Month: September 2023

Originally published on Nielsen Insights

The abundance of negative consumer sentiment about a handful of recent brand initiatives to engage the LGBTQ+ community highlights the immense importance of audience data in marketing. Personalization is the key to making meaningful connections, but success in today’s digitally charged media landscape also requires authenticity and brand integrity.

Headlines aside, people, including the LGBTQ+ community, are increasingly looking for content—and brands—they can connect with. That’s where having a precise understanding of anyone a brand may want to engage with can make all the difference.

In general, our most recent international global LGBTQ+ inclusive media perceptions study found that all audiences are receptive to brand targeting based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Bisexuals are the most receptive, as 19.7% say they’re very comfortable with this practice, closely followed by heterosexuals at 19.4%. People who identify as gay are less receptive, as only 13.9% report being very comfortable with this type of brand targeting.

The findings from our study also highlight that non-cisgender identifying1 audiences are more comfortable with brand targeting than cisgender2 audiences. Receptiveness among this audience is highest in Spain, and lowest in the U.K.

To the credit of brands, almost 64% of non-cisgender identifying audiences say that both the products and messages within the targeted ads they’ve received are relevant to them. On the other hand, however, only 26.4% of non-cisgender identifying audiences say they’ve received targeted ads. Among the broader LGBTQ+ community, the percentage drops to just 19%.

While the noise surrounding some recent brand initiatives has grown loud in recent months, the data from our study highlights that brands have more of an engagement opportunity than they’re acting on. That’s where a critical understanding of consumers—customers and prospects—comes into play, combined with the knowledge that the borderless media landscape makes it impossible to limit who does and who doesn’t see something.

Data and technology can help marketers identify audiences and engage with them, but brands can’t control how people share their messages. Said differently, ad delivery is much different from ad exposure. Brand integrity is critical on this front. Compared with the brands that have faced consumer backlash this year, a number of other well-known brands have been praised for upholding their positions on transgender inclusivity, including Victoria’s Secret this past March. And what’s more, a December 2022 GLAAD-Edelman report found that Americans are two times more likely to use a brand that demonstrates a commitment to expanding and protecting LGBTQ rights.

Best intentions aside—and as recent history demonstrates—not everyone is receptive to inclusivity. Brand purpose will always need steadfast support for long-term gains, particularly when there is pushback, as opposition is a real consideration for brands today. Globally, only 25.6% of cisgender people say they’d like programming and advertising to do more to celebrate inclusivity and positive stories about LGBTQ+ individuals. Receptiveness is highest in Brazil (33.6%) and lowest in France (13.8%).

On the subject of LGBTQ+ inclusion, Sarah Kate Ellis, president of GLAAD, says that brands know that it’s good for business. Within the context of recent news, she was quoted in a TIME article, saying that “Companies will not end the standard business practice of including diverse people in ads and marketing because a small number of loud, fringe of anti-LGBTQ activists make noise on social media.”

Despite any short-term effects associated with divided audiences, experts agree that the vast majority of boycotts fail in the long term. Maurice Schweitzer, a professor at University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, tells ABC News that boycotts need to be sustained and coordinated—which is rare. Nike stock, for example, is up 48.8% from when the brand faced backlash for partnering with Colin Kaepernick back in 2018.

For additional information, download our latest LGBTQ+ report.

Sources

1Non-cisgender identifying refers to people who do not follow other people’s ideas about how they should look or act based on the female or male sex they were assigned at birth.

2Cisgender refers to people whose gender identity corresponds with the sex they were assigned at birth.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 12, 2023 /3BL/ – The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) in collaboration with Discovery Education present new ways to engage students in fitness. The new no-cost digital broadcasts from the PLAY 60 Fitness Break initiative feature special guests from the NFL and the American Heart Association as they talk about the importance of good health, well-being, and demonstrate fun ways to move more. The Kickoff Fitness Break premiering on Thursday, September 21 at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT is the first in the series and will feature the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers, and the Detroit Lions. Teachers can register their classrooms to attend this free event here.

For the 2023-2024 school year, three new broadcasts corresponding with major events in the NFL schedule will be released: one on September 21, the second on February 8, and the third on April 25. Each broadcast will feature engaging, interactive experiences designed to get students moving in fun ways. These videos emphasize the importance of physical activity and other fitness topics in boosting students’ long-term health. Educators can further enhance their students’ fitness education through ready-to-use standards-aligned lesson plans created by Discovery Education’s curriculum experts.

“Being active for at least 60 minutes a day can drastically improve a child’s mental and physical well-being, better preparing them to succeed in school. At the American Heart Association, we are proud to be part of a program that promotes health and encourages students all over the country to be active,” said Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the American Heart Association.

NFL PLAY 60 is a national youth health and wellness campaign launched by the NFL and the American Heart Association in 2007 that encourages kids to be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. The program has helped thousands of students stay engaged with their health and fitness through its in-person facilities and team visits. Additionally, NFL PLAY 60’s digital resources, such as the broadcast series and the interactive PLAY 60 app (available for iOS and Android), ensure that all students and educators can use and benefit from the initiative, regardless of where they are located.

“After more than 15 years of promoting childhood wellness, we are happy to continue to be a resource for educators through the upcoming Fitness Break broadcasts,” said Anna Isaacson, Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility. “NFL PLAY 60’s main priority is fostering the health and wellbeing in students through the unique relationship with NFL teams and players. We are excited to continue this initiative with The American Heart Association and in partnership with Discovery Education.”

In addition to the other digital resources available, educators can use the PLAY 60 Exercise Library for free to find on-demand videos and exercises from all 32 NFL teams. These materials can be used to continue the physical activity of the Fitness Break broadcasts year-round, building a solid foundation for student success through good physical and mental health. These resources and more can be found here.

“Discovery Education supports K-12 education in every discipline and wherever it takes place, and that includes physical education,” said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Social Impact at Discovery Education. “Physical health is a cornerstone of student success, and we are proud to continue supporting student wellness with the American Heart Association and the NFL. We hope students, educators, and families will enjoy and be challenged by these videos and activities.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn.

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About NFL PLAY 60 
For over 15 years (since 2007), the NFL PLAY 60 initiative has served as the League’s national youth health and wellness initiative to encourage millions of kids across the country to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day and fuel the body with nutritious foods. With more than $360 million to youth health and fitness through PLAY 60 programming, grants and awareness campaigns, the NFL, its 32 clubs and its PLAY 60 partners have provided more than 38 million children the resources they need to boost their activity levels by supporting programs in over 73,000 schools and constructing more than 280 youth fitness zones nationwide. For more information, visit NFL.com/PLAY60.

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and social impact initiatives, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contacts 
Grace Maliska 
Discovery Education 
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com

Linzy Cotaya 
American Heart Association 
Email: linzy.cotaya@heart.org

Jordyn White 
National Football League 
Email: Jordyn.White@nfl.com

September 12, 2023 /3BL/ – Ceres applauds the California State Assembly for voting to approve first-in-the-nation transparency into the climate impacts of the largest corporations for investors, consumers, employees, and communities.

The Assembly today passed the first of two proposed bills related to corporate climate disclosure: SB 253, which will require companies that do business in California and earn at least $1 billion annually to report climate pollution across their supply and value chains. The Assembly is expected to vote later this week on the second bill, SB 261, which will require companies with revenue over $500 million to report on their climate-related risks.

The vote puts California in the position to implement the U.S.’s first-ever economy-wide mandatory climate disclosure policy, helping the state and the nation keep pace as regulators in the E.U. and around the globe implement similar policies designed to give investors better insight into how companies are managing the financial risks of climate change.

“Investors, consumers, and other stakeholders have always deserved transparency about how companies are managing the greatest risks facing their businesses and the economy, and climate change should be no different,” said Steven Rothstein, managing director, Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets. “Leading companies that already voluntarily disclose efforts to manage climate risk also deserve a standardized and consistent reporting framework that allows them to be fairly compared across companies and sectors. These bills are a smart response to the growing global momentum for corporate climate disclosure, and Ceres urges Gov. Newsom to sign them into law as soon as possible.”

“We applaud the Assembly for passing legislation that provides the transparency, consistency, and standardization necessary to assess corporate climate risk in the world’s fifth largest economy,” said Alli Gold Roberts, senior director of state policy, Ceres. “We urge Gov. Newsom to quickly sign these bills into law so that California can again lead the nation in a key area of public policy.”

A co-sponsor on the two bills and a longtime supporter of corporate climate disclosure requirements, Ceres has rallied company and investor support for SB 253 and SB 261 throughout 2023. In August, more than 20 companies, institutions, and industry groups signed separate letters supporting each bill, demonstrating significant corporate support for the reporting framework; companies including Microsoft, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Adobe, Atlassian, IKEA USA, and REI Co-op each signed at least one letter. Salesforce, Apple, and Google have also issued their own statements in support of SB 253, as did clothing industry groups including the American Apparel & Footwear Association.

The bills would complement the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s proposed rule requiring climate disclosure for public companies, as well as the global standards expected to be finalized this year by the International Sustainability Standards Board. Because the California bills would apply to both public and private companies over certain revenue thresholds, they would broaden the coverage of companies required to provide information beyond the SEC’s proposed disclosure standards. If signed into law, SB 253 would apply to more than 5,300 companies and SB 261 would cover more than 10,000 companies.

Consumers and investors alike have been making their desire for climate disclosure increasingly clear in recent years. According to a recent survey, 85% of Americans said companies should disclose more about the impact of their business practices, and 87% support mandatory climate disclosure. And in 2022, more than 500 investors representing nearly $40 trillion in assets under management called for governments around the world to strengthen climate disclosure standards, such as by requiring mandatory reporting.

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations of investors, companies and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future. For more information, visit ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.

Media Contact: Helen Booth-Tobin, booth-tobin@ceres.org, 617-247-0700 ext. 214

Congratulations to Webster Bank’s Samantha Yang for her inclusion in Profiles in Diversity Journal 2023 Asian Leadership Awards. We applaud Samantha for her dedication to our Webster clients, and her commitment to providing mentorship and growth opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

“It’s a privilege to be honored in the 2023 Diversity Journal. This award and my commitment to help others in realizing their potentials to grow into future leaders is an outcome of the trust, guidance and coaching I received from numerous mentors,” Yang said.

For more than two decades Profiles in Diversity Journal has showcased and honored individuals who have blazed new trails, led the way, mentored others, advanced diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the community, and excelled in their chosen fields.

At Webster Bank, we believe that diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) is critical to our growth and success as a leading commercial bank. This commitment starts with Webster’s senior leadership team, who work to ensure that our commitment to DEIB is integrated with the way we do business.

Meeting the increasingly diverse needs of our clients is a key to our long-term success, and having a workforce with diverse backgrounds and experiences better helps our clients and the communities we serve achieve their financial goals.

Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Council serves as a platform where senior leaders and representatives of our various business resource groups shape the strategy and actions of our DEIB efforts. The Council makes recommendations on ways to integrate DEIB in the areas of education and awareness, talent development, employee engagement, and client and community service.

Congratulations to all this year’s outstanding honorees. Read more about Samantha and the other honorees in the Profiles in Diversity Journal.

During 2020, Sappi Limited decided to join the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and begin the work of setting and validating our specific targets to reduce emissions. This aligns with our Thrive25 strategy and public sustainability commitments, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Working across all three manufacturing regions, we were pleased to announce in June 2022 that our targets had been officially accepted by the SBTi. We have committed to reducing our emission intensity globally by 41.5%. This means a reduction from 0.89 tons of carbon dioxide per ton of product in 2019 to 0.52 tons of carbon dioxide per ton of product by 2030. Sappi’s target aligns with global efforts to limit the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C.

In addition, our advocacy target for Scope 3 emissions was approved. This target commits us to engage with 44% of our suppliers based on spend (representing approximately two-thirds of our Scope 3 emissions) and to advocate that they set science-based emission reduction targets by 2026. We believe the full benefit to society can only occur if value chains collaborate and help one another.

Embedded in the Sappi Limited strategy are specific Sappi North America goals for emission reduction and supplier advocacy. Sappi North America commits to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emission intensity by 36% and will advocate that 37% of our suppliers by spend commit to set science-based emission reduction targets by 2026. These targets represent a key step in our commitment to our decarbonization transition. This ambitious target is underpinned by detailed decarbonization plans in each region based on a combination of capital investments in our assets, process efficiency improvements, increased purchases of renewable energy and engagement with our suppliers.

The journey begins to execute the plans that underpin our science-based targets. Many projects are already underway, but many more are in the planning phase. Our planned trajectory to decarbonize—which includes growth initiatives—is illustrated below. In addition to our employees, customer and value chain partners are also key collaborators in this journey. This significant commitment is a testament to Sappi’s drive to contribute to the circular economy and be a force for reducing climate impacts.

Our success will require everyone’s commitment, as well as their ingenuity, to continue transforming our business so that is it fit for a low-carbon future. Thank you for being a part of this continued journey. To learn more about SBTi, visit sciencebasedtargets.org.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 12, 2023 /3BL/ – Morten Johansen, executive vice president Americas, DP World, a leading provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions, has been accepted into the Forbes Business Council, an invitation-only community for world-class CEOs and business leaders.

Johansen has 25 years of experience in the ports and logistics business and has held leadership positions with companies such as APM Terminals, Maersk and Sociedade Gestora de Terminais. A native of Denmark, he most recently served as CEO of DP World Dominicana, where he was responsible for developing a true port and logistics eco-systems capable of serving the region as a logistics hub. In 2022, he was named COO of DP World Americas, where he focuses on optimizing the performance of ports and terminals, logistics services, economic zones, and maritime operations across the Western Hemisphere.

“We are honored to welcome Morten Johansen into the community,” said Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, the collective that includes Forbes Business Council. “Our mission with Forbes Councils is to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world.”

Johansen was vetted and selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience in ports and logistics. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and recognition.

“It is an honor to be accepted onto the Forbes Business Council alongside other celebrated business leaders,” said Morten Johansen, COO of DP World Americas. “The growing focus on sustainability, safety, and fostering economic growth in developing regions is not merely transforming our industry; it is laying the groundwork for a better global future for all. I’m looking forward to collaborating with my fellow members who share these same principles and goals.”

As a member of the Council, Johansen has access to a variety of exclusive networking opportunities, including the chance to share his expertise through original business articles on Forbes.com, and participation in published Q&A panels alongside other industry experts.

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DP WORLD AMERICAS MEDIA CONTACT:

Melina Vissat, Head of Communications, North America 
M: (+1) 704-605-6159 
E: melina.vissat@dpworld.com

ABOUT DP WORLD:

Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally.

With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 103,000 employees spanning 75 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that’s fit for the future.

We’re rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses — Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology – and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades.

What’s more, we’re reshaping the future by investing in innovation. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we’re at the cutting edge of disruptive technology, pushing the sector towards better ways to trade, minimising disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW 
TO CHANGE WHAT’S POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE.

Follow DP World on Twitter and LinkedIn.

At the recent Raising Up Black Businesses (R.U.B.B.) Initiative Black Business Leadership Conference, in Seattle, WA. KeyBank, participated in the event sharing the importance of banking relationships for Black Business owners.

The KeyBank team shared some hard facts about small business ownership.

There are 30.2 million small businesses in the US, but only a fraction of them will survive.20% of small businesses will fail in the first year, and half will not make it to 5 years.180% of Black-owned businesses fail within the first 18 months.2As of the last census bureau, there are 3.12 million Black-owned businesses, generating $206 billion in annual revenues and employing 3.56 million workers.

1Source: Why Black-owned businesses are struggling to stay afloat (nbcnews.com)

2Source: Facts About Small Business: Black Ownership Statistics (SBA’s Office of Advocacy)

The team shared that while some of these facts may feel grim, there are resources throughout the community that business owners can use to establish a strong foundation and position their business for lasting success. One of most important resources is working with a banker you can trust and count on.

Attendees learned the importance of banking relationships for small businesses including:

What to expect from your Banker;increasing and optimizing cash flow through banking solutions outside of credit;demystifying the credit and underwriting process;understanding collateral;how to properly leverage business vs personal assets;how to access special programs, community resources, and more.

Lewis Rudd is the co-founder of Ezell’s Famous Chicken (second largest black owned restaurant chain in the country with international locations) and is the founder of R.U.B.B and other community initiatives. R.U.B.B. is in its second year and was born out of the need that Lewis experienced during covid where many black businesses were left out of PPP due to a lack of knowledge around finances and not having a banking relationship.

Key is proud to be a sponsor of and participant in this important event.