Tag: 3BL

WASHINGTON, October 26, 2023 /3BL/ – When Neil Smith was asked to come out of retirement in 2021 to head a burgeoning US renewable natural gas (RNG) company, the former CEO of an international power company didn’t hesitate.

Now CEO of Vanguard Renewables, Smith — who spent 10 years helming Intergen — has ambitious plans to take the company from a regional player to the largest waste-to-energy supplier in North America.

The Massachusetts-based company founded in 2014 has two prongs. First, it operates six anaerobic digesters that convert food and farm waste to RNG and low-carbon fertilizer. Smith said that will balloon to at least 70 units across the US by 2026.

Second, Vanguard is partnered with Dominion Energy in building a dozen manure-based digesters at dairy farms in the West and Southeast, a number that will also rise to about 70 by mid-decade. A typical operation consists of a cluster of farms totaling 10,000 or more dairy cows.

In each case, the captured methane is processed into pipeline-quality gas that is generally sold to local distribution companies, which blend it into their systems.

‘Game-Changer’

The venture got a major boost last month when asset manager BlackRock Real Assets bought Vanguard for $700 million from Vision Ridge. Smith said Vanguard needed additional capital to finance its expansion plans and BlackRock not only had the money — it plans to invest up to another $1 billion — but it also believes in the mission.

“BlackRock looked at us and thought about where the puck is going to be, not where the puck is right now,” he said, invoking a hockey analogy. “BlackRock is a game-changer for us in many ways.”

Vanguard is among several North American companies capturing harmful methane emissions from farms, food makers and landfills, a fast-growing market that often attracts environmentally conscious investors. Some farms and businesses that pay Vanguard or its competitors to take their waste can apply for carbon credits to help offset those costs.

As of late 2021, the RNG Coalition estimated there are 197 operational RNG facilities in the US and Canada, with another 152 under construction and roughly 100 in the planning stages.

And just this week, the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance — which Vanguard co-founded in 2020 with Unilever, Starbucks, and Dairy Farmers of America — announced that five new food and beverage companies are joining the alliance.

Small Market, Big Impact?

Still, Smith acknowledged that RNG in the US “will always be a small, nascent business compared to the trillions of cubic feet of gas produced and sold every year.”

For perspective, he said Vanguard’s ultimate output may reach roughly 50 million cubic feet per day, or far less than 1% of the country’s overall gas market.

So why would the former CEO agree to return to the workforce and head up a relatively small-scale venture?

“This is a story about repurposing methane for the good,” Smith explained. “The heart of our business is taking methane out of the system so it doesn’t contribute to climate change. That is something I feel proud to be a part of.”

The opportunity was too good to pass up. Reducing methane is the number one thing we can do to address climate change over the next decade. RNG is one of the key components of that effort.

Neil H. Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Vanguard Renewables

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.

By Michelle Link

In today’s digitally connected world, social media plays a pivotal role in shaping potential employees’ perceptions of organizations. As Maximus’ Chief Human Resources Officer, I recognize the significance of employee engagement on platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and other social media sites. 

These platforms have become virtual mirrors reflecting an organization’s culture, values, and employee satisfaction, influencing the decision-making process of job seekers and contributing to recruitment and retention efforts. A positive online presence can be a strategic advantage for a company’s growth and success.

Recruitment

Indeed and LinkedIn are more than just job search platforms; they are where potential employees gain insights into an organization’s company culture, employee experiences, and overall reputation. Positive employee interactions on these platforms are powerful testimonials that resonate with job seekers and entice them to explore opportunities within our organization. Negative feedback and the absence of employee engagement may deter potential candidates and undermine our recruitment efforts.

In an era of fierce competition for top talent, organizations must leverage every possible advantage to attract skilled professionals. Active and positive employee engagement on social media can significantly impact recruitment success. Job seekers are more likely to trust the word of employees sharing their experiences over posts created by corporate communications.

Authenticity

Through our employee advocacy program, we’re able to empower our workforce to help tell our brand’s story via social media. When employees talk about our company, they create a genuine and authentic portrayal of our company’s culture and work environment. The program provides employees with resources to amplify their stories while elevating our attractiveness as an employer of choice. Encouraging and supporting open communication on social media platforms creates a sense of transparency and approachability within our organization. We can attract top talent and retain existing employees when they feel valued and acknowledged for their contributions.

Retention

Employee engagement on social media goes beyond the realm of recruitment. It plays a critical role in nurturing a sense of camaraderie and fostering an inclusive work culture. Satisfied employees who actively share their positive experiences create a ripple effect within the organization. Their enthusiasm and commitment inspire others to engage more, leading to higher retention rates and reduced turnover costs.

Employees who actively engage on social media are powerful advocates for our organization. Sharing their success stories, accomplishments, and growth experiences fosters a sense of pride and belonging among their peers. Seeing good news and positive employee experiences boosts morale and reinforces Maximus’ brand image externally, driving interest from potential candidates who aspire to be a part of our thriving workforce.

Growth and Development

In addition to recruitment, authenticity, and retention, social media is a powerful tool for learning and development. Encouraging employees to share industry insights, best practices, and personal growth stories on platforms like LinkedIn can enhance our organization’s reputation as a thought leader and attract like-minded professionals eager to learn and grow with us.

Social media also help us maintain employee relationships that we’ve cultivated over time. Maximus’ Alumni Network on LinkedIn allows past employees to stay in touch with the company while enabling us to extend the employee engagement cycle and preserve existing connections. Active alumni who left on good terms can become brand advocates, expand the talent pool for open positions, and mentor current or prospective employees. Alumni can even provide business value. A 2019 study by Cornell University’s School of Industrial Labor Relations found that alumni with regular access to company news are more likely to recommend the products and services of the organization.

Understanding the importance of employee engagement on social media is no longer optional, but necessary. Empowering our employees to be ambassadors on social media is not only an investment in our people but also an investment in the long-term success of our company. By embracing the power of employee engagement on social media, we are building an organization that encourages job seekers and reinforces our culture to employees.

RESTON, Va., October 26, 2023 /3BL/ – Leidos (NYSE:LDOS), a FORTUNE® 500 science and technology leader, was recently awarded a new Other Transaction prototype contract by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to provide a multi-base Electric Vehicle Charging-as-a-Service (EVCaaS) deployment for the Department of the Air Force.

“We look forward to supporting the Air Force’s journey to a clean energy future,” said Bill Johnson, Senior Vice President and Operations Manager at Leidos. “With this award, Leidos will leverage our expertise decarbonizing complex systems to deliver quick and resilient solutions, with minimal impact expected to the critical missions of the Air Force.”

With more than 49,000 non-tactical vehicles in its fleet, the Air Force will be able to transition its fleet to zero-emissions using EVCaaS.

Through this contract, Leidos will design and implement a modern, resilient, scalable and secure power infrastructure solution. This will provide the necessary resources for the Air Force’s fleet of non-tactical vehicles to be charged and ready for use at multiple installations across the continental United States.

“Leidos’ innovative solution sets a new precedent for how federal organizations can leverage third party finance and commercial best practices to rapidly electrify their mission,” said Tristan Bannon, Leidos’ Executive Director for Renewable Energy and Climate Technologies. “Further, by integrating energy storage, this project should enhance the Air Force’s non-grid-dependent installation energy resilience and serve as a learning model across the Department of Defense.”

The solution will use Leidos’ engineering and system integration expertise to integrate the best commercially available technology. Leidos selected ChargePoint, a leading provider of solutions for charging EVs, to support delivering these capabilities.

Leidos will also pilot an innovative above-ground EV balance of systems capability supplied by Shoals, a leading provider for eMobility solutions. This approach minimizes construction costs and schedule delays through secure and hardened above-ground raceways and power stations. The solution meets the unique efficiency and resiliency needs of each installation location. It also leverages analytics and engineering to mitigate the impact on local installation grids.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company’s 46,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.leidos.com.

Certain statements in this announcement constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management’s current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the “Risk Factors” set forth in Leidos’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made.

KeyBank is investing $400,000 in NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania to help increase financial stability and homeownership throughout the region with a focus on Black individuals and families who have historically had inequitable access to homeownership. This grant is part of KeyBank’s commitment to invest $40 billion in the communities it serves.

“KeyBank’s purpose is to help the communities we serve thrive. Accessibility to homeownership is a crucial element of thriving communities,” said Victor Laurenza, KeyBank Western Pennsylvania Market President. “We are excited to partner with and support NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania in their mission of promoting stable, vibrant communities by providing equitable and comprehensive homeownership services.”

“This grant provides sustainable support for first-time buyers at all stages of purchase readiness, including those with major barriers to homeownership. KeyBank’s investment shows a commitment to closing the staggering racial wealth gap in Western Pennsylvania,” said Colin Kelley, CEO of NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania. “We look forward to partnering with KeyBank over the next four years to promote equitable access to homeownership in our region.”

Through community-based partnerships, NeighborWorks will connect prospective buyers to housing and financial counseling, homebuyer education, and down payment and closing cost assistance. The focus will include those living outside of the Pittsburgh metro, in rural and suburban communities throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Target outcomes include:

NeighborWorks will enter into or renew existing partnership memorandums of understanding with a minimum of 20 nonprofit, development, and business partners
 400 prospective homebuyers will be referred to NeighborWorks by community partners
 550 counseling appointments will be held with prospective buyers
 250 prospective buyers will complete HUD-certified homebuyer education
 160 buyers will receive down payment and closing cost assistance, either through NeighborWorks or a program offered by a partner. 50% of down payment assistance will go to Black buyers.

Including this investment, KeyBank has provided more than $577,000 in support to NeighborWorks since 2017.

Since 2017, KeyBank has made more than $496 million in investments in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, supporting affordable housing and community development projects; small business and home lending to low-to-moderate income individuals and communities, and transformative philanthropy.

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

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 at September 30, 2023. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

ABOUT NEIGHBORWORKS OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

For more than 50 years, NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania has promoted stable, vibrant communities by providing our neighbors with comprehensive homeownership services. Legendary community organizer Dorothy Richardson founded our organization, then known as Neighborhood Housing Services, to address the lack of safe and affordable housing on Pittsburgh’s Northside. The success of Richardson and her neighbors, using a resident-led model, inspired NeighborWorks America, a national network of community-based organizations. Today, NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania is a leader in sustainable homeownership, preparing first-time homebuyers and supporting homeowners in Western Pennsylvania through one-on-one

Breakbulk shipments are gradually returning to normal after hitting record levels in 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global supply chains, “highlighted the advantages of breakbulk in maintaining the flow of cargo globally,” writes Carla Solano, Head of Logistics for DP World in the Dominican Republic, in a recent article for Breakbulk.

“The adaptability of breakbulk renders it essential,” Solano states in Breakbulk. “Managing RoRo and handling oversized, unwieldy, or weighty items such as bulk lumber and pulp, heavy machinery, iron and steel girders, rubber, project cargo, and turbines in containers is simply unfeasible, cementing breakbulk’s indispensable role.”

The article, “The Role of Breakbulk in Supply Chain Recovery” discusses the state of breakbulk shipping in 2022 and its gradual return to normalcy after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the advantages of breakbulk shipping in handling oversized and unwieldy cargo, which is essential as demand for such goods rises. Breakbulk shipping also offers flexibility by reaching smaller, secondary ports that container vessels often bypass.

However, the article acknowledges challenges in breakbulk shipping, including environmental concerns related to fuel consumption and emissions. It also mentions logistical complexities due to handling large cargoes. To address these issues, the industry is exploring sustainable solutions such as alternative fuels (LNG, hydrogen, biofuels), energy-efficient technologies, and renewable energy integration.

The article emphasizes the importance of investing in infrastructure and adopting digital technologies to optimize operations and reduce waste. Economic considerations, the pace of technological advancement, and a lack of standardization are identified as barriers to achieving sustainability in breakbulk shipping.

Read the full article here.

PARIS & NEW YORK, October 26, 2023 /3BL/ – EcoVadis, the leading provider of business sustainability ratings, today announces it has gained accreditation by CDP into its network of service providers. As a global Gold Software Solution Provider, EcoVadis will support companies disclosing to CDP to implement ambitious sustainability practices.

EcoVadis provides business sustainability ratings, intelligence and collaborative performance improvement tools for global supply chains. EcoVadis’ Sustainability Intelligence Suite includes the Carbon Action Module (CAM), which is designed to help companies build capability for climate action, including Scope 3 decarbonization at scale.

EcoVadis’ easy-to-use and actionable sustainability and carbon scorecards and improvement platform provides suppliers – of which 80% are SMEs – with detailed insight into carbon performance, as well as other environmental, social and ethical risks across 200 purchasing categories and 175+ countries.

“New and evolving global climate regulations continue to force businesses to act. As a Gold level Accredited Solution Provider, EcoVadis will work closely with CDP to help our mutual customers drive even greater emissions transparency,” said Julia Salant, general manager of carbon solutions, EcoVadis. “Our shared values and ambitions with CDP provide organizations with high-quality global support and guidance on improving climate disclosures and driving impact at scale.”

CDP is the global non-profit which runs the world’s environmental disclosure system used by over 18,700 companies and 1,100 cities, states and regions globally, and backed by investors with assets of $137 trillion in 2022. CDP accredits environmental service providers who can help to support companies in all aspects of their environmental journey, from climate-related scenario analysis to designing a strategy for a water-secure and deforestation-free future.

Accredited solutions providers help companies disclosing to CDP to identify the gaps in their environmental performance, address these gaps and identify further opportunities for becoming leaders in the corporate environmental action space.

“The addition of EcoVadis into our network of accredited solutions providers will bring highly valued expertise to the thousands of companies using CDP to disclose their environmental data and support them to implement leading actions to manage their risks and reduce their impacts,” said Paul Robins, head of corporate partnerships, CDP. “We are confident that EcoVadis’ capabilities will be useful, and we are glad to welcome them as a valued, high-quality service provider.”

For more information on EcoVadis’ sustainability intelligence suite, visit ecovadis.com/enterprise/.

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About EcoVadis

EcoVadis is a purpose-driven company whose mission is to provide the world’s most trusted business sustainability ratings. Businesses of all sizes rely on EcoVadis’ expert intelligence and evidence-based ratings to monitor and improve the sustainability performance of their business and trading partners. Its actionable scorecards, benchmarks, carbon action tools, and insights guide an improvement journey for environmental, social, and ethical practices across 200 industry categories and 175 countries. Industry leaders such as Johnson & Johnson, L’Oréal, Unilever, LVMH, Bridgestone, BASF, and JPMorgan are among the 100,000 businesses that collaborate with EcoVadis to drive resilience, sustainable growth, and positive impact worldwide. Learn more on ecovadis.com, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

About CDP

CDP is a global non-profit that runs the world’s environmental disclosure system for companies, cities, states and regions. Founded in 2000 and working with over 700 investors with $137 trillion in assets, CDP pioneered using capital markets and corporate procurement to motivate companies to disclose their environmental impacts, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard water resources and protect forests. Nearly 20,000 organizations around the world disclosed data through CDP in 2022, including more than 18,700 companies worth half of global market capitalization, and over 1,100 cities, states and regions. Fully TCFD aligned, CDP holds the largest environmental database in the world, and CDP scores are widely used to drive investment and procurement decisions towards a zero carbon, sustainable and resilient economy. CDP is a founding member of the Science Based Targets initiative, We Mean Business Coalition, The Investor Agenda and the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative. Visit cdp.net or follow us on @CDP and on LinkedIn to find out more.

Press Inquiries

US: Corporate Ink for EcoVadis

617-969-9192, ecovadis@corporateink.com

Original Publication

NEW GUINEA, October 26, 2023 /3BL/ – Papua New Guinea’s Torres Strait Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery celebrated their efforts to ensure the health and longevity of the lobster stocks in the Torres Strait Protected Zone at a certification event on Friday 20 October at the Crown Plaza in Port Moresby, PNG.

Based in the Torres Strait Protected Zone, the Torres Strait Tropical Rock Lobster fishery stands out for its adherence to original techniques that have minimal impact on marine habitats and non-target species. With a limit of only seven boats and 5-7 fishers on each boat, the operations are recognised as a small-scale and now sustainable fishery. The crew and divers consist of local fishers from Daru Island who embrace the traditional methods of hand harvesting each exquisite shellfish via freediving (a diving method that does not require breathing equipment and instead relies on one long breath-hold) or by hookah (a diving method in which surface-supplied air is provided to a diver via a hose). The methods used require minimal gear and are highly selective, reducing impact on the environment and avoidance of any incidental catch of non-targeted species.

Anne Gabriel, MSC Program Director for Oceania and Singapore said: “The leadership shown by Papua New Guinea’s Torres Strait Tropical Rock Lobster fishery should be emulated around the world as a benchmark that meeting world-class standards is not only achievable for small-scale fisheries but necessary. By embracing traditional and sustainable fishing practices, these communities are not only securing their future but protecting a vital part of our planet’s ecosystem.”

Local divers dedicate their lives to this method of fishing, and it is a practice passed on from generation to generation. For the fishing community of Daru Island, the ocean is the lifeblood, and this makes responsible fishing practices crucial for tradition and culture to survive. MSC certification serves as a shining example of how remote communities can achieve sustainability goals while preserving their unique cultural and environmental heritage.

Attaining MSC certification, the fishery commits to transparency of its operations and continuous improvements in responsible management. MSC certification highlights the critical importance of sustainable practices and assessment in remote areas like the Torres Strait Protected Zone. These regions are particularly vulnerable to Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and whilst the fishery has historically encountered IUU, the journey towards MSC has helped agencies detect and deter IUU risks, leading to greater economic stability for fishers in the region. The involvement of a third-party assessor in the certification process not only ensures impartial evaluation, but it reinforces responsible management and provides additional verification of regional fishery performance.

Small-scale and artisanal fisheries often present unique challenges and complexity for assessment teams and certification bodies. Independent leader in third-party certification, verification, and validation for sustainable standards around the world, SCS Global Services, conducted the assessment. SCS has a long record of accomplishment navigating the MSC Standard and Process for small-scale fishery client groups since the certification of the Mexico Baja California Red Rock Lobster in 2004.

Jason Swecker, SCS’ Managing Director of Seafood says “SCS proudly celebrates the PNG Lobster Fishery for earning MSC certification, showcasing their commitment to sustainable fishing. Leveraging SCS’s globally recognized assessment expertise, especially in the western central Pacific, we’ve helped ensure this certification not only acknowledges their dedication to responsible stewardship of our marine ecosystems but also offers people a sustainable seafood choice. Together, using solid science and mindful management, we’re working to improve and protect our global oceans and fishing communities.“

Honouring the recognition, Sustainable and CSR Director of FIA PNG, Marcelo Hidalgo said, “The Torres Straight Lobster Fishery certification shows the collaboration between the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and The PNG Fishing Industry Association (FIA) of Papua New Guinea. This first-ever small-scale fishery in the Western and Central Pacific shows our commitment to sustainable fishing in Papua New Guinea to the world. This is part of our responsible sourcing policy (RSP) and commitment to improving the small-scale fisheries management plan, providing guaranteed livelihoods in the future, and at the same time we expect to place this valued commodity directly in consumer markets like restaurants”.

With current markets in China, Hong Kong, and Australia, FIA PNG and NFA aim to open Singaporean and European markets with the MSC certification.

The MSC assessment process is independent, fully transparent, and stakeholder-driven with all documentation available at msc.org. MSC certification was possible for the Torres Strait Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery thanks to the Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery Stock Assessment undertaken by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), an Australian Government agency responsible for scientific research.

Read More

Media Contacts: 
US: Nikki Senseman: nsenseman@scsglobalservices.com 
AU: Inday Ford: Inday.ford@msc.org 
PNG: Nialangis Posanau: alice.posanau@gmail.com

Originally published by The National Provisioner 

By Sammy Bredar

Demand for sustainable packaging is on the rise.

The 2023 Buying Green Report, released in conjunction with Earth Day, suggests that despite rising consumer prices, consumers say they are increasingly willing to pay more for products in sustainable packaging.

Mike Rosinski, marketing director of the Cryovac division of packaging company SEE, said that his company offerings focus on sustainability, automation, and digital connectivity. He noted that, although there is movement from plastic to paper packaging, some products require plastic packaging. Given this necessity, SEE is trying to create end-to-end sustainable plastic packaging.

Continue reading here.

ATLANTA, October 26, 2023 /3BL/ – Georgia-Pacific is working with the Historic Oakland Foundation to preserve an integral part of Atlanta history – Oakland Cemetery. The company contributed $75,000 and in-kind product to the cemetery’s Living History Capital Campaign to help build a new visitor center. The visitor center, slated to open in 2025, will not only greet the 125,000 visitors that come to the cemetery each year, but also create an ongoing source of research and revenue for the space to ensure its protection and upkeep for years to come. An active supporter of the Historic Oakland Foundation for many years, Georgia-Pacific has also worked to help restore the Historic African American Burial Grounds and the Bell Tower. The company’s contributions to Oakland Cemetery add to its long-standing commitment to the communities in which its employees live and work and make Atlanta a better place to live.

In 1850, the city of Atlanta purchased six acres of land and created the Atlanta Graveyard. Atlanta Graveyard was renamed Oakland Cemetery in 1872 and by then expanded to 48 acres due to needs during the Civil War. Throughout the years, not only did the site evolve into a gorgeous Victorian-style garden, but it also served as a resting place for many notable Atlantans. Oakland Cemetery sold its last plots in 1884, and through the 1930s the cemetery became a popular area for carriage rides, picnics, and other gatherings. As the city grew, the cemetery became neglected and a frequent target for vandals. Oakland Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, which sparked a renewed interest in preserving the space. The City of Atlanta Parks Department and Historic Oakland Foundation now manage Oakland Cemetery, and it is a popular venue for tours, and public and private events, including weddings.

“We are so grateful for Georgia-Pacific’s support, and the support of all our partners,” stated Richard Harker, executive director for Oakland Cemetery. “The city coming together to work toward the preservation and improvement of this space is immeasurable. We want Oakland Cemetery to be a public park that is an anchor in our community, and the new visitor center will help in these efforts.”

There are many outstanding projects at Oakland Cemetery. Since the cemetery does not currently have a visitor center, the Bell Tower, originally built in 1899 and recently renovated, has served as a gift shop, offices, and event space. The new visitor center will be much more. The space, designed to be 10,000-square-feet, will feature a store, welcome center, meeting rooms, event space, educational programming, offices, a lawn and plaza, and a woodland trail.

Harker is excited by the possibilities. “This new space will be flexible, and we will be able to share the cemetery in more expansive ways than ever before. We are hoping to expand our programming, offer lunch programs to kids during the summer, host blood drives, voting, and other functions that serve the surrounding community.” At the ground-breaking ceremony for the new center, Harker announced the expansion of a summer workforce development program for Atlanta high school students that launched in 2023 and teaches them masonry, horticulture, and other skills that the students will use to help preserve the cemetery.

Learn more about Oakland Cemetery and the Living History Capital Campaign for Atlanta’s original cemetery and oldest public greenspace by clicking here.

View original content here.

CBRE

DALLAS /3BL/ – CBRE has been recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” by the Disability Equality Index® (DEI) and earned a top score in 2023.

The DEI is a comprehensive global benchmark that measures disability inclusion and equality in the workplace. Companies can demonstrate shared value for stakeholders through the DEI and identify areas for improvement across the workplace, as well as broader engagement in the community and supply chain.

In 2023, 485 companies benchmarked their disability inclusion efforts with the DEI, which measured: Culture & Leadership; Enterprise-Wide Access; Employment Practices; Community Engagement; Supplier Diversity; and Non-U.S. Operations.

“We are fervently committed to raising the bar for inclusivity and accessibility in our workplaces and in the communities where we live and work,” said Gillian Maguire, chair of the Abilities employee business resource group (EBRG). “Embracing the DEI’s recommendations is one way that we enhance our programs and initiatives for our employees with disabilities and their families.”

CBRE’s abilities-focused EBRGs in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and EMEA regions play an integral role supporting and advocating for the professional and personal requirements of employees with disabilities. The groups also inform CBRE on accessibility efforts for recruiting and talent development.

Earlier this year, CBRE signed the Disability:IN CEO Letter on Disability Inclusion, which commits participation in the DEI every year. CBRE was also recognized in Bloomberg’s 2023 Gender-Equality Index for the fourth straight year.

About CBRE Group, Inc. 
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2022 revenue). The company has approximately 115,000 employees (excluding Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

Media Contact 
Katrin Perkins 
Corporate Communications 
1-407-404-5014