Tag: 3BL

Last month, the White House, Defense Department and Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons confirmed the U.S. has completed destruction of its enormous Cold War-era chemical weapons stockpile as well as the facilities that manufactured them.

Leidos provided extensive technical and program support to the U.S. Department of Defense on the demilitarization effort at all locations where the munitions were stored.

These toxic and deadly weapons, now banned by international law due to their inhumane nature, took more than 30 years to irreversibly destroy.

The milestone makes good on the commitment made by 193 member states to chemically disarm under the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention.

As a part of an integrated effort, Leidos supported the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in treaty compliance and inspector interface.

The U.S. is the final nation state to complete disarmament, which means all chemical weapons declared under the treaty have now been destroyed.

Leidos supported the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity (CMA) on the large-scale effort at seven sites:

Johnston Atoll in the Pacific OceanAberdeen Proving Ground, MarylandNewport Chemical Depot, IndianaPine Bluff Arsenal, ArkansasAnniston Army Depot, AlabamaUmatilla Chemical Depot, OregonDeseret Chemical Depot, Utah

Leidos also supported the Program Executive Office Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA) in destruction of the final weapons at Pueblo Chemical Depot in Colorado and Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky.

James Ridgely, Leidos Senior Program Manager, said he’s proud his teams contributed to this important effort to destroy an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.

Ridgely said the scope of his team’s work on the project included technical expertise, engineering support, compliance with treaty mandates, planning analysis for both the technical and program efforts and public outreach.

“Leidos personnel have been side-by-side with government teams and contributed significantly to key technical and programmatic decisions that led to the safe completion of operations,” says Ridgely. “We’re proud to have been part of making the world a safer place by eliminating these deadly weapons.”

In a statement, President Biden stressed the importance of disarmament among the small number of nations states not ratified in the treaty.

“Today—as we mark this significant milestone—we must also renew our commitment to forging a future free from chemical weapons,” President Biden wrote. “I continue to encourage the remaining nations to join the Chemical Weapons Convention so that the global ban on chemical weapons can reach its fullest potential.”

Please contact the Leidos media relations team for more information.

Originally published on 3M News Center

ST. PAUL, Minn., August 16, 2023 /3BL/ — Extreme heat, wildfire smoke and sandstorms are expected to continue this summer. As these weather conditions impact the air quality both inside and outside the home for millions of people, scientists at 3M are offering tips and resources to help protect your breathing during these hazardous conditions.

When dealing with poor outdoor conditions, staying inside and maintaining good air quality should be a top priority.

Wildfire safety information hub

10 ways to reduce your smoke exposure during a wildfire

How to get cleaner indoor air during a wildfire

How to make a DIY air purifier

“Extreme weather conditions can seriously impact the air quality both outside and inside your home. It’s important to know what you can do to protect yourself outside and improve indoor air quality,” said Dr. Nikki McCullough, a respiratory health scientist at 3M. “When dealing with poor outdoor conditions, staying inside and maintaining good air quality should be a top priority. When you do go outside, an N-95 respirator is one option to help reduce exposure to airborne particulate pollution.”

In locations where wildfire smoke events are more common, such as in states like California, regulations have been put in place to guide employers on how to protect outdoor workers.  As these events occur throughout the country, it is important to think through proper protection for workers whose jobs require them to be outdoors during these events.

Dr. McCullough has spent the past 30 years as a respiratory scientist at 3M, testing and developing products to protect respiratory systems for all types of people and environments. And while extreme weather conditions are bringing greater attention to poor air quality outside, people may not be aware of how weather can also impact their indoor air quality. According to the Centers for Disease Control, keeping windows and doors closed is a quick and easy way to help preserve indoor air quality.

“Outdoor pollutants can seep inside our homes. Cutting back everyday activities such as burning candles, cooking, and vacuuming when there’s poor air quality outside, and using air purifiers and HVAC filters such as  inside your home and changing the filters regularly can provide cleaner, fresher air.”

Experts suggest that the current wildfire season will continue to pick up in the coming months as dry weather and hotter temperatures continue. 

3M continues to support ongoing disaster relief efforts wherever they occur.  In Maui, 3M N95 respirators are already in route to Hawaii from our partner Direct Relief.

For more information about wildfire and air quality safety, tips, and solutions, visit www.3M.com/wildfiresafety

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what’s possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we’re working to improve lives and make what’s next at 3M.com/news.

Originally published on HBI Sustainability

“Not only are we talking about inclusion, we are living it.” 
– Eliana Andreassian – Champion Europe

Champion has supported the Special Olympics and millions of athletes who represent inclusion and acceptance for two decades. This year, Champion Teamwear created new uniform designs for Special Olympics USA, while Champion Europe donated personalized pieces to the Italian delegation.

“This global event is a celebration of inclusion and diversity,” said Miranda Hardenburger, general manager of Champion Teamwear. “We are beyond proud to help these talented athletes shine on a world stage.”

Eliana Andreassian, production planning and inbound manager, Champion Europe, attended the Games in Berlin and said it’s a privilege to witness these amazing athletes in action while celebrating them as champions. “What I am bringing home is the message that barriers can be pulled down if we understand we are unbeatable together. Not only are we talking about inclusion, we are living it.”

Below is a letter from Eliana Andreassian to her 22-year-old son describing her personal experience at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games.

Ciao Andrea,

My experience here in Berlin with the Special Olympics World Games 2023 has come to an end. I wish you were here! Athletes and volunteers are demonstrating how we can stop talking about inclusion and live it fully.

I’ve walked many kilometers to be able to see the 97 Italian athletes warming up and competing from one field to another. Being here today means not only supporting the right to participate in sport for everyone, but also believing in unity and solidarity.

I just attended an Italy vs USA Unified Volleyball competition and I’m voiceless from all the loud cheering. In Unified Sports, athletes with and without disabilities train and play on the same team. When someone makes a mistake, teammates hug each other, and the audience applauds. If you get close to the baseline you can hear the coach say in a calm and serene voice, “Let’s play as we know. Focus and give your best. The rest doesn’t matter!”

How wonderful this Unified Sport is and how nice it would be to live unified! Without prejudices, without borders, and without barriers.

The spotlight here is on everyone’s potential. It’s not just about competing for a medal (which, not by chance, has an imperfectly perfect shape). Here we play a more important game to demonstrate how, by uniting, we have the possibility of evolving as a community.

Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt. This is the Special Olympics Athlete Oath. Everyone knows it by heart.

Does it remind you of anything? It’s similar to what I often tell you: Always try and believe, and if you happen to fail, don’t lose faith in yourself or in others. Learn from the lesson.

I have so many things to tell you and I can’t wait to see you. Shall we go together to the Special Olympics World Games in Turin 2025?

After all, you and I have always been a team…#UnbeatableTogether.

A hug! M.

The Games featured 7,000 athletes and Unified partners from nearly 190 countries competing in 26 sports. More than 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers were also on-hand to support the athletes.

BOSTON, August 16, 2023 /3BL/ – Sappi North America, Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and pulp, announced the winners of its 2023 Employee Ideas that Matter (EITM) grant program, donating up to $50,000 to causes that are important to employees in the environmental, healthcare, educational and community-centric spaces.  

Inspired by over two decades of success from its Ideas that Matter (ITM) grant program – the only operation of its kind in the paper and packaging industry – Sappi established EITM in 2016. The annual program recognizes and supports volunteering efforts of employees for nonprofit organizations in their communities through direct funding. Employees are encouraged to nominate charity projects that benefit their communities to a panel of judges composed of senior leadership.  

“We believe in creating a thriving, sustainable world for everyone. The EITM program has allowed employees at all levels to take an active role in driving our mission of positive social impact forward,” said Patti Groh, Director of Communications, Sappi North America. “It’s an extension of Sappi’s overarching commitment to social responsibility and giving back directly to our local communities.” 

This year, the program reached many milestones. It was selected as a winner in the category of Community Service and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Communitas Awards for providing direct funding to over 67 local nonprofit causes, and since 2018, employee participation has increased over 118%. Additionally, its pioneer program, Ideas that Matter, earned Gold in the 2023 MUSE Awards for Corporate Social Responsibility. 

2023 EITM winners include the following:

Brian Freyermuth, Boston, MA 

Sippican Lands Trust 

Brian’s project supported building a parking lot and trail system to allow greater access to protected outdoor properties for the public and improve existing trails to allow for handicapped access and safety of children. 

Lynne Palmer, Technology Center, ME 

Michael T. Goulet TBI and Epilepsy Foundation 

Lynn’s initiative helped purchase multi-sport helmets for Westbrook Kids Safety Day event to demonstrate proper use of helmets and raise awareness of traumatic brain injuries. 

Dan Menor, Cloquet Mill, MN 

CHUM 

Dan supported the Annual CHUM Rhubarb Festival, the main fundraiser for CHUM, a nonprofit that provides support for people experiencing homelessness, poverty and marginalization within the Duluth, MN area. 

Eddie Ouedraogo, Matane Mill, Quebec 

Mission Saint Laurent 

Eddie’s grant helped Mission Saint Laurent provide food service, transportation and patient visits for underserved community members in Matane. 

Line Simard, Matane Mill, Quebec 

Les Phoenix 

Line’s initiative supported Les Phoenix, a local sports club, to help underserved families and their children participate in organized sports that were not accessible in their local towns. 

Brett Patten, Somerset Mill, ME 

St. Albans Volunteer Fire Department 

Brett’s funds were utilized to help the St. Albans Volunteer Fire Department, a local 100% volunteer-run fire department that serves the community in and around St. Albans, ME to purchase a new pump for a firetruck. 

Ethan Olson, Wood Procurement, ME 

SeedTree 

Ethan supported SeedTree, a non-profit located in Nepal, in their efforts to visit villages and complete participatory surveys to better understand how the organization could help the area. The goal was to install a research/production tree orchard at the Nepal Agriculture and Forestry University. 

Matthew Howard, Somerset Mill, ME 

Fairfield Interfaith Food Pantry 

Matthew’s grant helped install outdoor lighting in the parking lot of the community Fairfield Interfaith Food Pantry to ensure the safety of clients and volunteer staff, especially in the winter. 

Katherine Haynes, South Portland, ME 

Preble Street 

Katherine enabled Preble Street Teen Services to underwrite costs associated with traditional and nontraditional mental health services for youth experiencing homelessness. 

Lisa Graves, Technology Center, ME 

Pink Feather Foundation 

Lisa’s grant helped Pink Feather Foundation, a non-profit that confidentially provides students clothing and accessories at no cost, to purchase clothing racks with wheels to allow easier access for photography and storage. 

James Nicolantonio, Westbrook Mill, ME 

Project Blessing 

James’ initiative helped purchase blankets, utensils and other home goods for people experiencing homelessness to ease their transition back into housing through the Project Blessing organization. 

Jason Leach, Westbrook Mill, ME 

Wilderness Response Team 

Jason’s project funded training and purchase of equipment for the Wilderness Response Team, a volunteer-run nonprofit that serves the people of Maine by providing search, technical rescue and medical services in wilderness areas across the state. 

To learn more about Sappi’s social impact initiatives, visit: https://www.sappi.com/sustainability-and-impact/people. 

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About Sappi North America, Inc. 

Sappi North America, Inc., headquartered in Boston, is a market leader in converting wood fiber into superior products that customers demand worldwide. Our four diversified businesses – high-quality Graphic Papers, Dissolving Pulp, Packaging, and Specialty Papers deliver premium products and services with consistent quality and reliability. Our high-quality Coated Printing Papers are used for premium magazines, catalogs, books, direct mail and high-end print advertising. We are a leading manufacturer of Dissolving Pulp, which is used in a wide range of products, including textile fibers and household goods. We deliver sustainable Packaging and Specialty Papers for luxury packaging and folding carton applications with our single-ply packaging brands and for the food and label industries with our specialty papers. We are one of the world’s leading suppliers of Casting and Release Papers with lines for the automotive, fashion and engineered films industries.  

Sappi North America is a subsidiary of Sappi Limited (JSE), a global company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with more than 12,000 employees and manufacturing operations on three continents in seven countries and customers in over 150 countries. www.sappi.com  

MONTREAL, August 16, 2023 /3BL/ – Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL: TSX and NYSE) is pleased to announce that it has published its latest Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, marking the Company’s 19th year of public ESG disclosures. The report highlights Gildan’s 2022 performance against key targets and the strong momentum generated across all of its global operations in the first year of activating its Next Generation ESG strategy.

“Looking back at 2022, I am pleased with our continued commitment to ESG across our operations and our enhanced processes and cross-functional collaboration and accountability,” says Glenn J. Chamandy, President and CEO of Gildan. “ESG is one of the three core pillars of our Gildan Sustainable Growth (GSG) business strategy, and as we continue our journey towards achieving our 2030 ESG targets, we are committed to delivering and reporting on our progress.”

2022 ESG highlights:

Tied 25% of all Gildan’s senior executives’ strategic objectives to their annual short-term incentive plan to support the advancement of ESG targetsIncluded sustainability-linked terms in its existing $1 billion revolving credit facilityReduced absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 10.9% (compared to a 2018 base year)Reduced water intensity by 18.4% (compared to a 2018 base year)Sourced 21.7% of its cotton supply from verified U.S., grown cotton suppliers (USCTP) and Better Cotton14.2% of total SKUs of packaging and trim materials specific to apparel (which include carton, polyester, paper, and cotton-poly trims) now contain recycled materials or have relevant sustainability certificationsAchieved 30.3% gender parity in the collective group representing director-level and above employees, up from 26.7% in 2021Contributed $1.1 million to community initiativesPublished its first stand-alone Climate Change Disclosure Report

Recent 2023 achievements include: 

The Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) validated Gildan’s 2030 near-term targets to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 from a 2018 base year[1]. SBTi also validated Gildan’s target to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 13.5% by 2030 from a 2019 base yearObtained the first ISO 45001 certification at one of Gildan’s sewing facilities in the Dominican Republic

Recognitions: 

Gildan continues to be recognized for its ESG practices.

Included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the 10th consecutive year in 2022Included in CDP’s Leadership Band in 2022Named one of the “World’s 100 Most Sustainable Corporations” by Corporate KnightsIncluded in “Canada’s Best 50 Corporate Citizens” by Corporate KnightsDesignated as a 2023 “Top-Rated ESG Company” by Sustainalytics’ ESG Risk RatingsAccorded “Prime” status by Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) ESG Corporate Rating

The full 2022 ESG Report is available here.

[1] The target boundary excludes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.

About Gildan

Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel. The Company’s product offering includes activewear, underwear, and socks, sold to a broad range of customers, including wholesale distributors, screenprinters or embellishers, as well as to retailers that sell to consumers through their physical stores and/or e-commerce platforms and to global lifestyle brand companies. The Company markets its products in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, under a diversified portfolio of Company-owned brands including Gildan®, American Apparel®, Comfort Colors®, GOLDTOE®, Peds®, in addition to the Under Armour® brand through a sock licensing agreement providing exclusive distribution rights in the United States and Canada.

Gildan owns and operates vertically integrated, large-scale manufacturing facilities which are primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh. Gildan operates with a strong commitment to industry-leading labour, environmental, and governance practices throughout its supply chain in accordance with its comprehensive ESG strategy embedded in the Company’s long-term business strategy. More information about the Company and its ESG Next Generation ESG strategy can be found at www.gildancorp.com.

Investor inquiries: 
Jessy Hayem, CFA 
Vice-President, Head of Investor Relations 
(514) 744-8511 
jhayem@gildan.com

Media inquiries: 
Genevieve Gosselin 
Director, Global Communications and Corporate Marketing 
(514) 343-8814 
ggosselin@gildan.com

Published by Las Vegas Sands on June 29th, 2023

LAS VEGAS /3BL/ – Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) announced eight-time LPGA Tour champion Minjee Lee as the company’s first female brand ambassador.

Working together, Lee and Sands will showcase the success of female champions as role models for young athletes and young women, while promoting women’s golf to a broader audience at the company’s resorts and through its Sands Cares community engagement program. Lee’s involvement with Sands will include inspirational talks and appearances at company events benefiting community partners, furthering its commitment to their missions.

“It’s really important for global companies to support women in sports, especially women’s golf,” Lee said. “Our sport has grown tremendously, and a lot of work has been put into building its profile. It’s great to have Sands recognize this momentum and step up to be part of our movement.”

Currently ranked 5th in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, Lee has won two major championships including the Amundi Evian Championship in 2021 and the 2022 U.S Women’s Open. A native of Perth, Australia, she represented her home country in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games and has established herself as the most consistent player in the world, spending more than 400 straight weeks inside the top 20 of the Women’s World Golf Rankings. Lee and her brother Min Woo Lee, also a professional golfer, are the first brother-sister pair to win USGA junior championships.

“We’re committed to empowering women, in particular young women, to compete on a level playing field with equal opportunities and the same visibility given to other sports,” said Rob Goldstein, chairman and CEO. “Our goal is to showcase Minjee’s success as inspiration for others to aim to their highest potential. As an Australian native of Korean heritage, we’re especially excited to have her visit our Asia-Pacific properties, along with supporting initiatives in the United States.”

About Sands (NYSE: LVS)

Sands is the world’s preeminent developer and operator of world-class integrated resorts. Our iconic properties drive valuable leisure and business tourism and deliver significant economic benefits, sustained job creation, financial opportunities for local businesses and community investment to help make our host regions ideal places to live, work and visit.

Sands’ portfolio of properties includes Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and The Venetian Macao, The Plaza and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, The Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao and Sands Macao in Macao SAR, China, through majority ownership in Sands China Ltd.

Sands is dedicated to being a leader in corporate responsibility, anchored by the core tenets of serving people, planet and communities. Our ESG leadership has led to inclusion on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for World and North America. To learn more, visit www.sands.com.

Contacts:

Kristin Koca, Sands 
Kristin.Koca@sands.com 
702.923.9142

Michele Mair 
IMG 
Michele.Mair@img.com

CUMBERLAND CITY, Tenn., Aug 16, 2023 /3BL/ – Meet Kiana Townsel, HR business partner at the Cumberland City, Tennessee, gypsum plant. Kiana has held several roles within Georgia-Pacific, where she started as an intern and worked her way through the organization. In this Q&A, learn more about Kiana’s career path, her advice for anyone embarking on their professional career journey and how her supervisors played a pivotal role in her success at Georgia-Pacific.

How did you start your career at Georgia-Pacific?

During my sophomore year at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, I attended a career fair with no expectations. I was a communication studies major and I was still figuring out my next step. I was fortunate enough to land an interview with Georgia-Pacific and they were willing to take a chance by giving me the opportunity to be an HR intern. I had no HR experience or prior knowledge of the field, but I had a very successful internship during the summer of 2017 at the Dixie facility in Lexington, Kentucky. Due to that going well and me being able to graduate a year early, I was offered a full-time role with the company and started as an HR associate at the Savannah River Mill located in Rincon, Georgia, in June 2018, and I have been with the company since.

What’s your background and why did you decide to get started in HR?

At the time I received an offer for the internship, I did not have any HR experience, nor was my degree slated to be in HR. Being 100 percent honest, I didn’t even know what HR was or what the role entailed, but I was very involved on campus during my collegiate years. I was president of our NAACP chapter, a resident assistant, campus tour guide, freshman recruiter and mentor, and based on my extracurricular activities in college, the interviewer thought I would be a great fit!

How would you describe your experience as an intern?

My internship was very eye opening! Not only was my team very supportive, willing to share knowledge and provide exposure to most HR processes, but they also allowed me the opportunity to lead, grow, and experience what an actual career in GP could look like. Although I had no idea what HR was before I started with GP, by the end of the summer, I felt very capable and knew exactly what I wanted to do when I graduated college.

Have you experienced mentors within GP that helped you along the way?

Every step of the way. I can’t even count how many wonderful people have taken me under their wing and helped me be successful in my roles. The GP network is comprised of so many different personalities and experiences that you can find what you need in anyone. Five years later, I still regularly chat with each mentor that I have picked up along the way, but now my mentors have grown into friends because of the growth and genuine relationships I’ve cultivated.

How did your supervisors set you up for success and provide you with growth opportunities within GP?

Each growth opportunity I had wouldn’t have been possible without my supervisor and mentor. I have been extremely lucky to have had an amazing supervisor in every role. Due to them truly exhibiting what the role of a supervisor should look like, they continuously asked questions, actively listened to my wants and needs, and sought opportunities that would help me continue to be fulfilled. Some growth opportunities I was 100 percent not ready for, but they still took chances with me and trusted my ability to perform in the role.

What does comparative advantage mean to you?

Comparative advantage is considering individual capabilities and the ability to best contribute to not only maximize the business’ overall performance, but also help the individual grow and self-actualize.

What would you consider your comparative advantage?

My comparative advantage would be my ability to develop relationships and build rapport with my team members. I’m able to quickly understand the team’s needs. I continuously try to find unique opportunities to do this, whether that is through handing out popsicles on hot days, regularly attending morning shift meetings, developing employee appreciation efforts, and even spending time on the floor to learn how my mixer operator does his quality checks. It’s all valuable contributions of being sure our team members feel valued, appreciated and heard.

What advice would you give an intern who is searching for their comparative advantage?

Talk to your supervisor. Even when I didn’t have a good understanding of what comparative advantage was, my supervisor helped me get there by listening and supporting me in efforts that helped me grasp the concept. Developing your RRE is the perfect opportunity to understand where you can contribute to make your team successful.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Seeing my team smile. I understand that probably sounds cliché, but I have found that I continue to be fulfilled through building relationships and making a difference in other people’s lives. Our business continuously values employee engagement and seeing that this is an area that I am increasingly self-actualized, I am always able to creatively implement new opportunities to do this. For example, through new initiatives such as annual and monthly employee appreciation events, we have been able to lower our turnover from 36 percent to 19 percent in 10 months.

Why do you think GP is a great place to work?

GP consistently models what good looks like by not only educating, but also consistently practicing Principle Based Management. I do not have professional experience with another company, as GP has always been home for me, but I can imagine how lucky I am to work for a company that values diversity, integrity, proactively sharing knowledge, and so much more.

What advice would you give to an intern or someone early in their career at GP?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try new things and step into spaces that may seem unattainable. Each move was a stretch opportunity for me where I did not feel prepared to tackle the responsibilities, but because I had an open mind and was willing to try new things, I was placed in spaces and provided opportunities that I might not have had. If you constantly put in the time and effort to do so, your community will support you and help you reach your goals.

Anything else you want to add to your experiences?

Another piece of advice is to take advantage of the company’s resources. Luckily, I have gotten this far without a formal HR education, but to further expand my capability, I am also in the process of studying for the HR Certification Exam. Through conversations with my supervisor and plant manager, I was able to do this through our Tuition Reimbursement Program. I have gained a lot of knowledge in the past five years, but I am excited to continue growing in both my professional and personal spaces.

View original content here

Originally published by Walgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has been named Disability:IN’s Employer of the Year for 2023. The award recognizes a company’s achievement in exemplary policies, strategies and initiatives that have resulted in measurable results in the areas of disability inclusiveness in the workplace, marketplace and supply chain.

“Thank you Disability:IN for this honor and for the work that you do to promote disability inclusion in the workplace,” says Holly May, executive vice president & global chief human resource officer of WBA. “We are so proud of Walgreens Boots Alliance’s leadership in the space, which we credit to our values, commitment, signature Walgreens disability hiring and inclusion programs and partnerships.”

This follows seven consecutive years of recognition from Disability:IN and The American Association of People with Disabilities with a 100% score on its Disability Equality Index. Disability advocates and business leaders developed the index, which is the most comprehensive benchmarking tool for corporate disability inclusion.

WBA was recognized with the award on July 11, during Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the strengths and achievements of people with disabilities around the world, and for us, a time to look back on our progress through the years.

While Walgreens has always championed a commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities and equal opportunity, our revolutionary “same job, same expectations, same pay” operating model was developed more than 16 years ago with two signature programs: Transitional Work Group (TWG) and Retail Employees with Disabilities Initiative (REDI). Since then, Walgreens has further expanded our commitments to disability representation through our work with Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, the establishment of a neurodiversity hiring program for corporate roles and the redesign of the annual incentive plan to create leadership accountability for diversity representation. Through this work, Walgreens has enabled thousands of people with disabilities to build lives they may not otherwise have been able to, simply because opportunities were not presented to them.

Transitional Work Group (TWG): Started in 2007, TWG is a placement program for people with physical, mental and sensory disabilities. Students complete a 10-13-week program that includes classroom and warehouse training, social skills practice and education in workplace policies.To date, more than 1,000 people with disabilities have been hired at 12 Walgreens distribution centers and regional warehouses across the country, with a successful 75% training-to-hire placement rate. The ripple effects of the TWG program continue—new hire orientation for supply chain team members now includes a two-hour training on disability awareness and etiquette.The TWG program was recently expanded into Walgreens micro-fulfillment centers.Retail Employees with Disabilities Inclusion (REDI): REDI is a program that trains individuals with disabilities for customer service associate roles at Walgreens stores.REDI, first launched in 2010, consists of a 3-6 week in-store training program, where participants learn valuable retail and customer service skills, qualifying hundreds of potential team members for retail roles. By the end of fiscal 2022, there were nearly 1,900 trainees enrolled in the program in more than 413 Walgreens stores across 38 states.Turning Pointe Autism Foundation: Walgreens partners with Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, a nonprofit that educates people with autism in the life skills necessary to live and work independently. A fully operational retail store was built within Turning Pointe’s center and supported by actual Walgreens store managers. A 9-month training program was developed for students learn how to work within a team, interface with customers and manage the cash register. After graduating, participants become “Walgreens Certified” and are eligible to be hired at any Walgreens store.Neurodiversity in the Workplace: In 2022, WBA formed a partnership with Neurodiversity in the Workplace™ to design plans and programs to recruit, attract, hire and retain neurodivergent talent in Walgreens offices.Neurodiversity in the Workplace provides education and greater awareness around neurodiversity by training hiring managers about what neurodiversity means, how to be an ally, and how to provide supportive workplace accommodations. The first cohort is expected to begin work at WBA’s global support center in Deerfield, Illinois, this year.

In addition to training and work placement programs, WBA sponsors a disAbility Alliance business resource group (BRG) that educates and supports individuals with disabilities and allies by providing informational content, fostering an inclusive workforce and furthering disability-related initiatives. The BRG hosts educational programming and learning experiences for team members throughout the year, welcoming those with all abilities to join, learn and network.

A lasting impact

Due to the success of this progressive and inclusive hiring model, other businesses, including Fortune 500 companies, have taken note, asking, “how does Walgreens do it?” Rather than withhold the knowledge, the company decided to share it for the greater good, establishing Walgreens Inclusion University.

Through the program, companies can tour TWG- and REDI-enabled distribution centers and stores and sit in on disability training curriculum to learn how a properly equipped working environment can empower team members of all abilities.

“We’ve always been proud to open our doors to other companies interested in learning about our approach, programs and practices, as others set up their models, through Walgreens Inclusion University,” says Holly May, executive vice president & global chief human resources officer of WBA. “The invitation is always open.” 

A commitment that continues

To ensure accountability among our leadership, last November, WBA became the first company in the S&P 500 to redesign our annual U.S. bonus plan to include a standalone disability representation metric.

This new metric will unlock a pipeline of talent and help foster equity for a previously underrepresented sector of the workforce. 

As an award-winning employer, WBA continues to combine both our past emphasis on disability support with our future in leading new initiatives to create opportunity and access the value provided by our diverse workforce.

Originally published in Webster Bank’s 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report

We continue to advance plans to create further efficiencies in our operations and reduce our emissions, including increasing the amount of green energy used for our facilities. Across our footprint, we seek to maintain low-emission and energy-efficient working environments.

We recognize the importance of the transition to renewable energy and have been working to increase our use of renewable power. In 2022, we purchased renewable energy certificates, known as RECs, in our New York market to offset our energy consumption. RECs are certificates that represent the environmental attributes related to generating one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity from renewable sources and guarantee that equivalent energy was produced using renewable sources and added to the electricity grid. Accordingly, we partnered with Green-e to invest in these projects to address our emissions from our operations for December 2022 through December 2026. By purchasing these RECs to match 100% of our annual usage (4.69 MWh), we are taking meaningful climate action and expect to grow our program in 2023 and beyond.

Webster has undertaken a number of initiatives designed to reduce our impact on the environment and to promote environmentally friendly projects and practices, such as continued digitization of administrative and operational tasks. We are also working to identify and onboard software tools to help us track and manage emissions more effectively.

In 2022

Encouraged environmentally friendly work practices by supporting recycling and reuse, and by continuing to install energy efficient equipment and systems throughout our networkRetrofitted 13 branches with energyefficient lighting fixtures, with an energy savings of 248,627 kWh150 solar arrays in serviceReduced carbon emissions by nearly 1,200 metric tonsIncreased the use of e-records and e-signing technology resulting in reductions in paper waste and carbon emissionsFocused on process improvements to facilitate standardization and efficient production, which reduces material consumption and waste

We further extend our commitment to the communities we serve by financing commercial loans with companies involved in renewable energy, environmental remediation and energy-efficient components. In 2022, Webster Bank created or maintained commitments for approximately $661 million in loans for renewable energy, environmental remediation and energy-efficient components, primarily in Connecticut, as well as in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Washington D.C.

Co-led by our Chief Risk Officer and Chief Credit Officer, we continue to develop and refine our risk management framework for measuring and managing climate-related physical and transition risks that could impact the bank’s operations and loan portfolio.

To learn more about Webster Bank’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit our CR webpage.

For full details about Webster Bank’s 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report, visit here.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues have rapidly risen in relevance in recent years and are increasingly topping board agendas. But when it comes to ESG reporting, corporate purpose leaders are split on its effectiveness and intended purpose. As it’s a reporting requirement primarily driven by investors and regulators, two-thirds of companies believe that ESG is mostly a risk management strategy, with one third believing it’s a good tool for impact. The one thing they all strongly agree on? Impact reporting is a critical investment for the future and it will be used to drive greater investment in social impact initiatives from their companies.

CSR leaders agree that impact reporting is rising in importance:

92% say impact reporting will be a critical investment for 2023 and beyond.

91% say impact data will increase support for investments in corporate purpose.

86% say companies should focus on driving greater impact versus ESG reporting.

Ninety-four percent of CSR leaders say the demand for impact reporting is increasing, and 93% say they need to be able to confidently communicate their impact. This has led many to report that there needs to be a shift in priorities when considering ESG and impact.

From financial and impact materiality to generating positive outcomes

Today’s ESG ratings measure and mitigate financial risk for investors — but a new approach to reporting is emerging that shifts the focus from disclosures to positive outcomes. Why? Because a new generation of investors, employees and consumers is interested in another dimension beyond risk and compliance — they care about impact.

In 2023, employees, consumers and corporate purpose leaders all wish to make more informed decisions that will help them generate the most positive impact possible with their available resources — and they want to feel that sense of efficacy most of us look for when we give. So, it’s not surprising that individual and workplace donors are increasingly focused on whether their contributions are leading to concrete outcomes.

The biggest impact opportunity is on the human level — it’s about fulfilling the ultimate promise of philanthropy. When people give, they want to know their dollars are making a measurable difference to the causes or issues they care about. With the ability to choose from millions of nonprofits around the globe, donors need help understanding which organizations they can trust and what outcomes they can expect from their support. Research from the University of Pennsylvania tells us that with this kind of data, donors are more likely to increase their frequency of support over time, while increasing their own sense of happiness and well-being.

92% of companies agree it’s important that impact reporting doesn’t put a burden on nonprofits.

As a result, CSR leaders are looking for standardized data and reporting tools. For example, those offered by Impact Genome enable companies to understand the outcomes they are achieving, like providing people with regular access to affordable food, permanent housing or healthcare treatment services. And then they can benchmark their progress and impact over time and improve their investment decisions without burdening nonprofits with greater administrative work.

Achieving this level of impact and outcome transparency requires standardized data and guidance on giving based on an assessment of the impact generated by organizations — and it enables individuals to make choices that give them confidence.

If it is to realize its true potential, ESG will need to evolve to include a focus on positive impact. It will need to shift from measuring inputs and become a tool to drive increased positive internal and external impact — for companies and their people. Companies who measure and independently verify their impact will be ahead of the game when ESG reporting finally catches up to this.

Discover the top five emerging societal and industry trends shaping the future of CSR, DEI and ESG in The State of Corporate Purpose 2023.