Albertsons Companies’ Southwest division team recently came together for the Million Hour Volunteer Rally, packing over 500 food bags for teens at Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers. Store associates’ efforts added over 300 volunteer hours towards the goal of 1 million hours.
See original post on LinkedIn and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.
Scott Saum, Cummins Water Works Program Manager, on his work and the wealth in his life:
Q: What is the greatest wealth in your life?
Scott Saum: The greatest wealth in my life is my family. My wife and I have been married for five years, and we have a wonderful nine-month-old daughter. We couldn’t be happier.
Q: What do you do and why do you do it?
Scott Saum: I’m the program manager for Cummins Water Works in the Corporate Responsibility function. The program’s goal is to strengthen communities through sustainable water initiatives. We look to stand up community projects that improve water quality, water quantity and access to wash water, sanitation, and hygiene in communities around the world. I do what I do to make the world a better place.
Q: What unexpected skill has become invaluable to your professional toolkit?
Scott Saum: In my role, I work with people around the world from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. The ability to collaborate with teams and remain flexible when conflict arises is vital to my role and the success of our projects.
Q: What can Cummins Water Works do to impact the energy transition?
Scott Saum: The goal is to be net water positive in each region by 2030 and in each Cummins community by 2050.
At Cummins, we track our water consumption at every location worldwide, whether it’s a factory, office facility or warehouse. We also aim to establish community projects that offset that water consumption in each community.
We try to tailor projects to meet the needs of each community and support a variety of initiatives, including tree plantings, wetland restoration, cover crop adoption, litter pickups, restroom construction and hand and hygiene education.
Adapted testing method indicates another potential consumer exposure to “forever chemicals”
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Curious about how local water quality could affect your next happy hour? Researchers at RTI International, an independent scientific research institute, just published a new study in Environmental Science & Technology showing that the presence of “forever chemicals” in municipal water gets into the beer production process — and the beer itself.
The Environmental Science & Technology journal article, titled “Hold My Beer: The Linkage between Municipal Water and Brewing,” explores how chemical contaminants known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — or PFAS — pose a challenge for drinking water utilities and breweries across the U.S. and globally.
“RTI’s ‘Hold My Beer’ study highlights the need for broad, coordinated action to reduce PFAS in water supplies,” said Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, lead study researcher and senior director of environmental health and water quality at RTI. “Our adapted testing method offers a practical way to detect and address PFAS in beverages including beer, which we hope can reduce exposure to these chemicals and make future happy hours relatively safer and healthier.”
This is the first study to adapt an established PFAS testing method for drinking water for beer analysis and evaluate how municipal drinking water at brewing locations influences PFAS presence in beer.
Key findings from the research include:
RTI researchers evaluated PFAS compounds in beers purchased in retail stores and compared results with municipal water data to determine if contamination was associated with the water supply. The study was conducted at brewing locations in 17 U.S. counties, nine states and three countries.
PFAS are human-made chemicals produced for their anti-grease, water-resistant, and stain-repelling properties. Recent studies show that PFAS exposure can lead to adverse reproductive, developmental, cardiovascular, liver, kidney, immunological and carcinogenic health effects. Nearly every American has PFAS in their blood, indicating that exposure is common. Consumption of contaminated drinking water is a major, if not the primary contributor to total exposure.
Supporting breweries and water utilities in addressing PFAS paves the way for future advancements in water quality and food safety.
More information is available about how exposure to contaminants is identified and reduced in the places where people live, learn, work and play through RTI CleanPlus™, a portfolio of environmental health and water quality programs.
RTI has in-house capabilities spanning PFAS assessment, testing, remediation and identification of alternatives.
About RTI International
RTI International is an independent scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world’s most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.
Media Contact:
RTI Media Relations
919-541-7300
394373@email4pr.com
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SOURCE RTI International
Jean Ekwa, Strategic Communications & PR Lead, Tech To The Rescue
The power of AI is shaping industries, revolutionizing business, and transforming how we solve complex challenges. But while corporations and governments are investing heavily in AI innovation, many nonprofits risk being left behind—lacking the resources, expertise, or infrastructure to harness AI for impact. How can technology leaders support these organizations?
In a recent Tech for Good Talks podcast, Alice Damasceno, Director of Corporate Citizenship and ESG Communications for Lenovo Latin America, sat down in São Paulo with Ana Camerano from Tech To The Rescue (TTTR), a global nonprofit foundation that connects ambitious nonprofits with technology companies willing to support them with pro-bono solutions. They discussed Lenovo’s vision for AI-driven impact, the company’s approach to corporate citizenship, and how the Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab is giving nonprofits the tools and resources they need to integrate AI.
A partnership turning innovation into action
Lenovo and TTTR share a common belief: AI should be accessible and inclusive.
That’s why Lenovo joined TTTR’s AI for Changemakers Accelerator, an initiative backed by other major tech players. The accelerator matches nonprofits with skilled volunteer technologists who help them design and implement AI solutions tailored to their missions.
The Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab takes this support a step further—equipping ten selected nonprofits with cutting-edge Lenovo hardware, AI tools, and expert guidance to help them turn their AI aspirations into real-world impact.
For Lenovo, this collaboration is part of a broader vision to make AI a force for inclusion rather than a driver of inequality. As Alice Damasceno explained in the podcast, Lenovo sees its role in social impact not just as a donor but as a strategic enabler—ensuring that technology is developed and deployed in ethical and equitable ways.
How AI drives social change
For Lenovo, corporate citizenship is more than philanthropy—it is about leveraging technology to serve people and the planet. Alice Damasceno explains that Lenovo’s approach is centered on Smarter Technology for All, ensuring that innovation advances business while addressing critical social and environmental challenges.
During the conversation, Damasceno shared inspiring real-world examples of how Lenovo is applying AI to solve pressing issues:
These examples highlight a fundamental shift in how corporations approach social impact—not just through financial contributions but through strategic, tech-driven interventions that create sustainable change.
The role of corporate citizenship in a changing world
Reflecting on her career in social impact, Alice Damasceno emphasized the growing role of technology companies in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable future.
Corporate citizenship, she explains, is not an afterthought but an integral part of how Lenovo operates—embedding ESG principles, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement into its core business strategy.
“The world’s challenges are complex, but technology can be part of the solution,” says Damasceno. “By engaging employees, partnering with nonprofits, and investing in AI-driven impact projects, we are creating a model where businesses can thrive while driving meaningful change.”
The Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab helps ensure that AI innovation doesn’t remain a privilege of corporations—it becomes a tool for global problem-solving, available to those who need it most.
Looking ahead: how the tech industry can respond
As AI and emerging technologies continue to evolve, the collaboration between corporations, nonprofits, and impact-driven organizations will be critical in ensuring that these innovations benefit society.
This is a long-term commitment for Lenovo—part of its broader Smarter AI for All strategy, ensuring that AI innovation serves people, not just profits. For Tech To The Rescue, this partnership is a blueprint for how corporations and nonprofits can collaborate to make AI a true tool for social transformation.
“If we don’t make AI accessible to mission-driven organizations, we risk deepening the digital divide,” said Damasceno in the podcast. “But when we give nonprofits the right tools, knowledge, and partners, they can solve problems in ways we never imagined.”
The real question isn’t whether nonprofits should use AI—the question is whether the tech industry will step up to ensure they can.
Talent, technology, and strategic planning are shaping the future of the AEC industry at a crossroads
DULLES, Va., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Unanet, the leading provider of project-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, today released its 2025 AEC Inspire Report. Based on a recent nationwide survey of hundreds of top industry professionals, the report offers timely benchmarks and insights to help firms make informed, strategic decisions this year, particularly as they face significant talent shortages due to an aging workforce.
“The AEC industry is incredibly agile, but market uncertainty and talent gaps are driving successful firms to leverage technology in new ways, such as resource management and business development,” said Akshay Mahajan, Executive Vice President, AEC, Unanet. “In the new Inspire Report, we offer a practical view into pressing concerns and emerging opportunities shaping the sector, so leaders can move forward with confidence.”
Top Reported Challenges
The report shows labor and talent development are top concerns for 67% of firms, surpassing even economic uncertainty. The average employee age is 41, and many founding leaders are nearing retirement. Yet only two-thirds of firms report having formal succession plans, and more than half rate their career development efforts as fair or poor.
In addition, business development remains a key area for improvement. Nearly half of respondents (47%) cite low adoption of business development tools, up from 35% last year. Further limiting their ability to pursue new opportunities, 54% say they lack the tools needed to access and analyze the data required to pursue new work effectively.
The third significant business challenge is resource management, which 25% of respondents rate as “immature.” This means many AEC firms lack the insights that forecasting and predictive analysis can deliver.
Yet Optimism Reigns
Despite these challenges, the vast majority of respondents (78%) expressed optimism about the current business environment. The optimism about future growth creates an even greater need to build a strong workforce, adopt leading-edge business development tools, and accurately forecast and plan resources.
“As any successful AEC firm can attest, success takes a lot more than just a growth plan, but also determined execution composed of actionable business intelligence about new opportunities, dedicated talent that will deliver stellar results for each project, and a firm-wide view of resources and timelines so each project can be managed properly,” said Lucas Hayden, Senior Director, AEC Strategy, Unanet. “Firms that prioritize data centralization, health, and system integration are in a stronger position to drive growth.”
The 2025 AEC Inspire Report includes insights from 313 senior-level professionals across firms of varying sizes and revenue levels. It also features tools organizations can use to assess themselves and their needs including a Resource Management Maturity Model, an AI and technology checklist, and guidance for evaluating business solutions.
Download the full report at https://info.unanet.com/aec-inspire-report-2025.
About Unanet
Unanet is a leading provider of project-based ERP and CRM solutions purpose-built for government contractors, architecture, engineering, construction, and professional services. More than 4,000 project-driven organizations depend on Unanet to turn their information into actionable insights, drive better decision-making, maintain regulatory compliance, and accelerate business growth. All backed by a people-centered team invested in the success of your projects, people, and financials. For more information, visit www.unanet.com.
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SOURCE Unanet
Join the Hunt for Houdini Flies!
BOTHELL, Wash., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Rent Mason Bees, the nation’s largest solitary bee provider, has partnered with researchers at the University of California, Davis to address the alarming spread of the Houdini fly, an invasive kleptoparasite threatening native mason bee populations across the Pacific Northwest.
This week, they officially launched THE HOUDINI FLY HUNT, calling on bee hosts and citizen scientists nationwide to help track and report sightings of this destructive invader.
The collaboration is led by Abigail Lehner, a PhD candidate at UC Davis, who is researching how mason bees are impacted by global environmental change. Lehner recently received a grant from the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (WSARE) program to deepen the understanding of Houdini fly biology and to develop an effective management plan.
“I’ve seen a significant increase in Houdini flies in Washington and Oregon this year, and they are devastating to mason bee populations. Unmaintained bee hotels are a major cause of their spread,” said Lehner.
The Houdini fly—a small, gray insect with red eyes, about the size of a fruit fly—was accidentally introduced from Europe within the last few years. These parasitic flies are often seen hovering near bee hotels or sitting at nest entrances.
Houdini flies exploit mason bees by sneaking into nests when the mother bee is away. They lay their eggs on the pollen stores intended for bee larvae. When the Houdini larvae hatch, they consume the pollen, starving the developing mason bees. Fully grown Houdini flies then escape the sealed chambers at the same time the surviving bees would normally emerge, earning their notorious name.
Thyra McKelvie, Managing Director of Rent Mason Bees, emphasizes that proper care and public education are critical.
“Many people don’t realize that setting up a bee hotel comes with responsibility,” McKelvie said. “Without proper maintenance, these hotels can quickly become breeding grounds for parasites like the Houdini fly.”
McKelvie outlines three critical steps for responsible mason bee care:
“If you want to prevent further spread, it is imperative to clean out your bee hotel in the fall and remove Houdini larvae,” Lehner added.
Join the Houdini Fly Hunt!
One of the best ways to combat this threat is by identifying where Houdini flies are spreading—and that’s where you come in.
Report your findings here: Houdini Fly Hunt!
Watch the video to learn how to spot and stop Houdini flies: Mason Bee Predator Alert! Houdini Fly – How to Spot, Stop & Hunt!
Your participation is crucial in protecting our native pollinators and strengthening ecosystems across the country.
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SOURCE Rent Mason Bees
In the bustling city of Dubai, the spirit of community and generosity came alive during a recent FedEx Cares volunteer event. This particular initiative was dedicated to packing hundreds of care packages filled with essential food items for those in need. The event was held at one of FedEx’s busy facilities, where the volunteers ingeniously repurposed the conveyor belts normally used for sorting packages for delivery.
A group of enthusiastic FedEx team members gathered, ready to make a difference. They were greeted with a variety of supplies, and with a shared sense of purpose and excitement, the volunteers got to work.
The conveyor belts, usually busy with parcels destined for customers worldwide, had been transformed into assembly lines for the care packages. Volunteers lined up along the belts, each assigned a specific task. The belts moved steadily, and with teamwork and coordination, each care package was filled with love and care.
The atmosphere was electric with a sense of camaraderie. Laughter and chatter filled the air as volunteers worked side by side. Every now and then, a cheer would erupt as boxes were completed and sent down the line. High-fives were exchanged frequently, and huge smiles were a constant sight.
As the last of the care packages were sealed and stacked, the team paused to celebrate their achievement. Group selfies captured the moment, with everyone beaming proudly. The sense of accomplishment was palpable; they had come together to make a significant impact on their community.
With the task complete, the care packages were carefully loaded onto FedEx delivery vehicles. These vehicles, usually carrying commercial packages, were now filled with boxes of hope and support. The volunteers watched with satisfaction as the vehicles departed to deliver the care packages to their destinations across the city.
The celebration continued with a sense of fulfillment and joy. The FedEx team had not only leveraged their logistical expertise but had also reinforced the power of community and collaboration. It was a day marked by brilliant teamwork, heartfelt efforts, and the knowledge that their actions would bring comfort and relief to many.
A few hours later, the volunteers dispersed, carrying with them memories of a day well spent. The FedEx Cares event in Dubai was a testament to the positive impact that can be achieved when people come together with a common goal. It was a day of giving back, of making a difference, and of spreading kindness in the heart of the city.
Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Rev up your engines and join us for the Birthplace of Route 66 Motorcycle Kick-Off on April 30th from 5 PM to 8 PM at Hold Fast Brewing and Billiards. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the open road and gear up for the upcoming rally season!
This high-energy event will offer riders and enthusiasts the opportunity to sign up for the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) Gypsy Poker Run and Bike Show, taking place on August 9th in Downtown Springfield as part of the iconic Route 66 Festival. Don’t miss your chance to secure a spot in this celebrated ride supporting our veterans.
Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine from Bedda Matri Springfield food truck, a veteran-owned food truck serving authentic Italian dishes.
Come enjoy and connect with fellow riders as we kick off an unforgettable motorcycle season. Whether you’re a seasoned biker or just a fan of the motorcycle culture, this event is for you!
Event Details:
For more information on the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival and the CVMA events, visit Route66FestivalSGF.com
Kickstart your engines and we’ll see you there!
Media Contact
Laura Dannegger
(417) 889-1400
Laurad@autoinjury.com
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SOURCE Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C.
While some government regulators are reducing or eliminating sustainability reporting requirements, a wide range of industry trade groups and organizations continue to develop reporting standards and best practices to help businesses achieve sustainability targets. In our Top Stories this issue, we look at efforts in four very diverse industries: electronics, agriculture, real estate, and snow sports.
Electronics – The Global Electronics Council (GEC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable electronic technology. GEC manages the EPEAT ecolabel, a free resource for procurement professionals to identify and select more sustainable products. Since its launch in 2006, purchases of over 2.7 billion EPEAT products have generated cost savings exceeding USD$34 billion and a reduction of over 341 million MT of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The EPEAT ecolabel also provides a resource for manufacturers to demonstrate that their products confirm to the highest sustainability standards. In a press release included in our Top Stories below, GEC announced that it has added enterprise data storage products as a new category under the EPEAT ecolabel, which will help enable more sustainable data centers.
Agriculture – In the agriculture sector, corn producers have been focused on improving the sustainability of on-farm production in the U.S., including water use, energy use, land use, soil erosion, and GHG emissions. According to Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, a multi-stakeholder organization, corn production in the 40 years since 1980 has required 44% less land, 56% less water and 55% less energy per bushel grown, while producing 48% less GHG emissions and 40% less soil erosion, measured in tons of soil per acre.
To provide traceability of U.S. corn sustainability across international supply chains, the U.S. Grains Council (USCG) introduced the Corn Sustainability Assurance Protocol (CSAP) in 2023. The USGC also created the Sustainable Corn Exports electronic database though which exporters can request a Record of Sustainability validating that a shipment meets CSAP standards. According to an article below from CME Group, to date more than 18.2 MT of U.S. corn product has been exported carrying a Record of Sustainability.
Real Estate – developers are working to meet the demands of companies for new sustainable buildings, including LEED-certified buildings, and upgrades to existing buildings. Developers and investors are tapping into green financing tools to raise capital to help meet this demand and boost returns. According to an article in Urban Land Magazine, an estimated $1.5 trillion in green, social, and sustainability-linked bonds and other mechanisms are being raised annually around the world. In addition to traditional green bonds and loans from banks, funding structures for energy upgrade projects are being utilized including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Energy/efficiency as a Service (EaaS).
Snow Sports – The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has developed a Sustainability Communication Guide to help ski industry professionals enhance their sustainability communication and avoid falling into the use of so-called greenwashing practices. A press release from FIS, included below, describes 10 actionable steps in the guide which aims to provide a practical framework for building trust and driving meaningful engagement. The steps include assessing sustainability performance using a five-point scale, setting communication goals, prioritizing transparency, and breaking down complex terms to ensure sustainability messages are easy to understand.
The G&A team is available to assist companies in a wide range of industries with incorporating best practices for setting sustainability goals and for sustainability reporting and disclosure. For more information contact us at: info@ga-institute.com.
This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.
Steering the commercial vehicle industry into the future requires not only creativity but innovation. The Shyft Group is up for the task, leveraging smart manufacturing technology to aid in their quest to reinvent the wheel. Since implementing Rockwell Automation’s Plex Enterprise Resource Planning in 2021, The Shyft Group has acted with precision and speed to develop commercial-grade electric delivery vehicles for their last-mile delivery customers – companies that pickup packages from a central hub and deliver them right to the customer’s doorstep.
“The industry was looking to move to commercial grade EVs, but when we went to find a chassis that you need for a vehicle like that, there wasn’t one available,” explained Andy Anderson, vice president & CIO, The Shyft Group. “So, we built our own from the ground up, as well as the body on top of that, and became a full OEM of EV delivery trucks.”
With its Blue Arc™ EV brand, The Shyft Group is steering the commercial vehicle industry into the sustainable future. They’ve used their 50 years of experience in designing and manufacturing custom commercial chassis and truck bodies to develop electronic vehicle solutions for last-mile delivery.
Plex Enterprise Resource Planning has powered The Shyft Group’s ability to accelerate innovation. For their latest development, an electric delivery truck, they went from concept to functioning vehicle in just nine months. Their quick Plex implementation helped set the tone for the expedited pace.
“Plex came into play because we needed a solution where we were able to use a system in real time, and not have everything on spreadsheets and disparate communication,” said Nicci Kew, ERP Manager, The Shyft Group. “We were able to create our Plex environment in two weeks, which included supplier purchase orders, pricing, parts information, receiving and receipts, accounts payable and some inventory information.”
A well-known delivery company has already provided an initial order for 150 vehicles. The order reflects a shared commitment to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution through the adoption of commercial-grade EVs.
“These are fully electrified, lighter weight vehicles so fleets can deliver more packages. With the lighter weight, these vehicles have a longer range – over 220 miles – which is perfect for those last mile delivery companies,” Anderson said. “Drivers pick up the packages, do their runs, and bring the trucks back to charge overnight.”
Learn more about how The Shyft Group has used Plex to charge ahead with its quest to electrify the delivery vehicle segment and why it was named the 2023 Plex Innovator Impact Award winner.
Published by Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc.
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