Originally published by The Royal Gazette
Guests invited inside Bacardi’s iconic Pitts Bay Road headquarters can glimpse the company’s greener side and celebrate 60 years on the island through sustainability initiatives that blend innovation, community and history.
At the centre of the tour stand Bacardi’s signature aeroponics tower gardens, where herbs and vegetables grow using minimal water.
Click here to read more on The Royal Gazette
Originally published on GoDaddy Newsroom
TEMPE, Ariz., August 4, 2025 /3BL/ — Nearly half of U.S. shoppers say customer service provided by businesses is getting worse, according to results from the latest GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY) Consumer Pulse* survey – yet Gen Z and Millennials remain more upbeat than their parents’ generations.
According to GoDaddy’s survey of 1,500 U.S. consumers, only 20% of respondents say customer service has improved recently, compared to 42% who perceive a decline in the quality of service received. Among Gen X and Boomers, pessimism is particularly pronounced: just 12% say customer service has improved and 46% believe it has worsened.
In contrast, 29% of Gen Z and 31% of Millennials say support has gotten better, suggesting the next generation of shoppers is more positive about the state of customer care.
“The generational divide is striking. Young consumers are more likely to give businesses the benefit of the doubt, but they also have higher expectations for speed, flexibility and friendliness,” said GoDaddy Small Business Trends Expert Amy Jennette.
“Meanwhile, older generations are losing patience, often due to experiences with unfriendly service or limited options to reach a real person. For businesses big and small, the message is clear: customer trust is fragile, and brands must work harder to maintain it.”
The survey points to several drivers behind Americans’ shifting attitudes:
Ways to Win for Small Businesses
Despite these trust issues, the survey results highlight clear opportunities for small businesses to stand out. The majority of consumers (68%) polled expect small businesses to deliver the same level of digital security and professionalism as larger rivals**. Flexibility when enforcing policies, such as returns, and a sense of urgency when resolving issues are among the top signs that a business puts the customer first.
“Small businesses can build authentic relationships by responding to customers. The right technology, especially using the latest almost-magical AI capabilities, makes this possible, even for businesses without large support teams.”
GoDaddy Conversations: Empowering Small Business Support
It’s hard for small business owners and managers to handle all aspects of operations while still investing the time and effort to consistently communicate effectively with customers. That’s where AI-powered tools like GoDaddy Conversations come in; an all-in-one communications tool that brings together messages from web chat, social platforms, and email into a single inbox.
With GoDaddy Conversations, businesses can reply instantly, personalize interactions, and never miss an opportunity to earn trust—no matter how customers choose to reach out. For more information about GoDaddy’s full suite of products to help businesses grow, visit www.GoDaddy.com.
*GoDaddy Consumer Pulse is a series of surveys of consumers ages 18 and above conducted throughout the year.
** https://aboutus.godaddy.net/newsroom/news-releases/press-release-details/2025/Security-Double-Standard-Young-Consumers-Reuse-Passwords-Expect-Businesses-to-Be-Fort-Knox/default.aspx
About GoDaddy
GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services, and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company’s AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.
SOURCE GoDaddy Inc.
Marc-Olivier Fouqué is a man who thrives on innovation and creativity. As an AI Research Engineer, he brings a wealth of experience and a passion for problem-solving to his role at Trane Technologies. With a background that spans financial systems, video game development and machine learning, Marc-Olivier has carved out a unique niche where he can leverage his diverse skill set to make a real impact.
Bridging the gap between product requirements and AI advancements
“My role is to understand different use cases and see what the best way is to provide a solution,” Marc-Olivier explains. “Because the AI domain is evolving very quickly, a good part of my job is to stay up to date with the latest techniques, latest models and latest frameworks.” His work involves prototyping, evaluating and implementing artificial intelligence solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the company’s products.
A playful approach to problem-solving
Marc-Olivier’s enthusiasm for his work is palpable. He likens his job to playing with Legos, a sentiment that resonates deeply with him as he watches his children build and create with the iconic blocks. “I see a bit of myself at work, having the same pleasure as they have,” he says. This sense of play and creativity is a driving force in his role, allowing him to experiment and innovate freely.
Marc-Olivier enjoys the challenge of building new systems and solutions, often being the first to tackle a problem. “It’s lots of fun because it’s the first time we are using the latest techniques and models, and applying them to our industrial use cases,” he shares. “And we’re hiding the technical complexity from our users, to make our products very accessible to anyone.” This pioneering spirit is not only exciting but also crucial in developing AI systems that can adapt to various use cases, from improving service technician efficiency to managing energy performance across multiple buildings.
The transformative power of AI in HVAC
Marc-Olivier works for BrainBox AI, a business within Trane Technologies. BrainBox AI uses artificial intelligence to make HVAC systems in commercial buildings smarter and more efficient. AI has the potential to revolutionize the industry by automating repetitive tasks, optimizing energy usage and extending the lifespan of equipment. It connects to existing building management systems, collects data and uses deep learning algorithms to predict energy needs and automate HVAC adjustments. This leads to reduced energy consumption, lower operating costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
Marc-Olivier’s work is a testament to Trane Technologies’ purpose to boldly challenge what’s possible for a sustainable world, as he develops AI solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to sustainable outcomes.
“AI has the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency, which is crucial for creating a sustainable future,” Marc-Olivier notes. “By leveraging AI, we can optimize systems in ways that were previously unimaginable, leading to both cost savings and environmental benefits.”
Join the mission for a sustainable future
Marc-Olivier’s journey at Trane Technologies is a compelling example of how innovative thinking and cutting-edge technology can drive meaningful change. He adds, “I feel deeply connected to our sustainability goals. Knowing that my work helps reduce energy consumption and supports a greener planet is incredibly fulfilling.”
If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team that’s shaping the future, consider joining Trane Technologies. Here, you can have a job that not only challenges you but also allows you to have a positive impact on the planet.
Explore careers that make an impact at Trane Technologies.
Learn how AI can help dramatically reduce energy demand and emissions.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., August 5, 2025 /3BL/ – Entergy Arkansas customers needing assistance paying their bills will be able to find help during several pop-up events taking place over the next few weeks, the utility announced today.
At these events Entergy representatives will be standing by to provide bill payment assistance and energy efficiency resources to help residential customers across the state.
Events were held recently in other areas of the state. Four upcoming are scheduled to serve residents in Central and Southeast Arkansas:
| Thursday, July 3110 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Watershed | 3701 Springer Blvd., Little Rock |
| Saturday, Aug. 2 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Saint Mark Baptist Church | 5722 W. 12th St., Little Rock |
| Saturday, Aug. 2 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Eudora Back to School Fun Fair | Eudora City Park U.S. Hwy. 65 S. |
| Saturday, Aug. 9 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy | 9417 Geyer Springs Rd., Little Rock |
The event at Watershed will have free fans available for customers (while supplies last) to help keep their homes cooler during Arkansas’ sweltering summer temperatures. It will also include opportunities to meet with local and state organizations to connect qualifying customers with other financial assistance. Among the groups scheduled to be at Watershed are:
Those attendees in need of financial assistance must have their social security card for verification purposes.
Additionally, Entergy offers several flexible payment options so customers can choose when, where and how they receive and pay their bills.
Customers who may need additional payment options or those who need assistance understanding the solution that best suits their needs can visit with a representative at these pop-up events or call 1-800-ENTERGY.
About Entergy Arkansas
Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 735,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergyarkansas.com and connect with @EntergyARK on social media.
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Media inquiries:
L. Lamor Williams
lwill51@entergy.com
501-377-3525
View original content here.
BioStar Renewables is proud to announce that David Smart, one of our seasoned energy professionals, will attend the 2025 TEPA Illinois Conference, taking place August 5–6 in Chicago, IL. As an engaged voice in the evolution of clean energy and policy-driven market change, David returns to the event alongside industry peers to explore solutions at the intersection of innovation, regulation, and market opportunity.
Hosted by the The Energy Professionals Association (TEPA) and sponsored by Nordic Energy and Constellation, this two-day event draws top-tier retail energy leaders, brokers, and regulatory experts from across the country. The agenda promises timely and impactful conversations focused on the future of energy in Illinois and beyond.
Key Topics on This Year’s Agenda Include:
Why It Matters
The energy industry is at a pivotal moment. With federal policy like the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) opening and closing doors for U.S.-made solar and storage, and market-level conversations turning toward resilience and transparency, conferences like TEPA are critical hubs for advancing ideas into action.
David’s attendance reflects BioStar’s continued commitment to staying ahead of policy, aligning with sustainability-minded partners, and contributing to a smarter, cleaner energy future.
Connect with Us at TEPA
If you’re attending, we’d love to connect. Reach out to us on LinkedIn or stop by during networking sessions—we’re always open to exploring how BioStar can support your energy goals.
About BioStar Renewables
BioStar is a full-service renewable energy developer helping businesses and communities transition to clean, cost-effective energy systems. With decades of experience and a focus on long-term value, we specialize in solar, storage, and integrated energy solutions across the U.S.
What Is Psychological Safety (and Why Should We Care?)
In the world of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS), we often focus on visible safety measures: hard hats, safety protocols, emergency procedures, and compliance metrics. But there’s an invisible yet critical component that can make or break your safety culture: psychological safety.
Psychological safety is the belief that one can speak up, take interpersonal risks, and make mistakes without fear of punishment or humiliation. It’s not about being “nice” – it’s about trust, accountability, and open dialogue.
In high-risk industries and environments, psychological safety is foundational to a strong safety culture. Workers are more likely to report near misses, unsafe conditions, or mental health concerns when they feel safe to speak up.
In practical terms, psychological safety means your team members feel comfortable saying:
without worrying about negative consequences to their reputation, career, or relationships.
A psychologically safe team is not only more engaged and resilient, but also more effective in both physical and mental safety performance.
Our Role: Creating a Culture Where it’s Safe to Speak Up
As EHS professionals, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to champion psychological safety across our organisations. Our position allows us to influence culture at multiple levels, from frontline workers to senior leadership.
Spotting the Unseen: Tackling Psychological Hazards
Psychological hazards include:
Unlike physical hazards, these risks are often “invisible” – harder to see, harder to quantify, and easier to ignore. When left unaddressed, they contribute to increased stress, burnout, absenteeism, and even accidents.
Frameworks like the HSE Management Standards and ISO 45003 provide structure for identifying, assessing, and managing psychosocial risks. EHS professionals can play a key role by:
You’re Closer than you Think: Building on What Exists
You don’t need to start from scratch. Psychological safety can and should be integrated into your current programs.
How Do You Know It’s Working? Signs to Look For
What gets measured gets managed. While psychological safety is often considered “soft,” there are clear ways to assess it:
From Talk to Action: Building Trust that Sticks
Trust isn’t built overnight—but it can be nurtured with consistent, intentional actions:
Why it All Matters – and What Comes Next
Creating a truly safe workplace means going beyond hard hats and hazard signs—it means ensuring your people feel heard, respected, and safe to speak up. As EHS professionals, embedding psychological safety into our work isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for the health, safety, and performance of our teams.
Let’s move from checking boxes to building cultures. Because when your people feel safe to speak, your entire safety program becomes stronger.
Questions? Our team is here to help!
Key Points
An effort to expand broadband internet access in an underserved area of El Paso, Texas, has gained momentum through a $100,000 grant from Marathon Petroleum Corporation’s (MPC) El Paso refinery. The funds will support Project Overcome, which focuses on the 79901 ZIP code where limited internet availability exists.
“This ZIP code faces some of the deepest digital and economic divides in the region,” said Andrea Tirres, CEO of Borderplex Connect, the nonprofit recipient and supporting organization of the El Paso Community Foundation. “An astounding 44% of households have no internet subscription at all, while about 27% of households rely on their cellular subscription to access the internet according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Commerce.”
“This ZIP code faces some of the deepest digital and economic divides in the region.”
Project Overcome is expected to begin later this year. It will provide the infrastructure needed to deliver high-speed internet service to a targeted section of the 79901 ZIP code.
“This assistance is among our more important investments in El Paso because it will link so many residents with resources and opportunities that they’ve never had before,” said MPC Principal Corporate Social Responsibility & Community Relations Representative V.J. Smith.
Borderplex Connect is a regional coalition of public, private and nonprofit organizations that promotes broadband accessibility and affordability across far West Texas and southern New Mexico. Along with expanding internet service, the coalition supports digital skills training, distribution of devices that connect to the internet, and access to affordable internet for low-income residents and rural households.
“Working with Borderplex Connect reinforces MPC’s broader commitment to promote thriving communities where we operate by addressing basic needs and fostering economic progress,” Smith said.
Live date: Tuesday, August 19th at 12pm CT
Organizations have been managing legacy remediation liability around the world since the 1960s and have experienced a multitude of challenges to reduce or remove these financial liabilities from their organizations. The stories range from “these sites just never go away” to “why is there so much variability in the future cost estimate?” along with everyone’s favorite, “why does the estimated cost to close these sites keep going up with no end in sight?”
We face hard questions from business leadership, so it is important to:
Understanding complex technical issues, managing “technically righteous” consultants, keeping regulators happy, and engaging with your operations and finance team can be a struggle. Most people live in a world of constant change orders, complex stakeholder engagement, and regulatory remediation programs that seem to go on forever. These liabilities are a burden to the balance sheet and finding the pathway to manage them to zero is a business-driven goal for your organizational stakeholders. That business driver can be used as a vehicle to close sites and quickly extinguish those legacy remediation liabilities.
Rest assured; you found the help you’ve been looking for. This webinar will teach you how to present strategies to your leadership in business terms that will help reduce or extinguish your legacy liability and keep you out of hot water with regulators, your finance group, and the C-suite.
Please join us on Tuesday, August 19th at 12pm CT. If you can’t attend live, registrants will receive on-demand access shortly after the event.
Wednesday July 16th, 2025, might have been a regular workday for Paramount employees, but for the interns, it was the company’s 7th annual Paramount Intern Impact Day – a day focused on participating in Paramount’s tradition of giving back to the community and immersing Paramount summer interns into the company culture. The Paramount Social Impact team, in collaboration with the Paramount Emerging Talent team, supported 5 in-office, virtual and in-field volunteer events which interns could participate in.
Across both coasts and virtually, there was something for everyone from sandwich races to gardening to mural paintings and supporting educational development through storytelling! Intern Impact Day recognizes the need to create impact. And thanks to the Social Impact and Emerging Talent teams at Paramount Global, it was a successful turnout.
On the east coast, interns braved the New York heat and sun to serve Hudson River Park Friends, a non-profit dedicated to maintaining the park’s beauty. The interns got to work on an outdoor revitalization project in the Habitat Garden, collectively removing 1.5 cubic yards of mug wort and bindweed to be processed into nutrient-rich soil for use throughout the park. Logan Tridel, Product Analyst Intern, said, “I had such a great day. It was great to give back to the community, had a fun time helping the garden, learned a lot and worked hard!”
But that wasn’t all for New York as interns swarmed onto the 7th floor of Paramount HQ to compete in a sandwich race to combat hunger inequality in the city. Grassroots Grocery, a non-profit on a mission to improve how families access food in NYC, facilitated placing interns in teams to encourage a little friendly competition for a good cause. In just one hour, the race resulted in 2,200+ sun butter and jelly sandwiches made! The sandwiches were then picked up and delivered directly to community partners for distribution.
Over in Los Angeles there were two equally meaningful events. With the help of Vibrant Emotional Health, a mental-health-focused organization for people from all walks of life, interns had the opportunity to say “Thank You” to healthcare and frontline relief workers through Stars of Hope. The 30+ wooden stars were hand-painted with images and words of encouragement and support. Some interns really rolled up their creative sleeves and delivered special designs like Patrick the Star!
A short distance away at LA Elementary, more interns also unearthed their creative side by beautifying the school’s campus with fresh mural paintings. Volunteers painted one large “under the sea” themed mural as well as touched up existing murals pieces where needed most. Kelsey McRae, Corporate Event Manager for LA Works, supported the facilitation of the event and added, “most schools lack the funding to retrofit, upgrade, improve, or maintain the grounds of campuses. This is why the work that the Paramount volunteers completed is so important. The students were given the space to be creative, be supported and valued so they can grow into the best version of themselves.”
Last but certainly not least, virtual interns were not left out of giving back! Story Pirates, a non-profit focused on providing educational resources to youth in need, led interns through a virtual reading session in recognition of the young authors involved in their literacy program. 30 stories were read, after which, Paramount interns wrote much needed letters of encouragement to the young authors.
Overall, more than 100 interns participate in Intern Impact Day highlighting how much this is always a collective effort across the cohort. Paramount looks forward to continuing this tradition of providing interns with a front row seat to give back and create impact where needed.
At Trane Technologies, we foster an innovation-friendly environment, enabling employees to boldly challenge what’s possible for a sustainable world. Meet Adam Stroud, a Senior Battery Systems Engineer whose passion for high-voltage batteries is driving new electrification pathways to sustainably deliver essential goods like food and medicine around the world.
The opportunity to do innovative work on high voltage battery systems in a sustainability-focused job drew Adam to Trane Technologies. He works in the Center for Excellence in Electrification for our brand, Thermo King®. Thermo King is a global leader in sustainable transport temperature control for various applications like trailers, truck bodies, buses and more.
“High voltage battery systems are the future of our grid, and I wanted to be involved in that,” said Adam who designs battery packs and systems to help drive electrification of Thermo King’s transport refrigeration units. “I look at battery technology in the rapidly changing industry and fit it into applications to help the business develop road maps to be ready to use it,” he said.
Adam’s innovative spirit is evident in his daily work. He currently serves as the technical lead on a temperature-controlled battery testing facility, housed in a 48-foot trailer. “We have a large chamber that we can make very hot or very cold to simulate conditions on the road,” he said.
The team is also putting the test chamber’s battery power to work in the headquarters building. “We have a battery cycler that takes power from the battery and puts it directly back on our facility grid to power the lights in the building,” he said. “It’s a small way to increase sustainability.”
Bringing innovations to life: Adam’s patent success
“In my two years at Thermo King, I’ve been able to file five patents related to novel battery system implementation for transport refrigeration,” said Adam. He appreciates the company’s inclusive patent process. “You don’t have to know somebody or be in the right place at the right time in order for a patent idea to go somewhere,” said Adam.
“I think it is a very simple thing that we do here but very powerful, because it opens doors for anyone to submit their ideas,” he said. Principal Electrification Engineer, Matt Srnec, is a mentor of Adam’s and has encouraged him and others early in their careers to file for their own patents at the company. Learn more about Matt Srnec’s career that now spans over 12 years working for our Thermo King brand at Trane Technologies.
Why sustainability drives Adam’s passion
Making a difference is important to Adam who earned an engineering degree at Marquette University. During his sophomore year at school, he fell in love with work that makes a difference after meeting a professor who was researching how humanoid robotics can help people, such as children with autism. “He used robotics to make a difference, and I thought that was really cool,” said Adam.
Adam previously held two other roles, including one at a large company near Thermo King headquarters. “When I moved to Trane Technologies, the opportunity to make a sustainable impact was one of the key factors,” he said. “I left a job where I had a lot of tenure, a very good reputation and a promising future, because I wanted to make an impact by working on higher powered battery systems which have a bigger impact on our environment,” he said.
“I like using my engineering skills to work on a product that is deployed across the world to transport the frozen and fresh food that people need delivered,” he said. “Making the way we do that environmentally friendly is a way that I feel like I can have a big impact on the environment,” said Adam, who is an avid outdoorsman with a young family. “It’s kind of an emotional thing for me.”
Mentoring the next generation
Adam also sustains the engineering talent pipeline by mentoring the company’s interns and volunteering with the University of Minnesota Solar Car team. “The discipline of battery engineering is typically not available in college curriculums, so advising these curious and motivated solar car students is a great way to get them interested in electrification and battery engineering as a career,” said Adam.
Finding joy in everyday innovation
Adam enjoys going to work every day. “Being able to go in and innovate day-to-day is fun,” he said. “I try to come up with ideas that use proven technologies and methods in novel ways to address the unique challenges facing Thermo King customers,” he said. “Ultimately, it’s all about the customer and their needs,” said Adam. “I feel like every day, I’m working on things that are going to create a better future for our planet and for society in general.”
Adam Stroud’s journey at Trane Technologies is a testament to how innovation and electrification can bring joy in the pursuit of a sustainable future.
Explore careers that make an impact at Trane Technologies.
Learn more about how sustainability is embedded in our business strategy.
