Author: sHq_LoGiNz

On July 11, the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions, together with Calculated Genius, celebrated 10 new recipients of its Bright Minds, Bold Futures scholarship program at Motorola Solutions’ global headquarters in Chicago, Ill.

Now in its third year, the Bright Minds, Bold Futures scholarship awards students $3,000 for their first year of college and an additional $2,500 each subsequent year throughout their college education, up to four years. Students are matched with a mentor from Motorola Solutions, who provides guidance and support through regular check-ins and leadership conversations.

To date, the Motorola Solutions Foundation has awarded over $300,000 to support scholarships for over 50 students through the Bright Minds, Bold Futures program.

This year’s scholars will be attending eight different universities this fall, including The Ohio State University, University of Michigan, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Purdue University. Recipients demonstrate commitment and perseverance through their academic achievements, extracurricular activities and community service and are pursuing degrees ranging from computer science and mechanical engineering to systems design and electrical engineering. In the words of Caroline, a scholarship recipient attending the University of Illinois at Chicago this fall, “receiving the Bright Minds, Bold Futures Scholarship is not just a life-changing opportunity and an investment in my future, it also expands my access to higher education and beyond, allowing me to fully focus on my academic and career goals. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity and community.”

Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients and continued best wishes to current scholars — we can’t wait to see what you accomplish at school and beyond!

About the Motorola Solutions Foundation

As the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions, the Motorola Solutions Foundation partners with organizations around the world to create safer cities and thriving communities. We focus on giving back through strategic grants, employee volunteerism and other community investment initiatives. Our strategic grants program supports organizations that offer first responder programming and technology and engineering education, and align to our values of accountability, innovation, impact and inclusion. For more information on the Foundation, visit: www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation.

About Calculated Genius

Calculated Genius is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping underrepresented youth explore and connect to engineering, to inspire and support a brighter future. Founded in 2016 by engineer and entrepreneur, Kimberly Moore, Calculated Genius provides STEM + programming, scholarships and mentorship, demonstrating through example a pathway to sustainable, rewarding, and essential careers in STEM. Learn more at calculatedgenius.org. Follow CG on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

CANTON, OHIO – KeyBank and the Pro Football Hall of Fame have reached a naming rights agreement for a new event center to be built at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The KeyBank Center at the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be the largest event center in the area and will be utilized for Hall of Fame events including Enshrinement Weekend festivities beginning in 2027. The venue also will be used to support community occasions.

“The relationship with KeyBank extends across our community at multiple layers,” said Jim Porter, president & CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “Not only will this agreement support a first-class hospitality venue in our community, but it also provides a valuable educational resource to be shared through our various outreach programs.”

Included in the agreement is a five-year sponsorship during which KeyBank will become the “Exclusive Bank to the Pro Football Hall of Fame” and incorporates engagement with Pro Football Hall of Famers. Additionally, financial literacy curriculum will be added to the Hall’s current educational programming through its award-winning Youth, Education & Leadership Team.

“As KeyBank celebrates our bicentennial, we are thrilled to deepen our roots in Northeast Ohio through the creation of the KeyBank Center at the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” said Chris Gorman, chairman & CEO of KeyCorp. “This partnership reflects our long-standing commitment to investing in communities, expanding access to opportunity and honoring legacy. The KeyBank Center will be a place where people come together to learn, lead and be inspired for generations to come.”

Event center space on the first level will total nearly 12,000 square feet, and the KeyBank Center will include such significant features as an integrated 27-feet-wide glass system that opens to the adjacent field turf area, full kitchen capabilities and a rooftop terrace. The second level will include a café, VIP Club and 6,580 square feet of turf rooftop space for parties or other events.

“I want to congratulate the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the addition of a new event center,” said William V. Sherer II, mayor of the City of Canton. “This project reflects our shared commitment to celebrate Canton’s legacy as the birthplace of the NFL while driving our city toward cultural and economic growth. The Hall has been an incredible partner over the years, alongside the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, in bringing top-tier events to the Canton Memorial Civic Center. While we will continue to make upgrades to our facility and offer a variety of events for all to enjoy, we celebrate this new chapter for the Hall and all it will bring to our community.” 

Groundbreaking for The KeyBank Center at the Pro Football Hall of Fame is scheduled for the fall of 2025, with completion anticipated in time to host events related to the Enshrinement of the Class of 2027.

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ABOUT THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
Located in Canton, Ohio, the birthplace of the National Football League, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution with the Mission to Honor the Greatest of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values, & Celebrate Excellence Together.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. AAM accreditation is national recognition for the museum’s commitment to excellence and the highest professional standards of museum operation and public service.

Hundreds of thousands of fans from across the globe travel to Canton annually to experience an inspirational, interactive museum that chronicles America’s most popular sport. Fans can also enjoy the Hall of Fame Store at the Hall, and online shop.profootballhof.com, for merchandise from all 32 NFL clubs plus the Hall of Fame. Proceeds from the Store support the Hall’s Mission.

ABOUT KEYBANK
In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $185 billion at June 30, 2025.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

 

NEW YORK, July 31, 2025 /3BL/ – Embodying the theme “Life’s Good When You Protect Wildlife,” the third annual LG Wonderbox Showcase features original 3D anamorphic art that envisions a better future for the earth and its creatures. Sponsored in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation by LG Electronics USA, this year’s college-level digital art competition aims to inspire everyone to experience and protect the wonders of wildlife and wild places.

The just-unveiled winning entries in the 2025 Wonderbox Competition highlight endangered and vulnerable species in their native habitats through 3D animations that create immersive digital worlds. These animations reveal moments of curiosity, wonder and inspiration, recognizing that every species has a story to tell and a role to play on our planet, according to Jeannie Lee, director of Corporate Marketing at LG Electronics USA, which sponsors the program.

“In this year’s Wonderbox program, we witnessed an exciting blend of artistic talent and innovation,” said Lee. “The winning creations not only capture the program’s theme but also demonstrate the incredible potential of creativity through art. Each submission embodies our spirit of optimism, and we are proud to feature the winning entries on LG’s Times Square billboard, allowing the world to experience these exceptional works of art and their thoughtful messages about our planet.”

Taking first-place is Matthew Leung with his artwork titled, “LG x Sea Otter,” which depicts a colorful environment that showcases a sea otter’s habitat and lifestyle, while conveying a powerful message about cleaning up litter and keeping the oceans clean. “I wanted to show the negative impacts of pollution and demonstrate that the sea otter actually does its part by picking up a bottle and bringing it to the surface,” said Leung. “To me, this embodies how Life’s Good but it can’t stay that way if we don’t do our part, too.”

The second-place winner is the collaborative artwork from Ellesting Zhu, Dongmin Mok and Zhiqi Liu titled “Don’t Let Them Disappear.” While researching endangered species, the team was especially drawn to the Yacare Caiman, a threatened crocodilian reptile. According to the artist team,“Their rough armored skin may protect them in the wild but not from threats. Along the way, we discovered that the butterfly has been seen drinking the tears of caimans. That small, unexpected moment inspired us to merge both species into a scene to show how deeply connected they are to each other. Sadly, both species are still facing serious threats from human activity and habitat loss. We want to use our creativity to help protect endangered and threatened species.”

Vinh Vo secured the third-place position with their piece titled “Hope for the Blue,” which depicts an endangered blue whale swimming through a ruined city to guide a young diver on a journey of healing and unity. Vo explains: “Together, they become a symbol of hope—reflecting LG’s vision for a smarter, more compassionate future where truly life’s good.”

Further recognizing the outstanding talent displayed in the competition, LG is granting cash prizes to the winners: Matthew Leung in first place will receive $25,000, Zhiqi Liu’s team will receive $10,000 and Vinh Vo will receive $5,000. Each also receives LG’s CineBeamQ 4K UHD Projector. Leung’s Grand Prize includes the LG Smart Monitor Swing, which features a versatile 32-inch 4K touchscreen and a wheeled base — a truly innovative tool great for artists to create, collaborate and showcase their visions.

The competition, overseen by a panel of respected artists and influential figures —namely Mike Gunton, Holly Spearing and Carey Stanton — who judged student submissions based on creative storytelling, technical skill, scientific accuracy and meaningful point of view. The 2025 LG Wonderbox Showcase unveiling occurred during a July 21 episode of “Access Daily with Mario & Kit,” featuring the finalists and their artistic innovation and inspiring thought-provoking creativity through art.

Looking ahead, LG invites artists and enthusiasts to stay tuned for the 2026 LG Wonderbox Showcase, scheduled for next year. Visit www.lg.com/us/wonderbox for updates on competition dates and details.

# # #

Contact:

LG Electronics North America
John I. Taylor
+1 202 719 3490
john.taylor@lge.com

NEW YORK, July 31, 2025 /3BL/ – Governance & Accountability Institute (G&A), a leading sustainability consulting and research firm, has issued an updated Resource Paper on recent developments impacting California’s new climate disclosure laws scheduled to take effect in 2026. The new Resource Paper, which is available for download here, is an update to G&A’s January 2024 Resource Paper providing an initial overview of these laws.

Key findings of the new Resource Paper include:

• the core aspects of SB 253 and SB 261, which were signed into law in October 2023, remain unchanged, including no delay to the required reporting for both laws beginning in 2026.
• SB 219, an additional bill signed into law in September 2024, confirmed that reports for SB 253 can be consolidated at the parent level, exempting subsidiaries from separate reporting.
• In a public workshop in May 2025, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) said it would not meet the July 1, 2025 deadline for publishing regulations expected to further clarify how companies should report under SB 253 and SB 261, and how CARB will enforce compliance. Regulations are now expected by the end of 2025.
• CARB reiterated in an FAQ that there will be no penalties in 2026 as long as companies show “good faith effort” in reporting Scope 1-2 emissions under SB 253.

“While there are still unanswered questions about California’s new laws, it is essential for companies not to delay on the baseline preparations as these will take time,” said Louis Coppola, CEO & Co-Founder at G&A Institute. “Among these preparations are conducting a greenhouse gas inventory for 2025 in accordance with the GHG Protocol, and following TCFD or ISSB frameworks to develop your climate-related risks and opportunities assessment to meet the reporting deadline for SB 261 of January 1, 2026.” 

Coppola added, “G&A is available to help organizations that are in scope of these important regulations to prepare for meet reporting requirements and follow best practices.”

About G&A Institute, Inc.

Founded in 2006, Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. (G&A) is a sustainability consulting and research firm headquartered in New York City. G&A helps corporate and investor clients recognize, understand, and develop winning strategies for sustainability and ESG issues to address stakeholder and shareholder concerns. G&A’s proprietary, comprehensive full-suite process for sustainability reporting is designed to help organizations achieve sustainability leadership in their industry and sector and maximize return on investment for sustainability initiatives.

Since 2011, G&A has been building and expanding a comprehensive database of corporate sustainability reporting data based on analysis of thousands of ESG and sustainability reports to help steer strategy for our clients and improve their disclosure and reporting. More information is available on our website at ga-institute.com.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES & INTERVIEWS, CONTACT
Louis D. Coppola
CEO & Co-Founder 
Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. 
Tel 646.430.8230 ext 14 
Email lcoppola@ga-institute.com

Originally published in Principal Financial Group 2024 Sustainability Report

Thanks to Dan for his decade of leadership in so many areas, especially with respect to our purpose, culture, and core values.

In my 35 years with the company, I’ve had a firsthand seat to witness how our thinking has evolved regarding the broad impact Principal® makes, as well as the growing importance of aligning our practices with current and future customer and business needs.

Dan did a great job summarizing our five-year look back. I want to highlight some key successes from the past year and then look ahead to 2025 and beyond.

2024 highlights

Building stronger communities.
Principal® Foundation contributed $18.8 million to help eliminate barriers to a better financial future and expand access to essential resources and services. In addition, Principal employees, advisors, and retirees recorded nearly 100,000 volunteer hours globally.

Strengthening our client offerings.
We launched six new sustainable investment products, positioning Principal to better meet increasing customer demand. And we increased the percentage of our assets under management classified as sustainable to 63%.¹

Enhancing opportunities for employees.
I’m excited about the apprentice program we launched in July, a 12-month immersive program that provides pathways to full-time employment
at Principal for individuals without a four-year degree. And I’m proud that
we met or are on track for nearly all of our goals to expand access to and engagement in our core development programs, ensuring we are setting our workforce up for future success.

Reducing our environmental impact.
We made reductions across the board, lowering our emissions as well as our energy, waste, and water use.

2025 and beyond

Our commitment to financial security remains unchanged. We’ll continue working to better understand both barriers and solutions to greater financial inclusion for individuals and businesses around the world. This includes maximizing the reach and impact of our Global Financial Inclusion Index, designed to help spur important conversations about actionable solutions with demonstrated results.

The fourth installment of this Index will be published toward the end of the year.

We’re actively using new technologies like AI and exploring additional uses to create more efficiencies and added value for customers. While we pursue the advantages these technologies offer, we’re doing so responsibly—mindful of the concerns and risks involved.

We’ll continue to closely monitor government regulations related to sustainability practices, as well as customer sentiment.

Finally, we’ll be focused on increasing employee engagement and enhancing the employee experience in 2025, as both are key factors in productivity and performance.

Being a responsible company remains paramount for Principal. It’s been a key aspect of our success over the past 145 years and will continue to propel us forward. And, while our commitment isn’t driven by external recognition, it’s always gratifying to be recognized for a culture that emphasizes corporate responsibility. Already in 2025 we’ve been named:

• One of Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for the 14th year²
• A JUST company, ranked no. 1 for the insurance category and no. 11 overall

Both awards are especially meaningful because they acknowledge our values- driven organization. We’ll continue to prioritize values as we make progress and tackle new challenges in 2025 and beyond. I’m excited for all that’s ahead.

Deanna Strable
President and CEO

To learn more, read the Principal Financial Group 2024 Sustainability Report.

Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc (“Principal® Foundation”) is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing philanthropic support to programs that build financial security in the communities where Principal Financial Group, Inc. (“Principal’ operates. While Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a distinct independent, charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not practice any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so. © 2025 Principal Foundation.

Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.

¹AUM representative of Principal Asset Management – Investment Management as of December 31, 2024. AUM that are sustainable investment products are internally classified by Principal Asset ManagementSM and not by any third party or regulatory body.

²2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies® honoree designation is awarded by the Ethisphere Institute. Principal received the 2025 designation based on results as of August 2024.

4581409-062025

Originally published on Kenvue.com

At Kenvue, we learn, test, partner and optimize to bring real solutions into communities, homes and consumers’ hands. Using cutting-edge science and technology, we work diligently to earn people’s trust every day.

These recent clinical studies demonstrate how Kenvue earns trust with science—how our commitment to excellence leads to innovative solutions.

Elevating oral care

The issue:
Research links gum health to overall wellness, especially for people managing chronic conditions like diabetes. Inflammation in the mouth has been linked to systemic health risks, yet awareness remains low. Meanwhile, knowledge of the oral microbiome—the ecosystem of bacteria in the mouth—among the general public is also limited, even as its importance becomes increasingly clear.

The research:
Kenvue shared 12 new studies on oral health this year, including the first clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of LISTERINE^® mouth rinse in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The findings:
Daily use of both alcohol-containing and alcohol-free LISTERINE^® mouthwash significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients compared to control groups. Another study showed that LISTERINE^® mouthwash reduced plaque and gingivitis in adults 55 and older compared to a control mouthrinse after just one week of use. International survey data also revealed widespread gaps in awareness of the oral microbiome, underscoring the need for greater education.

Explore oral health topics, where brands like LISTERINE^® support a whole mouth clean through science-backed solutions.

Supercharging skin health

The issue:
Research shows the right daily skincare routine can effectively promote skin health and skin longevity. However, many people don’t realize that regularly using high-performance skincare products not only supports skin hydration and longevity but also helps maintain the overall health and appearance of their skin.

The research:
This year, 14 clinical studies from Kenvue Skin Health & Beauty brands, including Neutrogena^®, Aveeno^®, NeoStrata^®, and Lubriderm^®, focused on skin barrier health through hydration, technologies supporting the longevity of skin health, and sun protection.

The findings:
A morning and evening regimen of Neutrogena^® Collagen Bank^® SPF and Neutrogena^® Collagen Bank^® moisturizer visibly improved skin radiance, firmness, texture, elasticity and fine lines, which are all key signs of collagen decline. A second study showed that leveraging a technique called the “open sandwich” method, where retinoids are applied either before or after moisturization with Neutrogena^® Hydro Boost Water Cream or Neutrogena^® Hydro Boost Water Gel, ensured optimal hydration especially for those with sensitive skin.

Supporting babies’ skin

The issue:
Because infants have more delicate skin than adults, understanding best practices for bathing, moisturizing and managing conditions like eczema is a top priority for both parents and pediatricians.

The research:
Three new scientific studies unveiled in 2025 by Kenvue centered on newborn care, baby eczema management and the protective benefits of emollients.

The findings:
In one study, a gentle wash and lotion routine over four weeks helped support newborns’ skin barrier, enhancing overall skin appearance while reducing dryness and irritation. A second study showed that routine use of colloidal-oat products clinically improved eczema symptoms, itch and pH within one day, while strengthening the skin barrier in babies with mild to moderate eczema. And according to the third study, using an emollient-rich balm with oat delivered deeper hydration and outperformed lotions and creams in delivering moisture and reinforcing the skin’s natural defenses.

With a drive to succeed, anything can be possible at Saint-Gobain! In just a few short years, Dorianta Beauford accelerated his career from dispatcher to become an associate site buyer at CertainTeed Gypsum in Palatka. 

Saint-Gobain is an industry leader with thousands of talented team members who are dedicated to one unified purpose: Making the World a Better Home. With more than 160 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada, there are so many robust and fulfilling career opportunities available. You’ll have the opportunity to work with colleagues from a wide range of businesses, cultures, and experiences.

About Success in the Making

Anyone can be a manufacturer! Whether you are just starting out or transitioning your career path, the manufacturing industry presents opportunities for success. Saint-Gobain North America’s Success in the Making series features the stories of team members who built their careers in manufacturing and thrived!

Watch the full Success in the Making 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 

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

The U.S. Bank Foundation recently distributed more than $16.5 million in Community Possible grants to some 500 nonprofits, with plans to continue giving throughout the year. The Community Possible program, which includes giving and volunteerism, is designed to help create job opportunities, affordable housing and arts and cultural activities by supporting nonprofits in the communities the bank serves.

U.S. Bank community affairs managers work closely with bank employees, community leaders and nonprofits to identify how the bank and its foundation can best support the needs of each community. As they foster connections and spark collaborations through the Community Possible pillars of work, home and play, three community affairs managers reflected on how the work can have a lasting impact on communities – and is personally meaningful as well.

Pam Maxwell, community affairs manager for rural California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and tribal areas:

As I look back on growing up in what used to be a small town – Napa, California – I remember walking down First Street with my grandma and thinking that she knew everyone downtown. I guess she did, as she owned a flower and gift store, Herritt’s Flowers & Gifts, with my grandfather.

When my grandfather passed, my grandmother and my mother continued to run the business for many years along with my dad, who was always helping out, my brother joining as a delivery guy for a short time, and I did a little bit of everything. When she passed away, my mom took over the business, and after 58 years, she retired and closed the business. To this day, when she volunteers in Napa, she is told that Herritt’s Flowers & Gifts is so missed.

Entrepreneurs make a difference within rural communities: They bring people together to support one another within their community, they create a connection with knowing each other and wanting to help support one another, and they create a culture that lives on for years.

When I visited Great Falls, Montana, for the first time and met with the Great Falls Development Authority to talk about the work it does, it felt like it is creating that atmosphere that I had when I was growing up. Nonprofits like Great Falls Development Authority are needed in these rural areas because they drive economic development for those who have lived there for years and also create the atmosphere to bring new folks to beautiful areas across the country.

Jeffery Mills, community affairs manager for Kentucky and Tennessee:

What’s wonderful about working with organizations that are focused on homeownership is that you are able to actually see work in progress – potential homebuyers going through the process of trying to get into a home or the building of a home.

We have supported multiple Habitat for Humanity organizations, and I have had the opportunity in my career to serve on several Habitat boards. When I was first recruited to serve on a Habitat board, the comment was: “We can find individuals to swing hammers, but we need your financial background.” A few years back, I had the opportunity to be part of the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, where we helped build multiple houses in a short period of time. It was as honor to be on the same turf as President Carter.

Enrique Meza, community affairs manager for San Diego:

Supporting opportunities for play is deeply meaningful to me because of my personal journey and connection to the City Heights neighborhood in San Diego.

When I first moved to City Heights 25 years ago, I was struck by the vibrant diversity and cultural richness of the community. Yet I also witnessed firsthand the lack of safe, accessible and engaging play-focused opportunities for children and families.

Play is more than recreation—it’s a vital part of community health, youth development and social connection. In City Heights, where many families face economic challenges and limited access to green spaces or structured after-school programs, the need for inclusive and joyful play environments has always been clear. I’ve seen how even small investments in parks, community centers and youth programs can spark transformation and hope.

Working with Access Youth Academy , located in the heart of City Heights, helps us support youth through a holistic program that blends academic enrichment, health and wellness, social responsibility, and leadership development — all powered by the unique catalyst of sport. Students from low-income backgrounds receive tutoring, mentorship, college and career guidance, and athletic training in squash and pickleball. This combination of academic and athletic excellence not only builds confidence and discipline but also opens doors to higher education and lifelong success.

The U.S. Bank Foundation is a tax-exempt private foundation described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation is funded primarily through contributions from U.S. Bank National Association and its affiliates and subsidiaries. The Foundation’s mission is to close the gaps between people and possibility in the areas of work, home, and play.

For over two decades, DP World has been at the forefront of trade facilitation and logistics excellence in the Dominican Republic. From its marine terminal at Caucedo to a growing network of logistics services, the company has been instrumental in strengthening the nation’s supply chain infrastructure and positioning it as a strategic hub in the Americas.

A $760 Million Commitment to Sustainable Growth

In May 2025, DP World signed a landmark agreement with the Dominican government to invest $760 million in expanding both the Port of Caucedo and the adjacent Free Trade Zone. The expansion will increase terminal handling capacity from 2.5 million to 3.1 million TEUs and develop 225 hectares of integrated logistics and industrial infrastructure. With more than 120 new industrial buildings and a world-class multimodal transport network, the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will deliver one of the most advanced logistics ecosystems in the Caribbean. 

But the project’s ambitions go beyond infrastructure. It represents a new model of ESG-driven growth, integrating environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and governance best practices into every phase of development.

Environmental Stewardship: Net Zero on the Horizon

The company operates a fleet of 100% electric cargo handling equipment in the Dominican Republic, demonstrating its commitment to reducing emissions from port operations. Additionally, DP World manages natural resources under a risk prevention framework and applies environmental protection practices aimed at minimizing carbon emissions, optimizing energy and fuel use, and improving waste management systems, all in line with global strategies to combat climate change.

Workforce Development: Building the Skills of Tomorrow

The project also prioritizes human capital development. Through the DP World Academy – a specialized training institute focused on logistics and supply chain competencies – Dominican workers have access to technical certifications, management training, and STEM-focused skill development. These programs will be delivered in partnership with leading national educational institutions, enabling a pipeline of skilled workers to meet rising demand in advanced logistics, manufacturing, and technology sectors.

The expansion is expected to potentially create up to 50,000 new jobs as companies establish operations in the SEZ. Programs will target historically underserved populations, with DP World exploring potential support services like childcare, financial literacy, and transportation assistance to reduce barriers to workforce participation. 

Driving Nearshoring and Regional Supply Chain Resilience

As global supply chains undergo rapid transformation, the Dominican Republic is emerging as a preferred nearshoring destination for U.S. manufacturers seeking lower costs, reduced transit times, and tariff-free access under DR-CAFTA. The Dominican free zone framework already hosts more than 850 companies, and demand for space continues to exceed supply. 

DP World’s integrated port-SEZ model provides a turnkey solution for manufacturers, combining advanced logistics, flexible real estate options, and preferential trade incentives. With ships reaching Miami in three days and New York in five, the location offers a significant speed-to-market advantage over Asian routes, which can take several weeks. 

A Shared Vision for Prosperity

Government leaders hailed the agreement as a milestone for inclusive growth. “This alliance lays the foundation for the first logistics-industrial ecosystem of its kind in the Americas,” said Víctor Bisonó, Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs. “It is about opportunity, progress, and well-being for thousands of Dominican families.”

DP World executives echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the SEZ is designed not just to move goods but to uplift communities. “We are committed to sustainable growth, workforce upskilling, and creating an environment where businesses and communities can thrive together,” said Manuel Martínez, CEO of DP World Dominicana. 

Looking Ahead

The project is projected to attract $3.9 billion in foreign direct investment, drive $4 billion in new manufacturing output, and serve as a model for ESG-aligned economic zones globally. With its integrated approach to infrastructure, sustainability, and workforce readiness, DP World’s SEZ expansion in the Dominican Republic offers a blueprint for how trade can accelerate both economic and social progress.

Authored by Baker Tilly’s Dave DuVarney

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools become more widely available, organizations face a new challenge: not just deploying these tools, but effectively supporting users based on their individual readiness and ambition. Each user engages with AI differently, bringing unique levels of familiarity, confidence and intent. To address this, organizations should focus on aligning AI support with user personas, each with their own tailored adoption strategies that support real value creation.

So how can leaders match the right support to the right user at the right time?

Understanding user intent, not just user role 

Behavioral personas offer a practical lens for understanding how employees engage with AI, regardless of their role or seniority, and help ensure support strategies are aligned with actual usage patterns. Segmenting users by behavior rather than by title enables organizations to make more intentional and effective decisions around training, access and governance for generative AI tools.

These personas are not rigid labels, and may not always be formally assigned, but are evolving modes of engagement that reflect a user’s comfort, curiosity and confidence with AI tools:

• Pioneers: Forward-thinking innovators who are pushing boundaries, actively experimenting with new tools, proposing ideas and seeking access to more advanced capabilities. They’re often early adopters who help drive momentum across the organization.
• Explorers: Engaged, curious users who are applying Gen-AI in meaningful ways, often within defined tools. They may not be creating brand-new solutions, but they’re hands-on and looking to make their work more efficient and effective.
• Consumers: A more passive group who won’t seek out AI tools on their own but will use them if directed. For this group, training and clear use cases are essential to unlock value.

Rather than labeling individuals as one type or another, think of these personas as fluid states that users may move overtime as comfort levels and capabilities grow. Recognizing and supporting these shifts allows organizations to meet users where they are, accelerate adoption and unlock greater value from Gen-AI investments. 

Define success signals for each user type 

Just as adoption strategies varies by persona, so should the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure adoption and effectiveness. Aligning metrics to behavioral user personas allows organizations to track progress more meaningfully and take targeted action to support growth, engagement and responsible use.

• Pioneers: Success is measured through output, such as the number of Gen-AI solutions developed, breakthrough use cases identified, or pilots promoted to enterprise scale. These metrics help identify where to invest in advanced capabilities.
• Explorers: Look for signs of deeper engagement, such as the number of Gen-AI agents or applications adopted by multiple users, or the frequency of tool usage. These insights can inform where to introduce more advanced training.
• Consumers: Track foundational adoption metrics like the percentage of employees completing micro-trainings or self-reporting time saved (e.g., gaining back an hour per week on routine tasks). These indicators help assess where additional support or clearer use cases are needed.

Organizations should also revisit and refine these metrics regularly to ensure they reflect evolving business priorities, user behavior and tool maturity.

Create space for innovation within secure environments 

One of the core challenges of Gen-AI adoption is balancing innovation with governance. It’s essential to offer Pioneers and Explorers the freedom to test, iterate and push boundaries, but that experimentation must happen within governed environments that protect data and uphold compliance standards

An enterprise-grade tool like Microsoft Copilot offers a powerful solution: they enable innovation within a secure, governed ecosystem, allowing organizations to monitor usage, manage access and enforce policies without stifling creativity. Users should be directed away from public-facing tools and into these sanctioned platforms, where usage can be monitored and managed effectively.

Start with the opportunity, not the tool

For organizations just beginning to roll out Gen-AI, the instinct might be to start with a platform. But successful programs start by identifying strategic opportunity areas — places where Gen-AI can solve real problems or unlock efficiencies. This ensures adoption is purpose-driven rather than tool-driven.

Here’s where the user personas come back into play. Each group is motivated by different types of opportunities:

• Pioneers: Energized by open-ended challenges and the chance to build new solutions. Involve them early in identifying opportunity areas and piloting use cases.
• Explorers: Thrive when they see clear, relatable examples of Gen-AI improving everyday work. Show them defined problems they can help solve more efficiently.
• Consumers: Benefit from highly practical, low-risk use cases with direct relevance to their roles. Focus on tasks they already perform — and how AI can save them time or reduce effort.

By mapping opportunity areas to the needs and motivations of each persona, organizations can accelerate adoption and ensure AI becomes an integrated part of how people work — not just another platform to learn.

Finally, executive sponsorship is critical. Programs that succeed are championed from the top, with clear alignment to business goals, supported by robust governance and reinforced through consistent communication – ensuring that Gen-AI adoption is intentional and sustainable.

How Baker Tilly can help

Baker Tilly’s digital solutions team helps organizations design and scale Gen-AI adoption programs tailored to their workforce. From persona-based enablement strategies to change management and governance frameworks, we guide clients through each stage of their journey — helping teams turn Gen-AI potential into measurable impact.