Author: sHq_LoGiNz

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

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

Get to Know Your Credit Score

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pay Off Your Debt to Increase Credit Score

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Challenges in the Logistics Industry Today

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

Labor Shortages

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

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

Aging Infrastructure

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

Supply Chain Disruptions

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

Security Concerns

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

Integrating Advanced Technology

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

Trends Shaping the Future of Logistics

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

1. AI for Demand Forecasting

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

2. Automation for Increased Efficiency

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

3. E-commerce Expansion Driving Warehousing Innovation

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

4. Political and Economic Preparedness

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

Addressing the Key Industry Challenges

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

Skilled Workforce Development

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

Infrastructure Innovation

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

Diversification for Disruption Preparedness

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

Technology Investment

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

Security Improvements

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

A Call to Action for Supply Chain Leaders

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

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

Authored by Georgina Harris

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

The importance of enterprise risk management (ERM)

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

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

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

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

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

Establishing a risk governance framework within your organization

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

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

Making ERM governance effective

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

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

Roles and responsibilities

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

Board of directors

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

Audit committee

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

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

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

ERM leaders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View original content here.

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

View original content here.

About Cisco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Originally published by Gilead Sciences

• Company achieved 39.5% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity for scopes 1 and 2 from the 2019 base year
• 2024 corporate sustainability report announces 29.3% absolute reductions in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from the 2019 baseline
• Continued focus on health and safety; drives 11% decrease in total recordable incident rate; with 206 perfect HSE days.
   

Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR), an energy technology company, reported a 39.5% reduction in emissions intensity of its scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from its 2019 baseline in its 2024 corporate sustainability report (CSR), highlighting its commitment to delivering lasting value through sustainability. The company is holding its course on its sustainability commitments, supported by strong corporate governance and a “people first” culture.

“Our ability to drive economic growth and achieve significant emissions reductions underscores our commitment to sustainable energy development – the balance needed to supply the world with the energy it needs today without adversely impacting the abundance and availability of energy tomorrow,” said Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Simonelli. “By focusing on increasing efficiencies and integrating sustainability into our corporate strategy, we also enable our customers to meet their emissions targets.”

“Sustainability continues to be a key competitive advantage for Baker Hughes, helping us deliver long-term value to all of our stakeholders,” said Baker Hughes Chief Sustainability Officer Allyson Anderson Book. “Our 2024 CSR shows how each part of our business has contributed to advancing our sustainability strategy – executed through corporate framework of people, planet, and principles – with a strong alignment to our commercial strategy. As we foster a culture of safety, well-being and belonging, our people remain central contributors to advancing sustainability through initiatives like Carbon Out.”

Key highlights of Baker Hughes’ sustainability performance in 2024 include:

• Delivering emissions reduction with profitable growth: Baker Hughes continues to play a role in addressing climate change by incorporating sustainable practices into its business and helping our customers do the same. The company reported a 39.5% reduction in emissions intensity and a 29.3% absolute reduction in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from the 2019 base year.
• Driving sustainability across all stages of products and services: The company reported 79% annual growth in lifecycle analyses (LCAs) of its products and services, providing its customers with transparent emissions data with which they may make informed decisions on reaching their emissions targets. In 2024, 560 LCA assessments were completed using its cutting-edge FastLCA tool, bringing the total to date to nearly 1,000 LCAs for its commercial solutions. This tool also quantifies avoided and removed GHG emissions, which are emissions that can be either avoided or saved through equipment upgrades, equipment servicing, improved efficiency or removed through technologies, essential for furthering lower carbon energy expansion.
• “People first” culture, with corporate responsibility: The company introduced a unified talent strategy to attract, retain and nurture top talent, alongside a “people first” initiative promoting inclusivity and belonging. In 2024, voluntary attrition dropped to 6%. In addition, over 2,000 employees volunteered 44,613 hours to more than 520 charities worldwide demonstrating the company’s commitment to giving back to communities.
• Employees’ health and safety remain non-negotiable: Baker Hughes remained vigilant about workplace safety and maintained high standards of health, safety, and environment (HSE), concluding the year with first-ever external assurance of this data. In 2024, the company’s total recordable incident rate decreased by 11% compared to last year, and it achieved 206 Perfect HSE Days. 

Baker Hughes continues to make progress toward its net-zero goals and remains transparent in its reporting with two separate reviews of its annual sustainability report, which includes an independent accounting firm. Baker Hughes’ corporate sustainability report is prepared using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, and the GHG Protocol as the foundation of our report.
 
The report is supplemented by detailed indices aligned with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD), and CDP.
 
As a participant of UN Global Compact Initiative – a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible business practices, Baker Hughes was awarded the Global Impact Award by UN Association of Houston for its unwavering commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
 
Learn more about Baker Hughes’ sustainability commitments and performance by accessing the full 2024 Corporate Sustainability Report here.
 
About Baker Hughes:
Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner, and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.
 

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