Tag: 3BL

December 9, 2024 /3BL/ – The updated 2024 Ceres Guidance for Investor Engagements with Directors on Climate Risk Governance is a resource for investors to guide engagements with U.S. corporate directors to better understand board oversight of the financially material risks and opportunities associated with climate change.

“U.S. financial markets are navigating the complex task of responsible decarbonization. Within this context, directors of U.S. public companies bear a distinct legal duty, separate from management’s role, to ensure that critical questions are both asked and answered of management regarding their companies’ financially material climate-related risks and opportunities,” said the Rev. Kirsten Snow Spalding, Vice President, Investor Network, Ceres. “These directors should be able to explain to their investors and other stakeholders how they exercise this oversight, and how such risks and opportunities are incorporated into the long-term strategies of the companies on whose boards they sit.”

Climate risk poses financially material risks to companies and systemic risks to investors’ portfolios. Therefore, reliable and comparable public disclosures about the systems and processes in place at the board and senior management levels to oversee climate-related risks and opportunities are essential for investors to properly evaluate and understand the value of a portfolio company’s business.

Ceres’ new guidance builds on its 2022 version and the current and anticipated climate disclosure frameworks and regulations in the U.S. and abroad to incorporate key elements of effective climate governance. Specifically, it includes additional steps that investors have typically considered when engagements with directors of their portfolio companies do not progress in a meaningful way. These approaches are based on the roles and responsibilities of the board of directors, which are distinct from those of management.

While Ceres’ guidance serves as a resource for investors, companies may also want to use this guidance to prepare for stakeholder engagements and to help inform their public disclosures and practices to align with the direction in which all U.S. public companies should be moving on their respective journeys to decarbonize.

“Strong corporate climate governance remains critical given the systemic impacts of climate change across business operations and supply chains, investment portfolios, and the broader economy,” said Rob Berridge, Senior Director of Shareholder Engagement, Ceres Investor Network, Ceres. “Boards need to ensure their companies have the right policies, procedures, and personnel in place to enable robust oversight of these profound impacts.”

The guidance also provides a new Appendix with sector-specific sample questions, to prepare both investors and independent directors to engage more effectively on climate-related risks and opportunities, as well as to produce more reliable and comparable public disclosures. It covers five areas including board oversight of decarbonization plans, audit committee oversight of climate-related risks, board oversight of voluntary and upcoming mandatory climate-related disclosures, climate-related lobbying governance, and board-level capabilities to oversee such topics.

“This updated guidance, now with sector-specific sample questions, equips investors and independent directors with practical tools to engage more effectively on climate-related risks and opportunities,” said Rhonda Brauer, founder & president of RLB Governance and former corporate secretary & governance officer at The New York Times Company, who consulted for Ceres on this initiative. “We look forward to seeing how corporate boards use the guidance to better inform their climate-related oversight responsibilities.”

Read the full report here.

About Ceres 

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and sustainable world. United under a shared vision, our powerful networks of investors and companies are proving sustainability is the bottom line—changing markets and sectors from the inside out. For more information, visit ceres.org.

Media Contact: Vivian Melody, vmelody@ceres.org, 617-247-0700 ext. 353

DES MOINES, Iowa, December 9, 2024 /3BL/– Principal Asset Management℠, the investment management unit of Principal Financial Group®, announced today Pensions & Investments named the firm 2024 Best Place to Work in Money Management. This is the 13th consecutive year Principal has been recognized as a best place to work in the “largest employers” category, earning the recognition every year since the program’s inception.

“Building a strong asset management firm isn’t just about managing investments – it’s about creating a global culture where our team thrives on personal engagement, grows together with our clients, and is empowered to transform our platform,” said Kamal Bhatia, president and CEO, Principal Asset Management. “As workplace expectations continue to evolve, our employees and leaders remain committed to fostering an organization that is a cultural role model. Being named a Best Place to Work in Money Management isn’t easily achieved, and we are very proud to be recognized again.”

This recognition continues to highlight the commitment from Principal Asset Management to foster a collaborative workplace culture and prioritize employee engagement and innovation. The firm provides employees with a range of programs designed to foster a strong, supportive and inclusive workplace, including flexible work arrangements, a global mentoring program to encourage career growth, and comprehensive wellness initiatives. These efforts underscore the dedication of Principal to engage employees and deliver impactful solutions for clients worldwide.

About Pensions & Investments’ Best Place to Work in Money Management

Presented by Pensions & Investments, the global news source of money management and institutional investing, the 13th annual survey and recognition program is dedicated to identifying and recognizing the best employers in the money management industry.

The first part of the award consideration process included evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 20% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 80% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies.

For a complete list of the 2024 Pensions & Investments’ Best Places to Work in Money Management winners and the profiles of the top firms across size categories, go to http://www.pionline.com/BPTW2024.

About Principal Asset Management℠

With public and private market capabilities across all asset classes, Principal Asset Management and its investment specialists look at asset management through a different lens, creating solutions to help deliver client investment objectives. By applying local insights with global perspectives, Principal Asset Management identifies distinct and compelling investment opportunities for more than 1,100 institutional clients in over 80 markets.1 Principal Asset Management is the global investment solutions business for Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG), managing $585.6 billion in assets1 and recognized as a “Best Places to Work in Money Management”2 for 13 consecutive years.

Learn more at www.PrincipalAM.com.

[1] As of September 30, 2024
[2] Pensions & Investments, “The Best Places to Work in Money Management”, among companies with 1,000 or more employees, December 2024.

©2024 Principal Financial Services, Inc., Principal®, Principal Financial Group®, Principal Asset Management, and Principal and the logomark design are registered trademarks and service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a Principal Financial Group company, in various countries around the world and may be used only with the permission of Principal Financial Services, Inc. Principal Asset Management℠ is a trade name of Principal Global Investors, LLC. Principal Real Estate is the trade name of Principal Real Estate Investors, LLC, an affiliate of Principal Global Investors.

About Pensions & Investments

Pensions & Investments, owned by Crain Communications Inc., is the 51-year-old global news source of money management and institutional investing. P&I is written for executives at defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans, endowments, foundations, and sovereign wealth funds, as well as those at investment management and other investment-related firms. Pensions & Investments provides timely and incisive coverage of events affecting the money management and retirement businesses. Visit us at www.pionline.com.

Contacts
Media Contact:
Erin Parro
parro.erin@principal.com
515-878-0130

SAN MATEO, Calif., December 9, 2024 /3BL/ – Franklin Templeton and three of its specialist investment managers were recognized in the 2024 Best Places to Work in Money Management awards announced by Pensions & Investments. Franklin Templeton was included in the Super Employers category for those with 1,000+ employees, while Brandywine Global, Clarion Partners and ClearBridge Investments were included in the Large Employers category for those with 100 to 499 employees.

Presented by Pensions & Investments, the global news source of money management and institutional investing, the 13th annual survey and recognition program is dedicated to identifying and recognizing the best employers in the money management industry.

“We are truly honored to be named once again as one of the Best Places to Work in Money Management by Pensions & Investments,” said Jenny Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton. “Franklin Templeton’s culture is based on three C’s — Client-centric focus, Collaboration to achieve the best results and Continuous improvement. I’m incredibly proud to lead such talented and dedicated employees who live these ideals every day.”

“We are committed to developing employee programs that encourage dialogue, build trust and recognize achievements, with an over-arching goal to cultivate an inclusive, values-driven environment,” said Penny Alexander, Franklin Templeton’s Chief Human Resources Officer.

Pensions & Investments partnered with Workforce Research Group, a research firm specializing in identifying great places to work, to conduct a two-part survey process of employers and their employees.

The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 20% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 80% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies.

“As their employees attest, the companies named to this year’s Best Places to Work list demonstrate a commitment to building and maintaining a strong workplace culture,’’ said P&I Editor-in-Chief Julie Tatge. “In doing so, they’re helping their employees, clients and their businesses succeed.’’

“Pensions & Investments is proud to honor the Best Places to Work in Money Management for the 13th year. A strong workplace culture that supports talent, advocates progress and drives innovation is paramount to driving the best outcomes and these asset managers demonstrate that. Congratulations to the 2024 honorees for their commitment to employee well-being, attractive incentive structures and talent development that demonstrate how investing in your employees can elevate our industry to greater heights,” said P&I President and Publisher Nikki Pirrello.

For a complete list of the 2024 Pensions & Investments’ Best Places to Work in Money Management winners and profiles of the top firms across size categories, go to http://www.pionline.com/BPTW2024

Franklin Templeton did not pay an entry fee for the program.

About Pensions & Investments

Pensions & Investments, owned by Crain Communications Inc., is the 51-year-old global news source of money management and institutional investing. P&I is written for executives at defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans, endowments, foundations, and sovereign wealth funds, as well as those at investment management and other investment-related firms. Pensions & Investments provides timely and incisive coverage of events affecting the money management and retirement businesses. Visit us at www.pionline.com.

About Franklin Templeton

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.6 trillion in assets under management as of October 31, 2024. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

Copyright © 2024 Franklin Templeton. All rights reserved.

SAN MATEO, Calif., December 9, 2024 /3BL/ – Franklin Templeton and three of its specialist investment managers were recognized in the 2024 Best Places to Work in Money Management awards announced by Pensions & Investments. Franklin Templeton was included in the Super Employers category for those with 1,000+ employees, while Brandywine Global, Clarion Partners and ClearBridge Investments were included in the Large Employers category for those with 100 to 499 employees.

Presented by Pensions & Investments, the global news source of money management and institutional investing, the 13th annual survey and recognition program is dedicated to identifying and recognizing the best employers in the money management industry.

“We are truly honored to be named once again as one of the Best Places to Work in Money Management by Pensions & Investments,” said Jenny Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton. “Franklin Templeton’s culture is based on three C’s — Client-centric focus, Collaboration to achieve the best results and Continuous improvement. I’m incredibly proud to lead such talented and dedicated employees who live these ideals every day.”

“We are committed to developing employee programs that encourage dialogue, build trust and recognize achievements, with an over-arching goal to cultivate an inclusive, values-driven environment,” said Penny Alexander, Franklin Templeton’s Chief Human Resources Officer.

Pensions & Investments partnered with Workforce Research Group, a research firm specializing in identifying great places to work, to conduct a two-part survey process of employers and their employees.

The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 20% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 80% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies.

“As their employees attest, the companies named to this year’s Best Places to Work list demonstrate a commitment to building and maintaining a strong workplace culture,’’ said P&I Editor-in-Chief Julie Tatge. “In doing so, they’re helping their employees, clients and their businesses succeed.’’

“Pensions & Investments is proud to honor the Best Places to Work in Money Management for the 13th year. A strong workplace culture that supports talent, advocates progress and drives innovation is paramount to driving the best outcomes and these asset managers demonstrate that. Congratulations to the 2024 honorees for their commitment to employee well-being, attractive incentive structures and talent development that demonstrate how investing in your employees can elevate our industry to greater heights,” said P&I President and Publisher Nikki Pirrello.

For a complete list of the 2024 Pensions & Investments’ Best Places to Work in Money Management winners and profiles of the top firms across size categories, go to http://www.pionline.com/BPTW2024

Franklin Templeton did not pay an entry fee for the program.

About Pensions & Investments

Pensions & Investments, owned by Crain Communications Inc., is the 51-year-old global news source of money management and institutional investing. P&I is written for executives at defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans, endowments, foundations, and sovereign wealth funds, as well as those at investment management and other investment-related firms. Pensions & Investments provides timely and incisive coverage of events affecting the money management and retirement businesses. Visit us at www.pionline.com.

About Franklin Templeton

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.6 trillion in assets under management as of October 31, 2024. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

Copyright © 2024 Franklin Templeton. All rights reserved.

Key Points

Marathon Petroleum’s Transportation and Rail Health and Safety department, alongside local fleet operations and corporate medical services, volunteered at Gleaners Food Bank in Indianapolis to help families facing food insecurity.A team of 14 volunteers distributed food to over 1,200 households during a volunteer day in September; more than 400 Marathon employees have donated 1,119 hours since 2012.Gleaners Food Bank provides food to local communities and smaller distribution organizations, helping families during challenging times, especially amid economic hardships.

During a team meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, in September, Marathon Petroleum’s Transportation and Rail (T&R) Health and Safety department, along with team members from the local fleet operations, environmental and corporate medical services department, volunteered to distribute food at Gleaners Food Bank. The organization is focused on getting food to families experiencing difficult times.

“Organizations like Gleaners help working families with children who are going through temporary hardship due to unexpected expenses and gives the ability to supplement their groceries,” said Paul Okeke, a Marathon Personal Safety Professional for T&R. “It means that the children and grandparents don’t have to go without. Volunteering at Gleaners has always been a humbling and rewarding experience for me.”

A group of 14 Marathon volunteers helped distribute food to more than 1,200 households in just over four hours. Since the organization started in 2012, more than 400 Marathon volunteers have donated a combined 1,119 hours of service to Gleaners within Indiana.

“Amid soaring inflation rates and other challenges, I know that small acts of service like this within the community can make a lasting difference in many households,” said Okeke. “The impact not only feeds a family but most importantly gives hope to many families.”

Gleaners Food Bank distributes food to the surrounding counties and also helps provide food to smaller distribution organizations that don’t have the resources to procure the supplies that a larger organization like Gleaners can.

“Interacting with the public and providing much needed support was a very rewarding experience,” said Don Pratt, Health and Safety Manager for T&R. “I look forward to the next opportunity to serve the communities in which we operate in ways like what we did with the food bank.”

MIDLAND, Mich. December 9, 2024 /3BL/ – Dow (NYSE: Dow) announced that four of its leaders have been recognized in the 2024 Outstanding Role Model Lists supported by YouTube. This recognition is an indication of the Company’s culture where leading with inclusion enables Dow to create innovative solutions for our customers and deliver long-term business growth and success.

Compiled by INvolve, a global network that celebrates and supports LGBTQ+ executives and allies, the lists acknowledge the impactful contributions of the four Dow leaders to champion LGBTQ+ inclusion.

“Inclusion has been embedded in our culture for decades to ensure that we are unlocking the full potential of our teams and attracting the best and brightest talent. These colleagues are courageous and authentic leaders,” said Dr. Alveda J. Williams, chief inclusion officer at Dow. “Their work to advance inclusion sets a great example and helps Dow adapt, innovate, and stay competitive in today’s global market. Congratulations to all our Outstanding honorees.”

Outstanding Executives Role Model List

Javier Constante, former President, Latin America

Javier Constante is the former president of Dow Latin America and will retire in December 2024. He is keenly aware of the responsibility he has as an influential LGBTQ+ Executive and uses his position to advocate for others and focuses his attention on challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Javier has been an active member of Dow’s President Inclusion Council and has championed inclusion, diversity and equity as a key part of Dow’s Latin American strategy. Externally, Javier serves on the board of the Brazilian organization, “Forum de Empresas e Direitos LGBT” and is currently leading a public policy initiative to ensure a better and more inclusive environment across Brazil. In February 2023, he was appointed a board member of Out & Equal Organization. In July 2023, Javier hosted the “6th LGBTI Political Leaders Conference of the Americas and the Caribbean” in collaboration with the Victory Institute, in Mexico City.

Outstanding Advocates Role Model List

Amy Wilson, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, #4

Amy Wilson is the general counsel and corporate secretary at Dow. She is also the Executive Sponsor of GLAD, Dow’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group. As a strong advocate for inclusion, diversity, and equity, she has hosted numerous sessions and events highlighting topics relevant to LGBTQ+ inclusion over the years, including joining a discussion panel at Dow’s 2023 LEAD conference to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization. Amy has been a key driver in diversifying and refreshing Dow’s Board of Directors, emphasizing diverse experiences and backgrounds. Outside of Dow, Amy is a member of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, which is striving to build a more equitable and diverse legal profession. Amy has been named an Ally or Advocate Role Model by Outstanding for five consecutive years.

Outstanding Future Leaders Role Model List

Elizabeth Firestone, Associate Research Scientist, #9

Elizabeth Firestone is an associate research scientist at Dow, where she launched the LGBTQ+ Leadership Series in 2022, attracting more than 200 participants quarterly. She co-led the development of Dow’s U.S. LGBTQ+ Benefits Guide, launched in 2023. She identified gaps in benefits for transgender and nonbinary employees, advocating for a new plan design to be implemented in January 2024, which aligns with SOC-8 guidance. As a steering committee member with OutLeadership, Elizabeth helped launch the inaugural Trans and Nonbinary Leadership Summit in 2024 and facilitated Dow’s support for major pro-LGBTQ+ initiatives. Named a Diverse Leaders Fellow by Out and Equal in 2022. She also volunteers at the Attic Youth Center, providing meals to at-risk LGBTQ+ youth, and has mentored students through Out 4 Undergrad. Elizabeth’s advocacy focuses on inclusivity, emphasizing the intersections of LGBTQ+ identity with (dis)ability and socio-economic status, helping to increase accessibility within her field.

Erica Everett, Global Autonomous Vehicles Platform Leader

Erica Everett is the Global Autonomous Vehicle Platform leader at Dow and an influential advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. As the global chair of Dow’s LGBTQ+ and ally Employee Resource Group (ERG), GLAD, she oversees a network of more than 6,500 participants worldwide. Under her leadership, GLAD has revitalized its strategy and vision, aligning it with Dow’s ambition and business objectives while positioning the ERG for future growth. Erica works at the intersection of inclusion and innovation, driving high-level collaborations with customers and partners to accelerate positive change. Through sharing her own coming out story and journey as an out working mother, she inspires others. Erica has successfully advocated for LBGTQ+ inclusive fertility and parental benefits at Dow, leading to updated policies that have a tangible impact on employees and their families. Her authentic leadership continues to inspire and foster a more inclusive workplace and world.

Dow leader inducted into INvolve’s Hall of Fame in 2024

In August 2024, Louis A. Vega, the president of Dow North America and vice president of Government Affairs and Advocacy at Dow, was inducted into the INvolve Hall of Fame for his ongoing work to champion LGBTQ+ inclusion within the workplace and around the world.

Louis serves as executive advisor to GLAD, Dow’s Employee Resource Group for LGBTQ+ employees and allies. He is also an active member of councils within the company that advance inclusion across Dow’s global workforce. Outside of the office, Louis has served as a board member of various nonprofit organizations, like the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute and Athlete Ally.

In this honor, Louis joined Dow chair and CEO, Jim Fitterling, who was inducted to the INvolve Hall of Fame in 2020.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

For further information, please contact:

Sarah Young
Dow
syoung3@dow.com

Comcast NBCUniversal is committed to honoring the rich and vibrant history of Native American communities. This Native American Heritage Month, they are celebrating the dynamic cultures, aspiring stories and ongoing contributions that Native Americans make to society.

Xfinity Programming

To honor Native American Heritage Month, Xfinity presents a thoughtfully curated collection showcasing Indigenous talent on both sides of the lens. In collaboration with community organizations and trusted Comcast partners, the lineup features exclusive selections from guest editors like award-winning actress Lily Gladstone, award-winning director Ian Skorodin, and Indigenous activist Quannah Chasinghorse.

This year, Peacock and the Black Experience on Xfinity premiered Bad River, a compelling documentary co-narrated by Indigenous actor and activist Quannah Chasinghorse and produced by NBA great Grant Hill and filmmaker Mary Mazzio. The film won an Environmental Media Association Award for Best Documentary and was nominated for three Critics Choice Awards. It tells the story of the Bad River Ojibwe tribe in Northern Wisconsin, chronicling their ongoing fight to preserve their culture and community against centuries of attempted erasure.

The Xfinity collection also features recommendations on what to watch from Comcast community partners including: Advancing Indigenous People in STEM (AISES), Illuminative, National Urban Indian Family Coalition (NUIFC), and Natives Rising. Highlights include Going Native on All Nations Network, the critically acclaimed Reservation Dogs on Hulu, and Killers of the Flower Moon on Apple TV+ starring guest editor Lily Gladstone. Plus, Xfinity customers can enjoy exclusive access to 10 films from the LA SKINS FEST, a Native American film festival proudly supported by Comcast.

During “Free this Week” (November 4-10), Xfinity customers can enjoy free access to All Nations Network, a dedicated network for Indigenous stories.

The collection also includes a Kids & Family section, with recommendations from Common Sense Media, alongside popular TV shows, award-winning movies, documentaries and more. X1 customers can show their pride by customizing their X1 navigation bars and player pucks with their favorite X1 Theme icon.

Xfinity customers can access this collection on all platforms including X1, Flex, Stream, Xumo TV, and Xumo Stream Box (content may vary by platform) within the Native American destination of Xfinity On Demand or by saying “Native American” into the Voice Remote.

NBCUniversal

This Native American Heritage Month, NBCUniversal proudly showcases Indigenous talent throughout its programming, including Tokala Black Elk, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, on NBC’s Happy’s Place, and Chaske Spencer, a member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, on Peacock’s Teacup. NBCUniversal’s News Group will further honor the month through various programming such as Morgan Radford’s spotlight on a group of Native American scientists in northwest Montana who are launching a forensics team dedicated to solving cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women on Nightly News.

Comcast Newsmakers

This month, Comcast Newsmakers spotlights organizations dedicated to uplifting Native American communities. Interviews focus on efforts to expand digital access, career development for Native American veterans, and tribal language preservation. Featured guests include OJ Semans Sr. of Native Connections, John Bailon of Hesperus, and Julia Wakeford of the National Indian Education Association. Watch on Xfinity platforms using the voice command “Comcast Newsmakers” and at  ComcastNewsmakers.com.

Digital Equity & Social Impact

Through Project UP, Comcast connects people to the Internet and advance economic mobility, partnering with organizations that support Native American communities across the United States. In collaboration with Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) in Portland, OR, Comcast is working to create an enhanced Lift Zone in two spaces at NAYA’s main campus: their Elders room and College & Career Center.

Comcast also partners to support Indigenous Youth with: Trickster Cultural Center, a nonprofit arts center dedicated to preserving Native American arts and culture in Schaumburg, IL, to upgrade the technology in their computer lab so that youth can record and digitize their rich storytelling traditions, and American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) to advance a culturally relevant technology-based curriculum among Indigenous students in schools across the country. They also work with the National Urban Indian Family Coalition to provide Native communities in multiple urban areas around the country with digital skill training, and they are committed to creating equitable pathways to tech careers for Native Americans by supporting Natives Rising.

Their Employees

Comcast employees are honoring Native American Heritage Month across the country with a variety of events designed to deepen understanding of Native culture, enhance allyship and offer a platform for their experiences.

As part of their DE&I Speaker Series, teammates gathered virtually to hear veteran, Olympian, and member of the Oglala Lakota tribe, Billy Mills, discuss how inclusivity can create more supportive environments for military families, veterans, and Indigenous communities.

The Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) role has become an accepted part of the C-suite in recent years as regular sustainability reporting is now a best practice for the largest U.S. publicly-traded companies. According to executive search firm Spencer Stuart, in 2023 more than half of the Fortune 500 had a CSO and/or chief inclusion and diversity officer (57% and 59%, respectively).

At the same time, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has taken on increased importance in sustainability reporting and disclosure, with more disclosure being mandated or soon to be mandated by the European Union, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the State of California, and other government organizations. Our Top Stories in this issue highlight the growing responsibilities that CFOs have for ensuring the accuracy of ESG data, aligning sustainability strategies with financial objectives, and navigating fast-changing reporting requirements.

Natalie Runyon of Thomson Reuters Institute writes that “it’s crucial for CFOs to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, integrate ESG factors into capital allocation, and embed sustainability into company DNA to drive long-term value creation and mitigate risk.” She quotes Brad Sparks, Executive Director of the UK-based foundation Accounting for Sustainability, who says CFOs today are particularly concerned with:

Meeting regulatory requirements— guaranteeing that ESG data collected is complete and reliable enough to meet the stringent demands of regulatory bodies.Establishing internal controls— ensuring robust internal data control mechanisms for accurate external reporting and for making informed internal reports to aid in management decision-making.Harmonizing reporting standards— navigating the fragmented alphabet soup of current voluntary reporting standards across different jurisdictions and customer demands, particularly for multinational companies.

To assist CFOs in meeting these challenges, Thomson Reuters reports that over the last 24 months more companies have been creating the position of ESG or sustainability controller. This new role, usually staffed with individuals from finance and accounting teams, is responsible for establishing a robust ESG data management system, integrating sustainability into capital allocation, and expanding the lens through which capital decisions are made to include the sustainability perspective.

In our other Top Story, international accounting firm KPMG recently issued an Insight piece discussing the integral role that CFOs are playing in non-financial sustainability reporting and how it impacts the bottom line. In particular, CFOs are increasingly responsible for “the measurement, analysis, and communication of sustainability performance (both internally and externally) transparently against diverse reporting frameworks, requiring a cautious unbiased approach to prevent overstating and over-committing.”

KMPG states that the materiality of ESG risks is a major challenge, with CFOs facilitating assurance over external reporting by working with internal audit teams and external auditors and strengthening control environments. In addition, KPMG highlights the crucial role that CFOs play in “integrating sustainability goals with financial strategies, which would contribute to long-term profitability and shareholder value.” CFOs across various sectors are evaluating the financial impacts of sustainability investments, such as investing in renewable energy projects and implementing energy-efficient technologies, seeking to balance short-term costs with long-term benefits.

The G&A team works with many CFOs and other finance and accounting executives as part of our efforts to help companies enhance their sustainability reporting. We are available to provide guidance to the entire C-suite on navigating the continually evolving landscape of ESG disclosure requirements. Email us at info@ga-institute.com.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

Originally published on PSEG ENERGIZE!

It’s that time of year again: the leaves have fallen, holiday decorations are on display and while the air grows colder, our hearts grow warmer. The season of giving has arrived, reminding us that comforts we often take for granted – like a cozy home, clean clothes or a warm meal – aren’t always guaranteed for everyone.

That’s why our PSEG Foundation is proud to support a variety of organizations that have made a difference in our communities throughout the year. Keep reading to learn about a handful of the many organizations we work with to help brighten our communities.

Nearly one million people in New Jersey experience food insecurity[1] – yet together, we’re making a difference. That’s why PSEG is committed to strengthening partnerships that provide critical support. One of these incredible partners is the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CBFNJ), a powerhouse in the fight against hunger.

Through its network of over 800 community partners – including food pantries, soup kitchens and feeding programs for children and seniors – the Community Food Bank ensures that nutritious food reaches those who need it most. We’re proud to help further their mission to end hunger for families across New Jersey.

From 2024 to 2026, our PSEG Foundation will provide $250,000 in grant funding to support the incredible work underway at CBFNJ. This funding will help fuel essential services such as after-school meals deliveries, providing supplemental food for children, job training for individuals in need and empowering residents with information on how they can eat healthy on a budget.

Hundreds of PSEG employees have actively volunteered with the CFBNJ this year through events that include sorting and distributing food. In early November, a team of 15 volunteers distributed 548 cases of turkeys and other poultry for the Thanksgiving Distribution Program at Branch Brook Park as well as over 2,000 holiday boxes that will support over 57,000 meals.

Another powerful organization in the fight against food insecurity is the Food Bank of South Jersey. Serving Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties, this organization is dedicated to providing immediate solutions for the toughest challenges facing local communities. With PSEG Foundation funds – the Food Bank delivers more than just meals – they equip residents with hands-on guidance from cooking displays to grocery store tours and more to help New Jerseyans make healthier food choices.

Additionally, our PSEG Foundation is partnering with Homefront to support its Food Pantry Program, which provides free products and services to low-income residents. Through HomeFront’s support, families are able to maintain stability by allocating income toward other expenses.

“After losing my job, money was very tight for my family. My grandkids live with me, and I refuse to let them suffer or go hungry the way I did when I was their age. For the first time in my adult life, I had to ask for help and I’m just grateful I was able to find HomeFront. The baby has diapers, my granddaughter has school supplies, and I have ingredients to make meals that are nutritious.” 
– HomeFront client

Together, we’re not just addressing hunger – we’re creating opportunities and strengthening communities across New Jersey.

[1] New Jersey State Health Assessment Data, nj.gov

by Jenn Pryce, CEO of Calvert Impact

Calvert Impact is a nonprofit financial institution creating innovative investment programs that drive social and environmental impact. Our platform, reach, and impact have grown significantly over the past decade. In addition to growing our flagship product the Community Investment Note® to over $625 million assets under management, in the last five years we’ve brought multiple new products and partnerships to market, including the Cut Carbon Note®, Access Small Business Program, and the Mission Driven Bank Fund. This spring Climate United, a coalition led by Calvert Impact, Self-Help and Community Preservation Corporation, won a nearly $7 billion award from the EPA’s National Clean Investment Fund.

Calvert Impact is unique in a number of ways – we’re a nonprofit investment firm, we invest around the globe and across multiple sectors, we have a nearly three decades-long track record, and we have extremely accessible products with minimums as low as $20, meaning everyday investors can participate.

We also stand out in another way that is often overlooked: we are one of only 18% of all financial firms managed by women. And not only is Calvert Impact led by a woman, 80% of our senior leadership team are women. 

When impact investing focuses on women, it’s typically as beneficiaries of capital – and that’s very important. And I want to encourage impact investing to be equally thoughtful in getting women into roles managing and deploying capital as well.

Read Jenn’s full article here – https://greenmoney.com/how-i-found-my-way-to-impact-investing-why-i-hope-more-women-will-join-me

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