Tag: 3BL

Originally published on August 14th on LinkedIn

Nine months. Countless connections. Lasting impact. We’re proud to celebrate the close of Sysco’s inaugural Rise Together Women’s Leadership Program — a 9-month journey designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential women across our business.

Through executive mentorship, senior sponsorship, and visibility to top senior leaders, participants gained invaluable exposure to executive-level leadership while building strong networks across the enterprise. Skill-building workshops and intentional development opportunities helped them gain confidence, advance their careers, and strengthen their leadership impact.

With 25% already achieving upward career movement and nearly 90% reporting greater leadership confidence, the program’s influence is undeniable — and we’re just getting started.

About Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 76,000 colleagues, the company operates 340 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 730,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2024 that ended June 29, 2024, the company generated sales of more than $78 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Sysco’s 2023 Sustainability Report and 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at www.sysco.com.

 For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoFoods. For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the company’s Internet home page at investors.sysco.com, which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information.

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Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang to deliver CES keynote on smarter AI for all at iconic venue, showcasing innovations with FIFA, Formula 1®, and a host of others at the world’s biggest tech event.

Tech World CES Keynote to showcase Lenovo’s role as An Official Technology Partner of Sphere Studios

LAS VEGAS, September 29, 2025 /3BL/ – Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) and Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) announced that, for the first time ever, Lenovo’s annual global innovation event, Tech World, will take center stage at Sphere in Las Vegas on the opening day of CES® 2026. The 11^th annual Tech World will feature Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang’s CES keynote along with Lenovo’s latest product launches, innovations, proofs of concept, and the company’s AI-driven innovation strategy for the coming years.

The event at Sphere, which will showcase content created exclusively for Lenovo by Sphere Studios, Sphere’s in-house immersive content studio, marks the second consecutive year that a CES keynote will be delivered at the cutting-edge venue. Tech World comes as Lenovo and Sphere enter a multi-year global partnership, making Lenovo An Official Technology Partner of Sphere Studios.

“Over the past decade, Tech World has become Lenovo’s key platform to reveal our vision, showcase our innovation, and launch our most exciting products, solutions, and partnerships,” said Yuanqing Yang, Chairman and CEO, Lenovo. “Now, set against the backdrop of CES 2026, we’ll give the audience an exclusive look at how our technology has revolutionized F1, unveil our plans for the first-ever AI-powered FIFA World Cup next summer, and create a hyper-personalized agent-native experience for individuals while unleashing Lenovo Hybrid AI Advantage for enterprise customers. Sphere is the perfect match for Lenovo in Las Vegas, where we will celebrate and share our commitment to delivering smarter AI for all by constantly redefining how technology can engage, inspire, and empower.”

“As a venue at the forefront of innovation, Sphere is a powerful platform for visionary brands looking to create transformative events and experiences,” said Jennifer Koester, President and COO, Sphere. “We are honored to collaborate with Lenovo not only to help bring their vision to life during this CES Keynote, but also as part of our broader partnership that will leverage Lenovo technology to deliver immersive experiences across all Sphere events.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lenovo and Yuanqing Yang to the CES keynote stage. CES is where innovators show up, and I look forward to seeing his vision for the technology solving big global challenges come to life at the incredible Sphere,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair, CTA.

Tech World @ CES will explore how Lenovo is defining the future through the fusion of AI, devices, infrastructure, and services. As a global technology partner for Formula 1® and the FIFA World Cup 26™ and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™, the audience will see not only how Lenovo innovation will help individuals and businesses, but also how the company plans to use AI and its full portfolio of technologies to change the game for sports fans in the years to come.

In addition to the keynote, Tech World @ CES will include visionary tech leaders, partners, artists, and influencers, with an accompanying spectacle that is only possible at Sphere. Additional announcements on the speaker and guest lineup will be made later in 2025.

Lenovo is not simply presenting its technology and vision at the keynote at Sphere, but as An Official Technology Partner of Sphere Studios, its Lenovo’s own technology helping power the creation of the content and the production itself. Beyond Tech World and CES, Lenovo will continue to partner directly with Sphere Studios to support immersive content creation. Lenovo’s high-performance workstations and infrastructure platforms are integrated into Sphere Studios’ production workflows and operations, supporting Sphere’s immersive content creation and showcasing Lenovo’s end-to-end capabilities. Lenovo’s own technology, combined with the expertise of the artists and technologists at Sphere Studios, will help bring Lenovo’s creative vision to life for Tech World, and make this unforgettable experience possible.

Don’t miss Lenovo @ CES 2026

Lenovo’s CES 2026 keynote at Sphere will take place on Tuesday, January 6 at 17.00 PT. Yuanqing Yang’s keynote is open to credentialed CES attendees, with further ticketing and logistics details available in October.

The event will demonstrate Lenovo’s leadership in hybrid AI, the seamless integration of public, enterprise, and personal AI solutions to empower creativity, productivity, and connection. Tech World will also highlight ways Lenovo-led innovation is accelerating responsible, intelligent transformation across industries, from smarter classrooms and precision healthcare to agile manufacturing and future-ready workplaces.

By holding Tech World at CES, Lenovo brings bold ideas and powerful technologies directly to a huge global audience of business leaders, innovators, media, and tech enthusiasts.

Learn more about Tech World @ CES and register your interest here.

Watch highlights from previous Tech World events:

• Tech World 2024 – Seattle
• Tech World 2023 – Austin
• Tech World 2022 – Virtual
• Tech World 2021 – Virtual
• Tech World 2020 – Virtual
• Tech World 2019 – Beijing
• Tech World 2018 – Beijing
• Tech World 2017 – Shanghai
• Tech World 2016 – San Francisco
• Tech World 2015 – Beijing

Click here to learn more about Lenovo Tech World at Sphere and register your interest.

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub. 

About Sphere Entertainment 

Sphere Entertainment Co. is a premier live entertainment and media company. The Company includes Sphere, a next-generation entertainment medium powered by cutting-edge technologies to redefine the future of entertainment. The first Sphere venue opened in Las Vegas in September 2023. In addition, the Company includes MSG Networks, which operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming product, MSG+, delivering a wide range of live sports content and other programming. More information is available at sphereentertainmentco.com.

Three Points to Remember 

1. Service members transitioning out of the military face increased risk of suicidal thoughts during the early stages of the transition period.
    
2. The inTransition program helps active-duty military members during times of transition.
    
3. Ensuring continuity of care throughout the transition process helps reduce risks as veterans adapt to life outside of the military.

Every September, Suicide Prevention Month reminds us of the importance of reaching out to those at risk. We know that for our military service members, a period of high risk occurs when they leave the military and begin civilian life.

The numbers show just how serious this is. In the first year after leaving service, veterans face a suicide rate of 46.2 per 100,000—much higher than the overall veteran population. Risk is highest in the first three months, and it stays elevated for up to five years. One study found that 15% of veterans reported suicidal thoughts in that first year.

Recognizing the need to support the transition away from active duty, the Department of Defense (restoring to the Department of War) created the inTransition program. The program includes automatic enrollment for service members with documented mental health care to ensure they can stay connected to mental health resources throughout these life changes.

How the inTransition program bridges the gap

The inTransition program, supported by Leidos as the prime contractor and lead integrator, is free and confidential. It connects service members and veterans with licensed clinicians who serve as coaches. These coaches listen, problem-solve and guide participants step by step so they can get the care they need.

“Transitions can feel overwhelming — full of logistics, emotions and uncertainty. Having a dedicated coach who understands military culture builds trust and helps service members stay engaged with care.”

Katherine Castelo
Leidos Program Manager

Since its start, inTransition has helped tens of thousands of service members and veterans.

Why continuity of care matters

Even small breaks in care can have serious effects. A missed appointment or delay in finding a new provider may raise the risk of suicide. On the other hand, research shows that steady follow-up and consistent care can lower that risk.

InTransition works closely with the Veterans Crisis Line, so service members and veterans in urgent need can connect with follow-on resources once their crisis has subsided.

Prevention through connection

Suicide prevention is not only about responding when someone is in crisis. It’s also about offering steady support during known periods of stress, like leaving the military. Programs like inTransition show that prevention can be proactive. By offering trust, guidance and human connection, programs like this help service members build resilience and stay safe.

“The science is clear: connectedness saves lives. Programs like inTransition remind us that prevention is about more than treatment. It’s about staying connected and solving problems before they become bigger risks.”

Dr. Keita Franklin
Leidos Chief of Behavioral Health

For example, a service member recently transitioned after 12 years of service. He moved his family across the country, started a civilian job search, and was worried about losing his therapist in the process. His inTransition coach worked with him to schedule appointments at his new location, including verifying eligibility, benefits and provider preferences. He was also assisted in navigating the VA enrollment process with step-by-step support.

“I was a bit nervous to go through numerous phone calls to get my needs met after active duty, but my coach was great to work with, and I appreciate everything to get me set up.”

inTransition participant

TAKE ACTION TODAY

If you are a service member or veteran in transition — or a provider supporting one — support is available:

• Learn more about the inTransition program
• If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 and press 1 to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line; (if you are in immediate danger, call 911)

If you have a family member, friend or neighbor who is a transitioning military member, try to stay connected with them during this time. Transitions can be stressful, but with support and connection, we can help our military members navigate this change.

Leidos is proud to support the inTransition program and the service members and veterans it serves.

“When they say partners, they mean it. PSEG has been there for us, from coming on-site and volunteering to providing connections with other organizations who can help us achieve our mission – they are more than just a funder, they’re in the work with us.” – Sarah Steward, CEO of HomeFront.

HomeFront is making a tangible difference for families across New Jersey – from providing shelter and meals to housing support, children’s programs and more for those who need it most. 

In 2024:

• 30,676 individuals were supported with shelter, food and assistance
• 1.8M+ meals were provided and 1.1M+ diapers were distributed
• 139 children were enrolled in their Joy, Hopes & Dreams program, participating in activities that foster lasting memories and growth.
• 571 families were provided with emergency housing 

The PSEG Foundation is proud to support HomeFront, helping them strengthen our communities together. 

Learn more about our partnership on Energize!: http://spr.ly/6049APU1v

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Verizon

The tech team at Academia de Lenguaje y Bellas Artes (ALBA) isn’t your typical computer club.

For starters, the Milwaukee, Wisconsin school is the only one of its kind in the district. The PreK to grade 8 program was created so bilingual students (Spanish- and English-speaking) could attend a fine arts program.

In Spanish, “alba” means dawn. “This [school] was really the dawn of a new day in bilingual education in our district,” says Brenda Martinez, ALBA co-founder and lead teacher.

Many computer clubs focus on software and programming. The ALBA tech team has three main responsibilities: the members repair hardware and software problems on school laptops; create daily school announcements; and create a presentation that celebrates the school’s achievements during monthly student assemblies.

ALBA is part of Verizon Innovative Learning, where students are provided with devices and data plans that allow them to connect to the internet at school and at home, and educators are provided with professional development on how to integrate technology into school curricula.

The Verizon program also supports the creation of school tech teams that serve as student-run IT departments, and advise teachers and students on hardware and software issues.

Sonja Pupovac, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Coach, says that tech team activities foster skills that wouldn’t be taught in typical classrooms. “Working in a tech team, you’re researching, you’re finding the answer, and then you’re problem-solving,” says Pupovac. “So now the power lies within the student and not just within the teacher.”

Seventh grader Joel Lopez used to be unclear about what he wanted to do in the future. “Tech team has changed [my] perspective,” Lopez says. “It’s showing me a pathway I can go on, using more computers and technology.”

That perspective might come in part from the hands-on work the students do on the repairs team. Twice a week, they can be found opening up computers to learn how they function, researching solutions together on the internet or collaborating on physical repairs.

For most middle schoolers, delivering a presentation or a PA announcement to peers will jangle the nerves. Those experiences help build crucial life skills, says Pupovac.

“Being able to stand in front of an audience — in front of the entire school — or make an announcement builds confidence in the students. So they find out that they have great speaking skills, and they start improving their voice, and their posture changes, and their tone and their tempo of speaking,” Pupovac explains. “Their confidence level has just skyrocketed.”

Seventh grader Paulina Martinez-Garcia says overcoming her own nerves gave her the experience to better support others: She now helps other tech team members prepare for their presentations. “I’m helping them to be louder or speak more quietly or read more fluently — because I also faced those problems,” Martinez-Garcia explains. “I was nervous at first, but then I grew confident.”

Students on the tech team are thinking differently about what they want to study in high school and college or pursue as careers. “I’ve certainly heard more students talking about professional goals in technology,” Pupovac says. “They’ll say, ‘I want to fix computers. I want to be able to work in software.’ They want to come up with the next popular app.”

“That is a skill that you can’t teach,” she adds. “That’s something you have to experience. And so through that experience in the tech team, they’re years ahead of where other peers land because they have that tech team to work with.”

Verizon Innovative Learning is a key part of the company’s responsible business plan to help move the world forward for all. As part of the plan, Verizon has an ambitious goal of providing 10 million youth with digital skills training by 2030. Educators can access free lessons, professional development, and immersive learning experiences to help bring new ways of learning into the classroom by visiting Verizon Innovative Learning HQ. 

Gen Blog| Impact 

By Kimberly Bishop | Corporate Responsibility 

Digital citizenship programs help students all over the world become the leaders of tomorrow through building their skills to safely and effectively leverage technology in our digital-first world. Recent studies from Common Sense Media and Contemporary School Psychology documented benefits not just to students’ digital know-how but also their critical thinking and social skills. The more we depend on technology, the better we need to serve our students by giving them the tools to thrive in the digital world.

That’s why we’re proud to celebrate two years of impact through our partnership with Discovery Education, the creator of essential PreK-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world. Together with the National Afterschool Association, we created My Digital Life, a free platform that provides grade 3-8 educators with lesson plans, videos and interactive tools meant to address common issues young people face online, from cyberbullying and privacy risks to misinformation and scams.

This fall, we’re also excited to launch new curricula focused on AI and join Discovery Education’s Digital Citizenship initiative, a nationwide effort to put resources about media literacy and digital safety into the hands of teachers, administrators, parents, families, caregivers and more.

Building Students’ Digital Safety Skills

In the 2024-2025 school year alone, My Digital Life reached more than 180,000 students in 652school districts across 46 states. Roughly 59% of these students were from Title I schools, which are districts allocated federal funds for education programs and schools that close achievement gaps.

The program also launched internationally, expanding into schools across the United Kingdom and offering content in Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, French and German. These combined efforts bring the total number of students reached to nearly 415,000 in just two years.

Keeping Pace with New Technologies

Norton, one of our trusted Cyber Safety brands, not only offers technical support for My Digital Life but also consults on curriculum development as new digital trends and technologies emerge, including artificial intelligence (AI). Discovery Ed’s new video series introduces students to “Artie Fischal,” the character who will help illustrate how to use AI responsibly and safely. Lessons will cover the benefits of AI—such as how it can help with productivity and efficiency—as well as what today’s students need to be aware of, including algorithm bias, inaccurate responses and privacy/safety concerns.

Supporting Nonprofits and Community Organizations

In addition to our signature digital education and training partnerships, we also support education organizations in communities all over the world through volunteering, giving and product donations. Recently, we donated Avast Essential Business Security to Shree Raj Education Centre, which provides schooling in a remote, rural region of Maharashtra, India. This free antivirus software, in the words of the school’s administrator, helped expand the students’ digital freedom and allowed them to explore the internet safely.

For more on how we provide digital education and training, check out our 2025 Social Impact Report.

These grants were awarded from the Gen Foundation, a corporate-advised fund of Silicon Valley Community Foundation. 

September 29, 2025 /3BL/ – The Wells Fargo Foundation awarded a $550,000 grant to JUST Community, a statewide nonprofit that provides equitable access to capital and support to entrepreneurs. The funding, announced at the kick-off of El Paso Start-Up Week at the Garden Venue, will expand JUST’s financial empowerment and coaching model, which builds relationships with entrepreneurs and focuses on their character rather than just their credit score.

This grant will help small business owners in El Paso and across Texas start, grow, and sustain their businesses, providing the tools and support that lead to long-term financial stability and community impact.

“Trust is the foundation of everything we do,” said Steve Wanta, Co-Founder and CEO of JUST. “By building relationships with entrepreneurs and providing tools for credit, savings, and strategic investments, we help them build more than income. They gain ownership of their business, their homes, and their futures. That path to ownership creates sustainable wealth, which in turn builds stronger families and communities. With the support from the Wells Foundation, we can expand this work and help Texas entrepreneurs turn potential into lasting impact.”

The announcement coincided with JUST Community’s milestone of distributing over $1 million in loans to entrepreneurs in El Paso. The celebration also featured a local market showcasing local businesses, giving attendees the opportunity to see entrepreneurs thrive with support from JUST programs. Local business leaders, community partners, City of El Paso officials, Wells Fargo Foundation representatives, and small business owners attended to recognize the milestone and grant announcement.

JUST Community has provided over $40 million in loans to thousands of entrepreneurs across Texas. Its trust-based model, combined with capital, coaching, and a supportive network, has helped business owners strategically save and grow their business for long-term financial stability. Ninety percent of participants build sustainable businesses and can cover emergency expenses within the first 18-24 months.

“Chester was born out of my love for animals and the heartbreaking loss of my own dog Patricio, which pushed me to make a difference,” said Alma Gonzalez, Founder of Chester Homemade Dog Treats. “For so long, I felt invisible — no one believed in my idea because it was just a tiny dream. But JUST was the first to see beyond the numbers and trust in me. That trust gave me the courage to keep going, and today Chester is growing because someone finally believed that passion and purpose matter.”

In El Paso alone, over 100 entrepreneurs have leveraged JUST’s trust-based lending model to launch and grow their businesses. The grant announcement also marked the kickoff of El Paso Start-Up Week, highlighting new opportunities and celebrating the growth of local businesses across the city and state.

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JUST Community is a social venture that invests in ambitious Texas entrepreneurs, fostering financial stability and generational wealth through a trust-based financial system. JUST helps small businesses grow, thrive, and strengthen local economies. Visit www.hellojust.com to learn more.

Originally published on Verite News

For Entergy, the story of recovery after Katrina was never just about turning the lights back on; it was about laying the foundation for lasting stability and opportunity. In the two decades since Hurricane Katrina, Entergy has worked alongside local partners to invest in clean energy, financial empowerment, and economic development, creating pathways to prosperity for Gulf South communities while preparing them for a stronger, more sustainable future.

When Entergy rebuilds, it extends beyond poles and wires; it’s about building the community back stronger – whether equipping schools with solar panels, creating 130 miles of bike lanes or replanting almost 100,000 trees wiped out by the storm. 

The company has also made significant investments in solar energy, energy efficiency, and grid resilience, ensuring that families, schools, and businesses have access to power that is affordable, reliable, and clean.

“Since Katrina, Entergy has made significant investments in solar energy and energy efficiency programs as well as community partnerships that help increase resilience to the effects of climate change. Our focus is delivering affordable, reliable, and cleaner power that helps Gulf South communities thrive for generations to come,”

John Weiss, Entergy’s Vice President of Sustainability and Environmental Policy.

For more than twenty years, Entergy shareholders have invested nearly $44 million in environmentally beneficial projects and programs through the Environmental Initiatives Fund. The fund identifies projects or programs throughout Entergy’s service area that improve the environment by reducing emissions, protecting natural resources and restoring wetlands and forests. In the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the fund supported local organizations that made a big impact on the communities Entergy calls home. From coastal restoration to sustainable parade throws, Entergy’s support helped deliver real results.

Grounds Krewe, a nonprofit organization focused on waste prevention, is working to increase recycling efforts and expand the use of eco-friendly parade throws and consumable goods. “With continued support from Entergy’s Environmental Initiative Fund, the Entergy Charitable Foundation, and hundreds of volunteer hours from their staff, our non-profit has been able to provide over 760,000 eco-friendly, functional throw alternatives to Mardi Gras Krewes and divert 112,000 pounds of material from the landfill through parade recycling initiatives,” says Brett Davis, director of Grounds Krewe. “Entergy’s help was fundamental in getting us off the ground and has kept our programs thriving.”

These efforts are grounded in Entergy’s climate action plan, which includes a goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through renewable energy, advanced battery storage, and smarter grid technology, Entergy is shaping a future where sustainability benefits everyone. Importantly, these innovations also create economic opportunities. By training local workers to install, maintain, and manage renewable energy infrastructure, Entergy connects environmental progress directly to jobs and workforce development, ensuring that economic growth and sustainability move forward together.

Just as Entergy invests in cleaner energy, it also empowers families to build financial stability and create generational wealth. Through partnerships with United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Entergy supports Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) centers, helping families claim the refunds and tax credits they deserve. From 2011 through 2024, Entergy volunteers have helped refund more than $354 million in earned income tax credits to customers across its system, with nearly half of those refunds going to Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans customers. Entergy’s pro bono legal program also assists residents in securing critical documents related to housing, helping them retain home ownership and access rebuilding funds – work that has had a transformative and generational impact on families across the region. Over the past decade, Entergy’s dedicated legal team has contributed more than 22,000 hours of pro bono work, resulting in a $6.1 million in-kind donation to the communities Entergy serves.

“Entergy’s dedicated pro bono volunteers have played a pivotal role in helping families retain their homes, guiding them through the process of securing essential paperwork to access rebuilding funds and foster family wealth,” said Christy Kane, Entergy Pro Bono Counsel. “This initiative not only bolsters economic stability within our region but, more importantly, provides immense relief to community members who can finally claim legal ownership of family homes.

Christy shared one particularly moving story: “One woman told me that locking the door at night now brings her peace, knowing her grandmother’s home is finally in her name. That sense of security ensures her family’s legacy will live on.” 

Kane was recently selected as a Daily Point of Light Award honoree for her pro bono work with Entergy by the Points of Light organization, an organization that honors U.S. companies that prioritize giving back, empowering volunteer work and creating sustainable community programs. Working on issues like these reinforces how personal this work can be for Kane, and everyone at Entergy.

Beyond helping families secure their homes, Entergy also extends its commitment to strengthening the Gulf South by supporting local businesses and fostering economic opportunities. Through mentorship programs, contracting partnerships, and financial tools, Entergy helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses and contribute to a thriving Gulf South economy. 

From reducing energy costs and strengthening infrastructure to supporting families and small businesses, Entergy’s work reflects a vision where environmental progress, economic empowerment, and community resilience are all connected.

Twenty years after Katrina, the company continues to partner with communities to create pathways from recovery to renewal, ensuring that the Gulf South’s future is one of strength, opportunity, and shared prosperity.

To learn more, explore our series:  Powering Life: Recovery to Renewal
Community Resilience
Power of Hope
Community Impact: Education & Affordable Housing
Community Impact: Sustainability and Local Economic Support

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Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

What comes to mind when you think of a bell? Perhaps it elicits memories of school days spent waiting for one to ring, or maybe you’re reminded of the Liberty Bell that symbolizes independence.

Bells have long represented important transitions and, in many cases, freedom. For cancer patients, it’s no different — the bell is a beacon of hope that echoes a sound of victory. For patients at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, it also marks the start of a new chapter to be filled with more time to simply be a kid. In its simplicity, the ringing of the bell transforms the end of cancer treatment into more than a medical milestone — it becomes a celebration of life, courage and the extraordinary strength of a child.

Take 4-year-old Austin, for example. He has a condition called adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare genetic condition affecting the nervous system and adrenal glands, which doctors have been monitoring since he was an infant. After learning to navigate the challenges of this disease, Austin and his family came to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for answers that would explain Austin’s repeat illnesses and infections. That’s when they discovered that Austin — who was just 2 years old at the time — also has B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After two years, Austin rang the end-of-treatment bell in May together with friends, family and the Cherokee County Fire Department, who have been by his side this entire journey.

Another special moment was with Noelle, who also recently completed her treatment journey. After fainting during what seemed to be a normal breakfast with her family, Noelle was rushed to her pediatrician for lab work. The next morning, her family received a call that changed everything — she was being sent to the emergency room because her bloodwork showed signs of leukemia. Noelle was admitted to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center after being diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After more than two years of active treatment consisting of countless medications and procedures, Noelle proudly rang the bell at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, marking her new beginning.

Since 1995, Aflac agents, employees and The Aflac Foundation, Inc. have given more than $191 million to The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, a national leader among childhood cancer, hematology and blood and marrow transplant programs. Behind these donations is a team of people cheering on each patient, which is why Aflac recently added an alert to their intranet that pops up every time a child rings the bell at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Now, every time a child completes their treatment and participates in the coveted tradition of ringing the bell, thousands of Aflac employees will get a notification, allowing them to take part in the celebration virtually. And even though they won’t know patients’ names or circumstances, the hope is that each time they’re notified that the bell has been rung, the Aflac family will be reminded that their support — big or small — is making a difference in the lives of children with cancer.

Learn more about how Aflac is building a bridge to brighter futures for children like Austin and Noelle by visiting Aflac.com/BridgeToBrighter.

Since 1995, Aflac agents, employees and The Aflac Foundation, Inc. have given more than $191 million to The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, a national leader among childhood cancer, hematology and blood and marrow transplant programs. Behind these donations is a team of people cheering on each patient, which is why Aflac recently added an alert to their intranet that pops up every time a child rings the bell at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Now, every time a child completes their treatment and participates in the coveted tradition of ringing the bell, thousands of Aflac employees will get a notification, allowing them to take part in the celebration virtually. And even though they won’t know patients’ names or circumstances, the hope is that each time they’re notified that the bell has been rung, the Aflac family will be reminded that their support — big or small — is making a difference in the lives of children with cancer.

Learn more about how Aflac is building a bridge to brighter futures for children like Austin and Noelle by visiting Aflac.com/BridgeToBrighter.

Aflac includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York and/or Continental American Insurance Company and /or Continental American Life Insurance Company.

WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2500920 Exp. 9/26

 

Key Points

• Joe Finlen, a professional truck driver for 48 years, was honored with the 2025 National Driver All-Star award for driving 3.5 million miles without any accidents, injuries, or moving violations.
• Finlen has worked at Marathon Petroleum’s Colton fleet in California for over 35 years and is known for his commitment to safety and professionalism.
• Marathon Petroleum has had a driver on the NPTC National Driver All-Star list for the past 16 years.

James “Joe” Finlen has been a professional truck driver for 48 years. He started as a demolition specialist and driver in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and was responsible for transporting hazardous material at Fort Carson in Colorado. After three years in the military, he went home to California, where he continued his career as a driver.

“I love driving,” said Finlen. “My father was a driver, and he taught me to drive a tanker truck. He was always focused on safety and told me that ‘one oops takes away ten attaboys.’”

Finlen took that advice to heart over his decades-long career. In September, Finlen was presented with the 2025 National Driver All-Star award at the National Private Truck Council’s (NPTC) National Safety Conference in Florida. He was honored for achieving a record of driving 3.5 million miles without an accident, injury or moving violation and being 100% compliant with corporate safety expectations.

“I take pride in leading by example, advocating for safety among my peers, and actively promoting a safe and compliant environment.”

“I take pride in leading by example, advocating for safety among my peers, and actively promoting a safe and compliant environment,” said Finlen. “My professionalism and courtesy are integral to my role, reflecting Marathon’s values and ensuring a positive experience for every customer and colleague.”

Marathon Petroleum has had a driver on the NPTC National Driver All-Star list for the past 16 years.

“When I put this uniform on, I recognize that I represent not only myself, but also the legacy of drivers who have come before and those who will follow,” said Finlen. “I am a representative of Marathon, a standard bearer of excellence in our industry. My commitment is to uphold the highest standards in every customer interaction.”

Finlen has worked at Marathon’s Colton fleet in California for more than 35 years and still loves what he does for a living. He works four night shifts each week delivering products to stations in Southern California.

“As a driver, I operate independently, but I also represent a great company,” said Finlen. “My dad would be very proud of me.”