Ten Things a Company Can Do to Support Earth Hour

On March 28, 2009, at 8:30 p.m., tens of millions of people around the world will turn out their lights for one hour -- Earth Hour — to demonstrate their concern for our living planet, and send a loud message to our leaders that they support action on climate change. Here are a few ideas for ways your organization can support and publicize the annual World Wildlife Fund-originated event:

1. Hold a contest among employees, with a prize for the best ideas for reducing waste and cutting energy consumption in your company’s daily operations.

2. Ask your business partners, suppliers and industry peers to support Earth Hour. Hang banners and posters so that your support is visible to all who enter your offices or buildings.

3. Turn your website “go black” during the week leading up to Earth Hour; make all white backgrounds black and all black text white. [Google did this in 2008!] Post a blurb about the event on your homepage that links to the Earth Hour home page.

4. Hold a companywide event or celebration for employees the week proceeding Earth Hour and serve “green-themed” refreshments. Host an Earth Hour “lights out” party for your staff, customers and vendors on the night of the event. Be sure to turn out the lights, etc., at 8:30 p.m. local time.

5. Schedule a meeting or send an e-mail to employees from the chairman or CEO explaining why the company is supporting Earth Hour, and urge them to “turn out” at home. The entire executive team, including the CEO, should pledge to participate as well.

6. Create an Earth Hour section on the company intranet where employees can post ideas for celebrating Earth Hour and photos following up the event.

7. Hold employee contests, with awards going to the staff member who recruits the most people to sign a pledge to say they will participate, or who comes up with the most creative promotional idea for Earth Hour.

8. Ask the company cafeteria to hold a special candlelight lunch the week of Earth Hour, featuring dishes prepared using organic and sustainably products to remind employees about the event.

9. Create special TV, radio and newspaper ads to showcase your company’s participation in Earth Hour, and to urge others to join.

10. Issue a news release and contact news media and radio stations and tell them what your company is doing to support Earth Hour and why.

For a variety of Earth Hour-related downloads -- e.g., T-shirt logos, posters, postcards, iPhone wallpaper, stickers -- go to: http://www.earthhour.org/downloads/.
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American Express Announces Thank You Gift Card and Increases Web Purchasing Power for Corporate Giving

American Express recognizes the value and importance of companies saying "Thanks," "Well done," or simply showing appreciation to employees and customers throughout the year. To that end, GoodBiz113 ad partner American Express today announced the American Express® Thank You Gift Card, the latest addition to their growing line of themed Gift Cards.

According to a 2007 Incentive Magazine survey, 82% of businesses give gift cards and gift certificates. Of those, 74% gave gift cards and certificates for employee recognition, 46% for sales incentives, and 17% for consumer promotions. The survey also revealed that 83% of businesses find that giving gift cards and certificates is equally effective or more effective than giving cash -- up from 69% in 2006.

As a premium gifting product, the new Thank You Gift Card has an elegant gold design and provides recipients the freedom to create their own memorable experiences. It is available in various denominations from $25 to $100, and comes with special offers from participating retailers and merchants nationwide.

"Gift Cards have become a preferred incentive and holiday gift option among corporate buyers, due to their ease of purchase, use and universality," said Stefan Happ, vice president and general manager, American Express Gift Cards.

"This growing demand has led American Express to help simplify companies' gifting processes by offering bulk purchasing of American Express Gift Cards and adding relevant business-themed products like the Dining and Thank You Gift Card to our portfolio," Happ noted. "These service and product enhancements will enable companies to give their employees and customers a premium gift for any occasion throughout the entire year."

American Express enhanced its corporate Gift Card services in 2006 to help corporations and small businesses increase the effectiveness of their gifting programs. The improvements simplified bulk orders and increased the number of American Express Gift Cards that can be purchased by one company through the American Express Web site.

Companies interested in buying American Express Gift Cards in bulk for reward, incentive and promotional programs can visit the American Express "Gift Cards for Business" website, which gives companies a convenient way to buy a large number of American Express Gift Cards -- increased this year to as much as $35,000 or 1,400 cards, up from $15,000 or 600 cards last year.

Companies interested in purchasing American Express Gift Cards in excess of these thresholds can do so by calling American Express at 877-297-8242. American Express offers the American Express Business Gift Card, Gift Card Especially for Dining, and Thank You Gift Card to its corporate clients.

In addition to the American Express Gift Card, American Express offers themed Gift Cards for consumers -- including Gift Cards Especially for Kids, Teens, Birthdays, Dining, Movie Lovers, the Bride and Groom, and Thank You.

The American Express Gift Card lets the recipient choose from millions of things and experiences, making it a popular gift choice. Unlike store gift cards, which can be redeemed at one retailer's locations, the American Express Gift Card can be used at millions of places in the U.S. that accept American Express. The Gift Card is available in denominations ranging from $25 to $500 and can be refunded if lost or stolen.*

American Express Gift Cards come with special offers at best-of-brand retailers, restaurants and merchants. Click here for more information.

About American Express
American Express is a leader in prepaid products. In addition to the 116-year old American Express Travelers Cheque -- the pre-eminent brand welcomed worldwide -- the Company issues other prepaid products including Cheques for Two, Gift Cards, Gift Cheques, and a range of corporate incentive prepaid products through American Express Incentive Services, a joint venture with Maritz Inc.

American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance and international banking.

* Terms, conditions and purchase/replacement fees apply to Gift Cards. Subject to applicable law, a monthly service fee of $2.00 is waived for the initial 12 months after purchase. A $5.95 replacement fee may apply if a Gift Card is lost or stolen. Not for use at car rental, cruise lines, casinos or ATMs. Offers are subject to change without notice.

SOURCE: American Express
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