Tag: 3BL

June 28, 2024 /3BL/ – Ceres strongly denounces today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn the 1984 decision in Chevron v. National Resources Defense Council. Known as the “Chevron Deference” ruling, the decision overturns a 40-year legal precedent that allowed experts at federal agencies to resolve ambiguities in laws passed by U.S. Congress. Today’s decision to dismantle the longstanding “Chevron Deference” limits federal agencies’ ability to interpret and enforce statutes they administer.

Ceres CEO and President Mindy Lubber said in a statement:

“This devastating decision will hamper federal efforts to strengthen the economy while protecting the environment, vulnerable communities, and public health. Businesses, investors, and individuals rely upon and support the certainty evidence-based and data-driven decisions from agencies provide to comply with complex laws. The data collected and analyzed by agency experts comes after extensive public stakeholder comment as part of the rulemaking process. The court system is simply not equipped to make these decisions. This is the key role of experts within government agencies, and they are best qualified to make decisions about complex technical and scientific matters that require specialized knowledge and expertise.

Today’s decision will lead to the challenge of more regulations in already overwhelmed lower courts, and inject more uncertainty as businesses make major long-term investment decisions that bring benefits to communities across the country. Federal agencies must have the authority to interpret ambiguous statutes and to take decisive and timely action, neither Congress nor the courts can act as quickly or thoroughly as these agencies.”

In April, Ceres published a report on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s track record on such decision-making, which confirmed the integrity of its analysis and market predictions in four separate regulatory Clean Air Act programs.

Today’s decision comes one day after another devastating ruling from the Supreme Court that blocked the EPA’s ‘Good Neighbor Plan.’ The plan aims to reduce emissions from power plants and other industrial sources contributing to air pollution in downwind states.

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and sustainable world. United under a shared vision, our powerful networks of investors and companies are proving sustainability is the bottom line—changing markets and sectors from the inside out. For more information, visit ceres.org.

Media Contact: Diane May, dmay@ceres.org, 617-247-0700 ext. 220

PRINCETON, N.J., June 28, 2024 /3BL/ – Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) has been named to the prestigious 2023 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) North America, validating the company’s meaningful progress, evolved strategy and aspirational goals toward its environmental, social and governance efforts.

BMS has made significant strides toward their ESG goals, including efforts to increase workforce representation, reduce environmental impact, enhance data privacy and cyber security programs and establish principles for responsible artificial intelligence.

Additionally, the company has strengthened corporate governance by incorporating new ESG metrics into executive compensation.

The DJSI North America represents the top 20% of the largest 600 North American companies in the S&P Global Broad Market Index who have demonstrated outstanding performance across economic, environmental and social criteria. The index is a widely respected benchmark for investors who integrate sustainability considerations into their portfolios.

“BMS is committed to driving long-term business value and continuously improving our ESG performance,” said Korab Zuka, vice president, Purpose and ESG, Bristol Myers Squibb. “The recognition by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America honors the company’s efforts to enhance our sustainability practices and positively impact the health of people, society and the planet.”

BMS’ ESG strategy focuses on advancing patient health and fostering a high-performing, inclusive workforce, while expanding the boundaries of science and reducing environmental impact.

Learn more about BMS’ ESG strategy and commitments in its 2023 ESG Report.

About Bristol Myers Squibb 

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

PRINCETON, N.J., June 28, 2024 /3BL/ – Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) has been named to the prestigious 2023 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) North America, validating the company’s meaningful progress, evolved strategy and aspirational goals toward its environmental, social and governance efforts.

BMS has made significant strides toward their ESG goals, including efforts to increase workforce representation, reduce environmental impact, enhance data privacy and cyber security programs and establish principles for responsible artificial intelligence.

Additionally, the company has strengthened corporate governance by incorporating new ESG metrics into executive compensation.

The DJSI North America represents the top 20% of the largest 600 North American companies in the S&P Global Broad Market Index who have demonstrated outstanding performance across economic, environmental and social criteria. The index is a widely respected benchmark for investors who integrate sustainability considerations into their portfolios.

“BMS is committed to driving long-term business value and continuously improving our ESG performance,” said Korab Zuka, vice president, Purpose and ESG, Bristol Myers Squibb. “The recognition by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America honors the company’s efforts to enhance our sustainability practices and positively impact the health of people, society and the planet.”

BMS’ ESG strategy focuses on advancing patient health and fostering a high-performing, inclusive workforce, while expanding the boundaries of science and reducing environmental impact.

Learn more about BMS’ ESG strategy and commitments in its 2023 ESG Report.

About Bristol Myers Squibb 

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

COLUMBUS, Ga., June 28, 2024 /3BL/ — Three-time women’s national championship-winning University of South Carolina Head Basketball Coach and Olympic legend Dawn Staley joined Aflac, a leading provider of health supplemental insurance in the U.S., to deliver 16 My Special Aflac Ducks at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands. The social robotic duck uses innovative technology to help children prepare for medical procedures, communicate their feelings, practice distraction techniques and more.

“After my first My Special Aflac Duck delivery last year, I wore a necklace crafted by a patient, serving as a constant reminder to maintain perspective in all situations. Aflac and I are deeply committed to giving back, particularly to children facing sickle cell — an often overlooked community,” said Coach Staley. “Today’s event carries even greater significance, especially on the heels of World Sickle Cell Day. While an undefeated season and national championships are tremendous accomplishments, nothing outweighs the special place these children hold in my heart.”

The duck was designed in consult with more than 100 children, families and medical professionals in partnership with Empath Labs and uses medical play and lifelike movement to help children cope with their treatments. My Special Aflac Duck was featured in a three-year clinical study spearheaded by researchers at Emory University and conducted at eight hospitals across the country. The study, which focused on children with cancer, was released in April, showed that My Special Aflac Duck helps young patients cope with treatment-related distress and anxiety. The robotic companion was named one of Time Magazine’s 50 Best Inventions and named Best in Show at CES and South by Southwest in 2018.

Pediatric sickle cell patients went on a scavenger hunt through the hospital before the children were surprised with their new, cuddly companions to keep. The sickle cell version of My Special Aflac Duck has a special cape designed to mimic a blanket, reflecting sickle cell patients who are often sensitive to changes in temperature. The cape doubles as art therapy to delight children serving as a water-activated, color-changing canvas.

“As a father of four young children in the Midlands, witnessing the joy on these amazing kids’ faces when they received their My Special Aflac Duck and watching them meet Coach Staley reminds me of how incredibly gratifying it is to work for a company like Aflac where giving back is ingrained in our culture,” said Aflac Senior Vice President of Group Voluntary Benefits Bob Ruff. “Special thanks to Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands for helping us create a memorable day for these deserving kids to enjoy.”

Since My Special Aflac Duck was first introduced in 2018, Aflac has delivered more than 30,000 ducks to children in the United States, Japan and Northern Ireland. In 2022, Aflac expanded the program to include sickle cell patients, and nearly one-third of the My Special Aflac Ducks donated have been given to children diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

Aflac’s commitment to pediatric cancer and blood disorders spans decades with Aflac employees, independent agents and The Aflac Foundation, Inc. contributing more than $182 million to childhood cancer and blood disorders treatment and research since 1995.

“Our clinical team is dedicated to providing the best possible medical care for children in our community, both within our walls and beyond. Children with blood disorders like sickle cell face unique challenges, and we aim to highlight their experiences,” said Dr. Stuart Cramer, medical director of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands. “We are deeply grateful to Aflac for its commitment to supporting children with cancer and blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease, through the use of their interactive My Special Aflac Duck, which brings joy and laughter during difficult times. We are also thrilled to have Coach Staley, a long-term champion of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands, join forces with Aflac to continue bringing smiles to the families we serve.”

Health care providers, support organizations and families can order My Special Aflac Duck free of charge for children 3 years or older who have been diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease at myspecialaflacduck.com.

ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED 
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for more than 68 years to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.1 In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024), Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024) and Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year (2023). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2023) for 10 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn’t cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under “Sustainability.”

1 LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report

Media contact: 
Amy Persons, apersons@aflac.com 
Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or jsullivan@aflac.com

Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@aflac.com

Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

SOURCE Aflac

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

COLUMBUS, Ga., June 28, 2024 /3BL/ — Three-time women’s national championship-winning University of South Carolina Head Basketball Coach and Olympic legend Dawn Staley joined Aflac, a leading provider of health supplemental insurance in the U.S., to deliver 16 My Special Aflac Ducks at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands. The social robotic duck uses innovative technology to help children prepare for medical procedures, communicate their feelings, practice distraction techniques and more.

“After my first My Special Aflac Duck delivery last year, I wore a necklace crafted by a patient, serving as a constant reminder to maintain perspective in all situations. Aflac and I are deeply committed to giving back, particularly to children facing sickle cell — an often overlooked community,” said Coach Staley. “Today’s event carries even greater significance, especially on the heels of World Sickle Cell Day. While an undefeated season and national championships are tremendous accomplishments, nothing outweighs the special place these children hold in my heart.”

The duck was designed in consult with more than 100 children, families and medical professionals in partnership with Empath Labs and uses medical play and lifelike movement to help children cope with their treatments. My Special Aflac Duck was featured in a three-year clinical study spearheaded by researchers at Emory University and conducted at eight hospitals across the country. The study, which focused on children with cancer, was released in April, showed that My Special Aflac Duck helps young patients cope with treatment-related distress and anxiety. The robotic companion was named one of Time Magazine’s 50 Best Inventions and named Best in Show at CES and South by Southwest in 2018.

Pediatric sickle cell patients went on a scavenger hunt through the hospital before the children were surprised with their new, cuddly companions to keep. The sickle cell version of My Special Aflac Duck has a special cape designed to mimic a blanket, reflecting sickle cell patients who are often sensitive to changes in temperature. The cape doubles as art therapy to delight children serving as a water-activated, color-changing canvas.

“As a father of four young children in the Midlands, witnessing the joy on these amazing kids’ faces when they received their My Special Aflac Duck and watching them meet Coach Staley reminds me of how incredibly gratifying it is to work for a company like Aflac where giving back is ingrained in our culture,” said Aflac Senior Vice President of Group Voluntary Benefits Bob Ruff. “Special thanks to Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands for helping us create a memorable day for these deserving kids to enjoy.”

Since My Special Aflac Duck was first introduced in 2018, Aflac has delivered more than 30,000 ducks to children in the United States, Japan and Northern Ireland. In 2022, Aflac expanded the program to include sickle cell patients, and nearly one-third of the My Special Aflac Ducks donated have been given to children diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

Aflac’s commitment to pediatric cancer and blood disorders spans decades with Aflac employees, independent agents and The Aflac Foundation, Inc. contributing more than $182 million to childhood cancer and blood disorders treatment and research since 1995.

“Our clinical team is dedicated to providing the best possible medical care for children in our community, both within our walls and beyond. Children with blood disorders like sickle cell face unique challenges, and we aim to highlight their experiences,” said Dr. Stuart Cramer, medical director of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands. “We are deeply grateful to Aflac for its commitment to supporting children with cancer and blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease, through the use of their interactive My Special Aflac Duck, which brings joy and laughter during difficult times. We are also thrilled to have Coach Staley, a long-term champion of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands, join forces with Aflac to continue bringing smiles to the families we serve.”

Health care providers, support organizations and families can order My Special Aflac Duck free of charge for children 3 years or older who have been diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease at myspecialaflacduck.com.

ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED 
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for more than 68 years to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.1 In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024), Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024) and Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year (2023). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2023) for 10 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn’t cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under “Sustainability.”

1 LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report

Media contact: 
Amy Persons, apersons@aflac.com 
Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or jsullivan@aflac.com

Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@aflac.com

Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

SOURCE Aflac

International Olympic Committee news

Reiterating its commitment to the protection of clean athletes, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has allocated a new USD 10 million fund to further support the development of the International Testing Agency (ITA) over the next Olympiad (2025-2028).

In 2017, the IOC decided to establish a USD 30 million fund for the creation of the ITA, to make testing independent from any conflict of interest and to restore trust in the anti-doping system. Seven years later, the IOC recognises the quality of the work accomplished and calls on the ITA to continue strengthening independent and intelligence-led anti-doping programmes.

The ITA, pursuing a sustainable financial model that mainly relies on revenues from the over 70 international sports bodies to which it delivers programmes, has been able to reduce its reliance on the IOC’s Olympic Movement financial contribution to only 9 per cent of its annual budget. This figure is lower than anticipated at the inception of the Agency, and demonstrates its increased financial independence.

The ITA manages the anti-doping programmes for International Federations (IFs) and Major Event Organisers (MEOs), including the IOC. The Agency has been running the anti-doping programmes for the Olympic Games on the IOC’s behalf since 2018.

A robust pre-Games testing programme for Paris 2024

The IOC Executive Board was updated today by the ITA on the pre-Games testing programme for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Launched in October 2023, the programme has now entered its final phase, ensuring that comprehensive testing takes place ahead of the Olympic Games this summer.

There are currently more than 31,000 athletes vying to compete in Paris. Because of the long period during which athletes can qualify, the majority of pre-Games testing will occur right up to the start of the competitions in July 2024.

A special focus has been placed on high-risk athletes, with over 60 per cent of this group having already been tested at least once since January 2024, 14 per cent having already been tested more than three times, and 10 per cent three times.

Moreover, since 18 April 2024, the ITA can directly implement doping controls on athletes from any sport on the programme in Paris within the framework of the extended testing authority of the IOC, a move which will support the efforts of National Anti-Doping Agencies (NADOs) and IFs.

The ITA is also responsible for the anti-doping programme of the Olympic Refugee Team, as was already the case for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

The ITA Paris 2024 Pre-Games Expert Group is closely monitoring testing activities on potential Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) with a Russian or Belarusian passport, who have independent doping control officers from outside their country in place to conduct tests and implement doping controls. Some 92 per cent of the athletes who could potentially participate in the Games as of 31 May have already had the minimum number of tests over six months, and have therefore met the recommendations of the Expert Group.

To ensure the credibility of the Olympic Games and reinforce the trust that the athlete community places in the global anti-doping system, the ITA continuously integrates the latest intelligence available to further reinforce independent and targeted testing activities on all high-risk athletes and sports.

Finally, and for the first time, in addition to the Expert Group, a Supervisory Panel has been appointed by the ITA – composed of athletes’ representatives and members of eight IFs and NADOs – with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) also invited to sit on the Panel as an observer and to monitor compliance.

About the ITA

At the Olympic Summit held in October 2015, following recommendation 15 of Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC proposed an independent anti-doping testing and sanctioning system. The establishment of the ITA in 2017 was one of the IOC’s 12 principles for a more robust and independent global anti-doping system to protect clean athletes. The mission of the ITA is to manage anti-doping programmes, independent from sporting or political powers, for IFs, MEOs and all other anti-doping organisations requesting support.

WASHINGTON, June 27, 2024 /3BL/ – Comcast NBCUniversal and 2Gether-International (2GI), a leading 501c3 non-profit and startup accelerator run by and for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, announced an extended partnership. Comcast is expanding its organizational support by granting $1.5 million to power 2GI’s programming through 2025. The funding helps equip disabled start-up founders with the tools and resources they need for their companies to be leaders in their respective industries. The grant will also further 2GI’s efforts to recruit and serve more people specifically with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities throughout all their programs and initiatives.

Comcast’s donation is part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion commitment to connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.

Our ongoing partnership with 2Gether-International has proven to be transformative, not just within the disability community, but also in the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.

DALILA WILSON-SCOTT

EVP and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation & President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation

Entrepreneurship has become an increasingly viable option for people with disabilities to embark on a meaningful career path. According to a 2022 report from the National Disability Institute (NDI), “there are 1.8 million business owners with disabilities in the U.S.,” and “with a significant portion (74 percent) of people with disabilities outside the labor force, entrepreneurship is an important employment option for this population.” The report went on to state that people with disabilities, “are often hindered by limited access to affordable startup capital and a scarcity of support, services and programs tailored to their unique needs and challenges.”

“We’re both excited and grateful for Comcast’s steadfast commitment and partnership,” said Diego Mariscal CEO and Founder, 2Gether-International. “Our organization’s goal is to create a pipeline that supports 3,000 to 5,000 Disabled Entrepreneurs annually by 2030, and Comcast’s backing will be instrumental in fulfilling this goal. Their support has already led 2GI to experience a marked increase in program enrollment, community involvement and recognition. I’m looking forward to reaching more people and tackling the systemic barriers faced by Founders with Disabilities.”

2GI will further innovate and expand their programming to address the evolving needs of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities at any stage of their respective business journey. The organization’s current initiatives include but are not limited to:

Cohorts for Founders with Disabilities: Selected participants, all of whom are Disabled Founders of early-stage, high-growth, tech startups, are immersed in 2GI’s 10-week accelerator program designed to improve their pitch and business model. The accelerator program culminates in a pitch competition, providing the entrepreneurs with an opportunity to be awarded seed funding. Since the launch of 2GI’s first accelerator in 2019, over 80 startups have participated, and these businesses have collectively raised approximately $70 million in funding from investment, revenue and acquisitions from outside investors.Apprenticeship Program: 2GI is partnering with BuildWithin, a venture-backed technology company and U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Apprenticeship Intermediary, to create the first ever apprenticeship program designed for aspiring founders and startup executives with Disabilities. This initiative marks the first of its kind, focusing on empowering entrepreneurs with tailored on-the-job training and curriculum for the roles of Startup CEO and Startup CFO. The new program is being incubated in Washington D.C.’s Apprenticeship Building America Innovation Hub with the support of the U.S. Department of Labor.First-Ever Disability VC Fund: The launch of the first-ever VC fund specifically for start-up Founders with Disabilities. 2GI is currently working to raise $5 million in philanthropic capital for this initiative.

In 2022, 2GI and Comcast first partnered to facilitate the launch of 2GI’s Cohort Accelerator program, which offered participants mentorship, coaching, and connections to investors, among other resources. Graduates have since raised millions of dollars in investment capital, generated new jobs and developed accessible technology that improves the lived experiences of people with disabilities.

Originally published by Taco Bell

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. Today, celebrations include parades, picnics, parties, workshops and more – unifying millions of participants around the world for a month of solidarity. Not only is Pride Month a time to celebrate diverse backgrounds and unique experiences, but also a time to recognize the worldwide impact and accomplishments that LGBTQIA+ individuals have had and continue to have.

This year’s NYC Pride theme is “Reflect, Empower and Unite”. To honor this month and our people, we’re amplifying the voices of those in the LBGTQIA+ community who are growing their careers at Taco Bell.

“Right before my mother passed away in March, she accepted me, and she helped my dad do the same. It became a promise for my dad, and that’s why it’s very special for me.”

Joshua hadn’t been able to celebrate Pride Month before, because he didn’t come out until this year. It took him seven years to be comfortable and safe with who he is. That’s why he feels patience is key to this journey.

“I tell people not to worry, because you are not alone; you have us, a whole community of people supporting you. Be patient with yourself… you will have a moment to shine bright, break free, and be who you really are.”

Not only does Joshua identify with the LGBTQIA+ community, but also with those who are deaf. Although Joshua struggled to accept himself into these two communities, he eventually learned to love himself with the support from both groups.

“I am unable to hear anything without my hearing aids, and although the technology is amazing, we still end up hearing ‘beeps’ that people with normal hearing do not encounter. So when I got into the LGBTQIA+ community, they helped me accept myself for who and how I am… and taught me to love myself even more, including being deaf. Being part of these communities has made me realize that we need to celebrate our differences.”

Currently, Joshua is a student at Irvine Valley College where he participates in the LGBTIQIA+ club, spreading the same message of love and acceptance. When he’s not at school, you can find him at a local Taco Bell working as a Food Champion!

“I joined Taco Bell three years ago during a low point in my life as my grandma had just passed away; I didn’t have motivation or goals for my life. But since joining, I’ve grown so much, learned many skills, and have become a better communicator… most of which I utilize outside of work, too.”

When it comes to inclusivity in the workplace, Joshua feels comfortable to be his authentic self.

“Taco Bell has an inclusive environment and made a safe place for me to be who I am. My peers never question me about my sexuality, instead they just treat me as they would anyone else. They show lots of respect and support, not only with me, but also the entire team.”

Looking to the future, Joshua hopes to follow in the footsteps of his mother, the person who’s had the greatest impact on his life.

“Now that I think of it, I want my legacy to honor my mother, who was the one that taught me to be kind to others. She told me to always give others kindness no matter what they go through in their lives. And to add, I want to be remembered as the person who continued spreading love because I believe [that is] something very powerful that will never go away.”

Griffith Foods has completed an EcoVadis assessment annually since 2019 and is proud to have achieved another gold medal for their 2023 performance. Griffith Foods is thrilled to share that they have scored in the top 5% of all companies ranked by EcoVadis.

EcoVadis ratings have evaluated over 130,000 companies across 220 industries and 180 countries to help companies improve sustainability in their supply chains and comply with growing global regulations. The evaluation covers topics across four areas – environment, ethics, labor & human rights, and sustainable procurement. The rating is based on the quality of a company’s sustainability management system including policies, actions, and results.

As Griffith Foods advances the company’s sustainable business strategy and evaluates its performance, the EcoVadis rating is an important benchmark of progress relative to peers and supply chain partners. Griffith Foods is on a transformative journey, embedding sustainability into our ways of working across the global business and working to support the transition to more nutritious, accessible and planet-friendly foods. The work towards a food production system that regenerates the planet and provides nutritious offerings in a way that values the people and communities who grow our foods continues, and Griffith Foods is excited to be an enabler in the value chain as a product development partner working directly with farmers and food service providers.

To learn more about this rating, click here.

About EcoVadis

EcoVadis is the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. Global supply chains, financial institutions and public organizations rely on EcoVadis to monitor and improve the sustainability performance of their business and trading partners. Backed by a powerful technology platform, EcoVadis’ evidence-based ratings are validated by a global team of experts, and are adapted to more than 200 industry categories, 160 countries, and companies of all sizes. Its actionable scorecards provide benchmarks, insights, and a guided improvement journey for environmental, social and ethical practices. Industry leaders such as Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, L’Oréal, Unilever, LVMH, Salesforce, Bridgestone, BASF, and ING Group are among the 85,000 businesses that collaborate with EcoVadis to drive resilience, sustainable growth and positive Impact worldwide. Learn more on ecovadis.com, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

About Griffith Foods

Griffith Foods is the caring, creative product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers while sustaining the planet. As a family business founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA, Griffith Foods is known for true, collaborative innovation guided by their Purpose of “We Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World”. The company’s product capabilities range from seasonings and marinades to coating systems and sauces that are better for people and better for the planet. For more information, visit www.griffithfoods.com.

View original content here.

Authored by Garrick Gibson, Donald N. Bernards

Baker Tilly’s podcast series specifically for professionals in the multifamily housing industry

On this episode of BuzzHouse, Don and Garrick sit down with Brian Swanton, President and CEO of Gorman & Company, a fully integrated developer of affordable and workforce housing. Over the course of the episode, Don and Garrick catch up with Brian on trends and opportunities he has seen since the COVID-19 pandemic and what’s next in the current environment. Brian was the guest on the first webinar that turned into BuzzHouse, so we are happy to welcome him back on the show! Press play and discover this informative and enlightening episode!

Multifamily housing resources

For articles, webinars and additional resources for developers, housing authorities, property managers, state housing credit agencies and lenders, visit Baker Tilly’s multifamily housing page.

For more information on this topic, or to learn how Baker Tilly specialists can help, contact the team.