This Week's Herman Trend Alert Cyberbullying---a Growing Problem

The Herman Trend Alert February 3, 2010 Green Banks Thrive Capitalizing on the green movement, a growing number of financial institutions have sprouted up in the United States and elsewhere. Promoting earth-friendly policies, these green banks have appeared in numerous US cities and other countries, including France, Mexico, and elsewhere. The concept originated in Europe with the need to finance "alternative projects", socially and environmentally desirable developments. Committed to ethical and responsible banking practices, France's Credit Agricole supports producing responsible products and services and reducing effects of climate change. Green banks support environmentally friendly strategies by providing lower interest rates on loans to green builders and borrowers who buy fuel-efficient cars, as well as incentives to depositors who opt out of paper statements. Consumers feel positively towards these green improvements. A recent survey found that 56 percent of respondents believe paperless statements to be ecologically friendly---not just a cost-cutting ploy on the part of the banks. As the economy emerges from its contraction, GreenChoice Bank, located in the Midwest, hopes to be one of the region’s first green lenders. GreenChoice’s chief operating officer, Steve Sherman, is accredited in green building practices by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). GreenChoice will reward green builders and consumers who opt not to receive paper statements. They will soon provide envelope-free ATM deposits and "remote deposit capture", a way for business customers to deposit checks without visiting a bank. Another example: First Green Bank, which opened last February, offered zero-interest loans to workers who bought cars that get more than 30 miles a gallon. Another traditional lender, PrivateBank, financed part of a USD $1 million-plus loan for the Little Green Tree House that opened an environmentally friendly day-care center. Jumping on the bandwagon, the major banks of the US have embraced green practices. HSBC donated $100 million USD to four environmental organizations and Wachovia, now a subsidiary of Wells Fargo, announced that it would build only "green branches" as it expanded into California and Texas. Expect more financial institutions and other enterprises worldwide to join in this green movement; it makes organizations more attractive to both internal and external customers. © Copyright 1998- by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." DISCOVER WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON... in the hearts and minds of your employees. Our InnerViews interviewing service uses SPHRs and PHRs, certified human resource professionals to probe for the information you really need to know. Exit and Stay Interviews, as well as Why-Didn't-You-Take-Our-Offer Interviews. Call Rosalie Catalano at 937-416-7066, or read more at: http://www.hermangroup.com/retentionconnection/exit_interviews.html. MOM ALWAYS TAUGHT IT WAS GOOD TO SHARE You have probably subscribed to The Herman Trend Alert for a while now and you know how valuable it is to you. Why not suggest that your friends sign up at http://www.hermantrendalert.com? Join the thousands who subscribe in 87 countries around the globe. Are there particular topics you'd like to see covered? Let us know and we will research "The Future of. . .". And let us know how else we may serve you? E-mail: joyce@hermangroup.com. YOUR EMPLOYEES NEED THEIR LEADERS MORE THAN EVER Help your leaders to excel. Thousands have used our weekly Lessons in Leadership to help their supervisors and managers remember how to hold onto top talent. The 52-week subscription is only $47, a bargain when you think about the savings to your organization in reduced turnover. Quantity discounts available by emailing Carol at carol@hermangroup.com. Order today at: http://www.hermangroup.com/store/subscription_all.html#3. Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert. Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert View this week's Herman Trend Alert Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

[ Home · About · Products · Resources · Media ]

Web site design by WebEditor Design Services, Inc.