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Lab Week 2024 - Javarus Smith

Blackbaud, the leading provider of software for powering social impact, has published its <a href="https://csr.blackbaud.com/?utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_source=3bl&amp;utm_campaign=CB-2024-1A-RP-2023IMPACTREPORT" target="_blank">2023 Impact Report</a>, sharing how the company has advanced its environmental, social and governance priorities in the past year.

“At Blackbaud, we’re committed to fueling impact and unleashing generosity – not only through our software, but by taking action on the issues that matter most to our people, our community and our planet.” said Mike Gianoni, president, CEO and vice chairman of the board. “This report gives a detailed look into the standards we hold ourselves to as corporate citizens and the positive changes we’re committed to making in the world. I am proud of the progress we have made and energized by all we have ahead of us.”

Achievements across Blackbaud’s key priorities in 2023 included:

People and Culture/HR: Blackbaud is committed to creating a great place to work, with a focus on employee engagement, development, well-being, inclusion and a long history of commitment to philanthropic work.

<ul><li>Philanthropy: 70% of Blackbaud employees volunteered in 2023.</li>
	<li>Employee Engagement: 91% participation in annual employee engagement survey, with 86% of employees saying they feel the work they do at Blackbaud is important.</li>
	<li>Inclusion: 43% of Blackbaud employees belonged to an affinity group—a 10% increase in 2023.</li>
</ul>Fueling Social Impact: Blackbaud fuels the impact of its customers with software and resources that enable organizations to drive change and power vital learning that transforms lives and communities.

<ul><li>Individual Changemakers: Over one million fundraising pages were created, and 19 million donations were made on Blackbaud’s JustGiving® platform alone.</li>
	<li>Nonprofits and Charities: Organizations using Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT® and analytics saw a 21% increase in average gift size over a two-year period – growing funds used to support their social impact goals.</li>
	<li>Education Institutions: Over 3.2 million students participated in critical skills education through EVERFI® from Blackbaud®, totaling 8.8 million hours of learning across the globe.</li>
	<li>Companies: 2023 saw a 65% increase in employee volunteer hours powered by YourCause® from Blackbaud®, and 1.9M learners completed a workplace training powered by EVERFI from Blackbaud.</li>
</ul>Driving Climate Solutions: Blackbaud is committed to reducing its environmental impact and supporting customers in their sustainability efforts. Blackbaud participates in CDP’s public disclosure and aligns its reporting with TCFD recommendations.

<ul><li>Decarbonization: 100% carbon neutrality for 2023 emissions and a 92% reduction in global GHG emissions since 2019.</li>
	<li>Responsible Operations: 23% energy reduction and 45% water reduction in Blackbaud’s global headquarters office since 2019 with the transition to remote-first workforce approach.</li>
	<li>Strategic Partnership: Blackbaud is a proud, multi-year philanthropic sponsor of Project Drawdown, a nonprofit focused on solutions to climate change.</li>
</ul>Governance and Data Responsibility: Customer trust is a top priority and embedded in everything Blackbaud does.

<ul><li>Expertise: Blackbaud was named Governance Team of the Year in Governance Intelligence’s Annual Corporate Governance Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in governance, risk, and compliance.</li>
	<li>Process: Blackbaud’s board of directors amended tenure limits for independent directors within its Corporate Governance Guidelines to assure that fresh ideas and viewpoints are represented on the board.</li>
	<li>Talent: The company appointed a Chief Privacy Officer to oversee data privacy and manage risks related to privacy compliance and privacy laws.</li>
	<li>Technology: Blackbaud increased the specialization of its cybersecurity team in incident response, vulnerability management, enterprise architecture and data protection, and enhanced its cloud-based security posture technology and on-premise encryption capabilities designed to protect against ransomware and malware.</li>
</ul>To learn more about how the company is fueling change through its practices, commitments and technology, view the full 2023 Blackbaud Impact Report <a href="https://csr.blackbaud.com/?utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_source=3bl&amp;utm_campaign=CB-2024-1A-RP-2023IMPACTREPORT" target="_blank">here</a>.

About Blackbaud 
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the leading software provider exclusively dedicated to powering social impact. Serving the nonprofit and education sectors, companies committed to social responsibility and individual change makers, Blackbaud’s essential software is built to accelerate impact in fundraising, nonprofit financial management, digital giving, grantmaking, corporate social responsibility and education management. With millions of users and over $100 billion raised, granted or managed through Blackbaud platforms every year, Blackbaud’s solutions are unleashing the potential of the people and organizations who change the world. Blackbaud has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies, Quartz’s list of Best Companies for Remote Workers, and Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers. A remote-first company, Blackbaud has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom, supporting users in 100+ countries. Learn more at <a href="https://www.blackbaud.com/" target="_blank">www.blackbaud.com</a> or follow us on X/Twitter, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/blackbaud/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blackbaud/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blackbaud/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.

Media Contact <a href="mailto:media@blackbaud.com" target="_blank">media@blackbaud.com</a>

Blackbaud’s 2023 Impact Report Shows How the Company Is Fueling Change

<img alt="vehicles driving down a highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="78e5b006-a14e-4212-a5d4-c69360120c06" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/1-key-takeaways-stringent-standards-set-epas-new-emissions-rule_CUMMINS-INC_050924.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="620" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.cummins.com/news/2024/04/15/key-takeaways-stringent-standards-set-epas-new-emissions-rule" target="_blank">Cummins</a>

The Environmental Protection Agency has announced <a aria-label="the final rule for Phase 3 - open in a new tab" href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-04-22/pdf/2024-06809.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the final rule for Phase 3</a> of its Greenhouse Gas Emissions for heavy-duty vehicles. Since issuing Phase 1 of its GHG regulations in 2011, EPA emissions rules for all vehicle classes have become increasingly rigorous. The latest Phase 3 rule continues to address heavy-duty vehicles which the EPA separates into five categories: light heavy-duty vocational; medium heavy-duty vocational; heavy heavy-duty vocational; short-haul (day cab) tractors; and long-haul (sleeper cab) tractors.

In its introduction for GHG Phase 3, EPA pointed out that its latest phase sets new carbon dioxide (CO2) emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles through model year 2032 “with more stringent CO2 standards phasing in as early as MY 2027 for certain vehicle categories.” Prior to finalizing GHG standards, EPA considers comments from various stakeholders like manufacturers, fleets, owner-operators, trucking associations, environmental interest groups and private citizens. The standards are technology-neutral and performance-based, allowing each manufacturer to choose what set of emissions control technologies is best suited to meet the standards and the needs of their customers.

“We have assessed and demonstrated that these standards are appropriate and feasible considering cost, lead time, and other relevant factors,” EPA noted in its executive summary.
<img alt="Table ES-3: Example 1 Projected Percent Mix of Vehicle Technologies that Support the Feasability of the Phase 3 Standards" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c809f46c-0e41-4915-bcda-d6a1e1e5255a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/2-key-takeaways-stringent-standards-set-epas-new-emissions-rule_CUMMINS-INC_050924.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="358" loading="lazy" />While there is plenty to read in all 392 pages of GHG Phase 3, let’s look at five major takeaways:

<ul><li>The initial rollout for Phase 3 GHG impacts only MY 2027 light heavy-duty and medium heavy-duty on-highway vocational vehicles such as commercial chassis cabs, panel vans and box trucks (complete pickups not included) ranging from Class 2b to 3, or 8,500 to 14,000 lb. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Though EPA does not endorse any particular technology and does not mandate the use of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), they do project a possible path of compliance for MY 2027 light heavy-duty vocational with 17% ZEVs and 83% powered by internal combustion engines (ICE). MY 2027 medium heavy-duty vocational could be a mix of 13% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) and 87% ICE.</li>
	<li>Lower Phase 3 standards come next for MY 2028 short-haul (day cab) tractors which the EPA anticipates will be a combination of 8% ZEV and 92% ICE. MY 2029 heavy heavy-duty vehicles follow with a projected mix of 13% ZEV and 87% ICE. MY 2030 long-haul (sleeper cab) bring up the rear with an anticipated adoption rate of 6% ZEV and 94% ICE. Check the EPA’s table below for other projected rates of adoption for subsequent model years through 2032.</li>
	<li>EPA set its GHG Phase 3 timeline based on current and projected advances to prevent and control GHG emissions. The EPA makes clear that it does not pick and choose when it comes to emissions reduction. The agency recognizes that fleets and owner-operators will continue to adopt emerging technologies. Options such as all-electric, fuel cell and internal combustion will continue to play a vital role. A range of technologies can meet the demanding heavy-duty power requirements while continuing to reduce emissions along the way. For example, the Biden administration recently acknowledged the importance of emissions reduction through support of <a href="https://www.cummins.com/news/2024/03/15/multi-million-dollar-award-signals-strong-support-cummins-hydrogen-engines?utm_source=advocacy&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=corp-all-advocacy" target="_blank">research and development of hydrogen internal combustion engines</a>, including Cummins’ X15H. EPA states in GHG Phase 3 that hydrogen engines have essentially a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions.</li>
	<li>The EPA also announced that it is adding warranty requirements for batteries and other components of zero-emission vehicles and requiring customer-facing battery state-of-health monitors for plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles.</li>
	<li>EPA notes it has improved its analysis of infrastructure readiness for heavy-duty all-electric, hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen combustion trucks. Citing growing public and private funding sources, the agency states, “there are significant efforts already underway to develop and expand heavy-duty vehicle electric charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure.”</li>
</ul>Through Cummins’ multi-solutions approach, the company can offer customers the industry’s broadest portfolio of low- and zero-emissions, allowing customers to meet emissions regulations in a way that also best meets their business needs.

Key Takeaways From Stringent Standards Set by EPA's New Emissions Rule

<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/2024-05/volunteermonth_delmarvapower_050724.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center>

NEWARK, Del., May 10, 2024 /CSRwire/ - At Delmarva Power, the dedication to empowering communities extends far beyond delivering safe and reliable energy service. In 2023, Delmarva Power proudly contributed more than $2.3 million to local nonprofits and 631 employees devoted more than 17,200 hours – the equivalent of 2,150 workdays – to volunteer with hundreds of organizations across Delaware and Maryland.

As National Volunteer Month is commemorated this month, Delmarva Power and its employees remain committed to making a positive difference in the communities it serves. Throughout the month, a series of volunteer events have occurred and will continue to take place across its service territory, further demonstrating Delmarva Power’s unwavering support for local communities and organizations.

“We are thankful each and every day for our employees who dedicate their time supporting nonprofits and organizations throughout Delaware and Maryland,” said Rodney Oddoye, senior vice president of Governmental, Regulatory and External Affairs at Pepco Holdings, which includes Delmarva Power. “From employee volunteering to our nonprofit and community partnerships, we are working to deliver more than energy to our customers and neighbors and our employees play a huge role in that.”
<img alt=" group of volunteers posed outside a building &quot;Humane Society&quot;." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5210fbe2-e97b-40a1-ac11-aad54f6a25f3" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/humanesociety_delmarvapower_050724.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="892" loading="lazy" />The interconnection of community outreach and engagement, corporate philanthropy and volunteerism, and economic development efforts is a key component of Delmarva Power’s broad support for local communities. In 2023, Delmarva Power:

<ul><li>Partnered on several workforce development programs across Delaware and Maryland providing 12 graduates a pathway to a career in energy.</li>
	<li>Reinforced its commitment to the future energy workforce by awarding $1.35 million to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, community colleges and other major anchor institutions and partners across Delaware and Maryland.</li>
	<li>Supported local nonprofits with $90,000 for open space preservation, parks and recreation resource improvements, environmental conservation and innovative community resiliency projects.</li>
	<li>Connected more than 22,000 customers facing challenges paying their energy bill with more than $35 million in electric and gas assistance.</li>
</ul><img alt="Volunteers walking two dogs." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33ce102e-f2f4-44b8-8bc5-2f12090a4c85" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/dogwalking_delmarvapower_050724.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="1073" loading="lazy" />Delmarva Power directs its community giving towards organizations that advocate for equal access to arts and culture, as well as those that educate customers about the energy industry and science. Additionally, Delmarva Power’s community impacts extends to supporting organizations that enhance community vibrancy, promote sustainability, drive environmental open space initiatives, and cultivate the energy workforce of the future.

To learn more about Delmarva Power, visit <a href="https://thesource.pepcoholdings.com/opco/delmarva-power/" target="_blank">The Source,</a> Delmarva Power’s online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting <a href="https://www.delmarva.com/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">delmarva.com</a>, on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DelmarvaPower" target="_blank">facebook.com/DelmarvaPower</a> and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at <a href="https://twitter.com/delmarvaconnect" target="_blank">twitter.com/DelmarvaConnect</a>. Delmarva Power’s mobile app is available at <a href="https://www.delmarva.com/MyAccount/CustomerSupport/Pages/MobileApp.aspx" target="_blank">delmarva.com/MobileApp</a>.

Delmarva Power is a unit of Exelon (Nasdaq: EXC), a Fortune 250 company and the nation’s largest utility company, serving more than 10 million customers. Delmarva Power provides safe and reliable energy service to approximately 561,500 electric customers in Delaware and Maryland and approximately 140,000 natural gas customers in northern Delaware.
<img alt="Volunteer walking a dog." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1cb610b-6747-4c95-ad4b-11f6e2c5a854" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/dogwalker_delmarvapower_050724.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="1620" loading="lazy" /> 
<img alt="Volunteer sitting with a cat on their lap." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e097cc26-f761-4477-8dac-74b48cb04d4a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/catsit_delmarvapower_050724.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="1599" loading="lazy" /> 
<img alt="A group of volunteers posed in front of an indoor sign &quot;Gods Kitchen&quot;." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8c3019ee-eae5-4099-a79e-c08bb0ee53f7" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/godskitchen_delmarvapower_050724.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="600" loading="lazy" />

Delivering More Than Energy: Delmarva Power’s Community Impact Shines During National Volunteer Month

In a challenging economic year, Vancity stayed focused on its vision of driving meaningful social and systemic change. Vancity continues to demonstrate that a financial institution can be an agent of positive change. Vancity’s 2023 financial results show areas of continued strength despite modest operating earnings amid a challenging rate environment.

Vancity’s 2023 Annual Report can be viewed here: <a href="https://www.vancity.com/about/credit-union/annual-report/" target="_blank">Annual Report - Vancity</a>

Action on the climate crisis remains a high priority. Vancity issued its second climate report including updating the progress made on both Vancity’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions across its loans and mortgages by 2040 and its Net Zero Bankers Alliance (NZBA) commitments. The climate report also includes disclosures on managing climate risks and opportunities, including through public policy advocacy, guided by the ISSB’s new IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures Standard, and detailed greenhouse gas emissions data and methodology. Vancity’s progress toward the 2025 interim targets for financed GHG emissions and “percentage change since 2019” from residential mortgages and commercial real estate are externally assured.

Vancity added a Sustainability Issuance Report to its reporting suite after publishing its first Sustainability Issuance Framework to guide issuances of green, social, and sustainable financing instruments. Vancity issued -- the first of its kind by a Canadian community credit union -- $200 million in bearer deposit notes (BDNs). The BDN proceeds were used to finance sustainability initiatives.

Vancity’s annual reporting makes a point of showcasing stories of impact about our members and their communities. Those stories reflect Vancity’s use of assets to create long-term value in communities through shareholder engagement, financing of climate-friendly building, and supporting a more diverse co-operative economy.

Report highlights include:

<ul><li>Grew total assets and assets under administration from $34.3 billion to $35.5 billion</li>
	<li>Financed $14.4 million worth of new Planet-WiseTM loans and commercial retrofits to help members take climate action in affordable ways</li>
	<li>Financed 729,635 square feet of energy-efficient buildings</li>
	<li>Financed the construction or renovation of 1,451 units of affordable housing</li>
	<li>Launched Indigenous cultural awareness training for all employees as a part of its commitment to the Progressive Aboriginal Relations™ certification program</li>
	<li>Named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Canada’s Top Family Friendly Employers, and BC’s Top Employers</li>
	<li>Launched a new defined-benefit pension plan and an updated employee benefit program</li>
</ul>Vancity’s values-based banking model is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Vancity’s annual reporting was prepared in accordance with the International Integrated Reporting Framework and the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Reporting Standards. The reporting also includes some disclosures using the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards and reporting on the UN Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB).

Vancity takes a double materiality approach to determining what is material to include in the reporting based on what has the most significant impacts on the economy, environment, and people and topics that could substantively affect the ability to create value in the short, medium, and long term.

About Vancity

Vancity is a values-based financial co-operative serving the needs of its 570,000 member-owners and their communities, with offices and more than 50 branches located in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Squamish and Alert Bay, within the territories of the Coast Salish and Kwakwaka’wakw people. With $35.5 billion in assets plus assets under administration, Vancity is Canada’s largest credit union. Vancity uses its assets to help improve the financial well-being of its members while at the same time helping to develop healthy communities that are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.

Contact

<a href="mailto:mediarelations@vancity.com" target="_blank">Media Relations</a> 
Phone: 778-837-0394

Vancity in 2023

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="Check presentation with the Urban League of Greater Hartford and KeyBank." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e9a138b7-82c9-4d83-90ee-c6062e08183f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Urban%20League%20Hartford_KeyBank_5.2.24A.jpeg" width="640" height="900" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Photo caption (from left): Project Ready Scholars are pictured with KeyBank leaders Neil Cyr, Area Retail Leader; Matt Hummel, Market President; David Hopkins, President and CEO, Urban League of Greater Hartford; Analisha Michanczyk, KeyBank Corporate Responsibility Officer; and Trayvonn A. Diaz, Senior Outreach Assistant to Senator Christopher Murphy.  </figcaption></figure>Hartford, Conn. May 8, 2024 /CSRwire/ – The Urban League of Greater Hartford has received a $150,000 charitable grant from KeyBank Foundation payable over two years to support the agency’s Project Ready program, a signature national youth development direct service. The funds will launch two new modules, (1) STEAM and (2) Financial Capability, to provide high schoolers with skills and experiences to help foster more racial diversity in quantitative fields.

“The Project Ready Scholars have been a cornerstone of our agency’s work and this investment from KeyBank in our students’ financial capabilities will be valuable to them in their personal and professional development,” said David Hopkins, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Hartford. “The generous intentionality of this grant from our friends at KeyBank actually makes it the largest annualized ($75,000/year) donation ever presented by a private funder to our Project Ready program!” Founded in 1964 with a mission to promote racial equity through economic empowerment, the Urban League of Greater Hartford is celebrating 60 years as one of the 92 affiliates of the National Urban League, providing programming and services in education, employment, housing, health, and justice.
<img alt="Leadership from the Urban League of Greater Hartford shown with a $150,000 check from KeyBank." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee78bd1b-2205-42d3-a07f-f037debff92c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Urban%20League%20Hartford_KeyBank_5.2.24B.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="900" loading="lazy" />Project Ready modules operating in Hartford include mentoring, digital literacy, history and culture, and college success. The addition of the STEAM and Financial Capability modules will provide the Scholars, ranging in age from 14 to 19, with age-appropriate financial literacy in earnings, living expenses, budgeting, maintaining bank accounts, investing, and acquiring assets, as well as workforce readiness and entrepreneurship. Through workshops, simulations, speakers, tours, games, and activities, participants will be exposed to basic financial management techniques, and receive insights to help put them on a path to building wealth and reducing the wealth gap. Thanks to KeyBank, the Urban League of Greater Hartford expects to have an impact on current students, and attract new students, with these new modules, which also include financial incentives that afford participants an opportunity to actually put the things they learn into practice. In 2022, the Greater Hartford Project Ready team served nearly 70 students, 100 percent of whom were promoted to the next grade, with all of its seniors enrolling in college.

“Empowering our youth through financial education is an investment in a future where everyone has equal access to economic opportunities and where racial equity thrives,” said Matthew Hummel, KeyBank Connecticut and Western Massachusetts Market President. “KeyBank shares this vision with The Urban League and is proud to support Project Ready as a strong step forward toward that goal.”
<img alt="Members of the Urban League of Greater Hartford shown with a $150,000 grant check." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b227fde4-9a45-44d5-a0ed-a3f9b56db6aa" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Urban%20League%20Hartford_KeyBank_5.2.24C.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="900" loading="lazy" />KeyBank’s grant to The Urban League of Greater Hartford is part of the bank’s $40 billion community investments plan focused on economic access and equity to communities across the country. The scope of the plan includes investments and lending in affordable housing, home lending, small business lending, green initiatives, and transformative philanthropy targeted toward workforce development, education, and safe, vital neighborhoods for underserved communities and populations.

On May 1, 2024, KeyBank presented a check to Urban League of Greater Hartford leaders and young scholars at the nonprofit organization’s “College Signing Day” for graduating students, their parents and educators, held this year at the Chrysalis Center in Hartford.

<ul><li><a href="https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/hartford/hartford-program-helps-students-commit-to-college/" target="_blank">Hartford program helps students commit to college (wtnh.com)</a>.</li>
</ul><img alt="Matthew Hummel, KeyBank Connecticut and Western Massachusetts Market President." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="114f6a5d-1941-46fe-9d99-beb46ecd90cf" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Urban%20League%20Hartford_KeyBank_5.2.24D.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="667" loading="lazy" />About the Urban League of Greater Hartford:

The Urban League of Greater Hartford is a community-based, not-for-profit 501(c)(3), established in 1964 as the National Urban League’s 66th affiliate. Its mission is to promote racial equity through economic empowerment programs in the areas of youth development, adult education, workforce development, housing, personal financial management, community health, and social justice. Its programs and operations impact more than 3,000 individuals and their families every year. visit <a href="http://www.ulgh.org" target="_blank">www.ulgh.org</a> or call 860-527-0147. Follow us on social media @ulgh64.

About KeyBank Foundation:

KeyBank Foundation serves to fulfill KeyBank’s purpose to help clients and communities thrive, and its mission is to support organizations and programs that prepare people for thriving futures. The Foundation’s mission is advanced through three funding priorities – neighbors, education, and workforce – and through community service. To provide meaningful philanthropy that transforms lives, KeyBank Foundation listens carefully to understand the unique characteristics and needs of its communities and then backs solutions with targeted philanthropic investments. KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation, funded by KeyCorp.
<img alt="Booth for College Sign in Day shown at the Urban League of Hartford." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eefc07f7-24cd-415f-83b0-16828a001476" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Urban%20League%20Hartford_KeyBank_5.2.24E.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="825" loading="lazy" />About KeyCorp/KeyBank

KeyCorp's roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at March 31, 2024. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.key.com/" target="_blank">https://www.key.com/</a>. KeyBank is Member FDIC
<img alt="Check presentation at Urban League of Greater Hartford." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a71c17b-6937-44c6-bc7a-289e55000f52" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Urban%20League%20Hartford_KeyBank_5.2.24F.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy" />Media contacts:

Urban League of Greater Hartford: Laura Soll, Communications, | 860-688-4499, M 860-833-4466 | <a href="mailto:Laura@sollpr.com" target="_blank">Laura@sollpr.com</a>

KeyBank: Karen Crane, Communications Manager | 203-789-2752 | <a href="mailto:karen_crane@keybank.com" target="_blank">karen_crane@keybank.com</a>

Urban League of Greater Hartford Is Awarded $150,000 Grant From KeyBank Foundation

CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA insurer, today released its <a href="https://csaa-insurance.aaa.com/impact" target="_blank">2023 Impact Report</a>, assessing its collective progress toward its goals for planet, people and practice and highlighting its accomplishments in these areas.

“We recognize that addressing one audience or one area in isolation may not lead to our desired outcomes,” said Mike Zukerman, CSAA’s interim president and chief executive officer. “That’s why we’ve started to employ a broader lens – total social impact – when looking at our imprint on our planet, our people, and the communities we serve as we progress on our journey in these spaces.”

Key highlights from the 2023 Impact Report include the following:

50% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

The company’s goal of a 50% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 was achieved in 2023 – two years ahead of plan. (Note: Inclusive of Scopes 1, 2 and 3, inclusive of business travel, employee commute, work-from-home energy, and paper emissions, vs. 2016 baseline.)

Improved CDP score

For the second year, CSAA voluntarily submitted its climate journey, including its emission inventories, to the CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), a not-for-profit charity that runs a global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts. CSAA scored a B for 2023, a significant improvement from its 2022 score of a C. This milestone will help the company propel its work forward and better understand its strengths and opportunities.

$25M investment in California Wildfire Innovation Fund

CSAA committed to investing $25M in the California Wildfire Innovation Fund. The company partnered with Blue Forest Asset Management, a conservation finance non-profit focused on forest restoration, to create the fund with the goal of helping protect the environment, its customers and communities. Part of the investment has been allocated to impactful projects that are helping to reduce wildfire risk while providing job opportunities in rural communities.

Go Green Benefit program

In 2023, CSAA developed the Go Green Benefit program for launch in 2024. This decarbonization strategy offers employees financial incentives to purchase green electricity for home offices, supports employees with solar energy and encourages climate-friendly commuting for in-office employees.

Milestone in representation of women

In 2023, CSAA accomplished an important milestone – representation of women at the supervisor, manager and executive levels (combined) achieved parity with the U.S. labor force. The only level below parity is the executive group, at 46%.

Climate Resiliency Challenge

In 2023, CSAA – along with design firm IDEO and professional services firm Aon, among others – launched the global Climate Resiliency Challenge. The Challenge sought solutions to help frontline communities prevent, prepare for and recover from climate-related disasters, such as wildfires, floods and extreme weather. The 2023 Impact Report features six case studies celebrating some of the Challenge winners and how their big ideas have leaned into innovation to support their communities.

“We engage in partnerships to enable this work because we know that partnering for change makes change far more likely to occur,” said Zukerman. “We believe that our impact strategy facilitates an empowered workforce and trust in our company, all of which are integral to the sustainable growth and profitability of our organization.”

For more information, access the full <a href="https://csaa-insurance.aaa.com/impact" target="_blank">2023 Impact Report</a>.

About CSAA Insurance Group

CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer, offers automobile, homeowners and other personal lines of insurance to AAA Members through AAA clubs in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Founded in 1914, the company has been rated “A” or better by AM Best for more than 90 years and is one of the top personal lines property casualty insurance groups in the United States, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The company has been repeatedly named one of the 50 most community-minded companies in America by Points of Light. More information is available at <a href="http://csaa-insurance.aaa.com/" target="_blank">http://csaa-insurance.aaa.com</a> and on social media (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CSAAInsuranceGp" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/csaa-insurance-group/?viewAsMember=true" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/csaainsurancegroup/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@csaainsurancegroup?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc" target="_blank">Tik Tok</a>, <a href="https://www.threads.net/@csaainsurancegroup" target="_blank">Threads</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@csaainsurancegroup" target="_blank">YouTube</a>). External Affairs <a href="mailto:pr@csaa.com" target="_blank" title="mailto:pr@csaa.com">pr@csaa.com</a>

CSAA Insurance Group Releases Impact Report Detailing Its Significant Initiatives and Contributions in 2023

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="153f0f4b-4956-410f-9af4-1adc27bd65a5" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Medtronic_Image_5.14.24.jpg" width="640" height="900" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Dr. Sally Saba, Matt Walter and Torod Neptune during Q&amp;A with Fair360 attendees.</figcaption></figure>For the second consecutive year, Medtronic is ranked No. 2 on Fair 360’s (formerly DiversityInc) 2024 Top 50 Companies for Workplace Fairness—maintaining our highest-ever ranking on the list. It’s our third straight year in the top 10.

“We’re deeply honored to be recognized by Fair360 in this way,” said Dr. Sally Saba, Medtronic Chief Inclusion &amp; Diversity Officer and President of the Medtronic Foundation. “We are committed to a culture at Medtronic where all employees belong, are respected, and feel valued for who they are and the life experiences they contribute. This kind of recognition indicates we’re making progress towards our goal of zero barriers.”

Candi Sneed knows that commitment firsthand.

She took advantage of our Medtronic Advancement Pathways &amp; Skill-building (MAPS) program, which offers eligible employees the opportunity to pursue a debt-free college degree. The program pays 100% of tuition directly to the academic institution, with no need for reimbursement and no strings attached.

“It was a game-changer for me,” Candi said. “The program became especially important after my husband lost his job. I would have had to quit taking classes if it wasn’t for MAPS fully covering my tuition. I have no words for how much that meant to me and my family.”

Today, Candi is among our first group of MAPS graduates. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and is a senior analyst on an engineering team in Arizona.

Medtronic’s continuing position at the top of the Fair360 rankings demonstrates our ongoing commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity (ID&amp;E) in the workplace, according to Matt Walter, Chief Human Resources Officer at Medtronic. “The business case for ID&amp;E is clear – we know that diverse perspectives and an equitable and inclusive environment accelerates innovation, improves the wellbeing of our employees, and creates more opportunities to bring our life-saving technologies to more patients around the world,” Walter said. 

“Conversations about ID&amp;E need to be about competitiveness. We can’t win in our markets without the best talent. That’s why ID&amp;E matters,” added Torod Neptune, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Medtronic. 

Since 2001, the Fair360 survey has recognized large U.S. employers that model fairness in their talent strategies, workplace and supplier diversity practices and philanthropic engagement. Fair360 benchmarks companies’ programs, practices, policies, and outcomes to hire, retain, develop, and promote women, people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+, and veteran employees. This year, 160 companies with more than 7 million employees submitted data and metrics on:

<ul><li>Leadership accountability</li>
	<li>Human capital diversity</li>
	<li>Talent programs</li>
	<li>Workplace practices</li>
	<li>Supplier diversity</li>
	<li>Philanthropy</li>
</ul>“I’m delighted to recognize the companies on the Top 50 list for their ongoing commitment to workplace fairness,” said Luke Visconti, Founder and Chairman of Fair360. “The data shows that over the long-term, companies that consistently put their employees first and have strong track records of respecting and embracing diversity, equity and inclusion, are stronger performers and better equipped to adapt to market conditions.”

This year’s rankings and specialty lists were unveiled during the annual Fair360 Top 50 event, which was held on May 13.

Learn more about inclusion, diversity, and equity (ID&amp;E) at Medtronic in their latest <a href="https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/our-impact/ide-report.html" target="_blank">Global ID&amp;E Annual Report</a>.

For the second consecutive year, Medtronic is ranked No. 2 on Fair 360’s (formerly DiversityInc) 2024 Top 50 Companies for Workplace Fairness—maintaining our highest-ever ranking on the list. It’s our third straight year in the top 10.

Medtronic Among America’s Best Companies for Workplace Fairness

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f77d25c9-30d3-4a31-a9f0-50ca1e980e8c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kristy%20Lilas_GoDaddy_5.8.24A.jpg" width="640" height="675" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>One diversity, inclusion and belonging exec paints a different picture of inclusion: One where marginalized people don’t have to shoulder the burden of vying for management’s attention alone. Nicola Katie via Getty Images</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.hrdive.com/news/self-advocacy-diversity-belonging-godaddy/710036/" target="_blank">Originally published on HR Dive</a>

By <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-lilas/" target="_blank">Kristy Lilas</a>

Kristy Lilas is vice president of diversity, inclusion and belonging at GoDaddy.

In an era that champions self-advocacy as a pathway to professional success, it is important to recognize that it can only go so far, especially for people from marginalized communities. For individuals facing biases — both unconscious and systemic — the expectation of self-advocacy can pose unique challenges and create complex team dynamics.

Personal biases and institutional barriers hinder the ability of these employees to navigate the often-suggested pathways of self-promotion. In fact, some studies have shown that <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2022/10/04/new-study-finds-that-black-employees-are-penalized-for-self-promotion/?sh=cffbc806d679" target="_blank">Black employees are penalized for self-promotion</a> versus people with other identities. Recognizing these disparities is the first step in creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment for all.

Advocacy means championing oneself and others 
At work, this often involves finding opportunities to educate others and develop one’s capabilities. But it can also vary from person to person: For some, meaningful advocacy is volunteering for or being recommended for stretch projects. For others, it might mean speaking up or creating space for their voice.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af843524-8730-4225-b4cb-6b5dabcd3631" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kristy%20Lilas_GoDaddy_5.8.24B_1.jpg" width="400" height="450" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Permission granted by Kristy Lilas, Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at GoDaddy</figcaption></figure>.

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<a href="https://www.hrdive.com/news/self-advocacy-diversity-belonging-godaddy/710036/" target="_blank">Read the full article on HR Dive here</a>

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Empowering through Equity &amp; Inclusion: A GoDaddy Series – At GoDaddy, we make apps and services that our worldwide community of entrepreneurs can relate to and that serve our mission of empowering entrepreneurs everywhere, making opportunity more inclusive for all. Our people and culture reflect and celebrate that sense of diversity and inclusion in ideas, experiences and perspectives. But we know that’s not enough to build true equity and belonging in our communities. That’s why we prioritize integrating diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging principles into the core of how we work every day. This article is part of the Empowering through Equity &amp; Inclusion thought leadership series that reflects on how organizations can strive for more equitable and inclusive workplaces – as well as communities.

In an era that champions self-advocacy as a pathway to professional success, it is important to recognize that it can only go so far, especially for people from marginalized communities.

Why We Should Stop Telling Employees To Advocate for Themselves

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9284636b-2b7c-4476-964f-1e293220119a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/CASE-UK-Roadshow-2023_CNH_041724.jpg" width="640" height="800" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>The CASE team at the UK roadshow in Derbyshire.</figcaption></figure>At <a href="https://www.cnh.com/" target="_blank">CNH</a> increasing productivity for its customers in a sustainable way is a key priority. They are investing in alternative propulsion, fuel use/input cost reductions, and other innovative technologies, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

To this end, <a href="https://www.casece.com/northamerica/en-us/" target="_blank">CASE Construction Equipment</a>, a brand of <a href="https://www.cnh.com/" target="_blank">CNH</a>, has broken new ground to deliver the first certified sustainable roadshow in the UK. They created a video and photo gallery to document how this milestone was reached during a two-day event in Derbyshire, in central England.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5b9624c1-d003-4313-81ba-06c6ee9a6825" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Case-UK-Roadshow-certificate_CNH_041724.jpg" width="640" height="917" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Left to right: Marco Alfano (Right Hub), Ivona Nicol (CASE), Gennaro Scardamaglia (Tuev Nord), Silvia Savini (CASE) and Luca Guzzabocca (Right Hub) with the ISO20121 certificate.</figcaption></figure>The event featured a line-up of electric construction machinery as well as a variety of other carbon reducing initiatives, including sustainable waste management.

A roadshow featuring heavy construction machinery inevitably has an impact on the land, so after the show the site was restored to its original condition. CASE’s achievements were independently recognized with the ISO 20121 certification – a methodology first applied at the 2012 London Olympics – which rewards sustainable event organization.

To find out more and view the video and photo gallery, visit: <a href="https://bit.ly/BreakingNewGround_en" target="_blank">bit.ly/BreakingNewGround_en</a>
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8670ca57-04e5-4529-96b4-57324c9ce42e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/CX25EV-Case-UK-Roadshow_CNH_041724.jpg" width="640" height="800" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>The CX25EV electric mini excavator in action at the UK Roadshow.</figcaption></figure> 
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dbdc7858-4bf8-43c2-bcf4-af4911731567" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/CASE-CX15EV_CNH_041724.jpg" width="640" height="800" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>The CX15EV electric mini excavator being put through its paces. </figcaption></figure>

At CNH increasing productivity for its customers in a sustainable way is a key priority. They are investing in alternative propulsion, fuel use/input cost reductions, and other innovative technologies, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

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