Month: March 2024

International Olympic Committee news

Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner Airbnb has announced that inspirational Para athletes Axel Allétru and Sofyane Mehiaoui will open up their accessible homes for two exclusive overnight stays during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.

Allétru, a former motocross rider who became a European champion in Para swimming after being paralysed in a serious crash at the 2010 World Motocross Championships, will welcome up to two guests to his home in Lille Metropole on 10 August, before accompanying them to watch the men’s handball final on 11 August at Pierre Mauroy Stadium.

French wheelchair basketball star Mehiaoui, meanwhile, will open his Paris home to guests on 6 September, with the lucky visitors also receiving two tickets to the men’s wheelchair basketball final at Arena Bercy for the following day.

These truly unique, athlete-hosted stays underline Airbnb’s commitment to grow the number of homes with accessibility features ahead of the Games, and also align with Paris 2024’s vision to host “Games Wide Open” that are accessible to all.

Highlighting Airbnb’s commitment to inclusive travel, each of the homes will also be featured in the company’s Adapted Category, which includes more than 1,100 listings worldwide with verified step-free entry to the home and at least one accessible bedroom and bathroom, plus at least one accessibility amenity in the bathroom.

“Airbnb is thrilled to collaborate with Axel Allétru and Sofyane Mehiaoui,” said Suzanne Edwards, Airbnb’s Head of Accessibility Hosting Standards. “With the Olympic Games returning to France after a century, our goal is to foster inclusivity and create a sense of community with these inclusive stays.”

Olympic and Paralympic fans can request to book these unique one-night stays – for up to two guests each – from 28 February by visiting airbnb.com/alexalletru and airbnb.com/sofyanemehiaoui.

Airbnb aiming for more accessible stays during Paris 2024

As a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, Airbnb is committed to ensuring all fans at Paris 2024 can enjoy a comfortable and inclusive Games-time experience and has been encouraging homeowners within the host regions to showcase their accessible homes on its platform.

Airbnb also launched a series of initiatives to assist new hosts who can offer accessibility features to potential guests, including the creation of new educational content, the organisation of regular webinars, and one-to-one guidance and tools.

In addition to initiatives focused on hosts and guests, Airbnb is supporting the Olympic Refuge Foundation and is the Inaugural Official Partner for the Refugee Paralympic Team for Paris 2024, offering scholarships to aid team members with training and living expenses on their Paralympic journey.

Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner Airbnb

Airbnb is helping to create a new standard for hosting that will be a win for host cities, a win for spectators and fans, and a win for athletes.

Learn more

Las Vegas Sands

As part of Women’s History Month 2024, Sands is featuring women who help drive the company’s success and exemplify its culture of professional growth and advancement. Val Chua joined Marina Bay Sands in 2008 and serves as executive director of communications.

Outline your career path and current role at Marina Bay Sands.

“I started my career in journalism and spent a number of years in the newsroom environment in Singapore. It was here that I first covered Las Vegas Sands as a company and became the beat reporter for my paper. Those heady days of 2005-2006, when many global gaming companies had their sights on the coveted Marina Bay integrated resort site and presented dazzling proposals, were a key highlight of my reporting days.

“I also enjoyed covering the public discussions, so open and robust in a decidedly more conservative era back then, as Singapore debated the pros and cons of having an integrated resort with a gaming component. Interviewing the late Mr. Adelson and sitting in the company’s private jet, along with other Singapore media who were flown to Las Vegas on a media trip to understand the business better, has become a core memory from those days.

“I joined the company in November 2008, as the team was building its communications functions. We operated out of Republic Plaza and watched with amazement every day as the building opposite us transformed every 24 hours. Watching the Sands SkyPark being lifted in 13 different pieces and fitted in the sky signaled that construction was nearing its end and Marina Bay Sands was about to embark on its next phase.

“As the communications function grew, so did my role and responsibilities. I started out as a manager on the team, joining at the start of the Asian financial crisis. It was a jittery start but a worthwhile way to plunge deep into the world of public relations and crisis communications. The company held firm to its original vision and had never faltered in its commitment to build a world-class destination. This forward-looking mentality and spirit of evolution not only drives the company forward, but it has also been built into the DNA of its people. It’s a value I hold dear to my heart, through different seasons, as I build my career with Marina Bay Sands.

“The past 15 years have gone by in a flash. In any other organization, it may feel like an eternity. But the pace and intensity of Marina Bay Sands just means we’re speeding through the months – we’re constantly on accelerator mode and charging forward. With age, I may no longer walk as fast around the property as I used to. So I count myself very lucky to have a talented, strong (and a much younger) team to rely on. The 14 of us are responsible for all of the communications work for the integrated resort, supporting all business units through public relations, media and celebrity/influencer engagements, and crisis and incident communications. It’s a dream job for any publicist, and the team has supported and created many amazing feats in the last decade.

“The communications team is also responsible for driving the Sands Cares community engagement program for Singapore, working to identify vulnerable and unserved communities, and stepping up to lend a helping hand, whether it’s through financial means or providing Team Member volunteers.

“The dual responsibilities of creating high-profile publicity on the one hand, while rolling up our sleeves and serving the underprivileged, keep us very grounded in our work and mission. It’s an intensive and meaningful role, in a company that has so much going for it.”

What skills, training, mentors or experiences have helped you build a successful career?

“Mentors are definitely important, and I’ve had the privilege of working with many wise men and women in different stages of my career. They open up your eyes to things that you can’t see immediately, whether it’s because of your youth or your lack of experience. Through their perspectives, you will see that your current struggles will look very miniscule in time to come, and so you learn not to sweat the small stuff, and to pick your battles wisely.

“Then there’s the greatest teacher called time. With time, you gain knowledge and awareness of what your key strengths and weaknesses are. With time, you also gain patience and understanding, which are important as you lead and motivate teams. I’m still learning.

“At different stages in your career, you will naturally develop different skillsets and embrace different mindsets. When I was younger, it was all about efficiency and impact. Everything was calculated based on deadlines and speed. The older me prefers to take more deliberation behind each decision, to consider more viewpoints and perspectives, while still being able to move with the speed that characterizes Marina Bay Sands.

“Having a healthy sense of humor is important; so is having a thick skin. I like people who can laugh at themselves and see the lighter side of things, rather than letting a bad situation get the better of them. Laugh first, and then figure out your way around the problem.

“It’s also important to believe in the greater purpose of the company, no matter how many years you’ve been in it. For me, a key memory was the day before Marina Bay Sands opened its doors to the public on April 27, 2010. A group of us went up to the hotel lobby at 3 p.m. the day prior – thick construction dust was in the air, and there were workers everywhere we turned. We were shocked and frankly quite dismayed at the way things looked. I recall the roads were only freshly paved. How on earth will we be able to open for business in the next 24 hours?

“The next morning, it was a different sight that greeted us. The air was clear, the marble floors sparkled, and the staff were smartly attired, ready to welcome the world. That was the beginning of an icon and at that instant, I felt that anything was possible with this company. It proved me right many times during my years here. No matter what obstacles were in front of us, we have always been able to rise above the occasion and do the impossible. There is something quite magical about this place, and I think this is why it’s so special for many of us in the company.”

What are your ideas for evolving the workplace to better support and empower women?

“The single-most asked question when I interview prospective candidates is whether we have a hybrid work structure, allowing staff to work from home on certain days. It’s becoming a key deciding factor for most people, especially working mothers. I am glad that Marina Bay Sands has embraced this post-pandemic reality, allowing us to attract and retain talent.

“My team is made up of diverse talents from different backgrounds – and I think it’s important to understand that each one’s work rhythm is different. Some are always-on, and you can text them at odd hours of the night on urgent matters, while others may need to draw a more distinct line between work and personal time.

“I have a staff member who I can always count on to cover for others during weekends or at short notice, but I will not tap on her between 6-7 p.m. as it’s her protected time for daily gym work. She explained to me that this routine is critical for her to clear her mind and reset. Others go home slightly earlier to tend to their young children but log on to work again once their kids fall asleep. I respect all these nuances and personal sacrifices – as a leader, you need to play to the strengths of each person and not expect everyone to be the same.”

What advice do you have for women or anyone who wants to advance in their careers?

“Find your core purpose in your work. When you’re young, you may want to dabble in 100 things to find where your interests and strengths lie. That is good, but don’t take too long to figure it out. Over time, it’s better that you identify your core purpose or interests and start building on it. Once you specialize in this core function and become a skilled master, the 99 other little things just orbit naturally around it.

“Have your own voice. When you’re starting out in your career, you may be slightly lost and unsure of how you’re placed in the larger scheme of things. That is natural. But over time, you will need to find your own voice and viewpoints. Make sure you are heard. Don’t become invisible and hide behind the backs of older, more experienced colleagues.

“Be the best that you can be. You’re better than you think you are. So push yourself and stretch your capabilities – it’s not about being the best worker of the month, it’s about being the best that you can be.

“Pace yourself. The road is long, so pace yourself for a marathon. Like my 20-something colleague, remember to carve out pockets of me-time, and get a mental reset, even if you’re a warrior who likes to charge in front of everyone else.”

Our Georgia-Pacific LLC team recently hosted members from the American Forest & Paper Association at the Savannah River Mill for a tour of our recycled wastepaper operation. Our facility has five of the world’s 12 largest tissue paper machines and we use mostly recycled fiber to make the products our customers want, need and use every day.

Marc Forman from GP RECYCLING LLC was on hand to share our recycling story, including the impacts of wastepaper usage on the papermaking process and how GP manages wastepaper inputs to achieve specific customer product specifications.

During the visit, the AF&PA team also learned about our Wildlife Habitat Council Conservation Certification and the ways we support local wildlife on 1K+ acres.

Thank you to the AF&PA for your collaborative partnership, and to our team at Savannah River Mill for hosting this informative visit!

Georgia-Pacific

Based in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific and its subsidiaries are among the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, nonwoven fabrics, building products and related chemicals. Our familiar consumer brands include Quilted Northern®, Angel Soft®, Brawny®, Dixie®, enMotion®, Sparkle® and Vanity Fair®. Georgia-Pacific has long been a leading supplier of building products to lumber and building materials dealers and large do-it-yourself warehouse retailers. Its Georgia-Pacific Recycling subsidiary is among the world’s largest traders of paper, metal and plastics. The company operates more than 150 facilities and employs more than 30,000 people directly and creates approximately 89,000 jobs indirectly. For more information, visit: gp.com/about-us . For news, visit: gp.com/news

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Funding will support 34 nonprofit and government agencies across the company’s Indiana service territory

PLAINFIELD, Ind., March 7, 2024 /3BL/ – First responders across Indiana, including local police, fire and emergency management agencies (EMAs), will benefit from more than $200,000 in grants from the Duke Energy Foundation. The funding will help public safety agencies increase their response capabilities during severe weather and other emergencies through advanced preparation, planning, equipment and training.

“When severe weather strikes, we rely on strong partnerships with local emergency management and law enforcement agencies to effectively respond and restore power in affected communities,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “These grants will help give first responders the tools and training they need to respond to any emergency.”

During major emergencies and natural disasters, local emergency management agencies play a critical role in providing information, resources and support that Duke Energy relies on to speed power restoration for its customers.

“Successful preparedness, response and recovery requires a community approach,” said Sean Stoops, chief of the Avon Police Department. “We envisioned equipping all of our patrol vehicles with automated external defibrillators (AEDs). With the support of Duke Energy and other community partners, we were able to bring that goal to fruition, purchasing 35 AEDs that our officers can use to deliver life-saving measures to a person in cardiac arrest.”

Grants were awarded to the following organizations:

Bartholomew County EMA

$8,000 to purchase new water rescue equipment, including a new motor for an airboat

Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office

$5,000 to support public safety measures and preparations ahead of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024

Brown County EMA

$5,500 to help equip a Brown County EMA emergency operations center with computers, monitors, software and other electrical components

Cass County EMA

$4,000 to sponsor a hazardous materials technician certification course

City of Brazil Fire Department

$7,500 to support the department’s efforts to promote its “Free Smoke Detector Program”

City of Clinton Fire Department

$7,000 to support the department’s water rescue unit with the purchase of a sonar unit, anchors, throw bags and medical items

City of Delphi Police Department

$6,500 to support the purchase of a vehicle that can access trails and other confined areas in emergencies

City of Greencastle Fire Department

$7,500 to support emergency preparedness and training

Clark County EMA

$2,750 to purchase a rescue boat that can be used during water rescue emergencies

Crawford County EMA

$2,750 to provide weather radios to local residents

Fayette County EMA

$10,000 to purchase portable, two-way radios and firefighter breathing apparatus

Floyd County EMA

$2,750 to provide weather radios to local residents

Fountain County EMA

$2,205 to purchase safety cones that can be used to block restricted areas

Franklin County EMA

$10,000 to fund new equipment and training, including an unmanned aerial vehicle with thermal and infrared technology, water rescue equipment, and mass sheltering items such as cots and personal care kits

Fulton County EMA

$5,000 to conduct a hazardous materials tabletop exercise

Gibson County EMA

$11,000 to provide education and training for first responders

Hamilton County EMA

$10,000 to enhance community outreach and preparedness education

Harrison County EMA

$2,750 to purchase an unmanned aerial vehicle that can be deployed in planning and response operations

Huntington County EMA

$5,000 to purchase various supplies and equipment, including uniforms

Jefferson County EMA

$2,799 to purchase an unmanned aerial vehicle

Jennings County EMA

$5,000 to equip the department’s disaster response vehicle with a thermal imaging camera and provide weather alert radios to local residents

Knox County EMA

$11,000 to purchase cots and amenities for displaced residents during emergencies

Lawrence County EMA

$5,500 to purchase a generator that can provide back-up power to a Lawrence County EMA facility in an emergency

Monroe County EMA

$5,500 to provide weather radios to local residents

Montgomery County Emergency Response Team

$6,785 to support the purchase of a small, enclosed trailer equipped with thermal blankets, cooling towels, an electric kettle, instant hot packs, an electric heater and other supplies that support firefighter rehabilitation

Orange County EMA

$5,500 to provide weather radios to local residents

Scott County EMA

$2,750 to purchase an unmanned aerial vehicle

Switzerland County EMA

$9,000 to purchase firefighter equipment

Tippecanoe County Surveyor’s Office

$6,510 to purchase rescue helmets

Town of Avon Police Department

$22,000 to equip patrol vehicles with AEDs

Town of Cambridge City Fire Department

$3,500 to purchase new firefighter boots

Town of Converse Volunteer Fire Company

$10,000 to purchase a thermal imaging camera

Town of Dunreith Fire Department

$4,000 to purchase new firefighter boots

Washington County EMA

$2,750 to provide weather radios to local residents

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $2 million annually in charitable gifts to Indiana and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation and its Powerful Communities program can be found at duke-energy.com/Foundation.

Duke Energy Indiana

Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 890,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.

Contact: McKenzie Barbknecht
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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CBRE

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE) has received the 2024 World’s Most Ethical Companies® recognition from Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. This is the 11th consecutive year CBRE has earned this distinction.

To receive the recognition, companies are evaluated on more than 240 proof points related to culture, environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, ethics and compliance activities, diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) and initiatives to support a strong value chain. In 2024, 136 companies were recognized, spanning 20 countries and 44 industries.

Read the full story on cbre.com

About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2023 revenue). The company has more than 130,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com. We routinely post important information on our website, including corporate and investor presentations and financial information. We intend to use our website as a means of disclosing material, non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Such disclosures will be included in the Investor Relations section of our website at https://ir.cbre.com. Accordingly, investors should monitor such portion of our website, in addition to following our press releases, Securities and Exchange Commission filings and public conference calls and webcasts.

About Ethisphere
Ethisphere is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that strengthen corporate brands, build trust in the marketplace, deliver business success. Ethisphere has deep expertise in measuring and defining core ethics standards using data-driven insights that help companies build strong cultures of ethics and integrity. Ethisphere honors superior achievement through its World’s Most Ethical Companies® recognition program, provides a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA), and showcases trends and best practices in ethics with Ethisphere Magazine. Ethisphere also advances business performance through data-driven assessments, guidance, and benchmarking against its unparalleled data: the Culture Quotient dataset reflecting the ethical business practices of 3+ million employees around the world; and the Ethics Quotient dataset, featuring 240+ data points on the ethics, compliance, social, and governance practices of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit https://ethisphere.com.