Month: February 2024

Our St. Maries, Idaho lumber and plywood complex is situated in a picturesque rural community nestled in a beautiful timbered valley along the St. Joe River. The population of about 2,800 people is driven by the timber industry, complemented by some mining operations and a solid base of farming. PotlatchDeltic is by far the largest employer in the town, with about 364 Team Members working at the complex.

As a result, significant emphasis is placed by the complex on contributing to the well-being of the community. This includes charitable donations, which range from free swimming lessons in the summer, to supporting events like the local county fair, or capital contributions towards PotlatchDeltic Field at the Lumberjack Community Sports Complex.

Finding quality, reliable childcare can be one of the biggest stressors for a parent. In addition, the significant cost of childcare itself can pose a great challenge as it can take up a large portion of a parent’s monthly expenses. According to the Care Index, a ranking of all 50 states based on the cost, quality, and availability of paid childcare in each state, Idaho’s average cost of childcare is 25% of the median monthly household income. Additionally, Idaho is among the states with the lowest availability of childcare. Since many of our Team Members are parents, we know that they are experiencing these issues as well.

In 2022, we partnered with two local licensed and insured childcare providers to offer subsidized childcare to Team Members at the complex. This program started in 2023 and will continue in 2024. PotlatchDeltic is subsidizing up to 50% of our St. Maries Team Members’ monthly childcare expenses up to an annual maximum of $5,000.

This subsidy is intended to help Team Members with the financial burden and stress of paying for childcare as well as to offer a solution for reliable care for their children during the hours they are at work. This partnership with the childcare providers allows them to provide adequate staffing and expanded hours that meet the needs of our Team Members.

As of December 2023, the subsidy program had 34 employees enrolled in the program throughout the year. There were 4 employees hired in 2023 who enrolled in the program. Participation started at the beginning of the year with 17 employees and ended with 24. We believe this offering could assist in attracting new Team Members and as the program grows it will help us retain our valuable Team Members in St. Maries.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “annual,” “believe,” “campaign,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “monthly,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s views of future events based on assumptions and are therefore subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, and are not guarantees of future conduct, results, or policies. Please view the Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information on page 134 of PotlatchDeltic’s 2022 ESG Report.

Originally published by Taco Bell

Powered by the Taco Bell Foundation and in partnership with Ashoka, the world’s largest network of social entrepreneurs, Ambition Accelerator is back for a second year and expanding to India.Ambition Accelerator is a social impact program that offers young people the chance to access up to $25,000 in funding, mentorship and feedback on their initiatives, and the opportunity to network with other young innovators.Ambitious changemakers between the ages of 16 and 26 in the U.S., U.S. Territories and India can review requirements and apply here: https://www.tacobellfoundation.org/ambition-accelerator/.

IRVINE, Calif., February 14, 2024 /3BL/ – Ambition Accelerator is back and spicier than ever! The Taco Bell Foundation’s signature social entrepreneurship program is now open for its second year of applications, this time with more opportunities to drive positive change.

The program invites young rising movers and shakers— also known as changemakers — to showcase their community impact initiatives for a chance to receive up to $25,000 in funding. As a bonus, program semi-finalists in the U.S. will be flown to Taco Bell’s headquarters for exclusive access to networking, additional funding and mentorship opportunities to advance their projects.

In partnership with changemaking organization Ashoka, the world’s largest network of social entrepreneurs, and funded by Yum!’s Unlocking Opportunity Initiative, the Taco Bell Foundation Ambition Accelerator invites young people to submit their venture ideas for the opportunity to grow their changemaking abilities, access funding, and join a community of peers and mentors who are leaders in the social impact space.

A young person with a good idea can change the world, and when they realize their power as a changemaker, the resulting ripple effect can change mindsets and drive structural change within their communities and even institutions. The Ambition Accelerator aims to power the bold ambitions of the next generation as they disrupt inequitable broken systems and pursue positive change, supporting and championing young innovators to be the leaders of today.

“As an organization, we’re passionate about connecting young people with the tools they need to chase their dreams,” said Jennifer Bradbury, Executive Director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “The Ambition Accelerator enables young minds to transform their bold ideas into impactful realities, fostering a generation of changemakers who will shape a brighter future for us all.”

New this year, the program is expanding and is calling on social impact drivers across India. Young changemakers in India will have the chance to access ₹1,000,000 (10 lakhs) in funding and an opportunity to attend an inaugural event in Bangaluru, India to pitch their ideas and projects to drive positive change.

“Ashoka has a large network of changemakers all over the world, so when we looked to expand this program to offer more young people the opportunity to impact their communities, and self-actualize as changemakers, we felt there was a huge opportunity in India,” said Tia Johnston Brown, Executive Director of Ashoka’s Youth Venture. “We’re thrilled to offer this impactful program in two countries this year.”

Young changemakers often face barriers, including inequities in accessing funding and resources. This program aims to create a space where all have access to the right connections, while fostering an environment that celebrates the rich diversity of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences of our applicants are celebrated.

All applicants will receive feedback from mentors on their application. Ten stand-out early applicants who apply by February 12, 2024 (11:59 PM PST) will also receive a cash prize of $500 or ₹20,000 in seed funding to help fuel their ambitions.

Applications are being accepted now through March 14, 2024 (11:59 PM PST). Applicants can email ambition@ashoka.org or text (571) 622-1066 with questions.

About Taco Bell Foundation 
Taco Bell Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity that helps break down barriers to educate and inspire the next generation of young leaders. Since 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has reached more than 5 million young people around the globe and has awarded more than $155 million in grants and scholarships, focused on education and career readiness. For more information about the Taco Bell Foundation, visit www.tacobellfoundation.org.

About Ashoka 
Ashoka is the largest global network of leading social entrepreneurs—individuals with new ideas to systemically address the world’s biggest challenges and the entrepreneurial skill to transform those ideas into national, regional and global social impact. Over 40 years, Ashoka has supported over 4,00 social entrepreneurs in 90 countries with solutions addressing society’s most pressing issues. Ashoka’s vision is a world in which Everyone is a Changemaker—a society that responds quickly and effectively to challenges, and where every individual has the freedom, confidence and societal support to address any social problem. For more information, visit ashoka.org.

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