Tag: 3BL

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, March 19, 2024 /3BL/ – The Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society (FRSCS) and global logistics leader DP World are pleased to announce a $350,000.00 commitment over the next four years towards the conservation of juvenile White Sturgeon. This initiative underscores DP World’s dedication to environmental sustainability and marks a significant stride in preserving aquatic biodiversity in the Fraser River.

The initiative, known as the Lower Fraser River Juvenile Sturgeon Population and Habitat Use Initiative, aims to enhance understanding of the juvenile sturgeon’s population dynamics and use of habitat in the vicinity of DP World’s Fraser Surrey operations. Data collected will contribute to FRSCS’ longstanding monitoring and assessment tagging program, to help to understand sturgeon habitat in the lower Fraser River.   

This collaboration not only reflects DP World’s commitment to its “Our World, Our Future” sustainability strategy, but also bolsters FRSCS’s ongoing research to reverse the declining trends in sturgeon abundance. Through this partnership, DP World and FRSCS are dedicated to ensuring the survival and thriving of this vital apex species, contributing to the health and vibrancy of the Fraser River ecosystem.

“We are grateful for this contribution from DP World. This initiative will result in greater understanding of juvenile White Sturgeon population abundance levels as well as document its habitat use adjacent to in-river work areas, to support impact mitigation measures,” said Robert Reyerse, FRSCS Chair.

“This funding contribution marks a crucial step forward in conservation and will help accelerate the pace towards total recovery of the species.”

The FRSCS has more than 20 years of experience, marked by the successful delivery of research, population assessment initiatives, and unbiased reporting of the status of the abundance of Fraser River White Sturgeon. There is considerable concern for the survival of juvenile sturgeon, as research evidence gathered to date illustrates the declining trends in abundance levels. 

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with FRSCS over the next four years on this sustainability initiative,” said Doug Smith, CEO of DP World Canada. “At DP World, we are deeply committed to our ‘Our World, Our Future’ strategy, which emphasizes our dedication to environmental stewardship. This collaboration allows us to contribute significantly to the preservation and understanding of the juvenile White Sturgeon’s habitat, ensuring the health and vibrancy of the Fraser River ecosystem for future generations. It’s a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, and we’re excited to see the positive impacts our joint efforts will bring.” 

Implementation of this critical sustainability initiative is underway, with completion targeted by 2027. 

– END –

DP World Americas Media Contact:

Melina Vissat, Head of Communications
M: (+1) 704-605-6159
E: melina.vissat@dpworld.com

About DP World

Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally. 

With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 108,100 employees from 161 nationalities, spanning 74 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that’s fit for the future.

We’re rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses — Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology – and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades.

What’s more, we’re reshaping the future by investing in innovation. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we’re at the cutting edge of disruptive technology, pushing the sector towards better ways to trade, minimising disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW
TO CHANGE WHAT’S POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE.

In the era of the “poly-crisis” in which as many as 130 million people are displaced due to conflict and human rights violations, and climate change is worsening ongoing hunger crises, everyday health challenges such as heart disease and diabetes continue to require routine care from trained community-based health care workers. Most of the world’s frontline health workers – more than 70% – are women, and during an emergency, they experience the same level of disruption as the people they serve; they may lose their homes and livelihoods, and yet they are still the ones providing care in their communities. Their role is invaluable in addressing the specific needs of the new emergency and helping community members face and manage ongoing and underlying health challenges.

To help address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in emergency contexts, the humanitarian organization CARE and the global healthcare company Abbott have worked together since 2019 to create an effective model of care to screen and prevent diabetes and hypertension in a humanitarian setting, and to provide these learnings to local government for replication and scale.

In the Marawi region of the Philippines, where large numbers of people were uprooted from their homes due to a protracted emergency, many people also struggle with NCDs like diabetes and hypertension. CARE and Abbott have worked with health workers like Jaslia Abbas who was trained as a midwife in Marawi until an armed conflict destroyed local health infrastructure. Jaslia was one of more than 350,000 people who were displaced by the fighting when she, her husband and their five children moved into a tent and later a temporary shelter. With support from CARE, Abbott, and the Abbott Fund, Jaslia and other healthcare workers applied their expertise to fill in gaps in the medical system by creating more than 30 “NCD Clubs” in six locations which provide peer support to community members who are experiencing or are at-risk for various NCDs. Jaslia and other community health workers took glucose readings, referred peers to the health system, and shared information about preventive health care.

By the second year, the program results were significant, showing an 80% reduction in cardiovascular events and a 9% reduction of glucose levels in the diabetic range. Additionally, 97% of the NCD club members reported weekly physical activity, and the government health system experienced a 100% increase in patients receiving diabetes services, which not only addressed chronic diseases, but also provided the data needed to justify greater investment in the health system. The program also raised the profile of women healthcare workers as a valuable resource in their community with important knowledge and influence, which in turn may help reduce gender inequities.

In 2023, the program focused on providing the local government with technical assistance to strengthen health systems, support for continuity of medicines and supplies, and learnings to ensure sustainability and scale-up of the program. The model has now been integrated into the primary health facilities, and more health workers have been hired to coordinate NCD outreach.

To learn more about CARE and Abbott’s work in Marawi, Philippines to support frontline health workers, please watch this conversation at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 14th Annual International Women’s Day Forum on February 28, 2024 between Ritu Sharma, VP of US Programs and Advocacy from CARE USA, Kathryn McKenzie, Divisional Vice President, Global Citizenship and Sustainability, Abbott, and Shanique Street, Executive Director, Programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation: https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/corporate-social-responsibility/strengthening-global-health-investing-in-women-frontline-workers

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 19, 2024 /3BL/ – FedEx Express (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, is expanding its footprint in the Middle East with its new Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA) state-of-the-art hub at Dubai World Central (DWC) Airport in Dubai South. The facility was officially inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, along with Raj Subramaniam, FedEx Corporation President and CEO, Richard W. Smith, FedEx Express President and CEO, Airline and International, and Kami Viswanathan, FedEx Express MEISA President.

The launch of the hub marks a long-term investment of more than USD 350 million (approximately AED 1.3 billion) into the UAE’s economy through infrastructure and technological advancements in the facility. This investment reaffirms the company’s commitment to the UAE’s economic growth, in line with the ‘National Agenda for Non-oil Export Development’, which aims to increase the nation’s foreign trade[1].

In his comments, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said: “The inauguration of the FedEx MEISA hub in Dubai South is a strategic milestone for Dubai’s aviation and logistics sectors, consolidating the emirate’s robust infrastructure, strategic location, and our ongoing efforts to enhance global connectivity. As we continue to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading business hub, this new facility underscores our commitment to supporting the growth of trade and commerce, aligning perfectly with our vision for economic diversification and innovation-led development.”

“The establishment of our new hub in the UAE is a strategic move that significantly boosts our presence and capabilities in the MEISA region. This investment is not just about expanding our network; it’s about enhancing the region’s connectivity and playing a key role in facilitating trade and commerce across the world,” said Richard W. Smith, FedEx Express President and Chief Executive Officer, Airline and International. “Given the UAE’s current status among the top five countries in global re-export operations[2], our regional hub not only aims to serve the MEISA region, which accounts for approximately 45% of the world’s population, but is also a crucial part of our global air network that connects 220 countries and territories.”

“At Dubai South, our mandate is to support the government’s economic diversification efforts through the different services and solutions that we provide to local and international companies, complemented by our state-of-the-art infrastructure. We are delighted to welcome the new FedEx facility, which will serve as a regional hub contributing to the growth of the emirate’s top sectors, aviation and logistics, while catalyzing its role in the wider development of an economy centered on innovation and technology,” said HE Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South.

“The new FedEx hub marks a pivotal stride in our growth strategy to build a more flexible, efficient, and smart network, to deliver outstanding services that fit our customers’ needs. Harnessing cutting-edge technology, our hub at DWC in Dubai South exemplifies our commitment to transforming our operations through automation and building a smarter and more sustainable logistics network,” said Kami Viswanathan, President of FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa.

The 57,000 sq. m facility incorporates advanced technologies that includes automated sort systems that enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and speed of package processing and distribution from the facility. The hub also boasts two automated high-speed x-ray machines equipped with artificial intelligence, to efficiently scan goods and enhance security. Additionally, a 170 sq. m cold storage area caters to a wide range of temperature-sensitive shipments.

The new FedEx hub is also a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability and our goal of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040. The facility adheres to Dubai Municipality Green Standards, featuring a solar power project, and a building management system that helps ensure efficient energy use. In addition, FedEx is leveraging electric ground service fleet along with electric charging stations for pick-up, delivery, and employee vehicles.

Situated in DWC, at the heart of Dubai South, the hub forms an integral component of the region’s aviation and logistics ecosystem. This strategic location is further enhanced by a comprehensive multi-modal transportation network, seamlessly connecting air, land, and sea.

[1] https://uaecabinet.ae/en/details/news/uae-cabinet-approves-national-agenda-for-non-oil-export-development

[2] https://wam.ae/en/details/1395303174739

TOLEDO, Ohio, March 19, 2024 /3BL/ – Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) today published its 2023 Sustainability Report, Making the Difference, outlining the company’s progress toward its 2030 sustainability goals.

“Owens Corning demonstrated outstanding financial and sustainability results in 2023, showcasing the power of our company’s mission to build a sustainable future through material innovation,” said Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer Brian Chambers. “This report reflects the global scope of our people and our products and the many ways they work to make the world a better place.”

This marks the 18th sustainability report from Owens Corning, which published its first report in 2006.

“Our 2030 sustainability goals are growing ever closer, and we believe that the targets we have set for ourselves are well within our reach,” said David Rabuano, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer. “This confidence is the result of our employees’ unparalleled engagement and enthusiasm for our mission coupled with our investments in the innovation required to execute new solutions.”

Notable accomplishments outlined in this year’s report include:

Product innovation: Across all its businesses, Owens Corning offers an extensive portfolio of products that can help customers save energy and lower emissions. In 2023, 59% of the company’s revenue came from this category of products. In addition, 14 products are certified as made with 100% renewable electricity. These products make up 25% of the company’s total revenue.Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: The company achieved a 28% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions from a 2018 baseline. These results move Owens Corning closer to its goal of a 50% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 market-based GHG emissions by 2030.Circular economy: The company made progress toward its efforts to recycle two million tons of shingles per year in the U.S. by 2030. In late 2022, the company and its partners launched an asphalt shingle recycling pilot program developed to deconstruct residential and industrial waste shingles and extract their component materials. In 2023, the facility successfully achieved shingle deconstruction, extracting asphalt, granules, and filler. The process is designed to reclaim the entire shingle to avoid any components of the product going to waste.Waste: In 2023, Owens Corning reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills by 14% compared to a 2018 baseline. The company is working to develop capabilities for reducing, recycling, and diverting its waste streams, both internally and with external partners. To accelerate internal recycling capabilities, the company built its first Circular Economy Recycling Technology Innovation Laboratory at our Science & Technology Center in Granville, Ohio, U.S.Employee safety: In 2023, the company’s recordable incident rate was 0.60, which is 81% below the industry average, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Inclusion and diversity: Representation is on-track to meet 2030 goals for women and people of color in leadership roles, with improvement in representation deeper in our talent pipeline for women and people of color.

The report was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards. In addition, the report addresses disclosures and material issues related to CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) and Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UN Global Compact Communication on Progress, and other stakeholders’ requests, including the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

Detailed information about the company’s sustainability strategy, goals, and progress are available at owenscorning.com/sustainability.

About Owens Corning

Owens Corning is a global building and construction materials leader committed to building a sustainable future through material innovation. Our three integrated businesses – Roofing, Insulation, and Composites – provide durable, sustainable, energy-efficient solutions that leverage our unique material science, manufacturing, and market knowledge to help our customers win and grow. We are global in scope, human in scale with approximately 18,000 employees in 30 countries dedicated to generating value for our customers and shareholders and making a difference in the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1938 and based in Toledo, Ohio, USA, Owens Corning posted 2023 sales of $9.7 billion. For more information, visit www.owenscorning.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as “expect,” “aspire,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “target,” and similar expressions and variations or negatives of these words.

Forward-looking statements include statements that relate to the purpose, ambitions, aspirations, commitments, targets, plans, objectives, and results of Owens Corning’s sustainability strategy. Forward-looking statements include statements related to the standards and measurement of progress against the company’s sustainability goals, including metrics, data and other information, which are based on estimates and assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time. The actual conduct of the company’s activities and results thereof, including the development, implementation, achievement or continuation of any goal, program, policy or initiative discussed or expected in connection with Owens Corning’s sustainability strategy may differ materially from the statements made herein. The use of the word “material” for the purposes of statements regarding our sustainability strategy and goals should not be read as equating to any use of the word in the company’s other disclosures or filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors and actual results may differ materially from any results projected in the statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation: levels of residential and commercial or industrial construction activity; demand for our products; industry and economic conditions including, but not limited to, supply chain disruptions, recessionary conditions, inflationary pressures, interest rate and financial markets volatility, and the viability of banks and other financial institutions; availability and cost of energy and raw materials; levels of global industrial production; competitive and pricing factors; relationships with key customers and customer concentration in certain areas; issues related to acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures or expansions, including the planned acquisition of Masonite International Corporation (“Masonite”); climate change, weather conditions and storm activity; legislation and related regulations or interpretations, in the United States or elsewhere; domestic and international economic and political conditions, policies or other governmental actions, as well as war and civil disturbance; changes to tariff, trade or investment policies or laws; uninsured losses, including those from natural disasters, catastrophes, pandemics, theft or sabotage; environmental, product-related or other legal and regulatory liabilities, proceedings or actions; research and development activities and intellectual property protection; issues involving implementation and protection of information technology systems; foreign exchange and commodity price fluctuations; our level of indebtedness, including the planned acquisition of Masonite; our liquidity and the availability and cost of credit; our ability to achieve expected synergies, cost reductions and/or productivity improvements; the level of fixed costs required to run our business; levels of goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets; price volatility in certain wind energy markets in the U.S.; loss of key employees and labor disputes or shortages; our ability to complete and successfully integrate the Masonite acquisition; our ability to achieve the strategic and other objectives relating to the Masonite acquisition, including any expected synergies, and the strategic review of our global glass reinforcements business; defined benefit plan funding obligations; and factors detailed from time to time in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company does not undertake any duty to update or revise forward-looking statements except as required by federal securities laws.

Contacts

Media Relations: 
Megan James 
419.348.0768

Investor Relations: 
Amber Wohlfarth 
419.248.5639

Owens Corning Company News / Owens Corning Investor Relations News

SÃO PAULO, March 19, 2024 /3BL/ – Otis Brazil has joined as a Participant Company of the U.N.-affiliated Companies with Refugees Forum as part of its commitment to promoting inclusion. Otis Brazil is a subsidiary of Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS), the world leader in the manufacture, installation and service of elevators and escalators.

The Companies with Refugees Forum is an initiative of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and UN Global Compact Brazil. Company members commit to supporting the inclusion of refugees in the job market. It aims to promote the sharing of experiences, provide trainings for the hiring of refugees and exchange best practices for integrating refugees into the workplace and society, along with other supportive experiences for this population. In addition, Otis is a global signatory of the United Nations Global Compact.

“We are honored to be a member of the Companies with Refugees Forum, which is fully aligned with Otis’ global commitment to inclusion. By becoming a member, we are formalizing the actions we have already implemented for the inclusion and hiring of refugees, as well as for ensuring equal opportunities,” said Cristiane Fiorezzi, Human Resources Director, Otis Latin America.

One example of these actions is a collaboration established since 2022 with Missão Paz a philanthropic institution that supports and welcomes immigrants and refugees in the city of São Paulo.

Sara Marta joined Otis Brazil in 2023 as an Electromechanical Assembler through this initiative. “I am Angolan, from Luanda, and I came to Brazil with my parents and siblings. I went to Missão Paz to look for a job and prepare my CV, and I was recommended for the position at Otis. I was warmly welcomed and treated with respect and integrity. I never felt like I was treated differently from anyone else. Finding work is very difficult, so I’m very grateful for the opportunity and the trust they placed in me.”

To learn more about working at Otis, visit www.otis.com/careers.

About Otis

Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation and servicing of elevators and escalators, we move 2.3 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.3 million customer units worldwide – the industry’s largest Service portfolio. You’ll find us in the world’s most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 71,000 people strong, including 42,000 field professionals, all committed to meeting the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook@OtisElevatorCo.

International Olympic Committee news

Even before the handover from Paris 2024 to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Los Angeles 2028 late this summer, children across Los Angeles are already enjoying more opportunities to play sport.

Enrolment has nearly doubled for PlayLA, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and LA28-funded programme that offers affordable and accessible sport to young people of all abilities. Over 176,000 participants enrolled for the 2022-2023 programme, marking an impressive increase from the previous year.

The programme, which costs as little as USD 10 per participant and offers waivers to qualifying families, has now supported more than 500,000 young people to play Olympic and Paralympic sports across Los Angeles since 2018. It includes signature programmes such as judo, skateboarding, surfing, para surfing and blind soccer.

Run by the City of Los Angeles’ Department of Recreation and Parks, the PlayLA programme was made possible by an agreement between the IOC and LA28, committing to invest up to USD 160 million in the lead-up to the Games, to fund quality sports programming for youngsters of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. It is already paying rich dividends.

PlayLA by the Numbers

With the addition of 18 new programmes, including nine adaptive sport programmes, PlayLA hosted more than 3,000 clinics at 154 parks and recreation centres, aquatic centres and pool locations during the 2022-2023 school year. Over a third of participants were between 8 and 10 years old, 56 per cent of them boys and 44 per cent girls. 

“Organising the Olympic Games goes hand-in-hand with the responsibility to deliver long-term benefits for people and cities, and is part of our commitment to building a better world through sport,” says Tania Braga, IOC Head of Olympic Games Impact and Legacy.

Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the IOC’s roadmap for the future, includes a strong mandate to hosts to offer opportunities for people to get active through community-wide programmes and participation events, before, during and after the Olympic Games.

Tania Braga IOC Head of Olympic Games Impact & Legacy

With barriers to access thus lowered, the programme continues to attract more children.

“It’s been inspiring to see the continued success and growth of the PlayLA programme, especially as the world readies for the Paris Games this summer,” said LA28 Vice-President of Impact, Erikk Aldridge.

PlayLA presents the opportunity for young athletes to feel the excitement of the Games returning to their hometown while introducing them to a wide variety of Olympic and Paralympic sports.

Erikk Aldridge LA28 Vice-President of Impact

The vision of the LA28 Organising Committee is to continue to build on its pre-Games legacy, with its sights set on impacting an estimated one million young participants through the PlayLA programme.

Originally published on Essity Newscenter

Global hygiene and health company Essity has, for the fifth consecutive year, been recognized for its leadership in sustainability by the global non-profit environmental organization CDP. The award addresses how Essity successfully has worked with its suppliers to fight climate change.

Supplier Engagement Leaders are companies at the forefront of efforts to reduce emissions of what is referred to as Scope 3 (which includes purchased goods and services, purchased transportation and waste from operations) in the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

“The collaboration with our suppliers is key in our continued efforts to reduce climate impact. And our joint, ambitious, and continuous work on governance, targets and reporting related to our Scope 3 emissions has delivered results and I am glad that it is being recognized,” says Jessica Nordlinder, Vice President Global Procurement at Essity.

The company has been recognized by CDP on a number of previous occasions for its work against deforestation and has been referred to as a leader in combating climate change.

For additional information please contact: 
Malin Herrmann Geijer, Media Relations manager, +46 706 170 588, malin.herrmann@essity.com

About Essity 
Essity is a global, leading hygiene and health company. Every day, our products, solutions and services are used by a billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2023, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 147bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.

Originally published on Essity Newscenter

Global hygiene and health company Essity has, for the fifth consecutive year, been recognized for its leadership in sustainability by the global non-profit environmental organization CDP. The award addresses how Essity successfully has worked with its suppliers to fight climate change.

Supplier Engagement Leaders are companies at the forefront of efforts to reduce emissions of what is referred to as Scope 3 (which includes purchased goods and services, purchased transportation and waste from operations) in the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

“The collaboration with our suppliers is key in our continued efforts to reduce climate impact. And our joint, ambitious, and continuous work on governance, targets and reporting related to our Scope 3 emissions has delivered results and I am glad that it is being recognized,” says Jessica Nordlinder, Vice President Global Procurement at Essity.

The company has been recognized by CDP on a number of previous occasions for its work against deforestation and has been referred to as a leader in combating climate change.

For additional information please contact: 
Malin Herrmann Geijer, Media Relations manager, +46 706 170 588, malin.herrmann@essity.com

About Essity 
Essity is a global, leading hygiene and health company. Every day, our products, solutions and services are used by a billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2023, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 147bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the contributions women have made to our country. Aligned with that is International Women’s Day, commemorated March 8, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

This year, Fifth Third Bank’s Cincinnati Women’s Business Resource Group planned the Women’s Enterprise BRG event commemorating International Women’s Day. The virtual event was for all employees – regardless of gender.

“For the event, we adopted the official theme for 2024: Inspire Inclusion,” said Sierra Whittemore, compensation analyst and project manager of the International Women’s Day celebration. “We want to explore what inclusion means to all of us and how we can foster an environment of inclusion together.”

Melissa Stevens, chief marketing officer, will kick off the event. Participants will hear from special keynote speakers and a panel of Bank leaders. Those in Cincinnati – both downtown and in Madisonville – will have the opportunity to participate in an in-person volunteer event and network with members.

This year, the project team worked to continue to enhance the event to make the event more inclusive, especially for Operations employees who often have challenges participating because of time away from their jobs or proximity to the location.

“We’re including an event on the Madisonville campus and condensing the time of the event so that more employees could schedule time to attend,” said Katie Hausfeld, service optimization manager and co-chair of the Madisonville campus International Women’s Day event. “We’re also aligning some of the panel discussion to what connects with the groups in Operations, no matter where they’re located. I’m excited that we continue to grow and evolve the experience for everyone.”

Across our footprint, our Women’s BRGs are hosting events to commemorate the month and the day. In Tennessee, the Women’s BRG is focusing on volunteering to support women in the community.

“There are some amazing organizations helping women in need in our city, and we want to support them,” said Brittany Dillard, de novo financial center manager and co-chair of the Tennessee Women’s BRG.

Brittany, Katie and Sierra shared their advice to help employees get the most out of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month:

“My heart is always full during Women’s History Month. I advocate for women knowing how amazing they are and how much they bring to their sphere of influence – I encourage everyone to join me in doing the same!” 
– Brittany Dillard, de novo financial center manager“Women’s History Month is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with historic moments that impacted women’s lives. International Women’s Day is an additional reminder to celebrate women and their impact. I have two daughters and know that there is so much to learn, share and celebrate with them, so I like to read books that are inspiring to me as a woman – such as ‘How Women Rise’ by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith.” 
– Katie Hausfeld, service optimization manager“Women’s History Month is all about lifting people up, so try to bring light to powerful, inspiring women – whether it’s women in your life, in history or in society. Remember that everyone has their own unique story that makes them valuable. Do something – no matter how small – to make women feel respected and appreciated. Each day in March, I post on social media about a woman and her accomplishments. They could be educators, scientists, celebrities or more from past or present, but I try to find an interesting fact about how they’ve made a difference in the world. On International Women’s Day, I post about the impactful women in my own life to thank them for being part of my life.” 
– Sierra Whittemore, compensation analyst

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the contributions women have made to our country. Aligned with that is International Women’s Day, commemorated March 8, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

This year, Fifth Third Bank’s Cincinnati Women’s Business Resource Group planned the Women’s Enterprise BRG event commemorating International Women’s Day. The virtual event was for all employees – regardless of gender.

“For the event, we adopted the official theme for 2024: Inspire Inclusion,” said Sierra Whittemore, compensation analyst and project manager of the International Women’s Day celebration. “We want to explore what inclusion means to all of us and how we can foster an environment of inclusion together.”

Melissa Stevens, chief marketing officer, will kick off the event. Participants will hear from special keynote speakers and a panel of Bank leaders. Those in Cincinnati – both downtown and in Madisonville – will have the opportunity to participate in an in-person volunteer event and network with members.

This year, the project team worked to continue to enhance the event to make the event more inclusive, especially for Operations employees who often have challenges participating because of time away from their jobs or proximity to the location.

“We’re including an event on the Madisonville campus and condensing the time of the event so that more employees could schedule time to attend,” said Katie Hausfeld, service optimization manager and co-chair of the Madisonville campus International Women’s Day event. “We’re also aligning some of the panel discussion to what connects with the groups in Operations, no matter where they’re located. I’m excited that we continue to grow and evolve the experience for everyone.”

Across our footprint, our Women’s BRGs are hosting events to commemorate the month and the day. In Tennessee, the Women’s BRG is focusing on volunteering to support women in the community.

“There are some amazing organizations helping women in need in our city, and we want to support them,” said Brittany Dillard, de novo financial center manager and co-chair of the Tennessee Women’s BRG.

Brittany, Katie and Sierra shared their advice to help employees get the most out of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month:

“My heart is always full during Women’s History Month. I advocate for women knowing how amazing they are and how much they bring to their sphere of influence – I encourage everyone to join me in doing the same!” 
– Brittany Dillard, de novo financial center manager“Women’s History Month is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with historic moments that impacted women’s lives. International Women’s Day is an additional reminder to celebrate women and their impact. I have two daughters and know that there is so much to learn, share and celebrate with them, so I like to read books that are inspiring to me as a woman – such as ‘How Women Rise’ by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith.” 
– Katie Hausfeld, service optimization manager“Women’s History Month is all about lifting people up, so try to bring light to powerful, inspiring women – whether it’s women in your life, in history or in society. Remember that everyone has their own unique story that makes them valuable. Do something – no matter how small – to make women feel respected and appreciated. Each day in March, I post on social media about a woman and her accomplishments. They could be educators, scientists, celebrities or more from past or present, but I try to find an interesting fact about how they’ve made a difference in the world. On International Women’s Day, I post about the impactful women in my own life to thank them for being part of my life.” 
– Sierra Whittemore, compensation analyst