Tag: 3BL

DP World in Brazil has taken a significant step toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2040 with the electrification of its Rubber Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes at the Santos terminal. 13 diesel-powered RTG cranes have now been fully converted to electric power, reducing diesel consumption by up to 60%. This initiative, part of an R$80 million ($16.2 million) investment, uses a system of overhead cables to ensure sustainable operations without compromising efficiency.

According to Fábio Siccherino, CEO of DP World Santos, the project not only delivers environmental benefits but also operational advantages, such as lower maintenance costs and improved reliability. This milestone aligns with DP World’s global sustainability strategy, Our World, Our Future, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its operations by 2040. The Santos terminal’s efforts were recently recognized with the prestigious Gold Seal from the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program for its commitment to transparent emissions reporting.

In addition to electrifying RTGs, DP World has invested R$12 million ($2.4 million) in over 30 environmental projects, including mangrove conservation, biomass reuse, and the elimination of landfill waste through its Zero Landfill initiative.

These sustainability efforts are part of a broader strategy to modernize and expand operations at Santos. DP World has announced a $35 million investment to increase container handling capacity and extend the quay, as well as a $500 million partnership with Rumo to build a new grain and fertilizer terminal.

Globally, DP World has pledged up to $500 million over five years to cut carbon emissions by nearly 700,000 tons, cementing its position as a leader in sustainable logistics. From electrifying equipment to adopting renewable energy, the company continues to reshape the future of sustainable trade while driving operational excellence.

Authored by Baker Tilly’s Nathaniel Pease

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International Olympic Committee news

Over 6,000 athletes and members of their entourage have taken part in educational activities on the prevention of competition manipulation during 2024, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD). These activities took place during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Gangwon 2024.

Young athletes are usually more exposed to the threats of competition manipulation, including being asked to fix a game, share inside information or place bets. In 2024, the IOC therefore designed the most comprehensive educational programme to date in order to raise awareness of these risks.

This year’s IACD theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”, gave the IOC the opportunity to look back at the wide range of activities provided to athletes in Paris and Gangwon.

“Believe in Sport” booth at Paris 2024

During the Olympic Games Paris 2024, 4,000 athletes joined the fun and engaging activities on offer at the “Believe in Sport” booth located in the Athlete365 House, in the Olympic Village in Paris.

Athletes enjoyed various real-life scenarios and were also encouraged to report any suspicions of competition manipulation through the IOC Integrity Hotline.

“We have been trained on competition manipulation by both our sports federation and our National Olympic Committee. It’s great to have a reminder here, it keeps us educated”, said Shane O’Donoghue (Field Hockey, Ireland), while visiting the booth during the Games.

Paris 2024 Olympians were supported on site by six athlete ambassadors, whose engagement formed part of the IOC’s more comprehensive “Believe in Sport” campaign, which kicked off before the Games and involved educational measures across all key stakeholder groups.

Nina Kanto (Handball, France), one of the Believe in Sport Ambassadors who met her peers in the Olympic Village in Paris, said: “The young athletes need us to speak about manipulation in sport, the risks and the consequences of their decisions. I think it is important for the athletes to be educated, because as athletes you don’t know about all the rules. Your priority is to practise your sport. It is important to keep control of your career, so you know what you need to do, what is good and what is not.”

YOG athletes engaged at Gangwon 2024

A few months earlier, as part of the Athlete Education Programme in place at Gangwon 2024 in January, over 2,000 athletes were engaged in the Youth Olympic Villages and empowered to make the right choices, thanks to the support of athlete ambassadors and IOC Young Leaders.

Freestyle skier Fin Melville Ives from New Zealand, who competed in Gangwon, said: “Learning about competition manipulation and anti-doping – those were the ones that resonated the most. We’ve all learned about it, but we’ve never actually seen how it works. It’s been really fun doing the activities and learning more about the programmes here.”

One of the ambassadors, Olympian Andrej Miklavc, a retired Alpine skier from Slovenia, who advised athletes competing at the YOG in Gangwon, explained: “The prevalence of online betting options in sport requires athletes to comprehend all aspects of potential threats. They need to understand how easily they can become unwitting victims or tools for individuals with malicious intentions towards athletes or the Games.”

Fighting corruption in sport all year round

In order to maintain these important efforts all year round and build capacity and skills across all levels of society, the IOC, as Chair and co-founding partner of the International Partnership Against Corruption in Sport (IPACS), works closely with international organisations, government representatives, and sports organisations to promote good governance in and around sport, through educational webinars and tools to mitigate the risks of corruption.

Additionally, the Olympic Movement Unit on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (OM Unit PMC) engages with National Olympic Committees and International Federations through regular workshops and seminars. During these sessions, the organisations receive key information on topics such as how to prevent competition manipulation through awareness-raising initiatives, how to set up efficient cooperation models in their specific sport or at national level, and how to conduct investigations.

Duke Energy offers various assistance programs for low-income households, including bill credits, weatherization and free home energy assessmentsIn 2024, nearly $90 million was provided in energy bill assistance to North Carolina customers, aiding over 114,000 households through programs like Share the Light Fund®, Customer Assistance Program (CAP) and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

CHARLOTTE, N.C., February 21, 2025 /3BL/ – Duke Energy is committed to serving its customers and communities and offers programs and resources to help customers who may be experiencing trouble paying utility expenses due to financial hardships.

“We realize that many of our customers are facing challenging times, and we are committed to finding ways to support them,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina state president. “Our payment assistance and energy and money-saving programs are designed to offer relief and help manage energy costs.”

What’s New Now: Programs and services for Duke Energy qualifying customers have been updated for 2025 to offer more options for energy savings for those who need it most. These changes include:

Weatherization – Incentives have increased for this free program that helps income-qualified customers reduce expenses and save energy through the installation of energy conservation measures around their homes. 
 Among other incentives, the HVAC replacement incentive has increased from $6,000 to $8,000 and the refrigerator replacement has increased from $1,000 to $1,500. 
 The program has also expanded its service providers and broadened eligibility for participation. 
 Participating customers must have an income of less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. 
 Income-qualified Power Manager®/EnergyWise Home® – A new income-qualified demand response program allows electric heat customers who have previously qualified for a Duke Energy income-qualified program to receive a free smart thermostat, installed at no cost. 
 The program is open to customers who have previously qualified for the Neighborhood Energy Saver, Weatherization or High Energy Use pilot programs. 
 Customers will receive incentives in the form of bill credits for shifting energy use during peak demand, up to $150 depending on how they choose to participate. 
 Neighborhood Energy $aver – Incentives have increased for this free program that offers walk-through energy assessments to help customers learn how their homes use energy and lower monthly electric bills as well as a variety of free energy-saving products. 
 Customers for the program qualify based on the neighborhood they reside in. Qualifying neighborhoods must meet 50% of residents or more with an income of less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Why It Matters: In 2024, more than 114,000 eligible North Carolina households received nearly $90 million in energy bill assistance through Duke Energy programs like Share the Light Fund and Customer Assistance Program (CAP) as well as federal funding like Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

There’s More: Duke Energy continues to offer resources for customers in need, including:

Customer Assistance Program (CAP) – a 12-month program that provides a monthly credit of up to $42 to qualifying customers. 
 Share the Light Fund – assistance for customers who need help paying their energy bill. 
 Installment Plans – customized payment plans to break down charges into more manageable installments, helping make larger amounts more manageable.

Other Ways to Save: Duke Energy’s usage alerts and low- to no-cost tips can help customers save energy and money by providing them the tools they need to make informed decisions for their household energy use.

Track your energy usage and making small adjustments within your home or business can help unlock energy savings. 
 Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting – the lower the temperature, the more you can save. 
 Set your water heater to 120 degrees. Water heating is typically the second-biggest user of energy in your home. 
 Change your air filter and schedule regular maintenance for your heating systems. Maintaining your heating systems can help increase efficiency. 
 Leave drapes or blinds open on the sunny side of the home to allow the sun’s rays to warm the house but close them at night to help insulate your home. 
 Operate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction in the winter to push warm air back down into the room. 
 Seal cracks in windows, doors and vents with caulking and weatherstripping to save 10% to 20% in heating costs. 
 Replace standard bulbs with LEDs. LEDs are more efficient than regular bulbs, while giving off the same amount of light.

The Bottom Line: Get more information on energy-saving solutions and low- to no-cost energy-saving tips and projects on the Duke Energy Winter Energy Savings webpage: duke-energy.com/WinterEnergySavings. Need help reading your bill? Use our interactive tool: Reading Your Utility Bill – Duke Energy.

Duke Energy Carolinas

Duke Energy Carolinas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 20,700 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2.9 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 24,000-square-mile service area in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Duke Energy Progress

Duke Energy Progress, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 13,800 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.7 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 28,000-square-mile service area in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Duke Energy 

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

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

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

Contact: Caroline Fountain 
24-Hour: 800.559.3853 
Twitter: @DE_CarolineF

View original content here.

HAMILTON, Bermuda, February 27, 2025 /3BL/ – Family-owned spirits company, Bacardi is meeting consumer demand for lighter, more premium drinks and evolving drinking occasions by building on the premium credentials of MARTINI, one of the most iconic brands in its portfolio and in the world of drinks.

Crafted with over 160 years of history and expertise, MARTINI is now presented in a stylish and distinctive bottle which reflects the quality of the liquid inside and at the same time reduces the brand’s impact on the environment.

“With the rise of daytime drinking occasions, aperitivo has evolved into a more modern and stylish​ experience” says Emma Fox, VP, MARTINI & ST-GERMAIN®. “Our MARTINI vermouth range, with its bold bittersweet flavors and lighter tasting serves, is perfect to capitalize on this global trend. With our new MARTINI, we’re inviting a new generation of drinkers to experience a true Italian icon.”

The MARTINI portfolio includes vermouth for every style of drink and occasion including MARTINI Bianco, Rosso, Fiero, Rosato, and Extra Dry, as well as the MARTINI Non-Alcoholic Aperitivo range of Vibrante and Floreale.

“The modern aperitivo occasion is booming,” says Mahesh Madhavan, CEO of Bacardi Limited, “only tequila has been growing faster.” The aperitivo occasion is worth close to US$11Bn* and is expected to continue growing by 6 percent annually (IWSR CAGR 24-28). “With our investment in MARTINI, we are celebrating the best of the brand’s 160+ year heritage and its undeniable influence on today’s bar culture. MARTINI is made for the modern aperitivo.”

This summer, Bacardi will reveal:

NEW CONTEMPORARY BOTTLE

The distinctive, stylish design – inspired by the arched walkways of Turin, Italy – gives MARTINI even greater standout on shelf and at the same time reduces the brand’s impact on the environment. The 1L MARTINI bottle is now 30 grams lighter (equivalent to 5 percent of the weight), which has reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions at the MARTINI production site in Northern Italy. The slimmer bottle shape also means each pallet can carry an extra 48 x 75cl bottles (an 8 percent increase) making transportation more efficient too. The new MARTINI bottles will appear in stores and bars around the world from next month.

360 MARKETING CAMPAIGN 

The ‘MARTINI Dare To Be’ campaign reflects the evolution of the aperitivo occasion from a pre-event experience to the main event itself. The campaign’s vibrant and colorful visuals, invite consumers to step out of the ‘everyday you’ and step into ‘your most playful and stylish self’. Bacardi will be activating the ‘MARTINI Dare to Be’ campaign across advertising, PR and social media through 2025, reaching a new generation of modern aperitivo drinkers.

NEW SIGNATURE DRINK

This summer, Bacardi will introduce the MARTINI Bianco Spritz to the world. Easy to make in three simple steps – pour 50ml MARTINI Bianco vermouth, add 75ml MARTINI Prosecco, top with 25ml soda water, serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint, and slices of lemon and strawberry – to create a crisp, bright spritz with subtle notes of vanilla.

The MARTINI Bianco Spritz leads the range of MARTINI spritzes – with Fiero and non-alcoholic expressions Vibrante and Floreale – crafted for the aperitivo occasion. MARTINI remains an essential ingredient in classic cocktails including the Americano, the Negroni and the Dry Martini cocktail, served at bars, terrazzas, restaurants and homes throughout the world.

NEW CONSUMER EXPERIENCE

Bacardi will launch a new consumer experience, Terrazza MARTINI, that will tour major European cities throughout the summer. The Terrazza MARTINI will create a style and entertainment hotspot where consumers can experience the brand’s signature drinks and more. =

– ENDS –

*Total Aperitifs + NoLo (excluding beer) retail value (IWSR 2023)

Drink responsibly

Media contacts

Andrew Carney, Corporate Communications Director, Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean 
acarney@bacardi.com

Nneoma Ulu, Global Brand PR & Influence Director 
naulu@bacardi.com

About MARTINI
One of the most iconic brands in the world, MARTINI® is the leading name in Italian winemaking and a purveyor of the highest quality vermouths and sparkling wines. The award-winning, vibrant and bittersweet taste of the MARTINI range is the result of secret blends of more than 40 botanicals sourced from the finest locations across the globe. First created in 1863 in Turin, Italy, the MARTINI portfolio today includes: MARTINI Bianco, Rosso, Fiero, Rosato & Extra Dry, MARTINI Non-Alcoholic Vibrante & Floreale, MARTINI Asti, Prosecco & Rosé Extra Dry. For more information, please visit www.martini.com.

MARTINI, MARTINI DARE TO BE AND THE BALL & BAR LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS. MARTINI is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

About Bacardi Limited 
Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, PATRÓN® tequila, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, D’USSÉ® Cognac, ANGEL’S ENVY® American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded more than 163 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 8,000, operates production facilities in 11 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

VS&Co is launching its first Digital Product Passport (DPP) in February 2025 on select collections including VS Signature Cotton T-shirt Bras and the VSX Featherweight Max Sports Bras. The bra will feature a QR code that can be scanned by the customer, taking them to an enriched experience of the product. The DPP houses detailed information about materials, the product’s journey from raw material to finished goods, and new features to enhance the customer experience like “easy reorder.”

“We’re excited to introduce the Digital Product Passport, an important step in our commitment to transparency. By providing detailed insights into our product journey’s, we’re giving our customers easy access to important information about the products they wear, which in turn helps customers feel good about their purchase,” said Emily Farshchi, Traceability Manager, VS&Co.

“We’re especially proud that our DPPs will highlight the direct sourcing partnerships we have with four family farms in Alabama,” said Sarah Moore, AVP of ESG at VS&Co. ”We’ve produced more than 90 million Signature Cotton products made with cotton sourced directly from our farm partners. Our DPPs connect customers to the growers and makers behind their product.”

DPPs also make it easier to repair and recycle products by providing key information about materials and care. This helps ensure garments are processed correctly at the end of their life, reducing waste and supporting circular fashion. Since 2021, VS&Co has partnered with Debrand, founded by Amelia Eleitier, to improve garment recycling and extend the life of materials.

“VS&Co is committed to enhancing supply chain transparency, offering customers deeper insights into the journey of their purchases,” said Chris Callieri, Chief Supply Chain Officer, VS&Co. He adds, “Transparency is good business — it builds trust, highlights the intentional decisions we make in our product development, and demonstrates our suppliers’ commitments to sustainability.”

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. and PARSIPPANY, N.J., February 27, 2025 /3BL/ – Direct Relief, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) today announced the funding of Community Routes: Access to Mental Health Care grants, awarding $75,000 to each of 11 free and charitable clinics/pharmacies across Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas. Now in its third year, the initiative continues to address the critical need for expanded mental health services in medically underserved communities.

“Every day uninsured patients face barriers to accessing basic mental health services they need,” said Carol Richardson, Sustainability and Health Equity Lead, Teva U.S. “This latest round of grant funding will enable clinics in more states to expand existing or develop innovative new behavioral health programs that meet the needs of their local patient populations”.

Over the first two years, Community Routes grantees demonstrated significant impact across their communities reaching more than 63,000 beneficiaries. Clinics conducted 24,617 patient screenings for depression, anxiety, and adverse childhood experiences, helping identify and address previously unmet mental health needs. The program extended beyond direct patient care, with grantees training more than 2,800 community members, staff, and volunteers in mental health promotion and well-being. Additionally, clinics organized 131 community events to expand access to mental health education and services, strengthening their role as trusted healthcare resources.

Building on these achievements, this funding cycle prioritizes the creation and expansion of innovative care delivery models that integrate behavioral health services into existing clinical operations, with particular emphasis on evidence-based screening tools and treatment protocols for depression and anxiety.

“Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, yet too many individuals in underserved communities struggle to access the care they need,” shared Nicole Lamoureux, NAFC President & CEO. “This program empowers clinics to bridge this gap by expanding behavioral health services and critical mental health support. By investing in these clinics, we are investing in the health and resilience of entire communities.”

The 2025 grant recipients include:

Alabama:

Medical Outreach Ministries (Montgomery) – Leveraging academic partnerships through the University of Alabama’s psychiatry residency program to integrate mental health services into primary care.Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy (Mobile) – Implementing screening tools for depression and within pharmacy services and connecting patients to necessary resources.St. Michael’s Medical Clinic (Anniston) – Integrating mental health services with primary care and social support services to address the complex needs of uninsured and homeless populations.

Mississippi:

Bethel Free Clinic, Inc. (Biloxi) – Enhancing mental health access for uninsured residents by integrating depression and anxiety screenings into patient care, referring those in need for further evaluation.

Texas:

Brother Bill’s Helping Hand (Dallas) – Improving mental health access for predominantly Latino communities through integrated care, community-based outreach, and culturally competent services.Heal the City Free Clinic (Amarillo) – Implementing community-based stigma reduction programs to increase understanding of mental health conditions and encourage individuals to seek support.Health for All (Bryan) – Expanding trauma-informed mental health services access for underserved populations and delivering culturally sensitive services tailored to their diverse community’s needs.Ibn Sina Foundation (Houston) – Emphasizing equitable access by addressing the distinct mental health needs of multiple underserved populations. Mercy Clinic of Fort Worth – Integrating behavioral health services into routine care and establishing patient navigation systems for uninsured Spanish-speaking patients.The Agape Clinic (Dallas) – Developing comprehensive mental health support systems, including therapy, case management, and peer support, for the underserved patient population.Woven Health Clinic (Farmers Branch) – Integrating mental health services into primary care by offering screenings for depression and anxiety, connection to individual counseling, and treatment plans.

Selected programs emphasize sustainable integration of mental health services through:

Implementation of standardized screening protocolsSupporting the clinical workforce through partnershipsIntegration of behavioral health into primary careExtending cultural competency across the full continuum of patient careSocial service referral networks

“Expanding mental health services in resource-limited settings has been a key focus of prior Community Routes funding, and this latest round will allow providers to reach even more people with critical services,” said Katie Lewis, Regional Director of U.S. Programs for Direct Relief. “These funds will allow clinics to build on successful approaches while exploring new strategies that fit the unique needs of the people and communities they serve.”

For a report on lessons learned from our Community Routes: Access to Mental Healthcare grantees, click here.

Community Routes: Access to Mental Health Care—a partnership between Teva, Direct Relief, and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC)— is a unique access program that is helping to advance health equity and quality care for underserved populations across the U.S.

Teva is providing commonly used medicines that treat depression and anxiety to 400+ clinics in 10 states, as well as $4 million in grant funding to support innovative behavioral health services through local free and charitable clinics, tailored to meet the needs of their communities. To read more click here.

About Direct Relief 

Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies. Direct Relief works with healthcare providers operating in resource-limited communities to help them care for their patients by providing essential medical supplies and equipment. Learn more at DirectRelief.org.

About National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics 

National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c (3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality health care and strives to be a national voice promoting quality health care for all. For more information about the NAFC, please visit www.nafcclinics.org.

About Teva 

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) is a global pharmaceutical harnessing our generics expertise and stepping up innovation to continue the momentum behind the discovery, delivery, and expanded development of modern medicine. For over 120 years, Teva’s commitment to bettering health has never wavered. Today, the company’s global network of capabilities enables its ~37,000 employees across 57 markets to push the boundaries of scientific innovation and deliver quality medicines to help improve health outcomes of millions of patients every day. To learn more about how Teva is all in for better health, visit www.tevapharm.com.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Last year, I stood onstage in Atlanta in front of 1,000 producers and talked about the mindset I had locked in for the year: “We will.”

And while it was meant to be a sort of rally cry as we marched toward success, it’s also a mantra I’ve carried with me throughout my career.

As I look back over the years, I’ve had many opportunities to walk through the door with an attitude of “I will” — from every sales call to the moment I was approached about an Assistant Director of Sales role that, more quickly than expected, turned into a Director of Sales position — that meant going from a $40 million sales quota to more than $1 billion. Plus, I was prepared for a personal six-month evolution, not a 16-day revolution. No pressure.

I could have easily said no and stayed within my own comfort zone. After all, I had found success where I was, and I was happy. But I wanted to do more and, instead of retreating back into the space I knew so well, I stepped into a new unknown. It helped to know that I wasn’t alone. I had three incredible leaders — Dan Amos, Teresa White, Mike Tomlinson — as well as my wife who believed in me probably more than I believed in myself. With them by my side and an incredible team to work with, I didn’t give in to the fear of a new environment; I stepped into my role with an attitude of “We will,” and it has served me well.

Having a positive outlook is a choice. So, with whatever decision you may be facing, here are my tips for turning “I’m not sure” into an attitude that screams out, “We will”:

Reframe your thinking. Instead of giving in to thoughts that suggest you may not have what it takes to succeed or finding comfort by retreating to what feels safe — which is completely natural — flip that into an affirmative statement with your definition of success: “I will achieve _____.” Another effective thing to do when the doubts start to creep in is to pause and jot down three things that you’re grateful for — gratitude is the enemy of negative thoughts. Do this every day.Take action. Don’t let fear prevent you from giving something a go. Challenge that instinct, take that first step, and keep going. You’ll be amazed how just taking action — large or small — can open up possibilities for personal and professional growth.Don’t be afraid to try again (and again, and again). Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things still don’t play out how we envision. If this happens, take time to debrief the situation, learn from it and, if you think it can work, make adjustments and give it another go. Coming up short does not have to equal failure. By trying again (and again), you’re signaling that you’re tenacious and refuse to quit.Build a personal board of directors. With a strong support system — or, as some call it, a personal board of directors — you’ll have a team of friends and colleagues you can lean on when things get rocky. I know I can count on mine to always be honest and give me sound counsel.Commit to giving back. There are so many ways to make a difference, and our most recent Aflac WorkForces Report shows that giving back is an important part of the employee experience. It’s easy to say that there aren’t enough resources or hours in the day, but giving your time and talents for a cause that you’re passionate about can be an excellent way to refuel and recharge for other work ahead of you. For me, being involved with the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

These are just a few of the many important lessons I’ve learned throughout my career, but they aren’t lessons that have helped just me. From my first day at Aflac, I’ve seen these in action; I’ve witnessed the incredible volume of strength and tenacity across the enterprise. In the 40 years since I joined the company, we’ve weathered unforeseen storms, ridden the many waves of a changing ecosystem, stared down obstacles, and turned them into successes time and time again — together, as one Aflac.

It’s more than camaraderie. It’s more than working with an army of high achievers. It’s about putting fear aside when faced with challenges and walking into these situations with a collective roar of “We will.”

# # #

Aflac includes American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and/or American

Family Life Assurance Company of New York and/or Continental American Insurance

Company and /or Continental American Life Insurance Company.

WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z24011010 Exp. 12/25

Each February, we celebrate National Engineers Week as a way to inspire future engineers, highlighting the career paths of employees across Veolia North America, including their successes, lessons learned and advice for the next generation. This year, we spoke with three engineers in our Municipal Water division, who work on everything from designing water networks, to upgrading existing infrastructure to managing teams across the country. 

Ceren Aralp, Vice President, Municipal Water Contract Operations

In her role, Ceren provides crucial support to our project teams nationwide, who are responsible for the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater facilities throughout the United States.

Ceren’s background includes years as an engineering consultant, where she worked closely with multiple public utilities as their engineer before coming to Veolia. Today, her focus is on providing leadership to technical teams at Veolia, concentrating on strategic planning as well as fostering a culture for professional growth and the achievement of organizational goals.

“Among the recent proposals and projects I’ve overseen or reviewed were initiatives focused on a pilot program for AI based predictive aeration control at one of our wastewater facilities, building a community supporting electrical teams (considering we have 200+ facilities, information sharing is critical part of our success), and a program to perform centrifuge optimization for biosolids dewatering,” she explains.

Reflecting on her work at Veolia, Ceren reinforces the importance of collaboration with her team and empowering them to ask questions, be curious and grow in their careers.

Helen King (Wiley), Associate Engineer, Municipal Water Pennsylvania

In her role as an associate engineer in our Municipal Water Pennsylvania region, Helen King (Wiley) works on a diverse range of projects. One project she’s particularly excited about right now is establishing a new surface water source and treatment facility. This project encompasses many things of engineering she’s passionate about: creative problem-solving, innovative technical design, and most importantly, having a positive impact on her community.

For others looking to pursue a career in the water sector, Helen advises that you stay open-minded to all opportunities:

“As a mechanical engineer, I initially hesitated to apply for my current role in water treatment, thinking it was better suited for civil or environmental engineers. However, by taking the leap, I discovered a fulfilling career path I hadn’t previously considered. I’ve learned that engineering offers infinite possibilities for application across various industries.”

She adds, “Don’t limit yourself based on preconceptions—be willing to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn about different fields, even if they don’t seem directly related to your major. You never know where these experiences might lead you.”

Beatriz Dundas, EIT, Project Engineer, Pennsylvania Municipal Water

Beatriz Dundas, EIT is part of our Pennsylvania Municipal Water team, working as a Project Engineer where she designs water network projects throughout the region. Her focus is on two major project categories:

Water Main replacement and relocation, where she helps update existing distribution systemsWater Main expansion, where she plans and designs new water main systems to provides access to reliable water infrastructure that meets all the regulatory requirements

Her advice to engineers looking to enter the water industry is this:

“Do not give up! The water utility business is a promising sector and with the drinking water regulations becoming more strict and often being revised it provides a stable career path with opportunities to learn and grow.”

Interested in learning more about other roles or starting a career at Veolia? Visit here. 

In the rapidly evolving world of technology and sustainability, Electronic Responsible Recyclers (ER2) has earned the prestigious FedEx Champion of Global Entrepreneurship award. Sponsored by FedEx, this award celebrates businesses that exemplify innovation, sustainability, and social impact on a global scale. The recognition is annually conferred to one company on the Inner City 100 list, which honors the 100 fastest-growing companies in under-resourced communities across the United States. The 2024 IC100 winners were unveiled at ICIC’s 30th Anniversary Celebration.

Speaking about the award, Jenny Robertson, Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Communications at FedEx, stated, “FedEx equips entrepreneurs from all backgrounds with the training, connections, and access to capital they need to more effectively compete in the global marketplace, build a customer base, generate new jobs, and create a better living for themselves and their communities.”

Founded by Chris Ko, ER2 specializes in helping large companies manage their IT hardware assets throughout their lifecycle — from acquisition to disposal. What sets ER2 apart, however, is its commitment to making a difference. “We recycle IT hardware and donate it to underprivileged families, students, and veterans all across the world,” Ko explains. By extending the life of technology, ER2 not only supports sustainability but also helps underserved communities gain access to essential tools.

A Global Footprint with Local Impact

ER2 works with some of the largest Fortune 100 companies, providing seamless service across the globe, including regions like the UAE, India, and South America. “Our objective is to help service [international clients] just like we do stateside,” Ko says.

Internationally, ER2’s contributions include donating 2,000 keyboards to a school in Africa, giving students their first hands-on typing experience. As Ko puts it, “These are the little things we can do to empower others to transform their lives by investing in themselves and embracing technology that once felt out of reach.” But ER2’s impact is just as profound locally. The company donates about 1,000 laptops annually to programs like Nashville’s Anywhere Access for All, helping underserved populations and elderly residents access technology and training.

Robertson further emphasized the importance of these efforts, saying, “Small businesses are critical to the success of FedEx — not only as customers, but as suppliers and vendors as well. Our collaboration with ICIC furthers our goals to empower entrepreneurs by supporting programming for small business owners from under-resourced communities.”

A Culture of Service and Humility

ER2’s mission is deeply rooted in its core values of servanthood, humility, excellence, and continuous improvement. From high-fiving team members at the start of the day to fostering an environment of camaraderie, the company prioritizes people at every level. “We started our organization trying to create a place where people feel actually real, valued, cared for, embraced, and loved exactly as they are,” Ko shares.

This positive culture extends to ER2’s clients, team members, and global community. Rocky Jackson, a key team member, notes, “The people are the most unique asset that we have here…This is absolutely a place that most of our team members love coming into in the mornings.”

Unity in Action

As an alumnus of ICIC programs, Ko recognizes the power of collaboration and shared knowledge. “In this type of network, we’re able to bounce ideas off of each other, overcome obstacles, and provide insights to promote people doing similar things in different ways,” he explains. This spirit of teamwork aligns closely with the broader goals of FedEx. As Robertson puts it, “FedEx is committed to making a meaningful difference in communities by promoting positive change.”

As a FedEx Champion of Global Entrepreneurship, ER2 exemplifies how businesses can drive innovation and create lasting impact. Ko emphasizes the importance of defining a clear vision, mission, and values, which serve as guiding principles for ER2. “Everyone in our company knows them. It’s something we absolutely constantly stay focused on because we don’t ever want to lose sight of why we’re doing what we’re doing and the impact that we can have,” he says.

Looking Ahead

ER2’s recognition as a FedEx Champion of Global Entrepreneurship underscores its ability to merge sustainability, innovation, and community impact into a successful business model. From recycling IT assets to bridging the digital divide, ER2’s work demonstrates the power of socially conscious entrepreneurship.

By sharing stories like ER2’s, ICIC and FedEx continue their mission of empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs to build a better future. ER2’s journey serves as a shining example of how businesses can create meaningful change, one laptop, one keyboard, and one connection at a time.

About the IC100 Awards

Since 1999, ICIC has identified and honored the 100 fastest-growing businesses located in under-resourced communities through the prestigious Inner City 100 (IC100) awards. Throughout this period, ICIC has had the privilege of learning about and highlighting more than 1,000 remarkable business leaders and companies from across the United States. These firms have proven to be catalysts for job growth and promoters of a thriving, inclusive economy, even amidst challenging circumstances. Furthermore, they have actively contributed to the enhancement of their communities by generously donating their time and resources to local organizations and charitable causes.

Learn more about the IC100 Awards and eligibility criteria for this year’s list at icic.org/ic100.

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