Baker Hughes

Crown Holdings, Inc.

Baker Hughes Foundation Supports Hurricane Helene Recovery With $25,000 Donation to Nonprofit All Hands and Hearts

Crown Holdings 2023 Sustainability Report: Letter From Our Sustainability Lead

Three Ways We Are Taking Climate Action for Long-Term Impact

<img alt="An employee leaning out of the window of a FedEx truck." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="92341711-b715-4265-9e77-97713e3cda6b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/trucks_fedex_100724.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="563" loading="lazy" />LONDON, October 11, 2024 /CSRwire/ - Federal Express Corporation, the world’s largest express transportation company, announces its transition to using biofuels in linehaul trucks at three UK sites as of this month.

More than 170 trucks – all tractor-trailer combinations – will now refuel with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) across FedEx locations in Parkhouse (80 tractors), Marston Gate (54 tractors), and Atherstone (38 tractors). Thanks to a two-year agreement with supplier, Crown Oil, FedEx has secured the purchase of at least four million litres of the fuel annually.

The change to HVO will deliver certified lifecycle carbon emissions savings of at least 80% compared to diesel and offers one way of reducing the emissions of operating a network of heavy goods vehicles. FedEx Express began using 100% HVO fuel as a direct replacement, or ‘drop-in’ alternative, to diesel, in <a href="https://newsroom.fedex.com/fedex-express-begins-the-trial-of-renewable-diesel-to-reduce-well-to-wheel-carbon-emissions-in-uk-linehaul-truck-network" rel="noopener" target="_blank">UK operations in October 2023</a>. This earlier trial, along with a similar pilot in the Netherlands, allowed FedEx to evaluate the practicalities of refuelling with alternative fuels and highlighted HVO as a preferred route to help FedEx transition from diesel to biofuels in its European road network.

“FedEx operates an expansive road network across the region. We’re excited to share that the UK is the first country where we’re able to scale the use of HVO in our operations, in what we hope will be a permanent operational change. We’ve been trialling our use of this fuel for eight months already and with this purchase agreement we’re increasing our consumption sufficiently for our fleet to drive approximately 36,000 miles each week on alternative fuel. This decision is another step towards our long-term goal of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040,”said James Richards, Senior Manager Road Network Operations UK, FedEx.

As well as helping to reduce the emissions of linehaul trucks, HVO can also be used in place of diesel in select pieces of ground service equipment. Under this agreement, 16 tugs – used at the same three sites to reposition accompanying trailers - will begin routine use of HVO as a drop-in fuel. While some pieces of ground service equipment are already commonly procured as battery electric, HVO offers favourable alternative to diesel where electrification of certain ground service equipment may not yet be practical.

Click<a href="https://fedexcares.com/" target="_blank"> here</a> to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

FedEx Announces Switch From Diesel to HVO To Reduce Linehaul Emissions in UK

<img alt="100 Best Logo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f6a3a20-815b-4616-8b92-c01d168fddb9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/100_Best-3BL-101024.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1250" loading="lazy" />NORTHAMPTON, Mass., October 10, 2024 /CSRwire/ - 3BL announced today the annual <a href="https://go.3blmedia.com/l/37792/2024-10-08/5yjyv4" target="_blank">100 Best Corporate Citizens</a> ranking, recognizing outstanding environmental, social and governance (ESG) transparency and performance among the 1,000 largest public companies in the United States.

HP Inc. has earned the top ranking this year, with Hewlett Packard Enterprise,Johnson &amp; Johnson, Owens Corning, and Ingersoll Rand completing the top five.

The 100 Best Corporate Citizens ranking evaluates Russell 1,000 companies based on 223 ESG factors across seven pillars including climate change, employee relations, environment, governance, human rights, and stakeholders and society. The 2024 methodology developed by 3BL and ISS ESG introduced new factors to measure progress on key issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water use, and workforce diversity to reflect modern best practices for performance and disclosure.

<a href="https://go.3blmedia.com/l/37792/2024-10-08/5yjyv4" target="_blank">View the 100 Best Corporate Citizens of 2024 ranking here.</a>

If the 2024 100 Best Corporate Citizens were a financial index, it would have beat the market average over the past two years, according to the first backtesting study of the ranking, conducted by 3BL. The companies in the top 100 had a cumulative return of 29.97% from January 2022 to September 2024, compared to 25.75% for the S&amp;P 500.

But do corporate sustainability messages make their way from report pages, spreadsheets and board rooms to leave an impression on the public? 3BL’s latest research reveals that companies are leaving revenue on the table if they rely on reporting and disclosures alone to share information about their sustainability progress.

<a href="https://go.3blmedia.com/l/37792/2024-10-09/5yk8cf" target="_blank">Download 3BL’s whitepaper for the full findings and insights now.</a> 

Unlike other rankings, the 100 Best Corporate Citizens relies solely on publicly available data and information, eliminating the need for questionnaires or company submissions, and there is no fee for companies to be considered. To ensure accuracy, companies can verify the data collected for the ranking at no cost. The data and information used for the 2024 ranking were published between August 2023 and August 2024.

Additionally, 3BL has partnered with InfluenceMap to assess the intensity and orientation of a company's lobbying efforts and whether this lobbying is supportive or oppositional to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. A “red flag” penalty is assessed if a company's lobbying is deemed oppositional to Paris-aligned policies, and a “green flag” bonus is awarded to recognize firms using their political influence and spending in support of the agreement. In 2024, VF Corp. is the only company to receive the “green flag” bonus.

In this year’s rankings, the competition has intensified, with the gap in overall weighted scores between No. 1 and No. 100 narrowing by nearly 4% compared to 2023. Just five companies — HP, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Johnson &amp; Johnson, Owens Corning, and PepsiCo — managed to maintain their spots in the top 10, making room for newcomers Ingersoll Rand, VF Corp., Trane Technologies, Citigroup, and Ford Motor Co. In the tech and hardware arena, HP and Hewlett Packard Enterprise are leading the pack, with just three other industry peers in the top 100. Meanwhile, the Capital Goods, Food and Beverage, and Materials sectors collectively represent 30% of the top scorers.

About the 100 Best Corporate Citizens Ranking  
The 100 Best Corporate Citizens debuted in 1999 in Business Ethics Magazine and appeared annually in Corporate Responsibility Magazine for many years. 3BL has managed the ranking since 2018. To compile the ranking, each company in the Russell 1000 Index is ranked according to its transparency and performance on 184 environmental, social and governance factors.

About 3BL  
3BL is the leading sustainability and social impact communications partner, connecting organizations’ stories of purpose and progress with the audiences who matter most. We partner with over 1,500 companies — from global corporations and mid-sized enterprises to NGOs and nonprofits — to elevate their reputations as players in the world of responsible business. We do this through unrivaled news and content distribution, bespoke storytelling support, and our digital media division, TriplePundit. Learn more <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.

3BL CONTACT  
100Best@3bl.com

3BL Announces 100 Best Corporate Citizens of 2024

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd3fa4f5-11aa-4352-843b-fbb623709e5a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/JacksonState_entergy_100824.jpg" width="640" height="858" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>L-R: Entergy's Drew Marsh and Haley Fisackerly, Rep. Bennie Thompson, JSU President Marcus Thompson and Entergy's Marcus Brown</figcaption></figure>JACKSON, Miss., October 9, 2024 /CSRwire/ - Jackson State University is the recipient of a $2 million grant from the Entergy Charitable Foundation to help fund the creation of the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab. During a press conference at the University on Monday, Oct. 7, Entergy officials presented JSU President Marcus Thompson, Ph.D., with a big check to celebrate the occasion.

This advanced initiative between Jackson State and Entergy will create an innovation hub to help train a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce to meet the growing needs of nuclear, electric and natural gas companies, and electrical cooperatives.

"I am honored to receive this generous grant on behalf of Jackson State University. This gift will have a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the future of the energy sector," said Thompson. "Looking ahead, this lab will not only benefit Jackson State University and our students, but it will also play a critical role in shaping the broader energy landscape."

Local, community, and political leaders were present during the event, including Congressman Bennie Thompson, whom the president thanked for supporting Jackson State, describing it as instrumental.

The Power Grid Security Lab Project will be a cornerstone of JSU's commitment to workforce development, energy infrastructure, and cybersecurity. The lab will provide students with real-world experience safeguarding critical power grid infrastructure. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and aggressive, the importance of a robust defense system in the energy sector cannot be over-emphasized.

“Whether using computers to earn a college degree or checking out at the grocery store, electricity isn’t a luxury for most people, it’s a necessity. And so is thwarting cyber threats in the energy sector,” said Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO. “The robust growth in our company and the state is providing extraordinary opportunities to help build a diverse and skilled workforce in the cybersecurity field. Through this partnership, we’re investing in local talent and competing to keep them here. For more than 100 years we’ve served communities alongside Jackson State University, and we’re proud to continue powering the bright minds they produce.”

The lab aims to equip students with valuable technical skills and contribute significantly to society by fostering a workforce prepared to protect vital national infrastructure.

The cybersecurity workforce gap has also become a pressing issue, as the demand for skilled professionals far exceeds the available supply. (ISC)², a global cybersecurity certification body, reported a shortage of approximately 3.4 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide in 2022, with over 700,000 job openings in the U.S. alone. This shortfall poses a significant challenge to national security and the economy as organizations struggle to defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.

In response, Jackson State University is evolving its cybersecurity education curriculum and resources to bridge this gap.

"The establishment of the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab at Jackson State University is truly a game-changer for our students," said Dr. Wilbur Walters, Dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. "Having access to a facility such as this means our students won't just be learning about cybersecurity—they'll be directly engaging with the same challenges that professionals are facing in the energy sector today. This hands-on experience makes their education more relevant and impactful. It's about evolving our curriculum to not only keep pace with the fast-changing tech world but also to ensure our students graduate ready to make a tangible difference."

The cybersecurity industry has experienced significant growth and transformation over the past decade, primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of digital technology and the corresponding rise in cyber threats. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime costs are expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015, highlighting the escalating severity and frequency of cyberattacks. This rapid increase has underscored the critical need for a robust cybersecurity infrastructure, leading to substantial investments by the United States private and public sectors.

“At Entergy, we believe that one of our many strengths in serving our customers is the diversity of our workforce. Our partnership with Jackson State University is a testament to our commitment to creating opportunities for students and shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” said Drew Marsh, Entergy Corporation chair and CEO. “By investing in education and fostering inclusion, we are not just building a diverse workforce, we are investing in the heart of our communities where we live, work and serve.”

Jackson State will receive the Entergy Charitable Foundation's grant over multiple installments. The funds are exclusively for developing the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab, focusing on cybersecurity in the nuclear, energy, and natural gas sectors.

About Jackson State University: Challenging Minds, Changing Lives

Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high-research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi. Jackson State's nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research and service. Officially designated as Mississippi's Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare, technological and educational initiatives. The only public university in the Jackson metropolitan area, Jackson State is located near downtown, with four satellite locations. For more information, visit<a href="https://www.jsums.edu/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> www.jsums.edu</a> or call 601-979-2121.

About Entergy

Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at <a href="https://www.entergy.com/" target="_blank">entergy.com</a> and connect with <a href="https://www.entergynewsroom.com/social/" target="_blank">@Entergy</a> on social media. #WePowerLife

Entergy Awards $2M Grant to Jackson State University for Power Grid Security Lab

<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2024-10/yum2024_recipe_for_good_growth_MASTER.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center>

<a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/portal/yumbrands/Yumbrands/news/press-releases/yum+brands+continues+to+make+progress+on+carbon+reduction+packaging+and+equality" target="_blank">Yum! Brands</a>

LOUISVILLE, Ky., October 8, 2024 /3BL/ - Today, Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) released its annual <a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/wcm/connect/yumbrands/e0b6e0c9-8762-4d1f-95ee-64f6ea0569a5/R4GG+2023+FINAL.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&amp;CVID=p9ERNrJ" target="_blank">Global Citizenship &amp; Sustainability Report</a>, detailing its advancements in reducing carbon emissions, improving packaging and removing barriers. The Company has a longstanding dedication to responsible business practices, investing strategically in its three priority pillars of People, Food and Planet, which are part of its Good Growth strategy. The strategy is grounded on the idea that the Good priorities and the Growth priorities are closely intertwined and enablers of one another.

“In 2023, we experienced a year of remarkable growth and remained focused on greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable packaging and having a positive community impact,” said Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs. “Our Good Growth strategy has propelled our sales and restaurant development, which allows us to invest more in areas like renewable energy, supplier pilot programs and technical training for at-risk youth in our communities – the Growth advances the Good.”

This report highlights Yum!’s key accomplishments toward building a more sustainable and equitable world, which has led to its inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America, recognition as one of TIME Magazine's Best Companies for Future Leaders and named to the USA Today's 2023 America's Climate Leaders list.

"We made significant progress in 2023 across our global citizenship and sustainability agenda, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead,” said Yum! Brands Chief Government Affairs &amp; Sustainability Officer Jon Hixson. “We believe in the power of collaboration to make positive change, and we continue to work closely with our stakeholders and partners to develop innovative solutions and share learnings that drive advancements."
<img alt="Our Recipe for Good Growth" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a4fdbfb0-38d7-4436-a8e6-be5bbabab451" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/GOOD_YUM_10824_1.png" width="400" class="align-center" height="151" loading="lazy" />Highlights from Yum!’s new Global Citizenship &amp; Sustainability Report include:

People

<ul><li>– In 2023, 44% of global corporate leadership roles were held by women, up from the 2018 baseline of 33%.</li>
	<li>– In 2023, over 7,100 restaurant general managers and assistant restaurant general managers on six continents completed Leading With Heart through Heartstyles, Yum!’s signature leadership and personal development program.</li>
	<li>– Since 2020, Yum! has reached 204,000 people and utilized and/or committed $71 million of funding for over 30 community impact programs designed to remove barriers through its Unlocking Opportunity Initiative.</li>
</ul>Food

<ul><li>– In 2023, over 70% of Yum!-approved suppliers achieved Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Certification.</li>
	<li>– Sourced over 90% cage-free eggs for the 25,000 restaurants with a 2026 goal.</li>
	<li>– Endorsed the Antimicrobial Use Stewardship Principles in Poultry, supporting an initiative that includes over 40% of global poultry meat production.</li>
</ul>Planet

<ul><li>– On track to achieve Yum!’s 2030 emission reduction goals across both Scopes 1 and 2, as well as Scope 3 as it relates to energy emissions from franchisee-owned restaurants.</li>
	<li>– Advanced Yum!’s sustainable supply chain work with KFC Europe committing to source 100% sustainable soy by 2025 and Pizza Hut decreasing emissions by 10% in the milk used for its cheese by improving cattle feed.</li>
	<li>– Invested in sustainable packaging and infrastructure with Taco Bell expanding its recycling program with TerraCycle beyond its own sauce packets and Habit Burger &amp; Grill reducing paper usage with new takeout bags.</li>
</ul>For more information and to view Yum! Brands’ latest Global Citizenship &amp; Sustainability Report visit <a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/portal/yumbrands/Yumbrands/impact/" target="_blank">www.yum.com/impact</a>.

About Yum! Brands, Inc.

Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, and its subsidiaries franchise or operate a system of over 59,000 restaurants in more than 155 countries and territories under the company’s concepts – KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger &amp; Grill. The Company's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands are global leaders of the chicken, Mexican-style food, and pizza categories, respectively. The Habit Burger &amp; Grill is a fast casual restaurant concept specializing in made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches and more. In 2024, CDP, a global organization that runs a leading sustainability disclosure program, ranked Yum! with Climate Change and Water Security scores of A-, and all of Yum!’s CDP scores were a B or higher. Yum! was also named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America, and the company was recognized among TIME Magazine’s list of Best Companies for Future Leaders, Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies and USA Today’s America’s Climate Leaders. Yum! also received widespread recognition in 2023, including being listed on the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index; and Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers for Diversity. In addition, KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands were ranked in the top five of Entrepreneur’s Top Global Franchises Ranking for 2023.

Yum! Brands Continues To Make Progress on Reducing Carbon, Improving Packaging and Removing Barriers

<img alt="On a dark surface, many different vegetables, some chopped up finely." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2c214e8d-2a59-4fb4-89c5-e861609729fd" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/foodwaste_lasvegassands_100224.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="600" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.sands.com/news/sands-pursues-comprehensive-methods-to-reduce-food/" target="_blank">Published by Las Vegas Sands on September 24, 2024</a>

On September 29, the United Nations observes <a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-food-waste-day" rel="noopener" target="_blank">International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Reduction 2024</a>, which supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goal 12 focusing on responsible consumption and production. The day aims to raise awareness and inspire action to reduce food waste and loss, and improve sustainability in the world’s food production systems.

Food loss is a significant issue, as the U.N. estimates 13.2% of food produced globally is lost between harvest and retail, and 19% of total global food production is wasted in households, food service and retail venues, representing multiple tons of edible food going to waste. Making the issue even more critical, the U.N. also estimates the number of people affected by hunger has risen steadily since 2014.

Reducing food waste is a core focus area of the Sands ECO360 global sustainability program and a key part of Sands’ overall priority on managing waste. The company aims to achieve a 25% reduction in food waste by 2025.

“Food represents one of our most significant waste streams, and managing food waste is a top priority,” Katarina Tesarova, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, said. “Over the past year, we made significant progress in advancing toward our 2025 food waste reduction target through a variety of prevention, rescue and diversion programs.”

Sands’ commitment to addressing food waste focuses on two primary goals: minimizing food going to landfill and maximizing the value of food produced. To execute on these priorities, the company employs technology, processes, training and engagement, and measurement as key tools for managing the food life cycle.

Engaging Stakeholders

Sands’ food waste reduction strategy encompasses working with a variety of groups. To address food waste generated in Team Member dining rooms, Sands China improved processes to better handle food waste by rearranging sorting bins, and Marina Bay Sands upgraded tray cleaning and food sorting methods.

The regions also conducted Team Member education and engagement campaigns. Marina Bay Sands held a Food Waste Awareness Day and the Just Enough Challenge, while Sands China continued its quarterly plate waste challenge, which incentivizes food waste reduction by encouraging appropriate portion selections in Team Member dining rooms.

In addition, Sands’ resorts work with restaurant partners to responsibly handle food waste. At Marina Bay Sands, efforts include engaging with food court tenants to capture food waste in meal preparation, providing a coffee ground collection system and conducting engagement programs with leased outlets that produce food waste.

In Macao, Sands China has worked with restaurant partners at The Venetian® Macao and The Londoner Macao® to establish waste collection and disposal systems using the company’s food digesters.

Preventing Waste Through Alternative Uses

Another key reduction strategy is diverting usable food from going into waste streams by repurposing it in different methods. For example, Sands’ resorts partner with community organizations that help alleviate food insecurity for disadvantaged people.

Marina Bay Sands works with The Food Bank Singapore, and Sands China supports the Macau ECOnscious Community Fridge Project to provide regular donations of surplus food from catering operations and in-house kitchens. In 2023, Sands’ resorts donated over 9,000 kilograms of unserved food and 86,900 kilograms in total since 2014.

At the company’s Las Vegas headquarters, food waste from the Team Member café is segregated and diverted to a pig farm for alternate uses.

Accelerating to Zero Food Waste in Singapore

In Singapore, Marina Bay Sands is pursuing a multi-year program to divert 100% of its food waste. The resort has worked with more than 30 company-owned food and beverage outlets to understand kitchen operational challenges, improve accessibility to food waste bins, and increase dialogue and collaboration around food waste.

Building on these efforts, Marina Bay Sands introduced a monthly waste profiles program for 17 food and beverage outlets last year. The team conducted random sampling to capture daily food waste percentages, and monthly trend reports provided insights, encouraging responsibility around waste processing. After the program’s initiation, food waste diversion increased from 33% in January 2023 to 54% in December 2023.

Tackling Food Waste Challenges

Since returning to normal business levels in 2023, Sands’ resorts have generated more food waste, requiring new approaches to address the increase in volume. For example, when The Parisian Macao® reopened the Le Buffet restaurant in 2023, the introduction of fresh coconut juice generated 3,000 used coconut shells per week – nearly 5% of the property’s food waste.

In exploring solutions, Sands China conducted trials to repurpose shells as mulch for landscaping. The team worked with local vendors that provided various mechanisms to process coconuts into small pieces for shredding into mulch.

Though trials determined the potential to produce significant amounts of mulch annually, the mulch bags provided to the landscaping team were much lighter than typical mulch, resulting in a higher re-fill rate. Sands China continues to work with vendors to explore mulching options, as well as opportunities to convert coconuts into other products that could be repurposed in its operations.

“We continually face new challenges and opportunities in our ongoing efforts to reduce food waste, but the multifaceted efforts we are pursuing have resulted in significant progress toward our 2025 target,” Tesarova said. “We also continually set new targets that stretch our impact, so our food waste program is an ongoing quest to do and achieve more through the core tenets of stakeholder engagement, innovation in our solutions and diligence in our processes.”

To learn about Sands’ other strategies to reduce waste and address environmental priorities, read the company’s 2023 ESG Report: <a href="https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/</a>.

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Reduction 2024: Sands Pursues Comprehensive Methods To Reduce Food Waste

<img alt="Two people in a small boat lifting a large fish out of the water with a net." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bc61e369-2e29-4601-9a54-23cff7596cea" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/wildlife_tmobile_100224.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="640" loading="lazy" />BELLEVUE, Wash. and CHARLES CITY, Va., October 4, 2024 /CSRwire/ - The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rice Rivers Center is using the power of 5G to transform conservation for the federally endangered Atlantic sturgeon. Today, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) announced that VCU Rice Rivers Center is using T-Mobile 5G to protect this prehistoric species, while setting a new benchmark for environmental preservation along the James River.

Once fished to near extinction, the James River sturgeon population near Richmond, Virginia, still faces an ongoing threat from power plant cooling water intake systems. But thanks to advancements in tracking technology using telemetry receivers, particularly with tagged female sturgeon, the Center can notify the plant when these fish enter their spawning habitat to lay eggs. This allows the plant to decrease or stop water intake, helping safeguard this vulnerable species.
<img alt="Close up of a baby sturgeon on a gloved hand." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85420dd5-3862-4768-81d4-25b1b5159574" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/sturgeon_tmobile_100224.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="512" loading="lazy" />T-Mobile’s <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-network-awards" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">award-winning</a> 5G network plays a pivotal role in the Center’s conservation efforts by linking acoustic receivers to an aquatic hub, enabling real-time tracking of sturgeon movements, even in remote areas of the James River. Additionally, T-Mobile’s IoT Control Center empowers VCU to streamline SIM card management in the receivers, optimizing data transmission, reporting and device oversight. These capabilities enhance both research accuracy and operational efficiency for more impactful conservation outcomes.

“The work we’re doing with T-Mobile has digitally transformed how we protect the endangered Atlantic sturgeon,” said Matt Balazik, Ph.D., Research Faculty, VCU Rice Rivers Center. “Real-time data allows us to make critical, well-informed decisions that directly safeguard the species, while also educating the next generation of environmental stewards.”

“At T-Mobile, we believe in the power of technology to create powerful outcomes, and our collaboration with VCU is a perfect example of that,” said George Fischer, SVP of Sales, T-Mobile Business Group. “By powering secure real-time data transmission, we’re helping to safeguard critical habitats and educate future generations. Together, we’re setting a new standard for environmental sustainability and ensuring that these ancient fish thrive in the James River for years to come.”

Enhancing Education and Outreach

The Center’s project, currently the largest real-time acoustic telemetry system on the East Coast of the U.S., is making a global impact. To offer a model for conservation that can be widely adopted, the Center showcases its telemetry data to researchers worldwide, including at institutions like the ZSL (Zoological Society of London), as well as local schools, where students are introduced to conservation efforts through live demonstrations of sturgeon-tracking data.

VCU is also developing a website that will allow students and educators to access past telemetry data, incorporating it into lesson plans and projects. This initiative will provide all schools with the ability to contribute to the growing field of environmental research.

Looking to the Future with AI

The Center is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data and predict sturgeon movements more accurately. While current predictions can only forecast a day or two in advance, future AI developments could give power companies additional time to adjust water intake flows and better protect the sturgeon population.

This forward-looking approach, connected by T-Mobile, ensures the project will continue to evolve, further helping to protect the sturgeon’s future in the James River.

To learn more about the VCU Rice Rivers Center, go to: <a href="https://ricerivers.vcu.edu/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.ricerivers.vcu.edu</a>

For more information about T-Mobile IoT, visit <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/iot" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.t-mobile.com/business/solutions/iot</a>

Follow <a href="https://x.com/TMobileNews" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">@TMobileNews</a> on X, formerly known as Twitter, to stay up to date with the latest company news.

# # #

See 5G device, coverage, &amp; access details at T-Mobile.com.

About VCU Rice Rivers Center

The VCU Rice Rivers Center, part of <a href="https://lifesciences.vcu.edu/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">VCU Life Sciences</a>, is VCU’s River Campus, supporting scholarship and student instruction across diverse disciplines, including water resources, climate science, wildlife conservation and wetlands restoration.

Located midway between Richmond and Williamsburg, Va., along the historic James River, America's founding river, our 360 acres of riparian marshes, tidal creeks and mature forests represent a unique outdoor laboratory for important applied research and innovative, experiential classes.

The center’s modern <a href="https://ricerivers.vcu.edu/facilities/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">facilities</a> offer offices, classrooms, laboratories and overnight lodging for students, faculty, visiting scholars and community groups. State-of-the-art technologies are deployed onsite to collect information on air and water quality, fish and avian migrations, changing sea levels, and a host of other critical data sources. Our ongoing partnerships with state and federal natural resource and earth science agencies provide significant training opportunities for student scholars.

About T-Mobile

T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile. For more information please visit: <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.t-mobile.com</a>

Virginia Commonwealth University Taps T-Mobile To Help Protect Endangered Species

<img alt="&quot;The Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank Guidelines for Grantseekers&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="008a66c2-fe67-4e2e-be6c-d4c74765bd53" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Foundation-Office-Art_Fifth-Third-Bancorp_101024.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="728" loading="lazy" />CINCINNATI, October 11, 2024 /CSRwire/ - For more than a century, Fifth Third Bank has managed private foundations, empowering individuals, families and institutions to realize their visions and leave a legacy for the greater good. ​It all started with Bank president, Jacob G. Schmidlapp. A pioneer, ahead of his time, he established the Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trust in 1903.

Today, the Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank works diligently to ensure these foundations fulfill their mission of giving back to worthy charitable causes. From October 1 – November 22, 2024, the Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky and Piqua regional grant application process is open for grants that will be awarded by April 1, 2025.

“The Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank is committed to healthy, strong and vibrant communities,” said Heidi B. Jark, senior vice president and managing director of The Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank.

“Our Grant Application Process is designed to connect those organizations seeking support with opportunities to enable them with needed resources. Our goal is to make that process as transparent, accessible and easy as possible,” Jark added.

<ul><li>Eligible organizations include nonprofit organizations that operate in Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky, and Piqua and are designated under section 501(c)(3) and subsections 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), and 509(a)(3) Types I and II by the Internal Revenue Service.</li>
	<li>Churches and religious organizations, through non–denominational programming administered by such organizations will be considered (examples include food pantries, after school programs, housing initiatives, etc.).</li>
	<li>​The following are not eligible for Foundation Office grants: individuals​, government or government agencies​, public or private K-12 schools​ and athletic, band and other booster clubs​. In addition, events such as walks, runs, dinners and galas are also ineligible.</li>
	<li>For complete details, please visit our <a href="https://www.53.com/content/dam/fifth-third/docs/education/guidelines-for-grantseekers-trustee-foundations-092518.pdf" target="_blank">Guidelines for Grantseekers</a>.</li>
</ul>New this year, there are two application links. Organizations are welcome to apply to both applications, if they find they have appropriate requests.

<ul><li><a href="https://www.cybergrants.com/fifththirdbank/Regional" target="_blank">Regional Application</a>  
	This grant application is for organizations applying for a grant from multiple foundations administered through The Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank.</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.cybergrants.com/fifththirdbank/OHIOVALLEYquiz" target="_blank">The Ohio Valley Foundation Application</a>  
	The Ohio Valley Foundation funds small equipment, technology, and capital improvement projects in the Ohio Valley. Organizations can request grants up to $25,000.</li>
</ul>The Foundation Office  
The Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank, National Association, serves as trustee, co-trustee or agent for more than 300 private and corporate foundations that grant millions of dollars annually to worthy charities across the United States. The foundations support a variety of causes, from education to the arts and from basic-needs organizations like shelters and counseling centers to environmental projects and animal rescue.

To learn more about The Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank, please visit <a href="https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/personal-banking/about/in-the-community/foundation-office-at-fifth-third-bank.html" target="_blank">53.com/foundationoffice</a>.

# # #

CONTACT: 
Adrienne Gutbier (Media Relations) <a href="mailto:Adrienne.gutbier@53.com" target="_blank">Adrienne.gutbier@53.com</a> 
513-534-8038

For more than a century, Fifth Third Bank has managed private foundations, empowering individuals, families and institutions to realize their visions and leave a legacy for the greater good. ​

Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank: Grant Application Process Open From Oct. 1 – Nov. 22

<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2024-09/journey-friendship-support-through-service_AMERICAN-AIRLINES_092624.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center>

In a heartwarming story of friendship and resilience, watch how American Airlines Premium Guest Services Agent Armie Pilarca-Woods and customer Pat Gonzalez turned frequent encounters at the Admirals Club into a powerful and lasting friendship.

Pat, who confided in Armie in her own cancer battle, became a crucial support for Armie when she faced her own diagnosis. Now, both breast cancer survivors, Armie and Pat reflect on their 30-year friendship journey that started with a customer interaction.

To support the 2024 Stand Up To Cancer fundraising campaign and contribute to this important cause, visit <a href="https://standuptocancer.org/american-airlines-donate-25-mile/" target="_blank">SU2C.org/AA</a>.
<img alt="Two people walking arm in arm and looking at each other, in an airport and smiling" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3367ee58-9f17-4a60-8479-4c93415f058a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/journey-friendship-support-through-service_AMERICAN-AIRLINES_092624.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" />

In a heartwarming story of friendship and resilience, watch how American Airlines Premium Guest Services Agent Armie Pilarca-Woods and customer Pat Gonzalez turned frequent encounters at the Admirals Club into a powerful and lasting friendship.

The Journey of Friendship and Support Through Service

<img alt="HARMAN Auto Tech Breakthrough Award 2024." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0e97957-8804-4dc3-b233-c3dedef30b20" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/AutoTech%20Breakthrough%20Awards_HARMAN_10.10.24A.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://news.harman.com/releases/autotech-breakthrough-awards-recognize-harman-with-2024-head-up-display-hud-solution-of-the-year" target="_blank">Originally published on HARMAN Newsroom</a>

STAMFORD, Conn., October 11, 2024 /CSRwire/ – <a href="https://www.harman.com/" target="_blank">HARMAN</a> Ready Vision QVUE was named the “Head-Up Display (HUD) Solution of the Year” in the fifth annual <a href="https://autotechbreakthrough.com/" target="_blank">AutoTech Breakthrough</a> Awards. A unique take on HUD technology, Ready Vision QVUE reflects clear, vivid information on the lower portion of the windshield, putting essential data and alerts directly in the driver's line of sight, encouraging eyes-forward driving.

Ready Vision QVUE enhances the driving experience thanks to Samsung's Neo QLED technology, which provides high-resolution and vivid color displays that are readable in any lighting. It also integrates with third-party applications, enabling access to real-time information like EV charging status and weather updates directly on the windshield.

“We are incredibly proud to accept this award from AutoTech Breakthrough and are honored to be included alongside an illustrious list of companies and products offering cutting-edge solutions to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving automotive industry,” said Rhita Boufelliga, Ready Vision Business Lead at HARMAN International. “Ready Vision QVUE rethinks what’s possible with transformative, intuitive, and safe in-cabin display technology. It signifies the best of HARMAN and Samsung innovation and breaks through the crowded HUD market. Our teams worked hard to make QVUE one of the best solutions on the market.”

Organized by <a href="https://techbreakthrough.com/" target="_blank">Tech Breakthrough</a>, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the annual AutoTech Breakthrough Awards program aims to conduct the industry’s most comprehensive analysis and evaluation of automotive and transportation technology. This year's program attracted thousands of nominations from over 15 different countries worldwide and marks the second year in a row recognizing HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer, and enterprise markets.

“HARMAN sets a new standard for in-cabin automotive technology. By transforming the windshield into a dynamic, informative interface, Ready Vision QVUE enhances driver safety and user experience,” said Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director, AutoTech Breakthrough. “Ready Vision QVUE stands out in the automotive technology market with its advanced display capabilities, modular design, focus on safety, cost-effective performance, and strategic collaboration with Samsung. We’re pleased to award HARMAN with the ‘Head-Up Display (HUD) Solution of the Year’ award!”

To learn more about Ready Vision QVUE visit <a href="https://car.harman.com/experiences/harman-ready-vision-qvue" target="_blank">https://car.harman.com/experiences/harman-ready-vision-qvue</a>.

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ABOUT HARMAN

HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 50 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. Our software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In 2017, HARMAN became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

ABOUT AUTOTECH BREAKTHROUGH

Part of <a href="https://techbreakthrough.com/" target="_blank">Tech Breakthrough</a>, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the AutoTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in automotive technologies, services, companies and products. The AutoTech Breakthrough Awards program provides a forum for public recognition around the achievements of AutoTech companies and solutions in categories including Connected Car, Electric Vehicles, Engine Tech, Automotive CyberSecurity, Sensor Technology, Traffic Tech, Vehicle Telematics and more. For more information visit <a href="https://autotechbreakthrough.com/" target="_blank">AutoTechBreakthrough.com</a>

Tech Breakthrough LLC does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our recognition programs, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with award designations. Tech Breakthrough LLC recognition consists of the opinions of the Tech Breakthrough LLC organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Tech Breakthrough LLC disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this recognition program, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

HARMAN Ready Vision QVUE was named the “Head-Up Display (HUD) Solution of the Year” in the fifth annual AutoTech Breakthrough Awards. A unique take on HUD technology, Ready Vision QVUE reflects clear, vivid information on the lower portion of the windshield.

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