Tag: 3BL

In conversations with corporate clients we often point out three important factors driving their sustainability journey: (1) the steady increase in investor interest in corporate ESG performance; (2) internal stakeholders pressuring their employer to start or enhance the journey, and (3) competitive forces as peer companies in their respective industries or sectors enhance their ESG efforts.

Here’s another force for corporate boards and C-suites to now consider: in this year’s Deloitte survey of corporate leaders and M&A leaders examining key trends in M&A and private equity (PE), ESG is in sharper focus. In the introduction, Deloitte states:

“Across the deal life cycle, better data, improved measurement, and deeper understanding of ESG are key factors shaping dealmaking for M&A leaders. The results of our 2024 ESG in M&A trends survey show a bold embrace of the role of ESG in M&A strategies that seize opportunity and create additional value.”

According to the findings of Deloitte’s survey, which is our Top Story below, corporate and private equity (PE) leaders have a growing appreciation for the ways that ESG factors can drive value.

The annual survey that began in 2022 is supervised by Sarah Corrigan, Managing Director of MYA and Restructuring Services, and Brian Lightle, Deloitte Partner overseeing M&A Transaction Services. Highlights of the 2024 survey include:

The growing proliferation of accurate, reliable, comparable ESG data, and more comprehensive ways of parsing the data, is helping in assessing valuations, portfolio management, and strategic targeting in M&A practices.Being able to have more confidence in ESG profiles and better understanding of the acquirer’s own ESG profile can provide more confidence in the transaction being considered. (From the first survey conducted in 2022 to the 2024 results, survey respondents reported now have a “very high” or “high” confidence, moving to a 91 percent level in 2024.)While the consideration of ESG factors in transactions is low (the percentage of M&A leaders having a dedicated approach for management of ESG factors is only 12%), 19% see ESG as now important in the regulatory context. Financial services organizations lead in adopting ESG approaches and PE respondents are working to address ESG factors.

Respondents told Deloitte that while consideration of ESG factors in M&A activities can drive the process, the approach can also help acquirers build and enhance their own ESG strategies and goals. What ESG data should an acquirer look at in their analysis of the target? Start with a better understanding of the organization’s own ESG data.

According to Deloitte: ESG in M&A strategy is becoming a rationale to influence which deals to seek; 74% of companies say they have looked at possible targets while considering their own portfolios or their own investments from the ESG perspective; 67% says the same about their divestiture strategies.

At G&A Institute our team isr assisting our corporate clients enhance their ESG profiles as they set their respective acquisition, divestiture, or exit strategies. This is now another key driver for addressing risk and opportunities through increasing focus on a firm’s sustainability journey.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

While Colt Seavers is no stranger to chaos on his film sets, in real life the team behind Universal’s The Fall Guy was much more intentional with their behavior behind the scenes when it came to sustainability. The film was awarded the Environmental Media Association Gold Seal, the highest rating given by the organization for sustainable production practices.

During filming, the crew partnered with GMC, using an electric Hummer as one of their main picture cars featured in the film’s climactic sequence and handling all of the action without missing a beat. Other fuel and energy saving efforts included a hybrid basecamp generator, which burns about 75% less diesel than a conventional generator, and the majority of set lighting was energy efficient LED.

Mindful of food and material waste throughout production, more than 1,400 meals were donated to those in need through Oz Harvest and over 15 metric tons of set materials and props were distributed to local charities and community initiatives.

On ‘The Fall Guy’, the goal for us is to try to be as thoughtful as possible, all the way from development to post. It’s important for the film industry to be leaders in the sustainability conversation.

KELLY MCCORMICK
Executive Producer

87North Productions continues to partner closely with Universal’s GreenerLight program, focused on incorporating sustainability throughout the filmmaking process.

CINCINNATI, July 11, 2024 /3BL/ – Since its founding in 1948, the Fifth Third Foundation has made education programs a key priority. In 2005, Fifth Third established its Scholarship Program to award one-time, $2,500 scholarships annually to children of Fifth Third employees for study at a college or university. This year’s scholarships total $62,500. More than 450 students have merited scholarships since 2005.

Chosen and administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corp., the Fifth Third Scholarship Program recognizes the academic achievements of the following students, listed with their employee parent or parents and their work location:

Addison E. Anderson, child of Shanna Anderson, Cincinnati, Ohio.Gwendolyn A. Armstrong, child of David Armstrong, Columbus, Ohio.Charles D. Bender, child of David Bender, Cincinnati, Ohio.Prateek M. Bhandari*, child of Vijaya Bhandari, Cincinnati, Ohio.Ethan L. Davey, child of Julie Davey, Cincinnati, Ohio.Rick Fitzpatrick*, child of Shigemi Fitzpatrick, Lexington, Kentucky.Srikar S. Gandikota*, child of Vinod Gandikota, Atlanta, Georgia.Hailey L. Hartman, child of Bethany Hartman, Cincinnati, Ohio.Gavin J. Jensen, child of Cynthia Jensen, Cincinnati, Ohio.Natalie Z. Juszczyk, child of Aneta Juszczyk, Rosemont, Illinois.Lucy A. Konrad, child of Robert Konrad, Montgomery, Ohio.Hanna L. Kovacevic, child of Amra Kovacevic, Kentwood, Michigan.Brenna A. Lemoine, child of Amalie Lemoine, Cincinnati, Ohio.Vivian W. Li, child of Lei Li, Solon, Ohio.Revanth Manchineella, child of Sreedevi Chirumamilla, Cincinnati, Ohio.Casey J. Mankowski, child of Cynthia Mankowski, Tampa, Florida.Catherine A. McGuire, child of Timothy McGuire, Cleveland, Ohio.Zachary Reiffer, child of Stephen Reiffer, Grand Rapids, Michigan.Abraham T. Rempe, child of Thomas Rempe, Cincinnati, Ohio.Lauren J. Shen*, child of Lixin Shen, Cincinnati, Ohio.Hayden J. Stokes*, child of Miranda Stokes, Denver, Colorado.Danica Sun, child of Jinghua Cao, Rosemont, Illinois.Leo M. Tombragel, child of Greg Tombragel, Madisonville, Ohio.Jadon M. Turner, child of Kyle Greivenkamp, Cincinnati, Ohio.Emilie M. Young, child of Chris and Jenniffer Young, Independence, Kentucky.

“Since 2005, the Fifth Third Foundation has enthusiastically supported the academic goals of the children of Fifth Third employees through this scholarship,” said Heidi Jark, senior vice president and managing director of the Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank, “We applaud these deserving students and are proud to support them as they embark upon this next chapter in higher education.”

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. is an independent nonprofit organization. The National Merit Scholarship Program was designed to identify and honor exceptionally able high school students, and to provide a system of services for corporations, foundations and other organizations that wish to sponsor college undergraduate scholarships to students who interest them. All aspects of the selection of winners and the administration of their awards are handled by the NMSC.

Established in 1948, the Fifth Third Foundation was the first charitable foundation created by a financial institution. The Foundation supports worthy causes in the areas of health and human services, education, community development and the arts in the states where Fifth Third Bank operates.

*National Merit Scholarship finalist

CINCINNATI, July 11, 2024 /3BL/ – Since its founding in 1948, the Fifth Third Foundation has made education programs a key priority. In 2005, Fifth Third established its Scholarship Program to award one-time, $2,500 scholarships annually to children of Fifth Third employees for study at a college or university. This year’s scholarships total $62,500. More than 450 students have merited scholarships since 2005.

Chosen and administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corp., the Fifth Third Scholarship Program recognizes the academic achievements of the following students, listed with their employee parent or parents and their work location:

Addison E. Anderson, child of Shanna Anderson, Cincinnati, Ohio.Gwendolyn A. Armstrong, child of David Armstrong, Columbus, Ohio.Charles D. Bender, child of David Bender, Cincinnati, Ohio.Prateek M. Bhandari*, child of Vijaya Bhandari, Cincinnati, Ohio.Ethan L. Davey, child of Julie Davey, Cincinnati, Ohio.Rick Fitzpatrick*, child of Shigemi Fitzpatrick, Lexington, Kentucky.Srikar S. Gandikota*, child of Vinod Gandikota, Atlanta, Georgia.Hailey L. Hartman, child of Bethany Hartman, Cincinnati, Ohio.Gavin J. Jensen, child of Cynthia Jensen, Cincinnati, Ohio.Natalie Z. Juszczyk, child of Aneta Juszczyk, Rosemont, Illinois.Lucy A. Konrad, child of Robert Konrad, Montgomery, Ohio.Hanna L. Kovacevic, child of Amra Kovacevic, Kentwood, Michigan.Brenna A. Lemoine, child of Amalie Lemoine, Cincinnati, Ohio.Vivian W. Li, child of Lei Li, Solon, Ohio.Revanth Manchineella, child of Sreedevi Chirumamilla, Cincinnati, Ohio.Casey J. Mankowski, child of Cynthia Mankowski, Tampa, Florida.Catherine A. McGuire, child of Timothy McGuire, Cleveland, Ohio.Zachary Reiffer, child of Stephen Reiffer, Grand Rapids, Michigan.Abraham T. Rempe, child of Thomas Rempe, Cincinnati, Ohio.Lauren J. Shen*, child of Lixin Shen, Cincinnati, Ohio.Hayden J. Stokes*, child of Miranda Stokes, Denver, Colorado.Danica Sun, child of Jinghua Cao, Rosemont, Illinois.Leo M. Tombragel, child of Greg Tombragel, Madisonville, Ohio.Jadon M. Turner, child of Kyle Greivenkamp, Cincinnati, Ohio.Emilie M. Young, child of Chris and Jenniffer Young, Independence, Kentucky.

“Since 2005, the Fifth Third Foundation has enthusiastically supported the academic goals of the children of Fifth Third employees through this scholarship,” said Heidi Jark, senior vice president and managing director of the Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank, “We applaud these deserving students and are proud to support them as they embark upon this next chapter in higher education.”

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. is an independent nonprofit organization. The National Merit Scholarship Program was designed to identify and honor exceptionally able high school students, and to provide a system of services for corporations, foundations and other organizations that wish to sponsor college undergraduate scholarships to students who interest them. All aspects of the selection of winners and the administration of their awards are handled by the NMSC.

Established in 1948, the Fifth Third Foundation was the first charitable foundation created by a financial institution. The Foundation supports worthy causes in the areas of health and human services, education, community development and the arts in the states where Fifth Third Bank operates.

*National Merit Scholarship finalist

July 11, 2024 /3BL/ – In 2023, Lenovo unveiled its vision of “Smarter AI for All,” focused on unleashing the power of AI to drive intelligent transformation in every aspect of people’s lives and providing technology, solutions, and services that empower industries, enterprises, and individuals around the world. Lenovo recognizes that the realization of this vision hinges upon its steadfast adherence to principles that guarantee the responsible, ethical, and safe development, deployment, and utilization of AI.

Lenovo is pleased to announce Doug Fisher’s expanded role as Lenovo’s Chief Security and AI Officer, reporting to Lenovo’s CEO. In his newly expanded role, Fisher will lead Lenovo’s Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) governance by championing Lenovo’s AI Policy and working alongside Lenovo’s Responsible AI Committee. Lenovo chartered the Responsible AI Committee in 2022 with diverse leaders from across Lenovo’s business. The Responsible AI Committee is charged with evaluating Lenovo’s AI solutions against the key pillars of diversity and inclusion, environmental and social impact, accountability and reliability, transparency, explainability, privacy, and security.

“Security and privacy are two of our top priorities as we lead innovation and transformation in the age of AI,” Fisher recently shared. “Lenovo’s AI Policy ensures that our customers and partners and the broader community can trust the AI solutions we provide.”

At its core, the policy aims to support the most important pillars of Responsible AI at Lenovo:

Lenovo will not use AI in ways that harm people or put them or their rights at risk;Lenovo will ensure that our AI is fair, transparent, explainable, and efficientLenovo will protect people’s privacy at all stages of the AI Lifecyle;

Lenovo’s AI will be developed and used with robust security protections. Lenovo has already aligned itself to proactively demonstrate responsibility and accountability in the AI space, committing to the Canadian Government’s Voluntary Commitment to Responsible, Ethical Generative AI, UNESCO’s Commitment to and Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, and the Cercle InterElles Commitment to Responsible and Gender-Equitable Artificial Intelligence.

To support Lenovo’s commitment to Smarter AI for All, the company is connecting communities around the world and NGOs to learn more about the quickly evolving AI space. While also working with third parties to develop AI solutions for under-represented communities including real-time interpretation of Libras, the Brazilian sign language, and working with the Scott-Morgan Foundation to develop an avatar that creates new communication possibilities for people with severe disabilities.

Lenovo is focused on ensuring the future of AI meets its full potential as a benefit to humanity. Lenovo has also harnessed the power of AI for sustainability, with real-time tracking of emissions across its value chain and an AI-powered advisor to support customers’ sustainability decisions across the IT lifecycle.

Learn more about Lenovo’s approach to Responsible AI and more of its governance initiatives in the FY2023-24 Environmental, Social and Governance Report.

July 11, 2024 /3BL/ – In 2023, Lenovo unveiled its vision of “Smarter AI for All,” focused on unleashing the power of AI to drive intelligent transformation in every aspect of people’s lives and providing technology, solutions, and services that empower industries, enterprises, and individuals around the world. Lenovo recognizes that the realization of this vision hinges upon its steadfast adherence to principles that guarantee the responsible, ethical, and safe development, deployment, and utilization of AI.

Lenovo is pleased to announce Doug Fisher’s expanded role as Lenovo’s Chief Security and AI Officer, reporting to Lenovo’s CEO. In his newly expanded role, Fisher will lead Lenovo’s Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) governance by championing Lenovo’s AI Policy and working alongside Lenovo’s Responsible AI Committee. Lenovo chartered the Responsible AI Committee in 2022 with diverse leaders from across Lenovo’s business. The Responsible AI Committee is charged with evaluating Lenovo’s AI solutions against the key pillars of diversity and inclusion, environmental and social impact, accountability and reliability, transparency, explainability, privacy, and security.

“Security and privacy are two of our top priorities as we lead innovation and transformation in the age of AI,” Fisher recently shared. “Lenovo’s AI Policy ensures that our customers and partners and the broader community can trust the AI solutions we provide.”

At its core, the policy aims to support the most important pillars of Responsible AI at Lenovo:

Lenovo will not use AI in ways that harm people or put them or their rights at risk;Lenovo will ensure that our AI is fair, transparent, explainable, and efficientLenovo will protect people’s privacy at all stages of the AI Lifecyle;

Lenovo’s AI will be developed and used with robust security protections. Lenovo has already aligned itself to proactively demonstrate responsibility and accountability in the AI space, committing to the Canadian Government’s Voluntary Commitment to Responsible, Ethical Generative AI, UNESCO’s Commitment to and Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, and the Cercle InterElles Commitment to Responsible and Gender-Equitable Artificial Intelligence.

To support Lenovo’s commitment to Smarter AI for All, the company is connecting communities around the world and NGOs to learn more about the quickly evolving AI space. While also working with third parties to develop AI solutions for under-represented communities including real-time interpretation of Libras, the Brazilian sign language, and working with the Scott-Morgan Foundation to develop an avatar that creates new communication possibilities for people with severe disabilities.

Lenovo is focused on ensuring the future of AI meets its full potential as a benefit to humanity. Lenovo has also harnessed the power of AI for sustainability, with real-time tracking of emissions across its value chain and an AI-powered advisor to support customers’ sustainability decisions across the IT lifecycle.

Learn more about Lenovo’s approach to Responsible AI and more of its governance initiatives in the FY2023-24 Environmental, Social and Governance Report.

Originally published by Packaging Strategies

By Babitha George

A plant-based plastic cap is one way to minimize the carbon footprint of packaging when used in place of a traditional plastic cap. But what does “plant-based” mean in this context?

Food and beverage packaging can be derived from plant-based materials like sugarcane, which are renewable if responsibly sourced. When this is the case, it can reduce the packaging’s carbon footprint compared to that of traditional packaging materials, such as plastics derived from fossil fuels.

Continue reading here

Owned and operated by a dual military couple, Bailey’s Child Development and Learning Center started when the Bailey’s were facing difficulties finding reliable childcare while on active duty. Knowing they could not possibly be the only active military family dealing with this issue, the couple opened an at home childcare facility in 2013. Very quickly, three enrolled kids increased to 12 kids and the demand continued to grow, forcing Bailey’s CDC to implement a waiting list for other families who needed these services.

Bailey’s CDC provides curriculum to students in addition to training sessions for parents who need education support or information on childcare. Bailey’s CDC also provides jobs within the local community, expanding benefits and impact beyond the facility.

The Baileys identified this growing need for trustworthy and reputable childcare and were committed to providing this service. However, with no expertise in starting and running a small business, all of this was very new. They had to look for organizations that could provide them with all the knowledge and resources to properly operate and continue to grow the learning center.

Raphaela Bailey, part owner of Bailey’s CDC understands the fear and discomfort parents feel when placing their children in childcare. Raphaela understands the parents they service because she has been in their shoes. She recalls her time on active sea duty and how terrified she was to leave her babies. She has compassion for the parents leaving their kids in childcare and wants to create a safe environment where parents feel confident leaving their children.

With the demand for Bailey’s CDC increasing, the couple looked for ways to attract new employees while caring for their current staff. Through programs like the Shared Service Alliance, United Way, and Alamo Workforce, Bailey’s CDC was able to better understand the needs of the community.

As a recipient of a FedEx Small Business Grant, Bailey’s CDC can concentrate on efforts to invest more time in growing their business. The Baileys shared they plan to “take the center to the next level and become a Texas Rising Star-certified program,” a program that will help provide healthcare for teachers at the center.

With the grant funds, Bailey’s CDC will continue providing a much-needed space for children to learn and grow, parents to learn, and further engage local community members. Bailey’s CDC desires to contribute to their local economy and successfully set up the leaders of tomorrow for brighter futures.

Visit FedExCares.com for additional feature stories about the other 2024 Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant Program winners in the coming weeks.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

By Sarah Hewitt, Director Strive Women, Women’s Entrepreneurship at CARE

In the corner of a vegetarian restaurant in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, three Vietnamese women sit around bowls of steaming noodles and dumplings, engrossed in discussion.

Despite the noise and chaos of the traffic outside, it’s peaceful in this small and cozy restaurant filled with potted plants. Sounds of conversation and laughter grow as the restaurant fills up with the lunch crowd.

The handmade menu tells the owner’s story. She opened the restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic with a desire to provide healthy, nourishing meals made from local ingredients. Like any small business, this owner would face multiple challenges and fierce competition (as she later tells me), but now, the restaurant is clearly thriving, and I wonder, what is the recipe for her success? What draws all these customers and me, a foreigner in Vietnam, time and again to this restaurant instead of the more familiar big chain names?

Is it just the papaya salad – really, the best I’ve ever eaten – or is it something else that only a small business has?

Building stronger communities

Around the world, small businesses are the hearts and souls of communities. Your local barber and corner stores offer more than just transactional interactions for essential products and services. They are places where people listen to your everyday problems and foster a sense of belonging. What’s more, there’s a one in three chance that these micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), like the one I’m lunching in today, will be led by women.

There are more women than ever in business today, yet most have only three-quarters of the legal rights that men have when it comes to career, finances, and work-life balance – this despite the fact that women-led businesses are vital not just for their reinvestment into household incomes and national economies, but also for their transformative power. The latest evidence on women-led businesses finds that they not only reduce poverty but that they also drive job creation, spark innovation, and contribute to safer, greener and more vibrant communities, ensuring that everyone thrives collectively. These women-led enterprises are regenerative forces – building business communities and hiring local workers. Local economies simply cannot succeed without them.

Dreaming inclusive growth into reality

“Women on their own face many obstacles. However, if we build a community of people who inspire us and support us, we can achieve so much…. We can do things together that we could never accomplish alone,” says Violeta Pacheco Mejía an entrepreneur in Lima, Peru.

Her eco-friendly alpaca and cotton clothing company, Tejidos Peruanos, is based in Villa El Salvador, a historically disadvantaged neighborhood in Lima.  Her business has a reputation for being a place where women help women succeed and where community makes the impossible possible. Violeta set up her company in Villa El Salvador to make it more accessible to talented workers living in the area. In addition to having a largely female work staff, Tejidos Peruanos offers safe on-site childcare for employees, to give parents flexibility and peace of mind. Tejidos Peruanos and Violeta are prime examples of how women entrepreneurs reinvest in their communities, hire more women, and give hope to other marginalized populations.

It has taken Violeta over 18 years of hard work and passion to create the business of her dreams — impactful and profitable. Yet it was only in this last year that Violeta, through her participation in CARE’s Ignite and Strive Women programs – both supported by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth – was finally able to get a bank loan in her own name.

“Tejidos Peruanos is the dream of 14 women,” says Violeta, “We have gone through many difficulties, but we have been able to move forward despite them. We have realized at this point that if we want to keep moving forward, we must keep preparing and training – not just me, but the whole team. This is a dream that we dream together.”

Enabling healthy market systems, while battling systemic barriers

Despite the creativity, resilience, and leadership demonstrated by Violeta and millions like her, women entrepreneurs face outsized barriers and constraints – including access to credit – that impede their growth and deteriorate their confidence.

The women entrepreneurs we work with through CARE’s programs are not willing to wait. They want to grow their businesses and they have the skills and confidence to do it. Our recipe for building a supportive ecosystem – one that values the contributions of women – works with local partners to design policies, products, and programs. Together we design tailored financial services, alongside training and business networks, with outreach campaigns to challenge harmful gender norms.

Policymakers, businesses, banks, community leaders, and individuals have a role to play in unlocking women’s economic power, valued at $10 trillion annually. We need whole system change that includes comprehensive macroeconomic reforms including fairer tax systems and recognition of the care economy. We need localized women-centered financial products and entrepreneur support systems to create more equitable economies for all marginalized groups, including women.

As we commemorate MSME Day let us recognize, celebrate, and promote the women-led micro and small enterprises that are the lifeblood of our communities. Here’s how you can show your support and make an impact:

By supporting the growth and resilience of women-led small businesses, we strengthen the invisible bonds that connect us. This not only helps unique and vibrant places thrive, like the Vietnamese noodle café in Hanoi, but also moves us towards a feminist future where equality and inclusivity become a lived reality.

ERGs Unplugged is our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) podcast, where we take a deeper dive into the power of our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). In our fourth episode, Black Alliance members Destinie Harris, Candance Lewis, and Dre Moseley share their perspectives on the impact of the ERG.

To learn more about our commitment to DE&I visit: Maximus.com/DEI