Month: September 2024

Watch video: Subaru Loves Learning: Helping schools and students in need

Subaru believes that all students deserve an equal opportunity at a quality education. That’s why we are continuing our partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org® to support students at schools, nationwide. Through the Subaru Loves Learning® initiative, Subaru and our retailers are adopting classrooms in our communities, providing teachers with funding to purchase much needed school supplies and resources to help their students thrive in the classroom. We are proud to have supported more than 750,000 students nationwide so far, as the largest corporate supporter to AdoptAClassroom.org. To learn more about Subaru Loves Learning® visit Subaru.com/learning

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $320 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

For more than a decade, Alliance for Community Empowerment (ACE) has assisted thousands of individuals in overcoming barriers by addressing the core issues facing their low-income communities through education, workforce development and other support services.

The San Fernando Valley, California-based ACE staff has grown to 65 employees but the team occasionally needs outside support that it might not otherwise have if it weren’t for a capacity building resource like Catchafire, which facilitates access to volunteers with professional skills looking to support community development leaders and nonprofits who may be under-resourced and overextended.

ACE began using Catchafire in 2022 and has tapped into resources for various projects ranging from human resources to change management and new data system implementation to marketing. The marketing expert’s volunteer contribution was significant enough that ACE hired the volunteer full-time, and the nonprofit is now in the process of further expanding its marketing department.

“For smaller nonprofits like ACE, partnerships like these can be a lifeline because they provide access to highly skilled professionals who can offer expertise that may otherwise be out of reach,” said ACE CEO and founder Michelle Miranda. “Utilizing volunteers and resources has provided our team with comprehensive project management skills and training, helped us develop our leaders, and given us guidance on implementing and navigating changes.”

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, the community investment and tax credit division of U.S. Bank, became a thread in ACE’s story by providing grants and capacity building to support aligned organizations like Catchafire.

“We’re pleased to support programs that give back and bridge gaps for nonprofits like ACE,” said Torrence Moore, managing director of Impact Finance’s Business Impact Group. “Success stories like this one are a great example of the impact this can have on organizations and the communities they serve.”

Miranda said connecting with a volunteer who had extensive marketing experience allowed ACE to refine communication strategies and improve how it supports individuals.

“U.S. Bank’s collaboration with Catchafire not only supports nonprofits in achieving their missions but also fosters long-term sustainability by helping us build the foundational structures needed for growth,” she said. “This type of collaboration is vital in empowering smaller organizations to make a more significant difference in the communities they serve.”

Advanced tools, customized training and life-saving equipment boost community safety and resiliency during ongoing storm season and beyond

CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 30, 2024 /3BL/ – Just as Duke Energy makes extensive preparations ahead of severe weather and other emergencies, Duke Energy Foundation is committed to helping ensure its communities are well prepared before disaster strikes.

During the past five years, Duke Energy Foundation has invested over $19.5 million in emergency preparedness and response efforts across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The Foundation’s approach is collaborative, working closely with local leaders and nonprofits to understand and address specific needs to boost community safety and resiliency.

“By supporting local organizations on the front lines of disaster preparation and response, we help build community infrastructure and readiness to respond to a myriad of emergencies,” said Amy Strecker, president, Duke Energy Foundation. “We’re committed to standing with our communities every step of the way – from proactive planning to response and recovery.”

Duke Energy volunteers also joined in the preparations, packing thousands of no-cost storm kits for seniors and contributing $3.3 million of their own money and volunteer time in the same five-year window. “Our employees love getting in on the action of helping our communities,” said Loretta Murray, manager, Duke Energy Foundation and volunteer champion. “I know the fear and devastation that a hurricane can bring. I’ve lived through it. Now I get to do something about it. It does me proud.”

Funding from Duke Energy Foundation has delivered immediate relief in times of crisis and equipped first responders with advanced tools, customized training and life-saving equipment to boost community safety and resilience. Earlier this year, a grant-funded drone helped locate a missing South Carolina man.

“The grant from the Duke Energy Foundation enabled us to bring in top-of-the-line drones and equipment,” said Gus Ballard, manager of drone operations at Spartanburg County Emergency Services. “Since then, our performance has steadily improved thanks to the advanced capabilities and reliability of the equipment. This impacts not only our operations within the county, but throughout South Carolina and surrounding states where we assist other agencies.”

As the 2024 storm season continues through November, Duke Energy and its Foundation stand ready to respond and support its communities. Additionally, customers are encouraged to download the enhanced American Red Cross Emergency app.

Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

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.

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Every year, Gildan’s summer internship program invites aspiring students and recent graduates to go beyond the simple t-shirt and discover the full breadth and scale of the organization. This year, Gildan welcomed over 30 interns across offices in Canada, Barbados, and the United States, providing them with opportunities to support various functions, hone their skills with experienced mentors, and network with professionals from the various regions where Gildan operates.

“Our summer internship program is a great chance to introduce Gildan to passionate students,” says Shannon Preston, Vice-President of Human Resources at Gildan. “Moreover, it is an opportunity for us to inspire responsible and strong leaders of tomorrow, both for Gildan and beyond.”

We asked some interns about their experience with the program and interesting things they learned along the way. Here’s what they had to say:

On why they chose Gildan:

“I first heard about the internship program from a past Gildan intern and was impressed by his experience. Upon doing some further research, I learned about Gildan’s commitment to producing apparel responsibly, and knew that this was the kind of company I wanted to work for.

Imagine my excitement when I learned that there was a Customer Service internship opening for the 2024 season. It was the perfect opportunity for me to combine my passion for speaking with people with my degree in tourism and hospitality. This role offered me the chance to gain some practical experience and test my customer service skills in a global company stationed across multiple regions.”

– Kecia Alleyne, Customer Service Intern

On what surprised them about Gildan:

“I hadn’t fully grasped the breadth of Gildan. It was only when I began working in the SOX Compliance team and collaborating with different stakeholders from across the Company that I realized the true scale of the organization. 

Throughout my internship, I had the chance to understand the work of many different departments, including external reporting, commodities, and treasury. Also, the internship cohort itself consisted of people from HR, Communications, Legal, etc., exposing me to multiple roles. 

Eventually, I began to see the bigger picture. I realized that there’s so much that goes into making a company like Gildan, and so much that goes into making a simple t-shirt!” 

– Sergio Henao, Corporate Accounting Intern

On the most rewarding part of the internship:

“I worked on many projects this summer – from writing long-form articles and creating marketing brochures, to working on social media content and updating our websites. What was really rewarding for me was taking ownership of these projects from inception to closure.

I also had the opportunity to work with stakeholders from across Gildan and build meaningful connections with marketing and communications professionals, all the while gathering valuable feedback on my projects. It was incredibly rewarding to see my projects evolve from the very beginning to the end, ultimately contributing to shaping Gildan’s narrative.”

– Gabrielle Webb, Corporate Marketing and Communications Intern

On their key takeaways from this experience:

“From technical and professional skills, to building meaningful relationships, there are so many things I have gained. In law school, I often read many court cases and doctrinal writings, but it was a completely different experience to see how law plays a role in real life. 

But more than technical skills and knowledge, my biggest takeaway is the relationships I built here. From the get-go, my supervisors and colleagues created a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, making me feel like a valuable addition to the group. I always felt comfortable asking questions, presenting my opinions, and even discussing my career progression. It was a pleasure getting to know the team and I know these relationships will go far beyond my internship here.”

– Xuan He, Legal Intern

On their most memorable moment:

“There were so many! The HR team had planned many exciting activities for us, including lunch and learns with leaders, personal branding and LinkedIn workshops, and we even got to celebrate the Company’s 40th anniversary. 

But if I had to pick, I’d choose the two lunch and learn events we had with Chuck Ward, President of Sales, Marketing, and Distribution, and Rhodri Harries, Executive Vice-President Chief Financial and Administrative Officer at Gildan. It was incredibly exciting to learn about their diverse career journeys and have the opportunity to ask them questions. Their stories gave me a lot of perspective and helped me see my own career as ever-changing and evolving.”

– Adara Mohammed, Human Resources Intern

On their favourite project:

“One of my favourite projects this summer was creating playbooks for Gildan’s HR processes. This project involved a lot of research and collaboration with stakeholders, and after weeks of work, it is very satisfying to know that these documents will act as useful resources for Gildan’s HR teams.

But what I truly loved most about this internship was the dual role I often played – I was both an intern and was heavily involved in supporting the local Montreal internship program. For instance, I helped organize many of the lunch and learn events, while attending them myself too. This dual perspective really helped me glean into the nature of HR, preparing me for my future as an HR professional.”

– Gabrielle Boulanger, Human Resources Intern

On advice for someone considering an internship at Gildan:

“To anyone considering applying for the internship program at Gildan, I’d say, ‘go for it!’ As a student from Jamaica applying for an internship in Barbados, I wasn’t sure what my chances were of being accepted to the program. And yet, here I am! Over the last two months, I’ve built long-lasting professional relationships and enhanced my skills in digital marketing which has been a huge value addition to my professional journey.

So, take it from me – apply, because it is an enriching experience to work at a global company alongside encouraging mentors and a passionate group of interns.”

– Shian Scarlett, Digital Marketing Intern

Find out more about Gildan’s summer internship program here.

The GRI Academy – the world’s leading education portal for sustainability reporting professionals – has broadened its curriculum to reflect the latest trends in the reporting landscape.

With four new training courses covering diverse topics and sectors, the platform provides a comprehensive, interactive learning experience tailored to user needs. The learning includes both theory and practical examples, delivered through self-paced modules that can be accessed 24/7. The new courses are:

Transparency for Tomorrow: Decoding the Sustainability Reporting Landscape: This updated course overviews alignment between the main sustainability reporting instruments, describing how they can be used in conjunction with the GRI Standards to enhance reporting. It has been revised to include new content on the most recent updates from the evolving global reporting landscape.Sustainability Reporting for the Coal Sector: Navigating the GRI 12 Sector Standard: This course delves into the GRI Coal Standard, examining its structure, as well as the sector’s context and impacts. GRI 12 sets robust expectations for coal organizations to disclose how they respond to the pressing need to transition to a low-carbon economy, and how they manage their impacts along the way.Reporting with GRI 13: Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fishing Sectors 2022: Offering a detailed examination of GRI’s third Sector Standard, the course overviews the likely material topics for the coal sector, explaining how to use it to report in accordance with the GRI Standards. GRI 13 aims to increase the completeness and comparability of sustainability information for all organizations in crop cultivation, animal production, aquaculture or fishing. Sustainability Reporting for the Mining Sector: Navigating the GRI 14 Sector Standard: This course explores the structure and unique context and impacts of the mining sector. Using real-world examples, the training shows how GRI 14 can be effectively applied in the reporting process. The most recently released Sector Standard, GRI 14 reflects broad stakeholder expectations for transparency, enabling any mining company to use a common set of metrics to disclose their impacts.  

Paul Broekhof, GRI Head of Education said:

“As the sustainability reporting landscape continues to change and GRI releases new Sector Standards, the GRI Academy has added more courses to help professionals stay updated with the latest knowledge and skills. These training courses offer a practical, focused learning experience and aim to help professionals deliver clear, high-quality impact reports that meet the public’s expectations in different sectors.”

Visit GRI Education for information on the duration, content and how to access these new courses together with 18 other training modules. Learn more about the GRI Professional Certification Program and explore options for instructor-led learning delivered locally with Certified Training Partners.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the is the independent nonprofit organization that is the architect of the common global language to assess and report on environmental, social and economic impacts. GRI provides standards, tools and training that empower organizations of all sizes to create sustainable, long-term value and unlock positive change in the world.

On this episode of Healthy Outcomes, Baker Tilly host Mark Ross interviews Celia Van Lenten, Principal with the law firm of Miles & Stockbridge. Together, they discuss several hot topics related to the healthcare regulatory environment, such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and more.

Topics of discussion include:

M&A activity in the healthcare provider sector and related regulatory perspectives.Healthcare staffing-related regulatory developments.The ongoing evolution of artificial intelligence and thoughts on a legal framework that healthcare providers should be aware of when they evaluate their use of AI-enabled technology.The reasons for the increase in occurrences of cyber breaches in the healthcare industry and what healthcare providers should be doing to be better prepared to handle one.Futuristic thoughts related to the regulatory environment and regulatory scrutiny that healthcare providers will likely be subject to.

Connect with a Baker Tilly healthcare team member to learn more. 

CLEVELAND, September 30, 2024 /3BL/ – Today, KeyBank announced that it has funded more than $1 million in KeyBank Neighbors First Credits, helping 200 clients achieve their dream of homeownership in areas where the program is available. This milestone is the latest KeyBank has achieved since launching this program in July 2023.

The KeyBank Neighbors First Credit1 is a Special Purpose Credit Program that provides $5,000 toward closing costs and other pre-paid fees that may come with financing a new, owner-occupied home to homebuyers for the purchase of eligible properties. Additional costs include mortgage, flood and hazard insurance, escrow deposit, real estate taxes, and per diem interest for eligible properties.

KeyBank’s 2024 Financial Mobility Survey found that many Americans believe homeownership is out of reach due to rising costs. Of those people (20%) who are not currently in the market to purchase a home and haven’t purchased one in the past year, 69% believe the dream of owning a home is not very attainable.

“At a time when many feel they simply can’t afford a home, KeyBank’s efforts, specifically with our Neighbors First Credit, are erasing doubt and helping our clients see what is possible when they partner with their bank,” said Dale Baker, Head of Home Lending at KeyBank. “Whether they are looking to buy a new home or improve the home they are in, KeyBank is committed to working with our clients to help them achieve their dreams and goals.”

Some of the communities KeyBank’s Neighbors First Credit has made a difference in include:

Cleveland, OH: 47 credits funded for $235,000Columbus, OH: 25 credits funded for $125,000Dayton, OH: 11 credits funded for $55,000Albany, NY: 9 credits funded for $45,000

The KeyBank Neighbors First Credit is one of three special purpose credit programs (SPCPs) from KeyBank. The KeyBank Homebuyer Credit2 provides up to $5,000 in credits toward closing costs and other pre-paid fees that may come with financing a new home to homebuyers for the purchase of eligible properties in eligible communities. The Homebuyer Credit launched in September 2022. Through this program, Key has funded more than $2.4 million in credits, helping 533 clients.

In addition, the Key Opportunities Home Equity Loan3 provides affordable terms for borrowers with qualifying properties to refinance their primary residence to a lower interest rate, consolidate debt, finance home improvements, or tap into their equity when needed. This loan features a fixed rate, with no origination fee, and a first or second lien option for loans up to $100,000. Since the program began on March 1, 2023, through September 19, 2024, KeyBank funded $13 million in loans, helping 259 clients secure loans for their primary home in designated communities.

“Making homeownership more affordable, accessible and, most importantly, sustainable is a critical part of KeyBank’s purpose of helping the communities we serve thrive,” said Rachael Sampson, Head of Community Banking for KeyBank’s Consumer Bank. “Block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood, we are committed to helping our clients build wealth and grow by providing them with resources and programs that help make homeownership possible.”

Learn more about KeyBank’s home lending opportunities and programs, determine whether a property qualifies for Special Purpose Credit Programs, or get started on the journey to homeownership by visiting key.com/communitylending. For details on the current state of local markets and to answer any questions you may have, including whether a property qualifies for Key’s Special Purpose Credit Programs, KeyBank Mortgage Loan Officers are available to help.

ABOUT KEYCORP 
KeyCorp’s (NYSE: KEY) roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at June 30, 2024. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

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NMLS #399797. KeyBank extends credit secured by residential real estate without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or familial status. All credit products are subject to collateral and/or credit approval, terms, conditions, availability and are subject to change.

CFMA #240925-2801809

1Available on primary residence first lien purchases only. Property must be located in an eligible community in KeyBank’s retail footprint or Florida. Eligible communities are determined by KeyBank and subject to change without notice. Additional terms or restrictions may apply. Ask us for details.

2Available on primary residence first lien purchases only. Property must be located in an eligible community as determined by KeyBank. Eligible Communities are subject to change without notice. Additional terms or restrictions may apply. Ask us for details.

3Loan features reduced interest rate and no origination fees. Available on existing primary residence and loans up to $100,000. First or second lien only. Loan must close in a branch. Property must be located in an eligible community in KeyBank’s retail footprint. Additional terms or restrictions may apply. Ask us for details.