Tag: 3BL

KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation have awarded the West Side Market $1.5 million towards its Transformation Project. The gift includes support for the renovated East Produce Arcade, which will honor KeyBank’s commitment to the community, along with funding for food access education and programming to be developed with the new arcade’s launch.

The landmark gift comes as KeyBank celebrates its bicentennial and marks the first major corporate contribution to the Market’s $68 million masterplan project. KeyBank joins the George Gund Foundation and an array of government sources including the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and the State of Ohio as strong supporters of West Side Market’s future.

“We are so proud to support the West Side Market and its mission to provide fresh, healthy food to Cleveland’s diverse communities,” said Kelly Lamirand, KeyBank Cleveland Market President. “This investment is about more than revitalizing a historic landmark; it’s about strengthening access to resources that empower individuals and families here in our hometown of Cleveland. By contributing to this transformation, we’re helping ensure the Market remains a vital part of our community for generations to come.”

“KeyBank’s 200-year legacy is built on a commitment to supporting the communities we serve and driving positive change,” said Eric Fiala, KeyBank Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer and CEO, KeyBank Foundation. “Our investment with the West Side Market reflects that dedication by enhancing access to fresh produce for many of Cleveland’s families and creating new opportunities for small businesses that call the Market home. We are honored to play a small role to ensure this historic landmark continues to serve as a vital resource for decades to come.”

“We are thrilled by KeyBank’s generous support,” says Rosemary Mudry, Executive Director of Cleveland Public Market Corporation, the nonprofit entity managing the Market and the masterplan. “KeyBank is a leader in the greater Cleveland community and its belief in West Side Market is pivotal as we look to transform the Market. The East Arcade is an essential part of this transformation – as access to fresh and healthy produce is a critical element to provide a well-rounded shopping experience for customers from all backgrounds.”

Of the Market’s 800,000 annual visitors, more than 25% qualify for SNAP/EBT benefits and utilize those benefits while grocery shopping at West Side Market. Through community partnerships and program development, the Market will create new and expand existing food access and education programs, many of which are centered around the importance of providing fresh produce for our neighbors with low incomes. Upon completion of the masterplan, the current East Arcade will be named in honor of KeyBank and will be home to the Market’s produce vendors.

“KeyBank’s support is a major step toward achieving our ambitions to make the West Side Market far more than it was ever imagined to be,” said David Abbott, President of the nonprofit’s board of directors. “Not just a wonderful place to visit and shop, but also a positive force throughout our region. It’s all part of the Market becoming the best in America.”

ABOUT THE MARKET’S MASTERPLAN

The full masterplan holistically addresses Market operations and opportunities to improve existing facilities and systems, as well as transform previously unused spaces into additional places where visitors and can gather and enjoy their Market experience. Updates and improvements include a major overhaul of the Market’s systems infrastructure, including refrigeration, HVAC, storage access, and power resiliency; a renovated produce arcade, the transformation of the north arcade into a prepared food hall with bar-style seating, a permanent outdoor seating courtyard, teaching and commercial kitchens, and the repurposing of unused Market spaces into additional seating and event areas.

The full plan can be viewed at westsidemarket.org.

ABOUT CLEVELAND PUBLIC MARKET CORPORATION

Cleveland Public Market Corporation strives to make West Side Market the nation’s premier public market by meeting the evolving needs of merchants, customers, and the community. CPMC preserves the city’s public market tradition while making the local food system more accessible, equitable, and diverse.

ABOUT KEYBANK

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at December 31, 2024.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

Additional coverage:

West Side Market set for transformation with KeyBank’s $1.5M boost | WKYC-TV

Cleveland’s West Side Market gearing up for significant changes – what visitors and vendors can expect | WJW-TV

Construction on massive West Side Market transformation set to begin this summer | Cleveland.com

Managing supply chains is like conducting an orchestra: it demands artful coordination, precision, and leadership. Supply chain leaders, like conductors, must foster collaboration and harmonize multiple interconnected components to achieve a seamless outcome.

This was the key insight gleaned from the panel I hosted at the North American Supply Chain Executive Summit (NASCES) last fall, “A NASCES24 Speaker Roundtable – A Supply Chain Discussion.”

Unlike musicians, supply chain professionals work with stakeholders who span roles and organizations, each with differing objectives. While finance pushes for cost reductions, sales and marketing may demand speed, and operations might prioritize risk mitigation. It is up to supply chain leaders to carefully balance these competing goals, ensuring efficiency without compromising other interests.

Here are my key takeaways from the panel, which featured supply chain leaders from prominent companies in the high-tech, retail, and consumer products industries.

Leverage Innovative Procurement and Multi-Sourcing Strategies

In today’s dynamic global landscape, change can happen instantly. Businesses must navigate an array of factors, including geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, shifting consumer preferences, intricate regulations, and more. A common theme among the panelists involved leveraging multi-sourcing and digital procurement tools to empower supply chain managers to be flexible when addressing unexpected disruptions.

Multi-sourcing strategies involve diversifying the supplier base to mitigate the risks associated with relying on a single provider. By adopting this approach, businesses can ensure continuous supply and maintain operational resilience. For example, if one supplier faces a disruption, a manufacturing company can quickly shift to another supplier, minimizing downtime and meeting production timelines.

Dynamic sourcing, a strategy that involves the continuous evaluation and adjustment of supplier relationships, enhances agility by allowing companies to adapt to market fluctuations and stay competitive. For instance, a company can procure raw materials from the most cost-effective supplier based on real-time market conditions, driving down costs without impacting product quality or production schedules.

Enhanced supply chain visibility is another crucial benefit. With real-time insights into supplier performance, managers can pinpoint inefficiencies and optimize costs. Additionally, increased transparency improves compliance with regulatory and environmental standards, helping meet ethical sourcing practices and sustainability goals.

Invest in Digital Transformation and AI

Panelists emphasized how supply chain leaders are leveraging AI, using it as a tool to respond quickly to emerging trends. Technology is a superpower when it comes to balancing different priorities — digital platforms, generative AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics provide supply chain teams with centralized visibility. This empowers them to be more agile, strategic, and efficient.

Additionally, advanced platforms that leverage AI can provide real-time data about inventory, shipment, and delivery statuses, which help reduce silos between various stakeholders. This transparency minimizes conflicts and aligns efforts across departments, ensuring cohesive decision-making and a collaborative work environment.

Level Up Your Demand Forecasting

When dealing with an unpredictable business environment, panelists shared how they are increasingly relying on accurate demand forecasting for stakeholder alignment. Leveraging AI-powered predictive analytics enables them to anticipate demand fluctuations and adjust their strategies accordingly. This foresight fosters trust and ensures that all internal stakeholders are working together toward collective objectives.

Panelists highlighted that this can also ensure that each team is supported in their daily tasks. For instance, manufacturing teams can receive adequate stock, finance teams can avoid excess inventory costs, and operations can maintain smooth workflows. Predictive analytics turns forecasting into a strategic advantage, enabling companies to address potential issues proactively and reduce risks.

Achieving Supply Chain Harmony

Competing stakeholder priorities don’t have to create friction. By investing in AI, implementing dynamic sourcing, and adopting cloud-based procurement platforms, supply chain professionals can turn these challenges into opportunities for innovation and collaboration. The result is a supply chain that is not only efficient and productive, but also resilient and adaptable — a true asset to every stakeholder involved.

The key to harmonizing stakeholder priorities lies in leveraging advanced technologies and adopting innovative strategies. With the right tools and mindset, supply chain leaders can transform challenges into opportunities, creating a supply chain that is agile, efficient, and able to meet stakeholder needs.

SAP Business Network is specifically designed to address many of the issues and challenges discussed. It provides the necessary tools to seamlessly connect buyers and suppliers, streamline procurement and supply chain processes, and ensure that every stakeholder thrives in rapidly changing markets. By investing in such technology, businesses can build a future-ready supply chain that drives resilience and long-term value.

To learn more about these insights and hear the full discussion from supply chain executives at leading companies, I encourage you to watch the recording from the North American Supply Chain Executive Summit. You’ll gain valuable perspectives on how industry leaders are navigating complex supply chain challenges and balancing diverse stakeholder priorities in today’s dynamic business environment.

Val Blatt is chief revenue officer for SAP Business Network at SAP.

LOS ANGELES /3BL/ — DaVita, a comprehensive kidney care provider, has activated its emergency response plan as devastating wildfires spread across Southern California. DaVita’s emergency response plan includes:

Accounting for patients and teammates (employees), assessing facilities in the affected areas and identifying safe shelters.Transferring patients to centers that can safely provide dialysis treatment.Providing patients with relevant medical information—including prescription, dietary instructions and fluid restrictions—should they need to dialyze at a different center.Coordinating with other dialysis and health care providers to help ensure continuity of care for all patients.Welcoming anyone in need of dialysis treatment at our centers that remain open.Installing air scrubbers in centers located in the affected areas.Holding regularly scheduled check-ins with local teams to help coordinate the safety of those impacted.

“During this rapidly evolving situation, our top priority is patient and teammate safety,” said David Brown, group vice president at DaVita. “We’re working diligently to maintain center operations and, in the event of a temporary closure, we’re continually assessing and evaluating the area for additional centers with capacity to treat patients. We’re grateful to the first responders and their tireless efforts to aid and protect our communities.”

More than 80,000 Californians currently receive dialysis—a life-sustaining treatment for patients with end stage kidney disease. If you need dialysis care, call DaVita at 1-800-400-8331 for help locating an open center. Patients and their family members can also visit newsroom.davita.com for a regularly updated list of open DaVita centers. For urgent medical needs, dial 9-1-1.

Emergency Preparedness for People with Kidney Disease

Kidney patients on dialysis should add several items to their emergency kit that will help meet their needs if an emergency happens and they need to evacuate. The kit should include the following:

Emergency phone numbers for doctors and dialysis centers, including alternate nearby dialysis centersAt least three days’ worth of any medicines needed as well as a list of medicines and the dosage amountFor patients with diabetes, a week’s worth of supplies (syringes, insulin, alcohol wipes, glucose monitoring strips)At least three days’ worth of emergency food

Place these items in a container or bag that can be carried easily if evacuated or moved from home. Rotate the emergency kit’s stock to make sure supplies are not past their expiration dates.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit https://www.davita.com/education/ckd-life/emergency-preparedness-for-people-with-kidney-disease.

About DaVita Inc. 
DaVita (NYSE: DVA) is a health care provider focused on transforming care delivery to improve quality of life for patients globally. As a comprehensive kidney care provider, DaVita has been a leader in clinical quality and innovation for more than 20 years. DaVita cares for patients at every stage and setting along their kidney health journey—from slowing the progression of kidney disease to helping to support transplantation, from acute hospital care to dialysis at home. As of September 30, 2024, DaVita served approximately 265,400 patients at 3,113 outpatient dialysis centers, of which 2,660 centers were located in the United States and 453 centers were located in 13 other countries worldwide. DaVita has reduced hospitalizations, improved mortality, and worked collaboratively to propel the kidney care industry to adopt an equitable and high-quality standard of care for all patients, everywhere. To learn more, visit DaVita.com/About.

Media Contact:
Matthew Clyburn
matthew.clyburn@davita.com 
(860) 944-8653

International Olympic Committee news

In the framework of the PhD Students and Early Career Academics Research Grant Programme, the IOC Olympic Studies Centre (OSC), with help of its Grant Selection Committee, has selected four research projects based on their academic quality and link with Olympic studies.

The selected candidates and their chosen projects are:

Ellie GENNINGS (GBR)
Research project: A Concept Mapping Study of High-Performance Adolescent Athlete’s Perspectives of Safety in Sport
Bournemouth University (GBR)Catalina MELENDRO BLANCO (COL)
Research project: From hegemonic Global North perspectives towards Global South realities: Exploring sport leaders’ views towards an intersectional sport safeguarding strategy
Canterbury Christ Church University (GBR)Monica NELSON (USA)
Research project: Strength in Difference?: Examining sex- and gender-based training practices in women’s Olympic Weightlifting
University of Waikato (NZD)Mikaela SPRINGSTEEN (USA/EST)
Research project: Rating and Ranking in the Pursuit of Perfection on Ice
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)

The chosen candidates benefit from a grant which allows them to carry out their research project and, if relevant, to consult the Olympic Studies Centre’s resources in Lausanne (Switzerland). The results of their research must be submitted to the OSC at the end of 2025.

35 candidates from 20 countries and 5 continents applied

For this 26th edition of the programme, 22 applications were submitted by doctoral students and 13 by early career academics.

Background of the programme

The PhD Students and Early Career Academics Grant Programme is one of the two research programmes that has been organised by the OSC, aiming to support Olympic-related academic research since 1999. It contributes to promote the presence of Olympic studies in the universities by reaching out to the next generation of professors.

What is the selection process?

The grant holders were selected by a committee composed of academic experts who are renowned for their involvement in Olympic studies and of OSC representatives. The selection committee for the 2025 edition of the programme comprised the following academic members: Mahfoud Amara (Qatar University, Qatar), Dikaia Chatziefstathiou (Canterbury Christ Church University, Great Britain), Angela Schneider (Western University, Canada), Tracy Taylor (RMIT University, Australia) and Paul Wylleman (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium).

Other research grant opportunities

University professors, lecturers and research fellows who have completed their doctorate and who currently hold an academic/research appointment covering the period of the grant are eligible to apply to the Advanced Olympic Research Grant Programme. The call for applications for the 2025-2027 edition is now open and the deadline for submitting applications is 27 January 2025.

This programme aims to promote advanced research by established researchers with a humanities or social sciences perspective in priority fields of research identified by the IOC.

The full list of research projects funded by the Olympic Studies Centre since the creation of its grant programmes in 1999 is available here.

For more information on the Olympic Studies Centre and its programmes and services, visit its website or contact studies.centre@olympic.org. To discover the full OSC’s collections including 40,000 publications and 1.5km of IOC historical archives, visit the Olympic World Library.

The Olympic Studies Centre is the official centre of reference for Olympic knowledge. Its missions are to make Olympic knowledge accessible, foster and support education, teaching and research among students and academics and stimulate the dialogue between the academic community and the Olympic Movement.

Cummins

As alternative fuels and vehicle technologies gain traction, the role of components within these technologies is evolving. In battery electric vehicles (BEVs), power electronic components are critical to vehicle functionality and efficiency. Understanding their impact and potential is essential for businesses adopting BEVs or navigating the future of sustainable transportation.

Previously, we discussed the role of software across vehicle technologies and the benefits it offers OEMs. This article delves into the role of electronics in BEVs.

Power electronics and their role in BEVs

The core of a BEV is its high-capacity battery pack, which powers the electric motor. Unlike gasoline engines, BEVs convert electrical energy directly into mechanical energy with high efficiency and low emissions, enabling smooth, quiet operation and rapid acceleration. With fewer moving parts than diesel vehicles, BEV drivetrains are simpler, requiring less maintenance and reducing mechanical downtime.

Power electronics include components that convert and control electric power in BEVs to ensure optimal performance and driving experience. A key example is the electronic control module (ECM), which functions similarly in diesel and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Acting as the command center, power electronics manage electricity flow between the battery, motor, and other systems, converting stored energy into the precise forms needed for propulsion and auxiliary systems.

In BEVs, power electronics enable instant torque and responsive acceleration through components like inverters, converters, and controllers. These systems handle high voltage and current demands while safeguarding against power fluctuations, critical for battery longevity and vehicle safety.

Beyond functionality, power electronics support the broader goal of reducing emissions. By efficiently managing power, they help BEVs travel farther on a single charge, minimize energy waste, and promote sustainable transportation.

Integration of power electronics in hybrid and BEVs

Power electronics are vital in hybrid and BEVs, managing electrical flow to optimize performance and extend battery life. They convert the battery’s Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC) for the motor and reverse the process during regenerative braking. This maximizes efficiency, balances the load, and prevents power surges that could harm the battery.

Commercial vehicles, like electric buses and delivery trucks, gain significant advantages from power electronics. Heavy-duty electric trucks ensure precise torque control on varied terrains. In electric buses, they efficiently distribute power between driving and auxiliary systems, such as air conditioning, enhancing passenger comfort.

Cummins Inc. is advancing power electronics to improve energy consumption and vehicle range. These refinements enable commercial vehicles to travel farther, charge faster, and use energy more efficiently, making them cost-effective and practical for fleets. Such innovations are critical for cleaner, more sustainable commercial transport.

Considerations for power electronics in BEVs

Maximizing the benefits of power electronics in BEVs requires innovation and adaptability. As BEVs evolve with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), power electronics must support not only efficiency but also safety and real-time reliability.

Cost is a key factor. Efficiently designed power electronics can lower BEV development costs by optimizing energy use and reducing the need for costly cooling systems. This is especially critical for commercial BEVs, where operational efficiency directly impacts profitability.

With the industry shifting to higher voltages for better efficiency and performance, power electronics must ensure safe voltage management. Cummins addresses this shift by rethinking thermal management, electromagnetic compatibility, and component packaging, making BEVs more viable and aligned with environmental goals.

As BEVs advance, power electronics remain central to enhancing efficiency, reliability, and adoption, paving the way for a sustainable future in transportation.

Cummins is at the forefront of innovative transportation and heavy-duty operations and Accelera™ by Cummins – the zero-emissions business segment of Cummins – is at the forefront of supplying and integrating zero-emissions technologies to decarbonize the world’s hardest working industries. For more information about BEV and FCEVs, visit accelerazero.com.

For the fifteenth year in a row, Whirlpool Corporation has been named one of the “World’s Most Admired Companies” by Fortune. Whirlpool Corp. was once again selected for this honor due to the company’s performance, management, products, and commitment to the communities around the world where the company does business.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Fortune as one of the most admired companies. This recognition is the result of incredible employees around the world and their tireless commitment to improving life at home for consumers.”

“It is an honor to be recognized by Fortune as one of the most admired companies,” said Marc Bitzer, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation. “This recognition is the result of incredible employees around the world and their tireless commitment to improving life at home for consumers.”

The World’s Most Admired Companies list highlights organizations most respected by their peers, with executives emphasizing financial stability, innovation and leadership. Fortune collaborated with Korn Ferry on this survey – the two organizations analyzed 650 companies and surveyed more than 3,300 executives to measure reputation based on nine different attributes, including each firm’s effectiveness in conducting business globally, its ability to attract, develop, and keep talent, its value as a long-term investment, its innovativeness, its use of corporate assets, and its responsibility to the community and environment.

Click here to see the full list of “World’s Most Admired Companies.”

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the last-remaining major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales – close to 90% of which were in the Americas – 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers.  Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

View original content here.

Abbott

Four out of 10 people living with diabetes miss appointments due to shame1. How can we change that?

A lot of things we commonly hear about diabetes may be based on misconceptions or stereotypes. In fact, nearly 40% of people living with diabetes will tell you1 — this chronic condition is not taken seriously enough.

And that can have a real impact on a person’s health.

When Jenny Geraci received her diabetes diagnosis, it shook her to her core. She remembers staying home all day just to process the news. But when she tried to explain that to the people in her life, they reacted as if nothing had changed at all.

“It was a life-changing thing for me, and it was brushed off,” she said. “I felt like no one cared about my personal medical challenge.”

Sometimes what isn’t said about diabetes can hurt, too.

Fortunately for her, “as I opened up, they understood more over time.”

As courageous as Geraci was, many others in her situation don’t open up — too concerned about what family or friends might think of them.

One in six American adults and hundreds of millions of people around the world who live with diabetes face barriers to receiving care1.

If we all could see the world through the eyes of the millions of people living with diabetes, it would be an eye-opener, for sure.

We’d see that living with diabetes requires daily health management — and can come with a daily barrage of misconceptions.

Let’s Rise Above the Bias

As a leader in diabetes health tech, Abbott has been fostering these conversations for more than a decade. Now, we feel it’s time to turn up the volume.

Our new initiative, “Above the Bias,” is all about supporting people living with diabetes and clearing away some of the roadblocks they face. We kicked things off with the release of a new film with the same name, putting viewers in the shoes of someone trying to manage their condition.

Together, we’ll address what we continue to hear from people living with diabetes1:

Nearly 70% believe there is stigma associated with their condition.Almost 25% have avoided sharing their diagnosis with family or friends out of embarrassment or concern.Forty percent have skipped or missed a doctor’s appointment due to shame.

Even if you’ve never seen or experienced this bias at play, its impact is very real. Consider Jonathan Reyman’s stressful story about simply trying to administer a dose of insulin.

“One time I had my needle out on a bathroom sink and someone asked me if I was ‘shooting up,’ ” he said. “I felt annoyed. I was trying to be discreet.” By sharing more knowledge and more experiences — more broadly — we can help reduce stigma, create understanding and empower those living with diabetes to access the care they need.

Correcting Common Myths About Diabetes

We can’t debunk every myth about diabetes, but we can name some of them in hopes of starting a positive dialogue.

It’s not anyone’s “fault” for living with diabetes.Diabetes is not contagious.Not everyone living with diabetes uses or needs insulin.Plenty of people living with diabetes are athletes or have active lifestyles.People living with diabetes can eat sugar.

To that last point, Dawn Culver-Henkel — who, like Jenny, lives with Type 2 diabetes and uses Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring system — said any discussion of diet can quickly turn into a discouraging one.

“A lot of these interactions, I think, are around food,” Culver-Henkel said. “The real issue, I find, is about weight and not the disease.”

What Can We Do to Make a Difference?

So how can we help support those living with diabetes in our community? There are little things we can do every day for our friends’ and families’ health.

We know that 70% of people with diabetes feel that supportive comments boost their motivation to manage their health1. With that in mind, using person-first language, avoiding judgement and blame, celebrating small wins and asking open-ended questions are all things we can do daily to help diminish the impacts of diabetes bias.

Reyman, meanwhile, can focus on what really matters: Enjoying life and living it on his terms.

“I have (diabetes) under control,” he said. “I’m probably going to live to a ripe old age, and whatever happens won’t be because of diabetes.”

References

1 Data on file. Research conducted by Savanta on behalf of Abbott between May and August 2024 was executed in three distinct phases among people with diabetes across Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S.

Important safety information

FreeStyle Libre Systems

For Important Safety Information, please visit
https://www.freestyle.abbott/us-en/safety-information.html.

MONTREAL, February 10, 2025 /3BL/ – BrainBox AI, a pioneer in autonomous and generative AI building technology, is offering attendees an exclusive experience with its Cloud Building Management System (CBMS). The platform focuses on centralizing building management, offering a single-pane view for monitoring all sites, reducing oversight time.

Designed to empower entire building management teams, BrainBox AI’s Cloud BMS is a scalable, AI-driven system that integrates seamlessly with all major brands of building automation infrastructure. Built with portfolio scale and asset diversity in mind, its customizable features enable teams to tailor views and controls to match the specific needs of different roles. Leveraging cloud technology, it delivers real-time optimization, insights, and control, and reporting. The Cloud Building Management System is already deployed in over 2,000 buildings across the globe. 

Among its many features, the BrainBox AI Cloud BMS enables:

Control and optimization: Optimize buildings remotely, whether on-site, at the office, or on the go.Workflow Automation:  With a no-code logic builder for scheduling, setpoints, and equipment management.Unlock AI insights with ARIA: The BrainBox AI virtual building engineer, for predictive maintenance and real-time system adjustments.

“We are excited to showcase this latest addition to our advanced product suite here are AHR.” Said Omar Tabba, Chief Product Officer at BrainBox AI. “As industry trailblazers, we are constantly focused on innovating for the times that lie ahead. The future of building management is in the cloud. For facility managers constantly on the go, this means giving them the data and apps they need, literally, in the palm of their hands. That is what our incredibly intuitive Cloud BMS solution achieves with unparalleled speed and impact.”

Throughout the conference, BrainBox AI’s Cloud BMS and its virtual building engineer ARIA will be showcased through dynamic illustrations of the solutions working together. Combined, these two products help facility managers to be more proactive by working with service providers to strategically prioritize equipment maintenance, thereby unlocking new capabilities in building operations optimization. Conference attendees are encouraged to visit the BrainBox AI booth #193 at Orange County Convention Center for a unique in-person experience led by BrainBox AI representatives. 

About BrainBox AI 
Founded in 2017, BrainBox AI was created to address the dilemma currently facing the built environment: its energy consumption and significant contribution to climate change. As innovators of the global energy transition, BrainBox AI’s game-changing HVAC technology leverages autonomous AI to make buildings smarter, greener and more efficient. Working together with our trusted global partners, BrainBox AI supports real estate clients in various sectors, including office buildings, hotels, commercial retail, grocery stores, airports and more.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, a global AI hub, our workforce of over 190 employees, bring with them talent from all sectors with the common thread of being in business to heal our planet. BrainBox AI works in collaboration with research partners including Mila – Quebec AI Institute, the Institute for Data Valorization (IVADO) as well as educational institutions including McGill University and The University of Montreal.

On January 3, 2025, BrainBox AI was acquired by global climate innovator Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT). Learn more.

For more information visit: brainboxai.com. 

Contact: 
Liz Culley-Sullo, 
Director, Public Relations 
l.culley-sullo@brainboxai.com

Torrential downpours and floods have put millions of people at risk in South Sudan. The country once had seasonal rainy and dry periods, but the past several years filled with unprecedented natural disasters has permanently altered the landscape. The unpredictable rain and extreme weather have left 226,000 people displaced and eight million people hungry.

In fact, floods have submerged entire neighborhoods, destroying schools, homes, and markets alike. Nearly 60 healthcare facilities have been inundated, and 15 major roads are obstructed. Countless families lack access to basic necessities like food, clean water, shelter, and medical care.

Action Against Hunger teams have been on the ground in South Sudan since 1985, working in places like Paguir, Old Fangak, and New Fangak to help people in need. Even before the floods began, vulnerable communities throughout the country struggled with food shortages and poverty. The country has 2 million internally displaced people and hosts over 330,000 refugees, including those who fled Sudan’s civil war.

This year, the teams knew the floods weren’t going anywhere. Action Against Hunger’s new project taught farmers how to grow rice within the flood waters. Since the program began, numerous men, women, and children have enjoyed healthy and nutritious rice-based dinners. In the past, many resorted to eating waterlilies to curb hunger.

The crisis isn’t over. Floodwaters have continued to cut off people from aid and threatened some of South Sudan’s most vulnerable. Still, we’re proud to showcase the resilience of the farmers who refused to give up—and who show bravery every day. Take a look at some striking photos of South Sudan’s rice growers and the perils they face.

Hunger to Hope

Action Against Hunger teaches farmers in Old Fangak how to grow rice within the flood waters. “The rice project from Action Against Hunger has helped to secure our household food,” said one woman, Adior. “Right now, my children have all their meals like breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I also managed to buy my children’s school uniforms and pay all their fees. We do not have problems anymore. The rice project has improved the household’s well-being.”

Learn more here. 

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 59 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

**

All photos by Peter Caton

Written by Kenneal Patterson, Senior Communications Associate

The 2025 World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting, held under the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” brought together approximately 3,000 attendees from over 130 countries. Among the participants were more than 50 heads of state and government, alongside hundreds of top governmental leaders, private sector voices, and civil society experts.

As the world faces pressing challenges — ranging from geopolitical tensions and climate change to a global skilling crisis – the meeting in Davos provided a vital platform to foster dialogue and catalyze lasting solutions to shared problems. It also highlighted the importance of corporate responsibility, with social innovation taking center stage as an essential driver of progress.

Social Innovation Takes Center Stage

Social innovation is emerging as a foundation for addressing global inequalities and driving systemic change. This year, discussions around social innovation took on greater prominence, with Catalyst Now hosting the first-ever dedicated house for the topic. This space became a hub for thought leaders, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange ideas and spark action.

Social innovation and collaboration go hand in hand, and the synergy between global initiatives and localized action is pivotal in creating meaningful impact. As a key partner, SAP supports Catalyst Now and its Africa Forward initiative, which empowers social enterprises through digital skills training, pro-bono consulting, and policy advocacy. With more than 1,000 members across 28 African countries, Africa Forward continues to foster job creation, sustainable funding, and advocacy efforts.

The Annual Meeting also served as a bridge between African social entrepreneurs and decision-makers, including South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Professor Blade Nzimande, opening pathways for new partnerships and support.

The panel featured two 2025 Schwab Foundation Awardees: Christina Mawuse Gyisun, co-founder of Sommalife, who shared her work empowering women shea nut farmers in West Africa, and Muzalema Mwanza, founder of Safe Motherhood Alliance, who highlighted her mission to ensure safe childbirth for millions of women in sub-Saharan Africa. This dialogue underscored the critical role of social entrepreneurship and what role Africa Froward can play in driving sustainable development across the continent. This is essential, as over 60 percent of Africa’s population is under 25 years old and projected to account for 42 percent of the global youth demographic by 2030.

While tech investment remains concentrated in Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, the continent’s potential in emerging green and digital economies is immense.

Global Partnerships to Scale Innovation

Addressing challenges at scale requires collaboration across sectors and geographies. The Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship, the largest coalition of its kind, exemplifies this collective effort. Hosted by the Schwab Foundation in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, the alliance brings together more than 110 organizations, including corporations, investors, philanthropists, and governments, to amplify the impact of social innovation.

During the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024, the Global Alliance launched the Rise Ahead Pledge. Twenty-five companies have signed the pledge since and committed themselves to increasing investments in social innovation. In 2025, they are reporting on their spending for the first time mobilized $277 million to drive meaningful change. These resources were channeled into key areas:

$95 million to support social enterprises through social procurement$86 million in non-financial resources like pro-bono services and technology access$47 million to provide direct financial support to social innovators$29 million for internal innovation, focusing on developing impact-driven products$21 million to strengthen the social innovation ecosystem

We are an active partner in these efforts, demonstrating a commitment to creating sustainable pathways for social enterprises to thrive.

Supporting Research to Shape the Future

Research and data are critical to driving informed decisions and shaping the social innovation agenda. Several pivotal publications were launched during the meeting to provide actionable insights:

Unlocking the Social Economy: Towards Equity in the Green and Digital Transitions: This report highlights the pivotal role of the social economy, including social enterprises and cooperatives, in advancing equity during transitions. Supporting 200 million jobs and generating over $2 trillion in global turnover, the social economy drives inclusive innovation by enhancing affordability, accessibility, job creation, and empowerment for marginalized communities.State of Social Procurement 2025: This report leverages the expertise of numerous organizations to uncover new insights, present fresh data, and highlight diverse country profiles on social procurement.Beyond Compliance: Embedding Impact through Innovative Finance: The report reveals how this emerging practice is already driving $185 billion by tying financial incentives to measurable social outcomes. It provides businesses with a powerful avenue to tackle societal challenges while staying competitive.

A New Model for Procurement

Procurement is increasingly recognized as a lever for social equity and sustainability. To accelerate this shift, SAP Executive Board Member Thomas Saueressig and Deloitte Global Chair Anna Marks announced the launch of the Social Procurement Innovation Accelerator, a joint initiative designed to reshape procurement practices and amplify social impact.

This program combines cutting-edge supply chain technology with deep expertise in sustainability and transformation to provide organizations with a practical road map for impactful procurement strategies. It focuses on inclusive sourcing, ethical labor practices, and robust social impact measurement, enabling businesses to align procurement with broader equity and sustainability goals.

By transforming procurement into a driver of systemic change, organizations can deliver lasting value for people, communities, and the planet.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Changemakers 

It is essential to maintain this momentum now and into the future by empowering young social innovators, fostering connections, and encouraging intergenerational understanding. This is particularly important because major decisions made at conferences often concern youth, yet they rarely have a seat at the decision-making table.

To address this, we supported the youth delegations of We Are Family Foundation, ChangemakerXchange, and the WEF Global Shapers, supporting them to participate in hundreds of meaningful interactions such as panel discussions, 1:1 meetings or roundtables.

Gina Vargiu-Breuer, chief people officer, labor director, and member of the Executive Board of SAP SE, hosted a roundtable on empowering young changemakers. The session brought together corporate leaders, young social entrepreneurs, and partners like UNICEF Generation Unlimited and Junior Achievement to engage directly with youth. It focused on the unique needs of the next generation, identifying key areas for collaboration and showcasing the transformative power of youth-led solutions to tackle global challenges.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting demonstrated the transformative potential of collaboration in accelerating social innovation. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, it reinforced the importance of partnerships in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.

For the SAP Corporate Social Responsibility team, it also served as a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships within its ecosystem, fostering new collaborations that will help drive long-term impact. As global challenges persist, platforms like Davos provide the momentum needed to create a more equitable, sustainable future for all.

Alexandra van der Ploeg is head of Corporate Social Responsibility at SAP.