Tag: 3BL

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

by Kitty Broihier

According to a recent survey of US adults, more than a third of respondents experience “aisle anxiety” when grocery shopping. And 39% feel “overwhelmed” by all the options. The survey also found that the average shopper spends four minutes deliberating over each item—and 32% take longer. It doesn’t need to be this way! Use the Guiding Stars nutrition navigation system to help you “see” what’s inside those food packages. By doing so, you’ll know which are the best choices for you and your family. Here’s how…

Look for the Guiding Stars

If you have time to study the labels and ingredient information for everything you plan to purchase, spend the time. Knowing how to read labels is a valuable skill. But for a faster shopping experience (without giving up your quest for healthy foods), it’s time to get starry-eyed. As you walk the aisles, you’ll find many products sporting the blue and green Guiding Stars apple along with 1, 2, or 3 Stars. The easy-to-spot icon shows up on shelf tags, signage, and even some store-brand product packages. The stars indicate good, better, and best nutrition (more on that below). To maximize the nutritional quality of your diet, simply focus your food and beverage choices on Star-earning items.

More Stars Means More Nutrition

Healthy eating begins with healthy food—which means selecting those foods while shopping. Aligning your food choices with your health goals is definitely a way to help achieve a healthy diet. But making all those smart decisions in the midst of a grocery shopping trip can be daunting. This is when choosing Star-earning foods can save you time and effort. If a food earns Guiding Stars, you can trust it’s already one of the better choices in its category. For example, foods earn Guiding Stars for:

• being lower in sodium
• having less added sugar
• being lower in saturated and trans fats
• containing more fiber
• containing more vitamins and minerals
• including live, active cultures
• being higher in omega-3 fatty acids
• containing more whole grains
• having fewer additives to limit

The bottom line? When you choose Star-earning foods, you’re automatically filling your cart with foods that are more nutritious than their non-Star-earning counterparts.

Let the Algorithms Do the Work

Wondering how we assign Stars to foods and beverages? Guiding Stars uses patented algorithms to evaluate the nutritional merits of thousands of different food items. At its most basic, an algorithm is a set of rules for organizing and analyzing data. Because different types of foods and beverages have inherent compositional differences, we utilize five different algorithms. For example, we wouldn’t try to evaluate apples using the same algorithm that we do for olive oil. This way, our evaluations are more relevant, appropriate, and fair.

Evaluating a food’s nutrition and ingredient data through the appropriate algorithm produces a score. It’s determined by weighing numerical credits (for beneficial nutrient characteristics) against debits (for ingredients to avoid or less-healthy characteristics). If that score is positive, the food will receive a Star value of one, two, or three Stars. If the score is negative, the food will not earn any Stars. If you see a product without a Guiding Stars rating, it either does not meet the nutritional qualifications to earn a Star, or it’s in a category of items that we don’t evaluate, such as:

• medical foods
• meal replacements
• supplements
• infant formula
• foods with less than 5 calories per serving (like spices)
• alcohol

Getting started using Guiding Stars is easy. Whether you’re looking to level-up your food choices, or follow an eating plan for specific health reasons, the Stars can help you navigate the aisles and select the best foods for you and your family. Next time you go shopping, follow the Guiding Stars to make informed grocery choices more quickly and confidently.

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores, in Circana’ Attribute Marketplace, and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

 

CINCINNATI, April 8, 2026 /3BL/ – Fifth Third (Nasdaq: FITB) has been named to Forbes list of the World’s Best Banks 2026, marking the fourth year the Bank has earned the recognition.

The annual ranking highlights top-performing banks across 34 countries, based on an independent survey of more than 54,000 consumers. Banks are evaluated on key factors including trust, terms & conditions, customer service, digital services, and financial advice.

“Earning our customers’ trust is foundational to everything we do at Fifth Third,” said Jamie Leonard, chief operating officer at Fifth Third. “Being recognized by Forbes among the World’s Best Banks reflects the trust our customers place in us and our continued dedication to delivering a strong customer experience through our innovative product suite, trusted financial advice and advanced digital capabilities.”

Powering that trusted experience is Fifth Third’s consumer banking suite, which combines human-centered design with industry-leading digital innovation. Through redesigned financial centers and Fifth Third Momentum® Banking, customers benefit from simpler, more secure everyday banking—whether they’re managing cash flow, building financial wellness or planning for the future.

Momentum Banking delivers meaningful value with benefits such as Early Pay, providing faster access to paychecks and tax refunds at no cost; Extra Time, which has helped customers avoid overdraft fees and save more than $223 million since 2021; and free estate planning through an exclusive partnership with Trust & Will.

Recognized by J.D. Power as the No. 1 mobile banking app for user satisfaction among regional banks, Fifth Third’s app supports more than 2.4 million monthly users with advanced features that make it easy to get started, move money securely and stay protected, reinforcing Fifth Third’s commitment to putting customers first at every stage of their financial journey.

Forbes’ World’s Best Banks survey asked participants to identify banks where they currently have or previously held a checking or savings account. Banks with the highest customer evaluation scores in each country earned recognition in the 2026 ranking.

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About Fifth Third
Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust. Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

CONTACT
Jordan DuShane (Media Relations) 
jordan.dushane@53.com

Matt Curoe (Investor Relations)
matt.curoe@53.com  | 513-534-2345

This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating women around the world who are helping build the future of technology and spotlighting the skills that helped them along the way. 

Through Cisco Networking Academy, millions of learners each year gain the skills and credentials they need to lead, create, and thrive in the tech industry. Here, we’re showcasing a few of Cisco Networking Academy’s inspiring women and their unique career journeys.

From the plains of Canada to the vibrant tech communities of Iraq, their stories show that with the right skills, the possibilities are limitless — and that together, we can build a more inclusive and innovative future for all.

Resilience and the power of connection in the Americas 

In Canada, Sharon Angus is redefining what it means to be a mentor. Drawing from her Plains Cree and Mohawk roots, Sharon uses the concept of wâhkôhtwin, or the belief that all things are interconnected, to teach IT. 

For Sharon, Cisco Networking Academy was more than just a curriculum; it was a career-defining anchor. “I feel like being here at Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, teaching this [Cisco Networking Academy] program has just been a culmination of my entire career, and I feel like I’m exactly where I need to be.”

Similarly, in Costa Rica, Pamela Soto’s journey from a factory worker to a High Touch Technical Support Engineer at Cisco showcases the necessity of structured learning. “Cisco Networking Academy courses were fundamental to my training,” Pamela explains. “Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to start my career in networking. From the beginning, they served as a basis for troubleshooting problems or configuring labs, something I still enjoy today.” 

Bridging the digital divide across EMEA

The impact of empowering women in technology is clear in the diverse pathways taken by our learners in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. 

From Oumaima Ben Nasrallah in Tunisia, who transitioned from biotechnology and education to IT networking through Cisco Networking Academy, to Giada Bartoli in Italy, who made the jump from international relations to cybersecurity after earning a Cisco scholarship, our learners are proving that there is no one-size-fits-all background for technology. Both women took the leap and embraced new challenges, leveraging Cisco Networking Academy training to build confidence and advance their careers.

Meanwhile, in Iraq, our partnership with the nonprofit She Codes Too is creating a repeatable model for digital inclusion. In fact, Cisco Networking Academy was the catalyst that turned She Codes Too’s mission into an industry-aligned training experience with globally recognized credibility. By integrating this curriculum, we are helping more women in technology support national digital transformation agendas.

Curiosity and defense in the APJC region

Across the Asia-Pacific (APJC) region, we see how empowering women in technology have helped turn vulnerability into strength. 

After a ransomware attack compromised her architectural firm, Tasara DeRoche in Australia turned to the Academy to master the technology that had failed her. She reflects on the rigor of the program, sharing, “Without the structured path from Cisco Networking Academy, the transition from a ransomware victim to a certified security enthusiast would have lacked the technical rigor necessary for a true career pivot.”

Meanwhile, in China, Yao Tong’s journey began with a childhood fascination of electronic circuits, eventually leading to a role as a Technical Consulting Engineer at Cisco Japan where she has started a new life for herself in Tokyo. 

For Yao, the Academy provided essential groundwork for her professional life. “The foundational networking knowledge I acquired at the academy has been extremely important in my work at the Technical Assistance Center (TAC),” shared Yao. “It serves as the foundation, like the base of a building.”

Building a future without boundaries

Whether motivated by cultural background, career pivots, or cybersecurity, these women share a common thread: they utilized the resources of Cisco Networking Academy to help unlock their professional potential.

Through these efforts, we’re helping fuel the global labor market and help ensure that the digital world is built by a diverse set of voices, perspectives, and experiences. 

The path is open, the tools are ready, and the world needs your unique perspective. We invite you to explore the courses and opportunities available through Cisco Networking Academy and start your own journey toward a rewarding career in technology. 

View original content here.

This episode of Beyond the IT Headlines tackles the most urgent infrastructure challenge facing the tech world: AI’s insatiable hunger for energy. Host Shawn Rosemarin and this week’s co-host Don Kirouac argue that AI’s massive power draw is no longer just a “data center problem”—it’s a fundamental societal tension point. 

The conversation explores the startling numbers: from wholesale electricity costs skyrocketing near data clusters and the projection that AI power demand could grow 30x by 2035, to the invisible cost of every single chatbot query. The discussion frames AI’s trajectory as a collision course with the global grid, pushing utilities to plan controversial new gas plants and forcing citizens to foot the bill. Don and Shawn then shift from crisis to solution, exploring how industry leaders must embed efficiency as a first-class design parameter. 

This includes rethinking AI pipelines, exploring smart scheduling, and utilizing AI itself to become an ally in grid optimization. Cut through the hype with actionable insights—Subscribe Now! We’re also on Spotify! (Search “Beyond the IT Headlines by Everpure”) 

Explore The Data Wire by Everpure for more executive POVs on AI leadership, cyber resilience, and the future of data management: https://www.thedatawire.com/

KeyBank’s cherished partnership with the Cleveland Guardians was on full display on Friday, April 3, as more than 200 KeyBank teammates stepped onto the field ahead of the team’s home opener, helping to hold the American flag during the pregame ceremony.

As a proud sponsor of the Guardians, KeyBank was honored to be part of this meaningful moment that brought together teammates, fans and the Greater Cleveland community to celebrate the start of another exciting baseball season. The opportunity reflected KeyBank’s deep roots in Northeast Ohio and its ongoing commitment to standing alongside the communities it serves.

Among the KeyBank teammates on the field was KeyBank Chairman and CEO Chris Gorman, who joined colleagues from across the organization to participate in the on‑field tribute. Together, teammates proudly represented KeyBank while sharing in the excitement and anticipation that marks Opening Day in Cleveland.

“At KeyBank, partnerships like this go beyond sponsorships,” said Grace Sullivan, KeyBank Sponsorship Marketing Consultant. “They’re about showing up for our community, celebrating local tradition and creating shared moments that bring people together.”

KeyBank proudly supports the Cleveland Guardians, reinforcing the bank’s belief in teamwork, resilience and community connection. Whether through sports partnerships, neighborhood initiatives, or volunteerism, KeyBank remains focused on helping its clients and communities thrive.

• Learn more about KeyBank’s commitment to helping clients and communities thrive

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 8, 2026 /3BL/ – Discovery Education, the edtech leader trusted by 45% of U.S. K-12 schools, today introduced a free collection of cross-curricular resources designed to help educators engage students with the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, while delivering inquiry-driven, standards-aligned instruction.

The downloadable resource guide equips educators to turn this historic milestone into meaningful civics and social studies learning across all grade bands. Featuring ready-to-use resources that connect history to real-world topics, the collection supports flexible instruction while building students’ critical thinking, literacy, and civic awareness skills. The sampler draws from both Social Studies Essentials and Discovery Education Experience, giving any educator a hands-on feel for two of Discovery Education’s most powerful social studies solutions.

The free collection offers educators an early access preview of Social Studies Essentials, the new K-5 product launching for back-to-school 2026, giving educators an up-close look before it’s widely available. Designed to build knowledge, strengthen literacy, and support sustained inquiry, Social Studies Essentials is a C3-aligned solution that combines immersive multimedia with ready-to-teach lessons. Its grab-and-go design saves teacher time while developing students’ critical thinking and civic awareness.

The collection provides free access to engaging content from Discovery Education Experience, resources typically only available to subscribing districts. The sampler includes original multimedia content introducing students to government structures and national symbols, alongside deeper‑dive lessons on topics like the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. With the free downloadable resource guide, educators will find a collection of:

• Inquiry-driven lessons that encourage critical thinking and student-led exploration
• Real-world connections linking historical events to today’s civic issues
• Grade-banded, ready-to-use activities aligned to classroom needs
• Integrated literacy supports within social studies content

“The 250th anniversary of the United States isn’t just something to celebrate. It’s a powerful opportunity to elevate how students experience history,” said Dr. Todd Wirt, Executive Vice President of Partner Engagement at Discovery Education. “Having spent years leading school systems, I’ve seen how impactful it is when students connect what they’re learning to the world around them. We’re helping educators turn this moment into meaningful, engaging instruction that bridges the past to the present. By making this collection free to any teacher, all students will have access to inquiry-based, personally relevant civics learning.”

Districts and schools with Discovery Education Experience will discover additional captivating cross-curricular lessons with impactful educator-tested strategies on the new Honoring 250 Years of United States History channel. Educators can learn more about Social Studies Essentials by joining the Engage K-12 webinar on April 23.

Learn more about how Discovery Education supports educators in honoring 250 years of the U.S. at www.discoveryeducation.com/america-250. 

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Discovery Education
Discovery Education is a global education technology leader whose innovative solutions empower educators and progress student learning. Discovery Education’s solutions have served more than 100 million students globally, supporting effective teaching and learning in 45% of U.S. K-12 schools and in 100+ countries and territories. The company’s portfolio includes award-winning core and supplemental curriculum, high-quality standards-aligned content, and AI-enabled teaching and learning tools. Solutions span math, science, literacy, social studies, and career-connected learning, including instructionally-aligned content developed through one-of-a-kind partnerships with industry leaders to bring real-world relevance into every lesson. Learn more at www.DiscoveryEducation.com.

Contact
Grace Maliska
Discovery Education
gmaliska@discoveryed.com

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 8, 2026 /3BL/ – Aetna Better Health of Missouri, a CVS Health company (NYSE: CVS), announced that Aetna provided a total of $35,000 in funding to two community-based organizations in central Missouri to improve access to health care and support child and family well being. The donations support community programs that directly address persistent barriers to care faced by rural communities, including long travel distances for medical services, limited transportation options, and challenges accessing early childhood and family support resources.

“We’re committed to supporting the health of communities by collaborating with trusted organizations and advancing initiatives that address care needs,” said Dr. Michelle Bucknor, Regional Chief Medical Officer, Aetna Better Health. “By working together to reduce barriers like transportation and gaps in family support, we help connect individuals and families—especially in rural areas—to the care and resources they need to thrive.”

Expanding access to transportation in west central Missouri

Aetna provided funding to West Central Community Development Corporation to support New Growth Transit, a volunteer based driver program that provides free and safe transportation across west central Missouri.

Many residents in these rural regions must travel long distances for non emergency health care such as dialysis, chemotherapy and specialist appointments, as well as to access employment and food. In 2025 alone, New Growth Transit drivers covered more than 550,000 miles, with the average one way trip measuring 39 miles—most requiring round trip service the same day.

Funding from Aetna will support in-person volunteer driver training, including rider engagement best practices, vehicle inspections and program policy education.

“Our volunteer drivers often make the difference between a person getting the care they need or going without,” said Kelly Ast, Regional Mobility Chief Officer, New Growth Transit. “The support from Aetna helps us provide quality training and strengthen a program that so many rural residents rely on.”

Dean Kneller, a rider supported by the program, added, “Without New Growth Transit, I would have missed critical treatments. The volunteers don’t just provide rides—they provide people a chance to stay healthy.”

Supporting child and family well-being

Aetna also awarded funding to The Community Partnership, an organization dedicated to improving child welfare, maternal and child health and early childhood development outcomes across rural south central Missouri. The funding will support programs focused on parenting education, developmental support for children with disabilities and coaching for early childhood providers.

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About Aetna Medicaid

Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid), a CVS Health company, has over 30 years of experience managing the care of Medicaid members, using innovative approaches and a local presence in each market to achieve both successful health care results and effective cost outcomes. Aetna Medicaid has expertise serving high-need Medicaid members, including those who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Currently, Aetna Medicaid owns and/or administers Medicaid managed health care plans under the names of Aetna Better Health and other affiliate names. Together, these plans serve members in 15 states, including Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. For more information, see www.aetnabetterhealth.com.

About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including highly rated Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

Media contact

Monica Prinzing
Monica.Prinzing@CVSHealth.com

EMERYVILLE, Calif., April 7, 2026 /3BL/ – SCS Global Services, a leading international third-party certification and standards organization, announced the appointment of John Parker as Managing Director of its Energy, Biomaterials and Circularity (EBC) Division.

Parker will oversee a portfolio of programs spanning low-carbon fuels, sustainable biomaterials, circularity, and responsible sourcing — including verification and certification services under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) programs in California, Oregon, Washington, and Canada; the federal 45Z Clean Fuel Production tax credit; Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes; the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard; Bonsucro; and sustainable palm oil frameworks.

Parker brings more than two decades of leadership experience across sustainability, water, and natural resources markets. He joins SCS from Tetra Tech, where he served as Vice President of Operations, directing a large, complex portfolio of global sustainability programs across more than 30 countries in Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. He also led the firm’s international Environment and Natural Resources division, with responsibility for growth, global expansion, and technical leadership.

Earlier in his career, Parker directed global water stewardship initiatives in support of the U.S. Government’s first Global Water Strategy and managed multi-country natural resources programs in Central America and East Africa. He began his career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in aquaculture in Ecuador’s Amazon Basin.

Parker has published research on water resources management, climate risk and resilience, and sustainable food systems. He holds a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy in International Environment and Resource Policy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and a Master of Science in Agriculture, Food and Environment from the Friedman School of Nutrition at Tufts University.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome John to SCS. John’s track record managing a large and complex sustainability program at Tetra Tech is exactly the kind of leadership the EBC division needs as it continues to scale globally,” said CEO Matthew Rudolf. “His deep operational experience in energy, natural resources, and international business makes him the ideal person to take SCS to the next level and we are thrilled to have him join the team.”

“SCS has spent four decades building the credibility and technical rigor that this work demands. I’m joining at a moment when the stakes for getting low-carbon and responsible sourcing certifications right have never been higher, and there’s no organization better positioned to lead,” added Parker.

The EBC Division supports companies and organizations seeking certification and verification across some of the world’s most consequential sustainability challenges, including decarbonizing fuel supply chains, advancing circular material flows, and ensuring responsible sourcing of agricultural commodities.

About SCS Global Services

SCS Global Services is an international leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California and celebrating over 40 years in business, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. For more information, visit www.SCSGlobalServices.com.

Media Contact 

Rachel Barnhart  
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Relations  
SCS Global Services  
Email: rbarnhart@scsglobalservices.com 

NEW ORLEANS, April 7, 2026 /3BL/ – Entergy today announced the publishing of its 2025 Performance Report, “Energy for a Better Future,” detailing the company’s achievements last year and the strategic priorities guiding its path forward on behalf of customers and communities. The report includes financial performance as well as updates on local economic development, environmental stewardship, support for the communities we serve and governance practices that support positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

“After a dynamic and productive 2025, Entergy continues to advance the energy solutions our customers and communities depend on,” said Drew Marsh, Entergy chair and chief executive officer. “From modernizing the electric grid to expanding generation resources, we are committed to partnering with our stakeholders to shape a more resilient and sustainable energy future.”

Highlights from 2025 include:

Driving growth in our region. We are an engaged partner in economic development for our region, helping attract or expand 85 economic projects last year. These projects represent a capital investment in local communities by companies totaling more than $77 billion and more than 12,000 new jobs. In support of that growth, we added electric service agreements totaling more than 3.5 gigawatts last year.

Maintaining a resilient power grid. We’re actively at work on projects designed to deliver more reliable power — fewer outages and faster restoration when needed — to our customers. Through the end of 2025, our operating companies have invested more than $800 million in approved accelerated resilience projects.

Strengthening affordability for our customers. We are committed to keeping bills as low as possible for all our customers, especially for those who struggle financially. We promote energy efficiency initiatives that help individual customers save money by reducing their usage. This includes energy audits, incentives, rebates and products to make people’s homes or businesses more energy efficient. Our Bill Toolkit empowers customers with resources and available assistance options to help them more easily manage their energy bills.

Empowering our communities. Giving back to our communities, and empowering them, is at the core of our mission. Our focus on corporate social responsibility last year made a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers and communities, resulting in an economic impact of more than $145 million across our service area. Our dedicated employees were vital to this success, contributing 169,000 hours of volunteer service, valued at $5.8 million. That highlight of our commitment was reinforced by being recognized by Points of Light as an honoree of The Civic 50 for the 10th consecutive year, leading the way in employee volunteerism and community investment.

Delivering on our financial commitments. Our 2025 adjusted earnings per share was $3.91, in the top half of our guidance range. We are investing in our power delivery system to improve reliability and resilience, and we are expanding our clean, modern generation to support rapidly growing industrial load and the clean energy goals necessary for our customers.

Explore the report to read about our progress and learn how we’re delivering energy for a better future.

About Entergy

Entergy (NYSE: ETR) generates, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for more than 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re focused on keeping costs for our customers as low as possible while providing reliable energy that our communities count on. We’re also investing in growth for the future with a more resilient, cleaner energy system that includes modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy generation. As a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at Entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media.

Investor inquiries:
Liz Hunter
504-576-3294
ehunte1@entergy.com

Media inquiries:
Cristina del Canto
504-576-4238
mdelcan@entergy.com

View original content here.

Key Takeaways

• Hybrid work presents a significant challenge for evacuation plans: When safety roles depend on specific people being present, remote workdays create dangerous gaps.
• Pen-and-paper manual systems can become bottlenecks that slow down critical decision-making under pressure.
• Shifting from departmental to compartmental thinking avoids the problem of placing responsibility on a single person and enables anyone in the building to help execute the plan. ‘
• Modern facilities like data centers, multi-tenant buildings, and high-rises each present unique evacuation challenges that standard plans rarely address.
• A strong evacuation plan protects people first and foremost, but it also safeguards your reputation, regulatory standing, and stakeholder trust when it counts most.

In the modern professional landscape, the traditional office is no longer a static environment. As organizations embrace flexibility, the foundational safety protocols that once seemed robust are now revealing dangerous cracks. If your role includes responsibility for a compliant evacuation plan, the first step is understanding exactly what you want to do with your people during an emergency.

The following exploration breaks down why traditional plans fail in a hybrid world and how a shift in thinking can protect your organization’s most valuable asset: its people.

The Hybrid Work Conundrum: When Your Safety Net is Working from Home

The acceleration into hybrid working environments has rendered obsolete the traditional methods for training staff to carry out specific emergency roles. In the past, evacuation plans often relied on “Fire Wardens” or “Floor Marshals” — specific individuals trained to sweep a department and report back.

However, training smaller, specific groups of people now leaves you at a significantly higher risk of having gaps in your plan. On any given Tuesday, your designated safety lead might be working remotely, leaving an entire wing of a building without an assigned clearing official. This creates a conundrum for EHS managers: do you leave your plan with these identifiable risks, or do you change your thinking entirely?

The High Cost of Guesswork: Lessons from a London Arts Complex

Not getting your evacuation strategy right leads to immediate confusion and potential tragedy. We experienced this first-hand during a meeting with the on-site team at a world-renowned arts and cultural complex in London. While the team was robustly defending their existing process, an unplanned evacuation occurred.

We witnessed their system fall apart in real-time. The ensuing chaos revealed a plan founded on guesswork and luck rather than usable information. There was a visible lack of training and ownership, and the “clipboard and pen” method—which many organizations still rely on—proved to be a major bottleneck during the crisis. While this specific incident was a false alarm without lasting consequences, it served as a stark reminder: when things go wrong, getting the right information quickly is key.

A Case for Accountability: The Somerset House Success Story

In contrast to the chaos of manual systems, Somerset House provides a powerful example of modern preparedness. They had recently installed a comprehensive TagEvac system throughout their building, supported by online training to ensure everyone was ready.

When a significant fire occurred at Somerset House — an event that made international news — the system’s value was proven. Because the plan focused on a visual, accountable process rather than a person-dependent one, the building was managed effectively under extreme pressure. This success highlights the difference between a plan that looks good on paper and one that works when the alarm sounds.

Beyond the Office: Addressing Complex Safety Scenarios

Modern EHS planning must account for more than just a standard office layout. To build a successful and compliant plan, you must consider a variety of complex scenarios:

• Multi-Tenanted Occupancy: Coordinating between different organizations where safety cultures and evacuation protocols may vary.
• Data Centers & Secure Spaces: Managing lone workers in high-security data halls or environments where communication is inherently difficult.
• Warehouses & Tall Buildings: Navigating the logistics of clearing massive floor plates or coordinating vertical evacuations in high-rise structures.
• Evacuation vs. Invacuation: Ensuring your system can handle both clearing a building and “sheltering in place” during external threats.
• Contractor & Visitor Management: Seamlessly integrating people who are not part of your daily workforce into your safety protocol.

Shifting the Strategy: From Departmental to Compartmental Thinking

A major flaw in traditional planning is “departmental thinking” — the idea that safety is the responsibility of a specific group of people. In a hybrid world, you must transition to “compartmental thinking,” where the focus shifts to clearing physical zones of a building.

By using a visual system like TagEvac, you empower anyone — not just a trained warden — to confirm a compartment is clear. This removes the single point of failure and ensures the process remains consistent regardless of who is in the building that day.

The Business Case for Modernized Evacuation Plans

A compliant and successful evacuation plan is not just about safety; it is a critical component of brand and operational resilience. A robust plan allows you to:

• Maintain Corporate & Social Responsibility: Demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting your “key asset” — your people.
• Avoid Brand Damage: Prevent the negative PR and loss of trust that follows a chaotic incident.
• Ensure Compliance: Stay ahead of regulatory requirements and avoid costly fines.
• Prove Value to Stakeholders: Show employees and customers that you possess the credentials and care to manage a modern workspace safely.

Conclusion: Stop Guessing and Start Preparing

In an era of hybrid work and evolving threats, “guesswork and luck” are no longer acceptable components of an Emergency Action Plan. The partnership between Antea Group and TagEvac is designed to eliminate these variables by combining world-class EHS consulting with a physical, accountable system that works every time. Now is the time to do the thinking and ask yourself “why?” Why rely on a clipboard when lives and business continuity are on the line?

Ensure Your Facility is Ready for Anything

Don’t let a hybrid workforce leave gaps in your safety plan. Contact the experts at Antea Group today to review your Emergency Preparedness strategy and discover how our partnership with TagEvac can deliver a consistent, compliant, and accountable solution for your organization.

About the Author

Martin Reed is a Director at TagEvac with a career dedicated to the advancement of fire safety and protection. Beginning his journey in the Merchant Navy, Martin developed a “ready for anything” mindset that has informed his professional approach for over 20 years. As a co-founder of businesses specializing in both Active and Passive Fire Protection, he was instrumental in the formation of the Fire Industry Association. Martin is passionate about helping organizations implement precise, effective safety protocols that protect people and maintain corporate credentials.