Tag: 3BL

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

COLUMBUS, Ga., November 20, 2024 /3BL/ — American employers and employees are facing a conundrum: heightened levels of workplace stress and burnout. This concern is exacerbated by ongoing rising costs of health care, financial vulnerability and looming worry about the future of their families, according to the 14th annual Aflac WorkForces Report1 released by Aflac Incorporated, a leading provider of supplemental health insurance and products in the U.S. The report has been tracking for more than a decade the state of the American workplace among employees and employers — capturing trends, attitudes, needs and experiences in health care and benefits administration.

Workplace stress and burnout intensify

The Aflac WorkForces Report uncovers that burnout is affecting nearly 3 in 5 American workers — with a notable generational gap. Far more millennials, ages 28-43 (66%) are facing moderate to high burnout, compared to Gen X, ages 44-59 (55%) and baby boomers, ages 60-78 (39%). The study also finds that employees experiencing high levels of stress is now up to 38% in 2024 — from 33% in 2023. U.S. Hispanic workers reported a greater degree of workplace stress: 46% high/very high, compared to 37% in 2023. Feelings of very high levels of burnout among U.S. Hispanic employees are nearly twice as likely as non-Hispanics.

Heavy workloads (32%) followed by long work hours (27%) are top contributors to workplace stress. More severe implications of stress have slightly increased, including post-traumatic stress (12%, compared to 7% in 2023) and eating disorders (9%, compared to 6% in 2023).

“In an ever-changing ecosystem, the results of the Aflac WorkForces Report reinforce the importance of employers doubling down on their understanding of what drives stress and potential signs of burnout among their employees. With a keen grasp of the pain points, employers can proactively develop programs and put measures in place to ensure employees feel supported both on and off the clock,” said Jeri Hawthorne, senior vice president and Chief Human Resources Officer, Aflac Incorporated.

Counterproductive behavior poses new challenges for employers

According to the report, among all employees across all workplace models, 50% admitted to at least one counterproductive behavior that represents a “quiet quitting” approach to work. These actions include:

Not doing everything required in job descriptions: 14% remote; 15% hybrid; 8% on-site.Taking on secondary work without permission from employers: 22% remote; 14% hybrid; 11% on-site.

“Understanding performance dynamics of all workplace models is crucial for employers as they try to create work environments that will satisfy their employees and keep productivity at peak levels,” said Hawthorne. “At the same time, employees may need to understand that decreases in productivity will signal to employers that their current model, whether on-site, remote or hybrid, is not working and they will likely consider changes.”

Financial vulnerability fueled by anxiety, looming worry

American workers who have experienced some anxiety when thinking about the impact of an unexpected serious medical condition is on the rise: 70% this year compared to 60% in 2023. This heightened anxiety is fueled by family history, worrying about the future of their families and ongoing feelings of financial instability and vulnerability. For instance, the report uncovered more than half (51%) of all employees cannot afford $1,000 of unexpected medical expenses. In comparison, U.S. Hispanic (58%) and African American (59%) employees reported experiencing more financial instability if faced with an unexpected medical bill of $1,000. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of employees said they cannot go more than one month without a paycheck.

The report also revealed that most employees do not understand the costs associated with a serious medical diagnosis such as cancer. More than three-quarters (76%) of employees think out-of-pocket costs in the 12 months following a cancer diagnosis would be less than $2,000, when, in reality, the National Cancer Institute2 estimates the total cost to be an eye-opening $40,000 or more.

The youngest generation of workers, Gen Z, ages 18 to 27, continues to be the most financially vulnerable, with 61% unable to afford a $1,000 medical bill — although the report shows improvement year over year (72% in 2023).

Looking for a lifeline

With ongoing feelings of financial fragility — and stress and worry about the rising costs of health care — both employers and employees are eager for solutions, noting supplemental insurance as a viable step to help toward financial stability and added peace of mind. Benefits continue to be critical to employee retention, in part because employees consider benefits packages to be important to their physical, financial and mental well-being. In fact, in 2024, the importance of benefits to overall loyalty, workplace engagement and willingness to refer a friend to their organization reached an all-time high.

The study found a growing number of employees would consider leaving their jobs for better benefits, even if it meant taking a pay cut (62%, compared to 53% in 2023). Additionally, supplemental benefits stand out as an important part of a comprehensive benefits package, with most employees seeing an increasing need for supplemental insurance: 93%, compared to 89% in 2023 — the highest number in 14 years of Aflac WorkForces Report survey data.

“When 93% of all American employees agree that supplemental insurance helps provide them with financial security, an all-time high, benefits providers should take note. Supplemental insurance can help anchor financial stability and provide added peace of mind. It can be an essential tool to help mitigate fear of unexpected medical events,” said Hawthorne. “When employees’ stress and worries ease, employers may see a boost in retention, productivity and overall satisfaction.”

U.S. Hispanic employees eager for benefits that address family illnesses and family history

In the survey, U.S. Hispanic employees expressed a strong interest in supplemental insurance that addresses illnesses that run in their families (73%, compared to 58% non-Hispanics) and are more likely to say their family history plays a key role in their health insurance decisions (65%, compared to 48% non-Hispanics).

U.S. Hispanic employees’ overall work experience and satisfaction are influenced by benefits options more often than non-Hispanic employees: productivity (75% vs. 61%); workplace engagement (70% vs. 57%); mental and emotional health (80% vs. 70%); job satisfaction (74% vs. 69%); loyalty (71% vs. 61%); decision to leave employer (63% vs. 50%); willingness to refer a friend (68% vs. 54%).

A sense of purpose drives well-being

The study shows employees benefit significantly from participating in employers’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, with 91% reporting it has a positive impact on their well-being — yet 1 in 4 employees say they don’t know about their employers’ CSR initiatives. Hispanic workers expressed a higher level of interest in an organization’s CSR policy: 65% vs. 47% of non-Hispanics feel it is important/critical. Employers can help improve employee well-being and create more engagement and participation by increasing internal communication and external storytelling efforts.

CSR efforts also can boost employee recruitment and retention, as 77% of employees said employers’ CSR initiatives matter when making an employment decision — and 71% of employees indicated they currently participate in or are interested in participating in CSR initiatives.

The 2024-2025 Aflac WorkForces Report highlights the vital role of comprehensive benefits in employees’ well-being, satisfaction, resilience and retention. Additional survey findings, an infographic, trends and more can be found in the 2024-2025 Aflac WorkForces Report at Aflac.com/AWR.

ABOUT THE 2024-2025 AFLAC WORKFORCES REPORT 
The 2024-2025 Aflac WorkForces Report, conducted by Kantar on behalf of Aflac, is the 14th annual study examining benefits trends, attitudes and use of employee benefits in the U.S. workforce in various industries and business sizes. The employee survey took place online June 6-July 10, 2024, and the employer survey took place online June 6-21, 2024. Throughout this report, some percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding of some responses. The surveys captured responses from 1,003 employers and 2,000 employees across the United States. For more information, visit Aflac.com/AWR.

ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED 
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.3 In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024), Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024) and Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year (2023). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2023) for 10 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn’t cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under “Sustainability.”

Media contact: Jon Sullivan, 706.573.7610 or jsullivan@aflac.com

Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706.596.3264 or dyoung@aflac.com

1 Aflac.com/AWR 
2 National Cancer Institute’s Financial Burden of Cancer Care/Cancer Trends Progress Report 
3 LIMRA 2023 US Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report.

SOURCE Aflac

Southern Company

Southern Company announced that it has earned the 2025 Military Friendly® Employer designation. According to Military Friendly®, Southern Company is one of 12 organizations to rate as a Military Friendly® Employer in at least 18 of the 22 years of its existence.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score with an assessment of the organization’s ability to meet thresholds for recruitment, new hire retention, employee turnover, and promotion and advancement of veterans and military employees.

“Organizations earning the Military Friendly® Employers designation the have wholeheartedly invested in comprehensive and impactful initiatives that bring about positive, life-changing results for our valued service members, dedicated military spouses, and esteemed veterans within their ranks, We salute these exemplary employers who raise the bar and understand that hiring military personnel is not merely an act of goodwill but a testament to a standard that truly embodies sound business wisdom. Their commitment to integrating military personnel into their workforce not only reflects their compassion but also underscores their business acumen,”- Kayla Lopez, Sr Director of Partnerships at Military Friendly®.

Southern Company will be showcased in the 2025 Military Friendly ®Employers in the winter issue of G.I. Jobs® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. and WALTHAM, Mass., November 20, 2024 /3BL/ – National Grid today announced that Steve Smith has been appointed as the company’s Chief Strategy and Regulation Officer. As National Grid works to progress the energy transition at speed, Steve will lead the company’s work on future strategy and regulation across the US and UK. Steve will sit on National Grid’s executive committee and report to John Pettigrew, Group CEO.

Steve has been leading this work on an interim basis since August 2024, following Ben Wilson’s move to lead National Grid Ventures. His appointment is effective immediately.

“It’s a privilege to be appointed to this role at the most exciting time for the energy sector in decades,” said Steve Smith “The strategy and regulation teams already deliver outstanding work to ensure National Grid is set up for success and that we continue to put our customers first. I am very much looking forward to continuing to build on this, as I take up the role on a permanent basis.”

John Pettigrew, CEO, said: “As we work to deliver on our ambitious investment plans, which will see us deploy £60bn of capital over the next five years, the strategy and regulation teams will play a key role in making sure this investment drives economic growth, jobs and decarbonisation. Steve’s outstanding leadership and depth of experience will further strengthen our executive team as we lead the sector in driving the energy transition forwards. We are pleased that Steve has accepted this role and look forward to working with him”.

Steve Smith joined National Grid in October 2021 and previously held the roles of Group Head of Strategy and President of National Grid Partners. Before joining National Grid, he spent 11 years at Lloyds Banking Group and was a member of the Retail Executive Committee.

Prior to this, he was a Board member and Managing Director at Ofgem. His early career included roles at American Electric Power and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

With more than 25 years of experience in the energy and finance sectors, Steve’s career spans venture capital, fintech, innovation and competition, government and policy, markets, regulatory reform and regulatory strategy.

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About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information, please visit our website, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), watch us on YouTube, like us on Facebook and find us on Instagram.

CINCINNATI, November 20, 2024 /3BL/ – Small businesses across Fifth Third’s 11-state footprint will feel the love this holiday shopping season: from now until Dec. 1, Fifth Third employees can enter their favorite local small business in a sweepstakes to win one of five $5,300 microgrants.

“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 are excited to show our local small businesses some extra love this holiday season, and we hope that community members will join us in supporting the local small business community.”

From now through Dec. 1, Fifth Third employees will be leaving $53 tips for their favorite small business workers as a random act of kindness during the two weeks leading up to Small Business Saturday.

During the month of November, Fifth Third employees are also encouraged to visit nearby small businesses to swap in Fifth Third pens, snap photos and share their experience on social media to enter the business into the sweepstakes. Visit Fifth Third’s Instagram or LinkedIn to see the entries or follow #love53. Any Fifth Third employee in an area with retail branches can participate in the sweepstakes.

“As a company that’s over 19,000 employees strong, we make a fundamental difference in the vitality of the places we call home, both as an organization and as individuals who live and work in the communities we serve,” Stevens said. “Our small businesses make our lives a Fifth Third Better, and we’re proud to again support them in this unique way.”

For this second annual “Swap, Snap, Share” campaign, Fifth Third defines small businesses as those with 100 or fewer employees, and $1 million or less in annual revenue. The business must be locally owned and operated and provide goods or services to the local community. Once the sweepstakes entry period concludes, Fifth Third will randomly select five entries to receive $5,300 grants. The businesses will be notified in early December1.

Fifth Third proudly 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.

1NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. You must be 18 years old and an employee of Fifth Third Bank in good standing to enter a small business in the “Swap, Snap, Share.” Sweepstakes. Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received. Sweepstakes only open to employees in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes begins Nov. 1, 2024, and ends 11:59 PM ET December 1, 2024. For complete sweepstakes rules, please see a Fifth Third Bank representative. Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

From her distinguished military career to her leadership at CACI, Linette Bumford elevates every mission she undertakes. Her dedication echoes the words from the Airman’s Creed: ‘I will never falter, and I will not fail.’

In 1996, Bumford joined the U.S. Air Force as an airman in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Her duties encompassed a broad range of responsibilities, including comprehensive management of supply chain processes, accounting, inventory control, and the seamless coordination of logistics to ensure mission-critical materials were readily available.

Her time in active duty was marked by distinctive experiences and notable achievements, earning her honors such as 1998 838th Engineering and Installation Squadron, Achievement Medal and 1999 11th Supply Squadron, Airman. These accolades illustrated a dedication that transcended everyday duties, setting her apart as a leader within her unit.

“My journey as a senior airman encapsulated an array of experiences that forged a path toward program management and operational excellence,” she said. “Each achievement contributed to a depth of knowledge and skill that would be pivotal in future managerial roles.”

Throughout her term of enlistment, Bumford was molded by rigorous training, a commitment to excellence, and a profound sense of duty. These values became the bedrock of her professional identity, providing her with the foundational skills necessary to excel when she joined CACI in July 2014.

With precision and accountability at the forefront of her efforts, she oversees the development and implementation of management systems as the company’s Quality Program Assurance Executive Director. Her proactive approach ensures the work she does to support CACI’s more than 24,000 employees not only meets expectations but exceeds industry standards.

“My military experience instilled a strong commitment to service, which drives me to continually improve quality and always consider the wider impact our team’s work has on our clients and the community,” she said.

Bumford’s lifelong dedication to service recently led her to take on a leadership role within CACI’s Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG). As the former President and current Executive Sponsor of the Maryland East Chapter, her efforts are fueled by a deep respect for the sacrifices of her fellow service members.

“When I first joined VERG, my motivation was twofold: to create a supportive community for veterans and to ensure that their voices are heard within the organization,” she said.

Bumford collaborates with other VERG members to advocate for veterans’ needs. Together, they have established programs focused on mentorship, career development, and mental health support. These initiatives not only benefit veterans but also enrich CACI’s corporate culture, reinforcing its tradition of supporting the military community and offering veterans meaningful opportunities to continue their mission in civilian roles.

Bumford shares that the most rewarding aspect of her career has been the ever-present sense of purpose that has come from contributing to CACI’s mission. “Transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce often comes with challenges, yet CACI makes a concerted effort to honor the skills and experiences that veterans bring,” she said. “I feel fortunate to be part of an approachable culture where every team member feels supported and valued.”

At CACI, veterans are offered meaningful job opportunities in fields closely aligned with their specialties. Explore careers that unlock your limitless potential.

About CACI 
At CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI), our 24,000 talented and dynamic employees are ever vigilant in delivering distinctive expertise and differentiated technology to meet our customers’ greatest challenges in national security. We are a company of good character, relentless innovation, and long-standing excellence. Our culture drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World’s Most Admired Company. CACI is a member of the Fortune 1000 Largest Companies, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index. For more information, visit us at www.caci.com.

There are statements made herein which do not address historical facts, and therefore could be interpreted to be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in CACI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and other such filings that CACI makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Any forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon and only speak as of the date hereof.

# # #

Corporate Communications and Media: 
Lorraine Corcoran 
Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications 
(703) 434-4165, lorraine.corcoran@caci.com

Originally published by K9 Magazine

Dr. Elise Kelly, a veterinarian at Elanco Animal Health, never expected to find a silent threat lurking in her own backyard. She, like many pet owners, was aware of the usual risks — tapeworms, fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more.

However, after finding wild animal feces in her backyard in Missouri and submitting it to a lab for testing, Dr. Kelly’s perception of backyard dangers shifted dramatically.

The Discovery

As a veterinarian with a keen interest in internal parasites and awareness of wildlife such as foxes and coyotes frequently spotted on her property, Dr. Kelly submitted a sample of wild animal feces to a local lab for testing. The results were startling: the sample tested positive for the potentially deadly tapeworm Echinococcus.

“When I first heard that the sample I submitted was positive for Echinococcus, it scared me quite a bit, to be honest with you,” Dr. Kelly confessed. This microscopic tapeworm, unlike the common flea, often goes undetected in its early stages.

While there are several different types of tapeworms, Echinococcus species tapeworms can be harmful to pets and humans.

Echinococcosis is a serious zoonotic disease that people can get from inadvertently ingesting microscopic eggs that are shed in dogs infected with this specific species of tapeworm. The inconspicuous nature of Echinococcus is what makes it so dangerous.

“Knowing what I know about this parasite as a veterinarian, it makes me very concerned about the zoonotic risk factor,” said Dr. Kelly.

The Importance of Year-Round Worm Protection

Dr. Kelly’s experience underscores a critical message for all pet owners: the real threat of Echinococcus. According to a survey by Elanco Animal Health, almost half of dog owners don’t realize that their dog is at risk for intestinal worms, like tapeworms, year-round.

Furthermore, 73% of dog owners would rather proactively protect their dogs from intestinal worms than reactively treat them.

Dr. Kelly’s advice is straightforward: “Talk to your veterinarian today about the best parasite protection plan for your dog. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your furry friend from this hidden danger.”

Interceptor® Plus (milbemycin oxime/praziquantel) is a great option that can protect against five of the most common types of worms that infect dogs.

The monthly chew protects dogs and puppies six weeks or older and 2 pounds or greater against heartworm disease, adult hookworm, roundworm, tapeworm, and whipworm infections. Talk to your veterinarian and learn about treatment and control options for your dog.

Indications for Interceptor Plus

Interceptor Plus prevents heartworm disease and treats and controls adult roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm infections in dogs and puppies 6 weeks or older and 2 pounds or greater.

Important Safety Information for Interceptor Plus

Treatment with fewer than 6 monthly doses after the last exposure to mosquitoes may not provide complete heartworm prevention. Prior to the administration of Interceptor Plus, dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infections.

The safety of Interceptor Plus has not been evaluated in dogs used for breeding or in lactating females. The following adverse reactions have been reported in dogs after administration of milbemycin oxime or praziquantel: vomiting, diarrhea, decreased activity, incoordination, weight loss, convulsions, weakness, and salivation.

For complete safety information, please see the Interceptor® Plus product label or ask your veterinarian.

The interceptor, Elanco, and diagonal bar logos are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. © 2024 Elanco or its affiliates. PM-US-24-1516

About the Author

Dr. Elise Kelly is a Senior Regional Consulting Veterinarian with Elanco Animal Health. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology and a chemistry minor and earned her DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.

She practiced in Blue Springs, MO for nine years before joining Elanco in May of 2015. Since joining Elanco, Dr. Kelly has had the opportunity to train intensively and speak on topics including parasitology, pain management, and immunology.

She has given over 300 presentations and spoken at continuing education events including Kansas City’s Frostbite and the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association Conference. Dr. Kelly is Fear Free Elite, compassion fatigue, and human-animal bond certified and sits on the board of directors for The Kansas City Pet Project.

She currently resides near Kansas City, Missouri with her husband, two children, a Sheepadoodle, a cat, and two goats. In her spare time, you might find her cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs, boating, hiking, or traveling with her family.

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemiology & risk factors. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/echinococcosis/ epi.html. Accessed Jul 19, 2023

2 Massolo, A., Liccioli, S., Budke, C., & Klein, C. 2014. “Echinococcus multilocularis in North America: the great unknown.” Parasite. 21.73. Accessed 9/26/24. https://doi.org/10.1051/parasite/2014069

3 Elanco Animal Health. Data on File.

The recent 2024 Textile Exchange conference, held Oct. 28 to 31 in Pasadena, California, highlighted the real-time process of industry transformation. Joining forces with Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data insights platform, representatives from Cascale’s membership, business development, and communications teams participated. Attendees dove deep into supply chain resilience, sustainable practices, and the role of data-driven solutions like the Higg Index. Coming on the heels of Cascale’s recent updates to the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) and the Higg Facility Environment Module (FEM) 2024 update, and anticipating the policy-focused Brand & Retail Forum in Brussels in December, the discussions could not have been more timely.

Opening the conference, Claire Bergkamp, Textile Exchange’s chief executive officer, issued an urgent call for collective action. “We are not afraid here, and neither should you, to air the elephants in the room, to tackle the hard things, because it’s only in doing that that we can really come to true resolution and true solutions,” she said. “In this room we have farmers, growers, producers, recyclers, brands, consultants, non profit and so many others. The diversity in this community is our strength.”

An opening plenary moderated by Sarah Kent, chief sustainability correspondent at The Business of Fashion, brought together Liz Ricketts, from the Ghana-based Or Foundation, with Matt Dwyer of Patagonia, a founding Cascale member, to explore waste and circularity. “Ultimately, cheap commodities require cheap labor,” Ricketts said. “Everyone is being squeezed along this value chain because we are not making clothing with enough value embedded into it.” At the day’s final plenary, Textile Exchange released its Materials Matter Standard, which the organization called “a new precedent for more sustainable materials production.”

Presenters and speakers included Cascale members from the manufacturing, brand/retail, and affiliate sectors. Represented membership included CottonConnect, Laudes Foundation, GIZ, VF Corporation, Levi Strauss & Co, Patagonia, TAL Apparel Limited, H&M, U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, GM Integrity Systems, New Zealand Merino Company, Puma, Apparel Impact Institute, Primark, Woolmark Company, Columbia Sportswear Company, Zalando SE, Reformation, Recover, lululemon Athletica Inc., adidas, ZDHC, and Eastman. Cascale Board members, VF’s Sean Cady and TAL Apparel’s Delman Lee, were also in attendance.

The critical nature of “The Case for Change,” the event’s theme, was echoed by Whitney Bauck, a climate journalist who was the event’s host. “This is life or death work,” Bauck said. “You may not feel that in your everyday, but there are communities that do.”

DES MOINES, Iowa, November 19, 2024 /3BL/ – The Principal® Charity Classic released its 2024 Sustainability Report, showcasing its continued commitment to integrating sustainability into every facet of the tournament. This year’s report highlights significant progress in environmental stewardship, community engagement, and the expansion of strategic partnerships to support sustainable practices across Central Iowa.

Key Achievements in 2024: 

Waste Diversion and Reduction: The tournament achieved a 23.7% waste diversion rate, up from 13.9% in 2023, with a goal of reaching 40% by 2025. Key initiatives included working with Iowa Waste Exchange, Metro Waste Authority, SEI Investments Company, and St. Vincent de Paul to recycle, repurpose, and compost materials.Energy and Emissions Reduction: Through its work with MidAmerican Energy, the event supplied 88.5% clean energy to the Wakonda Club and retired Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to further reduce its carbon footprint. The Principal Charity Classic is on track to become a carbon-neutral event by 2035.Community Engagement: Pedal to the PCC encouraged spectators to bike to the event, contributing to emissions reductions and promoting sustainable transportation. The tournament also donated over 4,400 pounds of food to local communities through a partnership with Supply Hive.Sustainability Grove: For the first time, the tournament hosted Sustainability Grove, where attendees engaged with local sustainability organizations and initiatives, further educating the public on environmental responsibility.Growing Relationships: In 2024, the Tournament doubled its number of sustainability partners. Key strategic partners such as MidAmerican Energy, Salesforce, and GreenState Credit Union played a pivotal role in enhancing waste diversion efforts, while new collaborations with organizations like Des Moines Water Works and Trees Forever supported clean energy, water conservation, and reforestation.

“At the Principal Charity Classic, we are dedicated to raising funds to support Iowa youth while also leading the charge in sustainability,” said Alex McCarty Principal Charity Classic Tournament Director. “With the ongoing support of Principal® and our new and legacy partners, we are setting the standard for environmentally responsible event management.”

The Principal Charity Classic continues to align its efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing its role as a leader in event sustainability on the PGA TOUR Champions.

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About the Principal Charity Classic 
The Principal Charity Classic is an annual and award-winning PGA TOUR Champions event, hosted in Des Moines, Iowa, dedicated to helping Iowa youth succeed. Tournament funds benefit organizations that provide a broad level of support to Iowa youth in the areas of education and culture, financial security and stability, and health and wellness. For more information, visit principalcharityclassic.com, or connect with the tournament on social media: Facebook facebook.com/principalcharityclassic, Twitter @PCCTourney, and Instagram @principalcharityclassic.

Golf Charitable Foundation of Greater Des Moines, operating as Principal Charity Classic, is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) organization focused on providing philanthropic support to youth serving programs across the State of Iowa. While Principal Charity Classic receives funding from Principal Financial Group® and Principal® Foundation, Principal Charity Classic is a distinct, independent, charitable entity.

About Principal Financial Group®    

Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) is a global financial company with 20,000 employees1 passionate about improving the wealth and well-being of people and businesses. In business for 145 years, we’re helping more than 64 million customers1 plan, protect, invest, and retire, while working to support the communities where we do business, and build a diverse, inclusive workforce. Principal® is proud to be recognized as one of the 2024 World’s Most Ethical Companies2, a member of the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, and named as a “Best Places to Work in Money Management3.” Learn more about Principal and our commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and purpose at principal.com.  

Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/-dealers. Principal Global Investors leads global asset management. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, Iowa 50392.

3980445-102024

1 As of June 30, 2024   
2 Ethisphere, 2024    
3 Pensions & Investments, 2023  

Media Contact: 
Karena Ries, karena@principalcharityclassic.com, 641- 745-7853 
Megan Grandgeorge, grandgeorge.megan@principal.com, 515-878-1146

NEW YORK, November 20, 2024 /3BL/ – CECP’s CEO Investor Forum, the premier platform that brings CEOs and investors together to discuss Integrated Long-Term Plans, hosted eight CEOs and CFOs from the world’s largest companies on AI. They presented to investors representing trillions of dollars in assets under management on November 19 in New York and virtually.

The following CEOs and CFOs shared Integrated Long-Term Plans for AI including material financial opportunities and risks, as well as non-financial risks, such as ethical concerns and impacts on human capital. Leading companies know that they not only need to be prepared for what is to come, but also to communicate that they are addressing AI in an ethical way. It featured Integrated Long-Term Plans and company strategies for addressing AI from:

Aradhana Sarin, CFO, AztraZeneca (Nasdaq: AZN) John Murphy, President & CFO, The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) Gil Quiniones, President & CEO, ComEd (Nasdaq: EXC)Rohit Kapoor, Chairman & CEO, Exlservice Holdings (Nasdaq: EXLS)Matthew Kissner, President & CEO, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE: WLY)Raj Koneru, CEO & Founder, Kore.AIAna Cabral, Co-Chairperson & CEO, Sigma Lithium (Nasdaq: SGML) Amit Bajaj, President – North America, Tata Consultancy Services (NYSE: TCS) 

The presentations will soon be posted on CECP’s YouTube channel.

More than 65 CEOs to date have presented their Integrated Long-Term Plans at the CEO Investor Forum to an audience of institutional investors, representing $25 trillion in assets under management. The next CEO Investor Forum will be held in New York in November 2025; watch cecp.co for more information.

Key themes from the Integrated Long-Term Plans presentations and discussions emerged, including:

It’s important to calculate return on investment (ROI); AI is not free. There are massive upfront costs around implementation– disclosures, security, privacy, data sources, network connectivity, security, agility, and more.If we do not put in the guardrails today, in two to three years, models might become too sophisticated to reign them in.No one wants to be first; they will be close followers of the leaders.Users don’t have to build their own systems but can build an ecosystem of partners.AI will not replace jobs; people using AI will replace jobs since it compresses time, enables better decisions, and empowers the workforce. But with worker participation, who benefits from added productivity?Humans are involved in all of the AI; their jobs are not all tasks–they are benefits and goals.Equip people with a toolkit, watch what they do.Technology creates consumer demand; invest in what will create value for customers.Diversity of thought supports innovation.Key uses for AI include product roadmaps; workflows; systems of insight and action; data management; scale; reduced pain points; improved processes; reliability; resiliency; self-service, automation, assistance; guided individual decision making; and desk time optimization.

“Short-term market pressures often clash with long-term goals,” said Daryl Brewster, CEO of CECP. “The CEO Investor Forum helps companies align their purpose, capital, and innovation to address global challenges while building investor confidence in long-term solutions regarding the opportunities and risks with AI.”

Additional speakers included:

Daryl Brewster, CEO, CECPBrian Buchwald, Global Head of Product, EdelmanNavishka Pandit, Engagement Expert, EOS at Federated Hermes Limited Christopher Wellise, Vice President, Sustainability, Equinix (Nasdaq: EQIX)Diane Brady, Executive Editorial Director, FortuneMichael del Castillo, Senior Finance Reporter, FortuneAnthony West, Director, Engineering, Gainwell TechnologiesLyndon Park, Managing Partner, ICRGeorge Murphy, Chief Growth Officer, Kore.aiStephanie Mehta, CEO and Chief Content Officer, Mansueto VenturesMike Kubzansky, CEO, Omidyar NetworkNelson Griggs, President, Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ)Karen Snow, Global Head of Listings, Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ)Chip Cutter, Reporter, The Wall Street JournalBrian Sozzi, Executive Editor, Yahoo! Finance

CECP thanks its sponsors for their generous support of 25th anniversary year: Visa Foundation, Bank of America, Exelon, Panasonic, RHR International, StateFarm, Tata Consultancy Services, Vanguard, and Wynn Resorts.

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About Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP)

Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose® (CECP) is the only business counsel and network dedicated to driving measurable returns on purpose. We promote responsible purpose-driven business as it increases customer loyalty, builds employee engagement, improves brand trust, attracts top talent, connects with strategic investors, and contributes to the bottom line.

More than 200 of the world’s leading companies seek to improve their return on purpose through access to CECP’s solutions in research and insights, strategy and benchmarking, and convening and communications. With our companies, we harness the power of purpose for business, stakeholders, and society.

For more information, visit http://cecp.co.

NEW YORK, November 20, 2024 /3BL/ – CECP’s CEO Investor Forum, the premier platform that brings CEOs and investors together to discuss Integrated Long-Term Plans, hosted eight CEOs and CFOs from the world’s largest companies on AI. They presented to investors representing trillions of dollars in assets under management on November 19 in New York and virtually.

The following CEOs and CFOs shared Integrated Long-Term Plans for AI including material financial opportunities and risks, as well as non-financial risks, such as ethical concerns and impacts on human capital. Leading companies know that they not only need to be prepared for what is to come, but also to communicate that they are addressing AI in an ethical way. It featured Integrated Long-Term Plans and company strategies for addressing AI from:

Aradhana Sarin, CFO, AztraZeneca (Nasdaq: AZN) John Murphy, President & CFO, The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) Gil Quiniones, President & CEO, ComEd (Nasdaq: EXC)Rohit Kapoor, Chairman & CEO, Exlservice Holdings (Nasdaq: EXLS)Matthew Kissner, President & CEO, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE: WLY)Raj Koneru, CEO & Founder, Kore.AIAna Cabral, Co-Chairperson & CEO, Sigma Lithium (Nasdaq: SGML) Amit Bajaj, President – North America, Tata Consultancy Services (NYSE: TCS) 

The presentations will soon be posted on CECP’s YouTube channel.

More than 65 CEOs to date have presented their Integrated Long-Term Plans at the CEO Investor Forum to an audience of institutional investors, representing $25 trillion in assets under management. The next CEO Investor Forum will be held in New York in November 2025; watch cecp.co for more information.

Key themes from the Integrated Long-Term Plans presentations and discussions emerged, including:

It’s important to calculate return on investment (ROI); AI is not free. There are massive upfront costs around implementation– disclosures, security, privacy, data sources, network connectivity, security, agility, and more.If we do not put in the guardrails today, in two to three years, models might become too sophisticated to reign them in.No one wants to be first; they will be close followers of the leaders.Users don’t have to build their own systems but can build an ecosystem of partners.AI will not replace jobs; people using AI will replace jobs since it compresses time, enables better decisions, and empowers the workforce. But with worker participation, who benefits from added productivity?Humans are involved in all of the AI; their jobs are not all tasks–they are benefits and goals.Equip people with a toolkit, watch what they do.Technology creates consumer demand; invest in what will create value for customers.Diversity of thought supports innovation.Key uses for AI include product roadmaps; workflows; systems of insight and action; data management; scale; reduced pain points; improved processes; reliability; resiliency; self-service, automation, assistance; guided individual decision making; and desk time optimization.

“Short-term market pressures often clash with long-term goals,” said Daryl Brewster, CEO of CECP. “The CEO Investor Forum helps companies align their purpose, capital, and innovation to address global challenges while building investor confidence in long-term solutions regarding the opportunities and risks with AI.”

Additional speakers included:

Daryl Brewster, CEO, CECPBrian Buchwald, Global Head of Product, EdelmanNavishka Pandit, Engagement Expert, EOS at Federated Hermes Limited Christopher Wellise, Vice President, Sustainability, Equinix (Nasdaq: EQIX)Diane Brady, Executive Editorial Director, FortuneMichael del Castillo, Senior Finance Reporter, FortuneAnthony West, Director, Engineering, Gainwell TechnologiesLyndon Park, Managing Partner, ICRGeorge Murphy, Chief Growth Officer, Kore.aiStephanie Mehta, CEO and Chief Content Officer, Mansueto VenturesMike Kubzansky, CEO, Omidyar NetworkNelson Griggs, President, Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ)Karen Snow, Global Head of Listings, Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ)Chip Cutter, Reporter, The Wall Street JournalBrian Sozzi, Executive Editor, Yahoo! Finance

CECP thanks its sponsors for their generous support of 25th anniversary year: Visa Foundation, Bank of America, Exelon, Panasonic, RHR International, StateFarm, Tata Consultancy Services, Vanguard, and Wynn Resorts.

###

About Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP)

Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose® (CECP) is the only business counsel and network dedicated to driving measurable returns on purpose. We promote responsible purpose-driven business as it increases customer loyalty, builds employee engagement, improves brand trust, attracts top talent, connects with strategic investors, and contributes to the bottom line.

More than 200 of the world’s leading companies seek to improve their return on purpose through access to CECP’s solutions in research and insights, strategy and benchmarking, and convening and communications. With our companies, we harness the power of purpose for business, stakeholders, and society.

For more information, visit http://cecp.co.