Tag: 3BL

CNH Industrial has awarded innovation grants to start-ups Blixify Meraque and Sofien for their outstanding zero waste solutions as part of Enterprise Singapore’s Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge 2022.

The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge brought together industry partners and creative innovators to co-develop sustainable solutions in areas such as zero waste, sustainable food sourcing, materials, and packaging.

CNH Industrial’s zero waste challenge statement focused on the mechanization of palm oil harvesting using robotics and new technologies. By improving harvesting efficiency, farmers can maximize yields from current growing areas, ultimately resulting in less waste and reduced environmental impact.

Matthieu Sejourne, Vice President of Brand and Commercial Services CNH Industrial APAC region, said, “Large-scale palm oil farming can present social and environmental challenges, but it’s a crop that is very important globally. We have to find a solution that will make production efficient, sustainable and safe.”

The palm oil industry, with an annual harvest of 71 million tonnes, predominantly relies on manual harvesting methods. This labour-intensive process involves workers cutting fruit bunches from the trees using knives on long poles, resulting in significant fruit loss and safety issues.

After a comprehensive evaluation based on technical criteria, Blixify Meraque and Sofien emerged as the first and second placed projects, respectively. In addition to receiving cash and in-kind prizes, CNH Industrial has committed to being the initial launch customer for both start-ups, and to support their IP development and go-to-market strategies.

“Safety is paramount, as is affordability, for an innovation to benefit smallholder farmers. The two winning prototypes were very interesting and met the key criteria. We look forward to co-developing these projects,” Matthieu added.

Malaysian consortium Blixify Meraque designed a pruning and harvesting machine using computer vision and AI technology. The machine incorporates sensors and cameras to analyze the color and texture of palm oil fruit, accurately detecting its ripeness before harvest.

Sofien, a startup based in Brazil, meanwhile created a cutting device attachment equipped with two mounted cameras and sensors to detect and monitor the ripeness of palm oil fruit, ensuring efficient harvesting.

The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge is part of CNH Industrial’s on-going engagement with the Singapore Agri-Food Innovation Lab (SAIL) at Nanyang Technological University. In 2021, CNH Industrial partnered with SAIL to foster innovation and explore opportunities for co-developing sustainable agriculture solutions with the start-up ecosystem, academic and research institutions in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

For decades, the visits of global icons of cinema, music, fashion and art to the famous MARTINI Terrazza have been immortalized through photography in the MARTINI Archive collection. Now, thanks to a new partnership, these images are among the 15,000 that will be digitized by the end of June as part of ongoing efforts to preserve special moments in time of the 160-year-old Italian vermouth and sparkling wine brand.

The MARTINI Archives has partnered with Italgas Heritage Lab to digitize images of Terrazza MARTINI Milan – a stunning terrace and event space overlooking the spiers of the Duomo of Milano which has hosted private events for celebrities and influencers since opening its doors in 1958. In addition to depicting the iconic figures who visited Terrazza MARTINI, the photographs illustrate the evolution of MARTINI as a lifestyle brand and showcase cocktail and fashion trends through the decades.

“As we celebrate the 160th anniversary of MARTINI this year, it is a moment to reflect on the incredible history of the company,” says Anna Scudellari, MARTINI Heritage Curator. “The collaboration between MARTINI and Italgas Heritage Lab is the result of a shared commitment to preserve and celebrate heritage so that we can breathe new life into our cherished artifacts and ensure they will be available for generations to come. This project showcases archival preservation and how digital innovation can play a transformative role in advancing cultural heritage initiatives.”

The project uses cutting-edge technology for 2D and 3D digitization and marks the first time that Heritage Lab has extended its expertise and resources to digitize a brand archive collection, receiving special recognition at the Spina Awards 2023 in Italy and a prize for digital innovation in cultural heritage. In addition to the digitization efforts, the original photos are being catalogued and packed in archive paper to preserve them for future generations to enjoy.

With a history spanning more than 160 years, the MARTINI Archives in Pessione, Italy, is home to a stunning heritage collection of more than 30,000 photographs, letters, awards, MARTINI bottles and historic artefacts that share the history of the iconic Italian brand.

Watch the video on YouTube

Since the start of 2023, Aflac has given over $3.3 million to help support the needs of children with cancer and blood disorders and to improve communities and the lives of others through nonprofit funding. Approximately 83% of those funds donated to causes benefiting minority and low-income individuals.

The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center

Aflac provides funding for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center in Atlanta every year. The most recent $1.5 million donation brings the company’s support of the pediatric cancer and blood disorders cause to over $168 million since 1995. In keeping with the growing need to ensure mental and emotional health, this year, Aflac’s donation directly supports the Center’s 35-person Family Support Team, which includes social workers, child life specialists, non-denominational chaplains and music therapists who work in tandem with medical staff to provide therapeutic activities, positive distractions and social support for both patients and families. Family support services are often neglected, leaving hospitals dependent on donations to continue these valuable programs. Aflac is proud and pleased to fill this gap.

The Piedmont Columbus Mobile Unit 

Aflac, based in Columbus, Georgia, is also having an impact in communities throughout the nation. One example is a recent donation to Piedmont Columbus Foundation to fund their Mobile Unit, which provides high quality health care to underserved and indigent populations throughout Columbus, a midsized city in western Georgia. This is Aflac’s third year as principal sponsor of the program.

The Piedmont Columbus Mobile Unit clinical team, consisting of a family practice resident, Pharmacy resident, registered nurse, social worker and medical student, conducts weekly clinics and provide medical care, immunizations and health education in 13 locations throughout the city, such as Safe House, Valley Rescue Mission, Open Door, House of Mercy and more. In 2022, they saw 371 clinic patients, administered 191 COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations, prescribed 277 medications and provided blood pressure screenings to 1,763 individuals.

The Mobile Unit also partnered with The Food Mill mobile farmer’s market, which Aflac also supports, in providing fresh fruits and vegetables to 306 individuals from August through December. The partnership, which encourages patients to use food as medicine, included free screenings for body weight, BMI and waist circumference, and health education.

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper

Aflac’s commitment to our environment led to continued funding of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) in 2023, an organization that works to engage and educate the community in stewardship and protection of waterways. The organization’s Neighborhood Water Watch and Sweep the Hooch initiatives give Chattahoochee Valley residents the opportunity, tools and resources to help monitor the health of local waterways and fight litter pollution. Last year, 820 pounds of trash were collected by 50 volunteers at one cleanup site at Lakebottom Park. Overall, in 2022, CRK led cleanups that removed 107,532 pounds of trash from the Chattahoochee watershed.

And 167 students from local Hollis Hand Elementary, Flat Rock Middle and Eastside Elementary, all Title 1 schools, experienced hands-on learning about the environment through the West Point Lake Floating Classroom, thanks to scholarships provided through Aflac’s support of CRK.

Employees giving back

In 2022 alone, Aflac employees logged more than 12,000 volunteer hours with organizations and initiatives that are near and dear to them. Whether through fundraising, like the recent fire truck pull in Columbia, South Carolina, to raise funding for childhood cancer, Habitat for Humanity home builds, serving as an ambassador for children’s health, or teaming up to support the needs in our communities and beyond — employees across Aflac express care for those in need.

Take Ruthie Brown (pictured above, left), Aflac Financial Systems Accountant, and Executive Assistant Lisa Dente (pictured above, right), for example. They recently volunteered for a bed build with the Columbus chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. The organization, which Aflac has supported through donations, provides beds built by volunteers, mattresses and bedding to children who do not have a bed.

These are but three of the 78-plus donations made by Aflac in the first quarter of 2023. Learn more about how Aflac gives back at investors.aflac.com/Sustainability.

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Z2300597 EXP 6/24

Originally published on 3M News Center

ST. PAUL, Minn., June 9, 2023 /3BL Media/ – As wildfire smoke continues to blanket large portions of North America and create unhealthy air for millions of people, scientists at 3M are offering tips and resources to help protect your breathing during these hazardous conditions.

Wildfire safety information hub10 ways to reduce your smoke exposure during a wildfireHow to get cleaner indoor air during a wildfireHow to make a DIY air purifier

“Even if you live hundreds of miles from wildfires, the smoke can travel and have a big impact on your air quality,” said Dr. Nikki McCullough, a respiratory health scientist at 3M. “It’s important for people to pay attention to the Air Quality Index for their area and plan accordingly.”

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.

“The everyday mask is not enough to protect you from wildfire smoke. Proper protection like an N95 respirator is your best choice because it is designed to form a seal to your face and filter very fine particles. If it’s safe to do so, the best place to be when air quality is poor is indoors and to continue filtering your air.”

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.

3M is the largest manufacturer of N95 respirators in the US and has plants in South Dakota and Nebraska.

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.

WALTHAM, Mass., and BROOKLYN, N.Y., June 9, 2023 /3BL Media/ – National Grid has appointed Jim McGaugh as U.S. Head of Corporate Affairs to advance and align key strategic priorities across its U.S. business, with a focus on Massachusetts and New York, and at the federal level, the company announced this week.

McGaugh joins National Grid with strong government and policy experience at the local, state, and federal levels across sectors. McGaugh previously served at GE for 11 years most recently as Executive Director & Counsel, Head of U.S. State Government Affairs & Policy, and held prominent leadership roles at Citi. Earlier in his career, he also managed state and federal government relations for a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eversource Energy.

“In our commitment to deliver a fair and equitable energy future in the Northeast U.S., we are proud to welcome Jim McGaugh to our U.S. Corporate Affairs team,” said Ben Wilson, Chief Strategy and External Affairs Officer, National Grid. “National Grid recognizes that we are at a critical moment to make real and lasting changes in the way energy is delivered to our customers and our communities. Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to our team and we look forward to his strategic leadership helping us to achieve outcomes that benefit the long-term energy and climate needs of our customers and states we serve.”

National Grid is focused on driving the clean energy transition in the U.S. Northeast — building a smarter, stronger, and cleaner energy system to accelerate economy-wide electrification, support customers’ clean energy choices, and help states reach their net zero goals by their targets dates, or sooner.

In his role as U.S. Head of Corporate Affairs, McGaugh will guide National Grid’s regional and federal teams in broadening their stakeholder engagement strategies and thought leadership, and working with decisionmakers to advance innovative energy solutions for all.

McGaugh has deep community roots in Massachusetts and the Northeast region, having built his career in the Commonwealth. He holds a B.A. from UMass Lowell and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School.

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About National Grid 
National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a path to a more affordable, reliable clean energy future. National Grid is transforming our electricity and natural gas networks with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube, like us on Facebook and find our photos on Instagram.

Media Contact: 
Emily Demarest 
(781) 907-3980
Email

At SAIC, we embrace the diverse cultures, heritages and traditions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, which has made significant contributions to the history and success of our nation – and they continue to do so today. As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, we asked some colleagues to share their personal stories, cultural experiences and influences. Each serves an important role at SAIC as co-chairs of our Employee Resource Groups, and we are proud of their contributions to our organization!

Qiuyu “Julie” Chen

1. How long have you been with SAIC and what do you most enjoy about your work?

I have been with SAIC for almost 12 years and really enjoy my work – it’s challenging and never boring. I appreciate that SAIC values diversity and respects work-life balance. The company also provides great opportunities for career development and ongoing learning.

2. How do you identify within the Asian American and Pacific Islander community?

I am a good neighbor, friend and citizen. I strive to be a leader to positively influence the people around me.

3. How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?

I grew up in China and moved to U.S when I was in my 20s, so I have been shaped by both cultures. I like to combine them to create my own traditions, such as cooking Chinese food in an American way.

4. Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?

When it is Lunar New Year, I miss my hometown very much. I like to make dumplings with my family

5. What are some interesting hobbies or talents that most people may not know about you?

I enjoy reading biographies and hiking outdoors.

6. What drew you to lead the Multiculture Employee Resource Group? What are you most proud of accomplishing in your role?

I became a co-lead of the Multicultural ERG, because I wanted to help people understand each other and get along in a peaceful manner. I hope to continue advancing this goal in the future.

7. What is the single most important thing our industry can do to support AAPI professionals in STEM and improve representation in leadership?

We are responsible for supporting the young generation with development of STEM skills and encouraging them to build a world inclusive of all dreams and bright futures.

Ted Dang

1. How long have you been with SAIC and what do you most enjoy about your work?

Since joining SAIC in December 2018, I have truly enjoyed my team’s mission, delivering war-winning capabilities for the joint fight.

2. How do you identify within the Asian American and Pacific Islander community?

My parents were first generation Vietnamese. They met at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as part of USAID’s Leadership Students program. After graduation, they returned to Vietnam, married and had my older brother, all while the Vietnam War was raging on. When Saigon fell in 1975, my parents escaped and came to the U.S. as refugees.

3. How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?

Most Americans do not realize the wealth of blessings we enjoy here, the cost of our freedoms or the tragedy people experience when those liberties are taken away. These realizations have given me a sense of purpose and mission for the work I do today. Knowing where my parents, aunts and uncles came from and the tribulations they overcame to go to the U.S. for the American dream and establish thriving families here has greatly shaped who I am today.

4. Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?

Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, is a special time for my family. My dad, siblings, their spouses and kids gather to celebrate a new year, honor our elders and bestow blessings upon the younger generation.

5. What are some interesting hobbies or talents that most people may not know about you?

I’m a world champion roboticist. In 2019, one of the high school teams I mentored won the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship in Houston. They’re headed back soon, so wish them luck!

6. What drew you to lead the STEM Employee Resource Group? What are you most proud of accomplishing in your role?

As a co-lead of the STEM ERG, I’m proud that two of the six high school robotics teams our members support are going to the World Championships. If you’ve never been to a robotics competition before, I’d highly recommend it – it is life-changing!

7. What is the single most important thing our industry can do to support AAPI professionals in STEM and improve representation in leadership?

Invest in future STEM talent! Supporting STEM programs early-on sets an individual’s life on a path of innovation and discovery that benefits our communities and industries for generations to come. I’m a product of such investment.

April Huynh

1. How long have you been with SAIC and what do you most enjoy about your work?

Since joining SAIC in November 2020, I’ve held roles as a business development analyst, deputy program manager in the Government Contracts Support Center (GCSC) and currently serve as a competitive intelligence analyst in our Enterprise Strategy org. What I enjoy most about my work is the people. I’ve met so many smart and creative people here, and I am happy to say that some of my colleagues are now my friends. It’s great to go to work each day and feel supported by people who care not only about the mission, but about me.

2. How do you identify within the Asian American and Pacific Islander community?

Despite growing up fairly Westernized, what has allowed me to identify and connect with the AAPI community is staying in close contact with my immediate family. I have a great personal relationship with my parents, and I think that has allowed me to remain connected with my background. It’s important for me to stay true to my roots and remain humble. Also, gathering over an authentic, home-cooked meal helps, too!

3. How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?

I think my heritage has helped shape my work ethic and willpower – both of my parents immigrated to the U.S. from Vietnam, and they have made the utmost of sacrifices to provide everything I needed and wanted while growing up. I honor their sacrifices by doing my best every day and working hard towards creating the life I want for myself and my family. When times are tough, I remind myself that sometimes my struggle is very small in comparison to their experiences, so I continue to push forward. The most important thing for me to keep in mind is that they gave me a life to have freedom and options, and I want to ensure that I make the most of that privilege in both my personal and professional experiences.

4. What are some interesting hobbies or talents that most people may not know about you?

In my spare time, I enjoy diamond painting! It helps me to relax and unplug.

5. What drew you to lead the Women’s Employee Resource Group? What are you most proud of accomplishing in your role?

Leading the Women’s ERG (WERG) was an opportunity that I did not expect to come my way at this point in my career, and I am so grateful that everything fell into place when it did. The WERG is a great community for the enterprise, and as my involvement and engagement increased across various leadership roles within the group, so did my desire to become more of a change agent across our DE&I initiatives. I am most proud of recently planning and executing several events for this year’s recognition of Women’s History Month, as our events reinforced our mission, helped our community to bond and celebrated the advancements we have made in our professional development initiatives.

6. What is the single most important thing our industry can do to support AAPI professionals in STEM and improve representation in leadership?

The most important thing our industry can do to improve AAPI representation in leadership is to be inclusive of everyone at the table. At the end of the day, there are certain missions that must be accomplished, and it is imperative to give those who can effectively execute those tasks the ability to lead – regardless of race, gender or any other demographic/socioeconomic factor. Sometimes that involves taking a chance on people.

Learn more about SAIC’s diverse workforce and culture at our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion page.

Originally published by Ericsson

Welcome to the latest edition of our Diversity & Inclusion News Round-Up. Today we are talking about the impact of AI on D&I, a BBC initiative supporting girls in Afghanistan, gender roles around the world, and Catholics nuns making a stand for transgender rights.

Discrimination

What is the impact of AI on D&I? This article gives a good background about the recent developments in AI and what this means for D&I, especially looking at discrimination and algorithmic bias.

Gender roles

Interesting read/photo story! Six women from around the world share more about their lives, and how they divide household duties in their families.

Girls empowerment

Great initiative from the BBC! Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, teenage girls have been unable to go to school. The BBC is now offering classes via traditional and social media, so children can continue with their education. Watch the video!

LGBTQ+

March 31st was International Transgender Day of Visibility – and thousands of Catholic nuns united to issue a statement of solidarity with the transgender community. Read more here.

By Laura Ascione

Originally published by eSchool News on June 9, 2023

In response to the growing threat of ransomware attacks against schools around the world, IBM will provide in-kind grants valued at $5 million to help address cybersecurity resiliency in schools.

Since its creation in 2021, the IBM Education Security Grants program has expanded globally, and this year will also include enhanced offerings from IBM SkillsBuild on topics including AI and cybersecurity. 

Continue reading here.

SECAUCUS, N.J., June 9, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, recently announced that its Board of Directors has elected Luis A. Diaz, Jr., M.D. to serve as a director. Including Dr. Diaz, the company’s Board has 10 members. 

Dr. Diaz, 52, has been Head of the Division of Solid Tumor Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center since December 2016. Previously, he was a faculty member and physician at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has founded several biotechnology companies, including Epitope, Inostics, PapGene (Thrive) and Personal Genome Diagnostics, Inc.

“Dr. Diaz is not only a leader in advanced oncology research, but he also cares for patients with colorectal and pancreatic cancers and has been a successful entrepreneur. The wealth of expertise and experience Dr. Diaz brings will be very helpful, including as we expand our presence in molecular oncology and genomics,” said Jim Davis, Chairman, CEO and President of Quest Diagnostics. “I am very pleased to welcome him to our Board.”

Timothy M. Ring, Lead Independent Director, added: “Dr. Diaz brings a strong background of research, innovation and clinical care. We are fortunate that he has joined our Board.”

Dr. Diaz’s early work provided the first definitive evidence for using circulating tumor DNA as a cancer biomarker for screening, monitoring, and detection of occult disease. He discovered the therapeutic link between immunotherapy and cancer genetics in patients with mismatch repair deficient tumors, which led to the first tumor agnostic FDA approval for tumors with this genetic lesion and the first cancer study, published in 2022, that resulted in a 100% complete remission rate.

Dr. Diaz has also been the recipient of numerous awards and honors including being appointed by President Biden in 2021 to the National Cancer Advisory Board of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Diaz received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Michigan and completed his medical training at Johns Hopkins.

About Quest Diagnostics 
Quest Diagnostics empowers people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the world’s largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve health care management. Quest annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States, and our nearly 50,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives. www.QuestDiagnostics.com

SOURCE Quest Diagnostics

Sunrise at Fults Farms means more than waking up and milking their 100 cows. It means the sun’s rays have arrived to power the farm for the day.

The family-owned dairy farm in Evans Mills recently installed 30 solar photovoltaic cells to provide up to 12 kilowatts of additional renewable energy to its farm operations. The initiative benefitted from a $10,000 Agribusiness Productivity program rebate from National Grid, as well as incentives available through NYSERDA.

Owner Joe Fults says the latest expansion would not have been possible if not for National Grid’s economic development programs.

“Without the incentives from National Grid, we would not have gone through with it,” Fults said. “Securing that funding allowed us to proceed with each phase of solar that we have implemented.”

The latest installation brings the number of solar cells at Fults Farm to 186, which generate 42 kilowatts and provide up to 85% of the farm’s electricity needs. The solar panels help supply heat for the barns and farmhouse, and power the barn’s equipment, including livestock feeders and management systems, and manure management systems. The farm’s previous solar initiatives also benefitted from the company’s rebate program.

“Agriculture is a backbone of the northern New York economy,” said Alberto Bianchetti, National Grid’s regional director of customer and community engagement. “Fults Farms’ investment in solar energy weighs up-front costs against the long-term benefits of generating their own renewable energy, which is one of many reasons why National Grid supports projects such as these.”

National Grid Economic Development Programs

National Grid, through its Agribusiness Productivity program, provides incentives to fund energy efficiency, renewable energy delivery and/or productivity improvements undertaken by dairy businesses, commercial farms and controlled environment agricultural facilities located within the company’s service territory.

Since 2003, National Grid’s 18 economic development programs have provided more than $125 million in assistance, helping to create or retain more than 60,000 jobs and supporting almost $10 billion in private and public investment across upstate New York. More information about National Grid’s suite of programs is available at www.shovelready.com.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a path to a more affordable, reliable clean energy future through our fossil-free vision. National Grid is transforming our electricity and natural gas networks with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube, like us on Facebook and find our photos on Instagram.