Tag: 3BL

Originally published in International Paper’s 2022 Sustainability Report

As a manufacturer of sustainable fiber products, we’re committed not only to relying on a renewable resource, but also to minimizing climate impact in our manufacturing process. This includes reducing energy and water consumption both within our facilities and across our value chain.

Our progress toward Vision 2030

Goal: Improve our climate impact and advance water stewardship

Target: Reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 35% 

Aligned with the best available climate science, we’re committed to reducing our absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 35% by 2030 across Scopes 1, 2 and 3.

2022 Impact: 

In 2022, we faced significant challenges in our facilities with respect to operational decarbonization. While we made progress in reducing our Scope 1 emissions at several mills, those reductions were offset by increases in fossil fuel used at other facilities due to reduced biomass fuel. We are proud of the emissions reductions we achieved at our containerboard mill in Rome, Georgia- the result of a capital project that was included in our decarbonization plan.

For Scope 2 emissions, we saw reductions associated with grid greening and an overall increase due to the sale of renewable energy certificates (RECs). This does not amount to a change in actual emissions, but rather, sales of environmental attributes from our renewable power generation. REC sales will continue in the short term, but will eventually be retired in support of our Vision 2030 target.

We are committed to advancing our decarbonization plan and are optimistic about emission reductions from key energy efficiency investments and other projects in the coming years. For more information see our TCFD report. As one of the first North American pulp and paper producers to have our GHG emissions reduction target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in 2021, we continue to assess and incorporate developments in emissions accounting, including the GHG Protocol, the ScienceBased Targets initiative (SBTi) and CDP. We are engaged directly in working groups focused on relevant forest sector topics.

Spotlight: 
Two mills, two GHG reduction projects

Our Rome, Georgia containerboard mill has demonstrated a 39% reduction in total Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions since the baseline year of 2019 after switching the mill’s power boiler from primarily coal to natural gas as a fuel source.

Our Red River, Louisiana containerboard mill replaced five refiners on their paper machine. The refiners were replaced with updated energy efficient refiners, saving an average of 24% of the energy use on this equipment and an estimated 7% reduction in Scope 2 GHG footprint for the mill.

Our Approach 

Our Sustainable Operations approach addresses some of our most important environmental impacts and reflects our commitment to improving our footprint across our businesses, operations and value chain.

Improving our climate impact

Having a positive climate impact begins with reducing carbon emissions. Rather than rely on carbon offsets, International Paper focuses on reducing energy consumption as well as relative GHG emissions across our mills and manufacturing facilities. Between 2019 and 2022, we reduced 3% of Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions but show an increase of 9% due to Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) sales.

We’re expanding our use of renewable energy, including generating our own renewable energy source via carbon-neutral biomass derived from our manufacturing processes.

Enhanced tracking and reporting

Approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, our GHG emissions reduction target aligns with the Paris Climate Agreement goal to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

Working with strategic partners, we track and report on our global GHG emissions by participating in ESG reporting programs, including:

Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)Task Force on Climate-Related Disclosures (TCFD)U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mandatory Reporting RuleEuropean Union Emissions Trading SystemMultiple state, regional and national reporting programsGlobal Reporting Index

70% of our mill energy is derived from carbon-neutral biomass residuals.

We reduced our GHG emissions by about 20% between 2010 and 2022, while cutting our use of coal and fuel oil in half.

Improving our climate impact 

Scope-by-scope reductions

We have a track record of reducing Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions at our operations. As part of our Vision 2030 goals, we’re also working to track, report and ultimately reduce our Scope 3 emissions across our value chain. Specifically:

Scope 1: We’re committed to making capital investments to substantially reduce Scope 1 GHG emissions in our facilities over the next decade. We’re evaluating and pursuing investments in energy efficiency and fuel-switching for lower-carbon thermal energy sources in our operations. These initiatives often result in both cost savings and GHG emission reductions by optimizing processes, upgrading equipment and advancing energy conservation measures.

Scope 2: To reduce Scope 2 GHG emissions, we’re participating in renewable power development.

Scope 3: To mitigate GHG impacts outside our direct operations, we team up with our suppliers and customers to effect meaningful change. We assess our supply chain to identify areas of impact, and we engage our suppliers and customers to reduce emissions. This work is closely tied to our goals for Renewable Solutions, which focus on how customers use and dispose of our products.

Reducing our operational GHG emissions is just one of the actions we’re taking to improve the climate. Our efforts extend across our entire value chain and through to our sustainable forestry and renewable products initiatives. We continue to make progress toward our Vision 2030 target through renewable power participation, capital investments and collaboration with forest landowners to improve forest management for carbon sequestration.

Improving our climate impact

Looking ahead

We are renewing our focus on supplier engagement to reduce value chain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2023 and 2024. As we continue our efforts to reduce GHG emissions and address climate change, we recognize the need to explore new and emerging technologies for decarbonization. We will continue to drive forward with renewable power participation initiatives, such as renewable energy procurement and investments in on-site renewable energy systems.

In addition, we will look to take advantage of supportive legislation, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in the U.S., to accelerate our efforts in reducing GHG emissions.

To achieve our sustainability goals, we will also focus on engaging with our suppliers and customers to better understand where our gaps are and drive Scope 3 reductions. By working collaboratively with stakeholders across our supply chain, we can identify opportunities to reduce GHG emissions and achieve a more sustainable future.

We are actively looking for ways to invest in capital projects at our facilities in order to build and operate equipment that has a direct result in reducing our GHG emissions.

Spotlight: 
GHG reductions at Cedar River Mill

We are investing $103 million to build and operate two natural gas power boilers to generate steam for its containerboard mill in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Construction is set to begin in 2023, and the mill is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2025. The Cedar River mill’s GHG emissions will be directly reduced by 25% as a result of the replacement of coal-based steam generators in the project.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of planet-friendly packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of North America’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2022 were $21.2 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com.

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By Dan Lambe

We’re amidst a turning point for urban forestry in America.

Just over a year after the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the recipients of historic urban and community forestry grants. The Inflation Reduction Act — a landmark piece of climate legislation — set aside $6 billion to bolster clean energy initiatives, including $1.5 billion for urban forestry work.

The Arbor Day Foundation was awarded $50 million to help create equitable access to trees in disadvantaged and underserved communities.

This is a great honor, a great responsibility and one more acknowledgment of the Arbor Day Foundation’s unique position in the forestry community. Through our extensive network of partners, the Arbor Day Foundation sits at the intersection of global and local forestry. We’re honored that the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service trust our organization to use these dollars to drive meaningful impact in neighborhoods and cities across the country through trees. The Arbor Day Foundation has worked alongside the U.S. Forest Service for decades on tree planting projects around the country and we continue to be grateful for their collaboration.

The new federal funding puts the Arbor Day Foundation in a position to continue our more than 50-year legacy of important work in the forestry space. It’s especially exciting to know we will not be doing this work alone. We’re proud to be part of a group of grant recipients that are devoted to creating change in our nation’s areas of greatest need.

This public investment is consistent with the support from the private sector emphasizing the importance of trees and natural solutions to pressing issues. The decades-long commitment from private donors and corporations has led to a long-lasting impact on urban forestry in neighborhoods of greatest need. At the Arbor Day Foundation, we are confident this federal funding will serve as a compliment — not a replacement — to the innovative work the private sector has already developed and will continue to develop.

As corporations, federal lawmakers, local leaders, nonprofits, donors, and tree planters, we’re all bringing different things to the table. But ultimately, we are all united by our desire to reshape urban forestry in America. And that effort — the need to plant trees — has never been more urgent.

City-dwellers are regularly challenged by things trees are equipped to address. Trees reduce extreme heat and filter air pollution. They improve the mental and physical health of the people living near them. They mitigate stormwater runoff. But right now, so many Americans are being deprived of those natural benefits that trees offer. Research has proven that communities of color and low-income neighborhoods often have less access to green space than wealthier neighborhoods. Our nation’s more vulnerable communities also have higher rates of cardiovascular and respiratory illness, higher rates of heat illness, and lower rates of air and water quality. These correlations aren’t coincidence. They’re evidence that some neighborhoods have been neglected for far too long.

Now is the time for trees and the transformational change they can yield.

As a pass-through funding partner, the Arbor Day Foundation will leverage these federal dollars for capacity building, community engagement, and, ultimately, planting more trees. We want to work alongside tree champions across the country to help them drape a green canopy over neighborhoods of greatest need. This money will help them grow their operations, drive workforce opportunities in urban forestry and put more trees in the ground.

The Arbor Day Foundation is happy to celebrate this momentous investment in urban forestry, but this increased level of resources and attention toward trees shouldn’t stop here. We’re in a new era where trees are recognized and respected as a critical resource in making communities healthier and more livable.

This is the start of a new normal, showcasing all a tree can be in this nation.

Dan Lambe is CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation, the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees. He can be reached at dlambe@arborday.org. 

Sustainability starts with commitment. Lenovo is leading the way to a more sustainable future and is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with science-based targets validated through the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard.

We share this commitment with our customers through innovative sustainability solutions that can help reduce emissions and waste while conserving our planet’s limited resources.

Learn more at https://lnv.gy/3EjC3gF.

We’re committed to supporting our retail teams and celebrating their passion for our brands. At our Store Manager and Store Leader Conferences, associates come together to take part in leadership team planning sessions, workshops, and awards ceremonies to recognize the accomplishments of our colleagues. Check out the photos to learn about what happened at our recent North American conferences with the Coach, kate spade new york, and Stuart Weitzman teams.

Originally published in the 2022 FedEx Cares Report

We believe that race and gender should never be a barrier to opportunity. But too often, people of color, women, people with disabilities, and veterans looking to start or grow a business face disproportionate obstacles to success. Our goal, through our work in Global Entrepreneurship, is to equip entrepreneurs from all backgrounds with the knowledge, tools, and capital they need to bridge the gap. With our support, these entrepreneurs could more effectively compete in the global marketplace, build a customer base, generate new jobs, and create a better living for themselves and their communities. In 2022, these incredible individuals created new products, built new facilities, launched e-commerce websites, and dreamed big ideas – and they are just getting started.

Our Strategy

Access to Capital: Connecting under-resourced entrepreneurs with fair and affordable capital to turn their vision for business growth into reality.

Training: Building knowledge and hands-on experience to help entrepreneurs compete in the marketplace and reach their full potential.

Mentoring + Networking: Creating spaces for entrepreneurs to meet, connect, get inspired, and build relationships that can help take their business to the next level.

Access to Capital

Helping veterans and entrepreneurs with disabilities take their business to the next level 

FedEx created the FedEx Entrepreneur Fund in collaboration with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) to award $10,000 each to 30 chosen small businesses owned by veterans and entrepreneurs with disabilities. In addition to the cash award, winning businesses receive free access to tools and resources, events, and networking opportunities.

We are proud to work with FedEx and GEN to support these small businesses. As there is continued strain on small businesses from diverse backgrounds to access capital and resources, we are pleased to play a role in bringing them one step closer to their goals and to overcome these barriers. 

Carolyn Rodz 

CEO, Hello Alice

FedEx Entrepreneur Fund Applicant Breakdown:

57% military 57% were military-connected businesses

40% people with disabilities 40% were entrepreneurs with disabilities

62% women 62% were woman-owned

65% Black owned 65% of applicants were Black-owned small businesses

Business Owner Spotlight 

AdaptAbilites offers independence through innovation 

FedEx Entrepreneur Fund grant recipient and Founder of AdaptAbilites, Hannah Heimbaugh, is a speech-language pathologist and assistive technology specialist living with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. After personally experiencing an accessibility gap in the toy industry, Hannah founded AdaptAbilites to create switch-adapted toys and gadgets for all age groups at accessible prices. Hannah aims to enable “independence through innovation” and provide everyone with special needs with the accessibility they deserve.

Training 

Helping women and entrepreneurs of color launch with e-commerce 

E-commerce sales increased nearly 8% from 2021 to 2022 – part of an ongoing trend showing e-commerce becoming a larger part of overall retail sales. For small businesses, transitioning to e-commerce can be a challenge – especially for women and entrepreneurs of color. Banks more frequently decline these groups for loans, and their businesses tend to be more resource-constrained. The FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab tackles this problem head-on. The Learning Lab helps women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color sell online and scale their e-commerce through hands-on learning. Powered by nonprofit small business expert Accion Opportunity Fund and e-commerce consultancy 37 Oaks, this five-month program provides immersive e-commerce workshops, coaching from industry experts, networking, sales fulfillment support, and a $5,000 grant to support e-commerce growth plans.

The FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab provided e-commerce expertise to nearly 3,000 people between June 2021 and May 2022:

2,222 interactive course users

88% of participants felt confident in operating and/or scaling an e-commerce business after completing the program

579 total Master E-Commerce views

93% of participants building new relationships with fellow entrepreneurs based on their involvement in the program

143 beginner participants

99% said the courses met their expectations

95% said they would recommend these courses to others

Business Owner Spotlight 

Serving the community, one cup at a time 

Back of the Yards Coffee is a Chicago-based, Latinx- and woman-owned coffee roaster founded in 2016 by Mayra Hernandez and Jesse Iniguez. Before Back of the Yards, some South Side residents had never entered a coffee shop, according to Jesse and Mayra. What started as selling cold brew at farmers markets led to a business plan and eventually a brick and mortar shop that donates a portion of all sales back to neighborhood programs. The FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab helped Back of the Yards take their business online, where it continues to grow.

* Back of the Yards Coffee is also a 2018 FedEx Small Business Grant Contest Bronze Prize Winner

Business Owner Spotlight

“Crackerjacks of social consciousness” provides opportunities to hard-to-serve populations in Memphis

Mickey’s Popcorn is a female, minority, and family-owned small business that creates gourmet, small-batch popcorn for the greater good. Mickey’s Popcorn hires under-resourced youth and domestic violence survivors for short-term job placements. Workers get handson career coaching to build skills and confidence, and their paychecks help them get back on their feet at the same time. Through the FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab, Mickey’s Popcorn obtained their first commercial property, filed for a Tennessee manufacturing license, and secured their first licensing agreement, all important steps leading to more growth and lives changed. They are poised for both e-commerce and retail growth thanks, in part, to the FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab.

Mentoring + Networking

Creating an all-female business accelerator 

2022 marked our fifth year supporting Babson College to help female entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level. Since we began work on Women Innovating Now (WIN) Growth Lab, WIN Global, and Black Women’s Entrepreneurship Leadership (BWEL) programs, participating businesses have raised millions in new capital; won numerous pitch competitions, local, and national honors; one has been named an Obama Fellow; another grew revenue 34x in two years; and yet another was featured in Black Enterprise magazine…and that’s not all. Each program addresses the challenges unique to women and Black women founders and provides tools to scale and connect to peers. Participants set goals and track progress during monthly mastermind sessions, receive expert and peer guidance, and have access to a community of like-minded individuals.

Business Owner Spotlight 

Fashion to inspire people living with chronic illnesses

Keisha Greaves founded Girls Chronically Rock after being diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. Keisha’s vision is to inspire others with chronic illnesses to believe in themselves and not let their disability define them. The clothing brand inspires and motivates others within the disability community. Keisha plans to expand her business by creating an adaptive clothing line to support those who face difficulties in dressing themselves.

It’s unique — you don’t hear about a lot of accelerator programs especially designed for Black women. I love it when we break into groups and share problems and solutions. I’m learning about the importance of marketing and sharing my story, and financial literacy, and I’ve been paired with a fantastic mentor. 

Keisha Greaves

BWEL, Cohort 3

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By Jeremy King

INDIANAPOLIS, September 27, 2023 /3BL/ – The Regions Foundation and DREAM Alive, Inc. on Wednesday announced a community partnership to help vulnerable youth overcome barriers to success and achieve their full career potential. The $30,000 grant awarded by the Regions Foundation, a nonprofit primarily funded by Regions Bank, will support professional exploration and readiness programming for DREAM scholars at eight Indianapolis middle and high schools.

Founded in 2001 by retired Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Tarik Glenn and his wife, Maya, DREAM Alive exists to help break the cycle of poverty by serving middle school and high school-aged vulnerable youth through career-focused experiential learning, one-on-one mentoring relationships and character development programming. Since its launch, DREAM Alive has worked with more than 5,200 youth, serving 1,100-plus students in 2022 alone.

“DREAM Alive offers its scholars a unique, immersive experience to explore and consider career possibilities they may never have imagined before,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “Students are introduced to different careers and dive deeper into how their education, experiences and preparation can position them for success in different fields. Yes, participants gain tremendous knowledge from these experiences, but they gain an even greater, lasting benefit of self-confidence as they pursue their futures.”

Career fields covered by the DREAM Alive experience include architecture, science and technology, media, sports management, telecommunications and more. The program offers 40-plus onsite experiences each year. Those experiences include workplace tours, panel discussions with industry professionals, and even experiencing “an afternoon in the life” observing professionals in action in certain fields.

DREAM Alive’s interactive approach, combined with the Regions Foundation’s strategic priority of supporting education and workforce readiness, make this community partnership a natural fit.

“We are humbled by the generous support of the Regions Foundation through this new grant; it’s a contribution that will support more opportunities for more people, and that is our focus – serving and empowering our scholars,” said DREAM Alive co-founder Tarik Glenn. “The sincere commitment of both the Regions Foundations and Regions Bank is evident by the way they use their time, talents and treasures to care for our youth in DREAM Alive, and ultimately to care for our city.”

“True, authentic partnerships, like the ones we have with Regions Bank, and now the Regions Foundation, are essential for long-term change in our community,” added Eric Müller, executive director of DREAM Alive. “That’s especially true as it relates to workforce development. The more businesses and nonprofits and entities that we can bring together to collaboratively invest in the next generation of leaders, the brighter our future grows.”

True, authentic partnerships, like the ones we have with Regions Bank, and now the Regions Foundation, are essential for long-term change in our community.
Eric Müller, executive director of DREAM Alive

The relationship between DREAM Alive and Regions Bank goes back more than a dozen years. Regions Bank teams in Indianapolis have hosted an annual field trip with DREAM scholars at Regions’ downtown area headquarters since 2010. The trips include a panel discussion with bank associates and financial education opportunities. The bank has also sponsored fundraisers such as DREAM Christmas, with associates personally involved through board leadership, youth mentoring and event volunteerism.

“Regions Bank has proudly worked with DREAM Alive for many years to empower DREAM scholars and support the agency’s community events,” said Erik Miner, Commercial Banking leader and market executive for Regions Bank in Indianapolis. “Through its mentorship, career readiness and character development programs, DREAM Alive is transforming young lives on a daily basis. We appreciate our colleagues from the Regions Foundation making this investment allowing DREAM Alive to reach and serve even more Indianapolis youth.”

DREAM Alive, which has a 100% high school graduation rate since 2011 compared to an Indianapolis Public School average of 72% over the same period, has expanded to serve two new sites in 2022, and desires to serve youth in all Indianapolis Public Schools by 2026.

About Regions Foundation:
The Alabama-based Region Foundation supports community investments that positively impact communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

About Regions Financial Corporation:
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $156 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

About DREAM Alive:
DREAM Alive (DA) is a local nonprofit which helps break the cycle of poverty by mentoring vulnerable youth from 7th grade through 12th grade, helping youth discover career paths. DA was originally co-founded by retired Indianapolis Colts Left Tackle, Tarik Glenn during his playing career. For a decade-plus, DREAM Alive has empowered scholars who complete their 6-year program to graduate high school, with 96% of those scholars planning to enlist in the military, go to college, or enter straight into the workforce upon commencement. To learn more about DREAM Alive, please visit www.dreamaliveinc.org

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) administers Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), which represent a cooperative relationship to encourage excellence in worksite-based safety and health. VPP sets performance-based criteria for a facility’s safety and health system, and after a site applies for admission to the program, OSHA assesses the facility against these criteria. This is above and beyond normal safety standards and results in a thorough on-site evaluation by a team of OSHA safety and health professionals.

Sites can have three levels under VPP, with Star being the highest standard. VPP recognizes teams that demonstrate exemplary achievement in the prevention and control of occupational safety and health hazards and the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of their safety and health management system.

The St. Maries, Idaho lumber and plywood complex has set an exceptional standard for safety and has been a VPP Star site since 2000 – there are only 13 VPP Star sites in Idaho. To qualify for VPP, St. Maries has demonstrated an effective and ongoing safety and health program, including performance-based criteria. In addition, team members are required to demonstrate cooperation and participation to ensure continuous improvement, including participation in audits across facilities to cross-pollinate ideas. Results are expected to reflect the effectiveness of the program with injury and illness rates at or below the national industry average. Star participants are reevaluated every three to five years.

The last re-evaluation was in 2019, during which the auditors highlighted our redesigned lockout / tagout procedures as an exemplary practice. The next on-site evaluation is to take place in 2024.

The St. Maries complex has focused on an employee-engaged workforce giving Team Members several opportunities to be involved in the safety processes throughout the year, including recognizing hazards, using SLAM cards, monthly training retention activities, reporting near misses, safety committees, new hire training, and reviewing Job Hazard Analysis.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 
This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “ongoing,” “continuous,” “expected,” “projected,” and similar expressions and references to achievement of objectives in the future are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s views of future events based on estimates and assumptions and are therefore subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, and are not guarantees of future conduct, results, or policies. Please view the Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information on page 134 of PotlatchDeltic’s 2022 ESG Report.

Whirlpool Corporation announced today that it has been recognized as one of the World’s Best Companies for 2023 by TIME magazine. To create the list, TIME partnered with Statista, a leading provider of market and consumer data, to conduct a comprehensive research study identifying the top performing companies across the globe. Whirlpool Corp.’s inclusion on the list reflects its dedication to delivering products and solutions that enhance the lives of people around the world while contributing to a more sustainable and responsible future.

“At Whirlpool Corporation, we are in constant pursuit of improving life at home around the world. That vision is what drives us each and every day,” said Whirlpool Corporation Chairman & CEO, Marc Bitzer. “We are honored to be named among the world’s best companies by TIME. It is a direct result of our 61,000 global employees’ dedication to integrity, innovation, sustainability.”

Whirlpool Corp. has a rich legacy of more than a century of innovation in the home appliance industry. The company’s commitment to sustainability is ingrained in business practices, from developing energy-efficient appliances to reducing its carbon footprint across global operations. The company continues to lead the way in creating products that not only make life easier for consumers but also promote environmentally responsible living.

Whirlpool Corp. is frequently recognized as an exemplary organization. This year alone, Whirlpool Corp. was named one of the Worlds Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweek, one of America’s Most Just Companies for 2023 and one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune for the 13th consecutive year.

The World’s Best Companies 2023 were identified by a survey based on a sample of more than 150,000 participants from 58 countries. Companies also had to generate revenue of $100 million in 2022 and demonstrate positive revenue growth from 2020 to 2022. Statista drew from their ESG database and incorporated key metrics, such as carbon emissions intensity and the company’s CDP rating.

Click here to see the full list of World’s Best Companies.

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The Mary Kay Building | Saturday, September 30
On-site Registration/Check-in: 7:00-8:00am
One-Mile Fun Run: 8:00am
5K Race: 8:30am

Event Support/Mission:

The 19th Annual MK5K raises funds directly benefiting the Mary Kay Ash Foundation in support of its two-fold mission, finding cures for cancers affecting women and ending domestic violence. Founded in 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation is the legacy of Mary Kay Ash’s vision to create a healthier, safer world for women through causes that are near and dear to her heart. The Foundation does this by providing critical grants to support cancer research and domestic violence as well as programs and support services for both causes. Today, the Foundation has impacted millions of women and their families’ lives by donating more than $92 million in grants, programs and support services. In 2023, the Foundation will award 60 domestic violence shelter grants and 12 cancer research grants domestically totaling $2.4 million this year alone.

The 19th Annual MK5K engages generous sponsors, local community partners, independent sales force members and the public to bring together an exciting group of supporters running for a great cause! With the city of Addison as its backdrop, the MK5K brings out a vibrant crowd for some early morning fun. If running isn’t your thing, enjoy the vendor exhibits, live music, photo opportunities, and breakfast thanks to the generosity of local community partners and sponsors.

For those who are unable to attend in person, the fun continues virtually from October 1-13 with our MK5K My Way Virtual Challenge. Run, walk, swim, bike, Zumba your way into 13 miles over 13 days to complete the challenge and meet your fundraising goals.

Exhibitor Highlights:

* Sealed with a kiss! This year we’re excited to offer a Lipologist booth applying vibrant Mary Kay lipstick shades and reading your kiss lines to reveal what they say about all your best kept traits! Lips don’t lie….
* Baylor Scott & White Dallas will be handing out materials to educate and inform about breast cancer awareness month.

Event Sponsors (as of 9/13/23):
Mary Kay Inc.
Buchanan Technologies
ProPay
GreenbergTraurig
Beauty Manufacturing Solutions Corp
Dentons Global Advisors
BBVA
Latham Watkins
Transportation Solutions
Blankenship Change Consulting
Skindinavia
Sunwest Communications
Spiro
Grit Fitness

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., September 27, 2023 /3BL/ – Black & Veatch announced today that its 27-year support of Children’s Mercy Kansas City, including proceeds from its 25th charity golf tournament this week, have eclipsed $5 million. This week’s event resulted in the Black & Veatch Foundation presenting Children’s Mercy with a donation of $180,000 to help in the fight against childhood diseases.

Contributions from the golf event – staged again on Monday at Shadow Glen Golf Club in Olathe – have gone directly to Children’s Mercy to support several causes since the tournament’s inception more than a quarter century ago, including a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Since our inception more than a century ago, giving back to the communities in which we live and work has been part of our company’s fabric in striving to make a world of difference,” said Mario Azar, Black & Veatch’s Chairman & CEO. “These important events help ensure that thousands of families and children from across the region get the services they need, with continued support for the many dedicated Children’s Mercy health care professionals providing lifesaving care and cancer research to help those in need.”

“Thanks to partners like Black & Veatch, our Genomic Answers for Kids project is changing the landscape of pediatric genomics through what may be the most advanced system for rare disease diagnosis in the world,” Children’s Mercy Chief Development Officer Jenea Oliver said. “A true community champion for hope, Black & Veatch’s commitment to this project since 2014 has allowed Children’s Mercy to surpass 1,000 rare diagnoses through groundbreaking work — far out-pacing other rare disease research programs, leading to a number of firsts in the field of genomics research.”

In addition to the hospital’s Genomic Medicine Center, Black & Veatch’s past fundraising from the tournament has supported construction and renovations for Children’s Mercy East in eastern Jackson County and Children’s Mercy Broadway. The company also has supported the CARE Clinic, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, robotic surgery, a neonatal intensive care nursery, the emergency department and urgent care centers.

The first-of-its-kind Genomic Medicine Center is dedicated to being the leading global referral center for the diagnosis, molecular understanding and treatment of inherited childhood diseases. Through the support of the Black & Veatch Foundation and other organizations, hundreds of families affected by unspecified inherited diseases are referred to and treated by Children’s Mercy each year.

Editor’s Notes: 

The Black & Veatch Foundation serves as the platform for participation by the company and its professionals in supporting philanthropic organizations and programs worldwide.The charity golf event includes strong support and participation from Black & Veatch clients, suppliers and partners, with all proceeds going to Children’s Mercy.Since its beginning in 1915, Black & Veatch and its professionals have been actively involved in supporting community needs. The foundation builds on the company’s history of community involvement by globally expanding Black & Veatch’s overall philanthropic role, involvement and impact in our communities.

About Black & Veatch 
Black & Veatch is a 100-percent employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure assets. Follow us on www.bv.com and on social media.

About Children’s Mercy Kansas City 
Founded in 1897, Children’s Mercy is a leading independent children’s health organization dedicated to holistic care, translational research, educating caregivers and breakthrough innovation to create a world of well-being for all children. With not-for-profit hospitals in Missouri and Kansas, and numerous specialty clinics in both states, Children’s Mercy provides the highest level of care for children from birth through the age of 21. U.S. News & World Report has repeatedly ranked Children’s Mercy as one of “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals.” For the fifth consecutive time in a row, Children’s Mercy has achieved Magnet nursing designation, awarded to only about 8% of all hospitals nationally, for excellence in quality care. More than 850 pediatric subspecialists, researchers and faculty across more than 40 subspecialties are actively involved in clinical care, pediatric research and education of the next generation of pediatric subspecialists. Visit Children’s Mercy and the Children’s Mercy Research Institute to learn more, and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest news and videos.

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