Tag: 3BL

This October, Rayonier’s headquarters received a visit from the Buddy Bus, a mobile mammography bus which provides breast cancer detection services across Northeast Florida. Local news anchor, Jeannie Blaylock, joined the company for a Pink Party to celebrate survivorship and discuss the importance of both self-detection and early detection of breast cancer.

During the Pink Party event, held in conjunction with the company’s annual health fair, employees were invited to receive a mammogram and health screening as a preventative health care approach at no cost. Attendees indulged in pink treats and were encouraged to wear pink to show their support of breast cancer awareness month.

The Buddy Bus was first created by Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center and First Coast News to improve access to mammograms. The bus is staffed with board-certified technologists to perform the exams, and dedicated breast radiologists will read the exams.

The name of the bus is a reference to the longstanding Buddy Check program, which, for more than 30 years, has encouraged local women and their friends to do monthly breast self-checks, championed by Jeannie Blaylock.

Click here to watch a video of First Coast News’ Buddy Bus visit to Rayonier: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgChHEtr5ZU&t=56s

This October, Rayonier’s headquarters received a visit from the Buddy Bus, a mobile mammography bus which provides breast cancer detection services across Northeast Florida. Local news anchor, Jeannie Blaylock, joined the company for a Pink Party to celebrate survivorship and discuss the importance of both self-detection and early detection of breast cancer.

During the Pink Party event, held in conjunction with the company’s annual health fair, employees were invited to receive a mammogram and health screening as a preventative health care approach at no cost. Attendees indulged in pink treats and were encouraged to wear pink to show their support of breast cancer awareness month.

The Buddy Bus was first created by Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center and First Coast News to improve access to mammograms. The bus is staffed with board-certified technologists to perform the exams, and dedicated breast radiologists will read the exams.

The name of the bus is a reference to the longstanding Buddy Check program, which, for more than 30 years, has encouraged local women and their friends to do monthly breast self-checks, championed by Jeannie Blaylock.

Click here to watch a video of First Coast News’ Buddy Bus visit to Rayonier: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgChHEtr5ZU&t=56s

In the ever-evolving landscape of global supply chain management, one issue has emerged as a top priority: aligning with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. A recent report, “Supply Chains Prepping for a Greener, More Agile Future,” conducted by DP World in collaboration with Supply Chain Dive’s studioID, has shed light on the profound impact of ESG considerations within the industry.

The survey, which drew insights from nearly 160 leaders across supply chain, logistics, operations, and technology sectors, reveals that ESG concerns have ascended to the forefront, joining the ranks of “demand and supply variability” and “lack of agility in adapting to change” as the top challenges facing the sector.

As supply chains grapple with these critical challenges, a transformation is underway. Organizations are realigning their priorities and investment strategies to address these pressing issues head-on. The focus now extends beyond traditional goals to include reducing carbon emissions, enhancing efficiency, bolstering agility, and mitigating risk.

This paradigm shift involves optimizing supply chain operations and investments to align seamlessly with ESG objectives while also scrutinizing vendor relationships, with sustainability credentials assuming a more prominent role in the vendor selection process.

The key findings from the report include:

Supply chain pain points have shifted. Top concerns for supply chains are now led by demand and supply variability (cited by 41%), followed by inflexibility/inability to adapt quickly to change (34%). ESG and regulatory and compliance challenges tied for third place (28%).Confidence in supply chain investments is high. More than 9 in 10 respondents anticipate very or somewhat significant impacts from their chosen supply chain strategies. Top expectations include increasing efficiency (97%), increasing value to business partners and other stakeholders (93%) and making the organization more agile (89%).ESG importance has risen considerably — and respondents expect real payoff from investments. Ninety percent of respondents report the priority they place on supply chain sustainability/decarbonization has increased compared with three years ago. Benefits respondents see their ESG investments returning “very or somewhat significant” outcomes, including lowering carbon emissions (89%), lowering supply chain costs (85%) and increasing efficiency (83%).Supply chain optimization leads ESG strategies. Three in five respondents (60%) are turning to supply chain optimization, such as reducing transportation distances, consolidating shipments, and optimizing inventory levels to support ESG goals. Other strategies include employing fuel-efficient driving practices, such as reducing idling time and optimizing routes (38%) and using more energy-efficient transportation methods like electric or hybrid vehicles (37%).ESG is now a key part of vendor strategy. The majority of supply chain executives (84%) report that prospective supply chain partners’ decarbonization and sustainability capabilities are “extremely or very influential” in their organization’s selection processes. More than a third (37%) of respondents are consolidating their vendor lists, and 33% are diversifying their transportation and logistics partners.

In conclusion, the supply chain landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the imperative of ESG principles. As organizations adapt to these changing dynamics, they are redefining their priorities, investments, and partnerships to create a greener, more agile future. The shift towards ESG is not just a trend but a strategic imperative that holds the promise of enhanced sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness in the global supply chain ecosystem.

Download the full report here.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY:

DP World collaborated with Supply Chain Dive to conduct the online survey, polling 155 respondents in supply chain, operations and IT roles in a series of multiple-choice questions to understand their current supply chain pain points and priorities. Respondents represent a broad variety of industries, led by industrial manufacturing (21%), retail/wholesale and transportation (13% each). The largest group of respondents work for organizations with annual revenue of $101M-$500M (33%), followed by $51M-$100M (19%) and $501M – $1B (17%). Respondents were based in the United States or Canada.

In the ever-evolving landscape of global supply chain management, one issue has emerged as a top priority: aligning with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. A recent report, “Supply Chains Prepping for a Greener, More Agile Future,” conducted by DP World in collaboration with Supply Chain Dive’s studioID, has shed light on the profound impact of ESG considerations within the industry.

The survey, which drew insights from nearly 160 leaders across supply chain, logistics, operations, and technology sectors, reveals that ESG concerns have ascended to the forefront, joining the ranks of “demand and supply variability” and “lack of agility in adapting to change” as the top challenges facing the sector.

As supply chains grapple with these critical challenges, a transformation is underway. Organizations are realigning their priorities and investment strategies to address these pressing issues head-on. The focus now extends beyond traditional goals to include reducing carbon emissions, enhancing efficiency, bolstering agility, and mitigating risk.

This paradigm shift involves optimizing supply chain operations and investments to align seamlessly with ESG objectives while also scrutinizing vendor relationships, with sustainability credentials assuming a more prominent role in the vendor selection process.

The key findings from the report include:

Supply chain pain points have shifted. Top concerns for supply chains are now led by demand and supply variability (cited by 41%), followed by inflexibility/inability to adapt quickly to change (34%). ESG and regulatory and compliance challenges tied for third place (28%).Confidence in supply chain investments is high. More than 9 in 10 respondents anticipate very or somewhat significant impacts from their chosen supply chain strategies. Top expectations include increasing efficiency (97%), increasing value to business partners and other stakeholders (93%) and making the organization more agile (89%).ESG importance has risen considerably — and respondents expect real payoff from investments. Ninety percent of respondents report the priority they place on supply chain sustainability/decarbonization has increased compared with three years ago. Benefits respondents see their ESG investments returning “very or somewhat significant” outcomes, including lowering carbon emissions (89%), lowering supply chain costs (85%) and increasing efficiency (83%).Supply chain optimization leads ESG strategies. Three in five respondents (60%) are turning to supply chain optimization, such as reducing transportation distances, consolidating shipments, and optimizing inventory levels to support ESG goals. Other strategies include employing fuel-efficient driving practices, such as reducing idling time and optimizing routes (38%) and using more energy-efficient transportation methods like electric or hybrid vehicles (37%).ESG is now a key part of vendor strategy. The majority of supply chain executives (84%) report that prospective supply chain partners’ decarbonization and sustainability capabilities are “extremely or very influential” in their organization’s selection processes. More than a third (37%) of respondents are consolidating their vendor lists, and 33% are diversifying their transportation and logistics partners.

In conclusion, the supply chain landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the imperative of ESG principles. As organizations adapt to these changing dynamics, they are redefining their priorities, investments, and partnerships to create a greener, more agile future. The shift towards ESG is not just a trend but a strategic imperative that holds the promise of enhanced sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness in the global supply chain ecosystem.

Download the full report here.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY:

DP World collaborated with Supply Chain Dive to conduct the online survey, polling 155 respondents in supply chain, operations and IT roles in a series of multiple-choice questions to understand their current supply chain pain points and priorities. Respondents represent a broad variety of industries, led by industrial manufacturing (21%), retail/wholesale and transportation (13% each). The largest group of respondents work for organizations with annual revenue of $101M-$500M (33%), followed by $51M-$100M (19%) and $501M – $1B (17%). Respondents were based in the United States or Canada.

Originally published in Enbridge’s 2022 Sustainability Report

Energizing communities through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteerism 

Enbridge’s corporate citizenship program, Enbridge Fueling Futures, supports programs that strengthen the safety, vibrancy and sustainability of our communities.

Safe communities. We support local safety initiatives and organizations that help make our communities safer places to live. Our commitment to safety—one of four Enbridge core values—is about more than our operational safety. It’s also about the safety of the communities where we live and work. Enbridge’s 2022 contribution to safe communities was $3.5 million.

Vibrant communities. Vibrant communities are places that offer opportunities for every citizen. Enbridge Fueling Futures supports activities that build potential in youth, celebrate culture and community, honor Indigenous peoples and culture and empower people to achieve their full potential. Enbridge’s 2022 contribution to vibrant communities was $11.8 million.

Sustainable communities. We support initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future by helping to improve, grow and nurture the environment. In particular, Enbridge Fueling Futures supports environmental education projects to advance the energy transition and habitat conservation and remediation. Enbridge’s 2022 contribution to sustainable communities was $1.7 million.

Enbridge Fueling Futures employee volunteering and giving. Through Enbridge Fueling Futures, we’re energizing communities through the volunteerism and generosity of our employees. Employees are empowered to contribute and strengthen our communities on behalf of Enbridge by supporting causes that are important to them. Enbridge provided $4.6 million to 2,097 organizations through employee donation matching, volunteer grants, as well as community project and leadership grants in 2022.

Enbridge Fueling Futures community impact 

$22M invested through our Enbridge Fueling Futures programs53,712 volunteer hours by Enbridge employees3,369 organizations supported

Featured partner: United Way 
The Enbridge Fueling Futures program directs substantial support each year to The United Way— supporting and building community resiliency. Since 2018, Enbridge has invested more than C$32.1 million in support of local United Way chapters. In 2022, 133 communities across North America benefited from:

2,000+ Enbridge team members’ participation2,900 volunteer hours by Enbridge employeesC$4.7 million of total giving from employee, contractor and retiree donations, boosted by Enbridge’s corporate match

This year, with cost-of-living concerns affecting millions, many Enbridge teams focused on United Waysupported food security initiatives. Our team in Houston raised over $1 million for United Way, which benefits agencies like Target Hunger, a non-profit that provides direct food assistance to children, families and seniors.

Featured projects 
Here are just a few of the initiatives we supported through our Enbridge Fueling Futures grant programs.

Safe communities 
Safe Community Project Zero and Safe Community Project Assist aim to save lives in Ontario communities. Safe Community Project Zero is a public education program focused on reducing residential fire and carbon monoxide related deaths to zero. Enbridge Gas contributed $250,000 to purchase combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, which were distributed to 50 fire departments across Ontario and into the homes where they were needed most. Safe Community Project Assist supplements existing training for volunteer and composite fire departments. In 2022, Enbridge Gas contributed an additional $250,000 for educational materials, helping 50 Ontario fire departments train personnel in life-saving techniques. 
 Vibrant communities 
At Darrell’s Dream Boundless Playground, children of all abilities can play together. The three-acre complex in Kingsport, Tennessee includes universally accessible playground equipment and surfaces, a walking trail that’s accessible for people with blindness or low vision and other fully inclusive amenities for people of all ages—all in a lakeside setting. Enbridge Fueling Futures support is helping to provide maintenance and playground equipment. 
 Sustainable communities 
Teachers and administrators see the Waubun-Ogema-White Earth School District’s outdoor learning programs as a major success, increasing student attendance, engagement and test scores. More than eight in 10 of the district’s students are Indigenous, many connected to the Minnesota community of White Earth. Building on longstanding outdoor recreation programs, the district has begun to bring other learning outside; for instance, students build math skills by measuring and charting changes in nature. An Enbridge Fueling Futures grant of $150,000 is helping to expand facilities at the outdoor learning center.

Read more

Empower by GoDaddy is a global social impact program equipping entrepreneurs with training, tools and peer networks to accelerate their business journeys. Together with its nonprofit and community partners, Empower by GoDaddy works to understand local communities and the small business landscape to identify gaps and develop customized programs for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and circumstances.

Samantha Scholl is director of entrepreneur programs at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving the Pacific Southwest, one of Empower by GoDaddy’s many partners. But before stepping into her current role at the BBB, Scholl was the managing partner of a fine dining restaurant in San Diego, California, where she endured “one of the most challenging and heart-wrenching” experiences she’s ever faced. Scholl witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in a single day, her restaurant lost over $250,000 in revenue as events were canceled, and she had to make the decision to lay off 35 employees.

Amid the crisis, Scholl experienced adversity on multiple fronts – from her restaurant’s patio burning down just days after opening, to disastrous flooding in her offices that were left vacant due to the pandemic. At Scholl’s lowest point, a chance encounter with the BBB changed her trajectory. She learned about the Empower by GoDaddy program, which ultimately became her lifeline. Through sheer resilience and community support, Scholl managed to save her restaurant, hire back her employees and eventually transition into her current role at the BBB.

In light of her journey, Scholl shares valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship, the challenges confronting aspiring business owners and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for entrepreneurs.

The Entrepreneurial Landscape in 2023

Highlighting the dynamic nature of today’s entrepreneurial experience, Scholl shares, “It’s a rapidly changing landscape. Access to capital remains a significant hurdle for many, especially those in underserved communities with limited access to funding sources such as loans or venture capital. It truly hinders the growth of some promising businesses.”

Additionally, the evolving technological landscape and the constant need to adapt businesses to keep up with technology pose significant challenges for entrepreneurs. Scholl further addresses how external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, shifts in customer behavior and economic inflation continue to impact entrepreneurs.

“The challenges are multifaceted, coupled with hiring becoming incredibly competitive,” Scholl says. “Finding the best fit for your organization can be incredibly tough, and retaining top talent is also a significant obstacle for any company right now.”

Empower by GoDaddy — A Solution-Oriented Program

Empower by GoDaddy plays a pivotal role in helping entrepreneurs overcome these obstacles. As the program doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution, Empower by GoDaddy begins by discovering the specific needs of each session of participating entrepreneurs and adjusting the program’s curriculum to match those unique needs.

To address challenges like access to capital, Empower by GoDaddy and the BBB work with organizations, including Kiva, which offers 0%-interest microloans.

“We’ve also added curriculum that speaks specifically to the changing technological landscape, including sessions on AI for ethical business practices and strategy workshops,” Scholl says.

The Empower by GoDaddy classes in partnership with the BBB also focus on hiring challenges by providing guidance on top hiring practices and emphasizing the importance of company culture in attracting and retaining talent. The BBB even includes a session on creating efficiency in business through automation.

Inclusive Entrepreneurship Fostered Through Support Networks

For Scholl, inclusive entrepreneurship means creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, enjoy equal access to opportunities and resources.

“It involves actively breaking down barriers related to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status,” she says.

A recent GoDaddy survey found that 71% of LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs believe that having networks and communities of support is crucial to their success, surpassing non-LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs at 59%. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and former entrepreneur, Scholl acknowledges the power of supportive networks, providing safe spaces for connecting, mentorship and emotional support.

“It’s important to consider these things,” she says. “It’s about creating a supportive ecosystem where everyone can feel and be seen and heard.”

The Surging Trend of Black Women Entrepreneurs

Scholl highlights another surging trend in entrepreneurship: Black women are the fastest-growing population of microbusiness owners (1 in 7 microbusinesses started since the pandemic were founded by Black women), according to GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative.

“It’s encouraging to watch Black women emerging as business leaders in our local community,” she says. “I’ve witnessed the resilience, creativity and determination of Black women entrepreneurs.”

Other Emerging Demographics

The BBB’s Empower by GoDaddy program is experiencing significant participation by women-owned businesses, making up an impressive 85% of the BBB’s current class. Scholl also has observed an increase in the number of Latinx entrepreneurs participating, signaling to her the need to be more strategic in recruitment. Additionally, Scholl notes that LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs’ participation is increasing, currently at 9% of participants through the BBB.

Building a Strong Foundation for Entrepreneurship

Scholl concludes by sharing a valuable tip for aspiring entrepreneurs. She likens entrepreneurship to building a skyscraper, emphasizing the importance of starting with a solid foundation.

“You don’t want to start on the 45th floor,” she says. “The more solid the foundation, the stronger that skyscraper is going to be.”

The Empower by GoDaddy partnership with the BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest embodies the spirit of inclusivity, support and adaptability, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive in today’s ever-changing landscape. By addressing barriers to success and fostering an inclusive community, Empower by GoDaddy and its partners are shaping a brighter future for entrepreneurs from all walks of life.

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

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., October 31, 2023 /3BL/ — Black & Veatch provided full engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for a coastal state solar project, including construction management of modules and inverters procured by the client and select services that were subcontracted.

The project had more than its share of challenges. Overcoming them is what distinguished the construction management of three leaders – project controls manager Gina Butler, project field manager Mary Korte and site quality manager Cecelia Chang. Drawing on their diverse expertise and experience, they rallied the team to handle each challenge – the known and unexpected – and added, on schedule, 75 megawatts (MW) of renewable solar power to the utility’s capacity.

Unexpected Environmental Factors

The unexpected came on day one from a surprising source: gopher tortoises. Safe removal of the endangered species to another location took three weeks, pushing back the rest of construction.

The tortoises were only the beginning. After they had been safely relocated, construction faced additional surprises.

Some stemmed from the site’s greater-than-anticipated forestation. Clearing required special equipment and more time than scheduled. The team got back on track for the leveling process, but the clearing had revealed more challenges and faced equipment and labor shortages due to nearby solar projects.

The clearing also unveiled a need for an unanticipated wetland crossing that required 400 linear feet of culvert. It was installed with a large drop-off that required specific compaction testing and field engineering, and intense rain required installation to be reworked multiple times. All this created a monthlong delay in piling and installing direct current electrical under cables.

Additionally, the site had to shut down for two direct, late-season hurricane threats. The storm plan dictated that the team clean up the site, tie everything down and board up trailers to ensure the safety of the site and its neighbors. The safety-focused management team also made the decision to implement this plan early, so that those working on site had adequate time to take care of their families and homes before the hurricane hit.

“You know that you’re going to lose time, but the important thing is making sure the site doesn’t get destroyed and making sure your craft professionals – working hard for you day in and day out – have time to get home, get situated and get their families ready. That’s what everyone’s thinking of,” Korte said.

Labor and Equipment Shortages

As is common in post-COVID projects, the project saw equipment constraints, material delays and long procurement lead times. The project also struggled to maintain the level of craft labor needed to overcome schedule delays created early on. An already tight labor market, a surplus of area projects and the need to ramp up resources meant that Black & Veatch’s training and safety programs were critically important. As new construction professionals came on site, they went through a system of front-line training (a standard Black & Veatch practice). Once they were sufficiently onboarded, professionals would “graduate” from a blue hard hat to an official white Overland Contracting Inc. (OCI) hat. (“I’ve never seen so many blue hats on a project,” Butler said). This continuous program was key to ensuring proper installation, as well as onsite safety.

“It was challenging because you do have so many new people,” Korte said. “But it was also a lot of fun because there’s a lot of teaching and coaching involved, which I enjoy.”

The Team

All the challenges meant that the construction management team had to leverage strong working relationships and a singular dedication to achieving their client’s goals.

Strong Team Dynamics

The project team started with solid relationships; many leadership team members had worked together on previous projects, and that developed relationship kept things positive and moving smoothly even in a high-stress situation. The time crunch meant long hours on site – adding in weekends, 12-hour days and 13-day stretches. Despite the long hours, the team’s focus on safety meant it stayed the course: 222,000 hours worked with no recordable incidents. This largely was due to the team culture set by its leaders.

In a male-dominated industry, the leadership team stood out for largely being women, including the project field manager, project controls manager, quality manager, materials manager, office manager and field supervisors.

The project also was a training ground for future construction leaders, with success stories that surfaced for two of the women working in the field. One is going from craft to staff on her next project, as a project coordinator. The other is transitioning from a quality lead to a full-blown quality manager for her own project.

“It was really exciting for all of us to have more women moving up into construction management,” Butler said.

Beyond the onsite construction management, the team had members in Black & Veatch offices and beyond who were instrumental in the project’s success, including home office project controls.

“There were a lot of good working relationships that eased those extra hours. That teamwork mentality and a lot of resilience helped carry us to the finish line,” Butler said.

2022 was a challenging year for construction across the board with post-COVID equipment constraints, material delays and long lead times. This coastal solar project faced all these, in addition to challenges from the natural world.

The teamwork and ingenuity of Black & Veatch’s field construction, construction management and home office employees helped them to figure out creative ways to acquire material, equipment and manpower to deliver the project on time, despite the many obstacles.

The team overcame more than two months of construction setbacks to “hand over the keys” on the original contractual delivery date of Jan. 31, 2023.

Contact Black & Veatch for more information.

Editor’s Notes: 

To hear from three managers of the project, head to this link.

About Black & Veatch 
Black & Veatch is a 100-percent employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure assets. Follow us on www.bv.com and on social media.

BOSTON, October 31, 2023 /3BL/ – Vanguard Renewables®, a leading U.S.-based renewable energy company, is pleased to announce that Costa Fruit & Produce, a purveyor of produce and specialty foods based in Massachusetts, has joined the Northeast Regional Chapter of the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance. By becoming a member of this innovative Alliance, Costa joins a growing community of New England and national companies dedicated to eliminating food waste and promoting sustainable practices.

The Farm Powered Strategic Alliance, launched in 2020, is a pre-competitive collaboration that brings together food and beverage manufacturers to share best practices and reduce their environmental impact. Member companies commit to sending their unsalable food waste to be recycled into renewable energy via Farm Powered® anaerobic digestion on regional dairy farms. Vanguard’s Farm Powered program aims to both combat climate change and support regional multigenerational dairy farmers.

“We are thrilled to welcome Costa to the Northeast Regional Chapter of the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance,” said Neil H. Smith, CEO of Vanguard Renewables. “Their commitment to sustainability and dedication to reducing food waste aligns perfectly with the goals of our program. By working together, we are making a significant impact on our local environment and supporting our local dairy farmers.”

Costa joins other New England sustainability leaders including New England Natural Bakers, Fancypants Baking Co., Sloop Brewing Co., CFE Seafoods, and 88 Acres as the latest member of this Northeast Regional cohort. Together, these companies are united in their mission to redirect food waste, fight climate change, and contribute to the sustainability of the region’s dairy industry.

“We are proud to be part of the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance’s Northeast Regional Chapter,” said Dean Hopkins, Vice President of Fresh Ideas, Costa Fruit & Produce. “By collaborating with other industry leaders, we can learn from each other and find innovative solutions to address the environmental challenges we face – and together we can create a more sustainable future for our communities.”

For more than 75 years, Costa has been serving fine dining establishments throughout New England as a produce and specialty foods purveyor. The Company aspires to be environmentally conscious and strives to reach a balance between business and the environment. Their commitment to making continuous sustainable improvements by continually evaluating their business practices and supporting local agriculture and regenerative and sustainable agriculture practices has set them apart from their competition. Additionally, Costa is a Certified Sustainable Business Leader and is certified by the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN). The SBN is a local organization that works with businesses and the community to build economies that are green, local, and fair.

As a member of this Farm Powered program, Costa will have access to valuable resources and expertise to further enhance their sustainability efforts. By joining forces with other like-minded companies, they will contribute to the circular economy and help build a more resilient and environmentally conscious food and beverage industry in New England.

For more information about the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance, please visit www.vanguardrenewables.com.

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Vanguard Renewables Media Room 
www.vanguardrenewables.com/vanguard-renewables-media-room

About Vanguard Renewables 
Vanguard Renewables, based in Weston, Massachusetts, is a national leader in developing food and dairy waste-to-renewable energy projects. The Company owns and operates on-farm anaerobic digester facilities in the northeast and currently operates manure-only digesters in the south and west for Dominion Energy. Vanguard Renewables plans to expand nationwide to more than 150 anaerobic digestion facilities by 2026. Vanguard Renewables is committed to advancing decarbonization by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from farms and food waste, generating renewable energy, and supporting regenerative agriculture on partner farms via Farm Powered® anaerobic digestion. Vanguard Renewables is a portfolio company of BlackRock Real Assets. To learn more visit www.vanguardrenewables.com.

About Costa Fruit & Produce 
A privately owned company, Costa is a produce and specialty foods purveyor serving fine dining establishments throughout New England. In addition to offering a complete line of fresh products that include fresh fruit and produce, dairy, and value-added fresh-cut produce. Costa works closely with local farmers and producers providing a wide variety of local artisan items such as cheese, meats, and hors d’oeuvres to their diverse customer base. Costa is a sustainable business leader certified by the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts and has been a recipient of the Boston Green Business Award for their support of local agriculture and green initiatives. For more information, visit www.freshideas.com. 

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MEMPHIS, Tenn., October 31, 2023 /3BL/ – FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) released its annual economic impact report, analyzing the company’s worldwide network and role in fueling innovation during its 2023 fiscal year (FY 2023).1 Produced in consultation with Dun & Bradstreet (NYSE: DNB), a leading provider of business decisioning data and analytics, the study demonstrates the positive impact FedEx has on individuals and communities around the globe — otherwise known as the ‘FedEx Effect.’

“FedEx has helped shape global supply chains and the e-commerce revolution over five decades by transforming the way businesses exchange goods, services, and ideas — all while continuously exceeding the evolving needs of our customers,” said Raj Subramaniam, President and CEO, FedEx Corporation. “This report underscores our significant contributions to the economy and dedication to making a positive difference in the communities where we operate.”

The report reveals that FedEx contributed more than $80 billion in direct impact to the global economy in FY 2023, despite recent economic pressures. This activity reflects the scale of the network FedEx has developed and the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance its innovative services that help businesses of all sizes connect with customers and strengthen their operations.

FedEx celebrated 50 years of operations on April 17, 2023. The company has the most extensive transportation network in the world, providing service to more than 220 countries and territories. Additionally, FedEx employs over 500,000 people across more than 5,000 facilities and moves approximately 14.5 million packages per day.

Key highlights of the FedEx Economic Impact Report include: 
 

Indirect impact: FedEx indirectly contributed an estimated $35 billion to global net economic output2 in FY 2023.Supply chain: FedEx contracted with roughly 100,000 suppliers in FY 2023 — 90% of which were small businesses. An analysis of spending with roughly 73,000 unique suppliers over calendar year 2022 revealed that the company’s spending with these suppliers during that time supported 1.1 million jobs.Operational enhancements: FedEx continued to improve its network and services in FY 2023. This included opening new facilities across a range of locations, including Ireland, Poland, Australia, and South Korea; enhancing many existing facilities by introducing advanced sorting equipment, adding warehouse capacity, and expanding airport ramp and road truck operations; and implementing operational efficiencies in markets like Alaska.Trade: FedEx continued supporting trade policies that offer greater market access and efficiency for its customers. This included advocating in favor of provisions like de minimis allowances, which enable individuals and businesses of all sizes to import low-value goods without duties and taxes.Small businesses: FedEx supported small business growth — a major driver of economic activity globally — by providing small business resource hubs in certain regions and tailored logistics and customs services aimed at helping unlock new markets. The company also awarded small business grants to 77 companies around the world during FY 2023.Sustainability: In FY 2023, FedEx added more electric vehicles (EVs) to its pickup and delivery fleet around the world and continued to make its facilities more sustainable and energy efficient. The company also invested in third-party initiatives, including research at the Yale Center for Carbon Capture and Third Derivative, RMI’s global climate technology accelerator.Giving: FedEx supported local communities through volunteer activities, in-kind shipping, and donations totaling $58.6 million to its direct partnerships with NGOs and nonprofits in FY 2023. The company also completed its 50 by 50 campaign — a four-year initiative designed to positively impact 50 million people around the world by the company’s 50th birthday.

United States impact 
FedEx delivers to every U.S. ZIP code through its extensive network made up of roughly 4,800 facilities, as well as more than 7,000 independent service providers. With approximately 370,000 U.S. employees in FY 2023, FedEx is one of the largest employers in the country and is proud to support an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace where 61% of U.S. employees identify as minorities.

The study found that in FY 2023, FedEx directly contributed an estimated 8.2% of net economic output to the U.S. Transportation and Warehousing sector3 and indirectly contributed $8.7 billion to net output across the U.S. economy. However, the FedEx Effect extends beyond the company’s contributions to economic growth and employment.

For 50 years, FedEx has worked to improve the prosperity and health of the communities it serves. For example, team members across the U.S., as well as Canada, Chile, and Puerto Rico, volunteered in FY 2023 to provide more than 8,400 pairs of shoes and 18,500 winter coats, funded by FedEx, to children at 70 schools in collaboration with nonprofit Operation Warm. Additionally, FedEx continued working with federal, state, and local governments to provide services that help with their day-to-day operations, as well as during crises, like when the company transported baby formula for Operation Fly Formula in 2022.

Read the full FY 2023 FedEx Global Economic Impact Report and explore the FedEx Effect in communities and regions around the world at fedex.com/economicimpact.

About FedEx Corp. 
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenue of nearly $90 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively, operating collaboratively and innovating digitally as one FedEx. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 500,000 employees to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit fedex.com/about.

1Fiscal year (FY) 2023 is defined as June 1, 2022-May 31, 2023. 
2Net economic output is the difference between the value of total or gross output and the cost of inputs such as energy, raw materials, and services. Also known as value added. 
3As defined by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Southwire’s facility in Huntersville, N.C., has again been recognized for its efforts in achieving compliance with air quality permits by receiving the annual Air Compliance Excellence (ACE) Award. This is the sixth consecutive year the Huntersville Plant has received the award and the eighth time overall. 

The Mecklenburg County Air Quality ACE Awards began in 2014 to promote local industries’ efforts to comply with air quality permits within the county. 

“At Huntersville, we have a track record of proactively managing our responsibilities as it relates to our environmental impact on the community, and we take that commitment very seriously,” said Nick Iknayan, plant manager. “We’re proud to be recognized for our efforts once again. This achievement would not have been possible without our environmental, health and safety manager, Jamie McGrath, and the entire Huntersville team.”

To be eligible for the award, facilities are required to meet all terms of their air quality permit for an entire year. This includes submitting reports, notifications, fee payments, emission testing and annual inspection with no violations of nuisance, dust or odor complaints of the site.

To learn more about Southwire’s commitment to sustainability, visit www.southwire.com/sustainability. For more Southwire News, visit www.southwire.com/newsroom.