Tag: 3BL

This spring, 10 interns with Fifth Third’s Project SEARCH program graduated, richer in knowledge, skills and work experience – and ready to take on gainful employment.

Project SEARCH, a one-year transition program for high school students with disabilities, aims to provide participants with marketable and transferable skills. Fifth Third’s program operates at the Bank’s Madisonville campus in Cincinnati.

Todd Reese, document custody administration manager, spoke at this year’s graduation about the positive impact Project SEARCH interns make on his team, the strides the interns made during their rotation in his department and the interns who have gone on to become full-time Bank employees.

“In the Document Management group, we’ve hired six Project SEARCH interns into full-time positions over the last 15 years,” Reese said. “This year, I was proud to point out that one of those graduates facilitates the rotation for the intern program in our group, bringing everything full circle. He is a shining example for the current students on what success looks like and what they can achieve.”

ABLE Account Panel

Recently, Mitch Morgan, director of inclusion, participated as an employer advocate in a panel discussion on the Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE, checking account. In certain state-sponsored ABLE programs, the Fifth Third ABLE checking account allows those with disabilities to save for their future and pay for qualified disability-related expenses.

The panel was held by Ascensus, the third-party with which the Bank partners on its ABLE checking account. Ascensus has established a relationship with Project SEARCH to help build awareness around the product for program interns as they work toward gaining competitive employment after graduation.

“The panel discussion allowed participants to gain insight from those who use the ABLE checking account, how they use the plan, choose the program and spread the word.” Morgan said. “We also talked about challenges and future enhancements to the program.”

Fifth Third’s ABLE checking program offers all the features of a traditional checking account, including a debit card, checks, access to more than 50,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide and more, making it easier for people with disabilities to manage their accounts and pay for their expenses.

The program also features a notched ABLE Debit Card, with a physical notch in the card, which assists visually impaired customers in easily identifying the card and helping ensure the card is inserted correctly into ATMs and PIN pads.

Fifth Third’s ABLE checking account aligns both with the Bank’s commitment to inclusion and as a leading supporter of the disability community. It was created, in part, with feedback from the Individuals with Disabilities Business Resource Group and Project SEARCH.

About Project SEARCH

Fifth Third’s Project SEARCH program is a collaborative effort with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and multiple high schools, community partners and state vocational rehabilitation agencies. Each organization is an active partner in providing vocational training and employment for people with disabilities. Fifth Third is among more than 700 sites worldwide to host a Project SEARCH program.

Through the program, created in Cincinnati in 1996, students with cognitive disabilities gain experience building transferable work skills. By providing training and education, the program teaches interns skills they can use for gainful employment upon graduating.

Since 2005, Fifth Third Bank’s Project SEARCH program has provided interactive learning opportunities to over 400 interns, preparing them for gainful employment. Of those, 36 are now Bank employees.

Originally published on bloomberg.com

Bloomberg announced the release of new tools to help investors measure, manage and report on the sustainability characteristics of investment portfolios. The tools are accessible within Bloomberg’s widely-used portfolio and risk analytics solutions, PORT, which is available to all Terminal users, and the premium offering PORT Enterprise, for those seeking an integrated enterprise reporting solution.

With the diversification of sustainable investment strategies coupled with evolving regulatory frameworks, investors need portfolio management solutions that include sustainability tools in order to make well-informed decisions, meet investment mandates and comply with regulatory reporting requirements.

To address this need, PORT and PORT Enterprise incorporate Bloomberg’s high quality and transparent ESG datasets, including key ESG indicators mandated under the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), greenhouse gas emissions for over 130,000 global public and private companies, and Bloomberg’s proprietary ESG scores used to assess company performance and disclosure. With a new dedicated ESG screen in PORT, users have the ability to easily compare portfolios, funds and indices using granular sustainability data on each holding. Users can identify the holdings or positions that are not in line with their ESG objectives and can also perform trend analysis.

The reporting capabilities of PORT Enterprise have been expanded to include the newly-released standardized SFDR report per ESMA’s template, in addition to fully customizable sustainability reports, to help clients disclose their sustainability metrics and meet EU regulatory requirements.

Soojin Lee, Head of ESG Integration and Analytics at Bloomberg, said: “Investors need increasingly sophisticated solutions to identify sustainability-related risks and opportunities, and meet their objectives and obligations. Bloomberg’s expanded PORT offering enables clients to manage and conduct detailed sustainability analysis on their portfolios, all in one place and through the click of a button. To ensure data consistency across the investment management process, from decision-making to reporting, clients can also access standardized reporting templates, or design their own reports with our PORT Enterprise functionality.”

Bloomberg’s sustainable finance solutions span ESG data and analytics, indices, scores, regulatory solutions, sustainable debt and climate risk. In addition, Bloomberg Terminal users also have access to ESG research from Bloomberg Intelligence and BloombergNEF. Clients can readily access ESG data on the Bloomberg Terminal via {ESGD <GO>} or across their enterprise via Data License at data.Bloomberg.com for use in proprietary or third-party applications in their cloud environment of choice. Through Data License Plus (DL+) ESG Manager, Bloomberg connects customers’ ESG data workflows to the full power of Bloomberg’s datasets as well as data from vendor partners, so clients can unlock maximum value with ease. For more information, visit Bloomberg Sustainable Finance Solutions.

Bloomberg’s portfolio and risk analytics solutions encompass PORT Enterprise for scalable enterprise usage and PORT for ad-hoc portfolio analysis on the Terminal. With 47,000 active users across 15,000 firms globally, PORT empowers clients to gain deeper portfolio insights through streamlined workflows that include intraday performance monitoring, historical performance attribution, risk forecasting and optimization. PORT Enterprise is a premium offering with more than 650 clients that provides sophisticated risk and return attribution capabilities with enhanced customization and batch reporting for enterprise usage. Access to Bloomberg’s Multi-Asset Class (MAC3) fundamental risk factor models provides clients with the most advanced suite of risk forecasting, including Tracking Error volatility, VAR, and scenario analysis. PORT Enterprise and PORT are part of Bloomberg Buy-Side Solutions, which deliver front-to-back technology across the investment lifecycle. For more information, visit Bloomberg Buy-Side Solutions.

About Bloomberg 
Bloomberg is a global leader in business and financial information, delivering trusted data, news, and insights that bring transparency, efficiency, and fairness to markets. The company helps connect influential communities across the global financial ecosystem via reliable technology solutions that enable our customers to make more informed decisions and foster better collaboration. For more information, visit Bloomberg.com/company or request a demo.

Media Contacts 
EMEA – Anna Schoeffler, aschoeffler1@bloomberg.net, +33 6 75 54 70 92 
U.S. – Casey Sheets, csheets8@bloomberg.net, +1 212 617 6463

PITTSBURGH, June 28, 2024 /3BL/ — On June 20, Wesco hosted its annual Day of Caring events for employees at numerous sites around the globe to celebrate its commitment to communities where we live and work and to announce the company’s inaugural Wesco Cares Champion of the Year Award recipient.

The company’s Day of Caring events encouraged employees to give back to the community and learn about local opportunities to do so. Employees learned more about the company’s matching gifts and paid volunteer time off programs, as well as corporate giving support of the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and other local charitable organizations. Events were hosted at numerous sites around the globe with nearly 4,000 employees and more than 50 nonprofit community partners in attendance. Through Wesco Cares employees logged more than 1,200 hours and donated more than $86,000 with company matches year to date.

On the Day of Caring, the company also announced Dipal Pater, Senior Strategic Account Manager from Wesco’s Carol Stream, Illinois facility, as the inaugural Wesco Cares Champion of the Year Award recipient. The Wesco Cares Champion of the Year Award aims to spotlight colleagues who have demonstrated a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the workplace.

Dipal is an active volunteer with the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, the Electrical Association of Chicago – Women’s Division, the Electric Golf Club, Feed My Starving Children and Habitat for Humanity. The Electrical Association of Chicago holds a special place in her heart. As the Wesco Cares Champion of the Year Award recipient, Dipal will receive a $2,500 award to donate to an eligible charity of her choice. Dipal will donate the award to the Electrical Association of Chicago for an education foundation scholarship.

“The Day of Caring is a testament to our company’s commitment to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work,” said Chris Wolf, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Wesco Cares Executive Sponsor. “We are thrilled to recognize Dipal as our inaugural Wesco Cares Champion of the Year. Her unwavering dedication and countless hours of volunteer work have truly made a difference and inspire us all to give back.”

To learn more about Wesco in the community visit Wesco.com.

About Wesco 

Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with more than $22 billion in annual sales and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, government agencies, educational institutions, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates nearly 800 branches, warehouses and sales offices in more than 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

Media Contact

Jennifer Sniderman 
Vice President, Corporate Communications 
717.579.6603

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and a testament to our shared humanity. Let’s come together to honor the past, embrace the present, and build a future where every voice is heard and every talent shines.

Following another successful Cisco Live! experience, I am still in awe of the many conversations I have had surrounding the importance of inclusion and pursuing purposeful work that builds business values. Reflecting on the importance of this upcoming Juneteenth holiday and what it means to me, Cisco’s purpose to power an inclusive future for all echoes as we sponsor the Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival for the third year in a row.

Why we celebrate Juneteenth

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marks the moment on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom. This day serves as a pivotal point in African American history and represents a profound testament to the enduring spirit of a people who have tirelessly advocated for freedom and equality.

For me, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and a testament to our shared humanity. As I think about my journey as the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer of Cisco, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge how my father’s journey contributed to making me who I am today. He immigrated to the United States from the Bahamas in the 1940s with only a sixth-grade education and a superhuman work ethic. He often worked multiple low wage jobs, all while enduring the harsh realities of racial segregation and stereotypes. Despite having limited opportunities, his faith, joy, and hope were boundless. The foundation of hard work and determination he instilled in my brothers and me played a tremendous role in all that I’ve accomplished so far.

This holiday serves as a time to celebrate the strength, resilience and determination of my own family and the families of those whose dreams were denied or deferred. Although rooted in African American history, Juneteenth’s core values of freedom, resilience, and equality transcend cultural boundaries and resonate universally. Embracing it as a national celebration reinforces the idea that freedom and justice are not exclusive to any one group but are inherent rights for all.

Amplifying Underrepresented Voices

As we celebrate Juneteenth, it is crucial to listen to and elevate the stories and experiences of African Americans and other marginalized groups.

We can do that by:

Supporting Black-owned businesses.Investing in Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Explore how we are partnering with HBCU’s like Clark Atlanta and others to drive impact as part of Cisco’s Social Justice Actions.Seeking out the expertise of Black voices who are missing from the table.Advocating for the career advancement of Black employees through sponsorship and The Multiplier Effect.

A Call for Reflection and Action

Juneteenth calls upon each of us to be change agents in the ongoing fight for equality and justice. Being a change agent requires a commitment to continuous learning and unlearning, recognizing our own biases, and actively working to dismantle them. Whether you’re attending the Cisco sponsored Juneteenth Parade in Atlanta, one of the many celebrations happenings across the United States or gathering with your family and friends, I hope you’ll find time to reflect on ways that you can champion change in your community. May we ground ourselves on the daily reminder that the fight for freedom and equality is ongoing and requires the collective effort of all people to embrace and honor our shared humanity.

Wishing you a happy Juneteenth! May it be filled with joy and purpose!

View original content here.

As we prepare for another busy hurricane season — expected to be one of the most active in years — Truist Foundation President Lynette Bell connects with American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern to discuss how they partner to support critical disaster preparedness, relief and recovery work.

Last year, Truist Foundation announced a $5 million grant to support the American Red Cross’ Community Adaptation Program, in addition to its $1 million annual disaster relief grant.

Listen as these leaders talk about the problems the two organizations are working to solve, adversity faced by people experiencing severe weather year after year, how powering progress after disasters strike spurs economic mobility, and the future of humanitarian aid. Plus, hear firsthand about the legacy McGovern hopes to leave as she prepares to retire at the end of this month after 15 years at the helm of the American Red Cross.

Tune in to hear this compelling conversation on this episode of Inspiring Conversations, Truist Foundation’s audio series with nonprofit leaders doing the work.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

NEW ORLEANS, June 28, 2024 /3BL/ – United Way of Southeast Louisiana, or UWSELA, recently recognized Entergy as the leading company in their Top 10 Most Generous Workplaces for 2023-2024. This is the 10th year in a row Entergy has been recognized in the top 10 list.

“Our collaboration with Entergy has been pivotal in our steadfast dedication to bridging divides and fostering avenues for prosperity so that every individual in our community can thrive in health, education and financial stability,” said UWSELA President and CEO Michael Williamson. “Congratulations to Entergy for securing the top ranking, and heartfelt appreciation goes to our unwavering partners who drive UWSELA’s mission to eliminate poverty across Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes.”

The annual ranking recognizes businesses in UWSELA’s seven-parish service area that are investing in a more vibrant Southeast Louisiana and its residents through employee contributions, volunteerism, corporate gifts, in-kind support and fundraisers. In 2023, Entergy shareholders and employees raised or contributed more than $1.1 million to UWSELA.

“We are honored to be recognized as the leader of the top ten most generous companies in Southeast Louisiana,” said Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy’s vice president of corporate social responsibility. “This recognition reflects our unwavering dedication to supporting the very communities where we live and work to create a positive impact. By collaborating with United Way, we are strengthening our workforce, boosting the local economy and enhancing the overall health and wellness of the communities we serve.”

Each year, Entergy employees participate in United Way campaigns to raise funds for their communities. Company shareholders match employee contributions dollar-for-dollar to maximize the impact of employee giving. Through the company’s partnership with UWSELA, Entergy continues to implement a range of initiatives aimed at addressing poverty, promoting education and workforce development, providing financial assistance to vulnerable customers, improving its communities and caring for the environment.

This year’s Top 10 Most Generous Workplaces include: 

Entergy Corporation 
Valero Meraux Refinery 
Shell 
Chalmette Refining, LLC – PBF Energy 
Zachry Group 
International Paper 
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. 
Rain Carbon Inc. 
Pan-American Life Insurance Group
Latter & Blum | Compass 

Entergy is committed in its mission to give back and make a difference in the communities it serves across its service area in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In 2023, the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility had a profound impact on its customers and communities, resulting in an economic impact of nearly $140 million.

Learn more about Entergy’s commitment to serving its communities here.

About Entergy

Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and follow @Entergy on social media. #WePowerLife

MetLife

NEW YORK, June 27, 2024 /3BL/ – MetLife Foundation announced another request for proposal (RFP) opportunity for its Community Impact Grant Program, which it expanded earlier this year and launched internationally in Asia Pacific. With the support and dedication of MetLife employees in the application review process, the program continues to expand the Foundation’s impact and involvement in communities where MetLife has a presence.

After launching an RFP in February of 2024, MetLife Foundation has awarded $805,000 in grants to 47 organizations.

MetLife employee volunteers will once again assist in reviewing the grant applications submitted for MetLife Foundation’s latest RFP. The funding will provide immediate assistance to communities across the U.S. impacted by the growing income and wealth divide. For this funding round, applications are open to grassroots organizations in five eligible cities that are addressing the needs of people with low incomes in one of the following counties:

Dallas, TX (Dallas County),Greenville, SC (Greenville County),Kansas City, KS (Wyandotte County),Kansas City, MO (Jackson County) andNewark, NJ (Essex County).

“This program leverages the dedication and passions of MetLife’s employees in helping to advance the Foundation’s community commitments,” said Tia Hodges, President and CEO of MetLife Foundation and Head of Corporate Giving and Employee Volunteerism at MetLife. “This second round of funding includes new cities where MetLife has a presence to build upon the grants we’ve already awarded to 85 organizations across 12 cities.”

The grant program will support four focus areas and selected recipients will receive programmatic support through grants between $5,000 – $50,000 each in the following focus areas:

Hunger Relief and Nutrition to provide access to healthy food options that address food insecurity, nutrition and healthy eating.Physical and Mental Well-Being to provide access to shelters and affordable housing, social services, mental health and well-being services.Environmental Sustainability to mitigate the impact of changing weather patterns and improve the environment in local communities.Quality of Life to increase the accessibility of support for critical needs and services; emergency supplies; and access to recreation, arts and cultural experiences.

The RFP is now open and available on MetLife Foundation’s website. The Foundation will accept applications to the Community Impact Grant Program until Wednesday, July 17 at 8:00 p.m. EDT. All organizations who apply will receive a decision on their proposal in September 2024.

For more information on the program, visit www.metlife.org.

About MetLife

At MetLife Foundation, we are committed to driving inclusive economic mobility around the world. We collaborate with nonprofit organizations and provide grants aligned to three strategic focus areas – economic inclusion, financial health and resilient communities – while engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help drive impact. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its inception, MetLife Foundation has contributed over $1 billion to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.

Contacts:

Olivia Janicelli

(212) 578-3547

olivia.janicelli@metlife.com

According to the USDA, 12.8% of Americans are food insecure. This impacts overall health, healthcare costs, and the ability to thrive at work and school. At Albertsons Companies and our banner stores, we’re dedicated to tackling this issue head-on. 

As one of the largest food and drug retailers in the US, we are committed to making health and wellness more accessible through various food programs at local, state, and national levels. One of the ways we help our neighbors in need is through the SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) Match program which provides crucial financial assistance to help put healthy food on the tables of millions of Americans. In a growing number of our stores, SNAP shoppers who spend a qualifying amount on fresh fruit and vegetables receive a coupon for future produce purchases ensuring more Americans have access to nutritious foods. 

Learn more about our initiatives and how we’re supporting the communities we serve by visiting our website.

See original post on LinkedIn and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

Originally published by GoDaddy’s Venture Forward Research Initiative

By Alexandra Rosen, Global Head of GoDaddy Venture Forward.

Despite record new business formation, which is outpacing population growth by 10% according to GoDaddy Venture Forward, access to capital remains a top challenge for microbusinesses. Capital is key to the growth of ventures and consequentially, our greater economy.

At the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference, I joined a panel tackling the crucial question: “How can we innovate to establish better funding models, given the essential role small businesses play in job creation and economic growth?”

Our discussion opened with the acceleration of new small and microbusiness starts in recent years and their outsized impact on local economies – driving up local gross domestic product (GDP), median household income and job creation. This is in addition to the diversity of people and circumstances embarking on entrepreneurship. We then explored various strategies to enhance access to capital, including evolving underwriting processes and the importance of also offering technical assistance and greater community support.

Panelist Sekou Kaalund noted how asset ownership helps drive generational wealth and that Black business owners have eight times the wealth of Black non-business owners. Lauren Grattan emphasized the importance of creating more accessible capital steppingstones to help entrepreneurs of all different backgrounds and experiences bring their innovations to life.

Chris Pilkerton shared insights from his tenure at the Small Business Administration, stressing the need for a modernized support system. Eric Cromwell highlighted the importance of meeting entrepreneurs where they are and the role of networking in their long-term success.

Flexible cash-flow measures are critical to enabling growth.

“We don’t need to look at different data, but to look at data differently,” stated Sekou Kaalund, underscoring the importance of evolving how we leverage data.

More than 40% of entrepreneurs converted their online microbusiness into their primary income source, according to the Venture Forward 2024 U.S. National Survey. These businesses often start with less than $5,000, and those who invest more initially tend to achieve higher revenues. Allocating time and money faster can accelerate business growth, making it necessary to rethink financial models for small and microbusinesses in this time of innovation.

Supporting small businesses is not just smart and kind, but economically essential.

Venture Forward research has also revealed:

For every microbusiness entrepreneur, more than seven jobs are created at the county-level.Microbusinesses increased by 15% nationwide since 2019.More than one-third of microbusinesses contribute 51% of their household’s income.

Our discussion highlighted the critical need for improved funding models to ensure the continued growth and success of small businesses. These enterprises are vital to innovation and economic health, and they enrich communities with their diverse offerings.

About the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference

Over 4,000 attendees and tens of thousands of online viewers attended the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference, themed “Shaping a Shared Future,” to explore solutions for the future. As global head of GoDaddy Venture Forward, I had the opportunity to delve into the critical impact of America’s small businesses.

The panel I joined was moderated by Kristen Fanarakis, associate director of the Small Business Policy and Innovation Initiative at Milken Institute, and also included:

Eric Cromwell, founding member of Cromwell Schmisseur LLC.Lauren Grattan, chief community officer at Mission Driven Finance.Sekou Kaalund, executive vice president and head of Branch and Small Business Banking at U.S. Bank.Chris Pilkerton, chief legal and regulatory strategy officer at Accion Opportunity Fund.

Replay the full panel discussion here.

World class equipment, technology and services company, CNH, achieved a significant milestone in Australia by completing the installation of solar panels on Its St. Mary’s site.

This impressive system consists of 1,412 panels, collectively generating a peak power output of 600.1 kilowatts (KWp). These panels supply over half of the energy needs for the site, which houses the ANZ headquarters along with its national distribution centre in New South Wales.

This marks the second solar panel project CNH has implemented in Australia. Back in 2022, the K Line Plant installed solar panels on its roof, producing 178,136 kilowatt-hours (KWh) of solar energy annually. This sustainable energy source powers the manufacturing of world-class Australian-made farming equipment.

The Australian sites play an important role in CNH’s global commitment. Alongside nine other plants worldwide equipped with solar panels, they contribute significantly to the company’s ambitious goal: achieving 90% of total electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030.

CNH keep breaking new ground, forging a path towards a more sustainable future—one solar panel at a time.