Scroll down for stories about how Chicago employers, their employees, customers and members are involved in Haiti relief efforts.

HRMAC’s 2010 Leadership Series kicks off on February 10 with a look at how companies are re-aligning their human resources practices to prepare for the recovery.  Leaders from Avis Rent-A-Car, Molex Incorporated and Flying Food Group will share their insights and discuss what they are doing re-establish their employment brand and strengthen their workforce to prepare for the opportunities ahead.

This year’s Series will be moderated by Phil Ponce, Host of WTTW’s Chicago Tonight.  In addition to his work with authors, artists and news-makers, Phil has conducted numerous interviews and moderated panels with business leaders on various issues that impact Chicago area business. 

Phil also serves as a professor and Distinguished Journalist in Residence at Loyola University Chicago and has been a columnist for the Chicago Tribune.  Phil’s and recognition include “Illinois Journalist of the Year”, the Studs Turkel Award for Journalism, the City Club of Chicago’s Award for Excellence, and Indiana University’s “Latino Alumni of the Year.”

The 2010 Leadership Series continues on April 14 and June 9 with leaders from Campbell Soup, Exelon Corporation, Turner Broadcasting Systems and other nationally-recognized companies.

Company tables can be reserved for HR leaders who want to bring their teams together to hear how other businesses are handling complex human resources challenges.  Professional Services Firms may reserve tables to share these top-notch educational events with their clients.

Visit the Leadership Series Event Page for complete program information and to register.

Chicago businesses, their employees, customers and members have generously donated funding and resources to the disaster relief needs of the people of Haiti.  Following are their actions and stories.  To share your activities and see them posted here, email hrmac@hrmac.org.

Bank of Montreal: Parent of Harris Bank donated $250,000 to relief efforts and created a micro-site with the Red Cross for donations from the US and Canada. A direct appeal to their 36,000 employees for donations was made. All bank fees and charges are being waived for customer drafts and/or fund transfers to Haiti. Effective through (at least) February 12, 2010.

Berlin Packaging: Donating $20,000 to the Red Cross for relief efforts and is matching employee donations dollar-for-dollar.

Cardinal Health: The Foundation is donating $25,000 to World Vision for the purchase of supplies to create family survival kits. A 100% matching program is in place for employee contributions.  In addition, the company is donating approximately $1MM in supplies to four organizations: World Vision, AmeriCares, Map International and Heart to Heart International.

Discover: Making an immediate commitment of $100,000 to the Red Cross, have pledged up to another $1MM to card member matching programs and will match employee donations dollar-for-dollar through the established giving program.  Additionally, all credit card transaction fees for donations made to the Red Cross will be waived.

Exelon: The company is donating $50,000 to specific organizations (Red Cross, US Fund for UNICEF) plus enhancing the company's existing matching program to cover up to an additional $200,000 in funds to the same organizations. Effective through February 15, 2010.

Navistar: The company will match up to $10,000 in contributions from company and dealer employees to AmeriCares. It will also donate in the range of $750,000 in used trucks through their used truck organization and Altec, a major customer.  The vehicles will be used trucks and used vocational trucks, cranes and utility trucks. 

Sara Lee: Through their Foundation, employees may make matching grant contributions to the Red Cross.  These contributions, for amounts of $25-$10,000, will be matched 2-for-1 and are not included in the employee's matching grant limits. Effective through March 31, 2010.

United Airlines: Through its Foundation, UAL is matching up to $50,000 in employee and customer donations to Red Cross made through the International Response Fund at United.com. Customers may donate miles to Red Cross. UAL is working with relief organizations and providing a flight per day through the month of January to deliver cargo and other airlift-related humanitarian aid. 

Waste Management: The company will provide up to $100,000 in employee matching donations to World Vision and Habitat for Humanity, $100,000 to support community partners working on Haiti relief initiatives and $100,000 to the WM Employees Care Fund which provides financial assistance to employees impacted by natural disasters and other emergencies. WM's Florida operations are supplementing this with additional funding as additional support to the company's more than 500 employees of Haitian descent.