Tag: 3BL

KeyBank, and the KeyBank Foundation, is passionate about helping people achieve their goals with quality education and training. Through philanthropic efforts, Key proudly supports organizations and programs that prepare individuals for thriving futures. 

The Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner College of Medicine is a shining example. The Lerner College of Medicine educates a diverse group of individuals to become physician investigators who advance biomedical research, deliver exceptional clinical care and promote health equity within their communities. Upon completion of the five-year curriculum, students graduate with an MD degree with Special Qualification in Biomedical Research. 

“KeyBank, like the Cleveland Clinic, has a vision for a brighter future,” said Mattie Jones-Hollowell, KeyBank’s Corporate Responsibility Officer. “We’re intentional about giving back to organizations that also want to improve the quality of life for our neighbors and neighborhoods. We are inspired by the Clinic and the transformative efforts solutions they’ve created for patients not only here in Northeast Ohio, but around the world.” 

Watch the video above to learn more about KeyBank’s support of the Lerner College of Medicine or here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lD9bRzCiqLU. 

Hawaii and its people have long held a special place in the heart of our company. It’s a 27-year (and counting) love affair.

Back before we were T-Mobile, we were VoiceStream Wireless. On February 29, 1996, the company launched with Hawaii as our first market. In 2003, we rebranded as T-Mobile and began celebrating the recipients of our company’s highest annual award, PEAK, on the beautiful shores of Maui.

During those trips is when I found my personal connection to this island paradise. I have always loved slipping away for a local bite at Lahaina Grill and Captain Jack’s. Great food, great people – I looked forward to it every year and will always treasure those memories.

Over the years we have grown to more than 300 employees and 27 retail locations in the Aloha State, but we’re still a close-knit family. And families take care of their own. So, when the wildfires flashed through Maui last week, upending lives and destroying property, we knew our family needed us. And we responded to that call.

It came in the form of getting critical connectivity up and running (our amazing network team has been working day and night to get us back to 100% coverage). Hand-delivering supplies. Making financial donations … and simply doing our best to reduce the burdens on the Hawaiian people. This is an island that has given so much to us, and we’re here to return the favor.

As the people in Maui begin the long work of restoration, rebuilding and renewal, we’ve been stepping up in every way we can. SpaceX donated equipment to help us set up Starlink satellite internet at Kapalua airport for the airlines to process ticketing and baggage faster. We did the same at a makeshift medical tent at the Hyatt Regency to support patient check-ins, patient record access and prescription orders to pharmacies.

One of the stories I heard from our team was when the owners of Best Chinese Food in Lahaina (a restaurant that has been fueling a team of T-Mobile engineers) told us that they were struggling to stay in business without connectivity, we were able to set up a Starlink satellite modem for them and their customers. The owner was not only able to take credit cards again, but also FaceTime his son who is deployed in San Diego.

Another customer who had lost five businesses in the fire was finally able to sign important electronic documents from his insurance company.

Restoring our network is just one part of the ways we show up. Dozens of members of our team have been on-site at shelters and other locations handing out basic, but important, items that many of us take for granted every day – things like chargers, cords and water. After learning that our Lahaina store was undamaged, we got to work to repurpose it as a Community Support Center to serve as a hub for people to get free phones with two months of service, portable chargers, charging cables, headlamps and N95 masks (while supplies last).

Some of the people directly impacted include our employees. To help as they begin their own rebuilding, we’re providing special pay supplements, access to our Employee Relief Fund, and more.

The kind people of Maui have a long and difficult road ahead and we will continue to stand beside them every step of the way. Now it’s our turn to say, “mahalo nui loa,” – thank you very much.

If you’d like to join us in giving, T-Mobile customers can “text-to-give” $10 donations simply by texting the organization’s keyword to the number below to have a one-time $10 donation added to their T-Mobile bill.

American Red Cross: Text HAWAII to 90999Hawaii Community Foundation: Text WILDFIRES to 501501The Salvation Army National Corporation: Text WILDFIRES to 52000Information Technology Disaster Resource Center: Text CONNECT to 20222

T-Mobile customers can also donate directly from the T-Mobile Tuesdays app.

On many college campuses, back to school can also mean an increase in alcohol consumption. If you have a loved one heading back to school, it’s important to speak to them about the dangers of alcohol abuse.

Here are some facts from The National Institutes of Health to discuss with your student before they head back to campus.

NEW YORK, August 21, 2023 /3BL/ – Mark Durney, Senior Vice President, Digital at Porter Novelli, has been named among this year’s distinguished recipients of the PR Week 40 Under 40 award. The prestigious honor celebrates Durney’s diverse interests and recognizes his outstanding achievements in social and digital strategy, data and innovation, and leadership, as well as his wide-ranging philanthropic interests.

Durney has an impressive track record of creating data-led communications campaigns that extend beyond commercial success to deliver societal impact. Working across Porter Novelli’s clients ranging from global nonprofits, pharmaceuticals, federal agencies, and consumer brands among others, he leads the integration of new data-led products and services, including AI and automation. One of his standout accomplishments at the strategic communications company was transforming a pharmaceutical executive into an industry influencer as their company developed life-saving vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are so proud of Mark,” said Porter Novelli President Conroy Boxhill. “His recognition as one of PR Week’s 40 Under 40 is a testament to his strategic excellence and his dedication to fostering positive change. His unique ability to blend art, technology, purpose and social responsibility serves as an inspiration to both his colleagues and his clients.”

Durney added: “I’m honored to be named among this notable group of communications professionals. It’s gratifying to be recognized for work that delivers on Porter Novelli’s promise to help our clients do business better and make a positive impact in the world.”

Durney began his career at the nonprofit Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, where his passion for cultural heritage preservation flourished. During that time, he helped launch The Association for Research into Crimes Against Art (ARCA), a non-profit that pioneered post-graduate education programs centered around cultural heritage preservation, exploring such subjects as art theft and forgery, conservation and museum management, and art law. He then went on to Capgemini, building innovation-focused, social and digital teams followed by career progression at Havas, Ketchum, and Burson-Marsteller (now BCW Global).

This 40 Under 40 distinction also recognizes Mark’s commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. His collaboration with Sustainable Brands resulted in the creation of the Social Media for Good Playbook, a forward-looking framework empowering marketing and communications professionals to embed sustainable thinkinginto all aspects of their work from addressing the climate crisis to fostering resilient societies. He also collaborates across agency teams to analyze the impact of cultural issues across the D&I spectrum, ensuring authentic and credible engagement strategies.

Durney’s passion for education endures with his role as a guest lecturer at such esteemed academic institutions as NYU, St. John’s University, Iona University, and St. Thomas Aquinas College. He is an active mentor of graduates from his alma mater, Trinity College. His industry influence is highlighted by his participation as a judge in distinguished awards programs, as well as his membership in the Real Time Academy for the Shorty Awards.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., August 21, 2023 /3BL/ – The STEM Careers Coalition™ – the first-of-its-kind national STEM initiative powered by corporate and non-profit leaders and anchored in schools by Discovery Education – recently was named the Best Freebies for STEM Careers as part of the Educators Pick Best of STEM® 2023 Awards. The Educators Pick Best of STEM Awards are the only awards program judged by STEM educators.

The awards program, operated in partnership with the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) and MCH Strategic Data, and for the first time this year with the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), spotlights innovative products, technologies, and services that are changing the world of STEM education. Submissions were evaluated in a two-part judging process. First, by an expert panel of judges, then by more than 267,000 STEM educators, who were given the opportunity to evaluate the finalists via survey.

“The number of remarkable products and the degree of innovation made an enormous impression on the judges,” said Annie Galvin Teich, president of The Teich Group and lead judge. “Educators value the alignment with NGSS standards, the use of simulations, instructional support for teachers, and the flexibility of implementation for different modes of instruction across all STEM topics.”

The STEM Careers Coalition solves for critical gaps in diverse representation in the STEM professional workforce. The Coalition is an alliance of industries and non-profit organizations, reaching 6.7 million teachers and students with equitable access to STEM resources and career connections since it’s launch in 2019. The Coalition will continue to ignite student curiosity and influence a diverse future STEM workforce and reach 10 million teachers and students by 2025. View the complete list of STEM Career Coalition partners here.

“We are proud to receive this award and are thankful to the judges and educators for their hard work,” said Jackie Smalls, Vice President of Social Impact Coalitions at Discovery Education. “The STEM Careers Coalition diversifies the STEM workforce by providing teachers and students equitable access to innovative content and learning experiences. Aligned to learning standards and created with innovative industry leading organizations, the resources ignite and sustain student curiosity in STEM.”

Learn more about the Educators Pick Best of STEM 2023 Awards and the other winners here.

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources—which can be purchased with federal stimulus funds—and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn. 

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About Catapult X

Founded by Daylene Long, Catapult X is a market and product development company that consults exclusively with science and STEM/STEAM education industry partners—organizations, businesses, and associations—to catapult their brand and products forward by using data-driven insights.

Long catapults brand, product, and sales growth through alignment of data and strategy, using progressive research techniques and customer discovery. Long publishes national surveys on STEM education and STEM marketing infographics to guide edtech marketers across the globe. Long is an affiliate member of the Council of State Science Supervisors, a member of NSELA, and a twenty-year member of NSTA. Long connects her clients to administrators, educators, distributors, and media to build strong global partnerships.

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, and innovative classroom tools, 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 
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com

Daylene Long 
Catapult X 
Email: daylene@catapult-x.com

August 21, 2023 /3BL/ – 3BL announced today a strategic partnership with WHC (Wildlife Habitat Council), a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting wildlife habitat conservation and management on corporate lands. This collaboration aims to enhance reach and impact by sharing 3BL clients’ sustainability news and stories with WHC’s engaged and environmentally conscious audience.

The partnership between 3BL and WHC represents a significant step towards amplifying the visibility of corporate sustainability efforts, creating a stronger connection between businesses and conservation-minded communities. Through this collaboration, the 3BL news feed will be embedded on WHC’s website, showcasing the sustainability achievements, initiatives and best practices of hundreds of companies directly with WHC’s audience of businesses, conservation organizations, communities, and individuals who are deeply committed to environmental stewardship.

“At 3BL, we believe in the power of impactful storytelling to drive positive change and inspire action. Our partnership with the Wildlife Habitat Council aligns perfectly with our mission to amplify the reach of corporate sustainability content,” said Brian Letts, VP of ESG programs & partnerships at 3BL. “By sharing our clients’ sustainability storytelling with WHC site visitors, we hope to connect our clients with an engaged audience focused on responsible land management, biodiversity conservation, and community engagement.”

WHC will benefit from the partnership by distributing its news and thought leadership to a targeted audience keen to engage around climate and sustainability issues. WHC’s focus on promoting and certifying wildlife habitats that are created and managed by corporations aligns seamlessly with 3BL’s dedication to highlighting sustainable practices that benefit businesses, the environment and society. This collaboration offers a unique platform for 3BL clients to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility, while also encouraging other companies to explore innovative ways of integrating sustainability into their operations.

“This partnership with 3BL provides an ideal opportunity for WHC to uplift innovations in corporate conservation with a broad audience of like-minded professionals dedicated to sustainability and ESG,” said Margaret O’Gorman, President, WHC. “Our mission at WHC is to support the private sector on their nature-positive journey, and by illustrating the depth and breadth of corporate sustainability efforts happening around the world, 3BL is joining us in making the case that nature is everyone’s business.”

About 3BL: 
Established in 2009, 3BL enables companies to quickly and easily distribute sustainability- and social impact-related news and content to key stakeholders — investors, consumers, ESG ratings & rankings agencies, media, policy makers, NGOs and more. By leveraging 3BL’s proprietary technology, expansive distribution network, performance analytics, TriplePundit brand studio and dedicated client success team, brands can easily access disparate and hard to reach stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.3bl.com or watch our 2-minute video.

About Wildlife Habitat Council: 
WHC has been working at the nexus of business and nature for 35 years. It is the only international NGO focused exclusively on enabling private sector action for nature. WHC builds strategies and frameworks that connect corporate ambition for nature to robust action on corporate lands. WHC works with mostly Fortune 500 corporations, traversing value chains, jurisdictions and geographies. It seeks to integrate nature, especially biodiversity, with climate, equity and engagement to support sustainable ecosystems and healthy communities. WHC’s corporate members represent some of the leading national and multinational corporations seeking to support sustainable ecosystems and the communities that surround them. These efforts have resulted in more than 1,000 certified programs across 47 states and 28 countries.

Originally published by TriplePundit

As Earth’s temperatures continue to rise, it has become evident that protecting the planet will require global cooperation and direct action across every single industry. The healthcare industry is no exception. Indeed, the connection between environmental health and human health underscores the importance of the medical community’s role in reaching net zero carbon emissions.

The healthcare sector contributes an estimated 4.5 percent of global emissions. Some of these greenhouse gases are produced from healthcare facilities; others are the result of the industry’s supply chain of goods and services. Yet when it comes to climate change, the healthcare industry must go beyond focusing on treating the health conditions resulting from environmental degradation — and increasingly, we’re seeing industry starting to shift toward helping to prevent those health conditions by addressing climate change itself.

Boston Scientific is among those medical technology companies working to reduce emissions. Our ambitious effort will involve reevaluating every aspect of business and making changes to support achieving net-zero emissions along the company’s entire value chain. This work represents a considerable challenge, and one whose time has come.

“Climate change will affect almost every human disease in some way,” says Dr. Kenneth Stein, chief medical officer. “For those of us in the healthcare industry, who are dedicated to improving health and patient outcomes, that’s a worrisome thought. But we can apply our considerable innovative skills toward becoming part of the solution.”

Fortunately, we have a couple of important factors working in our favor. They are ingredients which, I would suggest, every company needs to succeed in meeting its ESG goals: A thoughtful, realistic, and science-based sustainability plan in development, along with full-throated support for our initiative at every level of our organization.

Making the business case for sustainability in healthcare

Within the medtech sector, some sustainability changes involve tracing products back through the supply chain to reimagine the way those products are sourced, manufactured, packaged and shipped. Doing so is a significant undertaking – so much so, that if an organization doesn’t have a clear understanding that its sustainability goals are in line with a clear mission to improve health outcomes, it might shy away from the challenge.

Paudie O’Connor, senior vice president in charge of Boston Scientific global supply chain, points out that for that reason, it’s important to dispel myths that there is tension between the two goals. “There is no reason why we can’t further healthcare to help decrease the plight of human suffering, and work to improve the environment at the same time,” he told me.

In fact, Boston Scientific was the first medical device company to commit to carbon neutrality within its manufacturing network, as well as to receive approval for its net zero target by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), an international organization that provides clear guidance for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the latest climate science.

Already, we’ve made progress toward carbon neutrality goals by shifting our electricity sources in the U.S. and Europe to 100% renewable electricity – contributing to 76% renewable electricity across our global manufacturing and key distribution sites – putting us on track for 100% renewable electricity worldwide by 2024 in our manufacturing and key distribution sites. All are important milestones on the path to achieving the company’s net zero emissions target across the entire value chain by 2050.

However, some sustainability goals are more complicated. For instance, physicians and patients need medical products that are sterile, safe and reliable – and those standards are highly regulated. Now, teams must consider the environmental footprint of products at every life cycle stage, from design, sourcing, production and distribution to waste disposal and recycling.

“We spend a great deal of time thinking about how we can structure our supply chain to support growth and environmental sustainability,” O’Connor says. “For example, thinking of ways to reduce packaging, digitize instructions for use, target sterilization practices and use strategic modes of distribution.”

Shipping is a good example. Medical device manufacturers have long shipped products to their destinations by air as a matter of convenience and, importantly, speed, so that devices are always available for patients who require immediate intervention. “Our supply chain has a purpose statement: ‘delivering for patients,’” says O’Connor. “Getting high-quality products to patients when they need them.”

Rail and maritime transport are far more carbon-efficient than air transport, but take longer; for example, a product that takes four days to get from Costa Rica to Boston by air may take 14 days by boat and rail. Thus, in switching to moving products by land or sea to key distribution hubs, a company must carefully reexamine the timetables by which products are sent and adjust them accordingly. Mapping out such thoughtful, deliberate changes can result in meaningful carbon reduction, making the effort well worthwhile.

Tackling environmental challenges for better health

This is one of the biggest challenges that the global population has faced, let alone the healthcare industry. But by viewing environmental sustainability as a step toward improving human health, the goals of both the medical community and those of global supply chain teams can come together as one. I believe that such a holistic view is precisely the way to frame the important sustainability work ahead of the healthcare industry. Dr. Stein agrees: “To reduce healthcare disparities, we can’t ignore how environmental and climate changes will affect health, especially for society’s most vulnerable.”

There is so much more work to do to continue to advance our collective efforts to contribute to a healthier planet. Regulations are increasing and evolving. Customer expectations are evolving. Science is constantly evolving and changing the things that we can accomplish for our customers and patients. But the industry is making meaningful changes — and by holding ourselves and each other accountable, we can accelerate progress and achieve more together.

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

Image courtesy of Boston Scientific

Originally published on the IBM Blog

CRM Connect, championed by TNC – The Nature Conservancy Centre (TNCC), India, offers valuable intelligence to farmers, agriculture sector leaders, and decision makers. Over 1,000 farmers are using this technology solution to eliminate crop residue burning, and by 2024, the teams are aiming to engage with 12,000 farmers.

Promoting sustainable agriculture in India

In North India, not too far from the Himalayas, is Punjab. With an area of only 1.5% of total land in the country, Punjab is known as the “breadbasket” of India. According to recent studies, the rich soil in this state has contributed in the past about 40% of India’s wheat and 30% of its rice. With the surplus productivity in these two crops compared to other places in the world, Punjab has positioned itself as a major contributor of crops on a global scale.

However, at the end of each harvest, farmers in North India often resort to burning crop residue. This practice refers to the process of burning the leftover plant material after the main harvest, such as straw, stubble, and other agricultural residues in fields. The residue burning is mostly prevalent during the paddy harvest and subsequent sowing of wheat, which takes place in October and November. Farmers use this option as a quick and inexpensive way to clear the fields and prepare them for the next planting season. However, this process results in air pollution and soil degradation which have major consequences for public health and the environment. Burning crop residue is easy but in many ways damaging as it impacts both millions of people and acres of farmland.

Many farmers in North India want to change this practice and government officials, communities and organizations are looking to support them. What has been missing so far? Data and technology, two critical elements that can bring all of them together to achieve this goal.

In the pursuit of long-lasting solutions, TNCC has partnered with IBM to leverage the necessary technology and data resources. Together, they are trying to address this challenge with the aim of fostering agricultural sustainability and reducing the impact of climate change on communities. By leveraging advanced data analytics and accessible mobile technology, TNCC is leading the charge in transforming sustainable agriculture practices and protecting vulnerable populations from the effects of pollution and climate change.

Watch: Transforming sustainable agriculture: The Nature Conservancy Centre and IBM unite to reduce crop residue burning in North India

Introducing CRM Connect: A catalyst for change

Recognizing the urgent need to transition from crop residue burning to crop residue management (CRM), TNCC partnered with IBM through the IBM Sustainability Accelerator to develop CRM Connect—a powerful public information platform. Built by IBM developers and tapping into the climate analytics expertise of IBM Consulting’s sustainability, climate and weather analytics expertise, CRM Connect serves as a tool to promote regenerative farming practices in India through the use of demographic insights, agricultural activity tracking, and resource mapping. Overall, CRM Connect improves agricultural sustainability and mitigates harm to the region’s air and soil quality.

The CRM Connect dashboard offers valuable intelligence to sector practitioners, government officials, and policy makers—analyzing data from various sources including weather patterns, soil conditions, and demographic information. CRM Connect fills the insights gap for transitioning to sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices.

“This solution has the potential to create maximum impact. Using technology, we have been able to analyze data sets that let us identify 2,500 villages (out of over 18,000 villages across Punjab and Haryana) that concentrate 70% of the total fire events that came from paddy residue burning over the last 4-5 years,” explains Manoj Singh, Lead for Regenerative Agriculture at TNCC. “These types of valuable insights allow decision makers to focus resources where you can make a greater impact.”

On the other hand, the platform also creates a network through the CRM Connect web portal, facilitating collaboration among farmers. Through this application, farmers can connect, share information, find CRM service providers for their operations, and offer support, overall fostering a sense of community and empowerment.

Empowering farmers and cultivating change

Following this two-sided approach of sharing demographic insights with policymakers and information with farmers, TNCC’s collaboration with IBM via the CRM Connect platform has the potential to empower stakeholders in India to adopt more sustainable agriculture practices. By providing critical information and fostering connections, TNCC is playing a pivotal role in shifting mindsets and inspiring positive change within communities. Thousands of farmers have eagerly embraced this opportunity, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable agriculture and a desire for a healthier, more resilient future.

“Today, over 1,000 farmers are using the web portal covering approximately 2,200 hectares of land. And by the end of this year, the platform aims to engage 12,000 famers, thus impacting over 25,000 hectares,” says Premjit Balasundaram, IBM’s project leader.

Looking ahead: A vision for greater impact

The impact of TNCC’s partnership with IBM extends beyond their current goals. With a vision to reach over two million farmers in the long term, TNCC aims to create a ripple effect throughout the region and beyond. TNCC aspires to inspire a national and global shift towards regenerative agriculture, protecting vulnerable populations and safeguarding the environment for future generations. CRM Connect is a useful tool for the path to achieve this vision.

As a next step, the project aims to leverage Artificial Intelligence to run more complex correlations that offer even more valuable and precise insights to farmers, organizations, and policymakers. The teams have identified 86 variables that could be analyzed using AI to promote these efforts further.

Together, TNCC and IBM are creating a better and more sustainable world for all.

Learn more about the IBM Sustainability Accelerator stories of impact

Wesco has been named one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces” by Newsweek. This reflects our commitment to developing, equipping, and empowering our people to be successful in their careers and lives. Our culture of embracing authenticity, diverse perspectives, and individual ways of thinking ensures that all team members have a voice.

We work hard to deliver value for our customers and suppliers. At Wesco, we know we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves and that each of us play a role in contributing to the mission of building greatness. As one team, we are excited for the future of our company and what we will accomplish and learn along the way.

Learn more about why people love working for Wesco here.

This article originally appeared on Fortune.com

Renu runs one of the millions of mom-and-pop stores, known as kiranas, located all over India. She wanted to expand her business, but as a cash-only operation, couldn’t show banks that she was a worthy investment. An initiative called Project Kirana, launched by Mastercard and its partners, helped Renu adopt digital payments, creating the formal transaction history that would show her business was booming.

Renu is one of the 25 million women entrepreneurs we’ve reached with business solutions since 2020, fulfilling a global pledge to bring greater opportunities to women who have been on the wrong side of the digital divide for too long. 

Measuring the number of women shop owners in India who went digital is the easy part. But how do you calculate the value of financially empowering a generation of women and creating role models for the generations to come? And more broadly, how do you measure any social impact project to show its economic benefits and that it reached its intended goals?

Continue reading here.