Tag: 3BL

Meet Sam Griffiths, EHS Consultant at Antea Group UK!

• Office: UK
• Practice Area: EHS
• Area(s) of Expertise: Health and Safety Compliance
• About Me in 140 Characters: EHS consultant at Antea Group UK, passionate about workplace safety, legal compliance, and improving safety culture.
• Favorite Thing about Being a Health and Safety Practitioner: I’m passionate about preventing harm and building a culture where safety is second nature!

 

What is the most interesting project you’ve ever worked on?

One of the most interesting projects I’ve worked on was serving as a Site Safety Advisor on an engineering construction site where a major UK car manufacturer was installing advanced engine testing dynos into a university research facility. It was a unique blend of cutting-edge automotive technology and academic innovation, requiring strict safety oversight to manage complex risks and ensure compliance in a high-stakes environment.

If someone at a party asks what you do, how to you respond?

I’m a EHS consultant, essentiality I help people stay safe at work!

What do you consider your biggest professional achievement so far?

My biggest professional achievement so far has been making the leap from a stable, comfortable role in an unrelated industry to pursuing my passion for health and safety. Transitioning into an EHS consultant role at Antea Group UK required stepping out of my comfort zone, gaining new qualifications, and proving myself in a completely different industry. It’s a move that reflects my commitment to growth and making a real impact on workplace safety and sustainability.

 

Just for Fun… 

What was your first job? 

Working as a waiter for university functions.

If you had one month off, where would you go or what would you do?

Plenty of walks with my dog around the Peak District and the Lake District.

What is on the top of your bucket list?

To travel across Southeast Asia and Australia!

 

Have any questions?

Contact us to discuss your environment, health, safety, and sustainability needs today.

Meet Sam Griffiths, EHS Consultant at Antea Group UK!

• Office: UK
• Practice Area: EHS
• Area(s) of Expertise: Health and Safety Compliance
• About Me in 140 Characters: EHS consultant at Antea Group UK, passionate about workplace safety, legal compliance, and improving safety culture.
• Favorite Thing about Being a Health and Safety Practitioner: I’m passionate about preventing harm and building a culture where safety is second nature!

 

What is the most interesting project you’ve ever worked on?

One of the most interesting projects I’ve worked on was serving as a Site Safety Advisor on an engineering construction site where a major UK car manufacturer was installing advanced engine testing dynos into a university research facility. It was a unique blend of cutting-edge automotive technology and academic innovation, requiring strict safety oversight to manage complex risks and ensure compliance in a high-stakes environment.

If someone at a party asks what you do, how to you respond?

I’m a EHS consultant, essentiality I help people stay safe at work!

What do you consider your biggest professional achievement so far?

My biggest professional achievement so far has been making the leap from a stable, comfortable role in an unrelated industry to pursuing my passion for health and safety. Transitioning into an EHS consultant role at Antea Group UK required stepping out of my comfort zone, gaining new qualifications, and proving myself in a completely different industry. It’s a move that reflects my commitment to growth and making a real impact on workplace safety and sustainability.

 

Just for Fun… 

What was your first job? 

Working as a waiter for university functions.

If you had one month off, where would you go or what would you do?

Plenty of walks with my dog around the Peak District and the Lake District.

What is on the top of your bucket list?

To travel across Southeast Asia and Australia!

 

Have any questions?

Contact us to discuss your environment, health, safety, and sustainability needs today.

ATLANTA, January 12, 2026 /3BL/ – Communications professionals seeking to adapt and capitalize on the meteoric rise of AI answer engines are invited to attend a 2026 Double the Donation Community User Conference session featuring 3BL’s best practices for driving engagement.

“Amplify Your Mission: How Nonprofits Can Leverage Targeted Distribution and Engagement Analytics” will be presented by John Arvanitis, director of customer success for 3BL, on Jan. 22 at noon ET. Registration for this virtual event is free.

Register here: https://doublethedonation.com/community-user-conference/

“The content you create, the stories you tell about your organizational commitments, and where users engage with that content, can be the difference between a missed opportunity and a breakthrough partnership,” said Arvanitis, who has counseled hundreds of communications professionals during his eight years with 3BL.”

“We aren’t just talking about social media engagement or link clicks. We’re talking about reaching corporate networks and workplace giving audiences,” Arvanitis added. “If your goal is to strengthen relationships with corporate donors, this session is for you.”

During the webcast, Arvanits will share actionable strategies to get nonprofit impact stories in front of the right eyes and enhance presence in the large language models (LLMs) underlying AI chatbots and answer engines. The session will also discuss how to utilize Double the Donation’s newsroom to syndicate featured stories.

With a goal to “maximize every opportunity,” the Double the Donation Community User Conference starts at 11 a.m. ET on Jan. 22 and continues for two days. The event is designed to equip attendees with the fundamentals, peer insights, and practical enhancement strategies needed to maximize each workplace giving channel in 2026 and beyond.

About Double the Donation

Double the Donation is the leading provider of matching gift and workplace giving automation software for nonprofits and educational institutions. The company’s tools help organizations raise more by identifying and engaging supporters eligible for corporate giving programs.

To learn more, chat with a matching gift expert at https://doublethedonation.com/get-a-demo

About 3BL

3BL has revolutionized how brands share impact stories about people and the planet.

By leveraging our proprietary technology and expansive distribution network, purpose-driven companies rely on 3BL to access disparate and hard-to-reach stakeholders. And, with 3BL’s best-in-class analytics suite, clients can measure results and build a positive reputation that lasts.

The 3BL Brand Studio combines 20+ years of editorial expertise from TriplePundit, and the reach of 3BL’s unrivaled distribution network, so you can find new ways to tell your stories better and share them more widely across your target audiences.

To learn more, visit 3bl.com

ATLANTA, January 12, 2026 /3BL/ – Communications professionals seeking to adapt and capitalize on the meteoric rise of AI answer engines are invited to attend a 2026 Double the Donation Community User Conference session featuring 3BL’s best practices for driving engagement.

“Amplify Your Mission: How Nonprofits Can Leverage Targeted Distribution and Engagement Analytics” will be presented by John Arvanitis, director of customer success for 3BL, on Jan. 22 at noon ET. Registration for this virtual event is free.

Register here: https://doublethedonation.com/community-user-conference/

“The content you create, the stories you tell about your organizational commitments, and where users engage with that content, can be the difference between a missed opportunity and a breakthrough partnership,” said Arvanitis, who has counseled hundreds of communications professionals during his eight years with 3BL.”

“We aren’t just talking about social media engagement or link clicks. We’re talking about reaching corporate networks and workplace giving audiences,” Arvanitis added. “If your goal is to strengthen relationships with corporate donors, this session is for you.”

During the webcast, Arvanits will share actionable strategies to get nonprofit impact stories in front of the right eyes and enhance presence in the large language models (LLMs) underlying AI chatbots and answer engines. The session will also discuss how to utilize Double the Donation’s newsroom to syndicate featured stories.

With a goal to “maximize every opportunity,” the Double the Donation Community User Conference starts at 11 a.m. ET on Jan. 22 and continues for two days. The event is designed to equip attendees with the fundamentals, peer insights, and practical enhancement strategies needed to maximize each workplace giving channel in 2026 and beyond.

About Double the Donation

Double the Donation is the leading provider of matching gift and workplace giving automation software for nonprofits and educational institutions. The company’s tools help organizations raise more by identifying and engaging supporters eligible for corporate giving programs.

To learn more, chat with a matching gift expert at https://doublethedonation.com/get-a-demo

About 3BL

3BL has revolutionized how brands share impact stories about people and the planet.

By leveraging our proprietary technology and expansive distribution network, purpose-driven companies rely on 3BL to access disparate and hard-to-reach stakeholders. And, with 3BL’s best-in-class analytics suite, clients can measure results and build a positive reputation that lasts.

The 3BL Brand Studio combines 20+ years of editorial expertise from TriplePundit, and the reach of 3BL’s unrivaled distribution network, so you can find new ways to tell your stories better and share them more widely across your target audiences.

To learn more, visit 3bl.com

Continued uncertainty surrounding the rollout of California’s new climate risk disclosure regulations (SB 261) is preventing companies from having clear direction on actions needed to ensure compliance. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) issued an enforcement advisory on December 1 stating that in light of a recent injunction by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, CARB will not enforce any January 1, 2026 reporting requirements mandated by SB 261.

At the same time, CARB said it would accept voluntary reporting and will provide further guidance on reporting under SB 261 after the appeal before the Ninth Circuit is decided, with arguments currently set for January 9, 2026. While reporting under SB 261 has been held up, mandatory reporting of GHG emissions under SB 253 will begin in 2026 with Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with Scope 3 emissions reporting to follow in 2027.

In one of our Top Stories in this issue, Adrian Gonzalez of Talking Logistics points out that to stay on top of sustainability regulations in the U.S. these days, “it might be helpful to have a law degree because all the action is happening in courtrooms.” He points to continued legal filings regarding the SEC’s climate disclosure rules, which were finalized in March 2024 and then abandoned by the Trump administration, but have not been formally rescinded.

The U.S. is not the only place where there is uncertainty regarding mandatory sustainability reporting, with the European Parliament moving to reduce reporting requirements for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). While some of these rules are already in force or entering phased implementation, future reporting requirements and timetables may change.

Our other Top Story this issue is an op-ed in Sustainability Online by Juanjo Mestre, CEO of Dcycle, an environmental software company based in Madrid. Mestre says that doing away with mandatory ESG reporting risks setting back businesses years, saying, “back tracking on work that has been years in the making comes at a cost.”

Mestre states: “The world’s largest investors and supply chains are already demanding robust environmental disclosures, not because of regulation, but because it’s how they assess resilience and value creation.”

He argues that recent uncertainty about mandatory reporting “shouldn’t be viewed by businesses as reasons to delay ESG reporting efforts,” but instead as an opportunity to “build smarter systems and get ahead.”

Both of the authors of our Top Stories agree that regulations will continue to change but that companies must continue to focus on having strong ESG data gathering and reporting systems. According to Talking Logistics, “The regulatory landscape may be noisy and unpredictable, but that’s all the more reason to stay focused on what you can control — improving visibility, strengthening collaboration, and modernizing the systems that support both.”

The G&A team continues to closely monitor the uncertain regulatory environment and keep you updated on changes to sustainability reporting requirements. As always, we are available to help your company take action to ensure that you have the best systems in place to efficiently gather and report your data. Reach out to us at info@ga-institute.com.

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

Continued uncertainty surrounding the rollout of California’s new climate risk disclosure regulations (SB 261) is preventing companies from having clear direction on actions needed to ensure compliance. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) issued an enforcement advisory on December 1 stating that in light of a recent injunction by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, CARB will not enforce any January 1, 2026 reporting requirements mandated by SB 261.

At the same time, CARB said it would accept voluntary reporting and will provide further guidance on reporting under SB 261 after the appeal before the Ninth Circuit is decided, with arguments currently set for January 9, 2026. While reporting under SB 261 has been held up, mandatory reporting of GHG emissions under SB 253 will begin in 2026 with Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with Scope 3 emissions reporting to follow in 2027.

In one of our Top Stories in this issue, Adrian Gonzalez of Talking Logistics points out that to stay on top of sustainability regulations in the U.S. these days, “it might be helpful to have a law degree because all the action is happening in courtrooms.” He points to continued legal filings regarding the SEC’s climate disclosure rules, which were finalized in March 2024 and then abandoned by the Trump administration, but have not been formally rescinded.

The U.S. is not the only place where there is uncertainty regarding mandatory sustainability reporting, with the European Parliament moving to reduce reporting requirements for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). While some of these rules are already in force or entering phased implementation, future reporting requirements and timetables may change.

Our other Top Story this issue is an op-ed in Sustainability Online by Juanjo Mestre, CEO of Dcycle, an environmental software company based in Madrid. Mestre says that doing away with mandatory ESG reporting risks setting back businesses years, saying, “back tracking on work that has been years in the making comes at a cost.”

Mestre states: “The world’s largest investors and supply chains are already demanding robust environmental disclosures, not because of regulation, but because it’s how they assess resilience and value creation.”

He argues that recent uncertainty about mandatory reporting “shouldn’t be viewed by businesses as reasons to delay ESG reporting efforts,” but instead as an opportunity to “build smarter systems and get ahead.”

Both of the authors of our Top Stories agree that regulations will continue to change but that companies must continue to focus on having strong ESG data gathering and reporting systems. According to Talking Logistics, “The regulatory landscape may be noisy and unpredictable, but that’s all the more reason to stay focused on what you can control — improving visibility, strengthening collaboration, and modernizing the systems that support both.”

The G&A team continues to closely monitor the uncertain regulatory environment and keep you updated on changes to sustainability reporting requirements. As always, we are available to help your company take action to ensure that you have the best systems in place to efficiently gather and report your data. Reach out to us at info@ga-institute.com.

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

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

In 2025, Aflac celebrated 70 years of being there for policyholders when they need us most. From humble beginnings in Columbus, Georgia, to becoming an international Fortune 500 powerhouse and a household name, Aflac’s journey is a testament to innovation and a commitment to protecting policyholders.

Founded on Nov. 17, 1955, by principal founder John Amos and his brothers Paul and Bill Amos, the company began as the American Family Life Insurance Company of Columbus. It quickly identified a niche in supplemental insurance as a pioneer of cancer insurance in 1957, a bold and trailblazing move that would help define its legacy.

Throughout the decades that followed, Aflac continued its ongoing legacy by expanding offerings, entering the Japan market, and introducing the Aflac Duck, a global cultural icon that drove brand recognition to where about nine out of 10 people recognize the Aflac brand.

For seven decades, Aflac has remained a company that leads with heart. Watch the video below to learn how Aflac has enriched the lives of millions of policyholders, shareholders, sales agents and brokers, as well as childhood cancer and blood disorder patients and their families.

Visit Aflac.com to learn more about the pivotal moments in the company’s rich history.

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, December 18, 2025 /3BL/ – Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), the world’s largest express transportation company, joined the Emirates Environmental Group’s (EEG) annual “For Our Emirates We Plant” campaign, with more than 45 FedEx team members volunteering to plant native Ghaf trees in Al Shareea Forest, Abu Dhabi. The initiative contributes to local greening and biodiversity restoration efforts by planting approximately 650 trees to help absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality, and provide vital habitats for pollinators that sustain the ecosystem. This effort supports the nation’s reforestation goals and complements the UAE’s ‘Year of Community’, which encourages volunteerism and environmental action.

“At FedEx, we believe a healthier planet means a stronger future for everyone,” said Taarek Hinedi, vice president of FedEx Middle East and Africa operations. “Beyond reducing our own environmental footprint, we are committed to supporting community initiatives that protect ecosystems and create greener, more resilient cities across the UAE.”

Alongside the tree planting, FedEx team members also took part in a community clean-up at the site, collecting litter and promoting responsible waste management using biodegradable bags. The activity brought team members together to care for the environment while helping preserve the natural landscape.

The initiative is part of FedEx Cares, the company’s global community engagement program that focuses on advancing sustainability and strengthening communities. Through the global Picture Proof of Planting photo-driven sustainability initiative, more than 2,000 FedEx team members worldwide have planted native trees, restored green spaces, and helped communities build resilience.

Studies show that restoring forested areas globally could absorb up to 2.2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually^[1], highlighting the collective impact of volunteer action globally. Since 2005, FedEx has donated over US $22 million toward conservation and mobilized thousands of volunteers around the world.

For more information about FedEx sustainability efforts and its commitment to a more environmentally responsible future, please click here.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

^[1] ‘Win-win’: new maps reveal best opportunities for global reforestation

The Gaziano Awards selection committee has selected the finalists for the 2025 Frank J. Gaziano High School Scholarship and Awards. The list of six finalists consists of three defensive linemen and three offensive linemen from high schools across the state. Two winners will be announced Friday, January 23, 2026. The winners receive a trophy and $5,000, funded by National Distributors. Four runners-up will receive a trophy and $1,000, funded by KeyBank.

The Gaziano Awards are the largest high school scholarships of their kind in the country and honor the memory of the late Frank J. Gaziano, a college All-American and professional football player who founded National Distributors Inc. in South Portland.

Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive Lineman Finalists: 

Joe Hayden – Mt. Blue High School

Joe Hayden of Mt. Blue High School has been a four-year starter and two-year team captain. On the field, Hayden demonstrated leadership, discipline and consistency. In the classroom he maintained a 3.9 GPA and earned membership in the National Honor Society. Head Coach Craig Collins said, “Joseph is a natural leader whose work ethic set the standard for those around him. He exemplifies our core values—family first, then academics and then football—and serves as an exceptional role model for our younger athletes and entire school community.”

Collin Thompson – Thornton Academy

Collin Thompson of Thornton Academy was a three-year starter and senior captain. He helped lead the Trojans to consecutive state championships while maintaining a 3.66 GPA and earning recognition on the SMAA All-Academic Team. Athletic Director Lance Johnson said, “Collin is a kind person and a great teammate who personifies the characteristics educators and coaches look for in young adults. His humility, sense of humor and leadership have a positive impact on everyone around him.”

Colin Haigh – Portland High School

Colin Haigh of Portland High School was named the SMAA Class A North Offensive Lineman of the Year. Haigh balanced his athletic achievements with academic excellence, maintaining a 94 GPA while completing four Advanced Placement courses and eleven Honors courses. Head Coach Nick Cliche stated, “Colin is consistently reliable, accountable and dedicated in everything he does. His work ethic in the classroom and commitment to volunteering with youth football and local community events speak volumes about his character.”

Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Defensive Lineman Finalists:

Griffin Faulkner – Old Town High School

Griffin Faulkner was a dominant force on the defensive line. Faulkner complemented his athletic success with academic excellence, maintaining a 95.7 GPA while completing four Advanced Placement courses and serving as a mentor to youth players in his community. Head Coach David Gross said, “Griffin represents Old Town High School with pride, humility and heart. He consistently takes the initiative to support younger teammates and strengthen our team culture, truly exemplifying the values of this prestigious award.”

John Havu V – Bonny Eagle High School

John Havu V was a nose guard who played through significant injury, displaying resilience and leadership as a team captain. He maintained a 4.04 weighted GPA, earned SMAA All-Academic honors and demonstrated exceptional toughness both on and off the field. Head Coach Kevin Cooper said, “John’s leadership set the tone for our program. His ability to battle through adversity without making excuses speaks volumes about his character, and he is a model of what a true student-athlete should be.”

Jangmin Lee – Thornton Academy

Jangmin Lee was a First Team All-Conference defensive tackle. Lee maintained a 3.98 GPA while completing five Advanced Placement courses and was a key contributor to Thornton Academy’s 2025 State Championship team through his discipline, work ethic and attention to detail. Head Coach Kevin Kezal stated, “Jangmin is driven, dependable and relentlessly hardworking. He gives his best effort in every situation and has grown into a true difference-maker on the field and a respected leader within our program.”

About the Gaziano Awards

The Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Awards serve as a living tribute to Frank Gaziano’s legacy as an athlete, businessman and community leader. With continued support from National Distributors and KeyBank, the program recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate perseverance, discipline and integrity both on and off the field. Following final interviews, the 2025 Offensive and Defensive Lineman Award recipients will be announced in late January 2026.

For more information on the scholarship program, visit gazianolinemanawards.org.

The Gaziano Awards selection committee has selected the finalists for the 2025 Frank J. Gaziano High School Scholarship and Awards. The list of six finalists consists of three defensive linemen and three offensive linemen from high schools across the state. Two winners will be announced Friday, January 23, 2026. The winners receive a trophy and $5,000, funded by National Distributors. Four runners-up will receive a trophy and $1,000, funded by KeyBank.

The Gaziano Awards are the largest high school scholarships of their kind in the country and honor the memory of the late Frank J. Gaziano, a college All-American and professional football player who founded National Distributors Inc. in South Portland.

Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive Lineman Finalists: 

Joe Hayden – Mt. Blue High School

Joe Hayden of Mt. Blue High School has been a four-year starter and two-year team captain. On the field, Hayden demonstrated leadership, discipline and consistency. In the classroom he maintained a 3.9 GPA and earned membership in the National Honor Society. Head Coach Craig Collins said, “Joseph is a natural leader whose work ethic set the standard for those around him. He exemplifies our core values—family first, then academics and then football—and serves as an exceptional role model for our younger athletes and entire school community.”

Collin Thompson – Thornton Academy

Collin Thompson of Thornton Academy was a three-year starter and senior captain. He helped lead the Trojans to consecutive state championships while maintaining a 3.66 GPA and earning recognition on the SMAA All-Academic Team. Athletic Director Lance Johnson said, “Collin is a kind person and a great teammate who personifies the characteristics educators and coaches look for in young adults. His humility, sense of humor and leadership have a positive impact on everyone around him.”

Colin Haigh – Portland High School

Colin Haigh of Portland High School was named the SMAA Class A North Offensive Lineman of the Year. Haigh balanced his athletic achievements with academic excellence, maintaining a 94 GPA while completing four Advanced Placement courses and eleven Honors courses. Head Coach Nick Cliche stated, “Colin is consistently reliable, accountable and dedicated in everything he does. His work ethic in the classroom and commitment to volunteering with youth football and local community events speak volumes about his character.”

Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Defensive Lineman Finalists:

Griffin Faulkner – Old Town High School

Griffin Faulkner was a dominant force on the defensive line. Faulkner complemented his athletic success with academic excellence, maintaining a 95.7 GPA while completing four Advanced Placement courses and serving as a mentor to youth players in his community. Head Coach David Gross said, “Griffin represents Old Town High School with pride, humility and heart. He consistently takes the initiative to support younger teammates and strengthen our team culture, truly exemplifying the values of this prestigious award.”

John Havu V – Bonny Eagle High School

John Havu V was a nose guard who played through significant injury, displaying resilience and leadership as a team captain. He maintained a 4.04 weighted GPA, earned SMAA All-Academic honors and demonstrated exceptional toughness both on and off the field. Head Coach Kevin Cooper said, “John’s leadership set the tone for our program. His ability to battle through adversity without making excuses speaks volumes about his character, and he is a model of what a true student-athlete should be.”

Jangmin Lee – Thornton Academy

Jangmin Lee was a First Team All-Conference defensive tackle. Lee maintained a 3.98 GPA while completing five Advanced Placement courses and was a key contributor to Thornton Academy’s 2025 State Championship team through his discipline, work ethic and attention to detail. Head Coach Kevin Kezal stated, “Jangmin is driven, dependable and relentlessly hardworking. He gives his best effort in every situation and has grown into a true difference-maker on the field and a respected leader within our program.”

About the Gaziano Awards

The Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Awards serve as a living tribute to Frank Gaziano’s legacy as an athlete, businessman and community leader. With continued support from National Distributors and KeyBank, the program recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate perseverance, discipline and integrity both on and off the field. Following final interviews, the 2025 Offensive and Defensive Lineman Award recipients will be announced in late January 2026.

For more information on the scholarship program, visit gazianolinemanawards.org.