Tag: 3BL

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 25, 2025 /3BL/ – The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), a nonprofit organization that mobilizes philanthropy to support recovery from disasters, today announced $6.8 million in funding for community-led recovery efforts as part of the second round of grants from its Truist Foundation Western North Carolina Recovery and Resiliency Fund to support ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. This investment in recovery is part of Truist and Truist Foundation’s $725 million Truist Cares for Western North Carolina initiative.

“We know that when local communities and organizations are at the center of efforts to rebuild, leading the way with their knowledge and dedication, long-term recovery is more sustainable and effective,” said Patricia McIlreavy, President and CEO of CDP. “Thanks to Truist Foundation’s support, we are proud to stand alongside the people and organizations of Western North Carolina as recovery from Hurricane Helene continues. The strength and creativity of local leaders inspire us, and we are committed to supporting their vision for a recovery that includes everyone. Together, we can help ensure that every community has the resources and support it needs to rebuild and thrive.”

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina with damaging winds, unprecedented levels of flooding and landslides. The storm killed 108 people, including 100 from Western North Carolina, and destroyed dozens of homes, businesses, and other critical infrastructure in the area. A year later, the community continues to rebuild and experience the lasting impacts of Helene’s devastation, even as several encouraging recovery efforts are underway.

In January 2025, Truist Foundation announced the launch of CDP’s Truist Foundation Western North Carolina Recovery and Resiliency Fund, a partnership that is part of a $725 million commitment from Truist and Truist Foundation called Truist Cares for Western North Carolina. Through the Fund, CDP addresses medium- and long-term needs to help strengthen the region’s housing and small businesses. In June 2025, CDP announced that the first $3.3 million in grants had been awarded to four organizations actively leading recovery efforts.

“At Truist Foundation, we believe that community investment is most impactful when it’s rooted in the voices and leadership of local communities,” said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. “Guided by Truist’s purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities, we are proud to partner with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to support organizations that are driving long-term recovery across the region. This second round of grants reflects our continued commitment to helping Western North Carolina rebuild in ways that are inclusive, adaptive and forward-looking.”

CDP’s grantmaking is guided by its assessment of damages, systemic marginalization, community capacity and unmet needs to support the area’s equitable recovery.

Learn more about the Round 2 grantees below:

• Appalachian Community Capital Development Foundation was awarded $1 million to advance small business recovery and resilience in Western North Carolina through their connection to community development financial institutions (CFDIs) and direct small business grant opportunities. Funds will also support technical assistance and organizational infrastructure development to sustain operations and strengthen planning around future disasters.
• Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Commission Foundation received $250,000 for long-term economic recovery and small business resilience in Ashe, Avery and Watauga Counties. The funding will support direct subgrants and recovery training programs for small businesses.
• Carolina Farm Stewardship Association received $200,000 to support independent farmers through its Western North Carolina Food System Recovery and Resilience Initiative. Funding will support small business grant opportunities, technical assistance and tools and resources for farms impacted by Helene.
• Children and Families Resource Center received $100,000 to support long-term housing recovery and supportive services through their disaster case navigation program in Henderson County.
• Colaborativa La Milpa, as a fiscal sponsor for PODER Emma, received $500,000 for long-term housing recovery in the Carolina Wren Housing Cooperative in the unincorporated Buncombe County community of Emma. The funding will support mobile home replacement and refurbishment, first-time homebuyer education and economic recovery initiatives.
• High Country Caregiver Foundation received $350,000 to support housing repair and replacement in Avery, Mitchell and Yancey Counties. The funding will support dozens of families enrolled in the organization’s kinship care case management system by repairing heavily impacted homes, including mobile homes. The initiative aims to stabilize housing to allow families to remain together and more fully participate in the organization’s support programs.
• Madison Alliance for Rebuilding Communities, through fiscal sponsor Community Housing Coalition of Madison County, received $488,625 for its Rebuild and Fortification Program. The funding will support direct repairs, rebuilds and mitigation, along with associated case management services, in rural Madison County communities.
• Mennonite Disaster Service was awarded $300,000 to support the renovation of a church into a dormitory to house cohorts of up to 40 skilled volunteers who will deploy throughout the impacted region to repair and rebuild homes and private-access bridges.
• Mitchell County Development Foundation received $510,000 to advance small business recovery. The funding will support small business grant opportunities in Spruce Pine and throughout the county to allow businesses to reopen or sustain operations.
• MountainTrue was awarded $750,000 to support waterway cleanup in Helene-impacted waterways. The initiatives will support small businesses that drive the outdoor recreation economy, monitor and help restore river water quality, and enhance resiliency.
• The National Community Pharmacists Association Foundation received $300,000 to support independent community pharmacies throughout Western North Carolina as they recover from Helene. This funding will support equipment, technical assistance, certification and access to workforce development resources that will increase community resilience.
• Northwestern Housing Enterprises, Inc., also known as Northwestern Regional Housing Authority (NWRHA), received $750,000 for long-term housing recovery. Funding will support the development of two affordable-housing communities in Yancey and Avery Counties.
• Pisgah Legal Services received $400,000 to provide no-cost disaster-related legal services to survivors and eligible disaster-impacted nonprofit organizations across 18 counties in Western North Carolina.
• Swannanoa Communities Together, via fiscal sponsor Asheville Creative Arts, Inc., received $300,000 for housing recovery, case navigation services and community-led disaster recovery initiatives for the unincorporated Swannanoa Valley.
• Transylvania Habitat for Humanity received $585,000 for housing recovery and case navigation services in Transylvania County. The funding will support sustainable long-term housing by delivering disaster-resilient housing solutions and reinforcing community infrastructure.

CDP funds a wide range of critical programs in communities devastated by wildfires, hurricanes, flooding and other natural hazards, as well as humanitarian crises. These efforts include mental health initiatives, housing repair, food access and other essential services. CDP also offers free educational resources and advises corporations, foundations and individual donors to ensure that they can more effectively support equitable, community-led disaster preparedness and recovery.

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About the Center for Disaster Philanthropy

CDP mobilizes philanthropy to strengthen communities’ ability to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. It provides expert advice and educational resources, supports diverse coalitions and manages domestic and international disaster funds on behalf of corporations, foundations and individuals through targeted, holistic and localized grantmaking. Find out more at disasterphilanthropy.org and on X and LinkedIn.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the foundation’s leading initiatives — the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) programs are vital for safeguarding employees, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining uninterrupted business operations. Navigating the complexities of EHS regulations can be a formidable task. This guide cuts through the complexity, outlining the core elements of an effective EHS strategy and providing actionable insights to move your business toward proactive risk management.

Table of Contents

• Understanding EHS Regulations and Standards
• Building an Effective EHS Program
• Leveraging EHS Management Systems
• Compliance and Risk Management Strategies
• Strategies for Fostering an EHS-Focused Workplace Culture
• Emerging Trends in EHS

Understanding EHS Regulations and Standards

Establishing a strong EHS program starts with understanding the regulatory framework that governs workplace safety and environmental protection.

Overview of key regulatory bodies

While EHS regulations can vary by region and industry, several prominent organizations set the standard for environmental health and safety practices. Key regulatory bodies include:

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) focuses on ensuring employee well-being in the United States
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) addresses environmental protection and pollution prevention.
• For multinational organizations, aligning with international frameworks like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) can provide consistent guidance across global operations.

Navigating regulatory uncertainty: Why best practices matter

The EHS regulatory environment has always been subject to shifting political priorities, economic pressures, and public demands. In times of regulatory upheaval, businesses that maintain high EHS standards are better positioned to safeguard their workforce, protect surrounding communities, and maintain public trust.

Proactive EHS practices can:

• Reduce operational risks: Strong EHS protocols minimize the likelihood of incidents that could lead to reputational damage, legal penalties, or operational downtime.
• Strengthen employee retention and morale: Proactive EHS practices signal a commitment to employee well-being, boosting morale and reducing turnover.
• Preserve community trust: Companies that demonstrate environmental responsibility are more likely to build positive relationships with stakeholders and avoid public backlash.

To stay informed on evolving EHS regulations, businesses should designate a compliance lead or team responsible for tracking regulatory updates. Subscribing to updates from governing bodies such as OSHA, EPA, and ILO can provide timely insights. Industry associations often deliver guidance on best practices and regulatory trends, while EHS management software can automate compliance tracking and alert teams to important changes.

Related resources:

• Changes to Your Business? How to Know What Your Environmental, Health, and Safety Obligations Are
• OSHA Ramping Up Enforcement of Workplace Safety Violations

Building an Effective EHS Program

Developing an effective EHS program requires a structured, strategic approach. While the following is by no means a comprehensive plan, this list can act as a framework for building a highly effective EHS program:

Conduct a thorough EHS risk assessment

• Identify potential hazards in the workplace, including physical, chemical, ergonomic, and biological risks.
• Conduct site audits and employee interviews to uncover risks that may not be immediately obvious.
• Use risk assessment tools to prioritize threats based on severity and likelihood.

Related resources:

• Exploring Lab Safety: An Interactive Guide to Identifying and Managing EHS Hazards
• 7 Steps for Conducting Ergonomic Assessments in Lower-Risk Facilities
• Ensuring Workplace Safety: The Importance of Office Risk Assessments
• An EHS Checklist for Low-Risk Technology Facilities

Develop clear EHS policies and procedures

• Establish clear protocols for safety procedures, emergency response, and employee conduct.
• Ensure policies are well-documented, easily accessible, and consistently updated.
• Align EHS policies with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Related resource: The Complete Guide to Creating an EHS Policy

Establish emergency response and incident reporting processes

• Develop a detailed emergency response plan that outlines evacuation procedures, medical response protocols, and communication plans.
• Train employees on how to respond to emergencies through regular drills.
• Implement an incident reporting system to track and investigate workplace incidents.

Related resources:

• The Role of EHS in Workers’ Compensation and Workplace Incident Management
• Not If, But When: Is your emergency response plan adequate, and are you ready to respond?
• Emergency Incident Response Best Practices: 5 Key Strategies

Develop ongoing training programs

• Create interactive training sessions that engage employees and reinforce safety concepts.
• Tailor training to specific roles, ensuring workers understand the risks most relevant to their tasks.
• Provide refresher courses to ensure EHS knowledge remains top of mind.

Related resources:

• Adapting EHS Training for Engaging Learning in the Digital Age
• EHS Training Camp: 5 Tips to Sharpen Your Team’s Skills

Create KPIs to measure EHS efforts

• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) that track progress, such as incident rates, audit scores, and training completion rates.
• Use EHS data to identify trends and proactively address potential risks.

Related resource: Tips for Effectively Communicating ROI to Secure the EHS Budget You Need

Make EHS a core organizational value

• Encourage senior management to actively participate in EHS initiatives and communicate the importance of safety to all employees
• Foster a safety-first culture where employees feel empowered to report risks and suggest improvements.
• Highlight the role of leadership in driving accountability and ensuring long-term EHS success.

Related resources:

• Workplace Culture Surveys: How to Measure and Improve Employee Health and Well-Being
• EHSxTech: Fostering a Strong Company Culture Through EHS

Leveraging EHS Management Systems

EHS management systems provide structure for organizations to build, monitor, and improve EHS performance. These systems centralize critical safety data and streamline compliance reporting, enabling proactive risk management.

Key features often include incident tracking to document and investigate safety incidents, compliance management tools that track regulatory requirements and deadlines, and training management features that monitor employee certifications and training progress.

To evaluate the effectiveness of EHS software, businesses should track key performance indicators such as incident reduction rates, audit completion rates, and training completion metrics. Monitoring these metrics allows organizations to assess program success, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate compliance during regulatory reviews.

Related Resources:

• Steps to Build a World-Class Health and Safety Management System
• EHS Technology: Learn About Key Workplace Safety Innovations

Compliance and Risk Management Strategies

Integrating proactive risk management strategies with compliance efforts helps EHS teams create safer work environments while maintaining operational efficiency.

The importance of proactive risk management

Waiting until an incident occurs to address safety risks can lead to costly fines and, most importantly, harm to employees. Proactive risk management ensures that potential hazards are identified, evaluated, and mitigated before they escalate.

Part of this management approach involves staying ahead of regulatory changes. This ensures businesses are always prepared, minimizing the risk of enforcement actions or the need for last-minute compliance adjustments.

Perhaps most importantly, a strong risk management strategy supports business continuity, keeping operations running smoothly even in the face of regulatory shifts or unexpected disruptions.

Balancing compliance with broader organizational goals

EHS compliance should not be viewed as a standalone function but rather as a core component of your business. When safety and environmental initiatives reinforce corporate priorities such as sustainability or efficiency, they contribute to long-term success.

Compliance data can also serve as a valuable business tool, offering insights into operational inefficiencies and highlighting areas for improvement. When leadership actively prioritizes EHS, it reinforces a culture where safety becomes second nature rather than an obligation. Investing in scalable EHS solutions further strengthens compliance efforts to create a safer, more resilient workplace.

Related resource: Risk Management vs. Compliance: Key Differences & Strategic Impact

Strategies for Fostering an EHS-Focused Workplace Culture

A strong EHS program does more than protect employees—it also strengthens morale and retention. When workers see that their employer is committed to their well-being, they are more likely to feel valued and engaged.

How do leaders accomplish this?

• Lead by example: When executives and managers follow safety protocols and participate in EHS initiatives, it reinforces their importance.
• Encourage open communication: Creating a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting hazards or suggesting improvements helps prevent incidents before they occur.
• Recognize and reward safe behaviors: Acknowledging employees who prioritize safety reinforces a positive, proactive approach to EHS.
• Integrate EHS into onboarding and training: Ensuring new hires understand safety expectations from day one helps build long-term compliance.

In industries where there is a lot of competition for talent, a reputation for prioritizing workplace safety can also serve as a differentiator, attracting skilled professionals who seek a responsible and supportive employer.

Emerging Trends in EHS

As workplace risks evolve, organizations must stay ahead of emerging challenges that impact employee safety and environmental responsibility.

The impact of climate change on workplace safety

Extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and worsening air quality are introducing new hazards that demand proactive safety measures. Heatwaves increase the risk of heat stress for outdoor and industrial workers, severe storms and flooding can disrupt operations and create hazardous conditions, and air quality concerns from wildfires or industrial pollution make respiratory protection and indoor air quality management critical priorities.

Organizations must continually assess climate-related risks and adapt their EHS protocols to safeguard employees and maintain business continuity.

Related resource: Bring on the Heat: Get Ahead of Summer EHS Hazards

How sustainable practices combat those risks

As climate change spurs greater environmental threats, sustainability is becoming a core component of EHS programs, with businesses recognizing the need to minimize their environmental footprint while staying compliant with evolving regulations.

Many companies are reducing emissions, improving waste management, and adopting energy-efficient practices. Sustainable procurement policies, such as prioritizing eco-friendly materials and ethical supply chains, are also gaining traction. Businesses that integrate sustainability into their EHS programs will be better equipped to navigate both environmental challenges and regulatory pressures in the years ahead.

Related resource: Navigating EHS and Sustainability in 2025: What to Expect from the Incoming U.S. Administration

The rise of smart EHS technologies

Advancements in technology are transforming how organizations manage EHS programs, making compliance tracking, risk assessment, and incident prevention more efficient.

Some of the most impactful advancements in smart EHS technology are transforming workplace safety by providing real-time monitoring, predictive insights, and streamlined compliance management:

• Wearable safety devices: Smart helmets, biometric sensors, and connected PPE monitor worker health and alert teams to potential hazards in real time.
• AI-powered risk analytics: Predictive analytics tools analyze historical safety data to identify patterns and potential risks before incidents occur.
• IoT-enabled environmental monitoring: Sensors track air quality, temperature, and noise levels, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and improving worker conditions.
• Cloud-based compliance management: Digital platforms centralize regulatory requirements, training records, and incident reports, simplifying compliance tracking and reporting.

These technologies are helping organizations shift from reactive safety management to proactive risk mitigation.

Related resource: EHS Technology: Learn About Key Workplace Safety Innovations

Whether you’re refining your compliance strategy or exploring new technologies to enhance workplace safety, expert guidance can help you navigate the complexities of EHS management.

Learn more about EHS auditing and compliance best practices by visiting Antea Group’s EHS Auditing and Compliance page.

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

By Allison Stowell

Whether you have children starting a new school year or not, September brings “reset” vibes. We finally take on that stack of papers that was pushed aside to relish summer days. And we return to a regular pattern of grocery shopping and cooking as summer travel wanes. With wellness in mind, let’s embrace a fresh start this fall.

Menu Reset

The unofficial end of summer brings a menu shift. Maybe it’s due to the end of summer hours at work, the start of a school year, or less travel. Whatever the reason, it’s time to review the calendar and menu plan to match your new schedule. Return to regular grocery shopping. Choose new “ingredient prep” days—slice and dice fresh produce, and grill or roast proteins and vegetables. Keep whole grains and other starches in the pantry, and you’ll have everything you need to round out meals. Use these versatile ingredients to bring easy meals together as you adjust to a new schedule. And make meals easier with slow-cooked dishes and make-ahead meals.

Exercise Reset

It’s time to settle back into a pattern of regular fitness. This may mean a different approach than what has worked over the summer, especially for families adjusting to a new fall schedule. Remember that the priority is consistency and doing something most days of the week. If timing is tight, embrace fitness apps that make workouts more effective. You can use them at home, in the gym, or even on the sidelines of your child’s sports practice.

Nutrition Reset

This may be the perfect time to focus on your diet, especially if you enjoyed more take-out and seasonal treats this summer. Focus on meeting your nutrition goals as you shop and menu plan. For most of us, this means consuming less sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat. Rely on Guiding Stars to help. Guiding Stars evaluates food labels for you so you can quickly fill your cart with nutritious, star-earning foods that align with your goals. By doing so, you’ll be able to engage in a fresh start this fall with less effort and more ease.

Wellness Reset

Have other aspects of your wellness been neglected over the summer? Maybe it’s your sleep hygiene, regular stretching, hydration, or commitment to safely reducing stress. “Dry January” works for September too. If your summer pace was fun, but not centered around wellness, this is the moment to return to better balance.

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

*Image by Freepik

Technology has the power to transform lives, bridge opportunity gaps, and strengthen communities. At Cisco, our Purpose is to Power an Inclusive Future for All, building a more inclusive digital future where education and opportunity go hand in hand.

The urgency for skilled cybersecurity talent has never been greater. Recent research underscores this need: according to PwC’s Global Digital Trust Insights 2025, 65% of technology leaders in Brazil identify cyber risk as the top threat to manage—well above the global average. Meanwhile, Deloitte finds that 57% of global organizations plan to increase investment in digital security over the next two years.

Cisco’s Cyber Education program stand at the forefront of addressing this gap, preparing Brazil’s workforce for the challenges—and opportunities—of a digital era. The program is now celebrating its 11th edition and a landmark achievement: reaching one million students through Cisco Networking Academy.

A milestone year for cyber education

Cyber Education is a cornerstone of Cisco’s Brazil Digital and Inclusive initiative and the broader Cisco Networking Academy, which has touched more than 1,000,000 learners nationwide. Through the power of partnership—with educational institutions, government agencies, and industry leaders—we are building a talent pipeline that supports not only Brazil’s digital transformation but also the global cybersecurity ecosystem.

Within this overarching effort, the dedicated Cyber Education program, launched in 2020, has emerged as Brazil’s leading professional training initiative in cybersecurity. This multi-phase event brings together learners and educators from across Brazil to delve into cybersecurity basics and advanced concepts. To date, it has successfully equipped more than 8,000 professionals with the necessary skills to secure the nation’s digital future.

This year’s Cyber Education event is in full swing, with the first phase—the Cyber Education Marathon—running from September 1 to 21. During this, participants complete the “Cyber Threat Management” course, aimed at equipping learners with fundamental skills to identify, understand, and combat common cyber threats. Participants gain crucial insights into protecting digital assets and recognizing vulnerabilities in today’s interconnected world.

Those who succeed advance to compete for 1,500 professional training scholarships in sought-after fields like CCNA ITN (Introduction to Networks), a foundational course for understanding network infrastructure- a critical prerequisite for any aspiring cybersecurity professional. In addition to this is the CyberOps Associate certification, which trains individuals in the vital skills needed for cybersecurity operations, from monitoring and detecting threats to responding to incidents.

For many, this program is just the beginning of their cybersecurity journey. The crucial third phase actively connects graduates with strong job and internship opportunities with Cisco partners, customers, and more, helping to bridge the talent gap by placing qualified professionals directly into the workforce. Furthermore, the final stage of the program invests in training the next generation of instructors, creating a sustainable ecosystem that ensures continuous growth and impact of cybersecurity across Brazil for years to come.

To date, Cisco Brazil’s Cyber Education program has successfully placed over 1,500 students in job opportunities across the country, connecting them with 52 employability partners, including partners and customers.

To drive even greater participation and impact, Cyber Education rewards partner academies with the highest number of graduates across four key categories. This year, we’ll celebrate institutions that champion female participation in cybersecurity—a vital step toward a more inclusive future for all.

A win-win for learners, partners, and communities

For Cisco, Cyber Education is more than a program—it’s a shared commitment to lasting impact. By investing in skills, empowering talent, and opening doors to new careers, we are helping to shape a future where everyone can thrive.

As we embark on the 11th Marathon, Cisco and our partners are unlocking opportunities for individuals and communities alike proving that when technology meets Purpose, extraordinary things happen.

Learn more and register for the Cyber Education Marathon here. 

View original content here.

Las Vegas Sands

Marina Bay Sands held the 2025 Sands for Singapore Charity Festival Sept. 5-7 and raised more than $4 million for local charities and nonprofit organizations, bringing the total amount generated by the festival to over $35 million since its inception in 2013.

To commemorate Singapore’s 60th year of independence, the 11^th charity festival – themed Where Hearts Come Together – encompassed eight weeks of community engagement and creative fundraising activities that culminated in a weekend of entertainment, gourmet pop-ups by Marina Bay Sands’ signature restaurants, and booths presented by local nonprofits and social enterprises to raise funds for their causes at the resort’s Event Plaza.

Beneficiaries included the Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN), ART:DIS, Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA), Community Chest, Image Mission, Metta Welfare Association, Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD), The Food Bank Singapore, Touch Community Services and WE CARE Community Services.

These organizations address critical social needs, including food security, support and vocational training for people living with disabilities, empowerment of women to gain economic independence and treatment for people with addictions.

The festival opened Sept. 5 with performances by ART:DIS Cajon Musicians and APSN Student Dancers, who then joined in the festival’s official opening with Marina Bay Sands and Singaporean celebrity Glenn Yong. Later in the evening, Yong performed amid a symbolic activation that featured a sea of colorful lights representing hope and unity.

Throughout the festival, attendees enjoyed entertainment from local bands 53A, Jive Talkin’ and SuperSonic, as well as specially priced gourmet treats offered at pop-ups by the resort’s signature restaurants such as Black Tap and Bread Street Kitchen. Proceeds from the pop-ups benefited AWWA’s transitional shelter program.

In its fourth year, the festival’s Giving Marketplace featured handcrafted items, baked treats and lifestyle products created by the beneficiaries of 16 nonprofit organizations, social enterprises and small businesses, which retained proceeds to benefit their organizations.

An annual festival highlight is the Community Chest Heartstrings Walk, which drew over 3,000 participants, and the Race to the Sky Vertical Marathon in which 168 competitive racers ascended 57 stories up to the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck. Proceeds from these events are benefiting more than 200 programs supported by Community Chest, the philanthropic arm of Singapore’s National Council of Social Service.

New features added at the 2025 Sands for Singapore Charity Festival included The Sweet Collective, a charity dessert box that combined unique tarts from four of Marina Bay Sands’ signature restaurants – CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Maison Boulud, Origin + Bloom and WAKUDA Singapore. Dessert box sales began in late July, and proceeds supported vocational training programs for adults with special needs at the APSN Centre for Adults.

Another festival highlight was Play for a Cause, a life-sized digital game that Marina Bay Sands created to support The Food Bank Singapore’s mission of increasing food security. More than

1,000 food bundles assembled through game play were matched by Marina Bay Sands with physical food bundle donations to The Food Bank Singapore for people in need.

As in years past, Marina Bay Sands’ Team Members served as the engine behind the 2025 Sands for Singapore Charity Festival through their volunteer work over eight weeks of activities leading up to the festival as well as during festival weekend, resulting in more than 7,700 community service hours.

Team Member volunteer activities included befriending seniors on trishaw rides around Marina Bay to support the Cycling Without Age program, sewing blankets with beneficiaries from Singapore Red Cross, donating 50 cartons of new art supplies to support art therapy programs at 16 MINDS centers and assembling 30,000 hygiene kits as part of the 2025 Sands Cares Global Hygiene Kit Build with Clean the World.

These efforts increased the total number of volunteer hours contributed by Marina Bay Sands Team Members to more than 132,000 since the integrated resort’s opening in 2010.

“We are deeply heartened by the generosity of the public and our Team Members in rallying behind meaningful causes through the Sands for Singapore Charity Festival,” Paul Town, chief operating officer at Marina Bay Sands, said. “This strong show of collective support reflects the community’s enduring compassion and our long-term commitment. As Singapore goes beyond SG60, Marina Bay Sands will continue to deepen involvement in advancing social impact in Singapore through sustained philanthropic efforts and long-term community partnerships.”

The annual Sands for Singapore Charity Festival is the cornerstone of Marina Bay Sands’ charitable efforts and part of the global Sands Cares community engagement program, which orchestrates philanthropic giving, nonprofit capacity-building and Team Member volunteerism to ensure Sands’ regions remain great places to live, work and visit.

To learn more about the community endeavors spearheaded by Sands Cares, read the company’s latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/.

Yum! Brands

Since its founding in 1997, Yum! has been Serving Up Good with its brands by investing in initiatives that enable team members, employees and communities to thrive. Yum! remains committed to using its capital – financial and human – to reduce food insecurity and to help individuals gain the skills and capabilities they need to build meaningful careers. This series highlights both the stories of Yum! leaders who are driving meaningful change and shaping a better future for all, as well as the beneficiaries of the many community impact programs Yum! leads around the world.

When Andrew German was a sophomore, he dropped out of college, unable to pay for another semester. Since he wasn’t going to class, his aunt asked him to accompany her to their local Taco Bell for a job interview, serving as her translator. By the end of the interview, the manager was so impressed that both German and his aunt left with jobs.

Less than a year into his new role, German’s manager recalled how he often talked about practicing with a local dance company that he started outside of work and was aware of the obstacles that German faced with his first attempt at college. Taking both into consideration, she encouraged him to re-enroll in school and apply for the Live Más Scholarship to help make his educational goals possible. While this scholarship offers financial support for school, it’s a passion-based scholarship —applicants submit a video showcasing what they care about, rather than writing a traditional essay.

“My manager saw so much potential in me and encouraged me to apply,” German said. “After my first college experience, I didn’t feel very confident about going after new opportunities. But she truly believed in me and encouraged me to take the leap, so I did.”

A few weeks later, German’s manager asked to meet with him; he thought it was to interview for a shift lead position. But instead of an interview, she surprised him with a $25,000 Live Más Scholarship.

German is just one of over 3,000 Live Más scholars. Continue reading to learn how he advanced from a restaurant team member to an analyst with the Taco Bell Foundation, where he now manages the Live Más Scholarship program.

How did your experience as a Live Más Scholar help you understand the impact and mission of the Taco Bell Foundation?

I had never heard of the Taco Bell Foundation until I applied for the Live Más Scholarship, but I now know that the Taco Bell Foundation is on a mission to fuel bold ambitions, inspiring the next generation to Live Más.

The scholarship opens doors in fields like food, arts, trades and entrepreneurship by focusing on each recipient’s story, strengths and dreams. Live Más goes beyond financial aid, providing scholars with career resources, mentorship and connections with professionals to help achieve their goals.

As an employee managing this program, I’ve learned that everyone has talent and potential. We help individuals realize and utilize their abilities to grow. Our organization has the resources and expertise to make these experiences accessible to young people facing barriers.

Is it fair to say the foundation changed your life?

One thousand percent yes! After I was awarded the scholarship, the foundation kept me engaged with various opportunities that aligned with my love for dance, from a music video cameo to national campaign features.

The Live Más Scholarship offered numerous workshops and conferences where I met Taco Bell senior leadership, learned about internships and got a first look at corporate jobs, I’d have to say that the mentorship was my favorite part. As a Live Más scholar, I was mentored by Zach Trail from the People & Culture team. His story mirrored mine, and his guidance helped me silence my imposter syndrome. With his encouragement, and the support of Mikerra Spoon with the Talent Acquisition team, I applied for a role I was interested in at the corporate office. Although I didn’t get the first role I applied to, Mikerra thought I’d be a great fit for another open role with the Taco Bell Foundation and with Zach’s continued motivation, I tried again, and this time I got it! The program’s exposure and support were instrumental in my career growth, reinforcing my mantra, “Alone you can do so little, but together we can do so much.”

What key insights have you gained in your role that others should know?

While the Scholarship isn’t exclusively for Gen Z applicants, my close work with this generation — through my dance studio, youth-centered volunteer work, and professional relationships with restaurant team members — revealed clear gaps in how organizations connect with them. I saw an opportunity to ensure our program didn’t just include Gen Z but truly reflected and supported their needs. Rather than relying on outside interpretations, I’ve found the most effective insights come from direct engagement. By treating Gen Z as collaborators, not just recipients, we’ve been able to build a scholarship experience shaped by their voices — one that resonates across generations and is especially impactful for the next one.

Whether through a passion for dance or a dedication to inspiring the next generation, teaching is at the heart of what fuels German. You can support the journey of ambitious individuals, like him, aspiring to live their dreams, by donating to the Taco Bell Foundation Live Más Scholarship program.

Safety isn’t just a responsibility – it’s a promise. At DP World, this year’s Global Safety Day served as a powerful reminder of that truth. Building on last year’s theme, “Don’t Forget Why,” which saw employees receive heartfelt letters from loved ones, the 2025 campaign embraced a new message: “Every Day is Safety Day.”

The theme was inspired by one of those family letters, which read: “Today on Global Safety Day AND ON EVERY OTHER DAY AFTER THAT, please don’t forget why it’s so important to take care of them.” Those words underscore the real reason safety matters: the husbands, wives, children, siblings, and friends waiting for each of us to come home at the end of the day.

A Day of Connection and Reflection

On September 17, DP World executives fanned out across sites in the Americas to engage directly with employees. These conversations reinforced that safety is more than procedures – it’s about people, trust, and care.

A new video released for the occasion shows employees alongside their loved ones, spotlighting the personal “why” behind DP World’s relentless focus on safety. These intimate moments capture the essence of Global Safety Day: safety is not just a workplace value, but a life promise.

Introducing The Safety 7

To further embed this culture, DP World launched The Safety 7, a framework of seven actions guiding how safety is led across all business areas:

1. CARE for each other and embed safety into everything you do.
2. UNDERSTAND the commitments we live by and make sure you apply them every day.
3. LEAD safety discussions and encourage others to actively participate.
4. TALK about your concerns and ask questions with confidence.
5. USE Take time and Stop Work Authority processes to prevent harm.
6. RECOGNIZE your responsibility in keeping yourself and your coworkers safe.
7. ELIMINATE risks from unsafe conditions, unsafe behaviors, and unsafe mindsets.

These principles create accountability and awareness, ensuring safety is everyone’s responsibility – every day.

Safety in Action Across the Americas

The Safety 7 framework is already shaping change through investments in technology and training, including:

• Collision Prevention: Pedestrian detection systems at DP World Fraser Surrey, Canada, and a collision avoidance system for ITVs in Caucedo, Dominican Republic.
• Driver Awareness: Fatigue and distracted-driving cameras installed in ITVs across multiple sites.
• Equipment Safety: A 360-degree alert system for reach stackers in St. John, Canada, reducing blind spots.
• AI Innovation: A hazard identification platform piloted in Perris, CA, Palmetto, GA, and York, PA, using CCTV to continuously detect risks.
• Leadership Training: A bi-weekly safety training platform for contract logistics leaders across the Americas, ensuring consistent and continuous safety education.

These initiatives complement ongoing employee engagement efforts, such as workshops reviewing results of the dSS+ Safety Perception Survey in Posorja, Ecuador, and Santos, Brazil, with more sessions scheduled.

Building a Zero-Harm Culture

For DP World, safety is a journey toward zero harm. That journey depends on trust—between colleagues, leaders, and teams. It also means shifting from being compliance-focused to becoming collaborative partners in safety.

Safety isn’t just a job, it’s a promise. A promise to every family that their loved one will return home at the end of the day.

As Global Safety Day reminds us, safety is not one day on the calendar. At DP World, Every Day is Safety Day.

Learn more about our global safety culture here.

Lenovo’s strategic focus on “Lenovo powers Lenovo” harnesses AI, infrastructure and sustainability to enhance the performance and resilience of its global supply chain

September 25, 2025 /3BL/ – Lenovo, a global technology powerhouse, has retained the No.1 position in the Gartner^® Asia/Pacific Supply Chain Top 10 for 2025, marking its fourth consecutive year^[1] at the top among APAC leaders across industries. The top 10 list spotlights supply chain excellence, including adapting the network to support growth, driving efficiency and resilience through technology adoption, and promoting sustainability through circular innovation. Lenovo’s operational excellence continues to transform its global supply chain and manufacturing footprint. According to The Gartner^® Supply Chain Top 25 for 2025, Lenovo also achieved a significant global milestone by moving up to No.8 in Gartner’s Global Supply Chain Top 25, improving by two places from 2024.

Lenovo is pleased to receive this continued recognition, which reflects Lenovo’s unwavering commitment to AI innovation, operational excellence, and ESG leadership. The company’s strong performance across all scoring criteria reinforces its standing as a global leader in supply chain transformation.

Advancing resiliency through global expansion

Lenovo’s global, flexible and resilient supply chain remains a cornerstone of its ability to navigate geopolitical and economic uncertainties. With its operations touching 180 markets and a manufacturing network spanning more than 30 manufacturing sites across 11 markets, Lenovo continues to scale its operations for greater agility and resilience.

As part of this growth, Lenovo will expand its manufacturing footprint into Saudi Arabia to support customers in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. The move strengthens Lenovo’s regional presence, leverages market growth, and enables faster delivery of products, services, and solutions to MEA customers.

These strategic investments support Lenovo’s ability to adapt quickly to global shifts while maintaining high service standards and operational flexibility.

Driving efficiency through AI-enabled autonomous operations

At the heart of Lenovo’s supply chain innovation is its “Lenovo Powers Lenovo” strategy that harnesses its own technology, infrastructure solutions and intellectual capital to transform internal operations. Through this, Lenovo is rapidly infusing AI into every aspect of its global supply chain, from manufacturing and logistics to sustainability and customer service.

For example, Lenovo has developed a new AI-enabled tool that offers extensive visibility across its supply chain, offering real-time risk alerts, automation, and decision-making support. If logistics are impacted by congested lanes, the system automatically detects and flags the disruption, evaluates alternatives and their costs, and recommends the optimal course of action.

“It’s an honor to be named No. 1 in Asia Pacific for the fourth year and moving up in the global rankings is a powerful validation of our efforts to build a smarter, more resilient supply chain,” says Amar Babu, President of Lenovo Asia Pacific. “From AI-powered tools to sustainable logistics, our innovations are helping customers and partners gain an operational edge in a dynamic world.”

Advancing sustainability through circular innovation

Sustainability continues to be on the agenda for Top 10-ranked Asia/Pacific supply chain leaders, with circular innovation emerging as a core strategy.

Lenovo also leads in circularity, integrating recycled materials into over 298 product lines, including the use of aircraft by-product carbon fiber. The company has also advanced sustainable packaging through innovative materials like sugar cane and bamboo, reinforcing its commitment to responsible product development.

Lenovo also ranked #3 in the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 and Masters for 2025: High Tech Top 10 ranking.

Read more: Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 ranking and methodology

Gartner Subscribers can read more in The Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 for 2025: Insights on Leaders. 

^[1] https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/6750034

###

Source of attribution
The Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 for 2025: Insights for APAC,  Teh Leng Tan, Sergio Coelho, 21 July 2025

The Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 for 2025: High Tech, Alejandro Santalo, Teh Leng Tan, Cori Masters, 8 July 2025

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.  

In just two hours, our Gen team in Pune came together for a Recycled Notebook-Making Volunteer Activity. They showed up to fold pages, design covers and create something meaningful — transforming what was once waste into beautiful notebooks. All of the notebooks were donated to kids in need in India.

This initiative was more than just a fun activity; it was a commitment to sustainability, teamwork and creative problem-solving.

• Expands hybrid AI + physics analytics for deeper, plant-wide insights and proactive decision making
• Persona-based workspaces and multilingual support streamline collaboration and reduce onboarding time
• Collaborative modeling and strategy tools accelerate deployment and improve operational outcomes

MILAN, Italy, September 24, 2025 /3BL/ – Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, announced a major update to Cordant™ (Release 25.2.1), introducing powerful new capabilities across its Asset Performance Management (APM) and Process Optimization (PO) offerings. The newest release builds on Cordant’s modular, AI-powered foundation to deliver deeper insights, faster decision-making and seamless cross-functional collaboration across energy and industrial operations.

Cordant™ enhances operational efficiency and enterprise-wide value realization by removing siloes, connecting data across domains to deliver a unified solution experience. By integrating advanced hybrid AI + physics analytics, simulation environments, and persona-based workspaces with improved governance and multilingual support, the release helps customers reduce risk, drive reliability and accelerate strategy execution across assets and processes.

“This release is a significant step forward in helping our energy and industrial customers unify their data, teams and insights,” said Aravind Yarlagadda, senior vice president of Industrial Solutions, Industrial & Energy Technology at Baker Hughes. “With Cordant 25.2.1, we are giving customers the tools to break down silos, reduce complexity, and optimize outcomes – whether they’re focused on asset health, process performance or strategic operations planning.”

Customer-centric enhancements in Cordant 25.2.1
The release includes major updates across several modules in the Cordant™ suite:

• Deeper AI-powered insights: Expanded hybrid AI + physics-based analytics deliver broader equipment coverage and predictive failure detection across turbines, compressors, pumps and more. A new AI Assistant for Work Management accelerates case resolution and boosts productivity.
• More intelligent asset performance management: Unified visibility and actionable insights across health and strategy domains, supported by seamless collaboration tools, role-based access and structured evidence tracking.
• Improved productivity: New persona-based workspaces and multilingual support in over 20 languages help reduce onboarding time and improve efficiency across global teams. An integrated, searchable user guide accelerates onboarding, reduces support requests, and ensures users can find help when they need it.
• Faster strategy execution: Collaborative modeling tools, component strategy management and “calculated criticality” prioritization enable faster, more impactful asset and defect management decisions
• Advanced process simulation and performance optimization: A redesigned simulation environment supports profile-based modeling and real-time collaborative workflows, improving accuracy, reducing costs, and increasing agility across process operations.
• Enhanced governance and support: Unified communications, real-time system transparency, AI-enabled work assistance and enhanced notification and access control tools improve user trust, case resolution speed and overall operational control.

Cordant™ is a modular, AI-enabled industrial enterprise solution that optimizes assets, processes, and energy use at scale. Acting as a digital thread across operations, Cordant™ automates decision-making, enhances reliability, and supports sustainability — elevating operational data from plant-level tools to strategic, enterprise-wide impact. 

With a 100-year heritage of energy innovation, Baker Hughes is integrating digital solutions such as Cordant™ with the company’s proven technologies to help customers achieve greater efficiency, extend asset life, and maximize returns. Learn more about the company’s end-to-end digital portfolio here.

About Baker Hughes
Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.

For more information, please contact:
Media relations
Kerry Davis
Kerry.Davis@BakerHughes.com
+44 7443 157 262