North America
MillerCoors Urban Entrepreneurs Series
MillerCoors has invested in the creation of new businesses and entrepreneurship since the launch of The MillerCoors Urban Entrepreneurs Series (MUES) in 1999. MUES invites multicultural entrepreneurs to participate in an annual business plan competition for a chance to vie for $150,000 in business grants. Since 1999, MillerCoors has awarded over $1.5 million in grants to more than 100 emerging minority businesses.
In addition, MillerCoors has created a website (www.millercoorsmues.com) which provides a useful resource for business owners offering instructional webinars, interactive blogs, business advice from national judges and past winners as well as an extensive social media network that links entrepreneurs and business professionals.
Promoting recycling
MillerCoors has a 2015 goal to reduce the overall annual weight of its retail packaging materials by 2% from a 2008 baseline. In the past year, MillerCoors has reduced the amount of retail packaging it uses by 5.9 million tonnes, primarily by using a lower gauge of cardboard for 24-pack cases or 12-ounce cans across all brands.
Another way this has been achieved has been by switching from glass to lighter aluminium packaging for some products. For example during 2010, MillerCoors released two craft beers, Blue Moon Belgian White and Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy, in cans for the first time.
Employee Assistance Programme
In the USA, MillerCoors offers its employees a comprehensive health and wellness programme, with the rationale that healthy employees can help control the rising costs of healthcare and that a healthy workforce is more productive. Employees who participate in the programme are given reduced health care costs.
To be eligible, employees must go through an on-line assessment and biometric screening measuring blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index numbers, as well as complete one of three health improvement programme requirements (such as workout schedules, one-on-one health coaching, and walking programmes).
To support employees in stress and health care management, the company also has a fully-staffed on-site medical facility, fitness centre, employee assistance programme, and numerous clubs and events to promote health and wellness. Additionally, the EAP programme at MillerCoors offers employees free assistance and support for depression, anxiety, and stress; substance abuse; workplace problems and conflicts; parenting and family issues; and child and elder care.
