Finalists demonstrate why business consistently ranks as the most trusted institution to solve the world’s most pressing problems
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today named the finalists for its 22nd Annual Citizens Awards – 26 companies that have exhibited extraordinary leadership in driving change and impact at a time when society faces both new and persistent challenges, from an uneven pandemic recovery and worker shortages to racial inequities and climate change.
“The pandemic has shown business leadership is essential not only for our economic growth, but also for the strength of our communities—both here at home and abroad,” said Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “We proudly recognize these companies for taking action to build a more prosperous, equitable, healthy and sustainable future.”
According to Edelman’s 2021 Trust Barometer, business is the most trusted institution to address the events of the last year, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic distress, and calls for racial equity. Likewise, 86 percent of respondents said they expect CEOs to lead on solving urgent societal issues.
From creating the world’s largest STEM program for girls, to meeting critical sustainability targets, to donating life-saving medical supplies to vulnerable populations around the world, the Citizens Awards finalists reflect how businesses are meeting this moment and accelerating momentum for a more equitable and sustainable future through innovative solutions.
Awards are presented in eight categories, reflecting the far-reaching impact of business in areas ranging from economic opportunity to sustainability to disaster response. This year’s finalists are:
- Best Corporate Steward: Large BusinessFinalists: Aflac Incorporated, Citi, DSM, and Rocket Companies
- Best Corporate Steward: Small and Middle-Market BusinessFinalists: Adore Me, Inc., Blackbaud, and Primo Partners
- Best Commitment to Education ProgramFinalists: Chicago Fire Football Club, Mastercard, and Raytheon Technologies
- Best Community Improvement ProgramFinalists: DTE Energy, Liberty Mutual Insurance, and VF Corporation
- Best Community Resilience and Disaster Response ProgramFinalists: General Motors, The PepsiCo Foundation, and Walgreens
- Best Economic Opportunity and Empowerment ProgramFinalists: Entergy Corporation, ID4A Technologies, and TD Ameritrade
- Best Health and Wellness ProgramFinalists: Bayer U.S. LLC, Eli Lilly and Company, and Pfizer, Inc.
- Best Sustainability ProgramFinalists: ADM, Biogen Inc., Microsoft Corporation, and Philips
Citizens Awards winners will be announced during the 2021 Corporate Citizenship Conference: Business Solves on November 17-18. This year’s program will also feature the “Corporate Citizenship Hall of Fame,” honoring companies for their long-standing commitment to empowering individuals and building resilient communities.
Winners in each category will be selected by an external panel of business and non-profit leaders at the forefront of purpose-led innovation. More information about the awards and finalists is available on the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s website.
