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Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® restaurants, released its 2023 ESG report which speaks to priorities and progress within the focus areas of People, Planet, Food, and Governance. 
“Dine Better, Together is how we describe our intention to combine business growth and competitive strength with our ESG commitments,” says John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands. “At Dine we remain motivated to provide more than an exceptional dining experience, and we recognize the opportunities to make meaningful impact in the communities that we serve.” 
The 2023 Dine Better, Together report highlights include the following:

<ul><li>Achieved the Great Place to Work Certification™ for the second consecutive year.</li>
	<li>13.6 metric tons of food donated by Dine’s Glendale and Pasadena Restaurant Support Center as well as Applebee's and IHOP U.S. Franchisees and their Distribution Centers.</li>
	<li>$1.7 million raised by Applebee's U.S. franchisees to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.</li>
	<li>$708,471 raised by IHOP Puerto Rico and Mexico franchisees as of 2023 to support children's charities.</li>
	<li>$627,000 raised by Fuzzy’s since 2014 for No Kid Hungry.</li>
	<li>565,362 free meals served to U.S. active-duty military and veterans on Veterans Day at Applebee's and IHOP.</li>
	<li>100% Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) free achieved at Applebee’s and IHOP, one year ahead of goal.</li>
	<li>11 million Applebee’s gift cards transitioned from plastic to paper stock, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).</li>
	<li>48 million pieces of IHOP to-go packaging transitioned away from carbon black pigment, which prevented the containers from being recycled.</li>
	<li>35.2% of eggs for U.S. restaurants were cage-free, exceeding the 33% target set for 2023. The company is on track to achieve 100% cage-free eggs in the U.S. by the end of 2025.</li>
</ul> 
The report showcases Dine’s momentum in operating with ESG at the core, driven by our strong partnership with team members, franchisees and their restaurant employees, suppliers, and communities. This year’s publication highlights Dine’s progress and emphasizes the integration of these efforts in alignment with our business operations. 
For more information on the 2023 Dine Better, Together report, please visit <a href="https://www.dinebrands.com/en/social-good" target="_blank">https://www.dinebrands.com/en/social-good</a>. About Dine Brands Global, Inc. 
Based in Pasadena, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries and franchisees, supports and operates restaurants under the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® brands. As of December 31, 2023, these three brands consisted of over 3,500 restaurants across 18 international markets. Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world and in 2022 expanded into the Fast Casual segment. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the Company’s website located at <a href="https://www.dinebrands.com/" target="_blank">www.dinebrands.com</a>.

###

Media Contact: 
Lauren Costabile 
Dine Brands Communications <a href="mailto:MediaInquiries@dinebrands.com" target="_blank">MediaInquiries@dinebrands.com</a>

Dine Brands Releases 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report

<img alt="SR23 Report cover collage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cdfc7ad2-92ea-4b40-89fa-c771e308cb03" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/SR23-report-alert-visual-final.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1584" loading="lazy" />At Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we are committed to tackling some of the most critical global challenges facing us today. Our efforts to create a fairer, healthier and more sustainable world center around three main goals: achieving human progress for more than one billion people through sustainable science and technology, fully integrating sustainability into our value chains, and becoming climate neutral while reducing resource consumption. Our <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/" target="_blank">2023 Sustainability Report</a> details our encouraging progress toward meeting these goals. Our ongoing commitments to climate and environmental action 
In 2023, we continued on our path toward achieving <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/environment/climate-action.html" target="_blank">climate-neutral operations</a> across our value chain by 2040. We decreased our direct and indirect emissions across scopes 1 and 2 by 17% compared to the previous year. At the same time, we increased the global share of electricity we procured from renewable sources to over 50%, progressing toward our target of 80% by 2030. The Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) we have in place mean that by 2025, renewable energy certificates will cover 100% of our electricity purchases in Europe, 90% in North America and 70% in all other regions. 
In addition, we enhanced our <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/strategy-management.html" target="_blank">sustainability strategy</a> by intensifying our focus on biodiversity and a circular economy. For example, we conducted comprehensive biodiversity impact assessments for our sites, which will provide a baseline for further quantitative analysis. These efforts help us to more effectively prioritize future biodiversity initiatives and restore our natural environment. As part of working toward a circular economy, we have set a new target of achieving a 70% circularity rate across our entire Group by 2030. Diversity, equity and inclusion – empowering women in management positions 
We remain committed to fostering <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/employees/diversity-equity-inclusion.html" target="_blank">diversity and equity</a> and creating a genuinely inclusive culture for all employees. We reinforced this commitment with our goal to achieve gender parity in management positions globally by 2030. In this year’s report, we are pleased to announce we increased the share of women in management roles to an all-time high of 39%. Sustainability in our supply chains – driving change across the industry 
We are continually working to make our <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/business-ethics/suppliers/supply-chain-management.html" target="_blank">value chains</a> more sustainable. One of the key first steps has been gaining a better understanding of our global supplier network. Two-thirds of our suppliers now have a valid sustainability assessment, a significant improvement compared to 46% the previous year. Additionally, in 2023, we began including primary greenhouse gas emission data from service providers (scope 3.1) in our calculations. We also continuously strive to create more sustainable innovations and technologies for our customers. For example, in our Life Science business sector, we grew our Greener Alternative Products portfolio to 2,500 products in 2023, a 34% increase from the previous year. Access to medicines – continuing the fight against schistosomiasis 
For the last 15 years, we have been on a dedicated mission to eliminate the neglected tropical disease <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/products/health-for-all/global-health.html" target="_blank">schistosomiasis</a>. In 2023, we donated over two billion Praziquantel tablets and supported various programs that combat this dangerous parasitic illness in Sub-Saharan Africa and other tropical areas. In addition, we treated 84 million patients and secured approval for an innovative pediatric treatment designed for young children aged three months to six years. Thanks to these milestones and our ongoing collaboration with strong, long-term partners, we are steadily progressing toward eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health concern by 2030. Sharing sustainability insights 
Transparently communicating our sustainability efforts helps to maintain the trust of our patients, customers, partners, employees and suppliers. Therefore, our 2023 Sustainability Report provides an interactive experience using a variety of digital formats. In <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/stories.html" target="_blank">a unique story section</a> of the report, we highlight a broad range of hands-on topics and projects on issues such as Green Chemistry, digital ethics in AI, sustainability in R&amp;D and access to health, illustrating our commitment to sustainable progress. 
We prepared our 2023 Sustainability Report in accordance with the 2021 GRI Standards. The report also reflects the requirements of the <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/facts-figures/sasb-index.html" target="_blank">SASB standards</a> and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (<a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/facts-figures/tcfd-index.html" target="_blank">TCFD</a>). Our <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/annualreport/2023/management-report/non-financial-statement.html" target="_blank">non-financial statement</a>, in accordance with the German Commercial Code (HGB) and applicable <a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/annualreport/2023/management-report/non-financial-statement/further-topics/reporting-in-accordance-with-the-eu-taxonomy-regulation.html" target="_blank">EU Taxonomy Regulation disclosures</a>, forms part of our 2023 Annual Report. About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany 
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. Around 63,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2023, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 21 billion in 65 countries. 
The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark “Merck” internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company’s technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Social Media: 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/emdgroup" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/emdgroup</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/EMDGroup" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/EMDGroup</a> 
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/emd-affiliates-of-merck-kgaa-darmstadt-germany" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/emd-affiliates-of-merck-kgaa-darmstadt-germany</a> 
YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/MerckKGaADarmstadtGermany" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/c/MerckKGaADarmstadtGermany</a> Media Contact Info: <a href="mailto:judith.rahner@merckgroup.com" target="_blank">Judith Rahner</a>: 
+49 6151 72 7694 <a href="mailto:timo.breiner@merckgroup.com" target="_blank">Timo Breiner</a>: 
+49 151 1454 2512

<a href="https://www.emdgroup.com/en/sustainability-report/2023/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Harnessing Science and Technology for a Fairer, Healthier and More Sustainable World

<img alt="Woman in a glass window putting up an Open, Come in sign." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="781f5d7f-4eb1-46c7-80c7-222f53893250" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Microbusiness-Resource-Contraints_GoDaddy_3.27.24A.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="630" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.godaddy.com/ventureforward/microbusinesses-drive-job-creation-reduce-unemployment/" target="_blank">As originally published by GoDaddy’s Venture Forward Research Initiative</a>

Since 2020, GoDaddy Venture Forward findings have consistently proven that microbusiness entrepreneurship makes an outsized impact on the economy, promoting job creation, boosting annual household median income growth and driving down unemployment. Every year, when the U.S. Census releases its most recent data, GoDaddy Venture Forward runs new analyses to capture the latest economic impacts.

Venture Forward is a research initiative that GoDaddy launched in 2018 to quantify the presence and impact of online microbusinesses on their local economies, providing a unique view into the attitudes, demographics and needs of these entrepreneurs.

This year, in partnership with UCLA Anderson Forecast economists led by William Yu, we’ve uncovered the following impacts made by microbusinesses (those having 10 or fewer employees, a domain and an active website).

<ul><li>At the county-level, every additional microbusiness entrepreneur adds about seven jobs, which has continued to grow based on data through 2023. 
	 </li>
	<li>Analysis of data from 2018 to 2022 found the effect of microbusiness entrepreneurship to be two or more new jobs for every additional entrepreneur, and from 2020 to 2022, about six new jobs. 
	 </li>
	<li>Adding 1,000 new microbusiness entrepreneurs in a county is associated with a drop of 0.11 percentage points in the unemployment rate. 
	 </li>
	<li>This means that studying Miami-Dade County in Florida, with almost 430,000 microbusinesses and 2.1 million people over the age of 18, adding just 1,000 entrepreneurs would reduce the region’s unemployment rate by almost 7% (from 1.6% to 1.49%).</li>
</ul><img alt="Chart showing impacts on a county level." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d4ac4c7-aac3-4b10-b7f4-77e4be53048a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Microbusinesses-Have-Major-Impact_GoDaddy_3.29.24B_0.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="673" loading="lazy" />Our research shows that entrepreneurship has only continued to grow in importance – from acting as a backstop during economic downturns like the pandemic, to being a catalyst for greater prosperity in current times, and the historically low unemployment rates we’re experiencing.

“We’ve learned that online businesses with 10 or fewer employees are creating more jobs than before – up to seven jobs for every one entrepreneur, compared to only two just a few years ago,” said Alexandra Rosen, senior director of Venture Forward. “Our findings show how even the smallest of businesses can significantly drive down unemployment rates in communities across the country.”

For more information about the state of microbusinesses across the country, visit the Venture Forward <a href="https://www.godaddy.com/ventureforward/microbusiness-datahub/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Microbusiness Data Hub</a>.
<img alt="Chart showing real world examples of economic Impacts." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6304c6f4-f909-4bc1-8c21-3e9fca58bc4c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Economic-Impact_GoDaddy_3.29.24A_0.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="396" loading="lazy" />About GoDaddy Venture Forward

GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative analyzes more than 20 million online businesses with a digital presence (measured by a unique domain and an active website). Most of these businesses employ fewer than ten people, categorizing each as a microbusiness. While these microbusinesses may be small, their impact on economies is outsized even though they are often too informal or too new to show up in traditional government statistics. 

Since 2018, Venture Forward surveyed more than 36,000 small business owners with a digital presence, making it the source for microbusiness data and insights.

New Results: Microbusinesses Drive Job Creation, Reduce Unemployment

IBM announced the release of its 2023 IBM Impact report. The report summarizes the company’s ESG initiatives, partnerships and investments in 2023, making a lasting positive impact. 
Over the last year, the world experienced widespread adoption of AI and other emerging technologies. IBMers have leveraged these technologies, creating new ways to address rising ethical challenges, empowering communities with skills, and protecting our environment while supporting our clients. 
A few highlights from the 2023 IBM Impact report include:

<ul><li>Released watsonx.governance, a component of watsonx designed to accelerate responsible, transparent and explainable AI workflows, and leading the creation of the AI Alliance, an open community to accelerate responsible AI innovation.</li>
	<li>Trained more than 600 suppliers in technology ethics, which is on track to meet our commitment to train 1,000 technology suppliers in technology ethics by 2025.</li>
	<li>Engaged over 11 million learners with free IBM training content through our combined education initiatives since 2021, which is on track to meet our commitment to skill 30 million people by 2030.</li>
	<li>Invested over $100 million towards apprenticeships and new-collar programs, since 2022.</li>
	<li>Reduced operational greenhouse gas emissions by 68.5% against base year 2010, ahead of our goal of 2025 and on track to meet our operational net zero emissions goal by 2030.</li>
	<li>Completed, since 2021, 2,130 energy conservation projects, avoiding an estimated 256,000 MWh of energy consumption.</li>
</ul>“At IBM, we believe that technology is a catalyst to unlock new and more powerful ways to make a positive impact. Innovation can address evolving demands and create a better future as new ethical, societal, and environmental challenges arise,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, IBM. “We continue to focus on making a lasting impact by using the power of technology, such as AI.” 
IBM leverages its resources and expertise to live its purpose of being a catalyst that makes the world work better. We have a long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, and service, in which technology and innovation play a critical role in taking our positive impact further. 
The IBM Impact Report 2023 report can be accessed <a href="https://www.ibm.com/impact/2023-ibm-impact-report" target="_blank">here</a>. Media Contact: <a href="mailto:Carmenssg@ibm.com" target="_blank">Carmen San Segundo</a> 
Global Marketing and Communications Director for ESG and CSR at IBM

IBM Releases 2023 IBM Impact Report

Ancestry®, the global leader in family history, published its third annual <a href="https://www.ancestry.com/corporate/annual-impact-report" target="_blank">Impact Report</a>, outlining the company’s corporate responsibility approach and highlighting progress in three core areas: ethical business practices; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); and community impact. Aligned with Ancestry’s mission to empower journeys of personal discovery to enrich lives, the company is committed to enhancing its products and leveraging its resources to build a more connected, resilient and sustainable future for generations to come. 
“We recognize that the actions we take today have a profound impact on future generations, and we are committed to ensuring we operate our business in a manner that is good for both people and the planet,” said Deborah Liu, Ancestry President and CEO. “While we are proud of our progress, we know more work is ahead. We remain steadfast in ensuring our corporate responsibility efforts not only meet but exceed the goals outlined in our report.” 
Building on the goals set in the previous two annual reports, the 2023 Impact Report reaffirms Ancestry’s commitment to transparent, equitable, and inclusive business practices, including:

<ul><li>Launched a new AncestryDNA kit made of recycled materials to cut waste-to-landfill.</li>
	<li>Reduced carbon emissions by 21% across Ancestry’s scope 1, 2, and largest scope 3 contributors.</li>
	<li>Embarked on our second HistoryMakers National College Tour and Scholarship at four HBCUs, TCUs, and HSIs across the United States.</li>
	<li>Added four new DNA ethnicity regions and 910 new DNA communities to serve more diverse customers globally.</li>
	<li>Made 3.3M records available for free as part of Ancestry's $3M pledge through 2025 to preserve history that is at-risk of being forgotten or overlooked.</li>
	<li>Provided 10.5M+ students across five countries access to Ancestry records through AncestryClassroom at no cost, surpassing the 2025 target.</li>
</ul>To read the full report, view Ancestry’s SASB metrics and UN SDG goals, and learn more about the key initiatives within each impact area, visit <a href="https://www.ancestry.com/corporate/annual-impact-report" target="_blank">https://www.ancestry.com/corporate/annual-impact-report</a>. About Ancestry 
Ancestry®, the global leader in family history, empowers journeys of personal discovery to enrich lives. With our unparalleled collection of more than 60 billion records, over 3 million subscribers and over 25 million people in our growing DNA network, customers can discover their family story and gain a new level of understanding about their lives. Over the past 40 years, we’ve built trusted relationships with millions of people who have chosen us as the platform for discovering, preserving and sharing the most important information about themselves and their families.  Media contact: <a href="mailto:mediarelations@ancestry.com" target="_blank">mediarelations@ancestry.com</a>

Ancestry® Underscores Corporate Responsibility Progress & Commitments in Annual Impact Report

<a href="http://www.dayforce.com/" target="_blank">Dayforce</a>, Inc., a global human capital management (HCM) leader that makes work life better, today released its annual ESG Report, <a href="https://www.dayforce.com/who-we-are/corporate-responsibility" target="_blank">Impact Through Innovation</a>. The report features its performance from the past year across the five pillars of the company’s sustainability strategy: Our People, Governance and Trust, Tech for Good, the Environment, and Our Communities.

“Our industry-leading innovation and ability to deliver quantifiable value to our customers made 2023 a tremendously successful year for Dayforce. This was only possible because we maintained our commitment to operate sustainability, act with integrity, and strengthen the communities we serve,” said David Ossip, CEO and Chair, Dayforce, Inc. “While there’s more work to be done, we are deeply proud of the progress that we’ve made. We will continue to ensure that our company – and our global people platform – remain a force for positive change.”

Key highlights from 2023 include:

Our People

<ul><li>Earned a 50 employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS).</li>
	<li>Established internal and external pay transparency.</li>
	<li>Expanded its Achieving Corporate Equity (ACE) program to further empower diverse talent.</li>
</ul>Governance and Trust

<ul><li>Implemented an AI Governance Framework to evaluate the potential use of AI from ideation through all stages of the product development lifecycle.</li>
	<li>Earned best-in-class scores for its robust data security strategy, including from Risk Recon A (9.9/10) and BitSight (790 – Advanced) for the Dayforce Suite.</li>
</ul>Tech for Good

<ul><li>Surpassed $2 billion in earned wages delivered through Dayforce Wallet since its launch.</li>
	<li>Launched Dayforce Career Explorer to empower our customers’ employees to learn new skills and pursue their professional interests through optimized career pathing.</li>
	<li>Expanded Dayforce Engagement to help organizations better measure and strengthen their employee diversity, wellness, and engagement strategies.</li>
</ul>Environment

<ul><li>Reduced Scope 1 &amp; 2 (location-based) emissions by 65% and Scope 3 economic emissions intensity by 30% since 2019.</li>
	<li>Launched its Responsible Sourcing Initiative (RSI) to advance supply chain sustainability and strengthen vendor performance on labor, human rights, climate change, and diversity.</li>
	<li>Earned its first-ever B from CDP for its work to address climate change.</li>
</ul>Our Communities

<ul><li>Achieved a 50% giving and volunteering rate for its global workforce.</li>
	<li>Volunteer hours doubled from the previous year to 10,000 hours.</li>
</ul>To download the full ESG Report, please click <a href="https://www.dayforce.com/who-we-are/corporate-responsibility" target="_blank">here</a>.

Additional information:

<ul><li><a href="https://www.dayforce.com/ca/who-we-are/newsroom/dayforce-named-one-of-americas-most-just-companies-by-just-capital-and-cnbc" target="_blank">Dayforce Named one of America's Most JUST Companies by JUST Capital and CNBC</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.cdp.net/en/scores" target="_blank">Dayforce Earned a First-Ever B from CDP for its Climate Change Efforts</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://ecovadis.com/solutions/ratings/" target="_blank">Dayforce Received a Silver Sustainability Rating from EcoVadis</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.spglobal.com/esg/scores/results?cid=6546101" target="_blank">Dayforce Earned a 51 from S&amp;P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA)</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.msci.com/our-solutions/esg-investing/esg-ratings-climate-search-tool/issuer/dayforce-inc/IID000000002716388" target="_blank">Dayforce Maintains AA Rating from MSCI ESG Research</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.dayforce.com/blog/responsible-sourcing-initiative" target="_blank">Dayforce Strengthens Supply Chain Sustainability with New Responsible Sourcing Initiative</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.dayforce.com/blog/ceridians-latest-actions-on-climate-crisis" target="_blank">Dayforce Strengthens Climate Strategy with SBTi Commitment and Scope 3 Emissions Reduction Target</a></li>
</ul>About Dayforce 
Dayforce makes work life better. Everything we do as a global leader in HCM technology is focused on improving work for thousands of customers and millions of employees around the world. Our single, global people platform for HR, payroll, talent, workforce management, and benefits equips Dayforce customers to unlock their full workforce potential and operate with confidence. To learn how Dayforce helps create quantifiable value for organizations of all sizes and industries, visit <a href="http://www.dayforce.com/" target="_blank">dayforce.com</a>.

Media Contact: <a href="mailto:leslie.whitelaw@dayforce.com" target="_blank">Leslie Whitelaw</a> 
1-437-224-6993

Dayforce Highlights Impact Through Innovation in Annual ESG Report

<img alt="Two people holding a plaque behind a podium." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bbec72da-04ed-4564-bc3e-a9499916942d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/healthyliving_quest_041224.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="774" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.questforhealthequity.com/" target="_blank">Quest for Health Equity</a> (Q4HE) was recently honored by the <a href="https://ymaryland.org/" target="_blank">Y in Central Maryland</a> for its grant funding of health equity coalition efforts at the Y in Druid Hill.

Bob Kocher, Laboratory Manager at Quest’s Baltimore rapid response lab, accepted the Healthy Living award at the organization’s MLK Memorial Breakfast on behalf of Q4HE. The award is given in appreciation each year to a collaborator who is focused on reducing the degree of health disparities experienced by underserved populations in Baltimore City.

“We are thrilled to announce this collaboration and deeply appreciative of Quest for Health Equity’s leadership. This joint effort goes right to the heart of our mission and strategy focusing on building healthy, inclusive, and connected communities for all, not just for a fortunate few,” said John Hoey, President &amp; CEO of the Y in Central Maryland. “Given this incredible commitment and investment, the Y was pleased to present Quest for Health Equity with the Healthy Living Award at our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast at the Y in Druid Hill.”

Through a grant from the Quest Diagnostics Foundation as part of the Q4HE initiative, the Y in Druid Hill will strengthen its healthy equity coalition by expanding capacity building for community agencies, and providing no-cost services and programs that address social determinants of health to help improve outcomes for community residents. The coalition will focus its efforts on 4 key areas: care coordination, mental and behavioral health, chronic disease prevention and management, and regranting to community-based partners with missions aligned to addressing these areas.
<img alt="A room of seated people in a gymnasium. A person speaking at a podium at the front." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eb84fc4c-7110-451b-bb85-ec67ab147eea" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/healthyliving_questdx_041224.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="821" loading="lazy" />“We made a commitment to help address the systemic inequity fueling health disparities, and we value the contributions and expertise of our grantees, who have deep roots in their communities and can help us make a difference through the power of collective impact,” said Michael Floyd, Executive Director of Q4HE. “By collaborating with the team at the Y in Druid Hill, we are confident we can work together to improve health outcomes in the Central Maryland area, one life at a time.”

As part of the joint effort, Quest Diagnostics will also provide no-cost Blueprint for Wellness® testing at select community health events identified by Y in Druid Hill throughout the year. Through Blueprint for Wellness, local community members can gain access to a comprehensive health screening designed to empower people with the knowledge they need to take more control of their health. Blueprint for Wellness provides a set of clinical laboratory tests and measurements that highlight personal health strengths and risks.

Quest for Health Equity (Q4HE) was recently honored by the Y in Central Maryland for its grant funding of health equity coalition efforts at the Y in Druid Hill.

Q4HE Initiative Recognized for Efforts To Reduce Health Disparities

<img alt="KeyBank branch shown as an artists rendering." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="39ce453c-707d-4f94-a5ee-4c0f9eade758" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Fair%20Housing%20Month_KeyBank_4.15.24A.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="779" loading="lazy" />KeyBank offers several <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/news/keybank-illuminates-accessible-and-affordable-pathways-homeownership" target="_blank">Special Purpose Credit Programs</a>1 to improve accessibility and affordability in homebuying, particularly in historically underserved and economically disadvantaged communities

For many Americans, homeownership is not just an aspiration, but a major step toward establishing long-term financial stability. Amid fluctuating economic conditions and a competitive housing market, a number of resources and programs exist to help consumers achieve the goal of owning a home. But while 88% of recent or prospective homebuyers have a mortgage loan officer, less than a quarter (19%) have discussed affordable homebuying programs, grants, and credits with them, according to <a href="https://www.key.com/content/dam/kco/documents/personal/2023_financial_mobility_survey.pdf" target="_blank">KeyBank’s 2024 Financial Mobility Survey</a>2.

KeyBank offers several <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/news/keybank-illuminates-accessible-and-affordable-pathways-homeownership" target="_blank">Special Purpose Credit Programs</a>3 to improve accessibility and affordability in homebuying, particularly in historically underserved and economically disadvantaged communities. Through April 9, 2024, these Special Purpose Credit Programs have funded $10.2 million in home equity loans and $2.3 million in $5,000 credits to help 712 clients on their journey of homeownership in qualifying areas where the programs are available, including:

<ul><li>The <a href="https://www.key.com/personal/promo/home-loans-lines/homebuyer-credit.html" target="_blank">KeyBank Home Buyer Credit</a>4: KeyBank funded approximately $1.7 million in Home Buyer Credits, helping 386 clients achieve their dream of homeownership in the qualifying areas where the program is available. Also, as of April 9, 2024, KeyBank has $324.3 million in mortgage loan applications for approximately $2.8 million in Home Buyer Credits to assist 652 clients (inclusive of the funded credits shared above) on their path to homeownership in these locations.</li>
	<li>The <a href="https://www.key.com/personal/home-loans-lines/key-opportunities-home-equity-loan.html" target="_blank">Key Opportunities Home Equity Loan</a>5: Since the program launched in March 2023, KeyBank has surpassed the <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/news/keybank-surpasses-10-million-funded-loans-through-key-opportunities-home-equity-loan-program" target="_blank">milestone of $10 million in loan funding</a>, helping 204 clients secure loans for their primary home in designated communities.</li>
	<li>The <a href="https://www.key.com/personal/promo/home-loans-lines/keybank-neighbors-first-credit.html?ppc=2307_neighborsfirst_alias" target="_blank">KeyBank Neighbors First Credit</a>6: From the <a href="https://investor.key.com/press-releases/news-details/2023/KeyBank-Launches-Neighbors-First-Credit-to-Help-Make-Dream-of-Home-Ownership-a-Reality/default.aspx" target="_blank">launch</a> of the program in July 2023, through April 9, 2024, KeyBank funded approximately $610,000 in Neighbors First credits, helping 122 clients achieve their dream of homeownership in the qualifying areas where the program is available. Also, as of April 9, 2024, KeyBank has $37.5 million in mortgage loan applications for approximately $1.1 million in Neighbors First Credits to assist 229 clients (inclusive of the funded credits shared above) on their path to homeownership in these locations.</li>
</ul>Across all three Special Purpose Credit Programs, Key has purchase credits available in more than 9,500 census tracts, covering areas where more than 10% of the U.S. population lives.

“At KeyBank, we believe in turning aspirations into achievable milestones,” said Rachael Sampson, Head of Community Banking, KeyBank. “Our continued investments in homebuying resources and education for clients in minority and low- and moderate-income communities reflect our dedication to fostering financial empowerment and making homeownership attainable for all.”
<img alt="KeyBank logo and Equal Housing Lender logo." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="640139d0-d448-46fc-b1d9-ccaa33cee98a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Fair%20Housing%20Month_KeyBank_4.15.24B.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="310" loading="lazy" />Learn more about KeyBank's home lending opportunities and programs, determine whether a property qualifies for Special Purpose Credit Programs, or get started on the journey to homeownership by visiting <a href="https://www.key.com/personal/home-loans-lines/mortgage/community-lending.html?ppc=2404_communitylending_alias" target="_blank">key.com/communitylending</a>.

NMLS# 399797. KeyBank Member FDIC. Mortgage and Home Equity Lending products offered by KeyBank are not FDIC insured or guaranteed.

NOTICE: This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Conditions and restrictions may apply. All home lending products, including mortgage, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit, are subject to credit and collateral approval. Not all home lending products are available in all states. Hazard insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance are required on collateral property. Actual rates, fees, and terms are based on those offered as of the date of application and are subject to change without notice. CFMA #240405-2536034

1Special Purpose Credit Programs are, generally, programs that are established to meet special social needs or the needs of economically disadvantaged persons by extending credit to persons who would probably be denied credit or would receive it on less favorable terms, under certain conditions. See 15 U.S.C. § 1691(c)(1)-(3); 12 C.F.R. § 1002.8(a).

2The KeyBank 2024 Financial Mobility Survey was conducted online by Schmidt Market Research. 1,000 Americans, ages 18-70, with sole or shared responsibility for household financial decisions, who own a checking or savings account, completed the survey in September 2023. The survey asked respondents about their financial attitudes, understanding, awareness and actions over the prior year.

3Special Purpose Credit Programs are, generally, programs that are established to meet special social needs or the needs of economically disadvantaged persons by extending credit to persons who would probably be denied credit or would receive it on less favorable terms, under certain conditions. See 15 U.S.C. § 1691(c)(1)-(3); 12 C.F.R. § 1002.8(a).

4Available on primary residence first lien purchases only. Property must be located in an eligible community as determined by KeyBank. Eligible Communities are subject to change without notice. Additional terms or restrictions may apply. Ask us for details.

5Loan features reduced interest rate and no origination fees. Available on existing primary residence and loans up to $100,000. First or second lien only. Loan must close in a branch. Property must be located in an eligible community in KeyBank's retail footprint. Additional terms or restrictions may apply. Ask us for details.

6Available on primary residence first lien purchases only. Property must be located in an eligible community in KeyBank's retail footprint or Florida. Eligible communities are determined by KeyBank and subject to change without notice. Additional terms or restrictions may apply. Ask us for details.

For many Americans, homeownership is not just an aspiration, but a major step toward establishing long-term financial stability. Amid fluctuating economic conditions and a competitive housing market, a number of resources and programs exist to help consumers achieve the goal.

Special Purpose Credit Programs Help 712 KeyBank Clients on Their Path to Homeownership

<img alt="3M: Reinventing our impact. 2024 Global Impact Report." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ebc38b46-36e8-4670-9035-c1e5713bb369" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/3M%20Reinventitng%20our%20impact_3M_4.5.24A.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="665" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://news.3m.com/Reinventing-our-impact-3Ms-Global-Impact-Report" target="_blank">Originally published on 3M News Center</a>

3M’s <a href="http://www.3m.com/sustainability" target="_blank">2024 Global Impact report</a> shows the great strides we’ve made toward our sustainability commitments in 2023. The company hit major milestones, strengthened collaborations, and engaged with the public on our goals.

3M pursued ambitious targets with urgency, making progress on our carbon, water, and waste footprints.

“From our substantial carbon emissions reductions to hosting our first environmental justice summit, we took significant steps toward our sustainability commitments,” said Gayle Schueller, 3M senior vice president and chief sustainability officer. “I’m proud of the work 3Mers have done to create a brighter future.”

Key accomplishments include:

<ul><li>Achieving 56.2% renewable electricity across global operations – ahead of schedule – and a substantial 43.2% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2019.</li>
	<li>Reduced virgin fossil-based plastic use by 69.8 million pounds.</li>
	<li>Increased water efficiency by 19.1% and continued engagement with the Water Resilience Coalition on net positive water impact initiatives.</li>
	<li>Invested $39.4 million to address racial opportunity gaps in the U.S. and donated 108,000 skills-based work hours globally.</li>
	<li>In 2023, the total number of health and safety training instances was over 8.4 million, putting us well past our 2025 goal of 5 million instances since 2015.</li>
</ul>3M is committed to contributing to a better and brighter future through our people, products, and operations. The strength of our commitment is reflected in our sustainability goals and our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics.

3M uses a science-based approach to reimagine what’s possible as we rise to the most critical challenges facing our planet and its people — focusing our efforts where we can make the greatest impact. As these challenges evolve, we’re accelerating our exploration of emerging areas like climate technology, industrial automation, the next generation of electronics, and sustainable packaging.

3M’s 2024 Global Impact report shows the great strides we’ve made toward our sustainability commitments in 2023. The company hit major milestones, strengthened collaborations, and engaged with the public on our goals.

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