Month: September 2023

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., September 20, 2023 /3BL/ – The Water Environment Federation (WEF) has recognized a Black & Veatch-designed project— the Orange County Water District Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) Final Expansion — with a Project Excellence Award. WEF’s annual Project Excellence Award pays tribute to excellence and innovation in the execution of projects and programs in the water sector.

The GWRS produces high-quality recycled water used to recharge the Orange County Groundwater Basin, which is the primary potable water supply for more than 2.5 million people in California. The final expansion project added 30 million gallons a day (mgd) to the system’s capacity, upping its total to 130 mgd, and for the first time, enabling 100 percent of the area’s reclaimable wastewater flows to be recycled.

“This groundwater replenishment project is a great example of reimaging infrastructure in order to create a resilient, sustainable water supply,” said James Clark, Senior Vice President at Black & Veatch and design project manager for both the initial expansion and final expansion. “The Orange County Water District was able to fortify the reliability of drinking water supply, reduce the region’s dependence on water imports and improve water quality.”

The expansion was dedicated in 2023 and culminated nearly 50 years of collaboration between the Orange County Water District and Orange County Sanitation District, aided from the beginning by Black & Veatch, to bring water sustainability and resilience to their customers.

Contact Black & Veatch for more information.

Editor’s Note: 

More information about this groundwater replenishment project can be found here.

About Black & Veatch 
Black & Veatch is a 100-percent employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure assets. Follow us on www.bv.com and on social media.

About WEF 
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of more than 30,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. Established in 1928, WEF’s mission is to inspire the water community in pursuit of human and environmental well-being. WEF’s goals are to attract and develop a passionate workforce, cultivate a purpose-driven community to sustainably solve water challenges for all, and lead the transformation to the circular water economy.

Media Contact: 
Susan Rivera | +1 781 565 5819 | RIVERAS1@BV.COM 
24-HOUR MEDIA EMAIL | media@bv.com

Phoenix-based creator and CEO of Pilates King L.L.C. Ade McCray is on a mission to make Pilates more accessible for all. A graduate of GoDaddy’s signature social impact program, Empower by GoDaddy, Ade shares how he accelerated his small business success through new digital skills, mentorship, resources and networking offered by the partnership between GoDaddy and the Better Business Bureau of the Pacific Southwest.

Ade hit a plateau in his career in 2021 and combined with state-mandated quarantines during the Covid-19 pandemic, he felt it was the perfect time to start a new business. Ade’s vision was to make Pilates – a full-body workout that improves muscle tone, flexibility and strength – more accessible. Specifically, he hoped to reach those seeking exercise who were either stuck at home, unable to join a gym, or who couldn’t afford expensive instructor-led studio classes. His vision is to engage clients around the world to participate in outdoor Pilates-based exercises. His method uses resistance bands anchored to a vehicle while engaging in standing Pilates-based exercises at a specific location.

“I’ve always been motivated by and had a curiosity for health and movement,” said Ade. I found myself searching for alternative options where you could benefit from exercise without needing expensive gym equipment. I thought Pilates could be a very good avenue for people who may not be able to afford studio classes and cross training equipment.”

Ade’s journey to Pilates King was unique. He grew up in West Africa before moving to the U.S. in 1986 and joining the Navy for two and a half years. Over time, he became interested in the arts, particularly dance. He even had a dance contract with the German Opera for six years. Following his time as a dancer, Ade picked up Pilates, where he trained and served as an instructor for the next 15 years before taking the leap into entrepreneurship.

Now, his full-time job is getting Pilates King off the ground. However, since entrepreneurship is new to Ade, getting started hasn’t been without its challenges. Advertising, networking, financing, and understanding business operations, in particular, have been some of Ade’s largest hurdles. But a steep learning curve hasn’t stopped Ade from achieving his goals.

For Ade, success means creating opportunities where people feel comfortable and equal. His short-term goal for Pilates King is to launch a mobile app for his business, and long-term, he hopes to support customers globally and make his business accessible to everyone around the world. 

“I’m inspired to do my best to care for mankind and make positive change that will help future generations,” said Ade. “Everything else will fall into place.”

Ade shares that the Empower by GoDaddy program helped to fill in gaps of knowledge about business ownership. Empower by GoDaddy provides entrepreneurs in underserved communities with training, tools and peer networks to accelerate their journeys. Ade came into the program open-mindedly and absorbed as much information as he could, using tools like GoDaddy Studio and GoDaddy’s AI Prompt Library. The information he learned in Empower by GoDaddy helped him build his business through online advertising, something about which he previously knew little. 

“I had a clear vision for my business but there were just some nuances in running a business that I needed support with,” said Ade. “Getting involved with Empower by GoDaddy helped me to make sense of all that goes into business ownership, and my operations are getting much better.”

For first-time entrepreneurs like Ade and those interested in starting a business of their own, Ade said, “Be true to yourself and stick with your idea. Consistency and follow-through are very important. You might get discouraged, but practice discipline and you will be successful.” 

Ade’s story is just one example of how GoDaddy is working to make entrepreneurship more inclusive for all. To learn more about Empower by GoDaddy, visit: https://www.godaddy.com/godaddy-for-good/empower

Empower by GoDaddy Spotlight Series: By partnering with diverse local nonprofits and community organizations around the world, Empower by GoDaddy aims to reach those who haven’t otherwise had access by offering skills training, resources, and mentoring to help accelerate their business journeys. This article is part of the Empower by GoDaddy spotlight series that shines a light on the individuals who make this unique initiative possible. 

Originally published on Tork News Center

GREEN BAY, Wis., September 20, 2023 /3BL/– As fans return to Lambeau Field this week for the home opener, the Green Bay Packers are once again teaming up with Tork®, the professional hygiene brand of leading global hygiene and health company Essity, for the 2023 “Tackle Hygiene with Every Catch” campaign.

The campaign, which kicked off this week and will run through the first five home games of the Packers season, aims to raise awareness and promote the benefits of proper hygiene for all. Additionally, the Packers and Tork will provide community partners with essential hygiene products that help reduce environmental impact.

For every catch the Packers make during the first five home games of the season (Sept. 24 through Nov. 19), Tork will donate $250 worth of safe, effective and sustainably produced hygiene products, such as paper roll towels and toilet paper (up to $30,000 in products) to local nonprofit organizations working to improve the well-being of those in need.

“We’re proud to partner again with Tork on the Tackle Hygiene Campaign,” said Chad Watson, director of sales and business development for the Packers. “For years, we have relied on Tork hygiene products on gameday and every day and we look forward to making a positive impact in the community while cheering for Packers catches. Throughout the campaign, our fans can learn about the tools they need to stay healthy as well as the importance of hygiene and sustainability, all while supporting the team. We look forward to another great season of Tackle Hygiene with Every Catch.”

To date, in partnership with the Packers, Tork has donated $54,500 worth of sustainable hygiene products to local charities in Northeast Wisconsin. This year’s recipients will be:

Pillars, which provides shelter, support and solutions to address the housing needs in Appleton andHarbor House, which provides safe shelter and support services to survivors of domestic abuse in Northeast Wisconsin.

“Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is critical at stadiums like Lambeau Field – which can hold more than 80,000 fans – as well as within our communities,” said Cindy Stilp, Marketing Communications Director at Essity. “Together with the Packers, we are proud to spearhead community initiatives, like Tackle Hygiene with Every Catch, in order to deliver hygienic experiences to fans, while giving back to those in the community who rely on programs like Pillars and Harbor House in Northeast Wisconsin, for essential services.”

Tork is the proud product provider of towels, tissue, napkins and sanitizer to Lambeau Field.

About Tork 

The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers worldwide ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Our products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissues, soap, napkins and wipers, but also software solutions for data-driven cleaning. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader that supports customers to think ahead so they’re always ready for business. Tork is a global brand of Essity and a committed partner to customers in more than 110 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit Torkusa.com.

About Essity

Essity is a leading global hygiene and health company. We are dedicated to improving well-being through our products and services. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands, such as Actimove, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic, Vinda and Zewa. Essity has about 48,000 employees. Net sales in 2022 amounted to approximately SEK 156bn (EUR 15bn). The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden, and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. Essity breaks barriers to well-being and contributes to a healthy, sustainable and circular society. More information at www.essity.com.

About Pillars

From homelessness to coming home, Pillars provides shelter, support and solutions to address the housing needs in our community. Pillars Crisis Housing serves adults and children experiencing homelessness with more than 45,000 nights of shelter each year. Pillars Stable Housing helps make home a reality for more than 150 households annually.

About Harbor House 

Since 1984, Harbor House has been committed to understanding the breadth of domestic abuse in our community and addressing the needs of affected individuals and families. In 2022, they expanded services to include addressing the needs of sexual assault victims and getting to the root of violence. Harbor House serves all people impacted by domestic and sexual abuse, leads the shift in perception of violence and advocates for lasting social change. Through its community-wide partnerships, they work on the prevention of violence and offer safety and support to diverse families in crisis. The organization provides services to more than 1,600 children and adults in Outagamie and Calumet Counties each year.