Month: July 2024

Written by Elliott Levine

Envisioning the future of education, and the art of learning overall, is nothing new. Over 120 years ago, French artist Jean-Marc Côté suggested how learning may look in the year 2000. While many looked at his image and chuckled — the idea that books may be somehow processed and electronically uploaded directly to the minds of young people — the concept would be re-introduced in the 1999 science fiction movie “The Matrix.”

But can life imitate art? Will artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR) converge in the coming years to reflect the learning environments depicted by Côté and “The Matrix”?

In the United Sates of America, K-12 education represents a $100+ billion dollar industry,1 of which only about 4% is currently invested in education technology.2 Despite this, many educators turn to technology to unlock students’ potential. But even then, technology is usually used to supplement passive teaching methods (e.g., teaching from flat interactive panels, digital textbooks, online videos and testing), resulting in little to no improvement of academic outcomes due to lack of engagement. Instead, students might be better served with active teaching methods offered through AI and XR learning experiences.

Extended reality (XR) also known as spatial computing, is the spectrum of immersive experiences that blend the physical and virtual space and are accessible through a head-worn device such as glasses or headset.

Today, most educational XR experiences focus on games, virtual tours, and immersive and experiential experiences that enable real-world applications of theory learning in the classroom. But with the convergence of AI capabilities, we are on the verge of a true transformational opportunity to live up to the promise of real “personalized” learning in ways that can deliver measurable academic results. The coming years will allow us to see these various generative AI applications in use today, automating them to deliver real-time learning experiences.

What is possible with generative AI in classrooms today?

Teachers can leverage generative AI to create highly customized lessons. In a series of manual steps, educators can quickly create dynamic videos to serve as instructional tools with little-to-no technical skills. Let’s outline one such path in which such content can be created:

Write base script: Ask Bard or ChatGPT to write you a short three- to five-minute video script about the instructional topic or challenge you wish to address. Adjust any content to address measurable learning goals.Transform to conversational script: Paste the initial text into a tool like Quillbot to paraphrase the content created initially by AI so it comes across as more genuine and conversational in tone.Create your audio narration: Paste the new conversational text into a tool such as Speechify. With their premium subscription, you’ll have a host of voices including Snoop Dogg and Gwenyth Paltrow to choose from.Create your video: Use Movio or Invideo to turn an audio script into a video. You can pick the genre and delivery format.

Using this method and many other avenues like it, educators are empowered to take their custom lessons a step further with personalization. For example, generative AI can create lesson plans that amplify a student’s strengths, while also addressing areas that need improvement. Large language models can be trained to have conversations with students for specific, on-demand support, which in turn can free up time for teachers.

But while modern technology has certainly brought education into the present day, we mostly see this in the form of tablet and computer screens. While current 2D technology takes on a form that is familiar with students today, they still end up looking at screens instead of interacting with their instructors and fellow classmates. This is where XR comes into play and seeks to address this disconnect. Another possibility with generative AI in education is combining it with the power of spatial computing to create an immersive learning environment that engages learners with interactive and collaborative lessons.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a term that encompasses a variety of technologies that give the ability to computer programs to execute tasks that are commonly associated with human intelligence.

Applying the AI approach to XR learning

Today, most XR learning experiences exist as simulations (i.e., the reproduction of an environment, scene or exercise in a three dimensional and virtual environment, or walk-throughs, an elevation of typical videos and manipulatives used in labs and classrooms). They are mostly individual experiences with a clear beginning and completion. And even with XR learning as it exists today, a PwC report found that learners mastered content four times faster than traditional classroom learning, and users were nearly three times more confident to apply the skills learned from their XR training.3

What if we applied the best of generative AI into a real-time platform? The result, I believe, is a transformational tool that allows every learner to achieve their greatest potential. Let’s look at just some of the ways this concept of (Ai)daptive XR (pronounced Ay-daptive) can deliver meaningful results:

Introduces learning where the student is currently at: (Ai)daptive XR works with the reality of that student’s ability. If they are more comfortable learning in an alternate language, then content is immediately delivered in that language (overcoming a typical obstacle for English Second Language learners today).Personalization: While today’s efforts at personalization are often no more than differentiated learning, (Ai)daptive XR can deliver true personalization. In a matter of moments, from typically the first few challenges in a immersive experience, the tool can recognize strengths and weaknesses, as well as adjust the learning objectives. For example, if the simulation’s goal is to measure volume of spaces, yet the learner struggles with complex multiplication, the learner would typically fail the simulation with little progress. (Ai)daptive XR can quickly assess the root cause of the gap — and alter the learning objectives to help the child meet the necessary prerequisites to accomplishing the original learning goal. A new XR experience is created based on the learning challenges identified. Subsequently, the learner can then be better prepared to successfully complete the objectives, rather than allow these deficiencies to gain momentum and cause the child to fail academically later.Making learning relevant: A reason most classroom topics fail to “engage” students is that they fail to see the relevance of the subject matter. However, by understanding the personal passion of a student, (Ai)daptive XR content can be quickly adjusted to present the subject matter in a theme that is both relevant and effective to the student. For example, a simulation measuring area of farmland could quickly be updated in real-time to measuring area of fabric for a young person who daydreams of being a fashion designer. That quick change can have significant changes to the outcome of that simulation.Responsive to User: Rather than merely assessing performance by where one “clicks” with a hand controller, (Ai)daptive XR can respond to vocal feedback from the user(s) in their native language. Whereas today’s XR experiences have limited ability to collect user feedback, accepting conversational speech from the user will allow for more natural interaction and help the system appropriately address questions or concerns.Real-Time Feedback: Not only do virtual and augmented reality experiences enable the learner to see the actual implications for their choices, but it provides an opportunity to reinforce mastery of earlier topics. In traditional classroom settings, teachers often lack ample time to conduct assessments for their students. But with XR, real-time natural assessments can be conducted multiple times daily in a stress-free environment.Collaboration: Few XR learning experiences allow for multiple students to work together on a challenge, as it is easier to create individual-based content. (Ai)daptive XR can assess challenges and new scenarios introduced by the collaborative group of students, changing the content delivered in response to their collective actions in the simulation.

The possibilities are endless for (Ai)daptive XR

The evolution of instructional XR with AI will be a wonderful and welcome addition to EdTech in the coming decade. It represents an opportunity to deliver true personalized instruction for every child in every community. Such changes will require thoughtful discussions across many areas including governance, privacy, connectivity and equity.

As we continue to see examples of generative AI make its way into mainstream adoption over this next decade, the infusion of AI into our daily lives will become commonplace. Qualcomm Technologies stands at the crossroads of this sector, given its leadership in both AI and XR processing. It is my dream to see this evolve from concept to reality during my lifetime.

Editor’s Note: This blog was edited for clarity on May 20, 2024.
 

Opinions expressed in the content posted here are the personal opinions of the original authors, and do not necessarily reflect those of Qualcomm Incorporated or its subsidiaries (“Qualcomm”). The content is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to be an endorsement or representation by Qualcomm or any other party. This site may also provide links or references to non-Qualcomm sites and resources. Qualcomm makes no representations, warranties, or other commitments whatsoever about any non-Qualcomm sites or third-party resources that may be referenced, accessible from, or linked to this site.

References:

1: Allied Market Research. (Nov 10, 2023). K12 Education Market to Reach $525.7 Billion by 2031, Growing at 17.7% CAGR: states Allied Market Research. Retrieved on May 20, 2024 from: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/11/10/2778034/0/en/K12-Education-Market-to-Reach-525-7-Billion-by-2031-Growing-at-17-7-CAGR-states-Allied-Market-Research.html.

2: HolonIQ. (January 2021). Education Technology in 10 Charts. Retrieved on May 20, 2024 from: https://www.holoniq.com/edtech-in-10-charts#:~:text=5.,term%20in%20new%20digital%20models

3: PwC. (Sep 15, 2022). What does virtual reality and the metaverse mean for training? Retrieved on May 9, 2024 from: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/tech-effect/emerging-tech/virtual-reality-study.html.

Covia highlights the dedication and leadership of Team Members who have made a significant impact on the job or in their communities by sharing their stories. Today we recognize Kurt Krebs, Plant Manager at Covia’s Black Lab Chardon plant. Kurt started as a bagger at Chardon and worked his way up to his current role as plant manager. Read on to hear from Kurt about how he got started with Covia and how the team at Chardon has built a community of respect and care.

Growing with Covia

I started working at Covia back in 2010 as a bagger at the Black Lab Chardon plant. Even though I’m nearing 15 years on the job, it feels like I started just yesterday. While working as a bagger, I was able to learn a lot from my coworkers and mentors at the time. They helped guide me toward the leadership position I’m in now.

After four years of learning the different jobs at the plant and taking on leadership opportunities, I was promoted to crew lead/floor supervisor. Then, in 2016, I was tapped to become the new plant manager. From a career standpoint, this was the best thing that ever happened to me. I’m proud that I was able to work my way up, learning about the different situations and jobs so I can help create an environment that empowers others. Plus, having worked alongside nearly half the plant has helped build trust and respect among the Black Lab Chardon team.

As I’ve taken on this leadership position, I often turned to mentors who have been source of inspiration and guidance for me. One of my mentors has been here for over 40 years, he is truly a book of wisdom. I’ve been lucky to have good friends and great resources here, helping me make strategic decisions for the Black Lab Chardon team so we can work even better together.

I’m motivated to pass on the knowledge I’ve received. The Black Lab team is dedicated and always ready to take on any task to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. I’m impressed by the work of the younger employees and look forward to seeing them progress in their careers at Covia.

Black Lab Chardon

The Black Lab Chardon plant is not your typical mining facility. Our team and the work they do is a bit unique compared to Covia’s other operations – providing custom toll blending for various industries like construction and foundries. Every product our team works on is driven by customer specs. The customer provides the instructions, and we utilize our inventory of over 800 raw ingredients to create custom products like our Black Lab blend. On top of that, we provide eight different bag sizes for materials ranging from 10 pounds to 4,000.

This kind of work requires a significant attention to detail, a skill that I have seen in every member of the Chardon team. Their dedication and hard work are the reason why we can create the quality and quantity of minerals we produce at the Black Lab Chardon plant. We take great pride in our work and ability to keep up with every new change that comes our way. The way this team has adapted and grown over the years is truly inspiring.

The Black Lab Chardon team showed just how impressive they are by posting record production numbers last year – improving on the previous title with four fewer members on the team. This was made even more impressive by the fact that they kept up with a massive amount of client needs. Their ability to put in the work says so much about the team we’ve assembled and their commitment to one another. Nobody is just punching in and punching out, they take pride and ownership in what they do. I feel honored to be part of this talented team.

Building a Community of Respect and Care

On top of their work ethic, I am proud of the Black Lab Chardon team for their ability to hold each other accountable. The team looks out for one another, making sure everyone is safe and following protocols. We’ve really built a community of respect and care. If I went out on the floor but forgot my gloves, I wouldn’t make it far before someone turned me around to go put them back on.

This safety-first mindset is something we all take home. I’m an avid hunter and like to ride snow mobiles during the winter. Whenever the plant slows down during the colder months, I head up north with family and friends to ride. My job has really made me think about safety and how I need to take precautions when out in nature. Working at Covia has really helped me be more prepared in my personal life.

For the past ten years, the Black Lab Chardon plant has seen continuous growth. I’m looking forward to seeing how the plant continues to change and what kind of new faces we can bring in, possibly adding more machines and shifts to keep the plant moving forward. Seeing how far we’ve come and how close the team has gotten is really rewarding. Seeing everyone get along so well makes me proud. I’m grateful Covia has helped give me this opportunity to learn, grow, and lead.

Contact us today to discover more about Covia.

Putnam Investments’ Jackie VanderBrug has been announced as one of three winners of the 2024 Joan Bavaria Award, which is awarded for catalysing positive change in the capital markets. This year’s award specifically recognizes the influential and collaborative work in developing the field of gender lens investing*. The award continues the legacy of the late Joan Bavaria, whose pioneering work is viewed as helping to catalyze positive change in capital markets.

The award presentation was held in Chicago in June, during US SIF’s (Sustainable Investment Forum) Forum 2024. The award committee included Mindy Lubber, CEO and President of Ceres, Maria Lettini, CEO of US SIF, and Matthew Patsky, CEO of Trillium Asset Management. Each of these judges lead organizations that were founded or co-founded by Ms. Bavaria, who died in 2008 following a long battle with ovarian cancer.

The other recipients of the 2024 award are Joy Anderson (Founder and President of Criterion Institute), and Suzanne Biegel (posthumously) of Women Effect, and later GenderSmart.

“It is exciting to see recognition across the investment landscape that a gender lens is a powerful tool in identifying opportunities and risks in an increasingly dynamic global environment. The diversity of gender lens investment approaches demonstrates both the insights available and the client interest,” said VanderBrug.

Jackie VanderBrug is Head of Sustainability Strategy at Putnam Investments, a Franklin Templeton company. She is responsible for leading Putnam’s ESG-focused business functions, including stewardship, engagement, partnerships, and ESG strategy and integration. She is co-author of the 2015 book Gender Lens Investing: Uncovering Opportunities for Growth, Returns, and Impact and a co-trustee of Heading for Change.

Judging criteria included a subjective assessment of the nominee’s initiatives or accomplishments that have been the most impactful. This involved consideration of how these achievements reflect a sustained and comprehensive commitment toward maintaining long-term impact in the capital markets. Nominees provided specific examples to convey how their individual accomplishments are especially visionary, groundbreaking, or otherwise unique. Judges also assessed three sources (e.g. press release/coverage, endorsement, or publications) relevant to the nominee’s work.

Important Information

Franklin Templeton did not provide any compensation for Jackie to be considered for this award.

This material is intended to be of general interest only and should not be construed as individual investment advice or a recommendation or solicitation to buy, sell or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. It does not constitute legal or tax advice. The views expressed are those of the investment manager and the comments, opinions and analyses are rendered as at publication date and may change without notice. Franklin Templeton has certain environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals or capabilities; however, not all strategies are managed to “ESG” oriented objectives. Integrating ESG considerations into the investment process is not a guarantee that better performance will be achieved. All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Data from third party sources may have been used in the preparation of this material and Franklin Templeton has not independently verified, validated or audited such data. Franklin Templeton accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss arising from use of this information and reliance upon the comments, opinions and analyses in the material is at the sole discretion of the user.

About Franklin Templeton

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.6 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2024. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

MILWAUKEE, July 16, 2024 /3BL/ – Northwestern Mutual announced today that the company earned its sixth consecutive top-score on the Disability Equality Index®. The recognition is a comprehensive benchmarking tool designed to recognize companies that are advancing inclusion practices and building a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions to achieve disability inclusion and equality.

“We’re thrilled to receive a top-score on the Disability Equality Index for the sixth consecutive year because everyone deserves a workplace where they can show up, feel like they belong, and perform at their highest level,” said Amy Hanneman, vice president of diversity and inclusion, Northwestern Mutual. “We’re committed to growing an inclusive workplace and investing in a culture where all people can fully contribute and flourish.”

The Disability Equality Index is administered by the American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability:IN, and is a national benchmark to measure corporate disability inclusion practices and identify opportunities for continued improvement. Northwestern Mutual’s designation is the latest in a series of awards the company has earned in recent years for nurturing an inclusive workplace. Those awards include:

Military Friendly® Employer (2020-2024)Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes (2018-2023)America’s Best Large Employers, Forbes (2023)America’s Best Employers for Women (2023)Top 50 “Best-of-the-Best” Corporations for Inclusion, National Business Inclusion (2022-2023)Best Companies for Diversity, Black Enterprise (2023)Nine consecutive top scores on the National Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index (2015-2023)

Learn more about our commitment to strengthen our culture of belonging.

About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what’s most important. With over $627 billion of total assets1 being managed across the company’s institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $36 billion in revenues, and $2.3 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 110 on the 2024 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the “World’s Most Admired” life insurance companies in 2024.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with “Advisor” in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.

1 Includes investments and separate account assets of Northwestern Mutual as well as retail investment client assets held or managed by Northwestern Mutual.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 16, 2024 /3BL/ – The United States Department of Defense (DOD) has signed on to Duke Energy’s (NYSE: DUK) Green Source Advantage (GSA) program to provide renewable energy on behalf of the five largest DOD major military installations across North Carolina and South Carolina, including Fort Liberty, USMC-Camp Lejeune, USMC-Cherry Point, USAF Seymour Johnson and USAF Shaw.

The DOD’s participation in the GSA program will provide an estimated 135 megawatts and approximately 4.8 million megawatt-hours of renewable energy in both states over a 15-year delivery period from two newly constructed off-site solar facilities in South Carolina. The facilities will be developed, owned and operated by energyRe, subject to local and state approvals. The projects are expected to become operational in the fourth quarter of 2026.

“This project is a great opportunity to assist our military departments and our warfighters in their decarbonization goals and is paramount to reaching our initial goals of Executive Order 14057, Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability. DLA Energy is committed to supporting the administration’s clean energy initiatives and helping the military services and whole-of-government partners achieve their climate change goals,” said United States Air Force Col. Jennifer Neris, director of carbon pollution-free electricity for the Defense Logistics Agency.

Duke Energy’s GSA program, which supports renewable energy development, provides large nonresidential customers the opportunity to offset their power purchases by securing renewable energy from projects connected to the Duke Energy grid. The customer receives the renewable energy certificates (RECs) generated by the projects to satisfy sustainability and/or renewable, carbon-free energy goals. Customers are credited for the solar power the facility generates against their energy purchased from the Duke Energy grid.

Additional participants in Duke Energy’s GSA program include the City of Charlotte, the City of Durham, Bank of America, Durham County, Duke University and Durham Public Schools.

“As our large business customers plan for the future, they also have increasingly specific goals around decarbonization and require access to renewable energy sources that can support those needs,” said Meghan Dewey, vice president of Products and Services for Duke Energy. “Duke Energy continues to expand its scope of customer options and programs built with critical stakeholder feedback to enable these customers and prospective customers to meet their sustainability goals.”

Executive Order 14057 has established targets for federal agencies to reach 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030, with 50% matching on a 24/7 basis. Participating in the Duke Energy GSA program is one of the DOD’s first major carbon-free energy initiatives and will enable them to make considerable progress toward the requirements of EO 14057.

Duke Energy is leading the largest clean energy transformation in the United States. It owns, operates and purchases more than 5,100 MW of solar power on its energy grid in the Carolinas – enough to power the annual usage of almost 1 million homes and businesses. North Carolina currently ranks No. 5 in the nation for overall solar power. With a portfolio of nuclear, hydro and renewable energy, more than half of the company’s energy mix in North Carolina is carbon-free.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Logan Stewart 
24-Hour: 800.559.3853 
Twitter: @DE_LoganS

View original content here.

Navigating the fast-paced digital world demands strong customer connections, especially in industries like logistics and supply chain management, states Brian Enright, CEO of DP World Americas in a recent article published by the Forbes Business Council.

“In today’s rapidly evolving marketplace, the importance of deeply understanding and engaging with your customer has never been more critical,” Enright writes in The Evolution Of Customer Understanding In The Age Of Digital Transformation. “This is particularly true for the logistics and supply chain sectors, where maintaining strong customer relationships is essential for navigating the complex landscape of global trade.”

The rise of AI tools—think virtual assistants and chatbots—is totally changing the game, reshaping how businesses talk to their customers. Big names like Amazon and Zappos are leading the charge, using chatbots to handle customer questions on the fly, setting new standards for speedy service​​.

But going digital doesn’t mean losing the human touch. In fact, these high-tech tools are there to boost personal interactions by providing tailored, smooth experiences across different platforms. Staying ahead of the curve means companies need to tweak their strategies to keep up with these new customer journeys, using the latest tech to back up their human teams.

Yet, even with all these digital tools, the real magic happens when people connect. In his article, Enright describes a scenario where a face-to-face chat at a customer event helped his company clinch a deal with an automotive OEM. By really listening and getting into the nitty-gritty of the client’s needs, they were able to offer a logistics solution that hit the mark​​.

The article makes it clear that while digital tools are great, they also push businesses to rethink how they connect with customers. It’s not enough to just follow trends. Companies need to meet expectations, boost their efficiency, and work as a team. Balancing tech efficiency with a personal touch will define how good customer relationships are in this digital age, challenging businesses to be as dynamic and forward-thinking as the markets they serve​​.

Read the full article on the Forbes Business Council: The Evolution Of Customer Understanding In The Age Of Digital Transformation.

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DES MOINES, Iowa, July 16, 2024 /3BL/ —Principal Financial Group® was named to the list of the “Best Places to Work for People with Disabilities” after earning a 100 score on the 2024 Disability Equality Index® (DEI), the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for companies to measure disability workplace inclusion.

The 2024 DEI measured performance in the categories of Culture & Leadership; Enterprise-Wide Access; Employment Practices including benefits, recruitment, employment, education, retention and advancement, and accommodations; Community Engagement; and Supplier Diversity. Each company receives a score on a scale of zero to 100. Principal has earned a top score of “100” for five years in a row.

“Our people are our most valuable resource. We are focused on removing barriers and giving people what they need to succeed so every employee feels valued and can contribute to our culture and positive business outcomes,” said Miriam Lewis, chief inclusion officer at Principal. “We operate our best as a company when we cultivate a deep range of perspectives by fostering accessibility and belonging for all.”

The DEI is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nation’s largest disability rights organization, and Disability:IN, the global business disability inclusion network, to collectively advance the inclusion of people with disabilities. It was first launched in 2015 to help businesses make a positive impact on the unemployment and underemployment of people with disabilities.

“On the 10th anniversary of the Disability Equality Index, we’re extremely proud of the 542 national and international companies that are taking a proactive role in leading progress towards disability inclusion, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Their dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces not only attracts top talent but also drives innovation and creates sustainable performance in today’s global market. Together, we are creating a future where everyone can contribute and thrive,” said Jill Houghton, president and CEO of Disability:IN.

Learn more about the ways Principal supports equity and inclusion here: Global inclusion | Principal.

About Principal Financial Group®

Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) is a global financial company with 20,000 employees1 passionate about improving the wealth and well-being of people and businesses. In business for 145 years, we’re helping more than 62 million customers1 plan, protect, invest, and retire, while working to support the communities where we do business, and build a diverse, inclusive workforce. Principal® is proud to be recognized as one of the 2023 World’s Most Ethical Companies2, a member of the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, and named as a “Best Places to Work in Money Management3.” Learn more about Principal and our commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and purpose at principal.com.

1 As of March 31, 2024 
2 Ethisphere, 2024 
3 Pensions & Investments, 2023

© 2024 Principal Financial Services, Inc.

About Disability:IN®

Disability:IN is a global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business. More than 500 corporations partner with Disability:IN to create long-term business and social impact through the world’s most comprehensive disability inclusion benchmarking and reporting tool, the Disability Equality Index; best-in-class conferences and programs; expert counsel and engagement; and public policy leadership. Join us at disabilityin.org/AreYouIN #AreYouIN.

Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.​

© 2024 Principal Financial Services, Inc.​​​ 
Principal®, Principal Financial Group®, and Principal and the logomark design are registered trademarks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a Principal Financial Group company, in the United States and are trademarks and service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., in various countries around the world.

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Earlier this year, Chemours released our annual Sustainability Report titled, “Partnering for Progress.” Throughout the report, we showcase how Chemours embraces partnerships to deliver innovative products responsibly and more sustainably, share its success with others, and drive business value. One such example is how Chemours is partnering to protect local wildlife and habitats, including at the company’s mining operations.

Chemours is the only U.S. producer of titanium and zirconium minerals and one of only two domestic producers of rare earth minerals. We mine minerals that contain the elements titanium and zirconium, which are included in the U.S. Department of the Interior’s 2018 list of critical minerals as vital to the nation’s security and economic prosperity. These critical minerals are produced in limited quantities domestically, and Chemours’ domestic monazite sales and production are used in U.S. rare earth mineral processing.

Our Titanium Technologies business segment operates mineral sands mining and separation operations in Florida and Georgia to supply our facilities with TiO2 mineral feedstock and to recover and sell other valuable mineral products.

We are committed to leaving each mining site in a condition comparable to its pre-mine condition. Through continuous reclamation, we work to re-establish the soils and plant vegetation in mined areas as soon as possible after mineral extraction is complete, which in turn allows native wildlife to quickly return.

Opportunities to directly protect wildlife habitats on the lands that we mine are limited because we lease mineral rights and carry out mining operations on land owned and managed by others. However, our mining operations teams support numerous organizations that work to protect area land and water resources, including the Satilla Riverkeeper, St. Marys Riverkeeper, and the Okefenokee Swamp Park.

Where practical, we craft our mine plans to avoid sensitive resources, such as wetlands and uplands that are habitats for gopher tortoise and indigo snake subpopulations. We also partner with external organizations to assist us in providing long-term conservation solutions to protect translocated gopher tortoises (indigo snakes have not been observed at our mining operations to date). Over nine years of mining in Georgia, Chemours’ research partners have translocated more than 400 tortoises and moved 181 hatchlings reared from collected eggs to Wildlife Management Areas.

In 2023, Chemours expanded wildlife protection research by partnering with academic institutions to examine the impacts of mining and mine reclamation on bird communities and rare plants and to assess soil development and plant re-establishment in wetlands constructed on mined lands.

Learn more in Chemours’ 2023 Sustainability Report.

Whirlpool Corporation has been recognized by Forbes as one of the country’s Best Brands For Social Impact in 2024. Inclusion on the list reflects the organization’s commitment to creating a more sustainable and socially responsible future.

“We are elated that our efforts to positively impact consumers across the country and around the world have been recognized,” said Pam Klyn, Whirlpool Corporation’s executive vice president of corporate relations and sustainability. “Serving the communities where we do business is ingrained in our corporate identity and extends beyond our organization through programs designed to improve life at home.”

To create America’s Best Brands for Social Impact list, Forbes partnered with customer insights company HundredX. An online survey from March 2023 through February 2024 asked more than 185,000 consumers to rate brands and products in more than a dozen categories. The list was created by combining respondents’ ratings in four survey categories: Overall Brand Values and Trust, Social Stances, Sustainability and Community Support.

To view the full list of Best Brands for Social Impact in 2024, click here.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading kitchen and laundry appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home and inspiring generations with our brands. The company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2023, the company reported approximately $19 billion in annual sales, 59,000 employees, and 55 manufacturing and technology research centers.  Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

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