Tag: 3BL

DP World’s Without Logistics: Technology Edition report reveals a critical inflection point for data center operators: logistics disruptions are no longer rare anomalies – they are recurring, high-impact threats that erode uptime, customer trust, and competitiveness. According to the report, the average logistics incident costs technology companies nearly US$1 million and contributes to more than US$16 billion in annual sector-wide losses.

For data center environments – where thousands of unique components, spare parts, and high-value assets must move flawlessly across global networks – these vulnerabilities translate directly into operational downtime. Our research into disruptions between 2022 and 2025 highlights the challenge:

• 87% of companies report more customer complaints after logistics disruptions
• 66% have lost contracts or business due to supply chain failures
• 50% lose more than a month of operations in disrupted years
• 59% lose more than a month of operations in disrupted years

But the report also makes one thing clear: resilience is achievable. Companies that integrate logistics across six or more areas – from inbound parts management to warehousing, last-mile delivery, and ESG-aligned practices – see 40% lower disruption costs and 38% faster recovery times.

For data center operators racing to scale capacity and support the next generation of AI infrastructure, treating logistics as core infrastructure – not an afterthought – is now essential.

Call to Action

Download Without Logistics: Technology Edition now to understand the hidden risks facing data center supply chain – and learn how integrated logistics can accelerate deployments, reduce downtime, and build long-term resilience.

This is the playbook for data center leaders preparing for the next era of AI-driven, always-on infrastructure.

COLUMBIA, S.C., December 8, 2025 /3BL/ – South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers and State Senator Russell Ott announced a new grant program to help South Carolina’s farming industry. The Wells Fargo Foundation is providing $600,000 to the South Carolina Research Authority to fund the Cultivating Innovation in SC Agribusiness grant program. The grants are designed to accelerate growth and foster groundbreaking innovation in the state’s farming industry. “We are proud to support South Carolina’s small agribusinesses as they innovate and grow,” said Wells Fargo Foundation VP of Philanthropy and Community Impact Pam Bryant. “This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening rural communities and advancing sustainable economic development through agriculture.”

“South Carolina’s agribusiness sector is the backbone of our state’s economy, and innovation is the key to keeping it strong and competitive,” said SCRA Interim President and CEO Bill Kirkland. “Thanks to the Wells Fargo Foundation’s generous support, we can equip small farmers and agribusiness owners with the resources, training, and capital they need to turn bold ideas into reality.”

SCRA will administer the grants in partnership with the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers and other key collaborators. “The program will provide intensive training, expert mentorship, and one-time innovation grants of up to $30,000 to competitively selected small agribusinesses,” said SCRA Senior Investment Manager Mitch Smith. “The funding enables participants to develop and implement novel products, services, processes, practices, or technology adoptions that create tangible value for their operations and the state’s agricultural economy.”

Eligible businesses must be for-profit businesses operating in the agricultural sector, headquartered in South Carolina for at least one tax year, and meet U.S. Small Business Administration size standards. Grant funds may be used for project-specific expenses, including labor, working capital, research and development, equipment and technology, supplies, professional services, and marketing.

Selected participants will benefit from:

• Five targeted webinars on innovation strategy, AI tools, market validation, financial planning, intellectual property protection, and scaling
• Personalized consulting from SC SBDC advisors and SCRA
• Access to an expert mentorship pool

Key program dates:

• Application Launch: December 1, 2025
• Application Deadline: February 2, 2026
• Cohort Notification: February 5, 2026
• Program Start: February 12, 2026

Interested businesses are encouraged to visit scaginnovation.com or contact jimmymj@mailbox.sc.edu for more information and to begin the application process.

South Carolina Research Authority

Chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina as a public, nonprofit corporation, South Carolina Research Authority fuels the state’s innovation economy through the impact of its comprehensive services to technology-based startups, academia, and industry. 

South Carolina Small Business Development Centers  

The SC SBDC provides no-cost consulting, low-cost training, and resources to help small businesses start, grow, and thrive.

Media Contact:

Adrianne Grimes, Director of Marketing & Communications
South Carolina Research Authority
Adrianne.Grimes@scra.org  

COLUMBIA, S.C., December 8, 2025 /3BL/ – South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers and State Senator Russell Ott announced a new grant program to help South Carolina’s farming industry. The Wells Fargo Foundation is providing $600,000 to the South Carolina Research Authority to fund the Cultivating Innovation in SC Agribusiness grant program. The grants are designed to accelerate growth and foster groundbreaking innovation in the state’s farming industry. “We are proud to support South Carolina’s small agribusinesses as they innovate and grow,” said Wells Fargo Foundation VP of Philanthropy and Community Impact Pam Bryant. “This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening rural communities and advancing sustainable economic development through agriculture.”

“South Carolina’s agribusiness sector is the backbone of our state’s economy, and innovation is the key to keeping it strong and competitive,” said SCRA Interim President and CEO Bill Kirkland. “Thanks to the Wells Fargo Foundation’s generous support, we can equip small farmers and agribusiness owners with the resources, training, and capital they need to turn bold ideas into reality.”

SCRA will administer the grants in partnership with the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers and other key collaborators. “The program will provide intensive training, expert mentorship, and one-time innovation grants of up to $30,000 to competitively selected small agribusinesses,” said SCRA Senior Investment Manager Mitch Smith. “The funding enables participants to develop and implement novel products, services, processes, practices, or technology adoptions that create tangible value for their operations and the state’s agricultural economy.”

Eligible businesses must be for-profit businesses operating in the agricultural sector, headquartered in South Carolina for at least one tax year, and meet U.S. Small Business Administration size standards. Grant funds may be used for project-specific expenses, including labor, working capital, research and development, equipment and technology, supplies, professional services, and marketing.

Selected participants will benefit from:

• Five targeted webinars on innovation strategy, AI tools, market validation, financial planning, intellectual property protection, and scaling
• Personalized consulting from SC SBDC advisors and SCRA
• Access to an expert mentorship pool

Key program dates:

• Application Launch: December 1, 2025
• Application Deadline: February 2, 2026
• Cohort Notification: February 5, 2026
• Program Start: February 12, 2026

Interested businesses are encouraged to visit scaginnovation.com or contact jimmymj@mailbox.sc.edu for more information and to begin the application process.

South Carolina Research Authority

Chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina as a public, nonprofit corporation, South Carolina Research Authority fuels the state’s innovation economy through the impact of its comprehensive services to technology-based startups, academia, and industry. 

South Carolina Small Business Development Centers  

The SC SBDC provides no-cost consulting, low-cost training, and resources to help small businesses start, grow, and thrive.

Media Contact:

Adrianne Grimes, Director of Marketing & Communications
South Carolina Research Authority
Adrianne.Grimes@scra.org  

Entergy recently partpated in EmPOWERing Pro Bono Day, an industry-wide service initiative providing free legal support to low-income and vulnerable residents. Partnering with Jones Walker LLP, Baker Botts L.L.P., the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, and four local judges, Entergy hosted a Driver’s License Restoration Clinic at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles in New Orleans. The clinic offered no-cost assistance to residents addressing issues that prevent the reinstatement of their driver’s licenses.

“For many individuals, a suspended license is more than an inconvenience – it’s a barrier to work, childcare and daily stability,” said Daniel Falstad, senior vice president, general counsel and secretary at Entergy. “Being able to provide that support and to see people leave with real solutions in hand reinforces the importance of partnerships like this to our community.”

The clinic served 82 residents from Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, providing guidance on documentation challenges, fines, and legal matters that can delay license reinstatement. Attendees reported that the reinstatement of their license would relieve financial and emotional burdens, restore independence, and open pathways to employment. Many participants left the clinic feeling relieved and empowered with renewed independence.

“Restoring a driver’s license can be life-changing for anyone who needs transportation for work, school and daily responsibilities,” said Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO at Entergy New Orleans. “We are committed to partnering with community organizations whose mission includes removing obstacles that stand in the way of economic opportunity.”

Entergy is a national leader in corporate pro bono work. It became the first U.S. company to hire a full-time pro bono counsel in 2018 and remains one of only three with dedicated in-house pro bono leadership. Since 2012, Entergy attorneys have contributed over 22,000 hours of legal service—an in-kind investment exceeding $6.1 million. Their work supports a broad range of needs, including life-planning documents for first responders, FEMA claims, veterans’ benefits, family law matters, affidavits to help families with home ownership and assistance for nonprofits and minority- and women-owned small businesses.

We extend our appreciation to the legal professionals who volunteered from Entergy, Jones Walker LLP and Baker Botts L.L.P., the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles team, and the participating judges whose service made the clinic possible. Through collaboration with valued community partners, Entergy will continue to advance initiatives that promote financial mobility and improve quality of life for its customers.

Learn more about our pro bono efforts here.

About Entergy New Orleans

Entergy New Orleans, LLC provides electricity to approximately 209,000 customers in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Entergy New Orleans is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergyneworleans.com and connect with @EntergyNOLA on social media.

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Entergy recently partpated in EmPOWERing Pro Bono Day, an industry-wide service initiative providing free legal support to low-income and vulnerable residents. Partnering with Jones Walker LLP, Baker Botts L.L.P., the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, and four local judges, Entergy hosted a Driver’s License Restoration Clinic at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles in New Orleans. The clinic offered no-cost assistance to residents addressing issues that prevent the reinstatement of their driver’s licenses.

“For many individuals, a suspended license is more than an inconvenience – it’s a barrier to work, childcare and daily stability,” said Daniel Falstad, senior vice president, general counsel and secretary at Entergy. “Being able to provide that support and to see people leave with real solutions in hand reinforces the importance of partnerships like this to our community.”

The clinic served 82 residents from Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, providing guidance on documentation challenges, fines, and legal matters that can delay license reinstatement. Attendees reported that the reinstatement of their license would relieve financial and emotional burdens, restore independence, and open pathways to employment. Many participants left the clinic feeling relieved and empowered with renewed independence.

“Restoring a driver’s license can be life-changing for anyone who needs transportation for work, school and daily responsibilities,” said Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO at Entergy New Orleans. “We are committed to partnering with community organizations whose mission includes removing obstacles that stand in the way of economic opportunity.”

Entergy is a national leader in corporate pro bono work. It became the first U.S. company to hire a full-time pro bono counsel in 2018 and remains one of only three with dedicated in-house pro bono leadership. Since 2012, Entergy attorneys have contributed over 22,000 hours of legal service—an in-kind investment exceeding $6.1 million. Their work supports a broad range of needs, including life-planning documents for first responders, FEMA claims, veterans’ benefits, family law matters, affidavits to help families with home ownership and assistance for nonprofits and minority- and women-owned small businesses.

We extend our appreciation to the legal professionals who volunteered from Entergy, Jones Walker LLP and Baker Botts L.L.P., the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles team, and the participating judges whose service made the clinic possible. Through collaboration with valued community partners, Entergy will continue to advance initiatives that promote financial mobility and improve quality of life for its customers.

Learn more about our pro bono efforts here.

About Entergy New Orleans

Entergy New Orleans, LLC provides electricity to approximately 209,000 customers in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Entergy New Orleans is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergyneworleans.com and connect with @EntergyNOLA on social media.

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ATLANTA, December 8, 2025 /3BL/ – On November 8, 2025, The National Center for Civil and Human Rights officially reopened its doors after completing a $57.9 million expansion. Georgia-Pacific provided $1 million in funding to the Center’s campaign in 2022, along with in-kind support through our industry-leading building products and GP PRO hygiene solutions.

The company has long supported the Center; currently Curley Dossman, president of community programs at Georgia-Pacific and vice president of the Koch Companies Community Fund, serves as secretary on the museum’s board.

The expansion adds 24,000 square feet of new space, including six new galleries, one updated gallery, three classrooms, flexible event and meeting areas and interactive experiences designed to connect history to current pressing issues.

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum and cultural organization that inspires the changemaker in each of us. Opened in 2014, the Center connects the history of civil rights in America to the global human rights movement around the world today. The exhibitions highlight people who have worked to protect rights and who model how individuals create positive change. Learn more about the Center here.

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San Diego, Calif., December 8, 2025 /3BL/ – STEM Next Opportunity Fund today announced a new strategy that will expand access to artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging-technology learning through afterschool and summer programs nationwide. With leadership support from Qualcomm Incorporated, STEM Next is now piloting a multi-state project in Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia that equips afterschool educators to integrate AI literacy into their programming. 

Educators will build foundational AI literacy and lead youth in applying it to real-world projects, such as designing solutions to community challenges or analyzing local data, while helping them understand and reflect on the ethical implications of how AI is used. Insights from the pilot will inform a scalable national model.

The effort positions afterschool and summer learning as critical infrastructure in the nation’s strategy to build AI literacy and workforce readiness amid rapid technological advancement. This is a key initiative of STEM Next’s Next Level Tech Center of Excellence, of which Qualcomm is a founding partner. 

“AI is transforming every part of our lives, and every young person deserves the chance to understand and shape that future,” said Ron Ottinger, Executive Director of STEM Next Opportunity Fund. “Afterschool and summer programs are powerful hands-on learning environments that center mentorship and teamwork, giving youth guided support to apply technology creatively and responsibly to address real-world challenges. With Qualcomm’s collaboration, we’re ensuring that afterschool and summer learning is part of the national strategy to equip youth with AI literacy and future-ready skills.”

About STEM Next Opportunity Fund

STEM Next Opportunity Fund is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to making STEM learning more engaging, effective, and widely available to all youth across the nation through afterschool and summer programs. With more than a decade of experience and a network of afterschool leaders in every state, STEM Next has reached more than 12.5 million youth and supported more than 390,000 afterschool and summer program educators. Through its signature efforts—the Flight Crew and the Institute for a STEM Ready America— STEM Next helps more young people build the curiosity, confidence, and skills they need for whatever comes next. Learn more at stemnext.org. 

 

KeyBank recently contributed $5,000 to FeedMore WNY in support of the annual “Food 2 Families” food drive with WGRZ-TV. This initiative plays a vital role to help combat food insecurity across Western New York through FeedMore WNY’s efforts to provide reliable access to meals and groceries for those in need.

“Food security is essential to the health and dignity of every family in Western New York, and the holiday season often brings added challenges for those struggling to put meals on the table,” said Chiwuike Owunwanne, KeyBank Buffalo Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations Officer. “KeyBank is proud to support FeedMore WNY through the Food 2 Families campaign, helping ensure that no neighbor goes hungry. We understand the hardships many families face this time of year, and we’re committed to doing our part to ease those burdens.”

Through its food bank distribution center and partner hunger-relief agencies, as well as its home-delivery meal program and other targeted feeding programs, FeedMore WNY alleviates hunger and assists community members of all ages throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties.

By Webster Bank

Ready to make a big impact this holiday season? It starts by shopping small.

By supporting local small businesses this holiday season, you can find unique gifts and services while creating opportunities for local businesses in the neighborhoods where we live and work.

Webster Bank understands the importance of economic development and our Inclusive Vendor Engagement Program was created to champion small, local, and diverse suppliers in our communities.

Whether you’re purchasing gifts for friends and family, or for business clients, Webster is highlighting these small businesses in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island to make your holiday shopping easier this season and beyond.

PURE by Shasha was born from the love between a mother and child right in her family kitchen, where she doubles as a homeschooling teacher. Sensitive enough for little ones, PURE products are created with organic, cruelty-free ingredients, and never tested on animals. Shasha offers crystal-infused aromatherapy products designed to soothe the skin, calm the mind, uplift the spirit and bring bliss to your wellness routine.

New for this upcoming holiday season: Curated gift sets available in Norwalk, Connecticut’s SONO Collection store and online range from minis priced at $22 (perfect when you just need a little token of appreciation) to $222 (for when you want to gift one of everything!) and price points in between. Visit www.PureByShasha.com to start gifting.

Biens Chocolate Centerpieces led by Geraldine Keogh and Lindsay Smith is a Women’s Business Enterprise National Council-certified business creating bespoke chocolates that reflect a commitment to quality, creativity and the power of a thoughtful gift. You’re not just choosing a gift; you’re selecting a piece of art, a moment of delight and a pledge to sustainability and social responsibility.

New for this holiday season: Meet & Treat is a new line made with sustainable sugarcane and custom gift options include chocolate covered pretzel bits, chocolate cake truffles and chocolate bark and prices range from $19.95 to $24.95. Biens offers private labeling, thoughtful packaging and custom holiday messages and nationwide delivery to thank everyone on your list. To learn more, visit www.BiensCC.com.

New England Promotional Marketing is a Wilbraham, Massachusetts-based women-owned business that provides promotional products like apparel, desk accessories, bags and thoughtful gifts that are the perfect way to build your brand, whether you’re rebranding, planning an event or simply launching a marketing campaign. Launched in 1989 by Kathy Selvia, the company is now run by her daughter Amy Selvia Smith. They are experts at corporate gifts for year-end giving.

New for the holidays: A new, improved website is on its way, with an updated platform that makes it easy to explore what’s new and trending, and shop over one million items to find something creative for even the hardest to impress.

Spectrum Designs creates custom apparel and promotional products and meaningful employment for adults on the autism spectrum. What started in a backyard barn in Port Washington, NY, has grown into a nationally recognized model for inclusion in the workplace and now employs more than 80 people, nearly 70% of whom are on the autism spectrum. Spectrum Designs has been at the forefront of changing the narrative about the capabilities of autistic and neurodiverse individuals — proving that inclusivity and innovation go hand-in-hand, and that “the best things can be done” when diverse talents are embraced.

This holiday season, shoppers can visit Spectrum’s online store for gifts that give back—unique apparel and accessories designed and produced entirely in-house by Spectrum’s neurodiverse team, each carrying a message of acceptance, positivity, and purpose. All proceeds benefit Spectrum Designs Foundation and its mission of hiring and retaining an inclusive and integrated workforce. To learn more, visit https://www.spectrumdesigns.org/

Boston-based Choc-Allure creates Chocolate Jewels™, miniature, multi-layered French pâtisserie-inspired confections, where every element, from ethically sourced ingredients to precise flavor layering, reflects the same meticulous attention to detail hosts bring to every holiday.

For the winter holidays, a limited-edition Advent Calendar, featuring 24 days of hand-crafted Chocolate Jewels™, plus whimsical treats like milk and cookies snowmen, hot chocolate and marshmallow penguins, and caramel-crunch gingerbread men, alongside a hot chocolate kit with handmade vanilla bean marshmallows and salted caramel. Go to www.choc-allure.com for more.

This holiday season, make an impact by supporting local businesses. Your purchases can help strengthen our communities and bring originality to every gift. Small choices can lead to meaningful change, all year long.

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SINGAPORE, December 8, 2025 /3BL/ – Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, collaborated with international nonprofit Rise Against Hunger (RAH) in Singapore to prepare 30,000 nutritious meals for families in need in Cambodia.

The meal-packing event, held at the FedEx Singapore’s Techlink office, marked the company’s first collaboration with RAH locally. A total of 147 FedEx team members volunteered across three shifts, contributing 162 hours to measure, pack, and seal meals that will be distributed to families experiencing food insecurity.

According to the World Food Programme, 22 per cent of children under the age of five in Cambodia are stunted due to malnutrition, and 16 per cent of households cannot afford a nutritious diet. RAH addresses these challenges by empowering communities, nourishing lives, and responding to emergencies in over 30 countries worldwide.

This event is part of a growing series of FedEx Cares initiatives in Singapore, including support for Club Rainbow — organising a Zoo excursion and a sustainability-themed carnival — and a collaboration with Zero Waste SG on its ‘Sort It Out’ campaign, where employees led a recycling awareness drive in Queenstown to introduce the newly established Recycling Hub and promote recycling habits.

Earlier this year, FedEx received the CARES Distinction Award from AmCham Singapore, for the fifth consecutive year, recognising its sustained positive impact on local communities.

Through volunteerism, in‑kind shipping, and charitable giving, FedEx leverages its people, network expertise, and resources to support communities across Asia Pacific and beyond.

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