Tag: 3BL

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition hosted a series of webinars to introduce the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) to members located in Asia, North, Central, and South America (AMER) and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The focus was to introduce MCAP as an integral part of SAC Decarbonization Program for SAC members and non-members alike, with a primary objective to accelerate the adoption of science-aligned targets for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as well as to highlight the SAC’s strategic partnership with Aii’s Carbon Leadership Program (CLP).

Joyce Tsoi, SAC director of Collective Action, APAC, hosted the webinar, and introduced Ringo Yu, the new MCAP manager. Presenters also included Andres Bragagnini, manager of stakeholder engagement and Tamara Wulf, vice president of programs at the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) and member of the apparel alliance, which the SAC formed in partnership with Textile Exchange and Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) to create a connected, end-to-end path to action for the entire apparel and footwear industry.

Yu shared information about the SAC’s Collective Action team, which oversees the development of its Decarbonization Program in support of the organization’s goals to achieve a 45 percent greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction in line with science-based targets (SBTs) by 2030 — and to zero by 2050. The SAC launched the Decarbonization Program in 2022 and integrated SBTs into SAC’s membership requirements in 2023, with over 50 percent of members having taken this action to date.

In September of this year, the SAC announced the launch of the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP). Designed in collaboration with NIKE and Target Corporation, the MCAP is a critical component of the SAC’s Decarbonization Program, designed to catalyze support and drive the sector toward ambitious yet necessary CO2 emissions reductions.

Tsoi shared the four key elements that form the core of MCAP, empowering manufacturers to take critical action to set science-aligned targets, reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency in order to advance industry goals. Then Bragagnini and Wulf detailed Aii’s Carbon Leadership Program, which can help manufacturers develop and implement a factory-level implementation plan by using Aii’s factory-level carbon toolkit, impact measurement, and validation to achieve their carbon reduction targets. They also shared details of Aii’s program portfolio. The portfolio covers a range of impact programs focused on achieving actual CO2e reductions through energy efficiency and the transition to renewable energy and away from fossil fuels. Finally, Tsoi encouraged SAC brands and manufacturer members to sign up and participate in MCAP from Q1 2024, and Aii invited the factories to participate in their programming.

December 1, 2023 /3BL/ – Points of Light, a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, launched The Civic 50 annual survey on Dec. 1, 2023, which will remain open through March 14, 2024. Points of Light will host an informational webinar for interested companies on Dec. 13, at 12 p.m. ET to review the survey sections, benefits of participating and benchmarking reports. The survey and additional details can be accessed on the applicant information page, including key dates, FAQ, eligibility requirements and a list of survey questions.

For more than 10 years, The Civic 50 has recognized the 50 most community-minded companies in the nation as determined by an annual survey. Since it was launched in 2012, The Civic 50 award has become the preeminent corporate social impact recognition program that creates a roadmap for companies committed to using their time, talent and resources to drive social impact in their business and communities.

“Businesses are uniquely positioned to play a critical role in strengthening our communities and healing our divides, and they’re increasingly being asked to step up as leaders” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, Points of Light. “The Civic 50 provides a framework to measure and accelerate social impact programs, share best practices, and recognize the top companies who are creating transformational change.”

The Civic 50 honorees are public and private companies with U.S. operations and revenues of at least $1 billion and are selected based on four dimensions of their U.S. community engagement program:

Investment: How the company strategically invests its resources in community engagement and social impact, including employee time and skills, cash, in-kind giving and public leadership.Integration: How the company integrates its community engagement and social impact programs throughout its business functions and interests (i.e., “doing well by doing good”).Institutionalization: How the company institutionalizes its community engagement and social impact programs through organizational policies, systems and incentives.Impact: How the company measures the social and business impact outcomes of its community engagement and social impact programs.

The Civic 50 provides value to companies by helping:

CSR teams create a roadmap for evaluating, improving and scaling their social impact and community engagement programs.Senior executives easily communicate their company’s commitment to addressing social issues that are important to key stakeholders and investors.Marketing and PR teams showcase their company’s positive community and social impact.Employees connect with and celebrate their company’s community engagement and social impact work.

The Civic 50 survey is administered by True Impact, a company specializing in helping organizations maximize and measure their social and business value and analyzed by VeraWorks. The survey instrument consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform The Civic 50 scoring process. For more information, please visit: pointsoflight.org/the-civic-50.

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service each year, contributing $498.7 million of value in people power into communities around the world. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org.

About True Impact

True Impact is a social impact reporting solution that helps Fortune 500 companies and their nonprofit partners measure how much their philanthropy benefits society. For more information, visit trueimpact.com.

About VeraWorks

VeraWorks is a global firm that advises and supports companies on ESG (environment social governance), CSR (corporate social responsibility) and purpose, including on how to offer employees the opportunity to do societal good through their everyday jobs. For more information, visit veraworks.com.

December 1, 2023 /3BL/ – Points of Light, a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, launched The Civic 50 annual survey on Dec. 1, 2023, which will remain open through March 14, 2024. Points of Light will host an informational webinar for interested companies on Dec. 13, at 12 p.m. ET to review the survey sections, benefits of participating and benchmarking reports. The survey and additional details can be accessed on the applicant information page, including key dates, FAQ, eligibility requirements and a list of survey questions.

For more than 10 years, The Civic 50 has recognized the 50 most community-minded companies in the nation as determined by an annual survey. Since it was launched in 2012, The Civic 50 award has become the preeminent corporate social impact recognition program that creates a roadmap for companies committed to using their time, talent and resources to drive social impact in their business and communities.

“Businesses are uniquely positioned to play a critical role in strengthening our communities and healing our divides, and they’re increasingly being asked to step up as leaders” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, Points of Light. “The Civic 50 provides a framework to measure and accelerate social impact programs, share best practices, and recognize the top companies who are creating transformational change.”

The Civic 50 honorees are public and private companies with U.S. operations and revenues of at least $1 billion and are selected based on four dimensions of their U.S. community engagement program:

Investment: How the company strategically invests its resources in community engagement and social impact, including employee time and skills, cash, in-kind giving and public leadership.Integration: How the company integrates its community engagement and social impact programs throughout its business functions and interests (i.e., “doing well by doing good”).Institutionalization: How the company institutionalizes its community engagement and social impact programs through organizational policies, systems and incentives.Impact: How the company measures the social and business impact outcomes of its community engagement and social impact programs.

The Civic 50 provides value to companies by helping:

CSR teams create a roadmap for evaluating, improving and scaling their social impact and community engagement programs.Senior executives easily communicate their company’s commitment to addressing social issues that are important to key stakeholders and investors.Marketing and PR teams showcase their company’s positive community and social impact.Employees connect with and celebrate their company’s community engagement and social impact work.

The Civic 50 survey is administered by True Impact, a company specializing in helping organizations maximize and measure their social and business value and analyzed by VeraWorks. The survey instrument consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform The Civic 50 scoring process. For more information, please visit: pointsoflight.org/the-civic-50.

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service each year, contributing $498.7 million of value in people power into communities around the world. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org.

About True Impact

True Impact is a social impact reporting solution that helps Fortune 500 companies and their nonprofit partners measure how much their philanthropy benefits society. For more information, visit trueimpact.com.

About VeraWorks

VeraWorks is a global firm that advises and supports companies on ESG (environment social governance), CSR (corporate social responsibility) and purpose, including on how to offer employees the opportunity to do societal good through their everyday jobs. For more information, visit veraworks.com.

Originally published on Forbes

By Diane Brady, Forbes Staff

To understand Dan Amos’ approach to leadership, consider the first role he took at Aflac after graduating from the University of Georgia in 1973. As son of cofounder Paul Amos, one of three brothers who founded the insurance company in 1955, he could have hung out in the head office. Instead, he started in sales.

“I wanted an objective job, not a subjective job,” says Amos, 72, who went on to become the top salesman of the supplemental health and life insurance company—and its CEO in 1990. “Goal-setting always intrigued me and was something I liked.”

Continue reading the full article on Forbes

CNH Industrial was recognized by the Government of Cordoba and the Chamber of Foreign Trade (CACEC) with a special mention in the “Industrial Innovation” category at the Industry Day Awards. The event took place in the main hall of the Libertador General San Martin theater and was attended by prominent national and provincial authorities.

CNH was recognized for its training in innovative tools, such as the multi-camera system with OBS Studio and touch screens for virtual interaction. Also recognized was the company’s strategic education in augmented reality, virtual reality, and the Metaverse. CNH’s dedication to educating its customers and dealers in cutting edge technology is founded in its commitment to the efficiency of the dealer network and its customers worldwide.

“This special mention is the result of the daily work, of the small and large innovations made in our plant in Cordoba. Our main focus is the customer, and that is why we continue to work hard together with our strategic allies, the dealers, in the service through the new digital and connected tools,” said Marcus Cheistwer, Country Manager of CNH Industrial in Argentina.

– IBM collaborating with Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Government of Kenya and the United Kingdom’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Hartree Centre to expand application of IBM’s geospatial AI technologies to urban heat island mapping, reforestation and climate resiliency in aviation.

-IBM and NASA to create new AI foundation model for weather and climate.

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y., November 30, 2023 /3BL/ – IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced new efforts that apply its geospatial AI technologies, including IBM’s geospatial foundation model developed in collaboration with NASA, to climate efforts including analysis of urban heat islands in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); reforestation across Kenya; and climate resiliency in the United Kingdom (UK).

IBM continues to advance its AI model strategy in part through the creation, training, fine-tuning and open-sourcing of foundation models – models that can be used for different tasks and apply information from one situation to another – designed for domains beyond natural language, including geospatial applications.

These models, which are trained on geospatial information such as satellite images, present a unique opportunity to address climate change because unlike traditional AI models tailored for specialized tasks, geospatial foundation models – encompassing satellite and weather data – create knowledge representations from petabytes and exabytes of climate-relevant data that can facilitate accelerated and streamlined discovery of environmental insights and solutions. These models can also be fine-tuned and applied across a multitude of areas driving or revealing climate change, from flood detection to fire scars.

“Climate change is a real and pressing issue that we must find new ways to address as quickly and efficiently as possible, including through today’s most advanced AI technologies,” said Alessandro Curioni, IBM Fellow and Vice President, Accelerated Discovery at IBM. “AI foundation models utilizing geospatial data can be a game-changer because they allow us to better understand, prepare and address the many climate-related events effecting the health of our planet in a manner and speed never before seen. We are hopeful these technologies can help accelerate the rate at which we derive and apply solutions for a safer and healthier planet for future generations.”

Analyzing urban heat islands in the UAE

By the end of this century, many cities will likely experience disruptive and excessive heat waves if GHG emissions continue at high levels. To develop sustainable and equitable plans to keep cities habitable, the rising heat levels must be accurately mapped and addressed.

IBM and the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) are pioneering an attempt to apply foundation models to the mapping of urban heat islands – areas with significantly higher temperatures compared to surrounding locations. This innovative research specifically applies a fine-tuned version of IBM’s geospatial foundation model to understand the urban environment in Abu Dhabi and how the underlying landscape in the UAE impacts the formation of urban heat islands.

To date, the model has informed efforts that have succeeded in a reduction of heat island effects in the region by more than 3oC (5.4 F)1. Going forward, the model is expected to continue to provide unique insights that inform the development of urban design strategies designed to help reduce urban heat stress in changing climates.

Professor Tim Baldwin, MBZUAI Acting Provost, said: “Our collaboration with IBM marks a groundbreaking effort to utilize foundational AI models in analyzing and identifying solutions to urban heat islands for Abu Dhabi and parts of the UAE, a region which is particularly affected by climate change. This research underscores the vital role of AI in tackling global issues, emphasizing the urgency of continued exploration and innovation. By harnessing the power of AI, we are not merely addressing challenges; we are proactively shaping solutions for a sustainable future. In a world confronted by unprecedented challenges, MBZUAI stands at the forefront of pioneering research in AI, recognizing the transformative power it holds.”

Advancing reforestation and water sustainability in Kenya

In December 2022, President of Kenya H.E. D.R William Ruto unveiled the National Tree Growing and Restoration Campaign designed to plant 15 billion trees across Kenya by 2032, including in areas of critically affected water towers – forested landscapes that retain water and source many rivers throughout Kenya. While water towers account for about three quarters of the nation’s water resources, deforestation is contributing to increasing water scarcity in these regions.

IBM and the Kenyan government’s office of the Special Envoy for Climate Change Ali Mohamed have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the National Tree Growing and Restoration Campaign through a new “adopt-a-water-tower” initiative. The effort will be fueled by a new digital platform that leverages IBM’s geospatial foundation model to enable users to track and visualize tree planting and tree growing activities in specific water tower areas. Local developers can also create fine-tuned models combining the IBM geospatial model with their own localized information to monitor forest restoration and measure above-ground biomass such as sequestered carbon, ultimately mobilizing on-the-ground efforts to plant more trees across Kenya’s water tower regions.

The President’s Spokesperson, Mr. Hussein Mohamed, MBS, said: “We recognize that technology plays a pivotal role in unlocking our full potential, optimizing resource utilization, and seizing opportunities. It serves as a means to ensure that we harness our resources most effectively to drive our grassroots-driven economic transformation agenda. Through our partnership with IBM, we have the capability of harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and geospatial data to advance our climate ambitions. These ambitions include planting 15 billion trees, rejuvenating our vital water towers, fostering increased collaboration with the private sector to promote a just energy transition for communities around our forests. Simultaneously, this collaboration will enhance our capacity to equitably participate in the carbon economy. The potential of this collaboration extends beyond our borders and has the capacity to be replicated in other nations seeking to enhance their forest cover while also improving the economic and health well-being of their communities.”

Elevating climate resiliency across the United Kingdom

In 2021, IBM and the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Hartree Centre collaborated to explore the application of next-generation technologies including AI from IBM to address climate risk and resiliency across the UK.

Now, IBM, STFC and Royal HaskoningDHV, a global consulting engineering company, have collaborated to establish a new service, leveraging IBM’s geospatial AI tools, that seeks to automate and scale climate risk assessment processes for organizations. The service’s first use case will focus on the aviation sector, in which IBM’s geospatial AI will assess impacts weather-related issues, including:

Short-term impact of extreme weather on aviation operations.Long-term impact of climate change on future airport operations and infrastructure.

In addition, IBM and STFC Hartree Centre, through the Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation, are advancing a new area of research with Dark Matter Labs and Lucidminds, as part of their TreesAI project. The research project will apply IBM geospatial AI technologies to their Green Urban Scenarios (GUS) model to map urban locations where trees can be planted to help alleviate the risk of surface water flooding. The effort will eventually inform an end-to-end digital planning platform for urban planners, project developers and green urban investors across the UK.

Kate Royse, Director at STFC’s Hartree Centre, said: “There has never been a more important time to prepare for the challenges posed by climate change, both from an industrial and societal perspective. Here at STFC’s Hartree Centre we’re excited to be working with IBM and Royal HaskoningDHV, using advanced AI technologies to help the aviation industry prepare for climate risks, and become more resilient against the effects of extreme weather. Equally, our collaboration with IBM and Dark Matter Labs on the TreesAI project through our HNCDI programme will enable smarter decisions based on accurately predicting and managing flood risk, which is critical to all future city planning. Advanced AI technologies are key driver in enabling us to build a more resilient world against the adverse impacts of climate change.”

Djeevan Schiferli, Climate Intelligence Business Strategist, Royal HaskoningDHV said: “Operational and strategic planners in every company require a clear understanding of how weather and climate-related incidents affect their business operations. By harnessing AI and geospatial data, we will super charge our climate risk assessments on a global scale.”

Chloe Treger, TreesAI UK Lead, said: “Over 300,000 properties are at risk of surface-water flooding. Without action, this figure is set to almost double by 2055 due to climate change and urbanisation. Through our collaboration with IBM and STFC, we have been able to observe how trees contribute to reducing surface water flooding risks across the city under different scenarios, using GUS. This has enabled us and our partners to make the business case for tree planting and maintenance. After a successful pilot in Glasgow, we are now looking for further locations to embed this powerful data-enabled decision-making tool.”

Extending NASA collaboration to apply generative AI to weather

Beyond their initial commitment to build and deploy a geospatial foundation model, IBM and NASA have also announced work on a new, separate AI foundation model for weather and climate. By applying AI technology from IBM, the model aims to improve the accuracy, speed and affordability of weather forecasting and other climate applications. Sample applications of the model not only include forecasting, but also super-resolution downscaling, identifying conditions conducive to wildfires, and predicting meteorological phenomena. IBM researchers will work alongside NASA domain experts to train and validate the model.

IBM at COP28

These latest efforts and IBM’s role at COP28 builds on the company’s long history of action, research, and advocacy around the environment. IBM issued its first environmental policy more than 50 years ago, in 1971, and published a formal position on climate change in 2007. IBM is also a founding member of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment and the Climate Leadership Council, and supports communities vulnerable to climate change and other environmental issues through initiatives like the IBM Sustainability Accelerator.

To follow IBM at COP28, please visit: https://www.ibm.com/events/unfccc-cop

About IBM

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs, and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently, and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service.

Media Contacts:

Sarah Benchaita 
IBM Research 
sarah.benchaita@ibm.com

Bethany Hill McCarthy 
IBM Research 
Bethany@ibm.com

1 https://ai4good.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FE2022-Urban-Forests-for-Carbon-Sequestration-and-Heat-Island.pdf

SOURCE IBM

The holiday season is upon us, and for entrepreneurs, it’s both a festive and frantic time of the year. Navigating the challenges of the holiday rush while maximizing opportunities requires strategic thinking and innovative approaches. To guide small businesses through this bustling period, we’ve gathered insights from Empower by GoDaddy Corporate Sustainability and ESG Manager Ebony Janelle, along with practical advice from graduates of Empower by GoDaddy – Bas Rouge Farm & Forge, Dragonfly Ink Designs, Four-M, Harp Vision and WhitePaws RunMitts. These insights and tips aim to provide guidance and inspiration to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey.

Empower by GoDaddy is a global social impact program equipping entrepreneurs in underserved communities with the training, tools and resources necessary to uplevel their business success.

Ebony Janelle, Corporate Sustainability and ESG Manager 
Ebony’s passion for small business stems from her personal experience witnessing her grandmother lose their family restaurant due to a lack of resources and capital. She lives out her commitment to supporting local communities through her role as an inclusive entrepreneurship expert with Empower by GoDaddy. Different cultures celebrate significant holidays throughout the year, which are opportunities for entrepreneurs to engage with their customers. Below, find Ebony’s tips for entrepreneurs:

Utilize Rapidly Evolving AI Technology: Building a business takes time; however, entrepreneurs can help accelerate their growth by utilizing AI technology for content creation, productivity enhancement and support tasks like customer service and marketing. 
 Explore New Social Media Platforms, Like TikTok: Ebony highlights social media as an extension of digital marketing efforts. TikTok is a powerful emerging platform. Entrepreneurs should build a strategy that aligns with their brand, audience and current trends. 
 Engage in Email Marketing: Email marketing around the holidays can be highly effective. Ebony suggests planning ahead, running re-engagement campaigns, and incorporating promo codes and time-sensitive specials to boost engagement.

Ivonne Vazquez, Bas Rouge Farm & Forge 
Established in 2022, Bas Rouge Farm & Forge is a small acreage diversified farm located in Orono, Maine. Glenn Roberts and Ivonne Vazquez are a husband-and-wife team, both passionate about the land they steward and living sustainably within this landscape. What began as a homestead over a decade ago transitioned into several enterprises: Native Plants Nursery, Permaculture Design Consulting and Blacksmith Forge. Their tips include:

Offer Gift Certificates: The holiday season looks different for Bas Rouge Farm & Forge as they are a native plant nursery in Maine. At a time when they can’t sell plants, they offer gift certificates to customers which can be used toward the purchase of plants for the upcoming season. 
 Simplified Tools are Key: Finding tools that serve multiple purposes across different business channels can save time, energy and resources. GoDaddy offers tools that allow you to find shortcuts, streamline your workflow and help you be more productive. Ivonne acquainted herself with GoDaddy’s social media calendar to increase her ability to post effectively and consistently. 
 Build a Community: Ivonne encourages entrepreneurs to connect with a supportive community and to engage with local organizations and programs. Outside of the products they sell at Bas Rouge Farm & Forge, they offer workshops and classes through Bangor Adult Education and present to local groups interested in native plants, sustainability and pollinators.

Kelly Howell, Dragonfly Ink Designs 
Kelly Howell, owner of Dragonfly Ink Designs, has been an artist for as long as she can remember. She graduated from Oklahoma State University-IT with a degree in graphic design and expanded her artistic mediums into custom cowboy boot making, leather working and mural painting. She also hosts regular leather stamping and painting classes available for all ages. Kelly provides this advice to entrepreneurs:

Network: Word-of-mouth promotion has been significant for the success of Kelly’s business. She recommends entrepreneurs actively participate in local events, collaborate with other businesses, and leverage word-of-mouth referrals as powerful tools for business growth. 
 Focus on Brand Story and Target Market: Through programs like Empower by GoDaddy, Kelly gained insights into her brand story and target market. One tip she offers is for entrepreneurs to invest time in understanding their brand identity, crafting a compelling story, and identifying the specific audience they want to reach. 
 Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Entrepreneurs are never done learning. Be open to embracing technology advancements, learning about new tools, and willing to adapt business strategies to stay competitive in the evolving market.

Ryan Mills, Four-M 
Ryan Mills is a San Diego-based founder of multimedia consulting firm Four-M, a turnkey, one-stop-shop for content creation, management services and marketing. Ryan shares his secrets to success, including:

Recalibrate: During down-time, strategize and tighten up any loose ends before building a gameplan for the new year. Review year-end reports and other metrics to gauge your success throughout the year and set new goals and milestones to achieve. The season is about appreciating where you are at in your business and carving out time to reflect. 
 Listen to Your Customer: The festive chaos not only impacts entrepreneurs, it also affects customers. Ryan suggests pre-planning what your customers’ needs are so that you can be the source for their answers. 
 Rest: Entrepreneurs tend to always be on-the-go and rarely squeeze in time for relaxation and restoration. Creating a healthy work/life balance applies to small business owners as well. Build in some time for rest this holiday season.

April and Tyron Harper, Harp Vision 
Both suffering from chronic conditions, April and Tyron Harper created Harp Vision to bring all-natural, high-quality wellness and beauty products that relieve pain and improve each customer’s quality of life. They power their business using this gained wisdom:

Passionate Mission and Values: Small business owners should identify a purpose beyond profit. Anchoring your venture in values will fuel your passion during the busy holiday season. 
 Educate Yourself on Digital Tools: April and Tyron noted their participation in Empower by GoDaddy as a helpful resource in leveraging digital tools, such as GoDaddy Studio, for marketing and brand elevation. Entrepreneurs can explore and adopt digital solutions to enhance their online presence and reach a wider audience. 
 Connect with Real People: April and Tyron recognize that their business is not just about products but about connecting with real people. Small business owners can prioritize building genuine connections with their customers, understanding their needs, and fostering a community around their brand.

Susan Clayton, WhitePaws RunMitts 
A running coach for the non-profit Back on My Feet, Susan Clayton couldn’t find mittens or gloves that kept her fingers and thumbs warm while running in the cold, so she invented WhitePaws RunMitts. RunMitts are convertible, thumbless mittens with inside pockets for hand warmers. Susan sets the pace using the following guidance:

Pace Yourself: You don’t want to work yourself too hard at the very beginning of the holiday season and have no steam left going into the new year. With some planning, you can keep your momentum moving your business forward through the new year. 
 Build a Team: The beauty of a team is that you have a group of people you trust behind you, cheering you on and helping you cross the finish line. This can include help with social media, packing up retail orders, researching pop-up markets for sales opportunities, and more. 
 Believe in Yourself: In 2022, Susan received an exciting opportunity to fulfill an order putting RunMitts on the shelves of 80+ REI stores. However, it posed a big challenge due to supply chain issues and a lack of capital to purchase the fabric needed to satisfy the order. Through confidence and self-advocacy, she eventually gained financing for manufacturing and scaled her business to new heights.

The holiday season is a time of both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs. But small businesses can navigate the holiday rush with strategic marketing, technological innovation and a focus on community and sustainability.

About seven new jobs are created by each microbusiness entrepreneur on a county-level, according to GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative. This season let’s celebrate not just sales but also the impact small businesses can have on communities and well-being.

Support small businesses this holiday season. Visit godaddy.com/giftguide.

Empower by GoDaddy Spotlight Series: By partnering with diverse local nonprofits and community organizations around the world, Empower by GoDaddy aims to reach those who haven’t otherwise had access by offering skills training, resources, and mentoring to help accelerate their business journeys. This article is part of the Empower by GoDaddy spotlight series that shines a light on the individuals who make this unique initiative possible.   

The holiday season is upon us, and for entrepreneurs, it’s both a festive and frantic time of the year. Navigating the challenges of the holiday rush while maximizing opportunities requires strategic thinking and innovative approaches. To guide small businesses through this bustling period, we’ve gathered insights from Empower by GoDaddy Corporate Sustainability and ESG Manager Ebony Janelle, along with practical advice from graduates of Empower by GoDaddy – Bas Rouge Farm & Forge, Dragonfly Ink Designs, Four-M, Harp Vision and WhitePaws RunMitts. These insights and tips aim to provide guidance and inspiration to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey.

Empower by GoDaddy is a global social impact program equipping entrepreneurs in underserved communities with the training, tools and resources necessary to uplevel their business success.

Ebony Janelle, Corporate Sustainability and ESG Manager 
Ebony’s passion for small business stems from her personal experience witnessing her grandmother lose their family restaurant due to a lack of resources and capital. She lives out her commitment to supporting local communities through her role as an inclusive entrepreneurship expert with Empower by GoDaddy. Different cultures celebrate significant holidays throughout the year, which are opportunities for entrepreneurs to engage with their customers. Below, find Ebony’s tips for entrepreneurs:

Utilize Rapidly Evolving AI Technology: Building a business takes time; however, entrepreneurs can help accelerate their growth by utilizing AI technology for content creation, productivity enhancement and support tasks like customer service and marketing. 
 Explore New Social Media Platforms, Like TikTok: Ebony highlights social media as an extension of digital marketing efforts. TikTok is a powerful emerging platform. Entrepreneurs should build a strategy that aligns with their brand, audience and current trends. 
 Engage in Email Marketing: Email marketing around the holidays can be highly effective. Ebony suggests planning ahead, running re-engagement campaigns, and incorporating promo codes and time-sensitive specials to boost engagement.

Ivonne Vazquez, Bas Rouge Farm & Forge 
Established in 2022, Bas Rouge Farm & Forge is a small acreage diversified farm located in Orono, Maine. Glenn Roberts and Ivonne Vazquez are a husband-and-wife team, both passionate about the land they steward and living sustainably within this landscape. What began as a homestead over a decade ago transitioned into several enterprises: Native Plants Nursery, Permaculture Design Consulting and Blacksmith Forge. Their tips include:

Offer Gift Certificates: The holiday season looks different for Bas Rouge Farm & Forge as they are a native plant nursery in Maine. At a time when they can’t sell plants, they offer gift certificates to customers which can be used toward the purchase of plants for the upcoming season. 
 Simplified Tools are Key: Finding tools that serve multiple purposes across different business channels can save time, energy and resources. GoDaddy offers tools that allow you to find shortcuts, streamline your workflow and help you be more productive. Ivonne acquainted herself with GoDaddy’s social media calendar to increase her ability to post effectively and consistently. 
 Build a Community: Ivonne encourages entrepreneurs to connect with a supportive community and to engage with local organizations and programs. Outside of the products they sell at Bas Rouge Farm & Forge, they offer workshops and classes through Bangor Adult Education and present to local groups interested in native plants, sustainability and pollinators.

Kelly Howell, Dragonfly Ink Designs 
Kelly Howell, owner of Dragonfly Ink Designs, has been an artist for as long as she can remember. She graduated from Oklahoma State University-IT with a degree in graphic design and expanded her artistic mediums into custom cowboy boot making, leather working and mural painting. She also hosts regular leather stamping and painting classes available for all ages. Kelly provides this advice to entrepreneurs:

Network: Word-of-mouth promotion has been significant for the success of Kelly’s business. She recommends entrepreneurs actively participate in local events, collaborate with other businesses, and leverage word-of-mouth referrals as powerful tools for business growth. 
 Focus on Brand Story and Target Market: Through programs like Empower by GoDaddy, Kelly gained insights into her brand story and target market. One tip she offers is for entrepreneurs to invest time in understanding their brand identity, crafting a compelling story, and identifying the specific audience they want to reach. 
 Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Entrepreneurs are never done learning. Be open to embracing technology advancements, learning about new tools, and willing to adapt business strategies to stay competitive in the evolving market.

Ryan Mills, Four-M 
Ryan Mills is a San Diego-based founder of multimedia consulting firm Four-M, a turnkey, one-stop-shop for content creation, management services and marketing. Ryan shares his secrets to success, including:

Recalibrate: During down-time, strategize and tighten up any loose ends before building a gameplan for the new year. Review year-end reports and other metrics to gauge your success throughout the year and set new goals and milestones to achieve. The season is about appreciating where you are at in your business and carving out time to reflect. 
 Listen to Your Customer: The festive chaos not only impacts entrepreneurs, it also affects customers. Ryan suggests pre-planning what your customers’ needs are so that you can be the source for their answers. 
 Rest: Entrepreneurs tend to always be on-the-go and rarely squeeze in time for relaxation and restoration. Creating a healthy work/life balance applies to small business owners as well. Build in some time for rest this holiday season.

April and Tyron Harper, Harp Vision 
Both suffering from chronic conditions, April and Tyron Harper created Harp Vision to bring all-natural, high-quality wellness and beauty products that relieve pain and improve each customer’s quality of life. They power their business using this gained wisdom:

Passionate Mission and Values: Small business owners should identify a purpose beyond profit. Anchoring your venture in values will fuel your passion during the busy holiday season. 
 Educate Yourself on Digital Tools: April and Tyron noted their participation in Empower by GoDaddy as a helpful resource in leveraging digital tools, such as GoDaddy Studio, for marketing and brand elevation. Entrepreneurs can explore and adopt digital solutions to enhance their online presence and reach a wider audience. 
 Connect with Real People: April and Tyron recognize that their business is not just about products but about connecting with real people. Small business owners can prioritize building genuine connections with their customers, understanding their needs, and fostering a community around their brand.

Susan Clayton, WhitePaws RunMitts 
A running coach for the non-profit Back on My Feet, Susan Clayton couldn’t find mittens or gloves that kept her fingers and thumbs warm while running in the cold, so she invented WhitePaws RunMitts. RunMitts are convertible, thumbless mittens with inside pockets for hand warmers. Susan sets the pace using the following guidance:

Pace Yourself: You don’t want to work yourself too hard at the very beginning of the holiday season and have no steam left going into the new year. With some planning, you can keep your momentum moving your business forward through the new year. 
 Build a Team: The beauty of a team is that you have a group of people you trust behind you, cheering you on and helping you cross the finish line. This can include help with social media, packing up retail orders, researching pop-up markets for sales opportunities, and more. 
 Believe in Yourself: In 2022, Susan received an exciting opportunity to fulfill an order putting RunMitts on the shelves of 80+ REI stores. However, it posed a big challenge due to supply chain issues and a lack of capital to purchase the fabric needed to satisfy the order. Through confidence and self-advocacy, she eventually gained financing for manufacturing and scaled her business to new heights.

The holiday season is a time of both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs. But small businesses can navigate the holiday rush with strategic marketing, technological innovation and a focus on community and sustainability.

About seven new jobs are created by each microbusiness entrepreneur on a county-level, according to GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative. This season let’s celebrate not just sales but also the impact small businesses can have on communities and well-being.

Support small businesses this holiday season. Visit godaddy.com/giftguide.

Empower by GoDaddy Spotlight Series: By partnering with diverse local nonprofits and community organizations around the world, Empower by GoDaddy aims to reach those who haven’t otherwise had access by offering skills training, resources, and mentoring to help accelerate their business journeys. This article is part of the Empower by GoDaddy spotlight series that shines a light on the individuals who make this unique initiative possible.   

At Covia, we know that an engaged and collaborative workforce is critical, and we make a concerted effort to connect with and support team members across our footprint. As a result, we are committed to providing an exceptional workplace experience and helping our team members thrive personally and professionally. This means providing tools and development opportunities to help everyone achieve their goals.

One such tool is the redesign of Covia’s intranet. The Communications team set out to create a platform for team members to increase communication, collaborate on ideas, share feedback and foster conversation, as well as share knowledge, experience, and expertise with others across departments and locations.

In July 2023, we officially launched our new intranet. Since then, whether at work or at home, Covia employees have been able to access what they need to stay informed and equipped to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. We are proud to have a single destination that is now widely used across all of our domestic and international locations. According to Amanda Meehan, Director of Corporate Communications, ” The best intranets are digital spaces where people can engage with each other as well as get access to tools and information. Our goal is to build an indispensable central resource that also serves as a hub for the Covia community, and it’s been wonderful to see how enthusiastically our diverse Covia team has embraced the potential of the new intranet.”

We are thrilled that in recognition of our efforts, Covia has received the 2023 Digital Transformation Award for Best Intranet Launch from Igloo Software, the provider of our intranet platform. According to Igloo, “The annual awards program recognizes Igloo customers who have built sophisticated digital workplaces and those who continue to expand their digital destinations with the depth and support to evolve with their business goals. Igloo is proud to congratulate all of the nominees and winners for their continued efforts to create a more connected, productive and engaged workplace.”

Since launch, the focus has been on strengthening the role of the site as a resource and a community. It’s through the efforts and support of all Covia team members that the site is thriving and rapidly developing. We are pleased to be recognized for our efforts, but even more pleased that the site is being used and viewed in such a positive light. We believe our intranet can play an important role in supporting employee engagement and helping all our team members feel proud to be part of our company.

For more information about Covia’s Team Member Experience, please visit our 2022 ESG Report.

At Covia, we know that an engaged and collaborative workforce is critical, and we make a concerted effort to connect with and support team members across our footprint. As a result, we are committed to providing an exceptional workplace experience and helping our team members thrive personally and professionally. This means providing tools and development opportunities to help everyone achieve their goals.

One such tool is the redesign of Covia’s intranet. The Communications team set out to create a platform for team members to increase communication, collaborate on ideas, share feedback and foster conversation, as well as share knowledge, experience, and expertise with others across departments and locations.

In July 2023, we officially launched our new intranet. Since then, whether at work or at home, Covia employees have been able to access what they need to stay informed and equipped to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. We are proud to have a single destination that is now widely used across all of our domestic and international locations. According to Amanda Meehan, Director of Corporate Communications, ” The best intranets are digital spaces where people can engage with each other as well as get access to tools and information. Our goal is to build an indispensable central resource that also serves as a hub for the Covia community, and it’s been wonderful to see how enthusiastically our diverse Covia team has embraced the potential of the new intranet.”

We are thrilled that in recognition of our efforts, Covia has received the 2023 Digital Transformation Award for Best Intranet Launch from Igloo Software, the provider of our intranet platform. According to Igloo, “The annual awards program recognizes Igloo customers who have built sophisticated digital workplaces and those who continue to expand their digital destinations with the depth and support to evolve with their business goals. Igloo is proud to congratulate all of the nominees and winners for their continued efforts to create a more connected, productive and engaged workplace.”

Since launch, the focus has been on strengthening the role of the site as a resource and a community. It’s through the efforts and support of all Covia team members that the site is thriving and rapidly developing. We are pleased to be recognized for our efforts, but even more pleased that the site is being used and viewed in such a positive light. We believe our intranet can play an important role in supporting employee engagement and helping all our team members feel proud to be part of our company.

For more information about Covia’s Team Member Experience, please visit our 2022 ESG Report.