Tag: 3BL

November 19, 2024 /3BL/ – Boehringer Ingelheim, a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, has been lifted to 8th place in the 2024 Access to Medicine Index (ATMI), up from 13th in 2022. This improvement reflects the company’s strategic shift of prioritizing Health Equity as its primary contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). 

Every two years the ATMI evaluates the efforts of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies and ranks the top 20 based on their efforts to improve access to medicine in low- and middle-income countries. Today, it has recognized Boehringer Ingelheim’s substantial progress across key areas, particularly in Research & Development (R&D) and Product Delivery – due to a strong performance in capacity building and measuring outcomes.

“Our significant advancement in the Access to Medicine Index is a direct result of our intensified focus on Health Equity,” said Sashank Deshpande, Member of the Board of Managing Directors at Boehringer Ingelheim. “By enhancing our efforts towards achieving more equitable healthcare access globally, we’ve made notable strides in bringing innovative therapies to underserved populations.”

Key achievements highlighting Boehringer’s commitment to Health Equity include: 

Access Planning: The company now has more comprehensive access plans for its late-stage R&D projects, making sure new treatments will reach patients in need more effectively across diverse geographic and economic backgrounds.Access Strategies: The company has implemented tailored ways to access treatments across different income levels. For instance, the “Access to Healthcare” initiative in Kenya, which determines product pricing based on socio-economic situations, enhancing affordability and accessibility. Another is the partnership with “Farmacias Similares” in Mexico, which makes it possible to get treatments at reduced cost for low-income populations.Health System Strengthening: Initiatives like the Angels Initiative, aimed at improving global stroke care in over 150 countries, demonstrate Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure worldwide.Intellectual Property Sharing: Through the open innovation platform opnMe, the company has engaged in 26 new IP-sharing agreements with public research institutions in countries in scope of the ATMI, accelerating pre-clinical research for conditions such as diabetes, mental health, malaria, and COVID-19.Manufacturing and Supply Chain Capacity Building: Partnerships like the one with the Botswana Vaccine Institute for animal vaccine production showcase Boehringer Ingelheim’s efforts to build local capabilities and ensure sustainable access to medicines.

These achievements are a direct result of Boehringer Ingelheim’s strategic pivot towards Health Equity. The company has a long-standing commitment to support the elimination of human dog-mediated rabies by 2030. It runs vaccine donations in nine countries in scope of ATMI. In 2022, it stepped up its commitment to also implement a global STOP Rabies initiative, which focuses on vaccination, education and surveillance to additional countries. Furthermore, Boehringer’s collaboration with Wella Health in Nigeria, connecting nearly 2,000 pharmacies to improve medicine availability and affordability, exemplifies innovative approaches being taken to overcoming healthcare access barriers in low- and middle-income countries.

“Our improved ATMI ranking reflects how our focus on Health Equity is closing gaps in global healthcare access to reach more patients and animals in underserved communities,” said Maria Tereno, Head of Sustainability & Culture at Boehringer Ingelheim. “By making Health Equity the priority of our sustainability strategy, we are making a real difference in people’s lives around the world leveraging our expertise in human and animal health.”

As Boehringer Ingelheim continues to advance its Health Equity initiatives, the company reaffirms its commitment to collaboration with global health organizations, local partners, and underserved communities to create more inclusive and sustainable healthcare solutions and access worldwide.

The ATMI report can be accessed here.

Learn more about Boehringer’s efforts in Health Equity and Sustainable Development here.

Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in Research and Development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. More than 53,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow. Learn more at https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

Lauren Huffmaster received a late-stage metastatic breast cancer (mBC) diagnosis in 2015 and soon discovered there wasn’t a lot information to help explain to her young children what she was going through.

“My children were two, four and six at the time,” recalls Lauren. “Cancer not only affected me but everyone around me. I questioned how I would raise them with this disease and how would I talk to them about it.”

Lauren found many books explaining cancer, but she didn’t find a lot of supportive resources for patients and their loved ones. To help close this gap, she started the Adventure Therapy Foundation in 2018 – a nonprofit to help families navigate the emotional impact cancer can have.

That’s why she was also so interested in helping contribute to the creation of “The Adventure Jar: A Story of Magic for Families Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer” children’s book, which launched last August. Produced in collaboration with Gilead, several patient advisors and a psychiatrist, the book was partially inspired by Lauren’s own experience and her family’s weekly adventures.

“This book is really important to acknowledge how children’s lives are impacted, how families can support their loved ones and how the whole family unit can work together to make sure life is still lived despite the disease,” explains Lauren.

Lauren and her fellow patient advisors had a high level of creative control to include their personal experiences throughout the book. It was also important to Lauren that the mother depicted in the book was seen as more than a person diagnosed with mBC.

“The Adventure Jar provides a mental shift where we portray women with cancer as people first and patients later. They’re living their lives, mothering, parenting and being a spouse,” she explains.

Lauren finds comfort knowing the book can continue to bring some joy to not just her family, but many other families in the same position.

You can get a complimentary copy of the book here and learn more about Lauren’s journey in the video above.

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. The company strives to transform and simplify care for people with life-threatening illnesses around the world. Gilead has operations in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California. 

Originally published by Gilead Sciences

GREEN BAY, Wis., November 19, 2024 /3BL/ – Georgia-Pacific creates stronger communities by supporting first responders in the communities where our employees live and work. From providing funding for essential equipment for fire and police departments, to capital investments, to volunteer efforts, we work to keep our facilities and the communities in which we operate safe.

Georgia-Pacific has a long relationship with the Green Bay Metro Fire Department. Currently, 75 Georgia-Pacific employees serve on the department’s Fire Brigade. This 70-year-old volunteer organization conducts confined space rescues and handles workplace emergencies such as fires and medical incidents in our facility.

The partnership has also evolved into exchanging training opportunities and knowledge. Georgia-Pacific works with the city to provide training for first responders through access to our 5,000 square foot Broadway facility. This allows first responders to train in a critical infrastructure space, which mirrors actual emergency situations they often work in.

“The Green Bay Fire Department values the opportunity to train and work in a controlled industrial space,” said Vaughn Edsall, security manager, Green Bay. “The first responders also provide much needed training to our Fire Brigade. This mutually beneficial partnership provides value not just for Georgia-Pacific and the Green Bay Metro Fire Department, but other local fire departments in nearby communities, as we have offered our facility for training to first responder departments throughout the area.”

Georgia-Pacific and the Green Bay Metro Fire Department have also collaborated to develop a robust “Active Aggressor Response and Recovery” plan (A2R2), which includes specialized training for Georgia-Pacific employees and leadership, as well as first responder organizations in nearby communities. The detailed plan includes how different resources in the community will mobilize and respond to any emergency, during and after the event. Developing the plan led to transformative improvements in emergency response at the Green Bay facility and its surrounding communities. Georgia-Pacific and its partners came together with their own specific knowledge, skills, and resources to ensure that if the worst happens, help will be there immediately supporting people who need it the most.

Battalion Chief Chad Bronkhorst discussed how the partnership impacts the Green Bay fire department. “The Green Bay Metro Fire Department very much values Georgia-Pacific in our community. We appreciate the company’s emergency response team and look forward to continuing training in the future.”

Georgia-Pacific understands the critical role first responders play in protecting its operations and the greater community. We actively support these organizations not only to keep our facilities and employees safe, but to support their professional expertise and the important services they provide the community. Our initiatives with first responder organizations in Green Bay and throughout the country help drive capital improvements, training, and beneficial change in community safety. This is all essential for a thriving community and workplace.

Learn more about Georgia-Pacific’s social stewardship efforts by visiting our website.

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DUBLIN, November 19, 2024 /3BL/ – Companies are increasingly willing to relinquish legacy technologies to reap the benefits associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), according to a new study commissioned by Eaton, a global leader in intelligent power management.

Eaton commissioned S&P Global Market Intelligence to survey digital transformation leaders from the data center, utilities, buildings and manufacturing sectors in North America, Europe and the Middle East. The findings of the study, detailed in the second Eaton Brightlayer® research report, show that digitalization strategies are being developed quickly in these sectors.

Fewer than one-in-four companies (23%) surveyed said that legacy technology poses a barrier to digitalization compared with one-in-three (33%) who were asked the same question in 2022. Newly emerging AI and ML applications, which show huge potential to transform businesses, are credited with this 10% shift in sentiment over a period of less than 24 months.

Mark Roces, vice-president of digital offer management at Eaton, said: “This research shows how urgently businesses want to implement digital technologies that deliver the benefits of AI and ML. The data center sector is clearly going to be instrumental in this shift because the utility, commercial building and manufacturing sectors will depend on data centers to underpin their AI journeys. Digitalization will also help these sectors deliver on the decarbonization strategies required by regulations, many of which have been introduced in support of the UN’s 2050 net zero target.”

Top findings in each sector are as follows:

Data centers are scaling up to meet growing demand and are focusing on facility upgrades (42.3%); expanding capacity (38.6%); and improving IT asset performance utilization (32.8%).Utilities are under pressure because while 55% point to outdated infrastructure as their biggest problem, they expect grid capacity requirements to rise significantly over the next 10 years, with 40% predicting extra capacity requirements of up to 49%.Manufacturers believe AI could facilitate decarbonization and boost their environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) scores (66%), as well as improve electrical energy monitoring and optimization (55%) and enhance digital twin (68%) and predictive maintenance applications (64%).Building operators are focusing on digital transformation to help them achieve sustainability targets (upwards of 46%), with most large building owners (54%) planning to install building management systems within the next year to help them optimize energy use, and many seeing AI as a future tool to help them predict space utilization (66%).

Eaton’s Brightlayer software makes it easier for businesses to embrace digitalization and drive operational value by leveraging intelligent, actionable insights from their data. Brightlayer combines Eaton’s deep domain knowledge with AI, ML and big data processing to support efficient real-time decision-making to optimize power management.

A free download of the Eaton’s 2024 Brightlayer research report is available here: Adoption, execution and expansion of digital transformation in the wake of AI, together with more information about the strategies that businesses can adopt to be better prepared for the digital future.

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy sources, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.

Eaton was founded in 1911 and has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange for more than a century. We reported revenues of $23.2 billion in 2023 and serve customers in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact:

Name: Angela Swann
Phone number: +447773198113
Email address: AngelaSwann@eaton.com

Name: Regina Parundik
Phone number: +14125591614
Email address: Regina@cobblecreative.com

Whether turfgrass, native plants or trees, green spaces are essential to the environment. According to Lawn Institute, they play a vital role in providing recreation, relaxation, and social interaction, helping to foster a sense of community and wellbeing.

Record Heat Wave

Phoenix, Arizona broke a record this summer after experiencing 113 days in a row that reached triple digit temperatures. Even during times of high heat, residents still need the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, especially in green spaces where it can feel a bit cooler than non-green spaces.

Bring in the Trees

When it comes to making green spaces greener, every little bit helps. To address Phoenix homeowners feeling the urban heat island effect in their neighborhoods, ScottsMiracle-Gro partnered with the City of Phoenix and Project EverGreen to provide the community with increased shade. Barrios Unidos Park received a donation of 50 trees as part of this partnership.

The volunteer day at Barrios Unidos Park on October 23 was open to the public, with attendance by community leaders including Phoenix District 8 Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington.

Planting Teamwork

Local ScottsMiracle-Gro associates and additional community volunteers planted the trees at the park with the help of the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Phoenix Office of Heat Response and Mitigation.

While there is always more work to be done in response to rising temperatures, we’re focused on the beneficial role that green spaces can play when it comes to addressing heat.

Learn more about ways to have a great outdoor space while being mindful of environmental resources.

About ScottsMiracle-Gro 
With approximately $3.6 billion in sales, the Company is the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company’s brands are among the most recognized in the industry. The Company’s Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hawthorne Gardening Company, is a leading provider of nutrients, lighting, and other materials used in the indoor and hydroponic growing segment. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com.

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HAMILTON, Bermuda, November 19, 2024 /3BL/– Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held international spirits company, has published the sixth annual Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report, which identifies the five key trends poised to reimagine cocktail culture and the spirits industry in 2025. The report, created in collaboration with The Future Laboratory (TFL), draws on data from Bacardi-led and external research, consumer surveys, bartender interviews and TFL insights to reveal the movements that are influencing cocktail experiences, flavor profiles, and culture in the coming year. The Report also unveils which will be the most popular cocktails in the coming year.

“As 2025 approaches, consumers are redefining how they connect – using cocktails as a bridge to new experiences, perspectives, and deeper relationships,” says Mahesh Madhavan, Chief Executive Officer for Bacardi Limited. “At Bacardi, we’re embracing this shift from consumption to curation, where consumers are not just seeking drinks, but meaningful experiences enjoyed over a cocktail. Bacardi is proud to pave the way in fostering a cocktail culture that elevates moments into lasting memories.”

“Shifting consumer mindsets are set to enable longer-term premiumization,” says Martin Raymond, Co-Founder of The Future Laboratory. “Today, they are moving away from being ‘consumers’ of products, to ‘curators’ and ‘collectors’ of experiences. Future brands will welcome – not avoid – this sea change, taking the necessary steps to create individual, community and industry meaning that enhances the value of brand experiences end-to-end.”

Here are the macro-trends defining the spirits industry in 2025:

Premium Fans. Fandoms are redefining premium entertainment experiences by embracing luxury in unexpected ways. Elevated hospitality add-ons and bespoke travel packages centered around concerts and live events are set to become staples. Brands and venues are continuing to cater to this demand with offers that include luxury hotels for “gig-tripping” packages and sports bars curating exclusive cocktail experiences. Whether it’s Formula 1 weekends or star-studded concert tours, fans are increasingly willing to invest in immersive, premium experiences. With sales of the GREY GOOSE® Honey Deuce cocktail at this year’s US Open hitting $12.4 million, the synergy between fandom and premium spirits at live events is helping to shape the future of entertainment.
 In-The-Know Imbibing. Cocktail culture is evolving from spectacle to substance, as IYKYK – i.e. “If You Know You Know” – experiences take center stage, turning drinks into opportunities for knowledge and discovery. Consumers are increasingly drawn to expert-led spaces, where mixologists use their craft to create more meaningful connections. With bartenders taking an all-new influential role in cocktail moments, transforming into designers, educators and opinion leaders, their influence is undeniable as human connection is a priority for meaningful on-premise experiences. In fact, respondents in the Bacardi Global Consumer Survey are concerned that drinks created by AI might miss the emotional and artistic finesse that human bartenders contribute to their creation, noted by 62% in Italy, 60% in France and 56% of respondents in the United States.
 New Cocktail Frontiers. With consumers seeking deeper, more immersive experiences, a new frontier of cocktail culture is emerging where flavors, formats, and moments are being elevated to all-new sensory heights. With digital fatigue and a growing desire for cultural exploration, people are craving real, multi-sensory engagement—respondents in Mexico, UK, Italy and India ranked cocktails that provide a multi-sensory experience as a key reason for paying more, according to the Bacardi Global Consumer Survey. This shift is transforming not only how people enjoy drinks, but where they enjoy them too. 2025 will see the rise of immersive venues which cater to early evening, sensory-rich cocktail moments, redefining the end-to-end experience for next-gen drinkers, as about half of respondents in the U.S., UK, Spain and Germany plan to go out less often to nightclubs.
 Culinary Connoisseurs. With food taking center stage as a status symbol, culinary creativity is reshaping cocktail culture, seeing mixologists experiment with kitchen staples like milk, oil, and brine to craft premium drinks. Nearly three-quarters (71%) of bartenders draw inspiration from culinary arts when creating cocktails, as indicated by the Bacardi Global Brand Ambassador Survey. This trend aligns with consumer interest in savory and herbaceous flavors, which grew by 20% and 15%, respectively, in the past year. The line between food and drink is blurring, offering a new wave of gastro-inspired drinking experiences.
 The Future Spirit. The spirits industry is poised for a transformative future, driven by a blend of optimism and purpose. As brands evolve to align with the values of next-gen consumers, 2025 will see a push for inclusivity, particularly in distilling. Innovators are leading this charge, focusing on community-building and education, by supporting organizations that improve the hospitality landscape. The Bacardi Global Brand Ambassador Survey underscores the industry’s motivation for deeper connection with almost two-thirds (62%) of respondents globally expressing interest in more professional networking opportunities in 2025. As consumers increasingly seek meaningful connections, the industry will embrace community-driven initiatives, with brands fostering deeper bonds and driving positive change.

Globally, the top 10 cocktails in 2025 are:

MojitoMargaritaSpritzPiña ColadaGin & TonicRum & Coke®Whisky & Coke®Dry Martini cocktailVodka LemonadeVodka Soda

Download the complete 2025 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report and Infographic.

About Bacardi Limited  
Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, PATRÓN® tequila, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, D’USSÉ® Cognac, ANGEL’S ENVY® American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded more than 162 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 8,000, operates production facilities in 11 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

November 18, 2024 /3BL/ – Major businesses with operations in Ohio today urged members of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee to support HB 79, legislation that will reinstate energy efficiency programs that will restore clean energy jobs and generate utility savings for both business and residential customers.

The bipartisan legislation, which passed the Ohio House earlier this year and is scheduled for its first hearing in the Senate on Tuesday, would allow utilities to implement voluntary energy efficiency programs that reduce energy waste, save customers money, support grid reliability, and create jobs. HB 79 has strong support from a coalition of Ohio manufacturers, employers, and trade associations.

In a letter sent to members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Public Utilities, 14 businesses and organizations wrote that “all Ohio customers benefit when we reduce energy waste – whether or not they participate directly in energy saving programs.”

“Accordingly,” they wrote, “we support investments in comprehensive, cost-effective energy-saving programs that lower bills for everyone.”

The letter was signed by A.O. Smith, Energy Management Solutions Inc., Green Energy Ohio, Guaranteed Community Advisors, HolcimUS, JLL, Johnson Controls, Lutron, the National Association of Energy Service Companies, Nestlé, the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Sealed, Trane Technologies, and Uplight. 

“Energy efficient homes are crucial to cutting energy waste, lowering pollution, and reducing costs for households and businesses in Ohio,” said Nick Harbeck, manager of regulatory and environmental affairs, Johnson Controls. “The technology and tactics necessary to achieve those goals are available today, and legislation like HB 79 is crucial to ensuring Ohioans have access to them. Johnson Controls supports passage of this bill this year to re-establish valuable efficiency programs in Ohio.”

“Contractors across Ohio and the Midwest are prepared to help residents improve their homes and reduce costs with energy efficiency upgrades,” said David Kolata, vice president of policy, Sealed. “Efficiency programs, like those that HB 79 would partially restore, help residents access these savings while supporting contracting jobs and reducing energy demand to the benefit of all consumers. Sealed strongly supports passage of HB 79 and calls for its passage in the Ohio legislature.”

Ohio companies, industry groups, and energy consumers have been rallying in support of efficiency policies since a controversial 2019 law called HB 6 rescinded the state’s energy efficiency programs. Although HB 79 would not fully restore prior efficiency programs, it would explicitly allow utilities to establish voluntary programs designed to reduce energy waste by 0.5% annually. Experts say such programs would help Ohioans save billions of dollars in electricity costs while improving public health through reduced pollution.

Earlier this year, businesses rallied in support of HB 79 as it passed through the House of Representatives. In the months since, HolcimUS, Johnson Controls, Lutron, and Sealed have signed the letter urging its adoption by lawmakers.

The letter was organized by Ceres, a nonprofit that works with investors and businesses to advance clean energy and energy efficiency policy.

“In a period of volatile energy prices, Ohio consumers deserve access to programs that help reduce their energy bills,” said Mel Mackin, director of state policy, Ceres. “We urge the Ohio Senate to take action by passing HB 79 to allow utilities to offer voluntary energy efficiency programs that will benefit Ohio households, businesses, and the economy.”

About Ceres

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

Media Contact: Helen Booth-Tobin, booth-tobin@ceres.org

By Candace Higginbotham | November 18, 2024

Awards season has officially kicked off and red carpets are being rolled out. And not just for the made-for-TV ceremonies you may be familiar with. Last week, more than 400 governance, risk and compliance (GRC) professionals from all industries gathered for the 2024 Corporate Governance Awards.

The awards are hosted each year by Governance Intelligence, a digital content company that provides a forum where governance experts and service providers can share their experience, insights and best practice recommendations on a wide range of critical issues. According to the group, the awards “celebrate the brightest minds and most pioneering organizations in GRC, recognizing those who set new standards of excellence, integrity, and innovation.”

Regions came home with two prestigious awards from the ceremony held in New York, Governance Team of the Year (small- to mid-cap) and Best Shareholder Engagement (small- to mid-cap).

“The team told a compelling story around advancing Regions’ shared value mission through transparency, accountability and continuous improvement,” said Tara Plimpton, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary.

“Big congratulations to Andrew Nix, Elizabeth Townsend, Mary Wheeler, Susan Anderson, Jessica Everest, Katie Loggins, Sharon Kachelhofer, and the extended Governance team, as well as Chris Lollar from SEC Reporting, Megan List from Total Rewards and their extended teams. And thanks to all the other Regions associates and partners involved in the effort, as it really does take a team.”

Corporate governance is the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. Profitability is important, but truly successful companies must demonstrate good corporate citizenship through sound governance.

The Governance Team of the Year award recognizes the best overall governance team in the country and its notable achievements over the past 12 months. The Regions team was honored for specific accomplishments, including a fully redesigned Proxy Statement, a rebranded and in-house generated Shared Value Report, a robust and intentional shareholder engagement program, effective structure around compliance readiness and significant contributions to Board governance initiatives.

“I’m so proud of our team and this recognition of their hard work,” said Chief Governance Officer Andrew Nix. “We take great pride in prioritizing strong governance processes at Regions. And our success can be attributed to several factors – the knowledge, skill and talent of team members; their eagerness to continuously improve and be nimble in a rapidly evolving space; and most importantly, a really strong team culture.”

Nix also praised the team’s award for Best Shareholder Engagement. This category focuses on ways that companies reach out to proxy decision-makers.

“We are committed to constructive and meaningful conversations with our shareholders, which we use to build ongoing relationships over time,” Nix said. “Engaging with our shareholders and soliciting their points of view is critical to providing long-term value to all Regions stakeholders.”

Regions was a standout in this category because of the team’s proactive, intentional outreach throughout the year resulting in ongoing, meaningful dialogue. Balancing the interests of various stakeholder groups and the different viewpoints within those groups can be challenging, but Nix emphasized the value of understanding shareholders’ perspectives, and how engagement is critically important to ensuring that the bank remains aligned with shareholder interests.

“Our company’s mission is to make life better for our customers, associates, communities and shareholders, and the entire Regions organization works toward that goal every day,” Nix said. “I’m pleased that our team is doing our part by ensuring that Regions’ governance practices are responsible, fair and transparent.”

Key Points

Texan by Nature has selected Marathon Petroleum Corporation as a 2024 TxN 20 honoree.The list ranks the top 20 businesses operating in Texas for sustainability leadership.Marathon Petroleum invested more than $340,000 in 2023 to support environmental and conservation initiatives in the state.

Texan by Nature (TxN), a conservation nonprofit, has recognized Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) as one of only two businesses from the energy sector on its 2024 TxN 20. This list represents the top 20 companies operating in Texas based on their leadership in advancing conservation and sustainability.

“It’s an honor to recognize industry leaders who demonstrate that integrating business with conservation drives valuable global impact.”

“We believe in building a sustainable future through action, collaboration and innovative models,” said Joni Carswell, CEO & President of TxN. “It’s an honor to recognize industry leaders who demonstrate that integrating business with conservation drives valuable global impact.”

MPC invested more than $2.3 million to support environmental and conservation initiatives in 2023, including more than $340,000 in Texas. Efforts in the state that earned TxN’s recognition involved MPC’s El Paso and Galveston Bay refineries as well as natural gas gathering and processing assets of the company’s midstream segment, MPLX. Examples include:

Developing a pilot program with TxN to assess environmental strategies, such as recycling water and restoring native vegetation, that could be integrated into construction of natural gas gathering pipelines in the Permian and Haynesville Basins.Purchasing an additional air quality monitoring station for Juarez, Mexico, El Paso’s sister city across the border, to strengthen data collection in the Paso del Norte Air Basin. The El Paso refinery also replaced hydrostatic tank testing with an alternate method, saving millions of gallons of water.Providing grants to the Galveston Bay Foundation in support of habitat restoration, water protection and land conservation.Promoting environmental awareness through community projects, including tree plantings, managed by the Galveston Bay refinery’s Wildlife Habitat Team of employee volunteers.

“Our commitment to safe and environmentally responsible operations also motivates our efforts to promote sustainability in the communities around our assets,” said MPC Corporate Social Responsibility & Community Relations Manager Tracey Tafoya. “Texan by Nature’s recognition is extremely meaningful because of its mission to bring conservation and business together to support community health and economic prosperity.”

The TxN 20 selection process involves assessing company data across 12 industry sectors and applying a 17-point scoring system. Criteria include reported conservation metrics, measured investment in conservation and reported Return on Conservation™ index results, among other benchmarks. A selection committee of industry executives evaluates the top 60 companies and then chooses the final 20 honorees.

Details about each member of this year’s list are available on the 2024 TxN 20 honorees web page.

As I reflect on another year of delivering meaningful impact in our communities, our work has hewed closely to our mission and The Clorox Company’s purpose — we champion people to be well and thrive, every single day — always leading with love.

For us, this starts with living our values every day, especially “do the right thing” and “put people at the center.” It’s about prioritizing people’s well-being, fostering supportive and inclusive spaces and making decisions that consider the broader impact on teammates, consumers and communities. We live in dynamic, complex times, but through it all we remain focused on serving others with deep compassion, generosity and allyship.

How does this come to life in our work? The programs we fund champion today’s young people with literacy and STEM initiatives that help create a foundation for academic success. Through robust partnerships we also provide resources and mentorship to support youth development. And we help advance racial and environmental justice through education, training, equal access to justice and economic empowerment for marginalized communities.

Leading with love is also a spirit embodied by our teammates, who not only help create new pathways to address societal challenges but do so in a way that seeks to make the world a better place. Last year over half of them contributed through our GIFT campaign, while they also dedicated thousands of hours of their time volunteering for the causes that matter to them most. It’s reflected in the support we give to communities impacted by natural disasters as well.

As we prepare to mark our 45th anniversary next year, we will look back with pride on how we’ve served as a force for good in our communities. While a lot has changed since 1980, one thing has remained constant: our belief in leading with love.

—

Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has a mission to foster healthy and inclusive communities so people can be well and thrive. Learn more and check out this year’s report here.