https://www.csrwire.com/rss/feed CSRwire Press Releases, Events and Reports en-US https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807156-duke-energy-hosts-career-planning-session-johnson-c-smith-university-students Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:45:27 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807156-duke-energy-hosts-career-planning-session-johnson-c-smith-university-students Duke Energy We welcomed nearly 50 Johnson C. Smith University - JCSU students to our Charlotte, N.C., headquarters to learn about the company and the numerous career opportunities that Duke Energy offers. <img alt="Students sat at a table looking towards the front of the room" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22a09b10-da87-49d4-a8a7-ad9f75e5f33c" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1-Career-Planning-Session_Duke-Energy_071924.jpeg" width="640" /> <p>We welcomed nearly 50 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/jcsuniversity/" target="_blank">Johnson C. Smith University - JCSU</a> students to our Charlotte, N.C., headquarters to learn about the company and the numerous career opportunities that Duke Energy offers. Employees from finance, marketing and information technology shared stories with the students about their professional journeys that led them to Duke Energy, and experiences working in the utility industry.</p> <img alt="Two people stood opposite each other " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b7671cfa-73f9-415c-8392-5c7715d0e7d9" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2-Career-Planning-Session_Duke-Energy_071924.jpeg" width="640" /> <p>Students went on to ask about work-life balance, the state of renewable energy and how best to prepare themselves as they enter the workforce.</p> <p>When asked about the most rewarding part of his job, Duke Energy intern Kwesi Kyei-Fordjour (pictured, red shirt), spoke to being valued by his team as a contributor to our mission.</p> <img alt="Four people stood together for a photo" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="edada88d-5ba1-4e07-99b1-9339da1d274e" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3-Career-Planning-Session_Duke-Energy_071924.jpeg" width="640" /> <p>“It’s rewarding to know that, as an intern, I’m not just doing busy work,” said Kyei-Fordjour. “This is my second rotation [as a Duke Energy intern]. I’ve earned my trust with the team, and they’re assigning me to things that are truly important to the company.”</p> <p>We at Duke Energy are honored to host such a great group of inquisitive students and can’t wait to see the contributions they’ll bring to our communities as the next generation of young professionals.</p> <img alt="People walking through a corridor, one person smiling at the camera with their thumbs up" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e7ab7ff-9ab1-4d77-bf70-a4034d2116d7" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4-Career-Planning-Session_Duke-Energy_071924.jpeg" width="640" /> <p><strong>Duke Energy</strong></p> <p>Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people.</p> <p>Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.</p> <p>Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2023 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list and Forbes’ “World’s Best Employers” list. More information is available at <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.duke-energy.com%2F&amp;n=35745" target="_blank">duke-energy.com</a>. The <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.duke-energy.com%2F&amp;n=35745" target="_blank">Duke Energy News Center</a> contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy’s <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=http%3A%2F%2Fillumination.duke-energy.com%2F&amp;n=35745" target="_blank">illumination</a> features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fdukeenergy&amp;n=35745" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fduke-energy-corporation&amp;n=35745" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fduke_energy&amp;n=35745" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdukeenergy&amp;n=35745" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</p> <p>View original content <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/duke-energy-corporation_today-we-welcomed-nearly-50-johnson-c-smith-activity-7219415656247570432-TzV8/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> , full_html, We welcomed nearly 50 Johnson C. Smith University - JCSU students to our Charlotte, N.C., headquarters to learn about the company and the numerous career opportunities that Duke Energy offers. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807161-bristol-myers-squibb-promotes-health-equity-100-percent-marketed-products-now Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:35:05 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807161-bristol-myers-squibb-promotes-health-equity-100-percent-marketed-products-now Bristol Myers Squibb Company At BMS, our vision to transform patients’ lives through science extends to all patients. That is why we have a long-standing commitment to promote health equity and help people in underserved communities access the care and medicines they need. <center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2024-06/ASPIRE_BMS_6.5.24A.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center> <p>At BMS, our vision to transform patients’ lives through science extends to&nbsp;<em>all&nbsp;</em>patients. That is why we have a long-standing commitment to promote health equity and help people in underserved communities access the care and medicines they need.</p> <p>We built on this commitment with a 10-year strategy to help patients in LMICs (low- and middle-income countries) live healthier lives, called ASPIRE, which stands for Accessibility, Sustainability, Patient-centric, Impact, Responsibility and Equity. ASPIRE will help us achieve our goal to reach more than 208,000 patients in LMICs by 2033. The effort reflects our unwavering focus on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esg.bms.com/" target="_blank">operating responsibly and sustainably.</a></p> <p>As part of ASPIRE, BMS is developing tailored strategies to increase affordability and availability of its medicines in LMICs. Our work to help ensure patients who need our potentially life-saving medicines can access them begins by ensuring that <strong>100 percent</strong> of our marketed products are supported by access plans.&nbsp;</p> <p>Today, we have defined access pathways for every country in which our medicines may be available to patients and have achieved our goal of <strong>100 percent</strong> of our marketed products be supported by access plans.</p> <p>The imbalance in healthcare access is just one of the systemic barriers faced by the world’s most vulnerable populations, where worse health outcomes and lack of economic opportunities keep individuals and entire communities from achieving their full potential.</p> <p>BMS is leading the way for access to immuno-oncology therapies in LMICs by collaborating with the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition. BMS joined the ATOM Coalition as a founding supporter at its launch in 2022. Working with the ATOM Coalition and their partners, BMS will make Opdivo™ (nivolumab) available via a safe, scalable and sustainable access model in select countries including Pakistan, Rwanda and Zambia while working to develop an integrated pathway that can expand access in multiple LMICs by 2026.</p> <p>By investing in solutions that reduce quality-of-care gaps and strengthen health systems, BMS will help drive equitable access to innovative medicines to patients around the world, regardless of where patients live. Enabling timely access to innovative medicines in LMICs is part of BMS’ commitment to health equity globally and our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esg.bms.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy</strong></a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>To learn more, read our <a class="purple-text" href="https://news.bms.com/news/philanthropy/2024/Bristol-Myers-Squibb-Announces-10-Year-Strategy-to-Reach-More-Patients-in-Low--and-Middle-Income-Countries/default.aspx" target="_blank"><strong><u>press release</u></strong></a>.</p> , full_html, At BMS, our vision to transform patients’ lives through science extends to all patients. That is why we have a long-standing commitment to promote health equity and help people in underserved communities access the care and medicines they need. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807166-how-recycling-tech-leading-charge-towards-circular-economy Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:15:06 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807166-how-recycling-tech-leading-charge-towards-circular-economy Eastman Over the last few years, we have seen a surge in innovation around recycling technologies. It’s fair to say Eastman has been at the forefront of this, with molecular recycling technologies. <center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2024-06/circulareconomy_eastman_062424.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq3o21eQP8w&amp;list=PLDfHkGze0VjBIf_dF-DgZT8HmOA8Bqicn&amp;index=12" target="_blank">Eastman</a></p> <p>Over the last few years, we have seen a surge in innovation around recycling technologies. It’s fair to say Eastman has been at the forefront of this, with molecular recycling technologies.</p> <p>Learn how Eastman considers new innovations to advance the circular economy and what factors the company takes into consideration in this GreenBiz Studio Interview with Chris Layton, Director, Circular Policy Strategy, Eastman.</p> <p>Speakers: Chris Layton, Director, Circular Policy Strategy, Eastman and Nethra Rajendran, Manager, Sustainability, GreenBiz Group</p> <p>This video is sponsored by Eastman and was recorded during Circularity 24, the leading convening of professionals building the circular economy (May 22-24, 2024). Learn more about Circularity <a href="https://www.greenbiz.com/events/circularity/2025?utm_medium=social-organic&amp;utm_source=youtube&amp;utm_campaign=c24&amp;utm_content=-gb-studio-interviews-on-youtube--" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>OUR LINKS</p> <p>Website: <a href="https://www.greenbiz.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.greenbiz.com/</a></p> <p>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/greenbiz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">/ greenbiz</a></p> <p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenbiz-group/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">/ greenbiz-group&nbsp;</a></p> <p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/greenbiz_group/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">/ greenbiz_group</a></p> <p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GreenBiz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">/ greenbiz</a></p> , full_html, Over the last few years, we have seen a surge in innovation around recycling technologies. It’s fair to say Eastman has been at the forefront of this, with molecular recycling technologies. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807151-saint-gobain-installs-smart-water-submetering-system-and-upgrades-equipment Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:10:07 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807151-saint-gobain-installs-smart-water-submetering-system-and-upgrades-equipment Saint-Gobain Corporation Saint-Gobain, through its building products subsidiary CertainTeed LLC, has installed a smart water submetering system and upgraded equipment at its siding plant in Jackson, Michigan, reducing the site’s consumption of water by more than ten million gallons per year. <img alt="Saint-Gobain logo" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d09d4334-5b8c-4422-9c4b-3e54ea2e1411" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Smart%20Water_Saint-Gobain_7.24.24A.png" width="440" /> <p>Saint-Gobain, through its building products subsidiary CertainTeed LLC, has installed a smart water submetering system and upgraded equipment at its siding plant in Jackson, Michigan, reducing the site’s consumption of water by more than ten million gallons per year, a reduction of more than 60% compared to 2019 levels.</p> <p>The project comes as Saint-Gobain continues to implement its global Grow and Impact strategy, which includes ambitious environmental sustainability goals, such as reducing the company’s industrial water withdrawal by 50% by 2030.</p> <p>In Jackson, CertainTeed uses process water to cool vinyl siding products manufactured on-site, including its Northwoods® Perfection and Rough-Split Shingle lines, vinyl siding that recreates the natural textures and patterns of cedar shakes and shingles. Recycled water is additionally used in vacuum pumps, key to specific steps in the manufacturing process.</p> <p>The system, which captures nearly 100% of all water that flows through the site, works by allowing the plant to more closely manage how much water is used at each step in the manufacturing process. An alert system, developed by early career participants in Saint-Gobain’s <a href="https://sgna-eom.com/" target="_blank">Essentials of Manufacturing Development Program</a>, helps to notify the Jackson team of leaks and accidental overuse so that they can be pinpointed and fixed quickly. The plant has also invested in a closed loop system for its vacuum pumps, which allows the facility to reuse the water needed for its production process.</p> <p>“With this smart water submetering system, our Jackson plant has shown how equipment optimization and enhanced technology can have a huge impact,” said Joe Bondi, Vice President and General Manager of CertainTeed Sidings Product Group. “I would like to thank each member of the team for their help in achieving our industrial water withdrawal reduction goals and for their commitment to sustainability and minimizing our environmental footprint.”</p> <p>In 1988, CertainTeed Siding began operations in Jackson, about 80 miles west of Detroit and where Saint-Gobain also operates a Research and Development Center. Today the plant is home to 230 employees and is hiring for several roles in engineering, administration and operations. A complete list of job openings at all Saint-Gobain locations, including the CertainTeed site in Jackson, can be found on the <a href="http://www.saint-gobain.com" target="_blank">company’s website</a>.</p> <p>The investment in water-saving technology in Jackson follows several other recent actions taken by the company to solidify its commitment towards sustainability:</p> <ul> <li>In April, Saint-Gobain <a href="https://www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com/company/newsroom/news-releases/saint-gobain-achieves-core-living-building-ready-designation" target="_blank">achieved Core Living Building Ready designation</a> from the International Living Future Institute for its CertainTeed Innovation Center in Malvern, Pennsylvania.</li> <li>In March, Saint-Gobain announced that its CertainTeed Siding business had <a href="https://www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com/company/newsroom/news-releases/saint-gobain-reduces-manufacturing-related-emissions-96-three" target="_blank">reduced manufacturing related emissions by 96%</a> at three facilities in the United States.</li> <li>In February, Saint-Gobain completed the installation of a heat recovery system at its gypsum facility in Vancouver, British Columbia, which will <a href="https://www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com/company/newsroom/news-releases/saint-gobain-reduce-scope-1-carbon-dioxide-emissions-15-completion" target="_blank">lead to a 15% reduction in Scope 1 carbon emissions</a>.</li> <li>In September, Saint-Gobain <a href="https://www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com/company/newsroom/news-releases/saint-gobain-signs-new-major-renewable-electricity-supply-agreement" target="_blank">signed a 15-year, 100 MW power purchase agreement with TotalEnergies for the purchase of solar power</a>, expected to offset Saint-Gobain North America’s CO2 emissions from electricity by 90,000 metric tons per year.</li> <li>In August, Saint-Gobain announced a <a href="https://www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com/company/newsroom/news-releases/saint-gobain-creates-circular-economy-program-scrap-finished-goods" target="_blank">circular economy initiative in its Ceramics business</a>, where scrap finished goods from its Bryan, Texas facility are sent to other Saint-Gobain Ceramics plants to be reused in production, instead of ending in landfills.</li> <li>In July, the company announced <a href="https://www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com/company/newsroom/news-releases/saint-gobain-upgrades-key-equipment-its-athens-georgia-insulation" target="_blank">upgrades at its CertainTeed Insulation plant in Athens, Georgia</a>, which is projected to save over 7,300 MWh of energy and 20 million gallons of water annually, while reducing landfill waste by over 5,000 MT.</li> <li>Also in July, Saint-Gobain announced <a href="https://www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com/company/newsroom/news-releases/saint-gobain-save-over-50-million-pounds-co2-emissions-year-opening" target="_blank">the opening of a new CertainTeed Architectural facility in Conyers, Georgia,</a> which will be co-located with finishing partner QPC, allowing the company to drastically reduce the distance products must travel to finalize production, reducing carbon emissions by over 50 million pounds per year.</li> <li>In June, Saint-Gobain was <a href="https://www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com/company/newsroom/news-releases/saint-gobain-awarded-2023-seal-business-sustainability-award-montreal" target="_blank">awarded a 2023 SEAL Business Sustainability Award</a> for its work to create the first “net zero-carbon” gypsum wallboard facility for scope 1 and 2 emissions in North America at its plant outside Montreal, Quebec.</li> </ul> <p><strong>About CertainTeed</strong>&nbsp;<br /> Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed, headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, has helped shape the building products industry for more than 115 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm’s slogan “Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed,” inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed is a leading North American brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, solar, fence, railing, trim, insulation, drywall and ceilings. <a href="http://www.certainteed.com/" target="_blank">www.certainteed.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>About Saint-Gobain</strong>&nbsp;<br /> Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.</p> <p><strong>€47.9 billion in sales in 2023</strong>&nbsp;<br /> <strong>160,000 employees, locations in 76 countries</strong>&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050</strong></p> , full_html, Saint-Gobain, through its building products subsidiary CertainTeed LLC, has installed a smart water submetering system and upgraded equipment at its siding plant in Jackson, Michigan, reducing the site’s consumption of water by more than ten million gallons per year. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807146-empowering-growth-my-journey-cisco-mentorme-program Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:05:06 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807146-empowering-growth-my-journey-cisco-mentorme-program Cisco Systems, Inc. Have you ever been so inspired that you felt driven to give back? My involvement in Cisco’s MentorMe program was just that — a transformative experience of empowerment and growth that ignited my passion for guiding others toward success. <img alt="Sadaf Soroush and another posed in a tall building with long windows overlooking a scenic landscape." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="963a0337-c2ea-40f3-ad00-e2865080aeaf" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/mentorme_cisco_071524.jpg" /> <p>Have you ever been so inspired that you felt driven to give back? My involvement in Cisco’s MentorMe program was just that — a transformative experience of empowerment and growth that ignited my passion for guiding others toward success.</p> <p>This program embodies Cisco’s commitment to actively promoting diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) by targeting underrepresented groups, particularly female tertiary students, in Australia and New Zealand. Women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, comprising only a fraction of the workforce, especially in technology-related roles. Recognising this disparity, MentorMe invites and encourages female students to explore educational and career paths in STEM. By providing hands-on exposure to the latest technology and diverse roles within Cisco, the program empowers these students to pursue opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields.</p> <p>In my two years as a mentor within the MentorMe program, my role extended beyond simply imparting knowledge; it became a platform for building meaningful connection and nurturing potential with my mentees as well as being a cornerstone of my professional development. Throughout the program, we engaged in personalised 1:1 mentoring sessions where we discussed career aspirations, strengths, and areas for development. I facilitated networking opportunities for them within Cisco, connecting them with professionals from diverse backgrounds and roles to broaden their perspectives and build their professional networks.</p> <p>Additionally, I provided guidance on personal branding, helping them develop their online presence and professional image to stand out in the competitive job market. Together, we set SMART goals — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — and worked towards achieving them, fostering their confidence and independence in navigating their career paths. Through ongoing support, encouragement, and mentorship, these women built their brands and prepared for success in the professional world.</p> <p>Reflecting on these experiences, I realize that my mentees’ journeys have become a mirror to my own growth. The deep bonds formed with my Australia and New Zealand team members and witnessing the progress of my mentees throughout the program makes me incredibly proud. Celebrating their milestones, like my first mentee, Maanya’s completion of the program and my second mentee, Wendi’s graduation, reinforces my belief in the power of mentorship to shape futures. Wendi surprised me with flowers, which touched me deeply but highlighted our genuine connection and reminded me that mentorship is not just about professional development but also about the meaningful relationships we create. These connections extend beyond the program’s conclusion, as I am committed to staying in touch with my mentees to continue supporting their growth. They can always rely on me for guidance, support, and help with any questions, and I look forward to witnessing their achievements in the future.</p> <p>Cisco’s ethos of empowerment and inclusivity resonates deeply with me. The opportunity to participate in programs like MentorMe reaffirms my conviction that Cisco is more than just a workplace; it’s a community where individuals are empowered to make a difference.</p> <p>As I continue my journey at Cisco, I am inspired by the shared commitment to innovation and collaboration that defines our culture. From mentorship programs to technological advancements, Cisco offers a platform to contribute to something greater, making it a truly exceptional place to work.</p> <p>See how we’re <a href="https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/about/purpose/index.html" target="_blank">powering an inclusive future for all.</a></p> <p><a href="https://app.feedpress.com/e/mailverify?feed_id=WeAreCisco" target="_blank">Subscribe to the WeAreCisco Blog.</a></p> <p>View original content<a href="https://blogs.cisco.com/wearecisco/empowering-growth-my-journey-with-the-cisco-mentorme-program" target="_blank"> here.</a></p> , full_html, Have you ever been so inspired that you felt driven to give back? My involvement in Cisco’s MentorMe program was just that — a transformative experience of empowerment and growth that ignited my passion for guiding others toward success. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807171-tcs-breaks-new-ground-generative-ai-summer-camp-students-aged-11-17 Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:05:06 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807171-tcs-breaks-new-ground-generative-ai-summer-camp-students-aged-11-17 Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Seeking to help prepare members of the future global workforce in the effective and responsible use of generative AI (GenAI), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recently held a summer camp to train middle and high school students on the fast-growing technology. <img alt="Wide view of a group of adults and children in an open area in a building." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b8f23a3-8e45-47b6-98d5-64c9644e8be1" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/campgroup_TCS_072224.jpeg" width="640" /> <p>Seeking to help prepare members of the future global workforce in the effective and responsible use of generative AI (GenAI), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recently held a summer camp to train middle and high school students on the fast-growing technology. The TCS pilot program, held from June 4-6 at a Go Innovate Together (goIT) summer camp in Milford, Ohio, is one of the first examples in the U.S. of a technology industry leader incorporating GenAI into STEM education for middle and high school students.</p> <p>The initiative intrigued both the students and their parents. Many are accustomed to rules outlawing the use of AI in classrooms or for schoolwork, discouraging young people from engaging with it. TCS’ move aligns with the state of Ohio’s recent release of <a href="https://innovateohio.gov/aitoolkit/ai-toolkit" target="_blank">guidelines</a> for using AI in the classroom. TCS agrees with Ohio officials that leading in the technology, rather than following its advances, can strengthen economic futures, broaden talent pipelines and help establish an innovative edge.</p> <p>During the camp, TCS introduced and tested its new GenAI Technology Learning Pathway to about 70 students aged 11 to 17 attending the event at its Global Delivery Center in Milford, Ohio. Participants worked through various GenAI learning modules, discussed the importance of Responsible AI, learned the basics of prompt engineering and explored how to use GenAI to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.</p> <p>Facilitators asked participants to create concepts that could help solve one of the U.N.’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), challenging them to leverage GenAI as part of the solution. The UN SDGs address human and environmental concerns and mobilize the world to end all forms of poverty, tackle inequalities and address climate change. At the culmination, students pitched their ideas for digital innovations, competing against one another for awards and more.</p> <p>There were more than 10 innovations presented to judges at the closing event and competition. One described a concept for a mobile app that would use GenAI to personalize meals, grocery lists, recipes, and exercise plans according to user personal health statistics, goals and progress. Another concept used AI to inform a robot cleaning the ocean floor. Yet another envisioned a computer extension aimed at reducing cheating in schools.</p> <p>“What an incredible three days at TCS’ Cincinnati Global Delivery Center,” said Priya Dayal, Center Operations Lead &amp; CSR/DEI Champion at TCS. “This year, we welcomed 70 amazing middle and high school students from over 25 different school districts in the Tri-State (Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana) area. They immersed themselves in the world of our GenAI pilot, learning the fundamentals, exploring tools, and ultimately building incredible projects.”</p> <p>The pilot was important on a number of levels. It reinforced the importance of the technology’s current and future uses, helped prepare young people for a future using GenAI in jobs that may not even exist yet, and offered an important message about the role GenAI can have in helping address some of the world’s most pressing problems.</p> <p>“By integrating GenAI into the curriculum, TCS is equipping students with essential skills for the evolving technological landscape. This initiative not only prepares them for future job roles but also empowers them to achieve their career aspirations,” said Dr. Paul J. Bailo, a digital transformation professor at Columbia University. “By educating young minds on leveraging GenAI for the betterment of society, TCS is showcasing the profound potential of GenAI to revolutionize the way we live and work.”</p> <p>TCS’ goIT program offers a variety of learning pathways, including mobile app design, microprocessors, Internet of Things, AI/machine learning, and more. The company will take what it learned from this pilot and apply it to future AI-related student programming. Learn more at: <a href="https://on.tcs.com/goIT-AMERS" target="_blank">https://on.tcs.com/goIT-AMERS</a>.</p> <p><strong>About TCS’ goIT Digital Innovation and Career Readiness Program</strong>&nbsp;<br /> Go Innovate Together program (goIT) is TCS’ flagship STEM education program. Focusing on digital innovation and career readiness, goIT engages students from diverse backgrounds with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects and computer science, design thinking and digital innovation. The program offers an industry-developed, customizable curriculum that teaches students the 21st century skills necessary for a career in technology. Lessons cover topics including design thinking, rapid prototyping, artificial intelligence, machine learning and more.</p> <p>Among the program’s many offerings is the goIT Monthly Challenge. Since its launch in 2020, thousands of students across the globe have used key principles from goIT to design tech-based solutions and submit pitch videos based on a Monthly Challenge theme. Each month, TCS co-hosts the event with a Sustainable Development Goal ambassador, globally minded nonprofit or a TCS client. The Challenge has engaged a growing number of teachers and students every month, exploring topics ranging from gender equality and systemic racism to protecting life under water.</p> <p>Visit the <a href="http://on.tcs.com/goIT-ENG" target="_blank">goIT Monthly Challenge competition website</a> to learn how to get students involved with upcoming challenges: <a href="https://on.tcs.com/goIT-ENG" target="_blank">https://on.tcs.com/goIT-ENG</a>. Visit <a href="https://on.tcs.com/goIT-AMERS" target="_blank">https://on.tcs.com/goIT-AMERS</a> to learn more about goIT.</p> , full_html, Seeking to help prepare members of the future global workforce in the effective and responsible use of generative AI (GenAI), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recently held a summer camp to train middle and high school students on the fast-growing technology. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807141-pepsico-foods-north-america-launches-new-planting-pathways-initiative-expand Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:00:08 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807141-pepsico-foods-north-america-launches-new-planting-pathways-initiative-expand Frito-Lay North America PepsiCo Foods North America announced its Planting Pathways Initiative, charting an industry-leading and transformative course for expanding agricultural opportunities. <img alt="&quot;Planting Pathways&quot; badge." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a358e64f-de0a-4f4e-b582-ebe79dabc165" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Planting_Pathways_fritolay_072424.jpg" /> <p>PLANO, Texas, July 26, 2024 /CSRwire/ - PepsiCo Foods North America announced its Planting Pathways Initiative, charting an industry-leading and transformative course for expanding agricultural opportunities. Recent USDA Census of Agriculture data shows that farmers under the age of 35 make up just 9% of the U.S. farming industry. The initiative aims to provide opportunities for young people and people from various backgrounds to enter the agriculture sector.</p> <p><strong>PepsiCo has a business stake and responsibility to help grow a resilient and impactful supply chain.</strong></p> <p>The Planting Pathways Initiative will begin with pilot programs that drive sustainable, systemic industry change. Long-term partnerships with nonprofit leaders in the agriculture industry underpin the program, with a shared commitment to making measurable progress toward achieving equitable access across the agricultural supply chain.</p> <p>"I was born on a farm and am proud to work for PepsiCo, a company rooted in agriculture. I have immense respect for the growers and producers that form the backbone of our country. PepsiCo has a business stake and responsibility to help grow a resilient and impactful supply chain from the seeds in the field to the products on the shelf to the many people at home enjoying our products," said Margaret Henry, Vice President, Sustainable &amp; Regenerative Agriculture at PepsiCo. "Providing access to food and building leaders for tomorrow are at the heart of our business at PepsiCo. I'm proud these partnerships reinforce our commitment to innovation in agriculture."</p> <p>Partnerships include:</p> <ul> <li>Multi-year partnership with <a href="https://practicalfarmers.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Practical Farmers of Iowa</a> (PFI) to provide opportunities for underrepresented and beginning farmers to enter and thrive in the agriculture industry. PepsiCo Foods North America will work with PFI to equip farmers with strong business plans, coaching and capital, robust networks and training opportunities.</li> <li>Partnership with the <a href="https://www.farmfoundation.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Farm Foundation</a> to create career opportunities within the PepsiCo Foods North America supply chain and the agriculture industry at large. The investment will develop a two-year cohort program, <em>Field to Future</em>, that enables college students to receive career development support in the agricultural sector, including conference attendance, mentorships, scholarships provided by The PepsiCo Foundation and more. It will also allow select individuals to participate in a two-year paid internship within PepsiCo.</li> </ul> <p>The company's investment and focus on these partnerships aim to address widespread global food system challenges by bringing fresh perspectives, innovation, and energy into the agriculture industry. All PepsiCo Foods products are born in the field—starting as potatoes, corn, or oats—and PepsiCo is committed to cultivating a robust agricultural supply chain from the seed to the shelf.</p> <p>"We are grateful to partner with PepsiCo Foods North America on this initiative to enable underrepresented farmers to start and maintain a thriving farm business," said Sally Worley, Executive Director of Practical Farmers of Iowa. "PepsiCo's Planting Pathways Initiative has the potential to provide opportunities for more people to succeed in farming."</p> <p>The <em>Field to Future</em> cohort program, in partnership with the Farm Foundation, is a critical component of the Planting Pathways Initiative. "Field to Future will foster future leaders in the food and agriculture industries," said Shari Rogge-Fidler, President and CEO of Farm Foundation. "Pairing PepsiCo Foods' commitment with Farm Foundation's network of food and agriculture experts creates opportunities that will shape these industries for years to come."</p> <p>In 2021, PepsiCo launched PepsiCo Positive (<a href="https://www.pepsico.com/who-we-are/our-commitments/pepsico-positive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pep+</a>), the end-to-end transformation of its business to drive positive impact for both the planet and people. Today's announcement directly supports the pep+ Positive Agriculture agenda, which seeks to create a more resilient and inclusive food system by directly supporting farmers, securing a steady supply of key ingredients and improving social outcomes for all people throughout the supply chain.</p> <p><a href="https://www.pepsico.com/our-impact/sustainability/esg-summary" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Learn more</a> about PepsiCo's global agriculture footprint, strategic partnerships and progress toward pep+ goals.</p> <p><strong>About PepsiCo</strong></p> <p>PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $91 billion in net revenue in 2023, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's®, Doritos®, Cheetos®, Gatorade®, Pepsi-Cola®, Mountain Dew®, Quaker®, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.</p> <p>Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.pepsico.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.pepsico.com</a>, and follow on <a href="https://twitter.com/pepsico" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">X (Twitter)</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pepsico/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PepsiCo/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/pepsico/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> @PepsiCo.</p> <p><strong>About Farm Foundation</strong></p> <p>Farm Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization working across the food and ag value chain to build momentum behind meaningful solutions to some of the most important challenges facing farmers and, by extension, our industry as a whole. Our nonpartisan approach means we are uniquely able to address issues with objectivity and inclusivity, bringing together diverse perspectives from influential people and organizations to discuss and develop solutions. We support food and agriculture by meeting challenges with a relentless dedication to ensuring all the right stakeholders are involved and engaged in building something for the greater good—providing an agenda-free zone to achieve a shared vision for a better future for food and ag. We move with speed, purpose and agility to make the greatest impact in the most important areas in the shortest amount of time.</p> <p><strong>About Practical Farmers of Iowa</strong></p> <p>Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit with more than 8,000 members that equips farmers to build resilient farms and communities. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities. To learn more, visit <a href="https://practicalfarmers.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://practicalfarmers.org</a>.</p> <p>SOURCE Frito-Lay North America</p> , full_html, PepsiCo Foods North America announced its Planting Pathways Initiative, charting an industry-leading and transformative course for expanding agricultural opportunities. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807176-us-bank-once-again-earns-top-score-disability-inclusion Fri, 26 Jul 2024 11:30:05 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807176-us-bank-once-again-earns-top-score-disability-inclusion U.S. Bank For the seventh consecutive year, U.S. Bank earned a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index® and is an American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability:IN “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.” <img alt="A woman is seated in a wheelchair with three coworkers." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f07c5e7-b9f8-458b-8dcc-4ecf4613b563" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/DisabilityIN-office_U.S.%20Bank_7.18.24A.jpg" width="640" /> <p><a href="https://www.usbank.com/about-us-bank/company-blog/article-library/us-bank-once-again-earns-top-score-for-disability-inclusion.html" target="_blank">Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog</a></p> <p>For the seventh consecutive year, U.S. Bank earned a score of 100 on the <a class="external-linked" href="https://disabilityin.org/what-we-do/disability-equality-index/" target="_blank"><u>Disability Equality Index®</u></a> and is an American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability:IN “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.”</p> <img alt="Disability Equality Index 2024: Best place to work for disability inclusion." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a054d35-0894-44d0-a808-89a0bd2df88d" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/DisabilityIN_U.S.%20Bank_7.18.24B.jpg" width="240" /> <p>The Disability Equality Index is the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for the Fortune 1000 and Am Law 2001 to measure disability workplace inclusion against competitors, measuring:</p> <ul> <li>Culture and leadership</li> <li>Enterprise-wide access</li> <li>Employment practices (benefits, recruitment, employment, education, retention and advancement, accommodations)</li> <li>Community engagement</li> <li>Supplier diversity</li> <li>Non-U.S. operations (non-weighted)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Enhancing access and inclusion for employees and clients</strong></p> <p>U.S. Bank is committed to ensuring employees with disabilities have an equal opportunity to independently and easily access technology. Examples of that approach include the bank’s adaptive technology hardware catalog that makes it easier for employees and managers to locate and order various adaptive computer accessories, the ability for employees to request and connect with American Sign Language (ASL) and caption services to provide live, human-generated caption services and designing and development products and services to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards.</p> <p>Additionally, U.S. Bank recently enhanced online and mobile banking by adding a statement preference feature. Clients can now select from applicable accounts to indicate whether they want large print (large font) statements. This feature will benefit many clients, but especially those who may have aged into vision loss. Today, this feature is available for checking, savings and money market accounts, with plans to expand into others in the future.</p> , full_html, For the seventh consecutive year, U.S. Bank earned a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index® and is an American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability:IN “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.” https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807181-taco-bell-golden-bell-2024 Fri, 26 Jul 2024 11:20:04 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807181-taco-bell-golden-bell-2024 Yum! Brands A few months ago, we celebrated the top 200+, Best of the Best Restaurant General Managers and Area Coaches from around the world with a celebratory trip to Hawaii — we call it Golden Bell. <center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2024-07/goldenbell_tacobell_071024.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center> <p><a href="https://www.tacobell.com/stories/golden-bell" target="_blank">Taco Bell blog</a></p> <p>A few months ago, we celebrated the top 200+, Best of the Best Restaurant General Managers and Area Coaches from around the world with a celebratory trip to Hawaii — we call it Golden Bell. We plan to continue sharing more of their amazing stories throughout the year, but for now, watch the video above for a full recap of how the event went.</p> <p>Positions are available at both corporate and franchised Taco Bell locations. Those applying for a position with a franchisee or licensee of Taco Bell are not applying to work at Taco Bell Corp. or any of its affiliates. Franchisees and licensees are independent business owners and employers who are responsible for their own employment practices. Taco Bell Corp. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.</p> , full_html, A few months ago, we celebrated the top 200+, Best of the Best Restaurant General Managers and Area Coaches from around the world with a celebratory trip to Hawaii — we call it Golden Bell. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807186-diversity-drives-small-business-growth-rust-belt-made-america-season-5-ep-1 Fri, 26 Jul 2024 11:10:08 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807186-diversity-drives-small-business-growth-rust-belt-made-america-season-5-ep-1 GoDaddy Introducing the premiere of Made in America: Ohio, a YouTube docuseries produced by GoDaddy to shine a spotlight on enterprising entrepreneurs in vibrant American cities. Produced in partnership with GoDaddy’s global social impact program, Empower by GoDaddy. <center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2024-07/Episode1_GODADDY_72424.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center> <p><a href="https://www.godaddy.com/resources/spotlight/diversity-drives-small-business-growth" target="_blank">Originally published on GoDaddy Resources</a></p> <p>Introducing the premiere of <a href="https://www.godaddy.com/made-in-america" target="_blank"><em>Made in America: Ohio</em></a>, a YouTube docuseries produced by GoDaddy to shine a spotlight on enterprising entrepreneurs in vibrant American cities. Produced in partnership with GoDaddy’s global social impact program, <a href="https://www.godaddy.com/godaddy-for-good/empower" target="_blank">Empower by GoDaddy</a>, <em>Made in America</em> seeks to inspire entrepreneurs and encourage audiences around the world to support small businesses in their local communities.</p> <p>As part of the Rust Belt, Ohio was hit hard by economic downturns and the opioid epidemic. From Cleveland to Cincinnati and throughout Appalachia, today, this once-flyover state is experiencing a resurgence of small businesses that help revive their state’s economy and put it on the path to revitalization.</p> <p>In this episode, we learn how a diverse entrepreneurial economy helps Ohio fuel job growth, fight poverty, build sustainable wealth and lift entire communities. Empower by GoDaddy partners with the <a href="https://www.ecdi.org/" target="_blank">Economic &amp; Community Development Institute</a> (ECDI) <a>to</a> provide entrepreneurs in underserved communities throughout Ohio access to capital, support networks, digital platforms and more. They help level the playing field by giving small businesses a digital platform to introduce their products to the world.</p> <p>With grit and ambition, these Ohioans prove why the path to small business should be available to all.</p> <p>Witness the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODab_R81BiA" target="_blank">premiere</a> of GoDaddy’s <em>Made in America: Ohio</em> series, streaming now on YouTube.</p> <p><strong>About </strong><em><strong>Made in America</strong></em></p> <p><em>Made in America</em> is a GoDaddy YouTube docuseries made in partnership with our global social impact program, Empower by GoDaddy. As part of our commitment to fostering opportunity for all, <em>Made in America</em>’s purpose is to further GoDaddy’s mission by showcasing the stories of entrepreneurs, intentionally focusing on the disparity in opportunities and access to resources for underserved communities. The fifth season tells the inspiring stories of Ohio entrepreneurs beating the odds. To learn more about <em>Made in America</em>, visit <a href="http://www.GoDaddy.com/made-in-america" target="_blank">www.GoDaddy.com/made-in-america</a>.</p> <p><strong>About GoDaddy</strong></p> <p>GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers, sell their products and services, and accept payments online and in-person. GoDaddy's easy-to-use tools help microbusiness owners manage everything in one place, and its expert guides are available to provide assistance 24/7. To learn more about the company, visit <a href="http://www.GoDaddy.com" target="_blank">www.GoDaddy.com</a></p> , full_html, Introducing the premiere of Made in America: Ohio, a YouTube docuseries produced by GoDaddy to shine a spotlight on enterprising entrepreneurs in vibrant American cities. Produced in partnership with GoDaddy’s global social impact program, Empower by GoDaddy. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807191-making-drilling-more-efficient-new-carbon-capture-usage-and-storage Fri, 26 Jul 2024 11:00:09 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807191-making-drilling-more-efficient-new-carbon-capture-usage-and-storage Rockwell Automation With help from Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK), Italian drilling-rig specialist Drillmec is using data-driven and precision automation for maximum efficiency and minimum emissions. <img alt="drilling rig " data-align="center" data-caption="Italian drilling rig specialist Drillmec uses data-driven intelligence and precision automation for maximum efficiency and minimum emissions." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bedbf25a-10eb-419f-bd41-c067fb47f582" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/DRILLMEC-LAND-RIGS_Rockwell-Automation_071824.jpg" width="640" /> <p>With help from Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK), Italian drilling-rig specialist <a href="https://www.drillmec.com/en" target="_blank">Drillmec</a> is using data-driven and precision automation for maximum efficiency and minimum emissions.</p> <p>Drillmec’s innovative storage technologies make drilling entry points for new carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) facilities faster, easier, safer, and more cost effective. This initiative underpins Drillmec’s drive to develop solutions that draw on its drilling and rig expertise to reduce emissions and achieve environmental goals.</p> <p>CCUS initiatives involve trapping carbon at the point of emission – for example, in a factory – and then pumping it to a suitable underground storage facility where it is permanently stored, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere.</p> <p>Drillmec’s technology, relying on Rockwell’s <a href="https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-gb/products/hardware/allen-bradley/vfd/low-voltage-ac-drives/architecture-drives/20g-powerflex-755t.html" target="_blank">PowerFlex® AC drives</a>, is able to be more precise and targeted when creating entry points for drilling. This extra efficiency helps to lower the barrier to entry for new CCUS facilities. This not only helps to lower costs it has the potential to significantly lower emissions related to a range of industrial and domestic uses. As well as providing technology, Rockwell has been working closely with Drillmec to optimize the drilling workflow for maximum efficiency and minimum emissions.</p> <p>“We are excited to be bringing to market this new drilling technology, specifically designed to enable the development of carbon capture and storage sites,” said Mohamed Housny, vice president of marketing at Drillmec. “Rockwell Automation technology and expertise has been central to achieving the intelligence, precision and control required for the new technology to be a success. We look forward to continuing to work with Rockwell Automation on this and future projects.”</p> <p>Learn more about Rockwell’s solutions for the <a href="https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/industries/oil-gas.html" target="_blank">oil and gas industry</a>.</p> , full_html, With help from Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK), Italian drilling-rig specialist Drillmec is using data-driven and precision automation for maximum efficiency and minimum emissions. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807196-fedex-and-junior-achievement-foster-global-entrepreneurship-empowering-next Fri, 26 Jul 2024 10:50:05 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807196-fedex-and-junior-achievement-foster-global-entrepreneurship-empowering-next FedEx Corporation For over 40 years, FedEx and Junior Achievement (JA) have been nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation of global small business owners. FedEx sponsors regional entrepreneurship competitions in all six JA regions. <img alt="Two people on stage having a discussion at the GEN-E European Entrepreneurship Festival," data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="118a1810-ee63-42de-9c4d-a5773681fb2b" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/JA-Europe-stage_FedEx_070324.png" width="640" /> <p><a href="https://fedexcares.com/" target="_blank">Originally published in FedEx's 2023 FedEx Cares Report</a></p> <p><strong>Mentoring and Networking</strong></p> <p><strong>Endless possibilities for the next generation of entrepreneurs</strong></p> <p>For over 40 years, FedEx and Junior Achievement (JA) have been nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation of global small business owners. FedEx sponsors regional entrepreneurship competitions in all six JA regions. The FedEx Global Possibilities Seminar and Award—given at regional JA Company of the Year competitions hosted by JA Africa, JA Americas, JA Europe, INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA, and Junior Achievement USA—encourages young entrepreneurs to tackle social challenges with viable business solutions. FedEx works with JA Asia Pacific to present the annual JA/FedEx Express International Trade Challenge, during which students learn about global trade and acquire skills as they create market-entry strategies.</p> <p>In Europe, FedEx sponsors the annual <a href="https://gen-e.eu/" target="_blank">GEN-E European Entrepreneurship Festival</a>, where winners of the FedEx Access Award and company programs compete and attend an inspirational FedEx masterclass and award gala.</p> <blockquote> <p>Our JA experience has helped build the foundation to our successful and fast-growing company. Without the guidance from the JA program and the mentoring of professionals we could not have reached this point.</p> <p><strong>Mehmet Can Ilker&nbsp;</strong><br /> JA Alumnus and co-founder of STUNNER TÜRKİYE</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>2023 JA Company of the Year competition by the numbers:</strong></p> <p>42 countries represented&nbsp;<br /> 7,574 student participants&nbsp;<br /> 2,116 student companies&nbsp;<br /> 313 FedEx volunteers</p> <p><strong>Winner of JA Americas Company of the Year: Salvei (Brazil)&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Salvei, winner of the FedEx Global Possibilities Award in the JA Americas Company of the Year competition, is a student venture known for its innovative bottle holder adaptable to any surface. The company also created recycled packaging from old uniforms and cup holders made from discarded materials. Salvei helps customers be environmentally conscious and impressed judges with their vision for international expansion.</p> <img alt="People stood in a line holding awards" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d1df915-df5d-4a08-8262-49d05f874218" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Winner_FedEx_070324.png" width="640" /> <p><a href="https://fedexcares.com/sites/default/files/2024-05/2023%20FedEx%20Cares%20Report.pdf" target="_blank">Read more</a></p> <p>Click <a href="https://fedexcares.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.</p> , full_html, For over 40 years, FedEx and Junior Achievement (JA) have been nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation of global small business owners. FedEx sponsors regional entrepreneurship competitions in all six JA regions. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807201-pepco-holdings-hosts-utility-future-engineer-fair-showcasing-innovation Fri, 26 Jul 2024 10:40:09 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807201-pepco-holdings-hosts-utility-future-engineer-fair-showcasing-innovation Delmarva Power Focusing on the theme "Utility of the Future," the FUEL Engineer Fair at the Chase Center in Wilmington, DE, provided our engineers with opportunities to network, learn, and showcase their innovative projects. <img alt="A person standing at a booth showing others parts." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="895096a0-b857-4ea3-93b5-df9b8d1896a1" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/engineerfair_delmarvapower_071224.jpg" width="640" /> <p>Focusing on the theme "Utility of the Future," the FUEL Engineer Fair at the Chase Center in Wilmington, DE, provided our engineers with opportunities to network, learn, and showcase their innovative projects.</p> <p>“Engineers excel at not only ensuring our day-to-day operations are flawless, but also going beyond established approaches to find smarter and better ways to serve our customers,” says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-anthony-147913137/" id="ember41" target="_blank">Tyler Anthony</a>, President &amp; CEO of <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/phi/" target="_blank">Pepco Holdings</a>.</p> <p>The breakout sessions and booth displays highlighted how we're challenging the status quo and preparing to lead in the future.</p> <img alt="A person showing a student a piece of equipment." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f6f90b05-5f0f-4b24-850d-386926d9dcfc" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stem_delmarvapower_071224.jpg" width="640" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <img alt="A person speaking at a podium on a stage." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0104e7d3-c715-4c86-8c54-585712d4d78c" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/tyleranthony_delmarvapower_071224.jpg" width="640" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <img alt="A person speaking at a podium in a room full of seated attendees. A table of other presenters at the front of the room." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c82e76b4-3c02-42c5-a403-4744245aa33c" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FUEL_delmarvapower_071224.jpg" width="640" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> , full_html, Focusing on the theme "Utility of the Future," the FUEL Engineer Fair at the Chase Center in Wilmington, DE, provided our engineers with opportunities to network, learn, and showcase their innovative projects. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807211-preble-street-receives-300000-keybank-foundation Fri, 26 Jul 2024 10:30:25 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807211-preble-street-receives-300000-keybank-foundation KeyBank Preble Street, which has offices in Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland, ME. has received a three-year, $300,000 grant commitment from KeyBank Foundation to support Preble Street’s Site-Based Housing First (SBHF) programs. <img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-align="center" data-caption="KeyBank leaders present grant to Preble Street. &amp;nbsp;From left: KeyBank Area Retail Leader Meagan Calhoun, Branch Manager Lance Hutchins, KeyBank Maine Market President Tony DiSotto, Preble Street Executive Director, Mark Swann, Executive Director, and VP of Mission Advancement Ali Lovejoy." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1e6f2819-7bcf-4176-8c66-6ce2612db85e" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/KeyBank_HustonCommons_July24_002-2.jpg" width="640" /> <p>PORTLAND, Maine, July 26, 2024 /CSRwire/<em>&nbsp;–</em> Preble Street, which has offices in Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland, ME. has received a three-year, $300,000 grant commitment from KeyBank Foundation to support Preble Street’s Site-Based Housing First (SBHF) programs. The funds will help them support the State of Maine’s plan to functionally end chronic homelessness for our community’s most vulnerable members through the creation of 400 new Housing First units across the state. Specifically, KeyBank’s donation will help enable two Preble Street initiatives designed to help Maine meet this ambitious goal: (1) the development of a comprehensive, intensive Site-Based Housing First (SBHF) Training and Technical Assistance program for developers and service providers statewide; and (2) the expansion of the organization’s successful, 24-hour social work support services model to a new SBHF program in Portland to serve an additional 30 people experiencing chronic homelessness.</p> <p>“With this commitment, the KeyBank Foundation shows its support for a simple concept — everyone deserves housing and the support necessary to maintain it,” said Preble Street Executive Director Mark Swann. “With the current unsheltered homelessness crisis facing our state and more than 140 people already on the waiting list for existing Site-based Housing First apartments, this funding will allow us to help many other individuals find safety and a place to call home. On behalf of all of us here at Preble Street, we thank the KeyBank Foundation for stepping up to be part of the solution to ending chronic homelessness in Maine.”</p> <p>Preble Street’s mission is to provide accessible, barrier-free services to empower people experiencing problems with homelessness, housing, hunger and poverty, and to advocate for solutions to these problems. Founded in 1975, Preble Street responds to urgent social problems through emergency services, long-term solutions, and advocacy that seeks to end homelessness and hunger in Maine. It is the state’s largest nonprofit provider of homeless services to youth and adults and is a leader in statewide planning for both populations.</p> <p>Preble Street currently operates three SBHF programs in Portland: Logan Place, Florence House, and Huston Commons. Combined, these programs provide permanent, supportive, affordable housing to 85 people with complex needs who have experienced chronic homelessness. With the recent passage of the State of Maine’s <em>LD 2: An Act to End Chronic Homeless by Creating the Housing First Fund</em>, Preble Street is uniquely positioned to lead the implementation of this plan by replicating and scaling its successful model across the state, providing proven and cost-effective solutions that can functionally end chronic homelessness for so many in Maine.</p> <p class="text-align-justify">“KeyBank believes that everyone in our community should have safe, affordable housing and we are committed to providing access to capital and support to neighborhoods and neighbors who have often faced financial barriers,” said KeyBank’s Maine Market President, Tony DiSotto. “We have been long time supporters of Preble Street and their innovative solutions to tackle chronic homelessness and are pleased to support the expansion of their successful Site-Based Housing First model to help more individuals to achieve stable, permanent homes.”</p> <p class="text-align-justify">KeyBank Foundation grants are part of a $40 billion commitment for lending and investments across Key’s national footprint established in 2017 and supporting affordable housing and community development projects, home, and small business lending in low- and-moderate income communities, and philanthropic efforts targeted toward education, workforce development, and safe, vital neighborhoods.</p> <p class="text-align-center"><strong># # #&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>Media contacts:</strong>&nbsp;<br /> Preble Street: Danielle Smaha, Communications Director | 207-775-0026 | <a href="mailto:dsmaha@preblestreet.org" target="_blank">dsmaha@preblestreet.org</a>&nbsp;<br /> KeyBank: Karen Crane, Communications Manager<a> | </a>203-789-2752 <a href="mailto:karen_crane@keybank.com" target="_blank">karen_crane@keybank.com</a></p> , full_html, Preble Street, which has offices in Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland, ME. has received a three-year, $300,000 grant commitment from KeyBank Foundation to support Preble Street’s Site-Based Housing First (SBHF) programs. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807206-southern-company-scores-100-2024-disability-equality-index Fri, 26 Jul 2024 10:25:08 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807206-southern-company-scores-100-2024-disability-equality-index Southern Company The 2024 Disability Equality Index (DEI) has rated Southern Company as one of the "Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion." <img alt="A smiling person in a wheelchair at a desk, looking at a laptop. &quot;DEI 2024&quot; badge." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bb75dcb-5435-4270-96f8-55473a654dd4" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/DEIndex_southerncompany_072524.jpg" width="640" /> <p><a href="https://www.southerncompany.com/newsroom/business-leadership/southern-company-scores-100-on-2024-disability-equality-index.html?utm_source=3blmedia&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=southern-company-scores-100-2024-disability-equality-index" target="_blank">Southern Company</a></p> <p>The 2024 Disability Equality Index (DEI) has rated Southern Company as one of the "Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion." For the eighth consecutive year, Southern Company joins an elite group of companies with a 100 score on the DEI for a strong dedication to leading disability-inclusion practices.</p> <p>"At Southern Company, we believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is key to our success," said Sloane Drake, executive vice president, chief human resources officer. "We are committed to creating an environment where all employees, including those with disabilities, feel valued and empowered. By embracing the unique skills and perspectives that individuals with disabilities bring to our team, we foster innovation and drive our company forward. Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are dedicated to ensuring that our workplace is accessible and supportive for all."</p> <p>The DEI is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AADP) and Disability:IN that measures policies and practices on a scale from zero to 100 with top-scoring businesses — those scoring 80 or higher — recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.” As the nation's most trusted and comprehensive benchmarking tool for disability inclusion, the DEI provides an objective assessment of overall business practices.</p> <p>The 2024 DEI measured: Culture &amp; Leadership; Enterprise-Wide Access; Employment Practices (Benefits; Recruitment; Employment, Education, Retention &amp; Advancement; Accommodations); Community Engagement; Supplier Diversity; and Responsible Procurement (Non-Weighted).</p> <p>According to Disability:IN, more than 750 companies took part in this year’s assessment world-wide, demonstrating progress towards disability inclusion.</p> <p>“Their dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces not only attracts top talent but also drives innovation and creates sustainable performance in today's global market,” said Jill Houghton, president and CEO of Disability:IN. “Together, we are creating a future where everyone can contribute and thrive.”</p> , full_html, The 2024 Disability Equality Index (DEI) has rated Southern Company as one of the "Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion." https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807216-ashoka-and-lenovo-empower-nigerian-social-innovator-transform-maternal-and Fri, 26 Jul 2024 10:15:09 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807216-ashoka-and-lenovo-empower-nigerian-social-innovator-transform-maternal-and Lenovo Global technology leader Lenovo and social innovation non-profit Ashoka announced the selection of Dr. Abiodun Adereni as the first Fellow fully supported by their partnership. <img alt="A group of people, some seated, some standing, in a conference room. A speaker at the front. &quot;Help Mum&quot; sign behind them." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ab1c1c31-267c-4f5b-971d-f24ded9c4223" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HelpMum_lenovo_051624.jpg" width="640" /> <p>Global technology leader Lenovo and social innovation non-profit <a href="https://www.ashoka.org/" target="_blank">Ashoka</a> announced the selection of Dr. <a href="https://www.ashoka.org/en-us/fellow/abiodun-adereni" target="_blank">Abiodun Adereni</a> as the first Fellow fully supported by their partnership. Adereni leads initiatives in his native Nigeria to leverage the latest technology to improve critical healthcare services focused on mothers and young children.</p> <p>Recognizing a profound lack of access to basic primary care services in communities, Adereni founded <a href="https://helpmum.org/'" target="_blank">HelpMum</a> in 2017 to reduce infant and mother mortality rates in West Africa. Abiodun has already helped drive a 50% reduction in maternal mortality in and around Nigeria, including over 200 rural communities, by distributing clean birthing kits, launching e-learning programs, and leveraging artificial intelligence. He will now be empowered by Ashoka’s global network of changemakers and benefit directly from Lenovo through funding, collaboration, and consultation with AI and technology experts around the world.</p> <p>“We need technology to elevate and empower our communities, especially new mothers and young children,” Adereni said. “I am deeply grateful to Ashoka for recognizing our vision and impact at HelpMum and to Lenovo for taking us to the next level of community transformation through technology. We will do extraordinary things together.”</p> <img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-align="center" data-caption="Dr. Abiodun Adereni" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d49e73bf-24df-4fe5-9fff-835f3c3ad784" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/DrAbiodunAdereni_lenovo_051624.jpg" width="340" /> <p>This builds on a multi-year partnership between Ashoka and Lenovo, including <a href="https://kindcity.com/" target="_blank">the Kind City initiative</a> in the Philippines, South Africa, Argentina, and Mexico, and an ongoing mutual learning journey between Ashoka Fellows and Lenovo leaders to identify potential social and business synergies. The two organizations share a commitment to leveraging technology as a transformative force for positive change through social innovation.</p> <p>“We find real transformation often starts by empowering communities to build the agency to access and manage their own health journeys,” said Olivier Fruchaud, Partnership’s Director at Ashoka. “Abiodun is an exceptional social entrepreneur who uses a systemic approach to impact lives throughout West Africa, and we’re thrilled to partner with Lenovo to support him.”</p> <p>“This is an incredible opportunity to use our global resources to make lasting local impact with Ashoka as our brilliant and visionary partner,” said Calvin Crosslin, Lenovo’s chief diversity officer and president of <a href="https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/about/foundation/" target="_blank">the Lenovo Foundation</a>. “Dr. Adereni exemplifies so much of what we value at Lenovo—bold innovation, social consciousness, community investment—and I cannot wait to collaborate and support his work delivering smarter technology for all.”</p> <p>Nigeria has one of the <a href="https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/maternal-mortality-ratio/country-comparison/" target="_blank">highest rates of maternal mortality in the world</a> and also ranks among <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9706907/#:~:text=Nigeria%20is%20one%20of%20the,five%20mortality%20rate%20in%202019." target="_blank">the highest mortality rates</a> for children under the age of five. This situation is largely due to pre-existing medical conditions that go undiagnosed and untreated, inadequate health supplies, inadequate sanitation and hygiene, illiteracy, and poor health-seeking behavior of women.</p> <img alt="A healthcare worker giving drops to a child as another watches." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b33da9b6-3668-402e-a643-94ec1869c593" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/healthcare_lenovo_051624.jpg" width="640" /> <p>Through HelpMum, Adereni works directly with midwives and community health workers to address these issues holistically, embracing established local relationships and empowering caregivers. One initiative involves Digital Health Cafes to provide clean medical facilities, internet access, pre-loaded e-learning tablets, and other tools to improve care and protect patients.</p> <p>In another groundbreaking example, Adereni developed an <a href="https://helpmum.org/vaccination-tracker/" target="_blank">AI-powered vaccination tracker</a> to help track children’s vaccine status and offer AI-generated notifications, updates, and logistical options to receive care.</p> <p>Crucially, Adereni prioritizes developing tools and educational content in local Nigerian languages, including Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa.</p> <p>Adereni and his team are working on making the code for both the vaccination tracker and an AI adviser tool open source for easy replication across Africa to improve vaccine uptake across the continent. Through Ashoka and Lenovo, he will expand those initiatives, widen his network, and leverage the latest advances in smarter technology. <a href="https://helpmum.org/" target="_blank">Learn more about HelpMum</a>.</p> <p>Adereni is the first from a community of system-changing social entrepreneurs the Lenovo and Ashoka partnership aims to build and support, with the overarching goal of connecting Lenovo’s business and employees with social innovation and contributing to wide-ranging impact goals.</p> <p><strong>About Lenovo</strong>&nbsp;<br /> Lenovo is a US$62 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #217 in the Fortune Global 500, employing 77,000 people around the world, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company by further expanding into growth areas that fuel the advancement of ‘New IT’ technologies (client, edge, cloud, network, and intelligence) including server, storage, mobile, software, solutions, and services. This transformation together with Lenovo’s world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992)(ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit  <a href="https://www.lenovo.com/" target="_blank">https://www.lenovo.com</a>, and read about the latest news via our <a href="http://storyhub.lenovo.com/" target="_blank">StoryHub</a>.</p> <p><strong>About Ashoka</strong>&nbsp;<br /> Ashoka is a global leader in social innovation and home to the world’s largest network of social entrepreneurs. Recurringly recognized as one of the world’s most innovative and impactful organizations, Ashoka pioneered the field of social entrepreneurship forty years ago and has introduced and mainstreamed the terms “social entrepreneur” and “changemaker.”</p> <p>Changemaker Companies -incepted by Ashoka- leverages the insights gained on the patterns of social innovation across this network to accelerate the rise of an inclusive and regenerative economy, helping companies create a culture where creating positive societal impact through business is the new norm.</p> <p>More info at: <a href="https://www.ashoka.org/en-us/about-ashoka" target="_blank">https://www.ashoka.org/en-us/about-ashoka</a> and <a href="https://changemakercompanies.org/" target="_blank">https://changemakercompanies.org/</a></p> , full_html, Global technology leader Lenovo and social innovation non-profit Ashoka announced the selection of Dr. Abiodun Adereni as the first Fellow fully supported by their partnership. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807221-introducing-eastman-naiatm-renew-cellulosic-fiber Fri, 26 Jul 2024 10:15:09 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807221-introducing-eastman-naiatm-renew-cellulosic-fiber Eastman Ready for a world where circular solutions in the fashion industry are made easy? A world where you don’t have to compromise on creativity or sustainability? Look no further. <center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2024-06/Transforming_eastman_61724.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYE_o2S3cYc&amp;list=PLDfHkGze0VjBIf_dF-DgZT8HmOA8Bqicn&amp;index=8" target="_blank">Eastman</a></p> <p>Ready for a world where circular solutions in the fashion industry are made easy? A world where you don’t have to compromise on creativity or sustainability? Look no further.</p> <p>Eastman now offers Naia™ Renew cellulosic fiber, a circular fiber produced from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% certified recycled content,* so you don’t have to compromise on style to protect the planet.</p> <p>With Naia™ Renew, your fabrics have an added element of sustainability as waste is diverted from landfill and re-created into new fiber material, giving you stylish fashion fabrics that help address the waste challenge in the textiles industry.</p> <p>With Naia™ Renew fabrics, you’ll be comfortable in your clothes and with your lower environmental footprint.</p> <p>Join us as we dress the world with eco-conscious, skin-friendly material. We work with you so that you can continue to create collections that resonate with your customers while caring for the planet.</p> <p>To learn more about Naia™ Renew cellulosic fiber, contact your Naia™ representative or reach out to us via <a href="https://www.eastman.com/en/products/brands/naia/contact" target="_blank">https://www.eastman.com/en/products/brands/naia/contact</a></p> , full_html, Ready for a world where circular solutions in the fashion industry are made easy? A world where you don’t have to compromise on creativity or sustainability? Look no further. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807226-aegs-sustainability-business-resource-group-people-planet-aeg-hosts-series Fri, 26 Jul 2024 10:05:07 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807226-aegs-sustainability-business-resource-group-people-planet-aeg-hosts-series AEG In recognition of Plastic Free July, AEG's employee-led business resource group, People for the Planet @ AEG, organized a series of activities throughout the month aimed at educating employees about how to reduce plastic consumption in their personal lives. <center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2024-07/PLASTIC_FREE_4_FINAL.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center> <p>In recognition of Plastic Free July, AEG's employee-led business resource group, People for the Planet @ AEG, organized a series of activities throughout the month aimed at educating employees about how to reduce plastic consumption in their personal lives.</p> <p>"In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's crucial to find ways to preserve what we care about most,” said Kadamia Hubbard,&nbsp;a member of People for the Planet @AEG’s leadership team. “Our Plastic Free July initiatives&nbsp;not only provided employees with practical knowledge and strategies for integrating sustainability into their personal journeys but also offered a wonderful chance to receive feedback on their expectations in the workplace. This dialogue helps us continually improve and align our efforts with what truly matters to our team."</p> <p>From July 8 – 31, 2024, People for the Planet @ AEG hosted a Plastic Free July Bingo challenge that encouraged employees to completing at least five real-world activities that support plastic reduction for a chance to win a series of prizes. The challenges included such actions as joining a local beach or park clean up, shopping at farmers' markets to reduce plastic packaging, using Tupperware instead of Ziploc bags, and measuring their daily plastic usage, among others.&nbsp;</p> <p>On July 10, the business resource group hosted a virtual workshop, "Sustainability 101: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint", which provided employees with valuable insights on how to incorporate sustainability into their daily lives. In addition to learning how to calculate their own carbon footprint, the workshop covered topics such as the basics of composting, hidden plastics found in everyday items,&nbsp;as well as offering&nbsp;practical tips&nbsp;for&nbsp;reducing, reusing, recycling&nbsp;plastics.</p> <p>Additionally, on July 22, People for the Planet held a panel session,&nbsp;“Join the Groove: Women Leading Music Festivals &amp; Sustainability”, as part of their “Talking Green” discussion series. During the conversation, employees learned how AEG is incorporating eco-friendly practices into several areas of its music festivals. The conversation was&nbsp;moderated by Meghan Tierney, Senior Manager, Sustainability, AEG, and&nbsp;featured Sparr Rose, VP, Food and Beverage, Goldenvoice Festivals, Lara Fox, VP, Global Partnerships, AEG Presents, and&nbsp;Dre Hanna, VP, Production, Goldenvoice Festivals.&nbsp;</p> <p>People for the Planet @ AEG’s mission is to help drive the company’s corporate sustainability objectives. &nbsp;Since 2008, AEG has worked hard to minimize its environmental impacts across the company’s music, sports, ticketing, and real estate portfolios, while harnessing its unique platforms to influence broader action in the community. To learn more about AEG’s sustainability initiatives, click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aegworldwide.com/about/sustainability" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> , full_html, In recognition of Plastic Free July, AEG's employee-led business resource group, People for the Planet @ AEG, organized a series of activities throughout the month aimed at educating employees about how to reduce plastic consumption in their personal lives. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807246-international-well-building-institute-announces-citi-global-headquarters Fri, 26 Jul 2024 09:55:05 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807246-international-well-building-institute-announces-citi-global-headquarters International WELL Building Institute The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and Citi announced today that the global bank’s headquarters in New York City achieved a health leadership milestone by earning WELL Certification at the Platinum level. <img alt="People on an escalator inside a building" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3840030f-5a4a-46d7-a54c-ed78f8edfb56" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1-citi-global-headquarters-worlds-largest_INTERNATIONAL-WELL-BUILDING-INSTITUTE_072524.jpg" width="640" /> <p>NEW YORK, July 26, 2024&nbsp;/CSRwire/ - The <a href="http://www.wellcertified.com/" target="_blank">International WELL Building Institute</a> (IWBI) and <a href="http://www.citigroup.com/" target="_blank">Citi </a>announced today that the global bank’s headquarters in New York City achieved a health leadership milestone by earning WELL Certification at the Platinum level. The 2.6 million square-foot building in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood is now the world’s largest WELL Certified office space.</p> <img alt="Four people standing together, holding a round award" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11956843-9e4c-4d10-a136-35ce7edb33fa" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2adj-citi-global-headquarters-worlds-largest_INTERNATIONAL-WELL-BUILDING-INSTITUTE_072524.png" width="640" /> <p>The WELL Building Standard (WELL) is the world’s leading framework for scaling health across buildings, organizations and communities. Developed over 10 years and backed by scientific research, WELL outlines how organizations and buildings can adopt and implement features that advance human health, while fostering a culture of health and well-being. Certification at the Platinum level is the highest designation in the WELL ecosystem.</p> <img alt="A person behind a podium speaking, with a screen behind them" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d10585d8-305c-46b0-913f-d53b8aef7459" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3adj-citi-global-headquarters-worlds-largest_INTERNATIONAL-WELL-BUILDING-INSTITUTE_072524.png" width="640" /> <p>“Congratulations to Citi for achieving WELL Certification at the Platinum level for its headquarters office in New York City, a major milestone achievement along Citi’s WELL journey,” said Rachel Hodgdon, IWBI President and CEO. “With this remarkable achievement and its participation in WELL at scale, which seeks to apply WELL strategies across its global footprint of 2,500 locations in more than 90 countries, Citi has solidified its position as a global leader in advancing health and well-being. We commend Citi’s leadership and applaud how they have embraced WELL to deploy people-first strategies to benefit employees and customers around the world.”</p> <img alt="A person behind a podium speaking, with a screen behind them" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f3063cd4-c0e4-49c9-aed4-137eea558d30" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4adj-citi-global-headquarters-worlds-largest_INTERNATIONAL-WELL-BUILDING-INSTITUTE_072524.png" width="640" /> <p>The WELL Standard is a performance-based, third party-verified system that assesses buildings across 10 impact categories, including air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind and community.</p> <p>“Citi has a longstanding history of prioritizing the health and well-being of our colleagues. Today, these goals exist in tandem with our sustainability initiatives and our work toward creating people-centered workspaces that promote wellness, inclusivity and flexibility,” said Mark Marcucci, head of Real Estate Services at Citi. “Our Global HQ represents our firm’s commitment to invest in our people and provide world-class spaces for our clients and colleagues to collaborate and connect.”</p> <img alt="A person behind a podium speaking, with a screen behind them" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="52bd4347-993e-4f80-909c-11966819ed4a" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/5adj-citi-global-headquarters-worlds-largest_INTERNATIONAL-WELL-BUILDING-INSTITUTE_072524.png" width="640" /> <p>Through a major renovation completed in 2020, Citi’s global headquarters used the WELL framework to place employee health and productivity at the center of the project’s design, construction and operations. The building features large open and collaborative areas, a state-of-the-art cafeteria offering a large variety of healthy food options, ample restorative dining areas, employee health and fitness facilities, and a biophilic rooftop overlooking the Hudson River and Lower Manhattan.</p> <p>“Innovative global leaders like Citi are leveraging their workplaces as a tool to attract and retain top talent, boost productivity and advance social sustainability by prioritizing employee health and well-being,” Hodgdon said.</p> <p><strong>About the WELL Standard and International WELL Building Institute:</strong><br /> The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first for everyone, everywhere. More information on WELL can be found <a href="https://resources.wellcertified.com/press-releases/international-well-building-institute-announces-citi-global-headquarters-as-the-world-s-largest-building-to-achieve-well-certification-platinum/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.</p> <p><strong>About Citi:</strong><br /> Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services.<br /> Additional information may be found at <a href="http://www.citigroup.com/" target="_blank">www.citigroup.com</a> | X: @Citi | LinkedIn: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/citi" target="_blank">www.linkedin.com/company/citi</a> | YouTube: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/citi" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/citi</a> | Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/citi" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/citi</a></p> <p>Media contact:<br /> IWBI: <a href="mailto:media@wellcertified.com" target="_blank">media@wellcertified.com</a></p> <p>View original content <a href="https://resources.wellcertified.com/press-releases/international-well-building-institute-announces-citi-global-headquarters-as-the-world-s-largest-building-to-achieve-well-certification-platinum/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> , full_html, The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and Citi announced today that the global bank’s headquarters in New York City achieved a health leadership milestone by earning WELL Certification at the Platinum level. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807231-dow-announces-launch-two-new-revolooptm-recycled-plastics-resins-100-pcr Fri, 26 Jul 2024 09:45:08 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807231-dow-announces-launch-two-new-revolooptm-recycled-plastics-resins-100-pcr DOW Dow (NYSE: DOW) announces the development and launch of its innovative family of REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastics Resins. This launch marks a milestone in Dow’s commitment to advancing circularity and Transforming the Waste. <p>HORGEN, Switzerland, July 26, 2024&nbsp;/CSRwire/ - <a href="https://corporate.dow.com/en-us/" target="_blank">Dow</a> (NYSE: DOW) announces the development and launch of an expansion to its innovative family of REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastics Resins. This launch marks a milestone in Dow’s commitment to advancing circularity and Transforming the Waste.</p> <p>By 2030, Dow aims to Transform the Waste and commercialize three million metric tons of circular and renewable solutions annually. To help achieve this, Dow is expanding its efforts to advance circular and sustainable packaging. Aligned with their Transform the Waste target, the launch of two new grades of REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastics Resins comes with a new opportunity to unlock even more value in plastic waste for customers and partners.</p> <p>The Company is launching two new grades of REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastics Resins which are approved for non-food contact packaging applications. One contains 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics and the other is a formulated grade that contains up to 85% PCR plastics derived from household waste.</p> <p>“With the launch of our new grades of REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastics Resins, we continue to expand our sustainability portfolio, working with brands, converters and recyclers to design new ways to use less plastic in packaging and to help that what is used is designed for recyclability,” said Fabrice Digonnet, Plastics Mechanical Recycling Strategy Leader EMEA, Dow Packaging &amp; Specialty Plastics. “The launch of these two new grades is an exciting evolution in our recycling story and enables us to further support circularity and low-emissions solutions.”</p> <p><strong>Addressing challenges by maximizing resources</strong></p> <p>Until now, the plastics industry has struggled to maximize recycled plastics household waste to reach demanding applications such as collation shrink films, as it is more prone to contamination than waste from commercial or industrial sources. These new grades of REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastics Resins address these challenges, marking an exciting evolution in the recycling narrative.</p> <p>Through collaboration, Dow and the RKW Group, one of Europe´s leading manufacturer of shrink films, are achieving new circularity and low-emissions milestones with the use of REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastics Resins. By combining Dow’s material science expertise with RKW’s extrusion and printing expertise, they are maximizing the value of recycled plastics household waste streams to achieve historically demanding applications.</p> <p>“This collaboration brings a brand-new collation shrink film to the market,” said Konrad Noniewicz, Director R&amp;D &amp; Application Engineering at RKW Group. “By integrating REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastics Resins, we create a flexible packaging solution that meets the requirements for mechanical recyclability, ensuring compatibility with existing recycling processes and contributing to the transition towards a circular economy.”&nbsp;</p> <p>The final product is a collation shrink film containing PCR plastics, partially derived from recycled plastics household waste, which meets the high requirements of well-known brand owners around the world.</p> <p>This collaboration between Dow and RKW is a testament for a strong and effective relationship across the value chain, pushing the limits of mechanical recycling and accelerating the circular economy.</p> <p><strong>About Dow</strong>&nbsp;<br /> Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting <a href="http://www.dow.com/" target="_blank">www.dow.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>About RKW</strong>&nbsp;<br /> RKW Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of polyolefin-based film solutions. Our innovative and sustainable films enable customers to improve the daily life of consumers all over the world. We are a market leader in the areas of hygiene and agricultural films as well as films for the food and beverage industries and powdery goods. Moreover, we supply films and nonwovens for the chemical and processing industries as well as the medical, automotive and construction sectors. Our independent family-owned company is headquartered in Mannheim, Germany and employs approximately 2,800 people across 17 locations worldwide.</p> <p><a href="https://rkw-group.com/" target="_blank">https://rkw-group.com/</a></p> <p class="text-align-center">###</p> <p>For further information, please contact:<br /> <br /> <strong>Heather Wilson</strong>&nbsp;<br /> <a href="mailto:hwilson2@dow.com" target="_blank">hwilson2@dow.com</a></p> <p><strong>Mareike Frech</strong>&nbsp;<br /> <a href="mailto:Mareike.frech@rkw-group.com" target="_blank">mareike.frech@rkw-group.com</a></p> , full_html, Dow (NYSE: DOW) announces the development and launch of its innovative family of REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastics Resins. This launch marks a milestone in Dow’s commitment to advancing circularity and Transforming the Waste. https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807236-kfc-celebrates-pride-worldwide-announcement-new-global-partnership-out-equal Fri, 26 Jul 2024 09:30:06 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807236-kfc-celebrates-pride-worldwide-announcement-new-global-partnership-out-equal Yum! Brands From London to Bangkok, Pride 2024 at KFC has been all about celebrating and showing up for our LGBTQ+ colleagues and community! We're talking parades, parties and a new global partnership! <center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2024-07/PRIDE2024_Yum-Brands_071024.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center> <p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kfc_pride2024-inclusionmatters-allyship-activity-7216456550171770880-Gg4l/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p> <p>From London to Bangkok, Pride 2024 at KFC has been all about celebrating and showing up for our LGBTQ+ colleagues and community! We're talking parades, parties and a new global partnership!</p> <p>We’re excited to announce a new partnership alongside <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/yum-brands/" target="_blank">Yum! Brands</a> with the international nonprofit <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/out-&amp;-equal-workplace-advocates/" target="_blank">Out &amp; Equal</a>, an organization that advocates for workplace inclusion and supports LGBTQ+ professionals in reaching their fullest potential. We look forward to partnering with Out &amp; Equal to continue fostering belonging for every kind of employee, every month of the year.</p> , full_html, From London to Bangkok, Pride 2024 at KFC has been all about celebrating and showing up for our LGBTQ+ colleagues and community! We're talking parades, parties and a new global partnership! https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807241-cnh-employee-jill-becomes-first-woman-chair-aem Fri, 26 Jul 2024 09:20:10 EDT https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/807241-cnh-employee-jill-becomes-first-woman-chair-aem CNH Industrial CNH employee, Jill Wiggins, has become the first woman to chair the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) conference. <img alt="A person stood behind a podium giving a speech " data-align="center" data-caption="Jill Wiggins, part of CNH’s Global AG Parts &amp;amp; Service’s Service &amp;amp; Maintenance Development team, is the first woman to chair the Conference for AEM in its 33-year history" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b68b733-02a8-411f-a176-be6ac93cb69a" src="https://back.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jill-Wiggins-AEM_CNH_060624.jpg" /> <p><a href="https://www.cnh.com/" target="_blank">CNH</a> employee, Jill Wiggins, has become the first woman to chair the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) conference.</p> <p>Jill, who works in the world class equipment, technology and services company’s Global AG Parts &amp; Service &amp; Maintenance Development team played a pivotal role for AEM, leading the conference planning committee – made up of colleagues from AEM member companies.</p> <p>Held in Rosemont, Illinois, US, the Product Safety &amp; Steward Conference continues to be the industry’s only annual conference that brings heavy equipment manufacturers, partners, and subject matter experts together to participate in a unique educational opportunity.</p> <p>Besides serving as planning committee chair, Jill presented an artificial intelligence (AI) driven, interactive workshop on Increasing Terminology Effectiveness through Simplified Technical English (STE) and performed outreach throughout the conference to drive member participation and signup for AEM’s newly formed ERG: Women Impacting Product Safety (AEM WIPS).</p> <p>Reflecting on the importance of this event Jill said, <em>“This conference means a lot to me professionally and personally. I discovered a hidden passion as well as an opportunity for professional development.”</em></p> , full_html, CNH employee, Jill Wiggins, has become the first woman to chair the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) conference.