My ears perked up when I heard the words “save you money” at a recent CSR event hosted by Jane Madden, SVP of CSR and Sustainability at Edelman.  The guest speaker, Sharon Feigon, CEO of I-Go Car Sharing, explained how her organization has grown beyond individuals to serve businesses and local governments.  “While most of our customers really believe in our social and environmental impact, it’s truly the price that makes or breaks the sale,” she said.  Currently a member of another car share program, I was intrigued.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a term that has evolved in recent years.  Those who follow the pattern in which corporations engage in social issues have noted how the role of CSR has grown from that of mindful compliance to one of strategic importance.  I was reminded of this recently while chuckling at an episode of the NBC sitcom “30Rock.”  In it, one of the show’s characters sports a t-shirt with the corporate slogan, “Sheinhardt Wig Company: Not Polluting Rivers Since 1997.”    

“Is the economic downturn affecting the willingness and readiness of companies to look at the economic, social, and environmental impact of their business practices? Or is this a perfect time to reassess current programs and adapt them to changing—and in many cases increasing—needs in society?”