Tag: 3BL

SPOKANE, Wash., February 25, 2025 /3BL/ – Impact Laboratories, verifier of the world’s most trusted green lab certification, has secured $4.95 million in Series A funding—exceeding its target. The capital will accelerate the development of enterprise-scale sustainability tools and expand global adoption of My Green Lab® Certification, empowering laboratories to achieve measurable environmental and financial impact.

James Connelly, CEO of Impact Laboratories and My Green Lab said, “This investment signals a pivotal shift in how science integrates sustainability. Our enhanced software will empower labs with real-time data, security, and ROI-driven insights—enabling them to make measurable environmental progress. Thanks to our investors’ support, we’re scaling solutions that drive global impact.”

By enhancing Impact Laboratories’ software tools, this investment will bolster its position as a leader in providing secure, data-driven solutions that deliver genuine environmental and financial returns for laboratories worldwide. Furthermore, these funds will support a robust market development strategy to expand My Green Lab Certification and improve the technology used to audit and verify the My Green Lab ACT Ecolabel, the industry’s most comprehensive ecolabel for laboratory products.

Driving Impact Through Investment

The funding round, led by a consortium of impact-driven investors including the Spokane Angel Alliance, TVF | Tacoma Venture Fund, LabX Media, and Greenhouse Capital Partners underscores the growing demand for data-driven sustainability solutions in science. These investors bring not only capital but also deep expertise in scientific research, sustainable investment, and media outreach to accelerate Impact Laboratories’ mission.

“Backing Impact Laboratories means investing in a smarter, more sustainable scientific future,” said Peter Henig, Founder and Managing Partner of Greenhouse Capital Partners.

“Sustainable science is the future of research. Impact Laboratories’ solutions give scientists the tools to integrate sustainability without sacrificing innovation,” said Jim Datin, former CEO of BioAgilytix and current GHO Operating Partner. “This investment fuels the shift toward environmentally responsible labs that also excel in efficiency and cost savings.”

Bob Kafato, President of LabX Media, emphasized the long-term impact of this investment: “As investors, we have a responsibility to support innovations that move industries forward. The scientific industry is at a turning point—labs that prioritize sustainability will not only lead in innovation but also in operational excellence. This funding ensures that environmental responsibility becomes an integral part of scientific progress.”

A Global Shift Towards Sustainable Science

As scientific research expands globally, the need for secure and scalable sustainable solutions has never been greater. Impact Laboratories’ ability to provide third-party independent verification and robust sustainability tools plays a crucial role in reducing the industry’s environmental impact.

Madin Akpo-Esambe, General Partner at TVF | Tacoma Venture Fund, spoke to the broader implications of this investment: “Greener labs mean a greener world. By accelerating lab sustainability, we’re not just improving operational efficiency, but we’re also creating systemic change for the better.”

Tom Simpson, Founder and CEO of Spokane Angel Alliance, emphasized the power of regional funding networks in driving mission-based companies with global impact. “Seeing a company like Impact Laboratories scale globally from Spokane signals a new level of maturity in our start-up ecosystem and investment community,” he noted. This success highlights how regional capital can fuel ventures that create meaningful change worldwide.

Impact Laboratories and My Green Lab are collaborating to empower scientists and laboratory professionals to create lasting environmental change. This successful fundraising round will propel progress toward a future where sustainability is integrated into every laboratory around the globe.

About Impact Laboratories 

Impact Laboratories, the commercial arm of My Green Lab, provides third-party verification and enterprise software solutions that enable labs to achieve and maintain sustainability benchmarks. From academia to biotech and pharma, Impact Laboratories supports the scientific community in reducing its environmental footprint while ensuring operational efficiency. The company drives the expansion of the world’s most trusted green lab certification and verification tools.

About My Green Lab

My Green Lab® is a nonprofit environmental organization with a mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science. The organization is the world leader in developing internationally recognized sustainability standards for laboratories and laboratory products—bringing sustainability to the community responsible for the world’s life-changing medical and technical innovations. Laboratories are some of the most resource-intensive spaces in any industry, but they don’t have to be. By introducing a new perspective and proven best practices within a carefully crafted framework, My Green Lab has inspired tens of thousands of scientists and lab professionals to make positive changes in their labs by reducing the environmental impact of their work.

My Green Lab Certification

The world’s most trusted green lab certification, guiding scientists and lab teams toward actionable sustainability practices. Supported by third-party verification from Impact Laboratories, My Green Lab Certification has engaged 3,800 labs in 50 countries reaching over 42,000 scientists (as of early 2025).

My Green Lab ACT Ecolabel

The first ecolabel for lab equipment and supplies that provides transparent, third-party verified data to help scientists and procurement teams make sustainable choices. Forty companies and 1,500 products currently have an ACT Ecolabel, with third-party verification provided by SMS Collaborative.

For media requests, contact Christina Creager at christina.creager@mygreenlab.org.

For more information about My Green Lab, visit mygreenlab.org. 

Originally published by Forbes.

The need for supply chains to be more resilient, transparent, and efficient is ever present. Businesses are estimated to be missing out on around $1.6 trillion revenue growth opportunities every year through supply chain vulnerability. It’s why real-time data and AI have become essential tools for optimizing logistics, increasing resilience and improving inventory management.

Look at how Albertsons is improving its demand forecasting using an AI-powered solution. With more accurate and efficient forecasts, the grocer plans to reduce food waste in key categories like fresh meat, seafood, and deli items.

See original article on Forbes and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

This story first appeared on Baker Hughes’ Energy Forward Stories.

Earlier this month, Baker Hughes hosted its Annual Meeting 2025.

Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO, Lorenzo Simonelli welcomed a record 2,300 customers and partners from 85 countries to Florence, Italy.

This event, now in its 25th edition, continues to welcome more delegates from the energy sector and beyond. Annual Meeting 2025 hosted guests from industrial sectors such as mining and minerals, marine, aviation and utilities.

The Scale of Global Energy Challenges and Opportunities

As a cohort, participants took stock of today’s scale of the global energy challenges and opportunities.

Demand for energy – including hydrocarbons – is continuing to rise. For example, there are estimates that US utilities will have to boost annual energy generation by up to 26% by 2028 due to technology development and infrastructure requirements.

Ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions have resulted in concerns about global energy security strategies, as well as increased scrutiny of some countries’ dependence on hydrocarbons. A rise of nationalism and economic protectionism around the globe is exposing vulnerability in supply chains and trading relationships. Public policy continues to be fragmented across countries and regions. As an example, as of 2024, there are 75 carbon-pricing instruments in operation worldwide, covering 24% of global emissions.

With high energy prices, funding the energy transition and the effects of climate change is a very “hot” topic. In 2024, the IMF cited per capita income in India and sub-Saharan Africa at approximately $2,900 and $1,800 respectively. This contrasts with circa $63,000 in North America and $51,000 in Western Europe. The Global South is shouldering the decarbonization burden, without the economic capacity. Additionally, according to the McKinsey Global Institute, the capital spending needed on physical assets to reach a net-zero transition is estimated at $275 trillion over the next 30 years.

And in 2024, the world population witnessed climate change and extreme weather events. It was the hottest year on record and the first year to breach 1.5C above the average pre-industrial levels. 

Pathway to Sustainable Energy Development

The solution to these challenges is Sustainable Energy Development. The world needs energy today without adversely impacting abundance and availability tomorrow. While protecting the planet for future generations.

But how to do this?

Enable hydrocarbons to meet today’s demands while also making them cleaner and more efficient.Expand energy sources, tapping into every source of energy – natural gas, nuclear, renewables – including geothermal, solar and wind.Use energy responsibly – ensuring infrastructure is efficient, ensuring recycle and reuse as much as possible, ensuring all act responsibly for people and the planet.

This industry’s actions must be nimble, efficient, and scalable across the entire energy ecosystem. 

To make progress at scale in 2025, conversations on the main stage, in the Solutions Fair and the side sessions at the event focused on how to:

Replicate and scale technology innovation that focuses on all sources of energy.Build and integrate solutions with digital as a common language.Establish and leverage partnerships that expand across industries, companies, governments, and NGOs, which support scaling solutions for customers. Partnerships must also enable to localize and scale how to build solutions.

Progress @ Scale Beyond the Energy Sector

Replicating progress at scale from one industry to another is not about reinventing the wheel. The mining, steel, cement, and data center sectors were also examined during the Annual Meeting. As energy access expands to power these critical sectors, low-carbon options and emissions reduction must be prioritized.

Check out this Energy Forward story, highlighting five technology trends to increase efficiency and sustainability in mining.

Discussions on the main stage

Panel discussions on the main stage are available here. They considered how to make progress at scale a reality across industries. 

The panel discussion on Day 1, Decarbonization at Scale: Pathways to Net-Zero in the Energy Sector, explored how achieving net-zero in the energy sector represents one of the most transformative opportunities at present. Success will require bold innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and scalable strategies that address the complexities of decarbonization and drive meaningful change across the entire industry. 

The role of economic research in driving progress at scale in the energy sector was addressed  with Billy Pizer, president & CEO of Resources for the Future. 

And Danny Rice, chief executive officer of NET Power explains what “Progress at Scale” means to him when deploying efficient gas technology across the energy sector.

The world of energy is evolving, with new demands on producers and users to achieve sustainable energy development.

A holistic approach is essential to meet the world’s energy needs in a secure, efficient and affordable manner while minimizing environmental impacts.

The energy industry must continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, harnessing the power of technology, sustainability, and innovation to create a better world for generations to come.

Progress at Scale is not just about doing more – it is about doing more better, transforming innovation into impact that powers the world sustainably and securely.

This is progress at scale.

Wesco proudly announces its official partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), a program within the Department of Defense’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities initiative. The induction ceremony on Jan. 29, 2025, formally welcomed Wesco into the program.

MSEP is a pivotal initiative that connects military spouses with employers committed to their professional advancement. Since its inception in 2011, MSEP has facilitated the hiring of more than 340,000 military spouses, offering them stable and rewarding career opportunities.

Chris Wolf, Chief Human Resources Officer at Wesco, expressed her enthusiasm for the new partnership: “By joining MSEP, Wesco reinforces its commitment to the military community. We recognize the unique challenges faced by military spouses and are dedicated to providing them with meaningful career opportunities. This partnership not only supports military families, it also strengthens our workforce with talented and resilient individuals.”

Wesco’s involvement in MSEP is part of a broader commitment to the military community. The company also participates in the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, which offers service members the chance to gain civilian work experience during their last 180 days of military service. This program bridges the gap between military and civilian careers, providing valuable industry-specific training, apprenticeships, and internships.

Moreover, Wesco supports its veteran employees through the Veteran’s Opportunity Liaison Team (VOLT) business resource group. VOLT is dedicated to fostering programs tailored to the development and well-being of Wesco’s veteran employees, ensuring their success in post-military careers.

By joining MSEP and continuing its robust support of military veterans through initiatives like SkillBridge and VOLT, Wesco exemplifies its comprehensive commitment to the military community. These efforts honor the sacrifices of military families and contribute to a stronger, more resilient workforce.

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About Spouse Education and Career Opportunities

The Defense Department established the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program to provide education and career assistance to military spouses worldwide, offering free comprehensive resources and tools designed to help spouses meet their career and education goals. Resources include free career coaching services, the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship, the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot and the Military Spouse Transition Program.

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

For more information, please contact:

Corporate Communications 
Jennifer Sniderman 
Vice President, Corporate Communications 
717-579-6603

Originally published on 3M News Center

As countries prioritize energy security and enhance industrial competitiveness in an increasingly complex global landscape, investment in resilient, sustainable energy solutions has come into sharp focus. A recent 3M survey conducted by Morning Consult* across 10 countries revealed that 69% of respondents anticipate job growth in the energy sector over the next decade, and 75% believe their governments should invest more in creating jobs in the clean energy sector.

“Building a more secure energy future will require the accelerated adoption of existing approaches as well as the development of new science-based technologies,” says Wendy Bauer, group president, 3M Transportation and Electronics Group. “By focusing on areas where we can make the greatest impact, 3M can scale solutions to help strengthen our energy infrastructure. Our history of innovation in the energy sector underscores our commitment to meeting long-term energy needs across the value chain.”

Energy generation solutions

Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources, is pivotal in the transition to clean energy systems. 79% of the global survey respondents support government policies promoting green hydrogen as an alternative energy source. 3M has developed advanced catalyst technologies that help enhance the efficiency of electrolyzers, the components that split water into hydrogen and oxygen. These innovations not only help improve performance but can also help our customers overcome their barriers to scaling up their production. This solution can facilitate broader adoption of green hydrogen and help contribute to significant reductions in carbon emissions.

Nuclear energy remains an important alternative for reliable and low-carbon power generation, with 62% of the global survey respondents recognizing its potential. 3M offers a range of products that can help our customers enhance their safety and efficiency in nuclear power plants. For instance, 3M’s radiation-shielding materials are used by customers to help protect against radiation, and 3M’s stable isotopes can help our customers speed up the handling of fuels. These solutions can help support the safer and more efficient operation of customers’ nuclear facilities, contributing to a balanced energy mix.

While the global energy landscape shifts towards more renewable sources, oil and gas continue to play a significant role. 3M’s innovative solutions aim to help improve efficiency in this sector. For example, 3M Glass Bubbles help enhance drilling efficiency and potentially reduce energy consumption. Additionally, these 3M Glass Bubbles are used in pipeline insulation to help our customers maintain optimal temperatures, thereby helping them improve their energy efficiency in oil and gas transportation.

As industries work to reduce their emissions, 3M also offers technologies tailored for carbon capture. 3M Structured Sorbent Sheets for Direct Air Capture are engineered specifically to capture CO₂ from atmospheric air, at which point the captured CO₂ can then either be sequestered permanently underground or used to produce green concrete or other advanced materials.

Energy transmission solutions

The global energy transition requires not only cleaner energy generation but also efficient and resilient transmission systems to move electricity from generation sites to areas of demand. As power grids integrate more renewable energy sources, the need for advanced transmission technologies intensifies.

3M’s Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced (ACCR) is a high-temperature, low-sag (HTLS) overhead transmission conductor that helps utility customers enhance grid capacity and reliability. 3M ACCR provides significant advantages in upgrades of thermally limited lines without requiring new towers or right of way; across long spans or difficult terrain; in extreme climate conditions and weather challenges; and in sensitive areas where preserving ecosystems or urban landscapes is particularly important.

By integrating 3M ACCR, utilities and grid operators can strengthen their transmission networks to accommodate growing energy demands while also helping reduce the need for costly and disruptive infrastructure upgrades.

Energy distribution solutions

A resilient and intelligent electrical grid is essential to meet the increasing energy demands of modern economies. As grids integrate more renewable energy sources and decentralized power generation, utilities require advanced monitoring and diagnostic solutions to help ensure reliability and efficiency.

3M’s Sensored Cable Accessories provide real-time data on electrical grid performance, helping utilities detect faults, optimize energy distribution, and reduce their downtime. By integrating sensors into cable accessories, these smart grid solutions can help utilities enhance predictive maintenance, minimize outages, and improve overall grid resilience. This technology can play a crucial role in modernizing energy infrastructure, helping ensure a seamless transition to more dynamic and sustainable electricity networks.

Energy consumption and efficiency solutions

As the demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital storage grows, data centers are consuming increasing amounts of electricity. Efficient energy management is essential to helping our customers meet their sustainability goals while also maintaining reliable performance. 3M Air Containment Barrier Film uses 80% less material than polycarbonate sheets typically used and can be installed in framed panels or directly to server racks. Easy to install and assemble, the film improves heat management for longer server life and lower carbon impact, promoting greater sustainability. By helping to optimize thermal management, 3M solutions support the development of more energy-efficient data centers.

Improving energy efficiency in buildings is crucial for reducing overall energy consumption. Aligned with the 77% of the global survey respondents who support solutions that enhance building energy efficiency, 3M offers innovative products such as window films and natural pozzolans. 3M Window Films are engineered to help improve efficiency by reflecting solar heat, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy costs. Additionally, 3M Natural Pozzolans contribute to the performance of concrete, reducing the need for cement in the mixture and the associated carbon footprint.

3M’s wide-ranging solutions to help support the energy economy encompass energy generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption. 3M’s global team is dedicated to driving innovation for customers and positioning 3M as a key collaborator in the transition to energy security.

*The 3M 2025 State of Science Insights survey was conducted between Nov. 19 and Dec. 17, 2024, among a national sample of 10,959 Adults in each of 10 countries (U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany, France, Brazil, Mexico, China, Japan, and South Korea). The interviews were conducted online and the data was weighted to approximate a target sample of adults for each market. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 1 percentage point for global results, and 3 percentage points for each individual country.

Everywhere you turn, someone is talking about AI — AI this, AI that. No wonder some people roll their eyes at the mention of artificial intelligence. For some, it’s all smoke and mirrors, just a glorified spreadsheet rather than a technological breakthrough capable of real cognitive reasoning.

And just when you think you’ve caught up, something new appears. First, we had simple machine learning and AI, then came Generative AI, and now Agentic AI is all the rage. If you feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up, you’re not alone.

But whether you love it or loathe it, AI isn’t going anywhere. In fact, some tools are now designed to think, create, and learn—just like Keysight’s Eggplant Intelligence.

The Thinking, Creating, and Learning Framework

This framework simplifies AI by breaking it into three key functions:

Thinking involves decision-making and adaptability, much like Agentic AI, which enables AI to make choices based on real-time data.Creating is tied to generative AI capabilities, allowing AI to generate test cases and user scenarios autonomously.Learning follows the principles of traditional machine learning, pioneered by Alan Turing in 1950, and enables AI to improve over time based on historical data.

So, what’s the real difference between these AI types? How do they impact software testing? And does anyone actually care? The short answer: there are plenty of differences, they have a huge impact, and yes, you should care.

Before we unravel these questions, let’s take a trip down memory lane to understand how we got here.

The Birth of AI in Software Testing – Keysight Eggplant’s Heritage

Back in 1947, Alan Turing gave a lecture that introduced the idea of a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behaviour and learn just like a human. Since then, ‘machine learning’ and artificial intelligence has evolved considerably, and in 2018, Keysight Eggplant integrated such tools into its Digital Automation Intelligence (DAI) platform, which is now known as Eggplant Test. This was groundbreaking then and remains so today, enabling automated software testing to:

Identify all user journeys – Machine learning algorithms analyze applications and uncover every possible user journey to generate test cases automatically, improving test coverage and reducing manual effort.Prioritize test cases – By learning from historical test runs and code changes, the system can pinpoint high-risk areas and prioritize testing where it matters most, optimizing testing time and resources.Detect anomalies – AI can track normal system behavior, spot deviations, and flag potential defects early in the development cycle.Adapt test scripts – Automated scripts dynamically adjust to application changes, minimizing maintenance and improving long-term test stability.

This goes beyond simple test automation. Imagine changing your payment gateway on an eCommerce site—Eggplant can auto-generate new test cases to reflect the update without requiring hours of script rewrites. That’s the power of intelligent automation.

But AI in software testing isn’t just about running test cases. Keysight Eggplant Test has also led the way in image-based testing, optical character recognition (OCR), and computer vision—critical for automating graphical user interface (GUI) testing in complex, secure environments.

Generative AI – Automating Test Creation

Next up: Generative AI, the “Creating” part of the framework. This subset of AI revolves around understanding and generating human-like language through natural language processing (NLP), including large language models (LLMs).

Generative AI can be used to automate test cases, reducing manual effort while improving accuracy. But Keysight is taking it a step further—our Gen AI capabilities are in development to generate test case frameworks directly from software requirements documentation, allowing testers to refine them rather than start from scratch once launched.

Security is also a major priority, which is why when Eggplant Test with Gen AI is launched it will operate using secure, offline, technology-agnostic LLMs. Unlike cloud-based solutions, our models will be deployed on-premises, ensuring complete control over sensitive data and compliance with strict security regulations.

Cloud-based AI testing tools that use ChatGPT pose risks, such as “shadow prompting,” where unchecked user inputs generate unreliable outputs. While techniques like prompt engineering can mitigate this, on-premises AI solutions eliminate the risk altogether.

Agentic AI – The Next Evolution

Now, we arrive at Agentic AI, the “Thinking” part of our framework. This evolution introduces intelligent agents that can autonomously design, execute, and optimize test cases. Using chain of thought, a technique that stacks multiple commands to perform complex tasks, these agents perform intricate testing, ensuring all possible user interactions and edge cases are covered.

Another breakthrough is computer use agents (CUA) such as large action models (LAMs), which automate browser-based processes by interacting with web applications just like human testers. This is crucial for end-to-end web testing across various devices and browsers.

And then there’s large vision models (LLaVA), which enhance technologies like traditional computer vision to interpret and validate visual data, verifying UI elements and graphical components in applications.

Sound familiar? It should. Eggplant Intelligence already integrates elements of AI, Gen AI, and Agentic AI into a single platform. Our system optimizes test coverage, automates interactions across digital environments, and executes tests just as a human would, all while remaining offline and compliant with AI governance laws in the UK, EU, and US.

AI Testing Compliance – The Keysight Advantage

Many testing tools rely on cloud-based AI architectures, making them non-compliant with the EU AI Act and other regulatory frameworks. Cloud-based solutions often fail to meet the strict security demands of regulated industries, leaving organizations exposed to potential privacy violations.

For industries like aerospace, defense, and healthcare—where data security is non-negotiable—cloud-based AI testing tools are simply not an option. Storing customer or intellectual property data outside a secure firewall can lead to legal consequences and hefty fines.

This is why Keysight Eggplant is the only AI-powered testing solution that prioritizes security, transparency, and governance. Our on-premises approach ensures that all sensitive data remains secure, meeting even the most stringent compliance requirements.

And let’s be clear—using cloud-based AI for test script generation or test reports is not only risky but illegal in many jurisdictions. GDPR and other data protection laws prohibit storing customer data outside of an organization’s firewall, making cloud AI tools a liability for compliance-conscious businesses.

The Future of AI in Software Testing

AI in testing isn’t just about keeping up with the latest buzzwords. It’s about making smart, future-proof choices that balance innovation with security, scalability, and compliance.

Keysight Eggplant has been pioneering AI-driven testing since 2017, long before many of today’s players entered the field. As AI evolves, we continue to push boundaries, ensuring our platform remains at the cutting edge of secure, offline AI testing.

So, if you’re serious about automated software testing and need a future-proof, AI-driven platform that doesn’t compromise security, compliance, or flexibility—it’s time to take a closer look at Keysight Eggplant.

Contact us today for a 14-day free trial or have a read of the Ultimate AI Testing Playbook.

Originally published on Forbes

Justina Nixon Saintil, IBM’s VP and global head of corporate social responsibility, predicted in a recent interview that “AI agents will become the norm, and soon, managers will need to understand how to manage hybrid teams composed of humans and AI employees.”

Continue reading here on Forbes

Southern Company

ATLANTA, February 25, 2025 /3BL/ – The Board of Directors of Southern Company announced the election of James O. (Jimmy) Etheredge as an independent director, effective Apr. 1, 2025. Board committee assignments have not yet been determined.

“Jimmy’s extensive leadership experience makes him an invaluable addition to our board,” said Southern Company chairman, president, and CEO Chris Womack. “His proven track record in leading large teams, discovering innovative solutions, and understanding various industry sectors, including utilities, aligns with our company’s objectives. Moreover, his ongoing involvement with organizations such as the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and several non-profits, further underscores his strategic acumen and commitment to service and excellence.”

Etheredge was CEO – North America of Accenture plc from September 2019 until August 2023 and a special advisor to the CEO and board until July 2024. His responsibilities as CEO included driving results through an 80,000-member team and executing Accenture’s strategy and consulting, interactive, technology (including AI, cloud and others) and operations practices.

From December 2016 until September 2019, he was Senior Managing Director of US Southeast, responsible for leading Accenture’s business in ten states. In this role, he oversaw the firm’s business across all consulting specialties and client industry segments within the region.

Etheredge joined Accenture in 1985, became a partner in 1997 and an executive partner in 2011. During his career, Etheredge advised clients in the utilities industry both in the U.S. and worldwide.

A native of middle Georgia, he earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and serves as a trustee of the Georgia Tech Foundation. Etheredge serves on the board of Encora Digital LLC and as deputy chair of the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He also serves on the boards of Woodruff Arts Center, the Atlanta Police Foundation, Techbridge and Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts.

About Southern Company 
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy distribution company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

SOURCE Southern Company

For further information: Southern Company Media Relations, 404-506-5333 or 1-866-506-5333

The logistics industry is growing rapidly, but labor shortages pose a risk of disruption. Glen Clark, CEO of DP World – U.S./Mexico and Regional Head of Contract Logistics, outlines bold strategies to close the skills gap and build a resilient workforce for the future.

The logistics industry is expanding rapidly, with the World Economic Forum projecting that the global logistics industry will surpass $18 trillion by 2030, underscoring its critical role in global trade. However, this growth is accompanied by persistent labor shortages and evolving skill requirements as the sector evolves post-COVID, integrates new technologies, and adapts to changing customer demands, particularly the rise of e-commerce. With an estimated 78 million logistics workers needed worldwide by 2030, the sector must act boldly to attract, train, and retain talent.

In his article, “Building Tomorrow’s Logistics Workforce: Bold Strategies for a Global Challenge” published by the Fast Company Executive Board, Glen Clark, CEO of DP World – U.S./Mexico and Regional Head of Contract Logistics, outlines a proactive approach to addressing this critical issue through bold strategies and collective action.

In his article, Clarks identifies three key challenges and potential solutions.

First, he highlights the issue of labor shortages across the industry. The logistics sector has a persistent worker shortage, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting nearly 450,000 job openings in transportation and warehousing as of June 2024, “one of the highest vacancy rates across industries.” An industry survey found that 37% of respondents are experiencing high workforce shortages, with more than half reporting that these labor shortages are affecting customer service.

Clark then examines the rise of technological advancements as the logistics sector evolves into a sophisticated, high-tech network. With 75% of companies investing in digital tools such as AI, IoT, and blockchain. This shift has created a demand for highly skilled professionals in strategic planning, data analytics, and operations management, alongside traditional blue-collar roles like warehouse workers and truck drivers.

Lastly, Clark identifies potential solutions by focusing on workforce development strategies. Meeting workforce needs requires “robust training programs tailored to both white-collar and blue-collar workers” and “pathways to transition into modern ‘new-collar’ roles,” he writes. Collaboration between businesses and governments is essential to train a future-ready workforce. Initiatives should include vocational training, apprenticeships, STEM education, and continuous upskilling for both white-collar and blue-collar workers.

The Path Forward:

A future-ready logistics workforce will require continuous innovation, collaboration, and investment in both people and technology. By bridging the skills gap, embracing emerging technologies, and fostering strong partnerships between businesses, educators, and policymakers, the industry can build a resilient labor force capable of driving long-term growth. As global supply chains become more complex, the ability to attract, train, and retain top talent will be the key to ensuring that logistics remains the backbone of the global economy.

Read the full article here: “Building Tomorrow’s Logistics Workforce: Bold Strategies for a Global Challenge”.

CINCINNATI, February 25, 2025 /3BL/ – Duke Energy recently announced the recipients of its 2024 Duke Energy Economic Development Awards, which recognize communities and individuals that continually support growth and economic development efforts in the region.

These awards originated in 2023 and are presented annually in the company’s Ohio and Kentucky service territory.

The 2024 Duke Energy Economic Development Awards include:

Partner Achievement Award presented to Boone County and Build & Elevate NKY (BE NKY) based on their number of requests for information on projects interested in locating to the region, ongoing partnership with Duke Energy and their commitment to furthering economic development within the community.Visionary Achievement Award presented to Clermont County based on proactive consideration and partnership with Duke Energy for economic development for new and existing sites.Energizing Economic Development Awards presented to Brendan Lyshe, Duke Energy distribution electric planner, and the Duke Energy Natural Gas Business Unit for their continuous efforts to assist and support economic development requests, which require in-depth and thoughtful engineering.

Since 2020, Duke Energy has helped the region attract 5,973 new jobs and $3.98 billion in capital investment. Last year, the Duke Energy Economic Development team worked in conjunction with state, regional and economic development partners to secure new company investments, which has resulted in over $26 billion in capital investment and 16,000 new jobs in the communities the company serves.

In addition, Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program drives regional growth by identifying, assessing and improving high-potential industry sites to make them more competitive. Since the program began, it has evaluated 39 sites in Ohio and Kentucky, generating over $2.3 billion in capital investment and over 5,300 jobs.

“We continue to see high economic interest in our service territory,” said Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky. “The growth of our company and our community depends on economic development, and together, we are bringing new jobs and capital investments to the communities we serve to help them thrive.”

Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky’s collaboration with REDI Cincinnati, the region’s leading economic development group, and BE NKY has been instrumental in the recent economic growth.

“Our partnership with Duke Energy is essential for positioning the Greater Cincinnati region as a premier destination for businesses to expand, relocate and succeed,” said Kimm Lauterbach, president and CEO of REDI Cincinnati. “We commend the deserving communities and individuals for their commitment to driving economic development in our region and appreciate Duke Energy’s recognition of the award recipients.”

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 clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

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.

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky
Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides electric service to 910,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area, and natural gas service to 560,000 customers in a 2,650-square-mile service area, in Ohio and Kentucky.

Contact: Matt Martin
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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