Tag: 3BL

National Grid

WALTHAM, Mass., and BROOKLYN, N.Y., /3BL/ – National Grid has been awarded a $50 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for a project that will deploy digital technology to optimize the use of distributed energy resources (DERs) to improve electric system reliability and resilience. The project is ultimately expected to lead to greater development and adoption of decarbonized resources, such as solar and energy storage.

The U.S. DOE announced the awards yesterday. National Grid’s proposal, called the Future Grid Project, was chosen from among more than 100 proposals submitted by utilities, industry, academia, and state entities from across the country. This federal funding opportunity is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act enacted in 2021 under the Grid Resilience and Innovative Partnerships (GRIP) Program. The total cost for the Future Grid project is about $140 million. The federal funds will supplement a $90 million investment by National Grid.

“This is a tremendous win for our customers in Massachusetts and New York,” said Stephen Woerner, President of National Grid, New England. “As we strive to accelerate the clean energy transition, the advanced software technology we’ve proposed will not only allow for faster and easier integration of decarbonized resources but also will unlock the full value of these resources for the benefit of our customers and the grid. We thank the Department of Energy for their support and look forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting to work.”

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law is about to supercharge National Grid’s efforts to modernize our electric infrastructure, helping integrate more clean energy, and making our power grid more resilient,” said U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York. “When I led the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to passage, it was the win-win-win of life-saving investments in grid resilience, creating good paying jobs, and that promoting clean energy that I had top of mind. I am proud to help deliver this major federal investment to power Upstate NY’s clean energy future and power the future of New York’s electric infrastructure New Yorkers.”

“Improving reliability and resilience of our electric grid is foundational to addressing climate change and building our clean energy future,” said U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko of New York. “In Congress, I’ve spearheaded efforts to support grid modernization, including in our Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and following my call to the Department of Energy to support National Grid’s project, I’m thrilled to see that push paying dividends now with this award. This Future Grid project will help us meet our decarbonization goals and create clean energy jobs while also ensuring affordable electricity services for New Yorkers and critically disadvantaged communities across the state. My gratitude to all involved in this worthy project.”

“I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to do more than rebuilding the roads, bridges, and water systems we depend on. We passed it to also make long overdue investments in upgrading our electric grid to deploy green energy, increase resiliency, reduce outages, and lower prices for hardworking families,” said U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan of Massachusetts. “With this significant federal award for National Grid, that means Massachusetts families will benefit directly once again from this landmark law.”

“Clean distributed energy technologies offer tremendous benefit for ratepayers in Massachusetts,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “Our climate goals demand a future-ready electric grid to integrate an increasing amount of renewable energy generation. Grid enhancing technologies like those provided by the Future Grid Project will support a clean energy grid and reduce the need for expensive traditional grid upgrades.”

The Future Grid Project will deploy digital technology solutions at locations specifically targeted to benefit disadvantaged communities in New York and Massachusetts to improve electric system reliability and resilience and bring more clean energy resources to those areas.

The project is expected to maximize the value of DERs through advanced network management, resource orchestration, and control. The project will build upon foundational grid modernization investments currently being implemented in electric service territories in New York and Massachusetts, including advanced metering infrastructure, advanced distribution management systems, distributed energy resource management systems, and more. The Future Grid project is expected to expand training and pre-apprenticeship programs in partnership with several local community-serving institutes.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube, like us on Facebook and find us on Instagram.

Media Contacts 
John Lamontagne 
Massachusetts 
339-223-6077 
Email

HORSHAM, Pa., November 10, 2023 /3BL/ – Sofidel, a leading global provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use, today announced that it will be exhibiting at PLMA’s 2023 Annual Private Label Tradeshow, “The Store Brands Phenomenon”, November 12-14 in Chicago.

“We’re excited to attend this year’s event to showcase our latest private label solutions,” said Mary Conwell, National Sales Manager, Sofidel America. “Sofidel offers a variety of sustainable private label paper products to help retailers meet their consumers’ needs. Many of our paper products are Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)-certified to ensure the sustainability of the products.”

For over 40 years, this show has brought retailers from across the country together with manufacturers to network, discover new products and help private label programs grow. The show helps Sofidel private brands to differentiate themselves from competitors and stand out to retailers.

“While other companies offer private label products, our adherence to achieving strong sustainability goals and following strict processes sets us apart,” added Conwell. “We also offer National Brand Equivalent (NBE) products and innovations, such as paper packaging.”

Visit booth H2715 at PLMA’s Annual Private Label Tradeshow, “Store Brands Phenomenon” to learn more about Sofidel’s private label, sustainable paper products. For more information about the show, visit www.plma.com/events/plmas-2023-annual-private-label-trade-show. 

About Sofidel 

The Sofidel Group, a privately held company, is a world leader in the manufacture of paper for hygienic and domestic use. Founded in 1966, the Group has subsidiaries in 13 countries – Italy, Spain, the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Greece, Romania, and the USA – with more than 6,800 employees. A member of the UN Global Compact, the Sofidel Group considers sustainability a strategic imperative and is committed to promoting sustainable development. For more information, visit www.sofidel.com.

Media Contact:

Brianna Fitzpatrick

Mulberry Marketing Communications

bfitzpatrick@mulberrymc.com

I recently watched my son adjust the Velcro patches on his Army uniform as he got ready for duty. He saved the American flag for last. With great care, he pressed it onto his right shoulder and then stepped back, checking his work in the mirror.

As a military spouse for over two decades and now the mother of a Soldier, I’ve witnessed firsthand the reverence service members have for the American flag—whether displaying it on their shoulder or conducting Reveille and Retreat. And at Comcast NBCUniversal, my military-connected colleagues are proving that this deep connection to our nation’s symbol and the ideals it represents never fades.

This National Veterans and Military Families Month, we are excited to spotlight Operation Old Glory, a unique initiative to ensure the stars and stripes continue to fly bold and bright in the communities we serve, along with several other special programs and experiences created for our military customers.

Across our company, we’re united in service and in our support for our nation’s heroes and their families.

Operation Old Glory

The American flag has many meanings. For some, it’s a reminder of a loved one who served in the military. For others, it symbolizes the incredible journey of immigrants pursuing their dreams in a new land.

Started by military veteran employees at Comcast NBCUniversal, Operation Old Glory is our way of honoring our nation’s greatest symbol and what it represents to people in our communities. Through this program, our dedicated teammates work together to replace worn or damaged flags outside homes and businesses at no cost to the property owners.

Any home or business is eligible for a free flag replacement through this program, not just those that are subscribed to our services. We also ensure that all worn flags are retired with respect and strict adherence to military protocols.

NBC’s George to the Rescue & Project UP

In the Season 14 finale of George to the Rescue, airing on Nov. 4 on NBC and streaming on Peacock, host George Oliphant and his crew renovate the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC) in Gardner, Mass.

The Comcast team also surprised the MVOC staff and residents during the filming, installing a Lift Zone, which offers free WiFi connectivity, and donating fifty laptops as part of Project UP, our $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.

“Throughout our 14 seasons, veteran stories have always felt extra meaningful. It’s truly an honor to recognize these selfless heroes and offer them connectivity, community, and dignity for many years to come,” said George Oliphant, Host/Executive Producer.

For decades, the MVOC has been a safe and empowering haven for struggling veterans. With this significant restoration, we hope the organization can continue to provide life-changing services to our nation’s heroes for years to come.

Comcast invests in several organizations focused on advancing digital equity for veterans and military communities through Project UP. This includes a partnership with NPower to support programs designed to launch digital careers for active-duty military members approaching transition into civilian life, veterans, and military spouses.

Military Experiences on Xfinity

Xfinity has curated a collection of documentaries, TV shows, and news specials in celebration of National Veterans and Military Families Month. Available on X1, Flex, and Stream, the collection offers viewers stories highlighting the heroics and sacrifices of U.S. service members and military families. The destination also features video content from our national nonprofit partners supporting veterans, military caregivers, and military kids.

To access this content, Xfinity customers can say “Military Appreciation” into their Xfinity Voice Remote.

Comcast Newsmakers

Throughout November, the Comcast Newsmakers platform is shining a light on some of the most crucial issues facing military community members, including veteran and military spouse business owners and disabled veterans. Guests include representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the D’aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, the Robert Irvine Foundation, Hiring Our Heroes, and the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Watch on Xfinity platforms using the voice command “Comcast Newsmakers,” at ComcastNewsmakers.com, and on social media.

Comcast NBCUniversal is dedicated to serving those who serve all year long. Thank you for joining us this National Veterans and Military Families Month to honor and celebrate the military community.

Mona Dexter is the Vice President of Military & Veteran Affairs at Comcast NBCUniversal.

View original content here.

Originally published on Essity Newsroom

STOCKHOLM, November 10, 2023 /3BL/ – One in five people is currently providing care for a loved one*, and two-thirds of all people globally will become caregivers at some point in their lives.** To address the growing needs of family caregivers, the hygiene and health company Essity is launching the AgeTech-solution Caressa, aimed at providing necessary support for the essential aspects of care.

Caressa is a digital platform and new business model for Essity that brings together care essentials – tasks, medications and appointments – into one subscription-based app, enabling multiple family members to collaborate and coordinate the care of a loved one.

“Essity is committed to breaking barriers to well-being, and providing support for family carers plays an important part in this. We have developed Caressa in collaboration with this underserved, yet crucial group to support their specific needs and challenges. Our extensive experience, in-depth customer insight and focus on assistance provide us with the knowledge and capacity to broaden our offering with this new digital solution,” says Nadine Gerson Flam, Global Director Senior Care at Essity.

With this launch, Essity is expanding its offering in the field of AgeTech, a rapidly growing sector driven by the combination of an aging population and advancements in technology, projected to reach a value of USD 2.7 trillion by 2025.*** Caressa adds to previous digital solutions from Essity such as TENA SmartCare that offers digital solutions for continence management, and Cutimed Wound Navigator that provides support in assessing and documenting wounds.

The global demographic shift, with a rapidly growing older population, reveals an opportunity for new practices and innovation within the care economy to make a significant positive impact. A global survey of 15,000 respondents conducted by Essity reveals how 61% agree that digital healthcare and services save time for caregivers, which they can subsequently spend with patients.****

In addition to a digital marketing campaign, the news about Caressa will be spread through Eurocarers, the European network representing informal carers and their organizations.

“Eurocarers and their affiliates work to ensure that informal care is valued and recognized as central to the sustainability of health and long-term care systems. Therefore, we view Essity’s launch of Caressa as a positive step, as it acknowledges the importance of family carers and their significant contribution to health and social care systems and the economy as a whole,” says Stecy Yghemonos, Executive Director at Eurocarers.

Caressa is currently available in English for download on the App Store and Google Play in Sweden and the UK, with Swedish language availability later this year. The app is free to download, and users are eligible for a complimentary three-month trial.

* Research study conducted by TENA in July 2022 across Poland, Canada, France, UK, USA. 
** Brody, J. E. (2008, November 10). When Families Take Care of Their Own. The New York Times. 
*** Woods, Tina (2019, February 1). ‘Age-Tech’: The Next Frontier Market for Technology Disruption. Forbes 
**** Essity’s Global Hygiene and Health Survey 2022 based on responses from more than 15,000 people worldwide.

Key features and benefits of Caressa 

Invite family members and other informal carers to form a team around a loved oneOrganize and track a loved one’s activities and appointments by planning and sharing visits.Receive reminders to ensure that the administration of medication is never forgotten, thus providing consistent and accurate care.Coordinate caregiving responsibilities by creating to-do’s that can be shared and delegated across a care team.Store notes, documents and pictures that are relevant for the care of a loved one.Send messages and updates to others in a care team regarding a loved one

Arts create community. They inspire us to come together in shared experiences. To learn, to question, to explore, to remember and to celebrate. Arts and culture add vibrancy to our neighborhoods and invite us to participate in building stronger connections to our communities and to each other.

Applied Materials and the Applied Materials Foundation have a long and proud tradition of supporting the arts in locations near our Company facilities and encouraging employees and their families to get involved.

In San Jose, during the recent Hispanic Heritage Month, Silicon Valley residents applauded Teatro Vision’s production of La Muerte Baila, a heartwarming story about forgiveness, remembrance and choosing how we live our lives. To recognize Día de los Muertos, we admired the School of Arts and Culture’s beautifully curated altar walk and art exhibition, and visited the San Jose Museum of Art’s Community Day which included a Procession/Comparsa in collaboration with the San Jose Multicultural Arts Guild.

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of “America’s Oldest Seaport,” the town of Gloucester, MA, is hosting a series of events and activities focused on the history and culture of the area. The 400 Stories Project aims to collect, preserve and share 400 stories of Gloucester and its people reflecting the rich diversity, strength of character and unique accomplishments that have connected the people of Gloucester today and across the centuries.

Taiwan’s annual Arts and Culture Festival includes talks by experts, film screenings, and art and craft markets that promote dialogue and the exchange of ideas. In China, a lecture series targeting young professionals focuses on “Walking Along the Silk Road – Xi’an City Culture and Art” and examines the history and humanity of the ancient city. These programs have attracted thousands of attendees both in person and online during the past few years.

In addition, significant community events including the FuseBox Festival in Austin, free Shakespeare in the Park in Montana, and the San Jose Jazz Fest enliven public spaces and bring visitors of all ages together to appreciate the arts and, as a bonus, support local businesses. For more info on the economic impact of the arts on regions across the U.S., check out Americans for the Arts newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity study.

The arts bring people together in shared experiences that transcend boundaries and link us to creativity, to culture and to each other all while helping to build more connected communities. Get involved!

Originally published on GoDaddy Life

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to a career at GoDaddy?

I am a Security Engineer by trade. I was born and raised in California and have worked in tech on and off throughout my entire adult life. I was a Test Engineer for the PalmPilot software back in the early 2000’s before joining the Air Force. I found my way to GoDaddy, as I was looking for a workplace to call home after working in contracting for the last year and a half.

How long did you serve in the military and what was your experience there?

I spent twenty-one years in the Air Force. First, I worked in Intelligence as a Flying Linguist. From there, I moved to Communications. Then, I spent the last thirteen years of my service in Cyber Security. I loved my time in the military and value all of the training I was afforded that led me to where I am today.

How did your military service shape you into the person you are today?

I worked in Cyber Operations, doing assessments, managing teams, projects, budgets, and scoping out deliverables. I didn’t know it at the time, but those are not often skills that engineers at the lower levels get to develop. So I am thankful for not only my technical training, but all the other skills that help me be successful now.

What are some things that help you feel included at GoDaddy, as a Veteran?

Within my first week at GoDaddy, someone in our Employee Resource Group, GDVET, reached out to me. I am not normally the kind of person who spends a lot of time talking about my service, but that was a really great feeling of someone reaching out to help me find people with similar experiences.

GoDaddy employees who are Veterans or are spouses of Veterans receive Veterans Day off. Do you have any special plans for the day?

I plan on spending the day with my wife! It is my first Veterans Day out of uniform and it will be nice to spend it with my partner who has helped me through so much over the years.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I’m an avid golfer — I have played since I was six-years old. Additionally, I love to work out, grow superhot chilis, cook, play music, and read.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/GoDaddyLifeInstagram — https://www.instagram.com/godaddylife/LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/godaddylifeTwitter — https://twitter.com/GoDaddyLifeTikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@godaddylife?Career Page — https://careers.godaddy.com

Originally published on Built From Scratch

ATLANTA, November 10, 2023 /3BL/ – In celebration of Veterans Day, The Home Depot Foundation is growing its mission to serve those who served through an updated commitment to invest $750 million in veteran causes by the end of fiscal year 2030. The Foundation announced today it surpassed $500 million invested in veteran causes to-date since 2011, meeting its previous financial commitment two years early. Through this incremental $250 million, the Foundation, its nonprofit partners and Team Depot, The Home Depot’s associate volunteer force, will focus primarily on affordable housing issues and impact an estimated 50,000 veterans.

“The Home Depot and The Home Depot Foundation have a long history of living our values by giving back to the heroes who have selflessly served our nation,” said Ted Decker, chair, president and chief executive officer of The Home Depot. “We achieved our goal of investing half of a billion dollars in veteran causes two years earlier than expected because of the tireless efforts of our nonprofit partners and our associates who give back year-round through Team Depot. Our mission is not complete while there are still veterans who lack an affordable and reliable place to call home – that’s why we’re growing our commitment to $750 million by 2030.”

According to the Housing Assistance Council, nearly a quarter of all veteran-owned homes (approximately 1.76 million homes) are more than 60 years old, and 1.6 million veteran households report difficulty entering their home or accessing the kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. In addition to facing inadequate housing, more than 33,000 veterans are experiencing homelessness, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funding from the Foundation to its network of national and local nonprofit partners will focus on tackling these issues by reducing the cost of housing for veterans, helping them access housing and ensuring they are able to age in place in their own homes.

As part of this investment milestone, the Foundation is also awarding more than $14 million in new grants to veteran housing nonprofit partners like Habitat for Humanity International, Volunteers of America and Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors. With these grants, the Foundation and its partners aim to enable more than 800 critical home repairs for veterans over the next year, provide more than 500 units of housing for at-risk veterans and support the construction of five new mortgage-free smart homes for combat-wounded veterans.

Through its annual Operation Surprise campaign, which runs through Nov. 20, the Foundation and Team Depot are bringing service and moments of surprise to our nation’s veterans by:

Surprising three veteran families by fully paying off the mortgages on their homes, helping them age in place and build generational wealth.Covering December housing payments for more than 500 veterans, including those exiting homelessness or at risk of homelessness.Issuing $875,000 in surprise grants to more than a dozen veteran service nonprofits that have partnered with the Foundation for over a decade.Completing hundreds of veteran service projects nationwide, giving back to heroes in the communities where Home Depot associates live and work. Since 2011, Team Depot has completed more than 1.5 million volunteer hours in service to veterans.

The Home Depot is proud to have tens of thousands of veterans, service members and military spouses in orange aprons. To learn more about The Home Depot’s commitment to the veteran and military communities, visit homedepot.com/military. Follow #OperationSurprise to see how the Foundation and Team Depot are bringing it home for veterans across the country.

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

Can music make your cats and dogs happier, calmer and more relaxed?

In this episode of the AudioTalks podcast, Oisin Lunny speaks to Amman Ahmed, President of Music For Pets, nicknamed “Petflix,” the company that makes calming music to ease the sensitive souls of our furry friends, prone to separation anxiety and fear of unknown noises.

Listen Here

Looking for more? Subscribe to the Audio Talk podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, Podimo and Deezer.

About this podcast

Audio Talks. A podcast on all things audio presented to you by HARMAN and our family of audio brands including JBL, Harman Kardon and AKG. Host Oisin Lunny, music journalist and audio enthusiast, will interview expert guests, legends of the music industry and audio scientists to discuss the power of music and audio in all its facets. New episode bi-weekly every Thursday.

To nurture STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) in our communities where we live and work, Otis colleagues in Asia Pacific partnered with AWARE Singapore and United Women Singapore to sponsor female students’ participation in a full-day coding workshop. These students learned to create microsites on topics they’re passionate about, like the future of climate action, mental health and stress management, women in AI and technology, and more.

To commemorate the company’s 170th anniversary, Otis also organized a half-day event at its Singapore office to approximately 20 female students aged 13 – 19 years old. These students visited its training center and learned more about Otis technology, leading discussions about IoT and robotics. Otis volunteers representing different functions (Communications, HR, Field Operations, Sales & Marketing, Technical Training and Facilities Management) engaged with these students in various activities including a speed mentoring session.

The students enjoyed themselves in an engaging quiz time and gained refreshing insights from a fireside chat with Karine Scelles, Vice President, Human Resources, Asia Pacific, and Shyn Yee Ho-Strangas, Managing Director, Data and Software Solutions, Property Guru group, and Board member of AWARE Singapore, who shared their journeys, the critical issues and opportunities surrounding female leadership especially in STEM, while providing tips about mentoring, self-care and personal development. A handful of these students were selected to present their micro-sites and share perspectives on their learning journey.

Originally published by Closed Loop Partners

The NextGen Consortium, a leading industry collaboration managed by Closed Loop Partners, with partner brands including Starbucks, McDonald’s, The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, JDE Peet’s, The Wendy’s Company and Yum! Brands, released a report with new findings to accelerate paper cup recycling in the U.S. The report, Closing the Loop on Cups: Collective Action to Advance the Recovery of Paper Cups in the U.S., assesses the role of each stakeholder across the paper cup recovery value chain––including paper mills, materials recovery facilities (MRFs), brands, consumers and local communities––and provides recommended actions to increase paper cup recovery opportunities and advance a more circular system.

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