Top Stories

March 07, 2012

Economy
Brazil’s economy overtakes UK to become world’s sixth largest
Brazil has claimed the UK’s spot as the world’s sixth largest economy after official figures showed its economy rose 2.7% last year. The per capita income of Brazilians remains less than a third of that enjoyed in the UK at $11,000 (£7,000) per head, but the situation is improving all the time while western economies largely stagnate. Top of the list of economic attractions in Brazil is agriculture and the processing of foodstuffs, which account for about a quarter of Brazilian GDP and 36% of exports. Oil is expected to become the next big commodity for export, as the country’s reserves are believed to equal those shared by Norway and the UK in the North Sea.

The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/mar/06/brazil-economy-worlds-sixth-largest?newsfeed=true
Employees

Office Depot named a top company for executive women

Office Depot [expand] has been named as a “Top 50 Company for Executive Women” by the National Association for Female Executives for the eighth consecutive year. The listing recognises United States companies that move women into top positions and which create a culture that identifies, promotes, and nurtures successful women executives.

3BL Media
http://3blmedia.com/theCSRfeed/Office-Depot-Named-Top-50-Company-Executive-Women-Proxy-Preview-2012-Says-Shareholder

Environment

Chrysler to sell natural gas-powered truck

Chrysler aims to be the first United States automaker to produce a factory-built pickup truck that is powered mainly by natural gas. Natural gas prices have dropped steeply over the last year thanks to higher production. Chrysler said the gas-powered trucks will save money for their owners over the long term.

Boston.com http://www.boston.com/cars/news/articles/2012/03/06/chrysler_to_sell_natural_gas_powered_truck/

Social Investment

Linklaters Learn for Work programme is a Big Society Award winner

Linklaters, a leading global law firm, has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Big Society Award for its ‘Learn for Work’ programme. ‘Learn for Work’ is an international scheme which Linklaters runs in 16 countries working with over 7,500 children in 80 schools. Through the programme employees of the law firm work with children at local schools to help develop the aspirations, skills and experience they need to fulfil their potential. Congratulating Linklaters on the award, the Prime Minister said: “Learn for Work is an impressive programme which has had a direct impact on the future of hundreds of young people.  I hope that the young people involved will continue to benefit from this valuable support throughout their careers.”
Number 10 http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/linklaters-learn-for-work-programme-in-hackney-is-the-latest-big-society-award-winner/

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