Companies won’t pay workers any more than they have to, and, as union power ebbs, pathways to the middle class evaporate.  That’s the point of Joe Nocera’s recent New York Times column riffing on Timothy Noah’s new book, “The Great Divergence.” True enough, but it’s not the whole story.  

Southcentral Foundation, an Alaska Native Health Care System, was one of four enterprises honored by President Obama and Commerce Secretary Bryson as a recipient of the prestigious 2011 Malcolm Baldridge Award.  This is a first for Alaska, a first for a Native enterprise and a first for health systems other than hospitals. Named after Malcolm Baldrige, the 26th Secretary of Commerce, the award promotes innovation and excellence in organizational performance among U.S. organizations.

WASHINGTON DC (March 15, 2012) -- Former U.S Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates accepted the 2012 Elliot L. Richardson Prize for Excellence in Public Service in a March 14th ceremony in Washington, DC. The Richardson Prize was established with support from The Hitachi Foundation and Hitachi, Ltd. to honor those individuals who possess the generosity of spirit, integrity, rigor and pursuit of excellence in public service that were Richardson’s defining qualities.

The Hitachi Foundation has just opened the application process for its 2012 Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneur Award. Up to five young entrepreneurs intent on making a living and making a difference in their communities will receive $40,000, as well as tools and training to be successful. Applications are due March 30th.

WASHINGTON, DC (October 19, 2011) – The economy seems stuck, going nowhere. Most Americans do not believe our country’s leaders can fix it. Where are the solutions? In part, the answers are found in the entrepreneurial spirit that has always been this country’s foundation. Today, The Hitachi Foundation presents seven examples: young men and women selected as the Foundation’s 2011 Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneurs.

On June 15-17, Corporate Voices for Working Families (CVWF) held its 2011 Annual Meeting and 10th Anniversary Celebration – marking a decade of success in shaping corporate and public policies affecting the lives of working families. Over 100 leaders from the business, public policy, non-profit and research communities gathered at this convening to discuss issues critical to the future competitiveness of American business– including workplace flexibility and the role businesses play in helping workers obtain college degrees and helping disadvantaged youth integrate into the workforce.

WASHINGTON, DC (April 29, 2011) -- Seven behavioral health organizations with outstanding business practices have been selected by the Annapolis Coalition on the Behavioral Health Workforce and the Hitachi Foundation as the 2011 National Behavioral Health Pacesetter Award Winners and Programs of Merit.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 15, 2011) -- The Hitachi Foundation announced the addition of Tides Foundation CEO and social entrepreneur Melissa Bradley to its Board of Directors. Bradley brings extensive experience in financial services, socially responsible investing, and philanthropy to the Foundation.

The thoughts and prayers of all at The Hitachi Foundation are with those who have lost their lives and are suffering as a result of the earthquake that struck the Tohoku region on March 11.

The Hitachi Foundation has worked closely with Hitachi Group companies across North America to identify agencies that are on the ground to provide much-needed immediate relief, as well as long-term reconstruction assistance. For those interested in making a financial donation, The Hitachi Foundation suggests contributing to the following agencies:

The Japanese Red Cross Society

Peace Winds Japan

International Medical Corps

Japan Center for International Exchange

Further information on Hitachi Ltd's efforts to provide assistance is also available.

WASHINGTON DC (March 17, 2011) -- The Hitachi Foundation has been named the recipient of two gold awards for excellence in communications by the 2011 Wilmer Shields Rich Awards Program. Sponsored by the Council on Foundations, the awards program recognizes effective communications efforts to increase public awareness of foundations and corporate giving programs.