Month: September 2024

PHILADELPHIA, September 27, 2024 /3BL/ – Comcast announced the premiere of award–winning documentary, Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture, a film that dismantles the racial barriers of conventional surf culture, available now on Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity channel and the Xumo Play free streaming app.

Watch the Trailer Here

Launched in 2021, Black Experience on Xfinity features the ultimate in Black storytelling from Black programming partners and film studios and has released a variety of original documentaries, like Wade in the Water, showcasing diverse talent and content creators.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with award-winning director David Mesfin, and his team, to bring this compelling documentary to the Black Experience on Xfinity channel,” said Loren Hudson, SVP & Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity and Platforms, Comcast. “Our goal with this channel is to facilitate the discovery of impactful films like Wade in the Water while providing a platform for emerging content creators and talent to reach wider audiences.”

Directed by David Mesfin, an award-winning creative director and multidisciplinary designer, the film dives into the 1,000-year-old tradition of Black surfing. Through a blend of historical accounts and modern-day testimonials, Wade in the Water explores the rich, often overlooked, legacy of Black surfing and pays tribute to its current movement, inspiring a new generation of Black surfers.

The documentary’s journey across the globe has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also sparked conversations about diversity and inclusion within aquatic sports. Mesfin’s directorial debut shines a light on the vibrant yet underrepresented world of Black surfing, offering viewers an insightful and moving narrative that challenges the status quo.

“Wade in the Water is more than a film; it’s a movement,” shared Director David Mesfin. “Our objective is not just to tell a story but to inspire change. We aim to ignite a passion for surfing within the Black community, challenge preconceived notions about who can be a surfer, and celebrate the rich history and culture of Black surfing.”

The film’s release represents a pioneering step towards a community-based and disruptive independent film distribution model. By making Wade in the Water accessible to a global audience, Mesfin’s team hopes to continue the dialogue on Black aquatic culture, provide opportunities for surf and outdoor Black communities, and pave the way for a more inclusive future.

For more information about the film, please visit www.wadeinthewaterproject.com.

Black Experience on Xfinity is a first-of-its-kind destination of Black entertainment, movies, TV shows, news and more. Available at home on Xfinity X1 and Flex, and on-the-go with the Xfinity Stream app, the Black Experience on Xfinity features original and high-quality content from Comcast NBCUniversal and other major studios, in addition to content from many of Xfinity’s existing network partners, at no additional cost to Xfinity customers.

Xfinity customers can access the Black Experience on channel 1622 or simply say “Black Experience” into the Voice Remote to instantly enjoy the ultimate in Black storytelling.

Cody Clegg turned his passion for fixing motorcross bikes as a child into a successful career as a diesel technician, now working for Marathon Petroleum maintaining transport trucks and ensuring safety on the road.Clegg emphasizes the importance of safety in his work, taking pride in making sure that every vehicle he repairs is roadworthy.Beyond putting his skills to good use, Clegg values Marathon Petroleum for its supportive work environment, enabling him to provide for his family and care for his children.

From police cars to bulldozers, Cody Clegg has repaired them all. He started out working on motorcross bikes in his garage at the age of six, and since then he’s turned his passion into a successful career.

“I raced motorcross until I was 22, and when something broke on my bike, I was fixing it,” said Clegg. “I was in the garage with my brother and my dad. He had hot rods, and we were always tinkering.”

Clegg grew up in Heber City, Utah. His first job after high school was on a shop floor changing tires, replacing brakes and performing alignments on big trucks. Through his employer, he completed the Cummins Diesel Mechanic School Program. Today, he’s found success specializing as a diesel technician working for Marathon Petroleum in Roosevelt, Utah, maintaining and repairing transport trucks, tankers and semi-trailers that haul crude oil to the Salt Lake City refinery.

“My favorite thing about this work is using my knowledge and resources to get the job done,” said Clegg. “I have the confidence that a 130,000-pound truck I fix is going to be safe when it’s back on the road. It’s a challenge I take very seriously.”  

Focus on Safety

The diesel mechanics in the Marathon Petroleum Roosevelt shop work Monday through Friday, and they also rotate on-call shifts in case there is an emergency breakdown when a driver is transporting products. The team always prioritizes safety when planning their jobs.

“Safety is always number one,” said Clegg. “It doesn’t matter if we are behind schedule. If a vehicle is deemed unsafe, it does not go on the road. Even if we are out on a road call, and I find something that wasn’t part of the original problem. We don’t leave until the problem is addressed.”

Clegg knows that just one mistake can cause major problems for transport drivers and others on the road.

“Marathon hires top notch technicians, because they know the potential risks if someone doesn’t know what they are doing,” said Clegg. “They expect us to bring our A-game every day.”

His leaders recognize Clegg’s dedication to the job.

“He and his peers work tirelessly to ensure the company’s Utah Crude Operations have safe and compliant transports in one of the Transport and Rail organization’s most challenging environments due to the landscape and weather,” said Marathon Petroleum Transport Maintenance Manager Edward Davis.

Tech Progression Program

Clegg has also been working on his next steps with the company. He’s exploring his options through the Marathon Petroleum Tech Progression Program, which was designed to create transparency, ownership and accountability in the diesel technician workforce regarding their careers with Marathon Petroleum.

“Cody was selected because of his positive attitude, approach to difficult situations, the care and ownership of his work, and the care and support he exhibits to his peers,” said Davis. “Cody is dedicated to supporting his fellow technicians and learning from them. He is always approachable, quick to share his experience and works to ensure others have what they need.”

Benefits of the Benefits

Clegg said he’s most proud that he’s able to provide for his family through his career at Marathon Petroleum. He and his wife are raising four children in Roosevelt. He spends his time outside of work hunting, fishing, riding horses and being a dad.

“My wife stays home with our children,” said Clegg. “We have a house and acreage and animals. It’s incredible that I can provide for my family in this way. It means everything to me.”

Marathon Petroleum offers competitive compensation, annual bonuses, health insurance, retirement benefits and more.

“My daughter has some health issues, and there is never a question from management when something comes up, and I need to be there for my family,” said Clegg. “The answer is always ‘Get out of here.’ That’s the type of company I work for. I get paid well, and my leaders treat me well and understand what it means to me to be a dad.”

Interested in a career?

“If you are a dedicated mechanic that produces quality work, not just quantity, then this is a career for you,” said Clegg. “This is much more than a job.”

Marathon Petroleum is hiring diesel mechanics and drivers.

Learn More

CINCINNATI, September 27, 2024 /3BL/ – Fifth Third’s inclusive employment practices have been recognized by the National Organization on Disability (NOD), which has named the company a 2024 Leading Disability Employer in advance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October.

The award recognizes Fifth Third’s disability inclusion efforts in areas including workforce strategy, talent outcome metrics and sourcing, climate & culture, people practices, and workplace tools & accessibility.

“At Fifth Third, we aspire to create an intentionally inclusive, diverse and thriving community,” said Chief Inclusion Officer Stephanie A. Smith. “We strive to provide an environment in which each employee feels valued, respected and understood, and we pride ourselves in bringing our authentic selves and our best thinking into the workplace.”

Fifth Third’s inclusive employment practices include a robust network of nine Business Resource Groups that empower employees to advance inclusion efforts and to access development opportunities, support business solutions and become involved in the community.

“Creating a culture of belonging and connection where employees feel cared for and valued is critical to our success and ingrained in our core values,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Nancy Pinckney. “We believe that inclusion creates the opportunity for all to thrive.”

Fifth Third is also a founding partner of Project SEARCH, a one-year program that helps high school students with disabilities transition into the workforce. Since the program’s inception in 2005, Fifth Third has trained more than 400 students, including 34 current employees, as one of 700 Project SEARCH locations worldwide.

Fifth Third was also the first bank to design a checking account for the Achieving a Better Life Experience program, or ABLE. These accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest assets for disability-related expenses.

NOD’s Leading Disability Employer award recognizes exceptional disability inclusion practices and policies. The organization’s methodology includes the NOD Employment Tracker™, a comprehensive assessment tool that evaluates key business practices related to hiring, retention, and advancement of people with disabilities.

In July, Fifth Third also received a fourth consecutive top score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index®, the leading independent, third-party resource for the annual benchmarking of corporate disability inclusion policies and programs. Fifth Third was also named among the index’s Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.

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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.

About the National Organization on Disability (NOD) 
The National Organization on Disability (NOD) is a nonprofit organization that seeks to increase employment opportunities for the millions of Americans with disabilities. NOD offers a suite of employment solutions, tailored to anticipate, and meet leading companies’ workforce needs. NOD has helped some of the world’s most recognized brands be more competitive in today’s global economy by building or enriching their disability inclusion programs. For more information about NOD and how its portfolio of workforce solutions, Leadership Council, Employment Tracker™, and Engagement Survey can help your business, visit www.nod.org.

CONTACT 
Amanda Nageleisen (Media Relations) 
amanda.nageleisen@53.com 
Matt Curoe (Investor Relations) 
matthew.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345