Tag: 3BL

CSR framework continues to demonstrate commitment to creating long-term value for business stakeholders while positively impacting the global communityDJSI inclusion among more than 10 CSR-related awards and recognitions this year

SANTA ROSA, Calif., January 8, 2025 /3BL/ – Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) announced it has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) North America for the sixth consecutive year. The DJSI is a widely recognized standard for measuring corporate progress in sustainability across regions and industries.

Keysight’s continued inclusion on the DJSI showcases its commitment to creating long-term value for business stakeholders while positively impacting the global community, as outlined in its Annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report.

In addition to the recent DJSI North America inclusion, Keysight also received multiple recognitions and awards from the past year supporting its CSR goals, including:

Continued constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series (since June 2018)1Continued constituent of the MSCI ESG Leaders Indexes (since April 2018)2Continued to receive the highest Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS) Quality Score for the categories of social (since May 2018) and environment (since August 2022)Newsweek’s America’s Greenest Companies 2025TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024USA TODAY’s America’s Climate Leaders 2024Forbes America’s Best Employers for DiversityBarron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 20242024 JUST 100 Ranking of America’s Most Just Companies, including #1 Industry LeaderRanked on 3BL’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens 2024

Ingrid Estrada, Keysight’s Chief Administrative Officer and executive sponsor of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, said: “We are honored by the continued leadership recognition of our CSR efforts and our commitment to building a better planet through our business framework of ethical, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible operations.”

Resources

Keysight CSR News, Awards & RecognitionsKeysight Annual CSR ReportKeysight Corporate Social Responsibility Web siteKeysight CSR Resources Hub

1 FTSE Russell (the trading name of FTSE International Limited and Frank Russell Company) confirms that Keysight Technologies has been independently assessed according to the FTSE4Good criteria and has satisfied the requirements to become a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series. Created by the global index provider FTSE Russell, the FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. The FTSE4Good indices are used by a wide variety of market participants to create and assess responsible investment funds and other products.

2 The use by Keysight Technologies, Inc. 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 Keysight Technologies, Inc. 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 Keysight Technologies

At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product life cycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.

Contacts

Keysight Media Contacts

North America PR Team
pdl-americas-keysight-pr@keysight.com

Fusako Dohi
Asia
+81 42 660-2162
fusako_dohi@keysight.com

Jenny Gallacher
Europe
+44 (0) 7800 737 982
jenny.gallacher@keysight.com

To support our culture of giving, each month we’ll be recognizing teammates who volunteer their time to serve their communities. Winners of the Helping Hands Award will be selected at random from among those who log their volunteer hours. They will each receive $100 to donate to an organization of their choice.

Our next Helping Hands Award winner is Mary Guerrero, senior scientist in R&D. Here’s what she shared with us about her experience as a volunteer.

What inspires you to volunteer with your organization, and how long have you been volunteering?

I’m inspired by my mom’s wisdom, as she often told me, “Always do good, without worrying about who you’re doing it for.” Her legacy of kindness and service motivates me every day. Volunteering provides an unparalleled sense of fulfillment, and I’ve been actively involved since joining the company about six months ago. However, the spirit of giving back is something I’ve embraced throughout my life, whether with my family, at school or in various community groups across the different countries I’ve lived in.”

Can you share a memorable volunteer experience?

One of my most memorable experiences was when volunteering recently for Dress for Success. I had the privilege of listening to a kind lady share her struggles, and it was deeply rewarding to offer feedback and support her in building more self-confidence. Her gratitude and personal growth were truly inspiring, reaffirming the meaningful impact of volunteering.

How do you manage your volunteer work alongside your professional responsibilities?

I manage my volunteer work by planning and staying organized. I allocate dedicated time for volunteering while proactively addressing urgent work tasks. I also remain flexible, utilizing tools such as Teams to stay connected and handle any emergencies that may arise. Ultimately, it’s about balancing priorities and staying committed to both my professional and volunteer responsibilities.

CLEVELAND, January 8, 2025 /3BL/ — KeyBank’s Key4Women will present “Liar Liar Pants on Fire!” a free, one-hour virtual event on Wednesday, January 15th at 12:00 p.m. EST / 10 a.m. MT / 9:00 a.m. PST.

This fast-paced session will feature Fraud-Busting Body Language Expert, Keynote Speaker and Best-Selling Author, Traci Brown. Traci will reveal eye-opening, simple, and memorable techniques based on the science of Body Language and Forensic Linguistics that can be applied immediately to detect lies. These techniques will help attendees make better decisions, make the sale, negotiate deals, hire the right people, and keep their company off the front page for the wrong reasons.

Participants will learn how to stop second guessing instincts and tell fact from fiction with:

“This is a unique webinar for the Key4Women program,” said Rachael Sampson, Key4Women’s National Director and Head of KeyBank Community Bank. “Traci will bring her expertise and talents to our attendees and leave them feeling confident and ready to take on their next challenge.

Nine telltale signs that a person is lying.How to quickly uncover the truth.How to avoid being a victim.

Traci is ranked the #3 body language expert in the world for 2024. She is a past President of the National Speaker’s Association Colorado Chapter and the author of four books including her latest: How to Detect Lies, Fraud and Identity Theft. She is also the Executive Producer of a new TV series: Truth, Lies and Coverups.

For more information, contact key4women@keybank.com or register online by January 14th here.

About Key4Women  
Key4Women started in 2005 as a campaign to lend $1 billion to qualified women-owned businesses within three years. The program achieved that in two years and has now generated more than $12 billion in loans to women-owned businesses. Membership in Key4Women is free. In addition to helping women business leaders and owners tap into capital to build and grow their businesses, Key4Women members gain valuable access to a team of local Certified Key4Wome Advisors who advocate, connect and empower women on their journey to financial wellness. For more information, visit key.com/key4women.

About KeyBank

KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $190 billion at September 30, 2024. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

Originally published by Mastercard

This year, a hurricane washed away mountain towns in the U.S., a brutal heat dome oppressed India and wildfires ravaged South America. But amid the chaos were signs of hope, courtesy of people who proved that our efforts do make a difference in the fight against climate change.

These Mastercard employees, partners and innovators made a marked effort in 2024 to restore and protect areas all around the globe in ways that will be long-lasting and impactful.

Mitigating risk from extreme weather

Ensuring that Mastercard’s people and facilities are safe — no matter what Mother Nature throws their way — is a job Montana Eck and his climate risk and resilience team approach with enthusiasm and empathy. After all, Eck himself lives in Asheville, North Carolina, which was hit particularly hard by Hurricane Helene.

His team is developing comprehensive plans to enhance the company’s physical resiliency, including a checklist to mitigate the impact of extreme weather on infrastructure and landscaping designed to withstand both higher- and lower-than-normal temperatures for years to come. In the meantime, they’re making changes like painting parking lots and rooftops in cooler colors so they reflect rather than absorb heat and elevating equipment in flood-prone areas.

Reforesting former mining sites

Green Forests Work is planting trees to regenerate forests and spur local economies that have been destroyed by coal mining. “If you’re going to put money into reforestation projects, there’s so much benefit to doing it on mined land,” says Chris Barton, Green Forests Work’s founder and president. “They’re a scar on the landscape.”

GFW works with landowners, local communities and organizations like the Priceless Planet Coalition, created by Mastercard in partnership with Conservation International and the World Resources Institute. The coalition aims to fund the restoration of 100 million trees at sites around the world.

In an effort to sequester carbon emissions and support local economies, GFW has planted more than 7 million trees across six states — including 100,000 on this hilltop in Martin County, Kentucky, a former coal-mining site. In 2024 the coalition expanded sites globally to 22, including in the high Andes, the eastern Himalayas of India, and Thailand’s Kaeng Krachan National Park, underscoring its efforts to maximize benefits on climate, communities, and biodiversity.

Securing economic stability for marginalized groups

Nearly 6 million small-scale fishers globally earn less than a dollar a day, often depleting fisheries in the process of trying to scrape a living from the sea. Rising ocean temperatures spurred by climate change are making their job even harder. The tech platform Abalobi helps fishers use technology to find sustainable and legal fishing spots, sell their catch to local restaurants and markets, and take out loans for better GPS-equipped boats and housing.

This year, Abalobi received a boost from the Climate Smart Innovation Hub, a program launched by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and the Climate Innovation for Adaptation and Resilience Alliance to connect entrepreneurs with climate scientists, financial service providers and investors to help unbanked workers become more resilient to climate change.

The hub showcased Abalobi among more than 70 banking and financial services solutions designed to drive financial resilience and promote environmental sustainability. The products serve affected populations around the world with a range of financial tools including credit, savings, payments and insurance.

Inclusive climate action

Climate change disproportionately affects global populations that are hardest to reach — whether for geographic, administrative or social reasons. Many of these communities have developed innovative solutions that offer lessons for addressing climate challenges at scale. For example, southern Kenyan villagers are restoring mangrove forests, which capture 10 times more carbon than regular forests, and selling the carbon credits to large companies.

These “blue economy” projects have helped fuel a rise in prosperity in Kenya, which caught the attention of Reach Alliance. Founded in 2015 as a partnership between the University of Toronto and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, the alliance looks for development strategies for climate-vulnerable communities around the world. It’s made a list of five key factors for boosting inclusive climate resilience in vulnerable communities: program sustainability, repurposing existing technology and resources, local ownership, appropriate incentives and a network of partnerships.

After studying the mangrove projects, the Reach Alliance realized that in addition to bringing new prosperity, these projects also protect villagers against extreme weather events. Kenyans in the project areas gain a new a source of income that they invest back into their communities, thus contributing to the development of sanitation, education, health and environment in their own neighborhoods. Ultimately their better understanding of successful sustainability models opens the door to an increase in similar projects around the globe.

Originally published by Mastercard

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

California’s electric utilities have the ability to implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs, which temporarily turn off power to specific areas to reduce the risk of fires caused by electric infrastructure in extreme weather. 

One or more California utilities has advised T-Mobile that because of current weather forecasts, it is planning to implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) starting January 7, 2025 and going through January 11, 2025 in the following counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura.

Our priority is to keep our customers connected. Thanks to our network of generators and backup towers, customers may not notice any impacts on their T-Mobile service during a Public Safety Power Shutoff. Please note that it may still be possible for a power outage to temporarily impact your service.   

T-Mobile is monitoring the situation and staying in close contact with California power providers. We encourage customers to take a few quick steps to prepare in advance of Public Safety Power Shutoffs: 

Follow your local power company on social media to stay up to date on the situation: Southern California Edison
 San Diego Gas & Electric
 Fully charge all your devices. Consider investing in a charging device like an external battery that doesn’t need a power outlet – and fully charge it as well. Set up Wi-Fi Calling on your phone, which may permit calling if wireless service is unavailable, but a Wi-Fi network is still available at your location.   For Apple phones, go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling.
 For Android phones, go to Settings > More Connection Settings > Wi-Fi Calling. 
 When you first enable Wi-Fi Calling, you must provide T-Mobile with the primary street address at which the Wi-Fi Calling service will be used (“Your E911 Registered Address”). If you call 911 over Wi-Fi, we may transmit Your E911 Registered Address to the 911 Communications Center, who may use it to help emergency responders locate you. You may also need to provide your contact information and current location. You’ll need to update Your E911 Registered Address if you plan on using Wi-Fi Calling service at a location different from Your E911 Registered Address. You can update Your E911 Registered Address by accessing your MyT-Mobile.com account or by contacting T-Mobile Customer Care. 

Click here for a map of services currently affected in California. This map shows services that are impacted due to public safety power shutoffs and disaster recovery efforts.

CNH brands, CASE Construction Equipment and New Holland, got their CSR projects published in the CSR Good Book.

New Holland’s CSR Project Sustainable Environment Solution, which focuses on the improvement of straw management, was featured as one of the articles. The magazine also featured CASE India CSR Projects Hunar & LEAD which focuses on skill development training for young people. The magazine also included a profile of CNH’s India Sales Director Sandeep Gupta, CASE Marketing Director Puneet Vidyarthi, and CSR India Lead Kavita Sah.

The Book release event included many discussions and panel sessions throughout the day. Kavita Sah took part as a panelist on the topic of corporate environmental responsibility, carbon footprint reduction, green technology & innovation, and sustainable resource management. The CSR Good Book showcases India’s most sustainable brands and socially responsible initiatives. To explore more, visit CSR Good Book.

As originally published by GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative

New Venture Forward research

GoDaddy Venture Forward conducted an in-house analysis to assess: with all the moves that happened during the pandemic, did areas that saw greater migration also see greater impact on entrepreneurship?

The answer was yes! Analyzing US.. Census data from 2022 and the associated Venture Forward microbusiness data in 2023, a clear trend emerged (see the next page). Residents who moved from other counties, states and countries impacted the county microbusiness density. The greater the distance moved, the greater the impact as well.

Research shows that when microbusiness density increases, it can drive up household median incomes, lower unemployment, and create new jobs. So, more microbusinesses leads to greater economic outcomes, and one path to that is more new residents.

New residents lead to more microbusinesses*

.03*: Increase in microbusinesses per 100 people for each %1 of the population who lived in a different county a year ago.

*only when subset to counties < 15 microbusinesses per 10 people

.09: Increase in microbusinesses per 100 people for each1% of the population who lived in a different state a year ago.

.42: Increase in microbusinesses per 100 people for each 1% of the population who lived in a different country a year ago.

The model for regression controlled for 23 variables, including: Broadband access, Race, Industry employment figures, Age cohorts, and Education levels. It generated an R-squared of.59

The greater the move, the greater the impact on counties1

Where did new residents come from in 2022?% Effect Size 
of Adding 1% New Residents 
on MDImpact of +1% on Microbusiness Density2023 Average Microbusiness Density 
(in counties with 750k+ population) 
 Average % of Residents by category 
(in counties with 750k+ population) 
 Residents who moved 
from another county, same state

.24%

.03

12.4

2.7%

Residents who moved from another state

.73%

.09

12.4

2.2%

Residents who moved from another country

3.39%

.42

12.4

.8%

The counties with the greatest migration also have some of the highest concentrations of microbusinesses

Top Migration Counties (750k+ population)

County% Residents 1 year 
or less 
2022Microbusiness 
Density* 
2023Clark, NV

4.4%

20.7

Honolulu, HI

4.3%

6.2

Mecklenburg, NC

4.2%

12.7

Fulton, GA

4.1%

21.5

New York, NY

3.9%

34.6

Average

4.2%

19.1

*Microbusiness Density is defined as the number of microbusinesses per 100 people

Bottom Migration Counties (750k+ population)

County

% Residents 1 year or less

2022

Microbusiness Density* 2023Nassau, NY0.5%12.6Bronx, NY0.6%3.3Queens, NY0.7%6.2Suffolk, NY0.7%10.8Sacramento, CA0.9%8.3Average0.7%8.2*Microbusiness Density is defined as the number of microbusinesses per 100 people

Partner economic research

UCLA Anderson Forecast Microbusiness Activity Index 2024 Annual Update

Introduction

In July 2021, the UCLA Anderson Forecast, in partnership with GoDaddy, launched a new Microbusiness Activity Index (MAI) that analyzes the formation, growth, and dynamics of online microbusinesses, using data provided by GoDaddy.

The MAI demonstrates a strong correlation with key economic indicators, including employment, unemployment, GDP, and offers timely insights into local economic activity.

The report, featuring commentary, analysis, and the latest indices, continues to be published annually.

What follows are key excerpts from the 2024 report. 
Read the full report

Highlights from this year’s report

Key findings by UCLA economists, William Yu and Thomas Ash:

Recent months have seen a rise in the MAl, driven by increased microbusiness engagement and Generative Al tool adoption, enabling 
entrepreneurs with limited resources to boost productivity and compete effectively with larger companies. 
 After controlling for various factors, we find evidence that the MAl, and its sub-indices, the infrastructure index and participation index, are associated with local job growth. Aone-point increase in the infrastructure index corresponds to an increase of 89 jobs in a county. 
 On average, we find evidence that an additional entrepreneur is correlated with an increase of 7.4 local jobs. Microbusiness participation also contributes positively to local labor force participation. 
 There is a correlation between the participation index by state and 
state GDP growth, in which the horizontal axis represents the change of the state participation index between March 2023 and March 2024 and the vertical axis represents the state real GDP growth from 2023Q1to 2023Q4.

Download the full report.

GoDaddy Venture Forward 2024 Annual Report | U.S. Edition

This report is powered by the latest data from Venture Forward, GoDaddy’s research initiative to quantify the presence and impact of over 20 million global online microbusinesses on their local economies, while shining a light on the entrepreneurs behind them.

We’re here to support entrepreneurs.

1Source: GoDaddy Venture Forward U.S. National Survey, February 2024 (N=3,565)

Originally published on HR.com

By Kim Wylam

HR executives should anticipate ongoing trends related to AI, hybrid work models and mental health considerations in 2025. Additionally, they should prepare for substantial changes with the inauguration of a new presidential administration in January. However, with a thoughtful and deliberate approach, HR executives can prioritize employees’ well-being while building strategies that align workforce priorities with organizational objectives.

AI Will Continue to Expand Across the HR Function

The use of AI in HR has increased over the last three years as HR professionals become more comfortable with the technology and its application in the workforce. While large companies (5,000 or more employees) are among the earliest adopters of AI, we expect to see more small businesses embrace the technology as it becomes both accessible and affordable.

Continue reading on HR.com

Interested in learning more? Contact a Baker Tilly specialist.

With more than 50% of global cherry exports, and a projected 75% increase in export volume through San Antonio this season, Chile is proving why its cherries are the world’s ‘red gold.’

A sweet success story

Chile’s cherry season is in full swing, and this year promises to be a record-breaking one. As the world’s largest exporter of cherries, Chile is gearing up for a projected 75% increase in cherry export volumes through the San Antonio terminal compared to last year. With more than 9 million boxes of cherries — equivalent to nearly 3,500 containers — set to leave San Antonio, the cherry industry is proving itself to be not only a cornerstone of Chile’s economy but also a logistical marvel.

The numbers behind Chile’s cherry dominance are impressive. The Chilean Fruit Exporters Association, known as ASOEX, reports that cherries are Chile’s flagship agricultural export, accounting for more than 50% of global cherry exports. During the 2022-2023 season alone, cherries generated $2.2 billion in export revenue, a 17% increase from the previous year. This remarkable growth is supported by expanded orchards, improved yields and skyrocketing demand — especially from China, which receives more than 90% of Chile’s exported cherries.

From Chile to Asia: A fruitful journey

Chile’s cherry industry is deeply intertwined with Asian markets, particularly China. The demand for cherries peaks during the Chinese New Year, where their vibrant red color is seen as a symbol of good luck and fortune. This year, with Chinese New Year set for Jan. 29, 2025, the logistics team at San Antonio is working tirelessly to ensure cherries arrive on time and in perfect condition to meet the high demand.

Getting these cherries to market is no small feat. With cherries being highly perishable, timing is everything. Shipments are carefully transported via air and ocean freight to ensure delivery to Asia in under 30 days — a delicate process that requires precision. To this end, the team at DP World San Antonio has been working closely with shipping lines on a weekly basis to coordinate every detail and optimize times. This meticulous planning ensures supply chains remain fluid and cherries land in consumers’ hands at their freshest.

Smooth sailing in San Antonio

This season, DP World has introduced significant infrastructure upgrades to handle the surge in cherry exports. With 11 vessels scheduled to call at San Antonio’s terminal and more than 2,700 reefer plug connections available to keep containers cool, the port is setting a new standard for efficiency and reliability.

One of the standout innovations this season is the MoorMaster system, which automates the arrival and departure of vessels. Unique in Chile and the Americas, this system allows for faster and safer operations, reducing turnaround times, improving safety and increasing overall efficiency. These technological advancements are helping San Antonio meet the growing market demand while ensuring cherries are shipped with minimal delays.

Economic impact: Cherries as a lifeline

Beyond their cultural and culinary appeal, cherries are an economic powerhouse for Chile. The industry supports more than 100,000 seasonal jobs, particularly in rural regions such as O’Higgins, Maule, and Biobío. These jobs provide vital income to communities that rely on agriculture as their primary economic activity.

The success of the cherry industry also highlights Chile’s logistical expertise. By investing in cold chain monitoring, route optimization, and advanced packaging techniques, Chile is minimizing waste and ensuring that every box of cherries reaches its destination in peak condition. These innovations are crucial for maintaining Chile’s competitive edge in global markets and meeting the expectations of increasingly discerning consumers.

Challenges on the horizon

While the season is shaping up to be a success, it’s not without its challenges. Port congestion, limited air freight capacity, and unpredictable weather — such as unseasonal rains — can disrupt harvests and delay shipments. These obstacles underscore the importance of continued investments in infrastructure and technology.

Sustainability is another pressing issue. With concerns about the carbon footprint of long-distance exports, Chile is taking steps to adopt greener practices. Efforts include reducing water usage in orchards, using alternative fuels for logistics, and improving forecasting to avoid overproduction and spoilage. These initiatives are vital not only for the environment but also for ensuring the long-term viability of the cherry industry.

Looking ahead

As Chile’s cherry exports are expected to exceed 450,000 metric tons in the coming years, the industry is focusing on diversifying its markets. While China remains the dominant buyer, emerging markets in Europe, the United States, and other parts of Asia are showing growing interest in Chilean cherries. Reducing dependency on a single market will be key to mitigating risks and sustaining growth.

As Curtis Doiron, CEO of DP World in Chile, said, DP World’s work as part of Chile’s cherry season represents “a clear example of how modern logistics can transform global connectivity.”

With its sights set on breaking records and pushing boundaries, Chile’s cherry industry is proving that it’s not just exporting fruit — it’s exporting excellence. This season’s success is a testament to the hard work and strategic vision of everyone involved — from orchard workers to logistics experts.

For more insights and updates on Chile’s cherry season, visit ASOEX.

Sweet, sustainable, and successful — Chile’s cherries are a true global treasure.

Marathon Petroleum’s Garyville refinery celebrated 30 years of maintaining its OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star status, making it the longest-running VPP Star refinery in the U.S.The VPP Star status, awarded by OSHA, recognizes exceptional safety practices and highlights the refinery’s commitment to a safe work environment.Nearly 400 employees and contractors attended the milestone celebration, where leaders emphasized teamwork in upholding this achievement while challenging everyone to continue striving for safety excellence.

In 2024, Marathon Petroleum’s Garyville refinery marked 30 years of maintaining its prestigious Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star status, awarded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to facilities that demonstrate exceptional commitment to safety. Achieved for the first time in 1994, the refinery became only the sixth refinery in the nation and the second in Louisiana to earn this honor. Today, it stands as the only refinery in the U.S. to have continuously upheld VPP Star status for this long.

“Thirty years as an OSHA VPP Star site is a significant milestone, and I am honored to celebrate it with our employees and contractors,” said Mike Henschen, Senior Vice President of Refining Operations at Marathon Petroleum.

VPP Star status represents the highest level of recognition for exceptional achievements in safety and health management. This accolade is reserved for employers and employees who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to a safe and healthy work environment.

To celebrate this milestone, the Garyville refinery’s VPP Committee and Safety Department organized an event attended by nearly 400 employees and contractors in October.

“The hard work and dedication required to maintain this certification is truly a team effort,” said Jeremy Beasley, Environmental, Safety & Security Manager at the Garyville refinery. “It involves everyone, from the refinery leadership team to every employee and contractor, all committed to upholding our safety standards.”

Many people spoke at the event, including special guest D-D Breaux, the legendary former Head Coach of Louisiana State University’s (LSU) Women’s Gymnastics. Coach Breaux, who retired after 43 seasons in 2020, drew a strong parallel between the pursuit of excellence during her tenure at LSU, a program that earned the National Championship in 2024, and the refinery’s championship-level commitment to safety.

“Just as in gymnastics, where each individual’s effort contributes to the overall success of the team, the hard work and dedication of every employee and contractor at the Garyville refinery have been key to maintaining this level of excellence for 30 years,” Breaux said.

The Garyville refinery’s continued status as a VPP Star is a testament to its dedication to safety and serves as a role model for other organizations striving for similar excellence in workplace safety.