Month: April 2025

Eastman

Katherine Hofmann’s Eastman career didn’t happen by accident. The polymer scientist has a passion for sustainability and the environment. You could even say it’s in her genes.

“My mom worked for the Environmental Protection Agency, and we reused and recycled everything. I got in trouble if I threw away my Ziplocs® at school lunch,” Hofmann said. “Though none of this was called sustainability back in the day, it became core to who I am and my own values.” 

Hofmann works on sustainability initiatives for the Eastman plastics division and its circular economy platform. She also works on special projects, including a conference in late 2024 that showed how Eastman integrates sustainability and innovation.

Cutting waste and emissions

For Eastman’s Global Innovation Summit (GIS), employees from throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and South America traveled to Kingsport, Tennessee. The opportunity for more than 1,000 people to share ideas was invaluable, but travel and resources for a weeklong conference had an impact.

“Because large conferences involve so many people, there tends to be significant material and food waste and unavoidable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the travel, especially air travel,” Hofmann said. “We were determined to make this summit different.”

Hofmann led a team focused on sustainability and waste issues so that the event could be net positive for waste and emissions. They knew planning could significantly reduce material and food waste. They also developed a plan to arrive at a net-positive result for GHG emissions and water consumption. To compensate for unavoidable water use, Eastman partnered with the nonprofit Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) on restoration of water flow to the San Saba River in Texas. BEF works with companies — including brands such as Danone and the National Hockey League — on water restoration and preservation projects to compensate for their water use.

Eastman’s climate strategy is built on foundational areas like renewable electricity, energy efficiency and breakthrough technologies, with a reduce-first mindset.

Compensating for unavoidable carbon emissions

In alignment with the company’s corporate decarbonization strategies, Eastman purchased renewable energy certificates (RECs) for all conference activities at the convention center. Emissions were further reduced through carpooling, shuttle buses for off-campus events and a menu that excluded beef.

Still, studies show that approximately 90% of emissions at large conferences come from travel, especially air travel. So the Eastman net-positive team compensated by partnering with a company that safely destroys gases that are devastating to the ozone layer.

Tradewater: a carbon compensation partner

Eastman worked with Tradewater, a company renowned for reducing GHG emissions. Eastman calculated the emissions associated with the conference, then Tradewater destroyed more than an equivalent amount of GHGs in the form of refrigerant gases such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons.

Tradewater collects old cylinders of these gases and safely incinerates them.

“Through our work with Tradewater, we were able to overcompensate for calculated GIS emissions so we can be sure it’s a net positive in terms of carbon footprint,” Hofmann said. “It’s an exciting partnership from a sustainability perspective. Harmful gases that would have leaked into the atmosphere will instead be safely destroyed because the GIS team found an innovative solution in partnering with Tradewater.”

A plan to reduce waste

Eastman collaborated with Reduction in Motion, a sustainability consultant, on ways to reduce waste. By creating a conference app and using digital signs, printed materials were negligible. Reusable coffee cups and water bottles — instead of single-use items — were everywhere.

Material waste was sorted by Eastman volunteers, so anything that could be recycled was recycled, including cardboard, aluminum and glass. Plastic waste was sent for recycling in Eastman’s nearby molecular recycling facility. The relatively small amount of food waste was sent to an industrial composting facility 20 minutes away in Johnson City, Tennessee.

At the end of the conference, almost 93% of all waste was diverted from landfill. At a conference this size, studies show the average participant generates 4.2 pounds of material waste. Through advanced planning and efforts of attendees, GIS participants generated on average 1.4 pounds of material waste per person.

At Griffith Foods, better nutrition starts with better understanding. During National Nutrition Month®, we proudly celebrated our teams who prioritize creating flavorful, nutritious, and sustainable solutions to meet evolving customer needs.

By the end of 2025, 100% of our employees will complete NutritionIQ, a science-based program designed to strengthen our expertise in nutrition. By deepening our knowledge through initiatives like NutritionIQ and aligning with our 2030 Aspirations, we’re fostering a culture of health and nutrition while developing nutrient-dense offerings for the future of food.

Learn more about how we are Creating Better Together at https://griffithfoods.com/sustainability/health-nutrition/

Jackie Schulz, MS, RDN

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Banks use several factors to determine how to approve someone for a mortgage loan, including credit score and debt-to-income ratio. KeyBank’s 2025 Financial Mobility Survey found that many believe owning a home is not an attainable goal for themselves nor the average American. Survey respondents also said financial education can help them be more confident in the home-buying process.

Here are some tips that can help you improve your credit score.

Get to Know Your Credit Score

While there are many factors that mortgage lenders consider, your credit score is one of the most important. Your credit score is made up of multiple data points from your credit history, including how long you’ve had credit, the timeliness of your payments, the types of credit you’ve had, the percentage of your credit you’re using, and any new credit you’re applying for.

In short, your credit score represents your creditworthiness, or the likelihood that you’ll repay a loan on time. When applying for a mortgage, the higher your credit score, the more likely it is that you’ll get a lower interest rate on your loan. If your credit score isn’t quite there, there are many ways to help improve it:

Make payments on time – Setting up automatic payments for the minimum amount due can help your accounts remain in good standing.

Catch up on overdue payments – If you have any bills that are past due, prioritize those first.

Pay down revolving balances – Once you’re current on all your bills, use any extra cash to keep paying down your balances.

Correct any errors on your credit report – If you find inaccurate personal information on your credit report, visit the credit bureau’s website to see how to file a dispute.

Keep existing credit lines open – Even if your spending doesn’t change, keep the line of credit, like a credit card, open. It can show a decrease in your credit utilization ratio to help improve your score.

Limit new applications for credit – Weigh the impact to your credit score when you’re deciding whether to do anything that will result in a hard pull on your credit, like buying a new car or applying for a new credit card.

It can take up to six months to see noticeable results.

Pay Off Your Debt to Increase Credit Score

Paying off debt could improve the likelihood of being approved for a mortgage loan in two ways: It lowers your debt-to-income ratio, an important factor that lenders consider, and it can help improve your credit score.

If you have a high amount of debt relative to your income, it can make getting approved for a mortgage more challenging. To receive a qualified mortgage, a borrower must typically have a debt-to-income ratio lower than 43%, according to the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.¹

Even if you meet the criteria for a mortgage, it’s still important to think carefully about the amount of debt you’d be taking on. It’s generally recommended that your mortgage payment take up no more than 30% of your total income. There are some exceptions, and KeyBank Mortgage Loan Officers are great resources and can help you navigate the homebuying process. They have information on home lending opportunities and programs to help you get started on the journey to homeownership.

About the KeyBank 2025 Financial Mobility Survey: This survey was conducted online by Schmidt Market Research in September 2024, polling 1,000 Americans, ages 18 – 70, with sole or shared responsibility for household financial decisions, who own a checking or savings account. The survey sought to gain insight into financial resiliency and explored respondents’ spending and savings habits, levels of financial confidence and financial resiliency, economic sentiment, and impacts of societal trends and pressures over the prior year.

This is designed to provide general information only. All credit products are subject to collateral and/or credit approval, terms, conditions, availability and subject to change. ©2025 KeyCorp. All rights reserved. CFMA #250404-3134828

NOTICE: This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Conditions and restrictions may apply. All home lending products, including mortgage, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit, are subject to credit and collateral approval. Not all home lending products are available in all states. Hazard insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance are required on collateral property. Actual rates, fees, and terms are based on those offered as of the date of application and are subject to change without notice.

NMLS #399797. Equal Housing Lender. Mortgage and Home Equity Lending products offered by KeyBank are not FDIC insured or guaranteed. KeyBank extends credit secured by residential real estate without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or familial status.

¹https://themortgagereports.com/21985/high-debt-to-income-ratio-mortgage-approval

Imagine a logistics industry free of inefficiencies, seamlessly adapting to disruptions, and delivering unmatched value to supply chains. This isn’t just a dream — it’s the future DP World is building today. The future of logistics isn’t just about evolution; it’s about revolution. With advancements like artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and e-commerce expansion, the industry is redefining how products move around the globe. Companies that act today will lead tomorrow.

For supply chain professionals and logistics managers, this discussion isn’t theoretical — it’s actionable. Addressing major challenges like labor shortages, infrastructure limitations, and supply chain disruptions can no longer be delayed. Here’s how forward-thinking businesses are solving these problems and staying ahead in an industry on the brink of transformation.

Challenges in the Logistics Industry Today

The sector faces several critical hurdles, but overcoming them is vital for long-term success:

Labor Shortages

The logistics industry is facing a serious labor shortage. Glen Clark, CEO of DP World U.S./Mexico, addresses this topic in his most recent article for the Fast Company Executive Board. As the industry grows and evolves, it is becoming increasingly sophisticated, requiring workers with new skills and responsibilities.   

With turnover of logistics employees up by 33% compared with pre-pandemic figures, critical roles can go unfilled creating an urgent need for innovative solutions like automation. Automation offers a viable solution, with companies like Amazon implementing over 750,000 mobile robots in their fulfillment centers. These robots streamline repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on high-impact roles. 

Aging Infrastructure

Outdated roads, railways, and ports disrupt the flow of goods, increase operational costs, and pose risks to customer satisfaction. For example, in the UK, over 50% of surveyed manufacturers blame poor road conditions for delays and higher export costs. While infrastructure repairs require long-term investment, businesses are turning to real-time supply chain visibility solutions to mitigate delays and reroute shipments in the short term.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, and pandemics have made vulnerabilities in supply chains more apparent than ever. Diversified operations and flexible supply chain models are becoming non-negotiable. The lesson is clear — companies that fail to prepare are preparing to fail.

Security Concerns

The surge in organized cargo theft is a growing threat. Just last year, sophisticated thefts targeting U.S. supply chains cause millions in losses. Enhanced security measures like IoT-enabled tracking and risk management software help companies safeguard valuable shipments.

Integrating Advanced Technology

While IoT, AI, and machine learning hold promise for logistics, implementation remains a challenge due to technical infrastructure gaps and security concerns. Organizations investing in cybersecurity alongside tech adoption are positioning themselves for long-term success.

Trends Shaping the Future of Logistics

Amid these challenges, trends like AI adoption, automation, and e-commerce expansion are paving the way for a smarter, more agile logistics sector.

1. AI for Demand Forecasting

AI-powered demand forecasting is revolutionizing how businesses predict consumer behavior, enabling smarter inventory management and reducing waste.  For example, companies like Autone are developing platforms that assist retailers in aligning inventory with shifting market demands, reducing overstock and waste. AI isn’t just solving problems — it’s preventing them before they occur.

2. Automation for Increased Efficiency

Automation is transforming logistics, from robotic sorters in warehouses to self-driving delivery vehicles, unlocking new levels of efficiency.  From robotic sorters in warehouses to autonomous delivery vehicles, logistics companies are achieving operational efficiency like never before. Take Amazon’s approach — they’ve successfully blended automation and human labor, proving that the two can work in harmony to boost productivity.

3. E-commerce Expansion Driving Warehousing Innovation

E-commerce is reshaping global supply chains, driving demand for localized warehouses and faster delivery solutions. More businesses are setting up localized warehouses to meet rising consumer demand for fast deliveries. For instance, Chinese e-commerce companies now claim 20% of new warehouse leases in the U.S., a dramatic increase from previous years. This trend underscores the need for adaptable logistics solutions.

4. Political and Economic Preparedness

The logistics industry doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Events like U.S. presidential elections or shifts in trade policies can create ripple effects across supply chains. To thrive amidst uncertainty, companies need agile operations capable of responding to regulatory changes and market volatility.

Addressing the Key Industry Challenges

Successfully meeting these demands calls for bold strategies. Here’s how businesses can address key challenges and ensure a resilient logistics model:

Skilled Workforce Development

•  Launch upskilling programs to attract Gen Z talent and retrain your workforce for tech-driven roles, ensuring your team is future-ready.
• Bolster automation to handle repetitive tasks while reserving human expertise for strategic decision-making.

Infrastructure Innovation

• Partner with technology providers offering advanced supply chain visibility tools to reduce reliance on outdated infrastructure.
• Advocate for public-private investments in transport networks, emphasizing the long-term benefits for global trade.

Diversification for Disruption Preparedness

• Establish regional sourcing hubs to reduce reliance on geographically distant suppliers.
• Use predictive analytics to identify potential supply chain risks before they escalate.

Technology Investment

• Prioritize cybersecurity alongside IoT and AI adoption to protect digital supply chains.
• Implement AI-driven decision-making models to increase efficiency while reducing operational risks.

Security Improvements

• Integrate advanced cargo tracking and monitoring systems to prevent theft.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and industry groups to deter organized crime.

A Call to Action for Supply Chain Leaders

The logistics industry stands at the crossroads of unprecedented opportunity and risk. Forward-thinking leaders who are willing to innovate, invest, and adapt will shape the future of supply chain management. Meeting labor, technology, and infrastructure challenges head-on isn’t optional — it’s essential.

At DP World we’re at the forefront of logistics innovation, ensuring businesses like yours thrive amidst change. Our comprehensive solutions in AI, automation, and supply chain resilience are designed to transform challenges into opportunities.

Authored by Georgina Harris

Baker Tilly recently hosted a webinar, Foundational concepts for long-term success with ERM governance, as part of a four-part enterprise risk management (ERM) webinar series. The third installment focused on advancing governance by integrating various frameworks to sustain effective risk management practices. Here are some key takeaways that not-for-profits should consider from this session:

The importance of enterprise risk management (ERM)

Governance provides the type of consistent oversight, accountability and checks and balances that can ensure not-for-profit organizations both reach their goals and remain sustainable for the long-term. In these organizations, this crucial role to ensure effective governance and risk management is most often filled by the board of directors.

Enterprise risk management is a systematic process designed to identify risks that could impact your organization and determine how to proactively manage and mitigate those risks effectively. It considers both the upside and downside risks associated with an organization’s activities. Upside risks represent potential positive deviations from objectives, while downside risks are potential negative deviations. Effective ERM aims to both seize opportunities associated with upside risks and mitigate or avoid losses associated with downside risks.

To build an effective ERM governance structure, organizations should focus on advancing governance by considering how to advance and strengthen risk management practices. This involves managing disruptions, empowering decision-making and optimizing performance.

It is crucial to have a dedicated position, function, or department responsible for risk management activities. The individual should be well-versed at navigating the board, board committees, department heads and be actively involved with strategic conversations, so they can effectively support risk management decisions and strategies. Their role involves coordinating all aspects of risk management across the organization ensuring alignment with the organization’s culture and practices.

Enterprise risk management is crucial for not-for-profit organizations as it helps ensure their long-term sustainability and mission success. Unlike for-profit entities, not-for-profit organizations often operate with limited resources and face unique challenges such as fluctuating funding sources, resource limitations, regulatory changes and reputational risks. Implementing ERM allows not-for-profits to proactively identify and manage these risks, thereby safeguarding their assets, enhancing donor confidence and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. By integrating ERM into their governance structure, organizations can better navigate uncertainties, make informed decisions and maintain the trust of their stakeholders, which is essential for their continued operation and impact.

Establishing a risk governance framework within your organization

Creating a risk governance framework involves a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, mitigating and monitoring risks across an organization. By following these eight steps, you can develop a comprehensive framework that effectively manages risks, enhances decision-making, and supports long-term resilience and success:

1. Define objectives and scope
2. Establish risk and appetite tolerance
3. Conduct risk assessment
4. Develop risk management policies
5. Implement risk mitigation strategies
6. Establish monitoring and reporting mechanisms
7. Communicate and educate
8. Evaluate and improve

Making ERM governance effective

Effective ERM governance provides a foundation for creating a risk-aware culture and ensuring that risk management activities are aligned with the organization’s goals, objectives and risk appetite. A risk aware culture:

• Encourages active participation in risk management
• Leads to more resilience and enhanced ability to manage uncertainties and opportunities
• Reduces unforeseen incidents, improves decision-making processes and enables informed risk-based decisions
• Ensures that risk factors align with long-term objectives and helps to identify challenges and opportunities for strategic adjustments/goals
• Emphasizes the importance of enduring resilience and aligning with the goal of promoting sustainable business operations
• Contributes to long-term financial stability, mitigating risks that could impact organizational viability and success

Roles and responsibilities

These common roles within not-for-profit organizations can be defined in respect to ERM as follows:

Board of directors

• Oversight of ERM framework and policies. This includes monitoring the actions of the executive leadership to ensure their actions align with the overall strategic goals.
• Setting risk appetite and tolerance

Audit committee

• Ensuring integrity of financial reporting and controls
• Reviewing risk management procedures

Executive leadership (Executive director, CEO, CFO, COO)

• Championing ERM initiatives
• Integrating risk management into strategic planning
• Providing independent assurance to risk management effectiveness

ERM leaders

• Leading the ERM program
• Coordinating risk management activities across the organization

For not-for-profit organizations, establishing a risk-aware culture and having strong leadership in ERM initiatives are crucial. Fostering a risk-aware culture means encouraging staff and volunteers to actively participate in risk management processes, which leads to greater resilience and the ability to seize opportunities while mitigating potential threats. Additionally, executive leadership must integrate risk management into strategic planning, ensuring that risk considerations are aligned with the organization’s mission and goals. This alignment helps not-for-profits to not only survive but thrive in an ever-changing environment, ultimately contributing to their long-term success and stability.

The board should ensure a strong culture, set ethical standards, define values, monitor alignment, integrate risk management, ensure compliance, and foster continuous improvement to enhance organizational performance and resilience.

Are you ready to take the next step with your organization and elevate your governance framework with Enterprise Risk Management? Reach out to a Baker Tilly specialist today to discover how we can help you achieve your goals.

CORRIGAN, Texas, April 29, 2025 /3BL/ – In August 2023, Georgia-Pacific donated $100,000 to the volunteer fire department in Corrigan, Texas, in support of a capital campaign to build a new fire station. After years of planning and months of construction, the city of Corrigan cut the ribbon on the new station.

The Corrigan Volunteer Firefighters broke ground on the 6,000-square foot building in August 2024. Several months ago, the fire department started the last phase of construction and finished the inside of the station, thanks to a second $100,000 grant from Georgia-Pacific.

The Corrigan Volunteer Fire Department has approximately 25 active members who answer more than 150 emergency calls each year.

Nationally, volunteer fire departments make up 65% of our nation’s firefighters. Out of 29,452 fire departments in the country, 18,873 of these departments are volunteer. In addition to fire emergencies, these first responders handle emergency medical incidents, vehicle accidents, natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents, water rescue emergencies and other public service calls. Many Georgia-Pacific employees are also volunteer first responders in their off hours.

Despite their importance to keeping people and communities across the country safe, many volunteer fire departments are severely underfunded. Georgia-Pacific has long-supported volunteer departments in its communities by ensuring they have updated facilities, vehicles and equipment. 

Georgia-Pacific is committed to giving back in meaningful ways to the communities in which our employees work and live. Learn more about our social stewardship.

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Cisco tech aids bee conservation by enhancing habitat monitoring, optimizing hive health data, and supporting research to promote thriving bee populations.

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About Cisco

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners, and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity, and strengthen digital resilience.  With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco.

About Cisco’s Purpose
Cisco’s Purpose to Power an Inclusive Future for All. Driven by this Purpose, we combine our technology, people, and broader networks to address society’s great challenges.

Gilead is committed to using its virology expertise to advance HIV treatment and prevention to help end the epidemic. Since 2010, the company has partnered with Emory University in Atlanta to launch AIDSVu – an online mapping tool that visualizes granular data related to the HIV epidemic in the United States.

The tool was designed to help increase awareness and understanding of the impact of HIV across the U.S., especially in the South.

AIDSVu analyses have revealed that although new HIV diagnoses have been declining throughout the country from 2008 to 2022, this progress has been uneven across regions. For example, the U.S. South saw only a 17% decrease in new HIV diagnoses during this period compared to a 43% decrease in the Northeast.

“The first time we looked at the national map, I saw things about the HIV epidemic that I hadn’t understood in decades of working in surveillance,” says Dr. Patrick Sullivan, who previously worked in HIV surveillance programs at the Centers for Disease Control.

Patrick, a professor at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health and the Principal Scientist for AIDSVu, recalls how HIV tracking before AIDSVu included producing 100-page reports filled with tables and numbers. He notes that the online mapping platform provides data that’s easier to visualize and understand.

“Data is power,” he says. “Whether you are a mathematical person or a visual person, you can come and look and we can have a common understanding of what the HIV epidemic looks like in our city, in our in our state or in the country.”

AIDSVu partners with 58 cities across the country, representing more than half of all new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, to share ZIP code level HIV data on AIDSVu. Atlanta is one of those cities, and the resources available on the tool have helped local advocates highlight critical local statistics like the fact that the rate of new HIV diagnoses there is nearly double the rate in the South.

In her role as Senior Director of Government Affairs at Gilead, Pema McGuinness works closely with Patrick and sees the impact AIDSVu has had on HIV policy and health advocacy work.

“If an advocate is meeting with one of their elected officials, they have super granular data to show them this is what the HIV epidemic looks like in your jurisdiction,” explains Pema. “These are the issues that are impacting your constituencies, and they can demand change.”

Similarly, Harold Phillips, Deputy Director of Programs for the National Minority AIDS Council, sees how the AIDSVu data can help play a role in healthcare and ending the HIV epidemic.

“It’s going to take understanding and it’s also going to take us using data so that we can make sure we’re not leaving any populations behind in this effort,” he says.

Originally published by Gilead Sciences