Tag: 3BL

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

26.2 miles of beautiful tradition. The Boston Marathon is the oldest, and arguably the most prestigious, annual marathon in the world. Earning a Boston qualifying time is a feat many amateur runners dedicate months or even years to; however, a qualifying time is not a guaranteed entry into the historic race.

If there are more qualified applicants than the designated field size, the Boston Athletics Association (B.A.A.) sets a cutoff time. For this year’s 128th running of the Boston Marathon, presented by Bank of America, the cutoff time was 5 minutes, 29 seconds (5:29) faster than the qualifying standards, which unfortunately resulted in more than 11,000 runners being turned away. But DICK’S Sporting Goods jumped in to put three of them on the course.

DICK’S worked with its partner, the B.A.A., to identify three deserving athletes from the Boston area who have qualified but never run in the Boston Marathon and offer them race bibs, giving them the opportunity to achieve their long sought-after goal.

“These amazing runners are such great examples of our belief that sports have the power to change lives,” said Vice President of Creative, Sponsorships & Entertainment at DICK’S Sporting Goods Mark Rooks. “Whether as a way to connect to the community, a mechanism for healing or a self-care practice, running has shaped these athletes into who they are today,” Rooks said.

DICK’S teamed up with Front Office Sports to chronicle John Neusch, Carly Curcuru, and CJ Reuland’s road to the Boston Marathon, including the moment they each learned they’d be running on April 15!

Read on to learn more about each of their journeys to Boston and what getting the chance to run in the race means to them.

THE QUEST FOR BOSTON

Inspired by his father, an avid runner, John Neusch joined his high school’s cross country team. He ran his last race in 1987, and 28 years went by before Neusch raced again. “Life got busy,” Neusch said. “With college, work and kids, I put running off to the side.”

As his sons grew older and he retired from teaching high school history and coaching after-school sports, Neusch found time to ease back into racing. He ran his first 10K in 2016. After finishing a few half marathons, Neusch’s brother encouraged him to try to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Neusch decided to take on the challenge. He ran his first marathon in 2017 but didn’t qualify. “Since then, it’s been my quest.”

Over the past eight years, Neusch qualified for Boston four times. He missed the cutoff each time, most recently by 18 seconds. When B.A.A. officials learned about DICK’S Boston Bound initiative, they recommended Neusch for his years of dedication and ambition. In February, DICK’S told Neusch that this April 15, he would be at the starting line in Hopkinton.

“I was shocked,” Neusch said. “I still can’t believe that this eight-year quest is actually coming to fruition.”

Neusch said he hopes to finish the race in 3:35 as his fiancé, sons, brother and former coworkers cheer him on along the course. More than anything, Neusch said he wants to savor the Boston Marathon experience. “Everyone I’ve talked to who finished the race said it’s more amazing than they thought it could be because of all the excitement,” said Neusch. “I want to take it all in.”

A PRIVILEGE TO RUN

As a young kid, Carly Curcuru tried her hand at several sports but admits she never thrived in any of them. That was until she discovered cross country. “I fell in love with it immediately,” Curcuru said.

Curcuru ran cross country throughout middle and high school and continued to run in her first semester at Tufts University, where she was named Rookie of the Year. “I was stoked about it,” Curcuru said. “I saw exponential progress for me at Tufts.”

All that changed when she suffered a significant injury while home for winter break. “I had tendonitis in both my knees and a calf strain,” Curcuru said, “and I just couldn’t shake it.”

Curcuru fell back into a dangerous eating disorder that she battled as a teenager, which led her to leave school and quit running. She was on bed rest with a heart rate so low that she couldn’t engage in any physical activity.

For a long time, Curcuru felt contempt towards running and saw it as the reason she had to leave school. But as she recovered, her passion for the sport returned.

“I realized I was looking at running the wrong way,” Curcuru said. “It’s such a privilege to be able to move my body.”

After running a few local half marathons, Curcuru set her sights on the Boston Marathon. “It’s always been on my bucket list,” she said.

She qualified for Boston with a 3:27 but missed the cutoff. Devastated, Curcuru started training for another Boston qualifier. That devastation melted away when DICK’S informed her she would be running Boston this year after all.

Even though she’ll be running 26.2 sooner than she expected, Curcuru said she’s ready to be a part of the iconic race. “I’m going to go out there and have a blast with it.”

SCRUBBING OUT AND LACING UP

CJ Reuland’s love of running started 20 years ago. Her dad took her to run a 5K in their Baltimore, Maryland neighborhood. “It was really rainy, and he didn’t have high expectations,” Reuland said, “but I was stubborn and ran the whole thing from start to finish.”

Reuland’s passion for running continued through school. During her sophomore year of college in 2016, she ran her first marathon. To her surprise, she came very close to qualifying for the Boston Marathon. “That’s when I decided to make Boston my goal,” she said.

As life would have it, Reuland graduated from medical school and moved to Boston to begin her general surgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. Despite working 12-hour days at the hospital, Reuland always finds time to run. “Running keeps me sane,” she said.

Since 2018, Reuland has qualified for the Boston Marathon three times but has always missed the final cutoff, including this year. “I wasn’t really surprised,” Reuland said, “There was a record-breaking number of entrants.”

But Reuland was surprised to learn from DICK’S Sporting Goods that she would be getting a bib to run Boston this year. “In the running community, the Boston Marathon is legendary,” Reuland said. “I can’t believe I’m finally going to get to run it.”

She has two goals for the marathon: to soak in the experience and to finish in 3:30 to qualify for next year’s race. Reuland hopes the atmosphere on April 15 will help give her an extra boost.

“The race is epic because of the energy,” Reuland said, “and the way the entire city comes together to celebrate it.”

Learn more about DICK’S Sporting Goods’ partnership with the B.A.A. here.

About DICK’S Sporting Goods

DICK’S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) creates confidence and excitement by inspiring, supporting and personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, the leading omnichannel retailer serves athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in more than 850 DICK’S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Public Lands, Going Going Gone! and Warehouse Sale stores, online, and through the DICK’S mobile app. DICK’S also owns and operates DICK’S House of Sport and Golf Galaxy Performance Center, as well as GameChanger, a youth sports mobile platform for live streaming, scheduling, communications and scorekeeping.

Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, DICK’S has been a longtime champion for youth sports and, together with its Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to support under-resourced teams and athletes through the Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about DICK’S business, corporate giving, sustainability efforts and employment opportunities can be found on dicks.com, investors.dicks.com, sportsmatter.org, dickssportinggoods.jobs and on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.

About the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.)

Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The 128th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 15, 2024. The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.

About Front Office Sports 

Front Office Sports is the leading multi-platform media and news organization covering the business of sports, boasting an audience that every month delivers more than 175 million social impressions, 35 million newsletter opens, 10 million video views, and two million page views. In addition, with over 15 distribution partners, FOS content appears on screens in more than 50,000 buildings and venues across North America. Front Office Sports was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2021, Inc.5000 in 2023 recognizing the fastest-growing private companies in America, and AdWeek’s Hottest in Sports in 2022 and 2024.

Originally published on Built From Scratch

Established by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), the Alliance for Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing (AIMM) recently awarded The Home Depot as #1 on their list of Most Culturally Inclusive Brands of 2023.

The awards are based on extensive research in partnership with the Cultural Inclusion Accelerator (CIA), a market research firm that helps companies understand the value of DEI reflections in marketing campaigns. Their methodology identifies the cultural impact, effectiveness and relevancy of a brand’s advertising materials, helping encourage inclusive promotional communications.

“This award reflects our commitment to connect with all our customers at Home Depot. We believe that we make meaningful connections by serving our communities, understanding our customers, and reflecting them in everything we do and in all our communications, both inside and outside of our stores.” 

– Molly Battin, CMO at The Home Depot

Scores for cultural relevancy were combined in an overall ranking of brands by segment: Asian, Black, Hispanic (English & Spanish), LGBTQ+, Persons with Disabilities, Multicultural & Inclusive and Overall Population. After collecting more than 280,000 consumer evaluations across these audiences, The Home Depot was identified as the most culturally inclusive brand.

Carlos Santiago, co-founder of AIMM shares, “AIMM and CIA are proud to unveil this distinguished list of brands that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to portraying diverse consumers authentically, and inspiring the industry to see, understand and celebrate the true identities of all consumers.”

Keep up with all the latest Home Depot news! Subscribe to our bi-weekly news update and get the top Built from Scratch stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Originally published on Built From Scratch

Established by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), the Alliance for Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing (AIMM) recently awarded The Home Depot as #1 on their list of Most Culturally Inclusive Brands of 2023.

The awards are based on extensive research in partnership with the Cultural Inclusion Accelerator (CIA), a market research firm that helps companies understand the value of DEI reflections in marketing campaigns. Their methodology identifies the cultural impact, effectiveness and relevancy of a brand’s advertising materials, helping encourage inclusive promotional communications.

“This award reflects our commitment to connect with all our customers at Home Depot. We believe that we make meaningful connections by serving our communities, understanding our customers, and reflecting them in everything we do and in all our communications, both inside and outside of our stores.” 

– Molly Battin, CMO at The Home Depot

Scores for cultural relevancy were combined in an overall ranking of brands by segment: Asian, Black, Hispanic (English & Spanish), LGBTQ+, Persons with Disabilities, Multicultural & Inclusive and Overall Population. After collecting more than 280,000 consumer evaluations across these audiences, The Home Depot was identified as the most culturally inclusive brand.

Carlos Santiago, co-founder of AIMM shares, “AIMM and CIA are proud to unveil this distinguished list of brands that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to portraying diverse consumers authentically, and inspiring the industry to see, understand and celebrate the true identities of all consumers.”

Keep up with all the latest Home Depot news! Subscribe to our bi-weekly news update and get the top Built from Scratch stories delivered straight to your inbox.

The failure to take medications as prescribed is associated with adverse health outcomes and rising healthcare costs. Walgreens Boots Alliance strives to improve medication adherence by addressing systemic barriers to care. Barriers can include everything from a misunderstanding of prescription interactions with other drugs to a lack of access to transportation. Lack of insurance, financial insecurity, inconvenience and forgetfulness are also commonly identified as factors in adherence failure. You can learn more about how WBA is overcoming barriers to medication adherence in our 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance Report.

Our pharmacists and healthcare providers take the extra step to help ensure adherence among their patients. Analytics help us predict the patients most likely to become non-adherent and identify custom ways to reach them and help them maintain their regimen. Adherence programs for the most complex treatments and disease-state management programs include phone, virtual and in-person consultations to address potential side effects and offer remedies, digital solutions including medication synchronization, delivery, consultations and patient education and efforts to connect patients to financial assistance to help them stay on track.

Our pharmacists are continuously learning and updating their training on common chronic conditions including hyperlipidemia and diabetes management. Recognizing that diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension are prevalent among Americans, we tailored specific programs to help improve outcomes for patients living with these disease states. Across these conditions, Walgreens PDC (Proportion of Days Covered) rates improved by 0.3% in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. PDC is a common measurement for adherence referring to the percentage of time a patient has medication available based on refill records.

Medication non-adherence remains a significant barrier to positive health outcomes for those with mental health conditions. To help support greater adherence, outcomes, and lower overall costs for patients and payers, Walgreens has added oncolytics, estrogen hormones, antiandrogens and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices to its New to Therapy pharmacy program in addition to anti-anxiety medication, anti-psychotics and anti-depressants.

Walgreens works to improve medication adherence, manage chronic disease and overcome barriers to care through numerous programs, which you can learn more about in our 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance Report.

The failure to take medications as prescribed is associated with adverse health outcomes and rising healthcare costs. Walgreens Boots Alliance strives to improve medication adherence by addressing systemic barriers to care. Barriers can include everything from a misunderstanding of prescription interactions with other drugs to a lack of access to transportation. Lack of insurance, financial insecurity, inconvenience and forgetfulness are also commonly identified as factors in adherence failure. You can learn more about how WBA is overcoming barriers to medication adherence in our 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance Report.

Our pharmacists and healthcare providers take the extra step to help ensure adherence among their patients. Analytics help us predict the patients most likely to become non-adherent and identify custom ways to reach them and help them maintain their regimen. Adherence programs for the most complex treatments and disease-state management programs include phone, virtual and in-person consultations to address potential side effects and offer remedies, digital solutions including medication synchronization, delivery, consultations and patient education and efforts to connect patients to financial assistance to help them stay on track.

Our pharmacists are continuously learning and updating their training on common chronic conditions including hyperlipidemia and diabetes management. Recognizing that diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension are prevalent among Americans, we tailored specific programs to help improve outcomes for patients living with these disease states. Across these conditions, Walgreens PDC (Proportion of Days Covered) rates improved by 0.3% in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. PDC is a common measurement for adherence referring to the percentage of time a patient has medication available based on refill records.

Medication non-adherence remains a significant barrier to positive health outcomes for those with mental health conditions. To help support greater adherence, outcomes, and lower overall costs for patients and payers, Walgreens has added oncolytics, estrogen hormones, antiandrogens and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices to its New to Therapy pharmacy program in addition to anti-anxiety medication, anti-psychotics and anti-depressants.

Walgreens works to improve medication adherence, manage chronic disease and overcome barriers to care through numerous programs, which you can learn more about in our 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance Report.

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 9, 2024 /3BL/ – American Airlines, Make-A-Wish and Disney will grant the wishes of children battling critical illnesses in celebration of World Wish Month. On April 17, 28 wish families will board the Wish Flight and fly on a one-of-a-kind, chartered plane from Dallas-Fort Worth to Orlando, Florida, to fulfill their wishes to go to Walt Disney World Resort®.

American recently hosted a special wish reveal celebration at its Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters with local wish families. Team members came together to cheer on the wish kids with congratulatory signs, refreshments and photo stations as the children learned about the extraordinary Wish Flight they will be taking in April.

Wish Flight will be full of unforgettable experiences, beginning with a pre-flight celebration at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, complete with a breakfast bar and a special send-off by WishMakers who make wishes possible. The party will continue with an epic inflight experience and magical moments provided by American, sending these wish kids and their families off on a trip that will be sure to transform their lives.

In addition to interactive games, the flight will feature a special snack menu and surprise moments including live entertainment. The chartered Wish Flight will land at Orlando International Airport, and families will be welcomed by WishMakers cheering their arrival.

The families will then enjoy a welcome reception at Give Kids The World Village, a whimsical nonprofit resort where they will stay for six days and five nights as part of their wish trip. All of the children’s wishes are to visit Walt Disney World Resort®, and together with Make-A-Wish, Disney has helped grant more than 155,000 life-changing wishes like these since 1980.

“As long-time WishMakers, American Airlines and Disney know what it takes to deliver hope, strength and joy to children with critical illnesses and their families,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “In the case of Wish Flight, they will provide wish families with an experience unlike any other that is sure to create unforgettable memories before they even step foot off the plane to begin their wish trips.”

Make-A-Wish needs almost 3 billion airline miles to fulfill travel wishes for children battling critical illnesses each year, making it a critical resource to grant the wish of every eligible child waiting. As the organization’s longest-standing airline partner, American generously donated the chartered aircraft and continues to donate millions of AAdvantage® miles yearly to make wish travel possible.

American will direct all AAdvantage® miles donated to Miles for Global Health and Well-Being during the month of April to Make-A-Wish, up to 50 million miles.

“At American, we’re in the business of connecting people and creating experiences through the joy of travel. We hope these kids and their families can feel the support, strength and excitement of our team members as they embark on this heartwarming journey with us,” said Caroline Clayton, Vice President of Communications and Marketing at American Airlines. “As a partner of Make-A-Wish for more than 35 years, we are grateful to help uplift our community by helping to make wishes come true for those who need it most.”

Wishes wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and generosity of WishMakers. From individual donors to corporate partners, from everyday people to celebrities, everyone has the power to become a WishMaker. But more WishMakers are needed in order for Make-A-Wish to achieve its goal to bring the life-changing impact of a wish to every eligible child.

During World Wish Month in April, Make-A-Wish chapters and affiliates worldwide are inviting communities to join the movement and become a WishMaker between now and the end of World Wish month. The Wish Flight is a perfect example of the impact that’s possible when communities unite to make wishes happen.

Make-A-Wish and American invite anyone who would like to make a difference in the lives of wish kids to learn how to make wishes come true and become a WishMaker at wishmaker.org.

About American Airlines Group
To Care for People on Life’s Journey®. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL and the company’s stock is included in the S&P 500. Learn more about what’s happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.

About Make-A-Wish®
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is the #1 most trusted nonprofit operating locally in all 50 states throughout the U.S. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 20,000 volunteers across the country, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 585,000 wishes in 50 countries worldwide; more than 375,000 wishes in the U.S. and its territories alone. For more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org.

About Disney
At The Walt Disney Company, we inspire a better world through the power of stories. A world filled with hope and promise, especially for children. As part of these efforts, Disney is committed to delivering joy and comfort to children facing serious illness, and to the people who care for them.
This includes Disney’s efforts with Make-A-Wish® and nearly 100 other wish-granting organizations around the world. Through Disney’s collaboration with Make-A-Wish, we’ve helped grant more than 155,000 life-changing wishes since the first wish was granted more than 40 years ago at Disneyland Resort. Wishes range from theme park visits to movie premieres, character meet-and-greets to sports events. All with the goal of helping kids feel like kids, while creating special memories with their families.
Learn more about our commitment to delivering joy when it’s needed most at joy.disney.com.

About Give Kids The World
One of less than 1% of all U.S. charities to receive Charity Navigator’s highest rating 17 years in a row, Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides children with critical illnesses and their families from around the world with magical week-long wish vacations. From life’s simple pleasures to the stuff that dreams are made of, every wish family is treated to an all-inclusive experience including private villa accommodations; all meals and snacks; nightly entertainment; daily gifts; and non-stop fun at the Village, a storybook destination featuring an array of accessible rides and attractions. Since 1986, nearly 200,000 wish families from all 50 states and 77 countries have been welcomed to the Village to laugh together, play together, and create priceless memories away from hospital stays and medical treatments. Give Kids The World’s mission to create the happiness that inspires hope for wish families is made possible by the generosity of caring corporate partners, individual donors and caring volunteers. For more information, visit www.gktw.org.

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 9, 2024 /3BL/ – American Airlines, Make-A-Wish and Disney will grant the wishes of children battling critical illnesses in celebration of World Wish Month. On April 17, 28 wish families will board the Wish Flight and fly on a one-of-a-kind, chartered plane from Dallas-Fort Worth to Orlando, Florida, to fulfill their wishes to go to Walt Disney World Resort®.

American recently hosted a special wish reveal celebration at its Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters with local wish families. Team members came together to cheer on the wish kids with congratulatory signs, refreshments and photo stations as the children learned about the extraordinary Wish Flight they will be taking in April.

Wish Flight will be full of unforgettable experiences, beginning with a pre-flight celebration at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, complete with a breakfast bar and a special send-off by WishMakers who make wishes possible. The party will continue with an epic inflight experience and magical moments provided by American, sending these wish kids and their families off on a trip that will be sure to transform their lives.

In addition to interactive games, the flight will feature a special snack menu and surprise moments including live entertainment. The chartered Wish Flight will land at Orlando International Airport, and families will be welcomed by WishMakers cheering their arrival.

The families will then enjoy a welcome reception at Give Kids The World Village, a whimsical nonprofit resort where they will stay for six days and five nights as part of their wish trip. All of the children’s wishes are to visit Walt Disney World Resort®, and together with Make-A-Wish, Disney has helped grant more than 155,000 life-changing wishes like these since 1980.

“As long-time WishMakers, American Airlines and Disney know what it takes to deliver hope, strength and joy to children with critical illnesses and their families,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “In the case of Wish Flight, they will provide wish families with an experience unlike any other that is sure to create unforgettable memories before they even step foot off the plane to begin their wish trips.”

Make-A-Wish needs almost 3 billion airline miles to fulfill travel wishes for children battling critical illnesses each year, making it a critical resource to grant the wish of every eligible child waiting. As the organization’s longest-standing airline partner, American generously donated the chartered aircraft and continues to donate millions of AAdvantage® miles yearly to make wish travel possible.

American will direct all AAdvantage® miles donated to Miles for Global Health and Well-Being during the month of April to Make-A-Wish, up to 50 million miles.

“At American, we’re in the business of connecting people and creating experiences through the joy of travel. We hope these kids and their families can feel the support, strength and excitement of our team members as they embark on this heartwarming journey with us,” said Caroline Clayton, Vice President of Communications and Marketing at American Airlines. “As a partner of Make-A-Wish for more than 35 years, we are grateful to help uplift our community by helping to make wishes come true for those who need it most.”

Wishes wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and generosity of WishMakers. From individual donors to corporate partners, from everyday people to celebrities, everyone has the power to become a WishMaker. But more WishMakers are needed in order for Make-A-Wish to achieve its goal to bring the life-changing impact of a wish to every eligible child.

During World Wish Month in April, Make-A-Wish chapters and affiliates worldwide are inviting communities to join the movement and become a WishMaker between now and the end of World Wish month. The Wish Flight is a perfect example of the impact that’s possible when communities unite to make wishes happen.

Make-A-Wish and American invite anyone who would like to make a difference in the lives of wish kids to learn how to make wishes come true and become a WishMaker at wishmaker.org.

About American Airlines Group
To Care for People on Life’s Journey®. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL and the company’s stock is included in the S&P 500. Learn more about what’s happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.

About Make-A-Wish®
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is the #1 most trusted nonprofit operating locally in all 50 states throughout the U.S. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 20,000 volunteers across the country, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 585,000 wishes in 50 countries worldwide; more than 375,000 wishes in the U.S. and its territories alone. For more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org.

About Disney
At The Walt Disney Company, we inspire a better world through the power of stories. A world filled with hope and promise, especially for children. As part of these efforts, Disney is committed to delivering joy and comfort to children facing serious illness, and to the people who care for them.
This includes Disney’s efforts with Make-A-Wish® and nearly 100 other wish-granting organizations around the world. Through Disney’s collaboration with Make-A-Wish, we’ve helped grant more than 155,000 life-changing wishes since the first wish was granted more than 40 years ago at Disneyland Resort. Wishes range from theme park visits to movie premieres, character meet-and-greets to sports events. All with the goal of helping kids feel like kids, while creating special memories with their families.
Learn more about our commitment to delivering joy when it’s needed most at joy.disney.com.

About Give Kids The World
One of less than 1% of all U.S. charities to receive Charity Navigator’s highest rating 17 years in a row, Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides children with critical illnesses and their families from around the world with magical week-long wish vacations. From life’s simple pleasures to the stuff that dreams are made of, every wish family is treated to an all-inclusive experience including private villa accommodations; all meals and snacks; nightly entertainment; daily gifts; and non-stop fun at the Village, a storybook destination featuring an array of accessible rides and attractions. Since 1986, nearly 200,000 wish families from all 50 states and 77 countries have been welcomed to the Village to laugh together, play together, and create priceless memories away from hospital stays and medical treatments. Give Kids The World’s mission to create the happiness that inspires hope for wish families is made possible by the generosity of caring corporate partners, individual donors and caring volunteers. For more information, visit www.gktw.org.

By The Black & Veatch Insights Group

A record 28 “billion-dollar” weather and climate disasters struck the United States in 2023, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), causing an estimated $92.9 billion in damages. The year was not an outlier but part of a rising trend in disruptive natural disasters increasing in intensity, frequency and resulting cost. Such extreme events – compounded by aging infrastructure, changing demand patterns, supply chain issues and workforce changes – can be expected to continue, endangering the critical energy, water and communications infrastructure that drives business and underpins our quality of life. It’s putting utilities under increasing pressure to actively manage their risks and increase their resilience.

Water Sector: Time to Prep for Required Updates

Water utilities have a mechanism to address the pressure. The America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) was passed into law in October 2018 and, through amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act, introduced a new requirement for water systems serving more than 3,300 people to conduct a risk and resilience assessment (RRA) and prepare an emergency response plan (ERP) that incorporates the findings of the RRA. Both elements need to be reviewed and updated every five years and certified by the utilities to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

With the first round of certifications completed during the 2020-2021 timeframe, water utilities are coming up on the next round. They must re-certify to USEPA that they have conducted, reviewed, or updated their RRAs and ERPs by the following dates.

Served Population1 
More than 100,000

RRA due by 
March 31, 2025ERP due by 
September 30, 2025

Served Population1 
50,000 to 99,999

RRA due by 
December 31, 2025ERP due by 
June 30, 2026

Served Population1 
3,301 to 49,999

RRA due by 
June 30, 2026ERP due by 
December 31, 2026

1The total served population must include consecutive systems served by the utility, if any.

Taking a Consistent Approach to Risk and Resilience Assessments

Although the EPA does not require the use of specific standards, methods or tools for completing RRAs, it has recommended the use of available standards and tools from the Agency and the American Water Works Association (AWWA). These standards and tools include the AWWA J100-21 Standard for Risk and Resilience Management of Water and Wastewater Systems, and the EPA’s Vulnerability Self-Assessment Tool (VSAT). The J100 methodology is based on a seven-step process to assess risk and resilience and develop options for long-term resilience management.

7-Step Risk, Resilience Management Process

ASSET CHARACTERIZATION 
What assets do I have? Which are critical?THREAT CHARACTERIZATION 
What threats and hazards should I consider?CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS 
What happens to my assets if a threat or hazard happens?THREAT ANALYSIS 
What is the likelihood that a hazard will strike my facility?VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS 
What are my vulnerabilities that would allow a threat or hazard to cause these consequences?RISK AND RESILIENCE ASSESSMENT 
What is my current level of risk and resilience?RISK AND RESILIENCE MANAGEMENT 
What options do I have to reduce risks and increase resilience? What are the benefits and costs?

Black & Veatch has synthesized the spectrum of available tools and processes and developed a practical, spreadsheet-based tool to assist in the completion of an RRA. Our in-house team of experts has assisted water utilities of all sizes across the U.S. in their initial certifications, providing them with a repeatable and structured process based on the AWWA J100 standard for completing their RRA and ERP development and updates. AWIA tools developed by Black & Veatch use the J100 methodology as a general framework and are further strengthened by VSAT tool features, a suite of cybersecurity assessment tools, lessons learned from numerous AWIA assessments, and the multitude of AWIA guidance documents provided by the USEPA over the initial AWIA certification period.

Implementing a Successful Resilience Program

In the annual surveys that inform Black Veatch’s Strategic Directions Reports for the water sector, resilience has been consistently ranked within the top three challenges utilities are facing. The good news: studies show every $1 spent on risk mitigation reduces future disaster costs by $4 to $6. A range of solutions are available through Black & Veatch for different scales, complexities and maturities of organizations to help utilities define their resilience “stance,” assess their current maturity and invest in practical, actionable improvement plans to meet their resilience goals cost-effectively.

By The Black & Veatch Insights Group

A record 28 “billion-dollar” weather and climate disasters struck the United States in 2023, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), causing an estimated $92.9 billion in damages. The year was not an outlier but part of a rising trend in disruptive natural disasters increasing in intensity, frequency and resulting cost. Such extreme events – compounded by aging infrastructure, changing demand patterns, supply chain issues and workforce changes – can be expected to continue, endangering the critical energy, water and communications infrastructure that drives business and underpins our quality of life. It’s putting utilities under increasing pressure to actively manage their risks and increase their resilience.

Water Sector: Time to Prep for Required Updates

Water utilities have a mechanism to address the pressure. The America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) was passed into law in October 2018 and, through amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act, introduced a new requirement for water systems serving more than 3,300 people to conduct a risk and resilience assessment (RRA) and prepare an emergency response plan (ERP) that incorporates the findings of the RRA. Both elements need to be reviewed and updated every five years and certified by the utilities to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

With the first round of certifications completed during the 2020-2021 timeframe, water utilities are coming up on the next round. They must re-certify to USEPA that they have conducted, reviewed, or updated their RRAs and ERPs by the following dates.

Served Population1 
More than 100,000

RRA due by 
March 31, 2025ERP due by 
September 30, 2025

Served Population1 
50,000 to 99,999

RRA due by 
December 31, 2025ERP due by 
June 30, 2026

Served Population1 
3,301 to 49,999

RRA due by 
June 30, 2026ERP due by 
December 31, 2026

1The total served population must include consecutive systems served by the utility, if any.

Taking a Consistent Approach to Risk and Resilience Assessments

Although the EPA does not require the use of specific standards, methods or tools for completing RRAs, it has recommended the use of available standards and tools from the Agency and the American Water Works Association (AWWA). These standards and tools include the AWWA J100-21 Standard for Risk and Resilience Management of Water and Wastewater Systems, and the EPA’s Vulnerability Self-Assessment Tool (VSAT). The J100 methodology is based on a seven-step process to assess risk and resilience and develop options for long-term resilience management.

7-Step Risk, Resilience Management Process

ASSET CHARACTERIZATION 
What assets do I have? Which are critical?THREAT CHARACTERIZATION 
What threats and hazards should I consider?CONSEQUENCE ANALYSIS 
What happens to my assets if a threat or hazard happens?THREAT ANALYSIS 
What is the likelihood that a hazard will strike my facility?VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS 
What are my vulnerabilities that would allow a threat or hazard to cause these consequences?RISK AND RESILIENCE ASSESSMENT 
What is my current level of risk and resilience?RISK AND RESILIENCE MANAGEMENT 
What options do I have to reduce risks and increase resilience? What are the benefits and costs?

Black & Veatch has synthesized the spectrum of available tools and processes and developed a practical, spreadsheet-based tool to assist in the completion of an RRA. Our in-house team of experts has assisted water utilities of all sizes across the U.S. in their initial certifications, providing them with a repeatable and structured process based on the AWWA J100 standard for completing their RRA and ERP development and updates. AWIA tools developed by Black & Veatch use the J100 methodology as a general framework and are further strengthened by VSAT tool features, a suite of cybersecurity assessment tools, lessons learned from numerous AWIA assessments, and the multitude of AWIA guidance documents provided by the USEPA over the initial AWIA certification period.

Implementing a Successful Resilience Program

In the annual surveys that inform Black Veatch’s Strategic Directions Reports for the water sector, resilience has been consistently ranked within the top three challenges utilities are facing. The good news: studies show every $1 spent on risk mitigation reduces future disaster costs by $4 to $6. A range of solutions are available through Black & Veatch for different scales, complexities and maturities of organizations to help utilities define their resilience “stance,” assess their current maturity and invest in practical, actionable improvement plans to meet their resilience goals cost-effectively.

As originally published by GoDaddy’s Venture Forward Research Initiative

The big fact

Microbusiness owners in the U.S. skew older than those in the U.K. In the U.S., 63% of microbusiness entrepreneurs are Generation X (age 40-54) or baby boomers (age 55+), compared to 49% in the U.K., where millennials (age 25-39) take the lead. 

Older generations make more in the U.S.

One in six microbusiness owners from all generations earn over $100K or £180K, but the breakdown in age groups differs between the U.S. and U.K.

In the U.S., the older the microbusiness owner, the more they make, compared to the U.K., where earnings are more evenly split among age groups. In the U.S., 60% of Gen X and 62% of baby boomers earn over $100K, while 25-26% of Generation Z, Gen X and baby boomers from the U.K. report revenue over £180K.

US & UK Entrepreneurs

Which generation has the most entrepreneurs?

US: 41% Gen X (40 – 54)

33% Millennials (25 – 39)22% Baby Boomers (55+)3% Gen Z (18 – 24)

UK: 45% Millennials (25 – 39)

37% Gen X (40 – 54)12% Baby Boomers (55+)6% Gen Z (18 – 24)

Breakdown of those earning over $100k or £180k

US: 62% Baby Boomers (55+)

60% Gen X (40 – 54)56% Gen Z (18 – 24)

UK: 26% Gen Z (18 – 24)

25% Gen X (40 – 54)25% Baby Boomers (55+)

Source: GoDaddy Venture Forward U.S. & U.K. National Surveys. August 2023 (N-U.S. = 3.525 // N-U.K. = 2.651

More money, less optimism

Despite being the highest earners, baby boomers in the U.S. report less optimism about their overall expectation for their business during the next six months, with only 65% indicating a positive outlook, compared to 77% of Gen Z respondents.

Additionally, entrepreneurs who generate significantly more revenue, particularly those with over $600K or £500K, reported higher levels of stress, anxiety and burnout.

Younger generations may be more entrepreneurial

Not only is Gen Z the most optimistic group of microbusiness owners in the U.S., but they may also be the most entrepreneurial. 37% of Gen Z in the U.S. always dreamed of starting their own businesses, versus the 22% of Gen X and 15% of baby boomers, according to Venture Forward data. A recent study revealed that 50% of Gen Z aspire to become an entrepreneur.

And, in the U.S., 75% of Gen Z hope to turn their microbusiness into their primary source of income, compared to 58% of baby boomers, who often start a side business after retirement or continue one as a hobby.

The research

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. While these microbusinesses may be small, their impact on economies is outsized even though they are often too informal or too new to show up in traditional government statistics. 

Since 2018, Venture Forward surveyed more than 36,000 small business owners with a digital presence, making it the source for microbusiness data and insights.