Tag: 3BL

After captivating students across North America and Europe with access to hands-on science, the Curiosity Cube from the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has launched its first-ever tour in Africa. To celebrate the inaugural tour, the Curiosity Cube held a kickoff event on June 10 at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Johannesburg. 

During the launch event, volunteers from UNISA and the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, guided a group of students through three interactive science experiments designed to spark interest in STEM. Mantile Lekala, Director for School of Science from UNISA, was excited to see such enthusiasm from the visitors, “It was a privilege to witness the launch of the South Africa Curiosity Cube on our university campus today. This initiative opens the door to curiosity, discovery, and opportunity for a new generation of innovators, thinkers, and problem solvers, and we are proud to be a part of it.”

This event marks the first of 12 planned events in Johannesburg and kicks off a broader tour that will span five countries in Africa. Through 100 events between June and November, the Curiosity Cube aims to reach over 15,000 students in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. 

The expansion into Africa reflects the company’s commitment to advancing STEM. “Expanding the Curiosity Cube to Africa marks an important milestone,” said Jeffrey Whitford, Vice President of Sustainability and Social Business Innovation. “The potential for the next generation of STEM minds is extraordinary. Our goal is to increase our impact in 2025 and beyond, creating more opportunities for the youth in Southern Africa to be curious and help support an environment full of the inspiration they need to pursue their dreams.” 

To learn more about the Curiosity Cube mobile science lab, visit TheCuriosityCube.com and follow the Curiosity Cube on Instagram @curiositycube_milliporesigma.

By Candace Higginbotham

Regions Bank recently closed the book on an especially impactful Financial Literacy Month and Share the Good program, the company’s annual volunteer celebration.

Associates dedicated more than 2,000 volunteer hours delivering financial education, which benefited 200 organizations across the Regions footprint.

But it wasn’t just about numbers. Associates from every business and function across the bank participated in Financial Literacy Month activities.

Outreach programs were hosted in rural areas, small towns and urban centers and reached a variety of audiences, including high school students and parents of college-bound seniors, university students, small business owners, first-time homebuyers, people with disabilities, nonprofit leaders, veterans, justice-impacted individuals and more.

“Our theme was ‘Building Financial Confidence in our Communities’ and it was exciting to see associates across the bank participate,” said Gina Sian, head of Regions Making Life Better Institute^®. “Financial knowledge is a lifelong tool, and when we share it with others, we’re not just teaching – we’re opening doors to opportunity.”

“Financial knowledge is a lifelong tool, and when we share it with others, we’re not just teaching – we’re opening doors to opportunity.”
Gina Sian, head of Regions Making Life Better Institute^®

Nonprofit Leaders

As part of the United Way of Central Alabama LEARN United program, Richard Phillips from Regions’ Government, Institutional and Nonprofit Banking team and Joshua Bryant, from the Regions Community Engagement team, facilitated a financial management seminar for Birmingham, Alabama-area nonprofits. Phillips and Bryant walked participants through basic financial concepts, including assets, liabilities, equity, and cash flow. They discussed financial statements such as the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement and the importance of accounting principles and financial regulations in business operations.

Nonprofit leaders in Jackson, Mississippi, also received financial tips from Regions specialists. Branch Manager Jason Morris and Myer Mack, Philanthropic Solutions advisor, presented at the Nonprofit and Philanthropy Leadership Conference. Their seminar, How to Safeguard Your Organization from Fraud, focused on education and awareness as well as best practices.

Students and Parents

Financial fraud was also a topic of interest at the Regions Extra Credit: College Life Money Skills event held live at the Regions Operations Center in Birmingham and via webcast. The seminar provided important information for high school juniors and seniors, their parents and school administrators on topics such as budgeting, financial aid, fraud prevention and more.

Panelists for the extra credit event included John Jordan, head of Retail Banking, Angela Aaron, a consumer financial educator with the Regions Next Step® Financial Wellness Team, Jeff Taylor, head of Commercial Fraud Forensics at Regions and Kelly Savoie, assistant regional head for Sallie Mae.

Regions teams also hosted a few campus takeovers, including Regions Day at Alabama A&M University. “We had great student participation in several Regions Next Step Reality Check budget simulations,” said Floresha Watkins, local Community Relations officer for Regions. “A panel of Regions associates – who are also A&M alums – also shared career insights and future opportunities with students. All in all, Regions Day at A&M was a big win for everyone.”

Similar Regions Day events were also held at two additional HBCUs, Tennessee State University and Jackson State University.

Ginger Donohoe, branch manager in Vicksburg, Mississippi and 2023 Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award winner, held her own personal campus tour in April, delivering Regions Next Step financial education to students at River City Early College, Hinds Community College, Beechwood and Port Gibson High School.

And more than 375 eighth-grade students from all six junior high schools across St. Mary Parish in South Louisiana participated in a Regions Next Step Reality Check budget simulation, where they got a firsthand look at managing money, budgeting, and making responsible financial choices.

“It was a happy surprise that several young people participated and were really engaged. It’s so important to learn those real-life money lessons and begin building financial confidence at an early age.”
John Brown, Regions Market Executive

Both students and adults took part in a Regions Next Step Reality Check session hosted by the Enterprise, Alabama, market team. Regions associates collaborated with the Enterprise Housing Authority to deliver the session to 16 local residents, and according to Market Executive John Brown, it was a hit with all age groups.

“We were excited to host this event with the Enterprise Housing Authority,” Brown said. “It was a happy surprise that several young people participated and were really engaged. It’s so important to learn those real-life money lessons and begin building financial confidence at an early age.”

Small-Business Owners

Regions Community Development Officer Eric Madkins and Regions Community Engagement Financial Education Trainer Keren Treme collaborated with the University of Arkansas-Little Rock Small Business and Technology Development Center to organize a virtual Regions Next Step workshop for entrepreneurs. The Credit and Financing for Small Business course was delivered to 25 participants, with very positive feedback from the event coordinator: “We work with a lot of subject matter experts and partners to deliver training, and it’s rare to see someone who is able to make financial literacy feel easy and approachable for the everyday business owner.”

Donna Medina, part of the Regions Financial Wellness Education team, worked with Ann Solomon and the Winchester, Tennessee branch to host a Financial Tips for Your Small Business Seminar in partnership with the local Chamber. The attendees learned about building confidence both in their personal and business finances.

Military Families

Natalie Meeks, also part of the Regions Financial Wellness Education team, hosted a course for the Indiana National Guard in April. This specialized series was a refresher course for previous attendees and included in-depth conversations with banking specialists from Regions Private Wealth and Mortgage.

Adults in Transition

Regions Next Step Ambassadors, volunteers who are specially trained to deliver the bank’s tailored financial education curriculum, were especially busy during Financial Literacy Month. Jakevia Brown, Trust Relationship specialist in Wealth Management, led a Saving for Retirement session with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, part of a longstanding collaboration with the organization.

“The leadership provided by our Regions Next Step Ambassadors is helping to transform lives and communities through financial education!”
Cecilia Bailey, Regions Financial Education Manager

Rosalyn Blunt, a project manager in Regions Enterprise Operations, facilitated a Banking Basics session for the Indianapolis VA Domiciliary, a residential treatment facility for veterans. And Branch Manager Dominique Treadwell presented a virtual financial education course for clients of Abe Brown Ministries, which serves men and women reentering the community after incarceration.

Regions Financial Education Manager Cecilia Bailey was thrilled with their contributions, saying, “The leadership provided by our Regions Next Step Ambassadors is helping to transform lives and communities through financial education!”

In addition to live in-person and virtual financial education seminars presented to schools and nonprofits year-round, Regions also offers robust financial wellness resources online. The Regions Next Step program includes easy-to-access online resources such as articles, online modules, calculators and more – at no charge.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey, to date.

I grew up in Southern California and worked various customer service and retail roles while attending college. I spent a few years as a Legal Assistant before relocating to Houston, where I worked in both small business and corporate environments— as an HR Administrator, Executive Assistant and Agency Coordinator.

When I moved to Austin, I accepted a Recruiting Coordinator role thinking it would be a temporary solution while I continued my job search. A month later, the company was acquired by GoDaddy and, after being introduced to the team, my feelings towards the role shifted in a more positive direction. The team at GoDaddy was open to feedback and collaborative in a way that I hadn’t experienced in a corporate environment. I’m now working as a Senior Recruiting Operations Specialist and have been with the company for six years.

What has driven your growth most through your career?

Developing the confidence to take initiative. Trusting my ideas enough to invest the time and effort in building projects that can demonstrate their value.

Can you describe a project or initiative you implemented that had a significant impact on the recruiting process?

When I started, the team had implemented a new system and was exploring ways to improve a Care recruiting process. I didn’t have much experience in the new system but wanted to participate in brainstorming. I, hesitantly, proposed an idea involving Recruiters individually managing aspects of their requisitions. The team not only listened but moved to quickly implement the idea. The process has since changed over the past six years, but that moment stands out because it helped me regain some of the confidence I had lost in previous roles and encouraged me to contribute more.

Recently, I’ve enjoyed finding opportunities where processes can be standardized or simplified. As a global company, this is often easier said than done—individual teams have specific needs, not to mention each country, region, and locality can have unique regulations and requirements. That complexity is challenging, but also exciting and pushes me to think creatively and strategically.

Can you share a memorable piece of advice that a mentor gave you that you still apply today?

“Be the type of person you’d want to work with.” It’s simple but a good reminder to be accountable, empathetic and positive in my interactions – because that’s the type of person I’d want to work with.

What are some ways in which you feel supported by GoDaddy?

I value the opportunities to give and receive feedback on our own performance and for others. It helps me reflect, stay aligned with my goals, and discuss career development.

I also take pride in working for a company that consistently walks-the-walk when it comes to a focus on diversity and inclusion. It’s evident in our hiring practices, policies, and ERGs. We are always introducing new tools and processes to ensure our candidates are receiving a fair and equitable experience.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

When it’s not too hot in Austin, I try to get out and enjoy all the live music, parks and entertainment the city has to offer. I enjoy the occasional camping trip, music festival and still have many places I’d like to cross off my travel bucket list. However, my favorite thing is really just hanging with friends (and my cat) having great conversation, cooking, watching movies, being lazy around the house. 9 times out of 10, I’m going to opt for the staycation over the vacation!

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

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When DeKalb County, Georgia decided to pursue a 100% clean energy future, they didn’t just look for technical solutions—they made a deliberate choice to center community engagement and equity. In this interview for the Drawdown Georgia Climate Digest video interview series, longtime climate justice advocate Eriqah Vincent sits down with Stacey Isaac Berahzer of IB Environmental to talk about what it really takes to build a climate action plan that works for everyone.

Watch the video here.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Last summer, U.S. Bank became the first financial institution to provide Greenlight through an embedded mobile app experience. Today, families looking for help teaching their kids about money can join the more than 67,000 U.S. Bank families who are accessing Greenlight through the U.S. Bank Mobile App.

Complimentary¹ access to Greenlight is available to U.S. Bank clients through their checking account relationship with the bank.

With Greenlight, kids can

• Learn critical financial skills with the Greenlight debit card and money app
• Earn, save and spend wisely with flexible parental controls
• Manage chores and earn allowance for their work
• Learn important financial basics with interactive games and videos
• Earn 2% rewards² on savings

Kids and parents who have connected to Greenlight through U.S. Bank are demonstrating positive financial habits, with 48% of young users engaged in savings, 86% engaged in spending and 34% engaged in chores. Among the top reasons for saving are for a car, college or general needs.

“The engagement and interest we are seeing with Greenlight is extremely positive, which tells us we are filling an important need for many families,” said Arijit Roy, head of consumer and business banking products at U.S. Bank. “Greenlight is one of the latest ways we are making it more rewarding to bank with U.S. Bank, while helping clients and their families reach their financial goals.”

The financial education offering within Greenlight is also proving to be an impactful resource for U.S. Bank families. More than half of U.S. Bank Greenlight users have completed a Level Up in-app financial literacy lesson, and 96% of those users indicated they would start budgeting money after finishing the Budgeting Level Up. Users who completed five or more Level Up lessons have created 45% more savings goals and completed 115% more savings goals than users who have not yet participated in the lessons.

Complimentary Greenlight Select subscriptions (a $69/year value) are available to U.S. Bank clients with an eligible checking account. New connectivity features and capabilities for U.S. Bank Greenlight users are expected to be rolled out later this year.

Learn more about Greenlight at usbank.com/greenlight.

¹U.S. Bank customers are eligible to receive the Greenlight Select plan complimentary when an eligible U.S. Bank checking account (excludes Safe Debit and Electronic Transfer accounts) is added as a funding source. You are required to be an authorized transactor on the U.S. Bank account, be at least 18 years of age, and be enrolled in online banking. Your U.S. Bank checking account(s) must be the preferred funding source for your Greenlight account for the entirety of the partnership. If your U.S. Bank checking account(s) cease to be the preferred funding source for your Greenlight account or you add a funding source that is not an eligible U.S. Bank checking account, you may be charged a monthly fee by Greenlight. In-app upgrades will result in additional fees. Subject to Greenlight identity verification. See greenlight.com/terms for additional information. Offer subject to change.

²Greenlight Select families can earn monthly rewards of 2% per annum on an average daily savings balance of up to $5,000 per family. To qualify, the Primary Account must be in Good Standing and have a verified ACH funding account. See greenlight.com/terms for details. Subject to change at any time.

Additional Disclosures

Greenlight is a financial technology company, not a bank. The Greenlight app facilitates banking services through Community Federal Savings Bank (CFSB), Member FDIC. The Greenlight Mastercard is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International.

Originally published on Nielsen Insights

This year’s International Women’s Day theme #accelerateaction puts the spotlight on how women are driving change around the world. With 2024 being the warmest year on record for the U.S., climate change and sustainability is a big concern—and definitely for women who are 7% more likely to feel that our society should do much more to protect the environment/planet. For Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) millennial women in particular, that number is even more pronounced, with 25% of them more likely to feel that way¹.

For AANHPI millennial women, it’s not just a feeling, they are also acting by putting their money where their heart is: they are twice as likely to pay more for eco-friendly products and services compared to the total population¹. And brands are taking note. For example, K-Beauty company Innis Free doubled down on its eco-friendly, cruelty free ingredients and packaging for the U.S. market and opened its flagship store in New York City with the Millennial and Gen Z consumer in mind. Asian millennial women are also more likely than Asian millennial men to perform eco-friendly activities from recycling to donating to environmental causes: See chart above.

AANHPI millennial women don’t just influence brands—they also influence their peers. In fact, 36% of AANHPI women agree that they are considered the leader in trends by their friend/peer group². This influence extends to purchasing power, as their choices around sustainability and eco-consciousness shape what their peers buy. Brands that align with these values can tap into a powerful network of consumers who actively share and promote the products they believe in.

When it comes to protecting the environment, the influence of Asian women to #accelerateaction goes back to earlier generations. Miya Yoshitani, Executive Director of the Asian Pacific Environmental Network has been a leader of the environmental justice movement since the 1990s. Through organizing in Asian-American communities, she fights for healthy communities and also paved the way for today’s social media activists. AANHPI women millennials have dedicated platforms for doing good, enabling them to reach audiences 18+ who spend almost eight hours a week on social media (Q3 2024). Jewish-Filipina Kristi Drutman of browngirlgreen is a self-described “environmental educator passionate about working at the intersections between media, diversity, and environmentalism”. South Asian Aditi Mayer blends the “worlds of art, industry, and education— all with a socially conscious slant”.

These platforms offer a way for brands to create meaningful connections with Asian female millennials who are early in their consumer lifecycle. They have the buying power: average monthly earnings of Asian women ($1,331) are higher than those of their counterparts, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They have expectations: 56% of AANHPI women expect the brands they buy to support the causes they care about². Brands looking to grow their business can’t afford to ignore eco-conscious Asian female millennials.

Data sources:

¹Scarborough USA+ 2024 Release 1 Total (Jan 2023-Apr 2024)

²Nielsen Attitudes on Representation Study, 2023

DALLAS, June 23, 2025 /3BL/ – Good things come in threes: iconic beauty brand and global entrepreneurship company Mary Kay Inc. has again been named the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World¹ by Euromonitor International for the third consecutive year.

Euromonitor International is the foremost provider of global business intelligence, market analysis, and consumer insights with over 50 years of conducting market research across more than 100 countries.

“Being named the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World by Euromonitor International three years in a row marks a grand slam achievement for Mary Kay,” said Ryan Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Mary Kay. “This repeated milestone reflects years of R&D and marketing efforts to create skin and beauty solutions that meet consumer needs and are loved the world-over. Above all, it demonstrates the transformative power of our Independent Beauty Consultants who are driving this success globally.”

In addition to the global recognition, Mary Kay has been named:

• #1 Brand of Facial Make-Up in Latin America,*
• #1 Brand of Lip Products in Latin America,*
• #1 Brand of Color Cosmetics in Mexico,*
• #1 Brand of Skincare and Color Cosmetics in Mexico.*

Sarah Boumphrey, Global Research Director at Euromonitor International, stated, “Our awards reflect the highest standard of excellence in the industries we track, and beauty and direct selling are no exception. Honorees are recognized through a rigorous, data-driven evaluation process that draws on independent research, global market analysis, and deep category expertise. Euromonitor is proud to collaborate with leading companies, like Mary Kay, and this accomplishment signifies their commitment to performance and quality in a highly competitive landscape.”

With presence in over 40 markets and millions of Independent Beauty Consultants around the world, Mary Kay continues to set the standard for beauty that empowers and delivers. Several fan-favorite products contribute to Mary Kay’s #1 status, including the iconic TimeWise^® skincare line, the dermatologist validated Clinical Solutions^® skincare line, the Mary Kay^® Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover beloved by influencers and celebrities, the Mary Kay^® Ultimate Mascara™, the Mary Kay Unlimited^® Lip Gloss, and the Mary Kay^® Waterproof Eyeliner, to name a few.

In 2024 alone, Mary Kay garnered 65 beauty awards around the world. In addition to the Euromonitor International #1 recognition, Mary Kay recently ranked #11 in the Women’s Wear Daily Beauty Inc.’s 2024 Top 100 Beauty Companies.

Mary Kay products are sold by best-in-class Independent Beauty Consultants who provide personalized service to customers in person and online at www.MaryKay.com, and on social and digital media channels. 

The Euromonitor award reinforces Mary Kay as one of the world’s best loved brands with a business model and corporate mission focused on empowering women, transforming lives, and helping to protect our natural resources.

Did You Know:

• One Mary Kay^® Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is sold every 5 minutes around the globe.²
• Nearly 1,500 patents globally are held by Mary Kay for products, technologies, and packaging designs in its global portfolio.³
• Mary Kay’s state-of-the-art Richard R. Rogers (R3) global Manufacturing/R&D Center located in Lewisville, Texas, has a production capacity of up to 1.1 million products per day.
• 62% of Mary Kay’s global R&D teams are women.⁴
• 81% of Mary Kay’s Global Marketing team & Creative Studio are women.⁵
• 30% of sales force members who started their Mary Kay business in the past year are under the age of 35.⁶

***

About Mary Kay
One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 40 markets. For over 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications
marykay.com/newsroom
972.687.5332 or media@mkcorp.com

# # #

¹“Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”

* “Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”

²Source: Mary Kay Inc., data as of December 2024, for the past 12 months, based on units sold.

³ Source: Mary Kay Inc., as of 2025.

⁴Source: Women Representation and Leadership at Mary Kay (May 2025).

⁵Source: Women Representation and Leadership at Mary Kay (May 2025).

⁶Source: Mary Kay Inc., 2024 U.S. data.

CLEVELAND, June 23, 2025 /3BL/ – Electricity is the backbone of modern industrial operations and digitalization provides new opportunities to optimize energy systems. Intelligent power management company Eaton is empowering customers to put electrification and digitalization to work in new ways with its Factories as a Grid approach that maximizes the functionality of existing energy systems along with renewable energy resources to achieve greater levels of energy resilience, affordability and efficiency. 

The strategy builds on Eaton’s Everything as a Grid perspective that provides customers with more energy choices and enables a flexible foundation to secure reliable and resilient power. Adopting this Factories as a Grid approach can help manufacturers simplify the electrification of critical processes while simultaneously improving energy efficiency, ensuring a constant supply uninterrupted power and reducing operational costs by producing and consuming electrical power more intelligently.

“There are multiple global megatrends at play impacting manufacturing. Everything is electrifying and extreme weather events are becoming more common,” said Marc Elliott, director – mining, metals, minerals, pulp and paper at Eaton. “Solving these challenges requires integrated solutions that transform electrical systems from simple loads on the grid into intelligent business assets that assure energy security. At Eaton, we’re leveraging our expertise and industry-leading solutions to help our customers make that happen.” 

The strategy hinges on the scaled implementation of intelligent power management solutions to manage the new demands of electrified processes. By taking a holistic view of energy needs and infrastructure, Eaton can help customers intelligently balance energy production and consumption to achieve operational goals, including:  

• Improved resilience using proven microgrid technology, onsite renewable energy generation and energy storage to support always-on power during grid interruptions.
• Reduced energy costs through the ability to react to real-time grid conditions and strategically produce, store and consume electricity generated on site.
• Improved energy efficiency and equipment performance supported by Eaton’s Brightlayer portfolio that delivers real-time and actionable insights.
• Cost-effective electrification including accommodations for electric fleet charging infrastructure that help reduce costs and save time.
• Accelerated decarbonization through the integration of onsite clean energy resources that can be monetized to maximize return on investment. 

Eaton is demonstrating its Factories as a Grid approach at its Arecibo, Puerto Rico manufacturing facility, which produces circuit breakers for homes, buildings and industrial applications. This first-of-its-kind project integrates onsite solar generation, energy storage and intelligent digital solutions into a microgrid that is cutting operational costs, energy consumption and emissions. 

Matt Hockman, president of Global Energy Infrastructure Solutions at Eaton, will highlight the Factories as a Grid approach during a keynote address focused on innovative approaches to meet growing energy demand during the Reuters Global Energy Transition 2025 event in New York City on June 25.

Learn more about how Eaton is helping build the factories of the future.   

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.   

Founded in 1911, Eaton has continuously evolved to meet the changing and expanding needs of our stakeholders. With revenues of nearly $25 billion in 2024, the company serves customers in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn. 

Contact:

Kristin Somers
+1.919.345.3714
Kristincsomers@eaton.com

Regina Parundik 
Cobblestone Communications
+1.412.559.1614
Regina@cobblecreative.com 

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Southwire, the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Engineering and Algae Tree LLC have teamed up to pilot one of the first carbon removing art installations in the US.

The unit grows microalgae in a tree-shaped photobioreactor at Southwire’s Thorn Customer Solutions Center where visitors can witness the carbon dioxide removal project firsthand.

The pilot unit contains a species of microalgae called Arthrospira platensis (spirulina) – a naturally occurring strain of algae – and is projected to capture carbon dioxide at the same rate as 38 fully grown trees.

“Southwire has a long-held commitment to sustainability, and this project aligns with our efforts to support education and reduce impacts to the environment,” said Bo Quick, vice president, corporate sustainability.  “We were pleased to engage with the Algae Tree and the UGA capstone students as they evaluated this innovative carbon removal technology.”

While the pilot unit is in service, UGA engineering students will analyze data from the project with the hopes of helping influence the design of future full-scale ventures.  Students displayed the prototype to members of the public and UGA community at the 2024 Capstone Design Showcase where it started hundreds of conversations about how carbon dioxide impacts the environment.

“The Algae Tree is a great way for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability,” said Jeffery Whitmire, Algae Tree founder.  “Our tree-shaped sculptures actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while engaging with the public and making a statement of beauty.”

Visit https://southwire.com/sustainability to learn more about sustainability at Southwire.

CINCINNATI, June 20, 2025 /3BL/ – Fifth Third (NASDAQ: FITB) and Nashville leaders announced today that North Nashville will join the Fifth Third Neighborhood Program, bringing an influx of $20 million over three years to help revitalize the community.

“Fifth Third could not be more excited to bring our innovative Neighborhood Program to North Nashville,” said Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer for Fifth Third. “We piloted our place-based economic development program back in 2019 and rolled it out in nine neighborhoods across our footprint in 2021. We have invested nearly $255 million since that time and witnessed generational, transformative change. We’re thrilled about the opportunity to apply what we’ve learned and help North Nashville realize similar outcomes and impact.”

In partnership with Affordable Housing Resources, Inc., Pathway Lending and United Way of Greater Nashville, Fifth Third and lead technical assistance partner Enterprise Community Partners will help community members implement their economic mobility roadmap that will help advance economic mobility and financial inclusion for the residents and businesses of North Nashville.

To support this work, Fifth Third is pledging a $20 million investment in traditional financial and philanthropic capital in North Nashville over the next three years, including $1 million each to Affordable Housing Resources and the United Way from the Fifth Third Foundation.

“As a long-time resident of North Nashville I welcome this investment in our neighborhoods,” said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “We’ve been trying to shift how we invest in North Nashville. Recently, we’ve taken a special budgeting process and directed hundreds of thousands of dollars into four North Nashville Council districts. Then, we put $1 million directly into a multi-year effort anchored at Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center focused on lowering blood pressure. We’ve started to lower electric bills through a new insulation partnership with NES. And at least $7 million in federal funding to help North Nashville continue to recover from the long-term impacts of the 2020 tornado.

“Now we will amplify those investments with a $20 million commitment from Fifth Third that will result in community development through housing preservation, small business assistance, and vacant lot activation. Community members will see the results starting later this year,” Mayor O’Connell said.

Nashville’s economic mobility roadmap includes several key focus areas: growing housing and homeownership, such as by developing and preserving affordable housing; investing in small businesses and community wealth-building, such as by expanding access to capital and business planning; investing in people-based programs and services, such as by supporting education-to-career pathways; and investing in infrastructure and environmental priorities, such as by addressing tornado damage and highway impacts.

“I am thrilled that North Nashville has been selected for Fifth Third’s Neighborhood Program,” said David Briggs, Tennessee region president for Fifth Third Bank. “The North Nashville community embodies both the rich history of this city and the promise and challenges of its future. This investment of financial and intellectual capital illustrates Fifth Third’s commitment to ensuring that all the members of the North Nashville community can share in its growth and truly make their lives a Fifth Third Better.”

Fifth Third prioritizes broadening financial access and neighborhood revitalization through its Neighborhood Program, a community development initiative launched in 2021 which creates and implements innovative place-based strategies to effect positive change in historically disinvested neighborhoods across the Bank’s 11-state consumer bank footprint.

The program is pioneering a new place-based approach to community development by partnering with a lead partner organization, Enterprise Community Partners, and local organizations to build ecosystems that drive real change through both financial and social investments. This collective ecosystem approach is focused on identifying solutions to key challenges in partnership with the community, with the goal of creating lasting, transformative change.

The place-based concept was piloted in 2019 in Detroit’s Gratiot & Seven Mile neighborhood. Two years later, the program expanded into the Neighborhood Program, adding nine additional neighborhoods in seven states.

Through the Neighborhood Program, Fifth Third has directly invested nearly $255 million across the nine neighborhoods. That investment helped catalyze over $200 million in additional investment. The result: $455 million in total Fifth Third-driven investments and tangible community impact, including:

• 584 new rental homes developed to increase the supply of affordable rental housing;
• 437 existing homes preserved;
• 1,932 homeowners assisted through purchase assistance, classes, repairs, and other programs;
• 926 small businesses supported through technical assistance and other programs;
• 70 key positions filled to help community organizations build capacity;
• $25 million in philanthropic investment by Fifth Third.

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About Fifth Third
Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies^® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ^® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

CONTACT

Amanda Nageleisen (Media Relations)
amanda.nageleisen@53.com

Matt Curoe (Investor Relations)
matt.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345