Tag: 3BL

In partnership with IslaUrbana and local communities in Zacatlan and Ahuazotepec, Mexico, Covia’s Mexico operations launched a new initiative called Schools of Rain (Escuelas de Lluvia). The primary goal of this comprehensive project was to provide access to clean water for students in elementary and middle schools. This was achieved by implementing rainwater harvesting at four schools (three in Zacatlán and one in Ahuazotepec). The new system will collect more than 800,000 liters of water per year, positively impacting more than 600 students. This amount is equivalent to filling 75 water tanks and will guarantee a reliable and safe supply of water to all the students.

In addition to investing in this system, Covia also plays an important role in helping to educate students about environmental issues. The goal is to promote water conservation and provide them with the necessary tools to address water scarcity.

Octavio Salinas, Community Relations Manager at Covia Mexico explained: “Covia has a robust sustainability strategy focused on environmental stewardship and positive social impact in the communities where it operates. We hope to replicate the “Escuelas de Lluvia” model in other cities in Mexico that are experiencing problems with water scarcity.”

By Candace Higginbotham | September 28, 2023

With “Pomp and Circumstance” booming from the speakers, the processional begins. Smiling students clad in black caps and gowns walk down the aisle in single file, with an air of pride and confidence. The audience respectfully stands and there’s a feeling in the room that this is, indeed, a special day.

But this is no ordinary commencement exercise.

These soon-to-be-graduates are celebrating a major milestone, after years of struggles and challenges.

“It’s been a long journey and I’m grateful to be standing here today,” said Karenza Beasley. “I’m healthy and sober and I’m very proud of myself.”

In late August, Beasley and 28 classmates graduated from the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles’ Birmingham Day Reporting Center program that helps recently incarcerated individuals make a successful reentry back into their community.

“This is one of my favorite programs to teach. I enjoy serving as a bridge to help connect these participants to resources that could help better their lives. Keren Treme, financial wellness trainer for Regions Community Affairs

In collaboration with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, Regions Bank participates in this three-phase program that provides counseling, education training and workforce development to clients. The curriculum includes financial education instruction, which is led by Regions’ Community Affairs team.

“This is one of my favorite programs to teach,” said Keren Treme, financial wellness trainer for Regions Community Affairs. “I enjoy serving as a bridge to help connect these participants to resources that could help better their lives.”

Treme explained that she, with assistance from bankers and other Regions specialists, presents a five-part financial education curriculum to the group to make sure they have the tools and resources they need to make a fresh start.

The classes start with money basics, like setting goals and learning to budget, then expand to identify theft and the importance of protecting your personal information. They also cover credit, including how critical it is to have good credit and how to interpret a credit report. Finally, students learn about The Road to Homeownership, a class led by a Regions mortgage officer that provides insight about how to reach what is for many the ultimate financial success – owning your own home.

Feedback from the participants has been positive from the start, but Treme and the team noticed early on they had an additional opportunity.

“Many of the clients indicated they wanted to start their own business,” Treme said. “So, we incorporated a small-business finance class into the curriculum. We bring in a Regions Small Business solutions associate to provide information about starting and growing a business. It’s been a huge hit!”

Officer Leah Thompson, administrator of the Birmingham Day Reporting Center, speaks highly of Regions’ contributions to the program’s success.

“We’re grateful to community partners like Regions who provide instruction, guidance and sponsorship,” Thompson said. “With this strong curriculum as a jump start – combined with commitment and hard work from the clients and support from their family and friends – we’re working together to position these individuals for success, which is a win for our entire community.”

Regions participates in other reentry programs in the bank’s footprint, including working with the Abe Brown Ministries in Florida and the Georgia Department of Corrections.

The bank provides learning opportunities for other groups with unique needs, as well.

We’re grateful to community partners like Regions who provide instruction, guidance and sponsorship. Leah Thompson, administrator of the Birmingham Day Reporting Center

Expanding Reach

Earlier this year, Treme collaborated with Kathy Lovell, Disability Services and Outreach Manager at Regions Bank, on a financial wellness seminar presented at the National Federation of the Blind national convention in Birmingham. The gathering is the premier event for training, support and information for the blind community and hosts people from all over the world.

Treme presented two learning modules at the convention from the Regions Next Step financial wellness curriculum, Facing a Brighter Future: Building and Repairing Credit and Financial Strategies for the Future: Retirement Saving Plan. She and Lovell provided supplemental materials to attendees, which are published in braille.

“I’m so pleased Regions played a role in this important event for the blind community,” Lovell said. “Often, the blind and low vision communities become isolated and don’t have accessible tools and resources they need to make good financial decisions. Our curriculum and handouts were designed with accessibility as top of mind, and we got a lot of positive feedback from participants and organizers.”

Community Affairs is also expanding its financial wellness offerings in Spanish. During Financial Literacy Month in April, Treme collaborated with the Hispanic Coalition of Alabama, or ¡HICA!, which is a community development and advocacy organization in Birmingham that champions economic equality, civic engagement and social justice for Latino families.

Treme, a native Spanish speaker, along with Spanish-speaking bankers, presented a series of financial wellness seminars that included Building Financial Know-How, Smart Money Habits, The Importance of Saving and Wise Use of Credit.

That program was so successful that the following month, Treme was asked to come back to ¡HICA! and present learning modules for Small Business Month and then again in June for National Homeownership Month.

“We’ve made great progress with our efforts to enhance our various financial wellness offerings throughout our communities,” said Wendi Boyen, head of Community Advocacy and Financial Wellness at Regions. “Financial literacy improves lives, and everyone deserves an opportunity for success.”

Besides these programs, Regions also offers financial education to homeless veterans, students with disabilities, and many other groups with unique needs. To find out more about Regions Next Step Financial Wellness, visit Regions.com.

FedEx sponsored Climate-KIC and EIT Digital’s Sustainable Cities Climate Impact Challenge in 2023. Four cities were selected, including Karasu, Turkey, who worked to make cycling safer in this Black Sea tourist destination. The following story and video were created by the EIT Climate-KIC team.

Located on the Black Sea, close to both Istanbul and Ankara, the Turkish city of Karasu is a popular local and international summer holiday destination. Karasu is best-known for its beautiful landscapes and its large beach – the second-longest in Turkey, spreading over 20 kilometers (over 12 miles), with two sections bearing the ‘Blue Flag’ certification for high environmental standards.

With a population of around 70,000 in winter, it swells to almost 1,000,000 people in the summer months, which transforms Karasu. “When I think about this region hosting so many people…I think about the chaos due to the increased motorized traffic. It is essential to plan for more sustainable modes of transportation,” says Abdulkadir Özden, Assistant Professor at the Sakarya University of Applied Sciences.

Aiming to create more spaces in Karasu for walkers, cyclists and scooter-riders, the municipality teamed up with the Sakarya University of Applied Sciences on a green mobility project. This was one of four projects selected for the Sustainable Cities Climate Impact Challenge, organized by EIT Climate-KIC and EIT Digital, and sponsored by FedEx.

The project’s main goal is to increase regional micro mobility corridors and develop non-motorized environments, particularly in areas such as parks and near sports fields. While a coastal bike path was built a few years ago – and quickly became popular with locals and tourists – it is disconnected from the central parts of Karasu.

“There is a unique biking culture in the Sakarya region – studies have shown that people of all ages are more likely to use their bikes to run daily errands, compared to other parts of Turkey. However, there is a lack of connection between the coastal bike lanes and the city center,” says Özden.

Progress has been made to improve connections, with two separate 1-kilometer routes becoming dedicated bike lanes that link the city center with the coast. Infrastructure improvements to existing bike lanes, helping improve visibility and safety, have also been undertaken.

Additionally, the municipality is also installing bicycle parking racks, repair stations and cycle resting points to further improve the cycling experience and make biking in Karasu safer.

Aiming to encourage more children to take up cycling, the project also launched the ‘Şimdi Bisiklet Zamani’ event – i.e. ‘Now It’s Time to Bike’ – on September 21st, which saw kids and adults come together to learn from a trainer about bike maintenance and safe cycling practices. Helmets, lighting equipment, locks, and other cycling gear were distributed among participants to enhance riding safety.

With more future sustainable mobility projects on the horizon, Özden feels positive about the rise of cycling in the region: “We want to create change from the beginning – from the younger generations. Let them have safer paths so that when they become teenagers, they walk and cycle more. We want to show people that if you support local decision makers, then they are more willing to improve active transportation and sustainable transportation for the District of Sakarya.”

The second edition of the Challenge is now accepting applications to fund small-scale projects that accelerate the transition towards cleaner, greener, and smarter mobility in European cities. The deadline to apply is November 10th, 2023.

EIT Climate-KIC Sustainable Cities Challenge: Learn more

Originally published on Small Business Currents

By Emma Vaughn

Starting a small business is a big step that requires knowledge, preparation and courage. But for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, there are additional obstacles to success, such as potentially facing discrimination and finding sufficient support for their venture.

To gain a deeper understanding into the LGBTQIA+ entrepreneur experience, GoDaddy recently conducted a survey of 510 small business owners from all walks of life to gain insight into their perspectives on issues that impact the LGBTQIA+ community. The “Pride in Business” survey found key differences between businesses owned by members of the LGBTQIA+ community and those that are not.

Before delving into the survey findings and what can be learned from them, let’s begin with a refresher of what Pride means.

Pride: A celebration of authenticity

Pride is about valuing diversity, fostering inclusion, promoting equity and creating a sense of belonging. It’s an affirmation that love transcends all boundaries. Having grown up in a small town in Indiana, I know firsthand the challenges of acceptance and understanding. Now living in San Diego, I deeply appreciate the city’s vibrant and supportive LGBTQIA+ community that reinforces these essential principles.

To me, Pride is a celebration of authenticity, love and the freedom to express oneself, even in light of judgement and discrimination. It’s a powerful reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQIA+ community and the courage of those who paved the way for the rights and acceptance we enjoy today. And while Pride is traditionally recognized during the month of June in the U.S., at GoDaddy we celebrate Pride year-round and encourage others to participate, whether as a community member or an ally.

Allyship in the workplace and beyond

When we talk about being an ally, we emphasize the importance of standing up for those who are marginalized, even if their experiences are not directly your own. Allyship is about understanding, empathy and actively listening to the experiences of those within the LGBTQIA+ community and advocating for their rights. Being an ally involves addressing biases, educating oneself, and promoting inclusivity and acceptance. It’s about uplifting others and demonstrating support, respect and genuine care.

Challenges facing LGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurs

Now, let’s address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, as highlighted in GoDaddy’s Pride in Business survey:

Facing Discrimination- Discrimination and harassment continue to be predominant issues for LGBTQIA+ small business owners. Nearly one in three (32%) of those surveyed report encountering issues with online harassment or discrimination directed toward their business due to their LGBTQIA+ identity. Meanwhile, fewer than 20% of non-LGBTQIA+ business owners report this.Supportive networks and mentors- While often difficult to find, having a strong support network is critical for any entrepreneur, and it is especially important for LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs to find mentors who understand their unique experiences and challenges. The survey reports that 71% of LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs agree having networks and communities of support is crucial to the success of their business.Using technology- LGBTQIA+-owned businesses are more likely to sell products using social media. In cases where businesses surveyed are not using paid marketing activities, LGBTQIA+ business owners are most likely to say they don’t know where to start – 41% of LGBTQIA+ business owners compared with 16% of the general community.

Takeaways for LGBTQIA+ Small Business Owners

Our survey findings reveal LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs are more likely to use social media and execute paid online marketing campaigns, but often don’t know where to start. Here are some tips I recommend when leveraging social media to grow your business:

Know your audience- Understand who your audience is and what they like. This helps create content that resonates.Engage with your followers- Social media is a platform for engagement. Respond to comments, answer questions and build a community around your brand.Use visuals- Photos and videos perform better than text-only posts. Where able, use high-quality visuals to grab attention.Experiment with generative AI- Save time by using new AI tools and chatbots to develop compelling videos, social media copy or branded content materials.Run contests and giveaways- Increase visibility and engage followers by offering them an incentive to engage with your brand.Use hashtags- Increase post visibility with relevant hashtags.Develop paid ads- Consider using paid ads to reach a larger audience.Stay consistent- Keep posts consistent in frequency and branding to build a strong presence.Collaborate- Partner with influencers or other brands in your industry.Track performance- Use analytics to understand what’s working and adjust your strategy.

And lastly, remember that success on social media requires time, effort and experimentation.

Supporting LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs as a consumer
When it comes to LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and business owners, 45% of survey respondents said community engagement was most critical to them. Here are four ways to support LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs as a consumer:

Seek and purchase from LGBTQIA+ businesses- Actively seek out and purchase from businesses owned and operated by LGBTQIA+ individuals, amplifying their visibility.Use social media and online platforms- Endorse these businesses and spread the word about their products or services through social media and online platforms.Support advocacy organizations- Join or support organizations that advocate for LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, such as StartOut or the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.Respect diverse identities- Understand that supporting these businesses means respecting and acknowledging the diverse identities of their owners and creating an environment of inclusion and belonging.

The path of entrepreneurship is filled with both challenges and opportunities. As we celebrate and honor the LGBTQIA+ community year-round, let’s not only reflect on the progress made but also recognize the work that remains. By actively supporting LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and fostering inclusion, we can make the world of small business more diverse, equitable and welcoming for all. Together, we can create a future where everyone can pursue their entrepreneurial dreams authentically and fearlessly.

Emma Vaughn is a Senior Marketing Manager at GoDaddy.

Pride stock image by rblfmr/Shutterstock

Read the full article on Small Business Currents

October 19, 2023 /3BL/ – Get ready for the most anticipated sustainability event of the year! After the resounding success of last year, Reuters Events: Responsible Business USA, is back in 2024, and it’s going to be bigger, better, and more groundbreaking than ever before. 

Download the new brochure for 2024 today 

At Responsible Business USA 2024 (March 26-27), we’re taking it up a notch. We will empower you with peer-led actionable ideas and insights on how to collaborate, communicate, and comply to ensure your organization leads on sustainable action. 

We will bring together 650+ CEOs and senior executives from sustainability, legal, finance, communications and risk that have been tasked to make sure their businesses are and set up for long term financial success. 

Our industry leading speaker faculty includes C-suites from Amazon, SunLife, Keurig Dr Pepper, PepsiCo, The Travelers Companies, Inc., Oatly, Tapestry, and many more… 

Click here for more information about the event 

And that’s not all! We’re thrilled to introduce our defining themes for #RBUSA24:

Enhance Cross-Departmental Sustainability: Foster effective, long-term sustainable practices through cross-departmental collaborationMaximize Communication Strategy: Discover how to communicate effectively in times of division, producing thorough, compliant reports and clear, easily digestible sustainability updates that satisfy the demands of key stakeholdersNavigate Regulations Confidently: Understand and comply with US and global regulations, including non-financial reportingOptimize Supplier Engagement: Deploy best practices to manage scope 3 emissions, reduce supply chain risks, and enhance supplier relationships

Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainable action – we look forward to seeing you in New York at Responsible Business USA 2024! 

If you have any questions, or are interested in speaking, sponsoring or attending, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Read More

Originally published on Built From Scratch

Where there’s smoke, there’s smoke detectors. At least, that’s the goal.

Few people think about fires until they experience one themselves, but home fires happen more often than you would expect. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), a fire department responds to a fire in the United States every 23 seconds. More specifically, home fires occur every 93 seconds and are responsible for 75% of fire deaths in the nation.

The Home Depot is helping prevent these catastrophes by partnering with Kidde to support Operation Save a Life (OSAL). For more than 19 years, Kidde has been part of OSAL campaigns in cities across the U.S., teaming up to convey important fire and carbon monoxide safety messages and assisting communities and firefighters via alarm donations and community events.

“We know working smoke alarms can double the chance of safely escaping a house fire,” said Stephanie Berzinski, fire safety educator at Kidde. “Our mission is to help protect every moment, for everyone. Most home fire deaths are preventable with the right safety awareness and home safety products, which is why we strive to ensure everyone has access to proper fire safety no matter who they are or where they live.”

Fire Safety Tips

Smoke Alarms

Place smoke alarms on every level of the home and in bedroomsKeep away from air ventsPlace at least 4-6 inches away from walls and corners

Electrical Wiring

Replace wiring if frayed or crackedDo not place under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areasAvoid overloading outlets and make sure they stay cool to the touch

Around the House

Keep lamps, light fixtures and light bulbs at least 3 feet away from anything that can burnClean out the lint filter before using the dryerDon’t use lit candles in bedrooms, bathrooms and sleeping areas. Always blow out candles when you leave a room/home or go to bed.Use flashlights, not candles, during power outages.Store oily and solvent-wet rags in a tightly sealed metal container and then discard them

Stop, Drop and Roll

If your clothes catch on fire: stop, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.If you cannot stop, drop, and roll, a blanket or towel could help you or others smother flames

Electric Space Heater

Plug directly into the wall socket, not into extension cordsUnplug when not in use

Carbon Monoxide (co)

You cannot see, taste, or smell carbon monoxideMake sure all vents for furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, and dryers are clear of snow and other debrisInstall CO alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home

Learn more about Kidde’s Smoke Alarms here.

*Editor’s Note: This story was originally published in 2017 and has been updated with new data from the National Fire Safety Association.

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Originally published on 3M News Center

Advances in connectivity and technology offer growth opportunities across industries—and on Oct. 6, National Manufacturing Day, 3M highlighted the people and processes that are driving its manufacturing capabilities forward.

There is a large volume and diversity of positions available for skilled workers. This demand offers flexibility in terms of both education and career path, while also allowing people to pair their passion with their profession. As a global manufacturer, 3M relies on a robust talent pipeline to drive its operations and those of its customers. The company is committed to supporting the growth of skilled talent and set a goal of creating five million unique STEM and Skilled Trades learning experiences for underrepresented individuals by the end of 2025.

To achieve its goal, encourage interest in trade careers and support workers in their journey, 3M offers multiple programs and platforms, including:

The 3M Manufacturing and Academic Partnerships (MAP) program connects students to careers in manufacturing through grants that support a robust mechatronics curriculum, while providing hands-on education for students and access to 3M employees as guest educators. The program began in communities surrounding 3M facilities in the U.S. and has since expanded internationally to Poland.Through the 3M Institute and its Formare Program in Brazil, young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are offered vocational education courses in the fields of science and technology, primarily in the communities in which 3M operates. The 3M Institute was created with the mission to contribute to the social transformation of future generations. Over the years, the 3M Institute has not only fulfilled its mission, but has exceeded expectations, thanks to the success of the Formare program.3M’s “Skilled” docuseries celebrates the skilled trades and addresses misperceptions that may be preventing more people from pursuing these vital careers. By highlighting the journeys of four tradespeople, “Skilled” showcases the diversity and breadth of trade jobs, and how workers can find bother personal fulfillment and professional success. It debuted at an officially sanctioned event of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and continues to be screened at various international film festivals, including the Los Angeles International Film Festival, American Documentary and Animation Film Festival, and Twin Cities Film Festival.Since 2022, students from St. Paul Public Schools have been using a centralized hub at St. Paul College called the Saint Paul Public Schools 3M Advanced Learning Center. Here, students can take classes and earn college credit in multiple skilled trades disciplines through hands-on learning and state-of-the-art equipment. 3M partnered with Heart of America to help transform this hub into an inviting space conducive to learning. This hub, in addition to ongoing scholarship and support programs, will help local students pursue their dreams in STEM and skilled trades.

In addition to building a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent in manufacturing, 3M is focused on advancing sustainable practices within its facilities. In 2021, the company announced it would invest $1 billion over the next 20 years to accelerate its environmental goals, including a commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. 3M is proud to report that its greenhouse gas emissions are down 79% from 2002 levels, including a 38% decrease from levels in 2019.

One of the driving forces behind 3M’s path to decarbonization is its accelerated transition toward renewable energy. The company is committed to using 100% renewable electricity to power its operations by 2050 and having reached 51.9% at the end of 2022, it is tracking well ahead-of-schedule.

Recent examples of 3M’s collaborative efforts to advance renewable energy can be found at its facilities in New Ulm, Brookings, South Dakota, and Hutchinson, Minnesota. To transition these locations, 3M’s energy sourcing team worked with the local utilities to find and enable access to wind- and solar-generated power. In addition to benefiting 3M, these customized programs created the opportunity for local businesses to make the renewable transition.

At locations that have not yet fully transitioned to renewable power, 3M is working to source alternative forms of energy. For example, it has invested in multiple on-site solar array installations to help power manufacturing facilities in California, Singapore, and Mexico.

The sustainability of 3M’s operations and its workforce play a critical role in the company’s ability to develop, manufacture and deliver global solutions at scale. By building a pipeline of skilled talent and reducing the environmental impact of its operation, 3M will create greater resiliency for its business and continue leading the way forward in modern manufacturing.

Originally published on 3M News Center

Advances in connectivity and technology offer growth opportunities across industries—and on Oct. 6, National Manufacturing Day, 3M highlighted the people and processes that are driving its manufacturing capabilities forward.

There is a large volume and diversity of positions available for skilled workers. This demand offers flexibility in terms of both education and career path, while also allowing people to pair their passion with their profession. As a global manufacturer, 3M relies on a robust talent pipeline to drive its operations and those of its customers. The company is committed to supporting the growth of skilled talent and set a goal of creating five million unique STEM and Skilled Trades learning experiences for underrepresented individuals by the end of 2025.

To achieve its goal, encourage interest in trade careers and support workers in their journey, 3M offers multiple programs and platforms, including:

The 3M Manufacturing and Academic Partnerships (MAP) program connects students to careers in manufacturing through grants that support a robust mechatronics curriculum, while providing hands-on education for students and access to 3M employees as guest educators. The program began in communities surrounding 3M facilities in the U.S. and has since expanded internationally to Poland.Through the 3M Institute and its Formare Program in Brazil, young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are offered vocational education courses in the fields of science and technology, primarily in the communities in which 3M operates. The 3M Institute was created with the mission to contribute to the social transformation of future generations. Over the years, the 3M Institute has not only fulfilled its mission, but has exceeded expectations, thanks to the success of the Formare program.3M’s “Skilled” docuseries celebrates the skilled trades and addresses misperceptions that may be preventing more people from pursuing these vital careers. By highlighting the journeys of four tradespeople, “Skilled” showcases the diversity and breadth of trade jobs, and how workers can find bother personal fulfillment and professional success. It debuted at an officially sanctioned event of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and continues to be screened at various international film festivals, including the Los Angeles International Film Festival, American Documentary and Animation Film Festival, and Twin Cities Film Festival.Since 2022, students from St. Paul Public Schools have been using a centralized hub at St. Paul College called the Saint Paul Public Schools 3M Advanced Learning Center. Here, students can take classes and earn college credit in multiple skilled trades disciplines through hands-on learning and state-of-the-art equipment. 3M partnered with Heart of America to help transform this hub into an inviting space conducive to learning. This hub, in addition to ongoing scholarship and support programs, will help local students pursue their dreams in STEM and skilled trades.

In addition to building a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent in manufacturing, 3M is focused on advancing sustainable practices within its facilities. In 2021, the company announced it would invest $1 billion over the next 20 years to accelerate its environmental goals, including a commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. 3M is proud to report that its greenhouse gas emissions are down 79% from 2002 levels, including a 38% decrease from levels in 2019.

One of the driving forces behind 3M’s path to decarbonization is its accelerated transition toward renewable energy. The company is committed to using 100% renewable electricity to power its operations by 2050 and having reached 51.9% at the end of 2022, it is tracking well ahead-of-schedule.

Recent examples of 3M’s collaborative efforts to advance renewable energy can be found at its facilities in New Ulm, Brookings, South Dakota, and Hutchinson, Minnesota. To transition these locations, 3M’s energy sourcing team worked with the local utilities to find and enable access to wind- and solar-generated power. In addition to benefiting 3M, these customized programs created the opportunity for local businesses to make the renewable transition.

At locations that have not yet fully transitioned to renewable power, 3M is working to source alternative forms of energy. For example, it has invested in multiple on-site solar array installations to help power manufacturing facilities in California, Singapore, and Mexico.

The sustainability of 3M’s operations and its workforce play a critical role in the company’s ability to develop, manufacture and deliver global solutions at scale. By building a pipeline of skilled talent and reducing the environmental impact of its operation, 3M will create greater resiliency for its business and continue leading the way forward in modern manufacturing.

Pepco reached a major milestone in our efforts to strengthen reliability and resiliency for our customers as we fully energized the upgraded Takoma substation in Takoma Park, Md. This is the first of three substations to be upgraded and re-energized as part of our broader Capital Grid project, which further builds reliability and resiliency in the energy grid, while supporting the growth of renewable energy and enabling more economic development across the region.

Asteway Ribbiso, the Principal Project Manager who oversaw the Takoma substation upgrade, shared details about the project and how this work is strengthening the local energy grid to better serve our customers today and into the future.

As the primary electricity provider in the Nation’s Capital, we have a responsibility to deliver safe and reliable energy to our customers. The Capital Grid Project is an integrated solution that helps strengthen local energy grid over the long term, promoting enhanced reliability and resiliency. Through this project, we are continuing our purposeful work, delivering on our promise to provide safe and reliable energy to our customers, and acting on our commitment to continually drive our communities forward.

The Capital Grid Project is a forward-looking plan that is:

Upgrading three existing Pepco substations in the District and MarylandConstructing a new substation to serve the Mount Vernon area in the District, which is experiencing rapid growth and development. This community will further benefit from emerging clean energy technology solutions as part of the Mount Vernon Connected Community Roadmap projectCreating a networked system by installing approximately 10 miles of underground transmission cable

The project is a solution that resolves many needs in the Nation’s Capital and results in a modernized system that can withstand and recover from unforeseen events, such as severe storms or equipment failure.

Pepco reached a major milestone in our efforts to strengthen reliability and resiliency for our customers as we fully energized the upgraded Takoma substation in Takoma Park, Md. This is the first of three substations to be upgraded and re-energized as part of our broader Capital Grid project, which further builds reliability and resiliency in the energy grid, while supporting the growth of renewable energy and enabling more economic development across the region.

Asteway Ribbiso, the Principal Project Manager who oversaw the Takoma substation upgrade, shared details about the project and how this work is strengthening the local energy grid to better serve our customers today and into the future.

As the primary electricity provider in the Nation’s Capital, we have a responsibility to deliver safe and reliable energy to our customers. The Capital Grid Project is an integrated solution that helps strengthen local energy grid over the long term, promoting enhanced reliability and resiliency. Through this project, we are continuing our purposeful work, delivering on our promise to provide safe and reliable energy to our customers, and acting on our commitment to continually drive our communities forward.

The Capital Grid Project is a forward-looking plan that is:

Upgrading three existing Pepco substations in the District and MarylandConstructing a new substation to serve the Mount Vernon area in the District, which is experiencing rapid growth and development. This community will further benefit from emerging clean energy technology solutions as part of the Mount Vernon Connected Community Roadmap projectCreating a networked system by installing approximately 10 miles of underground transmission cable

The project is a solution that resolves many needs in the Nation’s Capital and results in a modernized system that can withstand and recover from unforeseen events, such as severe storms or equipment failure.