Tag: 3BL

CHARLOTTE, N.C., October 2, 2025 /3BL/ – On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Discovery Education presents elementary, middle, and high school students across the United States a unique virtual career learning opportunity that will help prepare them for success in the workforce of tomorrow. The Discovery Education Futures Fair is a free, online event offering interactive presentations from professionals across a number of industries, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on activities that will give students new insights into future career opportunities and the skills needed to achieve their goals. Discovery Education is the creator of essential PreK-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world.

Powered by Discovery Education’s corporate partners, the upcoming virtual Futures Fair offers students the opportunity to interact with a vast array of businesses and professionals dedicated to helping the next generation prepare for future careers. With the goal of increasing career awareness and preparing students for post-secondary success, the Discovery Education Corporate Partnerships business bridges industries and classrooms to bring real-world education into classroom instruction.

The free Futures Fair events include a series of 30-minute virtual sessions via Zoom featuring professionals from various industries sharing an age-appropriate overview of their job, industry, and the path they took to achieve it. Students will discover the future-ready abilities used in careers today, such as trade-specific skills and the 5 Cs (critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and character). These virtual sessions will be accompanied by standards-aligned, hands-on student learning tasks designed to reinforce the skills outlined by industry presenters.

Organizations participating in the Futures Fair are 3M, ASME, Clayco, CVS Health, Drug Enforcement Administration, Genentech, Hartford, Honda, Honeywell, Illumina, LIV Golf, Meta, Norton, Nucor, Polar Bears International, Prologis, The Home Depot, Verizon, and Warner Bros. Discovery.

All Futures Fair sessions will run from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM ET on November 5. Learn more and register for the Discovery Education Futures Fair at discoveryeducation.com/futures-fair.

Educators who use Discovery Education services enjoy access to additional resources supporting Futures Fair and beyond. The Careers Hub and Career Connect solutions within Discovery Education Experience, the essential classroom companion, feature curated career resources and additional live guest speakers from a number of high-demand industries. With personalized content recommendations, immersive AR/VR lessons, and curriculum-aligned resources, Discovery Education Experience continues to help educators engage students in meaningful learning that prepares them for success today and in the future.

“Recent research showed that 92% of students report that engaging lessons make learning more enjoyable. One way to create engaging classroom lessons is to show students that what is taught in the classroom connects to a future career,” said Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Education. “Futures Fair offers educators an easy and fun way to immerse students in enriching and inspiring career-connected learning that seamlessly integrates into the classroom environment. Discovery Education is excited to bring this no-cost learning opportunity to students and teachers nationwide.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, PreK-12, digital solutions help educators engage all students and support higher academic achievement. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools that are effective, engaging, and easy to use, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Learn more at www.discoveryeducation.com.

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

Saint-Gobain North America, a leading manufacturer of light and sustainable building products and high-performance solutions, today launched Sustaining Futures, Raising Communities, a manufacturing workforce development program for high-school students. With the goal of bringing visibility to manufacturing as a valuable and rewarding career path, Saint-Gobain will partner with high schools to help grow local talent. Through a classroom curriculum focused on the real world of manufacturing, along with visits to nearby Saint-Gobain facilities, the program experience will give students an up-close look at the industry and its opportunities.

The program comes as the manufacturing industry faces deep workforce challenges. According to a study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, the manufacturing sector will require over 3.8 million jobs over the next decade. At its current trajectory, over 1.9 million of those jobs could remain unfilled if action is not taken.¹ With Sustaining Futures, Raising Communities, Saint-Gobain aims to reach a new generation of workers who may not otherwise consider manufacturing as a viable career path.

“Our Sustaining Futures, Raising Communities program is a win-win for students, the manufacturing industry and local economies,” said Mark Rayfield, President & CEO of Saint-Gobain North America and CertainTeed. “In the manufacturing industry anyone can have a long and successful career, and by bringing manufacturing directly to high schools, we aim to show students the rewarding role they can play in building the future of the industry.”

Piloted earlier this year with Granville County Public Schools in Granville County, North Carolina and Shakopee High School in Shakopee, Minnesota, the program has shown early success with participants citing a heightened interest in manufacturing following completion. The program is expected to expand to at least ten additional sites during the 2025-2026 school year, with plans for continued growth throughout the United States and Canada in subsequent school years.

Today’s announcement illustrates Saint-Gobain’s strong commitment to the communities where it operates. Other recent community initiatives include:

• In August, Saint-Gobain’s Norton Abrasives plant in Travelers Rest, South Carolina partnered with the Good360 and the City of Travelers Rest to build “welcome home kits” to provide aid to families, including those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
• Also in August, CertainTeed Gypsum in Moundsville, West Virginia donated over 27,000 sq. ft. of wallboard to assist in rebuilding efforts after flash flooding in the Town of Triadelphia.
• Saint-Gobain regularly works with partners Habitat for Humanity Canada, Homes for Our Troops and Rebuilding Together to help provide shelter for those in need of affordable or specialized housing.

With over 160 locations in the United States and Canada, every current and future member of the company’s team plays a vital role in achieving its goals. A current list of job openings at all Saint-Gobain locations can be found on the company’s career website.

To learn more about Sustaining Futures, Raising Communities visit www.sustainingfuturesraisingcommunities.com

About Sustaining Futures, Raising Communities

Sustaining Futures, Raising Communities is a manufacturing workforce development program designed to help empower students to build a strong foundation for careers in manufacturing. The program gives students a chance to explore immersive manufacturing environments with a focus on plant jobs, helping them connect what they learn in school to what is possible in the workplace. Sustaining Futures, Raising Communities is part Saint-Gobain North America’s broader commitment to manufacturing workforce development.

For more information visit www.sustainingfuturesraisingcommunities.com

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050

For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit www.saint-gobain.com and follow us on Twitter @saintgobain

MEDIA CONTACTS
Peter Clark
(+1) 603 513 8513
 

¹https://nam.org/study-manufacturing-in-u-s-could-need-up-to-3-8-million-workers-30626/?stream=workforce

Authored by Baker Tilly’s Kunaal Patel, Michael Chen and Rich Croghan

The recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) marks one of the most sweeping legislative shifts affecting corporate governance, financing structures, and compliance obligations for companies operating in high-growth, innovation-driven industries. While the bill’s broad scope impacts companies across every sector, technology and life sciences firms—particularly those that are venture-backed, closely held, or recently public—face unique and immediate implications.

Here is a high-level look at some of the key provisions of OBBBA that are reshaping the landscape for technology and life sciences; areas that present risk and opportunity for companies navigating the act. Whether you’re preparing for a funding round, evaluating M&A strategy, or managing evolving disclosure requirements, understanding how this new law reshapes the playing field is critical.

Key Corporate Implications

1. R&D Expenditures: Immediate Deductibility Restored

Effective for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2024, R&D expensing has been reinstated, which could be especially impactful for life sciences and tech innovators.

• Fully deduct domestic R&D expenses in the year incurred
• Foreign R&D must still be capitalized over 15 years

Planning opportunities:

• Retroactive refunds via amended returns may be possible (for small businesses with ≤ $31 million in gross receipts and that are not a tax shelter). On Aug. 28 the IRS issued guidance in Rev. Proc. 2025-28 for taxpayers to make certain elections and accounting method changes provided under §70302 of the OBBBA. Before making the election, speak with your Baker Tilly advisor.
• Option to continue amortizing expenses from 2022–2024

2. Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS): Expanded Benefits

Modifications to Section 1202, small business stock gain exclusion, which may affect the attractiveness of qualifying stock for founders and investors in emerging technology and life sciences companies.

What changed:

• Holding period: Now phased in (3 years = 50%, 4 years = 75%, 5 years or more = 100% exclusion)
• Lifetime exemption: Increased from $10 million to $15 million
• Gross asset limit: Raised from $50 million to $75 million

3. Reinstatement of bonus depreciation for property

Permanently restores 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying property placed in service after Jan. 19, 2025.

• Property must be acquired and placed into service AFTER Jan. 19, 2025, for 100% bonus depreciation.

4. Interest Expense Deduction: Return to EBITDA-Based Calculation

Reverts to a more generous EBITDA-based interest expense limitation for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2024. This provision will allow a permanent addback of depreciation and amortization when calculating interest expense limits, potentially easing interest deductions for capital-intensive companies.

• Particularly beneficial for VC- or PE-backed tech companies with leveraged financing, improving after-tax profitability

5. Reforms to taxation on foreign income

Changes to Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) and Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (FDII) regimes that could reshape cross-border tax strategy for U.S. multinational companies.

• Renamed from Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) to Net CFC Tested Income (NCTI)
• Renamed from a Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (FDII) to Foreign-Derived Deduction eligible Income (FDDEI) deduction
• Section 250 deductions reduced, increasing the effective tax rate from 10.5% to 12.6% for NCTI and 13.125% to 14% for FDDEI, respectively
• Elimination of Qualified Business Asset Investment (QBAI)
  • May result in more U.S. shareholders having (and being subject to tax on) deemed inclusions of NCTI where related CFC income would no longer be shielded by QBAI as a substance-based exclusion
  • May result in more eligible domestic exporters reaping newfound (incremental) tax benefits through a FDDEI deduction made available on the first dollar of qualifying export income in the absence of a QBAI floor
• Narrowing of the expenses allocable to NCTI and FDDEI, respectively, generally works to reduce incidence of residual U.S. tax being due on deemed inclusions of NCTI having an effective rate of foreign taxation ≥14% and, separately, increase qualifying export income eligible for FDDEI deduction

Changes to pro rata share rules on allocation of subpart F and/or NCTI deemed inclusion amounts amongst buyer and seller as parties to an M&A transaction necessitate a closer look at agreements and anticipated deal economics

6. Introduction of book-to-tax conformity

The book-to-tax conformity may influence financial reporting and planning, particularly for public companies. OBBBA has sought to narrow some of the gaps between tax laws and financial reporting, introducing new planning challenges.

This is a critical time to continue to engage in meaningful dialogue about how these changes may impact your businesses, especially given the industry’s strong ties to innovation and global operations.

For more information on this topic or to learn how our specialists can help you navigate OBBBA, contact the team.

PORTLAND, Ore., October 2, 2025 /3BL/ —Free Geek, a nonprofit with offerings that help narrow the digital divide, has announced a grant of $300,000 from the KeyBank Foundation. Funds from this grant will support the organization’s efforts to provide digital literacy training and education, hardware (new and refurbished) and support through digital navigators. 

Free Geek maximizes its impact by partnering with community-based organizations that are already providing other services in related areas, including affordable housing, workforce development and food assistance. The organization will work in partnership with Home Forward, the housing authority serving Multnomah County and surrounding areas, to establish Free Geek’s ‘Train the Trainer Program’ at its low-income housing buildings and communities. The goal is to first close tool and digital skill gaps community members at Home Forward properties are already experiencing, and then Free Geek-trained community builders will develop plans to further build the specialized skills needed to reach goals that will enrich their lives. 

As community members go through Free Geek’s programs, they will learn to use these digital tools and devices to find success in Home Forward’s key programs, which include employment support, credit repair, building savings, starting a business, youth resources, homeownership, educational goals and basic digital literacy.

“We see firsthand that the digital divide continues to be a persistent challenge for communities in Multnomah County that are home to some of our most disconnected communities who do not own a computer, and many others don’t know how to use them effectively,” said Juan Muro, Executive Director of Free Geek. “Through our partnership with Home Forward, this investment will ensure that these families have the same benefits as others and their children have access to online resources to be successful in school. Free Geek will use the investment to help bridge the digital divide by working to connect more people to the internet, getting devices into the hands of people who need them and providing the digital skills to thrive.”

“At KeyBank, our mission is to help our communities thrive, and that means addressing educational gaps that might be hindering our neighbors from reaching their full potential,” said Josh Lyons, president of KeyBank in Oregon and SW Washington.

“KeyBank was drawn to the far-ranging goals of this program that will help participants advance their skills in myriad ways, from being able to secure higher-paying jobs to obtaining a better understanding of financial literacy to gaining easier access to healthcare and conducting everyday tasks like paying bills and staying connected to their communities,” said Angel Reyes, Oregon and SW Washington Corporate Responsibility Officer.

About Free Geek

Free Geek is a Portland-based non-profit organization with a mission to repurpose technology and discover sustainable solutions while providing educational resources. Its ultimate aim is to foster a vibrant community where individuals are empowered to unlock their full potential. Through their dedicated efforts, they strive to transform the world by leveraging technology, sustainability, and education to create a brighter, more inclusive future, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

About KeyCorp

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $185 billion at June 30, 2025. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC. 

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Sustainability reporting is in a new era, driven by fast-evolving regulations and heightened stakeholder scrutiny. Following the recent publication of exposure drafts for the UK Sustainability Disclosure Standards by the UK Government, and in line with the global shift toward adopting the ISSB framework, businesses are increasingly pressured to comply with regulatory requirements while ensuring their reports remain relevant, consistent, and useful.

To help organisations stay ahead, the UN Global Compact Network UK has partnered with MHA to deliver the Sustainability Reporting Webinar Series 2025. In this four-part webinar series, each session will focus on a critical dimension of sustainability reporting, reflecting the intersecting requirements of emerging regulatory frameworks and shifting stakeholder priorities. Participants will gain tools to enhance reporting processes and data management, strengthen governance frameworks, and build long-term resilience.

REGISTER NOW

Sessions include:

• Navigating Regulations: Lessons from CSRD Implementation, and What Comes Next for Sustainability Disclosures in the UK and EU? – Wednesday, 8 October, 14:00 – 15:15 BST. Gain clarity on the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards exposure draft, differences between UK SRS and CSRD, implementation lessons, and the latest EU Omnibus Directive updates.
• Reporting on Emissions and Transition Planning: The Advancing Landscape for Businesses – Wednesday, 15 October, 14:00 – 15:15 BST. Explore best practices in emissions reporting, case studies on aligning with the Transition Plan Taskforce Guidance, and practical approaches tailored for businesses of all sizes.
• A Hallmark of Better Business: Social Sustainability Reporting to Shape Resilience and Drive Innovation – Wednesday, 22 October, 14:00 – 15:15 BST. Discover how social sustainability reporting is evolving, including updates on CSDDD and the global standards for social impact disclosures.
• Reporting as a Strategic Asset: How to Get the Most from Your Resource, and Build Stakeholder Trust – Wednesday, 29 October, 14:00 – 15:15 GMT. Learn to leverage sustainability data for governance, risk management, audit compliance, and cost efficiency.

To learn more about each session, please visit the UN Global Compact Network UK website here.

Best wishes,
UN Global Compact Network UK

Read More

Forecasting has always been the backbone of resilient supply chains. Yet in today’s world of constant disruption, traditional forecasting methods often fall short. Market forces shift overnight, consumer demand patterns evolve rapidly, and geopolitical risks can derail even the best-laid plans.

As highlighted in DP World’s new playbook – Smarter, Safer, Stronger: How AI Can Transform the Global Supply Chain – artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a critical tool for logistics leaders – helping companies predict what’s ahead, respond faster, and build agility into their operations.

The Forecasting Challenge

Modern supply chains generate vast amounts of data — from historical demand patterns and supplier activity to real-time market signals and global trade shifts. The challenge? Human decision-makers alone can’t process this volume at speed. This is where AI excels.

By digesting complex, multi-source datasets, AI delivers insights that are faster, more accurate, and more holistic than manual forecasting. Companies using AI have reported a 50% reduction in forecasting errors and a 65% decrease in lost sales.

In an environment where every second counts, those gains can be the difference between resilience and disruption.

Digital Twins: Testing the Future Without the Risk

One of the most promising AI applications in planning is the use of digital twins — virtual replicas of real-world operations. Digital twins allow companies to run “what if” scenarios without disrupting day-to-day business.

“Digital twins allow you to do a stress test without actually putting any strain on your employees or facilities,” explains Glen Clark, CEO in U.S. and Mexico and Regional Head of Contract Logistics for DP World.

For example, a company can model what happens if throughput increases by 20%, identify where bottlenecks occur, and explore new strategies before committing resources. This simulation-driven approach gives logistics leaders confidence in their decisions, while boosting creativity in problem-solving.

Smarter Freight and Inventory Decisions

AI-powered forecasting tools don’t just predict demand — they optimize the flow of goods across complex networks. By assessing routes, partner availability, regulations, and even emissions data, AI can help companies align their shipping decisions with cost, speed, and sustainability goals.

This means fewer inefficiencies in freight forwarding, better use of warehouse space, and smarter labor allocation. It also helps mitigate risks — ensuring that when disruption strikes, supply chains remain agile and dependable.

A Future of Resilient Planning

The logistics industry is moving beyond reactive forecasting to proactive, AI-powered planning. By embedding intelligence into every decision, companies can sharpen predictions, improve responsiveness, and strengthen customer trust.

As Glen Clark puts it: “With AI, we can answer questions that, in the past, would have taken an extensive amount of time. Now, we can stay ahead of what’s coming and be more creative in our problem-solving”.

Learn More

Artificial intelligence isn’t just about faster predictions – it’s about building resilient supply chains that thrive in uncertainty. To explore how AI can transform your planning and forecasting capabilities, download DP World’s AI Playbook: Smarter, Safer, Stronger: How AI Can Transform The Global Supply Chain, available now on the DP World website.

October 2, 2025 /3BL/ – Lenovo announced it has once again been named a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” by the Disability Index®, the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for measuring disability workplace inclusion. This year marks Lenovo’s fifth consecutive year of recognition in the United States, and the second year the company is honored in both the United Kingdom and Brazil. The repeated recognition across these global markets highlights Lenovo’s ongoing commitment to cultivating an inclusive and accessible workplace for all.

“At Lenovo, we believe disability talent brings unique perspectives, resilience, and creativity that are essential to driving innovation and shaping an inclusive culture,” said Calvin Crosslin, Chief Inclusion Officer, Lenovo. “Being recognized once again by the Disability Index is a testament to this inclusive culture we’re building every day. Through our global programs and employee resource groups like we are working to ensure that everyone can thrive at Lenovo and help us deliver on our mission to create smarter technology for all.”

The 2025 Disability Index measured six key performance indicators: Culture & Leadership; Enterprise-Wide Access; Employment Practices; Community Engagement; Supplier Inclusion; and Responsible Procurement.

The Lenovo’s Disability Advantage Initiative is one of the global programs launched two years ago. It contributes to shape a more inclusive global workplace by raising awareness, building resources, and embedding disability inclusion and accessibility into Lenovo’s workplaces. Informed by a global self-assessment conducted with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the initiative has led to the creation of market-specific action plans and a global HR task force focused on driving awareness, resources, challenge the status-quo.

In the three markets recognized, the Lenovo teams organized local initiatives promoting and supporting disability in the workplace:

• United States: In Raleigh, North Carolina, ABLE hosted a ComMotion event with the LatinX ERG, HOLA, in March 2025 to deliver an adaptive dance group workout to Latin music from seats and then adaptive standing with the Governor Morehead School for the Blind students.
• United Kingdom: In its Farnborough and Glasgow offices, Lenovo offered its employees access to Autism Reality Experiences and Virtual Dementia Tours. These experiences help employees, specifically people managers, understand the needs of these groups, helping to foster a more inclusive mindset and a more empathetic workforce.
• Brazil: In its Indaiatuba factory, Lenovo started a “Be an Inclusive Buddy” program, which aims to support the integration of new employees with disabilities. The Buddy is a volunteer colleague who offers practical guidance and welcoming support daily.

These local efforts together with global programs are driving lasting cultural change and impact reinforcing Lenovo’s commitment to disability inclusion across its workforce. You can learn more about Lenovo’s accessible innovations and inclusive workplace in Lenovo’s FY 2024/25 Environment, Social and Governance Report.  

About Lenovo  

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #248 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. 

About the Disability Index®

The Disability Index® is the leading independent, third-party resource for the annual, confidential benchmarking of disability inclusion policies and programs in business. Now trusted by over 70% of the Fortune 100 and nearly half of the Fortune 500, the tool helps companies determine data-driven actions that can achieve tangible business impact.

For 2025, participation and scored benchmarks are open to companies operating in Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, the Philippines, The United States and the United Kingdom.

About Disability:IN

Disability:IN is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide. With the world’s leading companies as partners, Disability:IN drives progress through initiatives, tools, and expertise that deliver long-term business impact. Are You IN?

• Grants, corporate giving, employee donations and volunteer hours help communities prepare for, withstand and recover from storms
• Funding supports first responders, emergency management organizations and nonprofit partners across seven states

CHARLOTTE, N.C., October 2, 2025 /3BL/ – As we reflect on the anniversaries of hurricanes Helene and Milton, Duke Energy Foundation announced that it, together with Duke Energy and its employees, has invested $33.8 million to nonprofit organizations since 2016 to support community resilience, emergency preparedness and disaster relief. 

What the grants support: These investments across Duke Energy’s service territories in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee have funded:

• Training for first responders
• Lifesaving equipment such as AEDs and drones
• Emergency operations centers and shelters
• Community education and storm kits for vulnerable populations, such as seniors and income-restricted customers

How it works: The Foundation partners with state and local emergency management agencies, national relief organizations and community nonprofits to tailor support to each community – both in blue-sky days and after a storm hits. This support is made possible through a combination of corporate giving, employee donations and volunteer hours, in addition to direct grants.

“When disaster strikes, it’s critical that we respond quickly and show up with humanity,” said Amy Strecker, president of the Duke Energy Foundation. “By supporting the nonprofits and first responders who stand beside our neighbors in their most difficult moments, we help ensure communities have the tools they need to respond and rebuild.”

Recent examples:

• Disaster recovery and readiness efforts in North Carolina: This year, the Foundation awarded over $1 million to local organizations focused on storm preparedness across the state and long-term recovery in western North Carolina. Recovery partners have contributed to rebuilding homes and providing essential services following Hurricane Helene in 2024.
• Annual microgrants in South Carolina: In May, the Foundation awarded $500,000 through the 2025 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) grant program to bolster severe weather emergency preparedness across South Carolina. Now in its fourth year, the annual microgrant program has provided $2 million in total support, funding 137 microgrants to deliver essential aid to nonprofits and local agencies throughout the Palmetto State.
• Enhancing storm readiness in Florida: In June, the Foundation allocated $153,000 to a dozen Florida organizations and agencies to strengthen storm readiness efforts. Funding supported initiatives such as installing AEDs in high-traffic areas, expanding CPR training and providing storm kits for seniors.
• Storm relief in the Midwest: This spring, the Foundation provided more than $47,000 in grants to assist local communities in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky recovering from severe flooding and tornadoes. These funds supported nonprofits and relief agencies as they delivered critical aid and resources where they were needed most.

Learn more: For more on the Duke Energy Foundation’s community impact, visit foundation.duke-energy.com/success-in-action.

Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Gina DiPietro
24-hour media line: 800.559.3853

View original content here.

Watch Season 5 Episode 8: AI for the Planet: From Tech Labs to Real Life

Effectively tackling complex climate challenges involves juggling thousands of moving parts, from how we power our cities to how insects (think pollinators) sustain our ecosystems. Artificial intelligence is exceptionally suited to take on that scale of challenge—offering capabilities to analyze massive data sets, predict problems before they happen and tap into solutions humans alone could never achieve.

In this episode, hosts Dominique Silva and guest co-host Rebecca Handfield (BrainBox AI) delve into the world of AI with Jean-Simon Venne, co-founder of BrainBox AI and leader of the BrainBox AI business at Trane Technologies, and Dr. David Rolnick, Assistant Professor at McGill University and co-founder of Climate Change AI. They share how AI can slash building emissions, extend equipment life and open up new frontiers in biodiversity research.

Additionally, they explore the focus of Trane Technologies’ new AI Lab in Montreal, where the next generation of AI for HVAC innovations are being developed. Emphasizing practical applications over theoretical concepts, the lab leverages AI as a powerful ally in the fight against climate change, while keeping ethics, responsibility and trust at the center of every breakthrough.

Featured in this Episode:

Hosts:
Dominique Silva, Marketing Leader EMEA, Trane Technologies
Rebecca Handfield, VP Marketing, BrainBox AI, Trane Technologies

Guests:
Jean-Simon Venne, Co-founder of BrainBox AI and leader of BrainBox AI, Trane Technologies
David Rolnick, Assistant Professor at McGill University and co-founder of Climate Change AI

About Healthy Spaces

Healthy Spaces is a podcast by Trane Technologies where experts and disruptors explore how climate technology and innovation are transforming the spaces where we live, work, learn and play.

This season, hosts Dominique Silva and Scott Tew bring a fresh batch of uplifting stories, featuring inspiring people who are overcoming challenges to drive positive change across multiple industries. We’ll discover how technology and AI can drive business growth, and help the planet breathe a little bit easier.

Listen and subscribe to Healthy Spaces on your favorite podcast platforms:

Apple Podcasts 
Spotify 
YouTube 
Amazon Music

How are you making an impact? What sustainable innovation do you think will change the world?

Share your story with us and learn more about the Healthy Spaces Podcast.

October 1, 2025 /3BL/ – B4SI, supported by SLR, is proud to announce the expansion of its global network through the strategic acquisition of LBG España, welcoming a significant number of new Spanish companies into the B4SI community. This strengthens B4SI’s presence in Spain and reinforces its position as the global standard for measuring and managing corporate social impact.

This acquisition:

• Builds on a robust and engaged membership base in Spain
• Aligns with the Spanish market’s mature approach to social impact and commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Unlocks new opportunities to deepen relationships with businesses and partners across the region

B4SI is therefore delighted to open the doors to the B4SI network to leading Spanish companies in the finance, energy, infrastructure, consumer goods and telecommunications sectors.

“Ferrovial’s path-breaking attitude moved us to be one of the founders of LBG España, moreover it drove Ferrovial to be one of the first Spanish companies to join the B4SI network five years ago. Joining B4SI reinforced our commitment to measuring and managing social impact with transparency and purpose. As a global company, adopting a global standard strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful and life-changing impact in the communities where we develop and build our infrastructures.” Ricardo Navas, Ferrovial CSR Programs Manager

“At MAS Business, we are pleased to hand over the coordination of the LBG España group to B4SI. As members of this global network, Spanish companies will be able to continue contributing to the development of the framework. Without a doubt, the LBG España group of companies will bring value and expertise to the global community, enriching it with the knowledge and insights gained over the group’s 18 years of experience.” Sonsoles García, MAS Business

This acquisition marks a major milestone in B4SI’s journey to unify global corporate social impact under one framework. Spanish businesses have long demonstrated leadership in advancing societal goals. Now, through B4SI, they align with a global movement to measure impact with consistency, credibility, and purpose.

B4SI will support these organisations in strengthening their strategies, enhancing transparency, and delivering even greater value to society.

¡Bienvenidos!

To learn more about B4SI and its work in Spain, visit www.b4si.net or contact the team at mail@b4si.net.

Read the B4SI 2024 Annual Review: https://b4si.net/2024/11/b4si-annual-review-2024-celebrating-30-years-of-social-impact/