Tag: 3BL

NEW ORLEANS, June 17, 2025 /3BL/ – Entergy has been recognized as a 2025 honoree of The Civic 50, a prestigious recognition by Points of Light that highlights the top companies in the United States leading the way in employee volunteerism and community investment. This marks the 10th consecutive year that Entergy has received this significant honor.

In addition to this achievement, Entergy was named the Utilities Sector Leader for the third consecutive year, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to being a good corporate partner and community engagement. Furthermore, Entergy was also recognized as this year’s Volunteer Leader Awardee for the first time, acknowledging the company’s work to promote and enhance its employee volunteer programs that ultimately benefit the communities it serves.

“Being recognized as a Civic 50 honoree for 10 years in a row is a testament to our workforce’s dedication and the meaningful impact we have made in the communities we serve,” said Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy vice president of corporate social responsibility. “In 2024, our employees and retirees contributed more than 122,000 volunteer hours valued at $4 million across our service areas. Our employees’ passion for volunteering and community investment not only strengthens our neighborhoods but also embodies our core values and mission as a company.”

The Civic 50 honors U.S. companies that prioritize giving back, empowering volunteer work and creating sustainable community programs. Entergy is committed to giving back and making a difference in the Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas communities it serves.

“In an ever-evolving landscape, companies are looking to ensure that they can meet the needs of their communities, customers and stakeholders,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “Companies like Entergy are leading the way in showing how social impact benefits their employee’s well-being, strengthens the communities where they do business and brings value and meaning to their work. Their efforts provide a model for others looking to bring the benefits of volunteering and social impact to their workforce and they’re extremely deserving of this recognition.”

Through strategic partnerships with community partners, Entergy continues to implement a range of initiatives aimed at addressing poverty, promoting education and workforce development, providing financial help to vulnerable customers, improving its communities and protecting the environment. Learn more about Entergy’s commitment to serving its communities.

About Entergy

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 entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media.

Contact

Media inquiries: Cristina del Canto|504-576-4238|mdelcan@entergy.com

Originally published in Covia’s 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report

At Covia, we believe that corporate responsibility is an opportunity to create lasting value for our customers, communities, and the environment. This belief has guided us through a transformative year, one that has strengthened our foundation and positioned us to lead with purpose and innovation. 

The past year marked a significant milestone for Covia, as 2024 saw the completion of the separation of our Energy and Industrial businesses. This strategic decision has allowed Covia to sharpen our focus on delivering innovative, high-performance mineral solutions to our industrial markets. While this transition represents a new chapter, it also reinforces our dedication to sustainable growth and operational excellence. With renewed purpose, we are well positioned to pursue tailored strategies that align with our customers’ needs and the evolving demands of our industry.

Our people play an active and passionate role in Covia’s work as a corporate citizen. We recently refreshed our Covia Values, as you’ll see on the next page, and these values reflect both our aspirations and our priorities. Safety continues to be our North Star, and our team members are committed to our journey to zero injuries. In that section of this report, you can read about some of the projects we’ve undertaken, which are a mix of innovations and precautions, all designed to make our work safer. We are proud of the significant decrease in our injury rate since our baseline year, which has put us on track to achieve world-class safety performance, but we have more to do. 

You’ll also see how our values are demonstrated in our support for our communities. Covia volunteers help hundreds of organizations make the world a better place, and The Covia Foundation ensures support for the causes that are important to our employees and our communities. Ultimately, everything we do is about the people whose lives we touch, from our neighbors to our team members, and our customers to their end-users. Our products are part of everyday life in thousands of ways, and our people are dedicated to our mission of responsibly providing minerals solutions for a better tomorrow. 

The achievements outlined in this report are examples of these values in action and underscore our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, positive social impact, and responsible governance and ethics. Aligned with our values, we are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to the UNGC and its 10 principles covering human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. In addition to our constant work to reinforce the safety culture that has always been integral to Covia, we also delivered on environmental initiatives and made substantial investments in energy efficiency. In addition, we strengthened our support networks for both team members and our communities through The Covia Foundation and revitalized our governance structures and sustainability responsibilities to ensure accountability and transparency in alignment with our long-term goals.

As we look ahead, innovation and collaboration will remain central to our strategy. From advancing our cybersecurity measures to leveraging cutting-edge technologies, we are committed to staying ahead of industry trends and challenges, ensuring that we deliver solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. 

Along with the progress described in this report, you’ll find stories about members of the Covia team who work every day to build our enduring company. Our team members took all the photos you’ll see in this document, which help bring those stories to life. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We are growing with purpose, inspired by possibility. Thank you to our team members, partners, and stakeholders for your continued support and trust. Together, we are building an enduring company with a resilient, sustainable future—one that reflects the values and aspirations of Covia.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to continuing to share our progress and achievements. Sincerely, 

Bruno Biasiotta 

President and Chief Executive Officer

MILWAUKEE, June 17, 2025 /3BL/ – Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, is deepening its long-standing commitment to high-quality education and student achievement in Milwaukee, pledging $4.5 million in 2025 which will support 70 local schools and nonprofits. This brings the company’s total contribution to advancing education in the city to more than $71 million over the past 30+ years, with its investments providing additional support in one of three areas – academics, mental health, and family engagement. 

As part of its giving strategy, it’s imperative to enable the success of the educators who are enriching the lives of classrooms and the wider school population each and every day. It’s why for the third year, the Northwestern Mutual Summer Teacher Grant program will fund additional resources and programming that can strengthen teachers’ skillsets and bolster their creativity.   

“Education lays the groundwork for a strong community and a strong workforce,” said Steve Radke, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “We are thrilled to partner with exceptional educators, ensuring our schools can provide students opportunities to further develop their talents so our city can thrive for generations to come.”

This year, more than 220 teachers across 17 primary and secondary charter, private and public schools were awarded a grant that will enable them to do just that. This is more than twice the number of projects funded last year. Projects vary in scope from intervention courses that will provide assistance to students struggling in specific subjects to trainings for teachers on recognizing and addressing occupational therapy needs within their own classrooms.

For instance, Hmong American Peace Academy (HAPA) will see four summer projects funded, focusing on planning groups for the use of AI in classrooms, expanding their teacher pipeline, and supporting students pursuing dual enrollment in both high school and college courses.

“This grant program plays a pivotal role in our mission to provide equitable, high-impact educational opportunities for our HAPA scholars and professional growth for our educators,” said Chris Her-Xiong, founder and CEO of Hmong American Peace Academy, one of the awarded teacher grant schools. “Northwestern Mutual’s grants will allow us to move forward with strength and intentionality in areas that are critical to our long-term success.”

As part of the larger annual investment committed, Northwestern Mutual is also supporting those in post-secondary education—funding scholarships, university grants, and supplemental services to enrich students’ collegiate experiences. Since 2019, over 125 scholarships have been awarded through the company’s expanded partnership with All-In Milwaukee, a college completion program which provides financial aid, advising, program, and career support to high potential, limited-income students. This is in addition to over 25 scholarships awarded through the Northwestern Mutual Hometown HBCU Connection program, funding Milwaukee students seeking to further their education at the historically Black college or university of their choice. 

To learn more about the company’s educational support visit www.northwesternmutual.com/sustainability.

###

About Northwestern Mutual Foundation 

The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is to improve the lives of children and families in need. The Foundation has given more than $550 million since its inception in 1992 and is designed to create lasting impact in the communities where the company’s employees and financial representatives live and work. We accomplish this by combining financial support, volunteerism, thought leadership and convening community partners to deliver the best outcomes. Our efforts are focused nationally on curing childhood cancer, and locally on education, neighborhoods, and making our hometown of Milwaukee a great destination. Visit Northwestern Mutual Foundation to learn more. 

About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what’s most important. With nearly $700 billion of total assetsⁱ being managed across the company’s institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $38 billion in revenues, and $2.4 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 110 on the 2024 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the “World’s Most Admired” life insurance companies in 2025.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with “Advisor” in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.

¹ Includes investments and separate account assets of Northwestern Mutual as well as retail investment client assets held or managed by Northwestern Mutual.

SOURCE Northwestern Mutual

June 17, 2025 /3BL/ – Kate Sheets, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Affairs for AEG Global Partnerships, has been named to Sports Business Journal’s prestigious Forty Under 40 Class of 2025, a recognition that honors top executives under the age of 40 who are driving innovation and excellence across sports, entertainment, media, and technology.

In her role at AEG Global Partnerships, Sheets is instrumental in managing and expanding high-impact brand alliances across AEG’s global portfolio, which includes some of the most iconic venues, franchises, and events such as Crypto.com Arena, LA Kings, LA Galaxy, Coachella Music & Arts Festival and Stagecoach. Her leadership has played a vital role in advancing strategic partnerships and enhancing fan engagement.

The Forty Under 40 Awards are presented by Sports Business Journal in collaboration with Ally, Anheuser-Busch, TurnkeyZRG, and Verizon.

Given June is the beginning of hurricane season, our friends at FedEx have asked us to submit a guest post on hurricane preparedness. We happen to have an expert-approved hurricane preparedness checklist! You’ll find a free link to it at the end of this post.

With the 2025 hurricane season upon us, now is the time to begin preparations. Having a comprehensive hurricane preparation checklist can mean the difference between chaos and calm—especially when the power goes out, the roads are blocked, and emergency help is delayed.

Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering in place, this guide—developed by the veteran-led disaster relief volunteers at Team Rubicon—lays out the essential hurricane kit checklist items to protect yourself, your family, and even your pets.

Basic Survival Essentials: The Core of Your Hurricane Preparation Checklist

The foundation of your hurricane kit should include these essential survival items to help you endure the storm and the days immediately following:

• Water: At least one gallon per person per day for three days. Include water purification tablets or a portable water filter. Pro tip: reuse and sanitize juice bottles for water storage—it’s cost-effective and eco-friendly.
• Non-perishable Food: Stock up on canned goods, protein bars, trail mix, dried fruits, and shelf-stable snacks.
• Manual Can Opener & Matches: Don’t overlook these small tools—no point in storing cans you can’t open.
• First-Aid Kit: Include antiseptics, gauze, tape, scissors, pain relievers, and essential personal medications.
• Flashlights & Batteries: Keep several flashlights and a fresh supply of batteries on hand. Headlamps are also great for hands-free lighting.
• Multi-tool: A compact multitool with a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, and scissors can serve dozens of emergency uses.

Evacuation Essentials: Be Ready to Leave Fast

Your hurricane preparation checklist should include a go-bag for each person in your household, especially if you need to evacuate quickly:

• Grab-and-Go Bag: Pack clothes, medication, water, snacks, ID copies, and hygiene items.
• Local Maps: In case GPS fails, paper maps will help guide you to safe zones.
• Fuel: Keep your gas tank full during hurricane season. “Half full is empty” during an emergency.

Shelter, Warmth, and Home Protection Supplies

Staying dry and warm—whether at home or in a shelter—is critical in the aftermath of a hurricane:

• Emergency Blankets or Sleeping Bags: Lightweight, waterproof sleeping options can save lives in cold or wet conditions.
• Tarp & Duct Tape: Perfect for patching leaks, broken windows, or setting up a quick shelter.
• Rain Gear: Include ponchos, raincoats, and waterproof boots in your hurricane kit checklist.
• Trash Bags: Use them for cleanup, waterproofing items, or even impromptu ponchos.

Important Documents: Secure and Waterproof

In a disaster, having immediate access to legal, financial, and medical documents can accelerate recovery:

• Waterproof Document Bag: Store copies of IDs, insurance papers, deeds, medical records, and photos. For a cheap and free version, place important documents in Ziploc bags and store them inside a sealed plastic box.
• Cash: ATMs may not work during power outages, so keep emergency cash in small denominations.
• Emergency Contacts: Write down phone numbers for loved ones, doctors, and local emergency services.
• High Storage Tip: Keep all documents and sentimental items high off the floor in waterproof containers to avoid flood damage.

Communication and Life-Saving Technology

Having access to information and ways to signal for help is critical when cell towers go down or the power grid fails:

• NOAA Weather Radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio provides real-time hurricane updates and emergency alerts.
• Cell Phone & Chargers: Include portable power banks and solar chargers in case outlets are unavailable.
• Whistle: A low-tech but powerful way to signal for help if trapped or stranded.
• Portable Solar Generator: A great long-term investment that can power medical devices or phones during extended outages.
• Emergency Beacon Lights: These lights can flash SOS signals and increase your visibility during rescues.
• A Social Media Plan: In times of crisis, social media can be a powerful tool, providing users with real-time updates, emergency alerts, and a way to communicate with loved ones during and after a storm.

A Hurricane Preparation Checklist for Pets

Don’t forget your four-legged family members when building your hurricane kit:

• Food & Water: Pack at least a week’s supply, along with bowls and medications.
• Leash, Carrier, or Crate: These are crucial for evacuations or staying at shelters.
• Spare Leash & Comfort Items: Extra leash, toys, and treats help soothe stressed pets.

Final Word: Make Your Hurricane Preparation Checklist Now

Disasters don’t wait, and neither should your planning. A thorough hurricane preparation checklist ensures you’re not scrambling when the storm is hours away. From clean water and backup radios to pet supplies and waterproof documents, your kit is your frontline defense.

Team Rubicon has responded to hundreds of hurricanes and natural disasters across the country. We know from experience: those who prepare, recover faster. 

Hurricane_Preparation_Checklist_TeamRubicon.docx  Download

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

Originally published in GoDaddy’s 2024 Sustainability Report

Employee Experience

Inclusivity, engagement, and development are the three key values we uphold to ensure our employees are satisfied and feel valued.

We actively seek individuals who bring enthusiasm, curiosity, and a passion for what we do. Attracting and retaining the most qualified talent from around the world who help represent our diverse customers is a key priority for us, and we strive to create an environment where everyone feels represented, valued, and truly included. Once here, our employees can expect to feel heard and supported by the community around them. From our GoDaddy Voice survey to Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), we strive to incorporate employee feedback wherever possible to further our people priorities.

GoDaddy takes a human-centered approach focused on individual needs, and we are constantly evolving, evaluating our processes to ensure they are free from bias and advancing inclusivity in all aspects of our operations.

Inclusive Recruitment

We continuously work to have hiring, development, and retention practices that enable GoDaddy to be an employer of choice for talent globally. This includes showcasing our inclusive culture and principles, and reaching broad, diverse candidate groups. Our practices include:

• Reducing language bias in job descriptions to make the opportunity appealing and approachable for all qualified candidates, both internal and external.
   
• Collaborating with hiring teams and external partners such as Rewriting the Code and their Black Wings group, as well as ColorStack, to connect with underrepresented talent in university and early career organizations.
   
• Investing in partnerships like HerKey, which provide platforms for job opportunities, networking, and partnerships to empower women professionals.
   
• Participating in events and conferences that reach people from different backgrounds and experiences.
   
• Posting non confidential opportunities on our internal career portal to encourage talent retention and career mobility for all eligible employees.
   
• Utilizing a virtual interview platform that provides an accessible and inclusive interview experience, including the ability to specify pronouns, preferred names, and learning preferences or differences, and interview from anywhere.
   
• Featuring employees from our ERGs to share their personal and professional journeys.

Interviewer Training

Equipping our teams with the tools and training they need to succeed is key to fair hiring processes. To support this, we offer an interviewer certification with in-depth training modules on best practices for creating a great and inclusive candidate experience and minimizing bias throughout the recruitment process.

TEXAS CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN

The Texas Conference for Women provides connection, motivation, networking, inspiration, and skill building for thousands of women each year. The one-day conference, open to any gender, offers incredible opportunities for business networking, professional development, and personal growth.

In 2024, GoDaddy Chief Marketing Officer Fara Howard joined as a panelist for the “AI: Shaping the Future of Work” session. It’s a privilege to have strong leaders like Fara motivating our employees as part of our Leadership Team, and her contributions to the panel helped inspire talent within the industry.

Employee Engagement

Engaging a global, hybrid workforce means fostering connection, collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose—no matter where employees work. We prioritize clear communication, meaningful development opportunities, and an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued. We do this through multiple employee engagement programs:

• GoDaddy Fun Fund: The Fund provides employees with a budget to engage in morale-boosting activities, helping to strengthen relationships and promote a positive and inclusive work experience.
   
• Everyday Champions: This program serves as a global recognition platform which encourages employees to convey gratitude and celebrate the achievements of their peers. The program sparks connections and camaraderie across our global workforce, ensuring everyone’s successes are acknowledged and celebrated.
   
• ERG Program: Our ERGs provide opportunities for employees to connect, learn, and network with each other.

Employee Resource Groups

Our ERGs play an important role in fostering a workplace where all employees benefit from the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups open to everyone that focus on the common topics, identities, affinities, and interests that matter to our people. These groups provide a space for employees to develop relationships, enhance professional development (both for themselves and others), engage in projects and programs, learn new skills, and have fun.

ERGs help empower GoDaddy’s business priorities across talent, learning, business, and community development. Our 11 Global ERGs:

• GD Abilities in Tech¹
• GD Asians in Tech
• GD Black in Tech
• GD Entrepreneurs in Tech
• GD Fitness in Tech
• GD Green²
• GD LatinX in Tech
• GD Next in Tech³
• GD United⁴
• GD Veterans in Tech
• GD Women in Tech

ERG WORLD TOUR

New for 2024, our ERG World Tour was designed to provide all employees with the opportunity to engage with our ERGs. An impressive 10% of our global workforce participated in this initiative to meet new people and discover these impactful communities within our organization. Employees were encouraged to drop in, connect with others from around the world, learn more about our ERGs and the topics important to them, and potentially find a community they’d like to be a part of.

Employee Feedback

We aim to create a working environment and culture in which our employees feel respected and supported to do their best work, and listening to our employees is a critical component of our talent management approach. Through GoDaddy Voice, our annual engagement survey, we learn firsthand from our employees what is working and where we need to improve. In 2024, 84% of our employees participated in the GoDaddy Voice survey.

• 91/100: Through our annual GoDaddy Voice survey, we achieved an average score of 91 out of 100 on the question, “Employees on my team treat each other with respect.”
   
• 89/100: We achieved an average score of 89 out of 100 on both questions, “My supervisor/ manager supports me” and “My supervisor/manager models inclusive behaviors.”

AWARDS AND HONORS

• Zippia, 2024 Best Companies to Work for in Arizona
• Built In, 100 Best Larges Places to Work in Seattle 2024
• Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, 2025 Equality 100 Award

To learn more, read our 2024 Sustainability Report.

About This Report

This GoDaddy 2024 Sustainability Report details our progress toward our corporate sustainability goals, strategies, and initiatives in support of our overarching corporate mission and values. Unless otherwise noted, this report reflects our corporate sustainability performance across our global operations covering the fiscal year period from January 1 to December 31, 2024. To demonstrate our commitment to transparent communication regarding our sustainability progress, we routinely share updates through our website and our annual Sustainability Report. We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback on this report by contacting ESG@GoDaddy.com.

This report references the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, includes select Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) metrics for the Internet Media and Services sector, and the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). We also disclose our contributions and progress toward priority UN SDGs. For additional information on how we align with these frameworks and key indicators demonstrating our sustainability performance, please refer to the Frameworks & Metrics section.

¹Focused on disability inclusion.

²Focused on sustainability and environmentalism. 

³Focused on early career in tech employees.

⁴Focused on LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

This is the fourth in an 8-part series exploring the International Year of Quantum’s eight guiding principles.

Help Others Find Reliable Quantum Information

A century after Werner Heisenberg first formulated the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics, we stand witness to both unprecedented quantum breakthroughs and an equally unprecedented challenge: navigating an increasingly complex landscape of quantum information where truth mingles with hype, where breakthrough discoveries share digital space with breathless speculation, and where the profound beauty of quantum mechanics risks being obscured by sensationalism and misunderstanding.

The fourth guiding principle of the International Year of Quantum emerges from this recognition with crystalline clarity: “Help others find reliable quantum information.” This principle acknowledges that in our interconnected age, the democratization of knowledge brings both extraordinary opportunities and formidable challenges. While anyone with an internet connection can access cutting-edge quantum research, they can just as easily encounter misleading claims, oversimplified explanations that sacrifice accuracy for accessibility, or worse—deliberate misinformation that exploits the mystique surrounding quantum phenomena.

The Quantum Information Challenge

The challenge begins with quantum mechanics itself, a field that even its pioneers found bewildering. When Niels Bohr reportedly said, “Anyone who is not shocked by quantum theory has not understood it,” he was articulating something fundamental about the nature of quantum science: it defies our everyday intuitions about reality.

In our digital era, this problem has been amplified exponentially. Social media algorithms reward engagement over accuracy, pushing the most sensational quantum claims to the top of our feeds. Popular science articles, pressed for time and space, often resort to metaphors that obscure rather than illuminate. Meanwhile, the legitimate excitement surrounding quantum computing breakthroughs can inadvertently fuel unrealistic expectations about what quantum technologies can accomplish and when.

The Solution: More Quantum Speech

The International Year of Quantum recognizes that the remedy for the numerous untrue or misleading statements about quantum science and technology is to propagate more quantum speech. The solution to misinformation isn’t censorship or gatekeeping, but rather the proliferation of accurate, accessible, and honest quantum communication.

This principle operates on multiple levels simultaneously. At its most basic level, it’s a call to action for the quantum community itself. Every researcher who takes time to explain their work clearly, every educator who finds new ways to make quantum concepts accessible, every science communicator who chooses precision over sensationalism contributes to this growing corpus of reliable quantum information.

But the principle extends beyond the scientific community. It encompasses journalists who take the time to understand quantum breakthroughs before reporting on them, editors who fact-check quantum claims as rigorously as they would any other scientific story, and content creators who prioritize education over entertainment. It includes the role of institutions—universities, research centers, and scientific societies—in providing accessible resources and reliable information channels.

Meeting People Where They Are

One of the most sophisticated aspects of this guiding principle lies in its recognition that effective quantum communication must meet people where they are in their understanding.  It recognizes that learning is inherently iterative and that even simplified explanations—while necessarily incomplete—can serve as valuable stepping stones toward deeper understanding. The key lies in crafting these simplified explanations with integrity, ensuring they point toward rather than away from more accurate and complete understanding.

Consider how we might explain quantum superposition to different audiences. For a child, we might begin with the idea that quantum particles can be in multiple states simultaneously, perhaps using the metaphor of a spinning coin. For a high school student, we could explore how this leads to computational advantages in quantum computing. For an undergraduate physics student, we would delve into the mathematical formalism and experimental evidence. Each explanation serves its purpose while remaining fundamentally honest about the phenomenon it describes.

Addressing Hype and False Expectations

The International Year of Quantum has explicitly recognized the need to address “hype, misinformation, false expectations, and the roles and responsibilities of different actors” in quantum communication.

The hype often centers around quantum computing, where legitimate breakthroughs in achieving quantum supremacy or demonstrating quantum advantage get distorted into claims about imminent revolutionary applications. Headlines proclaim that quantum computers will “break all encryption” or “solve climate change,” creating unrealistic expectations that can lead to disillusionment when these promised applications don’t materialize on predicted timelines.

Reliable quantum information explains not just what quantum computers can theoretically do, but what current systems actually accomplish, what technical challenges remain, and what realistic timelines look like for various applications. Similarly, reliable information addresses the role of quantum technologies in our current world. It helps people understand how quantum mechanics already underpins technologies they use daily—from laser pointers and LED lights to magnetic resonance imaging and global positioning systems.

Global Accessibility to Quantum Information

The fourth guiding principle takes on additional dimensions when considered in global context. Reliable quantum information must be accessible not just linguistically—translated into multiple languages—but culturally and economically as well. The International Year of Quantum explicitly aims to “address the quantum divide by ensuring equitable access to quantum education and infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions.”

This means recognizing that reliable information isn’t truly reliable if it’s only accessible to privileged populations. It requires developing educational resources that work in diverse educational systems, creating content that resonates across cultural contexts, and ensuring that discussions of quantum technologies consider their global implications and accessibility.

The principle also acknowledges that different regions may face different information challenges. While some areas struggle with sensationalized coverage of quantum developments, others may lack basic access to accurate quantum education resources. Addressing these disparities requires coordinated international effort and recognition that the global quantum community benefits when reliable information is genuinely global in reach.

A Century of Understanding, A Future of Possibility

In a world where quantum technologies promise to transform everything from drug discovery to cryptography, from artificial intelligence to materials science, the stakes of accurate communication could not be higher. The choices we make about how to present quantum science—whether to emphasize mystery or understanding, hype or reality, exclusivity or accessibility—will influence not just public perception but the trajectory of quantum research itself.

In embracing this principle, we honor both the remarkable century of quantum discovery behind us and the even more remarkable possibilities that lie ahead. We acknowledge that reliable quantum information isn’t just about getting the facts right—it’s about fostering the kind of informed, engaged, and thoughtful public discourse that quantum science deserves and that our quantum future requires.

Learn with Keysight

Keysight is committed to making reliable information about quantum—and so many other industries—available through Keysight Learn. Uncover use cases, learn new skills, and discover how emerging technologies like quantum, AI, and 6G are being tested.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Imbler is a rural community in eastern Oregon with one K-12 school and athletic facilities that support all its residents. Prior to 2025, the Imbler School District track consisted of a dirt and gravel path built by a local farmer, posing many problems for the student athletes, including injury. As the school has grown, the need for a better facility became increasingly apparent.

The closest U.S. Bank branch in La Grande, Oregon, is staffed with colleagues with significant ties to Imbler, and they saw an opportunity to positively impact a community that was important to them and the bank.

Thanks to their efforts, the U.S. Bank Foundation in late 2024 announced a $25,000 grant to the Imbler Education Foundation (IEF) to help fund a new track facility through its Track and Field Community Project.

The grant came at a pivotal moment for the track project, as it allowed the IEF to keep up with payments to contractors and continue construction to be ready for the 2025 track season.

In early May, the Imbler School District held its first ever official track meet on the school’s new composite track, made possible through the support of U.S. Bank and the U.S. Bank Foundation. Check out the video above to learn more.

Originally published via EINPresswire by Pitzer Relations

HILLSIDE, IL, June 17, 2025 /3BL/ — Aspire, a Chicagoland nonprofit empowering people with disabilities, has received a $9.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). The grant supports a bold new job training model designed to tackle both unemployment for people with disabilities and labor shortages for businesses. Training for the first target industry will be in warehousing and distribution with other sectors to follow.

“Aspire rejects outdated charity models,” said Serena Alaily, Aspire’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our approach benefits young adults with disabilities through meaningful employment while helping businesses access a dependable, untapped talent pool that improves retention and productivity. We are grateful RSA saw the immense value of this model—for individuals, businesses, and the economy.”

Solving Workforce Challenges While Transforming Lives
With unemployment nearly double for people with disabilities compared to those without, Aspire’s program bridges the gap. The initiative includes ten weeks of hands-on job training in a simulated warehouse environment, classroom learning, and job-shadowing experiences with partners like Wesco, Parts Town, KeHE, and Holman. The simulated work environment was made possible through the generous support from partners and supporting organizations: equipment and team member time from Parts Town and Wesco, financial support from KeHE to help fund the build-out, and software donations from Infios. This is followed by an eight-week paid internship, funded by the grant, allowing businesses to ensure a good fit before hiring permanently. Trainees develop critical skills and gain the confidence to thrive, while businesses benefit from a pre-trained, disciplined, and motivated workforce.

“We’re proud to partner with Aspire to help build a stronger, more inclusive workforce,” said Wilfred Rivera, Wesco Vice President, U.S. Operations. “Their mission aligns with our values, and we’ve seen firsthand how impactful workforce development can be – empowering individuals and strengthening communities. It’s been a truly rewarding experience for everyone involved.”

“I’ve always wanted a job, but I didn’t know what kind,” says Chaz Barnes, Aspire graduate and Wesco intern. “Now I feel like I’m finding out what I’m good at. Getting this internship at Wesco makes me feel proud. It makes me excited to think about what could come next.”

“At Parts Town, community and innovation are core values — and partnering with Aspire is an innovative way to strengthen our team with talented, dedicated individuals,” said Larry Hartley, Parts Town OEM Optimizer (aka SVP of Manufacturer Supply Chain). “This partnership isn’t just about creating opportunities within our community; it’s about recognizing the talents and contributions of people with disabilities, rather than focusing on limitations. The data is clear, and we believe in it — team members with disabilities often bring higher retention, better quality, stronger productivity, and safer work records. Supporting this program directly aligns with our company vision and strengthens our business with reliable, motivated team members. We believe in Aspire’s mission so deeply that we proudly invested in their on-site training center to help build a pipeline of outstanding talent for the future.”

Research shows the significant advantages of hiring talent with disabilities. Companies employing people with disabilities report:

• 50 per cent lower turnover rates
• 33 per cent fewer safety incidents
• 25 per cent higher productivity levels

By equipping trainees to succeed from day one, Aspire’s program addresses labor shortages while changing lives. “We train and pre-screen candidates, so businesses don’t have to,” explained Alaily. “For the next five years, we can provide companies with three to four highly skilled ‘try-on’ employees annually—all on Aspire’s payroll at no cost to them, thanks to this grant.”

A Win-Win for Businesses and Communities
Aspire’s success in the warehouse and distribution industry is just the beginning. The organization is seeking Chicagoland business leaders ready to adopt talent pipelines for high-repetition, high-turnover roles.

“With labor markets tighter than ever, now is the time to explore alternatives,” said Alaily. “We want to partner with companies to expand this model into new industries and create a lasting impact.”

Driving Change Nationwide
Aspire’s program breaks away from outdated charity models, shifting toward more collaboration between nonprofits and businesses for bigger benefits to people, companies, and entire communities. The organization plans to replicate its model across industries and inspire similar programs nationwide.

“We’re proving that hiring young adults with disabilities is both good for business and the right thing to do,” said Alaily.

Ready to learn more, visit https://aspirechicago.com/programs/aspires-employment-training-program-distribution/ or email Randolph Pitzer at rpitzer@pitzerrelations.com.

About Aspire
At Aspire, we show the world what together really means. Since 1960, we have never wavered from this one shared purpose: To be an ally to people with disabilities, working together to pursue greater possibilities—and create better communities in the process. Supporting the Chicagoland area and Southern Wisconsin, we invite you to build boundlessly inclusive communities with us. Find out more at https://aspirechicago.com/.

About Wesco
Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500^® company with approximately $22 billion in annual sales in 2024 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, educational institutions, government agencies, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

About Parts Town
Parts Town is the leading, technology innovation-driven distributor of genuine OEM (original equipment manufacturer) foodservice, residential appliance and HVAC equipment repair parts. When there’s a hiccup with any piece of equipment, Parts Town is ready to jump in and help with the most in-stock parts on the planet, innovative technology, and an unmatched customer experience. Customized solutions benefit equipment service technicians of all kinds, as well as chain and independent restaurants, schools, health care facilities and hospitality providers. By partnering with the top manufacturers of foodservice, residential appliance and HVAC replacement parts, Parts Town improves the supply chain, increases sales of genuine OEM parts and keeps every customer’s business running like clockwork. Parts Town also partners with equipment and supplies dealers of all sizes to offer a one-stop-shop through its Parts Town marketplace. For more information, visit https://www.partstown.com/.

Randolph Pitzer
Pitzer Relations
+1 630-210-1631
email us here

NOTE: This content is not written by or endorsed by “KREX”, its advertisers, or Nexstar Media Inc.
 

Authored by Baker Tilly’s Chris Price

Finance professionals at SaaS and tech companies are navigating a period of rapid transformation, driven in large part by the accelerating impact of AI.

As technology reshapes everything from forecasting to financial operations, staying ahead requires more than technical fluency; it demands strategic agility and cross-functional insight. At recent SaaS industry events, including Baker Tilly’s Technology Finance Symposium, speakers explored the evolving role of finance leaders in this dynamic environment.

From AI integration to valuation shifts, here are 10 key takeaways this Spring that every finance leader in tech should know.

1. Finance must master both hindsight and foresight to lead effectively

Today’s finance leaders need to deliver more than clean books – they must provide a clear view of what’s ahead. Robust historical reporting (audited financials, flux analysis, quote-to-cash reviews) builds trust, while forward-looking forecasts (by product, pipeline, scenario) guide strategic decisions. Weekly internal metrics and cross-functional insights help detect issues early and align teams. The most effective CFOs blend operational detail with strategic vision, using data not just to explain the past, but to shape the future.

2. AI in finance: Start with the problem, not the hype

Despite the buzz, AI adoption in finance remains uneven – especially for generative tools. Success hinges on solving real business problems, not chasing flashy technology. You can’t simply “throw everything” at AI and let the technology do the rest. The most effective initiatives start with clear goals, strong leadership and a willingness to rethink workflows. Failures often stem from poor alignment, lack of user input and overconfidence in data and tools. Finance leaders should focus on measurable impact and cross-functional collaboration to make AI reach its true potential.

3. Alignment requires more than agreement – it demands shared ownership

In SaaS companies, true alignment between finance and go-to-market teams goes beyond agreeing on targets – it requires a shared understanding of how those targets are built and whether they’re realistically achievable. “Faux alignment,” where teams passively accept top-down goals without buy-in, can derail execution. Real alignment is forged through collaborative planning across finance, sales, marketing and customer success, where goals, metrics and resource needs are co-created. This shared ownership fosters accountability, improves forecasting accuracy, and ensures that strategic plans are grounded in operational reality.

4. Graduating from founder-led sales: Hire for the next phase, not just the now

Founders shouldn’t rush to hand off sales – but when they do, the right hire is critical. Bringing in a sales leader with management experience who can “ride shotgun” with the founder allows for a smooth transition without losing the customer feedback loop essential to product-market fit. This person should be capable of building a team over time, but willing to stay close to the product early on. Staying close to users and iterating quickly is what unlocks scalable growth.

5. The modern CFO: From steward to strategic architect

Today’s CFOs are no longer just financial stewards – they’re strategic partners embedded in the business. While core responsibilities like reporting and controls remain, modern finance leaders are expected to drive cross-functional collaboration, scenario planning and data-informed decision-making. AI-powered tools are accelerating this shift, freeing CFOs from legacy systems and enabling them to lead on governance, risk and business process innovation. The most effective finance teams are now deeply aligned with product, marketing and operations – helping shape strategy, not just measure it.

6. Valuations have reset, but strategic buyers still pay for focus and efficiency

While growth remains a key driver, today’s valuations reflect a more grounded market. The gap between founders and buyers has narrowed since 2023, with 2021 now viewed as an anomaly. Strategic acquirers and PE firms are leaning on creative deal structures to close remaining gaps. These firms are also pursuing smaller, strategic acquisitions to build platform companies – especially in vertical SaaS sectors like healthcare, financial services and retail. Vertically focused SaaS companies continue to command premiums for their defensibility and domain-specific data – especially in an AI-first world. Investors still want growth, but now expect a clear path to sustainable margins, efficient burn and credible long-term models.

7. AI and usage-based models are redefining SaaS valuation and planning

The shift toward AI-driven operations and usage-based pricing is challenging traditional SaaS metrics like ARR. As revenue becomes more variable, the traditional concept of ARR loses relevance, shaking the foundation of a litany of other SaaS metrics predicated on it. This has made way for more discrete concepts like vARR (Variable ARR) and xARR (Mixed ARR – sometimes referred to as “messy ARR”) to emerge that better reflect the nature and composition of stated recurring revenue. Investors increasingly apply “sum-of-the-parts” valuations to account for this complexity. These models demand more dynamic forecasting and segmented, forward-looking metrics – making traditional benchmarks less predictive and elevating the role of finance in strategic planning.

8. AI in finance: Empowering insight, requiring judgment

Technology and AI are transforming finance, with CFOs leveraging tools like ChatGPT and AI-powered analytics to stay agile. Yet, they stress that data quality, integration and governance are critical. AI is only as good as the data it’s fed! These tools free teams from routine tasks, enabling deeper strategic focus. Still, every AI conversation is ultimately a human one. Technology enhances capabilities, but responsibility for decisions, validation and outcomes remains firmly with the human. AI is a partner—not a substitute—for sound judgment.

9. Why purpose-built AI is the future of finance

Generic AI models like ChatGPT often fall short in finance, where accuracy and context are critical. Off-the-shelf tools can misinterpret accounting-specific queries, eroding trust. In contrast, Sage is developing purpose-built and customer-centric AI trained on accounting principles, industry standards and customer-specific data. Delivered through a custom AI factory, these models continuously learn and adapt to each customer while ensuring explainability, reliability and safe automation. In finance, trust is everything. Domain-specific AI is how professionals gain confidence in what AI produces – and how they move from experimentation to real impact.

Tech finance: Where insight meets action

The insights shared at our Technology Finance Symposium and gleaned from SaaS industry events this spring are just one part of Baker Tilly’s ongoing commitment to supporting finance professionals in the tech sector. We regularly host, attend and sponsor events focused on the trends shaping the future of finance – from AI and automation to strategic planning and valuation. Staying informed is essential in a fast-moving industry.

Connect with a Baker Tilly specialist to learn how you can stay ahead of the curve.