Tag: 3BL

Behind every impactful role we place, every team we build and every effort we make to create systemic change for our planet and society by activating people’s potential; lies our team of passionate, sustainability-minded individuals.

Our ongoing ‘Faces of Acre’ series helps us take a step back from the day-to-day to shine a spotlight on the people who make us who we are, giving them a platform to share their passions, speak up about important topics and talk about the pro bono initiatives they take part in.

In our latest instalment, we sat down with Harco Leertouwer, the Managing Director of our European business, to discuss his recent fundraiser for our charity partner, Ocean Generation.

The NGO, founded by Jo Ruxton MBE, strengthens the relationship between humanity and the ocean by empowering the world to live more sustainably via a global movement to tackle ocean threats and understand the importance of a healthy ocean through science and storytelling.

While the global race is on to fight the climate crisis, Harco embarked on an impressive feat of his own to create an impact and help prevent plastic pollution.

Fuelled with determination, Harco embarked on a staggering 600km along the Rhine river, from Heidelberg, Germany, to Amsterdam, Netherlands, with the hope of raising €5,000.

He cycled for 22.5 hours spread over three days at the end of June, raising more than €7,800 for a cleaner climate.

Harco, who has lived in both Germany and the Netherlands for most of his life, wanted to raise awareness of microplastics polluting the Rhine, and support Ocean Generation.

The Rhine is the second-longest river in Central and Western Europe and researchers have discovered the river is the most polluted by Swiss microplastics. The Rhine near Basel is reported to contain the highest concentration of microplastics and transports around 4,500 tonnes of microplastics towards Germany every year.

Here’s what Harco had to say of his efforts:

What prompted you to embark on such an ambitious fundraiser?

My good friend Robert passed away in 2012 after spending a lot of time between Amsterdam and Heidelberg – both cities have a very well-known cancer research and treatment clinic. After he passed, I decided to make this trip in his memory, but I wasn’t very fit. I only started cycling three years ago. When I joined Acre, I found out about our charity partner Ocean Generation and decided to raise the money for them as it became a very important charity to me.

What levels of training did you undergo?

I gradually built up my training schedule, getting past the 100km mark once every week and then slowly increased to two or three days in a row and only did longer distances of 100km about two weeks before. The maximum I’ve done is 250km during an entire weekend.

Cycling 100km no longer sounds a big distance to me, it’s four hours of cycling and I just keep going, at an average speed of 30km per hour.

Were there any moments where you struggled to continue?

To be honest, I enjoyed it and the three days passed so fast. I split the journey into small pieces, rather than focusing on cycling 200km each day and took breaks every 50km.

It got tougher on the third day, when the countryside was no longer exciting. I mainly passed animal agriculture areas with dairy farms, and it was very smelly.

It then started raining which I rather enjoyed at first because it was refreshing, but then conditions worsened with lots of wind and rain for the last 100km. I just accepted it was going to get a bit tougher but kept going with the thought of seeing family and friends.

How does microplastic pollution affect you on a personal level? Have you seen a big change in the health of the Rhine over the years

Actually, it’s what you don’t see that is much worse – the plastic pieces lying at the bottom of the river and Ocean.

It could be plastic from toothpaste tubes, skincare products, or plastics that have been in the river for such a long time that they break down into microplastics. The challenge with microplastics is it ends up in the food chain, animals and humans.

It used to be chemicals that were problematic in waterways due to all the nearby chemical plants which I cycled past, but now plastic is a major culprit.

Is there anyone, in particular, you would like to thank for supporting you?

I’m really grateful to all the people at Acre, especially the marketing team and colleagues who supported me throughout, as well as the companies (Heidelberg Materials, Amacx Sports Nutrition and NH Hotel Group (part of Minor Hotels) who sponsored me.

There were so many other people involved, some donations were from people I’ve never met, and the fact that this was a personal challenge, rather than an Acre event, I felt so supported by everyone.

Do you have any advice for anyone considering taking on a similar mission?

To be honest, I recommend you pick something that you’re really passionate about because it makes a huge difference and keeps you going when you’re planning, training and undertaking the challenge.

How can others embark on a challenge of their own?

From skydives to marathons, there’s an option for everyone to raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding our Ocean – the planet doesn’t need a handful of perfect environmentalists, it needs millions of people doing what they can.

For more information about available challenge event places or if you have your own place – reach out to the fundraising team on hello@oceangeneration.org.

If you’re interested in finding out more about partnerships with Ocean Generation, visit https://oceangeneration.org/become-a-partner/ or contact Nadia Mason, Head of Partnerships & Fundraising partnerships@oceangeneration.org.

About Acre

At Acre, we work with the most aspirational businesses with potential to make real change; from those who are just starting out to those who are well on the journey to crafting a legacy.

Our 18 years’ experience in sustainability recruitment, combined with our extensive global network, enables us to provide talent solutions that are designed to deliver this change.

Through our unique behavioural assessment technology, we understand the types of people, skills and behaviours required to create impact. We can develop these qualities within your existing teams too.

We find talented people and develop their skills to ensure they make a true impact in ambitious, progressive organisations.

Acre. Making companies ready for tomorrow.

SURLYN™ REN: made from bio-waste such as used cooking oilSURLYN™ CIR: made from mixed plastic waste

HORGEN, Switzerland, December 14, 2023 /3BL/ – Dow (NYSE: DOW) has announced the launch of SURLYN™ REN and SURLYN™ CIR, two new sustainable ionomers grades which pioneer the use of renewable and circular feedstocks.

These new grades offer a significant moment for cosmetic industry packaging. The new SURLYN™ grades will enable beauty brands and manufacturers to create sustainable and high-quality cosmetic packaging that stands out on the shelves.

SURLYN™ CIR are ionomers produced from mixed plastic waste and SURLYN™ REN are ionomers produced from bio-waste such as used cooking oil (UCO). Both grades made using these alternative feedstocks continue to deliver the properties that give the unique look, feel and performance that the SURLYN™ material is known for.

LVMH Beauty, a division of luxury conglomerate LVMH, the world leader in luxury and home to 75 iconic brands, will be the first user of these new grades following the brand’s announced collaboration with Dow earlier this year. Dow has started to supply the new sustainable SURLYN™ ionomer grades, which will be integrated into several of the multinational’s applications.

“SURLYN™ REN and SURLYN™ CIR are a major step forward in creating sustainable packaging for the cosmetic industry. We are incredibly proud alongside LVMH Beauty to pioneer using renewable and circular materials to manufacture premium cosmetic packaging. These products will not only support LVMH towards their sustainability goals but will also contribute to Dow’s bold ambition to transform waste and deliver 3 million metric tons per year of circular and renewable solutions by 2030,” comments Daniella Souza Miranda, global business director for Circular & Renewable Solutions, Dow.

More Product Information
SURLYN™ REN ionomers are produced using bio-waste such as cooking oil. This process utilizes waste residues or by-products from alternative product processes from other industries meaning the raw feedstock materials will not consume extra land resources or compete with the food chain.

SURLYN™ CIR ionomers are created through chemical recycling technologies, breaking down mixed waste plastics into their basic chemical elements, giving plastic waste a second life. This produces a raw material that is equivalent to those made from virgin fossil feedstock. Circular feedstock such as this can be used in packaging and helps avoid plastic waste going to landfill or being incinerated.

SURLYN™ REN and SURLYN™ CIR’s production processes are certified on a mass balance basis by the International Sustainability Carbon Certification (ISCC Plus).

For more about Dow’s cosmetic packaging offering, please visit www.dow.inc/LuxePack.

About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines global breadth; asset integration and scale; focused innovation and materials science expertise; leading business positions; and environmental, social and governance leadership to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. The Company’s ambition is to become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world. Dow’s portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated, science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Dow operates manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 37,800 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $57 billion in 2022. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.dow.com or follow @DowNewsroom on Twitter.

About LVMH Beauty

LVMH’s Perfumes & Cosmetics activities benefit from exceptional dynamism that relies on both the longevity and development of key lines, and on the boldness of new creations.

The brands cultivate what makes them unique and is guaranteed to make them stand out for their devotees in a highly competitive global market. The success of the Perfumes & Cosmetics division depends on finding the right balance between major historic Houses such as Parfums Christian Dior, Parfums Givenchy and Guerlain, and young brands with strong potential like Benefit Cosmetics, Fresh and Make Up For Ever…

All are driven by the same values: a quest for excellence, creativity and innovation.

For more information, visit www.LVMH.com

Virginie Wengler
Dow Europe GmbH
+ 41 78 784 1724
vwengler@dow.com

Last month I had the pleasure of presenting at Keysight World China, attended by over 500 of our customers and partners, where I detailed my views on how AI is impacting our lives, our solution innovations, and most importantly, our customers. As you might imagine, we’re in the early stages of a long and exciting journey. And, if you all have your own perspectives, please weigh in!

It goes without saying that we’re at ‘Peak AI’ — just look at industry innovation, the volume of press and analyst coverage, and the impact on how we create and relate. But what is the practical application? How will it help with innovation or create a more intuitive experience for our customers?

Much has been written about the role technologies like GPT or GitHub Copilot can play in code development. Some speculate that many junior developers will be replaced over the next decade. But the reality is that you can’t just advance to higher levels of expertise without understanding the fundamentals and building on practical experience. You wouldn’t take a high school student with a learner’s permit and place them in a Formula One car, would you? We need to take a measured and evolutionary approach, where we see, at least for the near term, AI helping to automate repetitive tasks like debugging and testing. The goal is to improve the productivity of our engineers by permitting them to focus on more complex issues.

How to Optimize Performance with AI-Driven Design & Test Solutions

For product releases, we’re leveraging Eggplant, an AI company we purchased a while back, to help automate test scenarios. One example is leveraging Eggplant Test Automation for testing our PathWave Manufacturing Analytics, and ICT software. This automation cuts through many limitations of traditional ‘invasive’ testing with tradeoffs between test coverage and time. As solutions become increasingly complex, methods like this will play a vital role in the velocity of innovation.

Figure 1 Keysight Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software

A more sophisticated approach is the creation of digital twins for some of our high-end product development. As a refresher, a digital twin is a dynamic virtual copy of a physical system — mechanical, electrical, or any other — that can accurately be described mathematically. For example, aircraft manufacturers have pioneered the use of twins to model real-time aircraft performance via telemetry to identify issues before they create potential problems in the air. Within Keysight, we use Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software for design and simulation and the creation of software digital twins. We extend this beyond the commonly understood ‘system level’ emulation into every development stage: low-level component design, high-level sub-system design, system level, and even solution level.

Figure 2 Keysight PathWave Manufacturing Analytics software

The existence of these twins also helps with debugging and enhancements once the tools are in the hands of our customers. Through predictive instrument diagnosis, we can proactively identify potential faults. For example, by training on datasets of internal calibration settings, fan speeds, and temperatures, we’ll leverage AI to develop predictive models that provide early warning of an instrument out of calibration or functional failure. An endgame would be self-calibrating hardware.

AI & the Future of Innovation

We’re also evaluating Generative AI as a starting point for new concepts or even circuit design; the latter is possible as we describe the circuit design in code. The net effect is that we’ll be able to bring to market new offers with increased velocity and higher quality. And we’ll quickly draw on the learnings of others across Keysight for these innovations.

As you may imagine, we’ve come a long way from the garage in Palo Alto, but the journey is just beginning. In Part 2 of this blog, I’ll describe how these innovations benefit our customers across verticals as diverse as aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and wireless.

Originally published on Built From Scratch

“The true culture is taking care of your people,” says Kierra Blake, store manager in Pace, Florida. “It’s showing up, it’s being authentic, it’s listening and it’s taking the time to invest in them. And that’s really the most important thing that you can give someone else, is your time.”

Kierra has grown her career at The Home Depot by mastering each role and moving where she’s needed. She’s worked in multiple stores across South Georgia and the Florida Panhandle during her eight years at the company. Along the way, Kierra earned a college degree and fell in love with the company’s culture, which she credits to great leaders, mentors and associates around her.

As a store manager, she is focused on supporting her team’s professional development and looks forward to helping others every single day.

Behind the Apron is a video docuseries that focuses on associate stories of perseverance, personal growth, community service, and reinforces The Home Depot’s core values.

Interested in a career at The Home Depot? Visit careers.homedepot.com.

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

Originally published in Kohler’s 2022 Believing in Better Impact Report

ARTS/INDUSTRY PROGRAM

Kohler’s mission of contributing to a higher level of gracious living for those who are touched by our products and services is the foundation of our advocacy and support of the arts and art organizations in our communities.

Since 1974 Kohler has collaborated with the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on the Arts/ Industry residency program. Each year, up to twelve artists are selected through a competitive juried application process to focus on the creation of new work using the resources, technology, and materials of Kohler’s pottery, foundry, and enamel shops alongside our associates. The program offers residencies for artists to live in Kohler and work alongside our manufacturing associates, sharing knowledge and expertise. More than 500 artists have participated in the program since its establishment, and we continue to shine a spotlight on former artists-in-residence.

Life without labor is guilt; labor without art is brutality. – John Ruskin, Writer, Philosopher, and Art Critic

“There are a lot of residencies out there, but to have the level of support that we have is extraordinary. It’s been really amazing.” 

Joann Quiñones, 

Arts/Industry Resident

“There are a lot of residencies out there, but to have the level of support that we have is extraordinary. It’s been really amazing.” Joann Quiñones, Arts/Industry Resident The residency has been incredible. I have learned so much. The Arts/ Industry residency allows you the opportunity to work with materials and processes that you would never be able to use anywhere else.” 

Jesse Harrod, 

Arts/Industry Resident

Twelve artists participated in the Arts/Industry program in 2022. A large selection of artworks from the program are displayed in the Village of Kohler and across the Kohler campus, including the Kohler Design Center. Artworks from the Arts/ Industry program are also displayed at KOHLER® Experience Centers and KOHLER Signature Stores around the world. In 2022 we relaunched our creative exchange program between Kohler associates and artists, including open houses that give associates an opportunity to connect with the artists in their studio spaces.

Read the full 2022 Kohler Believing in Better Impact Report here.

FedEx sponsored Climate-KIC and EIT Digital’s Sustainable Cities Climate Impact Challenge in 2023. Four cities were selected, including Olot, to create a network of enclosed and secured bike parking at schools, hospitals, and sports facilities. The following story and video were created by the EIT Climate-KIC team.

Located close to Girona, in the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, is the city of Olot. Despite its hilly terrain, cycling is becoming increasingly popular in the city and wider region – and Olot City Council is keen to promote sustainable mobility further.

“Our city plays a crucial role in the entire region’s mobility – around three-quarters of trips in this region pass through our streets, so our goal is to completely transform mobility in Olot,” says Isaac Crivillés i García, Councillor for Energy Transition, Public Health and Mobility at Olot City Council.

In 2022, the Olot City Council’s ‘Promoting Mobility Plan’ was approved – and one of its aims is to create a network of safe bike parks. This is one of four projects selected for the Sustainable Cities Climate Impact Challenge, organised by EIT Climate-KIC and EIT Digital, and supported by FedEx.

Like many European cities, the lack of secure bike parking is seen as an issue for Olot residents hoping to increase their trips by bike, raised in surveys put out by the Council. For a hilly city that wants to encourage more inhabitants to use and park electric bikes, this is an especially large barrier.

“Around here, typical bike parking includes the bike racks you see in many cities, the inverted U-shaped stands anchored to the ground. We want to provide enclosed bike parking locations, where you can leave your bike securely for several hours. To access it, cyclists will need to register and that way we know who has their bike inside and who has accessed it. This will hopefully encourage cyclists – especially electric bike users – to take more trips into the city by bike and no longer worry about theft,” says Joan Rigall, Mobility Technician at Olot City Council.

The project aims to create a network of open-air parking areas, requiring authorised access, in facilities where there is parking demand – such as schools, hospitals and sports centres. All bike parks will have the same type of user identification and after registration, users will be able to park their bikes safely inside.

Olot City Council hopes this investment will lead to long-term, sustainable behaviour change. As Councillor Crivillés i García says: “Once this project is implemented, my biggest wish for Olot residents is that they find a way to make their trips more sustainable and healthier. The overall goal is to completely transform mobility and this programme undoubtedly contributes to that.”

Climate-KIC recently completed a second edition of the Challenge to fund small-scale projects that accelerate the transition towards cleaner, greener, and smarter mobility in European cities. Awards for the 2024 challenge will be announced in February of 2024.

Originally published by Yum! Brands

At Yum! Brands, we believe in the importance of physical, emotional and financial wellbeing and have been thoughtful about crafting benefits to help employees in these areas. Recently, employees at each of our U.S. Restaurant Support Centers experienced 14 days dedicated to wellness, dubbed “Live Well Weeks.” Get a taste of our Live Well offerings in this episode of our new video series “Quick Bite.”

ChildSavers

Every Tuesday after Thanksgiving is designated as GivingTuesday, an annual celebration that encourages global generosity. The idea came to life in 2012 and has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

Throughout the year, Maximus employees demonstrate their generosity in a variety of ways⁠⁠—whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes, many across the U.S. donate their time, energy, and resources to give back to our local communities.

Join us in celebrating an inspiring story shared by our colleagues and the meaningful cause they support.

Maximus Contact Center Operations, Richmond, Virginia
Shared by: Christine Herpel, Manager, Communications

The leadership team at the Maximus Contact Center Operations (CCO) site met in Richmond, Virginia, for their pre-open enrollment strategy session. The CCO continuously looks for opportunities to support local nonprofits in the communities where our employees live and work. This year, they identified ChildSavers, a nonprofit local to Richmond and a long-standing Maximus Foundation grantee partner, as the focus of their efforts.

The mission of ChildSavers is to guide the community’s children through life’s critical moments with trauma-informed mental health and child development services. They are the only nonprofit in Virginia using a coordinated prevention and intervention model to address children’s mental health, preparing them for lifelong learning and helping them recover from trauma. 

After learning about the great work of ChildSavers, CCO leaders and staff developed a plan to help. They assembled 150 “Feel Better Bags” for children who have experienced a recent traumatic event. These bags included coloring and puzzle books, journals, putty, colored pens, and affirmation/encouragement cards. The ChildSavers team uses these “Feel Better Bags” to discuss and share coping and stress management skills with children and families to help reduce the long-term impact of trauma.

Christine Herpel shared what this team effort meant to them, “We were thrilled to learn about the mission and meaningful impact that ChildSavers has for many children in the Richmond community. We are happy to help support such a great organization.”

This is just one of the many examples of Maximus staff donating their time to others. We are pleased to take this opportunity on GivingTuesday to recognize their efforts to give back to their communities and the vital causes that serve those who need it most.

Giving back to the communities we serve

The Maximus Foundation is one of the ways Maximus employees are doing something greater together. Established by the Maximus Board of Directors in 2000, the Maximus Foundation is an independent, employee-led, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Employee donors pool their charitable contributions together through the Foundation, double their impact on the grantmaking program through Maximus’ dollar-for-dollar matching pledge, and make their voices heard by nominating and voting for future grantee partners. Though the Foundation focuses its giving strategy on grantmaking, it also helps coordinate corporate-wide humanitarian efforts and empowers employees to donate their time and skills to nonprofits. Their inspired giving and volunteerism help accelerate the missions of nonprofits on the frontlines of the communities we serve. Learn more at maximus.com/foundation.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Buying a home can be stressful. Add rising interest rates, stubbornly low inventory and continued concerns of a looming recession, and it can be downright mindboggling to navigate the market.

At U.S. Bank, there are hundreds of mortgage loan originators serving all 50 states who are focused on educating, preparing and helping clients navigate the homebuying process. A top 10 mortgage loan originator in the U.S. by volume, U.S. Bank has been helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership for generations.

Overseeing retail home lending at U.S. Bank is Fred Bolstad. He’s been in the industry for more than 30 years, experiencing a number of economic cycles that have impacted the confidence and ability for many to buy a home.

Bolstad recently sat down to discuss how U.S. Bank is helping potential home buyers continue to pursue their dreams of homeownership despite market conditions.

Q. The housing market seems to be in the news almost daily. What are you and your teams seeing on the ground?

The combination of the sharp interest rate increases we saw in 2022, paired with inflation, means your money isn’t going as far as it used to when buying a home. This has had a particular impact on first-time homebuyers who are feeling priced out of the market, while also facing extremely limited inventory for lower-priced homes.

It’s a catch-22, but it puts us in a good position to start working with aspiring first-time homebuyers early so they are educated, qualified and prepared to make an offer when the market and their own financial circumstances allow. This leads to sustainable homeownership, which is always our No. 1 goal. It’s critically important we focus on helping first-time homebuyers stay in their home and education is not just around loan options, but also the cost of maintaining a home.

Q. What opportunity, if any, do current market conditions provide homebuyers?

One thing will never change – people will continue to need to move for life changes. Whether it’s a new job, retirement or a change in family dynamics, homes will continue to be bought and sold.

While market conditions have delayed some aspiring first-time homebuyers from entering the ring, there are more and more down payment assistance programs and products becoming available that can really help potential homebuyers overcome obstacles to buying a home.

We launched our own Access Home Loan mortgage product this summer, which provides up to a combined $17,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance. We made this available in 11 initial markets from San Diego and Oakland, California, to Milwaukee and Minneapolis, where there is a significant opportunity to increase homeownership within underserved populations and communities of color.1

There are other bank and government programs that have been offered for years that can help income-qualified buyers get into a home with as little as 3% down, or less. These are programs such as the U.S. Bank American Dream Loan, Veteran Affairs (VA) Loan, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Loan as well as Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible loans.

We’ve designed a lot of training for our mortgage loan originators to focus on the first-time homebuyer, because there are so many programs and options out there to help. And if a buyer isn’t ready yet, we can help them become buyer-ready.

Q. How is U.S. Bank helping homebuyers navigate the market?

We love when clients come to us when they are in the early stages of thinking about house hunting, so we can help them understand mortgage options in their budget and get them pre-approved.

In some cases, a client’s credit history, income or existing debt can impact the loan amount and type of loan they qualify for, as well as factors of the mortgage such as down payment needed, interest rate or required mortgage insurance.

The great thing about getting a mortgage from a full-service bank is that we can help educate aspiring homebuyers on how to build and improve their credit, optimizing debt and saving for a down payment. We can help clients who aren’t buyer-ready when we first connect become buyer-ready.

Q. What considerations should homebuyers make in today’s market?

Look beyond interest rates: Contrary to what you might believe, your mortgage interest rate may not be the most important factor. There are plenty of numbers that go into a monthly mortgage payment, like the price of the home and the loan term, and an interest rate is only one piece of the puzzle.

Make your mortgage loan originator your ally: You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Your mortgage loan originator can be your guide in determining which loan options and programs are a good fit for you, and help you determine your timeline to achieving your goal.

Buy now, refinance later: This strategy is meant to help buyers who are ready to purchase get into their dream home now, and then potentially refinance in the future when rates drop. It’s important to keep in mind that no one can predict if and when rates will drop or by how much. That means for some buyers, rates may never go low enough for a refinance to save them money, so part of sustainable homeownership means making sure that while you can hope for a drop in rates, you are comfortable with your rate over the long term as well.

If you’re considering this option, discuss it first with your mortgage loan originator. They can help you crunch the numbers and explore the risks versus rewards.

Q. Homebuyers have a number of options when it comes to where to get a mortgage. What sets U.S. Bank apart?

Most major purchases start with online research, especially house hunting. Not only does U.S. Bank offer digital calculators to help you understand what you can afford and find a loan officer in your area, but the loan process from application to close may be done almost entirely online.

In fact, Kiplinger’s has named us “Best Mortgage Lender for Digital Tools” for the last two consecutive years in a row. With our tools, a client can complete a loan application in around 30 minutes and then can track the status of their application in real time, easily managing tasks such as uploading documents and reviewing and signing important documents electronically. We also offer eClose through our digital application portal, which gives clients the opportunity to sign most documents electronically, at their convenience, all via the same portal.

Once you close on your mortgage loan with U.S. Bank, we continue to service retail-originated loans. We have an award-winning digital experience that helps you enroll in auto-pay and then stay informed on the management of your mortgage, including a library of educational videos on escrow and year-end tax documents, and quick options to request payoff quotes and more. Plus clients can co-browse or connect directly with a member of our dedicated team of mortgage loan servicers to learn more about and take advantage of programs and products related to their mortgage, such as mortgage relief, refinance or other banking services.

Disclosures:

Loans and lines of credit are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.

1. The assistance funds loan payments are deferred, due upon sale of the property, first mortgage is refinanced or the first mortgage is paid off. 

The closing cost credit will be up to $5,000 for all approved loans at closing. If the amount due from the borrower for closing costs, points and prepaid costs exceeds $5,000, after the minimum $1,000 borrower out of pocket and all other applicable credits, the credit will be $5,000. If the final amount due from the borrower is less than $5,000, the credit will cover only the amount due, after the minimum $1,000 is applied. 

By Veleka Finch 

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., December 14, 2023 /3BL/ – Stirred by the 9/11 terror attacks and a desire to serve his country, Barry Brock enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in November 2001.

From 2002 to 2006, Brock was part of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment at Camp LeJeune. He deployed to Iraq twice and fought in the historic retaking of Fallujah in November 2004.

As Brock transitioned back to civilian life in Chattanooga, Tennessee, his next mission became clear.

“Some of my friends didn’t come back from Iraq, and it really put it in perspective that we only get one life,” Brock said. “Why spend it being unhappy? Why not go for what I want and what makes me happy?”

For Brock, happiness has always come from seeing people enjoy food like the kind prepared by his grandmother, who was “one of those country cooks who could cook anything and everything. It almost seemed like magic,” he marveled.

Some of my friends didn’t come back from Iraq, and it really put it in perspective that we only get one life. Why spend it being unhappy? Why not go for what I want and what makes me happy?

Barry Brock

So, Brock used his GI Bill to earn a culinary degree. And in 2019, after years as a chef and culinary instructor, he started his own catering business, Sweet Merry Berry. The “sweet” is a reference to the grandmother who shaped his love for cooking. Brock says the “merry berry” derives from an alteration of his wife’s first name (Maria) and his first name (Barry). The company name is all in the family.

After initially focusing on serving up “sweets” as a pastry chef, Brock later enrolled in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Veteran Entrepreneurship Program (VEP) to help define a clearer focus and strategy for his business.

VEP is a three-phase program that covers key elements of successful entrepreneurship in the following order:

Five weeks of online self-studyAn intense, eight-day immersion boot-camp at UT-ChattanoogaA five-month advising period that includes online peer-to-peer networking

VEP serves veterans who:

Have separated from active-duty service (or are in the process of separating) with an honorable discharge, andHave developed a business concept or have an existing business less than three years old.

The program gives preference to applicants who are identified as disabled by the Veterans Administration or are service-distinguished based on exemplary military conduct.

Since 2012, VEP has helped more than 850 veterans from across the U.S. start or grow their businesses. Boot camp travel and lodging expenses are underwritten by sponsors and private donors. Program instructors and mentors volunteer their time to teach sessions on business planning, funding, marketing, legal issues, and accounting, and serve as advisors after the boot camp.

“Veterans sacrifice a lot in service to our country, and we must recognize the importance of supporting them when they transition back to civilian life,” said Sandra Cordell, a U.S. Navy veteran and director of VEP.

“I understand the commitment, dedication, and resilience required to serve in the military,” Cordell emphasized. “Our shared experiences are a source of strength, and leading the VEP allows me to build a network of support that extends beyond the uniform.”

The Alabama-based Regions Foundation, a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank, has joined VEP’s network of support. Jason Allen, Chattanooga market executive for Regions Bank, presented a $30,000 grant to VEP on behalf of the foundation during a recent tailgate reunion for VEP alums at a UTC home football game.

Our shared experiences are a source of strength, and leading the VEP allows me to build a network of support that extends beyond the uniform.

Sandra Cordell, U.S. Navy veteran and director of VEP

“By supporting initiatives that help veterans gain resources to become successful entrepreneurs, Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation are able to make a clear and measurable difference for our nation’s service members and warriors as they transition to civilian lives,” Allen said.

“As we create this positive difference, we are also able to create more inclusive prosperity for veterans in Chattanooga and beyond,” Allen added. “We believe that for our communities to truly flourish, we must do everything we can to ensure all people have access to opportunities to succeed. And UT-Chattanooga is creating those opportunities for veterans.”

Sweet Merry Berry catered the tailgate reunion with a barbecue-themed spread that included savory meats and sides and made-from-scratch banana pudding. Brock was honored to serve his VEP brothers and sisters.

“We all kind of talk the same language, no matter what branch we’re in, no matter what job we had,” Brock said. “It was great to see [where] people [are] with their dreams.”

“Some days it’s still scary, but you know what? Go for it! Because you don’t want to get to the end of your life and have regrets,” Brock maintained. “Because of VEP, I went from just having a dream to actually living it every day.”

Learn more about the program and how to apply for VEP 2024.

About Regions Foundation 
Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.