Tag: 3BL

Funds will support more than 60 feeding programs throughout NovemberEffort will spotlight organizations that work to reduce lack of consistent healthy meals across the state

GREENVILLE, S.C., November 17, 2023 /3BL/ – There’s a nip in the air, the leaves are changing color and – for many – thoughts rightly begin to turn toward gatherings around holiday dinner tables.

Unfortunately, not everyone has access to healthy meals this or any time of year. In fact, more than 500,000 South Carolinians lack consistent access to high-quality meals, and 1 in 8 of those are children.

“That’s why it’s important for Duke Energy to support the organizations who do the great work to fight hunger across our state,” said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina state president. “Our hope is by shining a light on these efforts, these organizations will continue to receive the support they need to help reduce and hopefully one day eliminate hunger in our communities.”

Duke Energy will kick off a monthlong campaign to support organizations in South Carolina that address food insecurities and inequities across the state. Duke Energy’s monthlong initiative will provide nearly $400,000 to more than 60 feeding programs leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday and will support organizations including Mill Village Farms, FoodShare South Carolina, Harvest Hope Food Bank and AIM, among many others.

“These organizations are fighting the good fight every day in our communities, but they cannot do it alone,” Callahan said.

To celebrate the start of the monthlong campaign, Duke Energy is joining Mill Village Farms, WYFF and Bons Secours Wellness Arena for this year’s Yam Jam on Nov. 2 in Greenville. The community event will feature more than 160 volunteers from companies and organizations around Greenville. Participants will bag more than 50,000 pounds of sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving food boxes to be distributed by FoodShare South Carolina hubs and other food programs across South Carolina. Additionally, the Duke Energy Foundation will contribute $100,000 to FoodShare South Carolina organizations across the company’s service territory, including $35,000 to Mill Village Farms.

“We believe that access to healthy food is not a privilege – it’s a fundamental human right,” said Dan Weidenbenner, Executive Director of Mill Village Farms and Mill Village Ministries. “We are proud to support the FoodShare South Carolina organizations across the state that work to ensure that everyone has access to fresh fruits and vegetables regardless of where they live or how much they make. We know the need is not diminishing as we head into the holiday season and are grateful for Duke Energy’s efforts to help us ensure that every neighbor has access to the fresh, healthy food they deserve.”

In addition to presenting Yam Jam, Duke Energy employees and retirees will also provide their time and talents volunteering with these and other organizations throughout the month to assist in packing and distributing food boxes, as well as providing sweat equity to other feeding programs in their neighborhoods.

Every bit of support to local food banks or soup kitchens is helpful any time of year but particularly during the holiday season. It could be as simple as a couple of hours of your time or even a monetary donation, but anything you can contribute will make a difference. To find a community feeding partner near you, search online at SC211.org or text “FOOD” to 211211.

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2023 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list and Forbes’ “World’s Best Employers” list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy’s illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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DALLAS, November 17, 2023 /3BL/ – Mary Kay Inc., a global leader in skin care innovation and sustainability, is honored to announce its inclusion in the 2023 Texan by Nature 20 (TxN 20), a prestigious recognition by the conservation non-profit, Texan by Nature. Founded by former First Lady Laura Bush, Texan by Nature annually celebrates Texas-based companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to conservation and sustainability.

This year’s recognition underscores Mary Kay’s longstanding dedication to integrating sustainable practices into its business operations and its innovative approach to preserving the environment.

“Being recognized in the TxN 20 is not only an honor, but a testament to our enduring commitment to conservation and sustainability,” said Jeni Wang, Senior Specialist of Corporate Engineering at Mary Kay, who accepted the honor on behalf of the company. “At Mary Kay, we believe in the harmonious coexistence of business and nature, and we continuously strive to implement practices that positively impact our planet.”

The TxN 20 recognizes industry leaders across 12 sectors in Texas who are at the forefront of conservation efforts and sustainable business practices. With its inclusion in the TxN 20, Mary Kay joins an elite group of companies that are setting the standard for environmental stewardship in the Lone Star State and beyond.

2023 TxN 20 honorees included:

Alamo GroupCemexCirrus LogicCPS EnergyDarling IngredientsDesert Door SotolDallas Fort Worth International AirportHOLT CATJP MorganMary KayMicrosoftNextEra EnergyNorth American Development BankØrstedOverland PartnersPepsiCoStantecTexas Health ResourcesWayne Sanderson FarmsWM

About Mary Kay

Then. Now. Always. One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 35 countries. For 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on Twitter.

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Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications 
marykay.com/newsroom 
972.687.5332 or media@mkcorp.com

As originally published by GoDaddy’s Venture Forward Research Initiative

GoDaddy Venture Forward research initiative releases latest US report

Finds Black entrepreneurs own 15% of US microbusinesses, with more than two-thirds of those owned by Black women

TEMPE, Ariz., November 17, 2023 /3BL/ — According to a new report from GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative, Black women remain the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, more than doubling since August 2019. Black women total 10% of total entrepreneurs surveyed for the latest report, representing a 70% increase in the number of Black women-owned businesses started prior to the pandemic. Overall, entrepreneurship is becoming more diverse, with 29% of U.S. microbusinesses now owned by respondents identifying as Black, African American, Asian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, Alaska Native or multiracial entrepreneurs, compared to 17% in 2019.

GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative quantifies the growth and economic impact of more than 20 million online microbusinesses and provides a unique lens into the attitudes, demographics and needs of the entrepreneurs behind them.

Key Takeaways from the Venture Forward U.S. report:

The research found Black entrepreneurs own 15% of U.S. microbusinesses, and of those, Black women own 68%.Generation X makes up the largest group of entrepreneurs at 41% of the total.One in six microbusiness owners earn more than $100,000 annually, and nearly three out of ten women with a microbusiness are the breadwinners in their home.Nearly half of respondents (46%) citing their microbusiness as their main source of income converted it from a supplemental source of income.Sixty-three percent of entrepreneurs agree: Life is better as an entrepreneur.

“We all know entrepreneurship is powerful, and with this data, people can understand precisely how powerful it is across different types of small and microbusinesses,” said Alexandra Rosen, senior director of Venture Forward.

Rosen added, “Better understanding helps advocates find opportunities to further support these entrepreneurs. What our research demonstrates is that entrepreneurship creates positive impacts for entrepreneur’s households, the communities where they live and work as well as the greater economy.”

Venture Forward defines microbusinesses as small businesses with a unique domain, an active website, and most often, fewer than ten employees. Venture Forward publishes its U.S. survey results annually, and since 2018, the initiative has surveyed more than 30,000 small business owners with a digital presence, making it the premier source for microbusiness data and insights.

Read the full version of Venture Forward’s latest report. For more information about the state of microbusinesses across the country, visit the Microbusiness Data Hub for fresh datasets (including the concentration of microbusinesses at city, county and state levels) through the third quarter of 2023.

About GoDaddy Venture Forward 
GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative analyzes more than 20 million online businesses with a digital presence (measured by a unique domain and an active website). Most of these businesses employ fewer than ten people, categorizing each as a microbusiness. While these microbusinesses may be small, their impact on economies is outsized even though they are often too informal or too new to show up in traditional government statistics. To find out more about GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research, visit: www.godaddy.com/ventureforward

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

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

November 17th, 2023 /3BL Media/ — A student innovator from Duke University was selected for special recognition in the 2023 Collegiate Inventors Competition for his technology to rapidly identify potentially catastrophic algae outbreaks in the environment.

Undergraduate Daniel Collins was named the winner of the Arrow Electronics “People’s Choice” award for his innovation known as NucleoTide.

NucleoTide is a molecular diagnostic platform that uses CRISPR-based biosensors to rapidly identify marine pathogens and harmful algae blooms. With a low-cost, hand-held device that filters and processes water samples, it enables on-site ocean health monitoring and provides results in less than an hour without waiting for lab results.

The global economic impact of harmful algae blooms is estimated at $8 billion annually.

More than 20,000 people worldwide participated in the voting, setting a record for online participation in the competition.

Collins’ technology was one of 10 finalists – five undergraduate and five graduate teams – representing colleges and universities across the United States in this year’s competition. They presented their inventions to a panel of judges composed of influential inventors and innovation experts from the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) and United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) officials.

The finals were held in-person at the USPTO’s headquarters in Alexandria, Va.

Winners receive cash awards as well as assistance in the patent approval process by the USPTO.

“The Collegiate Inventors Competition showcases the next generation of game changers — young inventors who demonstrate an innovative mindset that empowers them to solve the world’s greatest challenges,” said National Inventors Hall of Fame CEO Michael Oister.

In the Graduate division, medical student Adi Mittal of the University of Pittsburgh received the first-place award for an innovation known as Cerebral Aneurysm Test (CAT-7.)

Every year, nearly 7 million people in the United States suffer from cerebral aneurysms. They can cause neurological problems and rupture, leading to life-altering or fatal brain bleeds. CAT-7 is the first simple, whole blood-based diagnostic test to detect the formation of a cerebral aneurysm.

In the Undergraduate division, a team from Georgia Tech won the first-place award for a diagnostic technology called FADpad. The device is a test strip embedded in a feminine hygiene product to collect a sample of menstrual blood. A rapid lab test detects biomarkers present in diseases like the human papilloma virus (HPV) that causes cervical and five other forms of cancer, as well as HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

“Nearly all cervical cancers are preventable with earlier screening and testing for HPV,” said team member Rhea Prem. “We want to increase access to health care on your own terms.”

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About Arrow Electronics: Arrow Electronics guides innovation forward for over 220,000 leading technology manufacturers and service providers. With 2022 sales of $37.1 billion, Arrow develops technology solutions that help improve business and daily life. Learn more at arrow.com.

About the Collegiate Inventors Competition: The Collegiate Inventors Competition encourages and drives innovation and entrepreneurship at the collegiate level. A program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, this competition recognizes and rewards the research, innovations and discoveries by college students and their advisers for projects leading to inventions that have the potential of receiving patent protection. Introduced in 1990, the competition has featured more than 500 innovators who have created cutting-edge, world-changing inventions, and awarded more than $1 million of support to winning student teams for their innovative work and scientific achievement through the help of its sponsors. For more information, visit invent.org.

Originally published by The Florida Council of 100

November 17, 2023 /3BL/ – The Florida Council of 100 is pleased to announce veteran real estate executive Chris Corr as the recipient of the Council’s 2023 Governor’s Business Leader Award. The award recognizes long-term excellence in business, civic service, and philanthropy.

Chris Corr has over 30 years’ experience in real estate development, including leading some of the highest profile projects in the U.S. Over the course of his career, Chris has held senior leadership roles in four public companies and has led more than 50 master planned residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. In addition to his business experience, he is a recognized policy leader, as a former legislator and commissioner, and tireless civic leader dedicating service to numerous organizations over the years with missions focused on bettering Florida.

“In each of these achievements, Chris has led quietly, with the heart of a true servant. He never seeks recognition; he always deflects credit to others; and he always puts the interests of others, particularly the interests of our State, ahead of his own,” said Steve Halverson, former Council of 100 chair and lead member of the award selection committee.

“The criteria for this award are simple, though hard to achieve. Each year, the Council highlights one of our CEOs who has excelled not only in business, but in the civic and philanthropic world as well. There isn’t a more deserving leader than Chris Corr, who models these traits for all of us to follow,” said Eric Silagy, Chair, Florida Council of 100.

Chris is presently Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development at Rayonier and President of Raydient, Inc., a subsidiary company focused on real estate development primarily in Florida, Georgia, and Washington. Rayonier is a leading timberland real estate investment trust with approximately 2.8 million acres located in the United States and New Zealand.

A past chairman of the Florida Council of 100, Chris currently serves on the University of Florida Board of Trustees and as President of the board of the University of Florida Athletic Association, Inc. He is also co-founder and director of the Will King Foundation Inc., a not-for-profit organization named in honor of his grandson and dedicated to providing life-saving healthcare to children in need.

Chris holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. Chris and his wife Candy have been married for 39 years and have two children and six grandchildren and reside in Jacksonville, Florida.

About The Florida Council of 100

The Florida Council of 100 is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of business leaders committed to promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for the people of our state. First established in 1961 by Governor Farris Bryant, for more than six decades, the Council has been charged with providing advice on key policy issues from the business community’s perspective to Florida’s elected leaders and government officials across the political and ideological spectrum. Today, the Florida Council of 100 represents 150 businesses with over 1.3 million employees.

About Rayonier

Rayonier (NYSE:RYN) is a leading timberland real estate investment trust with assets located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the United States and New Zealand. We own or lease under long-term agreements approximately 2.8 million acres of timberlands. We are More than trees because we recognize that our 90+ years of success in the timberland industry comes from our people, an empowering culture and the courage to constantly challenge “the way it’s always been done.” Get to know us at www.rayonier.com.

About Raydient

Raydient masterplans, develops, builds, markets and sells “places and properties” ranging from multi-use communities and industrial parks to rural homesteads and recreational lands. Raydient is a taxable subsidiary of Rayonier (NYSE:RYN), a leading timberland real estate investment trust with assets located in some of the most productive timber growing regions in the U.S. and New Zealand. When the real estate market demands a higher and better use for a property, our team steps in to transition that timberland for its future purpose. Get to know us at www.raydient.com.

CONTACT: Michael Simas 
msimas@fc100.org

Originally published by Nusra on Restaurant India

Pizza chain Pizza Hut has opened its most sustainable store yet in India at Mahim, Mumbai.

This initiative aligns with the global mission of ‘Recipe for Good Growth’, which prioritises people, the planet and food. 

Continue reading here

CNH Industrial recently awarded Kate Hoare, New Holland’s candidate to the Women in Ag Award, the first prize in the “Agriculture” category at the first edition of the international Women in Ag Awards.

The role of women in agriculture, in the agribusiness and in the agricultural sciences is changing worldwide. An increasing number of women are shaping the future of agriculture as managers on their own farms or in companies, research, or education. The Women in Ag Awards pay tribute to this commitment and tell the stories behind these inspiring women. It is presented by ‘Women in Ag’ magazine and the DLG, with an international jury which comprises women from agriculture, agribusiness and related areas that will reward winners in four categories: Agriculture, Agribusiness, Education, and Technology and Research.

Kate Hoare, who has received the first prize in the “Agriculture” category, is a full-time dairy farmer at Trenance Farm in Southeast Cornwall, together with her husband Kevin. The couple took on Trenance Farm from Cornwall County Council Farms and started their dairy journey in 2018. Since taking over the farm, the couple introduced a new model for sustainable farming, installing a biomethane capturing slurry lagoon in partnership with Cornwall Council and Cornwall-based company Bennamann Ltd.

This solution can reduce the impact of their activity, producing gas that can be reutilized for their work, eventually fueling the tractor they use on the farm, a New Holland T6 Methane Power tractor. This solution is extremely innovative and is considered a pilot experience for many other farms. Hoare has been analyzing and collecting data along the way to help prove the efficiency and productivity of the pilot.

Trenance Farm is rapidly becoming an example of the Energy Independent Farm model promoted by New Holland and Bennamann. One of the biggest challenges for farmers is to maximize productivity while reducing their carbon footprint and finding ways of becoming energy independent. Utilizing waste and biomass to generate fuel not only for heating and electricity, but also fueling vehicles. What was once a dream is now real – for sustainable farming, and for women in Ag everywhere.

BOISE, Idaho, November 17, 2023 /3BL/ — KeyBank has awarded $50,000 in grants to four Boise-based organizations: Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, Women and Children’s Alliance (WCA), First Tee Idaho and Boise State University Foundation. The grants will help each organization continue their mission of supporting disadvantaged Idaho residents.

The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes offers sports and physical activity opportunities to blind and visually impaired community members. Founded in 2007, the nonprofit has multiple programs, including swimming lessons for children, residential camp experiences and over 250 pieces of sporting adaptation equipment available to lend.

The WCA provides emergency and transitional shelter for women and children, as well as men, who are fleeing domestic and/or sexual assault. The WCA supports community members in need through shelters, a crisis hotline, court advocacy and safety planning assistance. Originally started as the YWCA over 100 years ago, the WCA’s mission is to offer safety, healing and freedom from domestic abuse.

First Tee Idaho is a youth development organization that integrates golf into a life skills curriculum geared toward building inner strength, self-confidence and resilience. Founded in 2005, the organization offers a variety of golf programs for kids aged 7 and up. First Tee Idaho is one of over 150 chapters of First Tee in the country.

Boise State University Foundation was established in 1964 and is focused on inspiring, generating and managing private funding for the university. Donations support student research projects, scholarships, campus facilities, academic programs and more at Boise State to make a positive impact on students, the local community and beyond.

“Our goal at KeyBank is to establish and support safe, healthy, affordable and inclusive communities,” said Scott Schlange, KeyBank’s Idaho market president. “KeyBank is proud to award grants to these four organizations for the work they do daily in support of Idaho residents in need.”

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

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $188 billion at September 30, 2023. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

CINCINNATI, November 17, 2023 /3BL/ – Cintas Corporation (Nasdaq: CTAS) announced today that it has earned two 2024 Military Friendly® designations, including the designation as a 2024 Bronze Military Friendly Employer and a Military Spouse Friendly Employer. 

Cintas earned the Bronze Military Friendly Employer for the third year in a row and was also honored with the Military Friendly Spouse Employer designation for the second year in a row.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® Employer designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 companies participated in the 2024 Military Friendly ® survey. Military Friendly® ratings are owned by Viqtory, Inc., a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business.

“Cintas has a deep connection to the military, and creating meaningful opportunities for veterans and military-affiliated employee-partners is a key component of both our talent development strategy and our overall Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy,” said Max Langenkamp, Cintas Sr. Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer. “Employee-partners and suppliers with military backgrounds are great fits for our culture at Cintas, and their strengths in key characteristics like teamwork, work ethic, self-motivation and critical thinking help lead to success in our business.” 

Being a military-friendly employer is a top priority at Cintas and the designation as a 2024 Bronze Military Friendly Employer recognizes the company’s ongoing dedication to, and programs focused on, recruiting, hiring and training military veterans. 

With more than 400 operational facilities across the United States and Canada – Cintas is positioned to provide continuous meaningful employment opportunities for military spouses. This is especially beneficial when they must relocate when their enlisted spouses receive a permanent change of station or are deployed. 

“Organizations earning the Military Friendly Employers designation have wholeheartedly invested in comprehensive and impactful initiatives that bring about positive, life-changing results for our valued service members, dedicated military spouses and esteemed veterans within their ranks,” said Kayla Lopez, Senior Director of Military Partnerships at Military Friendly®. “We salute these exemplary employers who raise the bar and understand that hiring military personnel is not merely an act of goodwill but a testament to a standard that truly embodies sound business wisdom. Their steadfast commitment to integrating military personnel into their workforce not only reflects their compassion but also underscores their business acumen.” 

Cintas will be showcased in the 2024 Military Friendly® Employers in the Winter issue of G.I. Jobs® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

About Cintas Corporation

Cintas Corporation helps more than one million businesses of all types and sizes get Ready™ to open their doors with confidence every day by providing products and services that help keep their customers’ facilities and employees clean, safe, and looking their best. With offerings including uniforms, mats, mops, towels, restroom supplies, workplace water services, first aid and safety products, eye-wash stations, safety training, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and alarm service, Cintas helps customers get Ready for the Workday®. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas is a publicly held Fortune 500 company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS and is a component of both the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and Nasdaq-100 Index.

About Military Friendly ® Employers: 
Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 2,100 organizations compete annually for Military Friendly® designation annually. Military Friendly® ratings are owned by Viqtory, Inc., a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Viqtory is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at militaryfriendly.com/mfcguide. 

About VIQTORY: 
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its owned assets such as Military Spouse Magazine®, Vetrepreneur®, G.I. Jobs ® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at Viqtory.com.

Cintas Media Contact:
Michelle Goret, Cintas Vice President of Corporate Affairs | goretm@cintas.com, 513-972-4155

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

In October, Tera Ladner, vice president of Risk Management and Governance with Aflac Global Security, was named one of SC Media’s 2023 Women in IT Security Power Players, a distinction among cybersecurity leaders in North America. Ladner is one of 20 women recognized for leadership, contributions and impact in the cybersecurity and information risk sector.

When Ladner joined the Aflac flock seven years ago, she brought with her a diverse background, including a degree in marketing and extensive experience in information governance that eventually led to her earning a law degree. She credits her well-rounded career path for preparing her for her current role in global security governance, where her team is responsible for managing regulatory processes, protecting information, finding efficiencies across the organization, and more.

Tera wasn’t the only one going home with some new hardware that day — Aflac was also named a 2023 CSO50 Award honoree by CSO from Foundry for championing security and risk management excellence, which is only awarded to a select group of organizations that have implemented security projects and initiatives demonstrating outstanding business value and thought leadership.

Tera’s team played a role in the cross-functional project, “Feathers and Firewalls: Aflac’s Zero Trust Approach,” which landed Aflac this prestigious honor. Designed to achieve increased security, simplified network architecture and cost savings, Aflac’s program is centered on the principle of consistent controls with all communication passing through a cloud-based common exchange. The zero-trust security model, also known as zero-trust architecture, is a framework for securing infrastructure and data for today’s modern digital transformation.

Learn more about Tera in the profile piece by SC Media titled, “Aflac’s Tera Ladner: Building teams and relationships.”

Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999.

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