Author: sHq_LoGiNz

This summer, 31 students from five local high schools joined Lenovo as interns at their Morrisville, NC headquarters through an engaging six-week program in partnership with the education nonprofit NAF. Although the interns came from different NAF academies -each with unique skills, goals, and ambitions – they all have one thing in common: a love for opportunity.

Now, two months after finishing the program, I’m more grateful than ever for the experience and the connections made.

“NAF prioritizes internships because real-world work experience is crucial for student success,” said Sarina Mathai, Assistant Director of Partnerships for NAF. “Our Outcomes-Driven Work Based Learning approach focuses on three key outcomes: developing career goals, building Future Ready Skills through professional feedback, and creating meaningful connections with industry professionals. These activities offer students practical learning, while providing companies access to emerging talent and the opportunity to help develop America’s future workforce.”

Under the guidance of Community Engagement Manager Libby Richards, the interns were placed in different departments across Lenovo, some working independently, while others in groups. Whether it was creating reports, meeting with global clients, learning software tools, or contributing to engineering projects that have taken years to develop, we could all handle responsibilities that replicate real-world workplace tasks.

Beyond our daily roles, Lenovo teams ensured there was a plethora of chances to connect with staff to learn more about the company. Throughout the summer, interns attended events, meet-and-greets, and fairs where we spoke to professionals from all parts of Lenovo. These valuable conversations opened opportunities and exposure to career paths that we may not have previously considered.

Intern managers at Lenovo also recognized the value of these experiences, not just for the students, but the team as well.

“This is my third year as an intern manager, and I’m always impressed by the talented group of students that join us. They come to us full of energy and eager to gain new skills while supporting the team,” said Lance Tryon, Inside Technical Sales Sr. Manager.

When a team invites new mindsets, it can create a space for creativity and unexpected breakthroughs.

“What stands out to us interns the most is the trust and respect given by staff members,” said Chance, one of Lenovo’s Community Engagement interns. “NAF interns are treated like true members of the Lenovo team in every setting: meeting rooms, parking lots, cafeterias, and every Teams chat.”

Given the right tools and support to succeed, Lenovo interns had great luck with accomplishing their internship goals.

“This experience has been more than just a summer job, it’s been a step towards my future career,” said Amira, the Customer Experience Analyst Intern. “I’d like to thank everyone at Lenovo who took the time to mentor and support me throughout the program. The lessons that I’ve learned and the connections I’ve made will leave an impact well past the six weeks I spent at here.”

After this year’s internship came to a close, one thing was for certain: the impact of this experience is far more than just a summer job. The Lenovo partnership with NAF continues to empower students by letting us demonstrate real-world skills while constructing the bridge between education and industry. With each new class of interns, the future workforce grows stronger, one connection at a time.

When it comes to environmental, health, and safety (EHS) during the rush of the holidays, keeping people safe while keeping business moving is a monumental challenge.

While leadership is focused on performance during this most profitable season, EHS teams are working to protect employees, customers, and operations during the busiest period of the year. Bridging this gap requires a strategy for resilience that blends proactive planning, clear communication, and daily habits that reinforce safety under pressure.

In our recent webinar, “Give the Gift of EHS Resilience: Preparing for the Holiday Rush,” Kelly Sampliner, Consultant at Antea Group USA, and Penny Pan, Senior EHS Consultant with Anew Global Consulting in China, shared global insights on retail, e-commerce, and warehouse EHS challenges during peak season. The session was moderated by Lauren Corbett-Noon, Senior Consultant at Antea Group USA.

Below are five essential insights from the webinar to help EHS leaders strengthen resilience, reduce incidents, and safeguard both people and performance during the holiday surge.

Missed the webinar?

Watch it on-demand here.

 

1. Strengthen Housekeeping and Slip/Trip/Fall Controls During Peak Activity 

The holiday season brings increased order volume, stock turnover, and customer presence, all of which amplifies slip, trip, and fall risks. Basic housekeeping becomes mission critical.

Whether on the retail floor or in the warehouse, clutter and wet surfaces are leading causes of injuries at this time of year. Boxes in walkways, mopping during business hours, and holiday decorations blocking visibility or exits can turn normal traffic patterns into safety risks.

Key takeaway: Treat housekeeping like an operational discipline, not an afterthought. Cleared traffic lanes, reinforced storage routines, scheduled mid-shift compactor and baler runs, and targeted controls in high-traffic areas go a long way in preventing injuries and disruptions.

 

2. Protect Warehouse Teams Through Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) and Logistics Controls 

Warehouse operations become the backbone of business success during the holidays. But they are also one of the highest-risk environments.

Increased forklift movement, dock congestion, rushed tasks, and quicker turnaround times can make collisions, material drops, and operator fatigue more likely. Visibility, space management, and communication patterns are often the deciding factors between smooth operations and near misses.

Key takeaway: Direct traffic flow, stagger PIT use, and reinforce equipment checks. When equipment and human movement share space under seasonal pressure, proactive controls, not reactive fixes, are what prevent incidents.

 

3. Strengthen Hazardous Material Handling and Training for Seasonal Staff 

As operations expand and employee numbers grow, the likelihood of hazardous material incidents increases. Many holiday-season products, such as cleaners, aerosols, batteries, specialty goods, and customer returns, introduce chemical and physical risks that become more challenging when handled by newly hired seasonal teams.

Effective hazmat safety includes general awareness, function-specific training, spill response preparedness, and proper storage etiquette. Employees should understand not just what a chemical is, but how to store it, how to avoid incompatible pairings, and how to respond if something leaks, spills, or gets damaged.

Warehouse environments demand even more attention. Overfilled shelves, damaged pallets, improper stacking, and exceeding permitted quantities can trigger spills, crushed containers, or even chemical reactions. Inventory checks and clear stowage rules help prevent “domino effect” incidents.

Key takeaway: Hazmat safety depends on hands-on training and strong storage practices, especially for seasonal staff. Give employees the tools and confidence they need before the holiday surge begins, not after an incident occurs.

 

4. Support Psychosocial Well-Being to Prevent Burnout and Fatigue-Driven Errors 

The holiday season brings intensity, and not just at work. Emotional and psychosocial intensity are at an annual high as well.

Signs of burnout often start small: quietness in someone who’s normally upbeat, irritability, slower task completion, or increased absences. These early signals matter because burnout directly affects alertness, judgment, and decision-making; when those capabilities are compromised, injuries are more likely to happen.

Key takeaway: Empathy is a safety strategy. When leaders promote micro-breaks, check in regularly with teams, and visibly value well-being, employees stay sharper, more engaged, and more resilient, benefiting both morale and safety outcomes.

 

5. Reinforce Safety with Seasonal Employees and Early Workplace Violence Prevention 

Seasonal hiring surges dramatically, sometimes by 200% in retail settings and 600% in warehouses. This rapid onboarding can introduce safety gaps.

From hazmat handling to emergency procedures, seasonal employees must have targeted, role-specific training. They should not just be handed a manual. Plus, with adrenaline, fatigue, and customer stress peaking during the holidays, part of that training should be focused on early warning signs of workplace violence.

Key takeaway: Seasonal staff need clear expectations, upfront conversations on psychological safety, and practical tools to escalate concerns early. No sales target is worth employee safety. Reinforcing that message builds a culture of confidence and trust.

 

Looking Ahead 

The holiday rush can test operational efficiency and organizational culture. When demand spikes, the smallest habits matter most: clear walkways, proactive PIT controls, functional hazmat storage, micro-breaks, and early conversations about fatigue.

 

To support your seasonal planning, we’ve created a Checklist for Holiday-Proofing Your EHS Operations:

Download the Checklist

This is a practical tool to evaluate readiness across retail floors, warehouses, staffing models, and employee well-being. Download the full checklist here.

By reinforcing safety fundamentals, supporting employee well-being, and preparing seasonal staff early, EHS leaders can protect both people and business performance when it matters most.

If you have questions about any of the strategies discussed or need support preparing your EHS program for the holiday rush, reach out to our team today!

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: How can we train seasonal workers quickly without sacrificing safety? 
A: Start with micro-trainings focused on immediate risks and emergency procedures. Follow with function-specific modules for PIT, hazmat, storage, and forklift operations. Short, high-impact training works better than rushed comprehensive programs.

Q: What’s the fastest way to reduce slip/trip/fall incidents during peak season? 
A: Assign ownership. Rotating teams responsible for walkthroughs, housekeeping checks, and back-of-house organization increases accountability and catches hazards before they reach customers or staff.

Q: How do I ensure seasonal staff can safely handle hazardous materials? 
A: Provide general awareness training on day one, followed by task-specific instruction for employees who handle or store chemicals. Reinforce spill response expectations and proper stow etiquette with real examples and visual reminders.

Q: How do we identify burnout early? 
A: Watch for behavior changes, slowing pace, irritability, or rising callouts/tardiness. Encourage open conversations, reduce stigma around speaking up, and build micro-breaks into long shifts.

 

Have any questions?

Contact us to discuss your environment, health, safety, and sustainability needs today.

The Cleveland Cavaliers recently launched the Cavs Book Bus presented by KeyBank in partnership with the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank at a special event held at Artemus Ward Elementary School. Transforming the school day into a celebration of reading, the immersive book fair experience surprised students as the Cavs Book Bus arrived on campus.

“Education has always been a core focus of our community platform at the Cleveland Cavaliers, as we recognize the transformative impact literacy can have on a child’s future,” said Nic Barlage CEO of Rock Entertainment Group, Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Arena. “Our partnership with KeyBank and the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank is a powerful extension of our dedication to youth, learning and equity in Northeast Ohio. Together, we are working to ensure every child in our city has books in their home – sparking a love for reading, inspiring dreams and empowering success both inside and outside the classroom.”

The Cavs Book Bus is dedicated to narrowing literacy gaps in Cleveland by making sure under-resourced students have access to books in their own home. This mobile program visits local schools and various community activities each year inviting students to select free books to grow their personal home libraries. In partnership with the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank, distributed books will continue to foster literacy and a passion for reading at no cost to children who pass through the bus.

“Watching a child step onto the Cavs Book Bus and find a book that feels like it was meant just for them—that’s the magic that fuels our work. Every book a child chooses builds confidence, joy, and possibility, and helps grow a home library that reflects who they are. Partnerships like this one are what make true book access possible in Cleveland, ensuring every child has the stories they deserve.” Natalie Friedl, Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank Executive Director.

The launch event at Artemus Ward featured special appearances from the Cavs mascot Sir CC and the entertainment teams, as second and third grade students explored the Book Bus and chose their books. Speakers, including Nic Barlage, Natalie Friedl, Executive Director of the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank and Patty Jurca, Chief Marketing Officer at KeyBank, each emphasized the importance of collaboration in supporting youth literacy and educational opportunities in Northeast Ohio.

“KeyBank is deeply committed to strengthening the communities we serve, and education is a cornerstone of that commitment because it creates pathways to opportunity and long-term success,” said Patty Jurca, Chief Brand Officer at KeyBank. “By partnering on the Cavs Book Bus, we hope to close literacy gaps and ensure students have access to the resources they need to thrive. When children have the tools to learn and grow, the entire community benefits.”

The event also honored Valley Ford Truck Inc. for donating the truck that powers the Cavaliers Book Bus, enabling the mobile literacy initiative to reach schools and neighborhoods throughout Northeast Ohio. Thanks to their support the program can broaden its reach and impact, giving even more children opportunities to experience the joy of reading and the transformative power of stories.

ABOUT CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 

The Cleveland Cavaliers, founded in 1970, are a professional basketball team in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. The Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Championship in 2016 while also taking the Eastern Conference crown in 2007, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Known for their community support, workplace diversity and local economic impact, the team plays at Rocket Arena in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Both the Cavaliers and Rocket Arena are part of Rock Entertainment Group, the umbrella entity of sports and entertainment properties under the Dan Gilbert ROCK Family of Companies. The Cavaliers and Rocket Arena provide fans with the best experience in the NBA with an extensive and stunning array of amenities, technology and signature, electrifying, game presentation. Dan Gilbert is Chairman of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Nic Barlage is the Cavaliers, Rocket Arena and Rock Entertainment Group CEO, and the Cavaliers team is led by President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman, General Manager Mike Gansey and Head Coach Kenny Atkinson.

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 $187 billion at September 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.

WASHINGTON, December 12, 2025 /3BL/ – America250, the bipartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, today announced a landmark partnership with Leidos that will help define how innovation is celebrated throughout the Semiquincentennial.  

As an America250 Founding Innovation Partner, Leidos’ involvement will ensure that American achievements in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, healthcare, space systems, and other pioneering fields shaping the nation’s future are well spotlighted.  

Leidos joins America250 in honoring the bold visionaries, veterans, and innovators who have propelled our nation forward over the past two and a half centuries while inspiring the next generation to carry that legacy forward. 

“Leidos is driven by purpose, built on ingenuity, and dedicated to service — representing the very essence of American innovation,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, our partnership with Leidos will showcase the power of innovation not just as a reflection of our past, but as a promise for our future. Together, we’ll honor and inspire the inventors, dreamers, and doers who will define the next 250 years of America.” 

Leidos and America250 will collaborate on storytelling and educational initiatives that highlight American innovations and ingenuity. With nearly 20% of Leidos’ workforce being veterans, the partnership will also honor America’s former military servicemembers through programs that elevate their voices and recognize their enduring contributions to the nation’s history and future. 

“America’s 250^th anniversary is a unique moment to reflect on the innovations that have earned the United States of America its singular place in history and set the stage for the exceptional achievements this country will see in the coming centuries,” said Leidos CEO Tom Bell. “We’re deeply appreciative of America250’s efforts and grateful for this opportunity as the first Founding Innovation Partner to help fuel the curiosity and creativity that will drive our nation’s next chapter.”  

To learn more about America250 and its national commemorative efforts, visit America250.org. For more details on Leidos, visit www.leidos.com. 

About America250 

America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America. 

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.leidos.com.

PHOENIX, December 12, 2025 /3BL/ – Subaru of America, Inc. has once again chosen Make-A-Wish® as a national charity partner for the Subaru Share the Love® Event, marking 15 consecutive years of collaboration. From November 20, 2025, through January 2, 2026, Subaru will donate $250* for every new vehicle purchased or leased to the customer’s choice of participating charities, including Make-A-Wish.

Since the partnership began in 2011, Subaru has contributed more than $38 million to Make-A-Wish, helping grant over 3,900 transformative wishes to children facing critical illnesses across the country. Subaru remains the organization’s largest automotive donor.

“Make-A-Wish serves children fighting critical illnesses, and Subaru’s Share the Love campaign helps turn their wishes into lasting strength and hope,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “Each wish improves emotional and physical well-being, and most wish children go on to recover, an impact made possible by partners like Subaru.”

The commitment of Subaru to Make-A-Wish is visible nationwide, including through its partnership with Make-A-Wish New Mexico and Garcia Subaru North. As part of the Subaru Share the Love Event, the retailer hosts two annual events that bring the community together in celebration and support of wish kids. Each October, the season kicks off with a festive Trunk or Treat in the retailer’s parking lot, followed by the Holly Jolly Party in December, held in the showroom. These events welcome wish kids, their families, and local supporters for an evening of activities, treats, and gifts. Highlights include appearances by the 501st Legion, a reading of The Night Before Christmas by Santa Claus, and a special wish reveal—such as in 2024, when 7-year-old Kaleb learned his wish was being granted. Children also select from a variety of donated toys, and the event fosters connection between current wish kids and alumni.

“The act of giving back is woven into Subaru’s DNA and the daily mission of our incredible charity partners,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, at Subaru of America, Inc. “The Subaru Share the Love Event empowers our owners and retailers to drive lasting change while sharing the season’s greatest gifts: compassion and care.”

In addition to national charities, Subaru retailers can select up to two local hometown charities to receive a minimum of $50 per vehicle sold or leased. In 2024, 32 retailers chose 23 local Make-A-Wish chapters, contributing to over $3.1 million in donations through last year’s event.

To learn more about the Subaru Share the Love Event and if your local Subaru retailer has selected a Make-A-Wish chapter as a hometown charity, visit Subaru.com/share. To join Subaru and others in giving renewed hope and joy this season, visit wish.org/Subaru.

*Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 20, 2025, through January 2, 2026, to four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee. Pre-approved hometown charities may also be selected for donation depending on retailer participation. In addition, for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased during the campaign period, participating retailers will donate a minimum of $50 in total to their registered hometown charities. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by January 9, 2026. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. See your local Subaru retailer for details or visit subaru.com/share. All donations made by SOA.###

About Make-A-Wish^®

Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is the #1 most trusted nonprofit operating locally in all 50 states throughout the U.S. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 20,000 volunteers across the country, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 615,000 wishes worldwide; more than 390,000 wishes in the U.S. and its territories alone. For more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant to be 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 $300 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged nearly 88,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do. For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

SOURCE MAKE-A-WISH AMERICA