July 2025 – Page 44

Leelanau Conservancy Seeks to Revitalize Sugar Loaf for Public Access

Posted on July 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

With the community’s help to raise necessary funds, generous landowners pledge to donate the historic Sugar Loaf property.

LEELANAU COUNTY, Mich., July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sugar Loaf, one of Northern Michigan’s most iconic landscapes, is poised for a remarkable rebirth. The Leelanau Conservancy must raise $1.6 million by the end of the year to transform the long-dormant site into a world-class public scenic area, permanently protected and open to all.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore a place that holds deep meaning for so many,” said Tom Nelson, Executive Director of the Leelanau Conservancy. “We envision Sugar Loaf as a place where people of all ages and abilities can hike, bike, cross-country ski, play, and reconnect with nature—where conservation and community come together on the mountaintop.”

The vision for the new Sugar Loaf includes:

A publicly accessible trail network for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Universal access features, including a universal access loop trail for people with restricted mobility.
A summit pavilion for scenic views.
Family-friendly features, such as a sledding hill, nature play area, and outdoor gathering space.
Ecological restoration to protect native species, reduce erosion, and improve water quality in the Good Harbor Bay Watershed.

Thanks to the generosity of the anonymous landowner who acquired the property in 2020 and funded the clean-up of the shuttered hotel and abandoned ski infrastructure, Sugar Loaf is ready for its next chapter. Once the Conservancy meets its fundraising goal, the present owner will donate ownership of approximately 285 acres to the nonprofit, securing its protection and public access forever. The landowner will retain ownership of the currently closed airfield.

Funds will go towards stewardship, trail construction, restoration, and infrastructure to welcome the public back to Sugar Loaf. For now, the property remains closed to public access until the funding goal is met, and the property finds its final home with the Leelanau Conservancy.

“Ownership feels this land should belong to the community. Its goal has always been to see Sugar Loaf preserved and reopened to the public, not developed. By placing it in the capable hands of the Leelanau Conservancy, and through the support of its members and the community at large, ownership can ensure that future generations will enjoy Sugar Loaf’s recreation and cherish its views forever,” says Ross Satterwhite, who has represented ownership throughout the process. “It is an incredibly generous gift to the Conservancy and community,” he said.

The Conservancy is calling on the public to help raise the necessary funds to secure the donation and bring the vision to life. So far, $6.4 million has been raised; $1.6 million is needed to complete fundraising. Every contribution brings the community one step closer to protecting Sugar Loaf. More than a memory, Sugar Loaf will be a living legacy of conservation and recreation for everyone, forever.

Community Information Sessions will be held and are open to the public.

July 30th, 6pm at Solon Township Hall.
August 5th, 6pm at Glen Arbor Township Hall.

To sign up, learn more or donate, visit leelanauconservancy.org/sugarloaf

About the Leelanau Conservancy
The Leelanau Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust. Founded in 1988, the Leelanau Conservancy has protected more than 19,000 acres of critical natural lands and working farms across the Leelanau Peninsula. Through land protection, stewardship, and community engagement, the Conservancy works to ensure that Leelanau’s natural beauty, ecological health, and rural character are preserved for generations to come. Learn more at https://www.leelanauconservancy.org.

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SOURCE Leelanau Conservancy

First LSL Lessons Launches to Support Children with Hearing Loss During Early Days

Posted on July 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Hearing First, an initiative of the Oberkotter Foundation, shares step-by-step lessons designed by certified Listening and Spoken Language specialists to deliver key, research-backed information to build confidence in families of children with hearing loss.

PHILADELPHIA, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hearing First — an initiative of the Oberkotter Foundation dedicated to supporting families and professionals so children with hearing loss have the opportunity to listen, talk, read, and thrive — has launched First LSL Lessons. Designed to help families get started on the Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) path right away after learning their child is deaf or hard of hearing, First LSL Lessons empowers families with clear, sequential steps they can take to develop their child’s listening, talking, and literacy skills – at no cost to the families.

First LSL Lessons fills a critical gap – delivering expert Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) guidance to families

With 94% of babies with hearing loss born to hearing parents, many families report feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the next steps after their child has been identified as deaf or hard or hearing. Families are left to navigate new information, a range of emotions, and added responsibilities, all while determining how to move forward. Common questions parents face often include what hearing loss means for their child’s future and how they can best support their child’s development from the very beginning. means for their child’s future and how they can best support their child’s development from the very beginning.

“We’ve heard first-hand from families that the early days of navigating their child’s hearing loss journey are ones of uncertainty. Parents are eager for guidance on what to do next. First LSL Lessons is the first tool of its kind to break down the foundations of Listening and Spoken Language into easy-to-understand, ready-to-use steps in one place,” said Teresa Caraway, PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, CEO, Oberkotter Foundation. “So no matter where a family lives, whether in an urban or rural location, families are empowered to take the first steps to teach their child who is deaf or hard of hearing to listen and talk by taking consistent, daily action.”

First LSL Lessons is designed to fit into the busy lives of families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. A 2023 Pew Research study found that 84% of families report feeling rushed for time, and between work, commutes, parenting, and complex family schedules, it can be difficult for parents to find time for an additional commitment. Each lesson inside First LSL Lessons takes less than 20 minutes to complete, allowing parents to learn at their own pace – whether completing the lessons all at once or gradually over time. By removing barriers to accessing qualified services, First LSL Lessons fills a critical gap – delivering trusted, expert Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) guidance to families wherever they are, on any device. guidance to families wherever they are, on any device.

Backed by evidence-based LSL principles, strategies, and techniques, the 12 curated lessons build upon each other to deepen parents’ knowledge and skills in supporting their child’s journey to listening and talking. The lessons are available at no cost and can be easily implemented into the daily routines of families by accessing real examples of LSL strategies in action, videos, printable handouts and checklists, and helpful visuals.

The lessons cover key areas of focus, including:

Hearing Devices and Wear Time
How to Talk and Read to Baby
Building Language
Understanding an Audiogram
LSL Strategies
And More

The release of First LSL Lessons aligns with the Oberkotter Foundation’s strategic plan for Hearing First to continue to equip families and caregivers with the right information at the right time to help their child with hearing loss thrive, while supporting the professionals who partner with them. To learn more about how Hearing First supports families and First LSL Lessons, visit HearingFirst.org/Lessons.

About Hearing First
Hearing First, an initiative of the Oberkotter Foundation, helps caring adults provide infants and toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing with the same listening, spoken language, and literacy opportunities as their hearing peers through Listening and Spoken Language (LSL). Hearing First offers free educational resources and online learning experiences for families of children with hearing loss and professionals who seek to advance their LSL knowledge and understanding. With two free online communities, the Family Support Community and Professional Learning Community, Hearing First also helps members connect with other adults who share their same experience. The Oberkotter Foundation is a private foundation supporting opportunities for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to learn to listen and talk for nearly 40 years.

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SOURCE Hearing First

QVC Group Releases 2024 Corporate Contribution Summary

Posted on July 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

At QVC Group, we continue to make significant advancements towards our critical role in protecting the environment, championing empowerment and belonging, and curating product responsibly. We do this by inspiring a more sustainable way to retail that intentionally nurtures a culture of inclusion, support, and empowerment of key stakeholders, from team members to entrepreneurs, and the communities in which we serve.

Through our championing empowerment & belonging pillar, strategic imperatives are focused around delivering measurable and differentiated social and community impact through cause marketing and giving programs which embrace our responsibility to our stakeholders and society at large. As a result, our 2024 Corporate Contribution Summary Report and accompanying video highlight the many impactful ways we collectively made a difference last year through the continued commitment of our company, customers, vendors, and team members to building a brighter future through their contributions to meaningful causes which support our global communities.

In 2024, we generated over $31 million for more than 1,648 charities worldwide. This includes:

43,000+ team member volunteer hours, a 156% increased usage of paid volunteer days by over 3,200 team members; combined with 14,000 hours already recorded in the first half of 2025, the company has now exceeded its five-year goal set in 2020 to surpass 100,000 volunteer hours.
Over $1.9 million in team member giving through our global giving program, Together for Good, which provides a 200% match on team member donations.
$24+ million product & other in-kind donations through local and global organizations to impacted communities in 17 countries, including distribution through global partners World Vision, Good360 and Harvest Time International.
44% of total company giving directed towards women’s health & economic well-being causes. Since 2020, $54+ million has been contributed towards this focus, surpassing our 2025 target of $50 million.
$2.6+ million for cause marketing such as QVC® U.S.’s Living for Giving benefiting Feeding America, and new partnership with the National Odd Shoe Exchange (N.O.S.E.), HSN®’s Foundation for Women Warriors, QVC Germany’s “Scan to Take Care” initiative through partnership with Pink Ribbon Germany and more.

“QVC Group’s Global Impact strategy seeks to embed inclusion, sustainability, and social responsibility into all aspects of our business. We’re proud of the $31+ million raised in 2024 to continue our tradition of giving back – and grateful to our team members, customers, and vendor community who have given generously to reach this milestone,” said Suzanne Quigley, Director Global Corporate Responsibility, QVC Group. “In addition, we’ve surpassed a significant milestone of 100,000 volunteer hours, exceeding a five-year goal set in 2020. With over 43,000 hours logged in 2024 and 14,000 hours already recorded in the first half of 2025, we were able to reach this notable target ahead of schedule thanks to our team members’ unwavering dedication to Together for Good.”

To learn more about QVC Group’s Corporate Responsibility initiatives and summary reports, visit: https://www.qvcgrp.com/lp/global-impact/.

Sumitomo Corporation of Americas Donates $50,000 to Support Texas Flood Relief Efforts

Posted on July 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

NEW YORK, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (“SCOA”) has contributed $50,000 to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund to support relief efforts related to the Texas flash flooding from July fourth weekend. Kerr County Flood Relief Fund is a trusted local partner and is operated through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. These funds will go directly to providing emergency services such as providing rescue, relief and recovery efforts, as well as other critical services for those impacted by these devastating floods. SCOA is also matching employee donations to disaster relief nonprofits dollar-for-dollar.

“As a company with operations, employees and partners within the state of Texas and the affected areas, we are compelled to help in this significant time of need,” said Kotaro Tameda, President and CEO, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas. “By contributing directly to Kerr County’s flood relief efforts, we are equipping first responders with the vital resources they need to save lives, deliver urgent care, and support the community’s path to recovery. Every dollar makes a difference in restoring hope and resilience where it’s needed most.”

To date, 134 people were killed across Texas Hill Country when more than 2 trillion gallons of water fell across the region between July 4 and 6. 97 people remain missing, however that number will continue to change. According to Kerr County officials, more than 1,000 local, state, federal responders and thousands of volunteers from across the country continue to search 100 miles of riverbank, working to recover loved ones for their families.

The Sumitomo Corporation Group remains committed to achieving sustainable corporate growth while addressing key social issues, including support for disaster relief efforts. SCOA’s donation reflects its commitment to fostering a culture of corporate citizenship and social responsibility, with a focus on helping vulnerable communities in times of need.

About Sumitomo Corporation of Americas
Established in 1952, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA) is headquartered in New York City and operates nine offices in major U.S. cities. SCOA is the largest subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation, one of the world’s leading integrated trading and business investment companies. SCOA engages in a wide range of businesses, including Tubular Products, Environment and Infrastructure, Steel and Non-Ferrous Metals, Transportation and Construction Systems, Chemicals and Electronics, Media and IoT Applications, Real Estate, Mineral Resources and Energy, and Food. For more information, visit www.sumitomocorp.com.

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SOURCE Sumitomo Corporation of Americas

An Interactive Robot Points the Way to Smarter Farm Equipment

Posted on July 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Visitors to the CNH booth at this year’s Agrishow 2025, in São Paulo, Brazil, became part of a two-way learning experience interacting with a robot using offline generative artificial intelligence (AI) – a tool that likely will soon be an integral part of the farm machinery business.

Among their launches, their first AI e-commerce functionality stood out. The new feature uses Artificial Intelligence and allows anyone to take a photo of an item and quickly find its equivalent on the website, reducing search time, errors in selection and improving sales conversion.

Another major attraction was a robot that assisted visitors and helped agricultural machinery operators with no internet access. The technology, named M.A.I.A for Case IH, and GUIA for New Holland, uses offline generative AI. At the fair, GUIA, for example, executed commands such as turning on or off components of a New Holland harvester, such as its lights, surprising those who passed by.

At Agrishow, the CNH team showcased their technology by deploying a robot at their exhibit to interact with visitors curious about the farm machinery on display. The robot engaged attendees by answering questions and providing insights into the equipment.

LA Kings Score With July Literacy Program for Kids

Posted on July 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Throughout the month of July, AEG’s LA Kings are bringing their passion for hockey to local libraries with a heartwarming twist—literacy. Through their “Storytime with the LA Kings” initiative, the team is promoting reading among young fans across Los Angeles County.

Organized by the Kings Care Foundation, the program features appearances by Bailey, the team’s beloved lion mascot, and the LA Kings Ice Crew, who host engaging story time sessions at public libraries throughout the city. The highlight of each event is a live reading of “B is for Bailey”, a colorful children’s book that introduces the ABCs of hockey in a fun and accessible way.

Designed for children ages 3 and up, the events are free and open to the public. While the program is geared toward early readers, families of all ages are welcome to attend. The goal is simple — to foster a love of reading while connecting kids with their favorite hockey team in a meaningful and educational setting.

The Kings Care Foundation has long been committed to supporting wellness, education, and inclusion in the Los Angeles community. This literacy initiative is part of a broader mission to invest in local youth and create positive social impact through sports and storytelling.

“Storytime with the LA Kings” is more than just a reading event—it’s an opportunity for children to see that learning can be fun, especially when it involves their favorite team,” said Amanda Apel, Sr. Director, Social Impact and the Kings Care Foundation. “By combining the excitement of hockey with the joy of books, the Kings are helping to build stronger readers and stronger communities.”

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to check the LA Kings’ official website for the full schedule of library visits and additional details. With events running throughout the month, there are plenty of chances to catch Bailey and the crew in action.

Logitech Reach Wins Future’s Best of Show Award, Presented by Tech & Learning

Posted on July 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Logitech Blog

Logitech Reach has received the Future’s Best of Show Award, presented at ISTE 2025 by Tech & Learning in the Secondary Education category.

Tech & Learning’s Best of Show Awards are evaluated by a panel of industry expert judges and editors, and are selected on a points score against a range of criteria, including innovation, feature set, reliability, and performance.

“The products nominated for the Best of Show program provide an outstanding overview of new technology on the show floor and shine a spotlight on the products, and businesses behind them, who are transforming education in schools around the world,” said the awards editorial team.

Logitech Reach is an adjustable content camera that gives educators flexibility in presenting physical content. The pivoting and rotating camera combines horizontal and vertical movements to create novel vantage points and move the camera to exactly where it’s needed while maintaining camera orientation. Through its intuitive design and advanced features, Logitech Reach gives content sharers a new level of ease, flexibility and control to deliver immersive learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, art, math, and more.

Learn more here.

Medicaid Cuts Are Reshaping IDD Services in 2025, New eBook Helps Agencies Respond

Posted on July 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Giv releases free resource to help IDD agencies navigate confirmed funding reductions and prepare for what’s ahead

The downloadable guide breaks down what’s changing—and what providers can do now to protect services and stay compliant.

LEHI, Utah, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Giv, an all-in-one IDD software platform, has released a free eBook to help agency leaders understand and respond to the 2025 Medicaid funding cuts now taking effect. The newly passed federal budget includes reductions that will impact providers in every state—putting additional pressure on already strained systems that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The guide offers a state-by-state look at how cuts are being implemented, what changes are already underway, and what steps providers can take to stay ahead of the disruption. With many agencies operating on tight margins, the impact on staffing, billing, and service delivery could be significant.

To read the full report or download the free eBook, visit: https://givhealthcare.com/lp/medicaid-ebook

Highlights from the guide include:

A breakdown of federal Medicaid cuts
Action steps for providers to prepare and advocate effectively
Strategies for staying compliant and operational during budget shifts
Tools to support communication with funders, staff, and families

“Medicaid funding is the backbone of IDD care. When it’s reduced, agencies feel the strain immediately, and so do the individuals they serve,” said the Giv team. “We created this resource to help providers plan, adapt, and continue delivering the support their communities rely on.”

Giv will continue to provide updates as new changes are implemented across states. For ongoing industry updates visit Giv’s blog.

About Giv
Giv is an all-in-one IDD software platform built for agencies that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The system streamlines documentation, billing, compliance, scheduling, and care coordination—helping providers reduce administrative burden and focus on delivering high-quality services. Based in Utah, Giv supports agencies across the United States. Learn more at givhealthcare.com or follow on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Bentley Smith
bentley.smith@givhealthcare.com

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SOURCE Giv

Bacardi Wins Gold at Employee Happiness Awards 2025 in United Arab Emirates

Posted on July 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

DUBAI, UAE, July 17, 2025 /3BL/ – Bacardi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been recognized for its exceptional workplace culture, winning Gold at the Employee Happiness Awards 2025.

The annual awards which took place in Dubai last month, celebrate organizations across the UAE that lead the way in nurturing positive work environments, inspiring innovation, and putting their employees at the heart of their success stories.

Family-owned spirits company Bacardi is known for its unique culture and for encouraging diversity of thought in its people. In the UAE, where the team consists of more than 60 people with 15 different nationalities, regular cultural celebrations within the company allow the team to build deeper connections and a better understanding of and respect for each other’s heritage and viewpoints.

“At Bacardi, we create an environment where everyone can be appreciated for who they are, what they do and who they can become – this award shows that’s working,” says Claire Palmer, VP, Human Resources for Asia, Middle East & Africa and Global Travel Retail at Bacardi. “Up against some really tough competition, our strong culture, the happiness of our team and the diversity of our talent ensured Bacardi stood out.”

The judging panel recognized Bacardi for its holistic approach to Belonging — not just as a value, but as a leadership imperative – and its focus on every stage of its employees’ time at the company; from attracting values-aligned talent to fostering growth, wellbeing, everyday rituals that create connection, recognition, and lifelong brand ambassadorship.

In 2020, Bacardi became the first spirits company in the Middle East to be certified by Great Place to Work®. Last year, Bacardi globally was recognized by Forbes among “World’s Best Employers” and “Top Companies for Women”. Find out more about how Bacardi invests in its people and communities at www.bacardilimited.com/cs/people.

Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick Hosts Webinar to Help Texas Veterans Navigate VA Disability Claims

Posted on July 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Held from San Antonio Office, Legal Experts Provide Essential Guidance for Veterans Seeking Benefits

SAN ANTONIO, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick (CCK Law) the nation’s leading veterans disability law firm is proud to announce a free webinar, designed to help Texas veterans understand the VA disability claims and appeals process. The session is hosted from CCK Law’s San Antonio office, reinforcing the firm’s deep commitment to serving the veteran community in San Antonio and across Texas.

Led by Brad Hennings, a former Veterans Law Judge and current CCK Law partner, and Robert Chisholm, founding partner of CCK Law, this webinar provides a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the VA claims process, explain common mistakes that lead to claim denials, and outline the legal options available for appeals. Veterans, service members, and their families will have the opportunity to learn directly from two of the nation’s most experienced veterans law attorneys, who have spent decades fighting for those who served.

“Veterans in Texas have served with honor, and it is essential that they have the resources and legal support to access the benefits they deserve. By providing guidance on the claims process, we hope to offer clarity and support to those navigating what can often be a complex system,” said Robert Chisholm.

With offices in San Antonio and nationwide, CCK Law remains deeply committed to ensuring veterans and their families have access to the legal support and advocacy they deserve. This webinar is part of the firm’s ongoing initiative to make quality information and legal expertise more accessible to the veteran community.

“Too often, veterans struggle to secure the benefits they’ve earned due to bureaucratic obstacles and misinformation,” said Brad Hennings. “Our goal with this webinar is to equip veterans in Texas and across the country with knowledge and legal strategies that can help them navigate the VA system successfully.”

For more than 25 years, CCK Law has been the leader in veterans disability law, earning a reputation as one of the most trusted firms in the field. The firm’s expertise extends beyond individual claims, CCK Law has been instrumental in landmark legal cases and policy reforms that have shaped the veterans’ benefits landscape.

The free webinar is available to all veterans, service members, and their families:

Click here to watch on-demand now.

About Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD
For 26 years, CCK Law has been a leading public interest law firm, with offices now in Providence, Rhode Island, Atlanta, Georgia, San Antonio, and Houston, Texas. They serve clients across the nation, focusing on veterans disability compensation, bequest management, and long-term disability insurance claims. Since 1999, CCK Law has represented thousands of veterans and family members before the VA and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. CCK Law has the most VA-accredited attorneys, practitioners, and claims agents of any law firm in the United States. The firm has been involved in legislative processes and landmark, precedent-setting cases that have benefited the entire veterans’ community. More information is available at https://cck-law.com.

Media Contact
Chelsea DeCesare, Half Street Group (for CCK Law)
401.286.9037 | Chelsea@halfstreetgroup.com

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SOURCE Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD