Month: May 2023

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Since 2007, the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation (HNF) has awarded global and regional humanitarian awards to five Herbalife Independent Distributors who embody the mission of our foundation. HNF is proud to have so many supporters who are dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities. Thank you for your commitment and generosity!

The following humanitarians were chosen based on their philanthropic activity, community leadership, volunteerism, and advocacy. Join us in honoring the 16th annual Global and Regional Humanitarians!

Trey & Mamie Herron – Global Humanitarians & North America Humanitarians

Trey and Mamie Herron have dedicated their lives to giving back to communities throughout North America, and they have inspired their network of Herbalife Independent distributors to do the same.

Trey and Mamie have created physical challenges to raise funds, such as the Extortion Memorial Run that raised over $10,000. Last year for virtual Honors – they led a team fundraiser to motivate their organization, helping gather over $125,000 for our Casa Herbalife Nutrition program, and even matching some of those funds themselves. The Herron’s also supported the American Cancer Society, coming in at #1 in Mississippi and #7 overall by raising over $66,000 for their Real Men Wear Pink campaign. Through their support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Wounded Warriors and all the other organizations they contribute to, Trey and Mamie demonstrate that when you show up for others, your entire world can change.

Giving comes naturally to both Trey and Mamie and a passion for helping others is the reason why they are the 2023 Global Humanitarians.

Katherine Yiu & Felan Yu – Asia Pacific Humanitarians

Katherine Yiu and Felan Yu have been active contributors of their community and supporters of HNF for years. For Hong Kong’s 30th Anniversary Event hosted at a theme park, Katherine and Felan sponsored 100 families from a local Casa Herbalife to participate in the festivities. They also organized a 100k virtual run, and even personally matched donations.

Katherine and Felan, who were once educators before joining Herbalife, have donated to schools in rural mainland China to help renovate buildings and students’ facilities, and even volunteered as teachers. They also organized a blood drive with the Red Cross for their organization.

Katherine and Felan have continued to share their passion for giving back, and that’s why they are the Asia Pacific Humanitarians of the Year.

Adriano Allegretti – Europe, Middle East & Africa, and India Humanitarian

Adriano Allegretti has made it his mission to give back, all while instilling the same selfless values to the members of his organization.

Two years ago, Adriano started an online training called, “Motivation Mondays,” where over 300 distributors meet to discuss personal growth. All funds collected during the meetings are donated to HNF to support Casa Oz, a Casa Herbalife partner located in Italy, that serves children who are sick, as well as their families who need support.

Adriano’s commitment to being a servant leader has been contagious and his leadership has inspired others to give back in great ways.

Herlinda Quiroz & Juan Carlos Ruvalcaba – Mexico Humanitarians

After years of supporting HNF and the Casa Herbalife program, Herlinda Quiroz & Juan Carlos Ruvalcaba officially became sponsors of Casa Aldeas Infantiles SOS, an orphanage located in Mexico in 2020.

At every event, Herlinda and Juan Carlos are the first to teach other Herbalife independent distributors about the importance of donating to HNF. Over the holidays, they organized volunteer visits for Children’s Day and Christmas, delivering gifts and meals to children and families served through our Casa program in Mexico.

Their passion for making a difference truly has no limits and that’s why they’re the Mexico Humanitarians of the Year.

Sonia Sanabria Paniagua & Jaime Pérez – South & Central America Humanitarians

Sonia Sanabria Paniagua and Jaime are big givers who not only donate funds, but also give their time and resources to support those in need.

They regularly visit Fundación Arco Iris, an orphanage in Bolivia that helps provide children with food, shelter, and education, and frequently help coordinate activities for the children. When resources are short, they cover the rest, so the children don’t go without.

In fact, during the holidays, Sonia and Jamie Pérez organize a food drive and make sure that the children from Fundación Arco Iris have a proper Christmas dinner and celebrate together.

Sonia and Jamie spend their time helping most vulnerable and that’s why they are the South & Central America Humanitarians of the Year.

Congratulations to all of the HNF Humanitarians. Your support is impacting children and communities around the world!

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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and this year’s theme is “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity.” Hear from two Boston Scientific employees about how their involvement in the Pacific East Asian Resources in Leadership (PEARL) employee resource group has enriched their work lives, and how their experiences as both mentor and mentee have helped shape their careers.

“I am truly accepted for who I am as a person” 

Born to Japanese and Chinese parents, Yixuan Yuki Ji possessed drive, ambition and a deep appreciation for culture and differing perspectives at a young age. This would lead her to excel professionally within multiple industries and across several continents, before eventually becoming a senior manager of Medical Affairs and Education at Boston Scientific.

As a young adult, Yixuan moved from Beijing to Germany with her parents. She worked in foreign affairs for a few years before she started working at a global automotive company. There, a mentor gave her some sage advice: “He told me to diversify my understanding as much as possible,” she says. “He stressed the value of learning many aspects of business — everything that happens from development to the product making its way into the hands of the customer.” So that is what she did, spending her early professional years in product distribution, marketing, sales and account management.

After marrying her husband, a U.S. Army veteran, Yixuan now lives in Houston, Texas. In her role at Boston Scientific, she partners with physicians to raise awareness of potentially life-saving treatments. She is also the global lead for the Pacific East Asian Resources in Leadership, or PEARL, employee resource group (ERG). “Through PEARL, I’ve had an opportunity to enhance my leadership skills and form lasting connections with others who share my Asian heritage, and the allies who support us,” she says.

Another major benefit has been the mentorship opportunities. “When I came to the company 12 years ago, I joined the formal mentoring program offered by EmpowHER, the ERG dedicated to the advancement of women,” says Yixuan. “It was such a positive experience and I formed so many invaluable relationships.” She now has three mentees she works with regularly. “Every conversation is an opportunity to learn on both sides,” she says, noting that mentorship is a two-way street.

In addition to the personal fulfillment she gains from coaching colleagues and helping patients live healthier lives, there is one other, key reason Yixuan stays at Boston Scientific: “Culture is everything,” she says. “When I officially became a citizen in 2017, my colleagues surprised me with a cake with a U.S. flag on it. This is one of many instances during my time here that I felt a strong sense of caring and belonging — that I am truly accepted for who I am as a person. It’s a special feeling.”

“It opened a door for me I didn’t know existed” 

Like Yixuan, Corporate Accounts manager Katie Liao took advantage of the learning opportunities that come with belonging to an ERG. She moved from Taiwan to the U.S. as a teenager, and her personal experiences adapting to a new culture and business environment inspired her to join PEARL as a way to support others who are facing similar challenges.

Katie came to Boston Scientific in 2004. “From the moment I arrived, I experienced the inclusive culture firsthand,” she says. “There is no sense of hierarchy here; we are not bound by title or division. I always received the support I needed from leadership to try something new.”

In addition to deepening her relationships with colleagues, PEARL helped Katie learn more about the business and career advancement opportunities. “I recently stepped into a Corporate Accounts role that touches many parts of the Boston Scientific portfolio, whereas previously I focused on one area” she says. “Hearing about how other divisions are helping patients from my colleagues in PEARL piqued my interest and compelled me to make this transition, and I couldn’t be happier in my decision. It opened a door for me I didn’t know existed.”

Similar to Yixuan, Katie is paying it forward with the mentorship she’s received. She works with several professionals through the company’s formal mentorship program, and is always willing to lend a listening ear to anyone who is seeking advice, whether career-related or personal.

Katie’s best piece of advice for those looking to advance at the company? “Be your own advocate, and don’t wait until your next role to do your best work,” she says.

She also stresses the importance of owning your career and finding mentors and sponsors across the company who will support your growth — a piece of advice she received from Mary Beth Moynihan, senior vice president of Market Access and Chief Marketing Officer. “I’ve been fortunate to have so many mentors, allies and sponsors who built ladders for my career at Boston Scientific,” says Katie. “They played such an important role in where I am today.”

Boston Scientific is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where all of our employees can bring their authentic selves to work and thrive personally and professionally. See our objectives and progress to date in our recently released 2022 Performance Report.

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Segment Snapshot

QSR/FOODSERVICE:

It’s all about balance. Operators have enhanced their menus with a mix of health-conscious and eco-friendly meat alternatives, alongside indulgent chicken sandwiches. They’re also finding ways to incorporate global flavors into chicken dishes.

PROTEIN PROCESSORS:

Plant-based “chicken” products are driving innovation as consumers seek more sustainable alternatives to poultry products. New flavors and formats are helping to meet demand for authentic chicken taste and texture in these meatless items.

SNACKING:

CPG brands are highlighting high protein and sustained energy claims in new chicken snacks, which target consumers’ dynamic lifestyles and varying dietary needs.

Around the world, demand for chicken continues to grow. In the US alone, chicken consumption has skyrocketed from 28 pounds per capita to 98 pounds a year (Mashed, 2022). So how can operators and manufacturers keep the category exciting and relevant? As meat prices rise and consumer dining habits change, finding ways to address health, flavor and sustainability with chicken innovation are key to making an impact.

Consider fried chicken, with food cultures all over the world presenting their own spin on this beloved dish. After the rise of Korean fried chicken, we expect to see Taiwanese popcorn chicken and fiery Indian chicken 65 as the next “hot” global varieties. Grocery retailers are staking their claim on the crispy chicken sandwich trend that started in QSR, expanding into grab-and-go sandwiches and meal kits that align with consumers’ need for convenience and variety, as spotted in the UK, South Africa and more.

From a nutrition standpoint, chicken benefits from its health halo and consumer desire to boost protein intake while watching cholesterol and fat (The National Provisioner, 2022). Many consumers surveyed in South America and the EU say they’re increasing chicken consumption while cutting back on red meat (Mintel, 2023). Still others are exploring plant-based alternatives made from yellow peas, mushroom root or chickpea flour. One plant-based US chain is finding success serving what they claim to be the ”best chicken sandwich on the market…[that] just so happens to be made of plants” (NRN, 2022). And in India, plant-based chicken is taking off as a “planet-friendly” solution to animal protein.

On the snacking side, chicken flavors are driving innovation in the chip category—especially in Colombia and the US. We’re also seeing chicken skins being used to deliver the texture of traditional potato chips, without the carbs. Chicken bars, bites and jerky are found on retail shelves across Europe and South America, and this category is starting to gain more traction in North America, too. In China, almost half of consumers eat meat-based snacks weekly (Mintel, 2023), and a range of preparation techniques are used to create chicken snacks in that market, as well as in Thailand and Japan.

Chicken Goes Meatless

Watch Chef Ryan Flick create AP “Pollo Asado” with textured wheat protein, soy bean curd and Griffith Foods Alternative Protein Chicken Seasoning and Binder. He’ll also demonstrate how to use Griffith Foods Pollo Asado Chipotle Adobo Flavour Glaze to add a savory crisp to the “skin” during the cooking process.

Create And Innovate

Cuban Grilled Chicken Sandwich

This bold and flavorful sandwich pulls inspiration from the classic Cubano but takes it in a brand-new direction. Marinate chicken in a zesty mojo sauce, grill, and serve on crusty French bread with jalapeño mayonnaise, Swiss cheese, crunchy beetroot chips and habanero orange sauce.

Featuring Griffith Foods Cuban Mojo Sauce Seasoning and Marinade, Custom Culinary® Habanero Orange Sauce and Custom Culinary® Jalapeño Relish

READY TO GET CREATIVE WITH CHICKEN?

Seasonings and sauces from Griffith Foods and Custom Culinary® deliver mouthwatering flavor and texture that elevate and differentiate your chicken offerings. And we’re proud of the exceptional ingredients that go into these products. Chilis, oregano and sage—all of which pair perfectly with chicken—are cultivated through our strategic sourcing program, Griffith Sustainably Sourced (GSS). GSS creates farm-level integration of our supply chain to increase the amount of raw materials sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms, improve the well-being of farmers and enable farm-to-table traceability. It’s all about creating shared value for our customers, our partners and the environment.

Seasonings

From marinades to topical rubs, our unique blends enhance flavor, functionality, appearance and aromatics for any chicken dish or product offering.

Massaman Curry Rub and Sauce SeasoningSicilian Lemon and Oregano Topical SeasoningYakitori Marinade

Sauces and Dressings

Always crafted with a chef-driven approach, our sauces and condiments bring global flavor inspiration to poultry and alternative protein offerings.

Vietnamese Dipping SauceKorean Bibimbap SauceGarlic and Black Pepper Oil Glaze

Textures and Coatings

Our value-added coating systems help your chicken and plant-based products stand out in terms of appearance and mouthfeel.

Waffle Cone Breading SystemKorean Ramen Coating SystemBrazilian Moqueca-Style Coconut Breader

TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL:

Contact your Griffith Foods representative to learn how these exciting, versatile products can enhance your chicken and alternative protein options.

Chef Tip: “Looking for the secret to signature chicken? Start by brining your chicken, then briefly poach and quickly chill in ice water to tighten the skin. Pat the chicken dry, lightly season and roast at a high temperature for the ultimate roasted chicken—perfectly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat that will keep customers coming back for more.”

–Chef Mark Serice, Vice President Global Culinary, Griffith Foods

Looking Forward: What’s next for the chicken category?

NEW TECHNOLOGY:

On the plant-based protein side, techniques such as cell cultivation may help to break through a crowded innovation landscape. As a whole, the chicken industry will need to increase communication surrounding responsible agricultural methods and animal welfare claims.

NEW FORMATS:

Chicken snacks will evolve beyond crisps and jerky. By leaning further into upcycling processes, parts of the chicken that may normally go to waste can be used to create snacks that meet the demands of environmentally conscious consumers.

NEW INTERPRETATIONS:

Traditional chicken dishes will continue to be reinvented for today’s menus. Operators can highlight the inherent versatility of chicken while expanding consumers’ palettes with globally inspired recipes.

© 2023 Griffith Foods. All rights reserved.

Sources:
Jennifer Mathews, “The Surprising History Of Korean Fried Chicken’s Journey Into The Mainstream,” Mashed, September 6, 2022.
Mark Hamstra, “Project Pollo seeks to break new ground in plant-based QSR,” Nation’s Restaurant News, August 31, 2022.
Mintel, 2023 FlavorIQ® Food and Flavor Outlook Report, January 2023.
Richard Mitchell, “2022 Poultry Report: The chicken craze continues,” The National Provisioner, January 20, 2022.

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At peak output, each site will generate enough carbon-free electricity to power nearly 23,000 homesIncome-qualified customers who are enrolled in the community solar program will see guaranteed savings on their bill every month

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 9, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Duke Energy announced the completion of two solar projects in Alachua and Suwannee counties, the latest sites in the company’s community solar program portfolio, Clean Energy Connection. Together, the sites at peak production are delivering 150 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to the grid to benefit Florida customers.

The High Springs Renewable Energy Center is built on 700 acres in Alachua County, Fla. The 74.9-MW facility consists of approximately 216,000 single-axis tracking solar panels.The Hildreth Renewable Energy Center is built on 635 acres in Suwannee County, Fla. The 74.9-MW facility consists of approximately 220,000 single-axis tracking solar panels.

At peak output, each site will generate enough carbon-free electricity to power what would be equivalent to around 23,000 homes.

With a combined investment of over $2 billion, Duke Energy Florida’s solar generation portfolio will include 25 grid-tied solar power plants that will benefit all of the company’s 1.9 million Florida customers. These projects will provide about 1,500 MW of emission-free generation using approximately 5 million solar panels by 2024.

“The company is well on its way to meeting a major milestone by placing its 21st solar project in operation by the end of this year, delivering on our customer commitment to provide reliable, affordable, clean energy,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “These investments allow Florida customers to enjoy renewable energy, while also providing cost savings by reducing fuel use.”

Based on Duke Energy Florida’s current fuel mix, each 74.9-MW solar facility displaces about 1.2 million cubic feet of natural gas, 15,000 barrels of fuel oil and 12,000 tons of coal each year.

Clean Energy Connection program

Through the Clean Energy Connection program, Duke Energy Florida customers can subscribe to solar power and earn credits toward their electricity bills without having to install or maintain their own equipment.

Customers subscribe to a portion of solar energy from the company’s Clean Energy Connection solar portfolio. The monthly subscription fee will help pay for the cost of construction and operation of the renewable energy centers and is conveniently added to a customer’s regular electric bill. Customers also receive a corresponding subscription credit that represents their share of the energy produced by the solar centers in a given month, multiplied by the subscription credit rate, which escalates over the life of the subscription.

Enrolled income-qualified customers will receive immediate bill savings, as monthly credits will always be greater than the program fees. Current participation in any of these or related programs can be used to qualify: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), SNAP-EBT, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and Duke Energy Neighborhood Energy Saver.

Duke Energy Florida customers who are interested in the program can learn more through the Clean Energy Connection website.

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 10,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.9 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

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.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive 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.

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 duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy’s illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media contact: Audrey Stasko 
Media line: 800.559.3853 
Twitter: @DE_AudreyS

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Originally published by National Parks Foundation

A multi-year waste reduction initiative funded by NPF and its partners, including Subaru of America, Inc., at three national parks – Yosemite, Grand Teton, and Denali – led to new recycling and composting infrastructure, dedicated staff for educational outreach, and marketing and labeling efforts to decrease contamination in recycling bins. Since its 2015 launch, there has been a 32% reduction in waste sent to landfills, keeping 18 million pounds of waste out of landfills while increasing recycling best practices among visitors.

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