Month: April 2025

Municipalities face growing pressure to manage their resources effectively, and energy costs at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are among the largest expenses. These facilities can account for up to 40% of a municipality’s total energy use. In high-cost electricity states like California, New York and Massachusetts, energy bills for a single large WWTP can exceed $6 million annually.

As electricity prices continue to rise and fluctuate, delaying energy-saving investments at WWTPs can lead to tens of millions of dollars in avoidable costs. In this blog, you’ll learn how rising energy costs impact WWTP budgets over time, how energy use differs by plant size and which strategies — including efficiency upgrades, on-site renewables, and smart energy procurement — can deliver major long-term savings. We’ll also explore funding options that make it possible to implement these solutions without adding financial burden today.

What Defines Small, Medium and Large WWTPs?

WWTPs vary in size and energy consumption:

• Small WWTPs: Serve fewer than 50,000 people and consume 5 million to 15 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually.
• Medium WWTPs: Serve between 50,000 to 100,000 people and consume 15 million to 30 million kWh annually.
• Large WWTPs: Serve over 100,000 people and consume 30 million to 60 million kWh annually.

For this analysis, we use benchmark figures reflecting typical energy use and rates in high-cost states.

The Cost of Inaction: Rising Energy Prices and Budget Impact

Electricity prices are unpredictable, but a 3% annual increase is a conservative estimate based on historical trends. Costs for capacity, transmission and regulatory charges often rise faster than market electricity prices.

The below chart outlines the projected energy cost escalation for a large WWTP over a 30 year period, assuming an electricity rate range of $0.20 to $0.30 per kWh, reflecting high to very high-cost regions. The total additional energy cost over 30 years equals $54 million to $81 million.

Without action, municipalities could see annual energy costs more than double, straining public budgets.

Year	Electricity Rate (per kWh)	Annual Energy Cost (Millions)
2025	$0.20 – $0.30	$6.0 – $9.0
2035	$0.26 – $0.39	$7.8 – $11.7
2045	$0.36 – $0.54	$10.7 – $16.1
2055	$0.44 – $0.66	$13.2 – $19.8

The Opportunity: How Energy Efficiency and Renewables Deliver Big Savings

Municipalities can reduce costs and risk through three key strategies:

1. Energy Efficiency Projects

Efficiency upgrades such as LED lighting, HVAC optimization, control systems and high-efficiency pumps can cut energy use by 10% to 35%.

Estimated 30-year savings:

• Small WWTPs: $8M – $15M
• Medium WWTPs: $12M – $25M
• Large WWTPs: $18M – $36M

2. Renewable Energy & On-Site Generation

On-site generation solutions can significantly lower energy costs while improving grid independence. WWTPs can leverage:

• Solar Photovoltaics (PV) and battery storage to reduce peak energy demand and increase reliability.
• Wind Power, where feasible, to generate clean electricity and offset grid purchases.
• Digester Gas (biogas) recovery, using methane produced in wastewater treatment to generate onsite electricity and heat.
• Microgrids, combining multiple generation sources for energy resilience and cost control.

Estimated 30-year savings:

• Small WWTPs: $12M – $18M
• Medium WWTPs: $20M – $30M
• Large WWTPs: $28M – $40M

3. Commodity Procurement & Risk Management

Strategies like power purchase agreements (PPAs), hedging and risk management contracts stabilize energy costs and reduce volatility.

Estimated 30-year savings:

• Small WWTPs: $5M – $10M
• Medium WWTPs: $8M – $15M
• Large WWTPs: $12M – $20M

Combining energy efficiency upgrades, on-site renewable generation, and strategic commodity procurement yields tremendous compounding savings over 30 years — exceeding $30 million for small WWTPs, $50 million for medium facilities, and $80 million for large plants. This transformational scale of savings significantly bolsters long-term financial resilience.

Conclusion: The Financial Case for Acting Now

For WWTPs of all sizes, delaying energy-saving investments could result in millions of dollars in avoidable costs over 30 years. Even with uncertainties in energy pricing and regulations, the risk of inaction is clear: higher bills, budget strain and lost reinvestment opportunities.

By acting now, municipalities can:

• Control long-term costs through efficiency, renewables and procurement strategies.
• Future-proof operations against rising electricity prices and regulatory changes.
• Demonstrate fiscal and environmental leadership.

Financing Solutions

Municipalities have multiple funding options for energy projects:

• Federal Grants and Incentives: Assistance in securing funding.
• Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs): Projects funded by guaranteed savings.
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Third-party ownership of energy assets with long-term cost savings.
• Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS): No upfront capital investment; private partners own and operate infrastructure.
• Turnkey Solutions: Full-service program and project delivery, from concept to post-operation monitoring.

By leveraging these funding mechanisms, municipalities can implement cost-saving projects without burdening their budgets, securing long-term savings while improving resilience.

Originally published on GoDaddy LinkedIn

Let’s start out with fresh insights into the world of small and microbusinesses. GoDaddy’s research initiative, Venture Forward, has been tracking the impact of online microbusinesses – which typically employ fewer than 10 people – on local economies since 2018. Its latest data highlights how entrepreneurs are leveraging digital tools, especially AI, to fuel growth, create jobs, and drive innovation.

To date, we’ve surveyed over 50,000 microbusiness owners, giving us a unique and data-driven perspective on their challenges, successes, and evolving needs. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, policymaker, or researcher, GoDaddy Venture Forward is your go-to source for understanding the small business landscape.

Stay tuned for exclusive reports, new data releases, and trends shaping the future of microbusinesses. If you haven’t already, subscribe to this newsletter to get updates in your LinkedIn feed each quarter!

Greg Efthimiou
Vice President, Public Relations

Igniting the Microbusiness Movement: Uncovering New U.S. Economic Trends

The Microbusiness Data Hub has been refreshed through December and the fourth quarter of 2024, including updated Microbusiness Density Data, Microbusiness Activity Index, and e-commerce trends.

We have also released our latest review of the impacts made by these entrepreneurs on job creation and unemployment based on the latest U.S. Census Data and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) through December 2024.

Statistically significant findings in partnership with UCLA Anderson Forecast economists include:

1. At the county-level, every additional microbusiness entrepreneur adds about seven jobs, which has continued to grow based on data through 2024. Analysis of data from 2018 to 2024 found the effect of microbusiness entrepreneurship to be two or more new jobs for every additional entrepreneur, and from 2020 to 2024, about seven new jobs.
2. Adding 1,000 new microbusiness entrepreneurs in a county is associated with a drop of 0.11 percentage points in the unemployment rate. This means that studying Miami-Dade County in Florida, with almost 430,000 microbusinesses and 2.1 million people over the age of 18, adding just 1,000 entrepreneurs would reduce the region’s unemployment rate by almost 7% (from 1.6% to 1.49%). And Cuyahoga County, Ohio (home to Cleveland), with over 72,000 microbusinesses, could see a decrease of 3% in unemployment from 3.2% to 3.09% by adding 1,000 new microbusiness entrepreneurs.

Download the data

How AI is Supercharging Small Businesses and Boosting Local Economies

Small businesses are the backbone of local economies, and AI is helping them thrive like never before. New research from GoDaddy, in partnership with UCLA Anderson economists, shows that AI-powered tools like GoDaddy Airo are driving job creation, boosting productivity, and increasing revenues for small business owners.

GoDaddy Airo uses advanced AI to optimize marketing, customer engagement, and business insights, making it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.

Here’s what we found:

1. Every new website created with GoDaddy Airo contributes to an average of 20 new jobs per county.
2. AI-powered small businesses report 72% higher productivity and 61% increased revenue.
3. More small businesses are launching online, lowering the barrier to entrepreneurship.

AI is even helping reduce local unemployment rates. Despite these gains, 38% of small business owners say they don’t know enough about AI—showing there’s still work to do in 2025 to make AI accessible to all.

How can AI help your business grow? Read the full findings

GoDaddy and Mastercard Join Forces to Empower America’s Small Businesses

Alex Rosen of GoDaddy and Ginger Siegel of Mastercard explore the challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses in a new article. Despite incredible growth in recent years, many small businesses are still disconnected from crucial resources, from digital tools to financial support. The collaboration between GoDaddy and Mastercard aims to bridge these gaps, offering insights into how small business owners can leverage available resources to drive growth and success.

Small businesses are the heart of the U.S. economy, and new GoDaddy research reveals that entrepreneurs are more determined than ever to succeed. Despite economic challenges, small business owners remain optimistic, adaptable, and eager for the right support to help them scale.

Here’s what we found:

Confidence is high – Entrepreneurs are pushing forward, with a strong belief in their ability to succeed.

Adaptability is key – Small business owners are pivoting strategies, embracing digital tools like Gen AI and social media, and finding creative ways to grow.

Support is needed – While their ambitions are big, many small business owners say they need better resources, mentorship, and financial backing to reach their full potential.

Small businesses are resilient, but they can’t do it alone. What can be done to empower them?

Read the full story

Small Museums Face Unprecedented Challenges Amid Declining Visitors and Rising Costs

Recent research by Kids in Museums and GoDaddy’s Venture Forward initiative reveals that three in five small museums fear potential closure due to decreased visitor numbers and increased operational expenses. Over three-quarters describe this period as the most challenging they’ve experienced. The “Small Days Out” campaign encourages families to support local, independent museums during school holidays, emphasizing their vital role in preserving community heritage. This initiative highlights the importance of community engagement in sustaining these cultural institutions.

Access the complete story here

In the News

Entrepreneurial Resilience: Insights from GoDaddy’s Venture Forward Report

GoDaddy’s latest Venture Forward report reveals that 75% of microbusiness owners who close a business persist by launching new ventures, with 39% of these becoming the primary income source for their households. This resilience underscores the vital role microbusinesses play in driving economic renewal, a theme echoed in a recent Inc. article highlighting key policies to support entrepreneurs. The report also highlights that each entrepreneur creates an average of seven jobs at the county level, up from two in 2020, and that women now own 51% of microbusinesses, up from 41% in 2019.

Read more in Inc.

Croydon Emerges as a Thriving Hub for UK Small Businesses

Recent data from GoDaddy’s Venture Forward report highlights Croydon’s remarkable growth in microbusinesses, positioning the borough as a potential “UK’s answer to Silicon Valley.” Over the past year, Croydon experienced a 24% increase in microbusiness numbers, surpassing the rest of London and ranking third nationwide. This surge underscores the area’s entrepreneurial spirit and its role in driving local economic development.

Discover how Croydon is leading the UK’s microbusiness growth

Women-Led Businesses on the Rise in Australia and Canada

Recent findings from GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research highlight the impressive growth of female-led microbusinesses across Australia and Canada, emphasizing their resilience, innovation, and increasing economic impact.

Women now run 44% of Australia’s microbusinesses, with 57% of these ventures established within the past five years. Notably, over 27% of female entrepreneurs are the primary income earners for their households, showcasing a significant shift toward gender diversity in the country’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Explore the full article

Similarly, 43% of Canada’s microbusinesses are led by women, with 48% of these ventures launched in the last five years. Remarkably, 26% of female entrepreneurs are the main breadwinners for their households, while 33% report monthly revenues exceeding $5,000. Leveraging technology, 46% believe AI will enhance their competitiveness with larger companies through content creation, strategic insights, and more.

Dive deeper into Canada’s story here

April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize the strength, sacrifices, and stories of military-connected youth.

Insights from the Military Teen Experience Survey, conducted by the National Military Family Association (NMFA) and sponsored by Leidos, provide an important lens into the realities these teens face. From mental well-being and food insecurity to employment pressures and a continued commitment to service, the data reveal both the weight of their challenges and the depth of their resilience.

Mental Well-Being 

The survey highlights significant disparities in mental health: only 8% of military teens report high mental well-being, while 35% report low well-being. Civilian teens, by contrast, report 75% moderate well-being. Teens with a parent facing visible or invisible injuries, such as PTSD, are more than 10 times more likely to experience low mental well-being. While 19% of military teens who needed mental health care received it, 13% still encounter barriers to access, pointing to a clear need for expanded and equitable support. ​

Self-Harm 

Nearly half (45%) of military teens reported engaging in self-harm at least once, with one in three repeating the behavior in the past six months. These rates significantly exceed the global adolescent average of 18%, underscoring the need for mental health services designed specifically for the unique stressors of military life.​

Food Insecurity 

Food insecurity is another critical concern, with 54% of military teens experiencing low or very low food security in the past month, compared to 17.3% of U.S. households with children. Those most affected include teens in junior-enlisted households, those with service-connected injuries in the family, and those who’ve experienced multiple deployments. This insecurity adds further stress, impacting both mental and physical well-being.

Teen Employment 

Many military teens take on jobs to help support their families. The survey shows 19% work to contribute financially, and 58% work for personal spending money. With constant moves, changing schools, and evolving responsibilities at home, balancing work with life as a military teen can be overwhelming.

Propensity to Serve 

Despite these challenges, military teens demonstrate a deep-rooted sense of duty. Over half (51%) express a desire to serve in the military themselves — a figure far higher than the roughly 10% of their civilian peers who say the same. This is especially true among teens with active-duty parents or those who have experienced a parent’s visible injury, reflecting a powerful legacy of service and commitment.

Conclusion 

The Military Teen Experience Survey offers a vital window into the lives of military-connected youth, revealing not only the complex challenges they face, but also their extraordinary resilience. Friendships and peer support emerge as protective factors for mental health, emphasizing the importance of strong, connected communities.

As we mark the Month of the Military Child, Leidos is proud to uplift these voices and deepen the conversation around how we can better support the health, well-being, and futures of military teens and their families.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free and confidential support 24/7.

Learn more about our Military & Family Counseling Program

Maximus

At Maximus, innovation is what we do. From robotics process automation to machine learning to AI, we use the latest technologies to ensure we get the right services to the right people at the right time.

That’s why we’re honored to be named to Fortune’s annual list of “America’s Most Innovative Companies” again.

Our culture values strong customer focus — anticipating needs, solving problems, and delivering high satisfaction for our government agency partners. This recognition is a testament to our dedication to meeting the mission.

About Maximus

As a leading strategic partner to government, Maximus helps improve the delivery of public services amid complex technology, health, economic, environmental, and social challenges. With a deep understanding of program service delivery, acute insights that achieve operational excellence, and an extensive awareness of the needs of the people being served, our employees advance the critical missions of our partners. Maximus delivers innovative business process management, impactful consulting services, and technology solutions that provide improved outcomes for the public and higher levels of productivity and efficiency of government-sponsored programs. For more information, visit maximus.com.

Even though manufacturing wasn’t originally on Caitlyn’s radar, she found her purpose through environmental engineering with CertainTeed and Saint-Gobain. 

About empowHERed

Saint-Gobain North America’s empowHERed series features the women in manufacturing of Saint-Gobain North America. Whether they work in product innovation, engineering, on the product line, or in development, they are making an impact in manufacturing. Discover your career at Saint-Gobain North America.

Watch the full empowHERed video series on YouTube.

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
More than 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 

Franklin Templeton employees demonstrated remarkable dedication and community spirit by generously contributing their time and efforts to various volunteer initiatives throughout March. Their collective efforts not only fostered a sense of camaraderie and purpose within the organization but also made a tangible difference in the lives of those they served. By stepping up and giving back, Franklin Templeton employees exemplified the company’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

Here are a few projects from company offices around the globe.

Rancho Cordova, California

Volunteers participated in a financial wellness challenge for students at St. Hope Public Schools. The challenge is an interactive budgeting simulation for high school students that gives them an opportunity to practice modern-day money management skills in a fun environment with no real-life consequences.

On March 19, Rancho Cordova employees volunteered at the student event of the Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge. This unique and dynamic event brings together professionals from generous companies throughout the Sacramento region for a friendly competition while supporting youth education in the community. Franklin Templeton also participated in the corporate challenge, forming a team and winning the challenge.

Singapore

Building on the spirit and success of last year, on March 8, employees in Singapore participated in the Relay for Life 100km Challenge organized by the Singapore Cancer Society. This event supported cancer patients and raised awareness for this vital cause.

St. Petersburg, Florida

Employees in St. Pete visited Clothes to Kids, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide new and quality used clothing to low-income or in-crisis school-age children, free of charge. Employees volunteered to help sort and tag the donated clothes.

Poznan, Poland

Poznan employees hosted a toiletry drive through March in support of International Women’s Day, donating basic cosmetics that were packed into shoeboxes and delivered to Centrum Interwencji Kryzysowej in Poznan.

On March 15, Poznan employees volunteered to prepare and distribute meals to homeless people in Poznan. Volunteers prepared a meal and soup together with Zupa na Głównym and helped to distribute the food at the Poznan railway station.

On March 19, Poznan hosted the second edition of Clothes Swap, combining it with a charity event for Zupa na Głównym and a workshop on making animal toys with recycled materials.

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the Company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in equity, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and $1.53 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

Las Vegas Sands

Las Vegas Sands and Sands China were again included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook, with the two companies recording the highest global environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores in the casinos and gaming category.

Sands China was the highest-scoring company in the casinos and gaming category, ranking among the top 1% of S&P global ESG scores, while Sands received designation among the top 10% of overall S&P global ESG scores. Sands and Sands China were among only seven companies in the casinos and gaming industry included in the 2025 yearbook, with 41 companies assessed. Sands was the only U.S.-based company in the casinos and gaming category listed in the yearbook.

The comprehensive annual overview of the state of corporate sustainability around the world is based on evaluation of ESG performance. More than 7,690 companies assessed for the 2024 Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) were considered for inclusion in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025. Distinctions are calculated against the top-performing company in each industry, and exclusions applied thereafter. This year, only 780 companies made it into the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook.

These designations for Sands and Sands China are the latest recognition from the world’s leading reputational benchmarks that assess ESG performance. This past December, Sands was again recognized on the Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices (DJSI), with placement on both DJSI World and DJSI North America for the fifth consecutive year. Sands China was named to DJSI World and DJSI Asia Pacific for the third consecutive year.

Sands also was included in Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies 2025, ranking 60th out of 600 companies, and was highest among the 19 companies making the list in the hotels, dining and leisure industry.

“As we strive to push our performance forward each year, the stringent CSA assessment provides an important benchmark for the impact we are making in the areas we’ve prioritized,” Katarina Tesarova, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, said. “Recognition in the yearbook demonstrates our progress, yet we do not take inclusion for granted. We know we must continually advance to receive this important designation, and that is always our goal.”

With the goal of achieving measured and ongoing ESG progress, Sands established 2021-2025 ambitions to invest $200 million in workforce development, contribute 250,000 volunteer hours to its communities and reduce carbon emissions by 17.5% by the end of the period, mapping to its People, Communities and Planet corporate responsibility pillars. Sands will report its progress on these targets in the 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance report, which will be released in spring 2025.

To learn more about the company’s corporate responsibility initiatives, read the latest environmental, social and governance report: https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/.

When it comes to delivering perishables like fruits, vegetables, and seafood, time isn’t just money—it’s a matter of quality and trust. Ecuador, a country celebrated for its rich agricultural and aquaculture sectors, faces unique challenges when ensuring these goods reach global markets intact. At the heart of overcoming these challenges lies one key element—seamless logistics.

The Backbone of Ecuador’s Perishable Trade 

Perishables are central to Ecuador’s economy, with the country standing as a leading exporter of bananas, shrimp, and roses. Ensuring these goods maintain their freshness from farm to table demands a sophisticated, high-performance supply chain.

It’s not just about moving cargo from point A to point B. The success of Ecuador’s perishable exports depends on agility, reliability, and innovation. Every minute counts in maintaining the cold chain, minimizing transit times, and navigating potential bottlenecks.

At DP World, we have made significant long-term investments to enhance logistics efficiency, including expanding infrastructure at the Port of Posorja. These efforts are yielding results—Posorja set a new record for container-handling volumes in 2024, with new service routes driving an 87% increase in container throughput to nearly 1 million TEUs. Today, Posorja is Ecuador’s No. 1 port by market share, a milestone achieved in just five years.

This growth isn’t just about numbers. It’s about ensuring perishable goods remain fresh, meet global standards, and reach international markets quickly and safely. In 2024, more than 100 million boxes of bananas were exported through DP World’s deepwater port in Posorja—doubling the previous year’s volume. DP World now holds a 28% share of Ecuador’s banana export market, reinforcing our role in strengthening the nation’s supply chain.

“Day by day, we work with the entire logistics chain to connect Ecuadorian products with the world’s major markets, providing the high connectivity, security, and efficiency that our port, economic zone, and logistics services offer.” 

— Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World in Ecuador, Peru & Colombia. 

Tackling Challenges with Innovation and Collaboration 

Transporting perishable goods comes with its own set of challenges, from unpredictable weather to shifting global demand. Any delay can have serious consequences—not just in terms of financial loss, but also for exporters’ reputations and the livelihoods of workers along the supply chain.

To address these complexities, DP World has implemented advanced solutions to enhance visibility, efficiency, and flexibility across Ecuador’s logistics ecosystem. By leveraging technology and collaborating with industry stakeholders, we are minimizing disruptions and creating certainty for exporters.

For example, security systems ensure the cargo’s condition is maintained throughout transit, while our state-of-the-art cold chain infrastructure at Posorja ensures optimal storage conditions. Additionally, streamlined documentation and customs clearance processes reduce wait times, keeping goods moving seamlessly.

Creating Economic Impact, One Shipment at a Time 

The benefits of an efficient logistics network extend beyond trade—they directly impact people’s lives. When a shipment of Ecuadorian shrimp reaches its destination on time, fishermen see stable demand, exporters build stronger relationships with buyers, and consumers worldwide enjoy high-quality products. Meanwhile, local communities benefit from the economic contributions that global trade brings.

Since its inception, DP World’s Port of Posorja has been a catalyst for economic development. During its construction phase, the project generated over 1,800 direct jobs and 7,000 indirect jobs. Today, the port provides more than 700 direct jobs, with half of our employees coming from surrounding areas such as Posorja, El Morro, Playas, and Isla Puna.

Beyond job creation, Posorja is a model of innovation and sustainability. As Ecuador’s first fully greenfield deep-water port, it features modern security measures—including the country’s first implementation of X-ray scanners—along with a 21-kilometer access road and an exclusive deep-water channel, enabling large vessels to dock at full capacity.

To safeguard Ecuador’s perishable exports—particularly bananas and shrimp—the terminal is equipped with refrigerated inspection chambers, 2,457 reefer plugs, automated gates, and an integrated surveillance system. These enhancements strengthen the cold chain and ensure exporters can meet the highest quality standards.

A Future-Forward Vision for Ecuadorian Trade

The expansion will boost Posorja’s position as a key regional and global trade hub, strengthening Ecuadorian foreign trade and the country’s competitiveness.

Beyond port operations, DP World is also driving logistics innovation through the Logistics and Industrial Park in in Posorja with connection to the deep-water terminal . This facility offers tailored solutions for industries including automotive, beverages, textiles, and raw materials, adding value to imported cargo through tax and financial incentives.

In addition, customers can benefit from a variety of logistics services complementary to port operations, such as Freight Forwarding. In Ecuador, DP World also has a Logistics Center strategically located in the industrial zone of Durán. In this modern and secure infrastructure, DP World offers services such as an empty container depot, a container yard, cargo warehouses, consolidation, and deconsolidation services for dry and fresh cargo.

Looking ahead, DP World is expanding its deepwater port with a new berth expansion, positioning Posorja as a critical regional and global trade hub. The expansion will extend the terminal’s berth to a total length of 700 meters, allowing the simultaneous servicing of two post-Panamax vessels at full capacity. This development is further supported by new state-of-the-art port equipment, including gantry cranes and additional machinery to enhance efficiency.

With Posorja now established as Ecuador’s leading port by market share, the focus is on building a seamless logistics ecosystem that meets the evolving needs of customers and communities.

Driving Growth Through Seamless Supply Chains 

The landscape of perishables logistics is evolving rapidly, and DP World is at the forefront of this transformation. By fostering seamless connections and supply chain efficiency, we are not only enabling trade but also supporting the broader economic and social development of Ecuador.

Our commitment is clear: to ensure Ecuador’s rich agricultural and aquaculture sectors continue to thrive, backed by robust logistics that bring global markets closer. Through investment, collaboration, and innovation, we are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in logistics, ensuring that trade benefits every link in the supply chain—from farmers and exporters to consumers worldwide.

As we look to the future, one thing remains certain: seamless supply chains have the power to transform industries and improve lives. With our expertise and commitment, DP World will continue to play a pivotal role in connecting Ecuadorian products to the world, strengthening the nation’s position in global trade.

Never underestimate the power of stepping forward. In 2024, as a united team, we leaned into our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, igniting a spark of innovation, dedication and commitment to progress that propelled us in ways we never imagined. Never willing to settle, we know that improving and creating greater change only comes with taking the next step. 

The 2024 Impact Report gives an inside look at the work and achievements that positively impacted our clients, communities and the planet. Here’s a snapshot of what Baker Tilly accomplished: 

• Staying in shape: Our team members stay in top shape and are ready for anything our clients need. Last year, they spent over 7,100 hours on required monthly training, with real-life scenarios, to ensure their innovation practices were sharp and ready.   
• Hit play: Our curated courses for team members continued to help them grow and gain professional insight into topics ranging from inclusion concepts to environmental, sustainability and governance issues.
• The gift of giving: In 2024, our stewardship dedication was a shining star, with record-breaking participation in our annual Baker Tilly Wishes giving program, perfectly reflecting the shared value of making a difference in our communities.
• We love records: As we strive to become more environmentally sustainable, we emphasized data collection across our firm in 2024, including in real estate, utilities, travel, finances, purchasing, policies, risk and our overall business strategy.
• Best of the best: For the first time, we received a spot on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers for Women – an achievement that highlighted our dedication to creating a truly supportive and inclusive environment where women can thrive.
• We belong: In 2024, we continued to focus on making our practices transformational and rooted in belonging.   

Ready to see how we are making a difference? We invite you to read our 2024 Impact report to learn how our commitment to our people, clients and communities was put into action.