Tag: 3BL

We are pleased to partner with Prospero Housing Community Services on their mission to empower South Texas families in need by providing safe, high-quality, affordable housing and support services. Hear more here.

About Texas Capital

Texas Capital is a full-service financial services firm that delivers customized solutions to businesses, entrepreneurs and individual customers. Founded in 1998, the firm is headquartered in Dallas with offices in Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Fort Worth, and has built a network of clients across the country. With the ability to service clients through their entire lifecycles, Texas Capital has established commercial banking, consumer banking, investment banking and wealth management capabilities. For more information, please visit www.texascapital.com.

PITTSBURGH, October 30, 2023 /3BL/ – Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS), a global healthcare company, announced today it is hosting The Power of Partnership to Address Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a Nasdaq webinar that will air on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 9 a.m. ET.

AMR is a significant threat to global health and economic development. As the progression of AMR renders antibiotics less effective, common infections, such as wound infections, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia can increasingly be associated with severe complications and increased risk of death. AMR is a major driver of death globally, potentially accounting for more deaths than HIV/AIDS and malaria worldwide.

The World Health Organization estimates that the number of deaths due to AMR could rise to 10 million people a year by 2050 under the most alarming scenario if no action is taken. No one company or entity can tackle the issue alone. Partnerships and collaborations are critical to tackling the problem together.

Moderated by Erika Satterwhite, Head of Global Policy at Viatris, the discussion will include Melissa Gong Mitchell, Secretariat Lead for the AMR Industry Alliance, and Dr. Yehoda Martei, Assistant Professor of Medicine, and the Vice Chief of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity in the Division of Hematology-Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Register here to join this this free webinar sponsored by Viatris Inc.

About Viatris 
Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS) is a global healthcare company uniquely positioned to bridge the traditional divide between generics and brands, combining the best of both to more holistically address healthcare needs globally. With a mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, we provide access at scale. In 2022 alone, we supplied high-quality medicines to approximately 1 billion patients around the world. With our exceptionally extensive and diverse portfolio of medicines, a one-of-a kind global supply chain designed to reach more people when and where they need them, and the scientific expertise to address some of the world’s most enduring health challenges, access takes on deep meaning at Viatris. We have the ability to touch all of life’s moments, from birth to end of life, acute conditions to chronic diseases. We are headquartered in the U.S., with global centers in Pittsburgh, Shanghai and Hyderabad, India. Learn more at viatris.com and investor.viatris.com, and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

SOURCE Viatris Inc.

For further information: MEDIA: +1.724.514.1968, Communications@viatris.com; Jennifer Mauer, Jennifer.Mauer@viatris.com; Matt Klein, Matthew.Klein@viatris.com; INVESTORS: +1.412.707.2866, InvestorRelations@viatris.com; Bill Szablewski, William.Szablewski@viatris.com

October 30, 2023 /3BL/ – Migration on the southern border of Honduras has reached record numbers and humanitarian aid has failed to keep pace, warned Action Against Hunger, a global leader in the fight against hunger.

Despite the numerous risks along the migration route, Honduras has become a transit territory for migrants from South America, the Caribbean, and other continents, with 48,953 people entering Honduras in July alone, four times more than in the same month in 2022. So far in 2023, the reported number of people migrating through Honduras without formal documentation is 20 times more than in 2021, and triple the number reported in 2022.

From January to August 2023, 196,120 people entered Honduras without formal documentation. More than 140 nationalities were represented, with the majority (137,304) from Venezuela, followed by Cuba (92,950), Ecuador (50,537), Haiti (31,300), Colombia (6,887), and China (6,858). Many more people are entering the country without being recorded in official migration statistics, so the true scale of the crisis is not fully known.
While many are driven to leave their homes by violence, political crises, limited opportunities to earn a living, and hunger, migration outside of formal systems is particularly dangerous.

“We left on February 6, the journey began, but when we reached the Darien jungle…just thinking about it makes me want to cry. It’s ugly. I wouldn’t do it again, and I wouldn’t wish what we went through on anyone: carrying our children, seeing the dead, going hungry, drinking river water because there is no other, it’s sad,” said Jackeline Cedeño, a migrant from Ecuador.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, mixed migration flows represent a dynamic and interconnected reality, where many places simultaneously are countries of origin, transit, or even destination and return destinations for displaced people.

“Across Latin America, poverty and hunger have been increasing for years,” said Benedetta Lettera, Action Against Hunger’s Head of Operations for Latin America. “People face inflation and rising food prices, triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. In turn, these worsening living conditions leave people with no choice but to migrate.”

Together, these factors make families more vulnerable and reduce their ability to cope with the cost-of-living crisis and other shocks. The few who do find work – especially single parent households led by women – often cannot earn enough income to cover their basic needs and to provide better future opportunities for their children. Seeking employment and more stable lives, families flee their homes.

As overall displacement increases, Action Against Hunger is deeply concerned about the growing number of families on the move, often with children. Many migrant children, especially from Ecuador and Haiti, arrive in Honduras malnourished and in urgent need of special care. Food, shelter, toilets, clean water, and hygiene supplies are among the most urgent needs for displaced people.

“Migrants are suffering every day, but humanitarian funding is not keeping pace with their needs,” said Lettera. “We’re urging donors to step up. Families who are forced to flee face an increased risk of violence, trafficking, abuse and extortion. They are deserving of assistance and support, and they have never needed it more than now.”

As a leader of the LIFE-Honduras Consortium, Action Against Hunger provides humanitarian assistance both inside and outside of temporary migration shelters. The organization detects and treats child malnutrition among displaced minors. To date this year, Action Against Hunger has assessed 9,537 children under five years old for malnutrition and provided them with food supplements. Additionally, 233,205 people were served at Action Against Hunger hydration points, where they were able to access clean water and safe sanitation facilities. The organization also provides support for health services and cash transfers for families in need.

About the LIFE-Honduras Consortium

The LIFE-Honduras Consortium is led by Action Against Hunger, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Pure Water for the World, ChildFund, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), and the Relief of Suffering Foundation (FAS). Together, the consortium provides emergency support to displaced populations in Danlí, Trojes, Choluteca, El Paraíso, Central District, Machuca, and Ocotepeque, focusing on child protection, education, water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition, health and social protection through the provision of multi-purpose cash transfers.

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 28 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 55 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Every year in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I take time to reflect on my journey and how my Hispanic upbringing has profoundly shaped me into the person I am today. My heritage and cultural teachings have influenced my personal experiences. When I looked up at the stars as a kid in my small hometown of Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, I knew one day I would make my dreams of working in the space and astronomy field come true.

My Hispanic Identity and Upbringing

I was a curious child, and as a result, I embraced all aspects of my Hispanic culture and traditions growing up. This ranged from being a part of school dances celebrating my heritage to competing in science fairs and learning about Hispanic contributors in the STEM field. The sense of community, humility and empathy I learned during this time have remained with me as I matured.

I moved to Central Florida in middle school and the first thing I remember was being the new kid with a thick accent. Not only was I starting a new chapter of my life in another country, but I also had to overcome a language barrier, which impacted my learning growth and experiences at school. I was fortunate enough to have had access to supportive teachers, books, computers and other resources that aided me on my journey.

Championing Diversity and Inclusion in STEM

Women only constitute roughly 28% of the STEM field, and Hispanic women have even less representation standing at 8%. Throughout my career, I have worn this statistic as both a badge of honor and a personal goal to bring forth change.

I began my career in Navy Aviation working on fighter jets and a biofuel qualification. It became very apparent to me that there was a lack of females, and many times I was also the only woman of color in the room. As a young engineer not wanting to rock the boat, I felt as if I couldn’t speak up about this observation.

Over time and through the support of incredible mentors, I have found my own voice in my career and have had the opportunity to establish the Hispanic Engagement Action Team during my time with the Navy Aviation. This team is dedicated to celebrating Hispanic culture and introducing speakers and mentors to other Hispanic colleagues.

Contributing to this program filled me with immense pride, knowing that not only was I helping future generations be seen, but was also able to share my Hispanic heritage with my coworkers. Diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion are vital to a company’s culture because it fosters creativity, fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of other backgrounds and cultures.

This experience showed me how important it was for me to align myself with organizations that share the same values. Being a Lenovo Innovator has allowed me to learn more about Lenovo’s mission of empowering underrepresented communities with access to technology and STEM education. Diversity is imminent in continuing growth within organizations. Understanding that minorities have an immense amount of knowledge to share is crucial, which is why I am constantly advocating to increase our representation.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Space Engineers

Now that I have been in my career for over 15 years, including internships (I promise I’m not that old!), I can confidently say that I’ve found my voice, which I now use to uplift those beginning their careers or in need of mentoring and guidance. Being a Latina engineer is who I am, and I am proud of both my upbringing and heritage, sharing them not only with my coworkers but also with everyone around the world through social media.

The one piece of advice I have for aspiring space engineers is simple: Own who you are and how you got to where you are. We all have our own unique journeys, some reaching their destination sooner than others, while others may experience a rollercoaster of highs and lows. And that’s OK. I come from a humble upbringing and had to work full time jobs and apply for scholarships to help pay for my college tuition. But in the end, all the sacrifices were worth it as I now have the opportunity to contribute to scientific missions that benefit my community. I have launched missions that tested our planetary defense and helped collect data on climate change as well as monitor weather more accurately in order to track and better prepare for natural disasters, aiding my family in Puerto Rico and worldwide.

For future generations aspiring to become space engineers, remember that you will always have an advocate in this space. I am proud to be a Latina engineer, and I am proud of my heritage.

If you’re interested in my work and want to keep up with my #LenovoInnovators journey, follow along on Instagram @yourfemaleengineer.

Abbott

Young adults with student loans are stressed about money. So stressed that they say it’s impacting their mental and physical health.

A key driver of that financial stress? Student loan debt, according to a new survey by Morning Consult on behalf of Abbott of more than 500 people ages 18-39 with student loans.

In 2018 we tackled the student debt crisis head-on with our first-of-its-kind, award-winning Freedom 2 Save program that helps employees pay off their student loans while also saving for the future.

Now — with college tuition at a historic high, student loan debt exceeding $1 trillion and payments of federal student loans resuming after a more than three-year pause — we’re calling on other employers to join us in this effort with the launch of our Freedom 2 Save blueprint.

The blueprint highlights the need for and impact of Freedom 2 Save and guides employers through the process of developing and implementing a similar program of their own.

Enacting this type of program will be easier starting in January 2024, thanks to a new federal law called the SECURE 2.0 Act, a provision of which mirrors Freedom 2 Save.

“Employees with student loans often have to choose between paying their school debt and saving for retirement. That’s problematic because people who delay saving for the future will find it hard to catch up,” said Mary Moreland, executive vice president, Human Resources, Abbott.

“The good news is that employers can help relieve some of this burden with a program like Freedom 2 Save. Our blueprint will help simplify the process.”

Here’s what you’ll find in the blueprint:

Data highlighting the profound impact student loans are having on young adultsFigures showing the significance of Freedom 2 Save on existing and prospective employeesReal stories from employees participating in our Freedom 2 Save programAnd a guide for HR leaders on implementing a similar program at their companies, which includes:Questions to considerStakeholders to includeSteps to prepare for program launchAnd best practices

Learn more about the Freedom 2 Save program and blueprint.

October 30, 2023 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, has teamed up with Emmy®-nominated science and technology TV show Tomorrow’s World Today for a new episode showcasing the company’s innovative and sustainable commercial products and solutions, designed to help commercial buildings operate comfortably.

Trane Technologies invited the show’s field reporter, Greg Constantino to its digital controls’ innovation center in White Bear Lake, Minnesota to meet with experts who explained the need and demand for sustainable heating and cooling solutions and the technology like thermal storage and integrated digital controls that make it possible.

Greg also got an up-close look at energy-efficient solutions at the Science Museum of Minnesota. The museum is equipped with two high-efficiency Trane 160-ton chillers, that not only cool the facility, but also convert the heat that already exists in the building to hot water, which is used to heat the museum. By recycling its heat energy, the Science Museum of Minnesota is not only saving money on its heating bills, but it’s also reducing emissions.

Reducing its customers’ emissions is part of Trane Technologies’ 2030 Sustainability Commitments. Those commitments include the Gigaton Challenge – a pledge to reduce customer greenhouse gas emissions by one gigaton (or, 2% of the world’s annual emissions) by 2030. The company’s emissions reductions targets have been externally validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

Tomorrow’s World Today brings today’s complex technologies to viewers and explores how these innovations will affect tomorrow’s world. The show airs weekly on The Science Channel and Discovery Channel. After an episode premieres, it is also available on the channel’s respective streaming services, Science Channel GO and Discovery GO. At the conclusion of each new season, viewers can stream episodes via the Tomorrow’s World Today YouTube channel.

WALTHAM, Mass., October 30, 2023 /3BL/ – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced Twin States Clean Energy Link, National Grid’s proposed transmission project to support New England’s climate, clean energy, and energy security goals, has been selected as one of three projects nationwide to receive investment through the U.S. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Transmission Facilitation Program. The project has received unprecedented support from community members and key stakeholders across New Hampshire, Vermont, and across New England.

“This is an important step forward for Twin States as we work to make the project a reality for the region,” said Stephen Woerner, New England President, National Grid. “DOE has recognized the significant economic and environmental benefits of this project to New England communities, residents and businesses and we’re grateful for this recognition from our federal partners. This project would be a win for the New England region, and we thank our stakeholders and the many route communities for their strong support. We look forward to working with DOE on the next steps in the TFP process and continuing our deep engagement with the communities and our regional partners to bring this project to fruition.”

“To realize the full benefit of the nation’s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035, we need to more than double our grid capacity and President Biden’s Investing in America agenda puts us in position to do just that,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “This historic effort to strengthen the nation’s transmission will drive down costs for American families and deliver thousands of good paying jobs for American workers—helping communities keep the lights on in the face of climate change-induced extreme weather events.”

Through DOE’s Transmission Facilitation Program, a $2.5 billion revolving fund to help overcome the financial hurdles associated with upgrading and building new, large-scale transmission lines, DOE is entering into capacity contract negotiations with three interregional transmission line projects that will strengthen grid resilience and reliability and enable the addition of more clean energy resources to the grid. Through capacity contracts, DOE will commit to purchasing a percentage of the total proposed capacity of the eligible transmission line. By offering capacity contracts, DOE increases the confidence of additional investors, encourages additional customers to purchase transmission line capacity, and reduces the overall risk for project developers. Therefore, Twin States remains subject to finalizing contractual arrangements and investment plans. National Grid will continue to engage with DOE in the coming months on various aspects of the project to identify the best path forward through the Transmission Facilitation Program and secure maximum benefits to our communities and the region.

Twin States will deliver clean energy from Canada, including hydropower, to New England to support the region’s carbon reduction goals and increase the supply of affordable clean energy. As a bi-directional line, Twin States will enable clean energy producers in New England, such as offshore wind, to export excess capacity to Quebec during times of lower domestic demand, providing a critical boost to the region’s clean energy economy.

The project is projected to lower costs for customers across New England, creating more than $8.3 billion in wholesale energy market cost savings over the first twelve years of operation alone, according to an independent market assessment based on current project estimates. The proposal is unique in that it utilizes roadway burial and existing transmission corridors in Vermont and New Hampshire to deliver 1,200 MW of clean energy directly to where it’s needed most, while unlocking new renewable development potential in the region.

Twin States is projected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new property tax revenues to host state cities and towns through which the line passes. It is also projected to contribute millions more in lease payments to Vermont and New Hampshire for underground burial of the lines along state roadways.

In addition, as part of the consideration for the project, National Grid and Citizens Energy Corporation are assembling an innovative $260 million community benefits program, of which at least 40% will be dedicated to disadvantaged communities throughout New England. The project is expected to create 1,200 well-paying jobs during construction. The reduction of electricity bills for customers and businesses across New England is expected to create significant economic growth, generating an estimated average of 3,700 jobs per year across the region.

“We are excited to partner with National Grid on the Twin States Clean Energy Link to help build a greener and more resilient grid,” said Citizens Energy President Joseph P. Kennedy III. “By linking renewable energy generation to population centers while providing benefits to host communities, we are innovating the model for building much-needed transmission projects. We appreciate the commitment of President Biden to building out the clean energy grid of the 21st century through supporting projects like Twin States.”

National Grid is working closely with communities and local economic development partners to understand how the project’s benefits program can best support local needs. As part of this process, National Grid has held dozens of public presentations, open houses in route communities in both states and other listening sessions to understand how Twin States can maximize its benefits for the region, beyond creating jobs, lowering energy costs, and combatting climate change through reducing our dependence on natural gas to generate electricity. Visit the Twin States website to learn more: Twin States Clean Energy Link | For a Greener New England Grid.

Support for Twin States Clean Energy Link

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 Relations – 781-907-3980

ATLANTA, October 30, 2023 /3BL/ – Serenbe, in collaboration with The Ray, Baldwin Paving and Liberty Tire, announces a first of its kind construction paving project using Liberty Tire’s SmartMIX™ to pave Serenbe’s newest neighborhood, Overlook. In line with The Ray’s net-zero mission, the use of Liberty Tire’s SmartMIX™ technology has helped divert 1,291 tires from Georgia’s landfills, integrating them into pavement and actively contributing to waste reduction and resource circularity. This project has set new benchmarks for environmentally sustainable roadways, exemplifying the commitment of Serenbe and The Ray to resilient, innovative and community-focused infrastructure.“Serenbe sets an exemplary model for creating thriving and eco-conscious communities through the development’s integration of nature and regenerative practices that showcase the transformative power of sustainable living,” said Steve Nygren, founder of Serenbe, a biophilic community connected to nature on the edge of Atlanta. “By demonstrating the benefits of rubber-modified asphalt, this partnership inspires other communities, state agencies and local governments to explore environmentally safe initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable future,” Nygren added.

“The Ray’s pioneering work in sustainable transportation infrastructure is moving other sectors to innovate,” said Allie Kelly, Executive Director of The Ray. “By integrating the latest rubber-modified asphalt technology, The Ray and Serenbe aim to establish long-lasting, eco-friendly roadways that minimize environmental impact and enhance community safety,”In 2021, an astounding 274 million tires were discarded in the United States alone, contributing to the mounting global issue of tire waste. To date, landfills worldwide contain over 4 billion tires, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions to address this environmental challenge. Modifying asphalt with recycled tire rubber produces a high-performing, durable pavement that has double the lifespan of conventional asphalt and enhanced resistance to cracking, which can equate to a 30-50% reduction in life cycle cost. The inclusion of recycled rubber particles enhances road safety by improving skid resistance, particularly in wet conditions, while also reducing noise pollution.

The Ray, Serenbe, and Liberty Tire are committed to finding and implementing solutions to this very problem. The partnership between The Ray, Serenbe, and Liberty Tire is a remarkable collaboration that unites leaders in sustainable transportation, community development, and tire recycling. Their shared expertise drives change through innovative solutions like rubber modified asphalt, improving road quality while promoting environmental conservation. This partnership showcases their collective effort to create a healthier, more resilient future, where various areas of expertise align to minimize environmental impact and maximize sustainable innovation.

“We are extremely excited about our partnership with The Ray and Liberty Tire. Building a road that is more reliable, more sustainable and will last longer is a big step forward for our community and the environment,” states Matt Collins, Serenbe’s Development Director.

“We at Baldwin Paving have always believed in pushing the boundaries of innovation while staying rooted in our commitment to sustainability and community. This collaboration with Serenbe, The Ray, and Liberty Tire is a testament to our shared vision of building a greener future. Asphalt isn’t just about roads; it’s about the journeys we take and the footprints we leave behind.” – John Harrison, Jr., Owner, Baldwin Paving

Liberty Tire’s unique SmartMIX™ technology is typically used in overlays on traditional asphalt roads. The new road construction at Overlook utilizes recycled rubber in the first paving and incorporates recycled tires exclusively from Georgia. Subsequently, the material is fully recyclable into new asphalt mixes when the time comes to replace the surfaces.”At Liberty Tire, we believe in paving the way for a greener future, one road at a time. Our unique use of rubber modified asphalt at Serenbe demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Doug Carlson, Vice President Asphalt Products at Liberty Tire. “By incorporating recycled tire rubber into the pavement, we not only create a smoother and longer-lasting road, but we also reduce waste and minimize our environmental footprint. This collaboration with The Ray, Serenbe and Baldwin Paving Company exemplifies our shared vision of creating a sustainable community where innovation and conservation go hand in hand.

“The Ray previously partnered with Troup County in 2017 to pave the Tom Hall Parkway – two miles of new industrial park roadway using 39,360 pounds of rubber from scrap tires. In 2019, the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration funded a four lane-mile section of The Ray Highway, from the Georgia-Alabama state line to mile marker one, as well as the entire parking lot of the Georgia Visitor Information Center in West Point, using approximately 42,240 pounds of rubber from scrap tires.

About The Ray

The Ray is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity and net-zero highway testbed, located on 18 miles of Interstate 85 between Lagrange, Georgia and the Georgia-Alabama state line. This stretch of interstate is named in memory of Ray C. Anderson (1934-2011), a Georgia native recognized as a leader in green business when he challenged his company, Interface, Inc., to pursue a zero environmental footprint. Our mission is to reimagine how we connect our communities, our lives and the world in a way that is safer, more responsive to the climate, more regenerative to the environment, and more capable of creating economic opportunity through innovative ideas and technologies that will transform transportation infrastructure. The Ray Highway is paving the way for a zero carbon, zero waste, zero deaths highway system that will build a safer and more prosperous future for us all. Learn more at www.TheRay.org.

About Serenbe

Founded by the Nygren family in 2004, Serenbe is a biophilic community connected to nature on the edge of Atlanta. The community of over 800 residents and growing is set among acres of preserved forests and meadows with miles of nature trails that connect homes and restaurants with arts and businesses. Focused on wellbeing, Serenbe is a neighborhood with fresh food, over 300 days of arts and cultural programming, multiple independent shops, a 27-room Inn featuring wellness packages, four restaurants and a working organic farm. The best reason to live here is the life here. Learn more at serenbe.com

About Liberty Tire

Liberty Tire Recycling is the premier provider of tire recycling services in North America. By recycling more than 150 million tires annually, Liberty reclaims about 2.2 billion pounds of rubber for innovative, useful products. The recycled rubber produced by Liberty is used as crumb rubber and industrial feedstock for molded products; as tire-derived fuel for industrial kilns, mills and power plants; and as rubber mulch for landscaping and playgrounds. The company maintains a network of processing plants and comprehensive door-to-door collection services. Learn more at https://libertytire.com/.

About Baldwin Paving

Baldwin Paving is a leading asphalt manufacturer headquartered in Marietta, GA. Baldwin produces over 1 million tons of asphalt annually with 9 asphalt plants serving Metro Atlanta and has served the area for over 44 years.  Beyond their manufacturing core services, Baldwin also performs asphalt related construction services for commercial and heavy civil projects.

MEDIA CONTACT

Dallen McLemore, Communications Specialist, The Ray  229.449.6168 | dallen@theray.org | @TheRayHighway

Monica Olsen, Chief Marketing Officer, Serenbe 678-427-4525 | monica@serenbe.com

Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) has been awarded a two-year $100,000 charitable grant from KeyBank Foundation to support NCEF’s Out-of-School Time Initiative.The grant will help provide groundbreaking programming that closes gaps in education and prevents learning loss during after-school, holiday and summertime hours for children in Immokalee.

Launched in 2012 in partnership with four Immokalee nonprofits, the initiative deepens children’s engagement in learning while improving their relationships with adults and contributes to better work habits and boosts students’ self-esteem. Additionally, children whose parents may not be home when the school day ends find a safe, nurturing haven. Over the summer break, fun and educational activities reduce academic backsliding among children who otherwise would be idle. To date, more than 57,000 students have attended out-of-school programs, with 66% of all Immokalee elementary school students participating.

“Out-of-school time programs are not merely a break from education; they are a gateway to unlocking untapped potential, fostering holistic growth and shaping the leaders of tomorrow. NCEF is proud to partner with KeyBank Foundation on this important investment in our youth,” said Maria Jimenez-Lara, NCEF’s CEO.

The Out-of-School Time Initiative plans to use KeyBank’s funding to expand and add depth to the programming that is currently provided. It will enable 40 students to attend this school year’s Lorenzo Walker Technical College (LWTC) Spring Break camp where each day is focused on a different career. Funding will also be used toward its two-week summer camp, which will serve a total of 100 middle and high school students.

“At KeyBank, we believe in investing in our communities, with focus on low- and moderate-income populations and communities in our service area,” said Michael Schneider, KeyBank Florida Market President and Key Private Bank Market Leader. “NCEF’s programming for the students of Immokalee is an investment in our future leaders and workforce in Southwest Florida and we are proud to support their work.”

KeyBank Foundation’s grant is part of Key’s community lending and investments across its national footprint supporting affordable housing and community development projects, home and small business lending in low- and-moderate income communities, and philanthropic efforts targeted toward education, workforce development and safe, vital neighborhoods. In 2022, KeyBank provided more than $213 million in community lending and investments in Florida, including $300,000 in charitable grants from KeyBank Foundation.

Key Private Bank provides banking and financial services to full-time and seasonal residents throughout Collier, Lee and Palm Beach counties through Key Private Bank’s offices at 3777 Tamiami North Suite 100, Naples; 3507 Kyoto Gardens Drive Suite 100 Palm Beach Gardens; and 12830 University Drive Fort Myers.

About Naples Children & Education Foundation 

The Naples Children & Education Foundation, the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is improving the educational, emotional and health outcomes of underprivileged and at-risk children. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives, NCEF has impacted close to 90 of the most effective nonprofits in the community, providing more than 300,000 children with the services and resources they need to excel. NCEF’s unique approach, which emphasizes collaboration between organizations and bridges public and private resources, has become a blueprint for how to transform a community, one issue at a time.

About KeyBank Foundation 

KeyBank Foundation serves to fulfill KeyBank’s purpose to help clients and communities thrive, and its mission is to support organizations and programs that prepare people for thriving futures. The Foundation’s mission is advanced through three funding priorities – neighbors, education, and workforce – and through community service. To provide meaningful philanthropy that transforms lives, KeyBank Foundation listens carefully to understand the unique characteristics and needs of its communities and then backs solutions with targeted philanthropic investments. KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation, funded by KeyCorp.

Key Private Bank

Key Private Bank is a leading provider of wealth management solutions and advice for high-net worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, including wealth advisory, investment management, trust administration, customized credit, family office and private banking services. Key’s wealth management platform combines the market insights of local advisors with a national team of wealth and investment strategists to deliver proactive and personalized advice and expertise to clients. Advisors also leverage partnerships with Key’s business banking and capital markets teams to build wealth plans tailored to meet each client’s specific need. Key Private Bank’s wealth management platform is delivered across 15 of the United States. Key Private Bank has $48.8 billion in AUM and $70.7 billion in AUA at September 30, 2023.

Originally published on bloomberg.com

Bloomberg and Riskthinking.AI announce the launch of the first physical risk indicators that account for every climate scenario endorsed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Combining Bloomberg’s data on more than 1 million physical assets with Riskthinking.AI’s highly granular dataset of global climate change projections and proprietary methodology, the indicators provide Bloomberg users with a new and powerful way to assess their exposure to floods, droughts, wildfires, and other climate vulnerabilities.

The impact from extreme weather events is of growing concern to investors as well as regulators who are requiring or planning to require the disclosure of climate-related risks in accordance with various reporting regimes. Those regimes include, for example, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in Europe, the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations and IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards in a number of key jurisdictions, and more.

To help investors and companies better understand their exposure to climate-related risk, Riskthinking.AI uses Bloomberg’s physical assets data on nearly 50,000 companies—covering over 1 million manufacturing sites, energy plants, mining operations, office buildings, and retail sites—to calculate a company’s physical risk exposure level. Riskthinking.AI applies a bottom-up methodology analyzing the climate conditions at each asset location, which enables users to drill down to the individual assets of a parent company so specific threats can be analyzed. These indicators can also be used in combination with Bloomberg’s global supply chain data to reveal physical vulnerabilities of key suppliers that may negatively impact company operations.

By considering every climate scenario endorsed by the IPCC, the indicators are the first to take a truly stochastic approach that accounts for numerous possible future outcomes, including tail events that other models may ignore. The indicators intuitively express the physical risk exposure level for a company on a scale of 0 to 100 with high, moderate, and low classifications, and forward-looking projections up to the year 2050. Users have access to the documentation detailing the underlying calculations, so they can reference these indicators for reporting on climate-related risks, in line with the CSRD and the recommendations of the TCFD and the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards.

“Achieving reliable assessment of exposure to physical hazards relies on large amounts of geospatial and climate data to effectively account for the uncertainty inherent in future projections,” said Patricia Torres, Global Head of Sustainable Finance Solutions at Bloomberg. “By bringing together cutting-edge climate science with investor grade physical assets data, we can help investors and companies to better navigate the increasingly complex financial and regulatory environment regarding physical risk.”

“Our pioneering methodology enables investors to use the uncertainty inherent in climate modeling as a strength to support better investment decisions,” said Dr. Ron Dembo, CEO and Founder, Riskthinking.AI. “We don’t rely on a single model or scenario when managing risks or defining a strategy. Our outputs consider climate projections from 51 leading climate research centers and universities to capture a broad range of possible future outcomes.”

The physical risk indicators are available on the Bloomberg Terminal and via Bloomberg Data License at data.Bloomberg.com for enterprise use. To learn more, enter {ESG CLMR<GO>} on the Bloomberg Terminal, or click here.

About Riskthinking.AI

Founded by financial risk pioneer Dr. Ron Dembo, Riskthinking.AI is a leading data and technology company repricing financial risk with the reality of climate change. Their innovative algorithms generate, curate, and maintain a detailed physical asset, infrastructure, and commodities database covering over two hundred thousand public and private companies. This data, combined with Riskthinking.AI’s patented stochastic and multifactor climate risk analytics, empowers financial institutions, corporations, and governments to capture unforeseen impacts of climate change that current models miss. Their climate risk data and analytics power a suite of integrated software solutions, called VELO®. Riskthinking.AI has operations in North America and Europe and provides its services globally. For more information, please visit www.riskthinking.ai.

About Bloomberg

Bloomberg is a global leader in business and financial information, delivering trusted data, news, and insights that bring transparency, efficiency, and fairness to markets. The company helps connect influential communities across the global financial ecosystem via reliable technology solutions that enable our customers to make more informed decisions and foster better collaboration. For more information, visit Bloomberg.com/company or request a demo.

Media Contacts:

US – Alyssa Gilmore, Agilmore7@bloomberg.net

US – Jennifer Molgano, jmolgano2@bloomberg.net

EMEA – Anna Schoeffler, aschoeffler1@bloomberg.net