Tag: 3BL

KFC

As we continue celebrating Black History Month, we asked Black and African American employees across our teams at KFC what family traditions make them Original.

Ashleigh Griffith is Sustainability Brand Manager for KFC Global and one thing passed down from her family is a love of learning…

“In my family, we’ve passed down a curiosity for learning and personal development. ‘Knowledge is power’ is one statement that every member of my family is guaranteed to have been told at some point and one which has become integral to our belief system. My family on both sides are proud graduates and supporters of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Black sororities and fraternities including Alpha Kappa Alpha and Phi Beta Sigma, to which many of us credit our access to learning and life-long friendships.”

Meet Nurko Kucevic. He’s a structural designer at IP’s Utica, New York box plant who creates custom packaging designs for our customers’ unique needs, but this is only one part of his story. Let’s start by taking a journey overseas to a small village in the former country Yugoslavia.

Nurko was one of seven siblings growing up on a dairy farm raising cows and sheep. They spent their childhood completing necessary chores around their 40 acres of farmland. Like many in this small village, they were poor farmers – happy just to have a meal every day. After the local government sponsored a trade education program for poor, rural children, Nurko was fortunate to be among those children to earn an education. In 1989, he attended the state university and earned an associate degree in civil engineering.

Chaos results in a new path

Unfortunately, just two years later, his dream was cut short by the fall of Yugoslavia. Nurko describes this experience as “chaos.” In just three days, the entire system fell, resulting in a war that would last over 5 years. In 1992, there was a draft of young men to fight in the war. Nurko says, “Of course, war was the last thing I wanted to do, so I ditched the gun and uniform and escaped to Germany.”

After escaping to Germany, Nurko had nothing. He slept outside and worked small jobs until he found a steady job in construction.

Nurko was eventually promoted to a supervisor managing a team of over 50 people. His hard work enabled him to save up money to move his brothers to Germany and to find a safe place for the rest of his family.

In 1993, Nurko met his beautiful wife, Ismeta, who he calls his “power station.” They married in 1996 and two years later welcomed their son, Ismail.

Calling the U.S. home

As the war in Bosnia had ended, his refugee status expired. Nurko and his family needed to find a new place to live. He researched alternative countries accepting immigrants, and the United States quickly became the best option.

In May 1999, Nurko, Ismeta and Ismail landed in New York.  Five hours later, the family arrived in Utica, the city they would call home for the next 24 years. Nurko began taking courses to learn English and by September was able to become a translator at the local hospitals and court houses.

Building a career rooted in safety and customer solutions

Seven months after arriving in the U.S., Nurko joined Chesapeake Packaging Company, which was later acquired by International Paper. Over the next 20 years, Nurko would hold a variety of positions in production, customer service and planning, until 2019 when he became a structural designer.

“It makes me proud going to the production line and watching our teams make something I designed.” – Nurko Kucevic

As a structural designer, Nurko knows how important the packaging design is to deliver the best structures for our customers’ products. “It feels good starting from scratch and making an actual product that serves the customer,” said Nurko. “It makes me proud going to the production line and watching our teams make something I designed.”

In his free time, Nurko enjoys spending time outdoors through hunting, fishing and gardening. He volunteers with the American Youth Soccer Association where he introduces children to the game of soccer and helps maintain the playing fields.

Nurko has enjoyed his 24 years with IP and values our commitment to safety and ethics most. “The people I work for take great pride in providing a safe environment,” said Nurko. “The company treats people with respect and dignity, and I’ve had the opportunity to develop.” For those considering a career at IP, Nurko says, “Just go for it. IP is a strong company that offers a safe and friendly environment with competitive pay, great benefits and opportunities.”

Behind all the products we make are talented team members, like Nurko, with incredible stories and a drive to deliver value to our customers, at every moment and in every experience.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com/.

About International Paper – EMEA

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,400 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.

With support from FedEx through their Charitable Giving Program, The Salvation Army co-branded FedEx canteens deployed to 40 events in the 3rd Quarter of 2023. Additionally, five (5) of the FedEx canteens are used for weekly or daily feeding programs in their communities. These events ranged from weekly community outreach for those experiencing homelessness to disaster response. These co-branded FedEx canteens play an important role in The Salvation Army’s ability to provide services to those in need. The Salvation Army greatly appreciates the support of FedEx and their donation of mobile feeding units and will continue to utilize them in new innovative ways to support our communities.

DISASTER RESPONSE:

Fire Responses: The Salvation Army at the request of the local fire department responded to six different fires this quarter using the FedEx canteens. The Western Pennsylvania Division responded to four fires. The first was to a residential structure fire in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania on July 3rd. The Salvation Army was on the scene with the FedEx canteen early in the morning to provide support to the survivors and first responders. 25 meals, 50 snacks, and 40 drinks were served from the FedEx canteen.

The second response was to a multi-home fire in North Braddock, Pennsylvania on August 20th. The team provided support services to first responders and the residents affected by the fire. The third fire the Emergency Disaster Services team was a two-alarm residential house fire in Pittsburgh. Disaster workers served drinks, snacks with Emotional and Spiritual Care. While on the scene of this fire in Pittsburgh, the team was dispatched to a large brush fire at a commercial landscape supply facility. Disaster workers provided meals, snacks, and drinks to the first responders on scene from multiple counties.

The North & Central Illinois Division responded to two fires this quarter using the FedEx canteen. The first was a house fire. The Salvation Army served snacks to the fire department crew. The second was a large structure fire in Riverwoods, Illinois where snacks and drinks were served to the fire and police personnel until the fire was put out.

Kansas Storms: On August 3rd, The Salvation Army Kansas and Western Missouri Division responded to storms in Ottawa, Kansas. The FedEx canteen deployed to the event for two days and disaster workers served meals, snacks, and drinks to people who lost power during the storms. In total, 331 meals, 565 snacks, and 457 drinks were served to affected individuals in the community.

Hurricane Idalia Response in Georgia: Hurricane Idalia impacted multiple counties in Georgia, but Lowndes County received much of the damage. The Salvation Army mobilized the Georgia FedEx canteen to Lowndes County. Disaster workers served meals, drinks, and snacks to survivors from the FedEx canteen. Over the span of August 31st through September 4th disaster workers served 4,000 meals and 300 drinks to first responders and survivors.

Search & Rescue Operation in Illinois: On September 30th, The North & Central Illinois Division was requested to support a search and rescue operation in St. Charles, Illinois. The Salvation Army arrived on scene at 6AM and prepared to serve breakfast. Disaster workers served drinks and snacks from the FedEx canteen to search and rescue team volunteers and staff. Fortunately, the missing elderly individual was found safe around 7:30AM and breakfast was not needed.

Power Outages Due to Storm in Virginia: The Salvation Army Potomac Division responded to a large storm in Danville, Virginia that left many families without power on September 13th. Disaster workers provided roving feeding to affected individuals throughout the community.

HOMELESS FEEDING AND OUTREACH:

Georgia Mobile Feeding: This past quarter, Salvation Army Georgia Division used their FedEx canteen to serve low-income communities. The Division has established relationships with Gwinnett County Police Department, Gwinnett County Health Department, Gwinnett County School District, and other local non-profits to bring an array of services to those who are not able to travel to receive these services.

In the 3rd quarter, over 950 meals and 1,000 drinks were served to community members. The Salvation Army Georgia Division partnered with the Gwinnett County Gangs Division to provide meals, drinks, and snacks in low-income areas that have a high amount of crime. Due to the positive relationship Gwinnett County Police Department has with the community, The Salvation Army was able to go into areas that otherwise might not be safe. The Salvation Army discovered that there were school-aged children that were not attending school due to not having the vaccinations that are required to attend public school. The Salvation Army is currently working with the Health Department to send their mobile clinic out with The Salvation Army, FedEx canteen so that the children will have the opportunity to receive the vaccinations required by the Georgia Public School System which will allow them to enroll in school while receiving meals and snacks.

Another notable community feeding event was when The Salvation Army went to an apartment complex that houses only single mothers. While meals were being served from the FedEx canteen the staff, volunteers, and officers learned that many of the single mother’s struggle to get the proper car seats for their children. The Division plans to partner with Gwinnett County Fire Department. The next time the team goes to this location the fire fighters will be coming with them to speak with the mothers about the car seat replacement program.

Finally, The Salvation Army Georgia Division partnered with another nonprofit that feeds children during the summer break from school. The funding from the program only allows them to give food to children, which leaves many other family members without meals. The Salvation Army provided meals alongside this nonprofit during the 4th of July weekend to families of the children enrolled in the nonprofit program.

Memphis Neighborhood Feeding Program: The Salvation Army Kentucky & Tennessee Division took out the FedEx canteen every Wednesday to provide lunch and water to an underserved neighborhood near The Salvation Army’s Purdue Center of Hope. This quarter, 400 meals, drinks, and snacks were served to community members.

New Orleans Canteen Ministry: In New Orleans, Louisiana, beginning in September the FedEx canteen was taken out every Wednesday this quarter. Disaster workers served meals and drinks to those experiencing homelessness living under various bridges in the city. In total, 300 meals and drinks were served.

Trenton Mobile Feeding Program: A team of volunteers from the Trenton Corps in New Jersey and surrounding area take the FedEx canteen out every other Friday and serve prepared meals to the community, focusing on vulnerable populations. These populations include those experiencing homelessness, housing and food insecure individuals, low-income individuals, migrants, and seniors. They also provide pantry bags, blankets, hygiene items, other gifts as available (socks, coats, toys, etc.). In total, this quarter, the Trenton Mobile Feeding Program served 1,313 meals, snacks, and drinks to community members.

Baltimore Meals to Homeless Populations:

FeedMore Program: The Potomac Division of The Salvation Army’s FeedMore program delivers meals via a route with four stops throughout the city. Individuals can come to the location that is most convenient for them to receive meals and additional services. This quarter, over 3,700 meals, 4,300 snacks, and 3,300 drinks were served to community members experiencing homelessness. Additionally, 1,100 bags of rice and beans and 84 burritos were provided to community members.

Daily feeding program: In Baltimore, Maryland the FedEx canteen is being used for a daily feeding program to populations experiencing homelessness across the city. This quarter, over 4,460 meals, 4,400 snacks, and 5,219 drinks were served from the FedEx canteen. Community members were also provided with other needed items such as hygiene kits, socks, and boxes of shorts.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

Virginia Foundation for Heathy Youth Meal Distribution Program: Every Monday and Thursday in Danville, Virginia, The Salvation Army Potomac Division participates in the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth Meal Distribution Program. This quarter, over 100 children in after school youth programs received healthy meals in addition to a lunch feeding program.

4th of July Parades: On July 4th, The Salvation Army Southern California Division participated in the Santa Monica 4th of July Parade. The Division partnered with The City of Santa Monica and provided 300 snacks and 50 drinks to attendees.

Additionally, the Intermountain Division participated in the Greeley Corps 4th of July parade in Colorado. Disaster workers passed out more than 100 bottles of water and pieces of candy to event attendees from the FedEx canteen.

Internment Ceremonies: The Salvation Army Indiana Division participated in two internment ceremonies this quarter. The division was called upon by the Indiana State Police to provide hydration services for Officer Aaron’s internment at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 7th. After participating in these ceremonies over the years, the division learned that they should stage additional coolers with water along the edge of the formation to provide better coverage during the ceremony.

The division was then contacted by the State Fraternal Order of Police Honor Guard to provide hydration at Deputy John Durm’s internment. The division purchased four additional coolers to use along the edge of formation. The Fraternal Order of Police appreciated the additional coolers along the formation to support their guard. In total at both ceremonies, 1,084 snacks and 1,254 drinks were served.

LaVallita Back-to-School Event: The LaVillita Corps in Chicago, Illinois holds a back-to-school event with the city of Chicago every year. The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services team participated in this year’s July 15th event with the FedEx canteen serving 400 meals and drinks and 1,675 snacks to students and their families.

The Salvation Army Prospect Corps Open House: The Salvation Army Kansas and Western Missouri Division participated in an open house event for The Salvation Army Prospect Corps on July 20th. Volunteers served hotdogs, chips, snacks, and drinks off of the FedEx canteen at the event. In total, 168 meals, 196 snacks, and 216 drinks were provided to event attendees.

National Night Out Events: The National Night Out Day is an event that seeks to foster relationships between law enforcement and the community. The Salvation Army, in partnership with local law enforcement, participated in National Night Out events across the country.

On August 1st, The Salvation Army Southern California Division collaborated with the Santa Monica Police Department and Santa Monica City for a National Night Out Event. At this event, The Salvation Army provided 750 snacks along with 20 bottles with The Salvation Army logo, 20 backpacks, 30 bags, and 15 Salvation Army keychains to community members.

With the success of the event this year, The Salvation Army plans to coordinate with The Santa Monica Police Department and Santa Monica City next year to participate. Additionally, the Corps plans to bring the FedEx canteen during the event set up to provide coffee to the local Police Department and parade volunteers.

The North and Central Illinois Division participated in the 17th District of Chicago, Illinois’ National Night Out. Meals were provided to attendees from the FedEx canteen.

The Greater New York Division participated in the National Night Out in Calverton, New York (Suffolk County). Refreshments were served to attendees from the FedEx canteen. In total, 350 snacks and 400 drinks were served to attendees.

Lollapalooza Support: The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division provided support during Lollapalooza, an annual four-day music festival, in Chicago, Illinois. At the event, disaster workers supported on duty first responders from August 3rd through 6th. An Incident Command Post with a refrigerated truck and the FedEx canteen was set up. First responders were served over 1,400 breakfast meals, 3,570 lunches, and 4,200 dinners.

Vacation Bible School Outreach: On August 8th and 9th, The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division passed out freeze pops and provided children with an opportunity to get their face painted or participate in crafts and spoke with them about Vacation Bible School.

Public Safety Day Events: The Salvation Army Indiana Division working with Hamilton County Emergency Management participated in the Carmel, Indiana Public Safety Day on August 19th. The FedEx canteen was part of the Touch-a-Truck area. Additionally, water was provided to community members.

The North & Central Illinois Division was invited to participate in a Public Safety Day in Aurora, Illinois on August 5th. At the fair, organizations put some of their equipment on display. The Salvation Army brought their FedEx canteen and provided snacks and drinks to event attendees.

Air and Water Show in Illinois: The Salvation Army participated in the Air and Water Show in Chicago, Illinois on August 19th, and 20th. The North & Central Illinois Division set up the FedEx canteen one day before the event to provide meals, drinks, and snacks to those doing event set up. During the two-day event, disaster workers served meals, drinks, and snacks to on duty first responders. Over 550 meals, 1,360 snacks, and 2,300 drinks were served.

Playground Build Day in Virginia: In early September in Danville, Virginia, The Salvation Army partnered with United Way of Danville and Pittsylvania County for a community playground build. The new playground located at The Salvation Army in Danville includes swing sets, climbers, sensory tables, and a place for children with physical disabilities. Meals and drinks were served to volunteers from the FedEx canteen.

Medical Reserve Corps Statewide County Coordinators Annual Meeting: The New Jersey Division participated in the Medical Reserve Corps Statewide County Coordinators Annual Meeting on September 7th. The Emergency Disaster Services team offered to make a presentation at the Medical Reserve Corps statewide annual meeting, sharing what The Salvation Army does to serve communities in crisis and how our Emergency Disaster Services programs prepare and respond. This included an informational session and a hands-on session with the canteen for attendees.

Flight 93 National Park and 9/11 Memorial Ceremony: The Western Pennsylvania Division of The Salvation Army holds a strong relationship with Flight 93 National Park and Friends and Family of Flight 93. This year the division again had the pleasure to provide light refreshments to all who came for the Memorial Ceremony of September 11th in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Additionally, Emergency Disaster Services staff and volunteers served a meal to the on-duty Park Rangers at the event.

The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Events: The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division participated in two exercises with The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. The first was an exercise on September 13th in Lake County, Illinois where The Salvation Army served meals, snacks, and drinks from the FedEx canteen. The second was a water rescue exercise in Palatine, Illinois where The Salvation Army provided snacks and hydration to event participants.

POW/MIA Remembrance Day in Indianapolis, Indiana: On September 15th, The Salvation Army Indiana Division was honored to serve those who serve our country at the Indianapolis POW/MIA Remembrance Day Event. Snacks and hydration were provided to attendees from the FedEx canteen. Additionally, Major Mike McKee, Emergency Disaster Services Director for the Indiana Division, was invited to place a wreath commemorating World War 1.

Rowley, Massachusetts Council on Aging Open House: The Salvation Army attended Rowley’s Council on Aging Open House event on September 16th. The Council on Aging is a senior center where adults over 60 can go for resources and information, public benefits information and applications, meals and nutrition programs, transportation services, and more. At this event, the FedEx canteen was set up for participants of the event to view and learn more about The Salvation Army. In total, 75 meals and 100 drinks were served from the FedEx canteen.

Cheyenne Frontier Days: The Salvation Army Intermountain Division participated in Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming at the end of July. This is a 6-day event and is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. From the FedEx canteen, the Emergency Disaster Services team served a pancake breakfast to attendees. In total, 300 breakfast meals and 300 drinks were served.

RESULTS/OUTCOMES:

Total number of meals served: 19,332Total number of snacks served: 22,895Total number of drinks served: 23,924Total number hygiene/comfort kits distributed: 67Total number of logo bottles distributed: 20Total number of backpacks distributed: 20Total number of bags distributed: 30Total number of Salvation Army challenge coins distributed: 100Total number of masks distributed: 41Total number of socks distributed: 154Total number of bags of rice & beans distributed: 1160Total number of bottles of water distributed: 100Total number of pieces of candy distributed: 300Total number of cases of water distributed: 30

Authored by: Matt Bubness 

Engaging district leadership effectively involves a combination of communication strategies and a thorough understanding of the district’s financial landscape. It’s important to remove budgetary “blinders” and take a holistic approach when understanding a district’s financial story. By looking at the bigger picture and maintaining open communication, district leadership can make more informed decisions.

This article presents strategies for telling a district’s financial story and improving a district’s budget process.

This article originally appeared in the January 2024 School Business Affairs magazine and is reprinted with permission of the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). The text herein does not necessarily represent the views or policies of ASBO International, and use of this imprint does not imply any endorsement or recognition by ASBO International and its officers or affiliates.

Read the full article now.  
For more insights, visit Baker Tilly’s public sector advisory page.  

As originally published by GoDaddy on Instagram.

There’s love in the air and GoDaddy is celebrating couples who brave the adventure of running a business together.

GoDaddy chatted to the Harpers, the couple behind Harp Vision, a Black-owned social enterprise offering natural, luxury self-care products.

Here’s a glimpse into how Tyron and April Harper navigate the grand adventure of being both business partners and a match made in heaven.

Follow them on IG @HarpVision40 and check out their website at www.harp-vision.com.

How do you ensure that your relationship as a couple is nurtured independently of the business?

Tyron: I guess, our love language is experiences. I don’t know if that is a love language, but it’s not gifting anymore. It’s spending time – working on us.

How do you help each other during stressful times?

April: We have a collaborative that we are part of; it’s a community of different business owners from different states. We get together and talk about our goals and our wellbeing and things like that – they hold us accountable outside of ‘us.’

Follow GoDaddy on Instagram for the full series: www.instagram.com/godaddy/

About GoDaddy

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

As originally published by GoDaddy on Instagram.

There’s love in the air and GoDaddy is celebrating couples who brave the adventure of running a business together.

GoDaddy chatted to the Harpers, the couple behind Harp Vision, a Black-owned social enterprise offering natural, luxury self-care products.

Here’s a glimpse into how Tyron and April Harper navigate the grand adventure of being both business partners and a match made in heaven.

Follow them on IG @HarpVision40 and check out their website at www.harp-vision.com.

How do you ensure that your relationship as a couple is nurtured independently of the business?

Tyron: I guess, our love language is experiences. I don’t know if that is a love language, but it’s not gifting anymore. It’s spending time – working on us.

How do you help each other during stressful times?

April: We have a collaborative that we are part of; it’s a community of different business owners from different states. We get together and talk about our goals and our wellbeing and things like that – they hold us accountable outside of ‘us.’

Follow GoDaddy on Instagram for the full series: www.instagram.com/godaddy/

About GoDaddy

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

HAMILTON, Bermuda, February 28, 2024 /3BL/ – Family-owned spirits company, Bacardi is once again changing lives in Madrid and Barcelona as it invites 30 young adults to take part in its free bartender training program, Shake Your Future. And mentoring this year’s students will be Mario Villalón, the highly-respected owner of one of Spain’s most sustainable cocktail bars, Angelita Madrid.

The four-week Shake Your Future program, which begins on February 24 in Barcelona and March 4 in Madrid, will give the students the skills necessary for not just a job but a life-long career in bartending. Graduates gain an internationally recognized diploma and with the full support of Bacardi and its network of hospitality partners, access to full time employment opportunities in the industry.

Key to the success of the Shake Your Future initiative in Spain are the close collaborations between Bacardi and the European Bartender School and labor associations, Barcelona Activa and Fundación Altius in Madrid.

Former Shake Your Future graduate Max De Boussiers, who is now a bartender at Cecconi’s, Soho House Barcelona, said: “When I found out I had been selected for Shake Your Future, I yelled with happiness because I had the opportunity to join a program which could lead to amazing opportunities. Shake Your Future changed my life. Thanks to this program I found my first real, stable job and it’s a job that I love. Working with spirits is now my passion.”

“Shake Your Future not only supports the people in our local communities who need it most, it also helps our friends in the bar community to find the skilled bartenders they so desperately need,” said Amanda Almond, Managing Director for Bacardi Spain. “We are committed to supporting both communities in every way we can and Shake Your Future is an important part of that ongoing commitment.”

Mario Villalón, owner of Angelita Madrid, added: “I would not be where I am today without the support and inspiration of others along the way. By supporting Bacardi and its Shake Your Future initiative I can do the same for these students as they set out on their own personal journeys into the world of mixology.”

Bacardi invests in Good Spirited ESG initiatives that set goals for a brighter future for all, focusing on doing the right thing by its consumers, employees, business partners, the communities where it operates, and the environment. Find out more at www.bacardilimited.com/good-spirited.

-ENDS-

Media enquiries: 

Andrew Carney, Communications Director Europe, acarney@bacardi.com   
Jessica Merz, VP Global Corporate Communications, jmerz@bacardi.com

Always drink responsibly.

About Bacardi 

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, PATRÓN® tequila, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur and ERISTOFF® vodka. Founded more than 162 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs approximately 9,000, operates production facilities in 11 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.

Problems with wind turbines are rare. But if one does catch fire or blades break and fly off in a storm, it tends to be headline news. This can not only damage the reputations of wind turbine manufacturers and operators, but also adds weight to arguments against wind power. And repairs are costly, too. Product defects are one possible cause, but how can manufacturers resolve quality issues when supply chains are so complex?

To address this challenge, Vestas, a major wind turbine manufacturer, launched a quality initiative powered by SAP solutions and SAP Business Network.

Pillars of the Energy Transition

Faced with the climate crisis, many countries around the globe are investing heavily in zero-emission renewables. China’s 14th Five-Year Plan is driving the market for renewable energy, as are the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States and the Green Deal in the European Union. In these parts of the world, wind energy is regarded as the pillar of the energy transition and is the largest source of renewable energy.

But the wind energy sector is highly competitive, experiences rapid innovation, and is prone to massive supply chain issues. Manufacturers must source raw materials, manage global logistics operations, and mitigate the risks of supplier dependency while still keeping pace with demand. They also need to be confident that all the components in their turbines meet rigorous quality standards and deliver performance and reliability. Quality control issues can result in faults, repairs, and – at worst – major failures.

As a market leader in wind turbines, Vestas Wind Systems, headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark, launched a large-scale quality initiative. Its 29,000 employees in 88 countries develop wind energy projects worldwide and manufacture, install, and service the turbines for them. The 85,000 turbines Vestas has installed to date generated 173 gigawatts of electricity and over 151 gigawatts under service as of September 2023. Several newly commissioned major projects will see that output increase significantly in the coming years.

“Collaboration with suppliers and partners is of crucial importance to Vestas when it comes to creating a sustainable future for the world by leading the global demand for onshore and offshore wind energy,” Adeola Abegunde, director of Technology Area Lead Digital Procurement and Supply Chain at Vestas, says.

Sourcing Quality with SAP Business Network

Today’s wind turbines are made up of more than 10,000 individual parts. Since the companies that produce these parts are based all over the world, the supply chain is highly complex. To help manage this complexity, Vestas relies on SAP Business Network, the B2B platform used by millions of companies across 190 countries that can connect buyers with contract manufacturers and suppliers.

SAP Business Network enables Vestas to run all its procurement and supply chain collaboration processes online – even beyond company boundaries. Employees use its supply chain functions to collaborate on orders and subcontracting orders. When a supplier confirms an order and sends a shipping notification, staff at Vestas and its contract manufacturers see this information right away. Vestas employees therefore know whether raw materials or the components for an order will arrive at the contract manufacturer on time.

Projects of this scale need to run smoothly and according to plan. This is where the quality collaboration features in SAP Business Network come in. Before a supplier confirms or sends an order, it has to complete predefined quality tests and document them on the network. Vestas employees are then aware in advance of any quality issues further up the supply chain and can take corrective action. Through the network, employees can pass on changes to specifications if, for instance, one particular part had to be replaced sooner than expected and needs to be improved. If quality defects lead to incidents, the network can make these failures transparent to all partners and provide an audit trail. That helps everyone in the supply chain understand what went wrong and solve the problem.

“SAP Business Network allows Vestas to offer its trading partners a platform that makes all sorts of collaboration scenarios transparent from end to end. This means that Vestas is better able to mitigate the impact of disruptions in its global supply chain, making it more robust, future-proof, and sustainable,” Florian Seebauer, senior director of the SAP Business Network unit at SAP, says.

Reducing Supply Chain Friction

Suppliers also benefit from the network’s forecasting capabilities. Vestas can provide them with information from the planning tool so that they can prepare for changes and capacity increases. This helps suppliers plan more accurately and can minimize friction losses in the supply chain.

SAP Business Network also supports Vestas’ sustainability goals since it allows users to select and rate suppliers by sustainability criteria. When compared to electricity generated from fossil fuels, Vestas’ solutions have saved 1.9 billion tons of carbon emissions – equivalent to 88 million cars driven for a year. Vestas has established sustainability performance as a core priority across its entire value chain and introduced pioneering initiatives such as its “Circularity Road Map” for the circular economy. It is no surprise then that Vestas is ranked as one of the world’s most sustainable companies, featured regularly at the top of lists such as Corporate Knights 100.

Vestas and SAP have a long-standing relationship. Vestas has been running SAP as its ERP system since 2007. In 2017, it adopted SAP Ariba solutions for e-procurement and SAP Business Network. Through SAP Business Network, it now has access to a vast pool of potential trading partners. And, because the network is connected to Vestas’ ERP and the complex ordering and collaboration processes running in the background, users don’t have to switch away from the systems they are familiar with. With SAP’s help, Vestas is breezing into a bright future.

February 28, 2024 /3BL/ – It has been almost a year since conflict broke out in Sudan, and the needs have never been greater. Nearly 18 million people, or a third of the population, are acutely food insecure. The conflict has triggered one of the world’s largest displacement crises, with nearly 11 million people displaced both internally and in countries around the world.

Nearly 25 million people are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance, including 14 million children. Fuel shortages, rising food prices, and a large-scale cholera outbreak are causing the situation to deteriorate further. Violence prevents humanitarian workers from accessing the hardest-hit communities, and many families are left without access to lifesaving health care and basic necessities.

The crisis in Sudan is one of the world’s most severe, but it is also largely forgotten. The last ten months of conflict have followed years of fighting and instability. The conflict is primarily taking place in the heart of Khartoum, the capital, with a devastating effect on the whole country. It has sparked not only the world’s biggest displacement crisis, but also the largest child displacement crisis, with four million children displaced. Until humanitarian workers can access Sudan’s most vulnerable communities, millions will go hungry. The conflict has destroyed key infrastructure, blocked transport systems, ruined water supply services, devastated health care facilities, and led to economic collapse.

People across the country are going to bed hungry each night. Displacement is causing food insecurity by disrupting harvests and limiting access to vital resources. Around 10% of Sudan’s population is on the brink of famine, while 27% are facing crisis levels of hunger. Disease outbreaks are worsening widespread hunger, as illnesses like cholera lead to diarrhea, weakness, malnutrition, and even death. Cholera levels have surpassed 10,000 cases.

The Conflict in Sudan is a Gender Conflict

In November 2023, UN experts expressed alarm at the escalation of sexual violence during Sudan’s conflict. Women and girls are reportedly being raped and abducted, some of them forcibly married and held for ransom. Several sources have reported seeing women and girls chained in vans inside cars in inhumane conditions.

Action Against Hunger advocates for an end to gender-based violence. It is crucial to respond quickly and urgently to these reports.

Action Against Hunger’s team in Sudan is assisting survivors of gender-based violence through a mobile hotline. The organization’s health experts are setting up women’s centers and community protection networks, both to respond to immediate needs and pave the way for long-term support. Action Against Hunger teams also conduct awareness-raising sessions, train local health workers and community leaders on gender equality, set up school clubs to raise awareness of gender-based violence, and advocate for inclusive and equitable communities.

An Under-Funded and Under-Accessed Humanitarian Response

It is more urgent than ever before for humanitarian workers to have guaranteed safe access Sudan’s impacted communities. The intensification of hostilities is hampering the delivery of humanitarian aid, due to large-scale insecurity and movement restrictions. Fuel shortages and rising prices also impact transport costs. The international community faces significant obstacles to respond effectively and requires coordinated efforts to address the challenges and provide lifesaving assistance to Sudan.

Action Against Hunger urges the international community to recognize the scale of the crisis in Sudan and to quickly mobilize the necessary resources to save Sudan needs $2.7 billion dollars in humanitarian assistance—yet the country has only received $96.7 million to date, or 4% of the funding required.

Action Against Hunger’s Work in Sudan

Action Against Hunger reached nearly 500,000 people in Sudan between April and December 2023 with humanitarian programs focused on health, nutrition, livelihoods, water, sanitation, hygiene, and gender protection. Despite persistent conflict-related challenges, Action Against Hunger teams continue to work in 11 locations across the country, including the White Nile, Blue Nile, South Kordofan, and Central Darfur states, all which face escalating levels of food insecurity.

Action Against Hunger has worked in Sudan since 2017, strengthening food insecurity through agricultural interventions, increasing access to safe water, and improving sanitation services and hygiene practices. Health teams also work at 44 centers across the country to treat and prevent malnutrition and diseases like diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, and measles.

As the already vulnerable health system is further weakened by months of conflict, more and more people in Sudan grow sick, tired, and hungry. Action Against Hunger urges parties to the conflict to ensure that humanitarians have free, unrestricted access to determine the needs of communities, replenish supplies, and deliver lifesaving assistance.

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 28 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 55 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

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Photos by Guy Calaf, Peter Caton, and Lys Arango

RAY C. ANDERSON CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

Sustainability Fellows and Ambassadors

The Center is pleased to announce the 2023-24 Scheller College Sustainability Fellows and Ambassadors! In this year’s program, 25 graduate and undergraduate students from across Georgia Tech are learning to become leaders in building a sustainable and prosperous future. The changemakers are working on projects that have the potential to make a real-world impact. Topics include social performance, greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector, waste management, rooftop solar, and more. Read the article.

Drawdown Georgia Business Compact

In the fall, the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact celebrated its second anniversary (read more on the milestone here). The business collective has grown more than 40% in the past year, with a total of 62 members committed to taking action toward net-zero carbon emissions. Members and partners gathered for an all-hands meeting and a business forum on climate and innovation. In the Climate Leadership Webinar Series, practitioners and experts shared strategies for local food procurement, insights on racial equity in supply chains, and more. The Compact also facilitated regular meetings on nature-based solutions, clean energy, transportation, and values-based food procurement.

Elevating Sustainability in the Classroom

The Center’s Faculty Educational Innovation Community provides support to Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business faculty for implementing sustainability into their courses and pedagogy. The ultimate goal of the community is to serve students interested in acquiring sustainable business competencies in Scheller programs, from undergraduate to graduate and executive education. Read the article.

Center Celebrates Tenth Anniversary

Reminiscing, hugs, and laughter abounded at a celebration for the Center’s tenth anniversary. There was a lot to be joyful about! For the last decade, the Center has empowered tomorrow’s leaders to create sustainable businesses and communities. Students, faculty, practitioners, community members, and staff work in classrooms, on projects, and in organizations to enact real-world change for the betterment of people and the planet. Read the article.

BIOMIMICRY INSTITUTE

Applications Open for the Biomimicry Launchpad

The Biomimicry Institute is inviting nature-inspired scientists, engineers, designers, and early-stage entrepreneurs to embark on a transformative 10-week journey. Their free program offers unparalleled training, connections, and an in-person nature retreat, designed to help you turn your ideas into scalable solutions for environmental and social challenges. Apply now for the Biomimicry Launchpad and be a catalyst for positive change. Deadline is February 29th.

Biomimicry Institute’s Youth Design Challenge

The Biomimicry Institute’s Youth Education team is excited to announce that they are a little over a month away from the Youth Design Challenge project submission deadline. If you haven’t begun implementing the curriculum, now is the time to do so! The first step is to register as a coach. 

The Youth Design Challenge is a free, project-based learning challenge for students in grades 6-12 (or equivalent for our international audience). The NGSS-aligned curriculum guides educators as they teach students what biomimicry is, identify a sustainability-related issue to tackle, and come up with a nature-based solution.

DRAWDOWN GEORGIA

Groundswell Delivers Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Projects in Georgia

Groundswell is a nonprofit working across Georgia and several other states to bring energy efficiency upgrades to low- and moderate-income communities and invest in clean energy projects. They are one of six organizations that received a 2024-25 Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity Grant. Funders of their grant include the Ray C. Anderson Foundation’s NextGen Committtee, The R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Family Foundation (Dobbs Fund), The Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation, The Ghanta Family Foundation, The Reilly Family Fund and the Tull Charitable Foundation. Read their story here.

The green economy is booming in Georgia, with the manufacture of solar panels and electric vehicles (EVs) on the rise. As EV ownership begins to grow at a corresponding rate, we find our state at the crossroads of revolutionary change—one that promises not just a greener tomorrow, but includes significant public health benefits.

Breathing Easy: How EVs Improve Public Health in Georgia

Recent reports from the American Lung Association (ALA) offer a closer look at the profound impact that EVs can have on the health and well-being of Georgia’s residents. From urban centers to rural communities, the transition to zero-emissions vehicles is poised to become the catalyst for a healthier, more resilient Georgia. Read the full blog.

RAY C. ANDERSON FOUNDATION

Jay Lanier Receives Interface Sustainability in Sales Award

Jay Lanier, regional sales director at Interface, and grandson of Interface Founder, Ray C. Anderson, has received the 2023 Interface Sustainability and Sales Award, awarded at Interface’s Sales & Marketing Meeting.

The honor was presented by John A. Lanier, executive director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, who is also Jay’s brother. As part of the award, Jay was given the chance to award the prize money he received from Interface and the Foundation to a nonprofit organization of his choice. Jay is a member of the Foundation’s NextGen Committee.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 16 – Captain Planet Foundation Gala 
Ongoing – Drawdown Georgia Events Calendar