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<a href="https://www.northwesternmutual.com/who-we-are/sustainability-report/" target="_blank">Originally published in Northwestern Mutual 2023 Sustainability and Social Impact Report</a>

Through the <a href="https://www.northwesternmutual.com/who-we-are/sustainability-social-impact/communities/" target="_blank">Northwestern Mutua</a><a href="https://www.northwesternmutual.com/who-we-are/sustainability-social-impact/" target="_blank">l</a> Foundation, we invest in the future—allocating $23.5 million in 2023 to drive transformational and sustainable community outcomes. Our support includes not only financial contributions but also community partnerships, advocacy and volunteerism in the areas where our employees, financial advisors and representatives, and policyowners live and work. 

As a company, we’re committed to accelerating the search for better treatments and cures for childhood cancer. We work nationally to fund clinical research and support families during and after treatment, helping advance better quality-of-life outcomes. 

In our hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we’re helping to expand access to quality education, revitalize underserved neighborhoods, increase opportunities for homeownership and support premier cultural attractions—investing in a healthy, economically vibrant city, for today and tomorrow.

CHILDHOOD CANCER: ADVANCING RESEARCH, SUPPORTING FAMILIES

Every day, more than 1,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with childhood cancer. It’s the number one cause of death by disease for children under the age of 15 in the U.S., yet it receives only 4% of the federal government’s annual cancer research budget1. What’s more, studies show that 60% of families lose significant household income and are hit with financial hardship following a cancer diagnosis2. Since 2012, Northwestern Mutual has been committed to accelerating the search for better treatments and cures for childhood cancer, while supporting families undergoing treatment and survivors living with long-term effects.

Accelerating the search for better treatments, cures and quality of life 

Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations and clinical researchers, we seek to accelerate the search for better treatments and cures for childhood cancer while supporting families and survivors. 

Since 2012, we’ve partnered with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, whose mission is to change the lives of children by empowering everyone to help find a cure for childhood cancer. Our funding includes: 

<ul><li>Young Investigators grants, up to $50,000 a year for three years, providing vital startup funds for the best and brightest early-career researchers </li>
	<li>Innovation grants, providing seed funding for researchers with a novel approach to pediatric oncology scientific investigation </li>
	<li>The Crazy 8 initiative, detailing roadmaps toward cures for specific hard-to-treat childhood cancers </li>
	<li>The Childhood Cancer Data Lab, empowering researchers and scientists worldwide to collaborate, share and develop resources to accelerate new treatment and cure discovery </li>
	<li>The Pediatric Oncology Student Training (POST) program, for undergraduate, graduate and medical students from underrepresented populations, encouraging careers in pediatric oncology research</li>
</ul>Scholarships to fulfill dreams 

We understand the unexpected costs and financial burden cancer treatment can place on a family. Our annual Childhood Cancer Scholarship Program gives survivors and siblings affected by childhood cancer the opportunity to pursue their dreams of higher education. In 2023, we awarded $500,000 in combined scholarships to 50 students. Since 2017, we’ve awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships to more than 260 scholars.
<img alt="large group of volunteers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="602a172e-9530-4c91-a0b9-21b9af1d097a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/volunteers_northwesternmutual_041524.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="799" loading="lazy" />BUILDING EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITY PATHWAYS FROM EARLY CHILDHOOD TO EMPLOYMENT

Supporting education for Milwaukee’s youth has been a Northwestern Mutual priority for more than 25 years. As one of the Milwaukee area’s largest employers, we believe in creating access to quality education for all students, from all backgrounds. By investing in students, we’re creating the foundation for Milwaukee’s future leaders and professionals. When everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential, we all succeed.

Strengthening the K-12 pipeline 

Research shows that quality preschool education has a long-term positive effect, especially when combined with support for families3. We support early childhood organizations to ensure students arrive at school ready to learn and succeed. And we invest in initiatives for systemic change as well as targeted, smaller-scale projects to meet evolving needs of students and educators. 

Our 22 Milwaukee-area K-12 partner schools demonstrate high performance—and we want to help build on what’s working. Most of these schools serve more than 80% economically disadvantaged students, and many serve more than 90%. 

This year we committed an additional $5.8 million to support 40 Milwaukee-based nonprofits and schools, which includes a bridge loan to Notre Dame School of Milwaukee and two capital grants to St. Marcus School and St. Augustine Prep. This will help these schools expand and add about 1,500 quality seats to classrooms over the next few years.

Cultivating talent through college completion 

Since 2018, we’ve partnered with All-In Milwaukee, a college completion and career placement program that supports students through financial aid and advising. Northwestern Mutual has been proud to fund 81 scholars to date. This year we announced a $2 million, four-year grant that will enable another 100 students—many of them first-generation college attendees—to receive comprehensive support toward graduation. 

In 2023, 16 All-In Milwaukee scholars interned with us. We also hosted development days for more than 300 students at our corporate headquarters. In 2023, Northwestern Mutual also expanded our commitment to providing students from underserved neighborhoods access to quality education. Over the next five years, we’ll issue more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships to a total of 136 students from local pipeline schools to pursue higher education through our new HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Connection Scholarship program and continuing partnership with All-In Milwaukee. Our inaugural cohort of nine recipients will receive $7,500 in both their freshman and sophomore years and have the opportunity to participate in paid summer internships after their junior and senior years.

Fostering tech talent and innovation 

Technology enables Northwestern Mutual’s client, field and service experiences and accelerates our business outcomes. Developing regional technology talent is essential to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and we partner with local organizations to amplify our impact. 

<ul><li>The Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute (NMDSI) was created in 2018 by Northwestern Mutual, Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to establish Wisconsin as a technology hub. In 2023, the three institutions committed $35 million to NMDSI over the next five years, building on the nearly $40 million invested to date. </li>
	<li>Our technology outreach program, hi, Tech, introduces K-12 students to the possibilities of achievement through tech. </li>
	<li>Our high school Tech Minicamp &amp; Internship immerses students from our partner schools in a tech skills development program. More than 50 employees volunteer as instructors and mentors. </li>
	<li>We hosted 60 middle school girls from Golda Meir and Hmong American Peace Academy at our downtown campus for hands-on tech activities and career guidance from our women leaders. </li>
	<li>In 2023, we kicked off a mentoring program with Ronald Reagan High School in Milwaukee that brings together 40 high school girls with 20 Northwestern Mutual women every month to develop tech and professional skills. </li>
	<li>As a founder of the nonprofit MKE Tech Hub Coalition, which seeks to build a vibrant, inclusive tech ecosystem, we hosted 2023’s 4-year anniversary event for 300 community members.</li>
</ul>Revitalizing underserved neighborhoods 

Financial inequities in housing and income add to the racial wealth gap across the United States. We believe a long-term, resident-engaged approach is critical to reversing the root causes of these challenges. Working alongside residents and community partners in three Milwaukee neighborhoods, we’re supporting development of the tools and skills to achieve community goals. In 2023, we also focused on expanding opportunities for affordable homeownership, which can be an important path to building financial security and generational wealth.

Expanding opportunities for homeownership 

According to the Wisconsin Policy Forum, Milwaukee has the lowest homeownership rate among its peer cities for African American/Black residents—just over 25%4. To address this gap, Northwestern Mutual dedicated $3.5 million in 2023 to help residents in Milwaukee’s underserved communities achieve homeowner status. The initiative includes: 

<ul><li>A $500,000 grant from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation to the Acts Housing’s Homeownership Acquisition Fund, which will purchase, remodel and sell homes to first-time buyers </li>
	<li>A $2.5 million investment from the Northwestern Mutual Impact Investment fund in the Milwaukee Community Land Trust to help drive affordable housing and ensure homeownership affordability over time </li>
	<li>Additional funds up to $500,000 for services such as homebuyer training, which prepares people for the financial and other obligations of homeownership</li>
</ul>Partnering with neighborhoods 

We believe neighborhood revitalization starts with the development of strong community leaders who become champions for the residents and their shared goals. For more than a decade, we’ve partnered with Milwaukee’s Amani, Metcalfe Park, and Muskego Way neighborhoods to create long-term impact, investing more than $15 million toward sustainable transformation and economic empowerment. Those investments support resident-led revitalization plans, thriving neighborhood associations, deeper collaboration among nonprofit partners, and the development of a citywide shared housing strategy.

MAKING OUR HOMETOWN EVEN MORE ATTRACTIVE AND INCLUSIVE

Milwaukee is home to iconic cultural destinations and leading organizations that give our citizens opportunities to engage and connect with each other. This year, Northwestern Mutual gave nearly $3 million to community partners, along with funding community giving campaigns, to increase access and help make Milwaukee a great place to live and visit.

Learn more about Northwestern Mutual’s commitment to investing in our communities in the <a href="https://www.northwesternmutual.com/who-we-are/sustainability-social-impact/communities/" target="_blank">2023 Sustainability and Social Impact Report</a>.

 

1National Cancer Institute, <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers" target="_blank">Types of Cancer in Children</a>, September 29, 2023, and <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/budget#:~:text=NCI%20Budget%20Process-,Current%20Fiscal%20Year%20(FY%202020)%20Budget,regular%20and%20Cancer%20Moonshot%20appropriations." target="_blank">NCI Budget and Appropriations</a>, January 24, 2024 

2Family Reach, “<a href="https://familyreach.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/16-FamilyReach-Survival-at-all-costs.pdf" target="_blank">Survival at All Costs</a>,” 2015

3Sarah Sparks, “<a href="https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/early-education-pays-off-a-new-study-shows-how/2022/03" target="_blank">Early Education Pays Off. A New Study Shows How,</a>” Education Week, March 29, 2022

4<a href="https://wispolicyforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Racial-Equity-in-Homeownership-Media-Release.pdf" target="_blank">“On Racial Equity in Homeownership, Milwaukee Ranks Last Among Peers,”</a> Wisconsin Policy Forum, July 22, 2022

Northwestern Mutual Sustainability and Social Impact: Investing in Our Communities

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FORT WORTH, Texas, May 15, 2024 /CSRwire/ - American Airlines proudly announces a historic endeavor to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. On May 31, American will fly 70 World War II veterans to France on a donated charter flight to honor them for their service and sacrifice.

"We’re honored to play a part in helping this group of heroic veterans return to Normandy," said David Seymour, American’s Chief Operating Officer and a veteran of the U.S. Army. “This special journey is not only an expression of our gratitude for these heroes and the sacrifices they made for our freedom, but we hope to help shine a light on their extraordinary stories and preserve their legacies for generations to come."

D-Day marks a pivotal moment in history, and this trip reaffirms American’s commitment to supporting veterans and preserving their stories 80 years later.

Among the many heroes who will return to Normandy with American is U.S. Navy veteran Felix Maurizio, who was on a landing craft that deployed troops onto Omaha Beach on D-Day. One of the soldiers he dropped off was his brother, Sal, who served in an Army medical unit.
<img alt="Frank Perry Holding a box of displayed awards." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67f02a57-f4c6-41db-a420-22a3b76c3098" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/FelixDDay_AmericanAirlines_050824.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" />Also taking the trip is Frank Perry, who served in the Army Air Corps as a turret gunner in central Europe in March 1945, and recalls staying on high alert for enemy fighter aircraft. After being discharged from service, he pursued his dream of a career in aviation with nearly 40 years of service at Piedmont Airlines. Piedmont is one of the many heritage airlines that came together to form today’s American Airlines.

The journey will begin with a kickoff dinner at the American Airlines headquarters in Fort Worth the night before, followed by a send-off parade at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport before the group boards a chartered flight to Paris.

The veterans will spend two days in Paris before traveling to the Normandy region for commemorative events. The trip will include visits to key historical sites, concerts and special ceremonies to honor the courage and sacrifice of all who served during World War II. The trip will culminate with a June 6 ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery, where more than 9,000 U.S. service members have been laid to rest.

American has a long history of supporting those who have sacrificed to serve our nation and has formed partnerships with many organizations to support their mission. This historic trip includes partners like TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Gary Sinise Foundation, Robert Irvine Foundation and Old Glory Honor Flight.

Bookmark <a href="https://www.aa.com/dday80" target="_blank">www.aa.com/dday80</a> for updates surrounding the trip.

[Photos and interviews with veterans participating in the journey are available upon request. Please contact <a href="mailto:mediarelations@aa.com" target="_blank">mediarelations@aa.com</a> for further information.]

About American Airlines Group 
To Care for People on Life's Journey®. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL and the company's stock is included in the S&amp;P 500. Learn more about what's happening at American by visiting <a href="http://news.aa.com/" target="_blank">news.aa.com</a> and connect with American <a href="https://twitter.com/AmericanAir" target="_blank">@AmericanAir</a> and at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmericanAirlines" target="_blank">Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines</a>.

American Airlines Honors Veterans With Special Journey to Normandy for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

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

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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

<img alt="New Essity Research and Development center in Alsace, France." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1aa2f6fe-54a0-463d-ba87-af5fdfe79f6d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Essity%20R%26D%20France_Essity_5.14.24A.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="599" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.essity.com/media/press-release/essity-invests-in-new-r-d-center-in-france/83ba8899fec5515b/" target="_blank">Originally published on Essity Newsroom</a>

Hygiene and health company Essity is investing in a new global center for research and development, in Alsace, France, dedicated to tissue hygiene products. The state-of-the-art facility will focus on tissue to meet the evolving demands of branded tissue in both Consumer and Professional Hygiene markets. 

Essity is continuously developing new methods to provide the market with sustainable and user-friendly products. The company’s current R&amp;D center in Kunheim, France, has filed 25 patents in recent years for ground-breaking innovations such as Lotus Aqua Tube (flushable toilet roll core), Lotus and Okay Sans Tube (coreless toilet paper), Tork SmartOne (dispenses one sheet at a time) and paper hygiene products based on alternative fibers.

“Essity's research and development is re-shaping paper making to contribute to a more sustainable and circular society, while improving people’s hygiene and health. The new global R&amp;D center in France, will enable us to continue to develop innovative new paper hygiene products and solutions that meet the needs and high expectations of customers and consumers,” says Magnus Groth, President and CEO of Essity.

The new R&amp;D center, strategically located near the current facility, ensures the retention of Essity’s more than 80 experts and engineers working there today. Essity aims to create a larger, more efficient center equipped to address future challenges.

In addition to France, Essity has R&amp;D centers in Mexico, Sweden, Germany and in the USA, led by the company’s global unit focusing on brands, innovation and sustainability. In 2023, Essity invested SEK 1.7bn (approximately 1.2% of net sales) in research and development.

Essity is the world’s largest supplier of hygiene solutions in Professional Hygiene with the globally leading Tork brand. Essity is also the world’s third largest supplier of consumer tissue, with a presence primarily in Europe and Latin America. Essity’s brands such as Lotus, Tempo, Zewa, Cushelle, Plenty and retailer brands lead the European market, while Regio and Familia are key players in Latin America.

For additional information please contact:

Karl Stoltz, Media Relations Director, +46 709 426 338, <a href="mailto:karl.stoltz@essity.com" target="_blank">karl.stoltz@essity.com</a>

About Essity 

Essity is a global, leading hygiene and health company. Every day, our products, solutions and services are used by a billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2023, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 147bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at <a href="https://www.essity.com/" target="_blank">essity.com</a>.

Hygiene and health company Essity is investing in a new global center for research and development, in Alsace, France, dedicated to tissue hygiene products. The state-of-the-art facility will focus on tissue to meet the evolving demands of branded tissue.

Essity Invests in New R&D Center in France

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e98ca853-2439-4889-8164-aed30c6a6bbb" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/cleanwater_fedex_042424.jpg" width="640" height="675" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Water Mission has installed safe water systems in hospitals, schools, churches, temporary shelters, and other locations to provide easy access in communities.</figcaption></figure>It’s been just over two years since the Russian military invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Although fighting continues at an alarming rate, the world’s attention has been drawn to additional emergent humanitarian crises. Much less is reported about this ongoing war, yet the struggle to find water, food, shelter, and safety remains a daily challenge for more than <a href="https://www.unrefugees.org/emergencies/ukraine/" target="_blank">14 million people</a>.

As aid funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is diminishing and many organizations are leaving Ukraine, Water Mission remains committed to strengthening efforts to provide safe water to people in need. Thanks to the ongoing cash and in-kind transportation support from FedEx, nearly 100,000 people in more than 200 communities in southeastern Ukraine have access to lifesaving safe water. Water Mission has more than 70 safe water systems established, including a mix of fixed and mobile safe water systems. As the war continues, the demand for safe water will increase.

Water Mission Project Manager and Global Emergency Coordinator Craig Williams has been living in Ukraine and working to bring safe water to those in need throughout this conflict. He shares an insider’s perspective on the realities of life in a war zone and how Water Mission and its supporters like FedEx are saving lives through the provision of safe water. 
<img alt="Info graphic &quot;Ukraine Relief Effort&quot; with statistics." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="49c0243c-88c6-4a0e-a124-03dbe9bb8361" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ukrainerelief_fedex_042424.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="419" loading="lazy" />Reflections by Craig Williams  Life in a War Zone

People are tired and living with more uncertainty than they ever imagined was possible. Families have been split up. Many of the men who have managed to find jobs are in constant fear of being sent to training camp. Sadly, everybody seems to know somebody who has died in this war. Conversely, you also see life in Kyiv and Lviv trying to blossom. Young people hang out in shopping malls, and parents push children in strollers or walk their dogs. Then the air alarm goes off, reminding you that life isn’t normal. But the parents pushing the strollers or playing with their kids don’t even change the pace at which they walk. The sirens are their new normal. People look at apps to self-assess the risk and then move on like nothing is happening.

Impacting Lives with Safe Water

People without water can spend their days searching for it. When Water Mission provides water, however, it gives many people the time to work and provide for their family. Their appreciation is amazing. Water Mission has been blessed with good donors, strong partners, and an incredible local team. We have now produced more than 26 million gallons (100 million liters) of safe drinking water across more than 70 water systems installed.

This is a frontline program reaching people whose water supply was impacted by the war, people in areas that were previously occupied, and those who are still under attack. With critical infrastructure lost in these areas, people are left with few options for meeting their basic needs.

Sometimes, there is distrust about our motives. People wonder why we would do something for them without expecting something in return. But over time, as people see our technicians working with love, excellence, and integrity and spending time in the community, trust is earned. Our mobile van program, which has served more than 200 communities, has been a very powerful force for us in many villages.

More than 500 gallons (2,000 liters) of safe water is produced every hour and shared with people who gather at the van stop in each community. They recognize the brand and we have built relationships. A common sentiment we hear is, “You came at our greatest time of need, and you are still here.”
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="41270efc-06a9-4bef-bfe0-1fbed86fe185" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/waterstation_fedex_042424.jpg" width="640" height="675" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Nearly 32,000 people are served safe water from the Water Mission mobile vans every day.</figcaption></figure>Safe Water for the Future

Most disaster responses have a very clear timeline for moving from immediate response into recovery. Ukraine is a unique case as response and recovery are fluid concepts. The frontline remains in response while cities like Mykolaiv are now in recovery. But it only takes one night of attacks and Mykolaiv can be right back in response. So, we are looking at longer-term sustainability of water supply, not just for our systems but also in new locations, like schools and hospitals.

Our emphasis is on collaboration. We work closely with the local government, from the national ministry down to village administrations. Additionally, we are engaged with the United Nations (UN)—primarily with UNICEF and cluster coordinators— and share information and ideas with other NGOs helping involved in the area as well.
<img alt="A person in a water mission shirt helping others fill plastic bottles." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ac135d3-9c12-41c9-a83b-00760319677b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/watermission_fedex_042424.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" />Ukrainians Helping Ukrainians

We have made a deliberate choice to have Ukrainians helping Ukrainians in this response. The team includes only two international people, and the rest of the staff are 21 Ukrainians. At every strategic juncture of the program, the management team in Kyiv has decided the next direction.

We emphasize Ukrainians helping Ukrainians because the foreigners will leave at some point, and in the villages, the strength will come from depending on local people who were there for each other when it counted most. This strategy builds strength in communities. Within this strength lies long-term resilience.

Thanks to the ongoing cash and in-kind transportation support from FedEx, nearly 100,000 people in more than 200 communities in southeastern Ukraine have access to lifesaving safe water.

Water Mission Saves Lives in Ukraine With Support From FedEx

Through the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, we invest in the future—allocating $23.5 million in 2023 to drive transformational and sustainable community outcomes. Our support includes not only financial contributions but also community partnerships, advocacy and volunteerism.

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Vancity in 2023