Tag: 3BL

Tarynn Zenk, vice president of accounting and ESG controller at Mastercard, joins co-host Mandi McReynolds on the latest episode of ESG Talk to discuss the growing role of ESG controllers within companies. Discover how ESG controllers navigate the intersection of finance and sustainability, safeguarding the credibility of companies’ ESG disclosures.

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.

A $450,000 investment from the KeyBank Foundation will help two organizations working to fight food insecurity in East Buffalo. This investment was announced at the opening of the third season of the KeyBank Delavan-Grider Farmers Market, held each Thursday from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Delavan-Grider Community Center located at 877 East Delavan Avenue in Buffalo.

Learn more about the impact the KeyBank Delavan-Grider Farmers Market is making in East Buffalo

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Funding from the KeyBank Foundation will go to two organizations with established track records of working to improve access to healthy, fresh and nutritious food in East Buffalo:

$300,000 to Buffalo Go Green: This investment from KeyBank will support Buffalo Go Green’s Holistic Wellness & Agricultural Education Campus. This includes Buffalo Go Green’s Fruits & Vegetables Prescription Program (FVRx) which provides low-income individuals and families fresh produce throughout the year. It will also help provide nutrition education and cooking classes in Buffalo Go Green’s new, soon to open commercial kitchen located at Manhattan and East Amherst Streets. Classes will be broadcast live and housed on Buffalo Go Green’s YouTube and social media channels for viewing after live events. Buffalo Go Green provides fresh produce for the KeyBank Delavan-Grider Farmers Market and this funding will support efforts to sustain the market and make food affordable for patrons.$150,000 to the Independent Health Foundation’s “Healthy Options at Home” (HOaH) Program: This is a comprehensive nutrition education program offered free to families living in underserved communities. Initially launched in 2020 as an effort to address increased food insecurity needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, HOaH is now offered year-round and has reached over 1,500 families since its start.

Each round of programming runs for four weeks, during which families receive a kitchen kit of essential cooking tools (ex: mixing bowls, kid safe knives, cutting boards, and more), a weekly meal kit complete with fresh produce and other nutritious ingredients, as well as access to corresponding recipe videos led by local chefs – all at no cost to participants. Funds will be used for program components including meal kit ingredients, kitchen kit supplies, delivery expenses, printing educational materials, and video demonstrations produced by local chefs. With the support of KeyBank Foundation, HOaH will continue to make strides in addressing issues of food insecurity that have impacted many families across Western New York by connecting community members with nutritious food as well as educational support needed to sustain healthy eating and cooking habits.

“As we begin another season of the KeyBank Delavan-Grider Farmers Market, we are excited to deepen our investment in East Buffalo by providing funding to these organizations working to make fresh, healthy food more accessible and bring more activity and excitement to the Delavan-Grider community,” said Michael McMahon, KeyBank Buffalo Market President. “Buffalo Go Green and the Independent Health Foundation are doing important work that transforms lives and strengthens communities. Their work symbolizes what community and collaboration is all about.”

“We are grateful for this investment from the KeyBank and for their leadership and support with the Delavan-Grider Farmers Market,” said Allison DeHonney, CEO of Buffalo Go Green. “This partnership is bringing transformative resources and change to this community. We are excited to work with KeyBank to bring resources that improve lives and health, and make a difference in our community.”

“Our mission is to meet people where they are, bringing them the resources needed to create and maintain healthy lifestyles,” said Carrie Meyer, executive director of the Independent Health Foundation. “We’ve heard time and again from our participants that the Healthy Options at Home program helps families feel more confident about cooking healthy meals on a budget. They learn new skills together while trying out recipes that are tasty, healthy, and inexpensive to make, setting the stage for family dinners that nourish bodies and nurture relationships. Last year, we were able to provide the ingredients and education to prepare more than 8,000 meals through this program. We are extremely grateful to the KeyBank Foundation for this grant, which will enable us to bring Healthy Options at Home to more families in our community.”

Since 2017, KeyBank has made more than $1 billion in investments in Buffalo and Western New York, supporting affordable housing and community development projects; small business and home lending to low-to-moderate income individuals and communities, and transformative philanthropy.

At Tapestry, we cultivate a place for people who are both warm and rigorous, work that is both challenging and fun, a culture led by both head and heart. Central to our culture is fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment for our employees – we all thrive when we can come to work as the fullest expression of our self and feel like we matter.

Good mental health is a crucial component of reaching your true potential. Along with our brands Coach, kate spade new york and Stuart Weitzman, Tapestry works year-round to support employee well-being, while encouraging employees to learn ways to care for their own and loved one’s emotional health. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re reminding employees that self-care is a priority.

PROVIDING EMPLOYEES TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR WELL-BEING 

It’s easy to get caught up in deadlines, meetings and returning emails at the expense of taking a breath and going for a walk. To support our employees, Tapestry is committed to providing benefits that sustain mental well-being. For example, counseling is available through the Employee Assistance Program, and resources and literature on mental health are offered through the parenting digital health platform and caregiver benefit programs.

Tapestry also partners with Headspace, the mindfulness app, to offer all employees free subscriptions. This month, Headspace is hosting Mental Health Awareness Roundtables so associates can learn how to encourage and advocate for their own and their loved one’s mental well-being. And knowing that sometimes time and flexibility are often necessary for well-being, Tapestry offers up to nine wellness days per year to use for mental health days, doctor appointments, etc.

EMPLOYEE BUSINESS RESOURCE GROUPS FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH

All month long our Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRG) hosted employee-centered-events and activations. Priority You, Tapestry’s employee-led group that provides holistic wellness tools, resources, and education for all associates, placed coloring books and colored pencils in the conference rooms and coffee bars in Tapestry’s U.S. offices and fulfillment centers to promote mindfulness, stress relief, and embracing imperfection. We’re reminding teams to take a break to color together and enjoy each other’s company!

On May 16, our LGBTQIA+ Prouder Together EBRG hosted a Transgender Youth and Mental Health discussion focusing on allyship to support the mental health of transgender youth. Moderated by RJ Crossley, Prouder Together EBRG lead and Stuart Weitzman Store Manager, the panel featured Kevin Wong of the Trevor Project, Salem Vazcones of the Hetrick-Martin Institute and Dr. Vivid (Dr. Ashley Elliott), a licensed clinician and youth advocate.

KATE SPADE NEW YORK CONTINUES COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH

Also on Thursday, May 16, World Mental Health Action Day, kate spade new york (ksny) launched their 2023 global social impact report. ksny believes that good mental health is a fundamental human right for everyone and that it is foundational to women and girls’ empowerment. In 2021, ksny set a four-year goal to reach 100,000 women and girls with access mental health and empowerment resources by 2025, and today, they are proud to share that goal has already been achieved. Read the report here.

Since 2020, kate spade has offered Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Certification to corporate employees on how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance abuse. Tapestry has rolled out the program to all brands and is launching on-demand MHFA training to North America Coach and Stuart Weitzman store managers.

Learn more about what it’s like to work at Tapestry here: https://careers.tapestry.com/.

If you are struggling with your own mental health and are in need of support or someone talk to, text HOME to 741741 to connect with Crisis Text Line in the U.S.

CINCINNATI, May 31, 2024 /3BL/ – Fifth Third Bank today announced its recognition as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+ 2024 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. 

“Fifth Third believes inclusion in the workplace is essential to living our Core Values,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Nancy Pinckney. “Creating a culture of belonging and connection where employees feel cared for and valued is critical to our success. This recognition reflects our belief that inclusion creates the opportunity for all to thrive.”

To be considered, participating companies completed a study that involved an assessment of publicly accessible data, discussions / interviews with Human Resources professionals, and large-scale confidential online surveys conducted among employees from U.S. companies that employ more than 500 employees in 2023 and that employ more than 1,000 employees in 2022.

“We are honored to receive this award, as it reflects the intentionally inclusive, diverse and thriving community we aspire to at Fifth Third,” said Chief Inclusion Officer Stephanie A. Smith. “We strive to provide an environment in which each employee feels valued, respected and understood. At Fifth Third, we pride ourselves in bringing our authentic selves and our best thinking into the workplace.”

Respondents provided insights and experiences on corporate culture, working conditions, and other aspects of their current employer and other companies they know. The study incorporates more than 223,000 employee interviews in the U.S. and collected over 1.5 million comprehensive company reviews.

“Embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals is not just the right thing to do, it’s a business necessity for innovation and growth,” said Newsweek Global Editor in Chief Nancy Cooper. “To spotlight the companies that are taking meaningful steps to build a culture of inclusivity for employees of all sexual orientations and gender identities, Newsweek has partnered with data analytics firm Plant-A for the second annual ranking of America’s Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+.”

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.

###

CONTACT
Adrienne Gutbier (Media Relations) May 29, 2024
adrienne.gutbier@53.com | 513-534-8038
Matt Curoe (Investor Relations)
matt.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345

As part of a recurring series, Cascale details the involvement and vision of its Board members. In the latest blog post, Vidhura Ralapanawe Executive Vice President of Epic Group, shares his insights on collective action as the path to support stakeholders in the consumer goods industry in tackling the sustainability challenges facing our industry and future-proof their organizations. You can read more in his blog post titled, Board Interview: Vidhura Ralapanawe, Future-Proofing Factories, Unifying on Goals

Verizon

Growing up in Karachi, Pakistan, Syeda Ahmed and her older sister Darakshan Ahmed had a special appreciation for the value of education. Their mother had not gone to school as her family didn’t believe that it was necessary for girls to attend school. Both sisters, however, not only attended school but were also taught at home by peer tutors. Thanks in part to her parents’ efforts, Syeda developed a passion for making learning accessible for all.

In 2020, this passion drove Syeda and Darakhshan to found Tutorsloop, a platform for affordable private tutoring. The venture, which matches high school students with college students, is based on the peer-tutoring model they grew up with in Pakistan. “Back home, getting this private support is easy. It’s available everywhere,” Syeda says. Yet in the Chicago area, where her family immigrated when she was a teenager, Syeda noticed that many people in her community struggled to find affordable options to augment their children’s education.

The sisters assumed that once they built the platform, the business would take off. The duo soon realized, however, that they needed significant funding to cover costs that they, as business novices, hadn’t foreseen. “We did not know all the business aspects, including financing, and so pretty soon, we ran out of savings,” Syeda says.

One business becomes two

Through Sunshine Enterprises, a Chicago nonprofit that supports local entrepreneurs, Syeda and Darakhshan learned about Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, which opened up a new world of resources and opportunities. As they began to connect with more entrepreneurs through the program and other venues, they noticed that many small businesses were looking for web development and social media solutions. “They wanted to get their website developed, but did not know who to contact,” Syeda explains. With both sisters having a background in IT software development, the answer was clear.

In 2023, Syeda and Darakhshan launched a second business: TL IT Solutions. “We work with clients from scratch,” Syeda explains. “We guide them on where to start and provide them with affordable solutions.” Today, they have 10 to 15 clients, all found through their network. With the steady revenue from the second business to back them, the sisters hope to work on their tutoring business again.

‘You get real-time help’

Syeda has taken nearly a dozen self-paced classes or live coaching events on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform — some of them multiple times. When a client recently had questions about SEO, for example, Syeda revisited the Basics of Search Engine Optimization: Get Discovered course to refresh her knowledge. She was able to offer her client strategies to boost the business’s visibility online.

As a woman entrepreneur, Syeda appreciates that the courses are often taught by other women business owners, who may share first-hand experiences. “They know what they’re talking about. They have been there,” Syeda says. “That’s inspiring to me. I feel like I’m not alone.”

The financial literacy courses have been a game-changer for Syeda. She learned to use accounting apps for invoicing and receiving payments, and to set up business accounts separate from her personal finances, amongst other financial strategies. With her newfound skills, “I’m more confident,” Syeda says.

For networking, Syeda found the Strategic Networking to Unlock New Opportunities course particularly helpful. In addition to providing actionable strategies to build connections, “the course taught me the importance of both seeking help and being helpful within my network,” she says.

These days, Syeda checks in daily on the Slack channel for Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, where she has access to a network of 3,000 businesses. “You have a question, you put it out there and get a response,” she says. “Everybody shares their journey, what they do. You get real-time help if you need it.”

“I learn something new every day,” she adds.

Syeda also scored a prospective client, when someone posted that they needed a developer for their website and Syeda followed-up with a direct message.

In her father’s footsteps

For Syeda, the people-oriented service aspect of her web development business is personally gratifying. “I enjoy this work so much because I learn about other businesses and the life stories of our clients, who are coming from underprivileged communities. They have some touching and inspirational stories,” she says.

As she continues her entrepreneurial journey, Syeda hopes to follow the example of her father, also an entrepreneur, who died suddenly when she was nine years old. “He loved to help people, too,” Syeda says.

She recalls observing him in his business life and all that he accomplished — from creative endeavors to being adept at money management — and reflects, “I think that is in me, too. I feel him every day.”

The Digital Ready initiative is part of Verizon’s goal to support 1M small businesses by 2030 with the resources to thrive in the digital economy as part of its responsible business plan, Citizen Verizon. Visit CitizenVerizon.com to learn more about the company’s responsible business efforts. An individual user’s experience may vary and results are not guaranteed.

Originally published on HBISustains.com

“For me, the creation of the Weighted Hoodie prototype represents another step in our pursuit of crafting products with 
purpose that catalyze real impact.”

– Vanessa LeFebvre, president – Global Activewear, Champion

Launching in stores and online in September 2024, the brand now adds wearable weighted products and adaptive apparel to their portfolio with their newest innovative prototype, the Champion Weighted Hoodie – designed to champion mental health.

Inspiration for the product came directly from Champion consumers’ interest in using a calming technique, and ultimately, who were keen on seeing a weighted wearable product from Champion. Champion recognized a widespread need for products that aid in offering day-to-day, wearable relief – without compromising style.

“We are committed to listening to what our consumers and communities want and creating solutions through our products. The Weighted Hoodie is a perfect example of that, as mental health concerns and daily life stress is a consistent throughline in our community listening,” said Vanessa LeFebvre, president – Global Activewear, Champion.

The hoodie was developed in collaboration with Thera – a small business founded by Jenny Rosenberg, who began manufacturing weighted wearable products during the pandemic. The prototype is also undergoing testing with leading mental health experts, including Dr. Kerri McBee-Black, head adaptive apparel researcher and professor at the University of Missouri.

The Champion Weighted Hoodie features:

Weighted Pressure: Weighing in at a total of 8lb | 3.6 kg allover balanced distribution across arms, chest, back and hood.Glass Beads: This garment contains premium quality, non-toxic, odor free, machine washable, micro glass beads.Machine Washable: Easy to clean and maintain.Reversible: To provide multiple sensory experiences as well as extend wear options for the user. One side is textural and quilted, while the other is soft and smooth.Stowaway Label Pocket: Designed as a solution for those with sensory label issues, as well as aiding in garment reversibility while not losing important legal and wash information.Extra-Long Cotton Drawcord: Can act as a focus agent for those with fidget, twirling, or other neurodivergent tendencies.Champion Quality: Featuring Champion’s signature Reverse Weave Fabric, washed down for the perfect cozy vintage comfort the brand’s hoodies are cherished for. Also featuring the proprietary C Onion Quilt with built-in layers, perfectly containing and balancing weight evenly across the body and over time.

Weighing 8lbs, this machine-washable hoodie is quilted with micro glass beads and was designed to leverage the scientifically proven benefits of weighted pressure seen in weighted blankets, which may reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety among a host of other mental health and neurodivergent conditions. 

“While the benefits of weighted products for neurodivergent populations and those affected by certain mental health conditions have been widely studied, we’re finding that this category of adaptive clothing can actually serve a far larger population,” says Dr. Kerri McBee-Black.

For the brand, “Champion” is no longer a title or indication of winning – it’s a verb and a means to take action – rooted in creating with intention and moving the needle for important causes across communities. Mental health is no exception.

View the full release on HanesBrands newsroom.

Re-entering the workforce after an extended absence can often be difficult. The longer you’re out, the more challenging it can be to get back in.

“It was just after COVID and I was applying for jobs in the petroleum quality field, where I had come from,” says Darcey Kateryniuk, a senior analyst in Enbridge’s Liquids Pipelines group, who re-entered the workforce after spending 10 years raising three children.

“I kept getting interviews, but not offers. No one said it, but it always felt that the barrier was that I hadn’t worked in the industry for a long time. It felt like I was getting passed over for those with more recent experience.”

Kateryniuk and Eva Tam are two of four women who found a way back into the workforce, thanks to a career re-entry pilot program in Enbridge’s Liquids Pipelines group. The program, which kicked off in 2023 to support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts, is designed as a part-time, temporary opportunity to enable a gradual return to a working environment following a prolonged career pause.

“What’s fantastic about this program is that there is no downside. From a business perspective, Enbridge gets to tap into an overlooked demographic of talented professionals. People leaders get time to evaluate new employees. Teams get a new colleague who is willing and able to help support work,” says Stephanie Raill, a DEI projects lead with Enbridge.

“And for candidates, this structured return process”—part-time for a minimum of nine months—”gives them time to get back into a routine, helps build their confidence and, most importantly, gives them recent work experience that they can now put on their resume. It’s a win-win-win.”

Tam, a senior analyst in accounting with Enbridge, had stepped away to help raise two sons.

“Coming back to work was like finding myself and having a piece of my own life back,” she says. “It’s powerful and self-affirming. I know I’m a big influence in my kids’ lives, but it was important to remember that I can still contribute to society as well.”

This Enbridge career re-entry pilot program, notes Raill, boosts diversity in thinking and perspective, while also helping to eliminate the stigma often associated with career breaks.

“Enbridge is looking for good people, and I don’t think good people should be discounted because they took gaps in their career,” remarks Tam. “This is a wonderful program and I’m excited to see more people to get the opportunity to return to work.”

Tapestry, Inc. is honored to announce its inclusion on the fourth-annual TIME100 Most Influential Companies list for 2024. The recognition celebrates companies that hold sway over their industry and across others through innovation, ambition, success, and more. For Tapestry, it underscores our commitment to moving at the speed of the consumer and building a better-made future for all.

The TIME100 list is a result of a rigorous selection process. TIME solicited nominations from a wide range of sectors and consulted its global network of contributors and correspondents, as well as outside experts. The final list was curated by TIME editors, who evaluated each company based on key factors such as impact, innovation, ambition, and success.

This accolade is a testament to the efforts and visionary thinking of our teams, who consistently push the boundaries of what is possible. We believe that our impact extends beyond the fashion and retail sectors, influencing a broad spectrum of industries and communities worldwide. 

Tapestry’s portfolio of iconic brands—Coach, Kate Spade New York and Stuart Weitzman—create exceptional products and unforgettable experiences for our customers. Each brand carries a legacy of quality and innovation, continually setting higher standards in the industry. 

Tapestry’s recognition on the TIME100 list highlights our efforts in sustainability, social impact, and equity, inclusion and diversity. We are committed to shaping a better-made future for all. Through our outcomes-based initiatives, we are not only enhancing our brands’ value but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. 

This recognition by TIME affirms that we are on the right path with our enterprise efforts. Our efforts are resonating across the industry and beyond, inspiring others and setting new benchmarks for success. We are immensely proud of this achievement, but we recognize that this is just the beginning. Our brands have tremendous potential ahead, and we are excited about the possibilities that lie before us. 

As we celebrate this recognition, we remain committed to our purpose and values. We will continue to innovate and inspire, always striving to make a positive difference in the world. Our journey is fueled by the passion and dedication of our exceptional teams, and together, we will keep stretching what’s possible. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to TIME for this honor and to all our stakeholders for their unwavering support. Let’s keep moving forward, raising the bar, and making an impact that matters. The future is bright for Tapestry, and we are just getting started.

Southwire has joined forces with British climate tech leader Levidian to bring their innovative decarbonization technology to North America for the first time.

The collaboration will see the installation of Levidian’s LOOP technology at Southwire where it will capture carbon from methane to produce a hydrogen-rich blend gas. The teams will also be working on useful applications for the hydrogen and graphene, which can be used as a high-quality additive to increase the performance of materials as wide-ranging as concrete, batteries and plastics.

“This collaboration with Southwire marks an important first step in our expansion into North America and our mission to help decarbonize some of the important sectors on the planet,” said Levidian CEO John Hartley. “By deploying our LOOP technology at Southwire’s facilities, we’re not just reducing carbon emissions. We’re reshaping the landscape of sustainable industrial practices.”

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of wire and cable, Southwire delivers power to millions of people around the world. This partnership reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and remaining generationally sustainable in the electrical industry.

“This cooperation marks a significant stride towards our sustainability goals as we conduct exploratory work in graphene and hydrogen production and their potential applications,” said Axel Schlumberger, senior vice president of research and development at Southwire.

Levidian has also announced its intention to establish a new base in the US, including a new manufacturing hub for its LOOP devices to serve customers across North America.

For more information on Levidian and its mission to decarbonize the world’s most carbon-intensive industries, visit www.levidian.com.

For more news and information on Southwire and its commitment to sustainability, visit www.southwire.com/newsroom.