Summarizes the Relationship Between Business and Society in Challenging Economy
FAIRFIELD, Conn.--21 July 2009-- GE today released its fifth annual Citizenship Report, entitled Resetting Responsibilities. The report covers GE's worldwide operations for the 2008 fiscal year and reviews GE's corporate responsibility initiatives from the perspective of four key themes -- energy and climate change, demographics, growth markets and financial markets. The report includes an in-depth discussion on the relationship between business and society during the global recession and reflects the importance of corporate responsibility as an integral part of GE's business strategy.
"Governments, business and society must all play a role in renewing our economies, solving societal problems and creating jobs," Jeff Immelt, chairman and CEO of GE said. "GE's focus on integrity, our experience and our efforts on advancing the social needs of health, infrastructure, energy, finance and education position us as a natural partner in a sustainable economic recovery."
The report, related performance data and other content are available to users via the Company's citizenship website at www.ge.com/citizenship. It illustrates how GE is working with key stakeholders such as employees, customers, investors, governments, academia and others to tackle some of the world's toughest problems. To reflect this engagement, the report includes more than 20 perspectives from global thought leaders on key issues.
"General Electric has made a serious effort to draw a corporate responsibility roadmap for employees, investors, and other stakeholders," said Elizabeth McGeveran, senior vice president for Governance & Sustainable Investment at F&C Management Ltd. "GE's Citizenship Report provides frank reflections on the financial crisis and some of the challenges and opportunities that the company faces. As an investor, I appreciate GE's efforts to discuss tough business issues more directly. Over time the company has proven that it is striving to make its citizenship reporting more relevant than ever to the investor community."
Highlights in this year's report include:
To sign up for more information about GE's corporate citizenship initiatives and practices, please visit http://www.genewscenter.com/webuser/register.asp.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified infrastructure, finance and media company taking on the world's toughest challenges. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, medical imaging, and television programming, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
Greg Farrett
GE Corporate Executive Director - Communications
[email protected]
+32-2-235-6912
Frank Mantero