Month: April 2024

Originally published by Project Syndicate

The cities that some 4.4 billion people call home are increasingly at risk of catastrophic climate-driven events. Rising sea levels and flooding threaten coastal megacities like New York City and Jakarta, and extreme heat waves, like those that afflict cities across South Asia and the Middle East each year, are projected to become more frequent and severe.

While our built environments and infrastructure are being tested by unpredictable weather and changing populations, many urban communities are facing heightened climate-related health and economic risks. Dangers such as air pollution and natural disasters can be especially acute in developing countries, where they threaten to drive more people into poverty.

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CINCINNATI, April 24, 2024 /3BL/ – Fifth Third Bank’s Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer, and Kevin P. Lavender, head of commercial banking, have been named to Savoy Magazine’s 2024 Most Influential Executives in Corporate America list. This special issue highlights a dynamic group of CEOs, COOs and top executives who exemplify exceptional leadership and influence in the corporate world.

A member of the enterprise committee, Gibson oversees the Bank’s corporate citizenship work, which includes Community Development Banking, Community Impact Banking, Community Reinvestment Act, Inclusion and Diversity and Sustainability. He also serves as chair of the Fifth Third Foundation’s distribution committee, the Bank’s Corporate Sustainability Committee and is a founding member of the Bank’s Executive Diversity Leadership Council.

He joined Fifth Third in 2011 as business banking executive for Eastern Michigan. He became the Bank’s head of Business Banking in 2013, overseeing the division’s strategic planning, operations, sales force, credit fulfillment and product development. In 2020, he led the bank’s Paycheck Protection Program lending and in 2021 led the acquisition of Provide Inc. Gibson started his career at Comerica Bank in Detroit and has more than 30 years of experience in business banking and credit administration.

As Head of Commercial Banking for Fifth Third, Lavender is responsible for overseeing the Bank’s vertically integrated commercial sales teams, Corporate Banking, Commercial Real Estate, Capital Markets, Specialty Lending and Treasury Management businesses. He’s also a member of the enterprise committee. He joined Fifth Third in 2005 as senior vice president and head of national corporate health care lending. In January 2009, he was named senior vice president and managing director of large corporate and specialized lending, a role in which he oversaw international and large corporate finance in addition to national health care finance.

Before joining Fifth Third, he served as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions. Before that, he was co-founder and executive vice president of MediSphere Health Partners Inc. He began his career as group vice president for health care lending with SunTrust Bank Inc.

L.P. Green, II, the Publisher of Savoy Magazine, expressed his enthusiasm: “As we celebrate our 23rd anniversary, it’s an honor to spotlight such extraordinary individuals in our 2024 edition. These leaders are not just excelling in their fields; they’re setting new benchmarks for excellence and inspiring future generations.”

Print copies of the latest issue of Savoy Magazine are available for purchase at SavoyNetwork.com.

About Savoy Magazine

Savoy Magazine is a leading publication celebrating the African American lifestyle and culture. Covering a wide range of topics from business and politics to entertainment and style, Savoy serves as a critical platform for showcasing the richness of the Black experience. Distributed globally through subscriptions and newsstands, Savoy is a key influencer in driving meaningful discourse in the African American community.

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

April 24, 2024 /3BL/ – Corporate social impact leaders understand that employee community engagement can foster a sense of community, boost employee morale and productivity, combat polarization and ultimately contribute to the bottom line. But illustrating this value to senior leadership in a way that garners program and infrastructure investment can be challenging.

Equip yourself with the proof points you need to demonstrate the benefits of employee community engagement and how it creates significant returns — not just for communities and causes, but for business success and the employees who participate. Points of Light has aligned desired business outcomes with research in a new learning brief, Proof Points to Support Investment in Employee Community Engagement, free to download now.

Plus, watch a recorded webinar that reinforces recent research on why employee community engagement matters. You’ll also hear first-hand accounts of securing financial investment from senior leaders to start, strengthen or scale community engagement work. Featured speakers include:

Lee Fabiaschi – Vice President, Employee Engagement and Community Impact, Ares Management  Lucy Darragh – Director, Strategy and Social Impact, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Danielle Vetter – Assistant Vice President, Corporate Giving & Employee Engagement, MetLife Foundation 

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain practical tips and tools for constructing a compelling business case for community engagement. Download our latest resource, Proof Points to Support Investment in Employee Community Engagement, today.

About Points of Light
Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million people in 16.7 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., April 24, 2024 /3BL/ – There’s nothing little about these rocking network upgrades. In a legislative hearing today at the state capitol, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) announced the completion of a multi-year 5G network investment totaling more than $163 million across Arkansas, creating new opportunities for local businesses, schools, healthcare providers, first responders and anyone on T-Mobile’s network through its 5G improvements.

Over the past three years, T-Mobile has invested heavily in network improvements across Arkansas, building its network up to cover more than 2.9 million Arkansans with 5G and 2.2 million people its Ultra Capacity 5G (5G UC) network, a 260% increase in 5G UC coverage in just three years.

“As the leaders in 5G it’s our responsibility to make sure everyone has access to fast, reliable and affordable connectivity,” said Ulf Ewaldsson, President of Technology, T-Mobile. “Our multi-year effort to enhance 5G connectivity across Arkansas is the latest example in how were stretching our 5G blanket to every corner of the nation, no matter where you are.”

The multi-year network enhancements include newly deployed 5G coverage and capacity enhancements, with 170 new cell sites and upgrades to more than 450 existing sites. Statewide, T-Mobile now provides 5G service along 97% of interstate highways, U.S. highways, and state routes across Arkansas.

“By bringing high-speed 5G connectivity to more areas of Arkansas, we are making it easier for people to stay connected with their loved ones, access educational opportunities and grow their businesses,” said Senator Mark Johnson, Chairman of the Senate Transportation, Technology and Legislative Affairs Committee. “I applaud T-Mobile and other 5G wireless providers for their commitment to our State and for helping us get even closer to closing the digital divide.”

“5G adds incredible opportunity for Arkansas to become leaders in connectivity,” added Representative Stephen Meeks, Chairman of the House Advanced Communications and Information Technology Committee. “It’s faster speeds and lower latency empower businesses to perform more efficiently, enhances access to education opportunities and better supports the needs of modern day users. T-Mobile’s expanded network capabilities means Arkansas is one step closer to realizing its potential as drivers in innovation.”

T-Mobile 5G Internet

In today’s digital age, reliable internet is vital for everything from remote work and accessing essential services to entertainment and staying connected with friends and family. So, to help better connect Arkansans, T-Mobile is already putting these recent network upgrades to work. By leveraging the power of its leading 5G network, T-Mobile is bringing a new choice for reliable, affordable home and business internet to Arkansas with its fixed wireless 5G Internet.

Today, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is available to 40% of homes in Arkansas – that’s over 600,000 households. Plus, the Un-carrier simplifies business internet, enabling businesses to connect offices and locations nationwide. This means homes and businesses across the state, from small cities to big towns, can finally ditch traditional internet providers for 5G internet from T-Mobile.

Arkansans can learn more and check eligibility at www.t-mobile.com/home-internet, and Arkansas businesses can learn more about T-Mobile Business Internet and solutions by visiting www.t-mobile.com/business-internet.

Retail Growth

Since 2021, T-Mobile has opened 25 new corporate retail locations across the state, with two new stores expected to open this year in Magnolia and Berryville. The additional new stores have created 120 new jobs.

Community and Disaster Support

T-Mobile’s commitment to Arkansas goes beyond the network and retail, with initiatives created to empower communities across the nation:

Hometown Grants — a five-year program launched in early 2021 to provide grants to 100 small towns each year to use toward city beautification projects, public improvements and more. To date, T-Mobile has provided $200,000 to four towns across the state – Camden, Clarksville, Osceola and Russellville – to revitalize outdoor green spaces and renovate community buildings. Towns with populations of less than 50,000 are eligible and encouraged to apply. To date, T-Mobile has dedicated over $1 million to empower small businesses through initiatives such as revitalizing farmers’ markets, fostering business incubators, and enhancing city main streets.Project 10Million — offers internet connectivity and mobile hotspots to eligible students to help close the digital divide. The company has connected over 16,000 students, from over 60 school districts across Arkansas and is also offering school districts free and heavily subsidized data plans and access to affordable laptops and tablets through Project 10Million and its other education initiatives.Connecting Heroes — a $7.7 billion program empowering first responders with subsidized rate plans and wireless priority service for both voice and data. Arkansas first responders utilizing the program will be leveraging T-Mobile’s 5G network during critical moments to keep communities across the state safe.T-Mobile has also increased investments in network hardening nationwide by more than 30% over the past few years, which includes expanded backup power solutions at nearly 50% of cell sites in Arkansas—the most critical locations—to help ensure redundancy and reduce service interruptions in case of severe weather or other emergencies. In the last year, T-Mobile also added over 50% more heavy-duty network disaster response satellite vehicles to its ready-to-respond fleet and expanded its community support fleet with new, fully loaded RV command centers and heavy-duty Wi-Fi vehicles.

The Leader in 5G

T-Mobile is the leader in 5G, delivering the country’s largest, fastest and most awarded 5G network. The Un-carrier’s 5G network covers more than 330 million people across two million square miles — more square miles than AT&T and Verizon combined. More than 300 million people nationwide are covered by T-Mobile’s super-fast Ultra Capacity 5G with over 2x more square miles of coverage than similar mid-band 5G offerings from the Un-carrier’s closest competitors.

Follow @TMobileNews on X, formerly known as Twitter, to stay up to date with the latest company news.

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Coverage values are based on outdoor coverage levels. See 5G device, coverage, & access details at T-Mobile.com.

About T-Mobile

T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com

Media Contacts 
T-Mobile US, Inc. Media Relations 
MediaRelations@t-mobile.com

Investor Relations Contact 
T-Mobile US, Inc. 
investor.relations@t-mobile.com 
https://investor.t-mobile.com