Tag: 3BL

Originally published by Sustainability Magazine
By Chloe Williment

Henkel, the company behind Persil, Schwarzkopf and Purex, recognises that a substantial share of its emissions originate from its value chain, including raw materials, packaging, logistics and end-of-life activities (Scope 3 emissions).

As a result, it is implementing strategies to address these emissions by sourcing sustainable materials, optimising logistics and promoting circular economy practices.

Henkel has reduced CO₂ emissions in production per ton of product by 64% compared to 2017.

Henkel’s ongoing leadership in sustainability has been recognised with a Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Award.

Continue reading here.

Despite today’s shifting geopolitical and economic landscape, the case for investing in supply chain sustainability remains stronger than ever, according to a recent article published in Supply and Demand Chain Executive. 

In her article, “The Business Case for Sustainability Despite Global Uncertainty,” Sarah Mouriño, head of sustainability for DP World Americas, makes a compelling argument that sustainability is not a luxury but a necessity for companies aiming to build efficient, safe, and resilient operations.

“Uncertainty might drive decision making, but it does not change the facts: companies that invest in sustainability will continue to see benefits such as improved efficiency, creation of business value, and market access growth,” Mouriño writes.

Citing the Trade in Transition report by Economist Impact and DP World, the article highlights how global companies are pivoting toward non-aligned trade partners to enhance resiliency. In this context, sustainability becomes a strategic imperative, not just an environmental one. Companies that invest in workforce development, women’s participation, and social well-being are also contributing to long-term business competitiveness.

Mouriño emphasizes the financial risks of ignoring sustainability. Climate-related supply chain disruptions could cost the global economy up to $24.7 trillion by 2060. Meanwhile, companies that act now can reduce operational risks, stabilize energy costs by investing in renewables, and improve customer trust and brand value.

“Sustainability is a basket of diverse disciplines, most of which cannot be packaged into a commercial offering,” she states, calling for a broader view beyond carbon metrics.

Ultimately, the article challenges businesses to move beyond short-term uncertainty and instead view sustainability as a core strategy to drive innovation, protect against risk, and secure long-term profitability. Integrating sustainability across all business functions will not only support resilience, but position companies to thrive in an increasingly complex global trade environment.

Read the full article here: The Business Case for Sustainability Despite Global Uncertainty

Authored by Adrienne Larmett

Higher education is at a crossroads. Public trust is eroding. Demographic and enrollment shifts are accelerating. Revenue models are under pressure. The cost to operate, and to attend, continues to rise. If institutions are going to persist, thrive and continue serving the public good, transformational change isn’t optional, it’s essential.

And yet, in so many institutions, meaningful change feels impossible.

Why is that? What’s standing in our way? And what can we learn from sectors that have embraced change management as a strategic advantage?

The reality: Change in higher ed is hard

Higher education is a uniquely complex ecosystem, and that’s part of the challenge. Change doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s negotiated across decentralized departments, shared governance bodies, accreditors, regulatory frameworks and deeply rooted traditions.

Some of the key barriers include:

• Distributed authority: Decision-making power is intentionally diffused, making alignment difficult
• Cultural resistance: Institutions value tradition, deliberation and academic freedom, which can make innovation feel risky
• Misaligned incentives: Leaders are often rewarded for stability and stewardship, not bold transformation
• Siloed operations: Academic and administrative functions frequently operate independently, with little infrastructure for coordinated change

The contrast: What industry gets right

In the private sector, change management is not an afterthought — it’s a built-in capability. Organizations invest in people, frameworks and systems to help navigate change deliberately and effectively.

A colleague of mine, a seasoned university leader, recently said something that stuck with me:

“Higher ed needs to adopt a change management mindset. The private sector has figured this out; they have entire offices dedicated to it. But we can’t seem to get out of our own way.”

That tension is real. While higher education remains mission-driven and values-based, its operational habits often lag. In contrast, many businesses have embraced change as a continuous competency — and it shows.

Private companies tend to do the following, which higher education can learn from:

• Dedicated change management roles: Not just project managers, but professionals trained in the art and science of change
• Executive sponsorship: Senior leaders actively lead and communicate around change efforts
• Structured methodologies: Frameworks like ADKAR and Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model guide the journey from resistance to adoption
• Employee engagement: Communication, involvement and recognition reduce resistance and foster buy-in
• Metrics and accountability: Progress is tracked, outcomes are measured and strategies are adapted in real time

What does that look like in practice?

Two widely used change management frameworks, both adaptable in the higher education environment, offer structured, people-focused approaches to change: the Prosci ADKAR Model and Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model.

The ADKAR Model breaks change down into individual experiences, outlining five key building blocks:

1. Awareness of the need for change
2. Desire to support and participate in the change
3. Knowledge of how to change
4. Ability to implement the change
5. Reinforcement to sustain the change over time

It’s a practical tool for helping faculty, staff and leadership adopt new ways of working, whether it’s implementing new systems, realigning services or rethinking academic delivery.

Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model offers a road map for organizational transformation, emphasizing leadership, momentum and cultural reinforcement:

1. Create a sense of urgency
2. Build a guiding coalition
3. Form a strategic vision and initiatives
4. Enlist a volunteer army
5. Enable action by removing barriers
6. Generate short-term wins
7. Sustain acceleration
8. Institute change

It’s especially relevant for higher ed because it integrates structure with inspiration. Both are needed to move institutional culture.

But can higher ed actually do this?

Yes, but it requires courage and a mindset shift.

Real, sustainable change in higher ed is absolutely feasible, but only if leaders embrace the fact that colleges and universities are no longer insulated from public pressure, workforce expectations or fiscal consequences.

We don’t need to abandon the values that make higher education unique, but we do need to modernize the way we manage change to uphold them.

What must happen next?

If higher education wants to reclaim trust, deliver on its mission and remain viable into the future, leaders must:

• Acknowledge the imperative: Stability is not the same as sustainability
• Invest in change capabilities: Hire or upskill staff in change management practices
• Lead from the top: Executive sponsorship must be visible and vocal
• Break down silos: Cross-functional collaboration is essential to create shared ownership
• Pilot and adapt: Use small, structured pilots to prove change can work — and learn along the way
• Track and reinforce: Define success, monitor progress and celebrate meaningful wins

And critically:

• Engage and align the board: For meaningful change to take root, institutional boards must be aligned around clear priorities and long-term goals and consistently support their president or chancellor in carrying them out. Change is hard, and it takes time. Boards need to exercise discipline, stay engaged and avoid micromanagement. Instead, their focus should be on evaluating progress, holding leadership accountable and scaffolding change with encouragement and strategic support.

Final thought: Higher ed doesn’t need to become a business, but it must become more change-capable

The mission of higher education is too important to let inertia hold it back. Colleges and universities exist to transform lives. But that mission is at risk if we don’t also transform ourselves.

The question isn’t whether change is possible. The question is: will we lead it — or let it happen to us?

Baker Tilly is here to help

For more information, or to learn how Baker Tilly’s higher education specialists can support your institution on its change management journey, contact our team.

CLEVELAND, May 1, 2025 /3BL/ – As part of its bicentennial celebration, KeyBank (NYSE: KEY) held a grand opening at its new Heritage Center in Cleveland. As part of the celebration, KeyCorp Chairman and CEO Chris Gorman took part in a ribbon cutting with Key teammates and local dignitaries.

“The opening of the KeyBank Heritage Center is a centerpiece of our bicentennial celebration. It is a visual representation of our cherished and storied history, and commitment to our clients and the communities we call home,” said Gorman. “We invite everyone to come explore the KeyBank Heritage Center and see that yesterday, today, and tomorrow, KeyBank will be here to help our clients, our colleagues, and our communities thrive.”

Located in KeyBank’s Public Square branch at its headquarters in Key Tower, the state-of-the-art museum houses interactive exhibits featuring artifacts and visual displays dating back to its founding in 1825 in Albany, New York. The center highlights KeyBank’s storied, 200-year history and countless contributions to the communities it proudly serves across the country.

The KeyBank Heritage Center will be open during branch hours and our teammates, clients and the public are welcome to visit. It will remain open after 2025 and is intended to be a permanent tribute to Key’s legacy.

“Ohio is proud to be the home of outstanding financial institutions like KeyBank, which help make our residents’ business and personal dreams come true every day,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “We congratulate KeyBank representatives on the company’s 200th anniversary and wish them every future success as they continue to do business within the state.”

“For 200 years, KeyBank has been a true partner in building a stronger Cuyahoga County and Northeast Ohio region,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “Through investments, loans, and community service, KeyBank has contributed to the growth of our families, businesses, and neighborhoods. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and grateful for KeyBank’s ongoing commitment to the success of our community.”

“KeyBank’s 200th is a remarkable milestone that highlights its unwavering commitment to communities like Cleveland,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “From fueling economic growth to supporting housing and education initiatives, KeyBank continues to be a trusted partner in building a brighter future for all. Congratulations on two centuries of making a difference—and here’s to many more years of impact and success!”

Mayor Bibb recently issued a proclamation declaring April 12, 2025, Key’s birthday, as “KeyBank Heritage Day” in Cleveland.

“For more than a century, KeyBank’s exceptional stewardship and enduring partnership have been central to advancing our mission,” said Cleveland Foundation President and CEO Lillian Kuri. “As the largest trustee bank of the world’s first community foundation, KeyBank plays a pivotal role in managing our financial resources and partnering with us to make game-changing investments in our region –– bettering the lives of Clevelanders and setting a national standard for community philanthropy.”

The KeyBank Heritage Center in Cleveland complements the digital KeyBank Heritage Center that was unveiled in January. The site gives visitors an interactive look at KeyBank’s two centuries of history, highlighting important milestones and events that have shaped the bank from its founding in 1825 to its presence today, as one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies.

Additional details about KeyBank’s Bicentennial Celebration will be released throughout the year. With 17,000 teammates, millions of clients, and a presence spanning from Maine to Alaska, KeyBank is positioned to serve its clients and communities for generations to come.

ABOUT KEYCORP

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2025.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

###

By Kirtee Yadav, Julie Rose

Cisco and the Cisco Foundation’s distinctive approach to supporting nonprofit organizations often begins with funding, but it rarely ends there. Our aim is always to bring the best of all that Cisco has to offer to the organizations we support—and the skills, time, and expertise of our people are our proudest offering of all.

For many years, our social investment sector managers have provided consulting and advisory support to the organizations they select for funding, emphasizing the unique power of strategy, technology, and data to facilitate operational success and scaling. Now, a new skill-based volunteering program is deepening our consultative contribution to our social impact partners by matching them with expert technologists within Cisco.

“Bringing everything Cisco has to the table to assist our nonprofit partner organizations is a key element of our social impact investing framework. Our engaged employees are an incredible resource to help increase our nonprofit partners’ impact around the world.”
—Charu Adesnik, Executive Director of the Cisco Foundation and Director of Cisco Social Impact Investments

An extra layer of support for Cisco nonprofit partner organizations

Known as Tech for Social Good, this innovative program empowers Cisco employee volunteers to harness their professional skills and knowledge to assist grantee organizations that have already been vetted and selected as especially high-potential by Cisco’s Social Impact Investment and Cisco Foundation teams.

Working collaboratively with each organization to address pressing social and environmental challenges, our volunteers help our grantees with consulting and strategic advice around digitization, data architecture, data science, AI, operational efficiency, and more. They also provide tech career mentorship to individuals who use the services of Cisco’s nonprofit partners.

Kirtee Yadav leads the Tech for Social Good program, with Sandeep Milar serving as executive sponsor. Kirtee works at Cisco as a Customer Experience Product Manager, while Sandeep serves as executive vice president of Cisco’s CX Product Management organization.

“The Tech for Social Good Program leverages Cisco’s technological expertise to address critical social and environmental challenges. By empowering tech professionals to collaborate with nonprofits and community organizations, we are not only driving innovation but also fostering a more inclusive future for all.”
—Sandeep Milar, SVP of Cisco’s CX Product Management organization and Tech for Social Good executive sponsor

Enabling a win—win situation

Why would Cisco employees dedicate their time to tech consulting with nonprofits? According to Taproot Foundation, which connects nonprofits with volunteers who donate their professional expertise in support of nonprofit missions, skills-based volunteering is a win for all involved. Volunteers get to support causes they are passionate about—and nonprofits gain access to the specialized resources needed to achieve their vision. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for employees to use their professional skills (and learn new ones); build deeper networks and community; and find personal fulfillment. And Cisco’s employee base is deeply engaged. For the last five years, over 80% of our employees have volunteered, donated, or participated in other forms of community impact. Our employees have always been genuinely passionate about giving back—and especially aware of the power of technology to connect and uplift people at unprecedented scale.

Abhishek Kumar, an engineering leader in the CX Engineering organization, drives innovation around AI and Generative AI while leading a team of data scientists. He notes, “I’m honored to contribute to the Tech for Social Good program. My advisory role focused on empowering organizations to navigate the AI landscape effectively, enabling them to make informed decisions about technology adoption that would best serve their unique missions.”

Gops Sukumar, a technology leader and product innovator working on AI with a doctoral specialization in Generative AI, also loves helping community organizations think through the best approaches to enhancing success via artificial intelligence. “As a technologist, I wanted to put my digital skills and experience towards solving problems for humanity in my own small but meaningful way. Through Tech for Social Good, I’ve helped organizations navigate complex AI challenges, where large AI systems had to be built, or else allied ecosystems had to be developed.”

Read on for two examples of what we have achieved by combining our strategic grantmaking process with high-skill volunteers within Cisco who are looking to share the best of their professional skillsets with outstanding social impact organizations.

Entrepreneurship for All

Accelerating economic and social impact in communities nationwide by opening more pathways to entrepreneurship, EforAll is investigating how AI can support their operations and programming. The Tech for Social Good program connected the organization with an expert Data Scientist and Cisco volunteer, DivyaJyoti Rajdev, to great effect. “Our volunteer was very, very helpful,” said Gary Chamberlain, EforAll’s Chief Technology Officer. “She provided feedback about the overall approach and some very creative suggestions for improving it, avoiding bias, and steering the results toward our entrepreneurs’ needs.”

AnnieCannons

AnnieCannons trains, prepares, and connects individuals who have experienced human trafficking to sustainable careers in tech. Recently, six Cisco and Splunk employees participated in AnnieCannon’s Career Week presentations, providing information and inspiration. Feedback from the participants was universally positive:

“Hearing the guest speakers’ journeys gave me a fresh perspective on career growth and adaptability.”

“It was so reassuring to hear that even industry leaders faced setbacks and still built successful careers.”

“I never considered certain career paths before, but now I see how I can use my skills in different ways!”

Real Skills, Real Impact

We are always proud to respond as “one Cisco” in support of our social impact partners—reaching across programs and departments to offer all that we can in support of a nonprofit’s health, growth, and long-term success. Through such collaborations, we can achieve exponential impact—together.

For more information and to get involved:

• Cisco Foundation
• Cisco Social Impact Investments
• Taproot Foundation Resources on Skills-Based Volunteering

To learn more about the impact Cisco employees are making, check out our “What We Accomplished” eBook about how we have supported our employees’ giving back efforts and transformed our collective contributions in the process.

View original content here.

Driving growth in our region
Entergy is benefiting from companies expanding or establishing new operations in the Gulf South. That’s in part because our service area provides access to international markets with proximity to the Mississippi River and the ports along the Gulf Coast. The region already has abundant infrastructure for energy and transportation and available labor. Energy prices are relatively low, and our communities are supportive of growth.

These advantages are creating an environment for growth. Since 2009, we’ve experienced a compound annual growth rate for large industrials of 5%. We have a customer-led plan to invest for continued growth, reliability and resilience while maintaining a strong balance sheet and managing risk for all stakeholders.

Through 2028, we plan to invest $37 billion to meet this expected growth. Our distribution plan is designed to improve reliability and resilience, including accelerated resilience projects already approved by our regulators. Our generation and transmission plans will support customer growth while also improving reliability and resilience.

How we’re delivering value
We’re working to deliver value to all of our key stakeholders:

• We’re building a system that provides reliable, resilient and affordable electric service while also serving growing demand.
• We’re actively pursuing economic development opportunities to bring new businesses to our communities.
• We facilitate stakeholder engagement to align all stakeholders with our strategy, our actions and the expected benefits for all.
• We provide our employees with competitive compensation, professional development and meaningful work.
• We support our communities through philanthropy and advocacy.
• We’re growing responsibly with a focus on balance sheet strength and conservative planning to provide predictable outcomes.

Read the full report here.

MoneyLion is the newest addition to the Gen family of trusted brands!

We’re thrilled to welcome MoneyLion to Team Gen. Together, we’re on a mission to help people grow, manage and secure their digital and financial lives. It’s time for the next gen … of Gen!

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Press Releases 

NEW YORK, April 30, 2025 /3BL/ – GameChanger, the #1-rated youth sports app for live streaming, statistics, scheduling, and scorekeeping, announced its first national brand campaign: For the Sport of Love. The campaign shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of youth sports – the coaches, parents, and families who show up every day, driven not by fame or fortune, but by love. GameChanger is a DICK’S Sporting Goods company.

From pregame pep talks, long drives, early mornings, tough losses, and joyful celebrations, to coaches offering comfort, parents cheering in the rain or watching on GameChanger while completing a cross-country work trip, For the Sport of Love captures the emotional highs and lows of competition and honors the everyday sacrifices that fuel youth sports.

“This campaign is a reminder that behind every box score and highlight, there’s a deeper story, and someone who made it possible,” said Sameer Ahuja, GameChanger president and DICK’S Sporting Goods senior vice president. “So often, it’s a coach, parent, or loved one who shows up without fanfare but with unwavering commitment. For the Sport of Love is our way of saying thank you to those who give so much, simply out of love. It feels only right that GameChanger’s first national brand campaign honors the families, coaches, and supporters who lift our youth up, day after day.”

Filmed entirely in California, the campaign features real athletes and coaches from across the greater Los Angeles area. Teams include Millikan High School and LA Premiere Prep (boys basketball), Ontario Christian and St. Joseph’s High School (girls basketball), Corona High School (baseball and softball), Orange Lutheran High School (baseball), Notre Dame High School (softball), Prime and Surfside Volleyball Clubs (girls volleyball), Calabasas High School (boys soccer), and Newbury Park Elite Football Club (girls soccer).

The new campaign will run across top digital and social media platforms, including Meta, YouTube, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, ESPN, Conde Nast, and Hearst. For the Sport of Love was directed by Curt Morgan, Founder and ECD of the agency, WOLVVS.

About GameChanger:
GameChanger empowers athletes, coaches, and families to stay connected through live streaming, scorekeeping, team management tools and developmental resources. Available on iOS, Android, and the web, GameChanger covers over 9M+ games annually and 1M+ teams a year. The live streaming and team management technology is available for all youth sports, with deep stats and scorekeeping capability for baseball, softball, volleyball, and basketball. GameChanger is based in New York City and is owned and operated by DICK’S Sporting Goods.

About WOLVVS:
WOLVVS is a creative content studio built for brands that demand more than just marketing—they want stories that move people and therefore move the world. With a cinematic approach rooted in film, culture, and precision craft, WOLVVS creates unforgettable branded experiences for some of the world’s most iconic companies. From concept to final frame, every project is driven by an obsessive commitment to authenticity, emotional impact, and visual excellence.

Media Contact:
Zack Yohman
GameChanger, Head of Communications
zack.yohman@gc.com

NORTHAMPTON, Mass., April 30, 2025 /3BL/ – In the latest episode of the “What the…?” video series, 3BL welcomes Trenton Allen, Managing Director and CEO of Sustainable Capital Advisors, for a timely and urgent conversation about the future of climate finance.

As the impact of climate change intensifies and federal funding enters a period of uncertainty, Allen joins host Mary Mazzoni to explore the evolving financial landscape and the communities caught in the middle. Together, they unpack what’s at stake when crucial federal programs are paused and how nonprofits and local governments can stay the course in the face of disruption.

Allen offers a grounded yet optimistic perspective, drawing on decades of experience in finance to spotlight opportunities for innovation and resilience, reminding us that “Climate isn’t an environmental issue. It’s an economic issue, it’s a health issue, it’s a family issue.”

Key takeaways from the episode include:

• The ripple effects of federal funding uncertainty on community projects
• How climate finance can drive down energy burdens and create local economic opportunity
• Why traditional financial tools, like municipal bonds and CDFI capital, still matter
• Real-world success stories from New Orleans to Marin County showing climate finance in action

This episode is a must-watch for sustainability leaders, nonprofit professionals, and anyone interested in how climate solutions can deliver measurable, equitable benefits, especially where they’re needed most.

Watch the full episode here. 

About 3BL 
3BL is the leading sustainability and social impact communications partner, connecting organizations’ stories of purpose and progress with the audiences who matter most. 3BL partners with over 1,500 companies – from global corporations and mid-sized enterprises to NGOs and nonprofits – to elevate their reputations as players in the world of responsible business. We do this through unrivaled news and content distribution, bespoke storytelling support, and our digital media division, TriplePundit.

SEATTLE, April 30, 2025 /3BL/ – Today at the SPC Impact Conference for sustainable packaging, SCS Global Services (SCS), an international leader in third-party environmental and sustainability certification and an approved certification body for the Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR), announces a new streamlined SCS Recycled Content and APR certification.

Now, under this latest program partnership with APR, SCS further expands its certification portfolio by offering a streamlined two-for-one audit for its recycled content certification clients that are producers of plastic chips, pellets, flakes and resins—allowing them to also meet APR’s additional certification requirements. In addition to widely recognized SCS Recycled Content certification, having APR certification expands global recognition and market access for companies, especially for those with business interests in China.

The Association of Plastics Recyclers is an international non-profit and the only organization in North America focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics. APR helps companies across the plastics recycling value chain with design guidance and recognition, recycled content certification and specifications, policy education and advocacy and much more.

“As a recognized certifier for APR since 2020, we are excited to streamline the process to provide our clients a one-stop-shop pathway to achieving international marketplace recognition for their sustainability efforts” says Youssra Elkhatib, SCS’ Program Manager for Circular Materials. “This initiative will provide ease of certification for plastic pellet, chip, resin and flake manufacturers as well as an opportunity to showcase their achievements on the global stage as an APR certified organization.”

“This is a significant step forward, aligning efforts to help our clients and the recycling industry increase PCR certifications, allowing more availability and confidence in the supply chain,” said Rita Phillip, Program Director, PCR Certification for the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR). “Our two organizations are leading the way demonstrating that collaboration between certification bodies and scheme owners is possible and moves initiatives forward.”

SCS is globally recognized for recycled content certification in products and packaging for over 35 years. The standard, now in Version 8.0, has been continually updated over the years and has now been expanded to cover consumer electronics products.

READ MORE

About SCS Global Services: 

SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California and celebrating over 40 years in business, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. For more information, visit www.SCSGlobalServices.com.

Media Contact

Stephanie Flynn
Marketing Project Manager
Email