Tag: 3BL

Case IH, a brand of CNH, attended this year’s AgroBrasília, a fair held at the Ivaldo Censi Technological Park, in the federal capital.

The brand presented, together with its dealership in the Pivot region, machines and solutions designed for the region’s producers.

Among the highlights was Case IH’s latest release, the Axial-Flow Series 160 Automation. With 60% of the machinery renewed, the new grain harvester highlights the Automation System and factory connectivity. Through machine learning and artificial intelligence resources, the entire operation has been reduced to four harvesting modes that provide simplicity and productivity in the operation. With 12 sensors that collect data from the industrial system and then self-regulate, the machine automatically controls 90% of the operations, being able to perform up to 1,800 daily interventions during the harvesting operation, a number that the operator would not be able to perform alone.

Another innovation presented at the fair was the Case IH Spraying Drone. This pre-launch was presented during Agrishow and is imported and distributed in Brazil by the brand. As a solution to complement Case IH’s spraying portfolio, the drone will be offered in two models, 30 liters and 70 liters – the latter the highest capacity currently available on the market.

And those who visited the Case IH booth at AgroBrasília were also able to see the Farmall, Puma, Magnum AFS Connect and Steiger AFS Connect tractors; the Fast Riser 6100 planter; the Patriot 250 sprayer; and the Axial-Flow Series 250 Automation harvester.

CINCINNATI, July 11, 2024 /3BL/ – The Fifth Third Bank Financial Empowerment Mobile, commonly known as the eBus, brings financial access, social services and education directly into communities across the Bank’s 11-state footprint, especially in underserved areas. Since the eBus began its 2024 tour on May 3, it has traveled nearly 3,000 miles, visited 18 communities and served nearly 1,100 community members.

“At Fifth Third, we believe that financial empowerment is an important first step in helping to transform lives and communities,” said Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer. “Fifth Third’s eBus delivers financial tools and resources to communities that may not have easy access to such resources. This is part of our commitment to build strong communities and to keep customers at the center of everything we do.”

For 2024, the eBus has been reimagined to offer enhanced experiences including immediate checking account opening, face-to-face consultation pods for private conversations, and access to credit counseling and community social service agencies. Fifth Third has partnered with community organizations to bring the eBus to areas that may not have access to not only financial education resources, but statewide and national financial wellness resources as well.

Since early May, the eBus has traveled to more than a dozen communities across Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. The eBus will return to Ohio in early August for a statewide tour, with stops planned across the Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus and Cleveland regions.

The increased offerings of the eBus include the services of SpringFour, a leading financial health fintech, that connects visitors to more than 24,000 free local, statewide and national financial wellness resources from nonprofit and government agencies.

Through its digital self-service financial wellness solution, community members can access support in 14 categories including food savings, rental resources, childcare, employment services, small business support and more:

Visitors enter their zip code and search for assistance in the specific category where assistance is required.SpringFour provides instant, localized results for human and social services organizations.Through the collaboration, the Bank and SpringFour will provide tablets on the eBus for visitors to access the service or give instructions for use on personal mobile devices.

About SpringFour

Founded in 2005, SpringFour is the first-of-its-kind, leading financial health fintech that empowers banks, credit unions, fintech lenders, employers, mortgage servicers, nonprofits, and organizations across all industries to connect consumers with vetted, local nonprofit and government financial health resources. Trusted by more than 40 leading organizations including Capital One, BMO, M&T Bank, Fifth Third, OppFi, KeyBank, Avant, Enova, Oportun, Mission Lane, and more, SpringFour’s product suite includes an innovative contact center tool, digital self-service products, and APIs that increase payment performance, add brand value, strengthen customer relationships, drive ESG and social impact, support consumer financial health, and improve bottom lines. SpringFour has received many prestigious awards including American Banker’s Most Influential Women in Fintech, Inc. Magazine’s Female Founders 250, Real Leaders’ Top Impact Companies, Fast Company’s Brands that Matter, Finovate’s Innovator of the Year, and more. SpringFour is a Certified B Corporation and WBE. To learn how SpringFour can benefit your organization, visit www.springfour.com.

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

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CONTACTS

Amanda Nageleisen (Media Relations) 
amanda.nageleisen@53.com | 
Matt Curoe (Investor Relations) 
matt.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345

Covia prioritizes responsibility and sustainability in our operations, focusing on environmental and social impacts. “Being a Good Neighbor” has long been a guiding principle at Covia, and, as an outcome of our updated materiality assessment that was completed in 2023, we are introducing Responsible Operations as a new material topic. This is a topic with broad reach and significant impact, and we bring it to life by operating with an unwavering commitment to minimizing environmental impact, fostering community relationships, and proactively addressing challenges. This is What Inspires Us. Our Responsible Operations commitment is integrated into our strategic decision-making, daily operations, collaboration with Team Members and stakeholders, relationships with value chain partners, and engagement with government officials, community leaders, and our neighbors. We are focused on continuous improvement to reduce air emissions, noise, dust, waste, truck traffic, and any other potential negative effects on the communities in which we operate. Team Members at various levels of our organization have clearly defined responsibility for oversight of these issues and our actions.

‘Being a Good Neighbor’ in Action

Every Covia facility is expected to follow our “Being a Good Neighbor” commitment. This philosophy has been with us, and our predecessor companies, for over 100 years. Three facilities’ exemplary efforts are profiled below.

Tunnel City: Designing for Responsible Operations When our Tunnel City, Wisconsin, facility opened in 2013, it was planned and developed with a focus on the community. The site was set up to rely only on rail transportation for all finished goods, which has limited emissions, noise, and congestion from truck traffic. The facility was also built below grade, promoting operational efficiency and minimizing the visual impacts of our operations on the surrounding community. A formal semiannual check-in with the community leaders also ensures ongoing dialogue and partnership.NSO: Championing Noise Prevention Measures Because of our proximity to the surrounding community, our NSO operation in Ontario, Canada, has implemented several key initiatives to reduce noise levels over the years. Among these efforts is the installation of equipment silencers to dampen the noise produced by heavy machinery. The site also responded to community feedback by changing the backup alarms on its equipment, creating sound that does not travel as far but still adequately signals our Team Members. Additionally, NSO has adjusted its operational practices by reducing rock-breaking hours on weekends and has reduced operating hours on long holiday weekends.Chardon: Exemplary Dust Management Practices In 2023, Covia’s Chardon, Ohio, facility implemented multiple dust management initiatives that reduce dust exposure for Team Members and mitigate nuisance dust for the community. We employ best-in-class methods such as vacuuming and hosing, and we use dust collection devices in key operational areas such as the screen house, rotary area, and bulk bagging sections.

Click to learn more about Covia’s all-in approach to Responsible Operations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KELLY MCCORMICK
Executive Producer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*National Merit Scholarship finalist

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

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

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

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

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

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

*National Merit Scholarship finalist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Originally published by Packaging Strategies

By Babitha George

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

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

Continue reading here