Baker Hughes

Crown Holdings, Inc.

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<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

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d6408f4c-f5aa-4bf0-8366-4532f934b02b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/students_duke_092424kh4.jpeg" width="640" height="560" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Duke Energy's laptop donation stands to benefit students at 10 historically Black colleges and universities in North Carolina.</figcaption></figure>As a new school year kicks off, freshmen at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) are receiving more than just a warm welcome – they're getting a critical tool for their academic success. On Sept. 9, Duke Energy volunteers handed out laptops to 225 students who arrived on campus without one.

This initiative is part of a partnership with E2D, short for <a href="https://www.e-2-d.org/partners" target="_blank" title="Eliminate the Digital Divide">Eliminate the Digital Divide</a>, a Charlotte, N.C., nonprofit that refurbishes donated laptops in student-led technology labs and distributes them to those in need. With help from Duke Energy and other corporate sponsors, E2D has distributed at least 48,000 computers since 2013.

The company’s recent pledge of more than 16,000 laptops over three years will enable E2D to further close the opportunity gap between those who have computers and those who do not. These devices will be distributed to 10 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across North Carolina.

“With Duke Energy’s commitment to donating laptops and volunteer hours, we’ll be bridging the digital divide for a much larger swath of the state,” said E2D President Pat Millen.

Closing the digital divide

College students without a laptop face significant disadvantages, including limited access to online resources and a lack of flexibility in their study environment. These issues can lead to increased stress and negatively impact their academic performance.

Receiving a laptop can have a profound and immediate impact on students without one, said John Oliver, Ph.D., project manager of JCSU’s Charlotte’s Inclusive Tech-Innovation Project (CITIP).

“The joy on students’ faces when they receive their laptops speaks volumes about the difference this program is making,” Oliver said. “Many express their shock and appreciation that someone they’ve never met is thoughtful enough to provide them with this vital resource.”

Duke Energy’s involvement with E2D began five years ago when Dominique Johnson, vice president of the <a href="https://illumination.duke-energy.com/articles/duke-energy-foundation-powers-positive-change-over-40-years" target="_blank" title="Duke Energy Foundation">Duke Energy Foundation</a>, connected with Millen at a Charlotte event. She was immediately struck by the potential of E2D’s mission, which aligns with the Foundation’s long-standing focus on economic mobility and STEM education.

“College is hard even when you do have the resources,” she said. “Some of these students were doing schoolwork on their phones.”

Johnson found an ally in Duke Energy’s Mark Cook, managing director of IT infrastructure, operations and CIOPS. As someone who started his IT career providing help desk (and desk-side) support, he understands the imperative of working technology. Cook and his team navigated internal processes to enable laptop donations to E2D, which paved the way for a commitment of more than 16,000 computers over three years.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99a0ae02-9a65-45c9-84c9-92f357368fbc" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/students_duke_092424kh2.jpeg" width="640" height="560" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>E2D partnered with Duke Energy to distribute free laptops to first year and transfer students at Johnson C. Smith University.</figcaption></figure>Equipping students with the tools to succeed

The need for this initiative was underscored in 2023 when over a third of JCSU’s students arrived on campus without a personal laptop. Within three weeks of learning about the situation, E2D identified the students in need and distributed laptops, ensuring that these students had the tools they required to succeed.

To assess whether JCSU’s situation was unique, E2D hired a staff member to survey other HBCUs in the state. The findings were clear – almost every school faced similar challenges.

This realization spurred Duke Energy to broaden its support, integrating the program into its broader mission of promoting economic mobility, climate resilience, and opportunity and inclusion.

In 2021, the city of Charlotte, under Mayor Vi Lyles’ leadership, launched the <a href="https://www.equityclt.org/" target="_blank" title="Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative">Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative</a> – a $250 million effort to address systemic inequities. One of the key goals is bridging the digital divide, a mission that E2D is advancing with help from corporate sponsors.

Beyond laptops, E2D also provides workforce opportunities by hiring young staff, many from Title I high schools, to refurbish the laptops, equipping them with tech skills and a paying job. 

“These high schoolers are in the lab, learning valuable STEM skills that will be relevant across industries, all while earning more than minimum wage,” Johnson noted.

Millen hopes Duke Energy’s leadership in this space will inspire other corporations to follow suit.

“We’re leveraging Duke Energy’s example to encourage other companies to join this effort,” he said. “Duke is setting a new standard for corporate responsibility in North Carolina.”

Looking ahead, Millen is optimistic. “The goal is that everyone who needs a computer gets one. And that’s not just wishful thinking – it’s something we can achieve in the next five to 10 years. Every computer we provide could be the one that changes someone’s life forever.”

<a href="https://illumination.duke-energy.com/articles/bridging-the-gap-duke-energy-powers-students-with-laptops" target="_blank">View original content here</a>

Bridging the Gap: Duke Energy Powers Students With Laptops

 3BL announced today the annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens ranking, recognizing outstanding environmental, social and governance (ESG) transparency and performance among the 1,000 largest public companies in the United States.

<img alt="3 conference attendees" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9eaa4d01-736d-4495-942c-7329e6ac0e60" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/RRP_AMD_10224.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="857" loading="lazy" />Tomorrow’s women in tech are getting a boost in their career journeys, with inspiration, encouragement, and support through a partnership between AMD in Dublin and Connecting Women in Tech (CWiT). At an event in 2023, Ruth Cotter, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Communications and HR at AMD, met with the AMD Women’s Forum (AWF) in Ireland to discuss the exciting initiatives underway to encourage girls and women in STEM and close the gender gap.

<a href="https://cwit.ie/" target="_blank">CWiT</a> is a network of more than 20 companies with a mission to attract, retain, and promote women in tech. This mission closely aligns with that of AWF, which advocates for girls and women in STEM fields and inspires them to pursue careers in the technology industry.

CWiT membership requires a commitment to getting involved in initiatives, and in 2023, these included supporting the volunteer organization "Teen Turn," the STEM teacher internship program, and the STEM engagement initiative “Digital Futures.”

It is essential to introduce girls to STEM at a young age and build their confidence to promote gender equality and foster diversity and inclusion in the workforce. That’s exactly what Teen Turn does: through this organization, young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds or areas are empowered to develop essential problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity, preparing them for future careers in industries that drive innovation.

In 2023, AMD hosted transition-year Teen Turn girls (secondary students aged 15 to 16) in our Dublin office for two weeks during the summer, giving them the opportunity to gain experience working in tech.

To inspire innovative learning, in partnership with the Dublin City University STEM Teacher Internship Programme, AMD funds two interns per year for 12 weeks, primarily in engineering. This provides teachers with hands-on engineering experience they can draw on to demystify and excite young children about STEM.

As part of the Digital Futures Initiative, AMD engineers also visit schools and share an engaging presentation that illustrates what it is like to have a career in tech. Digital Futures is a program developed to raise students’ awareness of the diversity of career opportunities in the technology sector and promote STEM careers throughout Ireland. In 2023, more than 1,000 young people joined to find out more about STEM careers.

Learn more at <a href="https://www.amd.com/en/corporate/corporate-responsibility/diversity-belonging-inclusion.html" target="_blank">https://www.amd.com/en/corporate/corporate-responsibility/diversity-belonging-inclusion.html</a>.

<a href="https://www.amd.com/content/dam/amd/en/documents/corporate/cr/corporate-responsibility-report.pdf" target="_blank">Originally published in AMD 2023-24 Corporate Responsibility Report</a>.

Tomorrow’s women in tech are getting a boost in their career journeys, with inspiration, encouragement, and support through a partnership between AMD in Dublin and Connecting Women in Tech (CWiT).

AMD in Ireland: Preparing Girls and Women To Excel in Tech

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5caa6bab-1336-4e49-a70f-fc4adcb42743" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/phoenix_usbank_100724.jpg" width="640" height="675" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Mural on the side of RDF's headquarters in Phoenix that features elements representing Latino culture and the South Phoenix community.</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.usbank.com/about-us-bank/company-blog/article-library/impact-finance-and-latino-focused-cdfi-collaborate-for-national-impact.html" target="_blank">Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog</a>

Last month, U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance provided a $2 million equity-equivalent investment (EQ2) in Raza Development Fund (RDF) to help fund community health centers in Latino neighborhoods across the state of California. The partnership was one of many investments - ranging from New Market Tax Credits transactions to successful expansions of financial solutions across various U.S. Bank business lines - that Impact Finance has made in the past six years in RDF, the largest national, Latino-focused Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

“This transformative investment in Comunidad Sana, our health equity initiative, not only allows us to expand our reach but also strengthens the essential work of community health centers. These centers are lifelines in underserved communities, providing critical health services and ensuring that quality care is accessible to all. By deepening our commitment to health equity, we are fostering healthier communities, reducing disparities, and laying the foundation for long-term, systemic change,” said President &amp; CEO Annie Donovan.

Driven by a mission to close wealth and opportunity gaps in Latino and other under-resourced communities across the United States, RDF provides financial solutions to community-based organizations focused on health, education, affordable housing, climate resilience, homeownership and entrepreneurship.

In addition to the EQ2 investment to support Raza’s Comunidad Sana Fund, which plans to deploy capital to Federally Qualified Health Centers and other community health centers in Latino communities across the state of California, Impact Finance and RDF in August 2024 closed on a $10 million Racial Equity Direct Purchase Bond through U.S. Bank’s Impact Capital Program that will help support RDF lending programs within the state of California.

“RDF values U.S. Bank as a key partner and strong supporter of our mission,” said Donovan. “Our collaboration encompasses various forms of financial support, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships. Our relationship with U.S. Bank exemplifies the power of these collaborations. Through shared values and a commitment to advancing economic opportunity, we’ve built a partnership that allows us to amplify our collective impact.”
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4747214b-5926-4ddc-a62c-5f5ac4e55fce" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rdf_usbank_100724.jpg" width="640" height="675" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>RDF and U.S. Bank teams at a recent meeting in Phoenix.</figcaption></figure>Lastly, through U.S. Bank’s Community Development Entity, Impact Finance provided RDF a $100,000 grant to support the organization’s upcoming 25th anniversary, a two-day Latino Leadership Summit to be held in Los Angeles, and a landscape study of Latino-led and Latino-serving CDFIs.

“These recent opportunities help expand the existing relationship between U.S. Bank and RDF, and more importantly help support the mission for the largest Latino-focused CDFI in the country,” said U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance Vice President Garrett Murdock.

CDFIs play a critical role in bringing investment and resources to underserved communities and to organizations that may not have access to traditional financing. Last year, Impact Finance committed $534 million in loans to CDFIs and other community development intermediaries.

“We are proud of the longstanding partnership with U.S. Bank. Over the years, U.S. Bank has been a trusted ally in supporting our mission and innovation, and together we continue to deliver exceptional financial solutions that make capital available to our underserved communities," said RDF Chief Financial Officer Tony Lopez. “U.S. Bank has taken the time to understand our mission and connect with our team and the communities we serve. This strong relationship has not only empowered RDF to be a responsible steward of capital but also created impactful opportunities that benefit the people and communities at the heart of our work.”

Combining the financial strength and expertise of institutions like U.S. Bank with the deep local knowledge and mission-driven focus of CDFIs, helps create lasting, positive change, Donovan said.

“Together, we’re shaping a future where opportunity and financial inclusion are accessible to all,” she said.

Last month, U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance provided a $2 million equity-equivalent investment (EQ2) in Raza Development Fund (RDF) to help fund community health centers in Latino neighborhoods across the state of California.

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