Tag: 3BL

LINCOLN, Neb., March 4, 2025 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have recognized 210 communities as 2024 Tree Cities of the World. It is the most cities ever honored since the program began in 2018.

“Tree Cities of the World is more than a recognition programme. It’s a rapidly growing global movement, transforming how communities view and value their urban forest. It goes beyond borders, connecting passionate organizers and tireless tree planters, and uniting them under the shared mission of making our world’s communities healthier places to live,” said Sophie Plitt, program manager at the Arbor Day Foundation. “This record-breaking 2024 class is a testament to the power of trees in every corner of the world and we’re excited to honor these cities and their important work.”

The international Tree Cities of the World programme recognizes cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area. The program is jointly operated by FAO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, and the Arbor Day Foundation. Tree Cities of the World is in alignment with FAO’s Green Cities initiative which is designed to strengthen green infrastructure in both urban and rural communities.

This year’s 210 Tree Cities of the World represent 24 countries and 6 continents. The Tree Cities of the World programme includes communities ranging in population size from 1,500 to 12 million people, with 37 major languages spoken across the entire cohort. By gaining recognition through the programme, many municipalities have garnered increased funding for community forest management, access to a unique global network of urban forestry professionals, and greater local support for canopy growth.

“In 2024, the City of Toronto planted over 130,000 trees, managed over 1,000 hectares of natural area parkland, and made significant strides to achieve equitable distribution of the urban forest across our diverse city,” said Teresa Bosco, Manager of Forest Policy and Planning for Toronto, Canada. “We are thrilled to be part of a growing global network of cities recognized for their dedication to building strong and resilient urban forests and being leaders in stewardship, resource allocation, and innovation.”

“Through the program, we found an opportunity to unify diverse collectives—those promoting heritage trees, native plant palettes, and urban reforestation—to work together with the government,” said Emmanuel Bolaños Bautista, Deputy Director of the Department of Protected Areas and Environmental Value for Puebla, Mexico.

“The learning and exchange of experiences allow us to learn from the big players as well,” said Juan Pablo Diaz Laska, Secretary of Environment for Tocancipá, Colombia. “We are a small place, but we strive to create green spaces and replicate successful projects.”

Globally, more than 134 million people live in Tree Cities of the World.

To earn Tree Cities of the World recognition, a city must uphold five core standards: establish responsibility for the care of trees; enact a law or policy that governs the management of trees and forests; maintain an updated assessment of local tree resources; allocate resources for a tree management plan; and hold an annual celebration of trees to educate local residents.  

Click here to see a full list of the recognized 2024 Tree Cities of the World. 

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners.

And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

About the Food and Agriculture Organization

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.

Through its Forestry Programme, FAO seeks to restore forests, improve the lives of forest-dependent people, and support countries to manage their forests in a sustainable way. FAO’s work is fully aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, creating more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

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CAMDEN, N.J., March 3, 2025 /3BL/ – Subaru of America Inc. today announced it is joining the Overland Expo® as a title sponsor for 2025. The Overland Expo, a premier outdoor travel event, will feature the latest Subaru adventure models, including the new 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, as well as the Wilderness editions of the Subaru Outback, Subaru Crosstrek, and Subaru Forester. The Subaru exhibit will be a vibrant destination for adventurers, featuring curated workshops, live Subie & You Podcast recording sessions, limited-edition giveaways, exclusive Subaru gear, and the newest accessories from leading outdoor brands such as REI and Thule.

This year’s Subaru Overland Expo presence will capture the outdoor-adventure spirit of Subaru owners across the country, providing an in-depth look at what makes Subaru a leader in affordable off-roading and adventure vehicles. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn best practices from experts about off-roading, pet safety, camp setup, navigation, route planning and much more, as well as connect with fellow Subaru owners to explore vehicle customization options for outdoor adventure.

Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America, Inc.: “We are all-in on off-road adventure, and excited to join the thousands of Subaru owners making their way to Overland Expo, a destination event for outdoor enthusiasts. With our unique onsite experiences, Subaru is ready to amplify our customers’ stories and show our appreciation for their dedication to our brand.”

As part of its commitment to being More Than a Car Company®, Subaru will partner with local shelters to host pet adoptions at each stop along the event series. The automaker will also host workshops on pet travel safety tips, offer complimentary dog treats, provide pet water stations, and host pet-focused giveaways to support the Subaru Loves Pets® initiative.

The full schedule of the 2025 Overland Expo series includes:

March 15-16: Costa Mesa, CAMay 16-18: Flagstaff, AZJune 27-29: Redmond, ORAugust 22-24: Loveland, COOctober 3-5: Arrington, VA

Select Overland Expo locations will also feature exclusive perks for lucky Subaru fans, such as a complimentary evening reception and an invitation to Camp Wilderness, a Subaru owner-exclusive camping area where attendees can enjoy complimentary food, beverages, and yoga classes.

For more information on Subaru at Overland Expo, visit www.subaru.com/overlandexpo.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $320 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

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Diane Anton 
Corporate Communications Manager 
(856) 488-5093 
danton@subaru.com

Adam Leiter 
Corporate Communications Specialist 
(856) 488-8668 
aleiter@subaru.com

Long-term engagement has been key for the Venice Family Clinic’s Street Medicine Team.

For the last eight years, the clinic has worked with the unhoused population in Malibu to ensure they have access to medical care. Clinic staff say they anticipate an uptick in the area’s unhoused population following the L.A. wildfires. While Venice Family Clinic was not affected by the fires, the area is in close proximity to Malibu and Pacific Palisades, which lost vast amounts of residential housing and infrastructure during recent fires.

The clinic uses mobile units to provide critical care to vulnerable populations who would otherwise lack access to consistent medical services. Clinic staff said people may be displaced or unhoused for months to several years following the natural disaster.

“We want to be a part of a directional plan where we’re supporting and enabling someone to be housing-ready,” said Dr. Coley King, Director of Homeless Health Services for Venice Family Clinic. Direct Relief staff delivered medical aid to King last week, who was conducting medical outreach in Malibu.

The clinic’s street team meets patients where they are—beyond the four walls of the brick-and-mortar clinic. The medical professionals say they want to remove the barriers that prevent people from getting care. According to the clinic’s website, staff take on a harm reduction approach through assertive engagement, trauma-informed care, and linkage to housing. This work has produced an uptrend in patient health, happiness, and housing stability, Coley said.

Direct Relief is supporting Venice Family Clinic by providing emergency funding, medications, and critical medical supplies to ensure uninterrupted patient care. In an effort to support those most affected by the wildfires, Direct Relief has awarded $2.6 million in emergency operating grants to 43 organizations, including community health centers, free and charitable clinics, reproductive health organizations, first responders, search and rescue teams, and community-based non-profits.

Originally published on 3M News Center

Bigger names, bolder experiences and bigger impact.

3M and the PGA TOUR have announced a five-year extension of 3M’s title sponsorship of the 3M Open through 2030. The extension will continue to bring the world’s top golfers to TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minn., and pave the way for even more community impact and support.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with 3M and a passionate Minnesota fan base that supports every sport in every season, including the 3M Open from day one,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “That same passion from 3M is on display each summer as they invest in their community and positively impact lives through the 3M Open.”

The 3M Open is a mechanism to give back to the community and demonstrate the many unexpected ways 3M Science improves lives while showcasing the world’s greatest golfers. Since 2019, the 3M Open has donated more than $8 million to charity positively impacting more than one million lives. The tournament aligns with 3M’s commitment to improve lives in communities where people live, work and learn.

“The 3M Open is more than a golf tournament — it’s a force for good that brings people together around 3M innovation and supporting Minnesota communities,” said 3M CEO Bill Brown. “Our title sponsorship and partnership with PGA TOUR showcases 3M Science for some of our most valued customers and partners while improving lives in our own backyard, and we look forward to continuing the 3M Open for years to come.”

The 2025 3M Open will be held July 21-27 at TPC Twin Cities, where Jhonattan Vegas is expected to defend his 2024 title. The 2025 event will be televised on CBS/Paramount+, Golf Channel, PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+ and distributed internationally via the TOUR’s World Feed.

TPC Twin Cities was designed by World Golf Hall of Fame member Arnold Palmer, who worked in consultation with Minnesota native and PGA TOUR veteran Tom Lehman. 3M has supported the golf community for more than 30 years, including hosting the 3M Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event at TPC Twin Cities, from 1993-2018.

For current 3M Open news and ticket information, visit the tournament website at www.3MOpen.com.

BELLEVUE, Wash., March 3, 2025 /3BL/ – T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) announced two exciting ways it is reinforcing its commitment to first responder and military customers by introducing two new Essentials plans built just for them. With Essentials First Responder and Essentials Military, the Un-carrier is giving those who serve essential connectivity and the best price for their families compared to blue and red — all on America’s largest and fastest 5G network. The new Essentials plans are available starting Feb. 21.

“Whether serving overseas, responding to emergencies or supporting our communities at home, America’s first responder and military families sacrifice so much,” said Jon Freier, President, T-Mobile Consumer Group. “T-Mobile’s new Essentials plans for Military and First Responders give these heroes what they deserve: hundreds of dollars in savings while getting industry-leading value on the country’s leading 5G network. It’s a small way to give back to those who give us so much.”

Essentials First Responder and Military Plans

T-Mobile’s new Essentials plans offer the best price for first responder and military families compared to AT&T and Verizon. For a family of three, each plan is just $90/month with AutoPay plus taxes and fees — that’s a savings of nearly 20% each month — and over $250 annually! — when switching the whole family to T-Mobile’s Essentials First Responder plan from AT&T’s FirstNet Unlimited. Plus, verified first responder customers have the option to add the nation’s first network slice for first responders for only $7.50/month, giving them priority network access to keep them connected during times of extreme congestion.

The new First Responder and Military Essentials plans include unlimited talk, text and data, unlimited texting in 215+ countries and destinations worldwide and exclusive benefits just for being customers with Magenta Status. That includes perks from top hotel and car rental brands, concert and movie tickets and access to the nation’s leading 5G network. Plus, those Essentials plan savings get even sweeter with deals to score a free 5G phone on Us with 24 monthly bill credits when joining the Un-carrier.

First Responder and Military Customers Get More at T-Mobile

Essentials First Responder and Essentials Military join T-Mobile’s existing Go5G First Responder and Military plans dedicated to these customers, offering more choice and flexibility to suit their needs. Whether it’s just the Essentials (pun intended) or a more perk-packed Go5G First Responder or Military plan with Netflix on Us and free in-flight Wi-Fi, the Un-carrier offers something for everyone. These new plans further demonstrate T-Mobile’s commitment to supporting first responder and military customers — and their families — as well as year-round initiatives like hiring 10,000 veterans and military spouses and the Connecting Heroes program, which offers up to $7.7 billion in potential savings through 2030 for first responder agencies.

Plus, with T-Mobile Starlink — the first and only space-based mobile network in the U.S. — now in public beta, wireless users across the country (even you, Verizon and AT&T customers) can get access to the largest satellite-to-cell constellation in the U.S. The free beta provides people with critical access to text messaging in the more than 500,000 square miles of the country currently unreached by any carrier’s earth-bound cell towers. More details can be found here.

To see how the new plans compare to the full lineup of first responder and military offerings at the Un-carrier, check out the chart above.

T-Mobile’s new Essentials First Responder and Essentials Military plans are available now. To learn more about T-Priority, including information on the network slice for first responders, visit t-mobile.com/T-Priority.

Follow @TMobileNews on X, formerly known as Twitter, to stay up to date with the latest company news.

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During congestion, customers on this plan may notice speeds lower than other customers and further reduction if using >50GB/mo., due to data prioritization. Verify military or first responder status for account holder within 45 days and maintain valid line on account (first responders re-verify when requested); otherwise plans become Essentials (additional cost up to $20/line per month). Video streams in SD. Monthly Regulatory Programs ($0.50) & Telco Recovery Fee ($2.99) totaling $3.49 per voice line applies; taxes/fees approx. 4-38% of bill. Savings based on cost of 1-6 lines of Essentials Military or 2-6 lines of Essentials First Responder vs. comparable plans including discounts, taxes, and regulatory fees. See T-Mobile.com for more information on T-Priority and T-Mobile Starlink. Limited time offers; subject to change. Phone On Us: Contact us before cancelling entire account to continue remaining bill credits, or credits stop & balance on required finance agreement is due (e.g., $299.99 – moto g stylus 5G 3rd Gen). Bill credits end if you pay off device early. Tax on pre-credit price due at sale. See details at T-Mobile.com. Keep & Switch: Qualifying unlocked device, credit, service, port-in, 90+ days with device & eligible carrier & timely redemption required. Virtual Mastercard typically takes 15 days. No cash access & expires in 6 months. Card issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., Member FDIC. Go Back Guarantee: Contact us before cancelling or porting out line(s) to request payout. Qualifying voice line port-in, and port-out to eligible carrier within 30 days of line activation req’d. Allow 5 weeks for card. No cash access & card expires in 6 months. Card issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., Member FDIC.

About T-Mobile

T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com

Media Contact
T-Mobile US, Inc. Media Relations
MediaRelations@t-mobile.com 

Investor Relations Contact
T-Mobile US, Inc.
Investor.Relations@t-mobile.com 
https://investor.t‑mobile.com

GALWAY, Ireland, March 3, 2025 /3BL/ – Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced the launch of Medtronic Spark, a 10-year initiative aimed at propelling one million low-income students into health tech careers. The initiative seeks to help address the growing health tech talent gap through three programs: Medtronic Spark Credentials, Medtronic Spark Innovator Labs, and the Medtronic Spark Scholarship.

By 2030, the tech sector, including health tech, will face a global talent shortage of 4.3 million people. Making matters more urgent, the World Health Organization predicts there will be shortfall of 11 million health workers, disproportionately impacting outcomes for low-income countries and low-income students.

“This initiative, which takes a multifaceted approach to address health tech workforce shortages, reflects Medtronic’s proud 75-year history and unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare and improving lives worldwide,” said Torod Neptune, chairman of Medtronic Foundation. “By investing in future talent, we’re creating a well-trained and capable workforce, ensuring growing healthcare needs will be answered in the future.’’

A new Medtronic and Morning Consult survey found 72% of Americans are concerned about healthcare workforce shortages, more than any other industry. Only 35% of those surveyed say society is prepared to handle these shortages.  

The demand for future talent is clear with the global health tech industry projected to reach $775 billion by 2029 and many young people are ready to take advantage of the opportunity. A global study of 700,000+ respondents found that young people’s highest priority is getting the education, skills and competencies to allow them to enter the workforce and build successful careers.

“We want to ensure that we are not just touching young people’s lives but truly changing the trajectory of their lives with future opportunities in health tech that have potential for lasting generational impact,’’ said Sally Saba, president of Medtronic Foundation.

About the Medtronic Spark initiative
Through Medtronic Spark, which will be focused in locations around the world where Medtronic has an established presence, the company hopes to build on a tradition of creating groundbreaking innovations that have revolutionized patient care. The initiative targets a new generation of workers by offering:

Credentials: A first-of-its kind industry-recognized certification will equip non-degree young adults with in-demand skills for the evolving job market. Expanding alternative pathways into tech careers benefits businesses and workers, as 63% of employers cite skill gaps as a major barrier and 58% of Gen Z supports hiring non-degree graduates.Innovator Labs: Experiencing hands-on innovation opportunities and mentoring in low-income communities can help young people be more prepared for and interested in health tech careers. Currently, only 42% of high school students engage in hands-on STEM activities and only 20% of high school graduates are prepared for college-level coursework in STEM majors.Scholarship: Provide low-income students with a scholarship that goes beyond traditional tuition support. Only 11% of low-income students who receive financial help complete their degrees. The Medtronic Spark Scholarship aims to help address the wide range of barriers needed to successfully complete a degree.

About Medtronic
Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic, visit www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic’s periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Contacts:
Erika Winkels
Public Relations
+1-763-526-8478

Ryan Weispfenning
Investor Relations
+1-763-505-4626

By Nestor Mato

When Latisha Jewett finally walked through the threshold of her new house, the Regions bankers who helped her reach that day were there cheering her on. The dream to have a home for her and her son had become a reality.

“Her mortgage is less than her rent. That’s a good thing to have happen, and now she’s in a position to start building her own generational wealth, to have her son in a more stable living situation,” said Mayor Kevin Anderson of the City of Fort Myers while talking to WBBH-TV.

The mayor was joined by local news outlets and the community for a ribbon cutting ceremony for Jewett. And the City of Fort Myers marked this milestone in its Affordable Home Construction Program by unveiling the first single-family home built under the initiative. The program launched to empower families and individuals earning less than 120% of the area median income. It represents a beacon of hope for housing affordability.

Affordable housing initiatives like this change lives and build generational wealth, helping families create stability and security for years to come.

Cynthia Valenti, Mortgage Production Manager for Regions Bank

“This is more than just a house; it’s a home. A foundation for a brighter future,” said Cynthia Valenti, Mortgage Production Manager for Regions Bank. “Affordable housing initiatives like this change lives and build generational wealth, helping families create stability and security for years to come.”

The family benefited from a $10,000 Regions Bank grant and $75,000 in county down payment assistance, structured as a forgivable loan. The home was purchased below its appraised value, and the city did not include the value of the lot in the price.

“The $75,000 in assistance is in the form of a no-interest, no-payment second mortgage that will be forgiven at a rate of 20% per year over the next five years,” said Brian Hafenbrack, Community Mortgage Loan Officer for Regions. “Regions Bank supplied a first mortgage of $161,000 and with the city paying the closing costs, Ms. Jewett achieved her dream.”

The city is already clearing lots for the second and third homes in the program, with a goal of constructing six homes annually. Regions Bank plans to continue its community partnership by offering financing to future buyers, along with grants and resources to make homeownership attainable. The Affordable Home Construction Program is supported by the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Trust Fund covers construction costs for homes and supports rental assistance for low-income residents.

“Ms. Jewitt and her son are thrilled and very grateful. She was beaming! Our local councilwoman included toys for her son including a bike,” said Valenti. “Partnerships like this prove that when communities come together, we can address even the most challenging issues. Ms. Jewitt is now a happy and confident homeowner!”

Across Alligator Alley, Regions Bank also helped construct a family’s dream by participating in the Habitat for Humanity of Broward County CEO Build.

Kelley Brown, market executive and commercial banking leader in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, traded her briefcase for a hard hat to help nurse Brenda Williams achieve a goal she thought was out of reach.

WSVN-TV was there as Brown and South Florida businesses leaders went to work. The news outlet said Habitat serves a critical need for affordable housing in Broward County. Sandwiched between the ocean and the Everglades, about 97% of the land is already spoken for.

“Participating in the Habitat for Humanity CEO Build is more than just picking up a hammer; it’s about coming together to create opportunities and make affordable housing a reality for those who need it most,” said Brown. “It’s an honor to part of a company and project that reflects the heart of our community.”

For the third consecutive year, Lenovo’s Environmental, Social and Governance Rating score was rated at AAA by MSCI, the international ratings agency. The AAA rating represents the highest possible rating for corporations leading in ESG programs (on a scale of AAA-CCC).

MSCI ESG Research provides in-depth research, ratings, and analysis of the environmental, social, and governance-related business practices of thousands of companies worldwide. Its research is designed to provide critical insights that can help institutional investors identify risks and opportunities that traditional investment research may overlook.

MSCI ESG Ratings are also used to construct the MSCI ESG Indexes, produced by MSCI, Inc. For more information, click here. In alignment with MSCI’s methodology, these ratings demonstrate Lenovo’s ESG strengths relative to the China information technology industry.

MSCI is an index used by many financial decision-makers around the world. In addition to a AAA rating on MSCI’s ESG index, Lenovo was recently awarded a Platinum Medal from EcoVadis, placing it in the top 1% of ESG performance for companies evaluated by EcoVadis around the globe. Learn more about Lenovo’s environmental, social impact and governance initiatives in Lenovo’s latest ESG Report.

Disclaimer: THE USE BY Lenovo OF ANY MSCI ESG RESEARCH LLC OR ITS AFFILIATES (“MSCI”) DATA, AND THE USE OF MSCI LOGOS, TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS OR INDEX NAMES HEREIN, DO NOT CONSTITUTE A SPONSORSHIP, ENDORSEMENT, RECOMMENDATION, OR PROMOTION OF Lenovo BY MSCI. MSCI SERVICES AND DATA ARE THE PROPERTY OF MSCI OR ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS, AND ARE PROVIDED ‘AS-IS’ AND WITHOUT WARRANTY. MSCI NAMES AND LOGOS ARE TRADEMARKS OR SERVICE MARKS OF MSCI.

About Lenovo 
Lenovo is a US$57 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #248 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our  StoryHub.

As originally published by GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative

2024 saw a huge leap in the adoption of AI and the rollout of new tools, which led to surges in the number of new websites coming online. In partnership with UCLA Anderson economists, the GoDaddy Venture Forward research team sought to understand and, for the first time, quantify the impact that AI and specifically GoDaddy Airo had on local economic outcomes thanks to small businesses. This analysis revealed a correlation between the higher number of customer websites created since GoDaddy Airo’s rollout and both an increase in jobs created and a reduction in unemployment at the local level.

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is often portrayed as a looming threat to jobs, a new narrative has emerged, one that highlights AI as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth, and directly because of small and microbusinesses.

New Research Separates Conjecture from Real Impact with AI and Small Businesses 

Throughout 2024, AI captured headlines with predictions about its transformative potential for big business. However, GoDaddy’s latest analysis shifts the focus to the real-world economic outcomes AI is delivering for small businesses. The introduction of GoDaddy’s AI-powered experience, Airo, in 2023 has led to a surge in microbusiness activity – both in terms of publications and traffic, bringing significant economic benefits across the United States.

Small and Microbusinesses Power Economic Growth Through AI Adoption

The research uncovers some compelling findings looking at November 2023-September 2024:

Job Creation: For every website published using GoDaddy Airo, 20 jobs were created per county. The impact varies by region, with rural counties seeing an average of 4.2 jobs, while urban counties experienced a boost of 22 jobs.Economic Impact: The launch of 10 new GoDaddy websites per county correlated with a 0.017 percentage-point reduction in local unemployment rates.Record Engagement: In 2024, microbusiness website activity hit an all-time high, as indicated by a 13% growth in GoDaddy’s microbusiness engagement index from January to September, as measured by UCLA Anderson, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. See Figure 1.

Figure 1 (above) depicts microbusiness activity, indicated by website traffic/engagement. This index grew by 14 points (13%) between January and September 2024 to an all-time high of 122, beating the previous record of 115 during the pandemic, when many small businesses were forced online.

AI Has Helped Impact Small Business

While the conversation around AI often centers on its potential, GoDaddy’s research highlights tangible outcomes, and mindset shifts as captured by the 2024 GoDaddy Venture Forward Annual Report. 

Productivity and Revenue Growth: A significant 72% of small business owners using AI tools like GoDaddy Airo reported increased productivity, while 61% observed higher revenues in the past six months.Lowered Barriers to Entry: The number of websites published surged since the release of AI tools like Airo. Despite these successes, 38% of microbusiness owners cited a lack of knowledge about AI signaling an opportunity for education in 2025.

2025 Will Be the Year of Further Measurable Impact

As GoDaddy continues to quantify AI’s economic effects, the research sets the stage for what 2025 might bring. It’s increasingly clear that small businesses, often secondary in AI discussions, are at the forefront of driving substantial change. AI tools like GoDaddy Airo are not only enhancing online engagement but also making significant contributions to job markets and local economies. 

With digital small businesses already creating an average of seven jobs per entrepreneur, AI offers an unprecedented chance to bolster national and local economic growth. As Alexandra Rosen, economist and global head of GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative, aptly puts it, “Economic outcomes don’t happen overnight, and yet, in just under a year, GoDaddy’s research with UCLA shows how small businesses using AI tools are transforming local economies through job creation. The company’s own AI experience, GoDaddy Airo, empowers entrepreneurs to launch their businesses fast, create jobs, and grow local economies.” 

AI adoption is not merely a competitive edge but an economic imperative. As we look to the future, GoDaddy, alongside our UCLA economic partners, is eager to further explore the widespread benefits AI brings, not just for the online presence of small businesses but for their local communities.  

We will continue to post research insights on small and microbusiness entrepreneurs, their adoption and relationship with AI, and the combined and magnified economic impact being made by this combination. 

Read the full report here.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 3, 2025 /3BL/ – Discovery Education presents a new collection of engaging, high-quality digital resources to support classroom observances of Women’s History Month. This new suite of standards-aligned, high-quality resources celebrates women’s impactful contributions to history, science, art, and more. The resources within Discovery Education Experience, the essential companion for engaged classrooms, include:

Women in History channel: This special content collection allows students in grades K-12 to learn about remarkable women who shaped history, and discover contemporary stories of women making an impact on the world today. With instructional resources tailored to each grade level, teachers can easily access high-quality videos and activities to inspire and educate their students.Womanica channel: This podcast series from Wonder Media Network offers bite-sized audio biographies of women who have changed history. Students in grades 6-12 will be inspired to be curious by listening to the successes, challenges, and triumphs of remarkable women from a variety of backgrounds, including scientists, actors, teachers, poets, philosophers, scholars, politicians, comedians, and more.IF/THEN STEM Professionals channel: The IF/THEN® Initiative resources inspire students in grades 6-12 by highlighting women in STEM, empowering today’s innovators, and motivating the next generation of pioneers.

Available at no cost, the Women’s History Month collection from the STEM Careers Coalition celebrates the achievements of women leaders in STEM. These dynamic, on-demand resources equip educators with the tools to foster deeper student engagement by connecting classroom lessons to the real world. The free career profile videos and accompanying classroom activities highlight women in a variety of STEM careers, including chemistry, engineering, agriculture, and more. The STEM Careers Coalition is an alliance of industries and non-profit organizations providing 11M+ students with access to STEM resources and career connections since its launch in 2019.

In addition, for users of Mystery Science by Discovery Education, the Celebrating Women in Science and Arts collection offers 5-minute mini-lessons for grades K-5 designed to ignite student curiosity.

“Discovery Education is proud to present this curated content supporting Women’s History Month observances,” said Hailey Adams, Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Student Engagement at Discovery Education. “Through these dynamic and engaging digital resources, educators are empowered to help all students dream big about their own futures.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, K-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contacts 
Grace Maliska 
Discovery Education 
Email: gmaliska@dicoveryed.com