Tag: 3BL

In the #HowIGotHere series, you’ll read about the career paths of some of the world-renowned leaders at Yum! Brands. Learn more about Mary Gertz, Chief Food Safety & Quality Assurance Officer at Yum! Brands in this installment.

EDUCATION

Somerset Senior High School
Somerset, Wisconsin, United States
(1990– 1994)University of Wisconsin – River Falls
River Falls, Wisconsin, United States
Bachelor of Science, Food Science & Microbiology
(1994 – 1998)

If we were to interview your teachers, what would they say about you?

Mary was very determined and hard-working but talked a little too much!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a lawyer and envisioned myself as a star of Law & Order, presenting my winning argument in a courtroom. I wanted to simultaneously solve problems and win.

WORK

First Job: My cousin got me a job at a Mexican restaurant where I worked for seven years through high school and college. I started as a hostess and would walk too fast and lose customers on the way to their table. Then, I waitressed and eventually earned the coveted position of bartender on half-price margarita night. I was Margarita Mary! I don’t drink, but I can still make a mean margarita.

3M Microbiology Products, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
1998 – 1999: Lab TechnicianNSF International, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
1999 – 2002: Technical Manager, Food Safety Lab, FreshCheckNSF International, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
2006 – 2008: Technical Manager, Retail Food Safety ProgramsTarget Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
2008 – 2009: Program Lead, Food Safety & Quality Assurance
2009 – 2010: Manager, Retail Food Safety & Quality Assurance Standards
2010 – 2014: Senior Group Manager, Food OperationsKFC U.S., Louisville, Kentucky, United States
2014 – 2018: Director, Food Safety & Quality AssuranceYum! Brands, Plano, Texas, United States
2018 – 2020: Senior Director, Food Safety & Quality Assurance
2020 – present: Chief Food Safety & Quality Assurance Officer

Do you believe in work/life balance?

I believe it’s more of a sliding scale throughout your career. There were times when I was building my career that things were out of balance, and the scale tipped towards work. The most difficult time is when you’re building your family and your career at the same time. I was a single mom for 10 years and had very little time to think about balance. However, I think it’s been important for my daughters to see the work it takes to build a career and support a family. As I’ve matured in my career, I’ve been able to be much more disciplined in protecting time for myself and my family.

One thing I tell people early on is decide your non-negotiables and hold to them. For example, I never miss a birthday, anniversary or first day of school…EVER. I block out my calendar a year in advance to ensure I’m there. For myself, fitness has been an important part of balance that I schedule into my day even when I’m traveling. Getting a daily workout helps me feel stronger, mentally clear and positive. It is often the unlock I need when struggling with a particularly challenging issue. As a leader, it is crucial that I set an example for my team that encourages balance and overall wellbeing.

What moments, or who, in your life influenced the way you work?

My Father: He was never afraid to take chances and bet on himself, his ability and his willingness to work hard. With six children, he quit his job and started his own business that is still operating over 45 years and six additional children later. He was an incredible communicator and understood the value of relationships and personal and business integrity. He was also a lifelong learner. He was always reading, studying and mastering new skills.

Learning from Failures: Because there were 12 children in my family, my parents allowed us to fail small as a means of learning. Whenever I made a mistake, like getting my first speeding ticket, I was never berated. My dad would famously say, “I bet you won’t do that again.” From as young as 8 years old, I was given autonomy in tasks like cooking. Once, armed with a chocolate chip cookie recipe and kitchen tools, my first attempt wasn’t perfect. My mom helped me walk through what had gone wrong and how to fix it. After that first time, I didn’t fear the failure and realized it was making me better. This upbringing taught me to embrace failure as a crucial part of growth, building confidence through learning the hard way.

What do people think you do versus what you actually do?

When my daughters were young and I was traveling frequently, people thought I was a flight attendant as they were told, “My mom is gone working on an airplane.” As teenagers, they were convinced I taste-tested food all day and got to eat all the “good stuff.”

My career has always been in food safety, which involves working with great brands to develop and implement strategies around the handling, preparation and storage of food to prevent foodborne illness. In truth, most people have never even heard of food science and don’t often think about how their food is developed, manufactured or kept safe. There’s a lot of opportunity to market food science as an incredible discipline that leads to great careers. People will always eat, and that food will always need to be safe.

What is the best piece of advice that you’ve been given?

Make a decision and then make it work. Don’t look back; that’s not the direction you’re going.

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

I used to be driven by solving problems or personal accomplishments. Today, it’s in watching others achieve their breakthroughs, whether it’s my daughters or my team at work.

Most recently, seeing my oldest daughter’s personal growth from her semester abroad has my heart overflowing. I love that she has expanded her view of the world. She’s gained confidence, empathy and great problem-solving skills by being 5,000 miles away from her mom.

HOW DO YOU DO IT?

To be happy or successful at any point in your career, you must not only have passion for what you do but a sincere belief in the importance of the work you are doing. Working hard for something you believe contributes to people’s lives in a positive way makes it much easier when you need to sacrifice or ask your family to sacrifice. There is no room for mediocrity in work that matters to people’s well-being.

In the #HowIGotHere series, you’ll read about the career paths of some of the world-renowned leaders at Yum! Brands. Learn more about Mary Gertz, Chief Food Safety & Quality Assurance Officer at Yum! Brands in this installment.

EDUCATION

Somerset Senior High School
Somerset, Wisconsin, United States
(1990– 1994)University of Wisconsin – River Falls
River Falls, Wisconsin, United States
Bachelor of Science, Food Science & Microbiology
(1994 – 1998)

If we were to interview your teachers, what would they say about you?

Mary was very determined and hard-working but talked a little too much!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a lawyer and envisioned myself as a star of Law & Order, presenting my winning argument in a courtroom. I wanted to simultaneously solve problems and win.

WORK

First Job: My cousin got me a job at a Mexican restaurant where I worked for seven years through high school and college. I started as a hostess and would walk too fast and lose customers on the way to their table. Then, I waitressed and eventually earned the coveted position of bartender on half-price margarita night. I was Margarita Mary! I don’t drink, but I can still make a mean margarita.

3M Microbiology Products, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
1998 – 1999: Lab TechnicianNSF International, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
1999 – 2002: Technical Manager, Food Safety Lab, FreshCheckNSF International, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
2006 – 2008: Technical Manager, Retail Food Safety ProgramsTarget Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
2008 – 2009: Program Lead, Food Safety & Quality Assurance
2009 – 2010: Manager, Retail Food Safety & Quality Assurance Standards
2010 – 2014: Senior Group Manager, Food OperationsKFC U.S., Louisville, Kentucky, United States
2014 – 2018: Director, Food Safety & Quality AssuranceYum! Brands, Plano, Texas, United States
2018 – 2020: Senior Director, Food Safety & Quality Assurance
2020 – present: Chief Food Safety & Quality Assurance Officer

Do you believe in work/life balance?

I believe it’s more of a sliding scale throughout your career. There were times when I was building my career that things were out of balance, and the scale tipped towards work. The most difficult time is when you’re building your family and your career at the same time. I was a single mom for 10 years and had very little time to think about balance. However, I think it’s been important for my daughters to see the work it takes to build a career and support a family. As I’ve matured in my career, I’ve been able to be much more disciplined in protecting time for myself and my family.

One thing I tell people early on is decide your non-negotiables and hold to them. For example, I never miss a birthday, anniversary or first day of school…EVER. I block out my calendar a year in advance to ensure I’m there. For myself, fitness has been an important part of balance that I schedule into my day even when I’m traveling. Getting a daily workout helps me feel stronger, mentally clear and positive. It is often the unlock I need when struggling with a particularly challenging issue. As a leader, it is crucial that I set an example for my team that encourages balance and overall wellbeing.

What moments, or who, in your life influenced the way you work?

My Father: He was never afraid to take chances and bet on himself, his ability and his willingness to work hard. With six children, he quit his job and started his own business that is still operating over 45 years and six additional children later. He was an incredible communicator and understood the value of relationships and personal and business integrity. He was also a lifelong learner. He was always reading, studying and mastering new skills.

Learning from Failures: Because there were 12 children in my family, my parents allowed us to fail small as a means of learning. Whenever I made a mistake, like getting my first speeding ticket, I was never berated. My dad would famously say, “I bet you won’t do that again.” From as young as 8 years old, I was given autonomy in tasks like cooking. Once, armed with a chocolate chip cookie recipe and kitchen tools, my first attempt wasn’t perfect. My mom helped me walk through what had gone wrong and how to fix it. After that first time, I didn’t fear the failure and realized it was making me better. This upbringing taught me to embrace failure as a crucial part of growth, building confidence through learning the hard way.

What do people think you do versus what you actually do?

When my daughters were young and I was traveling frequently, people thought I was a flight attendant as they were told, “My mom is gone working on an airplane.” As teenagers, they were convinced I taste-tested food all day and got to eat all the “good stuff.”

My career has always been in food safety, which involves working with great brands to develop and implement strategies around the handling, preparation and storage of food to prevent foodborne illness. In truth, most people have never even heard of food science and don’t often think about how their food is developed, manufactured or kept safe. There’s a lot of opportunity to market food science as an incredible discipline that leads to great careers. People will always eat, and that food will always need to be safe.

What is the best piece of advice that you’ve been given?

Make a decision and then make it work. Don’t look back; that’s not the direction you’re going.

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

I used to be driven by solving problems or personal accomplishments. Today, it’s in watching others achieve their breakthroughs, whether it’s my daughters or my team at work.

Most recently, seeing my oldest daughter’s personal growth from her semester abroad has my heart overflowing. I love that she has expanded her view of the world. She’s gained confidence, empathy and great problem-solving skills by being 5,000 miles away from her mom.

HOW DO YOU DO IT?

To be happy or successful at any point in your career, you must not only have passion for what you do but a sincere belief in the importance of the work you are doing. Working hard for something you believe contributes to people’s lives in a positive way makes it much easier when you need to sacrifice or ask your family to sacrifice. There is no room for mediocrity in work that matters to people’s well-being.

Las Vegas Sands

National Hispanic Institute’s first Sands-sponsored Las Vegas graduates were recognized at a celebratory dinner honoring their journeys in the high school leadership development program, which cultivates future community leaders by fostering skills in communication, community advocacy and policy-making. The program also prepares participants for success in higher education.

Three years ago, NHI re-established its presence in Las Vegas through seed funding and support from Sands Cares. The graduating class of 2024 represents the first group to have completed NHI’s programming, with many of the graduates beginning their participation as sophomores while others joined in their junior and senior years. These 10 graduating seniors have gained new skillsets and inspiring experiences thanks to their time with NHI.

NHI’s transformative leadership development curriculum includes a series of three immersive and progressive programs that prepare students to engage in community life with an asset-based perspective, organizational skills and leadership experience. Their work in each program level culminates in leadership development events held on college campuses during the summer.

As graduating seniors prepare for the next steps in their education, a few of NHI’s first Las Vegas graduates reflected on how participating in NHI’s programs impacted their development.

Isalia Minnalez
Minnalez plans to attend Boston College in the fall and said NHI’s programs broadened her world view and sense of community.

“NHI opened my eyes to people’s different backgrounds and experiences, and it made me more appreciative of my circumstances,” Minnalez said. “It also helped me realize you have more community than you think you do. You learn that you share the same ethnicity, language and values with so many people from so many places, and it makes you appreciate the community you have.

“What also stuck out to me was the aspect of thinking outside the box. You learn to use asset-based thinking, instead of deficit-based thinking. It teaches you to look at what you have and what you can build on. Having so many intelligent kids from all walks of life come together for these programs, driven to improve the Latinx community, is truly inspiring.”

Madison Messner
Messner will attend the University of Pennsylvania and appreciated that NHI helped her learn how to connect with people in a deeper, more authentic way.

“NHI helps you be more of an empathetic person and makes you look beyond what a person initially says,” Messner reflected. “NHI taught me how to really take a step back and talk to people to get to know them, and really interact with them.

“You need to dig deeper than just face value. You meet so many people from different backgrounds, and learning how to take a step out of your own bubble and shell to really understand and connect with people is really the best gift NHI has given me.”

Jason Resendiz
Resendiz, who plans to attend UNLV, said the opportunity for personal growth was a key benefit of his participation in NHI.

“I really think NHI brings you a lot of social maturity – it’s a lot of high school kids in a new environment on university campuses,” he said. “We gained a lot of maturity from it and [could] really see what we’re capable of and how we can take these skills we learned into our life.

“A big takeaway for me was realizing what you’re capable of and how easy it is to grow and learn and achieve greatness. Being with 100 kids who you don’t know… but we came together as a family and community. It also taught me to look out for myself – that was the biggest achievement for me. If you’re unable to help yourself, you can’t help others as much as you want.”

Orethia Parks
Parks plans to attend Case Western Reserve University on a full scholarship to pursue a nursing degree and said the confidence she gained in NHI was pivotal.

“The main takeaway I believe I got from all of my NHI experiences is that I am worthy,” Parks said. “Before joining NHI and even for a good time afterward, I believed that I didn’t have any unique or redeeming qualities or experiences to set me apart from the crowd. I didn’t think I could achieve anything extraordinary because of those negative thoughts.

“For anyone else who has similar thoughts to the old me, I want you to proceed with this mindset: do not be the one who tells yourself no; let others tell you no.”

College Preparation and More
NHI’s first Las Vegas graduates also shared how NHI supported them in the college application process and defining their areas of study.

NHI’s programming helps rising seniors focus on college application fundamentals such as reflecting the best versions of themselves in their college essays and interviews and using self-inquiry to develop solid plans for the future. The results of this concentrated work during the summer months aided their college admissions process and helped create strong results for their college destinations.

Each of the students found inspiration for shaping their college paths and strengthening their college applications through NHI.

“I knew I wanted to major in biology and conservation because I want to be a veterinarian, but through my time in NHI, I found I’m really passionate about Latin studies, Spanish and social justice,” Messner said. “So that’s something I’m going to minor in. It’s also going to impact what clubs I join and how I spend my time.”

NHI also helped Resendiz and Minnalez plan their futures.

“I always knew I wanted to help people and help them figure out things about themselves,” he said. “But it wasn’t until I went through these programs that I realized I wanted to go into law. Talking with my education advisor at NHI really helped me figure this out, and she opened my eyes to new possibilities. After the program, I became very open to thinking that I could do this, and work to achieve my goals and strive for greatness.”

Minnalez originally planned to study environmental science, but her NHI experience sparked an interest in humanitarian areas and helping people improve their quality of life.

“Now, I’m going to major in human-centered engineering, which aims to improve people’s lives through engineering, to make sure what you’re doing is the best fit for the people around you, and not damage the environment,” she said. “Being in NHI also made me realize how privileged we are to live where we do and how much help people need. I want to continue that in my career and my life.”

Sands’ partnership with the National Hispanic Institute is part of the company’s priority on building the workforce of the future through support for mentorship and youth development programs. To learn more about the company’s commitment to advancing education through Sands Cares initiatives, read the latest environmental, social and governance report: https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/

Las Vegas Sands

National Hispanic Institute’s first Sands-sponsored Las Vegas graduates were recognized at a celebratory dinner honoring their journeys in the high school leadership development program, which cultivates future community leaders by fostering skills in communication, community advocacy and policy-making. The program also prepares participants for success in higher education.

Three years ago, NHI re-established its presence in Las Vegas through seed funding and support from Sands Cares. The graduating class of 2024 represents the first group to have completed NHI’s programming, with many of the graduates beginning their participation as sophomores while others joined in their junior and senior years. These 10 graduating seniors have gained new skillsets and inspiring experiences thanks to their time with NHI.

NHI’s transformative leadership development curriculum includes a series of three immersive and progressive programs that prepare students to engage in community life with an asset-based perspective, organizational skills and leadership experience. Their work in each program level culminates in leadership development events held on college campuses during the summer.

As graduating seniors prepare for the next steps in their education, a few of NHI’s first Las Vegas graduates reflected on how participating in NHI’s programs impacted their development.

Isalia Minnalez
Minnalez plans to attend Boston College in the fall and said NHI’s programs broadened her world view and sense of community.

“NHI opened my eyes to people’s different backgrounds and experiences, and it made me more appreciative of my circumstances,” Minnalez said. “It also helped me realize you have more community than you think you do. You learn that you share the same ethnicity, language and values with so many people from so many places, and it makes you appreciate the community you have.

“What also stuck out to me was the aspect of thinking outside the box. You learn to use asset-based thinking, instead of deficit-based thinking. It teaches you to look at what you have and what you can build on. Having so many intelligent kids from all walks of life come together for these programs, driven to improve the Latinx community, is truly inspiring.”

Madison Messner
Messner will attend the University of Pennsylvania and appreciated that NHI helped her learn how to connect with people in a deeper, more authentic way.

“NHI helps you be more of an empathetic person and makes you look beyond what a person initially says,” Messner reflected. “NHI taught me how to really take a step back and talk to people to get to know them, and really interact with them.

“You need to dig deeper than just face value. You meet so many people from different backgrounds, and learning how to take a step out of your own bubble and shell to really understand and connect with people is really the best gift NHI has given me.”

Jason Resendiz
Resendiz, who plans to attend UNLV, said the opportunity for personal growth was a key benefit of his participation in NHI.

“I really think NHI brings you a lot of social maturity – it’s a lot of high school kids in a new environment on university campuses,” he said. “We gained a lot of maturity from it and [could] really see what we’re capable of and how we can take these skills we learned into our life.

“A big takeaway for me was realizing what you’re capable of and how easy it is to grow and learn and achieve greatness. Being with 100 kids who you don’t know… but we came together as a family and community. It also taught me to look out for myself – that was the biggest achievement for me. If you’re unable to help yourself, you can’t help others as much as you want.”

Orethia Parks
Parks plans to attend Case Western Reserve University on a full scholarship to pursue a nursing degree and said the confidence she gained in NHI was pivotal.

“The main takeaway I believe I got from all of my NHI experiences is that I am worthy,” Parks said. “Before joining NHI and even for a good time afterward, I believed that I didn’t have any unique or redeeming qualities or experiences to set me apart from the crowd. I didn’t think I could achieve anything extraordinary because of those negative thoughts.

“For anyone else who has similar thoughts to the old me, I want you to proceed with this mindset: do not be the one who tells yourself no; let others tell you no.”

College Preparation and More
NHI’s first Las Vegas graduates also shared how NHI supported them in the college application process and defining their areas of study.

NHI’s programming helps rising seniors focus on college application fundamentals such as reflecting the best versions of themselves in their college essays and interviews and using self-inquiry to develop solid plans for the future. The results of this concentrated work during the summer months aided their college admissions process and helped create strong results for their college destinations.

Each of the students found inspiration for shaping their college paths and strengthening their college applications through NHI.

“I knew I wanted to major in biology and conservation because I want to be a veterinarian, but through my time in NHI, I found I’m really passionate about Latin studies, Spanish and social justice,” Messner said. “So that’s something I’m going to minor in. It’s also going to impact what clubs I join and how I spend my time.”

NHI also helped Resendiz and Minnalez plan their futures.

“I always knew I wanted to help people and help them figure out things about themselves,” he said. “But it wasn’t until I went through these programs that I realized I wanted to go into law. Talking with my education advisor at NHI really helped me figure this out, and she opened my eyes to new possibilities. After the program, I became very open to thinking that I could do this, and work to achieve my goals and strive for greatness.”

Minnalez originally planned to study environmental science, but her NHI experience sparked an interest in humanitarian areas and helping people improve their quality of life.

“Now, I’m going to major in human-centered engineering, which aims to improve people’s lives through engineering, to make sure what you’re doing is the best fit for the people around you, and not damage the environment,” she said. “Being in NHI also made me realize how privileged we are to live where we do and how much help people need. I want to continue that in my career and my life.”

Sands’ partnership with the National Hispanic Institute is part of the company’s priority on building the workforce of the future through support for mentorship and youth development programs. To learn more about the company’s commitment to advancing education through Sands Cares initiatives, read the latest environmental, social and governance report: https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/

PORTLAND, Ore., June 3, 2024 /3BL/ – KeyBank’s Key4Women program, MESO, and the Portland Thorns FC are collaborating to host a business pitch contest for women-owned businesses located in specific counties in Oregon and SW Washington. Opportunities for start-ups and existing businesses will be offered, with cash awards totaling $50,000. The grand prize winner will receive $20,000.

Over 210 women-owned businesses applied for the pitch contest in 2023. The 10 finalists chosen delivered their pitches to an audience at Providence Park last November. 2023 Pitch Contest L&M Hair Company winner, Melody Brown, will serve as a judge for this year’s contest.

To be eligible, a business must be fifty-one percent (51%) or more owned and controlled by a woman, women and/or by an individual or individuals who self-identify as women. They must also be headquartered in one of the following Oregon counties: Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Columbia, Hood River, Yamhill, Marion, Benton, Lane, Linn, Jackson, Polk – OR one of the following Washington counties: Clark, Cowlitz or Skamania. Applicants can be an entrepreneur with a new business idea or an existing business with a new product or service that expands their current business with annual sales of less than $3 million.

“MESO is honored to partner with KeyBank’s Key4Women program and the Portland Thorns to provide this incredible opportunity for women in Oregon and Southwest Washington for another year,” said MESO Executive Director Cobi Lewis. “Too often women, especially those of color, are overlooked in the small business world. The Key4women business pitch competition provides a chance to shine a light on this important group of entrepreneurs, which deeply resonates with MESO and its mission.”

The online portal for submissions opens June 3rd at 8 am PST, https://www.mesopdx.org/key4women. Free application workshops are available with MESO Advisors on June 12th and July 10th.

The application deadline is July 15th at 11:59 pm PST. Ten finalists, chosen by MESO, will be announced in early August. A live event will be held on October 10th at Providence Park in Portland from 10:00 am-3 pm PST where finalists present a four- minute pitch and field questions for six-minutes to a panel of judges. Winners will be announced the following day.

All finalists are paired with a mentor at MESO to support in the preparation of their pitch and presentation. Criteria used to determine winners will include the quality of the presentation, clarity of business vision and mission, economic impact of the idea and the soundness of value proposition.

“It is exciting to host and support this pitch contest again in collaboration with KeyBank’s Key4Women program and MESO,” said Alexis Lee, President of Business Operations for the Portland Thorns FC. “The Thorns have always been passionate about making a difference in our community and providing opportunities and resources to women. This event will make a meaningful impact for a handful of woman-owned small businesses in our region.”

“KeyBank is thrilled to bring back the Key4Women Pitch Contest to Oregon and SW Washington,” said Josh Lyons, KeyBank Oregon and SW Washington Market President. “We couldn’t be prouder to partner with MESO and the Thorns again as we answer two critical struggles faced by women-owned businesses, mentorship and capital.”

For the 2024 Oregon and SW Washington Women-Owned Business Pitch Contest rules and specifics, including eligibility, submission requirements and the application, visit https://www.mesopdx.org/key4women.

ABOUT MESO

Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) elevates and empowers under-resourced and excluded entrepreneurs to build resilience, equity, and thriving communities through access to capital, tailored business assistance, and education. Founded in 2005 to assist Black-owned small businesses that were experiencing challenges in the wake of gentrification in North and Northeast Portland, the nonprofit now serves more than 600 entrepreneurs and small businesses in Oregon and Southwest Washington each year. MESO is a designated SBA microlender, an IDA fiduciary, and a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

ABOUT PORTLAND THORNS FC

Portland Thorns FC is an American professional women’s soccer team based in Portland, Oregon that plays their home matches at the iconic Providence Park. Established in 2012, the team began play in 2013 as one of the founding teams of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – the top-ranked professional women’s soccer league in the United States. Thorns FC rank among the best globally in attendance across male and female professional soccer clubs. The team has won eight trophies – three NWSL Championships (2013, 2017, 2022), two NWSL Shields (2016, 2021), NWSL Challenge Cup (2021), Women’s International Champions Cup (2021), NWSL Community Shield (2020).

ABOUT KEYCORP 
KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key 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 Member FDIC.

ABOUT KEY4WOMEN 
Key4Women started in 2005 as a campaign to lend $1 billion to qualified women-owned businesses within three years. The program achieved that in two years and has now generated more than $12 billion in loans to women-owned businesses. Membership in Key4Women is free. In addition to helping women business leaders and owners tap into capital to build and grow their businesses, Key4Women members gain valuable access to a team of local Certified Key4Women Advisors who advocate, connect and empower women on their journey to financial wellness. For more information, visit key.com/key4women.

# # #

MEDIA CONTACTS

Laura Suter | KeyBank Regional Communications Manager | 206.343.6953 | laura_suter@keybank.com

Meaghan Evans | MESO | Digital Marketing Manager | 971.393.2785 | mevans@mesopdx.org

PORTLAND, Ore., June 3, 2024 /3BL/ – KeyBank’s Key4Women program, MESO, and the Portland Thorns FC are collaborating to host a business pitch contest for women-owned businesses located in specific counties in Oregon and SW Washington. Opportunities for start-ups and existing businesses will be offered, with cash awards totaling $50,000. The grand prize winner will receive $20,000.

Over 210 women-owned businesses applied for the pitch contest in 2023. The 10 finalists chosen delivered their pitches to an audience at Providence Park last November. 2023 Pitch Contest L&M Hair Company winner, Melody Brown, will serve as a judge for this year’s contest.

To be eligible, a business must be fifty-one percent (51%) or more owned and controlled by a woman, women and/or by an individual or individuals who self-identify as women. They must also be headquartered in one of the following Oregon counties: Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Columbia, Hood River, Yamhill, Marion, Benton, Lane, Linn, Jackson, Polk – OR one of the following Washington counties: Clark, Cowlitz or Skamania. Applicants can be an entrepreneur with a new business idea or an existing business with a new product or service that expands their current business with annual sales of less than $3 million.

“MESO is honored to partner with KeyBank’s Key4Women program and the Portland Thorns to provide this incredible opportunity for women in Oregon and Southwest Washington for another year,” said MESO Executive Director Cobi Lewis. “Too often women, especially those of color, are overlooked in the small business world. The Key4women business pitch competition provides a chance to shine a light on this important group of entrepreneurs, which deeply resonates with MESO and its mission.”

The online portal for submissions opens June 3rd at 8 am PST, https://www.mesopdx.org/key4women. Free application workshops are available with MESO Advisors on June 12th and July 10th.

The application deadline is July 15th at 11:59 pm PST. Ten finalists, chosen by MESO, will be announced in early August. A live event will be held on October 10th at Providence Park in Portland from 10:00 am-3 pm PST where finalists present a four- minute pitch and field questions for six-minutes to a panel of judges. Winners will be announced the following day.

All finalists are paired with a mentor at MESO to support in the preparation of their pitch and presentation. Criteria used to determine winners will include the quality of the presentation, clarity of business vision and mission, economic impact of the idea and the soundness of value proposition.

“It is exciting to host and support this pitch contest again in collaboration with KeyBank’s Key4Women program and MESO,” said Alexis Lee, President of Business Operations for the Portland Thorns FC. “The Thorns have always been passionate about making a difference in our community and providing opportunities and resources to women. This event will make a meaningful impact for a handful of woman-owned small businesses in our region.”

“KeyBank is thrilled to bring back the Key4Women Pitch Contest to Oregon and SW Washington,” said Josh Lyons, KeyBank Oregon and SW Washington Market President. “We couldn’t be prouder to partner with MESO and the Thorns again as we answer two critical struggles faced by women-owned businesses, mentorship and capital.”

For the 2024 Oregon and SW Washington Women-Owned Business Pitch Contest rules and specifics, including eligibility, submission requirements and the application, visit https://www.mesopdx.org/key4women.

ABOUT MESO

Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) elevates and empowers under-resourced and excluded entrepreneurs to build resilience, equity, and thriving communities through access to capital, tailored business assistance, and education. Founded in 2005 to assist Black-owned small businesses that were experiencing challenges in the wake of gentrification in North and Northeast Portland, the nonprofit now serves more than 600 entrepreneurs and small businesses in Oregon and Southwest Washington each year. MESO is a designated SBA microlender, an IDA fiduciary, and a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

ABOUT PORTLAND THORNS FC

Portland Thorns FC is an American professional women’s soccer team based in Portland, Oregon that plays their home matches at the iconic Providence Park. Established in 2012, the team began play in 2013 as one of the founding teams of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – the top-ranked professional women’s soccer league in the United States. Thorns FC rank among the best globally in attendance across male and female professional soccer clubs. The team has won eight trophies – three NWSL Championships (2013, 2017, 2022), two NWSL Shields (2016, 2021), NWSL Challenge Cup (2021), Women’s International Champions Cup (2021), NWSL Community Shield (2020).

ABOUT KEYCORP 
KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key 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 Member FDIC.

ABOUT KEY4WOMEN 
Key4Women started in 2005 as a campaign to lend $1 billion to qualified women-owned businesses within three years. The program achieved that in two years and has now generated more than $12 billion in loans to women-owned businesses. Membership in Key4Women is free. In addition to helping women business leaders and owners tap into capital to build and grow their businesses, Key4Women members gain valuable access to a team of local Certified Key4Women Advisors who advocate, connect and empower women on their journey to financial wellness. For more information, visit key.com/key4women.

# # #

MEDIA CONTACTS

Laura Suter | KeyBank Regional Communications Manager | 206.343.6953 | laura_suter@keybank.com

Meaghan Evans | MESO | Digital Marketing Manager | 971.393.2785 | mevans@mesopdx.org

Jim Andrew, PepsiCo’s chief sustainability officer, joins Workiva’s Mandi McReynolds to discuss sustainable agriculture. Listen in as they explore forging trust and accountability in the supply chain, the concept of shared value, and the role of partnership in achieving ESG goals.

Listen Now

Looking for more? Subscribe to the ESG Talk podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

ESG Talk is brought to you by Workiva, the world’s only unified platform for financial reporting, ESG, audit, and risk. Learn more at workiva.com.

Jim Andrew, PepsiCo’s chief sustainability officer, joins Workiva’s Mandi McReynolds to discuss sustainable agriculture. Listen in as they explore forging trust and accountability in the supply chain, the concept of shared value, and the role of partnership in achieving ESG goals.

Listen Now

Looking for more? Subscribe to the ESG Talk podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

ESG Talk is brought to you by Workiva, the world’s only unified platform for financial reporting, ESG, audit, and risk. Learn more at workiva.com.

Allows for tailored customer solutions to meet large-scale energy needsEnables innovative multi-industry risk-sharing for new carbon-free energy generationSupports Duke Energy’s and large customers’ commitment to clean energy

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 6, 2024 /3BL/ – Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Nucor announced agreements to explore new and innovative approaches to support carbon-free energy generation and help utilities serve the future energy needs of large businesses in North Carolina and South Carolina. The announcement was made at the White House Summit on Domestic Nuclear Deployment.

In memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed this month, the companies proposed developing new rate structures, known as “tariffs” in the utility industry, designed specifically to lower the long-term costs of investing in clean energy technologies like new nuclear and long-duration storage through early commitments.

The proposed Accelerating Clean Energy (ACE) tariffs would enable large customers like Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Nucor to directly support carbon-free energy generation investments through innovative financing structures and contributions that address project risk to lower costs of emerging technologies. ACE tariffs would facilitate beneficial on-site generation at customer facilities, participation in load flexibility programs and investments in clean energy assets – features attractive to customers with large-scale energy needs.

The ACE framework also would include a Clean Transition Tariff (CTT) – the key feature enabling Duke Energy to provide individualized portfolios of new carbon-free energy to commercial and industrial customers. The CTT would match clean-energy generation and customer load to accelerate overall grid decarbonization. This would be a voluntary program for larger customers seeking to advance their clean energy goals, and it would include protections for non-participating customers.

Next steps and additional information

Duke Energy looks forward to working with other new and existing customers with similar energy needs and sustainability goals.

The ACE tariffs would represent new, voluntary pricing structures for Duke Energy’s large commercial and industrial customers. Duke Energy’s five-year capital plan will continue as planned and these tariffs would be subject to regulatory approvals in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Comments

In this new era of large-scale energy demand, Duke Energy is committed to working with our regulators and customers to find innovative and responsible ways to satisfy the growing need for more and cleaner energy. With the help of companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Nucor, we can accelerate our service of large customer needs and the transition to cleaner energy, while reducing financial risks and supporting economic development in our communities.

Lon Huber, Duke Energy, SVP Pricing and Customer Solutions

As the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy, Amazon is committed to enabling new sources of carbon-free energy to help power our operations and the communities where our customers live and work. With a footprint of data centers, fulfillment centers and corporate buildings across Ohio, the Carolinas and Florida, we’re excited to collaborate with Duke Energy to find new solutions that can help us achieve our Climate Pledge to be net zero carbon by 2040, and today’s agreement marks an important step in that journey.

Kevin Miller, Amazon Web Services, Vice President of Global Data Centers

As we continue to progress toward our goal to operate every Google campus on clean electricity every hour of every day by 2030, we are always looking for opportunities to accelerate the delivery of new clean power to the grid. Through collaboration with Duke Energy, the Clean Transition Tariff creates a pathway for us and our peers to bring new, innovative solutions to the forefront faster, in a region we have called home for more than 15 years.

Briana Kobor, Google, Head of Energy Market Innovation

Microsoft’s aim is to advance groundbreaking solutions that support the energy transition. Innovative frameworks such as this agreement with Duke Energy support Microsoft’s ambition to have 100% of our electricity consumption, 100% of the time, matched by zero carbon energy purchases. We are committed to creating a more sustainable future as we actively work to add more clean energy to the grid.

Jeff Riles, Microsoft, Director of Datacenter Energy and Sustainability

Nucor is one of the cleanest and most sustainable steel producers in the world and has proudly operated in the Carolinas since the 1960s. We are excited to see our partnership with Duke Energy evolve through this shared commitment to bring the next generation of clean, reliable, safe and affordable energy to our region while also supporting our net zero goal.

Greg Murphy, Nucor’s Executive Vice President of Business Services, Sustainability and General Counsel

Duke Energy

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.

Contact: Jennifer Sharpe 
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

View original content here.

As part of its support for the 2024 Juneteenth Festival in Buffalo, N.Y., KeyBank will present a series of financial wellness workshops. The workshops will take place in the community room of the C-District Police Station located at 693 East Ferry Street in Buffalo.

The events will take place from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on the dates below and will focus on the following topics:

Thursday June 6th: MortgageThursday June 13th: Small BusinessThursday June 20th: Wealth Building 

KeyBank is a proud sponsor and supporter of the 2024 Buffalo Juneteenth Festival. Look for our team marching in the parade on Saturday June 15th!

KeyBank Member FDIC. NMLS #399797. Mortgage and Home Equity Lending products offered by KeyBank are not FDIC insured or guaranteed. KeyBank extends credit secured by residential real estate without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or familial status. All credit products are subject to collateral and/or credit approval, terms, conditions, availability and are subject to change. 

CFMA #240606-2636785