Tag: 3BL

Originally published on GoDaddy LinkedIn

Welcome to the second quarterly issue of the GoDaddy Venture Forward newsletter! Here we share our latest data, insights and news about small and microbusinesses. Venture Forward is a GoDaddy research initiative established in 2018 to quantify the growth and impact of online microbusinesses on their local economies, and to provide a unique view into the attitudes, demographics and needs of these entrepreneurs (GoDaddy defines microbusinesses as small businesses with a unique domain, an active website and most often fewer than 10 employees).

Venture Forward supports GoDaddy’s mission to empower entrepreneurs everywhere, making opportunity more inclusive for all. We believe the more we uncover and learn about entrepreneurs and their microbusinesses, the better we can support them and advocate for their success. That’s why we strive to share data and insights that are easily accessible and timely.

We’d love to hear from you, so please leave a comment with your thoughts or takeaways. We encourage you to share this issue with other small business advocates in your network and if you haven’t already, subscribe to get our latest insights delivered right to your LinkedIn newsfeed!

Alexandra Rosen 
Sr. Director, Venture Forward

Updated Microbusiness Data Hub and New U.S. Economic Outcomes

The Microbusiness Data Hub has been refreshed through December and the fourth quarter of 2023, including updated microbusiness density data, Microbusiness Activity Index, entrepreneur survey results and e-commerce trends.

This week, we’ve also released our latest review of the impacts made by these entrepreneurs on job creation and unemployment based on the latest U.S. Census Data and BLS through December 2023.

Statistically significant findings in partnership with UCLA Anderson Forecast economists include:

1. At the county-level, every additional microbusiness entrepreneur adds about seven jobs, which has continued to grow based on data through 2023.

Analysis of data from 2018 to 2022 found the effect of microbusiness entrepreneurship to be two or more new jobs for every additional entrepreneur, and from 2020 to 2022, about six new jobs.

2. Adding 1,000 new microbusiness entrepreneurs in a county is associated with a drop of 0.11 percentage points in the unemployment rate.

This means that studying Miami-Dade County in Florida, with almost 430,000 microbusinesses and 2.1 million people over the age of 18, adding just 1,000 entrepreneurs would reduce the region’s unemployment rate by almost 7% (from 1.6% to 1.49%). 
 And Cuyahoga County, Ohio (home to Cleveland), with over 72,000 microbusinesses, could see a decrease of 3% in unemployment from 3.2% to 3.09% by adding 1,000 new microbusiness entrepreneurs.

Read more…

GoDaddy Venture Forward Launches in Australia and Canada

In February 2024, GoDaddy expanded its Venture Forward research initiative in two new international markets: Australia, with over 315,000 online microbusinesses, and Canada, which boasts over 770,000 online microbusinesses.

We learned where those businesses are and how they’re growing, and we surveyed thousands of the operators who own and run them.

Some highlights:

Australia is home to a thriving side-hustle culture. 61% of Australian entrepreneurs are running their business as a side hustle, meaning the venture is not their main source of income. 
 In Canada, the barriers to entry for starting a microbusiness have never been lower. More than half of online microbusinesses were started with less than $5,000 CAD of initial capital.

Discover more about Australia and Canada…

Data Forward

Data Forward is a data-driven content series that explores microbusiness trends and insights informed by GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative. Read some of our latest Data Forward posts below:

U.S. Entrepreneurs Skew Older than Counterparts in the U.K.

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.

Read more…

Women Microbusiness Owners Up 33% in the U.K. and 10% in U.S., Narrowing the Gender Gap

The number of women-owned microbusinesses has continued to increase in both the U.S. and U.K. according to the 2023 GoDaddy Venture Forward U.S. National Survey of over 3,500 microbusiness owners. As a result, the gender gap narrowed. More than half (51%) of microbusiness owners in the U.S. are women, increasing by 10% in the last two years, and up 25% relative to where it started in 2019. And 42% of microbusiness owners in the U.K. are women, up 33% in the last two years.

Read more…

Recent Events

Las Vegas’ First-Ever Microbusiness Summit

The first of its kind Microbusiness Summit took place on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Las Vegas City Hall. GoDaddy Venture Forward research identified Las Vegas as having the second-highest number of microbusinesses in the country after New York City and three times the national average.

Inspired by the massive presence and growth of businesses with fewer than 10 employees (known as microbusinesses) found in Southern Nevada, GoDaddy, the City of Las Vegas, Workforce Connections and Bank of Nevada collaborated to design an impactful agenda based on the top three challenges facing Las Vegas entrepreneurs according to local Venture Forward surveys.

Read more…

Research Deep Dive Hosted By Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center

In February of 2024, nearly 100 virtual attendees joined the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, GoDaddy Venture Forward and the Wells Fargo Foundation to discuss fresh data on women-led entrepreneurship. In this interactive workshop, the panel aimed to shine a light on the experiences and success factors for women business owners, including speed to cash flow break-even and access to capital. The goal was for participants to leave with a deeper understanding and concrete ideas to support women business owners and accelerate their success.

Read more and watch a recording of the conversation… 

In the News

Tammy Thompson and Alexandra Rosen: Black Women Lead Pittsburgh’s Microbusiness Revival 
 

Pittsburgh stands out as one of the fastest-growing areas for America’s smallest businesses, called microbusinesses… This kind of entrepreneurship has flourished since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. In fact, 39% of microbusinesses have started since 2020. And in Pittsburgh, Black women lead the charge.

…Research from Venture Forward offers a deeper view into Pittsburgh’s microbusinesses. There are currently more than 167,000 such businesses in Allegheny County, a number that has nearly tripled since September 2019. About 144,000 of those call the city of Pittsburgh home.

Read more in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette…

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 10 people, classifying each as a microbusiness. While they may be small, their economic impact is outsized even though they often don’t show up in traditional government statistics.

Since 2018, Venture Forward surveyed more than 30,000 small business owners with a digital presence, making it the premiere source for microbusiness data and insights.

Published by GoDaddy 
We’re back with the second issue of our Venture Forward Newsletter! This edition features the latest U.S. economic impact made by small and microbusinesses, global expansion of the data into Australia and Canada, recent trends, and events in support of entrepreneurs! Subscribe today to get this quarterly newsletter in your inbox.

CNH Capital, CNH‘s financial services engine specialized in the financing and leasing of agricultural and construction equipment, announced the launch of a special campaign across key European markets.

The aim is to reduce the cost of financing sustainable equipment for end customers in 2024.

This initiative, spanning Italy, France, Spain, United Kingdom, Germany, Benelux, Poland, and Austria, offers preferential financing terms for acquiring or accessing next-generation sustainable equipment from CNH brands. It addresses both the growing customer demand for sustainable solutions and the need for environmental responsibility.

CNH Capital is deeply committed to supporting its customers’ transition to sustainable practices. This innovative campaign applies specifically to bio-methane tractors, methanisation units, precision technology kits, and electric machines, in addition to any future sustainable equipment offerings from CNH brands.

“In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, CNH Capital is proud to partner with our customers on their journey towards a more sustainable future” said François Millot, Head of EMEA Financial Services at CNH. “This campaign underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainable development in Agriculture and Construction, with financial services playing a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of environmentally friendly solutions by optimizing the customers’ cost of usage.”

In a market that is constantly evolving from a technological and technical point of view, CNH demonstrates its commitment to a sustainable future with financial services as part of this unique journey.

PLANO, Texas, March 28, 2024 /3BL/ – Frito-Lay® today announced it awarded $25,000 to four scholarship recipients, each actively leading and uplifting their local communities and contributing to a brighter future. The Frito-Lay Community Builder Scholarship serves to help each student with their higher-education goals and education-related expenses.

To select the recipients, a diverse group of employees across the Frito-Lay organization – including frontline workers, DEI leaders and executives – reviewed applications from 500 students in the U.S. Each employee offered a unique perspective based on their tenure and experience. They also demonstrated a commitment to pep+ (PepsiCo Positive), a strategic transformation focused on winning with purpose and giving back to the communities that Frito-Lay and parent company PepsiCo serve. Education creates multiple pathways to meaningful opportunities and remains key in fueling PepsiCo’s long-term growth.

“As a first-generation college student, I also received a life-changing scholarship while pursuing my degree. I know the impact this scholarship will make on these students, who are each pioneering change through their own passions,” said judge and Frito-Lay North America DEI HR Manager Jesus Gutierrez. “Each winner has had their own unique path to finding their purpose through community, education and their personal backgrounds. Based on my own lived and professional experience, I’ve seen the value diverse thinking and backgrounds can bring to leadership.”

The recipients were:

Mehar Bhasin – Lakeville, Connecticut 
Mehar is passionate about STEM and after noticing widespread gender and race disparities in the field, she co-founded the non-profit STEAM Bloom. The organization has provided over 2,000 students free access to computer science resources. She will be a sophomore at Dartmouth College in the fall. 

According to Mehar, “To me, community conveys a sense of belongingness, togetherness and collective growth. I truly enjoy contributing to their success, uplifting them, serving them, leading them and trying to make an impact.”
 Jaelyn Hardaway – San Antonio, Texas 
Jaelyn served on the Mayor of San Antonio’s Youth Climate Council and is the Co-Founder of the First Antonian branch of Cancer Kids First. She recently organized and led an initiative to deliver personalized care packages to pediatric patients locally and internationally. Graduating from high school in 2024, Jaelyn is currently deciding where she’ll attend college next year. 

According to Jaelyn, “Community signifies a sense of belonging, support and shared identity among individuals who come together around common interests, values, or goals, fostering connection, collaboration and mutual aid.”
 Caleb Oh – Gambrills, Maryland 
Caleb co-founded the non-profit Kid Changemakers while in elementary school. He’s raised thousands of dollars to help support food insecurity initiatives and at-risk populations, such as foster children and the homeless. He also successfully lobbied state senators to remove the tax on baby diapers, collectively saving families millions of dollars. He will be a Sophomore at Harvard University in the fall. 

According to Caleb, “Volunteering has affirmed my belief that all kids can make a difference in an adult world, no matter their circumstances.”
 Ramon Perez – New Rochelle, New York 
Ramon is currently a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, in addition to attending college and volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. He enlisted in 2019 and now oversees 120 Marines. He first started volunteering with his local Boys & Girls Club in high school and found he could make a big impact on his community through mentorship. He will be a senior at Baruch College in the fall. 

According to Ramon, “I hope to continue to impact my community and make it a better place for everyone; I want New Rochelle to be united.”

As an organization with 60,000 dedicated employees, Frito-Lay understands the importance of preparing the next generation and is proud to consistently invest in education and career training, seeking to break systemic barriers and provide equitable opportunities for all to thrive. Since 2022, Frito-Lay has provided $600,000 in scholarship funds to students across the country.

“It was inspiring to learn more about each of these change-makers, plus the challenges they’ve overcome fueled by grit and determination,” said judge and Lay’s Global marketing director Tionna Cunningham. “As a student with a tough path to college, this was an opportunity to pay it forward in honor of the people and financial resources that supported me.”

About Frito-Lay North America 
Frito-Lay North America is the $25 billion net sales convenient foods division of PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP). For decades, Frito-Lay’s portfolio of beloved products has brought smiles to millions of families across the world, including Fritos® corn chips, Lay’s® and Ruffles® potato chips, Doritos® and Tostitos® tortilla chips and branded dips, Cheetos® snacks, Stacy’s® pita chips, PopCorners® air popped snacks and SunChips® multigrain snacks. The company operates more than 40 manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and Canada, along with a vast distribution network that services over 315,000 retail customers weekly through its direct-store-delivery model. Through pep+ (PepsiCo Positive), Frito-Lay is committed to creating positive change for the planet and people. Learn more about Frito-Lay at FritoLay.com, on X (@FritoLay), on Instagram (@FritoLay) and on Facebook (FritoLay).

SOURCE Frito-Lay North America

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

The hospital setting is specifically designed for healing, both physically and mentally. But for young patients, the experience can still be unsettling.

That’s where child life specialists come in.

As child development experts — often with a background in psychology, counseling and/or teaching — they collaborate with medical staff to provide individual care plans for pediatric patients, and they work closely with children and families to help create an emotionally safe environment during hospitalization.

Using a variety of tools and resources — like medical play with My Special Aflac Duck®, for example — they help patients and families gain a sense of control by explaining medical jargon, preparing them for procedures and developing strategies for coping through what can be stressful or traumatic experiences.

In fact, because of their expertise in helping children and families navigate hospitalization and various treatments and procedures, child life specialists were instrumental in the development of My Special Aflac Duck.

As Child Life Month comes to a close, take a few moments to learn about this world through the eyes of these incredible professionals.

Dana LaLonde, Certified Child Life Specialist 
Children’s Hospital University of Illinois, Chicago, IL

Every day is different. I get to teach, play, support, advocate and help children gain control in the health care world in creative ways! Among the stress, pain, bad news and chaos, there is always an opportunity to create joy. Empowering kids to be brave, play and have fun is so important. Being the one to remind parents that their child is still their child, and that positive experiences are possible at the hospital, is a beautiful gift.

On the outside it may seem like we are the play ladies since you often see us with toys, bubbles and in the playroom. But we do so much more. Play drives everything we do, but we are playing with a purpose. We play to teach about a new diagnosis, to help give choices surrounding medical procedures, to distract and reduce pain, to build trust, to express emotion, and so much more. Play is how children learn, so of course we use that in all our interactions!

My Special Aflac Duck is an amazing toy that helps with this medical play and education, perfectly tailored to help children learn, play, build coping techniques and have fun — then they get to take home a buddy that is just like them.

DeAnna Bay-Markins, Bilingual Certified Child Life Specialist 
Direct to Family Distribution

I did an internship in college where I worked with a physical therapist. She told me I reminded her of her sister, who is a Certified Child Life Specialist. I didn’t know at the time what that was, but once I discovered more about it, I was immediately hooked.

Every day is interesting and different, and though we are very skilled at being able to make our work look easy, it isn’t. Toys aren’t merely toys, and bubbles aren’t just bubbles — they help with coping, growth and development.

I was surprised when I started working with My Special Aflac Duck about the impact that it has on children of such a large age range. Parents are exhaustingly grateful at the idea that their 3-year-old can give medicine to their duck through the duck’s port just like them, and 19-year-olds have talked about taking their duck to college and to appointments because it is a constant in their life and coping process now!

Kellie Maas, Certified Child Life Specialist 
Direct to Family Distribution

My sister spent nine months of her life in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit before passing. While this experience occurred before I was born, her short life and the memory of the nine months spent in a hospital setting left a lasting impression with my family. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to help families similar to my own, and when I discovered the child life profession, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do.

There is so much to love about being a child life specialist. I think my favorite part of this profession is having the honor to help kids continue to be kids during stressful life circumstances. It’s amazing to have a job where I can assist children in expressing themselves and educating them through play and developmentally child-friendly language to promote positive coping. By having the opportunity to facilitate events such as celebrating big milestones in the hospital setting, like a child’s last day of treatment, or leading a Teddy Bear Clinic outside the hospital to help kids feel prepared for medical checkups, I am truly grateful for all the opportunities and experiences child life has allowed me to be a part of.

In addition to being a child life specialist, I am also a licensed school counselor. By having the background in two helping professions that focus on children and building positive coping skills,

“I can confidently say that the My Special Aflac Duck program is the most impactful program I have ever witnessed. It is so apparent that every aspect of the program was thoughtfully designed to help children and families with cancer and blood disorders.”

I wish more people understood the value of taking the time to meet a child and/or family where they are. As a society, I believe we live in an age where we want the fastest and easiest way to make people “better.” To truly connect and help someone, however, it is essential to hear their perspective and navigate their circumstances on their specific terms. My Special Aflac Duck does this by involving child life in the program and allowing us to create a safe space for families to share their stories and have a supportive connection who can answer any questions or concerns they may have.

Being a child life specialist for over 10 years, I have worked with countless organizations and nonprofits. I can confidently say that the My Special Aflac Duck program is the most impactful program I have ever witnessed. It is so apparent that every aspect of the program was thoughtfully designed to help children and families with cancer and blood disorders. After speaking with the families I serve in this program, I often see them take a literal sigh of relief. It not only provides such an amazing therapeutic toy for children, but creates a feeling that families feel seen and heard.

April Slowenski, Certified Child Life Specialist 
Direct to Family Distribution

I always knew I wanted to help children and families, but I wasn’t quite sure in what capacity. I explored teaching and nursing, and I learned of the child life profession by chance. Once I did, it felt like a lightbulb went off above my head — I knew immediately it was what I wanted to do. I changed schools to pursue my child life degree a week later!

I love how resilient humans are, both children and their families. There is something so magical about seeing someone go from “I can’t do this,” to “I’m doing it!” to “I did it!” Knowing I’ve had a small part in helping them to build their coping skills and resilience in the face of challenges is so rewarding.

I can’t think of a family I’ve worked with in this program that hasn’t benefited from My Special Aflac Duck — the impact is huge. I’ve had parents crying happy tears with excitement to receive their duck because they know it is going to have a huge positive impact on their child’s ability to cope and process their medical experiences. They know the duck will not only help in the moment, but it will be a support for their long-term coping and positive development.

Giovaana Trainor, Certified Child Life Specialist 
Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX

I had multiple surgeries and procedures as a child. I remember being a very frightened, yet quiet kid. All the medical staff thought I was the perfect patient because I would always hold still and never verbalize being scared. What they didn’t know was how terrified I really was on the inside. I fell in love with the child life career when I started working as a nursing assistant at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. During one of my shifts, I observed a child life specialist prepare a child for surgery. I observed how comforting she was, using a language that he understood best and validating his feelings and concerns. At that moment, I immediately knew that child life was the career for me.

I am very blessed to be a child life specialist. What I love the most is being able to help children and families cope during some of the hardest times. But I also love celebrating their biggest victories, being their cheerleader along the way and reminding them to look for the light in dark times.

I wish more parents could learn about child life prior to their child’s visit. I have been in the profession for about 12 years and just recently started getting phone calls from parents asking for assistance on how to better prepare their child for surgery. It makes a huge difference to prepare both a parent and a child ahead of time. I have noticed that they are more relaxed the day of surgery and throughout hospitalization.

I have truly enjoyed utilizing My Special Aflac Duck with my patients. I work very closely with children who have retinoblastoma. These children go through a series of uncomfortable eye drops with each visit. What I love most about My Special Aflac Duck is that he is a constant companion for the children throughout their visit. He brings joy and huge smiles when kids enter their room and see their duck waiting for them. He is a great communicator when children do not want to share their feelings, and he’s a cuddle buddy that is held tightly during the administration of eye drops and induction. My Special Aflac Duck is also with them when they wake up in recovery — he is that special friend who is always there to support and make them feel better. He is changing the hospital experience for these kids.

Kimmie Fuentes, Certified Child Life Specialist 
Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX

I was working at a camp for kids with special needs when I first met a child life specialist. I knew I wanted to be in the medical field, and I fell in love with the profession after learning about the concept of educating through play.

The work of a child life specialist is intentional, and there is a reason for each playful interaction or conversation. I love the relationships that I am able to build with families and patients. Whether it is after one visit or 15 years later, it is humbling to see how your actions can impact their lives. I love getting to watch my patients grow up!

I have patients who enter pre-op and the first thing they do is ask for their My Special Aflac Duck. It gives them an opportunity to express their emotions, practice medical procedures, or just to have fun! It has also been fun to see other medical staff interact with the patient and their duck.

Brittany Luther, Certified Child Life Specialist 
Private Practice Child Life Services, Matthews, NC

I began my undergraduate career on the Pre-Med track at Elon University. I loved my Psychology and Human services courses. Through those classes, I met remarkable clinicians at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and Duke Children’s Hospital and learned about child life specialists. When I learned about their focus on diagnosis education, preparation for procedures, coping plans, pain management and play to help normalize the hospital experience, I knew it was the path of study I needed to follow.

I love to prepare kids and teenagers for medical procedures and explore new ways of teaching about diagnoses such as cancer, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis or even food allergies. When a child understands what is going to happen and can help make choices to create their own coping plan for a procedure, they have control in a setting where there is very little control.

My other passion is medical play, which is one reason that I love My Special Aflac Duck. We named the one in my office “Ducky,” and it’s a primary tool that I use with patients and families to allow for expression of emotions and exploration of medical equipment. It’s not only soft, fuzzy and inviting to play with, it is so interactive that kids connect with it quickly and truly

“I have seen My Special Aflac Duck have remarkable impacts on my patients and families both in the hospital and outside of the hospital.”

become a friend. I have seen My Special Aflac Duck have remarkable impacts on my patients and families both in the hospital and outside of the hospital.

“Play” truly is “the work of children.” When children are provided with the opportunity to play and express themselves in a hospital setting, their length of stay can be shorter, and their health outcomes are often more positive.

Laura Crain, Certified Child Life Specialist 
Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX

I chose to become a child life specialist because I love being able to work with the patient’s and families, and I wanted to help them through difficult times in the hospital.

I wish that every family knew about a child life specialist and how to get a hold of one before coming to the hospital. Child life specialists come to help families talk to their children using child-friendly words, and we can also help children understand what is happening through medical play.

My Special Aflac Duck has helped me with my work — patients have been able to do medical play with the duck, and the emoji discs have helped me to know what the patients are feeling so I can talk about their feelings with them.

Aflac wishes everyone in this remarkable profession a very happy Child Life Month. Learn more about Aflac’s commitment to supporting those with childhood cancer and blood disorders — including My Special Aflac Duck —at AflacChildhoodCancer.org.

Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

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NEW YORK, March 28, 2024 /3BL/ – The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for driving market transformation through healthy buildings, organizations and communities, today released IWBI’s 2023 Annual Report: Our Movement is Growing, offering an in-depth view of the organization’s leading work to advance people-first places, including progress and milestones in WELL adoption, innovation and research, strategic initiatives and advocacy and policy.

“As I look back over 2023, it’s clear that organizations everywhere are embracing the idea that healthier buildings make healthier businesses that lead to healthier bottom lines,” said Rachel Hodgdon, IWBI President and CEO. “This profound transformation underscores the breadth and depth of our growing movement and gives me great confidence in the power of WELL to change practice and change lives.”

As a testament to the dedicated and ever-expanding global community that works to support this ecosystem, there is continued rapid global adoption of WELL strategies. The WELL footprint grew by nearly 1 billion square feet by year’s end, reaching nearly 5 billion total square feet, adopted by thousands of organizations, including over 150 companies in the Global 500 and Fortune 500. As of February 2024, WELL is now being used across more than 5 billion square feet of space in 130 countries, signaling its rapid and widespread adoption as the leading healthy building standard in the world.

IWBI’s achievements in 2023 also spanned to connection and critical calls to action, including urging policymakers to rethink all future building policy to support positive health outcomes. IWBI held numerous in-person events around the world, from the WELL Salon series to the WELL Summit, and deepened partnerships with key coalition builders, including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Enterprise Green Communities.

As human health is increasingly recognized as material to the bottom line, WELL’s holistic and research-driven approach provided a roadmap for organizations to leverage the increased interest in social sustainability performance as an organizational differentiator, enhancing their ESG strategy and reporting. As a result, many leading companies are committing to WELL at scale, extending WELL’s benefits to not only promote the health and well-being of their people, but also laying the foundation for stronger, more resilient organizations.

Coming up on 10 years, WELL has seen rapid adoption across nearly every sector, including financial services, building design and construction (AECD), real estate (including retail and residential), healthcare, hospitality, education, energy and utility, manufacturing, transportation, professional services, sports and entertainment, and the public and non-profit sectors. WELL adoption has also experienced a significant increase in its global presence in every region of the world.

Read IWBI’s 2023 Annual Report: Our Movement is Growing.

About the International WELL Building Institute
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the world’s leading organization focused on deploying people first places to advance a global culture of health. IWBI mobilizes its community through the administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL) and its WELL ratings, management of the WELL AP credential, the pursuit of applicable research, the development of educational resources, and advocacy for policies that promote health and well-being everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

View original content here.

Water, the lifeblood of our planet, flows through every aspect of our existence. Yet, despite its fundamental importance, we often take this precious resource for granted. As our world faces escalating water challenges, from scarcity to pollution, the need for effective water stewardship has never been more critical. Central to this stewardship is the recognition and valuation of water – not just as a commodity, but as a fundamental element essential for all life on Earth.

The Multidimensional Value of Water

At the heart of water stewardship lies the understanding that water is not an infinite resource. While nearly 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, only a tiny fraction of it is freshwater available for human use. With growing populations, industrialization, and climate change, this finite resource is under increasing pressure. Hence, valuing water becomes imperative to ensure its sustainable management and equitable distribution for current and future generations.

In essence, valuing water in water stewardship is about embracing a holistic and inclusive approach that recognizes water’s intrinsic worth, respects its cultural and social significance, integrates economic considerations, promotes responsible governance, and fosters collaboration and partnerships. By adopting this perspective, we can contribute to the sustainable management and equitable distribution of water resources, ensuring their availability and accessibility for present and future generations.

Valuing water transcends mere economic considerations. While assigning a monetary value to water can help in resource allocation and incentivizing conservation, its true worth extends far beyond financial metrics. Water is intertwined with cultural, social, and environmental dimensions, deeply rooted in our traditions, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Its value is reflected in the sustenance of communities, the preservation of biodiversity, and the resilience of ecosystems.

Fostering Responsibility and Accountability

Water stewardship demands a holistic approach that integrates the diverse dimensions of water value. It requires recognizing the interconnectedness of water with food security, public health, energy production, and climate resilience. By understanding water’s multidimensional value, stakeholders can develop comprehensive strategies to address the complex challenges facing water resources.

Moreover, valuing water fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability among all stakeholders. Whether governments, businesses, or individuals, each has a role to play in safeguarding water resources. From implementing water-efficient technologies to promoting conservation practices, valuing water encourages collective action towards sustainable water management.

In the context of businesses, water stewardship is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity. Companies reliant on water for their operations face increasing risks related to water scarcity, regulatory pressures, and reputational damage from water-related issues. By valuing water, businesses can mitigate these risks, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to water security in the regions where they operate.

Furthermore, valuing water is essential for achieving global sustainability goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Water is intricately linked to many of these goals, including those related to poverty eradication, gender equality, and climate action. Recognizing the value of water is therefore pivotal for advancing progress towards these shared objectives.

Conclusion: Embracing the True Value of Water

In conclusion, valuing water is not just about recognizing its economic significance but embracing its intrinsic value to humanity and the planet. It requires a shift in mindset – from viewing water as a limitless commodity to appreciating it as a finite resource that sustains life. Through water stewardship grounded in the principles of valuing water, we can forge a path towards a more water-secure and sustainable future for all. Let us not wait until the wells run dry to understand the true essence of water’s worth.

Are you looking for help with your organization’s water stewardship journey? Reach out to our team of Water Stewardship experts today!

Taco Bell blog

Another month, another celebration! March is dedicated as Women’s History Month in the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia and many other parts of the world. In 1982, Women’s History Week was officially launched in the United States, and eventually turned into a month-long event in 1987.

This year’s theme for Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day is Inspire Inclusion. So, to honor and celebrate the courageous women of the world (and at The Bell!), we will continue to tell their stories and amplify their voices. We hope that they not only educate, but also inspire inclusion and drive positive impact in your community to uplift those around you.

Mother of three, wife, and Taco Bell International’s Chief Marketing Officer, Amy D., was born and raised in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The northeast was her home as she moved to Boston for undergrad and then New York for her MBA.

Then, she left for a completely different country.

“I only left the Northeast when my husband (boyfriend at the time) convinced me to move to Brazil and go on an adventure. It was a life-changing event for me. In Brazil, I learned so much about new cultures, languages and ways of working that it got me interested in working outside the U.S.”

After her travels abroad, Amy found herself back in the States where she learned what it meant to be with a company that aligned with her values.

”Early on in my career, I noticed that the focus for many companies was on the savings and not on the people or the brands. It encouraged people to grow at the expense of others, which really challenged my value system. So, I decided to leave and look for a company that shared my values and focused on a culture of collaboration. That’s how I found my way to Yum!”

Amy started with Yum! Latin America doing consumer insights for Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut. She then moved to KFC Latin America & The Caribbean to work in insights, innovation and marketing.

“I spent six years there until I got pulled over to KFC Global in Dallas where I led retail marketing. Then, I got an opportunity at Taco Bell, which brought me here to California.”

Amy’s career within Yum! had her traveling and working on many exciting projects on an international scale. However, she faced her own challenges.

“When I first started at Yum!, my role revolved around insights. As I grew, I knew that I had an option to stay hyper focused on insights or stretch myself into a broader marketing role. Doing that meant stepping into an area that wasn’t as comfortable. However, my coach, Javier B. in KFC LA&C really encouraged me to do more. When I decided to move into my global role at KFC, they wanted me to lead retail, which was an area of growth for me, but I leaned into yes.”

“Lean into Yes” is Amy’s mantra that has taken her to greater heights. After reading Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, Amy was inspired to change her outlook on decision making, especially in her career.

“The idea in the book is that women need to lean into the current moment. Women tend to make decisions in their current career based on potential things that could happen in the future. For example, a woman might decide not to take a promotion because she might have a child next year. Meanwhile, she is not pregnant and, even if she is, why would a promotion conflict with that? I merged this advice with the idea of just saying ‘yes’ because doing so can take you down a path you didn’t think existed. So, when you have the urge to overthink and question your capability or logistics, and your reaction is an immediate no, please LEAN INTO YES.”

Not only has Amy found guidance through the literature she’s read, but also from trailblazing women in society and around her.

“When it comes to pop culture, two influential leaders are former Washington Post publisher Katherine Graham and former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Both women are examples of leadership that came against social headwinds but ended with creating many firsts for women on a global platform.”

Closer to home and within the Yum! system, one of Amy’s former coaches, Catherine G., General Manager of KFC Canada, has been a true inspiration who has helped Amy become the leader she is today.

“First, Catherine is incredibly smart, and I always learn something from every conversation that I have with her. Second, she is authentically herself with her wild curly hair and approachable leadership style. But lastly, and most importantly, she’s never said ‘no’ to me. Catherine always encouraged me to take an idea and run with it, and for that I am forever thankful. I am a better leader and I take bigger swings because of her.”

Looking to the future, Amy hopes to inspire inclusivity and provide women in leadership a new perspective on work.

“I hope that I can pave the way for young female leaders within Yum! to see that leadership can look and feel differently. You can have a family and still opt-in to challenging roles.”

Did you know that Henkel North America employs approximately 8,000 employees in around 60 sites across the U.S. and Canada? Collectively, these sites support two business units: Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands.

Our #AViewFrom series features select locations, sharing information and facts about our sites across Henkel North America.

Anything that’s electronic generates heat. Laptops, electric vehicle batteries, data center servers, and industrial factory equipment all see temperature increases during operation. Managing the thermal intensity by dissipating heat helps these systems run more efficiently and reliably. At the Henkel Chanhassen, Minnesota facility, scientists are formulating and testing cutting-edge thermal interface materials to enable optimum performance of electronic devices. Learn more in this segment of #AViewFrom: Chanhassen, MN.

Henkel’s Chanhassen, MN site is the North American hub for the development of thermal interface materials – also called TIMs – that fill voids and accelerate heat transfer between a heat-generating device and a heat sink or housing. The facility serves the company’s industrial, automotive, and electronics businesses, supported by nearly 90 employees across multiple functions, including product development, application engineering, customer service, sales, warehouse and facilities management, and administration. The materials developed here enable the dependable performance of everything from data center transceivers to 5G base stations to electric vehicle battery modules to power generation and conversion technologies.

We are driven by curiosity, and our passion to explore, invent, and analyze using state-of-the-art equipment and tools allows formulation of the world’s most innovative thermal management materials.

Radesh Jewram, Senior Product Development Manager

Senior Product Development Manager Radesh Jewram, who has worked at the Chanhassen facility for over 25 years says: “There is never a dull day; people across departments and responsibilities collaborate and get along, and together we’re doing work that has incredible impact. People depend on electronics. We develop products that help make electronics more dependable.”

The Bergquist Company, which Henkel acquired in 2014, took ownership of the Chanhassen site in 2000. Within the 97,000 sq. ft. building are several Research and Development (R&D) lab spaces, a state-of-the-art application area equipped with leading-edge material characterization and analysis tools, a dedicated sample preparation space, and a sizeable warehouse. The work done at Chanhassen and the critical raw materials stored in the site’s warehouse support the Cannon Falls, MN and Brandon, SD operations where TIM products are manufactured. With corporate investment over the last few years, Chanhassen has added advanced UL testing capability, is building a studio with sophisticated video technology for teardown analysis and collaborative customer New Product Introduction (NPI) work, and the training area is in the midst of a cosmetic renovation.

Like most Henkel operations, Chanhassen is also focused on sustainability endeavors, as Facility Manager Josh Pestel explains: “Throughout the building, we are installing LED lighting and motion sensors to reduce energy consumption,” he says.

We’ve also significantly decreased lab waste, have a comprehensive recycling program, and have converted all forklifts to electric models. These may seem like minor initiatives, but collectively, they make a big difference.

Josh Pestel, Facility Manager

DID YOU KNOW?

A letter from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk thanking Henkel for being a valued supplier to the NASA SpaceX Demo-2 mission hangs on the wall in the Chanhassen facility. This test flight of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket carried NASA astronauts to the International Space Station.

TEAM BUILDING AND COMMUNITY COMMITMENT:

Camaraderie is foundational to Chanhassen’s culture, and the team goes the extra mile to nourish it. The Chanhassen team recently formed a local chapter of the Henkel Women’s Network to network and discuss topics specific to careers in Science, Technology Engineering and Math. With site-wide events like summertime ice cream socials, celebrations of cultural holidays, BBQs, and pumpkin carving contests, Chanhassen employees have many opportunities to share some downtime. Administrative Assistant Louise Rislove coordinates many of these activities.

We work hard, but we know how to have fun, too! It’s important to show appreciation and to allow our folks time to connect in a relaxed atmosphere.

Louise Rislove, Administrative Assistant

Louise also spearheads the site’s charitable endeavors. Over the years, employees have participated in food and clothing drives and trash clean ups and offered financial support to local nonprofits including Feed My Staving Children, which has an office across the street from the Chanhassen facility. Chanhassen staff also took part in MATTERbox Madness at Mall of America®. The friendly competition pits local company teams against each other in a race to pack as many healthy snacks as possible. The snacks are then distributed to kids all over the country. Henkel’s Chanhassen team was one of sixteen teams competing and had a great time for a worthy cause.

Station by station, students visiting the El Sauz Ranch in South Texas explore what happens behind the scenes at a working ranch.

At one station, they will learn how cattle are cared for and provide food. The next covers the ranch’s watershed and the importance of protecting the health of nearby bays and estuaries. Another delves into the conservation of native plants and wildlife, such as the endangered ocelot, a spotted wild cat found near the Gulf of Mexico.

East Foundation began offering education programs, dubbed Behind the Gates, in 2014, motivated by research that shows kids who learn outdoors are “healthier, smarter, happier,” says Tina Buford, director of education at the Foundation.

“We’re able to help students learn while also increasing their connectedness to nature,” she adds.

Each of the Foundation’s educators specialize in the Texas science curriculum, helping K-12 students understand the practical application of what they study in textbooks. In 2023, more than 14,000 young learners across the Rio Grande Valley participated in East Foundation programs.

Buoyed by the demand for their offerings, the Foundation opened a new education center at the 27,000-acre El Sauz ranch in 2022. A large main pavilion serves as a receiving and congregation space, complementing the six smaller pavilions that serve as learning stations positioned along a walking trail winding around the education center.

In support of the initiative, Enbridge recently awarded the Foundation a Fueling Futures grant of $15,000 to fund a learning station.

Each year, the Foundation helps thousands of youth form stronger connections to the land—and the East Foundation’s work to foster sustainability and educate future generations of students aligns with our company’s commitment to protecting the environment.

Today’s young learners often don’t have a clear understanding of what happens at a working ranch and how it’s relevant in their lives, Buford says. “We’re helping them understand that the land provides them with valuable natural resources for their lives,” she explains.

“Getting kids outdoors contributes to academic success and a healthy, happy student population. It contributes to life satisfaction.”

March 28, 2024 /3BL/ -Seven major manufacturers and energy efficiency service providers gathered Thursday morning with U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, and other state, federal, and local officials for a roundtable discussion focused on important energy rebate programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Representatives from A. O. Smith, Carrier, Eaton, Johnson Controls, Samsung Electronics America, Sealed, and Trane Technologies provided private-sector expertise and insight in a roundtable discussion about the HOMES (Home Energy Performance-Based, Whole-House Rebates) and HEAR (Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate) programs, organized by the sustainability nonprofit Ceres. The two programs, funded by the federal government through the Inflation Reduction Act but designed and implemented at the state level, will establish rebate systems to help homeowners upgrade to cleaner, more efficient appliances and systems.

“As a leader in innovative heat pump water heating products, we know that highly efficient appliances save consumers money while reducing carbon emissions. We strive to ensure that our products are accessible and affordable for consumers and contractors alike,” said Kevin Wheeler, chairman and CEO, A. O. Smith. “The HOMES and HEAR rebate programs have the potential to help more homeowners adopt these technologies, and we appreciated the opportunity today to discuss the best ways to structure these programs so they deliver beneficial impacts for households, local economies, and the climate.”

“The Department of Energy’s home electrification and appliance rebates will help homeowners save money on energy bills while experiencing the exceptional comfort associated with high efficiency HVAC systems,” said Todd Nolte, executive director, strategy and partnerships, Carrier. “We appreciate Secretary Granholm and the Office of State and Community Energy Programs’ work towards implementing programs at the state level so consumers everywhere can benefit.”

“There are new tools and programs at hand to effectively and affordably modernize energy systems everywhere, significantly reducing carbon footprint and costs, while keeping the power on,” said Guillaume Laur, senior vice president and general manager, Power Delivery and Regulation, Eaton. “Eaton is uniquely able to help put the energy transition to work because of our scale, abilities and knowledge in powering electric infrastructure, and our approach enables the flexibility to scale energy systems to meet changing needs. Thank you to Sec. Granholm, Governor Evers, Mayor Rhodes Conway and all the participants in today’s discussion—together, we’re accelerating better, cleaner and more affordable energy systems.”

“Buildings are a big piece of the climate change challenge, representing nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. They also are low-hanging fruit in cutting carbon,” said Charles McGinnis, performance infrastructure vice president of sales, Johnson Controls. “The technology we have today—energy efficiency, electrification with heat pumps, and digitalization—create big savings for homeowners and businesses while slashing greenhouse gas pollution. The IRA makes that upside even bigger as it provides substantial financial incentive to put these technologies to work. It was our honor to meet with so many peer organizations, Sec. Granholm, and other federal, state and local public officials in our home state today. We look forward to the strong implementation of the HOMES and HEARS rebate programs here in Wisconsin and across the United States.”

“Samsung applauds the Department of Energy’s (DOE) leadership on the implementation of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) home energy rebates. As a leader in sustainability innovation and in the ENERGY STAR program, Samsung provides innovative energy-efficient solutions for induction cooking, heat pump drying, and heating and cooling through heat pumps, which are all eligible for IRA home energy rebates. We stand ready to work with the DOE, states, and interested stakeholders to ensure that consumers of all economic means can benefit from the energy and financial savings that these rebates will provide by offering a wide range of affordable and sustainable products,” said John Godfrey, senior vice president, public policy, Samsung Electronics America.

“The key to scaling home energy retrofits is winning the battle of the kitchen table. Contractors need to be empowered to recommend the efficient technologies we need to power clean and comfortable homes,” said Andy Frank, founder and president, Sealed. “It was our pleasure to meet today with key leaders including Sec. Granholm, Gov. Evers, and Mayor Rhodes Conway to discuss the HOMES and HEAR rebate programs. Done right, including by leveraging the measured savings pathway, we can use these rebate programs to enable more contractors to maximize the IRA impact for households in Wisconsin and states across the U.S. while also ensuring accountability, consumer protection, and market transformation.”

“It was an honor to meet with Secretary Granholm and Governor Evers to discuss programs and partnerships that support sustainable heating and cooling for all homeowners. As a leading industry partner, we boldly challenge what’s possible for a sustainable world and look forward to continued engagement with the U.S. Department of Energy and states to make energy savings and decarbonization a reality,” said Katie Davis, vice president, engineering and technology residential HVAC, Trane Technologies.

Thursday’s event featured opening remarks by Sec. Granholm, Gov. Evers, Mayor Rhodes-Conway, and Maria Redmond, director of the Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy. Director Redmond then moderated the roundtable discussion between the companies, who spoke to the importance of the HOMES and HEAR programs and noted several key policy considerations to ensure they were implemented as well as possible, such as ensuring all product types are eligible for the rebates and that they include point-of-sale rebate options.

“From the public to the private sector, and between the federal and state governments, today’s Wisconsin roundtable event showcased the crucial partnerships that are so important to getting the Inflation Reduction Act implemented as effectively as possible to meet our nation’s climate, economic, and equity goals,” said Anne Kelly, vice president of government relations, Ceres. “The HOMES and HEAR programs will be essential to reducing pollution while lowering the costs to power the buildings we all call home. Ceres is grateful to Sec. Granholm, Gov. Evers, Mayor Rhodes-Conway, Director Redmond, and all of their teams for taking the time today to connect with some of the nation’s best-suited businesses to provide expert insight into what will make these programs really flourish.”

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations of investors, companies, and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future. For more information, visit ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.

Media Contact: Helen Booth-Tobin, booth-tobin@ceres.org, 617-247-0700 ext. 214