Tag: 3BL

Originally published on GoDaddy Newsroom

TEMPE, Ariz., May 7, 2024 /3BL/ — More U.S. microbusinesses are using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to grow and compete, with 50% of owners and operators recently surveyed indicating they have tried Gen AI tools in the past few months. The findings come from GoDaddy’s international research initiative, Venture Forward, which quantifies the economic impact of small businesses and explores their owners’ experiences, challenges and ambitions.

The Venture Forward 2024 U.S. National Survey found that 44% of microbusinesses, which have 10 or fewer employees, a domain and an active website, agree that GenAI helps them compete with big businesses.

However, attitudes, long-term goals and use cases that stem from GenAI usage vary across demographic groups. Key findings include:

Young (those aged 18-35) and Black microbusiness owners are 50% more likely to have used GenAI for their business in the last several months compared with their white counterparts.About one in three Black and Hispanic-owned microbusinesses use GenAI for business while only one out of every four white- and Asian-owned microbusinesses use GenAI for business.Those relying on or trying GenAI for their business use it most frequently for content creation, regardless of race or age. However, Black-owned microbusinesses are almost twice as likely as white-owned microbusinesses to use it for customer service.Gen AI users have a more positive outlook about their business (81%) and the national economy (40%). This is true for those who have used Gen AI for business. Those who haven’t used GenAI tend to have a more negative outlook about both their business (72%) and national economy (36%).

“Generative AI is already showing early potential to help level the playing field for small businesses as they go up against larger and often better-resourced competitors,” said Alexandra Rosen, senior director of GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative. “We’re seeing the most ambitious ones embrace it the fastest.”

Explore the survey results, visit https://www.godaddy.com/ventureforward/2024-u-s-survey-results/

For more information on the state of microbusinesses across the country, visit www.godaddy.com/ventureforward.

About GoDaddy Venture Forward 
GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative analyzes more than 20 million online businesses with a digital presence (measured by a unique domain and an active website). Most of these businesses employ fewer than ten people, categorizing each as a microbusiness. To find out more about GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research, visit: www.godaddy.com/ventureforward

About GoDaddy 
GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY) helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers, sell their products and services, and accept payments online and in person. GoDaddy’s easy-to-use tools help microbusiness owners manage everything in one place, and its expert guides are available to provide assistance 24/7. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

*GoDaddy customer survey of more than 3,500 microbusiness owners conducted in February 2024. 

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

LAS VEGAS, May 7, 2024 /3BL/ – Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) has contributed $100,000 through Sands Cares to Dress for Success® (DFS) Southern Nevada to support the organization’s free business styling and workforce development services for women who are unemployed and underemployed.

Funding is focused on organizational capacity building in the areas of job readiness, career coaching and mentorship; styling services; and financial literacy programs for women who need resources to assist them on their paths to meaningful employment and economic independence.

DFS Southern Nevada is the local affiliate of the leading global nonprofit employment resource for women. The organization empowers women in Southern Nevada to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to thrive in work and life. Since its founding in 2009, DFS Southern Nevada has helped more than 13,000 women of diverse backgrounds and experiences on their road to achieving economic independence.

DFS Southern Nevada’s signature Styling for Success program provides personalized suiting and styling services for clients to address their immediate needs for appropriate interview and work attire and instills a sense of self-assurance and professionalism that is crucial for successful interviews. Services include consultations, fitting sessions and curated outfits that align with industry standards, ensuring that each woman feels empowered to present her best self to potential employers.

The Sands Cares contribution also supports the organization’s financial literacy programs, which close knowledge gaps among underrepresented minority women who make up the majority of the nonprofit’s clients. Online and in-person courses cover topics such as budgeting, saving, investing and managing debt.

Finally, the Sands Cares donation enables other capacity-building initiatives such as purchasing software tools for resume builders and career assessments, upgrading DFS Southern Nevada’s Career Center hardware and software resources for virtual mentorship and training sessions, and providing new group learning, networking and mentoring opportunities for various industries in Las Vegas.

“This latest Sands Cares investment continues to be transformational as we aim to help more women in Southern Nevada achieve financial independence and plan for sustainable futures,” said Roxann McCoy, executive director at Dress for Success Southern Nevada. “Sands understands that empowering women to advance in the workforce not only provides economic independence but also helps them build resiliency and confidence in their futures.”

In March, Sands again participated in DFS Southern Nevada’s Your Hour, Her Power campaign, held in conjunction with Women’s History Month 2024. The campaign raises funds for the nonprofit while providing underserved women with encouragement for reaching their job and career goals. Women leaders at Sands shared inspirational messages for DFS Southern Nevada’s social media campaign, and the company’s EmpowHER Team Member resource group for women held a clothing drive to support its clients.

“Dress for Success offers valuable resources for unemployed and underemployed women, and we want to help ensure its continued ability to meet their needs with critical job readiness services,” said Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs, who spearheads corporate responsibility initiatives for the company. “These offerings closely align with our workforce development and economic empowerment goals by supporting women on their journeys to find meaningful employment that creates pathways to financial freedom and a foundation for their overall well-being.”

Sands’ partnership with Dress for Success Southern Nevada is aligned with the company’s People and Communities corporate responsibility pillars in the areas of empowering workforce development initiatives under the People pillar and helping disadvantaged and underrepresented populations overcome hardship through access to services and resources under the Communities pillar.

To learn more about Sands’ corporate responsibility initiatives and other Sands Cares community engagement activities, visit https://www.sands.com/responsibility.

To learn more about Dress for Success Southern Nevada, visit https://dressforsuccesssouthernnevada.org/.

About Sands (NYSE: LVS) 
Sands is the world’s preeminent developer and operator of world-class integrated resorts. The company’s iconic properties drive valuable leisure and business tourism and deliver significant economic benefits, sustained job creation, financial opportunities for local businesses and community investment to help make its host regions ideal places to live, work and visit.

Sands’ portfolio of properties includes Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and The Venetian Macao, The Plaza Macao, The Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao and Sands Macao in Macao SAR, China, through majority ownership in Sands China Ltd.

Dedicated to being a leader in corporate responsibility, Sands is anchored by the core tenets of serving people, communities and the planet. The company’s ESG leadership has led to inclusion on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for World and North America, as well as Fortune’s list of the Word’s Most Admired Companies. To learn more, visit www.sands.com.

About Dress for Success Southern Nevada 
Dress for Success Southern Nevada is the local affiliate of the leading global nonprofit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, development tools, and professional attire to help women thrive in work and in life.

Since 2009, the organization has helped more than 13,000 women in Southern Nevada to achieve economic independence by providing a myriad of programs — including career development, job skills preparedness, mentorship and coaching, financial education, and professional attire.

SOURCE Las Vegas Sands

As our name suggests, it takes many diverse perspectives to make up #OurTapestry – and we’re on a journey to foster an environment where everyone feels respected, heard, and valued.

Today, we are delighted to share that our organization has once again been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity. This marks the seventh consecutive year that Tapestry has been named to the list, and we could not be prouder of this recognition and our continued progress in the EI&D space.

This achievement is in part due to the positive feedback collected from some of our Tapestry colleagues, and is a testament to the power of our intertwined ideas and unique contributions.

Congratulations and thank you to all our teams – this one’s for you.

Interested in learning more about what it’s like to work at Tapestry? Visit our careers page for details.

Leidos has partnered with Carma to create more green spaces by planting trees across the UK, supporting reforestation and helping tackle climate change. This tree planting activity gave our employees and veterans the opportunity to plant 1000 new trees in the Welsh countryside. Carma facilitates nature-based therapy for veterans through these tree planting days, alleviating PTSD and other conditions brought on by armed conflict. Through their work with veterans in partnership with sponsors such as Leidos, Carma is empowered to award recognised horticulture and forestry qualifications to veterans.

The Carma tree planting days align with Leidos’ sustainability goals focusing on delivering our environmental commitments. Leidos UK is set to become Net Zero by 2040, with giving back to our local communities as an integral part of our strategy. As such, our collaboration with Carma on one of their tree planting days has not only benefited the environment and the veterans working with Carma, but it has also contributed to our commitment to investing in more environmentally friendly and sustainable practices and team-building activities.

The Carma tree planting activity has supported Leidos UK employees at working towards their own goals, such as employee sustainability goals recorded through Giki, as well as external commitments to drive positive environmental changes through activities, such as tree planting, to improve the positive impact Leidos UK have on the Earth. Leidos UK employees have access to Giki Zero, a tool to better inform colleagues about their impact on the environment and how to improve their carbon footprint. Giki provides a personalised programme for Leidos UK employees to set themselves environmental goals and track their progress on a leaderboard. Partnerships with organisations such as Carma and Giki, further contribute to the environmental awareness of employees at Leidos UK, and their commitment to reducing their individual carbon footprints, as well as the carbon footprint of Leidos UK.

Corporate tree planting days are about team building, making a difference to the environment and getting outdoors. They are about connecting, connecting with each other, connecting with veterans, and connecting with nature. Making a positive impact, fighting climate change, and leaving a legacy that will surpass many lifetimes.

Jim Holland CEO & Co-Founder, Carma

Carma’s mission is to make social and environmental impact simple and affordable, one of the many ways of doing this is by planting trees and employing veterans from The Green Task Force. Their tree planting days incorporate team building, giving back to society and nature all in one day. Some of the veterans have PTSD and are treated through nature-based therapy and provided with positive pathways to employment through nature-based tasks. It is a thoroughly rewarding day with many benefits, including mental health, and supporting the companies’ environmental activations. Carma proudly displays the Armed Forces Covenant as does Leidos. Leidos received the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award in 2019 and this work is part of our Covenant commitments working with our client Ministry of Defence. This award represents our dedication to promoting opportunities for those who have served in the armed forces, as well as ensuring Leidos is a supportive environment for veterans.

Our Leidos employees were fortunate enough to get involved in one of Carma’s tree planting days in Wales recently. The team were given an introduction to Carma and a brief overview of the work they do in the UK, as well as the opportunity to learn about The Green Task Force vision and mission. Before beginning the tree planting, the team were shown how to plant trees and were involved in the discussion around the benefits of doing so. The trees were then planted, along with stakes and protection to ensure the trees planted by Leidos will grow safely for years to come.

We hope to continue this great work in 2024, aspiring to reach our 2025 carbon emissions reduction targets and work towards beating our 2022 achievement of a 30.5% total carbon emissions reduction from our baseline year (2019) across all three scopes. Remaining focused on our employees’ wellbeing, our relationships within our local communities, and protecting the planet, Leidos UK remain passionate about reducing carbon emissions and engaging with our employees to better understand how we can maximise our positive impact on the environment around us.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR UK SUSTAINABILITY WORK

When the majority, if not all, of the industrial activities for a business are performed inside or in states without much precipitation, it isn’t always obvious that a stormwater permit would be necessary. Yet, if a business operates under a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) or North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code that requires stormwater permitting, they have a duty to comply. Not doing so can have both criminal and civil implications, not to mention financial penalties. A common industry the misses this compliance requirement is manufacturing. If you own a manufacturing facility, this blog will help you understand if stormwater permit coverage is required for your facility and how to get support.

Why Stormwater Permits Matter

Industrial activities, such as material handling and storage, fueling, and equipment maintenance and cleaning, are often exposed to the weather. When runoff from rainfall and snowmelt comes into contact with these activities/materials, it can pick up pollutants which are then transported into nearby water ways or storm sewers, thus degrading water quality. In compliance with the Clean Water Act, and to control discharges associated with industrial activities, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) developed permitting requirements under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). As a result, 11 distinct categories of industrial activities were defined and are required to obtain coverage under a stormwater permit issued either by the EPA or a state environmental agency. Of these 11 defined industrial activities, two pertain to manufacturing.

What Facilities are Required to Obtain a Stormwater Permit?

The U.S. classifies businesses according to industrial activities using the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) or North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Based on the 11 defined industrial categories, the EPA has identified 29 industrial sectors that require stormwater permitting coverage. Of those 29 sectors, about half are associated with manufacturing. SIC and NAICS codes can therefore be used to determine if coverage is required for any business.

This is especially important for businesses that would not otherwise know they need stormwater permit coverage. For example, many manufacturing businesses operate indoors, away from direct exposure to stormwater and snowmelt. However, they often forget about activities such as:

Material loading/unloading that happens at a loading dock which is not fully enclosed and briefly exposes raw materials to precipitation;Equipment/vehicle maintenance and repair which occurs in the parking lot and is exposed to precipitation;Stockpiling in the yard which can include empty totes, wood pallets, metal scraps, waste oil drums, miscellaneous construction materials for facility improvement, or relics of past industrial activities that are exposed to precipitation;Air emissions of solvents, chemicals, or particulate matter through roof stacks or baghouses that encounter stormwater.

Think Your Facility Doesn’t Need a Stormwater Permit? Think Again.

As mentioned above, when most or all of a company’s industrial activities take place indoors or in areas with little precipitation, it may not seem apparent that a stormwater permit is needed. However, if a company falls under a SIC or NAICS code that mandates stormwater permitting, they must comply, whether or not the need is immediately clear. Failing to do so could lead to criminal and civil consequences, as well as financial penalties.

Federal Requirements for Permits

The EPA has authorized many states to administer the NPDES stormwater permitting program. Most industrial facilities will need to obtain permit coverage though their state, but the EPA remains the permitting authority for a few states, most territories, and most Native American country. Compliance starts with identifying if the EPA or the state is the permitting authority for industrial activities in your case. It is up to you to check your state’s requirements and understand who the permitting authority is in your area.

State Requirements

The next step is to check if your SIC or NAICS code is included as a permit-required sector in your state. The EPA defines the 29 sectors that are federally required to have stormwater permit coverage, but some states require more businesses to obtain coverage than the EPA. If required to obtain coverage, you will then need to apply.

Application processes and permitting requirements may vary by state, but all must maintain the minimum criteria as required by the EPA. In any case, a Notice of Intent (NOI) will need to be submitted to the permitting authority. This NOI will include information about the facility and the potential stormwater exposure pathways. Based on the information provided and any state-specific requirements, the permitting authority will issue an Industrial Stormwater Permit. Compliance with these permits usually includes, but is not limited to, the development and maintenance of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), employee training, stormwater sampling, routine site inspections, and compliance reporting.

If a facility’s SIC or NAICS code dictates that they need to obtain coverage, but a facility is certain that the industrial activities associated with their business do not and will not be exposed to stormwater, they can apply for a no exposure exemption with their NOI application (the specific process for pursuing a no exposure exemption varies by state). No exposure exemption requirements vary by permitting authority but generally require proof that a condition of no exposure exists at an industrial facility. For example, when all industrial materials and activities are protected by a storm-resistant shelter to prevent exposure to rain, snow, snowmelt, and/or runoff.

In Summary – Check Your Compliance

It does not matter if it doesn’t rain in your area or if your industrial activities are not exposed to stormwater. Any industrial facility operating under a SIC or NAICS code included within one of the 29 industrial sectors defined by the EPA must obtain NPDES permit coverage from an authorized entity. In some states, the list of businesses included in each sector is more extensive than the EPA. With manufacturing operations making up about half of the 29 sectors, the odds are high that if you own a manufacturing facility, you are required to obtain stormwater permit coverage – albeit in the form of the Industrial Stormwater Permit or a no exposure exemption. It is up to you to understand if you are in compliance with stormwater permitting regulations. Ignorance of the regulation is not an exemption for non-compliance.

Do you need help with your stormwater compliance? Reach out to our Stormwater Permitting and Management Team today!

I’ve always found it valuable to give your available time to help support and educate the younger generation. Thanks to my career at Covia, I’ve been able to follow this principle and give back to those in my community while following my passion for environmentalism. I am grateful for these past 10 years and the countless opportunities I’ve had to volunteer and guide the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

A Health & Safety Mindset

I started my career by inspecting fire systems for airplane hangars at military bases near my hometown in South Carolina. During that time, I met my lovely wife and moved with her to her hometown of Oregon, IL. It was there that I heard about an open position at Covia for a production supervisor role. While I didn’t have any experience in mining at the time, I was interested and decided to apply anyway. I was hired and have been proud to work here since. In my current role as the environmental health and safety coordinator, I conduct air, water, and personal dust sampling to ensure we are meeting Covia’s strict environmental and safety regulations. I’ve always been passionate about the environment, so I love this aspect of my job. I am also in charge of going out to different plants in my area to inspect and make sure health and safety standards are up to code. My main goal when it comes to health and safety is that every Team Member goes home the same way they showed up. I work to ensure they have the skills to stay safe on the job and that they take those skills into their personal lives to keep them, and their families, protected. I find it rewarding that I get to help make Covia a little bit safer than it was the day before.

Encouraging a Love for the Great Outdoors

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time volunteering in my community. I work with a number of local organizations, from coaching a middle school basketball team to managing the Avalanche softball team. I also spend time working with my local chapter of Pheasants Forever and the Oregon, IL Bass Team. I couldn’t be happier with the support Covia has given me throughout my time here. The resources and opportunities to help others they’ve provided have encouraged me to be a force for good. Not only have they helped support my daughter’s sports programs, but they have also gone above and beyond to sponsor several organizations in the community. This includes providing the reclaimed land and ponds that we use for the organizations I volunteer with. I also love to spend time with my family. My favorite hobby is going out to the pond to fish with my daughter. She loves spending time near the water, and I enjoy getting the opportunity to show her the ropes. It’s been a fantastic way to connect with her and share a mutual appreciation for the outdoors.

Project Highlight: Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program

I’ve gotten to work on many projects since I first started at Covia, but the one that I am most proud of is being able to work with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program to help educate women in my community about fishing techniques and the outdoors. We started the program last year – having 20-30 women visit a reclaimed natural area over the course of two weekends to learn how to fish and use different techniques for being out in nature. Covia provided the land for the program, using a reclaimed quarry that was filled with fish from the region. Before the program launched, we worked to create clearings near the pond to make it an ideal location for the participants. I’ve had a lot of fun getting to teach them how to fish, and it’s been rewarding getting to see those in my community gain a new appreciation for the great outdoors. It makes me happy that out of the 10-15 classes currently being offered by the IDNR, this class has been voted the favorite among participants. I even got my daughter interested in the program and she will be helping lead the next group learn the basics of fishing. I’m so excited and proud of her for wanting to volunteer and spend her free time helping others.

Moving Forward and Giving Back

What excites me the most about Covia’s future is that there is a much strong focus on environmental conservation. Throughout Covia’s entire footprint, programs focused on reclamation and conservation have grown tremendously. With so much support, I am confident that we can continue to make a big difference in the environments we operate in. Covia is also making a massive impact in our communities. We have a significant number of people going out into their communities to give back – investing in organizations and causes they believe in. From coaching local sports teams to helping food banks and schools, Team Members are following each other’s leads and pursuing their passions. I am truly excited to see how our organization continues to grow and give back.

On March 25, 2024, Lenovo took part in the fourth UNESCO Global Education Coalition Annual Meeting hosted in Paris, France. The coalition was created in 2020 as a dynamic global platform for multi-stakeholder cooperation, with the goal of transforming education to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (quality education). According to UNESCO, 1.2 billion students and youth in 124 countries are currently affected by school and university closures. The coalition operates with a focus on keeping learning processes accessible for all learners and leaving no one behind.

Lenovo became a member of the Global Education Coalition in December 2023 as well as a member of the Digital Transformation Collaborative (DTC). The DTC represents a tech-focused subgroup working to mobilize resources at a national scale to leverage digital transformation in education. Lenovo is joining other partners in EdTech, as well as international organizations, telecoms, and NGOs to steer digital transformation in education towards equity, quality, and sustainability.

In Paris, the annual meeting focused on concrete solutions to give access to education to all students across the world. It also strengthened the need to be united and collaborate between stakeholders to make true progress. The digital transformation represents a real opportunity for schools and students today. With technologies like AI, the education landscape can be deeply transformed. “We were honored to contribute to the fourth annual GTC meeting and bring our perspective as a trusted technology solution provider. Using our innovations, we can help transform the learning experience”, said Marine Rabeyrin, Director of Education Segment at Lenovo EMEA. “Our commitment to responsible AI and building a more sustainable future for all can impact how students access technology today.” With solutions like Lenovo Asset Recovery Services and its Devices as a service offering, Lenovo is already contributing to the digital transformation and proposes a more sustainable technology to teachers around the globe.

Lenovo has been taking a credible and collaborative approach in its journey to build a more sustainable future for all. In February 2024, Lenovo joined UNESCO’s Commitment for Responsible AI, after forming its own internal Responsible AI committee. In addition, Lenovo Foundation and Motorola are collaborating with UNESCO to digitize, preserve and promote indigenous languages, in honour of UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages. Learn more about Lenovo’s inclusive technology commitments in the most recent Environmental, Social and Governance Report.

Nasdaq

Investor Relations (IR) professionals are quickly becoming the dynamic multitaskers of today’s corporate world. They are viewed as an internal partner of choice across corporate functions and have expanded their remits year-over-year, including focus on technology advancements, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and macroeconomic disruptions. With a growing list of responsibilities, IR professionals have a reach that extends from internal initiatives to external activities. In recent years, IR professionals’ versatility has been particularly evident through a growing involvement in or leadership of sustainability and ESG efforts.

Now more than ever, IR professionals are managing, reporting, and communicating their organization’s ESG strategies and programs. Looking deeper into this topic, Nasdaq IR Intelligence uncovered how the role of IR has evolved over the years, as well as how leveraging people and AI-based technology can help IR professionals align their objectives with their organizations’ broader ESG and sustainability goals.

IR Professionals: Then vs. Now

Today, the IR profession has entered its third wave of execution – cross-functional leadership and tackling new verticals, like ESG and sustainability. This most recent phase can create a narrative for stakeholders that’s not solely focused on financial performance and investor engagement. With this shift in responsibilities, an exciting growth course becomes evident for individuals within the IR profession. They are given the opportunity to expand their skill set, gain access to new internal decision makers, and elevate their position within their organizations. The evolution of the role also means they can influence key strategic decisions within the organization and shape the corporate narrative to a greater extent than ever before.

“I see the IR career evolving as a glue across the organization,” says Katrina Rymill, SVP of Corporate Finance & Sustainability at Equinix. “IR professionals are held accountable for a lot more, and it’s no longer just for the earnings calls.”

Catherine Buan, VP of Investor Relations at Asana, also shared her thoughts during Nasdaq’s 2024 IR Forum. “In IR, you have a very unique vantage point. You’re not the CEO or CFO, but you have the altitude of one. You see things at a higher level, and you can be a great ally to the C-level from that standpoint. The cross-functional leadership skills you develop as an IR person are critical and have become even more profound as the years come.”

IR’s Focus on ESG, Sustainability, and Regulation

The increasing collaboration between IR and ESG teams is evident. According to findings from Nasdaq’s 5th Annual IR Issuer Pulse survey, ESG remains the most significant responsibility outside traditional IR activities, with 35% of IR professionals reporting a heavier focus on ESG in recent years. Four years prior, that amount was at 14%. Collaboration between IR and sustainability teams also lends to improved communications with stakeholders about an organization’s sustainability initiatives—and highlights the strategic nature of modern IR.

With the evolution of ESG and sustainability, IR professionals can play a crucial part in leading or participating in their company’s ESG working groups. Occupying a unique position within organizations, and core members of the finance team, IR’s role in the evolving regulatory landscape cannot be understated. Further insights from the 5th Annual IR Pulse, 20% of IR professionals indicate the greatest ESG-related challenge is navigating the increasing disclosure regulatory requirements.

As ESG and sustainability started to gain traction in stakeholder demands, engagements between IR professionals and investors had naturally shifted to include more ESG-focused issues and acted as a starting point for IR professionals to expand their responsibilities. For many IR teams, keeping up required a steady adoption of ESG and sustainability initiatives into their workloads. “It was an organic evolution,” says Susan Morrison, Chief Administrative Officer at Tandem Diabetes. Having dealt with a failed say on a pay vote six years ago, Morrison had the incentive to get feedback from shareholders and to understand why this was the case. Speaking to different investor stewardship teams from various funds on top of discussing compensation, the conversation naturally took a broad look at governance within the organization. “This really helped to clarify the picture. And as those conversations were happening, we were able to strengthen our shareholder relations, and came to the realization that sustainability was critical to have at the forefront of those governance discussions. We needed to make sure that we were establishing our own presence in the sustainability space,” Morrison explains.

Igniting an IR Career with New Responsibilities

The ever-expanding role of IR professionals brings the challenge of managing increased responsibilities with limited resources. As mentioned, IR professionals are now intertwining their roles with key strategic corporate functions, most notably ESG and sustainability. With such a significant paradigm shift, IR teams are no longer just communication bridges between their organization and the financial community – they are now strategic partners driving ESG initiatives that go beyond just sustainability reporting.

“Sustainability is so much more than reporting,” says Rymill. “There is a whole tie between strategy, communication, and reporting. The metrics drive the strategy, and the strategy drives the metrics.” With this concept in view, Rymill’s career took on a whole new direction and was led by the question of how an IR team can help map out long-term strategic sustainability value for the organization. “It changed my career”, revealed Katrina. “It gave me a chance to have visibility in a completely different way. It gave me people management experience, and I had people asking to join my team to work on this. It really changes the trajectory of what you’re capable of.”

Growing Efficiently with the Right Investments

It is important to note that attaining that career growth by taking on more can be nearly impossible without investing in the right areas. So, in leveraging valuable assets —people and technology—IR teams can optimize resources to drive success. First, investing in people is crucial. Resourcing existing team members where their expertise and skills will shine not only supports improved individual performance, but also enhances the IR team’s overall effectiveness. In addition to human capital, technology can play a pivotal role in scaling operations and driving efficiency. Adopting emerging technologies, such as AI, helps automate routine ESG tasks, freeing up IR professionals to take on more and focus on strategic areas.

However, it is important to note that one may not always work as efficiently without the other, as IR professionals can elevate their roles when they incorporate the use of AI and technology and use it as a strategic partner in their efforts. “Relying on technology is what allows us to accomplish so much. IR professionals have so much breadth to our roles, and to be efficient in it, you have to be able to rely on technology,” explains Morrison during the Nasdaq’s 2024 IR Forum. “Technology helps you keep pace in those, but it never replaces doing the work.”

Moreover, integrating AI into IR workflows can be transformative, especially in addressing ESG-related challenges. AI technologies, like Nasdaq Sustainable Lens™, provide a unique opportunity to help IR teams seeking to take on more ESG responsibilities leverage AI to boost productivity by automating repetitive tasks and tap into credible and trusted insights.

Building Upon a Strong Position on the Finance Team

As the corporate landscape evolves, IR teams are managing various responsibilities. Their expanded role can now include leadership in ESG and sustainability efforts, further solidifying their position as internal partners across various corporate functions. IR professionals looking for ways to grow their careers should take a hard look at sustainability and ESG. They are well positioned members of finance teams, adept at navigating regulatory topics and communicating complex topics to stakeholders. For those that want to leap, taking on this added responsibility in an efficient manner requires getting scale through two powerful assets – human creativity and technology, both working in tandem.

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To discover how IR professionals can leverage technology to expedite better decisions, boost productivity, and enhance credibility, visit: https://www.nasdaq.com/solutions/corporate-esg-solutions/esg-ai.

Julia Reilly, senior legal analyst, has turned her lifelong passion for horses into purpose with the Fair Hill Emergency Response Team (FHERT). Since 2019, Julia has spent countless hours working with the all-volunteer team, bringing a humane and dignified approach to large animal rescue in Northern Maryland, Northern Delaware, as well as Eastern and Lower Pennsylvania.

Through her volunteer work, Julia earned Exelon’s highest achievement for volunteerism and community involvement, the Powering Communities Employee Volunteer award, and FHERT a $5,000 grant. We spoke with Julia about the organization, how it serves its community, and of course — her horse, Finn.

Why are you passionate about Fair Hill Emergency Response Team (FHERT)?

It’s a blend of my passion for horses and the convenience of being nearby. Firstly, I own a horse, and with that comes the necessity of having a well-thought-out plan for when things inevitably go awry. I don’t own a truck or trailer, so I’ve always needed to have a plan in the event that I would need to transport my horse to an equine hospital. Since 2019, I have boarded my horse with Jo Ann Bashore who leads FHERT and just by being around the barn, I was exposed to the organization. For example, we planned to ride on New Year’s Day, but a call came in about a calf in distress. Without hesitation, we jumped into the ambulance and rushed to assist. Working with FHERT is not just about passion – it’s also about being in the right place at the right time.

In the horse community, we all pitch in to support one another. Whether we’re going for a ride or handling emergencies, we ensure everyone is taken care of, and that nobody gets left behind. It’s an extension of my commitment to caring for the community I’m part of.

What is the horse community like in your area?

Maryland has a very large horse population. At one point, Maryland had the highest number of horses per capita of any state in the country. We also have large events, like the Fair Hill International Five-Star Event, which is one of only two events at its level in the United States, and one of seven internationally.

What kind of services does FHERT provide?

We handle a wide range of situations. For instance, if a horse gets cast, meaning it’s lying down in a way it can’t get up, we have the tools like ropes and straps to assist in getting the horse back on its feet. Additionally, we respond to various other issues and emergencies, such as transporting horses that need medical attention or surgery. Our organization is equipped with diverse equipment and skills to address a variety of equine-related needs, as well as other large animals. We will also go to horse shows and serve as emergency personnel in case of any issues, and we host obstacle course clinics and de-sensitization classes to help people train their horses.

How does the organization engage with the local community?

We engage in extensive outreach efforts with members, the public, and first responders. We recently received a grant from Maryland to provide Large Animal Technical Rescue training for first responders, helping them understand how to handle animal emergencies. This training is crucial because many first responders and even veterinarians need more expertise in technical rescue for animals. We also conduct outreach for children and youth, including school visits and working with local 4H clubs.

Can you tell us a little about your horse?

I met my horse, Finn, when his previous owner had been told by doctors that she was no longer able to ride. Originally, I just started riding him to get him out of the barn, but I fell in love with him — it was very serendipitous. He is a total rock star and is absolutely perfect for me. He is a seven-year-old Bay Roan Quarter Horse, and I’m looking forward to a long time with him.

How has this organization impacted your life?

It has deepened my appreciation for the effort required to manage these situations. I’ve had horses for a long time, but I’ve been fortunate to avoid major issues. However, there have been instances where we needed urgent assistance, which wasn’t readily available, underscoring the importance of having a solid plan and access to resources, especially as I age. There’s a growing need in our community for this type of service, which is evident from the significant increase in our call volume. Initially, we barely received a handful of calls in a year, but now, we’re surpassing that in just a few months. The word is spreading among the community, EMTs, and police about our availability as a resource. Assisting someone in distress holds immense value for me, especially knowing that support would be reciprocated if I were ever in a similar situation.

What is one call that stands out to you?

We had a horse that was hit by two cars and lived. We were able to get him on the ambulance and to New Bolton, the premier equine veterinary hospital in the area. Not only did he live, but he’s actively enjoying a happy and fulfilling life.

As part of your Exelon Powering Communities Employee Volunteer Award, FHERT received a $5,000 grant. How is that being used?

We were able to purchase a dedicated truck for the ambulance. We’ve had a trailer for some time, but relying on individual member’s trucks wasn’t ideal for a variety of reasons. The truck is a reliable way for us to answer calls quickly and transport horses and other large animals when needed.

Exelon’s strong support for volunteerism is truly inspiring, and it’s incredible to be recognized with this award. I’m deeply grateful for the company’s commitment to empower employees to get out there and champion causes that we’re passionate about.

Southern Company

Solar energy accounted for more than half of new U.S. electricity generating capacity for the first time ever in 2023, according to a report from consulting firm Wood Mackenzie and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)..

Last year, the United States saw a record 32.4 gigawatts of new solar power generating capacity added to the grid, up 51% from 2022, according to the report. That 2023 total also represents a 37% increase from the previous record, set in 2021. Utility-scale installations accounted for 69% of total new solar capacity additions, followed by residential solar at 21%. Community solar accounted for around 3.5% of new solar capacity.

In the Southeast, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are leading the way in this solar expansion. As we work across the company to enable a net-zero transition, our renewables portfolio continues to grow. Across the Southern Company system of retail electric utilities, more than 2,800 MW of solar generating capacity has been added since 2015. The company plans to nearly triple solar capacity by the early 2030s and in total, expects to have approximately 20,000 MW of renewable capacity and storage by 2030.

“Carbon-free solar generation resources are an instrumental component of our energy mix as we build the energy network of the future,” said Clay Rikard, Southern Company vice president of System Planning. “We expect solar generation to continue its accelerated growth trajectory across our service territory as we transition our electric generating fleet in pursuit of our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our customers and communities depend on the clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy we serve every day – and we’re committed to keeping them at the center of everything we do.”

Georgia has ranked in the top 10 for annual solar capacity additions in the U.S. for each the past three years. Georgia Power recently advised regulators that adding some 10,000 MW of solar capacity to their generation fleet by 2035 can potentially stimulate economic benefits for that state.

In addition to Southern Company’s retail electric utilities, the company’s wholesale energy subsidiary, Southern Power, currently owns or operates more than 2,740 MW of solar generating capacity at 30 facilities nationwide*. Southern Power helps serve the energy needs of municipalities, electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities and other energy customers across the nation.

While various policy and economic factors could impact the continued growth of solar in the U.S., the outlook is currently optimistic. “If we stay the course with policies in the IRA, solar capacity will quadruple over the next 10 years,” said SEIA CEO Abigail Ross Hopper.

* Some 250 MW of this amount is under contract to Georgia Power and is included in the 2,800 MW value cited above. Also, 26 of these facilities are co-owned by third parties, with Southern Power having majority ownership.