Tag: 3BL

Nearly 500 summer interns, representing 166 colleges and universities, recently kicked off a 10-week Summer Internship Program at PNC with a two-day summit at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in downtown Pittsburgh.

While acquiring knowledge about PNC and the financial industry, students also received lessons in volunteerism by building trikes and wagons for pre-K children. The build was in support of PNC Grow Up Great, the company’s signature philanthropic program now celebrating its 20th year. PNC Grow Up Great is a $500 million, bilingual early childhood education program that helps to prepare children for success in school and life. The company provides eligible employees with up to 40 hours of paid time to volunteer with approved organizations each year.

“Working in teams to build trikes and wagons was a great way for the interns to begin getting to know one another,” said Madison Tonarelli, PNC campus recruiting manager. “It also gave them the opportunity to immerse themselves in PNC’s culture of volunteerism and giving back to the community.”​​

Tonarelli said the intern class spans 52 PNC markets, the most of any intern cohort ever at PNC. Select markets will have one or more “Neighborhood Champions” to serve as an in-market resource for interns, facilitating engagement activities and helping interns make connections and learn more about career opportunities at PNC.

Originally published on Built From Scratch

The Home Depot Foundation is investing $9 million to provide housing solutions for over 3,400 veterans battling homelessness. This funding will support the construction of more than 300 new housing units and the repair of nearly 200 additional units, bringing much-needed stability and comfort to veterans across the nation.

Over the past decade, the number of homeless veterans has decreased by 55%, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. However, last year, that number began to rise again, with an average of 35,000 veterans experiencing homelessness on any given night. The Home Depot Foundation’s grants will play a pivotal role in countering this challenge by creating new housing units through collaborations with national nonprofit partners including Volunteers of America, Housing Assistance Council and Tunnel to Towers, as well as local nonprofits in Georgia, Ohio and Massachusetts.

“We are deeply committed to ensuring that our nation’s heroes have a safe and comfortable place to call home,” said Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. “Our investment is not just about building structures; it’s about building hope and providing the security that every veteran deserves.”

In partnership with other nonprofits like Community Solutions, these grants will also facilitate the process of finding and securing existing housing for an additional 3,000 homeless veterans. An integral part of this initiative includes funding for landlord incentive programs, which are crucial in overcoming the barriers faced by at-risk and homeless veterans in finding sustainable housing.

Over the past year, the Foundation’s pilot landlord incentive programs with U.S. VETS and Volunteers of America have seen promising success in Los Angeles, Honolulu and Chicago. In April, the Foundation launched the LOVE (Landlord, Organizations, and Veterans Engagement) Fund in Atlanta, a dedicated resource aimed at assisting veterans who are housing insecure or transitioning from homelessness.

Under the direction of the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans and Open Doors Atlanta, this fund empowers local nonprofits to work directly with landlords, addressing challenges such as poor credit history or past evictions that often prevent veterans from obtaining housing.

“We are honored to partner with The Home Depot Foundation in this transformative endeavor,” said Matt Hurd, executive director of Open Doors Atlanta. “Their unwavering support and generous funding are instrumental in our mission to ensure every veteran and individual in the city of Atlanta has a place to call home.”

Beyond immediate housing solutions, the Foundation’s funding will also support essential research, studies and training on aging, rural, low-income and disabled veterans, as well as housing trends and specific housing needs through the Housing Assistance Council.

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By Matthew Borst, CONTRIBUTOR

Change may be a constant in any industry, but the grid and energy industries are experiencing a revolutionary change they have never seen. The grid and energy industries are in the midst of a significant transformation, referred to as grid modernization, driven by the integration of cutting-edge technologies like telecommunications, distributed energy resources, battery storage, solar power, and the ever-present concern of cybersecurity. This fundamental shift presents both challenges and opportunities that will reshape how the world generates, distributes, and consumes electricity.

History of grid modernization

The traditional process that the grid and energy industries have utilized goes back to the late 19th century with the establishment of the first industrial power plants. In the early 20th century, the grid rapidly expanded, but with a focus on centralized power generation using fossil fuels and long-distance transmission lines. The power sources for energy expanded throughout the 20th century to include nuclear, hydroelectric, and some renewables, but the grid and energy industries continued to be separate, isolated entities until the 21st century.

The push for grid modernization came as concerns rose about aging infrastructure, increasing blackouts, and rising environmental impact. In 2003, the United States Department of Energy created dedicated offices to address grid reliability and security. The past two decades have seen a dramatic rise of renewable energy sources like wind and solar and pushes for grid upgrades to handle fluctuating power generation. Grid modernization strives to tackle these problems to ensure a better system moving forward.

Key aspects of grid modernization

Grid modernization is focused on transforming the current electricity delivery system to meet the demands of the 21st century and beyond. Key aspects of this transformation include:

Integration of renewables: A core focus is on smoothly bringing renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the power generation mix. This often requires upgrades to handle the variable nature of these power sources.Smart grid technologies: The Smart Grid concept involves using digital technology to monitor, control, and optimize the flow of electricity. This includes smart meters for consumers and advanced grid management systems for utilities.Infrastructure improvements: Aging grid systems need upgrades to improve reliability and efficiency. This can involve replacing outdated equipment, strengthening transmission lines, and investing in new technologies for power distribution.Consumer management: Modernization aims to give consumers more control over their energy use. This might involve tools for monitoring consumption, participating in demand-response programs, and even generating their own power.Resilience and security: The grid needs to be more resistant to outages caused by weather events, cyberattacks, and other threats. This involves building redundancy and implementing advanced security measures.

Overall, grid modernization is a complex undertaking with far-reaching impacts. The goal of this process is to pave the way for a more reliable, efficient, secure, and environmentally sound electricity system for the future.

Challenges of grid modernization

Grid modernization is a necessary step towards a more sustainable and efficient energy future, but it is not without its hurdles to overcome. Some of the challenges that come with this transformation include:

Cost: Upgrading the power grid requires significant investment in new technologies, infrastructure, and cybersecurity measures. Utilities need to find ways to finance these improvements while keeping electricity affordable for consumers.Variability of renewables: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are variable in their output. The grid needs to be able to handle these fluctuations without compromising reliability.Interoperability: Modernization often involves integrating equipment from new technology sources. Ensuring seamless communication and utilization between new and legacy systems requires common standards and protocols, which are still being developed.Cybersecurity: A more digital grid with new data sources creates increasing vulnerabilities to cyberattacks. Robust security measures are essential to protect critical infrastructure.Regulation: The regulatory framework needs to adapt to support grid modernization efforts and incentivize investment and adoption of new technologies

Opportunities with grid modernization

While grid modernization presents a complex challenge, the potential benefits are significant. Overcoming the hurdles and capitalizing on these opportunities creates numerous advantages, including:

Clean energy integration: A modernized grid can efficiently integrate renewable energy sources, reducing global reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change.Consumer empowerment: Consumers can gain more control over their energy use through smart meters and demand-response programs, leading to increased participation in the energy market, potentially even selling excess power back to the grid.Improved grid reliability and efficiency: Modernization can lead to fewer power outages, reduced energy losses, and a more efficient overall system.Economic growth: Investment in a modern grid will drive economic growth and the creation of new jobs in areas like renewable energy technologies, grid construction, and cybersecurity solutions.Innovation: Modernization opens doors for innovation in areas like energy storage, distributed generation, data analytics, cybersecurity, and telecommunications.

The Road Ahead

The transformation of the grid and energy industry is complex and ongoing. Collaboration between utilities, technology companies, policymakers, and consumers is essential to overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by grid modernization. By investing in infrastructure upgrades, developing innovative technologies, and prioritizing cybersecurity, the world can create a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy future.

Key to this transition will be the integration of five key technology areas: telecommunications, distributed energy resources, battery storage, solar power, and cybersecurity. In future blog posts, we will explore grid modernization and these five areas in depth. Bookmark this post and check back again next month for a link to the next blog post in the series.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 24, 2024 /3BL/ – Global edtech leader Discovery Education today unveiled a host of enhancements to its award-winning digital solutions that will help school systems everywhere support teachers as they ignite student curiosity, drive deeper engagement, and propel higher student achievement in the coming school year. Headlining these enhancements are more standards-aligned content and ready-to-use lessons that make the creation of modern learning experiences easier than ever, as well as upgraded teacher resources and professional learning opportunities that help save educators time and improve their teaching practice.

The enhancements coming to Discovery Education Experience, the company’s K-12 cross-curricular supplemental solution, include:

Standards-aligned search improvements ensuring educators find the right resources to support high-quality instruction, now with a more intuitive user interface, an updated Browse by Standards page, a new Filter by Standards feature in Search, and improved alignments of content to standards.Exciting new high-quality resources fostering engaging instruction in math, ELA, social studies, and science – including new student science investigations and lessons, new elementary social studies grab-and-go lessons and videos from the DE original series Need to Know, more activities, ready-to-use-resources, and engaging videos within the exclusive Sesame Learning Channel, and new math interactives for grades 6-12.More seamless LMS integrations with workflow enhancements for Google Classroom, Schoology, and Canvas.

DreamBox Math by Discovery Education, the standards-aligned program for students in grades K-8 rated “Strong” by evidenceforESSA.org, adapts and differentiates in real-time based on students’ answers and problem-solving method. DreamBox Math has been enriched with:

Engaging new lessons and accessibility enhancements for K-5 math lessons designed to support every learner in developing their math skills and building their confidence.New and updated state alignments for NJ, ND, RI, VA, and FL that add ease and flexibility to weekly routines and ensure standards-aligned instruction.Reporting enhancements that make it easier to view student progress.

Pivot Interactives by Discovery Education, which recently won a coveted CODiE award, is a supplemental science solution for students 6-12 providing interactive science activities driving phenomena-based learning. New updates to Pivot include:

New interactive video activities offering continuous, personalized feedback scaffolding, across a variety of disciplines.Deep randomization capabilities that vary question text, images, video trials, and data sets that prompt students to persevere and achieve success on their own.More flexible assignment extension options, enabling greater teacher control.Co-teacher capability that makes it easy for teachers to collaborate on assigning and grading activities.Rich Assignment Insights to see where students are succeeding and need more support.New Assessment Mode capabilities, providing flexible options to better assess student understanding of science practices.Quick sharing for custom libraries, ensuring easy teacher collaboration and departmental organization.

DreamBox Reading by Discovery Education meets students with targeted personalization that ensures students in every grade have the support they need to become proficient and confident readers. Enhancements coming to Discovery Education’s effective literacy solutions this fall include:

Reporting updates that make it easy for educators to view students’ progress in DreamBox Reading Plus and quickly identify areas of struggle or opportunities to enhance their instruction.Enhancements to DreamBox Reading Park lessons for grades PreK-2, including additional instruction via Concept Videos, more robust lessons with enhanced mistake types and feedback, and visual updates to Fluency & Comprehension lessons that increase readability.

Mystery Science by Discovery Education is a unique, standards-aligned science curriculum for grades K-5 designed to help students stay curious. Mystery Science offers engaging, open-and-go lessons with step-by-step, hands-on activities that explore scientific phenomena using common classroom items. Mystery Science has been updated with:

New K-5 vocabulary supports in English and Spanish. Included are Teacher Printouts, with a printable vocabulary list with words and definitions, as well as Student Slideshows with images and videos pulled directly from the lesson to reinforce student vocabulary retention.New lesson updates and realignments that make Mystery Science even easier to use.

Science Techbook, the rigorous science curriculum for K-12 classrooms that brings the excitement of science to life for every student, has been improved with the following:

Streamlined navigation, updated note-taking capabilities, and visual reinforcement of the 5E model with Science Techbook for grades 6-8.New, immersive, content following relevant, real-world storylines that empower educators to bring phenomena-based learning opportunities to students.

Recently, Discovery Education’s Science Techbook was certified as meeting the rigorous, evidence-based ESSA Tier III standards as set forth in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

“Discovery Education is dedicated to creating and distributing powerful products that nurture student curiosity and drive improved achievement, while easing the workload of teachers,” said Discovery Education CEO Brian Shaw. “The new enhancements to Discovery Education’s award-winning products support that mission, and we look forward to continuing to innovate on our products to maintain our position as the leading provider of edtech products for K-12 teachers and students.”

All educators using Discovery Education products enjoy access to the Discovery Educator Network. A global community of education professionals, the Discovery Educator Network connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration.

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions visit www.discoveryeducation.com and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contact 
Stephen Wakefield 
Discovery Education 
Phone: 202-316-6615 
Email: swakefield@discoveryed.com

June 24, 2024 /3BL/ – The Consumer Goods Forum’s (CGF) Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) participated in a pivotal event hosted by BRCGS in Shanghai, China, on Friday 29 March 2024, aimed at advancing integral global conversations surrounding responsible procurement and due diligence. The event, titled “ETRS – A Rising Ethical Global Standard,” showcased collaborative efforts to promote Ethical Trade & Responsible Sourcing (ETRS) in China.

Bringing together key stakeholders including retailers, certification bodies, and industry representatives, the event served as a platform for insightful discussions addressing the unique challenges of the Asian market. With a focus on transparency, speakers from BRCGS, SSCI, and Extensive Standard Technical Services (ESTS) delved into topics such as social compliance audits, global issues, relevant laws and regulations, and solutions offered by the BRCGS ETRS Standard.

One of the highlights of the event was the roundtable discussion featuring prominent representatives from leading organisations, including Stephanie Shu from Starbucks China, Sherlock Jiang from Associated British Foods, Jule Li from COOP Italia China, Jianqiang Huo from Yili Dairy Group, and Iarina Radu and Ray Jin from BRCGS. The interactive session fostered active dialogue, identifying key pain points, addressing existing issues, and generating constructive suggestions.

Diana Wang, the CGF’s China Manager for Sustainability, represented at the event with guests receiving a recorded presentation by the SSCI emphasising the critical importance of transparency in global supply chains.

Diana said about the collaboration, “Harmonisation and transparency is a cornerstone for building sustainable supply chains, particularly in the nuanced landscape of China’s industry. Recognising the significance of participating in global dialogues, SSCI values collaboration with partners like BRCGS to foster meaningful change and advocate for responsible sourcing practices worldwide.”

SSCI, inspired by the success of GFSI, offers a robust benchmark for social and environmental programs across various sectors, including national mandatory standards like MSPO. Furthermore, SSCI plays a pivotal role in the forest-positive coalition, incorporating requirements related to deforestation and forest-positive practices.

Looking ahead, SSCI remains committed to expanding its efforts across all regions and sectors, further embedding sustainability into the fabric of global supply chains. With its recognition of the BRCGS Ethical Trade and Responsible Sourcing Standard, SSCI continues to drive meaningful change and collaboration within the industry.

Ray Jin from BRCGS said “At BRCGS, we’re thankful for our collaboration with SSCI as we’re committed to promoting transparency and ethical sourcing in supply chains. Our ETRS Standard, in partnership with SSCI, provides a robust framework for companies to navigate the complexities of global procurement responsibly.”

For more details on the summit proceedings and to access presentation slides and session recordings, please visit the International Sustainability Summit’s website.

About the Consumer Goods Forum’s Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI):

The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) builds trust in sustainability standards worldwide by benchmarking third-party auditing and certification programmes and recognising schemes that meet social and environmental industry sustainability expectations. By providing an open-source list of recognised programmes, the SSCI delivers clear guidance on which schemes cover key sustainability criteria and apply relevant verification practices. The SSCI improves transparency in the market, facilitates decision-making on schemes at both buyer and supplier level, and sets responsible sourcing expectations for the industry. For more information, visit www.tcgfssci.com and sign up to receive our news and updates. 

DÜSSELDORF, Germany, June 24, 2024 /3BL/ – Henkel is committed to elevating awareness among agriculture and construction vehicle and equipment (heavy vehicle and equipment) designers, manufacturers, and tier suppliers about the role advanced materials can play in enabling sustainability across the value chain – from R&D to manufacturing to use in the field. The company announced its ‘Respect the Planet, Rethink Design’ program, which prioritizes four pillars of sustainability – Climate, Circularity, Safety, and Nature – and demonstrates Henkel’s enablement of them all through its cutting-edge adhesive, surface treatment, and electronic materials portfolios.

Henkel Global Market Segment Manager, Heavy Equipment, Eric Zhai explains the inspiration behind the effort, which is designed to deliver results that amplify its customers’ commitment to sustainability. “As many in our industry are aware, sustainability is a central value at Henkel; it’s in our DNA,” he shares. “Our heavy vehicle and equipment customers are aligned on these practices, too, and we think there are opportunities to collaborate for even more impactful results. Our effort aims to show manufacturers that building tough, long-lasting equipment does not have to come at the expense of responsible environmental and human safety protocols. These are not mutually exclusive ambitions, and Henkel has proven solutions that help achieve these objectives simultaneously.”

Focusing on four defined sustainability pillars, Henkel’s ‘Respect the Planet, Rethink Design’ program leverages the technology advantages of its product line to facilitate the design, build, and use of vehicles and equipment that prioritize people and the environment, while enabling robust, reliable performance. Examples include:

Climate – Formulas for metal cleaning processes that reduce required bath temperatures, lower chemical consumption, and decrease energy use. Structural adhesives enable lightweighting, allowing reliable bonding strength and the integration of lighter, alternative substrates for improved fuel efficiency.Circularity – Certain Henkel processes enable automated dosing and material reusability. Additionally, the company is exploring renewable bio-based polyurethane hot melts, low pressure molding materials, and recycling/reuse-enabling debonding solutions.Safety – Materials formulated without substances under discussion, and compliance with safety agency ratings and environmental compatibility standards protect health and well-being.Nature – Natural resources like water are preserved through products and processes that reduce consumption and allow wastewater recycling.

As a key material supplier to the agriculture and construction equipment sector, Henkel helps customers overcome barriers to sustainable design through innovative product development and consultative sustainability programs. The company has consistently shown that deep engagement with its team can deliver measurable results.

“Time and time again, we have demonstrated how our involvement at the R&D phase can drive sustainable outcomes from end to end,” says Zhai. “Examples include cleaning and metal pretreatment innovations that have enabled low-temperature cleaning to operate at 38°C instead of 60°C achieving significant energy reduction; using structural adhesives to replace welding that can provide a carbon footprint reduction up to 15%; as well as tin-free and solvent-free adhesive sealant innovations used for bonding and sealing applications”.

As part of its ‘Respect the Planet, Rethink Design’ campaign, Henkel will share application case studies, conduct technical presentations at industry conferences, and host sustainability innovation workshops with customers at global Inspiration and Technical Centers. To learn more, visit the company’s website. To schedule a sustainability workshop with Henkel, contact the team.

BELLEVUE, Wash., June 24, 2024 /3BL/ – The Un-carrier is painting even more towns magenta. T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) unveiled its latest 25 Hometown Grant recipients, tallying up to 300 communities across 47 states, including, for the first time, Rhode Island. The grantees will each receive up to $50,000 in funding from T-Mobile to kickstart local development projects that enhance communities, such as building adaptive playgrounds, launching small business initiatives and beautifying downtowns.

T-Mobile has provided more than $13 million in Hometown Grants since it kicked off its five-year commitment to small towns and rural communities in April 2021. To date, Hometown Grants has created more than 78,000 volunteer hours, rallying people to come together and uplift their towns.

“Hometown Grants is T-Mobile’s way of giving people in small towns a chance to build a more resilient future, and it’s incredibly inspiring to see the impact it’s had on 300 communities knowing there’s many more to come,” said Jon Freier, President, Consumer Group, T-Mobile. “When we started this program three years ago, we knew it had the power to make a difference, but to see so many people come together for their towns is truly extraordinary.”

Here are the next 25 Hometown Grant recipients and their projects:

Saraland, Ala.: Improve local park amenities and create inclusive and secure recreational spaces throughout the city for participants of all abilities to help accommodate the needs of all residents in Saraland.Thomasville, Ga.: Transform a vacant building into a gateway to The Ritz Amphitheater, seamlessly blending art, culture, and local businesses, while enhancing the identity of Downtown Thomasville’s Creative District, historically known as The Bottom.Tybee Island, Ga.: Revitalize the Tybee Post Theater’s interior, including new seating, to provide a more comfortable experience for the community and continue to support cultural events, educational programs and community engagement initiatives.Fairfield, Idaho: Build an adaptive, accessible playground at Idaho’s Medical Camp through Camp Rainbow Gold, an organization that aims to provide emotionally empowering experiences for children with cancer and their families.Salmon, Idaho: Replace fabric mesh ceiling panels at the Whitewater Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Association’s indoor riding arena to ensure continued access for recreational, cultural and therapeutic activities to the community’s youth, elderly and those with special needs.Sycamore, Ill.: Beautify downtown Sycamore by adding planter gardens for seasonal flowers outside local businesses and murals painted by local artists.Madison, Ind.: Assist in purchasing trolley vehicles, which will provide free routes around the community and between hotels and businesses for residents and visitors during conferences and special events.Pineville, Ky.: Activate an alleyway in downtown Pineville, making both the pocket park and historic theater more accessible while also adding modern conveniences.Ruston, La.: Transform the former City Pool into a community skatepark for the youth, providing a secure and inclusive environment for skaters of all ages. The conversion to a community skatepark not only meets the recreational needs of Ruston’s youth but also presents an invaluable platform for physical exertion and creative expression.Saco, Maine: Revitalize Riverfront Park by adding picnic tables, seating, bike racks and installing security cameras to provide a safe, relaxing place for the community to enjoy outdoor recreational activities along the Saco River.Three Rivers, Mich.: Renovate part of the Huss Project for a community bike shop—repairing used bikes with and for our neighbors, developing an earn-a-bike youth bike program with partners, and adding a bike-powered community compost program for our urban farm—to increase mobility, accessibility, and connectivity throughout our city.Greenville, Miss.: Launch the Delta Entrepreneurial Corridor, supporting over 300 small businesses by providing business planning resources, financial literacy programs and more.Hazlehurst, Miss.: Install a new playground with accessible, state-of-the-art playground equipment in the heart of Hazlehurst to provide a safe and fun place for children.Glasgow, Mont.: Revitalize the Children’s Museum of Northeast Montana, including new hands-on science exhibits, repairs to the building’s roof, improvements to the public restrooms and the addition of a washer and dryer, to help maintain a clean, safe environment.White Sulphur Springs, Mont.: Renovate Springs Park, including a new site design, new playground equipment, ADA-accessible parking and provide better access to the Rotary Picnic Shelter, creating a year-round safe and inclusive community space for users of all ages and abilities.Aberdeen, N.C.: Create the Aberdeen Garden Park, a first-ever greenspace including a pergola, water feature, benches, pathways and a pollinator garden for the community to enjoy.Mount Airy, N.C.: Install wayfinding signage downtown to streamline navigation, increase traffic for visitors and residents and boost local business revenue.Hartington, Neb.: Complete Phase 2 of the Cedar County Fair Grandstand, including ADA upgrades to the venue’s seating, to increase accessibility, safety and inclusivity.Bridgeton, N.J.: Build the Follow Bridgeton Media Makerspace, a state-of-the-art community center with a recording studio, video production studio, soundstage, classrooms, and coworking spaces for members of our community to engage with civic life by learning about — and creating — the local news, information, and stories that matter to them.Elmira, N.Y.: Replace two basketball courts at Pirozzolo Park to keep this vital community resource and promote physical activity and youth sports.Ithaca, N.Y.: Renovate the Community School of Music and Arts; 2nd floor Windows Abatement & Restoration ProjectBristol, R.I.: Install a historical and educational landmark within Independence Park to honor those affected by Bristol’s participation in slavery and the Transatlantic Human Trade, recognizing their contributions to Rhode Island and the nation.Giddings, Texas: Build an informational and interactive digital kiosk at Veterans Park, serving as a location finder for the Veterans Honor Wall and search tool for available community resources, services and events.Danville, Va.: Expand the backpack weekend feeding program into Pittsylvania County, adding a cargo van to transport much-needed food items to youth to increase school attendance, decrease behavioral issues and provide nutritional resources outside of the classroom.Clarkston, Wash.: Build a Learning Garden at the Heights Branch Library, including a concrete patio, a smart-scaped garden, raised garden beds for youth community gardening and StoryWalk™ book reading path, providing an outdoor space to enable educational and recreational programs for all ages and promote healthy habits and environmental responsibility.

To select Hometown Grant recipients, T-Mobile partners with Main Street America to oversee the grant program and assess applications based on their level of detail, community impact, feasibility and other considerations. Learn more about Main Street America’s work to advance shared prosperity, create resilient economies, and improve quality of life here.

T-Mobile’s commitment to small towns goes beyond Hometown Grants, with initiatives like Project 10Million, which offers internet connectivity and mobile hotspots to eligible students to help close the digital divide. Plus, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet and Business Internet give homes and businesses across the country access to reliable and affordable broadband options.

In addition, T-Mobile has awarded funds to small businesses through Hometown Grants. Since inception, more than $1 million has been allocated to fuel small business projects like revitalizing farmers’ markets, supporting business incubators and making improvements to city main streets.

As the country’s largest, fastest and most awarded 5G network, T-Mobile is all in on making sure that no community, big or small, gets left behind. Recently, T-Mobile announced expanded Ultra Capacity 5G network performance for nearly 60 million customers over nearly 300,000 square miles from Auction 108.

For more information about T-Mobile’s commitment to small towns, visit www.t-mobile.com/hometowngrants. And to see how Hometown Grants are creating change, go here.

Follow @TMobileNews on X, formerly known as Twitter, to stay up to date with the latest company news.

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T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Not available in all areas. Delivered via 5G cellular network; speeds vary due to factors affecting cellular networks. Project 10Million: Verify National School Lunch Program eligibility at signup.

About T-Mobile

T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com

Media Contact 
T-Mobile US, Inc. Media Relations 
MediaRelations@t-mobile.com  

Investor Relations Contact 
T-Mobile US, Inc. 
Investor.Relations@t-mobile.com   
https://investor.t-mobile.com

BOISE, Idaho, June 24, 2024 /3BL/ – KeyBank awarded a $300,000 grant to Jesse Tree to support the organization in reducing eviction and boosting health and housing resources for low-income Treasure Valley families. Jesse Tree offers individualized support, education, and one-time rental assistance to keep Idahoans housed and empowered to find stability during a financial crisis. 

Since its founding in 1999, Jesse Tree has prevented eviction and homelessness for more than 8,000 families – that’s more than 24,000 people – and administered over $10 million in one-time rental assistance. The grant from KeyBank will be utilized to support Jesse Tree’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, as well as a community health resource position to serve clients. 

ERA provides case management and financial assistance to low-income renters at a high risk of eviction and homelessness. Jesse Tree’s services include attending eviction court with tenants, negotiating agreements with landlords and their attorneys, paying outstanding rent owed, creating housing stability plans, and providing financial literacy education and employment connections. 

Since nearly one-quarter of those receiving assistance from Jesse Tree are being evicted due to health- related reasons, the organization staffs a community health resource professional focused on longer- term service and connecting clients to necessary health resources. 

“Jesse Tree’s main goal with the ERA Program is to help our neighbors avoid an eviction, which can create a lifelong barrier to securing housing and employment,” said Scott Schlange, KeyBank Idaho Market President. “This grant will help Jesse Tree keep more low-income families in the Treasure Valley housed and connected to vital health support services.” 

Jesse Tree fielded over 28,000 calls and texts and 3,500 applications in 2023, attending 1,802 eviction hearings in the Treasure Valley. 

“This funding will allow our organization to progress to meet the demand for our services,” said Ali Rabe, Executive Director of Jesse Tree. “Over the next three years, Jesse Tree will be able to grow our community health program with the support of KeyBank and continue to provide more direct emergency financial assistance to tenants facing temporary hardship. We are so grateful for this partnership with KeyBank, and their dedication to keeping our neighbors housed!” 

About Jesse Tree

 Jesse Tree was founded in 1999 in Boise, Idaho, to provide financial assistance to low-income renters at risk of homelessness. Jesse Tree’s founders had conversations with people living outside and noticed the same pattern: a temporary financial crisis coupled with a lack of support led to eviction. The solution was clear. If people had received support during their crisis, they would have never experienced homelessness. Following these conversations, Jesse Tree’s founders pooled funds to create the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. This program provides one-time rental assistance and individualized case management services to low-income renters at risk of experiencing homelessness. The ERA program remains the organization’s main program. The primary goals are to prevent immediate housing loss and eviction by providing tenants with emergency rental assistance and to empower tenants to gain financial stability through case management. Over the last five years, 95% of clients served remain stably housed.

About KeyCorp

KeyBank’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, KeyCorp is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at March 31, 2024. 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 is a Member FDIC. 

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CONTACT:    
Jesse Tree | Ali Rabe | 208-283-4010 | ali@jessetreeidaho.org
KeyBank | Jennifer Shermer | 303-902-9419 | Jennifer@KeetonPR.com         

SAN MATEO, Calif., June 24, 2024 /3BL/ – Franklin Templeton has released its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report that addresses its approach to responsible corporate citizenship and outlines its efforts and accomplishments as it looks toward a better future for clients, shareholders and employees as well as the communities it serves around the world.

The fiscal year 2023 report details Franklin Templeton’s progress on the firm’s six dimensions of CSR – stewardship and sustainable investing; environment; diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I); employee experience; community engagement; and responsible corporate practices. The firm also reports sustainability data using two widely used disclosure frameworks, the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

To access the report, visit the Corporate Social Responsibility page on the Franklin Resources website.

About Franklin Templeton

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.6 trillion in assets under management as of May 31, 2024. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

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Franklin Templeton and its specialist investment managers have certain environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals or capabilities; however, not all strategies are managed to ESG-oriented objectives.

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal.

This material is intended to be of general interest only and should not be construed as individual investment advice or a recommendation or solicitation to buy, sell or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. It does not constitute legal or tax advice. This material may not be reproduced, distributed or published without prior written permission from Franklin Templeton.

The views expressed are those of the investment manager and the comments, opinions and analyses are rendered as at publication date and may change without notice. The underlying assumptions and these views are subject to change based on market and other conditions and may differ from other portfolio managers or of the firm as a whole. The information provided in this material is not intended as a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any country, region or market. There is no assurance that any prediction, projection or forecast on the economy, stock market, bond market or the economic trends of the markets will be realized. The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount that you invested. Past performance is not necessarily indicative nor a guarantee of future performance. All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal.

Any research and analysis contained in this material has been procured by Franklin Templeton for its own purposes and may be acted upon in that connection and, as such, is provided to you incidentally. Data from third party sources may have been used in the preparation of this material and Franklin Templeton (“FT”) has not independently verified, validated or audited such data. Although information has been obtained from sources that Franklin Templeton believes to be reliable, no guarantee can be given as to its accuracy and such information may be incomplete or condensed and may be subject to change at any time without notice. The mention of any individual securities should neither constitute nor be construed as a recommendation to purchase, hold or sell any securities, and the information provided regarding such individual securities (if any) is not a sufficient basis upon which to make an investment decision. FT accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss arising from use of this information and reliance upon the comments, opinions and analyses in the material is at the sole discretion of the user.

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Canada: Prepared for use in Canada by Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. or Putnam Investments Canada ULC (o/a Putnam Management in Manitoba), as applicable, 200 King Street West, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON, M5H 3T4, (800) 387-0830, Fax: (416) 364-1163, www.franklintempleton.ca.

Offshore Americas: In the U.S., this publication is made available only to financial intermediaries by Franklin Distributors, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, 100 Fountain Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716. Tel: (800) 239-3894 (USA Toll-Free), (877) 389-0076 (Canada Toll-Free), and Fax: (727) 299-8736. Distribution outside the U.S. may be made by Franklin Templeton International Services, S.à r.l. (FTIS) or other sub-distributors, intermediaries, dealers or professional investors that have been engaged by FTIS to distribute shares of Franklin Templeton funds in certain jurisdictions. This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in any jurisdiction where it would be illegal to do so.

Issued in Europe by: Franklin Templeton International Services S.à r.l. – Supervised by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier – 8A, rue Albert Borschette, L-1246 Luxembourg. Tel: +352-46 66 67-1 Fax: +352-46 66 76. Poland: Issued by Templeton Asset Management (Poland) TFI S.A.; Rondo ONZ 1; 00-124 Warsaw. South Africa: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investments SA (PTY) Ltd, which is an authorised Financial Services Provider. Tel: +27 (21) 831 7400 Fax: +27 (21) 831 7422. Switzerland: Issued by Franklin Templeton Switzerland Ltd, Stockerstrasse 38, CH-8002 Zurich. United Arab Emirates: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investments (ME) Limited, authorized and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Dubai office: Franklin Templeton, The Gate, East Wing, Level 2, Dubai International Financial Centre, P.O. Box 506613, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel: +9714-4284100 Fax: +9714-4284140. UK: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited (FTIML), registered office: Cannon Place, 78 Cannon Street, London EC4N 6HL. Tel: +44 (0)20 7073 8500. Authorized and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority. Putnam Investments Limited®, registered office: 16 St James’s Street, London, SW1A 1ER. Tel +44 (0) 20 7907 8200. Authorized and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Australia: Issued by Franklin Templeton Australia Limited (ABN 76 004 835 849) (Australian Financial Services License Holder No. 240827), Level 47, 120 Collins Street, Mellbourne, Victoria 3000. Putnam Investments Australia Pty Limited, (ABN 50 105 178 916), (AFSL No. 247032), Level 10, 20 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. Hong Kong: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investments (Asia) Limited, 17/F, Chater House, 8 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong. Japan: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investments Japan Limited, registered in Japan as a Financial Instruments Business Operator with the Director of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (Financial Instruments Business Operator), No. 417, Member of the Investment Trust Association, Japan, the Japan Investment Advisers Association, and Type II Financial Instruments Firms Association. This document is provided upon your specific request for information. No information in this document shall be used for other purpose. Korea: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investment Advisors Korea Co., Ltd, 3rd fl., CCMM Building, 101 Yeouigongwon-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul Korea 07241. Malaysia: Issued by Franklin Templeton Asset Management (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. & Franklin Templeton GSC Asset Management Sdn. Bhd. This document has not been reviewed by Securities Commission Malaysia. Singapore: Issued by Templeton Asset Management Ltd. Registration No. (UEN) 199205211E, Inc. 7 Temasek Boulevard, #38-03 Suntec Tower One, 038987, Singapore.

Please visit www.franklinresources.com to be directed to your local Franklin Templeton website.

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(Coastal Conservation Association Florida issued the following news release on June 5, 2024.)

The team deployed 2 million clams in the IRL using state-of-the-art drone for precise distribution

EDGEWATER, Fla., June 24, 2024 /3BL/ – Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA Florida), the state’s leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries conservation, education and advocacy, joined Duke Energy, Capt. Blair Wiggins of Indian River Lagoon Clam Restoration Project, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and University of Florida (UF) Whitney Lab at the Riverside Conservancy Center to deploy 2 million clams using patented drone and continue their efforts for the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) Billion Clam Initiative.

The Billion Clam Initiative focuses on revitalizing and preserving the delicate ecosystem in the IRL by using state-of-the-art technology to systematically distribute clams on a large-scale basis.

The advantage of spreading clams with a drone will help overcome predation pressures and enable larger numbers of clams to be restored to the IRL. Drone distribution will also help plant clams in specific locations and densities, vastly accelerating the maturation process when compared to manual spreading.

“The Billion Clam Initiative is a broad-scale, science-backed collaborative effort that is using innovative technologies to drop millions of clams into the IRL.” CCA Florida Director of Habitat and Environmental Restoration Frank Gidus said. “We are proud to work with our awesome partners, like the Duke Energy Mariculture Center, as our efforts are improving the water quality in the Lagoon for today and generations to come.”

Since 2017, the partners have planted 40 million clams in the IRL. To help kickstart the Billion Clam Initiative, CCA Florida and the Duke Energy donated $100,000 in October 2023.

“Duke Energy’s Crystal River Mariculture Center has grown into one of Florida’s most successful fish hatcheries and conservation allies,” said Sharon Arroyo, Duke Energy Florida vice president of government and community relations. “To date, Duke Energy and its Mariculture Center, with help from CCA Florida, have released nearly 5 million fish and crustaceans along Florida’s coasts and has donated approximately $200,000 worth of submerged aquatic vegetation for habitat restoration projects in lakes, springs and shorelines across the state. Thanks to an outstanding collaboration with CCA Florida and others, we’ve been able to expand this work and revitalize and preserve even more of Florida’s most precious ecosystems.” 

Clams are filter feeders, removing excess nutrients from inshore coastal waters, as a result, creating clearer water. Improved water clarity allows more sunlight to penetrate the ecosystem and supports the growth of essential seagrasses, a vital need for the IRL. The restorative work from the clam planting will form the foundation for rebuilding shellfish populations, benefitting the needs for today and tomorrow.

About CCA Florida

The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) was founded in 1977 after drastic commercial overfishing along the Texas coast decimated redfish and speckled trout populations. One of 19 state chapters, CCA Florida became the fifth state chapter in 1985. A 501(c)3 non-profit, the purpose of CCA is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. Through habitat restoration projects, water quality initiatives and fisheries advocacy, CCA Florida works with its over 18,000 members including recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to conserve and enhance marine resources and coastal environments. Join the conversation on Facebook or learn more at ccaflorida.org.

About Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.

The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Duke Energy Media contact: Audrey Stasko 
Media line: 800.559.3853

CCA Media Contact: Mary Hillyer Peelen Walther 
Phone: 407.617.0604 
Email: mhpwalther@ccaflorida.org

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