Tag: 3BL

Covia is the responsible steward of approximately 75,000 acres of land across our global footprint. Planning for responsible land use is embedded throughout the life cycle of our operations – from our careful approach to early development and operational planning, to our production phase, all the way through our collaborative reclamation process aimed at protecting, restoring and nurturing the land and biodiversity. Over the decades, we have helped restore a wide variety of diverse ecosystems including wetlands, forests, ranch lands, shorelines and more.

One example is the reclamation of Covia’s mine and plant site in Huntingburg, Indiana. In 2017, we began our work to reclaim a former clay pit spanning approximately seven acres at this site. We solicited feedback from the local community, and together determined that the best use for the land would be agriculture, which required elimination of steep slopes and removal of all water features. In 2022, Team Members backfilled and graded the land, applied soils to replicate the original horizon and layers, implemented vegetation and erosion control measures, and safely sprayed for invasive species. In 2023, the site will be assessed for improvement opportunities, and a water control structure will be constructed to help mitigate erosion. Approximately five miles south of this site, Huntingburg Team Members also cleaned out the sedimentation pond, which will be stocked with several fish species. In addition, the area was seeded with winter grasses and habitat structures have been placed around the pond, including bird boxes. The pond and surrounding area will become the center of the plant’s 2023 WHC-certified site. “I am very pleased to work for a company that listens to its communities and prioritizes addressing their needs and wishes. I am proud of this property, as it is a clear example of Covia doing the right thing for our neighboring communities.” – Kevin Heckel, Plant Manager, Huntingburg, IN.

To hear more from Kevin Heckel about this reclamation project, please watch this video.

AUSTIN, Minn., June 27, 2023 /3BL/ – Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, is one of the best companies to work for in America, according to a list compiled by U.S. News & World Report. 

The publication measured workplace factors —including quality of pay and benefits, work-life balance and flexibility, job and company stability, physical and psychological comfort, belongingness and esteem, and career opportunities and professional development.— in determining its inaugural list of 200 companies.

“We are honored to be counted among the best companies to work for in America,” said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Hormel Foods. “This recognition serves as a testament to the enduring values and strong culture that have shaped our organization over our 132 year history. At Hormel Foods, we have always believed that our success stems from the passion and commitment of our remarkable team members, and our dedication to fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous growth. Our team members are the bedrock of our company, and we take immense pride in creating an atmosphere that nurtures their talents, empowers their voices, and supports their overall well-being.”

Already considered one of the most trusted and admired companies in the world, Hormel Foods places a great importance on the growth, development and engagement of its team members, providing competitive pay and benefits while also ensuring a safe, inclusive workspace for everyone.

“This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, fostering a collaborative culture, and prioritizing the overall well-being of our team members,” said Katie Larson, senior vice president of human resources for Hormel Foods. “We understand the significance of attracting and retaining top talent in today’s competitive landscape, and our focus is on how we will continue to build a workplace that not only attracts top talent but also fosters a sense of fulfillment, belonging, and shared success. We are proud of this recognition and excited for the future as we continue to prioritize our employees’ satisfaction and well-being.”

Hormel Foods has a long-standing reputation as one of the most successful food companies in the world and has received numerous honors and accolades in that regard. The company has been named one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune, America’s Most Responsible Companies for a fourth consecutive year by Newsweek, one of the World’s Top Female-Friendly companies by Forbes, and one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweek for the second straight year.

To view the full list of U.S. News’ best companies to work for, visit https://www.usnews.com/.

The Good Stuff Podcast delves into inspiring stories of success and perseverance. Through well-crafted story monologues, we showcase individuals who have made a positive impact through their acts of kindness, successful careers, businesses, and military service. Hosted by Jacob and Ashley Schick.

“Believe the Unbelievable with Jon Freier,” is a podcast episode featuring T-Mobile president of Consumer Group, Jon Freier. Jon’s story is about how a challenging childhood shaped him not only as a person, but the leader he is today. He talks about his personal tragedies and struggles and ties them to the culture at T-Mobile … and how he tries to help others break out of their own difficult cycles to be successful.

Jon joins Jacob and Ashley Schick of One Tribe Foundation for the conversation on their new podcast, The Good Stuff, airing on iHeart as of June 27, 2023.

Listen to Jon’s full episode here.

June 27, 2023 /3BL/ – The Ray, in partnership with the Biomimicry Institute, today published an innovative regenerative-design study addressing some of the most critical challenges in the U.S. transportation and mobility sector, including safety, congestion, emissions, and waste streams. Biomimicry on The Ray findings suggest that solutions to these
challenges can be improved upon and informed by designs that are observable in nature.

Biomimicry leverages nature’s “big picture” design frameworks and processes to influence human engineering and design. Biomimicry on The Ray identifies biomimetic and bio-inspired technologies that have not yet scaled in use or funding in infrastructure, and provides regenerative design solutions that align with The Ray’s goal of achieving net-zero in transportation. By mimicking the resilient capabilities of natural systems, The Ray can consider new infrastructure concepts and projects that minimize environmental impact and promote efficient, sustainable technologies within transportation.

For example, insect sensing and self-organization functions can inform efficiencies in connected vehicle (V2X) technology by creating mathematical optimization processes that provide drivers with real-time information on the best resources available for battery charging, fuel, or other services. Incorporating synthetically biomineralized materials into infrastructure projects, mimicking the design patterns of stony coral, can capture and sequester transportation carbon emissions as well as reduce the waste streams of carbon dioxide that come from the production of traditional cement. In fact, the nation’s newest advanced research program, ARPA-I, has identified bio-inspired road materials as a promising area of infrastructure research, development and investment, and highlighted North Carolina-based Biomason during its White House launch event this month.

To prevent erosion, reduce flood risk, and filter particulates, The Ray can take inspiration from the North American Beaver to create self-renewing processes for filtering and recapturing tire particles and other toxic materials from roadway runoff.

“The Ray’s three primary goals are zero deaths, zero waste, and zero carbon,” said Harriet Langford, founder of The Ray. “What better example do we have than nature to mimic? Biomimicry provides a lens of how we can use nature’s solutions to work in harmony with the built environment.”

The study also includes an inventory of regenerative advancements and social innovation initiatives that can be made using biomimicry.

“Nature is the only model we have for designing regeneratively and has been conducting R&D for billions of years,” said Deborah Bidwell, the Biomimicry Team’s education manager and biology research facilitator with the College of Charleston. “We want to encourage the growing community of biomimicry practitioners – as well as communities, corporations, and local and state governments – to consider the role that living laboratories like The Ray play as amplifiers of nature-based regenerative innovations and holistic sustainable design solutions.”

The Biomimicry Research Process
Biomimicry on The Ray was an 18-month study that used a multi-phase approach to support the net-zero mission of The Ray. The study started with a three-month scoping initiative that involved interviewing internal and external stakeholders, and reviewing The Ray’s publications, articles, and strategic planning documents to identify areas of focus. The Ray’s staff and Board completed a 15-week professional biomimicry training to understand the biomimicry design methodology in-depth. As a result, The Ray is now uniquely positioned to engage with and implement high-level biomimetic practices.

“Biomimicry offers us the ultimate source of hope for the future, by drawing upon the natural world’s boundless innovations and limitless possibilities,” said Asha Singhal, Co-founder of the Futuring Collective, Lead Designer and Researcher of Hybrid Futures. “It is through the lens of nature’s wisdom that we can envision a world where our technological advancements are in harmony with the planet, and where hope is not just a distant dream, but a tangible reality.”

Read the full report here.

About The Ray
The Ray is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity and net-zero highway testbed, located on 18 miles of Interstate 85 between Lagrange, Georgia and the Georgia-Alabama state line. This stretch of interstate is named in memory of Ray C. Anderson (1934-2011), a Georgia native recognized as a leader in green business when he challenged his company, Interface, Inc., to pursue a zero environmental footprint. Our mission is to reimagine how we connect our communities, our lives and the world in a way that is safer, more responsive to the climate, more regenerative to the
environment, and more capable of creating economic opportunity through innovative ideas and technologies that will transform transportation infrastructure. The Ray Highway is paving the way for a zero carbon, zero waste, zero deaths highway system that will build a safer and more prosperous future for us all. Learn more at www.TheRay.org.

About the Biomimicry Institute
The Biomimicry Institute is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 2006 that empowers people to seek nature-inspired solutions for a healthy planet. To advance the solution process, the Institute offers AskNature.org, a free online tool that contains strategies found in nature and examples of ways they are used in design. It also hosts a Biomimicry Global Design Challenge and Youth Design Challenge to support project-based education; a Biomimicry
Launchpad startup accelerator program; a Ray of Hope Prize® for developing companies to bring designs to market; and a Biomimicry Global Network that connects innovators across the world. Learn more at https://biomimicry.org.

The Biomimicry Team
Asha Singhal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asha-singhal/
McCall Langford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccalllangfordbmy/
Deborah Bidwell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-bidwell-76219b11/
Rich Altherr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richaltherr/

MEDIA CONTACT
Dallen McLemore, Communications Specialist, The Ray
229.449.6168 | dallen@theray.org | @TheRayHighway

By Applied Blog

Applied Materials has earned the exclusive Intel EPIC Program Outstanding Supplier Award with Supplier Diversity Distinction for 2023. This award recognizes the absolute top performers in the Intel supply chain for their dedication to continuous quality improvement, performance, collaboration and inclusion over the past year.

“Congratulations to Applied Materials on receiving the EPIC Outstanding Supplier Award, Intel’s highest supplier recognition,” said Keyvan Esfarjani, chief global operations officer at Intel. “Their unwavering commitment to quality, drive for excellence, and dedication to technology innovation make them vital to our success. We greatly appreciate their long-term collaboration and continued focus on results. As one of only six companies recognized in 2023, they are truly one of the best in the world.”

The Intel EPIC Outstanding Supplier Award recognizes the highest level of achievement in the Intel global supply chain and is an ongoing realization of continuous improvement within the high-performing Intel supplier ecosystem. Of the thousands of Intel suppliers around the world, only a few hundred qualify to participate in the EPIC Supplier Program. In 2023, only six suppliers across the Intel supply chain earned an Intel Outstanding Supplier Award, making them truly the best of the best.

To qualify for an Intel EPIC Outstanding Supplier Award, suppliers must exceed the highest expectations, meet aggressive performance goals and score 95 percent or higher on performance assessments throughout the year. Suppliers must also meet 90 percent or more of their improvement plan deliverables and demonstrate formidable quality and business systems.

Get more information about the Intel EPIC Supplier Awards

Find the latest at the Intel Newsroom

Visit the Intel EPIC Supplier Awards page

Intel and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

By Evelyn Mitchell

When Regions introduced benefits for those struggling with infertility, Alana, an associate in the Human Resources division, turned to Regions Bank partners Ovia Health and WINFertility to support her and her husband in their family building journey.

“I immediately downloaded the Ovia app and connected with a nurse to chat about suggested treatments and just ask questions.” Alana explained. “After that, I signed up for WINFertility and conducted an intake call. We discussed my history and experience and was assigned a care advocate to work with throughout the process.”

World Infertility Awareness Month

June is World Infertility Awareness Month, which recognizes infertility issues – defined as the inability to conceive after trying for one year, or the inability of a woman to carry a pregnancy to a live birth – faced by people around the globe.

Everyone has been very encouraging and thoughtful. It’s so nice to know that someone out there has the answers and is going to help me with what I need.

Alana, an associate in the Human Resources division

Even with statistics in the millions, people facing infertility often feel they’re alone in their struggles. That’s why Regions chose to begin offering fertility benefits in 2022.

“Everyone has been very encouraging and thoughtful. It’s so nice to know that someone out there has the answers and is going to help me with what I need,” Alana shared.

Support from Regions

Regions has partnered with leading providers Ovia Health and WINFertility to provide personalized and confidential family-building benefits for associates. With these programs, fertility care managers help navigate participants through unfamiliar infertility, pregnancy and parenting territory by providing education, guidance and emotional support. It’s another example of how the company is investing in associate wellbeing.

“You’re Not Alone”

The struggle to conceive can have a lasting effect on every aspect of a person’s life. This makes having the right support crucial when embarking on an infertility journey. Alana says she is grateful for the support she has received as her journey continues and shared a word of encouragement for others.

“Infertility is not easy or for the faint of heart. There are so many times when you feel like you are suffering through this alone. But I want everyone to know that there are so many communities you can join for support, whether it’s through social media or your fertility clinic or even the social network in the Ovia app,” Alana shared. “It’s just nice to know that I can call either my care advocate at WINFertility or chat with a nurse or coach through Ovia and get solid answers from a clinical provider.”

WINFertility Insights and Education

In support of ongoing education about infertility, WINFertility recently introduced a series of webinars featuring world-renowned fertility specialists. The recorded webinars are available on demand on the WINFertility site at the following link:

Three Things To Know Webinar Series

Regions provides a variety of benefits to support the wellbeing of associates and their families.

Family Building Benefits – Ovia Health and WINFertility: The Ovia suite of health apps offers support for milestones such as planning and starting a family, navigating pregnancy and balancing life as a working parent. WINFertility offers compassionate support to families facing fertility challenges. From guidance in selecting providers to valuable financing and discount options, WIN offers a variety of resources.Parental Leave: Regions provides 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for eligible birth mothers, 6 weeks of maternity leave and 6 weeks of bonding leave. Eligible birth fathers and adoptive parents can take 6 weeks of bonding leave.Baby Yourself Prenatal Program: Regions provides associates with a prenatal wellness program. The service provides expectant mothers with support and educational materials, including access to a personal nurse that they can call with any questions or concerns throughout their pregnancy.Adoption Assistance: Regions provides adoption assistance to help associates cover certain costs not covered by state or private agencies.Wellness@Regions: Regions offers corporate wellness programs and incentives that encourage healthy choices. Wellness@Regions, gives associates access to multiple options for improving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The program includes initiatives in overall-wellbeing, physical health, mental wellness, and chronic condition support.

Originally published on 3M News Center

ST. PAUL, Minn. and CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 27, 2023 /3BL/ — 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) today announced the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge (#YoungScientist) top 10 finalists. As the nation’s premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

This year’s finalists – fourteen students ranging in age from 11-14 – identified an everyday problem in their community or the world and submitted a one- to two-minute video communicating the science behind their solution. An esteemed and diverse group of judges, including 3M scientists and leaders in education from across the country, evaluated entries based on creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication effectiveness. The competition event will take place from October 9-10, 2023, at the 3M Innovation Center in Minneapolis.

“For 16 years, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has exemplified our belief in harnessing the power of people, ideas, and science to reimagine what’s possible. The remarkable young innovators of this competition share our determination to help shape a brighter future.” said John Banovetz, 3M executive vice president, chief technology officer and environmental responsibility. “By asking students to think creatively and apply the power of science to everyday problems, incredible solutions and leaders arise.”

The top 10 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists include students from public and private schools across the U.S. Each finalist will be evaluated on a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation. Each challenge will be scored independently by a panel of judges. The grand prize winner will receive $25,000, a unique destination trip, and the title of America’s Top Young Scientist.

The top 10 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists are as follows in alphabetical order by last name:

Heman Bekele, Annandale, Va., Frost Middle School, Fairfax County Public SchoolsAnisha Dhoot, Portland, Ore., Stoller Middle School, Beaverton School District 48JIshaan Iyer, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Perdew Elementary, Etiwanda School DistrictSean Jiang, Baltimore, Md., Gilman School, PrivateShripriya Kalbhavi, San Jose, Calif., Joaquin Miller Middle School, Cupertino Union School DistrictAnnie Katz, New Rochelle, N.Y., Leffell School, PrivateAnish Kosaraju, Saratoga, Calif., The Harker School, Campbell Union High School DistrictAdhip Maitra, Oviedo, Fla., Jackson Heights Middle School, Seminole County School DistrictShruti Sivaraman, Austin, Texas, Canyon Vista Middle School, Round Rock Independent School DistrictSarah Wang, Andover, Mass., The Pike School, Independent

To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet the 2023 finalists, visit YoungScientistLab.com.

“What a delight it is to see these incredible young innovators recognized for their hard work. The 2023 finalists showcase the power of innovation with projects spanning an array of fascinating scientific topics like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. We cannot wait to see your ideas come to life!” said Amy Nakamoto, General Manager of Social Impact at Discovery Education.

America’s Top Young Scientists have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, found nonprofits, make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange and exhibit at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named Time Magazine’s first Kid of the Year, featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider, and have appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and more. In addition, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network began fall 2022 and welcomed more than 100 former challenge finalists and winners for networking and grant opportunities.

The award-winning 3M Young Scientist Challenge supplements the 3M and Discovery Education program – Young Scientist Lab – which provides no-cost dynamic digital resources for students, teachers, and families to explore, transform, and innovate the world around them. All the resources are also available through the Young Scientist Lab Channel and in the Social Impact Partnerships channel on Discovery Education’s recently enhanced K-12 learning platform.

For more information about Discovery Education’s digital resources and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn.

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 or on Twitter at @3M or @3MNews.

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.

SOURCE 3M

A one-size-fits-all approach to mental health care does not work for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. Each sub-community faces unique challenges. Check out these tips from NAMI if you or someone you care about is seeking LGBTQ+ competent mental health care.

Schneider Electric

The approach towards corporate biodiversity action shows similarities with that of climate action at several points along the way.

By Gaya Herrington, VP ESG Research at the Schneider ElectricTM Sustainability Research Institute

An introduction for Manufacturing Companies

With almost 70% of wildlife already lost at what seem to be accelerating extinction rates, upwards of USD 20 trillion in economic damages from lost ecosystem services a year, and another USD 53 trillion globally at risk from further biodiversity losses, it is abundantly clear that business as usual is no way forward. Current business practices cause too many negative impacts on society, not just on nature but also on human health. The feedback effects from these negative impacts find their way back to corporations through various channels, including direct or supply chain dependencies, and legal, regulatory, reputational, and financial exposure risks. There can and have been delays in these feedback mechanisms, but today, they may have accumulated to the point where corporate biodiversity action makes sense not just from a moral standpoint, but also from a purely economic one. This report provides a first view of what this may entail for companies, especially those in manufacturing, that are ready for real corporate biodiversity action.

Read Document

Gen Blog | Community

By Kim Allman | Head of Corporate Responsibility and Government Affairs

This month, the Gen™ family of brands, including Norton, Avast and more, joins millions around the world recognizing Pride month. This is a time to memorialize the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and those who have lost their lives due to hate crimes, commemorate the impact that LGBTQ+ individuals have had on our collective history, celebrate the progress made in the fight for equality and reaffirm our commitment to support LGBTQ+ rights.

Gen + The Trevor Project 

We are excited to announce our new partnership with The Trevor Project, the leading organization working to end suicide among LGBTQ+ young people in the U.S. and beyond. The nonprofit operates several programs to help prevent and respond to the public health crisis of suicide among LGBTQ+ young people, who are particularly vulnerable to cyberbullying.

According to the most recent data from the Cyberbullying Research Center, more than half of LGBTQ+-identifying students have experienced cyberbullying at some point during their lifetimes. In addition, the CDC’s annual Youth Risk Behavior survey has consistently found that queer students, including transgender and non-binary students, are more than twice as likely than their heterosexual peers to be bullied online.

To combat these trends, Gen is teaming up with The Trevor Project to bolster the organization’s TrevorSpace platform, an affirming online community for 400,000 LGBTQ+ young people to safely share interests and make connections. Gen is also supporting the creation of an educational resource that speaks to how LGBTQ+ young people can stay safe online and how we can all promote more inclusive and welcoming digital spaces. We look forward to providing more details on this initiative over the next year.

Gen Team Pride Month Activations 

During Pride month, Gen will co-host an employee Lunch & Learn with our PROUD employee resource group (ERG) and The Trevor Project. Gen teams will learn more about the urgency of The Trevor Project’s mission, get access to the latest data and insights on LGBTQ+ mental health and hear more about how support and affirmation for the LGBTQ+ community is crucial year-round.

Gen and PROUD will also host our third annual all-employee virtual Pride Parade, featuring a guest speaker from The Trevor Project.

Additionally, PROUD plans to offer a TED Talk discussion while WONDER, our women-focused ERG, is running an #IamRemarkable workshop on intersectionality.

The Social Impact team has set up an #AllInThisTogether Pride Challenge in our Giving Hub, hosted by Benevity, so that employees can learn, share and participate by taking actions each week to support LGBTQ+ people at Gen and in our community during Pride Month. Employees that complete the challenge will receive a reward to donate to their favorite cause. Employees will also get the chance to learn more about our corporate nonprofit partners – The Trevor Project, Out & Equal, and The Pride Forum in Czechia – and give to these and other causes supporting LGBTQ+ communities and vetted by our PROUD ERG.

These June activations are complemented by two recent employee training co-hosted with Out & Equal. The organization is renowned for its work to make the world’s workplaces as inclusive as possible for LGBTQ+ professionals. Out & Equal provided resources at the Nonbinary & Beyond training focused on pronoun usage and other nonbinary allyship topics. An additional training, on Intersectional Allyship at Work, took place to help employees develop a greater understanding of their own dimensions of diversity, learn what “intersectionality” is and expand their own capacity for allyship, through interactive and dynamic group exercises.

While we are happy to be celebrating Pride this June, we focus on equality year-round at Gen. We will continue to partner with high-impact nonprofits and will work within our own company walls to promote LGBTQ+ equity and inclusion.