Tag: 3BL

Chemours recently announced the launch of Ti-Pure™ TS-6706, a TMP- and TME- free version of Ti-Pure™ R-706 – the benchmark, universal titanium dioxide (TiO₂) grade that works reliably for a variety of coatings applications where appearance is critical.

“As the industry’s trusted TiO₂ partner, we are thrilled to offer a TMP- and TME-free version of our most popular pigment,” said Diane Picho, Interim President, Chemours Titanium Technologies. “The development of Ti-Pure™ TS-6706 is the latest example of our world-class research and development team listening to customers and creating an alternate formulation without sacrificing the quality, consistency, and reliability Chemours is known for.”

Developed to address an evolving regulatory climate and deliver solutions that meet customer needs, Ti-Pure™ TS-6706 is part of the Chemours Ti-Pure™ Sustainability Series (TS), dedicated to innovations across four pillars – circularity, climate impact, health and wellness, and resource efficiency.

Ti-Pure™ TS-6706 can be used as a drop-in for Ti-Pure™ R-706 with minimal reformulation efforts, as it retains the same physical properties that make the original so universal in the coatings industry – high gloss, excellent durability, blue undertone and hiding power, along with easier dispersion and wet-in. Ti-Pure™ R-706 is prized by formulators for its flexible uses in waterborne, solvent-borne, and powder formulations, and the same flexibility and critical properties are available through Ti-Pure™ TS-6706.

To ensure optimal performance and ability to meet exacting customer requirements, Ti-Pure™ TS-6706 was tested in both architectural and industrial paint systems, both solvent and water-based. Ti-Pure™ TS-6706 was also evaluated for its impact on critical parameters like viscosity stability of the liquid paint and color, gloss, tinting strength, hiding power, and mechanical strength of the coating after application. Since TMP plays a critical role in the bulk flow of the dry pigment, extensive testing of the flow behavior at lab scale, and in silo were also carried out.

Customers can learn more about Ti-Pure™ TS-6706 by visiting Chemours at booth 5-265 during the European Coatings Show beginning March 25th. Additional product information is available on, Ti-Pure.com and a free sample can also be requested.

Verizon

NEW YORK, February 20, 2025 /3BL/ – Verizon Innovative Learning, an award-winning education initiative, has reached over 8.5 million students, bringing Verizon closer to its goal of empowering 10 million by 2030.

Through partnerships with leading academic institutions and educational providers, Verizon Innovative Learning empowers teachers and students with new ways of learning through technology-integrated curriculum, emerging technologies, and extensive support for educators.

Only half (55%) of students1 preparing to enter the workforce say they have the skills necessary to be successful in today’s digital economy, making the mission of Verizon Innovative Learning – addressing barriers to digital inclusion – as imperative as it was 12 years ago when the initiative was launched.

“For more than a decade, Verizon Innovative Learning has committed to breaking down barriers and equipping students with the skills and technology they need to thrive in today’s digital economy, said Donna Epps, Verizon’s Chief Responsible Business Officer. “By expanding our reach, we are continuing to fuel the greatness of the next generation and ensure students and teachers feel confident using technology to power their lives,”

Bringing next-gen tech to 34 new schools nationwide this upcoming school year

This year, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program, in partnership with Digital Promise, welcomes 34 new Title I schools from nine districts to its 12th cohort for the 2025-2026 school year. Participating schools receive devices, including tablets and laptops, as well as up to a four-year Verizon data plan for every student and teacher. Schools also receive a subsidy for a full-time technology coach to support teachers in effectively integrating technology into learning.

With the support of Verizon Innovative Learning, 80% of teachers reported feeling more confident leveraging technology in teaching2, and 80% of teachers said the program enhanced student engagement3.

The new schools include expanded partnerships with Chicago Public Schools (IL), Compton Unified School District (CA), Kansas City Public Schools (MO) and Orange Public Schools (NJ). The Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program also welcomes new districts Allentown School District (PA), Bastrop Independent School District (TX), Dove Schools (OK), LISA Academy Public Charter Schools (AR) and Vineland Public Schools (NJ).

Innovative Lessons for Every Classroom

Any educator nationwide, regardless of whether they are part of a Verizon Innovative Learning School, can access Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, a freely available portal providing over 500 STEM-infused K-12 lessons and professional development resources to bring new and innovative ways of learning into the classroom. Verizon Innovative Learning HQ offers standards-aligned lessons across subjects ranging from supplemental turnkey lessons to yearlong courses and immersive learning experiences with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Additionally, gaming content and a free Esports league are available for middle and high schools. The portal combines over a decade of Verizon Innovative Learning experience, with resources created in partnership with Discovery Education, McGraw Hill, Arizona State University’s J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, Digital Promise, and others at the forefront of innovation in education.

Verizon Innovative Learning has committed over $1 billion in market value to support digital equity and inclusion within education across the country. Collectively, the programs have reached over 8.5 million students. These efforts are part of the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement, helping people build confidence to change their lives for the better through the power of technology and shared knowledge.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024. Verizon’s world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores.

1 https://prod.ucwe.capgemini.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Final-Web-Version-Report-Digital-Skills.pdf

2 Digital Promise 2024

3 Westat and Digital Promise 2024

Media contact

Hope Arcuri Armanus

Key Points

Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC) was named one of America’s Most JUST Companies by JUST Capital and CNBC, ranking 35th out of 940 companies and leading the oil and gas industry for the second consecutive year.MPC’s recognition highlights its commitment to creating shared value for employees, shareholders and communities.JUST Capital, an independent research nonprofit, evaluates companies based on public priorities and ranks them on issues such as employee investment, governance, community support and environmental impact.

JUST Capital, in partnership with CNBC, named Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC) one of America’s Most JUST Companies in its annual ranking of the nation’s largest corporations. MPC ranked 35th of 940 companies in this year’s evaluation. Of the 24 oil and gas companies ranked, MPC was named the industry leader for the second year in a row.

“MPC is committed to creating shared value with all our stakeholders, especially our employees, shareholders and the communities where we live and work,” said Brian Partee, MPC’s Chief Global Optimization Officer. “It’s gratifying to see our efforts recognized through inclusion in the JUST 100 list again this year.”

Each year, JUST Capital begins by polling the American public on a fully representative basis on their priorities for business behavior. It then evaluates how the largest corporations in the country perform against those criteria. Leading companies are recognized for their performance on top priority issues such as: paying fair, living wages; supporting worker well-being; career advancement, training and work-life balance; communicating transparently; strengthening communities; ethical leadership; and treating customers fairly.

MPC named Industry Leader for the following issues:

Workers – how a company invests in its employeesShareholders & Governance – how a company prioritizes good governanceCommunities – how a company supports its communitiesEnvironment – how a company minimizes environmental impact

JUST Capital is an independent research nonprofit that uses advanced polling, market research and leading-edge corporate performance measurements to rank companies on the issues that matter to the American public.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) is always a special time at FedEx, where we celebrate the life and legacy of the civil rights leader, as well as his commitment to service. For years, we’ve sponsored free admission at civil rights museums across the south, allowing people to experience the history on display while honoring Dr. King.

This year, more than 8,000 museum goers braved cold weather to participate in MLK Day festivities at the National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM) in Memphis, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) in Birmingham, Alabama, and the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson, Mississippi. 

Also this year, FedEx team members came together across the country in support of the following signature events:

Rise Against Hunger

For the 11th consecutive year, hundreds of FedEx team members joined the global movement to end hunger by packaging more than 192,000 meals in seven priority markets across the country, including Memphis (50,000 meals packed) and Pittsburgh (40,000 meals packed). Meals packed will be delivered to school children across the globe through our FedEx network.

“These meals might be the only meals the students will receive that day,” says Sally Bull from Rise Against Hunger. “We can actually see that these meals are helping kids grow strong and do better in school, with increased attendance rates.”

Giving back with the Grizzlies 
In support of Memphis youth groups, FedEx volunteers joined members of the Memphis Grizzlies to assemble school supply kits and snack bags that were delivered to community centers across our headquarters city. 

FedEx Cares is there 
Volunteers also came together, virtually, to support students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by reviewing their LinkedIn profiles, while another team of volunteers put together activity books on Dr. King’s life to help educate children.

Whether it’s on the National Day of Service or any other time of the year, FedEx Cares provides opportunities to help connect people and possibilities.

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

Download or Read the Wesco Cares Program Overview here

Giving back to our communities is an essential part of who we are. That commitment is the inspiration behind Wesco Cares. This corporate philanthropic program allows Wesco to make a positive and lasting impact within the communities where our employees work and reside.

We recently released the Wesco Cares Corporate Philanthropy pamphlet highlighting the company’s corporate partnerships and philanthropic commitments, including: Habitat For Humanity, American Red Cross and the United Way–Calgary.

The pamphlet also details our annual Wesco Day of Caring, hosted at numerous sites around the globe with nearly 4,000 employees and more than 50 nonprofit community partners in attendance, and the Wesco Cares Scholarship that supports the next generation of tradespeople, fortifying Wesco’s commitment to the electrical industry.

Every year, we are humbled by our employees’ generosity. Many of our branches also support local groups and causes that matter to them. Their acts of kindness have included donating stuffed animals to pediatric hospital patients, supporting domestic violence shelters and more.

We’re grateful for the charitable work of our team members and hope to inspire others to follow suit.

To learn more about about the Wesco Cares program, download or read the Wesco Cares Program Overview here.

Effective July 8, 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) rolled out new and revised standards for hazardous air pollutants, specifically targeting gasoline distribution and bulk gasoline terminals and reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. The issuance followed an extensive comment period that stretched nearly 2 years after the proposed rules were first delivered and are anticipated to affect approximately 9,500 distribution facilities. The affected facilities include bulk gasoline terminals, pipeline breakout stations, bulk gasoline plants, and pipeline pumping stations.  

The final amendments are part of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Gasoline Distribution Terminals major source and area source categories and through the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for Bulk Gasoline Terminals. The NESHAP revisions include 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart R and Subpart BBBBBB, or 6B for major and area source categories, respectively, and the NSPS amendments are captured via creation of a new Subpart, 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart XXa.  

This blog will break down the key changes, who is expected to have been impacted, and the actions necessary to ensure compliance.  

Whether the administration change will have an effect on implementation or enforcement remains to be seen, however it is imperative that applicable facilities have a clear understanding of their obligations and are quickly moving towards compliance. 

Who is Affected by These Standards? 

These updated standards apply to: 

Bulk gasoline terminals: Storage and distribution facilities that receive gasoline by pipeline, ship or barge, or cargo tank with a gasoline throughput of 20,000 gallons per day or greater (major source NESHAP). Bulk gasoline plants: This includes storage and distribution facilities that receive gasoline by pipeline, ship or barge, or cargo tank, and subsequently transfer the gasoline into carbon tanks for transport to dispensing facilities with a gasoline throughput of 20,000 gallons per day or less (area source NESHAP). Pipeline breakout or pumping stations: Facilities where gasoline is transferred or stored temporarily in tanks to relieve surges, or receive and store gasoline from the pipeline for re-injection and continued transportation by pipeline or to other facilities (breakout station), or facilities which utilize pumps to maintain the flow of product through a pipeline without storage tanks (pumping station). New or modified equipment: New equipment put into gasoline service or modified after June 10, 2022, and is based on the following definition: The total of all the loading racks at a bulk gasoline terminal that deliver liquid product into gasoline cargo tanks including the gasoline loading racks, the vapor collection systems, and the vapor processing system (NSPS).  

If your facility fits any of these categories, compliance with the revised standards is required.  

Key Compliance Requirements 

The updated EPA rules introduced streamlined vapor-tightness requirements, reduced loading rack emission limits, specified additional control and monitoring equipment requirements, and established mandatory monitoring and reporting requirements.  

1. Vapor Tightness and Emission Limits 

For gasoline loading racks: 

Emission limits (NESHAP Subpart R): Loading racks at facilities equipped with thermal oxidation systems must meet a total organic carbon (TOC) limit of 10.0 mg/L, and similarly, facilities equipped with vapor recovery units (VRUs) must meet a TOC limit of 5,500 ppmv. Enhanced provisions for facilities equipped with flares are also provided for combustion assurance.  Emission limits (NESHAP Subpart 6B): Loading racks at facilities equipped with thermal oxidation systems must meet a TOC limit of 35 mg/L. Facilities equipped with VRUs must meet a TOC limit of 19,200 ppmv. Similarly to Subpart R, facilities equipped with flares are subject to specific requirements to ensure combustion efficiency is maintained. Facilities with an annual average gasoline throughput greater than 4,000 gallons per day are subject to vapor balancing requirements.  Emission limits (NSPS Subpart XXa): Loading racks at facilities constructed or modified after June 10, 2022, and controlled by thermal oxidation systems must meet a 1.0 mg/L or 10.0 mg/L TOC limit, respectively. Similarly, loading racks at facilities constructed or modified after June 10, 2022, and controlled by VRUs are given equivalent limits of 550 ppmv and 5,500 ppmv TOC, respectively. Flare monitoring requirements are also specified within the Subpart.  

2. Cargo Tank, Internal and External Floating Roof Requirements 

For cargo or storage tanks: 

Cargo tank vapor tightness: Gasoline cargo tanks now have a consistent graduated vapor tightness standard which applies across NESHAP Subpart R and 6B, as well as NSPS Subpart XXa and ranges from 0.5 to 1.25 inches of water pressure drop, depending on tank compartment size.   Internal floating roof storage vessels must maintain vapor concentrations above the floating roof at less than 25 percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL). The amendments set forth annual LEL monitoring requirements and a multitude of requirements regarding collection of said measurements (NESHAP Subpart R and 6B). External floating roof storage vessels have additional fitting control requirements to further reduce emissions (NESHAP Subparts R, 6B and NSPS Subpart Kb). 

3. Equipment Leak Detection and Repair 

Facilities subject to the revised standards are now required to perform regular monitoring to both identify and repair equipment leaks across various components including: 

Quarterly instrument monitoring of all equipment in gasoline service using Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) according to 40 CFR 60, Appendix K, or EPA Method 21 for monitoring of pumps, valves, and pressure relief devices (NSPS Subpart XXa).  Semiannual instrument monitoring in accordance with OGI or Method 21 (NESHAP Subpart R). Annual monitoring for instruments and connectors (NESHAP Subpart 6B and NSPS Subpart XXa, respectively) using OGI or Method 21. Monthly inspections shall be performed via Audio, Visual, and Olfactory (AVO) methods during normal duties (NESHAP Subparts R and 6B and NSPS Subpart XXa). Additional requirements to facilitate an expedited repair are set forth in the event that a leak is detected.  

4. Recordkeeping & Electronic Reporting Requirements 

Facilities subject to the revised standards are recommended to establish a robust document retention system pertaining to all performance tests, evaluations, and repairs. All performance test reports, semiannual reports, and compliance status notifications are now required to be submitted electronically through the EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX) using the Compliance and Emissions Data Reporting Interface (CEDRI). This digital process aims to streamline reporting and enhance transparency in compliance tracking.  

What Should you do if your Company is Affected? 

If your facility is affected by these regulations, here are some actions you can take to ensure compliance: 

Review the Regulations: Develop an understanding of all associated requirements based upon your facility’s status. Prepare a compliance reference guide or summary to document key concepts, requirements and affected components.    Evaluate Emissions and Control Systems: Review vapor collection and processing systems including VRUs, flares, and thermal oxidizers and quantify emissions (if necessary) to verify compliance with emission limits and the new emission standards. Implement adjustments or changes where necessary to achieve compliance. Evaluate Cargo and Floating Roof Tanks: Review existing processing components including tanks and implement necessary monitoring programs and/or fitting controls (or replacement) to verify and maintain compliance.  Implement or Upgrade Monitoring Protocols: Establish quarterly, semiannual, or annual monitoring programs for equipment and storage vessels in accordance with the requirements. Equip your teams with Optical Gas Imaging tools or integrate EPA Method 21 practices to confirm integrity and identify and address leaks promptly. Enhance Reporting Capabilities: Configure or upgrade your electronic reporting processes to comply with CDX requirements, allowing for immediate submission of performance evaluations, leak detection logs, and compliance status reports. Conduct Staff Training: Ensure that your teams are well-informed about the new standards, monitoring methods, and reporting processes. Familiarity with both the regulatory requirements and the practical steps for compliance can prevent costly violations. Facility operations and maintenance documentation shall be updated to effectively capture all new requirements.  Engage in Regular Compliance Audits: Routine audits will help verify adherence to the new standards, particularly focusing on vapor tightness, leak detection, and emission control systems. A proactive compliance approach can save time, costs, and potential penalties. Implement Changes as soon as Practical: Certain requirements for existing gasoline distribution facilities which fall under NESHAP Subparts R and 6B must be met by May 10, 2027, while others require implementation at an earlier date. Facilities which commenced construction after June 10, 2022, must comply upon startup or immediately, as the compliance deadline was July 8, 2024. NSPS Subpart XXa applies to new, modified or reconstructed bulk gasoline terminals after June 10, 2022, and compliance must be met upon startup or immediately, as the deadline was July 8, 2024. 

Conclusion 

The revised standards will have a broad impact across the industry and require an investment of both time and financial resources to maintain environmental compliance. Verification of regulatory applicability beginning at the facility level and extending down to process components is a critical first step, followed by development and implementation of the associated monitoring and/or maintenance programs. These elements, combined with a clear understanding of recordkeeping and reporting obligations are integral components of a successful compliance strategy and can eliminate costly penalties as regulatory deadlines quickly approach.  

Do you have any questions or need help? Our team of experts are here to help! 

While working in manufacturing for CertainTeed, Line Lead and dad Mason Strauss found the career he was looking for to support his family when they needed it the most. The parental leave Saint-Gobain provides employees gave Mason the time he needed to bond with his newest family member.

Saint-Gobain is an industry leader with thousands of talented team members who are dedicated to one unified purpose: Making the World a Better Home. With more than 160 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada, there are so many robust and fulfilling career opportunities available. You’ll have the opportunity to work with colleagues from a wide range of businesses, cultures, and experiences.

About Success in the Making

Anyone can be a manufacturer! Whether you are just starting out or transitioning your career path, the manufacturing industry presents opportunities for success. Saint-Gobain North America’s Success in the Making series features the stories of team members who built their careers in manufacturing and thrived!

Watch the full Success in the Making series on YouTube.

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€47.9 billion in sales in 2023 
160,000 employees, locations in 76 countries 
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

TOGETHER, WE CHANGE LIVES

The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is proud to present the latest edition of our quarterly giving series, celebrating the 10th anniversary of our Sports Matter Program and shining a light on all of the incredible efforts in 2024 to fuel our mission of empowering young athletes and making sports accessible to all!

Read on to learn more.

Where Are They Now: Anchorage Girls Hockey

To celebrate The DICK’S Foundation’s 10th anniversary, we returned with Sports Matter Grants to three youth sports organizations we first visited a decade ago: Harlem Lacrosse, MLK High School Football and most recently, Anchorage Girls Hockey.

After learning that the Anchorage School District in Alaska would need to drop girls’ hockey to save money in 2015, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation arrived with a $200,000 Sports Matter Grant and new equipment to keep players on the ice. Almost a decade later, the program and its alums continue changing lives through sport, but the program was in need once again. And once again, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation delivered.

Watch here as two Anchorage Hockey alums showed up to practice nearly 10 years later and presented the program with a $100,000 Sports Matter Grant and new gear!

Workout Room Refresh

After Sports Matter funded a new indoor turf field in the workout room, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation returned to McKeesport Area High School, near Pittsburgh, and surprised student athletes with all new equipment donated from Sole Fitness and ETHOS.

“We have a state-of-the-art facility for our students, and we’re thrilled to have such good support from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation,” said Head Football Coach Matt Miller.

Watch the big reveal here, and read more about The DICK’S Foundation’s partnership with McKeesport Area School District here.

Supporting the Next Generation of Champions

The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is proud to support fellow partners with a shared belief in the power of sport and recognize the need to help youth athletes and organizations across the country. In 2024, we granted: 
 

– $2 million to support 20 infrastructure initiation projects to create safe spaces for kids to play with LISC. 
– $2 million to provide more than 73,000 pieces of equipment to over 44,000 kids with Good Sports. 
– $2.5 million to Every Kid Sports cover registration fees for youth athletes. 

Spreading Holiday Cheer & Sports Matter Grants

DICK’S Sporting Goods launched a Texas-sized holiday campaign with Texas athletes Simone Biles, Dak Prescott, Chris Paul and Quinn Ewers. The sports icons engaged in some friendly competition by decorating the DICK’S Sporting Goods stores in the Texas cities they call home to earn the title of DICK’S Holiday Decorating Officer.

As part of the campaign, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation committed to give each athlete a $100,000 Sports Matter Grant to award to the youth sport organization(s) of their choosing*. A few organizations chosen by the athletes were:

– Benfer Elementary (Biles) 
– The Chris Paul Foundation (Paul) 
– The Dak Prescott Football ProCamps (Prescott) 
– Merging Vets & Players (Ewers)

*All organizations must meet certain qualifications to receive a Sports Matter Grant. You can read more about our eligibility criteria here.

Giving Back on Giving Tuesday

We celebrated Giving Tuesday at DICK’S Sporting Goods headquarters with sweepstakes, a 50/50 drawing and limited-edition Sports Matter t-shirts. Corporate teammates raised over $10,000 for The DICK’S Foundation! Teammates also voted on which deserving Pittsburgh organization should receive a $25,000 Sports Matter Grant – Perry Traditional Academy or Jasmine Nyree Campus – but in the spirit of giving, The Foundation granted $25,000 to BOTH organizations!

THESE MOMENTS ARE MADE POSSIBLE BY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SPORTS MATTER FUND. IF YOU’D LIKE TO DONATE, VISIT WWW.SPORTSMATTER.ORG. 

International Olympic Committee news

A little over a year from now, Italy will welcome the world to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. This will be the third time that the nation hosts the Olympic Winter Games after Cortina d’Ampezzo in 1956 and Turin in 2006. As the excitement of the one-year countdown begins, Olympic Review takes a look at preparations for the first winter edition of the Games to be fully organised and delivered under Olympic Agenda 2020.

In the pages of the magazine:

In a piece entitled “Breaking new ground on ice and snow”, journalist Brian Pinelli looks at how preparations are progressing and what the world can expect to see a year from now.Cortina resident Bruno Colli, a torch bearer from 1956, reflects on his experience from 70 years ago and how the Games have changed.In “The People of Milano Cortina”, Italian academic and journalist, Mario Nicoliello, looks at how the organisers are engaging with the local communities throughout northern Italy to build excitement and ensure their involvement in what promises to be a nation-wide event.IOC Member and Chair of the Coordination Commission for the XXV Olympic Winter Games, Kristin Kloster, examines how the organisers are leaving their own stamp on the Games.Just as Paris 2024 were the first gender-equal Olympic Games on the field of play, so Milano Cortina 2026 are aiming to become the most gender balanced-edition of the Olympic Winter Games. In a piece on “Closing the Gap on Gender Equality”, Paris 2024’s Marie Barsacq passes the baton to Milano Cortina 2026’s Diana Bianchedi to explain how the organisers are promoting gender equality.

Since no publication in December 2024 would be complete without a retrospective on what has been a remarkable year, Olympic Review also looks back at Paris 2024.

The IOC photographers select their favourite images from the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and explain why they mean so much.Finally, Olympic Review reflects on the role played by the sponsors in delivering the Games and why their partnerships are so important to the success of the event.

These and other articles appear in edition 123 of Olympic Review, which you can find here.

Olympic Review is the IOC’s oldest publication and the official magazine of the Olympic Movement. It is published twice a year in English, French and Spanish. Its content is a mix of opinion pieces and in-depth articles on subjects of interest to the sports movement. To access all the previous editions of the Olympic Review, go to the Olympic World Library website.

Authored by Adrienne Larmett, John A. Rogula

Colleges and universities today face an unprecedented wave of disruptions. Political shifts, executive orders, regulatory changes and evolving federal funding priorities have upended the higher education landscape. The rapid pace of these changes shows no signs of slowing, leaving institutions in a constant state of adaptation. Leaders must grapple with a host of challenges, from changes in immigration policies affecting international student enrollment to funding uncertainties and shifting societal expectations.

Yet, while the challenges are great, so are the opportunities. Institutions that embrace a proactive approach to risk management will be best positioned to navigate uncertainty and emerge stronger. This is where Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) plays a crucial role, providing a framework that not only helps colleges respond to current disruptions but also prepares them for future challenges and opportunities. ERM empowers institutions to shift from reactive to proactive crisis management and to strategic resilience, ensuring that they can adapt to change while staying true to their academic mission.

What is ERM?

Enterprise Risk Management is an organization-wide approach to identifying, assessing, managing, and monitoring risks that could impact or escalate an institution’s ability to achieve its goals. Unlike traditional risk management, which often focuses on specific areas like finance or compliance, ERM takes a holistic view, addressing risks across all facets of the institutional enterprise. This includes financial stability, regulatory compliance, strategic direction, operational excellence, reputational concerns and the broader external environment. ERM fosters a proactive, adaptable culture that anticipates risks, manages them effectively and turns challenges into opportunities.

Higher education at a crossroads

The current higher education landscape is defined by volatility. Consider some of the major disruptions institutions are navigating today:

Federal and State policy shifts: Changes in funding priorities, evolving Title IX regulations and new compliance mandates require institutions to remain constantly vigilant.Campus free speech and Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) debates: Institutions are caught in political and ideological battles over DEI initiatives, campus protests and academic freedom.International student enrollment challenges: Visa policy changes and geopolitical tensions affect the recruitment and retention of international students.Financial pressures: Rising costs, demographic shifts and unpredictable funding streams require institutions to rethink their financial models.Technological and AI disruptions: The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping everything from classroom instruction to administrative processes.

These incidents are not isolated but part of a broader pattern of continuous change. Institutions that prepare for uncertainty through ERM will be better equipped to maintain stability and focus on their core mission of education and research.

How ERM helps colleges and universities navigate disruptions

Recent challenges have shown that colleges and universities need a plan for navigating the unknown. By integrating ERM into their operations, institutions can take a proactive stance in managing risks, ensuring that they’re prepared for future uncertainties. Here’s how ERM can help:

Anticipating emerging risks: Rather than waiting for the next crisis, ERM encourages institutions to regularly assess external trends, whether political, economic or technological—to anticipate risks before they become critical. Institutions can apply ERM to support decision making by assessing risks and the alternative strategic options available in response. Institutions can prepare for funding shifts, new regulations and other emerging challenges with foresight rather than panic by conducting ongoing risk assessments.Building flexible response strategies: ERM is not just about identifying risks, it’s about crafting actionable plans to address and capitalize on them. Institutions need contingency strategies for various scenarios, such as sudden changes in federal research funding or student visa policies. With ERM, leadership teams can create structured response plans that ensure agility, minimize disruption and maximize opportunity.Strengthening campus communication and transparency: Amid upheaval, clear communication with faculty, students and stakeholders is essential. ERM supports the development of crisis communication plans, ensuring that institutional leadership can quickly and transparently address concerns, maintain trust and prevent misinformation from spreading.Ensuring financial stability: With ERM institutions can identify financial vulnerabilities and diversify revenue streams to withstand economic fluctuations. Whether through alternative funding sources, strategic partnerships or smarter budgeting, institutions that implement ERM can better secure their financial future.Fostering a culture of resilience and adaptability: Change is inevitable, but institutions that embrace ERM create a culture that is resilient, proactive and open to innovation. By embedding risk management into daily operations, institutions can strengthen their ability to evolve with confidence and purpose and bring the lens of risk to long-term strategic decisions.

A call to action for institutional leadership

The future environment of higher education is uncertain, but uncertainty does not have to mean instability. Institutions that invest in ERM will not only weather today’s challenges but will also position themselves as leaders in a rapidly changing world. By fostering strategic foresight, proactive risk management and a culture of adaptability, institutions can continue to fulfill their mission of education, research and service—no matter what disruptions arise.

Now is the time for leaders to embrace ERM, ensuring their institutions are not just reactive to change, but prepared for whatever comes next. An ERM health assessment is something you can do now, quickly and at a relatively low cost to get a sense of your exposure going forward. 

With ERM in place, colleges and institutions can face the future with confidence, resilience and a commitment to excellence.

Interested in learning more? Connect with a Baker Tilly specialist.