Month: August 2025

Originally published by Orbis

Behind the scenes: How FedEx helps keep the Flying Eye Hospital in the sky

While the Flying Eye Hospital is known around the world for delivering cutting-edge eye care and training, the magic behind the mission starts long before the first patient is seen. It takes a dedicated network of people, months of planning, and round-the-clock technical support to ensure that every Orbis mission takes off smoothly—and safely. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the essential work being done to keep the plane mission-ready for 2025 and beyond, all thanks to FedEx and other key partners.

Essential Pilot training

FedEx serves as Orbis’s approved Part 142 training center, playing a vital role in maintaining the proficiency and currency of our volunteer flight crew.

Each April, Orbis pilots—comprised entirely of retired or active FedEx pilots—gather at FedEx headquarters in Memphis, TN, for comprehensive annual training. This includes MD-10 simulator sessions, classroom instruction, international mission planning, and emergency equipment training, all designed to ensure they remain proficient and mission-ready to deliver sight-saving care around the world.

Throughout the year, pilots stay current by completing four-hour simulator events, which include Initial and Recurrent Proficiency Checks (IPC and PC), warm-up sessions, and “3 and 3s” — training flights designed to meet FAA landing currency requirements. These simulator events are made possible through close coordination between the FedEx training schedulers and the Orbis training office, who work together to plan and schedule training, assign instructors, and provide evaluators as needed.

Most instructors and all evaluators are active FedEx pilots, who often accommodate Orbis simulator events around their regular flying schedules. This collaborative effort ensures our flight crews maintain the highest standards of safety, skill, and preparedness for every project. We can’t thank FedEx enough for sharing their equipment, expertise, and manpower to help get our aircraft to where it’s needed.

Clark FedEx team support

The FedEx team in Clark, Philippines (CRK) plays a vital role in supporting the Flying Eye Hospital and ensuring our aircraft remains mission ready. Their cross-departmental collaboration—spanning Aircraft Maintenance, Ramp Office, Customer Service, Customs Clearance, Security, and offices of the Sr. Manager and Managing Director—provides us with seamless, day-to-day support during each visit.

From transportation to and from the aircraft parking location to providing GPU, air conditioning units, lift trucks, maintenance stands, loaders, and even flight crew catering, the CRK team steps in with enthusiasm and warmth.

FedEx receives all Orbis medical supplies at Clark and clears them through their freeport to help keep costs down. FedEx even helped move the plane to a different part of the airport recently when our staff weren’t available.

FedEx employees, are, simply put, an extension of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital team. Each arrival and departure are met with smiles, hugs, and genuine curiosity about our programs and the people we serve. We are deeply grateful for their commitment—and they should be proud of the role they play helping people around the world access improved eye care.

Maintenance planning and engine runs: 

While the plane is parked between projects in Clark, Philippines, the Orbis maintenance team conducts a variety of monthly system checks. These include engine runs, tire pressure checks, filter changes, and evaluations of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) to ensure the aircraft remains ready for takeoff at a moment’s notice.

Looking ahead, maintenance planning is underway for the Summer 2025 A Check, which will be conducted by the Orbis maintenance team with support from FedEx. Additionally, early preparations have already begun for the 2026 C Check, including the logistics of securing a maintenance location and sourcing parts and materials. FedEx supplies the majority of the parts for these checks and makes a considerable contribution toward the cost of the maintenance checks each year.

2026 program planning:

The project teams are working hard conducting airport assessments along with logistical and program planning visits for the 2026 Flying Eye Hospital projects. In March 2025, members of the team traveled to Peru for an initial assessment and planning visit to prepare for a three-week project scheduled for April 2026. In June, similar initial planning visits are scheduled for a planned two-week Macau project and three-week Vietnam project in 2026. These initial planning visits serve to introduce Orbis and the Flying Eye Hospital to government officials and local leaders, assess host hospitals and airports for project structure and feasibility, and design clinical training plans tailored to meet partner and participant needs.

Medical equipment maintenance:

Of course, the plane is primarily an ophthalmic teaching facility – and while it takes a lot to keep the plane in the air, there’s also a lot of work required to make sure its state-of-the-art medical equipment functions correctly.

Just like the aviation components, all medical equipment on the plane is subject to periodic maintenance to comply with regulations, performed this time by the biomedical engineering staff, the manufacturer, or a third party. This helps ensure efficiency, operational reliability and long-term cost savings, but most importantly, it keeps the patients safe.

It really does take a village to ensure this plane continues to travel the world, sharing world-class ophthalmic training with local teams. Thanks to all those who contribute to the maintenance of the plane, but especially to FedEx, who puts the “flying” in “Flying Eye Hospital”.

Stay tuned for more news from our upcoming Flying Eye Hospital project in Ghana, where FedEx is a Title Sponsor.

Continue reading here.

• In fifth year of partnership, Subaru remains largest corporate supporter of AdoptAClassroom.org, reaching more than 950,000 students nationwide
• Subaru teams up with actor Max Greenfield to highlight the growing need for equal opportunity for a quality education
• 92% of teachers have students whose families cannot afford school supplies
• Teachers spend average of $895 out-of-pocket on school supplies, up 50% since 2015

CAMDEN, N.J., August 4, 2025 /3BL/ – Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) today announced that in its fifth year as the largest corporate supporter of AdoptAClassroom.org®, it will have helped support more than 950,000 students nationwide as part of the Subaru Loves Learning® initiative. Subaru, together with more than 630 retailers, will continue to provide teachers with funding for the essential supplies and high-quality resources they need to support student success in the classroom. This year, Subaru has also partnered with actor and education advocate Max Greenfield to help spotlight the growing need for support in classrooms nationwide.

Many families and teachers face significant challenges in securing even the most basic classroom essentials for their students. According to AdoptAClassroom.org, 92% of teachers have students whose families cannot afford school supplies for their children, often leaving educators to cover the cost themselves. The average teacher in the U.S. spends $895 of their own money each year on classroom materials, an amount that has risen 50% since 2015. As a result, Subaru is working to help make a difference as part of its commitment to being More Than a Car Company®, supporting classrooms across the country and helping ensure students and educators have what they need to start the year strong.

Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Subaru of America, Inc.: “Helping nearly one million children in high-needs schools feel better prepared to learn and have access to the education they deserve is a rewarding feeling. Educators are among the top professions of Subaru owners, and as the largest corporate partner of AdoptAClassroom.org, we’re proud to match their dedication with a program that has tangible results in their classrooms.”

Together, Subaru and its retailers are committed to supporting students in high-needs schools by providing teachers nationwide with funding to purchase essential classroom supplies through AdoptAClassroom.org. Many participating retailers will also donate curated school supply kits filled with the most requested materials from teachers, and some will be going even further, supporting local schools with flexible funding for special projects.

Ann Pifer, Executive Director of AdoptAClassroom.org: “Each year, we see a record-breaking number of students supported, thanks to the incredible commitment of Subaru and its strong community of retailers. As we mark our fifth year of partnership, we’re proud to help provide critical educational opportunities and resources to classrooms across the country. This continued collaboration is a powerful testament to the impact we can make together.”

To launch the 2025 program, beloved actor, author, education advocate, and father of two, Max Greenfield, has partnered with Subaru to adopt a classroom as part of the Subaru Loves Learning initiative. Greenfield visited a local elementary school in Los Angeles that has been supported by the Subaru Loves Learning initiative, where he helped spotlight the impact that funding can have on classrooms as back-to-school season quickly approaches.

Max Greenfield, Actor, Author, and Advocate: “I’ve always had a deep respect for teachers, but becoming a parent gave me a closer look at how much they take on, often going above and beyond without the resources they deserve. That’s why Subaru Loves Learning stood out to me. It’s a conscientious effort to support the people who make such a big difference in our kids’ lives.”

As part of the 2025 program, Subaru will once again be working to support students in the Camden City School District (CCSD) by adopting 91 classrooms near the automaker’s headquarters in Camden, NJ. This hometown effort will include funding, as well as employee volunteers helping teachers set up their classrooms for the new school year.

To learn more about the Subaru Loves Learning initiative and the partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, visit subaru.com/learning or follow #SubaruLovesLearning on social media.

*High-need is defined as a school that has a Title I Schoolwide Program and/or a school where 40% or more of the student population qualifies for the Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise®, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

About AdoptAClassroom.org

Every teacher should have access to the tools they need to teach. All students should have the resources and supplies they need for a great educational experience. AdoptAClassroom.org is a national nonprofit that partners with PreK-12 teachers, educators, and schools to equip students where they need it most. Today, teachers spend an average of $895 of their own money on their classrooms each year. More than half of classroom supplies are purchased by the teacher. Since 1998, AdoptAClassroom.org has raised $74 million and equipped 7 million students across the United States. 90% of all funded classrooms are located in high-needs schools. The 501(c)(3) organization holds the highest ratings from both Charity Navigator and Candid/GuideStar. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit www.adoptaclassroom.org.

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Diane Anton
Subaru of America, Inc.
856-488-5093
danton@subaru.com

Adam Leiter
Subaru of America, Inc.
(856) 488-8668
aleiter@subaru.com

Originally published by The Royal Gazette

Guests invited inside Bacardi’s iconic Pitts Bay Road headquarters can glimpse the company’s greener side and celebrate 60 years on the island through sustainability initiatives that blend innovation, community and history.

At the centre of the tour stand Bacardi’s signature aeroponics tower gardens, where herbs and vegetables grow using minimal water.

Click here to read more on The Royal Gazette

Originally published on GoDaddy Newsroom

TEMPE, Ariz., August 4, 2025 /3BL/ — Nearly half of U.S. shoppers say customer service provided by businesses is getting worse, according to results from the latest GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY) Consumer Pulse* survey – yet Gen Z and Millennials remain more upbeat than their parents’ generations.

According to GoDaddy’s survey of 1,500 U.S. consumers, only 20% of respondents say customer service has improved recently, compared to 42% who perceive a decline in the quality of service received. Among Gen X and Boomers, pessimism is particularly pronounced: just 12% say customer service has improved and 46% believe it has worsened.

In contrast, 29% of Gen Z and 31% of Millennials say support has gotten better, suggesting the next generation of shoppers is more positive about the state of customer care.

“The generational divide is striking. Young consumers are more likely to give businesses the benefit of the doubt, but they also have higher expectations for speed, flexibility and friendliness,” said GoDaddy Small Business Trends Expert Amy Jennette.

“Meanwhile, older generations are losing patience, often due to experiences with unfriendly service or limited options to reach a real person. For businesses big and small, the message is clear: customer trust is fragile, and brands must work harder to maintain it.”

The survey points to several drivers behind Americans’ shifting attitudes:

• Channel Preferences Are Evolving – While 44% of consumers still prefer picking up the phone for support, Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to use live chat, text, or even social media direct messages. However, 86% overall say they prefer to interact with a real human rather than a chatbot.
• Rising Frustration with Service – Among those who feel businesses are falling short of customer service expectations, 66% of those surveyed cite rude treatment as a top gripe while 55% mention a lack of empathy. Nearly half (47%) of respondents are frustrated when there is an absence of customer service options.
• One Strike and You’re Out – Younger generations may be more optimistic but are also less forgiving. Nearly a quarter (24%) of Gen Z consumers say they would not give a business a second chance after a mistake, compared to 18% of Gen X and Boomers.

Ways to Win for Small Businesses
Despite these trust issues, the survey results highlight clear opportunities for small businesses to stand out. The majority of consumers (68%) polled expect small businesses to deliver the same level of digital security and professionalism as larger rivals**. Flexibility when enforcing policies, such as returns, and a sense of urgency when resolving issues are among the top signs that a business puts the customer first.

“Small businesses can build authentic relationships by responding to customers. The right technology, especially using the latest almost-magical AI capabilities, makes this possible, even for businesses without large support teams.”

GoDaddy Conversations: Empowering Small Business Support
It’s hard for small business owners and managers to handle all aspects of operations while still investing the time and effort to consistently communicate effectively with customers. That’s where AI-powered tools like GoDaddy Conversations come in; an all-in-one communications tool that brings together messages from web chat, social platforms, and email into a single inbox.

With GoDaddy Conversations, businesses can reply instantly, personalize interactions, and never miss an opportunity to earn trust—no matter how customers choose to reach out. For more information about GoDaddy’s full suite of products to help businesses grow, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

*GoDaddy Consumer Pulse is a series of surveys of consumers ages 18 and above conducted throughout the year.
** https://aboutus.godaddy.net/newsroom/news-releases/press-release-details/2025/Security-Double-Standard-Young-Consumers-Reuse-Passwords-Expect-Businesses-to-Be-Fort-Knox/default.aspx

About GoDaddy
GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services, and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo^®, the company’s AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

SOURCE GoDaddy Inc. 
 

Marc-Olivier Fouqué is a man who thrives on innovation and creativity. As an AI Research Engineer, he brings a wealth of experience and a passion for problem-solving to his role at Trane Technologies. With a background that spans financial systems, video game development and machine learning, Marc-Olivier has carved out a unique niche where he can leverage his diverse skill set to make a real impact.

Bridging the gap between product requirements and AI advancements

“My role is to understand different use cases and see what the best way is to provide a solution,” Marc-Olivier explains. “Because the AI domain is evolving very quickly, a good part of my job is to stay up to date with the latest techniques, latest models and latest frameworks.” His work involves prototyping, evaluating and implementing artificial intelligence solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the company’s products.

A playful approach to problem-solving

Marc-Olivier’s enthusiasm for his work is palpable. He likens his job to playing with Legos, a sentiment that resonates deeply with him as he watches his children build and create with the iconic blocks. “I see a bit of myself at work, having the same pleasure as they have,” he says. This sense of play and creativity is a driving force in his role, allowing him to experiment and innovate freely.

Marc-Olivier enjoys the challenge of building new systems and solutions, often being the first to tackle a problem. “It’s lots of fun because it’s the first time we are using the latest techniques and models, and applying them to our industrial use cases,” he shares. “And we’re hiding the technical complexity from our users, to make our products very accessible to anyone.” This pioneering spirit is not only exciting but also crucial in developing AI systems that can adapt to various use cases, from improving service technician efficiency to managing energy performance across multiple buildings.

The transformative power of AI in HVAC

Marc-Olivier works for BrainBox AI, a business within Trane Technologies. BrainBox AI uses artificial intelligence to make HVAC systems in commercial buildings smarter and more efficient. AI has the potential to revolutionize the industry by automating repetitive tasks, optimizing energy usage and extending the lifespan of equipment. It connects to existing building management systems, collects data and uses deep learning algorithms to predict energy needs and automate HVAC adjustments. This leads to reduced energy consumption, lower operating costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

Marc-Olivier’s work is a testament to Trane Technologies’ purpose to boldly challenge what’s possible for a sustainable world, as he develops AI solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to sustainable outcomes.

“AI has the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency, which is crucial for creating a sustainable future,” Marc-Olivier notes. “By leveraging AI, we can optimize systems in ways that were previously unimaginable, leading to both cost savings and environmental benefits.”

Join the mission for a sustainable future

Marc-Olivier’s journey at Trane Technologies is a compelling example of how innovative thinking and cutting-edge technology can drive meaningful change. He adds, “I feel deeply connected to our sustainability goals. Knowing that my work helps reduce energy consumption and supports a greener planet is incredibly fulfilling.”

If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team that’s shaping the future, consider joining Trane Technologies. Here, you can have a job that not only challenges you but also allows you to have a positive impact on the planet.

Explore careers that make an impact at Trane Technologies.

Learn how AI can help dramatically reduce energy demand and emissions.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., August 5, 2025 /3BL/ – Entergy Arkansas customers needing assistance paying their bills will be able to find help during several pop-up events taking place over the next few weeks, the utility announced today.

At these events Entergy representatives will be standing by to provide bill payment assistance and energy efficiency resources to help residential customers across the state.

Events were held recently in other areas of the state. Four upcoming are scheduled to serve residents in Central and Southeast Arkansas:

Thursday, July 3110 a.m. to 2 p.m.	Watershed	3701 Springer Blvd., Little Rock
Saturday, Aug. 2 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.	Saint Mark Baptist Church	5722 W. 12th St., Little Rock
Saturday, Aug. 2 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.	Eudora Back to School Fun Fair	Eudora City Park U.S. Hwy. 65 S.
Saturday, Aug. 9 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.	Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy	9417 Geyer Springs Rd., Little Rock

The event at Watershed will have free fans available for customers (while supplies last) to help keep their homes cooler during Arkansas’ sweltering summer temperatures. It will also include opportunities to meet with local and state organizations to connect qualifying customers with other financial assistance. Among the groups scheduled to be at Watershed are:

• Arkansas Department of Human Services can help with Medicaid and other social services.
• Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance will be available to help with WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Program) benefits.
• Central Arkansas Development Council will be helping attendees through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP which provides financial assistance for energy bills and other energy-related expenses.
• Legal Aid of Arkansas will be providing free legal services.

Those attendees in need of financial assistance must have their social security card for verification purposes.

Additionally, Entergy offers several flexible payment options so customers can choose when, where and how they receive and pay their bills.

• Pick-A-Date allows customers to pay their bills when it works best for them.
• Level Billing allows customers to “level out” seasonal energy use fluctuations, making their bills more consistent every month.
• PaperFREE billing allows customers to get their bills emailed as soon as they post and instant access to two years of billing history.
• AutoPay allows customers to avoid late fees, writing checks and paying for postage by having bills automatically deducted from their bank accounts.

Customers who may need additional payment options or those who need assistance understanding the solution that best suits their needs can visit with a representative at these pop-up events or call 1-800-ENTERGY.

About Entergy Arkansas
Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 735,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergyarkansas.com and connect with @EntergyARK on social media.

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Download a high-resolution Entergy logo here

Media inquiries:
L. Lamor Williams
lwill51@entergy.com
501-377-3525

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