2 Questions from the transcript of 60 minutes

Dear teachers,

I have 2 questions related to the transcript of 60 minutes.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/chobani-yogurt-billionaire-founder-on-creating-jobs-in-america/

(1) Butch Otter: I think his care about his employees, whether they be refugees or they be folks that were born 10 miles from where they’re working-- I believe his advocacy for that person is no different. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

=> Could you please let me know why Mr. Butch Otter said, "whether they be refugees or they be folks" instead of saying "whether they are refugees or they are folks"?

=> I think he should say, "I believe his advocacy for those people (both refugees and local folks) is no different. What do you think of this?

(2) We traveled with Ulukaya to Europe, where he has made the international refugee crisis the focal point of his personal philanthropy. He’s donated millions to help survivors like these in Italy. ...who risked everything fleeing Iraq, Syria, and Africa in hopes of finding a better life. He’s also enlisted the support of major U.S. corporations in the cause and pledged to give most of his fortune to charity.

=> Could you kindly let me know the meaning of "He’s also enlisted the support of major U.S. corporations in the cause"?

Thanks and best regards,

David Kim