HOTWORX Honors Heroes with Over $19,000 Donation to National Breast Cancer Foundation

  • Infrared fitness brand to host check presentation and book signing event with Founder Stephen P. Smith in Waxahachie, TX
  • The donation is a direct reflection of HOTWORX’s commitment to supporting those who serve and women in the fight against breast cancer
  • Money for this donation was raised through the brand’s inaugural Workouts for Heroes campaign

NEW ORLEANS, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HOTWORX®, the first-ever 24-hour infrared fitness studio franchise, will present a over $19,000 donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) during a special check presentation and book signing event on Wednesday, April 30, from 4–6 p.m. at the HOTWORX Waxahachie Marketplace studio.

This contribution, raised through HOTWORX’s “Workouts for Heroes” campaign, supports NBCF’s Military Women’s Patient Relief Fund, providing critical aid to breast cancer patients with military backgrounds.

“This donation is a meaningful continuation of our mission to support those who serve, both in uniform and in the fight against breast cancer,” said Stephen Smith, Founder and CEO of HOTWORX. “We’re proud to stand with the National Breast Cancer Foundation and to give back in a way that directly impacts women in the military community.”

In addition to the donation ceremony, the event will feature a book signing with Smith, who will be signing copies of his book Hot Exercise. Since the book’s debut in 2021, it has remained on the Amazon Best Seller list in the business franchise category and has reached the top 10 numerous times over the past four years. Attendees will also have a chance to participate in a raffle, with one lucky winner earning the opportunity to complete a HOTWORX workout session alongside Smith himself.

A Year of Giving Back
HOTWORX launched its Workouts for Heroes initiative in December 2024 as an expansion of the successful Hiking for Heroes campaign. Members were invited to dedicate workouts in honor of veterans by purchasing Dedication Ribbons displayed in their local studios. Contributions ranged from $1 to $10, with funds going toward veteran families supported by the Sacred Mountain Retreat Center (SMRC) and NBCF.

In October, HOTWORX also raised $28,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation through its “Pink Camo” towel promotion during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

For more information about HOTWORX and to find a location near you, visit hotworx.net. For more on franchising opportunities with HOTWORX, visit: hotworx.net/franchising.

ABOUT HOTWORX®
Founded in Marrero, La., HOTWORX introduces a groundbreaking fitness program and is one of the fastest-growing franchises worldwide, known for its innovative approach to infrared fitness training. With over 700 studio locations and over 250,000 members, HOTWORX provides members with an immersive, virtual exercise experience that combines the benefits of infrared heat with either 30-minute isometric workouts or 15-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) sessions. Using its patented infrared sauna, HOTWORX offers a “3D Training” method, uniquely blending heat, infrared energy, and exercise for a deep, detoxifying workout. Members can conveniently book sessions through the HOTWORX Burn Off app, making fitness accessible and secure.

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SOURCE HOTWORX

Toxic Release Inventory Reporting: A Q&A With Kara and Friends

April 23, 2025 /3BL/ – Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) is an annual reporting requirement due by July 1 of each year for those facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use specific TRI-listed chemicals over their reporting threshold. In this webinar, Antea Group will begin by providing an overview that includes the basics of TRI, a summary of the updates for reporting year 2024, definitions and examples of manufacturing/processing/and otherwise use, an overview of PFAS as it relates to TRI, and common audit findings that we see related to TRI.

After the overview, we will dedicate the rest of the webinar to answering specific questions related to TRI. Topics for potential questions could include applicability, threshold evaluations, release calculations, the TRI-Me Web Platform, article exemptions, PFAS determination, and more.

Join us on Tuesday, May 13, at 12:00 p.m. CT to ask us your questions on Toxic Release Inventory and how it may impact your operations and reporting requirements. We’d like to hear from you on your challenges and help answer some of the questions that you and others may have on this regulatory reporting requirement.

Register Here!

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Teens In Foster Care Sign on for Financial Success with New VyStar Credit Union and Family Support Services Fostering Financial Fitness Program

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VyStar Credit Union and Family Support Services (FSS) proudly partnered on a groundbreaking program, the first of its kind in the country, designed to provide financial education and banking access to youth in foster care in Florida. This program officially debuted with a “Financial Independence Signing Day” event held on Friday, April 18 at the VyStar Credit Union Roosevelt Branch in Jacksonville, FL.

Financial Independence Signing Day was a high-energy, celebratory event, much like a college signing day. The first group of individuals who successfully completed VyStar’s Fostering Financial Fitness program and received their emancipation orders proudly took a major step toward adulthood. Instead of committing to a school, they committed to their financial future, symbolically signing for their first checking and savings accounts and embracing financial independence. To accommodate foster youth who may face transportation challenges, a virtual component was added to the Financial Fitness training, making it easier for them to complete the program. As a result, 36 foster youth have successfully completed the training.

As part of VyStar’s Fostering Financial Fitness program, the credit union’s Florida branches will be designated as Foster Friendly branches where member services representatives have received training to assist youth in foster care with opening bank accounts and provide support as they navigate the financial process.

“As a community-based credit union, VyStar is dedicated to ensuring every young adult, especially those aging out of foster care has access to the financial tools they need to succeed,” said Dana Karzan, VyStar Chief Marketing Officer. “By offering a fully online financial education course and making account access easier, we’re removing unnecessary barriers and helping youth in foster care build a strong financial future.” 

Youth in foster care often struggle to open checking and savings accounts due to legal barriers, limiting their ability to develop financial independence. In 2022 alone, 18,500 youth nationally exited foster care without being adopted, placing them at higher risk of financial instability, homelessness, and other adverse life experiences. Locally, FSS reported just over 1,200 youth in out-of-home care in Duval and Nassau counties at the end of March 2025, including 360 young people ages 13-23 in foster care, Extended Foster Care, and other support programs.

“Opening a bank account and having family support is so routine for many of us that we barely give it a second thought – but not all our kids have that experience,” said Maria Oxford, FSS’ Independent Living and Youth Well Being Manager. “For our young adults in care, having a community partner like VyStar wrap around them is a milestone moment marking the beginning of their financial empowerment. VyStar’s commitment to making their branches a welcoming, supportive space for foster youth exemplifies what it means to be part of a community of care.”

For interviews, b-roll, and images from the event, please click here to access and download the media assets.

About VyStar Credit Union
VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with 79 full-service branches across Florida and Georgia, 1 million members and assets of over $14 billion. VyStar is the top mortgage lender in Northeast Florida and a major employer in the region with over 2,500 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, and past and present military members and their families all over the world. VyStar members have access to 55,000 surcharge free ATMs worldwide. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn

About Family Support Services (FSS) of Duval and Nassau Counties
Family Support Services is the lead agency for family preservation, foster care, and adoption services in Duval, Nassau, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Through community-based care, FSS provides services and programs to help prevent child abuse and neglect, to promote a healthy family environment and to care for our community’s children in foster care. For more information, go to www.familysupport.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE VyStar Credit Union

The LA Fires: How Multiplatform Local Media Became a Lifeline

Originally published on Nielsen Insights

Extreme weather events, such as the devastating fires in Los Angeles in January 2025, are becoming an increasingly frequent part of daily life, as explored in Nielsen’s recent climate change report. These events not only disrupt communities, but also highlight the critical role of trusted local media. Los Angeles’ local television stations, their digital platforms, and local radio stations kept locals informed on Jan. 8, 2025, when fires spread quickly through several neighborhoods across the city—demonstrating the importance of multiplatform audience strategies to meet urgent information needs.

The power of local media in a crisis

During the LA fires, local news became a lifeline for millions. On Jan. 8, Los Angeles viewers recorded over 1.1 billion minutes of local TV news alone, while impressions of that same news content on digital platforms alone surged by an astounding 1,693% over the average of the three weekdays prior. Similarly, local radio, with its ability to deliver hyper-local and timely updates, logged more than 97 million gross minutes, a 40% increase over the average of the seven days prior. These platforms proved indispensable as more than 200,000 people were evacuated from their homes, seeking real time, accurate information to navigate the crisis.

  • LA audiences spent over 1.1 billion minutes with local news on January 8, 2025 (See charts above)

Among radio listeners, news-talk formats saw a remarkable rise, with the average quarter hour share among persons age 12 and older doubling to 20%. This means that 20% of all radio listeners in the market at that time were tuned into news-talk stations. For adults 25-54, the share climbed to nearly 13%, reflecting the format’s ability to engage audiences across age groups during critical moments.

  • Audience share for LA’s news-talk radio grew January 8, 2025 (See chart above)

Multiple audience segments relied on local broadcast TV and radio. Hispanic households consumed nearly half a billion minutes of local TV on Jan. 8 representing a 321%* increase, while radio listening climbed to nearly 22 million minutes. Black audiences logged 121 million minutes of TV viewing, up 216%*, and nearly 5.5 million minutes of radio. Even younger audiences 18-34, demonstrated a notable shift in behavior during the fires, with linear TV viewing up by 324%. 
 
Multiplatform strategies: A convergence of linear and digital

While each platform saw engagement grow on its own, the way Angelenos’ accessed news during the fires shows us the growing trend for multiplatform strategies to reach today’s audience. Nielsen’s 2025 Upfront New Front guide outlines the concept of convergence TV—where streaming complements the strength of linear TV—and its impact was on full display in LA’s local media engagement. For audiences, linear TV provided immediacy and authority, while digital platforms offered flexibility and on-demand accessibility. This ensured that audiences could stay informed at home and on the move. Adults 25–54, a critical demo for advertisers, showed the highest growth in digital viewing during the fires with consumption skyrocketing by 2,143%.

Trust in local media

When the stakes are high, trust becomes paramount. Social media provided timely updates, but also saw instances of misinformation creating confusion. Faced with this challenge, audiences turned to local media for fact-checked, reliable updates. According to Nielsen’s 2024 Truth and Trust survey, 57% of viewers ranked local news among their top three most trusted outlets, with trust levels even higher among Black (65%) and Hispanic (52%) audiences. This trust underscores why local media remains a cornerstone of community connection and communication. The news viewing during the LA fires also highlights the power of culturally relevant and language-specific programming. For Hispanic audiences, local TV and radio played a pivotal role, with Spanish-language programming meeting the needs of LA’s community. Providing culturally relevant content in language ensures that no audience is left behind during critical moments.

Media engagement during the LA fires reminded us that local television and local radio don’t just inform, they build community, combat misinformation and drive unmatched engagement.

Methodology

Los Angeles television audience data for this analysis was determined using Nielsen Local TV View (NLTV) data for local news programs tuning in minutes for the period Jan. 2-11, 2025, Live+SD, P2+, M-Su 3a-3a, includes KABC, KCAL, KCBS, KCOP, KMEX, KNBC, KRCA, KTLA, KTLA OT, KTTV, KVEA, KWHY, S1LA. NLTV is an online tool that allows users to analyze viewing within and across all measured Nielsen Designated Market Areas (DMAs). Television data is derived from Nielsen’s National TV Panel that is based on a sample of more than 42,000 homes and over 100,000 real people that are selected based on area probability sampling. Source: NLTV Program Report

Los Angeles radio audience data for this analysis was determined using the PPM Analysis Tool for the Nielsen Audio Los Angeles Metro Holiday 2024 Week 5 survey which measured Jan. 2-8, 2025. Mon-Sun 6a-Mid, P12+, includes KNX-FM, KFI-AM, KPCC-FM, KRLA-AM, KZNO-FM, KTNQ-AM. Source: PPM Analysis Tool Radio Trend Report.

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Mercedes-Benz USA and Atlanta Falcons Running Back Bijan Robinson Join Forces with Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta to Fight Childhood Hunger

ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 21-25, 2025), Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) and Atlanta Falcons Running Back Bijan Robinson teamed up with nonprofit Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta to provide essential food supplies and complete meals to Atlanta-based children facing food insecurity. Many students rely on subsidized school meals to receive proper nutrition throughout the week, leading them to face hunger on the weekends – an issue that can lead to diffic

9 in 10 Americans Have Put Off Health Checkups and Screenings That Could Help Save Their Lives

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

COLUMBUS, Ga., April 23, 2025 /3BL/ — April is National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month, a time to emphasize the importance of preventive health care and the value of early detection. Key findings from the third annual Wellness Matters Survey1 released by Aflac, the leading provider of supplemental health insurance in the U.S.,2 reveal a vast majority of Americans (90%) put off getting a checkup or recommended screening that could help identify and treat serious illness early. The survey uncovers what may be keeping many, particularly younger Americans, from going to the doctor: fear of bad news, personal embarrassment, inconvenience, logistical barriers and distrust or dislike of doctors.

Health care on hold
Across all generations, many Americans may put their health care on hold because going to the doctor is not easy — both logistically and emotionally. The survey uncovered an alarming 94% of Americans face barriers to getting recommended screenings in the suggested time frames.

  • Gen Z experiences negative feelings of personal embarrassment and distrust or dislike for doctors (32%).
  • Embarrassment and fear of bad news prevents nearly 1 in 4 young women, particularly Gen Z, from getting screenings on time.
  • Nearly half (48%) of Americans face logistical barriers such as conflicts with work hours and challenges taking time off work for appointments.
  • Nearly 40% of Americans have canceled or not scheduled a doctor’s appointment because the wait time was too long.

Americans have avoided these common preventive care screenings: pap smear (33%); prostate exam (32%); colonoscopy (32%); mammogram (31%); blood test (31%); full body skin cancer exam (27%); STD screening (22%). Notably, millennials are most likely to avoid these overall screenings (62%), closely followed by Gen Z (61%).

Reactive versus proactive health care
The survey reveals possible cognitive dissonance taking place: Americans know they should take a moment to schedule a preventive care screening or wellness visit, but their behavior often suggests otherwise. For 65% of Americans, experiencing a health scare is what made them realize they need to be more proactive about their health. Attitudes about preventive care are often counterintuitive, however, as many of those who believe they will be diagnosed with cancer are more likely to delay screenings (62% vs. 42%).

Experiencing a personal health scare reinforced the importance of preventive care for Aflac Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary Tom Morey. In his mid-20s, he faced a significant and sudden health crisis that kept him out of work for nearly two years and in and out of hospitals for 18 months.

“My personal experiences bring a clear focus on the concerning uptick, as our study reveals, in the number of Americans who may not be on a path to good health. Many avoid going to the doctor instead of doing what they can to avoid a health scare or detect a problem early,” said Morey. “It starts with making preventive care a priority and taking steps toward establishing a trusted relationship with a primary care doctor. Personally, this helped me to feel more confident, more in control of my health and more empowered to deal with an illness that, otherwise, may have gone undetected.”

Where Americans are turning — or not — for health care 
Urgent care and emergency rooms provide significant value in American society; however, according to the study, having a primary care physician is correlated with being more likely to get regular checkups. Yet nearly 1 in 5 Americans does not have a regular primary care physician who knows them and understands their medical history. The most common reason for not having a primary care physician is feeling healthy, but that could lead to fewer screenings and more costly health care. Many Americans (41%) — and Gen Z (51%) and millennials (54%) — primarily use urgent care or the emergency room for their medical needs. Men (46%), African Americans (47%), Asian Americans (45%) and U.S. Hispanics (44%) are the most likely to seek medical attention from an urgent care or emergency room. Telehealth is most popular among millennials and Gen X.

While younger generations still visit their doctors, they are more likely than older generations to consult family and friends — and turn to social media — regarding health concerns. While Americans were still slow to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) over the last 12 months, many Americans (68%) are interested in consulting AI in the future when faced with a health concern. Gen Z women (82%) share more interest in trying AI for a health concern, compared to Gen Z men (71%).

Gender differences emerging across many aspects of health
Among Americans under age 60, women are most likely to admit to skipping common recommended screenings: Gen Z women (68% versus 55% Gen Z men); millennial women (63% versus 61% millennial men); Gen X women (63% versus 54% Gen X men).

Survey data reveals a chasm between young men and women’s beliefs around their health and their agency to control it. In fact, Gen Z women (63%) are far less confident in their ability to control their physical health versus Gen Z men (83%). When it comes to mental health, Gen Z women (51%) are far less confident in their ability to control it, compared to Gen Z men (71%). 
An even wider gap is uncovered in financial health confidence: Gen Z women (49%) versus Gen Z men (71%).

U.S. Hispanics and African Americans most often choose community to reinforce good health
When people are confident that their loved ones prioritize their health, they also are more likely to do so. In fact, 70% prioritize recommended screenings and tests versus 49% who are less confident. Also, according to the survey, Hispanic men (86%) are most likely to be swayed by a loved one urging — or even nagging — them to act on their personal health, followed by African American (84%) and Hispanic women (83%). In general, men (79%) are more likely than women (71%) to say that nagging is effective.

The study also finds that families who prioritize health tend to do so together. Many Americans say their spouses or partners are their biggest health advocates after themselves. Parents advocate for their children, with one-third of African Americans and one-third of U.S. Hispanics citing their mothers as their top advocate. As children grow up, they advocate for their parents, too. These advocates play an important role in disease prevention. In fact, of those diagnosed with cancer, 24% say a loved one urged them to get checked — making a meaningful difference.

African Americans are more likely than other ethnic groups to be diagnosed during a regularly scheduled screening (34%) or at an appointment scheduled at the urging of a loved one (32%). Many Americans (73%) feel the positive benefits of thoughtful nudge about preventive care, with 83% African Americans, 79% U.S. Hispanics, 78% Gen Z and 77% millennials expressing thankfulness or a sense of relief that a friend or loved one urged them to go to the doctor.

“Having a ‘we are in this together’ approach to our health may lead to better outcomes for Americans, their families and loved ones,” said Morey. “One way to advocate is to schedule preventive care appointments together, at the same time. Our survey shows that Americans who book health appointments at a specific time of year are twice as likely to follow through with recommended checkups and screenings.”

Aflac Wellness Matters Survey results are available to American consumers, health care providers, families and health-related stakeholders to educate and inspire a healthier population. To learn more about the 2025 Wellness Matters Survey and find tips on how to take charge of your own health and encourage others to prioritize theirs, visit Aflac.com/WellnessMatters. 

ABOUT THE 2025 AFLAC WELLNESS MATTERS SURVEY 
This third annual Aflac Wellness Matters Survey, conducted in January 2025, provides insight into the health care attitudes, behaviors and influences of U.S. adults. It explores important issues such as routine health appointments and recommended health screenings, how health care is prioritized compared to other factors, and who are the biggest influences on individuals’ decisions to seek routine care. The survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 employed U.S. adults ages 18-65 in January 2025 by Kantar Profiles on behalf of Aflac. 

ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED 

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.2 In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 19 consecutive years (2025) and Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 24 years (2025). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2024) for 11 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn’t cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/español. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under “Sustainability.”

Media contact: Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or jsullivan@aflac.com

Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@aflac.com

1 2025 Wellness Matters Survey
2 LIMRA 2024 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report

Aflac’s family of insurers include American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, American Family Life Assurance Company of New York, Continental American Insurance Company, and Tier One Insurance Company.

Aflac | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2500249
Exp. 4/26

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Building Hospitality Excellence: Sands Prioritizes Industry Education Around the World

Las Vegas Sands

A major component of Sands’ 2021-2025 ambition to invest $200 million in workforce development is building hospitality industry excellence in its regions around the world and helping people working in the sector advance. The company’s hospitality education priorities include attracting new talent to the industry and building capability through professional and job skills development programs.

“Our broad investments in hospitality education focus on contributing to the success of our industry, but they also complement our other priorities such as helping underrepresented groups advance through the many pathways offered in hospitality,” Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs, said. “Ultimately, a thriving hospitality sector supports jobs in a range of fields and at all levels, contributing to economic strength and vitality in our regions.”

Hospitality Scholarship Programs

Scholarships for hospitality students are an important part of Sands’ efforts, and last year, the company launched a new partnership with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), the only national association representing Hispanic-serving Institutions, to spur the success of hospitality students at HSIs.

Sands and HACU awarded 13 students at HACU-member schools with Sands Hospitality Advancement Scholarships in the amounts of $5,000 or $2,500 to support their preparation for careers in the travel, tourism and leisure industry. Students who received scholarships attend University of Nevada, Las Vegas; University of North Texas; College of Southern Nevada; and Dallas College.

In 2024, Marina Bay Sands welcomed the second cohort of 34 Sands Hospitality Scholarship recipients, a joint initiative with Sands to develop a pipeline of hospitality talent in Singapore. In total, the $1 million initiative will benefit more than 100 Singaporean students pursuing hospitality and tourism-related studies in six Institutes of Higher Learning.

Finally, Sands China donated more than $130,000 in November to seven higher education institutions, marking the company’s 18th year of providing scholarship and fellowship funding to students at Macao tertiary institutions in support of higher education. Sands China’s contributions have benefited more than 1,800 local students since 2006.

Career-Track Education

In addition to supporting higher education, Sands and its regions offer hospitality students and professionals several opportunities for real-world experience. In Las Vegas, Sands hosted the second Sands Hospitality Immersion Program last summer in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the only national organization exclusively representing the Black college community.

Launched in 2023, the experience provides students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities with a deep introduction to the Las Vegas travel, tourism and leisure industry through a week of immersive programming curated by the Harrah College of Hospitality’s Sands Center for Professional Development at UNLV.

Sands Cares funding also underwrote a Las Vegas Study Tour for 16 hospitality students from the University of North Texas, College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism in early June. The study tour included a stop at Sands’ corporate headquarters where students learned about the variety of professional career tracks in the industry from company executives, including UNT alum, executive vice president and CFO Randy Hyzak.

Finally, Sands launched a summer intern program at corporate headquarters this past summer and welcomed 10 interns for the 10-week program. Participants were embedded in corporate business functions in which they contributed to a variety of projects and received mentoring from Sands Team Members, giving them real-world experience and an insider’s view into the operations of a global hospitality company.

In Macao, Sands China launched the All-Round Convention and Exhibition Management Program, a fast-track career development initiative held in conjunction with Macao’s Labor Affairs Bureau. More than 200 participants enrolled in the program, which provides in-depth instruction and international exposure.

This effort complements education opportunities offered by the Sands Hospitality Academy, established by Sands China in 2023 to advance hospitality skills and vocational knowledge among Team Members, cultivate talent among interested youth, and set the highest international standards for the region’s hospitality industry.

The company also continued its program to inspire the next generation of hospitality workers, the Sands China Youth Development Series, which trains young professionals and new talent in the hospitality industry. In 2024, the series delivered training programs in areas such as food and beverage operations, hotel operations, facilities management and business analysis.

In Singapore, Marina Bay Sands again supported local job seekers with a job fair that promoted nearly 1,000 full-time, temporary and internship positions at the resort. More than 3,000 job seekers participated in informational presentations and visited booths hosted by the resort and 10 local partners.

Higher Education Investments

In December, Sands announced a major corporate investment in higher education – a $15 million contribution to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Foundation to establish the Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture, which will offer comprehensive programs to promote appreciation and understanding of Chinese language, traditions and history.

As Las Vegas continues to grow as a global hub for tourism, hospitality, business and sports, the ability to understand and engage with Chinese citizens and culture becomes increasingly important. The Sands Institute will equip industry leaders and workers with the cultural competence needed to navigate and succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

“The Sands Institute will significantly increase learning opportunities for local students and community members, providing them with the tools to engage more effectively with the world around them,” UNLV Executive Vice President and Provost Chris L. Heavey said in the announcement. “The incredibly generous support from Sands is crucial in bringing this vision to life, and we look forward to the opportunities it will create for our university and the wider Las Vegas community.”

This latest contribution to UNLV builds on the company’s long-term work with the university on hospitality education initiatives, which includes the Sands Center for Professional Development at the UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality.

To learn more about Sands’ investments in building hospitality industry excellence and its priority on workforce development, read the company’s latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/

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Baker Tilly’s BuzzHouse Podcast: Real Solutions to the Affordable Housing Crisis

Authored by Garrick GibsonDonald N. Bernards

Baker Tilly’s podcast series specifically for professionals in the multifamily housing industry

On this episode of BuzzHouse, host Garrick Gibson welcomes Jolena Presti, managing director in Baker Tilly’s development and community advisory practice, to break down what’s really working in the fight to fix our housing crisis. With state and local governments shifting policies and communities leaning into strategic land reuse and streamlined permitting, Jolena shares insights from the American Planning Association’s National Planning Conference and from her own experience in the field.

Multifamily housing resources

For articles, webinars and additional resources for developers, housing authorities, property managers, state housing credit agencies and lenders, visit our multifamily housing page.

For more information on this topic, or to learn how Baker Tilly specialists can help, contact our team.

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Reuters Events: Responsible Business – Exclusive Discount for 3BL Members

April 23, 2025 /3BL/ – Reuters Events: Responsible Business (June 23-24, New York) unites 500 influential voices to help you navigate today’s complex sustainability landscape with confidence. As the sustainability field evolves, RBUSA offers the community, insights, and strategic framework needed to confidently deliver results and carve a strategy for the future of sustainability.

3BL Members can attend with an exclusive discount code. Register and use the code RB3BL100 to save $100 on your pass.

This year’s agenda delivers answers through an unparalleled program covering the entire spectrum of a sustainability executive’s responsibilities and a reimagined onsite experience. 

This is a must-attend event for those looking to join a community of like-minded professionals and solution providers who are committed to being confidently sustainable to deliver results and defy disruption.

Speakers joining in June: 

  • Philippe Cousteau Jr., Emmy-Nominated Ocean Storyteller, Author, Ocean Entrepreneur. Founder of EarthEcho International & Co-Founder of Voyacy Ventures
  • Gina McCarthy, Former White House Advisor, The White House
  • Ann Tracy, Chief Sustainability Officer, Colgate-Palmolive
  • Nancy Mahon, Chief Sustainability Officer, Estee Launder
  • Laura Kohler, Chief Sustainability Officer, Kohler
  • Nate Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer, Visa
  • Dave Stangis, Chief Sustainability Officer, Apollo
  • Scott Childress, Chief Sustainability Officer, UPS
  • Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, CMO & Merchandising, Whole Foods
  • Michael Tears, Head of Sustainability & Energy, Kimberly-Clark
  • Bhushan Joshi, Head of Sustainability, Ericsson
  • Nicole Karlebach, ESG General Counsel, Mars Wrigley
  • Pamela Gill-Alabaster, Head of Sustainability, Kenvue
  • Alejandra Castro, Vice President Sustainability, Bayer
  • Korab Zuka, President, Sustainability, Novartis

Register and use the code RB3BL100 to save $100 on your pass.

For information on speaking, attendance or sponsorship, please contact: Alexia Croft, Project Director

Read More

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$1 Million Gift from KeyBank Foundation Supports Workforce Development at Albany Medical Center

ALBANY, N.Y., April 23, 2025 /3BL/— A $1 million gift from KeyBank Foundation will support recruitment, retention, and workforce development initiatives at Albany Medical Center. Funds will be used to develop the LEAP program—Leading Employees to Advancement and em(P)owerment.

Central aspects of the program include:

  • Career mapping and coaching: A career coach will assist eligible employees in entry and mid-level positions to identify professional ambitions and opportunities for training and development of skills leading to career growth.
  • Financial support for nurses: Funds will help support scholarships provided to employees who wish to pursue a nursing degree through Albany Med’s Grow Our Own program.
  • Removing barriers for entry-level employees: Assistance will be provided to employees who experience financial or language barriers to professional and personal development and who wish to pursue their GED diploma or English as a second language.

“KeyBank is celebrating our bicentennial, and our relationship with Albany Medical Center dates back nearly as far,” said Fran O’Rourke, Capital Region President, KeyBank. “To support this program, which builds workforce by creating opportunities for employees to have access to the resources needed to advance their careers, is a great way to honor our heritage, impact lives, and continue to make a difference in the community where we were founded.”

“KeyBank Foundation is committed to supporting organizations and programs that prepare individuals for thriving futures. Albany Medical Center’s LEAP program does just this. It is a transformative workforce development program that changes lives and aligns perfectly with our philanthropic priorities of neighbors, education, and workforce,” said Eric Fiala, CEO, KeyBank Foundation.

As the largest private employer in the region, the Albany Med Health System is a reflection of the communities it serves. Current employees represent all races and genders; have come to Albany from up to 80 different countries; and span five generations. Albany Medical Center’s 10,000 employees hold more than 980 different clinical and nonclinical roles that are accessible to all educational and ability levels.

“KeyBank and Albany Med have grown together from the earliest days of both organizations,” said Albany Med Health System President and CEO Dennis P. McKenna, MD. “When our college was formed in 1839, KeyBank was known as the Commercial Bank of Albany, and it was one of our first partners. Over so many years, KeyBank’s investment has never wavered. This tremendous support recognizes the indispensable role of our colleagues in the health of our region. We are grateful for KeyBank joining us to open doors and develop clear pathways that allow everyone to make a difference.”

Fran Spreer Albert, senior executive vice president, chief operating officer, and chief financial officer for the Albany Med Health System, said, “Partnerships such as ours with KeyBank are critical to help people achieve their career aspirations, improve earning power, and create a robust, diverse workforce that meets the needs of our communities. Visionary leadership like that from KeyBank allows us to provide steadfast support for the team that provides the highest quality care.”

Since 1981, Key has provided Albany Medical Center with more than $3.5 million in philanthropic support, helping to underwrite numerous endeavors that include renovation of the Emergency Department and construction of the Patient Pavilion. In 2002, KeyBank supported Albany Medical Center’s creation of the Grow Our Own program, a work-study program that serves as a pathway for employees to pursue a career in nursing.

Rebecca Whiting, BSN, RN, interim nurse manager and nurse educator in post-surgical and vascular services at Albany Medical Center, is a Grow Our Own graduate.

“Grow Our Own allowed me the ability to go to work while going to school and to have paid time off to study. It helped me find a way to succeed while balancing work, school, and life,” said Whiting. “This support will have a lasting impact on many.”

About Albany Medical Center:

Albany Medical Center, northeastern New York’s only academic medical center, is one of the largest private employers in the Capital Region. It incorporates the 766-bed Albany Medical Center, which offers the widest range of medical and surgical services in the region, and Albany Medical College, which trains the next generation of doctors, scientists, and other healthcare professionals. It also includes the region’s largest physicians’ practice with 500 doctors. Albany Medical Center works with dozens of community partners to improve the region’s health and quality of life. Albany Medical Center is a member of the Albany Med Health System, which also includes Columbia Memorial Health, Glens Falls Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, and the Visiting Nurses. The region’s largest locally governed health system, it has 1,520 beds, more than 800 physicians, and 125 outpatient locations throughout the Capital Region.

About KeyBank
In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2025. 

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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For media inquiries, contact:
Sue Ford Rajchel
518-262-3421
fords@amc.edu

Michael Conlin
518-538-7269
michael_p_conlin@keybank.com

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