Tag: 3BL

As environmental, social, governance (ESG) continues to become more and more politicized, companies are facing the heat when it comes to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

In our latest edition of Navigating ESG Comms Through the Cosmos – Scorpio Edition, 3BL embraces the perspective of one of the zodiac’s most misunderstood signs: Scorpio. While this sign often has a darker view of the world, they do not shy away from shining a light on controversial topics. This month we take a deep dive into corporate pullback of DEI and how companies can utilize astrological advice to reinvent its social impact communication.

Find out:

What current trends are on the rise for corporate DEI action.The shifts occurring in companies’ communication based on new 3BL data.And, how to combat the current pushback on corporate DEI progress.

Click here to gain critical insights on your ESG communication and double down on action this Scorpio season.

CNH Industrial is committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable sector development, particularly in technical and vocational skills. With its high-skilled training programs for machine operators, farmers, and mechanics, the Case IH Academy in Somalia demonstrates this commitment.

The academy is both publicly and privately owned between CNH Industrial, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Case IH (a brand of CNH Industrial), Gaalooge Cooperative, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Somalia and of the Southwest State. Established in September 2022, the program is financed by the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and implemented by UNIDO.

The overall aim of this program has been to create economic and occupational opportunities in the agriculture and agro-business sectors in Somalia. In recent years, Somali farmers have only been able to import used machinery for their farms. Fraught with debilitating droughts, decades of civil war, the COVID-19 pandemic, macroeconomic challenges, and a recent desert locust upsurge – access to up-to-date, innovative technology has become more important than ever.

With this, Somali farmers looked forward to accessing reliable new machinery from Case IH, as well as service and parts support, thanks to Gaalooge Cooperative. Now, the country´s private sector can drive and sustain agricultural growth in a country that relies on agricultural production.

This initiative has allowed a technology upgrade in the Somali agro-industry. Cutting-edge machinery allows for the diffusion of technical insight, increases the productivity of soils, and fosters ambition in local farmers who can now take the stage on national and international markets. CNH Industrial is proud to have initiated positive change through the Case IH Academy in Somalia and to have played a part in unlocking farming potential.

To read more about the progress of the Case IH Academy in Somalia, check out CNH’S most recent edition of A Sustainable Year: .

The latest episode of the The Sustainable Finance Podcast is now live.

This is the third instalment in a series of episodes sponsored by Acre. If you’re not yet familiar with Paul Ellis and The Sustainable Finance Podcast, it boasts a series of interviews with sustainable finance experts from top companies and global organizations like Schroders, FTSE Russel, The London Stock Exchange Group, Gitterman Wealth Management, and many more.

In this episode of The Sustainable Finance Podcast, your host Paul Ellis is joined by Chrissa Pagitsas, author and leader in the sustainable finance industry, and Acre’s Gloria Mirrione, Head of Sustainable Finance & Impact Investing, to discuss leadership in sustainability.

You can watch the full episode above.

At Acre, we work with the most aspirational businesses with potential to make real change; from those who are just starting out to those who are well on the journey to crafting a legacy. Our 18 years’ experience in sustainability recruitment, combined with our extensive global network, enables us to provide talent solutions that are designed to deliver this change. Through our unique behavioural assessment technology, we understand the types of people, skills and behaviours required to create impact. We can develop these qualities within your existing teams too. We find talented people and develop their skills to ensure they make a true impact in ambitious, progressive organisations. Acre. Making companies ready for tomorrow.

Baker Tilly’s podcast series specifically for professionals in the multifamily housing industry.

On this episode of BuzzHouse, hosts Don Bernards and Garrick Gibson are joined by David Gasson, Executive Director of the Housing Authority Advisory Group. The group discusses what is going on in Washington, D.C. surrounding the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, the new Biden-Harris administration Housing Supply Action Plan, HUD budget items and more. This is an episode you surely do not want to miss!

Special guests

David Gasson | Housing Advisory Group

David is the Executive Director of the Housing Advisory Group, an organization comprised of industry professionals from throughout the country that advocate on behalf of housing issues. David regularly consults with members of Congress, congressional staff and regulatory agencies on housing and tax policy. He is a frequent speaker at national meetings, conferences and housing forums on state and federal policy issues. He is frequently quoted in trade and national publications and has contributed editorial on federal housing policy to a number of publications.

Listen to more podcasts in this series

Southern Company

ATLANTA, November 2, 2023 /3BL/ – Fort Moore and Georgia Power, a Southern Company subsidiary, recently entered into a contract to install 63 electric vehicle chargers at 23 locations across the base, allowing up to 126 vehicles to be plugged in on the base simultaneously. The project is underway and expected to be complete by the first quarter of 2024.

Georgia Power was awarded a task order to provide a turnkey electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) solution using the General Services Administration Areawide Contract (AWC). The AWC task order will be used to provide a holistic and scalable EVSE solution to support electrification requirements.

The AWC provides a useful contracting vehicle with regulated servicing utility companies. Under this arrangement, federal agencies may order utilities and other services from that supplier. The electric distribution system at Fort Moore is owned and managed by Flint Energies. Georgia Power, in partnership with Flint Energies, will extend the distribution system and add the charging stations necessary to charge the expanded electric vehicle fleet.

“Fort Moore leads the Army in our development and adoption of large-scale EV projects,” stated Col. Colin Mahle, Fort Moore Garrison commander. “The Army’s goal is for all of our non-tactical vehicles to be EV by 2035. That will take more than just adding electric vehicles to our fleet, it will take additional infrastructure. We intend to achieve our goal of 100 percent EV vehicles early.”

The EV charging project at Fort Moore is an example of better energy use and overall modernization. It also demonstrates Southern Company’s commitment to supporting the resiliency, net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and decarbonization efforts of the Department of Defense installations and their efforts to meet the requirements of the Biden Administration Executive Order 14057.

“In addition to being essential for national defense, our nation’s military bases are powerful economic engines for surrounding communities providing jobs and driving thriving local economies,” said Chris Cummiskey, executive vice president, chief customer solutions and chief commercial officer for Southern Company. “We’re appreciative of this partnership with Fort Moore, further exhibiting our mutual commitment to energy innovation and decarbonization. As the new EV charging stations become electrified across the installation this year, we’re certain the investment that is being made today will benefit the base for years to come.”

About Southern Company 
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy distribution company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, The Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

About Georgia Power 
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

SOURCE Southern Company

For further information: Southern Company Media Relations, 404-506-5333 or 1-866-506-5333, www.southerncompany.com

Originally published in Alkermes September 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report

Stakeholder Engagement 

We recognize that our stakeholders – including employees, healthcare providers, patients, caregivers, investors, policy makers, members of the communities where we live and work, and others – are part of a single global community and affect one another. We seek to engage with as many of these stakeholders as we can, so that our approach to the development and commercialization of our medicines is informed and enriched by their perspectives. These efforts are further detailed throughout this report.

We are also committed to engagement with our shareholders and other stakeholders to solicit and better understand their insights on our business and our ESG activities. Feedback is discussed with management and relayed to our Board of Directors (the Board) and the committees of the Board, as appropriate. Following careful consideration of feedback received, and taking into account the evolving needs of our business, our management and Board have taken several actions in recent years to further strengthen our business, our corporate governance practices and our executive compensation programs, as outlined in greater detail in our proxy statement for our 2023 annual general meeting of shareholders, which is available on the SEC Filings page of the Investors section of our website.

Operating and Growing Responsibly

Corporate responsibility is inherent in our mission as an organization that actively works to support people living with opioid dependence, alcohol dependence, schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder and tries to help break down barriers that prevent people from accessing care. As we do this important work, we strive to manage our business in a manner that promotes transparent governance and strong ethics; maintains extensive patient, employee and other stakeholder engagement; and helps us grow our organization strategically, sustainably and responsibly, including with respect to our ESG impacts. The following ESG pillars are deeply integrated into our business, and we continued to formalize our commitment to these pillars with the inclusion of goals related to corporate responsibility in the Company’s annual corporate objectives for each of 2022 and 2023 and the corresponding incentive compensation plans.

Environment: We think broadly about our commitment to responsible environmental stewardship. We have implemented enterprise-wide Environmental, Health, Safety and Security (EHSS) risk initiatives and management strategies designed to mitigate or reduce risk, protect employee health and safety, minimize our environmental impacts and enhance the sustainability of our operations.Social: We approach our societal impacts from the inside-out. We start by fostering a creative and collaborative workplace culture in which employees have access to resources and support that can help them thrive personally and professionally. Beyond our internal operations, our patient-centered approach drives external-facing efforts such as our patient engagement and advocacy activities, support of employee volunteerism in local communities, and our corporate grant programs, which seek to help address some of the complex challenges faced by patient communities in our therapeutic areas of focus.Governance: We govern our organization through strong ethics and corporate governance practices, comprehensive management and Board oversight of our business and operations, compliance with applicable laws and ongoing engagement with internal and external stakeholders. Our governance policies and practices are designed to support risk mitigation, enhance the security of our people and information, maintain our commitment to product quality and patient safety and encourage each person at our organization to play a role in helping our business grow in a strategic, efficient, compliant and sustainable manner. In 2022, we established an Executive ESG Committee whose role is to oversee our ESG strategy, risks and opportunities.

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The Albany Black Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) announced an award of $200,000 in grant funding from the KeyBank Foundation. The grant will support capacity-building initiatives that help grow and serve the Capital Region community, and support ABCC’s mission of facilitating economic upliftment by implementing a one-stop shop of resources, networking, and workshops to advance and empower black and minority-owned businesses and achieve greater economic prosperity in the Greater Capital Region.

ABCC CEO Deshanna C. Wiggins said, “With the generous grant of $200,000 from the KeyBank Foundation, the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce is poised to take our mission to the next level. This funding will allow us to expand our capacity-building initiatives, enhance our programming, and provide essential support for operating expenses. As we grow, our vision of becoming the ultimate hub for business growth and innovation in the Capital Region is becoming a reality. We are committed to facilitating economic advancement, empowering Black and minority-owned businesses, and fostering greater economic prosperity in our community. We are deeply grateful for KeyBank’s support, and we look forward to making a lasting difference in the lives ofentrepreneurs, business owners, and executives throughout the Greater Capital Region.”

From business training and education programs to advocacy, advisory services, networking events, marketing opportunities, mentoring, and business referrals, ABCC offers a comprehensive range of resources to support their members’ business growth and success. Their current program offerings encompass business planning, financial management, human resources, marketing, and advertising, as well as taxes and accounting.

Its headquarters serves as a space where members can gather and socialize offering office space for co-working and conferences, a commercial kitchen for dining, and a bowling alley to meet its members’ business and social needs and attract national private sector business talent to the region. This award of $200,000 from the KeyBank Foundation will fund capacity-building initiatives, programming support, and operating expenses as it flourishes into the ultimate hub for business growth and innovation in the Capital Region.

“The work that the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce does lifts our entire community by giving entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives the support they need to grow and succeed,” said Fran O’Rourke, KeyBank Capital Region Market President. “All of us at KeyBank are proud to support their work to advocate for and expand the economic footprint of Black and minority-owned businesses throughout the Capital Region.”

The KeyBank Foundation recognizes that in order to make a lasting difference, it must lift and prioritize funding for organizations that are engaging with community members and community leaders to take action based on existing needs. Grants are awarded to organizations that embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion and create a culture where these values are fostered through board members, staff, and the communities they serve. The Foundation invests in organizations that design innovative programming and approaches to solving community needs, motivate and enable people to make sound financial decisions, create measurable improvements in quality of life, and maintain positive change over time for lasting transformational outcomes.

“The Albany Black Chamber of Commerce plays a pivotal role in our community by fostering an equitable and inclusive business environment for Black and minority-led businesses in Albany and the surrounding areas,” Tamika Otis, KeyBank Capital Region Corporate Responsibility Officer said. “Both KeyBank and the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce are steadfast in our shared commitment to promoting equity in every facet of our initiatives.”

ABOUT THE ALBANY BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The newly formed Albany Black Chamber of Commerce will play a vital role in establishing equitable business opportunities for the BIPOC communities of Albany and the surrounding areas. In partnership with Business for Good, ABCC will provide innovative programs and opportunities in their new home, the historic University Club. To learn more, visit: www.albanyblackchamber.org.

ABOUT KEYBANK

KeyBank’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, KeyCorp is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $188 billion. 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 www.key.com. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

Originally published in International Paper’s 2022 Sustainability Report

Our Approach

Our approach to fostering healthy people and communities covers internal imperatives — employee well-being; diversity and inclusion; and recruitment, development and retention — as well investing in the communities in which we live and work.

Promote employee well-being and safety

The health and safety of our people is our highest responsibility. We’re committed to achieving zero serious injuries for employees and contractors. We look out for each other to ensure everyone returns home safely every day.

At International Paper, we believe that every employee is a safety leader. So each of us must:

Maintain an active safety mindsetAnticipate and recognize hazardsHave the courage to interveneContribute to a learning culture to sustainably mitigate riskWe are all accountable for creating a safe workplace

On an enterprise level, our Life-changing Injury and Fatality Elimination (LIFE) program fosters a learning culture to advance an injury-free workplace. By focusing on five key areas of workplace risk, our goal is to eliminate serious injuries and achieve zero instances of injury.

We also continue to promote programs that focus on leading indicators, layers of protection and safe work observations. Our quarterly Global Operations Report, for example, relates safety leading indicators to all employees. With this data, our senior lead team can measure the effectiveness of our health and safety initiatives and allocate resources to areas that need improvement.

Our emphasis on employee safety extends to healthfulness. Reinforcing measures instituted in 2020, we expanded our COVID-19 response program to include mental healthcare, and we extended our tele-medicine benefit to include tele-counseling.

LIFE: Focused on five areas of workplace risk

Slips, trips and fallsMachine safeguardingHarmful substance exposureMotorized equipment accidentsDriver safety

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of planet-friendly packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of North America’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2022 were $21.2 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.

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Originally published in Dow’s 2022 Progress Report

Dow embraces the importance and value of investing in STEM education to help prepare and energize a diverse and robust future workforce. We do this by:

Preparing and inspiring the next diverse generation of innovators, manufacturers, engineers and chemists.Reaching under-represented students to explore STEM fields and gain interest in real-world STEM careers.Cultivating the curiosity and innovative mindsets in our next-generation workforce to gainfully fill the jobs of tomorrow.

The partnership with Creators Wanted helped contribute to:

1MM students and career mentors signing up to learn more about modern manufacturing careers6,900+ students impacted through the immersive experience75% of participants reporting leaving the immersive experience with a significantly improved view of modern manufacturing careers$5MM in earned media generated about modern manufacturing career opportunities140MM people reached online

Partnering to Build a Strong Manufacturing Workforce 

Since 2019, Dow has partnered with the National Association of Manufacturers and The Manufacturing Institute to address the skills gap in manufacturing and misperceptions about the modern manufacturing industry. In 2022, we doubled our commitment to the Creators Wanted campaign to a total of $2 million to help fund a first-of-its kind traveling immersive experience and jobs tour that educated students, parents and other career mentors about modern manufacturing careers.

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Last week marked an occasion for celebration and an opportunity for connection across the company – from New York City to London, Tokyo to Milan. Tapestry was proud to announce Women of Tapestry, the first global employee business resource group (EBRG) with leadership from around the world, representing women and their allies.

Tapestry introduced this EBRG for the purpose of creating a space for the intersectionality of womanhood that respects unique identities, needs and lived experiences. It is our aim that by uniting women and their allies at Tapestry we will cultivate a sense of belonging and empowerment.

Although Tapestry may be predominantly comprised of those who identify as female, diversity within this group is vast: Age, race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, physical ability, and more. In fact, intersectionality is a key aspect of our employees’ identities. Women of Tapestry looks to create a platform where all women, regardless of their background, can come together to support each other and foster inclusivity. It’s a chance to honor the uniqueness of everyone.

Women of Tapestry will have four key focus areas: Talent, culture, wellness and community investment.

Talent: Empower women to advance in their careers, providing mentorship opportunities, leadership development programs, and advocating for equitable career progression. This can help us ensure that women are able to reach their full potential and thrive within the company.Culture: Continue to build a culture of belonging where women’s diverse perspectives and voices are lifted up. We will seek to encourage women to share their perspectives, ideas, and experiences, enriching our decision-making processes and problem-solving capabilities.Wellness: Specifically address the unique healthcare needs of women as an essential component in fostering a holistic sense of well-being among women associates. Crucial to this pillar are conversations, resources and action on mental health, reproductive health and physical wellness.Community Investment: Identify partners and organizations that are working to address key issues that impact women around the world.

Women of Tapestry offers a chance to discuss and address the experiences of women collectively, offering practical solutions and support mechanisms. The creation of this EBRG is another step in our journey to providing a supportive and empowering environment for all employees. It demonstrates our dedication to providing a platform where all women, regardless of their intersecting identities, can thrive and contribute to our collective success.