Tag: 3BL

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Jean Clement Nsombo is excited for his new home, one that he and hundreds of volunteers constructed during the 2023 Habitat for Humanity Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project hosted by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood in Charlotte.

“I am very happy,” said Nsombo, who is from the Congo. “I feel good and am very happy to see volunteers come and work on my house.”

Nsombo is one of 27 homeowners whose home is under construction in the new West Charlotte neighborhood, The Meadows at Plato Price. Once home to the historic African American Plato Price School, the area was affected by desegregation and the land lay vacant until 2019 when the city of Charlotte donated it to Habitat Charlotte Region. Country singers Brooks and Yearwood started volunteering with Habitat more than a decade ago and are considered “Habitat humanitarians.” The two volunteered throughout the week in Charlotte.

“Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live, but we cannot reach that goal alone,” said Tolli Love, chief development officer at Habitat for Humanity International. “U.S. Bank is a committed partner in this work and that support of Habitat for Humanity’s 37th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project helped us build 27 new homes during the week. This partnership is an example of what is possible when we come together to build affordable, sustainable and resilient communities.”

U.S. Bank proudly served as a platinum sponsor of the massive five-day event with support from both the U.S. Bank Foundation and U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance. Impact Finance has now completed four investments through the federal New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Program since 2017, investing more than $3.5 million in Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region. Impact Finance has provided more than $120 million to Habitat affiliates coast-to-coast for affordable homeownership projects with a total value of over $470 million and creating over 1,250 units. 

Impact Finance Business Development Officer Bill Carson leads NMTC housing investments and participated in the Carter Work Project along with some 80 other U.S. Bank volunteers from across the country. “It was amazing to be a part of this week and to see our financing and support come full circle, especially through the eyes and smile of homeowner Jean,” said Carson, who explained that NMTCs are a federal tax credit program that encourages job creation and economic development in distressed and underserved communities. Typical projects involve real estate construction and rehabilitation; capital and equipment investments; and operating funds for both and for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations like Habitat.

“Impact Finance co-originated for Habitat a NMTC homeownership model more than 15 years ago with the consulting firm Smith NMTC Associates,” said Carson. “It’s been a pleasure working with Habitat affiliates across the country to make homeownership possible for thousands of families.” The model is also used by other nonprofit developers of for-sale housing.

Liz Blake volunteered at the build site alongside U.S. Bank employees. Blake in 2015 retired from Habitat for Humanity International, where she once served as the senior vice president for advocacy, government affairs and general counsel. Blake and her team played an instrumental role in pitching to the U.S. Treasury the use of NMTCs for housing. “NMTCs enable Habitat to serve more families and make a big difference. And we couldn’t have done it without financial institutions like U.S. Bank coming alongside us. It was a game changer.” From 2020-2022, U.S. Bank has provided more than $5.1 million in corporate contributions and U.S. Bank Foundation giving nationally to Habitat, and matched employee giving at nearly $69,000.

“I’m so thankful to work for an organization that puts people first and encourages employees to participate in community activities such as Habitat for Humanity,” said Shannon Donnelly, U.S. Bank managing director and chief administrative officer of Global Markets & Specialized Finance. “Not only is the bank supporting great causes, but the community events allow us to meet colleagues across the bank that we do not see on a daily basis.”

Nsombo, his wife, and their three children ages 4-8 will move into their new home in April 2024. Nsombo noted the stability of owning a home as something important for his family.

Impact Finance Business Transformation Manager A’Daris McNeese worked alongside Nsombo several hours and the two enjoyed speaking French. “Working alongside Jean was great,” she said. “We were building his future home together so there is a strong feeling of pride and connection. When I learned that he is from Congo Kinshasa and speaks French, I was happy that I could step in to help him connect more with the other volunteers. Jean said that he had never worked with such a big group and that it was exciting to see so many people volunteering, giving their time, to help his family.”

Originally published on bloomberg.com

Global geopolitical tensions, the Ukraine War, shifting supply chains and the prospect of a global recession reflect the complexities that are increasingly shaping investment decisions in Asia-Pacific. This outlook impacts current and aspiring buy-side leaders in how they look to leverage the current environment to gain a foothold in this rapidly evolving industry.

To mark the Bloomberg Women’s Buy-Side Network’s (BWBN) 5th anniversary, we gathered some of the network’s most senior buy-side experts to share their investment outlook and offer valuable career advice with aspiring finance students and those looking to break into the industry.

Women leaders in Asia and Europe’s buy-side sector connected with around 200 university students throughout both regions to share their thoughts on upcoming investment trends, risks and opportunities and how to strike an impression in a competitive job market.

Geopolitics shaping investments in Asia

A number of panelists observed a new emphasis on security globally – including within the Asia-Pacific region – with countries allocating more resources to national security concerns, potentially indicating that the peace dividend era is now over.

Rising inflation and high interest rates around the world may also change consumer behaviors, noted Kazuko Sakaguchi. For example, countries like Japan have struggled with deflation for nearly three decades, seeing companies and households alike holding onto too much cash. There is a big shift in behaviors underway as companies are incentivized by inflation to spend and use excess cash to grow or find other avenues for investment.

It was also agreed that China – while currently faced with demographic and economic challenges – remains an important destination and driver for investment, given its role in global markets and its strong consumer purchasing power. According to Lakshmi Iyer, India’s own growth has also been noteworthy and is increasingly demanding investor attention, with the emergence of that market as a focal point in global supply chains. The growing stability of the Indian economy and the healthy flow of foreign capital will continue to captivate investors, with the national election in 2024 seen as the next milestone of note.

Digital Darwinism the way forward

Virginie Maisonneuve, alongside other panelists, posited that Darwinism – the theory that the fittest companies and economies will be the ones to survive and thrive in the future – is alive and well in the digital space. Chang Shu cautioned that technology and ‘Digital Darwinism’ could have implications for the geopolitical landscape in Asia. She highlighted that access and knowledge are both necessary when it comes to technology in order to ensure meaningful growth for communities, businesses and countries.

Diverse career journeys leading to the buy-side

Senior female leaders candidly shared stories about their respective career journeys and experiences which eventually led them to the buy-side. Some joined as part of a graduate program while others dabbled in investment management and strategy before entering the sector. While their starting points and paths differed greatly, the senior buy-side professionals encouraged students to keep an open mind because similar with their journeys, many roads can lead to the same destination.

In reflecting on their participation in BWBN, they agreed that the promotion of true inclusion and equity across the industry remains necessary – both because it’s ‘the right thing to do’, but also to ensure high-quality business and investment decisions with a wider diversity of voices driving decision-making among asset managers and the buy-side at large.

Standing out in a competitive job market

For fresh graduates and aspiring finance professionals looking to break into the industry, the leaders shared some valuable insights on how one can stand out from the crowd, particularly in today’s competitive job market. With fundamental tests and academic credentials leveling the playing field for most entry level jobs, now more than ever, emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate different situations are key differentiators amongst candidates, explained Chunyen Liu and Carol Lee.

Beyond typical skills, Cassandra Crowe recommended candidates be bold and bring their passion and energy to any role. She referenced recent research conducted by the CFA Institute and the Australian National University which found when women lean in to ask for promotions, they are usually equally or even more successful than their male counterparts. The data suspects this is largely due to their natural tendency to only put their hands up for roles they are very well qualified for.

On navigating one’s overall career for the long run, Kimberly Kim shared her insights on the importance of learning and uncovering one’s purpose and values in their professional journey.

To wrap up the fifth anniversary celebration, each female leader left one parting piece of advice for those looking to break into the industry:

Be open to different career paths. Don’t be fixated on a particular route, as you never know where opportunities can take you. –Chang ShuDon’t trust yourself too much. Instead, be aware of what you know and what you don’t know, because this will be how you can prevent fatal mistakes. Stay intellectually curious. –Kazuko SakaguchiBe an APE – Agility in thought and deeds, Patience in building your career step by step and have an Eye for detail in all that you do. –Lakshmi IyerJust do it. Try things out and follow your intuition. –Virginie MaisonneuveBe kind to yourself and support each other. Try your best in all that you do, but don’t dwell on things that – according to your own standard – you didn’t excel in. Don’t place focus on all the things you didn’t achieve, but instead on the ones you did and celebrate the little successes. –Chunyen LiuBe open minded, because the world goes fast so adopting a growth mindset to everything around you is crucial. Anything can be possible! Learn from failure and success equally. –Carol LeeSet yourself free from judgment, self-criticism and worrying about what others think. Be authentic about who you are, as we’re all unique in our own ways. –Kimberly KimGo for it and trust your instincts! – Cassandra Crowe

About BWBN 
The Bloomberg Women’s Buy-side Network (BWBN) is a global network led by a group of senior industry leaders who aspire to serve as role models for the next generation of women on the buy-side. As the first women’s buy-side network of its kind, it was created to advance the social purpose of the industry and spotlight its leading practitioners. The network promotes meritocracy and inclusion in the industry, and educates on the diversity of career paths within the buy side. 
The network started in Asia in 2018, with chapters opened in Singapore, Hong Kong, India and Japan. From 2021, the network expanded globally with chapters added in Australia, New Zealand, California, New York and Brazil.

KeyBank joined Great Day Colorado for a segment on the partnership with Key and the Food Bank of the Rockies. In 2022, Key made an impactful $450,000 grant to the food bank in support of their Culturally Responsive Food Initiative program which is designed to help some of our most vulnerable neighbors.

To learn more, view the Great Day Colorado highlights below:

GDC highlights ‘KeyBank’ helping ‘Food Bank of the Rockies’ with sizable grant | FOX31 Denver (kdvr.com)

Prism, Suncor’s Employee Resource Group is dedicated to establishing an inclusive work environment and a safe space for all people from the 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies. They actively engaged and organized events across Suncor’s operating sites and at the headquarters in Calgary, inviting community partners to participate at the Suncor Energy Centre, and walk in the Calgary Pride Parade. Read more on our community involvement .

Having Suncor’s presence and support for such large events, like Pride YMM, and allyship from leaders helps ensure Suncor is an inclusive workplace.

“Knowing our senior leaders are taking time from their workdays and personal lives to support PRISM is motivating to me,” says Gary Durtler, Mine Planner, Mining & Upgrading and Prism’s communications lead.

Gary works with the network steering committee to provide input and quality assurance on Suncor policies and awareness that impact our 2SLGBTQ+ workforce.

“Leading by example is critical, and I hope that in time everyone is proud to show their allyship, be it by joining us for our celebrations in person or even just adding their pronouns to their email signatures,” adds Gary. “These simple actions are noticed by those in the community, and they make me feel comfortable coming to work every day as myself.”

Adam Pommer, Specialist Relations Advisor, is a past volunteer with Prism and was critical in getting the network launched. One of his goals is to remove barriers and hesitancy in the organization towards showcasing allyship. “Although many people would consider themselves an ally, they are hesitant to show that support visibly,” explains Adam. “Some ways we can be more visible with our allyship is having a pride poster in our office or a sticker on your hard hat to show your support and make your site an inclusive space.”

From meaningful community outreach to internal initiatives that champion inclusivity, we encourage everyone to help shape a brighter, more equitable future for everyone.

As a vertically integrated apparel manufacturing company, Gildan understands the responsibility that comes with supporting its global workforce of around 45,000 employees. One central element of this responsibility is ensuring that factory workers actively participate in our internal ergonomic care program to preemptively address the possible risks associated with a job and implement the necessary controls to safeguard workers’ health.

“The nature of apparel manufacturing can inherently expose our workers to repetitive movements, and they might slip into incorrect posture as the day goes on. This is why providing an ergonomics program that seeks to mitigate the long-term effects of physical work is extremely important for the well-being of our people,” says Honduras-based Gildan physician, Dr. Ana Ramos.

While the health and safety of its employees has been an important priority since the Company’s beginnings, Gildan’s ergonomics program was officially expanded in 2009 through a partnership with the Ergonomics Center of North Carolina (ECNC). The collaboration aimed at developing the Company’s Ergonomic Safety Guidelines, with an emphasis on recognizing and addressing ergonomic risks through training, ergonomic pauses, applicable engineering, and administrative controls. Following this partnership, Gildan put into effect several practices to promote health and wellness, such as including ergonomic pauses throughout the workday for sewing operators. These breaks reduce the physical effects these workers might experience due to repetitive tasks. Initiatives such as these are achieved and overseen by Ergonomics Committees, which have been instituted in many of Gildan’s facilities. These committees are comprised of the Company’s own responsibly trained workers in an effort to encourage a mindset for proactive ergonomic awareness in the workplace.

Since its inception, the ergonomics program at Gildan has expanded to provide employees with comprehensive prevention and awareness ergonomic healthcare. Along with preventative measures, the Company has established a fleet of specialized care clinics in its facilities across the globe to tend to its employees. At two of Gildan’s largest sewing facilities and at its textile complex in Honduras, on-site Back and Shoulder clinics are equipped with trained physicians and nurses capable of performing back and shoulder-related exercises for all workers in need of biomechanical strength, stretching, and flexibility help. In a continued effort to expand ergonomic services to more Gildan facilities, the newest Back and Shoulder clinic was opened in 2019 at Gildan’s Rio Nance complex in Honduras.

Looking Ahead at Gildan’s Ergonomics Program 

Gildan strives to always grow with its workforce in mind, and this is reflected in its commitment to advance the Company’s ergonomics program. Gildan plans to develop new Global Ergonomic Guidelines that will reflect the Company’s goal of expanding the scope of its ergonomics program worldwide. Further, Gildan is on track to achieve Company-wide ISO 45001 certification at every one of its manufacturing facilities by 2028, which is an international standard for occupational health and safety, and which includes managing ergonomic risks in the workplace.

“The health and safety of our workers is a top priority, and that is why along with integrating ergonomic practices in our daily operations, we also provide medical care through clinics that are attached to our facilities,” says Mike Albright, Vice-President of Health and Safety, and Human Resources for Manufacturing at Gildan. “This way our workers know exactly where to find the support they need,” he finishes. 

To find out more about Gildan’s commitment to its people, click here.

Authored by Mallory Thomas, Srinand Yalamanchili, Brianna Hardy

California is a global leader in addressing climate risk through state policy. The state is now setting the precedent for climate reporting in the U.S. by passing the Climate Accountability Package on Oct. 7, 2023. Comprehensively, the package will require many middle market companies to disclose greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate-related financial risks, which is a major step towards increased transparency and accountability. Failing to prepare and report could result in financial penalties, profitability issues and compliance risks.

What is the California Climate Accountability package?

California’s Climate Accountability Package includes two pieces of regulations, SB 253 and SB 261, that require U.S.-based public and private companies that do business in California to report their GHG emissions (SB 253) and disclose their climate-related financial risk (SB 261). Reporting would begin in 2026 for 2025 reporting, including assurance over reported GHG emission data.

Even if your company is under the revenue threshold, the trickle-down need for information to be provided to your customers and clients is evident. Companies that meet the threshold will likely require climate-related information from companies in their supply chain, particularly regarding GHG emissions.

1. SB 253 California Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act

Senate Bill 253 applies to U.S. businesses with over $1 billion in revenue that conduct business in California (reporting entities [1]). These entities will be required to annually report their GHG emission inventories (scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions) in line with the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard and Corporate Value Chain (scope 3) standard. The act requires gradual increases in the level of assurance to ensure the credibility of information. Additionally, to ensure transparency, the act requires reporting entities to provide a copy of the completed assurance provider’s report and the provider’s name to the digital platform that will be utilized, ensuring public access to the data.

Reporting and assurance timeline for SB 253

GHG emission inventories of scope 1 and 2

Beginning in 2026, reporting entities will need to obtain limited assurance of their GHG emission inventories.Beginning in 2030, reporting entities will need to obtain reasonable assurance of their GHG emission inventories.

GHG emission inventories of scope 3

Beginning in 2027, reporting entities will need to publicly disclose their GHG emission inventories.Beginning in 2030, reporting entities will need to obtain limited assurance of their GHG emission inventories.

*The above information details reporting requirements for the prior fiscal year-end reporting period.

2. SB 261 Greenhouse gasses: climate-related risk

Senate Bill 261 applies to U.S. businesses with over $500 million in revenue that conduct business in California (covered entities [2]). Beginning on or before January 1, 2026, these entities will be required to prepare a climate-related financial risk report disclosing:

Climate-related financial risk, aligned with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework.Measures adopted to reduce and adapt to climate-related financial risk. Reporting and disclosure must align with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

Covered entities are required to report biennially and make a copy of the report available to the public via their website. If a covered entity does not complete a report consistent with all required disclosures, the entity will need to provide the recommended disclosures to the best of its ability, provide a detailed explanation for any reporting gaps and describe steps it will take to prepare complete disclosures.

What happens if a company doesn’t comply?

For companies that do not comply with the California Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act or Greenhouse gasses: climate-related risk, penalties of up to $500,000 and $50,000, respectively, can be imposed. Penalties assessed on scope 3 reporting, between 2027 and 2030, will only occur for non-filing. In addition to penalties, companies that do not report may experience reputational risks, which can have financial impacts.

Is your company prepared?

Are you currently reporting on climate-related data or scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissionsAre you aware of the recent California regulations, and are you prepared for GHG and climate-related risk and reporting requirements?Do you need to provide your customers with climate-related information, including GHG emissions, to support their reporting requirements?Do you know what data is needed and where to collect it within your company to prepare for disclosure?Have you defined your reporting goals and objectives?Have you established a team to support reporting efforts?Have you established risk management processes and integrated climate-related risks?

Take action

It is no longer a waiting game. Companies impacted, both directly and indirectly, by the California Climate Accountability package will be subject to disclosures as early as 2025. Get started with these 3 steps.

Identify: Determine who will lead this effort at your company, identify the resources needed to support the reporting effort and consider the stakeholders across your company that will need to support this effort. Then, assemble a cross-functional team to support your initiatives and reporting, leverage existing enterprise risk management steering committees, protocols, reporting and communication processes, as applicable.

Educate: Understand the standards, which include GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard, GHG Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) and TCFD.

Evaluate: Review current reporting performed to date, requests from third parties and applicability of forthcoming regulatory reporting requirements.

The announcement of the California climate-related regulation and related requirements for your company may feel overwhelming. But by taking action today, your company can strategically prepare. Lean on our specialists to meet you where you are, help navigate reporting requirements one step at a time, and turn compliance activities into business opportunities. Get started today.

Contact us

Footnotes

[1] Reporting entity refers to a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business entity formed under the laws of the state, the laws of any other state of the United States or the District of Columbia or under an act of the Congress of the United States with total annual revenues in excess of one billion United States dollars ($1 billion) (SB 253).

[2] Covered entity refers to a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business entity formed under the laws of the state, the laws of any other state of the United States or the District of Columbia or under an act of the Congress of the United States with total annual revenues in excess of five hundred million United States dollars ($500 million) (SB 261).

Grant funding of $75,000 to each clinic is part of Teva’s $2 million, two-year commitment to support clinics’ innovative mental and behavioral health programs tailored to meet community needsCommunity Routes is a collaborative effort between Direct Relief, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) and Teva Pharmaceuticals to help advance quality mental health care for underserved populations suffering from anxiety and depression 

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. & PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct 25, 2023 /3BL/ – Direct Relief, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC), and Teva Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA), today announced the continued funding of 11 local free and charitable clinics in the U.S. as part of a $2 million, two-year commitment, through their collaborative Community Routes: Access to Mental Health Care program that aims to advance access to healthcare for uninsured patients seeking treatment for anxiety and depression.

The second round of funding to the clinics in Florida, New Jersey and California underscores the commitment by Teva and its partners to expand access to mental health resources. The grants will support further expansion of the clinics’ innovative behavioral health services that are tailored to meet the cultural and language needs of patients in their local communities, including screening and services focused on trauma-informed care, training, continued community outreach and partnership development, new delivery sites, and continued trust-building among their patients and communities.

“Teva’s continued support for mental health across the U.S. builds on the past year’s success, connecting even more patients with quality care,” said Thomas Tighe, CEO and President of Direct Relief. “Over the past year, free clinics serving the most vulnerable patients were able to use these resources as a force multiplier for good. Direct Relief is privileged to work with these clinics, the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, and Teva, on this initiative that is again helping so many.”

“We know that a third of adults in the U.S. show symptoms of anxiety, depression or both – and more than 5.5 million adults with a mental illness are uninsured,” said Sven Dethlefs, PhD, Executive Vice President, North America Commercial at Teva. “Through this partnership, we are able to help address the rising need for community-based mental health care for uninsured and underserved populations.”

Nicole Lamoureux, President and CEO of NAFC said, “It is imperative that we continue to prioritize investment into mental health and behavioral programs. The funding from Community Routes provides these indispensable and trailblazing clinics with the momentum they need to create and expand mental health programs that can address the needs of their local communities.”

By the numbers

Through Community Routes: Access to Mental Health Care program, Teva is providing funds and broad portfolio of generic medicines to help advance health equity and quality care for underserved populations suffering from depression and anxiety. Within the program’s first six months, the eleven grant recipients reached over 22,000 patients within underserved communities, supporting individuals already facing other challenges , including food insecurity, low literacy, homelessness and disabilities.

Program impact includes the facilitation of more than 7,300 anxiety, depression and adverse childhood experiences (ACE) screenings, over 400 staff/volunteer and community member trainings, and nearly 20 community events across NJ, CA and FL.

“Without the grant funding, there would be no access to therapy services. In a post COVID world, there has never been more need for mental health services, both therapy and medication. We are making a difference because of the grant.” said Greg Speed, Counselor at Cape Volunteers in Medicine in Cape May Court House, New Jersey.

Visit TevaUSA.com to learn more about the Community Routes program, including a video highlighting the many voices behind the grassroots-focused program.

The 2023 grantee clinic recipients to receive continued funding through Community Routes are outlined below with an overview of their recent focus and impact made in their local communities to-date.

FLORIDA

University of Florida Mobile Outreach in Gainesville, Florida – Create and disseminate evidence-informed, easily accessible mental health wellness curriculum and training to underserved populations via trusted community members through a mobile outreach model.Grace Medical Home in Orlando, Florida – Expand an existing program that proactively identifies trauma and offers individualized interventions through an integrated, whole-person, multi-disciplinary approach to improve health outcomes.Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland, Inc., in Lakeland, Florida – Support medication reconciliation services provided through the pharmacy, outreach and event coordination, and outreach to homeless encampments to connect with clinical services and referrals for mental health care, patient transportation, and education.

NEW JERSEY

Cape Volunteers in Medicine in Cape May Court House, New Jersey – Improve mental and behavioral health access and treatment among at-risk populations by expanding depression and anxiety screenings. Funding also supports community events and outreach to identify community members’ mental and physical needs.Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative, Inc., in Hackensack, New Jersey – Increase capacity and fill a much-needed gap in care for Spanish-speaking patients with depression and anxiety through the support of a bilingual mental health practitioner and telehealth services to help reduce stigma and barriers to care.Parker Family Health Center in Red Bank, New Jersey – Support a collaboration with the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County, which allows for a bilingual therapist to offer weekly counseling and the creation of mental health education to be shared at live community events, virtually, and digitally.

CALIFORNIA

Samaritan House in San Mateo, California – Support implementation of best practices in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma, as well as working with geriatric and immigrant populations. The creation of a student-led trainee program to expand group and individual services and the adoption of psychoeducational books, in native languages, to help promote awareness and reduce stigma.Symba Center in Apple Valley, California – Expand partnership with local behavioral health services organization to remove barriers and support successful, trauma-informed, mental and behavioral health care at a homeless shelter site.Westminster Free Clinic in Thousand Oaks, California – Offer a range of culturally and linguistically competent mental health services, including individual and peer support, and a training program that empowers parents to identify the early signs of mental health issues.Lestonnac Free Clinic in Orange, California – Establish protocols and formalize behavioral health program under a Behavioral Health Program Manager to provide care through a trauma-informed lens and create a mentorship program for behavioral health interns from local colleges and universities.Savie Health in Lompoc, California – Create a screening protocol for social determinants of health (SDOH), depression, and anxiety and provide culturally sensitive resources and referrals to help patients overcome barriers to mental health care.

About Direct Relief

A humanitarian organization committed to improving the health and lives of people affected by poverty and emergencies, Direct Relief delivers lifesaving medical resources throughout the U.S. and world to communities in need—without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. For more information, visit https://www.DirectRelief.org.

About National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics 

National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c (3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality health care and strives to be a national voice promoting quality health care for all. For more information about the NAFC, please visit www.nafcclinics.org.

About Teva

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) has been developing and producing medicines to improve people’s lives for more than a century. We are a global leader in generic and innovative medicines with a portfolio consisting of over 3,500 products in nearly every therapeutic area. Around 200 million people around the world take a Teva medicine every day, and are served by one of the largest and most complex supply chains in the pharmaceutical industry. Along with our established presence in generics, we have significant innovative research and operations supporting our growing portfolio of innovative and biopharmaceutical products. Learn more at www.tevapharm.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are based on management’s current beliefs and expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, that could cause our future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from that expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “target,” “may,” “project,” “guidance,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning and expression in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include risks relating to: our ability to continue funding 11 local free and charitable clinics in the U.S. through collaborative access to mental healthcare programs; our ability to successfully compete in the marketplace, including: that we are substantially dependent on our generic products; concentration of our customer base and commercial alliances among our customers; delays in launches of new generic products; the increase in the number of competitors targeting generic opportunities and seeking U.S. market exclusivity for generic versions of significant products; our ability to successfully launch and execute our new strategy, including to expand our innovative and biosimilar medicines pipeline and profitably commercialize the innovative medicines and biosimilar portfolio, whether organically or through business development, and to sustain and focus our portfolio of generics medicines; our substantial indebtedness; our business and operations in general, including: the impact of global economic conditions and other macroeconomic developments and the governmental and societal responses thereto; compliance, regulatory and litigation matters, including: failure to comply with complex legal and regulatory environments; other financial and economic risks; and other factors discussed in this press release, in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2023 and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, including in the sections captioned “Risk Factors” and “Forward Looking Statements.” Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or other information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Source: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited

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Sappi has a long history of texturing paper and film for use in the production of imitation leather goods and textured panels for interior counters, flooring and cabinet decor. As part of this technology platform, Sappi has produced textured surfaces with extremely small features using our proprietary Ultracast® process for years. These very precise, small features placed in paper or film and provided in roll-to-roll form are just the type of innovation that can benefit the industrial microfluidics markets.

Sappi, in collaboration with the University of Maine’s Dr. Caitlin Howell and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, is studying the use of Sappi Ultracast texturing to build mass-manufactured, low-cost microfluidics that also have a low environmental impact.

The world of microfluidics is the science of repeatedly placing very small doses of fluids with precision into small, specific locations at precisely the right time. By texturing surfaces with small, accurate channel patterns, we can rapidly produce microfluid devices in roll-to-roll form that provide a lower-cost option for testing patterns for commercial use. The National Science Foundation has funded some of this work in the past, and additional funding grants are being sought to help produce commercial devices for testing in medical devices, water purification and general microdroplet generators for drug delivery. One example is the use of these textured surfaces for water treatment to prevent E. coli outbreaks on agricultural sites.

In addition to the work with the University of Maine and the Wyss Institute, we at Sappi continue to innovate with pattern development for water repellent surfaces for apparel, wearable electronics with light-channeling capability and low-cost sensor development. It is an exciting time to find new uses for our unique texturing capability for paper and film.

Report outlines aspirations to achieve gender parity and increase percentage of underrepresented employees in leadership positions in the U.S. by 2030Company aims to increase share of employees in leadership in growing regions of Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa by 2030

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, has released its premier Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Report. The report covers the company’s plans and progress in 2022 and outlines its ambitions through 2030.

“Our world is beautifully diverse and so is our company. We believe that championing a diverse workforce helps us better understand the needs of our stakeholders, exceed our customers’ expectations, stay economically and socially sustainable, and, most of all, drive the groundbreaking innovation that advances human progress,” said Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, brings together more than 64,000 employees from 139 nationalities in 66 countries. Forty-three percent of its global workforce are women, with 38% women in leadership roles. The adjusted global gender pay gap is less than 1.5%, which from the company’s assessment, is enviable compared to other companies of similar size and structure that report employee data.

The report also outlines the company’s DE&I aspirations through 2030 which include:

Achieving gender parity in all leadership positions: With 24% of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, employees based in the U.S., the company aims to increase the share of employees in leadership who are members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups from 21% at the end of 2022 to 30%.Increasing the global share of employees in leadership from 16% at the end of 2022 to 30% by 2030 in regions with strong current performance and predicted future growth, i.e., Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

“DE&I has been part of our more than 350-year journey – we are not in it for the quick win,” explained Renee Connolly, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. “We are also looking to the future, to the next generation and the one after that. We are working to create an environment where all can belong, grow and thrive – today, tomorrow and for the next 350 years.”

To view the full DE&I Report, please visit: www.emdgroup.com/en/company/building-belonging.html.

All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the EMD Group website. In case you are a resident of the USA or Canada, please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 64,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2022, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 22.2 billion in 66 countries.

The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark “Merck” internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company’s technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company.

Media Relations
Rachel Bloom-Baglin
Phone: 978-436-1725

Read More

Report outlines aspirations to achieve gender parity and increase percentage of underrepresented employees in leadership positions in the U.S. by 2030Company aims to increase share of employees in leadership in growing regions of Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa by 2030

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, has released its premier Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Report. The report covers the company’s plans and progress in 2022 and outlines its ambitions through 2030.

“Our world is beautifully diverse and so is our company. We believe that championing a diverse workforce helps us better understand the needs of our stakeholders, exceed our customers’ expectations, stay economically and socially sustainable, and, most of all, drive the groundbreaking innovation that advances human progress,” said Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, brings together more than 64,000 employees from 139 nationalities in 66 countries. Forty-three percent of its global workforce are women, with 38% women in leadership roles. The adjusted global gender pay gap is less than 1.5%, which from the company’s assessment, is enviable compared to other companies of similar size and structure that report employee data.

The report also outlines the company’s DE&I aspirations through 2030 which include:

Achieving gender parity in all leadership positions: With 24% of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, employees based in the U.S., the company aims to increase the share of employees in leadership who are members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups from 21% at the end of 2022 to 30%.Increasing the global share of employees in leadership from 16% at the end of 2022 to 30% by 2030 in regions with strong current performance and predicted future growth, i.e., Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

“DE&I has been part of our more than 350-year journey – we are not in it for the quick win,” explained Renee Connolly, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. “We are also looking to the future, to the next generation and the one after that. We are working to create an environment where all can belong, grow and thrive – today, tomorrow and for the next 350 years.”

To view the full DE&I Report, please visit: www.emdgroup.com/en/company/building-belonging.html.

All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the EMD Group website. In case you are a resident of the USA or Canada, please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 64,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2022, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 22.2 billion in 66 countries.

The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark “Merck” internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company’s technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company.

Media Relations
Rachel Bloom-Baglin
Phone: 978-436-1725

Read More