Tag: 3BL

What first drew Mary Carroll to CRB was the company’s core value of entrepreneurial spirit. As someone who had previously owned her own business, Mary appreciated the ability to build her own team, and, “in a sense, run a small company under the umbrella of a larger company.” In this episode of Why Our Work Matters, Mary shares what she feels is her duty as a female leader in a male-dominated industry.

Take the step and join a team where you and your work matters. Apply today: https://hubs.la/Q01FXpvv0

About CRB

CRB is a leading global provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions to the life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our innovative ONEsolution™ service provides successful integrated project delivery for clients demanding high-quality solutions — on time and on budget. Across 21 offices in North America and Europe, the company’s nearly 1,800 employees provide world-class, technically preeminent solutions that drive success and positive change for clients and communities. See our work at crbgroup.com, and connect with us on social media here.

The KeyBank Foundation is investing $1 million to support and expand an innovative workforce development program for underserved communities at the Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology (BCAT). This grant is part of KeyBank’s commitment to invest $40 billion in the communities it serves.

“All of us at KeyBank are proud to stand with and support BCAT as they continue to lift our community up and make it stronger through innovative workforce development programs that provide opportunities for everyone,” said Michael McMahon, KeyBank Buffalo Market President and Commercial Sales Leader. “Buffalo and Western New York needs a strong, diverse and inclusive workforce to continue its economic and cultural development. BCAT is at the forefront of this effort and we look forward to seeing our neighbors who benefit from their work grow and thrive.”

BCAT’s mission is to provide opportunities for careers through the arts, technology and workforce development. The majority of its adult and youth students live in zip codes representing the highest poverty neighborhoods in Buffalo, including 14215, 14211,14212, 14213, 14209 and 14216. Funding from the KeyBank Foundation will help increase the number of participants served and classes and programs that BCAT can offer.

“BCAT has successfully served the Buffalo Community for ten years, with over 250 adults graduating in the last four years into allied health, technology and landscape career opportunities,” said Robert Gioia, BCAT Board Chairperson. “This grant allows BCAT to expand our reach and deliver more workforce development opportunities in market-demand careers. “

“BCAT provides adult learners the opportunity to not only receive a fee-free training and academic education, but professional development, a dedicated support system, and access to resources needed to be successful in a new career,” said Gina Burkhardt, BCAT CEO. “Our model ensures high retention, graduation, and national certification rates for adult participants.”

BCAT’s Youth Arts & Technology Afterschool program provides a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment, welcoming youth from many Buffalo public and charter high schools. Classes give students the opportunity to express themselves freely and creatively through 3D printing, filmmaking, photography, fine arts and music production. Support from the KeyBank Foundation ensures that BCAT continues to prepare over 100 youth annually for postsecondary pathways into college and careers with potential for economic and social stability.

“Helping BCAT grow and expand this critical program is central to KeyBank’s purpose of helping the communities we serve thrive,” said Elizabeth Gurney, Director of Corporate Philanthropy for KeyBank. “We encourage all of our philanthropic partners in Western New York, along with members of the community to join us in supporting this effort at BCAT.”

Since 2017, KeyBank has made more than $1 billion in investments in Buffalo and Western New York, supporting affordable housing and community development projects; small business and home lending to low-to-moderate income individuals and communities, and transformative philanthropy.

Read more about the KeyBank Foundation’s investment in BCAT in The Buffalo NewsLearn more about KeyBank’s commitment to helping clients and communities thrive

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 30, 2023 /3BL Media/ — Discovery Education—the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place—is providing an array of free digital resources to support National Financial Capability Month.

Taking place annually in April, National Financial Capability Month was founded by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) and is produced by the Jump$tart Coalition. In support of financial literacy education Discovery Education offers a curated collection of resources in collaboration with partners committed to giving students the financial skills they need to be successful in life:

Self-Paced Modules
Grades 6-12
On-demand, self-paced modules take high school students on a journey of choices they can make around concepts such as using credit and making major financial decisions. Nationally recognized with the Jump$tart Coalition’s 2021 Innovation Award, Pathway to Financial Success in Schools is a personal finance education resource complete with classroom activities, family connections, educator guides, and a master class series on teaching financial education topics. This series sparks ideas, connects educators, and helps prompt conversations with administrators about the need for financial education and was created by Discover Financial Services and Discovery Education.

Classroom Activities
Grades 9-12
Help students connect core economic concepts to current events and everyday life with timely activities, videos, interactive modules, and more from Econ Essentials. Brought to life by the industry-leading insights of Futures Fundamentals, the Econ Essentials growing collection of resources examines real-world applications of complex market topics and covers everything from basic economics concepts to interest rates to supply chain dynamics. Students explore how changes in supply and demand impact prices with relevant and timely activities.

Lesson Plans
Grades 6-12
New digital lesson plans in the Discover Venture Valley program are designed to help educators gamify financial literacy learning and entrepreneurship in the classroom. Developed in partnership with Venture Valley creator, the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy, the 2023 Jump$tart Innovation Award winner, these new resources center on the free business-building video game Venture Valley. Students benefit from the power of play as they engage with the game and a suite of standards-aligned resources to learn principles such as investments and dividends, fixed and variable expenses, loans, net vs. gross income, and more.

“As evidenced by the fact that 17 states now require financial literacy education in schools, it is clear financial literacy is a growing issue,” said Leslie Pope, a District Instructional Technology Facilitator in North Carolina. “With grab & go resources from Discovery Education and their array of partners, I know I have free and easy-to-use content about financial literacy that will support state and district learning goals that my students will enjoy.”

Educators and students can find even more resources in the Discovery Education K-12 learning platform. Connecting educators to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources, Discovery Education provides educators a recently enhanced learning platform that facilitates engaging, daily instruction in any learning environment.

“Financial literacy is another necessary topic to be taught in schools. It’s powerful when leaders in the finance and tech industries enable free, real-world learning that is engaging and designed for students and families. We are a proud partner with organizations to support educators and students so they may learn these critical skills,” said Amy Nakamoto, General Manager of Social Impact at Discovery Education.

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

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About 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 Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contacts
Grace Maliska
Discovery Education
Email: gmaliska@dicoveryed.com

Dow and X-energy sign joint development agreement to develop a four-unit Xe-100 facility at one of Dow’s U.S. Gulf Coast sitesUnited States Department of Energy makes Dow a subawardee under X-energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program Cooperative AgreementDow and X-energy to develop and license technology applicable to other industrial customers

ROCKVILLE, Md. and MIDLAND, Mich., March 30, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Dow (NYSE: DOW), the world’s leading materials science company, and X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC (“X-energy”), a leading developer of advanced nuclear reactors and fuel technology for clean energy generation, announced today their entry into a joint development agreement (“JDA”) to demonstrate the first grid-scale advanced nuclear reactor for an industrial site in North America.

As a subawardee under the U.S. Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (“ARDP”) Cooperative Agreement with X-energy, Dow intends to work with X-energy to install their Xe-100 high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (“HTGR”) plant at one of Dow’s U.S. Gulf Coast sites, providing the site with safe, reliable, low-carbon power and steam within this decade. The JDA includes up to $50 million in engineering work, up to half of which is eligible to be funded through ARDP, and the other half by Dow. The JDA work scope also includes the preparation and submission of a Construction Permit application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”).

“The utilization of X-energy’s fourth generation nuclear technology will enable Dow to take a major step in reducing our carbon emissions while delivering lower carbon footprint products to our customers and society,” said Jim Fitterling, Dow chairman and CEO. “The collaboration with X-energy and the DOE will serve as a leading example of how the industrial sector can safely, effectively and affordably decarbonize.”

Working with DOE and subject to its review and approval, Dow and X-energy expect to finalize site selection in 2023. The parties intend to perform further ARDP-related work under the JDA as the project progresses. Additionally, the companies have agreed to develop a framework to jointly license and utilize the technology and learnings from the project, which would enable other industrial customers to effectively utilize Xe-100 industrial low carbon energy technology.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates the commercial versatility of the Xe-100 and is an important milestone for the future of advanced nuclear and carbon-free energy around the world. X-energy’s collaboration with Dow brings added significance because of the immense opportunity to further reduce emissions in the energy-intensive industrial sector,” said X-energy CEO J. Clay Sell. “From the beginning to the end of the supply chain, our technology can supply both power and heat to businesses in most sectors of the economy to help limit their carbon footprint. We are thrilled to work with Dow to deliver a successful project and illustrate the broad, highly flexible applications of X-energy’s proprietary nuclear energy technology.”

X-energy is a leading developer of a more advanced small modular reactor (“SMR”) and proprietary fuel for carbon-free and reliable baseload power production. Unlike existing light water and other small modular reactors, X-energy’s HTGR technology can also support broad industrial use applications through its high-temperature heat and steam output that can be integrated into and address the needs of both large and regional electricity and/or industrial manufacturing systems. The four-reactor Xe-100 nuclear plant will provide a Dow facility with cost-competitive, low carbon process heat and power to make essential products used by consumers and businesses every day. Importantly, X-energy’s innovative and simplified modular design is road-shippable and intended to drive scalability, accelerate construction timelines and create more predictable and manageable construction costs.

X-energy was selected by DOE in 2020 to receive up to $1.2 billion under the ARDP in federal cost-shared funding to develop, license, build, and demonstrate an operational advanced reactor and fuel fabrication facility by the end of the decade. Since that award, X-energy has completed the engineering and basic design of the nuclear reactor, advanced development of a fuel fabrication facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and is preparing to submit an application for licensure to the NRC.

Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines global breadth; asset integration and scale; focused innovation and materials science expertise; leading business positions; and environmental, social and governance leadership to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. The Company’s ambition is to become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world. Dow’s portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated, science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Dow operates manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 37,800 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $57 billion in 2022. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.dow.com or follow @DowNewsroom on Twitter.

Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements often address expected future business and financial performance, financial condition, and other matters, and often contain words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “opportunity,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” “would” and similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words or phrases.

Forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and expectations of future events that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that are beyond Dow’s control, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements and speak only as of the date the statements were made. These factors include, but are not limited to: sales of Dow’s products; Dow’s expenses, future revenues and profitability; the continuing global and regional economic impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic and other public health-related risks and events on Dow’s business; any sanctions, export restrictions, supply chain disruptions or increased economic uncertainty related to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine; capital requirements and need for and availability of financing; unexpected barriers in the development of technology, including with respect to Dow’s contemplated capital and operating projects; Dow’s ability to realize its commitment to carbon neutrality on the contemplated timeframe; size of the markets for Dow’s products and services and ability to compete in such markets; failure to develop and market new products and optimally manage product life cycles; the rate and degree of market acceptance of Dow’s products; significant litigation and environmental matters and related contingencies and unexpected expenses; the success of competing technologies that are or may become available; the ability to protect Dow’s intellectual property in the United States and abroad; developments related to contemplated restructuring activities and proposed divestitures or acquisitions such as workforce reduction, manufacturing facility and/or asset closure and related exit and disposal activities, and the benefits and costs associated with each of the foregoing; fluctuations in energy and raw material prices; management of process safety and product stewardship; changes in relationships with Dow’s significant customers and suppliers; changes in consumer preferences and demand; changes in laws and regulations, political conditions or industry development; global economic and capital markets conditions, such as inflation, market uncertainty, interest and currency exchange rates, and equity and commodity prices; business or supply disruptions; security threats, such as acts of sabotage, terrorism or war, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine; weather events and natural disasters; and disruptions in Dow’s information technology networks and systems; and risks related to Dow’s separation from DowDuPont Inc. such as Dow’s obligation to indemnify DuPont de Nemours, Inc. and/or Corteva, Inc. for certain liabilities.

Where, in any forward-looking statement, an expectation or belief as to future results or events is expressed, such expectation or belief is based on the current plans and expectations of management and expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. A detailed discussion of principal risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the section titled “Risk Factors” contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the Company’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These are not the only risks and uncertainties that Dow faces. There may be other risks and uncertainties that Dow is unable to identify at this time or that Dow does not currently expect to have a material impact on its business. If any of those risks or uncertainties develops into an actual event, it could have a material adverse effect on Dow’s business. Dow Inc. and TDCC assume no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities and other applicable laws.

About X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC

X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC, is a leading developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology for clean energy generation that is redefining the nuclear energy industry through its development of safer and more efficient advanced small modular nuclear reactors and proprietary fuel to deliver reliable, zero-carbon and affordable energy to people around the world. X-energy’s simplified, modular, and intrinsically safe SMR design expands applications and markets for deployment of nuclear technology and drives enhanced safety, lower cost and faster construction timelines when compared with other SMRs and conventional nuclear. For more information, visit X-energy.com or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

As previously announced on December 6, 2022, X-energy entered into a definitive business combination agreement with Ares Acquisition Corporation (NYSE: AAC) (“AAC”), a publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company. Upon the closing of the transaction, which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023, the combined company will be named X-Energy, Inc. and its common equity securities and warrants are expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Completion of the transaction is subject to approval by AAC’s shareholders, the Registration Statement being declared effective by the SEC, and other customary closing conditions.

About Ares Acquisition Corporation

AAC is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) affiliated with Ares Management Corporation, formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination. AAC is seeking to pursue an initial business combination target in any industry or sector in North America, Europe or Asia. For more information about AAC, please visit www.aresacquisitioncorporation.com.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the business combination (the “Business Combination”) with X-energy, AAC filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 25, 2023, which includes a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus to be distributed to holders of AAC’s ordinary shares in connection with AAC’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by AAC’s shareholders with respect to the Business Combination and other matters as described in the Registration Statement, as well as a prospectus relating to the offer of securities to be issued to X-energy equity holders in connection with the Business Combination. After the Registration Statement has been declared effective, AAC will mail a copy of the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, when available, to its shareholders. The Registration Statement includes information regarding the persons who may, under the SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies to AAC’s shareholders in connection with the Business Combination. AAC will also file other documents regarding the Business Combination with the SEC. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF AAC AND X-ENERGY ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS CONTAINED THEREIN, AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE BUSINESS COMBINATION.

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by AAC through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents filed by AAC may be obtained free of charge from AAC’s website at www.aresacquisitioncorporation.com or by written request to AAC at Ares Acquisition Corporation, 245 Park Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10167.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to the Business Combination, including statements regarding the benefits of the Business Combination, the anticipated timing of the Business Combination, the markets in which X-energy operates and X-energy’s projected future results. X-energy’s actual results may differ from its expectations, estimates and projections (which, in part, are based on certain assumptions) and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Although these forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that X-energy and AAC believe are reasonable, these assumptions may be incorrect. These forward-looking statements also involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted in connection with any proposed business combination; (2) the inability to complete any proposed business combination or related transactions; (3) inability to raise sufficient capital to fund our business plan, including limitations on the amount of capital raised in any proposed business combination as a result of redemptions or otherwise; (4) delays in obtaining, adverse conditions contained in, or the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals or complete regulatory reviews required to complete any business combination; (5) the risk that any proposed business combination disrupts current plans and operations; (6) the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of any proposed business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain key employees; (7) costs related to the proposed business combination; (8) changes in the applicable laws or regulations; (9) the possibility that X-energy may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (10) the ongoing impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic; (11) economic uncertainty caused by the impacts of the conflict in Russia and Ukraine and rising levels of inflation and interest rates; (12) the ability of X-energy to obtain regulatory approvals necessary for it to deploy its small modular reactors in the United States and abroad; (13) whether government funding and/or demand for high assay low enriched uranium for government or commercial uses will materialize or continue; (14) the impact and potential extended duration of the current supply/demand imbalance in the market for low enriched uranium; (15) X-energy’s business with various governmental entities is subject to the policies, priorities, regulations, mandates and funding levels of such governmental entities and may be negatively or positively impacted by any change thereto; (16) X-energy’s limited operating history makes it difficult to evaluate its future prospects and the risks and challenges it may encounter; and (17) other risks and uncertainties separately provided to you and indicated from time to time described in filings and potential filings by X-energy, AAC or X-energy, Inc. with the SEC.

The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by investors as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of AAC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, the proxy statement/prospectus related to the transaction, when it becomes available, and other documents filed (or to be filed) by AAC from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties may be amplified by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, rising levels of inflation and interest rates and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which have caused significant economic uncertainty. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and X-energy and AAC assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities and other applicable laws.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase, nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy, any securities or the solicitation of any vote in any jurisdiction pursuant to the Business Combination or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act.

Participants in the Solicitation

AAC and certain of its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from AAC’s shareholders, in favor of the approval of the proposed transaction. For information regarding AAC’s directors and executive officers, please see AAC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the other documents filed (or to be filed) by AAC from time to time with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of those participants and other persons who may be deemed participants in the Business Combination may be obtained by reading the Registration Statement and the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available. Free copies of these documents may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

Dow

Investors:
ir@dow.com

Media:
Jarrod Erpelding
+1-989.633.1863
jarrod.erpelding@dow.com
or
Kyle Bandlow
+1-989.638.2427
kbandlow@dow.com

X-energy

Investors:
XenergyIR@icrinc.com

Media:
XenergyPR@icrinc.com

Ares Acquisition Corporation

Investors:
Carl Drake and Greg Mason
+1-888-818-5298
IR@AresAcquisitionCorporation.com

Media:
Jacob Silber
+1-212-301-0376
media@aresmgmt.com

ALBANY, Ga., March 30, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Today, Albany Community Together, Inc., a leading network for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), announced it has received a $1 million grant from Truist Foundation. The grant will help Albany Community Together, Inc., in partnership with Southwest Georgia Project for Community Education, Inc. and Phoebe Putney Memorial Health Systems, create an ecosystem to address the social determinants of health that are barriers to economic prosperity by repurposing a former grocery store into a Community HUB called The Table of Southwest Georgia. The Table of Southwest Georgia will offer a holistic, multi-faceted approach to creating a healthy, financially viable community by closing the accessibility gap to critical areas of wellness, including food, finances and healthcare.

“Our mission is building wealth and creating economic opportunities in Southwest Georgia by providing affordable access to capital and business support for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners,” said Thelma Adams Johnson, President/CEO of Albany Community Together, Inc. “We are excited to bring this project to Albany to provide opportunities for our business community, including small businesses, food-related businesses and small rural farmers, to access capital. By helping minimize the effect of the social determinants of health on wealth creation and building, we can create a healthier, more prosperous community.”

Led by Southwest Georgia Project in partnership with Albany Community Together and Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, The Table of Southwest Georgia will provide opportunities for black and rural farmers to scale their operations by aggregating their products to increase income; connect culinary entrepreneurs with space, resources and consumers; and reduce barriers to entry to the food truck industry by giving food service vendors access to commissary kitchens, commercial kitchens and food truck vendors.

“Truist Foundation is deeply committed to ensuring all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive and we believe The Table of Southwest Georgia will help revitalize the Albany community,” said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. “Through this innovative partnership, Albany Community Together will provide access to capital and business development services for food enterprises and agriculture-related businesses of color, acting as a catalyst for change in the local economy as well as the health of local residents.”

The Table of Southwest Georgia will create a thriving, centrally located marketplace for SWGP’s network of 101 farmers, as well as others. It will expand the production and marketing of local fruits and vegetables from small farms through an aggregation and distribution center as well as a direct-to-consumer farmers’ market. The farmers’ market will increase the income and intergenerational wealth of local farmers while simultaneously increasing access to affordable, healthy foods for community residents.

Phoebe Putney Health System will create a Health Equity Institute within The Table of Southwest Georgia, using data from the community to develop programs to address the population’s healthcare needs. The programs aim to decrease the chronic illnesses in the area through education and integration of policy and advocacy – ultimately creating an environment of health and wellness rather than a community driven by healthcare needs.

Albany Community Together, Inc. (ACT!) provides Capital, Coaching & Connections with a focus on African Americans, other populations of color and low-income persons. We work in partnership with banks to meet the credit needs of small business owners. CDFIs are lenders with a mission to serve small businesses underserved by mainstream finance and a proven model for moving capital into the hardest to serve communities. Our programs serve to close the financial gap, to make the business owner “whole” financially. There are more than 1,100 CDFIs working in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. For more information, contact Albany Community Together, Inc. at (229) 420-4600.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. Truist Foundation’s grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

3M and The Washington Post Creative Group are partnering to highlight innovative solutions that address the world’s most pressing climate issues. The year-long collaboration will feature content exploring the areas of circular economy, construction, energy, infrastructure, and transportation. With a focus on products and technologies at work in the United States, Germany, Mexico, Japan and South Korea, the program demonstrates that science-based solutions already exist and can be scaled to drive further positive impact.

“Now more than ever, we need to find solutions to address climate change,” said Gayle Schueller, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer at 3M. “3M is committed to tackling climate change by collaborating and applying our extensive knowledge of science to produce solutions for the most pressing climate challenges. Together with The Washington Post Creative Group, we will showcase how science can build a brighter future and inspire communities around the world to reimagine what’s possible.”

From a global feature on active science-based solutions around the world to an interactive 360 Immersive Experience and live programming sponsored by 3M in Washington DC, Mexico City and Seoul, the collaborative campaign will give audiences an in-depth understanding of climate issues and the solutions driving positive change.

It is the most expansive global campaign yet by The Washington Post Creative Group, with content translated into English, German, Japanese, Spanish and Korean—increasing accessibility to critical information and resources around climate change.

“We are excited to work with 3M, which is committed to using science to drive sustainability around the world and exemplifies how companies can make a significant impact in the fight to save the planet. This is a large and global program that aligns with the Post’s deep commitment to telling stories about the most pressing issues related to climate and the environment,” said Mary Gail Pezzimenti, Head of Creative at Washington Post Creative Group.

Washington Post Live, the newsroom’s live journalism platform featuring top-level government and business leaders, recently launched its “This is Climate” program series about the impact of climate change around the world. Throughout the year, experts from 3M will be featured in sponsored conversations during these news programs, sharing their perspectives and insights on climate issues, existing innovations and best practices for the future. Key areas of focus during 3M’s segments will include sustainable infrastructure, circular economy, electric vehicles, urbanization, and renewable energy. Following each Washington Post Live program, a recording of the discussion will be made available at www.washingtonpostlive.com. The latest recap of the sponsored conversation with 3M can be found here.

Recently, 3M expanded its research and development into emerging climate technologies focused on decarbonization and renewable fuels, such as green hydrogen and low-carbon intensity energy separation solutions. 3M’s investment in solutions to address changing climate is bolstered by positive progress from its environmental and operational commitments. This includes 3M’s accelerated transition to renewable energy – part of the company’s decarbonization roadmap – as well as collaborations across the public and private sectors with organizations such as the Global Alliance for Sustainable Energy and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

At The Washington Post, health, science and environmental reporting has significantly grown in recent years with its expanded climate section. The Washington Post also recently announced its first-ever Climate Coach, an advice column that helps readers navigate the choices they face when seeking to live a more climate- and environmentally-friendly life. As a result of all these efforts, The Washington Post was named the top news source for its climate reporting according to the recently released 2022 Erdos and Morgan Opinion Leaders study.

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.

CAMDEN, N.J., March 30, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the Subaru Share the Love® Event has donated $256 million to national and local charities following its fifteenth year, surpassing its $250 million donation goal. The 2022 Subaru Share the Love Event culminated in a $29.1 million donation to charities, with Subaru of America donating $20.7 million and its retailers donating $8.4 million.

In addition to donating millions to charities, in November 2022, more than 600 Subaru volunteers worked together to host its largest single-day volunteer event to date. Subaru volunteers, including 365 employees at the automaker’s Camden, NJ headquarters, partnered with local organizations to donate critical and highly requested supplies to those in need. The volunteer event resulted in nearly 3,000 donations to 18 nonprofits throughout the nation.

“At Subaru, we don’t just say we’re More Than a Car Company. Through our Subaru Share the Love Event, our family of retailers, corporate employees, and customers all come together to show the heart behind our values,” said Thomas J. Doll, President and CEO, Subaru of America, Inc. “We thank all those who took part in making the 2022 event an unprecedented success and helped bring millions of dollars to the charities that mean so much to our communities.”

The Subaru Share the Love Event is held annually from mid-November through the end of the calendar year. For any new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased at one of the more than 630 retailers during that period, Subaru and participating retailers donated a minimum of $300 to the customer’s choice of charity. National charity partners, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®), Make-A-Wish®, Meals on Wheels America and National Park Foundation, received nearly $7.4 million of the donations. Participating Subaru retailers nationwide selected 815 Hometown Charities within their local communities, and these causes received $21.7 million based on customer selection.

To learn about the Subaru Share the Love Event, please visit: subaru.com/share.

Through the Subaru Loves Promise®, Subaru and its retailers are committed to helping communities in need year-round. To learn more about the Subaru Love Promise, please visit subaru.com/lovepromise.

About Subaru of America, Inc. 
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $300 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged nearly 88,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do.  

For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  

Diane Anton 
Corporate Communications Manager 
Subaru of America, Inc. 
856-488-5093 
danton@subaru.com

Franklin Templeton has been recognized for the first time as one of Barron’s Most Sustainable US Companies. Franklin Templeton placed #73 on the 2023 list.

Barron’s list was determined by Calvert Research & Management, a leader in ESG investing. Calvert ranked each of the 1,000 largest publicly traded companies by market value on how the company performed with five key constituencies: shareholders, employees, customers, community and the planet. Calvert reviewed more than 230 ESG performance indicators from seven rating companies, including ISS, MSCI and Sustainalytics, along with using other data and Calvert’s internal research. The data was organized into 28 topics that were then sorted into five categories. Calvert assigned a score of zero to 100 in each category, based on company performance. Then, it created a weighted average of the categories for each company, based on how financially material the category was in its industry.

To make Barron’s list, a company had to be rated above the bottom quarter in each material stakeholder category. If a company performed poorly in any key category that was financially material, the company was disqualified.

Barron’s recognized Franklin Templeton in March of 2023. Based on the period between January 2022 to December 2022. Franklin Templeton did not provide compensation to Barron’s or Calvert Research & Management for the ranking.

Read Barron’s coverage of the ranking here. Subscription required.

To read more on corporate citizenship at Franklin Templeton and view our Corporate Social Responsibility report, visit our Global Citizenship page here.

About Franklin Templeton

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 155 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With offices in more than 30 countries and approximately 1,300 investment professionals, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and approximately $1.4 trillion in assets under management as of February 28, 2023. For more information, please visit franklinresources.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

This material is intended to be of general interest only and should not be construed as individual investment advice or a recommendation or solicitation to buy, sell or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. It does not constitute legal or tax advice. This material may not be reproduced, distributed or published without prior written permission from Franklin Templeton.

The views expressed are those of the investment manager and the comments, opinions and analyses are rendered as at publication date and may change without notice. The underlying assumptions and these views are subject to change based on market and other conditions and may differ from other portfolio managers or of the firm as a whole. The information provided in this material is not intended as a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any country, region or market. There is no assurance that any prediction, projection or forecast on the economy, stock market, bond market or the economic trends of the markets will be realized. The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount that you invested. Past performance is not necessarily indicative nor a guarantee of future performance. All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal.

Any research and analysis contained in this material has been procured by Franklin Templeton for its own purposes and may be acted upon in that connection and, as such, is provided to you incidentally. Data from third party sources may have been used in the preparation of this material and Franklin Templeton (“FT”) has not independently verified, validated or audited such data. Although information has been obtained from sources that Franklin Templeton believes to be reliable, no guarantee can be given as to its accuracy and such information may be incomplete or condensed and may be subject to change at any time without notice. The mention of any individual securities should neither constitute nor be construed as a recommendation to purchase, hold or sell any securities, and the information provided regarding such individual securities (if any) is not a sufficient basis upon which to make an investment decision. FT accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss arising from use of this information and reliance upon the comments, opinions and analyses in the material is at the sole discretion of the user.

Products, services and information may not be available in all jurisdictions and are offered outside the U.S. by other FT affiliates and/or their distributors as local laws and regulation permits. Please consult your own financial professional or Franklin Templeton institutional contact for further information on availability of products and services in your jurisdiction.

Issued in the U.S. by Franklin Distributors, LLC, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California 94403-1906, (800) DIAL BEN/342-5236, franklintempleton.com – Franklin Distributors, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, is the principal distributor of Franklin Templeton U.S. registered products, which are not FDIC insured; may lose value; and are not bank guaranteed and are available only in jurisdictions where an offer or solicitation of such products is permitted under applicable laws and regulation.

Canada: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investments Corp., 200 King Street West, Suite 1500 Toronto, ON, M5H3T4, Fax: (416) 364-1163, (800) 387-0830, www.franklintempleton.ca

Offshore Americas: In the U.S., this publication is made available only to financial intermediaries by Franklin Distributors, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, 100 Fountain Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716. Tel: (800) 239-3894 (USA Toll-Free), (877) 389-0076 (Canada Toll-Free), and Fax: (727) 299-8736. Investments are not FDIC insured; may lose value; and are not bank guaranteed. Distribution outside the U.S. may be made by Franklin Templeton International Services, S.à r.l. (FTIS) or other sub-distributors, intermediaries, dealers or professional investors that have been engaged by FTIS to distribute shares of Franklin Templeton funds in certain jurisdictions. This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in any jurisdiction where it would be illegal to do so.

Issued in Europe by: Franklin Templeton International Services S.à r.l. – Supervised by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier – 8A, rue Albert Borschette, L-1246 Luxembourg. Tel: +352-46 66 67-1 Fax: +352-46 66 76. Poland: Issued by Templeton Asset Management (Poland) TFI S.A.; Rondo ONZ 1; 00-124 Warsaw. South Africa: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investments SA (PTY) Ltd, which is an authorised Financial Services Provider. Tel: +27 (21) 831 7400 Fax: +27 (21) 831 7422. Switzerland: Issued by Franklin Templeton Switzerland Ltd, Stockerstrasse 38, CH-8002 Zurich. United Arab Emirates: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investments (ME) Limited, authorized and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Dubai office: Franklin Templeton, The Gate, East Wing, Level 2, Dubai International Financial Centre, P.O. Box 506613, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel: +9714-4284100 Fax: +9714-4284140. UK: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited (FTIML), registered office: Cannon Place, 78 Cannon Street, London EC4N 6HL. Tel: +44 (0)20 7073 8500. Authorized and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Australia: Issued by Franklin Templeton Australia Limited (ABN 76 004 835 849) (Australian Financial Services License Holder No. 240827), Level 47, 120 Collins Street, Mellbourne, Victoria 3000. Hong Kong: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investments (Asia) Limited, 17/F, Chater House, 8 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong. Japan: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investments Japan Limited. Korea: Issued by Franklin Templeton Investment Trust Management Co., Ltd., 3rd fl., CCMM Building, 12 Youido-Dong, Youngdungpo-Gu, Seoul, Korea 150-968. Malaysia: Issued by Franklin Templeton Asset Management (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. & Franklin Templeton GSC Asset Management Sdn. Bhd. This document has not been reviewed by Securities Commission Malaysia. Singapore: Issued by Templeton Asset Management Ltd. Registration No. (UEN) 199205211E and Legg Mason Asset Management Singapore Pte. Limited, Registration Number (UEN) 200007942R. Legg Mason Asset Management Singapore Pte. Limited is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. 7 Temasek Boulevard, #38-03 Suntec Tower One, 038987, Singapore.

Please visit www.franklinresources.com to be directed to your local Franklin Templeton website.

Copyright © 2023 Franklin Templeton. All rights reserved.

In recent years, the media has focused a great deal of attention on the annual letter that Larry Fink, Chair and CEO of BlackRock, writes to CEOs of publicly-traded companies on behalf of its clients. In these much-awaited missives, Fink outlines what the world’s largest management firm has in mind as his organization helps to manage trillions of dollars of portfolio investments.

BlackRock is the world’s largest asset management team, with US$10 trillion in assets under management, 16,000 employees, offices around the world, and clients in 100-plus countries. In advertising in the United States, and on its corporate web site, BlackRock points out that it “helps 44 million Americans retire with dignity” (through the management of assets in employee retirement programs).

Fink’s recent annual letters to CEOs have contained important information for both corporate leaders and the investment community. Explains Fink: “I write these letters as fiduciary for our clients who entrust us to manage their assets – to highlight the themes that I believe are vital to driving durable long-term returns and to helping them reach their goals.”

In past years, Fink also wrote a separate annual letter to BlackRock’s clients discussing major issues the firm was following. For 2023, Fink writes, “it is clear to me that all of our stakeholders – BlackRock shareholders, clients, employees, partners, the communities where we operate, and the companies in which our clients are invested – are facing so many of the same issues. For that reason, I am writing a single letter to investors, and we are sharing it with all of our stakeholders.”

The focus of Fink’s 2023 letter is on the positive aspects of sustainable investing — the letter is addressed to investors with the theme,“Making Investing More Accessible, Affordable, and Transparent to More People is Core to Our Mission at BlackRock.”

BlackRock clearly self-identifies as an asset manager serving fiduciaries with ESG in focus and strives to be the leader of ESG investment in the capital markets. In the U.S., a growing number of Republican political leaders have been criticizing BlackRock, State Street, and Vanguard as “woke” organizations that in their asset management activities have caused such clients as public employee retirement funds to not achieve the best ROI by using the ESG lens. At the most recent annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Fink pointed out that the opposite is true.

Included in the 2023 letter:

The BlackRock Story, with 2023 marking the firm’s 35th anniversary.Total return of 7,700% since the company’s IPO in 1999, making BlackRock the highest-performing financial services stock in the S&P 500.Fink’s take on recent turmoil in the banking sector.An economy of fragmentation, with backlash against globalization and political polarization in the U.S.Building a hopeful future for retirees and investing for the future as an act of hope and optimism.Helping clients navigate and invest in the global energy transition.Strategy for long-term growth.

We’ve included the link to Fink’s Annual Letter to Investors for your reading and a link to the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance (the Annual Letter is posted there in different format). This year’s letter is worth reading as we contemplate the effects of Red State attacks on ESG and “woke” asset managers.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

CINCINNATI, March 29, 2023 /3BL Media/ – There is no minimum age to talk with your children about money and banking. Kids as young as 3 can understand concepts of money and by age 7, some money habits may already be ingrained.

Generation Alpha (those born after 2010) may be too young to be making their own money, but they’re old enough to have a significant influence on their family’s spending decisions. Helping them understand financial basics can sow the seeds of smart money management. Fifth Third Bank, National Association, offers the following tips to help.

First step: Start a conversation about money

Recent studies show that parents say their children influence their purchase decisions, especially on toys and games, apparel and food – which means it is important for your kids to understand how much things cost and how you pay for them. 

If you’ve never discussed money with your young children before, get the ball rolling by asking them about earning, saving, budgeting and spending money. Depending on how much they’ve paid attention at home, they could have some interesting things to say about spending and saving, making a living and creating a solid financial footing. 

It is also never too early to introduce an allowance for chores, which will help them understand the concept of earning a wage. As they get older, they now have many more options for making money beyond paper routes and babysitting. They can sell homemade items at local markets and online, or even trade and sell toys or clothes. 

Open a savings or checking account with your child

Opening a savings account can be done in a short amount of time. Include your child in the process and talk about the importance of always saving – even if it’s just a little bit – for emergencies or for larger purchases.

You’ll also want your child to understand how a checking account works. Discuss how checks and debit cards work and how money must be in the bank to cover the amount of the check or debit. 

Take this opportunity to also explain to them how a credit card works, how debt accrues, as well as how you’ve budgeted throughout your life, including how you’ve been able to save for additional goals, like retirement, travel or college.

Make money fun: incorporate games into financial education

Make learning fun by incorporating games into regular activities. At the grocery, give them play money and help them see how far it goes with the choices they make. If they get an allowance, make them earn it and pay them more for difficult chores and less for everyday expectations like making their beds.

For more fun ideas for teaching kids about managing money, Money Crashers has compiled a list of online games and apps.

Continuing the conversation
Parents want what’s best for their kids – at every age and stage – and a financially healthy future is part of that. Talking about money early and often, providing safe opportunities for children to learn and introducing them to resources that can help are the steppingstones to good habits and smart choices.

Whenever there is a teachable moment for your kids, take advantage of it and share information: budgeting for eating out, saving for a vacation by using an online goal savings tool or paying a monthly credit card bill. 

Don’t let past money mistakes prevent you from talking with your kids about money. Using what you have learned and having conversations early might be the best way to ensure their future financial footing.

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products offered by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

CONTACTS

Beth Oates (Media Relations)
Beth.Oates@53.com | 313-230-9002