Tag: 3BL

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Discussing money with aging parents can be a challenge for many families. In fact, according to a recent U.S. Bank survey, almost half of Americans (45%) have no idea what their parents’ financial situation is and, if they know anything, are more likely to know about their financial liabilities than their savings.

“Health, aging and money are potent topics and can make for awkward conversations,” said Scott Ford, president, U.S. Bank Wealth Management. “Despite the sensitivity, it’s best not to postpone these types of discussions because the risk of something going wrong can increase with age. It’s best to face these tough talks with confidence.”

Here’s a guide from Sarah Darr, head of financial planning at U.S. Bank, a more than 20-year industry veteran who has helped many families navigate this terrain:

Come from a place of care

Approach these conversations with love, care and respect, Darr said. You’ll want your parents to understand that you’re looking out for their best interests and want to honor their wishes. Some generations believe talking about money is taboo, so you may face some resistance.

“Respect your parents’ boundaries,” she said. “Explain why this is important for their future, and your desire to understand their wishes should something unexpected happen.”

You may want to invite your parents to a discussion early in the day, when everyone has more energy.

Family holiday gatherings generally are not the best opportunities for serious talks as they can be noisy and filled with emotion, Darr said. Find a time that works for everyone, choose a calm environment, keep the conversations brief and respect your parents’ autonomy, and you’ll make ongoing, incremental progress.

If possible, the best scenario is having both parents present for conversations so they can each weigh in. Darr said she has a rule of thumb for these talks: Don’t outnumber your parents. In other words, in meeting with both your parents, the total number of people present should be four or fewer. It is less intimidating to have a smaller group and more conducive to productive conversation. Every participant should have a genuine desire to help, and at least one person should have some financial acumen.

“To ease into the conversation, it often helps to open up about your own situation,” she said.

You may want to share a personal story, such as what goal you are working toward or are thinking about. That could include saving for your children’s college education or looking for an attorney to draft a will. This takes the focus off your parents and gives them more comfort to share, Darr said.

Take an inventory

Once the discussion is opened, you may want to ask about the physical location of important documents like wills, insurance policies and financial passwords.

“This is a good way to dip a toe into the water by focusing on financial organization,” Darr said.

Going a step further, you’ll want to learn more about both sides of your parents’ balance sheet: assets and liabilities. Assets include bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement plans, pensions, real estate and more. The liabilities include mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, etc.

You’ll want to learn names and contact information of your parents’ trusted advisors – attorney, accountant, financial advisor — and establish relationships with them, as they will be important resources in the future.

Ensure legal documents are in place

As you progress in your conversations, you’ll want to tackle the topic of estate planning, Darr said. Not just for the wealthy, proper estate planning ensures that your parents’ wishes are carried out the way they intend. An estate attorney can give guidance on how to draft the proper legal documents.

The essentials include a will, which lays out how property will be distributed after death; a durable power of attorney, which assigns someone to act financially on your behalf when you cannot; a healthcare power of attorney, which designates an individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf in the event of incapacity; and potentially other trust documents dependent on your situation.

If your parents already have legal documents in place, you’ll want to review them together to ensure they still reflect their wishes and lean on trusted advisors if there are any questions about the language. Time passes and things change – legislation updates, financial situations, divorce, the death of a spouse, the birth of grandchildren, etc. For these reasons and more, it’s important to review documents on a periodic basis.

Focus on the future

Discussions shouldn’t be filled with doom and gloom.

“You’ll want to know about your parents’ hopes and intentions,” Darr said.

Do they want to leave a gift for grandchildren? Do they want to help a child start a business? Is there a charitable organization they want to support after their passing? These conversations can help you understand and provide your parents with peace of mind.

You’ll also want to discuss how your parents have thought about protection planning to safeguard their wealth, Darr said. Having proper insight on your parents’ wishes and policies in place will go a long way if the time comes. This can involve different forms of insurance to protect and provide in a time of need.  

“Frame the conversation as a supporter who’s interested in your parents’ security and wellbeing,” she said. “Your compassion will reduce defensiveness and foster collaboration.”

Next steps

While the U.S. Bank survey revealed that many families are talking about financial concepts around the dinner table, most do not feel comfortable talking about their own financial situations – possibly because they are worried about being judged or feel embarrassed.

Financial advisors can help ease the conversation by getting families to talk more openly about money, Darr said.

More than half (53%) of affluent American say their financial advisor helped their family work through uncomfortable conversations about money. Reach out to your financial professional to get the conversation started.

Read the full report here: Challenging Conversations About Money

The global race to net-zero emissions has put supply chains under a sustainability microscope. Clean energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles (EV), and batteries are the building blocks of a decarbonized future, but producing and deploying these technologies at scale can bring with them significant supply chain headaches. A joint report by DP World and Canary Creative, Closing the Gap on Clean Energy Supply-Chain Sustainability, dives into the challenges and presents strategies to ensure supply chains are secure, resilient, and sustainable.

Given that supply chains power everything—from the electric vehicle you’re dreaming of buying to the solar farms lighting up cities—this affects everyone. But without infrastructure upgrades, better investment strategies, and a focus on sustainability, the clean energy transition could stall. As the report highlights, building resilient supply chains is not just a lofty goal—it’s a necessity for global climate goals and economic stability.

Why Supply Chains Need a Sustainability Makeover

Let’s set the stage. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecast that 2,400 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity will be deployed between 2022 and 2027—a 30% increase from earlier estimates. While this is promising news for the planet, the backstory isn’t so sunny. Scaling up clean energy technologies requires an uninterrupted flow of critical components like lithium, cobalt, and polysilicon, many of which are sourced from regions with shaky infrastructure or environmental concerns.

Take lithium-ion batteries, a cornerstone of the EV revolution. China controls more of the global lithium-ion battery production than the rest of the world combined. This geographic concentration exposes supply chains to geopolitical risks and trade disputes. Plus, the environmental and social costs of mining these materials can run counter to the very principles of sustainability. The solution? Diversified supply chains and resilient infrastructure that can keep pace with booming demand.

Onshoring: A Band-Aid, Not a Cure

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in the U.S. has poured billions into boosting domestic manufacturing of clean energy technologies. In fact, over $150 billion in capital investments in U.S. utility-scale clean energy projects have been announced since the law’s passage. Policies like these aim to reduce reliance on imports and shorten supply chains.

But here’s the catch: onshoring alone won’t close the gap. According to one report, 85% of solar modules installed in the U.S. between 2018 and 2020 were imported, with most components still coming from China. Even as domestic factories pop up, they continue to rely on global supply chains for raw materials. Simply put, onshoring is only one piece of the sustainability puzzle.

Infrastructure: The Achilles’ Heel of Clean Energy Expansion

Building clean energy supply chains isn’t just about factories; it’s about infrastructure—ports, railroads, and EV charging stations, to name a few. For example, the report notes that the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 66% of American car dealerships don’t have a single electric vehicle in stock, largely due to supply chain bottlenecks. And let’s not forget the ports: they’re the beating heart of global trade but are often powered by diesel equipment that spews greenhouse gases.

The IRA’s Clean Ports Program allocates $3 billion to electrify port operations, potentially cutting emissions while improving supply chain efficiency. Still, upgrading infrastructure at scale is a monumental task requiring not just money but coordination between public and private sectors.

Flying Blind in the Sustainability Game Is Risky Business

If data is the new oil, clean energy supply chains are running on fumes. Most companies lack accurate data on Scope 3 emissions (those generated in their supply chains), which account for an average of five times the emissions from their direct operations. Worse, only 8% of companies surveyed by DP World and Canary Creative said they were comprehensively tracking and reporting these emissions.

This lack of visibility hampers efforts to decarbonize supply chains. What’s needed? Better tools for tracking emissions, bolstered by policies like Europe’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which requires companies to disclose their environmental impacts. As the report points out, you can’t fix what you can’t measure.

Following the Supply Chain Breadcrumbs

Speaking of visibility, traceability is a game-changer for sustainability. The renewable energy sector has already embraced traceability protocols to ensure materials are sourced responsibly. For instance, the Solar Energy Industries Association has developed a protocol to track the origins of solar components, ensuring they aren’t linked to forced labor.

Adopting traceability standards across industries would allow companies to verify not only where materials come from but also how sustainably they were produced. As the report highlights, this can help mitigate risks, from human rights violations to reputational damage.

The Cost of Going Green

Here’s the million-dollar question: who foots the bill for sustainable supply chains? According to the survey, 61% of respondents said they were willing to pay a premium for suppliers that meet or exceed environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. But not everyone is on board. Nearly 30% of companies said cost-cutting remains their top priority, even at the expense of sustainability.

This tension underscores the need for incentives. Tax credits, public-private partnerships, and consumer education can all help bridge the gap between cost and sustainability. After all, a sustainable supply chain isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a competitive advantage.

The Road Ahead

The clean energy transition is in full swing, but supply chains are its make-or-break factor. From upgrading infrastructure to embracing traceability, the challenges are daunting—but not insurmountable. Whether you’re a policymaker, a business leader, or a consumer, the time to act is now.

For more insights and actionable strategies, download the full report, Closing the Gap on Clean Energy Supply-Chain Sustainability, here.

Written by Justin Carron, Director of Buildings and Campuses, Eaton 

There’s never been a better time to decarbonize healthcare. The energy transition and electrification are surging forward while advancements in digitalization can help the most intensive applications use energy more intelligently. And thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the return on investment for clean energy projects is better than ever.

We’re seeing a growing commitment within the healthcare industry to accelerate decarbonization efforts to tackle climate change. More than 130 of the largest U.S. health sector companies, representing nearly 1,000 hospitals, have joined the White House/HHS Health Sector Climate Pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. But with more than 6,500 hospitals in America, there is a lot more work to do to achieve real progress toward a low-carbon future and the industry requires action from far more organizations sooner than later.

According to the White House, the healthcare industry accounts for 8.5% of all U.S. emissions, which is more than the residential (6%) or commercial (7%) sectors. However, I see vast opportunity for healthcare energy infrastructure and systems to work harder and smarter to accelerate decarbonization. And whether you’re just getting started or looking to take the next step toward net zero, there are many strategies you can put into place today that will help you simplify the journey toward a more sustainable future.

Energy transition, electrification and digitalization create new opportunities

Across the U.S. and around the world, industries are steadily replacing carbon-based fuels with renewables, reducing emissions and electrifying everything. This shift is opening the door to create energy systems that do more for sustainability, reliability and the bottom line.

Some healthcare organizations are already demonstrating what it takes to decarbonize and electrify always-on environments. For example, at Eaton we are developing a microgrid for a major medical center in California that will help support critical loads during grid outages while reducing energy costs by up to 20% and greenhouse gas emissions by an anticipated 25%.

Starting a decarbonization project doesn’t require you to completely reimagine essential energy systems. The best way to start reducing the emissions of your energy system is to optimize your energy usage, simply using power more efficiently. And the key to using power more effectively hinges on digital technologies.

These digital technologies are the connected devices, data models, insights and analytics that help transform power management by providing the actionable insights needed to prioritize improvements – and they play a major role in sustainability and decarbonization.

For instance, sensors and monitoring platforms can pull real-time data from heating and cooling systems while monitoring environmental conditions. Artificial intelligence (AI) models can apply sophisticated algorithms to optimize power usage while learning and improving with each interaction. The cloud and edge provide the infrastructure for managing all of that data, while mechanisms such as digital twins provide new ways to visualize a building or an entire campus as a living, breathing entity with ever-changing energy and power requirements.

These tools remove the complexity from the once arduous task of determining where energy is being wasted and how potential upgrades will impact overall system performance. Today, there are digital tools specifically designed to baseline carbon emissions. Some electrical power monitoring systems (EPMS) offer an integrated capability that monitor and trend emissions data to identify possible improvements, develop a carbon reduction plan and lead sustainability efforts. These software platforms also provide real-time power and environmental system monitoring across a single facility or multiple locations throughout the world, helping organizations reduce power consumption, costs and unplanned downtime.

Additionally, the electrical system performance gains made possible by digital solutions can help organizations allocate more funding toward to patient care. A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study recently showed that each dollar saved by a non-profit healthcare organization through better energy performance is equivalent to generating up to $20 in new revenues. Essentially, energy efficiency improvements that save $20,000 are equivalent to $400,000 in new revenues per year over the life of the equipment.

Once you’ve optimized power usage, the next step on the path to decarbonization is the electrification of major building systems. If heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) or central utility systems are approaching the end of their life, can they be replaced with low-carbon electrified alternatives? Can you start electrifying fleets or adding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for patients and personnel? If so, there may be federal funding or tax incentives available to offset the upfront costs. As a result, you’ll continue to curtail emissions while reducing operational spend in areas such as vehicle maintenance and fuel cost that will continue to pay off over time.

Policies are evolving to fully decarbonize healthcare operations

Quality patient care requires always-on power – no matter what. Diesel generators have been the de facto emergency power source for decades. But today, sources of energy once considered “alternative” are providing reliable emergency power at a fraction of the environmental impact.

However, clean energy technologies like microgrids, renewables and energy storage could not be used for emergency power in most critical healthcare applications until recently. This was because healthcare facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs needed to adhere to the 2012 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99) – which required emergency power for an essential electric system (EES) to be supplied by a diesel generator.

In March 2023, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a categorical waiver permitting new and existing healthcare facilities to use alternative sources of emergency power in accordance with the 2021 edition of the NFPA 99 and 2023 edition of the National Electric Code (NFPA 70). In other words, this program enables emergency power for an EES to be supplied by sources other than a generator, such as a microgrid system. Although the waiver excludes long-term care facilities that provide life support, I believe this change will open the door to further decarbonize the healthcare industry.

Utilizing a microgrid that coordinates onsite energy sources such as solar, fuel cells or battery energy storage systems for emergency power is more sustainable, more resilient, and often more reliable than fossil-fueled generators. For example, when Hurricane Fiona wiped out power across Puerto Rico, limited diesel supplies threatened the uptime of community health centers. But all nine community health clinics with solar-powered systems remained operational.

Updating industry regulations to keep up with changes in technology and facility codes is a process that takes time but is necessary to continue accelerating decarbonization and help usher in a new era of resilience and sustainability across America.

Start reducing emissions today

There’s assistance for those starting to pave the way to a clean energy future. Late last year, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was passed and will support approximately $370 billion in climate and energy proposals – including tax credits for clean energy technologies, such as solar, energy storage, microgrid controllers, and other zero-emission electricity generating infrastructure.

These incentives can help propel clean energy projects. And while it isn’t realistic to completely overhaul electrical systems in short order, I believe it is important to begin thinking how you can create a more scalable, digital and electrified foundation ready for the demands of tomorrow.

We’re working with customers across the healthcare industry to modernize and optimize energy systems to establish the flexibility needed to meet the demands of the future. This is an incremental process. It’s not about replacing energy systems but making them ready for whatever comes next, so you can easily deploy EV charging, renewable energy, energy storage or other carbon-friendly additions when you’re ready.

At Eaton, we’re helping customers accelerate a more sustainable future through our industry expertise, pioneering technologies and collaboration with customers and industry partners. Whether your organization is looking to completely decarbonize operations, start replacing carbon-based processes with environmentally friendly and electrified alternatives, or simply install modern metering and monitoring devices—we’re here to help you simplify your journey toward a low-carbon energy future.

Contact:

Kristin Somers

+1.919.345.3714

Kristincsomers@eaton.com

Regina Parundik 

Cobblestone Communications

+1.412.559.1614

Regina@cobblecreative.com

The KeyBank Foundation is investing $300,000 in a new workforce training program at Action for a Better Community (ABC), Inc. in Rochester. The Energy Conservation Training Program prepares workers for careers in home weatherization, home repair/maintenance and installation of energy conservation measures.

“This innovative program not only provides workers with opportunities and knowledge in a growing field, it also supports homeowners by making homeownership sustainable, energy-efficient, and more affordable,” said Vince Lecce, KeyBank Rochester Market President. “We are proud to support ABC’s work that changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes Rochester a better place to live.”

“ABC’s strategic framework includes building and maintaining meaningful partnerships with entities that share our values, ethos, and strategic priorities,” said Jerome H. Underwood, President & CEO if ABC, Inc. in Rochester. “We have been developing just this type of relationship with KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation over the past few years. There is significant alignment in our respective goals and objectives. We are appreciative of their investment in ABC’s Energy Conservation Program as we do believe that this initiative will change the trajectory of the participants’ lives.”

Workers in the Energy Conservation Training Program divide their time between classroom instruction and hands-on learning in the field – with all program hours serving as paid employment. The project benefits participants directly by providing them with nationally certified energy conservation skills in a high-demand occupation. These skills can serve as the basis for careers in the building trades or in “green housing” retrofitting occupations. The program also benefits property owners looking to improve home living conditions, reduce energy costs and extend the life of existing housing stock. 

In addition, the program impacts the broader community by employing individuals in the neighborhoods in which they live, boosting investment in economically challenged neighborhoods. More broadly, because the participants and neighborhoods to be served are disproportionately people of color/predominantly neighborhoods of color, the program advances racial equity in the greater Rochester area.

Participants will not only learn the job skills required to obtain and maintain employment, they will also be supported in navigating the challenges of the workplace as well as other day-to-day challenges that can make it difficult to maintain employment, such as housing, food, child care and transportation.

“The Energy Conservation Training Program addresses two issues in Rochester – workforce development and sustainable homeownership,” said Chiwuike Owunwanne, KeyBank Rochester Corporate Responsibility Officer. “We applaud ABC’s holistic work and align with their mission of promoting and providing opportunities for low-income individuals and families to become self-sufficient.”

Since 2017, KeyBank has made more than $1 billion in investments in the Rochester market, supporting affordable housing and community development projects; small business and home lending to low-to-moderate income individuals and communities, and transformative philanthropy.

Learn more about KeyBank’s commitment to helping clients and communities thrive

CINCINNATI, December 16, 2024 /3BL/ – Throughout the month of November, Fifth Third (NASDAQ: FITB) showed appreciation to small businesses across its 11-state footprint through a unique social media competition and tipping campaign, with employees celebrating their favorite local small businesses on social media for the opportunity to win one of five $5,300 grants.

Fifth Third employees across the country participated in the campaign, entering more than 2,800 local small businesses nationally for recognition through social media posts using the hashtag #Love53.

Of the 2,800 small businesses entered in the sweepstakes, five small businesses were randomly selected to receive $5,300 grants to help their companies continue to grow.

In addition to the sweepstakes, Fifth Third employees left more than 1,000 $53 tips – amounting to more than $53,000 – at their favorite small businesses throughout the week leading up to Small Business Saturday as a random act of kindness.

“At Fifth Third, we know that small, local businesses form the foundation of our communities – where we live, work, and play. And when they succeed, we succeed,” said Melissa Stevens, chief marketing officer for Fifth Third. “Our employees were excited to show our local small businesses some extra love this holiday season through our second annual ‘Swap, Snap, Share’ small business appreciation campaign, and we can’t wait to see how these grants help the winning businesses continue to grow.”

The winning businesses are:

Kim’s Kakes in Rossford, OHSalon Impressions in Orland Park, ILMagic Stitches in Raleigh, NCThe Corner Pizza Bar in Orlando, FLThe Empanada’s Box in Cincinnati, OH

The companies were surprised with the news late last week by the Fifth Third employees who nominated them. Videos of the surprises are available on Fifth Third’s LinkedIn page.

In Cincinnati, Fifth Third Compliance Officer Alex Yurchak nominated his favorite local small business: the fast-growing The Empanada’s Box, which offers empanadas in more than 16 unique international flavors that fuse the Nunez family’s Argentinian roots with other cultures and their flavors.

“I am in shock. I had no idea we were nominated for this amazing gift,” said Diego Nunez, who owns The Empanada’s Box with his wife Fabiana Nunez. “Thank you, Fifth Third Bank. This grant will allow us to expand our marketing campaign to support each of our Price Hill, Covington, and Findlay Market locations.”

The ‘Swap, Snap, Share’ campaign was one more way that Fifth Third proudly supports small businesses across its footprint. The Bank also serves more than 320,000 small business clients in communities across the U.S. Supporting small businesses through lending, investments and technical assistance is a significant part of the Bank’s commitment to community and economic development.

Additionally, Fifth Third is committed to helping nurture, grow and strengthen small businesses through initiatives such as its Neighborhood Investment Program, which creates and implements innovative place-based strategies to effect positive change in nine historically disinvested neighborhoods across the Bank’s 11-state footprint, and a new Small Business Catalyst Fund launched in October.

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About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

CONTACT         

Amanda Nageleisen (Media Relations)
amanda.nageleisen@53.com
Matt Curoe (Investor Relations)
matt.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345

NEW ORLEANS, December 16, 2024 /3BL/ – With just 59 days until Super Bowl LIX, the New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, NFL Foundation, Entergy, the New Orleans Saints, Ochsner Health, Venture Global, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, and the NOLA Coalition announced the distribution of more than $3.5 million in grants to 65 nonprofit organizations in the Greater New Orleans region.

Impact 59 Powered by Entergy, the official Super Bowl LIX Legacy Grant Program, is designed to provide lasting support for local organizations working in key areas such as economic development, education, workforce training, youth development, health and wellness, and equity and inclusion. The program is committed to creating a meaningful legacy in New Orleans long after the city hosts its record-tying 11th Super Bowl on Feb. 9, 2025.

During the event, the Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, led by the New Orleans Saints and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, and its partner organizations highlighted the importance of giving back to the community through the Host Committee theme of “It’s what we do.”

“Super Bowl LIX is about more than just a game,” said Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and long-time philanthropist. “It’s about showing up for our city, supporting our neighbors, and ensuring that we leave a positive, lasting legacy in the community. This program is part of what we do – to create meaningful change and provide lasting resources for the people who call New Orleans home.”

The grants awarded through Impact 59 Powered by Entergy have been allocated to nonprofit organizations focused on programs that foster positive change in youth development, workforce training, education, health and wellness, and equity and inclusion. These organizations are receiving critical support for their efforts to improve lives in New Orleans and surrounding areas, including Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Plaquemines, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. A grant selection committee carefully reviewed eligibility and compliance and made award determinations based on the need, merit, and potential impact of each project.

“We understand how much Super Bowl LIX means to this community and we’re pleased to help give back to New Orleanians who have welcomed us with open arms,” said NFL Vice President of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the NFL Foundation Alexia Gallagher. “The NFL Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by the game of football. We’re proud to work with the Super Bowl LIX Host Committee to provide vital funding through the Legacy Grant Program to dozens of local organizations supporting communities in need throughout New Orleans and Louisiana.”

“Super Bowl LIX provides a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the host community,” said Drew Marsh, Entergy Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “Through Impact 59 Powered by Entergy, we are proud to support local organizations to help them continue their vital work and strengthen our city for years to come.”

The announcement of the 65 grant recipients reinforces the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee’s motto: “It’s what we do.” Impact 59 Powered by Entergy ensures these local organizations receive much-needed funding and resources, furthering their critical work and fostering long-term change in the community.

“At the end of the day, Super Bowl LIX is much more than just a game,” said Jay Cicero, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and the Super Bowl LIX Host Committee. “We’re only 59 days away from the opportunity to showcase our city, support our nonprofit community, boost Louisiana’s economy, and celebrate our rich culture. We are proud to contribute to this incredible legacy that extends beyond the game and has a positive impact on the people of New Orleans.”

Impact 59 is just one of several programs the Host Committee and NFL bring to New Orleans ahead of the big game. NFL Source, a diverse supplier program, launched earlier this year and engaged more than 200 underrepresented businesses in the greater New Orleans Area. Earlier this month, NFL Green and the Host Committee kicked off two sustainability projects in the city, with more to come as we get closer to Feb. 9, 2025.

Impact 59 Powered by Entergy grant recipients include:

Education

Xavier University of Louisiana 
Crimestoppers, Inc 
Eternal Seeds Inc. 
Start the Adventure in Reading 
New Schools for New Orleans 
Blessed to be a Blessing Int’l. Ministries 
New Orleans Speech and Hearing Center 
Hope Community Resource Center 
Leona Tate Foundation for Change Inc 
College Beyond 
Louisiana Children’s Museum

Equity and Inclusion

Raphael Village 
Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana (VOASELA) 
S.M.C.L Foundation & Associates 
New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation 
Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation 
The Posse Foundation, Inc. 
East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity inc. 
Rebuilding Together New Orleans 
The Descendants Project 
Winston Rhea Scholars 
Foundation for Louisiana 
St. Bernard Autism Awareness Krew

Health and Wellness

New Orleans East Hospital Foundation 
Our Daily Bread Food Bank of Tangipahoa 
Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana 
Silence is Violence 
Plaquemines Community CARE Centers Foundation, Inc 
H.E.R. Institute 
Northshore Food Bank 
Cancer Association of Louisiana 
Project Lazarus 
Ubuntu Village NOLA 
GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans Down Syndrome Achievement Center 
Grace Outreach Development 
New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, Inc. 
Vietnamese Initiatives In Economic Training (VIET) 
St. John United Way 
Eden Centers for Hope and Healing 
New Orleans Council on Aging 
Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans 
The Split Second Foundation Inc.

Workforce Training

Capital Area United Way 
Covenant House New Orleans 
Reconcile New Orleans Inc 
New Orleans Career Center 
The First 72+ 
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation – Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana 
NextOp 
The 18th Ward 
United Way of St Charles 
YouthForce NOLA

Youth Development

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater New Orleans/Acadiana 
Child Advocacy Services 
Special Olympics Louisiana Inc 
Jewish Family Service Of Greater New Orleans Inc 
New Wine Development Corporation 
Boys Hope Girls Hope 
Girls Play Trumpets Too 
Nunez Community College 
Youth Empowerment Project 
St. John the Baptist Parish 4-H Foundation 
Prominent Youth Foundation 
Brilliant Mindz Inc 
GENYOUth

Super Bowl LIX will take place on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome.

About the New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee

The New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, led by the New Orleans Saints and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, is responsible for planning, executing, and hosting the City’s record-tying 11th NFL Championship game on February 9, 2025. The Host Committee works in partnership with the National Football League to deliver a successful Super Bowl LIX while driving lasting social and economic impact in the Greater New Orleans area. Learn more about the New Orleans Super LIX Host Committee at nolasuperbowl.com.

About Entergy

Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability, resilience and growth of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media. #WePowerLife

About the NFL Foundation

The National Football League (NFL) Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by the game of football – from players at all levels to communities across the country. The NFL Foundation and its members, the 32 NFL clubs, support the health, safety and wellness of athletes, youth football, and the communities that support our game. Celebrating 50 years, the NFL Foundation has become one of the leading philanthropic entities in America, contributing to NFL team communities, national and international disaster relief efforts, and societal issues. The league is utilizing this anniversary to amplify the impact of NFL Philanthropy and the progress made by our nonprofit entities. For more information on the NFL Foundation, visit NFLFoundation.org.

About The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation

Organized in August 1988, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation (Sports Foundation) is a non-profit 501(c) (4) organization whose mission is to attract and manage sporting events that have a positive economic impact on Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans area. Throughout its 36-year history, the Sports Foundation has hosted and been awarded hundreds of events and turned a $50 million public investment into more than $3.4 billion in economic impact for the State of Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans area.

As the holiday season approaches and you pull out your festive decorations, we want to share some essential tips to help keep you safe as you light up your home or business this season.

Before hanging any lights, check all strands for cracked or broken plugs, frayed insulation, or bare wires. Worn cords can cause fires, so it’s crucial to discard any damaged sets of lights. Additionally, consider using energy-efficient lighting products to reduce your energy use and minimize the risk of overheating.When setting up your lights, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s limits for the number of strings that can be safely connected and avoid overloading your electrical outlets. According to Electric Safety Foundation International, you should never connect more than three strings of incandescent lights together.Always turn off all decorative lighting when leaving the house or before going to bed.Use battery operated candles if possible and keep decorations and other items at least 3 feet away from heating equipment or an open flame.When decorating the exterior of your home, ensure that the lights you use are approved for outdoor use. Indoor lights should never be used outside, as they may not be able to withstand the elements.Be mindful of power lines. Avoid raising or lowering ladders near power lines and always keep yourself and all tools and materials at least 10 feet away from all overhead lines. Tree limbs that have grown near power lines can be hazardous, as branches or entire trees can become energized if they encounter a power line.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your holiday season safe, bright, and full of joy. For more electric safety tips, visit delmarva.com/Safety.

Originally published in International Paper’s *Thinking Inside the Box* white paper

International Paper implements circular principles and practices throughout its value chain to ensure that its products are responsibly sourced, recovered and recycled into new boxes.

The company’s Vision 2030 goals align with the principles of the circular economy—and its actions demonstrate a commitment to progress and growth in the sustainability space. By 2030, IP aims to source 100% of its fiber from responsible sources, meaning sources that conform to 3rd party certification standards. The company also aims to create products that are 100% reusable, recyclable and compostable.

Setting measurable sustainability goals helps packaging companies align to the principles of a circular economy: to eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials and regenerate nature.

Eliminate Waste and Pollution

Much of the world economy operates in a way that converts raw materials to products and then eventually disposes these products as waste. Waste accumulates and becomes unusable. At the same time, landfills are one of the largest producers of GHG emissions. Circular economic thinking treats waste as a “design flaw”20, which can be mitigated and eventually solved through adaptations to the use and reuse of products.

Responsible use of natural resources and transparency in sourcing are essential to meeting increased demand for wood fiber without destroying valuable forests. The recovery and recycling of fiber-based products is integral to “reducing consumption footprints, providing sustainable products and thereby contributing to creating more sustainable lifestyles.”21

A core component of any circularity strategy are products that enjoy multiple lives through repeated cycles of reuse, recovery and recycling, and the assurance that any byproducts of the manufacturing process are put to good use. Every year, IP uses five million tons of recovered fiber to make new fiber-based packaging, making International Paper one of the world’s largest users of recovered fiber. Additionally, nearly 50% of the company’s manufacturing waste is diverted from landfills each year for beneficial use. For example, the ash created from burning tree bark and other residuals is used to stabilize pH levels in farmland. Dry ash can be used in road construction and in the manufacturing of concrete. Other wood byproducts are used to make everyday products such as paints, fabrics, lubricants and even cosmetics.

In International Paper’s Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, the company is promoting sustainable and renewable products by developing solutions for all types of packaging. As a result of these efforts in EMEA, IP’s corrugated products have replaced 765 tons of plastics in 2022, and 1,410 tons replaced since the beginning of the decade.

Circulate Products and Materials

International Paper occupies a unique position in the market as both a producer of fiber-based products and a consumer of reclaimed cardboard. As such, the company has a marked impact on the overall industry for recycled cardboard.

There are few products in the world where a used product can generate revenue, but cardboard is one. In the customer success story below, International Paper was able to solve the customer’s challenges created by China’s withdrawal from the import waste market, generate revenue from would-be waste product, and close the circularity loop in its sustainable packaging story.

A national wholesaler was faced with the challenge of needing to diversify its recycling partners. A single distribution center uses tens of thousands of tons of cardboard each year. Without an outlet, its used cardboard would accumulate on its loading docks and in its parking lots, impeding business, creating a fire hazard and otherwise threatening human safety. As both an aggregator and manufacturer, International Paper offered end-to-end circularity. International Paper has a nationwide network of 18 recycling plants to handle the old corrugated containers (OCC) volume produced by a national wholesaler of this scale. IP also had the transportation infrastructure to step in from day one and guarantee movement of 100% of this wholesaler’s OCC volume from its distribution centers nationwide— thousands of tons per year. And, as the largest producer of containerboard in the country, making as much as a third of all U.S. corrugated packaging, only International Paper could also guarantee that this wholesaler’s OCC would be appropriately recycled and reused. With its scale, national network and recycling expertise, International Paper was able to offer an end-to-end solution.

Another example of a circular customer solution comes from Italy where IP collaborated with long-standing customer Colgate-Palmolive to design a circular supply chain solution to decrease waste and increase recycling. A local transport company collects paper and corrugated packaging scraps from the Colgate-Palmolive plant and delivers them to a local recycled paper manufacturing facility. IP’s Pomezia, Italy box plant then transforms it into the Circular Box, which is used for transporting personal care products. The result is a closed and sustainable circular supply chain. The Circular Box was chosen as a finalist in the Best Packaging 2022 contest, organized by the Italian Packaging Institute (Istituto Italiano Imballagio) in collaboration with Conai (National Packaging Consortium).22

Positively Impact Nature

1.6 billion people worldwide depend on healthy forests for their livelihoods.23 Because the creation of paper-based products begins in the forest, packaging companies should be committed to using only fiber from sustainably managed forests, as well as recovered fiber.

It all starts with responsible and transparent sourcing. At IP, the fiber supply team has developed an internal fiber procurement mapping tool called ForSite™, an industry-leading platform that exemplifies transparency, risk mitigation and targeted collaboration. ForSite™ enables IP to know where its wood is coming from and ensures that the right resources and decisions are made before the fiber enters the mill system.

This system guides IP‘s responsible fiber procurement on non-certified forestland in the U.S. It ensures that conservation approaches, similar to those practiced on third-party certified lands, are incorporated in forest management and harvest practices on non-certified lands.

ForSite™ uses Geographic information system (GIS) technology to display and organize spatial data within the complex network of family-owned and institutional “stands” that make up the forests where IP procures its fiber. ForSite™ data includes an array of environmental and spatial attributes, including rare, threatened and endangered species, priority forest types and landscapes, soil types, topography and hydrology, satellite imagery and optimized delivery location. This data is presented in an easy-to-use mobile app, which allows fiber supply team members to make informed decisions prior to the fiber entering IP’s supply chain. In addition, ForSite™ assists partners in the tree farming industry and conservation groups.

By knowing the exact location of the direct fiber purchased, IP can ensure not only that its fiber is derived from sustainably managed forests, but also that it is delivered to the most cost-effective facility.

As one of the world’s leading producers of renewable, fiber-based packaging, International Paper uses new pulp from sustainably managed forests, and millions of tons of used cardboard, which is processed into new boxes. It is this end-to-end circular model that sets IP’s approach apart from almost every other cardboard recycler.

International Paper works at every level of the circular economy to improve recovery and recycling of fiber; it is critical to its entire business. IP makes about one of every three cardboard boxes used in the United States, and on average, a third of the fiber in any given box is recycled. As such, International Paper is one of the largest buyers of used cardboard globally. The company recovers, processes, buys or facilitates the sale of more than 7 million tons of fiber every year. That is 12% of the entire U.S. market for recycled cardboard. And IP has increased recovery of OCC by 60% since 2010. That recovery is good for communities nationwide as it reduces the volume of materials sent to landfill and extends the useful life of natural resources.

The current rate of recovered fiber is high: nearing 70% in the United States and Europe, and 80% in Japan, this number approaches what the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) estimates to be the “maximum that can be practically achieved”.24 An estimated 10 tons of recovered bulk cardboard yields approximately 8 tons of reusable pulp. While that is a high ratio, it will likely never be 100%. If the industry had to rely solely on recovered fiber, it could run out of raw material entirely within six months. Additionally, recovered fiber can only produce “new paper of an equal or lower grade,” meaning new fiber is necessary to retain a high level of quality. This is why International Paper uses both responsibly grown and managed new fiber along with recycled fiber to make sustainable, fiber-based products.

Learn how International Paper applies circularity principles to the manufacturing of it’s sustainable packaging products in their white paper ‘Thinking Inside the Box.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com/.

About International Paper – EMEA

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,400 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.

On Friday, December 13, 2024, AEG’s Dignity Health Sports Park held its 11th annual Women in Entertainment Luncheon in Carson, CA, where more than 250 women from the film, television, music, sports and fashion industries gathered for a day of empowerment and discussion.

The sold-out event was hosted by presented National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment, Inc. (NABFEME Los Angeles) and Women Helping Women in Entertainment. Presenting sponsors included City National Bank, Coca-Cola, Los Angeles Sparks, Sony Music, FOX, EDITION Modern Luxury Magazine and AREVON.

“The Women in Entertainment Luncheon was created to celebrate and empower women who are breaking barriers and leading change across industries. This event is a testament to the strength of community and collaboration, where diverse voices come together to inspire and uplift one another,” said Tamala Lewis, Sr. Director, Community Relations & Foundation, Dignity Health Sports Park. “Each year, I am reminded of the incredible impact women can make when we support and amplify each other’s journeys. It’s not just about celebrating success but fostering meaningful connections and conversations that drive progress.”

The event included a panel discussion that was moderated by Pat Shields from Black Dot, LLC, and featured female executives Fabiola Torres, the Global Chief Marketing Officer, GAP; Nichol T. Whiteman, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation; Aneesha Saleem, Executive Director, We the Best Foundation; Natalie White, VP, Community Relations & Social Impact, Los Angeles Sparks; Michelle Edgar, Vice President Strategy & Operations, Athlete-Driven Worldwide; and Rhea Roberts-Johnson Vice President Operations & Community Engagement, Goldenvoice and AEG. The discussion explored each speaker’s career trajectory, including trials and successes, as they have navigated their careers.

The event also recognized Areva Martin, a CNN Contributor and Award-Winning Civil Rights Attorney and Advocate and Attica and Tembi Locke, the executive producers of Netflix’s limited series “From Scratch,” for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to their craft while uplifting women in the industry.

The event also included a live performance by GRAMMY®-nominated artist Angie Fisher and celebrity DJ, Iesha Irene.

The problem

Climate change is not gender neutral and our response shouldn’t be either. Women are disproportionately impacted by climate change and biodiversity risks. The impacts are broad and varied: women’s health is at risk due to working in extreme temperatures and malnutrition from unpredictable food supplies; ever greater amounts of time are being spent on unpaid care and domestic tasks as women walk further to collect depleted forests and water supplies; increasingly unpredictable incomes are causing stress within families and putting women at risk of gender-based violence. There are many others.

Women are not passive victims of climate change and there is a strong evidence base demonstrating the benefits of considering gender, and working with women’s rights organisations, in our response to climate change. Effective efforts to combat climate change should enable women to be drivers of locally led mitigation, adaptation, and nature-based solutions. We need to support women’s leadership in a just transition to a green, inclusive economy.

To do this, we must mainstream and integrate gender disaggregated data into climate modelling, strategy, implementation, and evaluation, particularly in climate investing. By integrating gender metrics into the investment lifecycle, asset owners and managers will not only be able to quantify the risks and co-benefits, but actually help accelerate the pace of reaching their climate targets while increasing returns (such as IFC’s study showing that private equity and venture capital teams with gender balance achieve 10% to 20% higher returns1).

The opportunity

There is a clear business case for investing in women. Increasing the participation of young women in Africa’s workforce will drive an estimated USD $287 billion to its economy by 20302. $1.4 trillion in annual global GDP could be created if the employment and earnings gap for refugee women were closed.3

Women have important roles in communities as stewards of the environment, including managing resources and food production for their families. The facts support this. A 1% rise in the proportion of women managers in a company is associated with a 0.5% reduction in CO2 emissions.4 As entrepreneurs and business leaders, women can develop climate solutions in a way that meaningfully considers how these solutions can be designed effectively to serve all segments of society. A Bloomberg study found that having 30% more women on boards is linked to better climate governance and increased innovation in key sectors.5

Our solution

In March of this year, KPMG and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) hosted a public-private roundtable to discuss the financing gaps and strategies to mainstream gender in climate finance. The roundtable was an opportunity for public and private investors, women’s rights organisations, development professionals, and technical specialists to convene on the challenges and barriers to investing in climate and nature solutions with a gender lens.

A key takeaway from this roundtable was the need for case studies and best practices that can help financiers that lack the tools, infrastructure, and incentives to fully mainstream gender into climate investing.

In response to this need, KPMG has developed a pilot training for asset managers, asset owners, and intermediaries on how to integrate gender and climate considerations into the design and structuring of different financing mechanisms, especially focusing on emerging markets. The nature and structure of the finance provided can have an impact on gender and climate outcomes, so it is important to identify key considerations, risks, and opportunities when it comes to choosing the right financing route (instruments and structure).

The training focuses on sharing case studies and ideas of various gender-focused climate financing mechanisms – and how the gender and climate lenses can strengthen business cases. This training is designed to be applicable to a broad range of asset owners, managers, and intermediaries with the option of providing bespoke trainings tailored to local realities and different organisational structures as well.

You can download our training brochure here. If you are interested in taking part in this pilot training, please contact Cathy Chen.

Click here to view this on kpmg.com

Cathy Chen
Associate Director
KPMG in the UK
Profile | Email | Phone

1 Report: Moving Toward Gender Balance in Private Equity and Venture Capital (ifc.org) 
2 Gender Parity will unlock $287B for Africa’s Economy by 2030: Mastercard Foundation Report – Mastercard Foundation (mastercardfdn.org) 
3 Gender and Climate Investing — 2X Global 
4 https://www.oliverwymanforum.com/climate-sustainability/2023/jan/applying-a-gender-lens-to-climate-investing.html 
5 More Gender Diversity on Corporate Boards Makes for Better Climate Governance and Innovation | BloombergNEF (bnef.com)