IGT ’ s After School Advantage program helps at-risk students learn vital skills
Sustained Success
Wendy Montgomery • Senior Vice President of Marketing , Communications and Sustainability , IGT
By Marjorie Preston
As a corporate buzzword , “ sustainability ” is sometimes more honored in the breach than the observance . But taken seriously and implemented thoughtfully , it may be the most important business of business today . At IGT , sustainability means a fair shake for its 10,000-plus employees around the world . In keeping with the U . N .’ s Sustainable Development Goals , it commits to no less than ending hunger and managing climate change . In short , this is a job for Superman — or , in this case , Superwoman , in the person of Wendy Montgomery .
IGT ’ s senior VP of marketing , communications and sustainability , formerly with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp ., calls it a “ privilege ” to advance performance in these crucial areas .
Sustainability is nothing new at IGT , which has been formally reporting on its efforts since 2008 .
“ It primarily started because of our roots in Italy as well in Europe , where corporate social responsibility , and especially environmental issues , were very topical ,” says Montgomery . “ It ’ s part of the legacy of the organization .”
IGT consistently gets high marks in the space . In June , it earned a Gold award from ratings agency EcoVadis , putting it in the top 5 percent of global companies in the categories of environment , labor and human rights , ethics and sustainability . In July , it was recognized by the All-In Diversity Project as the topranking gaming supplier when it comes to diversity , equality and inclusion . Even so , the company doesn ’ t rest on its laurels . “ Such recognition helps us identify the gaps and see what other companies
are doing , not just in our industry but in entertainment and the technology sectors ,” says Montgomery . “ This is where we can look at ourselves against the competition and see where we can improve .”
The company ’ s sustainability efforts include rank-and-file programs like the Day Off for Volunteerism , Dollars for Doers , and a Matching Gifts plan that tops up charitable contributions made by IGT employees . The company ’ s flagship After School Advantage program , established in 1999 , provides more than 300 digital learning centers to help at-risk children learn vital competitive skills . The program supports inclusive and equitable education with an eye to future employment , and emphasizes science , technology , engineering , arts and math ( STEAM ).
These practices don ’ t just feel good , they make business sense over the long haul , Montgomery adds . “ It goes back to the three Ps ”— people , process and product — which in turn support profitability . “ And it makes people feel good about where they work ,” says Montgomery , “ which is critically important for attracting talent .”
IGT doesn ’ t stand alone in these efforts , but has a supplier code of conduct to ensure vendors comply with the same standards . “ Managing the value chain is critically important ,” says Montgomery . “ Just as our customers expect compliance from us , we expect it from our suppliers , too .”
She acknowledges that Covid-19 “ threw a wrench ” into monitoring and enforcement .
“ We weren ’ t able to complete many on-site checkups because of Covid restrictions , but as with all such initiatives , you learn to walk before you run , and we ’ re maturing in this area ,” she says . “ We established the plan , we communicated it and translated in various languages , and we ’ re developing a more robust follow-up to get back on track .” Call it a sort of a bully pulpit , in the best sense . “ The good thing is , the more companies that are forced into or led into this area , the more we ’ re all going to benefit .” For those who would follow in her footsteps , Montgomery espouses a can-do attitude that doesn ’ t recognize obstacles . “ You have to put yourself out there , taking advantage of opportunities that come your way and taking risks .” The reward , she says , is “ working with great people ,” and not incidentally , helping to save the world .
30 Global Gaming Business SEPTEMBER 2022