Tag: 3BL

STAMFORD, Conn., February 17, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Webster Bank, together with Career Resources, Inc. (CRI), a leading workforce development non-profit serving Bridgeport, Connecticut, announced an exclusive partnership on their latest ground-breaking initiative, “The Bridge on Main,” which will offer banking products and services specifically tailored for the most vulnerable populations of the city.

The Bridge on Main project, slated to launch in mid-2024, will serve as a collaborative resource center supporting system-impacted individuals and their families. The Bridge on Main will provide access to job training and placement services, aiming to address systemic barriers to employment, economic equity, and community reintegration.

“The Bridge on Main will increase access, inclusion and opportunity in the Bridgeport area,” said Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer Marissa Weidner.

“Our participation in The Bridge on Main goes beyond financial support. Our Community Liaison Officers and Community Banking Center Managers will deliver financial education and share their expertise, and Webster colleagues will have opportunities to volunteer with the program. We’ll also offer on-site access to financial services for participants and their families,” added Weidner. ,/p>

Webster Bank has committed $750,000 to The Bridge on Main project. This investment is part of Webster’s Community Investment Strategy, which aims to support and enhance development within Webster’s local communities.

Webster’s Office of Corporate Responsibility (OCR) manages Webster’s Community Investment Strategy, as well as all community-facing activities across the organization, with an emphasis on Webster’s values of integrity, collaboration, accountability, agility, respect and excellence. The Bridge on Main initiative speaks to these values and aligns with the Community Investment Strategy focus areas of community development and community support.

About Webster

Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE:WBS) is the holding company for Webster Bank, National Association and its HSA Bank Division. Webster is a leading commercial bank in the Northeast that provides a wide range of digital and traditional financial solutions across three differentiated lines of business: Commercial Banking, Consumer Banking and its HSA Bank division, one of the country’s largest providers of employee benefits solutions. Headquartered in Stamford, CT, Webster is a values-driven organization with over $70 billion in assets. Its core footprint spans the northeastern U.S. from New York to Massachusetts, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies. Webster Bank is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including our latest annual report, please visit our About page. To find our latest press releases, visit the Webster Newsroom.

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CALGARY, Alberta, March 29, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Benevity Inc., the leading provider of global corporate purpose software, today announced a surge in volunteerism across its platform with 14.3 million volunteer hours logged in 2022, representing 61% year-over-year growth in volunteering hours and a 91% increase in the number of people volunteering. Additionally, more than $2.8 billion was donated by Benevity clients and their people who supported 249,000 nonprofits around the world last year.

A relaxation of pandemic restrictions, support for people displaced within Ukraine and a mix of in-person and virtual volunteering drove this increased participation in volunteering. Meanwhile, companies also leaned more heavily into volunteering as a way to solve core business issues around building culture, community and connection in a hybrid work environment. In 2022, 86% of companies using Benevity’s employee engagement software recorded people actively volunteering, up from 80% in 2021. This data demonstrates the continued belief in volunteering as a way to drive social, team and business impact.

“We saw a jump in participation in corporate purpose programs across our entire client-base from 2021 to 2022, largely due to the increase in volunteerism. We believe there is an opportunity for businesses to lean even further into volunteering in 2023,” said Kelly Schmitt, Benevity’s Chief Executive Officer. “When people volunteer, they create deeper bonds with their companies, colleagues and communities. They also become more engaged at work, which brings countless business benefits – higher levels of productivity, better client satisfaction and increased retention rates, all of which are top of mind for employers amid the current economic climate.”

In addition to the uptick in volunteering on its platform, Benevity added 193 companies, including Cisco Systems and Suntory Beverage & Food Europe, to its client portfolio in 2022, which now consists of nearly 1,000 purpose-driven brands.

“Giving Back to Society is deep-rooted within Suntory’s global purpose and is a strongly held company value,” said Tracy Clarke, Chief People and Culture Officer at Suntory Beverage & Food Europe. “We give back from what our business earns, not only by reinvesting in our company, but by caring for our customers and partners and contributing to society. ‘Together for Good’, our volunteering and employee purpose program delivered by Benevity, is our way of doing just that – bringing all employees together to contribute through volunteering, charitable giving, fundraising and performing small acts of kindness and sustainable behaviors that together will have a positive impact on society and our planet.”

With a 33% increase in active users across Benevity’s platform, there was also a notable growth in donation dollars in 2022. Charitable donations from employees combined with generous corporate matching increased 21% year-over-year. While individuals donated less often in 2022 compared to 2021, they made larger monetary donations. Together with corporate matching this resulted in an extra $500 million going to the causes that people care about.

In 2023, Benevity will continue innovating and executing on its mission to turn social impact into business impact for businesses around the world. To learn more about Benevity, visit: https://benevity.com/

About Benevity 
Benevity, a certified B Corporation, is the leader in global corporate purpose software, providing the only integrated suite of community investment and employee, customer and nonprofit engagement solutions. Recognized as one of Fortune’s Impact 20, Benevity offers cloud solutions that power purpose for many iconic brands in ways that better attract, retain and engage today’s diverse workforce, embed social action into their customer experiences and positively impact their communities. With software that is available in 22 languages, Benevity has processed more than $12 billion in donations and 58 million hours of volunteering time to support 418,000 nonprofits worldwide. The company’s solutions have also facilitated 900,000 micro-actions and awarded 1.2 million grants worth $18 billion. For more information, visit benevity.com.

Media Contact: 
 Maggie Crouch│Walker Sands, for Benevity│benevity-pr@walkersands.com

Step into a world of innovation at the 2023 Global Inclusive Growth Summit, presented by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and The Aspen Institute on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

Featured speakers include:

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President, Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of ChadSonal Shah, Chief Executive Officer, The Texas TribuneMichael Froman, Vice Chairman and President, Strategic Growth, MastercardDominic Barton, Chair, LeapFrog InvestmentsGabrielle Sulzberger, Senior Advisor, Centerbridge PartnersHamdi Ulukaya, CEO, ChobaniRachel Kyte, Dean, The Fletcher School at Tufts UniversityThe Honorable Edmund Bartlett, CD, Minister of Tourism, JamaicaDan Porterfield, President and CEO, Aspen Institute

This year’s event will feature a dynamic and diverse group of global leaders, innovators, and game-changers. With the world facing increasingly complex threats to the environment, economy, and governance, we’ll delve into solution-oriented dialogue and ignite action that will redefine the future of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth 
The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center leverages the company’s core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs and empower a community of thinkers, leaders and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth.

The Aspen Institute 
The Aspen Institute is a community-serving organization with global reach whose vision is the creation of a free, just, and equitable society. For 70 years, the Institute has driven change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the world’s greatest challenges. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Institute has offices in Aspen, Colorado and New York City, as well as an international network of partners. Learn more at www.aspeninstitute.org.

Devex 
Devex is the world’s leading independent news organization covering global development. Devex journalists deliver insider reporting from front lines of the fight to achieve the SDGs—driving the most important debates, providing the most critical analysis, and backing it all up with the events, career information, and funding opportunities professionals require. To keep up to date with the must-read global development coverage, join their global community.

Check out more content from The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

BOSTON, March 29, 2023 /3BL Media/- Arctaris Impact Fund, LP (“Fund”), the flagship debt fund of Arctaris Impact Investors, LLC (“Arctaris”), has obtained a new $10 million warehouse line of credit (LOC) with KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) through its Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Group.

KeyBank CDFI’s LOC will help Arctaris bridge the timing between when investments are made, and Impact Notes are secured for long-term permanent financing. This LOC also enables speed in execution, capacity to grow the Fund, and the time Arctaris requires to source long-term capital. The Arctaris Impact Fund, LP received an A senior credit rating from Egan Jones, and the bonds were rated BBB.

The Fund makes loans that seek to create new jobs, bring diversity in small business ownership, and deliver economic empowerment of communities in need. Projects primarily consist of direct investments in small businesses, infrastructure, and affordable/workforce housing projects.

Jonathan Tower, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Arctaris, is confident that KeyBank’s commitment will help catalyze measurable economic, social, and environmental impact, stating: “KeyBank’s strategic investment in Arctaris will amplify our capacity to grow strong, sustainable businesses in the nation’s most underserved and underfunded communities.”

“KeyBank is excited to help bring more capital to low-income and marginalized communities through its investment with the Arctaris Impact Fund,” said Brian Maddox, National Team Leader for KeyBank Community Development Financial Institutions group. “Our $10 million investment is part of our National Community Benefits Plan commitment to increase access to capital and bring greater equity for low- and moderate-income clients throughout the KeyBank footprint”.

The Fund utilizes “first-loss capital” (“FLC”) commitments from philanthropic foundations and public-private partnerships to lower its blended cost of financing. These FLC commitments help catalyze investment in underserved communities and provide diversification and risk mitigation for investors.

With more than 13 years of private credit investment experience, Arctaris has established a robust pipeline and active deal sourcing through its place-based investment programs. The Arctaris team focuses on identifying high-quality lending opportunities in disadvantaged and underinvested communities. Located in cities such as Baltimore, Cleveland, Erie (PA), and Pittsburgh, Fund investments often qualify for CRA credits.

About Arctaris Impact Investors 
Arctaris Impact Investors, LLC is a Boston-based impact investment firm with experience spanning more than 13 years over seven funds. The firm manages funds which invest in growth-oriented operating businesses and community infrastructure projects located in underserved communities. Founded in 2009, Arctaris has partnered with the Kresge Foundation, Harvard Business School Professor Michael Porter’s Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), and multiple other foundation, federal and state government agencies to invest in Opportunity Zones, inner cities and targeted rural communities throughout the U.S., with the aim of delivering above-market investment returns alongside positive social impact. For more information visit https://Arctaris.com or for press inquiries contact ir@Arctaris.com.

About KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment 
KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) finances projects that stabilize and revitalize communities across all 50 states. As one of the top affordable housing capital providers in the country, KeyBank’s platform brings together construction, acquisition, bridge-to-re-syndication, and preservation loans, as well as lines of credit, Agency and HUD permanent mortgage executions, and equity investments for low-income housing projects, especially Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financing. KeyBank has earned 10 consecutive “Outstanding” ratings on the Community Reinvestment Act exam, from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, making it the first U.S. national bank among the 25 largest to do so since the Act’s passage in 1977.

Disclaimer 
© 2023 Arctaris Impact Investors (“Arctaris”). All rights reserved. Confidential and proprietary. This material may not be copied, reproduced or used in any format by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Arctaris. Additional information may be obtained in the Arctaris Form ADV available upon request or at SEC.gov.

This press release (“Release”) is not intended to be a solicitation or sale of any investment product or security, as well as qualified in its entirety by reference to the confidential Private Placement Memorandum of Arctaris Impact Fund, LP (the “Fund”).

Statements in this release are made as of the date hereof unless stated otherwise, and neither the delivery of this release at any time nor any sale of the limited partnership interests described herein shall under any circumstances create an implication that the information contained herein is correct as of any time after such date. This release is not intended to be relied upon as the basis for an investment decision, and is not, and should not be assumed to be, complete.

LONDON, March 29, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Pentair (NYSE: PNR), a leading provider of water treatment and sustainable solutions, is proud to announce it received the 2023 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. 

“Pentair is built on delivering smart, sustainable water solutions with the aim to create products and solutions that are more efficient and have a reduced environmental impact,” said Karla Robertson, EVP, General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Social Responsibility Officer. “We are proud of our continued collaboration with the EPA and honored to be recognized as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year once again.”

A Decade of Energy Excellence in the Pool Industry

Pentair was first named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year in 2013, and has been recognized in each consecutive year – longer than any other manufacturer in the pool industry. Pentair was the first manufacturer of pool equipment to receive ENERGY STAR certification for its pool pumps and offered 17 ENERGY STAR certified pool pump models in 2022. This helped U.S. consumers save approximately 1 billion kWh of energy, resulting in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions of 414,974 tons of CO2 and saving $142 million in operating costs.* Since 2005, Pentair’s ENERGY STAR pool pumps have been responsible for a cumulative 38.9 billion kWh of energy savings, a reduction of 15.9 million tons of CO2 emissions and $5.3 billion in operative cost savings for U.S. consumers.

Championing Energy Savings in the Commercial Ice Industry

In 2022, Pentair acquired Manitowoc Ice, a leading provider of commercial ice makers and a key contributor to ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award winners for 14 consecutive years. With 56 ENERGY STAR certified models, Manitowoc Ice is a champion of energy-saving efforts in the ice machine industry. In 2022, Manitowoc Ice’s ENERGY STAR ice makers helped consumers save over 21 million kWh of energy, enough to power 2,055 homes for a year.**

Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors a select group of businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions in the transition to a clean energy economy. ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production, sale, and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services, and strategies. These efforts are essential to fighting the climate crisis, protecting public health, and creating a clean energy future for everyone.

Winners are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners. For a complete list of 2023 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR’s awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners.

*Savings are based on a weighted average annual kWh savings from the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) at $0.14 / kWh. Individual Weighted Energy Factor (WEF) scores and savings may vary by model. For more information regarding the energy efficiency features of current Pentair pool pump offerings, including WEF scores, please visit pentair.com/energystar.

**Based on average annual electricity consumptions for a U.S. residential utility customer of 10,632 kWh in 2021. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

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ABOUT PENTAIR

At Pentair, we help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions, to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive.

Pentair had revenue in 2022 of approximately $4.1 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 11,250 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world. To learn more, visit www.pentair.com.

ABOUT ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations rely on their partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR’s impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts.

With the average age of skilled workers being 43 years old, many will retire and eventually there will be a shortage of labor workers. With a stigma grounded in outdated views about the industry being less important than fields of work, global footwear and apparel brand Timberland is dedicated to supporting the skilled trade profession. In addition to providing premium-quality footwear, apparel and accessories for working professionals through the dedicated Timberland PRO line, the brand is committed to supporting the industry through programs and initiatives aimed at closing the skilled trades gap.

This past February, key wholesale account SafGard, in partnership with the workwear arm Timberland PRO, hosted a skilled trades career workshop in Greensboro, North Carolina to introduce middle school students to a career path they may have never considered before, while giving back to their local community. In collaboration with other brands and local nonprofits, middle school students and volunteers worked together to build, sand and seal picnic tables which were donated to local community organizations, while learning directly about the field from industry professionals. By collaborating with the local middle school, the event aimed to reach students who haven’t already solidified their career plans to help them see that a career as a carpenter, welder, plumber or electrician is much needed and highly rewarding.

“This event is about changing the societal perception of the skilled trades,” said Ryan Murphy, Director of Brand Marketing for Timberland PRO. “If we teach and show kids how crucial trade professions are, we can generate more interest.”

Timberland PRO signed the Generation T pledge in 2019, committing to closing the American skilled trades gap by inspiring and empowering the next generation of skilled workers. By raising awareness and educating people about the industry and highlighting women working in the trades, Generation T wants to help develop a pipeline of talented skilled tradespeople who can build and strengthen the country’s infrastructure. Through the brand’s campaign, Always Do. Never Done, Timberland PRO destigmatizes the trades profession and features men and women working hard, while emphasizing the careers as a secure, rewarding and profitable career path.

Through local programs and commitments, Timberland is helping to close the skilled trades career gap by introducing the career path to younger students and showcasing the industry in a positive light. As a viable career option that requires 1-2 years of trade school, the skilled trades often provide above average salaries to entice new workers. Timberland also collaborates with the Lowe’s Foundation to help close the skilled trade gap by providing training, education, support and career opportunities to current and future workers and by introducing youth to a potential career path. With millions of job opportunities open, programs like these and brands like Timberland aim to help fill them.

Orangeline Farms’ first pick comes 1 week earlier than previous year. 

The initial harvest is focused on 1.5lb bags which will be available at top retail locations in Canada and the U.S. 

FISHERS, Ind., March 29, 2023 /3BL Media/ – Land Betterment Corporation (“Land Betterment” or the “Company”), an environmental solutions company fostering positive impact through upcycling former coal mining and industrial sites to create sustainable community development and job creation, today announced that its subsidiary, Betterment Harvest, has successfully commenced picking its 2023 harvest from Orangeline Farms (“Orangeline”). The 2023 glass facility was planted in week 52, 2022 with the remaining planting taking place in weeks 1 and 2 of 2023, which is 1 week ahead of last year’s cycle. The farm has secured record pricing for the 2023 season.

Matt Tatomir, Co-President of Betterment Harvest and Founder of JC Fresh and Orangeline, commented, “Securing top pricing along with the implementation of further automation is a true testament to our team’s operational capabilities. We are proud to produce the highest quality and best tasting snack-peppers on the market.”

Orangeline Farms Limited 
Orangeline Farms Limited is comprised of two agriculture sites. The first consisting of 20-acres of hi-tech, double poly greenhouses and an additional 12-acre hi-tech glass facility which is located in Leamington Ontario, Canada. The facility is currently in production with a focus on the exclusive snack-pepper market. Orangeline expects to grow nearly 500,000 pepper plants during the 2023 growing season, yielding approximately 5 million pounds of product annually.

Produce Portfolio 
Orangeline is focused on growing the highest quality specialty produce. The 2023 crop is focused around specialty snacking peppers. The product choice is a key differentiator against the peer group.

Customer and Sales Channels 
The Orangeline crop is fully committed to the top produce marketers in the world, including Sunset Farms. Our fixed price contracts allow for solid revenue forecasting and management of both variable and fixed costs. The contractual arrangement allows locked in revenue and access to the world’s leading retailers requiring hundreds of thousands of pounds weekly.

Betterment Harvest 
Betterment Harvest, a Land Betterment company, is a leading controlled environment agriculture (CEA) company with a highly scalable model and the off-take agreements to support its growth plan. Operational footprint spans from Ontario Canada to Perry County Kentucky with over 65 acres of CEA. To learn more, visit bettermentharvest.com.

Land Betterment Corporation 
Land Betterment Corporation, an Indiana Benefit Corporation and Pending B-Corp, is an environmental solutions company focused on fostering a positive impact through upcycling former coal mining sites to create sustainable community development and job creation. The Company utilizes a complete solution-based lifecycle program to restore and rehabilitate the environment and revitalize communities in need of change and opportunity. Land Betterment accomplishes this by identifying un-reclaimed, run-down and neglected coal mining sites, fixing the environment through reclamation and remediation, and then repurposing the land to support a sustainable business that serves the community. Land Betterment firmly believes that with real solutions it is possible for restoration of impacted areas to live side-by-side long term employment, while building sustainable and safe surroundings for communities and our planet. For more information visit landbetterment.com or connect with the Company on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements or industry results to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Land Betterment Corporation’s control. The words “believes”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “could”, “continue”, “seeks”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “expects”, “intends”, “estimates”, or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Any forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. The Company cannot assure you that the projected results or events will be achieved.

Company Contacts: 
Mark LaVerghetta 
317.537.0492 ext. 0 
Chief Governance Officer, Corporate Finance 
info@landbetterment.com

Stephanie Conzelman 
207.205.0790 
Stakeholder Engagement Director 
info@landbetterment.com

Source: Land Betterment Corporation

March 29, 2023 /3BL Media/ -The Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) welcomed a new slate of board members today at its regularly scheduled March Board meeting. These seven accomplished corporate social impact professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization. They will be instrumental in guiding ACCP’s five-year strategic plan focusing on advancing knowledge and practice, fostering community, diversifying the field, and advocating for the profession.

Ashley Atkins, Director of US Corporate Responsibility at NovartisNancy Bonges, Director of Community Engagement at William BlairMonique Carswell, Director, Center for Racial Equity at WalmartKathy Gu, Purpose Partnership Lead at PinterestAldustus (A.J) Jordan, Head of Community Stewardship at VanguardSandy Pierantoni, Director, Global ESG Strategy and Initiatives at LKQ CorporationRobert Rizzo, Senior Director, Community Investment at Conagra Brands

In addition, ACCP welcomes the following new Officers for 2023-2024:

Leanne Posko, Capital One, ChairCarlos Pagoaga, Group Director, Partnerships, at The Coca-Cola Company – Vice ChairCatherine McGlown, VP, ESG and DEI, Communications and Brand at Pathward – TreasurerJoni Fitch, Director, Community Affairs and Engagement at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. – SecretaryLaura Gallagher, Global Head of Corporate Citizenship at AIG – Governance Chair

“As CSR and ESG professionals manage complex collaboration within their own companies, s we know these individuals have the vision and expertise to govern ACCP,” says Carolyn Berkowitz, ACCP President and CEO. “We are so grateful to them for going above and beyond to serve and strengthen the field. We look forward to working with our new board members as we continue our mission of advancing the effectiveness of corporate social impact professionals.”

The new board members join an already impressive list of seasoned practitioners from leading purpose-driven companies. As their terms come to an end, ACCP would like to thank the following board members for their time and dedication to making ACCP an increasingly valuable peer community and strategic resource:

Eileen Buckley, Senior Director, Corporate Responsibility at StrykerStephanie Lomibao, SVP, ESG Program Manager at Bank of AmericaChris Montross, Senior Managing Director, Community Relations and Urban Marketing and VP, Foundation at Aetna, Inc.Don Rettig, Director, Community Affairs at Owens Corning and President, OC Foundation

ACCP advances the effectiveness of corporate social impact professionals by sharing knowledge, fostering solutions, and cultivating inclusive peer communities. We are excited about what lies ahead.

The Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) is the preeminent membership organization advancing the practice of corporate social impact. ACCP increases the effectiveness of CSR & ESG professionals and their companies by sharing knowledge, fostering solutions, and cultivating inclusive and supportive peer communities. ACCP amplifies the voices of its practitioner network to elevate strategies that work, provide innovative solutions, and expand impact.

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Entergy has been named a top U.S. utility by Business Facilities magazine for our commitment to economic development. We are one of just 14 utilities recognized in this national roundup.

“Entergy provides much more than electricity and gas. We’re committed to enriching the lives of our customers and communities,” said Mark Kleehammer, vice president of commercial and industrial journey and products at Entergy. “This recognition as a top utility in economic development reflects our ongoing dedication toward giving back to the Entergy region and identifying opportunities for business relocation and expansion within our service territories.”

Business Facilities assessed a variety of criteria, including incentive programs for commercial and industrial customers, infrastructure investments and sustainability performance, to determine this year’s honorees.

Customer partnerships

Investments in our region represent a variety of industries and companies from around the world, and we partner closely with these companies for the benefit of the communities we serve. Most recently, U.S. Steel and Entergy Arkansas collaborated on the development of a $3 billion next-generation steel mill in Northeast Arkansas. The project is expected to create 900 jobs within the local community.

Entergy Arkansas has a long-standing record of collaboration with commercial and industrial customers. In 2015, we provided a special rate contract on the electricity and construction of $73 million in substation and transmission lines to help facilitate the development of Big River Steel, bringing $1.3 billion in investments to the state of Arkansas.

Grid resiliency

To address the ongoing threat of severe weather, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans have established comprehensive Future Ready plans. They’ve also made regulatory filings to boost the resilience of our region’s electric infrastructure to enhance our ability to withstand and recover from major weather events.

Education and workforce development

With roots in the Gulf South region for more than a century, we’re a recognized leader in corporate citizenship. Since 2006, Entergy has awarded $80.7 million in educational grants to support workforce development across our four-state region through the Entergy Charitable Foundation.

Environmental sustainability

In 2022, we reaffirmed our 2020 commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and we expect to reach 50% clean, carbon-free power generation capacity by 2030. We also anticipate 50% reduction of our carbon dioxide emissions rate by 2030.

Additionally, Entergy was recently named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, a global standard for benchmarking corporate sustainability performance, for the 21st consecutive year. We maintain our industry leadership as one of just four companies in the electric utility sector included in the 2022 North America Index.

History of economic development

For 15 consecutive years, Site Selection magazine has recognized Entergy as a major player for economic growth in the communities we serve, which include some of the largest and most power-intensive industries in the United States.

In 2022, we secured $39.5 billion in capital investments, announced 75 new projects and supported the creation of nearly 24,000 new jobs within the Entergy region. Our approximately 12,000 employees also have a decades-long history of giving back to our communities.

In 2008, Entergy launched a state-of-the-art site selection website that empowers prospective customers with the tools they need to locate commercial and industrial properties. The website currently features 1,700 site listings. We also offer site selection, project management, large project and contract services.

“We’re grateful for this honor as a premier utility in economic development,” said Kleehammer. “We strive to build a brighter future for all, and we’re dedicated to propelling economic growth within our communities for generations to come.”

To learn more about our economic development efforts, visit: goentergy.com/our-region.

CNH Industrial brand CASE Construction Equipment is teaming up with nonprofit Crew Collaborative to sponsor and help build an all-new career counseling and mentoring program for high school students interested in the construction industry trades: FrameWork.

“At CASE, we are customer-led in all we do,” says Terry Dolan, Vice President, CASE Construction Equipment, North America. “It’s no secret that our industry has faced labor shortage issues over the past several years, and we can’t think of a better way to support our customers than to help identify enthusiastic students who will make incredible contributions to the construction industry.”

Crew Collaborative joined CASE in their booth at CONEXPO/CON-AGG. They solicited stories of how mentors have changed the lives of those in the construction industry and what paths industry veterans would recommend to best begin a career in the trades. They also gathered names of those interested in potentially serving as mentors to interested high school students.

“A couple of months ago, FrameWork was merely an idea on a sheet of paper,” says Kristina McMillan, Crew Collaborative Founder and Board Member. “When we brought the initial concept to CASE leadership and asked about their potential partnership on it, they replied ‘We’re all in.’”

Now, following CONEXPO/CON-AGG, Crew Collaborative will host an in-person retreat with CASE employees and other industry insiders to build out the program and begin beta testing. A full FrameWork program launch is slated for first quarter of 2024.

“Although CASE has 180 years of experience in the earthmoving business, we are making moves with the speed and agility of a startup,” says Dolan. “Partnering with Crew Collaborative to bring the cutting-edge concept of FrameWork to life will have a true impact on the construction industry here in North America and beyond for years to come.”