Tag: 3BL

October 23, 2023 /3BL/ – VolunteerMatch, a nonprofit that provides a national digital infrastructure to serve volunteers and Crisis Text Line, a national nonprofit that provides free, 24/7, confidential mental health support, have joined forces to spread the word about how volunteering extends its benefits beyond the immediate impact and showcases its transformative power.

Just released – Crisis Text Line’s recent volunteer survey titled, “Volunteer Voices: The Impact of Volunteering at Crisis Text Line,” highlights how volunteers learned a range of skills that benefited them in their personal lives and careers as well as improved their own mental health while helping others.

Crisis Text Line’s “Volunteer Voices” survey shows that:

Two-thirds of volunteers say they use skills learned at Crisis Text Line to deal with some of their own problemsNearly 70% practiced self-care or mindfulness, felt better about themselves and have matured emotionally89% developed active listening skills86% learned empathy and cultural humility80% saw themselves as someone who can influence positive change90% say their experience enabled them to de-escalate situations in their daily lives

“Volunteering has a profound ripple effect on society, leaving a lasting impact on communities, organizations, and the volunteers themselves,” said Dena Trujillo, CEO of Crisis Text Line. “Our recent research shows that high-impact volunteering at Crisis Text Line has a long-term positive impact on our volunteers’ families, friends and careers. Thanks to VolunteerMatch, who is an integral partner – for helping us recruit volunteers who become our amazing Crisis Counselors.”

According to Crisis Text Line’s research, volunteers are utilizing the skills they learned in their personal and professional lives, which has opened up new opportunities and career pathways. In addition, volunteers are taking better care of their own mental health, feel less alone and are better connected to their communities.

“At VolunteerMatch, we know that the key to volunteer recruitment begins with valuing the volunteer experience,” said Jude O’Reilley, CEO of VolunteerMatch. “People crave more than just the satisfaction of lending a hand; they want to experience personal growth, make meaningful connections, and enact real change. So as we start approaching the ‘giving’ holiday season, remember the benefits of volunteering reach further than you can imagine.”

Get inspired by exploring all the ways volunteering is the gift that keeps on giving. If you are looking to change and save lives, join Crisis Text Line’s remote volunteer and bilingual opportunities today – you can help people from the comfort of your own couch.

VolunteerMatch 

Since 1998, VolunteerMatch has put the power of technology to good use by enabling the social sector to unlock over $14 billion worth of volunteer time. The award-winning nonprofit service has complemented and co-existed with commercial technologies to become the web’s largest and most popular volunteer recruiting platform at volunteermatch.org.

About Crisis Text Line 

Crisis Text Line is a nonprofit organization that provides free, 24/7, confidential high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention in English and Spanish. Since its launch in 2013, people in crisis initiated nearly 9 million crisis conversations with Crisis Text Line, and the organization trained over 65,000 volunteers to support people in their moments of need. Crisis Text Line is committed to creating an empathetic world where nobody feels alone. Individuals seeking confidential support can connect with us via text, web chat and WhatsApp. To be connected to a live, trained non-judgmental volunteer Crisis Counselor, text HELLO to 741741 or 443-SUPPORT in WhatsApp or text HOLA to 741741 or 442-AYUDAME in WhatsApp for Spanish or connect with us via web chat. Visit Crisis Text Line on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Additional information, including how to become a volunteer or how to support Crisis Text Line through donations or partnerships, is available at www.crisistextline.org. 

Communities, patients and the manufacturing and application of pharmaceuticals all depend on the availability of clean, unpolluted water. Guided by our Global Water Policy and global EHS management system, we work to advance responsible water stewardship in our operations and support communities’ access to clean water and sanitation.

We have formalized our commitment to water stewardship as a signatory of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) and the UNGC CEO Water Mandate — a platform for business leaders to address global water challenges in collaboration with the UN, governments, civil society organizations and other stakeholders. Key pillars in our water and wastewater management include risk assessments, monitoring and periodic audits of all Viatris’ operations sites to ensure they comply with local regulatory and internal water standards.

Water Risk Assessments 

We perform water risk assessments for locations in high or extremely high water stress areas as identified by the World Resource Institute. Water risk assessments are primary components of our water stewardship strategy and are a part of our commitment to the UNGC CEO Water Mandate. These assessments enable us to identify, manage and mitigate impacts related to water stress. From this, we will identify opportunities for water reduction and conservation.

Our Water Goal:  

To perform water risk assessments for all 15 Viatris site locations in high or extremely high water stress areas as identified by the World Resource Institute and to identify appropriate water conservation initiatives by 2025.

Our Progress: In 2022, we performed five water risk assessments—four in our India facilities and one in Türkiye.

The remaining locations are on target for completion in 2023 and 2024, keeping us on track to meet our overall goal by 2025.

In 2022, we introduced heat pump technology at two facilities: the OSD facility in Chatillon, France, and the Injectable facility in Bangalore, India. These systems enable us to transfer waste heat from one process to support another, thereby minimizing the need for boiler-supplied heat. The two systems combined to reduce our carbon emission by approximately 1,170 mt.

More information about how Viatris manages water is provided here. Viatris reduced its water withdrawal by almost 7% in 2022. Several initiatives were taken to increase opportunities for the recycling and recovery of wastewater, ultimately reducing the need for freshwater input. Some of these include:

Recycling of water rejected from the utility reverse osmosis (RO) in the injectable facility in Hosur, India, increasing recycled water by an estimated 15%, or 17,400 KL compared to the prior year.Also in India, the usage of recycled water for boilers has helped reduce fresh water use by 12% or 14,500 KL at our API Unit 2 facility from the year prior.At our injectables manufacturing site in Inverin, Ireland, we analyzed water usage for steam generation, water treatment systems, and water for injection (WFI) systems to identify areas for improvements. After evaluating the findings, in 2022 we updated parts of the technology, reducing total water consumption by more than 20% compared to the prior year.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Throughout all our operations, we work diligently to reduce waste generation by using resources responsibly and increasing the ways we recycle and reuse materials.

We have several initiatives devoted to waste minimization and reducing waste that is sent to the landfill. In 2022, Viatris sent 35,700 metric tons of waste to waste-to-energy facilities for use as an alternative fuel source; 75% of this came from our API facilities located in India. This reduces the fossil fuel use and corresponding GHG emissions at the waste-to-energy facilities.

A sludge dryer was installed at our oral solid dose facility in Indore, India. It is expected to decrease waste sent to landfills by about 70% for that site by the end of 2023.

Fighting AMR via Responsible Manufacturing 

As a founding member of the AMR Industry Alliance (AMRIA), we are committed to partnering across the industry to collectively advance initiatives addressing AMR. These efforts have led to progress in advancing science-based approaches to help manage the impact of antimicrobial manufacturing. We have adopted the AMRIA Common Antibiotic Manufacturing Standard for our own operations and external supply chain. Viatris participated in the development of the Antibiotic Manufacturing Framework, which was then transitioned to a Standard in 2022 by the AMRIA.

All applicable Viatris manufacturing locations with antibiotic production have been assessed adhere to the AMRIA Antibiotic Manufacturing Standard, including meeting the PNEC (RQ<1) as calculated by mass balance.

In our external supply chain, we are working on a phased approach to assess suppliers’ management and performance on the AMRIA Antibiotic Manufacturing Standard. Suppliers that do not fully adhere to the AMRIA Antibiotic Manufacturing Standard develop and implement corrective actions. Viatris monitors these suppliers within established mitigation plans. For the work in the external supply chain, Viatris carried out 15 supplier risk assessments in 2022.

More information about Viatris’ work to curb AMR is provided here. And more information about Viatris’ work to advance sustainable sourcing is provided here. 

The Antibiotic Manufacturing Standard, facilitated by BSI Standards Limited (BSI), provides clear guidance to manufacturers in the global antibiotic supply chain to ensure that their antibiotics are made responsibly, helping to minimize the risk of AMR in the environment. 

The Standard marks the formalization of the Alliance’s 2018 Common Antibiotic Manufacturing Framework, which described a risk-based approach to assessing and controlling antibiotic manufacturing waste streams. 

Our Waste Goal:  

By 2030, increase the number of zero-waste landfill locations by 50% from a 2020 baseline.

Our Progress: We currently have 16 zero-waste landfill locations — an increase of three locations from our 2020 baseline. We have five locations with 1% or less of their waste going to a landfill and another two locations with 2% or less going to landfills. We are on track to hit our goal of 20 zero-waste to landfill locations by 2030.

Air Emissions 

As part of our Global EHS Management System, we developed an Air Emissions Management Technical Requirement that expands the tracking of air pollutants. It harmonizes our air emission reduction efforts and includes requirements around pharmaceutical emissions, storage tank system fugitive emissions, visual emissions and odor. We have equipped our facilities with air emission control devices as required to manage regulated air pollutants. From particulate matter to sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides to VOCs, reducing emissions remains a top priority.

More information about how Viatris manages its air emissions is provided here.

Viatris’ Global EHS Management System 

Viatris applies a best-in-class model for EHS management. Our Global EHS Management System covers all of Viatris’ operations and includes 16 global programs, 52 technical requirements and nine guidelines. The system has a four-step cycle for continuous improvement: Plan, Implement, Check and Improve. Together, they help to:

Further reduce the possibility of incidents and risks to people and the environment.Reinforce our belief that all EHS incidents are preventable.Promote and maintain a work environment in which all employees accept personal responsibility for their own safety and that of their colleagues and communities.Minimize environmental impacts while safeguarding access to medicine.

“2022 marked our first full year with a new set of global EHS policies since the creation of Viatris. The policies along with our requirements and guidelines form the foundation of our work to be in compliance and drive continuous improvement.”

— Annemarie Flynn

EHS Senior Manager Environmental Compliance, Viatris

Global Environmental Stewardship Policy 

Global Climate Change Policy 

Global Water Policy

We also reconfigured our EHS governance organization. A centralized EHS committee helps shape and decide on targets. Vertical leaders own these targets, and Viatris’ sites support the business unit in reaching their goals.

More information on our EHS Management System and technical standards is provided here.

View the full 2022 Sustainability Report here.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., October 23, 2023 /3BL/ – Discovery Education and Verizon today announced a new virtual experience – Bridge to the Future: A Virtual Field Trip into Extended Reality – showing students in grades 6-12 the possibilities of the immersive world. This virtual field trip builds upon Discovery Education’s immersive learning suite of resources, including a multi-year partnership with Verizon.

Premiering November 9, 2023, at 1 PM ET and available on-demand, the Bridge to the Future: A Virtual Field Trip into Extended Reality brings to life the cutting-edge world of Extended Reality (XR) for students to discover how this innovative technology is redefining the world from entertainment and medicine to education and beyond. In this program, students visit the Verizon Innovation Lab in Boston, Massachusetts to discover how new technologies are connecting people and redefining the possibilities of how we interact. Students explore the differences between Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), and learn how XR is helping to revolutionize on-the-job training, gaming, entertainment, manufacturing, and more. Students will also get an up-close look at exciting careers in cybersecurity, gaming, and engineering by meeting with diverse STEM professionals.

“For over a decade, Verizon has been committed to helping close the digital divide and providing equitable access to high-quality STEM education,” said Alex Servello, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Verizon. “Through our partnership with Discovery Education, our new virtual field trip and the resources available on Verizon Innovative Learning HQ are exposing students and educators to immersive technologies and the talented STEM professionals that harness their potential.”

An accompanying educator guide provides teachers with materials and activities for before, during, and after the virtual field trip. Learn more and register here.

The Bridge to the Future: A Virtual Field Trip into Extended Reality builds upon a long-standing partnership with Verizon for the Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.

“Students are naturally curious and gravitate to the latest and greatest technologies. Immersive reality has the power to open minds, make connections, and amplify learning. We are thrilled to partner with Verizon, to offer students and educators a whole new way to explore cutting-edge technology,” said Amy Nakamoto, General Manager of Social Impact at Discovery Education.

Discover more Immersive Learning solutions from Discovery Education here.

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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About Verizon Innovative Learning 
Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s award-winning education initiative, has addressed barriers to digital inclusion for students and teachers for over a decade. Since 2012, the initiative has committed $1 billion in market value to support digital equity, reaching over 3.5 million students. Verizon Innovative Learning provides free technology, internet access and innovative learning programs to students in Title I schools – enabling students to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to be a part of the innovative workforce of the future. In 2021, Verizon launched Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, a next-gen online education portal that provides free access to immersive XR educational experiences to all educators, including K-12 teachers, nationwide. A key initiative under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement, Verizon Innovative Learning is helping to drive the company’s goal to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030. Learn more at CitizenVerizon.com.

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and social impact programs, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contacts 
Grace Maliska 
Discovery Education 
gmaliska@discoveryed.com

NEW ORLEANS, October 23, 2023 /3BL/ – The United States Department of Energy today announced their selection of Entergy New Orleans to receive matching funds totaling nearly $55 million through the DOE’s “Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships” program. This grant is being awarded to fund Entergy New Orleans’ “Line Hardening and Battery Microgrid” project, which will greatly enhance the local grid’s resilience against severe weather events.

“This is a huge win for our customers, for our community, and for the City of New Orleans,” said Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “Federal grant funds at this scale will enable us to make our grid stronger — to keep the lights on longer when storms threaten in the future, and to restore power more quickly when service is interrupted. These funds will help offset the cost burden on our customers. We are deeply grateful to the DOE and to everyone who supported our application.”

Anticipated benefits of this resiliency project include:

Transmission hardening of approximately 97 structures; expected to avoid more than 564 million customer minutes interruptions.Distribution hardening of approximately 381 structures; expected to avoid more than 45 million customer minutes interruptions.Significantly improved resilience during extreme weather events, with lower expected outage frequency and duration due to electric infrastructure hardening and battery installation.Deployment of a line hardening and battery backup project, which will reduce the energy bills for disadvantaged communities.

The grant award also includes a significant Community Benefits Plan. Entergy New Orleans will be working with several of its community partners like the New Orleans Career Center, the First72+ and Delgado Community College on workforce development programs, as well as its Community Benefits Advisory Board to ensure that customers in the project area are kept abreast of construction updates and benefits for the New Orleans East community.

Entergy New Orleans has been recommended by the Grid Deployment Office for negotiation of a final award, a process which can take approximately 120 days. Additional information regarding the process is available here.

For more on Entergy New Orleans’ resilience investments and our efforts to harden the grid as part of “Operation: Gridiron,” visit entergyneworleans.com/townhalls.

About Entergy New Orleans

Entergy New Orleans, LLC provides electricity to approximately 211,000 customers and natural gas to approximately 109,000 customers in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Entergy New Orleans is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy, visit the Newsroom.

Originally published on TriplePundit

Since it opened nearly a quarter century ago, AEG’s Crypto.com Arena has been one of world’s leading multi-purpose indoor venues for sports and entertainment. Formerly known as STAPLES Center, the 950,000-square-foot facility is now well established as a leader in providing a safe environment for employees, guests, tenant teams and performers.

Building on that history, this week the venue was recognized with the prestigious WELL Health-Safety Rating from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).

“This is a big statement that our arena is as prepared as it can be to make sure it provides a safe environment,” Ignacio Guerra, senior vice president, operations and engineering at Crypto.com Arena, told Triple Pundit.

To earn the WELL Health-Safety Rating, Crypto.com Arena met rigorous requirements related to its operational policies, maintenance protocols and emergency plans. The rating includes more than 20 features designed to help organizations keep spaces clean and sanitized, provide essential health benefits and services, communicate health and safety efforts, ensure they have adequate emergency preparations and programs, and assess the facility’s air and water quality.

The WELL Health-Safety Rating is designed for all types of spaces in new and existing buildings. The same criteria apply across all types of buildings or facilities, from offices to arenas, said Paul Scialla, founder of IWBI.

“The rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified roadmap that helps organizations advance health-focused strategies for building operations and prepare businesses for long-term resilience,” Scialla said. “The health and safety-focused strategies in the rating support facility operators and workplace leaders to address air and water quality, cleaning procedures, emergency preparedness, health resources and stakeholder engagement. To earn the WELL Health-Safety Rating, a project needs to achieve 15 of the 23 features.”

The rating is designed to give project teams the flexibility to prioritize areas that matter to their businesses the most, Scialla said. The strategies adopted in one project might be somewhat different from those of another.

“As an organization dedicated to delivering the most memorable sports and live entertainment experiences, Crypto.com Arena has been at the forefront of adopting stringent cleaning and safety protocols and was the first NBA, NHL and WNBA Arena to receive the GBAC Star Facility Accreditation in June of 2020,” said Lee Zeidman, president of Crypto.com Arena, in a statement. “This recognition is further evidence of our commitment to ensuring that Crypto.com Arena strives to not only be one of the safest arenas possible, but also promotes an environment that supports the health and well-being of our employees, tenant teams, artists, promoters, guests, and partners.”

“The ratings process provided opportunities for Crypto.com Arena to highlight several different categories where it has been particularly innovative,” Guerra added, “For example, water extracted by the arena’s dehumidification system is reclaimed, stored in our cooling tower and used to supplement the arena’s water usage.”

“Drier conditions are better for making ice, and when we pull the humidity out of the air, we don’t need to keep the building temperature quite as cold, and that way we don’t use as much electricity during the NHL hockey season,” Guerra explained.

The Green Sports Alliance, the environmentally focused trade organization that convenes stakeholders from around the sporting world to promote sustainable practices, hailed Crypto.com Arena’s achievement.

“This is a significant achievement that underscores AEG’s unwavering commitment to fostering healthy, sustainable communities where we work, live, and play,” said Roger McClendon, executive director of the Green Sports Alliance, in a statement. “AEG’s dedication to achieving this milestone exemplifies its leadership in sustainability within the sports and entertainment industry, setting a commendable global standard.”

Human health and safety are the most important factors in any business, product, service or event, McClendon told 3p. “The focus on corporate social and environmental responsibility in the sports sector continues to be a relevant topic, and the work is supported by the business leadership that includes programs like [the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification] and WELL,” he said.

A key element in raising public awareness is the WELL seal displayed throughout venues like Crypto.com Arena, which includes a QR code fans can scan to learn more about the science and criteria behind the rating.

“The WELL seal is the best way to communicate the achievement,” Scialla said. “Many stadiums and venues around the world have achieved the WELL Health-Safety Rating, and the owners and operators have been proudly displaying the WELL seal at entrances.”

Stakeholder engagement and communication is part of the rating requirements. “Organizations need to proactively promote their health and well-being commitments, provide a physical or digital guide about their health and safety strategies, and regularly update the building occupants,” Scialla said. “These efforts are essential for keeping stakeholders engaged in not only what’s been achieved, but also in long-term business resilience plans.”

McClendon said that AEG’s decision to move forward with achieving the WELL rating for Crypto.com Arena should inspire other venues to follow suit. 

“I believe that many of the new venue and arena designs will adopt standard operating procedures that incorporate the WELL, GBAC, and LEED standards to provide the best experience for their guests and employees following the sustainability leadership of Crypto.com Arena,” McClendon said.

“Operators of other venues have already contacted Crypto.com Arena to learn more about how it succeeded in getting the WELL certification,” Guerra added. “We are not done yet by, by a long shot. We’re still learning, but we have taken every one of these opportunities get these certifications to get better at what we do and learn more,” Guerra said. “We’re going to continue to do more, and the biggest benefit of that, I think, is we now have a documented track record of accomplishment.”

This article series is sponsored by AEG and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team.

Images courtesy of AEG

CLEVELAND, October 23, 2023 — KeyBank (NYSE: KEY) announced it ranked among the top 15 lenders in the country for unit volumes for the Small Business Administration (SBA) 2023 Fiscal Year for both the SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 lending programs. During SBA’s FY 2023, KeyBank extended 918 loans for a total of $229 million under the flagship 7(a) program and an additional 52 small business loans worth more than $58 million utilizing the SBA’s 504 program. The unit volume secured KeyBank the 14th position out of over 1,500 participating lenders for 7(a) lending and the 12th spot for 504 lending nationally.

The SBA 7(a) program is the SBA’s primary business loan program providing financial assistance to small businesses and can be used by eligible businesses for, among other items: short- and long-term working capital, refinancing current business debt and acquiring, refinancing or improving real estate and buildings.1 
 The 504 Loan Program provides long-term, fixed rate financing for major fixed assets that promote business growth and job creation and can be used by eligible businesses for, among other items: existing buildings (or their improvement), land, new facilities, and long-term machinery and equipment.2

“I am very proud of our team’s performance this year. While the economic environment has brought headwinds to our clients, we take great pride in being a consistent presence in the small business community and standing by our clients’ sides to help them move forward financially,” said Jim Fliss, National Manager of KeyBank’s SBA Program. “Our utilization of both programs is a testament to how we understand our clients’ needs and work proactively to find the best solutions for their business.”

KeyBank has been a top-performing SBA Preferred Lender for over two decades, helping numerous small businesses obtain access to capital through the SBA lending programs. Since 2015, KeyBank has provided more than $2.6 billion in SBA-guaranteed financing to thousands of small business owners with more than $1.29 billion of that funding occurring in the last four years. In addition, during SBA’s FY 2023, Key recognized over 14% growth in the number of 7(a) units year over year.

You can read some client stories about how KeyBank helped small businesses with SBA loans and other steps on their road to thrive here.

“Getting capital into the hands of more small businesses remains a top priority for Key. These small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the communities we so proudly serve here at KeyBank, and they have shown such resiliency in recent years. We are committed to helping more small businesses take advantage of the benefits the SBA lending programs we have to offer,” said Fliss.

In addition to the national result for the SBA’s FY 2023, with respect to SBA 7(a) unit volume, KeyBank:

Earned a number one ranking, ahead of all other lenders, in the SBA district of Seattle;Ranked in the top 3 in the SBA districts of Buffalo, Cleveland, Syracuse, and Portland; andRanked in the top 5 in the SBA districts of Alaska, Colorado, Columbus, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine and Pittsburgh.

For SBA 7(a) dollars loaned for the SBA FY 2023, KeyBank earned a top 3 ranking in the SBA districts of Cleveland, Buffalo and Seattle.

All credit products are subject to collateral and/or credit approval, terms, conditions, availability and are subject to change. SBA loans subject to SBA eligibility.

KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $195 billion at June 30, 2023. 

About KeyCorp

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/.

Investment products are: NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE • NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL OR STATE AGENCY

Copyright © 2023 KeyCorp®. All Rights Reserved CFMA # 231010-2280080

1 https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans#id-what-is-a7a-loan

2 https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/504-loans

Russell (Rusty) Smith is a Senior Director in Cisco’s Digital Impact Office

I grew up in a small town. My mom worked as an assistant for the city administrator. When our phone would ring, I heard my mom responding to the needs of the community—real people were on the other end of the line. She listened. She made people feel included. My mom helped everyone in our town solve problems in ways that I cannot begin to describe. It made a lasting impression on me. That type of servant leadership in the name of inclusion is precisely what we do in Cisco’s Digital Impact Office, the home of Cisco Networking Academy and Country Digital Acceleration.

“What it really comes down to is connecting more people to the digital economy.”

The Digital Impact Office is a manifestation of Cisco’s Purpose, to Power an Inclusive Future for All. Communities spanning the globe benefit from the collaborative works of Country Digital Acceleration and Cisco Networking Academy. The work of the Digital Impact Office makes a substantial contribution to Cisco’s commitment to positively impact one billion people across the globe by FY2025. Digital inclusion is brought to life through the combined power of Cisco Networking Academy and Country Digital Acceleration. We power transformative projects spanning the globe, laying the groundwork for broadband connectivity, innovation for Smart Cities, and beyond. What it really comes down to is connecting more people to the digital economy. Digital inclusion means making investments in infrastructure and skills. The jobs of the future made available to everyone, everywhere. Cisco is uniquely equipped to partner with organizations and communities ready to build a more inclusive future.

Digital Impact is about community

When you think about it, the topic of digital inclusion is an invitation to have a greater conversation about community. For instance, the focus of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration is not building a thing or selling a product. Rather it’s extending an invitation. We meet people where they are. Listening to real-life stories helps us understand issues individuals face on a daily basis. Quite literally, the work we do helps our partners extend beyond the walls of their organizations. Digital inclusion brings entire communities along the journey. The story of impact is inspiring. One such example is the Autonomous Living Project.

Powered by Cisco technology, the Autonomous Living Project is a solution for anyone who requires lifelong support. The technology has the power to enable an inclusive community for all including people who are aging, have different abilities, and require lifelong care needs. The pilot program operating in Ontario, Canada supports individuals and families where they are, and transforms service delivery. Cisco technology drives, scales, and revolutionizes service delivery to support independent living through smart notifications and smart device integration. This technology is the product of inclusive design. Developed by Cisco Country Digital Acceleration in partnership with a host of other organizations, the Autonomous Living Project currently supports individuals with special needs and their caregivers. Everyone wins when we design with and for inclusion. This is only the beginning.

Connecting people to skills and jobs of the future

There is a palpable sense of excitement, fueled by a focus on full-spectrum digital inclusion. Central to Cisco’s Purpose is a mandate to drive digital acceleration and connect individuals to the jobs of the future. Cisco Networking Academy is a champion of this story of digital impact, positively impacting lives by driving inclusive socio-economic development. Over the course of its more than 25 years, over 20.5 million global learners have taken Cisco Networking Academy courses to gain digital skills. As one of the most long-standing, successful IT skills-to-jobs programs in the world, Cisco Networking Academy is key to forging lasting partnerships in communities. It’s a game-changer in bridging the digital divide and learning in-demand skills. Networking Academy students land family-sustaining jobs and power the digital transformation of their own communities. In fact, globally, 95% of students that have taken Cisco certification aligned courses attribute obtaining a job or education opportunity to Cisco Networking Academy.

Digital inclusion, powered by the work of Cisco Networking Academy and Country Digital Acceleration translates to increased opportunities for individuals spanning the globe. I am inspired reflecting upon how far we have come, and eagerly look ahead to what’s next. In communities where Cisco is a trusted partner, we have the power to unleash human potential, and that inspires us all.

View original content here.

Russell (Rusty) Smith is a Senior Director in Cisco’s Digital Impact Office

I grew up in a small town. My mom worked as an assistant for the city administrator. When our phone would ring, I heard my mom responding to the needs of the community—real people were on the other end of the line. She listened. She made people feel included. My mom helped everyone in our town solve problems in ways that I cannot begin to describe. It made a lasting impression on me. That type of servant leadership in the name of inclusion is precisely what we do in Cisco’s Digital Impact Office, the home of Cisco Networking Academy and Country Digital Acceleration.

“What it really comes down to is connecting more people to the digital economy.”

The Digital Impact Office is a manifestation of Cisco’s Purpose, to Power an Inclusive Future for All. Communities spanning the globe benefit from the collaborative works of Country Digital Acceleration and Cisco Networking Academy. The work of the Digital Impact Office makes a substantial contribution to Cisco’s commitment to positively impact one billion people across the globe by FY2025. Digital inclusion is brought to life through the combined power of Cisco Networking Academy and Country Digital Acceleration. We power transformative projects spanning the globe, laying the groundwork for broadband connectivity, innovation for Smart Cities, and beyond. What it really comes down to is connecting more people to the digital economy. Digital inclusion means making investments in infrastructure and skills. The jobs of the future made available to everyone, everywhere. Cisco is uniquely equipped to partner with organizations and communities ready to build a more inclusive future.

Digital Impact is about community

When you think about it, the topic of digital inclusion is an invitation to have a greater conversation about community. For instance, the focus of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration is not building a thing or selling a product. Rather it’s extending an invitation. We meet people where they are. Listening to real-life stories helps us understand issues individuals face on a daily basis. Quite literally, the work we do helps our partners extend beyond the walls of their organizations. Digital inclusion brings entire communities along the journey. The story of impact is inspiring. One such example is the Autonomous Living Project.

Powered by Cisco technology, the Autonomous Living Project is a solution for anyone who requires lifelong support. The technology has the power to enable an inclusive community for all including people who are aging, have different abilities, and require lifelong care needs. The pilot program operating in Ontario, Canada supports individuals and families where they are, and transforms service delivery. Cisco technology drives, scales, and revolutionizes service delivery to support independent living through smart notifications and smart device integration. This technology is the product of inclusive design. Developed by Cisco Country Digital Acceleration in partnership with a host of other organizations, the Autonomous Living Project currently supports individuals with special needs and their caregivers. Everyone wins when we design with and for inclusion. This is only the beginning.

Connecting people to skills and jobs of the future

There is a palpable sense of excitement, fueled by a focus on full-spectrum digital inclusion. Central to Cisco’s Purpose is a mandate to drive digital acceleration and connect individuals to the jobs of the future. Cisco Networking Academy is a champion of this story of digital impact, positively impacting lives by driving inclusive socio-economic development. Over the course of its more than 25 years, over 20.5 million global learners have taken Cisco Networking Academy courses to gain digital skills. As one of the most long-standing, successful IT skills-to-jobs programs in the world, Cisco Networking Academy is key to forging lasting partnerships in communities. It’s a game-changer in bridging the digital divide and learning in-demand skills. Networking Academy students land family-sustaining jobs and power the digital transformation of their own communities. In fact, globally, 95% of students that have taken Cisco certification aligned courses attribute obtaining a job or education opportunity to Cisco Networking Academy.

Digital inclusion, powered by the work of Cisco Networking Academy and Country Digital Acceleration translates to increased opportunities for individuals spanning the globe. I am inspired reflecting upon how far we have come, and eagerly look ahead to what’s next. In communities where Cisco is a trusted partner, we have the power to unleash human potential, and that inspires us all.

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October 23, 2023 /3BL/ – Taproot Foundation is a nonprofit that exists to support our fellow nonprofits. We do that by forging connections between amazing causes and professionals with the skills and expertise their organizations need to build infrastructure and strengthen communities. Right now, nonprofits are struggling with decreased financial donations and volunteer interest—while continuing to address the elevated needs of the people they serve. In honor of the holiday season being a time of giving, Taproot is mobilizing networks of volunteers in support of important social causes.

Join our team on Thursday, October 26 at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT for a one-hour webinar for all the information and inspiration you need to make a valuable donation of professional skills to nonprofits during the holiday season. You’ll leave this webinar understanding:

Why it’s crucial for us to step up for nonprofits during this season of givingBest practices for translating your skills to the nonprofit sector and how flexing your expertise helps boost your resumeHow to find volunteer opportunities during the holiday season that are the right fit for your professional talents and social impact interests 

Register Now

Sign up for this free one-hour event! And bring a friend or colleague—there are hundreds of virtual skills-based volunteer opportunities, all with verified nonprofits working to educate, provide shelter, expand human rights, and more. Influencing your network to get involved is an act of service and advocacy in and of itself. This event is held in honor of Pro Bono Week, an annual celebration of the impact of pro bono service in communities around the globe—the perfect time to learn more about getting involved by donating your skills. This webinar will be recorded and shared with all registrants. Even if you can’t join us live, go ahead and sign up anyway!

This webinar is a service of Taproot Foundation, a U.S.-based nonprofit that helps mission-driven organization amplify their impact by mobilizing skilled volunteers to advance resource equity. Taproot’s programs are free of cost and accessible to all business professionals, nonprofits, charitable organizations, fiscally sponsored social good organizations, and public schools located in the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, and India. We recommend creating your free Taproot account before this event. 

Register Now

October 23, 2023 /3BL/ – Taproot Foundation is a nonprofit that exists to support our fellow nonprofits. We do that by forging connections between amazing causes and professionals with the skills and expertise their organizations need to build infrastructure and strengthen communities. Right now, nonprofits are struggling with decreased financial donations and volunteer interest—while continuing to address the elevated needs of the people they serve. In honor of the holiday season being a time of giving, Taproot is mobilizing networks of volunteers in support of important social causes.

Join our team on Thursday, October 26 at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT for a one-hour webinar for all the information and inspiration you need to make a valuable donation of professional skills to nonprofits during the holiday season. You’ll leave this webinar understanding:

Why it’s crucial for us to step up for nonprofits during this season of givingBest practices for translating your skills to the nonprofit sector and how flexing your expertise helps boost your resumeHow to find volunteer opportunities during the holiday season that are the right fit for your professional talents and social impact interests 

Register Now

Sign up for this free one-hour event! And bring a friend or colleague—there are hundreds of virtual skills-based volunteer opportunities, all with verified nonprofits working to educate, provide shelter, expand human rights, and more. Influencing your network to get involved is an act of service and advocacy in and of itself. This event is held in honor of Pro Bono Week, an annual celebration of the impact of pro bono service in communities around the globe—the perfect time to learn more about getting involved by donating your skills. This webinar will be recorded and shared with all registrants. Even if you can’t join us live, go ahead and sign up anyway!

This webinar is a service of Taproot Foundation, a U.S.-based nonprofit that helps mission-driven organization amplify their impact by mobilizing skilled volunteers to advance resource equity. Taproot’s programs are free of cost and accessible to all business professionals, nonprofits, charitable organizations, fiscally sponsored social good organizations, and public schools located in the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, and India. We recommend creating your free Taproot account before this event.