Oberkofler of Gap Inc. and Emily Callahan and Katrina McGhee, both with Susan G Komen for the Cure.

Presented by PR News, the leading publication covering the public relations trade, the CSR Awards recognize people and companies that successfully demonstrate that altruism, philanthropy and employee commitment to “do good” can go a long way towards making an impact on a community, key stakeholders, and a company’s bottom line.

The awards luncheon, sponsored by Georgetown University and ckpr and co-emceed by PR News Editor Courtney Barnes and VP/Group Publisher Diane Schwartz, included a keynote presentation by Carrie Hall, Communications and Public Affairs Officer at the United Nations Global Compact. With thousands of participants located in 120 countries, the Global Compact is seeing first-hand an evolving global awareness that principled corporate behavior is an essential component of a winning business strategy.

Winners were awarded in a dozen categories critical to CSR success. Honorable mentions rounded out the awards program, with more than 50 organizations selected for their social responsible work during the 2007 judging period.

The PR News family of products includes PR News, PR News Workshop & Webinars, PR Job Center at prnewsonline.com, the Platinum PR Awards, PR People Awards, CSR Awards, The 100 Best Case Studies Book, Digital PR Guidebook, Guidebook to Best Practices in CSR; Guidebook to Best Practices in Measurement and the Crisis Management Guidebook. The premier Web site, www.prnewsonline.com, includes the latest strategies and tactics for communications professionals.

The winners will be profiled in the March 24 CSR Awards issue of PR News. To obtain a copy, please contact PR News Client Services at Clientservices@accessintel.com; 888-707-5814.

PR News’ CSR Award Winners of 2008: Environmental Stewardship

Staples with RF|Binder Partners – Staples Launches Nationwide Computer & E-waste Recycling Program (w)

Cox Enterprises – Cox Conserves (hm)

Direct Marketing Association – DMA Environmental Action Program (hm)

Singer Associates, Inc. – Plastic Bottles and Food Scraps to Save the Environment (hm)

Sony Electronics Inc. – Sony Take Back Recycling Program (hm)