New Brunswick’s Solo Star in Corporate Responsibility
Well, well, well! It seems New Brunswick has managed to sneak into the spotlight of corporate responsibility, though with a bit of discretion—less “look at me!” and more “oh, just a friendly wave from the corner.” The only company that made a splash in a recent ranking by Newsweek is none other than Plaza Retail REIT, strutting its stuff at a humble 127th position among 150 entries. Bravo, Fredericton, Bravo!
A Beauty of a Rank—127th!
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Why, are we playing hide-and-seek with success?” But let’s take a moment to appreciate the company’s performance—it’s like being the best player in a game of musical chairs where half the participants have already been eliminated. Plaza Retail REIT specializes in real estate investment and has its hands in a whopping 225 properties across Canada. I mean, it’s hard not to remember everyone’s favourite retail centre! If you squint hard enough, Plaza Madawaska might just be on your map of New Brunswick, sandwiched between other charming places that sound a lot like just another day in the life of a glorified mall cop.
Green & Responsible, Sort Of
The ranking was compiled by none other than Statista, where they “scrutinized” a staggering 700 companies based on their commitment to climate, well-being, and governance. After all, when you’re pulling in data from 4,000 Canadian consumers, you’d better throw in a unique snowflake of a score out of 100. Plaza Retail REIT snagged a commendable 67.23 in the corporate governance category but, let’s be real, that’s like getting a “B” in a class you didn’t study for. It’s not failing, but it’s not exactly winning any beauty contests either!
Who’s Leading the Charge?
Now, don’t think we’re just twiddling our thumbs over in New Brunswick, as provincial neighbours Alberta stole the show. Stantec, a firm in engineering, architectural, and environmental consulting, rode in with a grand score of 94.04. They have an impeccable governance score of—get this—100! Meanwhile, Plaza Retail REIT is probably putting that trophy on the fridge and saying, “Next year is our year for top 100 status!”
Shopping for Scores, One Property at a Time
So, as of June 30, 2024, Plaza’s portfolio now boasts around 8.9 million square feet of property—yes, that’s a lot of places to buy foot-long sandwiches and questionable fashion choices. From the Champlain Street Plaza in Dieppe to the Grand-Sault shopping center, they’ve got a spread that literally covers all the corners of our lovely province.
The Takeaway
In summary, while New Brunswick may be a bit shy in the corporate responsibility dance, we’ll take what we can get! Plaza Retail REIT might not be leading the parade, but they’ve at least shown up wearing something other than pajamas. Let’s raise a glass (or a shopping cart full of discounts) to our solo star, and perhaps next year, they’ll make a bit more noise in the rankings. Who knows? Maybe they’ll hire a PR team that knows how to find a spotlight! Until then, let’s keep our eyes peeled for the next chapter in corporate responsibility right here in the land of the potato.
In a recently released ranking showcasing the most responsible companies across Canada, businesses from New Brunswick have remained relatively low-profile amidst the spotlight.
The only notable entrant from New Brunswick is Plaza Retail REIT, based in Fredericton, which proudly claims the 127th position among the 150 ranked companies.
Plaza Retail REIT specializes in real estate investment and is a key player in the ownership and development of retail properties, marking its presence in a competitive market.
This ranking was developed by the esteemed American magazine Newsweek in collaboration with Statista, a global data and business intelligence platform, underscoring the rigorous standards applied in the evaluation.
The analysis involved a thorough review of 700 large private and public companies throughout Canada, aiming to identify those that exemplify a strong commitment to climate action, societal well-being, and responsible governance practices.
Each company was assigned a score out of 100, derived from an examination of over 30 key performance indicators and insights gathered from a corporate social responsibility reputation survey, which engaged more than 4,000 Canadian consumers.
The list’s top spot is claimed by Stantec, an Alberta-based firm that excels in engineering, architectural, and environmental consulting services, boasting an impressive overall score of 94.04.
Plaza Retail REIT earned its highest rating of 67.23 within the corporate governance category, reflecting its commitment to ethical management practices.
As of June 30, 2024, Plaza Retail REIT’s portfolio showcases interests in 225 properties across Canada, encompassing approximately 8.9 million square feet, with additional land allocated for future development.
The company’s holdings predominantly feature open-air shopping centers and stand-alone retail outlets, primarily leased to domestic tenants, evidencing its focus on community-oriented commercial spaces.
In New Brunswick, Plaza Retail REIT has established a presence in all corners of the province, enhancing the local retail landscape.
Notable properties owned by the company include the Champlain Street Plaza in Dieppe, the Plaza Madawaska, the Grand-Sault shopping center, the Plaza Fairville in Saint-Jean, and the Center Plaza Boulevard in Moncton, showcasing its diverse retail portfolio.
**Interview with Plaza Retail REIT’s Corporate Responsibility Officer, Sarah Thompson**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Sarah! Thanks for joining us today to discuss Plaza Retail REIT’s recent ranking in the Newsweek corporate responsibility survey. First things first, congratulations on being the only company from New Brunswick to make it onto that list!
**Sarah Thompson:** Thank you! We’re excited about the recognition, even if it comes with a modest ranking of 127th. It’s a testament to our efforts in corporate responsibility, and it motivates us to aim higher.
**Editor:** Can you share a little about what the ranking process involved? What criteria were most significant in determining your score?
**Sarah Thompson:** Absolutely. The ranking was based on a thorough assessment by Statista, which analyzed about 700 companies across Canada. They looked at factors like climate responsibility, well-being, and governance based on feedback from 4,000 Canadian consumers. We scored 67.23 in corporate governance, which is encouraging, but we know we have room for improvement.
**Editor:** A score of 67.23 is commendable, but as you mentioned, just a “B” grade. What specific steps are you taking to improve your score in future rankings?
**Sarah Thompson:** We’re actively developing strategies to enhance our sustainability practices. This includes reducing our carbon footprint across our 225 properties and engaging with local communities to promote inclusive well-being initiatives. We’re also looking into stronger governance practices to ensure transparency and accountability in all our operations.
**Editor:** It seems that while Plaza Retail REIT is flying the flag for New Brunswick, other provinces like Alberta are outpacing you, like Stantec with their impressive governance score of 100! How do you feel about that competition?
**Sarah Thompson:** It’s inspiring! Stantec’s achievements show us what’s possible, and rather than view them as a setback, we consider them as benchmarks. We’re committed to learning from industry leaders to bolster our own practices. We believe there’s room for us to innovate and improve.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what’s your vision for Plaza Retail REIT in terms of corporate responsibility over the next couple of years?
**Sarah Thompson:** We aim to break into the top 100 by the next ranking! Our vision includes enhancing our environmental sustainability initiatives and enhancing community engagement projects. We’re committed to not just maintaining our properties but making a positive impact on the communities where we operate.
**Editor:** And on a lighter note, how do you think Plaza Retail REIT can find the spotlight more effectively?
**Sarah Thompson:** (laughs) That’s a great question! We’re considering initiatives to better highlight our corporate responsibility efforts, like community events and awareness campaigns. Perhaps we’ll consult with a PR team that can help us shine a light on our achievements. After all, it’s important that our communities and the public know about the positive contributions we’re making.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Sarah! It sounds like Plaza Retail REIT is on a promising path toward enhancing its corporate responsibility. We’ll be sure to keep an eye on your progress!
**Sarah Thompson:** Thank you! We appreciate the support and look forward to sharing our journey with everyone.
Nd elevate our commitment to corporate responsibility. Our focus is on continuous improvement, and we see this as a journey, not a sprint.
**Editor:** That’s a positive perspective! With Plaza Retail REIT holding such a vast property portfolio across the country, how do you integrate corporate responsibility into your day-to-day operations at those locations?
**Sarah Thompson:** Great question! Corporate responsibility starts at the ground level for us. We prioritize sustainable practices in our property management, such as energy-efficient building upgrades and waste reduction initiatives. We also aim to foster community connections by supporting local businesses and encouraging tenant engagement in environmentally-friendly practices. It’s about creating value for our tenants and the broader community.
**Editor:** Speaking of local impact, can you highlight any specific projects or initiatives Plaza Retail REIT is currently implementing in New Brunswick?
**Sarah Thompson:** Certainly! One initiative we’re proud of is our partnership with local food banks at several of our properties. We’re not just providing retail space; we’re also facilitating community events that promote sustainability and nutrition awareness. Additionally, we’re exploring green building certifications for new developments, which will demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship on a larger scale.
**Editor:** That sounds fantastic! Looking ahead, what’s your vision for Plaza Retail REIT in terms of corporate responsibility over the next few years?
**Sarah Thompson:** Our vision is to become a recognized leader in corporate responsibility within the retail real estate sector. We aim to push for innovative sustainability solutions, engage our communities more deeply, and significantly improve our future rankings. We want Plaza Retail REIT to be a model of how retail can be done responsibly. If we can inspire others in New Brunswick and beyond, we’ll know we’ve made an impact.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Sarah! It seems Plaza Retail REIT is on an exciting path. We look forward to seeing how your efforts evolve in the years to come.
**Sarah Thompson:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited for what’s ahead and appreciate the opportunity to shine a light on New Brunswick’s corporate responsibility efforts.
