b'E N R I C H I N G L I V E S A N D T H E W O R L DCorporate Social Responsibility is Everyones JobSCOA and Group Companies Enriching Lives in 2022-2023 I n an ever-changing global economy, businesses are compelled to go beyond conventional profit-makingparadigms. The essence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has taken center stage, shaping the values and societal impact of organizations worldwide, but that sensibility has been in Sumitomos DNA for centuries. Now, any company in the highly competitive United States knows that embracing CSR has become a pivotal strategy, fostering sustainable growth and bolstering brand credibility. Here we shed light on how SCOA and its esteemed group companies have been exemplifying CSR excellence over the past year; witness these remark-able examples of how SCOA and its Group Companies set the standard for responsible business practices and charitable community contribution.Among SCOAs many cultural contributions is our participa- groups. SCOAs CEO, Tom Wada, proudly represented the tion in Japan Day NYC, a celebration of Japanese culture,company at this cultural extravaganza, and the presence of which returned to New York City, on May 13th 2023. TheSCOAs float featuring the Young Peoples Chorus of New York annual Japan Day Parade and Street Fair brought togetherCity, an internationally renowned multicultural choir added over 2500 New Yorkers to show their support for Japanesea special touch to the festivities. SCOAs commitment as a traditions, arts, food, and more. SCOA employees also playeddiamond sponsor exemplifies its dedication to supporting an active role in this parade, with SCOAs CEO, Tom Wada andand promoting diverse cultural experiences. Japan Day 2023 ten volunteers representing SCOA in the days parade andwas not only a celebration of Japanese culture but also a programs. The parade also coincided with Asian Americantestament to the power of unity and appreciation for diversity, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the associatedand SCOAs involvement in this event serves as a reminder of Japan Street Fair offers spectators an annual opportunitythe companys commitment to fostering cultural understand-to indulge in traditional Japanese cuisine and participate ining within its own community and beyond.family-friendly activities like origami crafting or calligraphy,Here are some ways our regional offices supported their as well as watch performances by various musical or dancecommunities this year!SCOA NEW YORK OFFICE To celebrate Earth Day this past May 2nd, 43 SCOA employees signed up for Green Volunteer Day, in partnership with New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) a long-standing recipient of SCOA Foundations do-nations. The volunteers had a meaningful team building experience and an opportunity to give back not only to mother nature but our local community in the Bronx. This event marked a new record high participation rate. We are extremely grateful to all who generously extended their time to volunteer, as well as to the support of their De-partments for Green Volunteer Day! At NYBG, SCOA volunteers sowed 900 total seeds in propagation trays (nasturtium, scallions, kale) that will eventually be donated to Bronx community gardens; sowed seeds in the Global Garden Border (arugula and radish) that will be har-vested and donated later this spring; weeded in the Edible Academy Meadow; transplanted assorted seedlings in the Childrens Gardening Program plots; and screened compost and spread in planting beds. Thirty-eight SCOA employees registered a total of 152 Volunteer Hours with SCOA Human Resources.14 visions Summer 2023'