Latest news with #J.B.Simko
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Americans to Corporate America: Step Up, Get Local, and Lead with Your Values
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A groundbreaking new survey, 'Invested in America: Today's High Standards for U.S. Companies,' released today on behalf of Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses ('PMI U.S.'), reveals that the majority of Americans expect corporations to take a leading role in addressing community and societal challenges—favoring local impact. The PMI U.S. Philanthropy 2025 Benchmark Survey, conducted in April among 1,000 U.S. adults aged 21+, offers a portrait of a public that wants companies to go beyond business as usual. Companies are viewed as powerful and potentially better equipped than the government to drive change but only if CEO visibility and philanthropy are authentic and focused on genuine community betterment. The survey found: 84% of Americans believe big companies have an ethical responsibility to support the communities where they operate. 78% say they're more likely to buy from a brand that shares their values. 72% say corporations should help solve major systemic issues. 59% believe corporations may be better equipped than the government to tackle society's most pressing problems. 'These findings make it clear: The era of pragmatic philanthropy is here,' said Stacey Kennedy, CEO of PMI U.S. 'Americans are hungry for a new, grounded approach to ethical responsibility that's about listening to communities, investing locally, and showing up consistently.' When asked what makes a company a good neighbor, Americans overwhelmingly prioritize practical action over platitudes. Hiring locally and supporting small businesses (26%) and maintaining a consistent, visible presence in communities (23%) topped the list of valued practices. Meanwhile, 86% said the best way for a company to support a community is by offering stable, well-paying jobs. It's clear that Americans have little tolerance for performative-only philanthropy. Respondents ranked 'failing to listen' as the number one mistake companies make in community engagement, followed closely by 'doing it for PR.' They want companies to partner with local leaders, invest in jobs training, and build trust through sustained involvement, not one-off donations. The public holds complex views on business leadership. While 68% think CEOs should take public stands on key issues, a majority (58%) say they prefer not to know a CEO's political leanings. What matters more is visible involvement: CEOs who are active in their communities and empower their employees to give back earn the public's trust and support. Taken as a whole, the survey findings offer current guidance for PMI U.S. and other companies during a complex time for corporate leadership. 'It's clear that a deliberate approach of listening to learn is key,' said J.B. Simko, Chief Civil Society & Underage Prevention Officer at PMI U.S. 'Americans want to see partnerships that strengthen local communities and a shift from grand charity to shared responsibility and active collaboration. Corporate giving and engagement must focus more on tailored support and long-term partnerships that meaningfully address local needs – an approach we strive to take in the communities where we live and work.' As part of its mission to improve public health by offering science-backed, smoke-free products that are better alternatives to continued smoking, PMI U.S. is also committed to being a good neighbor in the communities where its people live and work. The company has invested more than $832 million in new and expanded manufacturing facilities in America that provide well-paying jobs, and its affiliates have contributed more than $25 million in worthy causes since 2022, prioritizing military veterans and their families, economic empowerment, and disaster preparedness and relief. Survey Methodology The PMI U.S. Philanthropy 2025 Survey was fielded by 3W Insights between April 22 and 27, 2025, among 1,000 U.S. adults 21 and older. The survey was conducted online using opt-in panel participants. The survey is representative of the U.S. population, based on known Census demographics and geographics. The margin of error for this survey is +/-3.1%, with higher margins of error for subgroups. Statistical testing was conducted at a 95% confidence level, and subgroup findings in this analysis are statistically significant at 95% confidence. About PMI Invested in America Philip Morris International Inc.'s U.S. businesses (collectively, 'PMI U.S.') are on a mission to improve public health in America by providing the ~30 million legal-age consumers who still smoke traditional cigarettes with better, smoke-free alternatives. PMI U.S. is committed to responsible marketing practices that help prevent access to its products by people under the age of 21. PMI U.S. businesses employ more than 2,500 people across America and operate product manufacturing facilities, including in Owensboro, Kentucky, and Wilson, North Carolina. Since 2022, PMI U.S. has contributed approximately $25 million to charitable causes, amplifying the good work of organizations already active within communities through financial contributions and volunteering. For more information, please visit and References to 'PMI' mean the Philip Morris International family of companies. 'PMI U.S.,' 'we,' 'our,' and 'us' refer to PMI U.S. businesses.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Americans to Corporate America: Step Up, Get Local, and Lead with Your Values
New PMI U.S. Survey Signals a Shift to an "Era of Pragmatic Philanthropy," as Public Seeks Community-First Leadership STAMFORD, Conn., June 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A groundbreaking new survey, "Invested in America: Today's High Standards for U.S. Companies," released today on behalf of Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses ("PMI U.S."), reveals that the majority of Americans expect corporations to take a leading role in addressing community and societal challenges—favoring local impact. The PMI U.S. Philanthropy 2025 Benchmark Survey, conducted in April among 1,000 U.S. adults aged 21+, offers a portrait of a public that wants companies to go beyond business as usual. Companies are viewed as powerful and potentially better equipped than the government to drive change but only if CEO visibility and philanthropy are authentic and focused on genuine community betterment. The survey found: 84% of Americans believe big companies have an ethical responsibility to support the communities where they operate. 78% say they're more likely to buy from a brand that shares their values. 72% say corporations should help solve major systemic issues. 59% believe corporations may be better equipped than the government to tackle society's most pressing problems. "These findings make it clear: The era of pragmatic philanthropy is here," said Stacey Kennedy, CEO of PMI U.S. "Americans are hungry for a new, grounded approach to ethical responsibility that's about listening to communities, investing locally, and showing up consistently." When asked what makes a company a good neighbor, Americans overwhelmingly prioritize practical action over platitudes. Hiring locally and supporting small businesses (26%) and maintaining a consistent, visible presence in communities (23%) topped the list of valued practices. Meanwhile, 86% said the best way for a company to support a community is by offering stable, well-paying jobs. It's clear that Americans have little tolerance for performative-only philanthropy. Respondents ranked "failing to listen" as the number one mistake companies make in community engagement, followed closely by "doing it for PR." They want companies to partner with local leaders, invest in jobs training, and build trust through sustained involvement, not one-off donations. The public holds complex views on business leadership. While 68% think CEOs should take public stands on key issues, a majority (58%) say they prefer not to know a CEO's political leanings. What matters more is visible involvement: CEOs who are active in their communities and empower their employees to give back earn the public's trust and support. Taken as a whole, the survey findings offer current guidance for PMI U.S. and other companies during a complex time for corporate leadership. "It's clear that a deliberate approach of listening to learn is key," said J.B. Simko, Chief Civil Society & Underage Prevention Officer at PMI U.S. "Americans want to see partnerships that strengthen local communities and a shift from grand charity to shared responsibility and active collaboration. Corporate giving and engagement must focus more on tailored support and long-term partnerships that meaningfully address local needs – an approach we strive to take in the communities where we live and work." As part of its mission to improve public health by offering science-backed, smoke-free products that are better alternatives to continued smoking, PMI U.S. is also committed to being a good neighbor in the communities where its people live and work. The company has invested more than $832 million in new and expanded manufacturing facilities in America that provide well-paying jobs, and its affiliates have contributed more than $25 million in worthy causes since 2022, prioritizing military veterans and their families, economic empowerment, and disaster preparedness and relief. Survey MethodologyThe PMI U.S. Philanthropy 2025 Survey was fielded by 3W Insights between April 22 and 27, 2025, among 1,000 U.S. adults 21 and older. The survey was conducted online using opt-in panel participants. The survey is representative of the U.S. population, based on known Census demographics and geographics. The margin of error for this survey is +/-3.1%, with higher margins of error for subgroups. Statistical testing was conducted at a 95% confidence level, and subgroup findings in this analysis are statistically significant at 95% confidence. About PMI Invested in AmericaPhilip Morris International Inc.'s U.S. businesses (collectively, "PMI U.S.") are on a mission to improve public health in America by providing the ~30 million legal-age consumers who still smoke traditional cigarettes with better, smoke-free alternatives. PMI U.S. is committed to responsible marketing practices that help prevent access to its products by people under the age of 21. PMI U.S. businesses employ more than 2,500 people across America and operate product manufacturing facilities, including in Owensboro, Kentucky, and Wilson, North Carolina. Since 2022, PMI U.S. has contributed approximately $25 million to charitable causes, amplifying the good work of organizations already active within communities through financial contributions and volunteering. For more information, please visit and References to "PMI" mean the Philip Morris International family of companies. "PMI U.S.," "we," "our," and "us" refer to PMI U.S. businesses. View source version on Contacts Philip Morris International PMI U.S. CommunicationsMatt Sheaff+1 (203) Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
More Than Half of Military Spouses Cite Employment as Their Top Concern
During National Military Appreciation Month, PMI U.S. underscores the critical role of military spouses STAMFORD, Conn., May 14, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a new report released today, PMI U.S. highlights the often-overlooked challenge of sustained employment for military spouses. The report underscores the company's ambition to support U.S. military members, veterans and their families. This commitment is driven by a strong desire among PMI U.S. employees and reflects an ongoing pledge to meet the diverse needs of America's military families. "Military spouses are the backbone of their families, providing unwavering support to service members and veterans, often at a significant personal cost. Too many of these home-front heroes face barriers that make their lives more challenging than they should be," said J.B. Simko, chief corporate responsibility officer at PMI U.S. "We listened to the voices of military families and advocacy organizations to understand how employers, policymakers, and other organizations can step up. PMI U.S. donates to our community partners who offer career services like job networking and coaching to extend their reach. We will continue to evolve our support model as the needs of military families change." PMI U.S. highlights what military spouses and their families need to thrive in its new report, On the Home Front: Addressing the Needs of U.S. Military Spouses. Overall, research into the experiences of military spouses has been limited, but the data compiled in this report, along with firsthand insights, underscore their vital role. Well-educated, underemployed More than half of spouses of active-duty service members who participated in the Blue Star Families' annual military family lifestyle survey said employment was their biggest challenge in military life.1 To begin to address this, PMI U.S. gave a $100,000 donation to the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work's Veteran Spouse Network for research and support services, such as training and education. "We have an opportunity to focus attention where it's needed most. Research tells us that U.S. military spouses often end up in jobs that do not fully tap into their talents and capabilities. Often, military spouses settle for positions that demand less and pay less — around 25% less, on average — than they are qualified to earn," said Elisa Borah, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Military and Veteran Family Wellness at the University of Texas at Austin. Finding solutions, improving lives The report outlines a roadmap of action for organizations seeking to support military families. Key topics include helping members access military and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare systems and benefits, easing the transition from military to civilian life, and building greater understanding of military and veterans issues among civilians. In 2024, PMI U.S. renewed its commitment to support the military community nationwide with an investment of more than $3 million. The investment has helped veterans and active military members access free legal support by funding additional attorneys and law students, so they can handle more cases and increase outreach to rural and Tribal veterans. PMI U.S. has also expanded its partnerships with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Bob Woodruff Foundation and increased donations to nonprofits focused on specialized areas, including housing, care during times of mourning and relief for emergency economic hardships. PMI U.S. will continue to provide services to the military community through our partnerships in 2025. Download the full report and explore steps to support military families at About PMI Philip Morris International Inc. is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and its U.S. affiliates employ more than 2,500 people. PMI U.S. is on a mission to improve public health by providing the 45 million U.S. adults 21+ nicotine consumers — 30 million of whom smoke cigarettes or use traditional tobacco — with innovative products that help them leave conventional cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products behind. Since 2008, PMI has invested more than $14 billion globally to develop and commercialize FDA-authorized smoke-free products for legal-age nicotine consumers. PMI U.S. operates smoke-free product manufacturing facilities, including Swedish Match North America's Owensboro, Kentucky, plant that makes ZYN nicotine pouches and a facility in Wilson, North Carolina, that produces HEETS for the IQOS heated tobacco device. Swedish Match North America has a regional office in Richmond, Virginia. Commitment to corporate social responsibility PMI U.S. has contributed approximately $25 million to charitable causes since 2022, amplifying the good work of organizations already active within communities through both financial contributions and volunteering. PMI's philanthropy pillars include supporting military veterans and military spouses, advancing local economic efforts in communities where PMI operates and natural disaster response and prevention. PMI U.S. helped form United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade, a coalition of nearly 100 national and state brand enforcement experts, law enforcement agencies, academics and leading business organizations working to combat illegal trade. USA-IT has trained more than 36,000 law enforcement officials. U.S. marketing practices support 21+ access only PMI U.S. is committed to responsible marketing practices focused on limiting access to adults 21 years of age and older. PMI U.S. does not use social media influencers in the U.S. or people under the age of 35 — or who appear to be under the age of 35 — in marketing materials. PMI U.S. also employs independent age-verification systems, such as Double Verify, to direct digital advertising to those over 21, and owned digital platforms are age-gated at the point of access and restricted to current nicotine consumers who are 21+. Swedish Match North America is a Manufacturer Advisory Council member of the We Card Program, a national nonprofit serving retailers of age-restricted products. PMI is also a founding board member and investor in TruAge,® a free retail technology that provides stores with a more accurate method of age verification, including the ability to detect fake IDs, to ensure access is limited to those 21+. U.S. mission to improve public health through smoke-free products Because adult nicotine consumer preferences differ, PMI U.S. is working to offer a range of smoke-free options for adults 21+. Since 2008, PMI has invested over $14 billion to develop, scientifically substantiate and commercialize innovative smoke-free products. In 2022, PMI acquired Swedish Match — a leader in oral nicotine delivery — creating a global smoke-free champion led by the ZYN and IQOS brands. IQOS is authorized by the FDA as a modified risk tobacco product, meaning the FDA has found it appropriate for the promotion of public health. Although IQOS is not risk-free and is addictive, studies show that because the device heats tobacco instead of burning it, it significantly reduces the production of and exposure to harmful chemicals compared to conventional cigarettes for adults who smoke and who switch to IQOS completely. In 2025, the FDA authorized all 20 Swedish Match ZYN nicotine pouch products currently sold in the U.S., making ZYN the only FDA-authorized nicotine pouch on the market to help adults who use cigarettes or traditional tobacco products completely switch. The FDA has authorized Swedish Match's General snus as a modified risk tobacco product. For more information, please visit and References to "PMI" mean the Philip Morris International family of companies. "PMI U.S.," "we," "our," and "us" refer to PMI U.S. businesses. 1 View source version on Contacts Philip Morris InternationalPMI U.S. CommunicationsMatt Sheaff+1 (203) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
More Than Half of Military Spouses Cite Employment as Their Top Concern
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a new report released today, PMI U.S. highlights the often-overlooked challenge of sustained employment for military spouses. The report underscores the company's ambition to support U.S. military members, veterans and their families. This commitment is driven by a strong desire among PMI U.S. employees and reflects an ongoing pledge to meet the diverse needs of America's military families. "Military spouses are the backbone of their families, providing unwavering support to service members and veterans, often at a significant personal cost. Too many of these home-front heroes face barriers that make their lives more challenging than they should be," said J.B. Simko, chief corporate responsibility officer at PMI U.S. "We listened to the voices of military families and advocacy organizations to understand how employers, policymakers, and other organizations can step up. PMI U.S. donates to our community partners who offer career services like job networking and coaching to extend their reach. We will continue to evolve our support model as the needs of military families change.' PMI U.S. highlights what military spouses and their families need to thrive in its new report, On the Home Front: Addressing the Needs of U.S. Military Spouses. Overall, research into the experiences of military spouses has been limited, but the data compiled in this report, along with firsthand insights, underscore their vital role. Well-educated, underemployed More than half of spouses of active-duty service members who participated in the Blue Star Families' annual military family lifestyle survey said employment was their biggest challenge in military life. 1 To begin to address this, PMI U.S. gave a $100,000 donation to the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work's Veteran Spouse Network for research and support services, such as training and education. "We have an opportunity to focus attention where it's needed most. Research tells us that U.S. military spouses often end up in jobs that do not fully tap into their talents and capabilities. Often, military spouses settle for positions that demand less and pay less — around 25% less, on average — than they are qualified to earn," said Elisa Borah, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Military and Veteran Family Wellness at the University of Texas at Austin. Finding solutions, improving lives The report outlines a roadmap of action for organizations seeking to support military families. Key topics include helping members access military and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare systems and benefits, easing the transition from military to civilian life, and building greater understanding of military and veterans issues among civilians. In 2024, PMI U.S. renewed its commitment to support the military community nationwide with an investment of more than $3 million. The investment has helped veterans and active military members access free legal support by funding additional attorneys and law students, so they can handle more cases and increase outreach to rural and Tribal veterans. PMI U.S. has also expanded its partnerships with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Bob Woodruff Foundation and increased donations to nonprofits focused on specialized areas, including housing, care during times of mourning and relief for emergency economic hardships. PMI U.S. will continue to provide services to the military community through our partnerships in 2025. Download the full report and explore steps to support military families at About PMI Philip Morris International Inc. is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and its U.S. affiliates employ more than 2,500 people. PMI U.S. is on a mission to improve public health by providing the 45 million U.S. adults 21+ nicotine consumers — 30 million of whom smoke cigarettes or use traditional tobacco — with innovative products that help them leave conventional cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products behind. Since 2008, PMI has invested more than $14 billion globally to develop and commercialize FDA-authorized smoke-free products for legal-age nicotine consumers. PMI U.S. operates smoke-free product manufacturing facilities, including Swedish Match North America's Owensboro, Kentucky, plant that makes ZYN nicotine pouches and a facility in Wilson, North Carolina, that produces HEETS for the IQOS heated tobacco device. Swedish Match North America has a regional office in Richmond, Virginia. Commitment to corporate social responsibility PMI U.S. has contributed approximately $25 million to charitable causes since 2022, amplifying the good work of organizations already active within communities through both financial contributions and volunteering. PMI's philanthropy pillars include supporting military veterans and military spouses, advancing local economic efforts in communities where PMI operates and natural disaster response and prevention. PMI U.S. helped form United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade, a coalition of nearly 100 national and state brand enforcement experts, law enforcement agencies, academics and leading business organizations working to combat illegal trade. USA-IT has trained more than 36,000 law enforcement officials. U.S. marketing practices support 21+ access only PMI U.S. is committed to responsible marketing practices focused on limiting access to adults 21 years of age and older. PMI U.S. does not use social media influencers in the U.S. or people under the age of 35 — or who appear to be under the age of 35 — in marketing materials. PMI U.S. also employs independent age-verification systems, such as Double Verify, to direct digital advertising to those over 21, and owned digital platforms are age-gated at the point of access and restricted to current nicotine consumers who are 21+. Swedish Match North America is a Manufacturer Advisory Council member of the We Card Program, a national nonprofit serving retailers of age-restricted products. PMI is also a founding board member and investor in TruAge,® a free retail technology that provides stores with a more accurate method of age verification, including the ability to detect fake IDs, to ensure access is limited to those 21+. U.S. mission to improve public health through smoke-free products Because adult nicotine consumer preferences differ, PMI U.S. is working to offer a range of smoke-free options for adults 21+. Since 2008, PMI has invested over $14 billion to develop, scientifically substantiate and commercialize innovative smoke-free products. In 2022, PMI acquired Swedish Match — a leader in oral nicotine delivery — creating a global smoke-free champion led by the ZYN and IQOS brands. IQOS is authorized by the FDA as a modified risk tobacco product, meaning the FDA has found it appropriate for the promotion of public health. Although IQOS is not risk-free and is addictive, studies show that because the device heats tobacco instead of burning it, it significantly reduces the production of and exposure to harmful chemicals compared to conventional cigarettes for adults who smoke and who switch to IQOS completely. In 2025, the FDA authorized all 20 Swedish Match ZYN nicotine pouch products currently sold in the U.S., making ZYN the only FDA-authorized nicotine pouch on the market to help adults who use cigarettes or traditional tobacco products completely switch. The FDA has authorized Swedish Match's General snus as a modified risk tobacco product. For more information, please visit and References to 'PMI' mean the Philip Morris International family of companies. 'PMI U.S.,' 'we,' 'our,' and 'us' refer to PMI U.S. businesses.
