Tag: 3BL

For the seventh consecutive year, the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded Entergy with the HIRE Vets Medallion Award, honoring exceptional achievement in veteran employment. During a virtual award ceremony in October, U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su recognized Entergy alongside 838 other recipients who have demonstrated a commitment to hiring veterans and ensuring they have a long-term career and growth plan that uses the diverse skills they acquired through their military service.

“I am proud to be part of an organization that understands the value that veterans add – in our company and in our communities,” said Tina Morton, Entergy’s Veterans Employee Resource Group president and senior project manager, nuclear. “Our VERG team is an important part of instilling the knowledge to others that we (veterans) are assets in leadership, display adaptability to change, have diverse perspectives, are problem solvers, and have a strong work ethic and integrity – all of which are necessary for success.”

Entergy continues to meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation and tuition assistance programs. The VERG is an employee-led group committed to supporting the unique needs of veterans, active-duty military and their families.

The HIRE Vets Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire and retain veterans. Awardees must have a veteran organization or resource group – like Entergy’s Veterans Employee Resource Group – a leadership program, dedicated human resources professionals, and pay differential and tuition assistance program.

To learn more about our military hiring efforts and how we support veterans, visit the Military and Veterans Careers webpage.

In 2018, T-Mobile unveiled an expansive, companywide initiative to hire 10,000 veterans and military spouses over a five-year time period. By the end of 2023, the goal was achieved. Working with organizations like Hiring Our Heroes and Blue Star Families was critical in helping T-Mobile reach its hiring commitment and is a cornerstone for how the company will continue prioritizing and evolving programs and support for military families now and in the years to come. Since 2020, T-Mobile has donated and sponsored over $2M to military and veteran initiatives. The company received the gold standard from GI Jobs Magazine, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Military Spouse Employer and Mentorship Award and is an original signatory of the 4+1 commitment — an initiative that is tackling unemployment among military spouses by encouraging other companies to adopt policies that help military spouses with finding jobs and navigating their own career path. On Nov. 5, in special recognition of how important this community is to T-Mobile, the company partnered with The Mission Continues, an organization that  empowers veterans in under-resourced communities, and donated $200K to support their efforts to deploy veteran volunteers to work alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to provide educational resources, tackle food insecurity and to help foster inclusive communities. 

In celebration of Veterans Day this week, two T-Mobile employees share their advice on how to prepare for that first civilian job interview after service, something many veterans find daunting.

By Evelyn Mitchell

Regions Financial has been recognized as an Employer Honoree by the 2024 American Opportunity Index – a ranking that measures how effective companies are at developing talent to drive business performance and advance individual employees’ careers.

The Index is a joint project of the Burning Glass Institute, Harvard Business School’s Managing the Future of Work Project, and the Schultz Family Foundation. Explore the Index and read the full report at www.AmericanOpportunityIndex.org.

At Regions we know that our people make the difference, and that’s why we continue to invest in professional development, associate wellbeing and other programs that help our teams thrive.

Ryan King

Regions Bank head of Talent Acquisition

Regions was among the top 100 companies in the Index “hiring” category, a measure of how well companies hire people without degrees and those with little experience.

“We are proud to be recognized, once again, as a great place for people to begin and grow their careers,” said Ryan King, head of Talent Acquisition for Regions Bank. “At Regions we know that our people make the difference, and that’s why we continue to invest in professional development, associate wellbeing and other programs that help our teams thrive.”

Regions Financial and Regions Bank continue to be recognized for creating an outstanding workplace culture:

Named a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner for ten consecutive years.Received Gallup’s Don Clifton Strengths-based Culture award multiple times.Designated as a 2024 Military Friendly® Employer by Military Friendly®Recognized as a ‘Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion’Designated a Great Place to Work CertifiedTM Company

Build your Career at Regions

Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit the careers page on regions.com to search current job listings and to learn more about working at Regions.

About the American Opportunity Index

The American Opportunity Index is a groundbreaking ranking of how well companies maximize their internal talent to drive business performance and individual employee growth. Unlike most measures of employer performance, the Index is based on real world outcomes, assessing the progress of millions of workers by tracking the progress of their individual careers. The Index measures hiring and promotion practices, pay, race-and-gender parity, and cultural components such as retention and whether companies hire their leaders internally. This ranking is rooted in the belief that when employers enable the full potential of their people—by providing good jobs and opportunities for advancement—their business does better. In recognizing the companies where workers and firms thrive symbiotically, and showing the areas where each company can continue to improve, we seek to spark a new focus on sustainable talent management across American businesses. The American Opportunity Index is a joint project of the Burning Glass Institute, the Managing the Future of Work Project at Harvard Business School, and the Schultz Family Foundation. Explore the Index and see who’s leading the way at: americanopportunityindex.org.

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

Seven-year-old Izzy Geraci was the only girl on her flag football team. Seventeen years later, Geraci was shining on the sport’s grandest stage, fighting to help the U.S. National Women’s Flag Football Team defend their world title! But her journey there took some unexpected turns along the way.

Born and raised in North Ridgeville, Ohio, near Cleveland, Geraci said football was always a big part of her life. From watching the Ohio State University Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns to playing football in the yard with her family – football was there. So, it was only natural that while signing up for youth soccer, t-ball and basketball, Geraci also wanted to sign up for youth football. Her parents were hesitant – they told her football isn’t usually a sport girls play, but they ultimately allowed her to sign up for a flag football team.

Geraci was quarterback of the flag football team for two years before joining the junior tackle team as a receiver in middle and high school. She loved playing and was a force on the field, but during her freshman year, Geraci’s basketball coach gave her a reality check.

“She said I had a real shot at getting a full college basketball scholarship,” said Geraci. “My coach said I should focus on that and not ruin my chances by getting hurt playing football.”

So, Geraci stopped playing football and locked in on basketball. She was a standout on her team and did, in fact, receive a full basketball scholarship to Cleveland State University. However, Geraci said she didn’t get to play much, and the experience wasn’t what she hoped.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, college athletes were granted an extra year of eligibility. Geraci decided to make a fresh start at the University of South Carolina (USC) Upstate. She started all 31 games of the 2023 season and averaged 10 points per game. Despite the turnaround in her college basketball career, Geraci’s true passion remained football. After graduating from USC Upstate, Geraci moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where she started working at a local DICK’S Sporting Goods and looking for football leagues to join.

After some research, Geraci saw women’s flag football was really taking off and she wanted to be part of the action. She competed in local tournaments and was eventually recruited by the U.S. National Women’s Flag Football Traveling Team.

From there, things moved fast. This past January, she was invited to try out for the National Team. She attended try outs in February and made the team. She had just three weekend training camps with the team before they flew to Finland for the 2024 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Flag Football World Championships in August.

Finland was the first real chance the players got to spend time together. Geraci said at first, she wasn’t even thinking about the tournament. She was just thrilled to find this community where she felt like she belonged. As she put on her uniform, it set in that she was about to compete on the biggest stage for flag football.

“Putting on the uniform and seeing the teams arrive from other countries – it just hit me all at once how real it was,” Geraci said.

The U.S. National Team made it to the finals against Mexico. Geraci scored a touchdown in the game and helped the U.S. National Team remain the IFAF Flag Football World Champions for a third consecutive year. Geraci described it as a full circle moment.

“I just thought back to 7-year-old Izzy who dreamed of something like this,” said Geraci.

Along with being an apparel lead at DICK’S Sporting Goods, Geraci is also a member of the DICK’S Varsity Team. DICK’S Varsity Team is a social brand ambassador program featuring teammates (employees) across the country. DICK’S Sporting Goods Influencer Strategy Manager Nicole Marcus said Geraci is paving the way for younger female athletes.

“Traditionally, there haven’t been female leaders in football,” Marcus said. “Now, especially through social media, girls have the power to really connect with and be inspired by athletes like Izzy and the U.S. National Women’s Flag Football Team.”

Geraci had this message for young female athletes.

“Stay true to yourself and if you put your mind to it, you can do it,” Geraci said. “It doesn’t matter what other people think or say. Do it and prove them wrong.”

So, what’s next for Geraci? Right now, she’s focused on making the U.S. National Team again in March and competing in the 2025 Continental Flag Football Championships and the 2025 World Games. In the not-so-distant future, Geraci has her sights set on the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, as flag football was recently added as a sport for the games.

“It’s every athlete’s dream to be an Olympian and represent your country,” Geraci said. “We’ll see what the future holds for me.”

You can stay up-to-date with Geraci on Instagram and TikTok.

A digital virus behaves similarly to a biological virus; it accesses a vulnerable host, replicates itself, and searches to infect other vulnerable hosts. However, protecting against a digital virus is quite disparate with a biological one. Digital systems, especially ones as crucial as the energy grid, require rigorous cybersecurity measures to protect against unwanted intrusion and to ensure operation continues. Integrating cybersecurity is critical to grid modernization as this shift is reshaping how the world generates, distributes, and consumes electricity.

Grid modernization is focused on transforming the current electrical energy infrastructure to meet the demands of the 21st century and beyond. This change of the grid and energy industry is complex and ongoing. Collaboration between utilities, technology companies, policymakers, and consumers is essential to overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by grid modernization. Key to this transition will be the integration of multiple technologies into the energy grid, including cybersecurity.

History of cybersecurity in the power grid

The implementation of cybersecurity into the power grid is a relatively recent development, driven primarily by the increasing digitization and connectivity of critical energy infrastructure. Early power grids were analog systems protected by traditional security measures, such as physical barriers and guards, to protect infrastructure from physical threats. The advent of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems in the 1970s and 1980s marked a significant shift toward digital control of the power grid.

Early cyberattacks began to emerge in the late 20th century, but they were primarily isolated incidents with relatively limited impact on critical infrastructure or the grid. The 21st century has seen multiple significant power grid cyberattacks, including the Stuxnet Worm in 2010, the Ukrainian power grid attacks in 2015-2016, and the RedEcho attacks on India’s power grid in 2020. This dramatic increase in targeted cyberattacks highlights the potential for severe consequences if the power grid is compromised. As the threats continue to evolve, ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure the resilience and security of this critical infrastructure going forward.

Cybersecurity measures protecting the grid

Grid modernization has created a more connected energy ecosystem than ever before, with new stakeholders and technologies being integrated into the grid. Numerous cybersecurity measures are being implemented to mitigate the risks of this complex network, including:

Technological measures

Network segmentation is dividing the grid into smaller, isolated segments to limit the spread of malware and cyberattacks.Intrusion detection systems (IDS) monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and can alert operators to potential threats.Firewalls act as barriers between the grid’s internal network and the external internet, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic. Encrypting data transmitted throughout the grid, both on internal servers and the cloud, can protect it from unauthorized access.Patch management ensures software and firmware are regularly updated with security patches to address vulnerabilities.Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires multiple forms of identification to strengthen access control.

Operational security

Security awareness training educates grid personnel about cybersecurity threats and best practices to help prevent human errors.Developing and regularly testing incident response plans can ensure a swift and effective response to cyberattacks.Conducting periodic security audits and assessments can identify grid vulnerabilities and weaknesses.Ensuring the security of the supply chain for grid components can help prevent the introduction of malicious hardware or software into the system.

Regulatory frameworks

Organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E) provide cybersecurity standards and guidelines for the power industry. These organizations help develop standards guidelines to be adopted across the industry.Grid operators are subject to regulatory requirements that mandate specific cybersecurity measures to ensure system security.International cooperation and collaboration also helps address cross-border cybersecurity threats.

Emerging technologies

Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools can detect and respond to threats more quickly and effectively than current systems.Blockchain technology provides a secure way to record and verify data as it travels across the network.

By combining these measures, the power industry can significantly enhance the cybersecurity of modern, connected grids — protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring reliable energy generation and distribution.

Benefits and challenges of cybersecurity for grid modernization

Cybersecurity plays a critical role in the modernization of power grids, ensuring their reliability, resilience, and efficiency. This transformation brings numerous benefits to the system and users alike. Utility providers benefit from increased system resilience that enhance the grid’s ability to withstand and recover from disruptions. Cybersecurity can optimize grid operations by protecting critical infrastructure and enabling efficient data exchange throughout the network. A secure environment also encourages innovation and the adoption of new technologies, such as smart grid solutions and other sustainable advancements.

Users benefit as strong cybersecurity measures can help prevent disruptions caused by cyberattacks, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. Protecting sensitive grid data, such as customer information and operational data, is also essential for maintaining trust and compliance in a modernized power grid.

While cybersecurity offers significant benefits for grid modernization, some challenges remain for advancements to be implemented. Modern grids are increasingly complex, with interconnected systems and numerous vulnerabilities. This complexity makes it difficult to ensure comprehensive cybersecurity throughout the entire grid. Cyber threats are also constantly evolving, making it challenging to stay ahead of new attacks and vulnerabilities. Implementing and maintaining robust cybersecurity measures can be expensive, requiring significant investments in technology, personnel, and processes. This expense challenge is furthered as there is a shortage of cybersecurity professionals with the expertise needed to protect this critical infrastructure.

Addressing these challenges will be crucial for the security and resiliency of the power grid moving forward. While grid modernization presents challenges, the benefits of this transformation are necessary to ensure a secure and sustainable energy supply for the future.

The Road Ahead

The transformation of the grid and energy industry is complex and ongoing. The full potential of cybersecurity for grid modernization can be realized by implementing system-wide security measures, developing innovative technologies, and collaboration between industry stakeholders. This will ensure the world can create a more resilient, efficient, and reliable energy grid for the future. Like the human body fending off a biological virus, the power grid requires robust protective measures against digital viruses and threats to keep all systems operating.

Read all blog posts in this series on grid modernization, network communications, energy storage, and renewables.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

When Anthony Winfield was in high school, he was offered something many teenage boys dream about, a college scholarship to play baseball. But Winfield, who is now a U.S. Bank branch manager, had something else in mind.

Winfield and Maizy recently completed training to be certified as a service dog team.

“I had a plan,” Winfield said. “I wanted to do 20 years in the military and then retire.”

He enlisted in the Air Force and for 13 years, things went according to that plan. Winfield lived the military life, with assignments in the U.S., South Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan, where his plan changed dramatically.

While stationed at Bagram Airfield, then the largest U.S. base in Afghanistan, Winfield and his team were on a mission that involved climbing a stair tower. A rocket exploded into them and Winfield plummeted to the ground, landing on his back and sustaining critical injuries.

He completed his deployment and was assigned to Fort Dix in New Jersey, but the injuries eventually took their toll.

The explosion left Winfield partially deaf, with nerve damage and multiple back injuries. A series of surgeries followed, including a failed spinal fusion and electrical nerve stimulation.

Winfield wanted to stay in the Air Force, but was given a medical retirement despite his protests.

“I even went to Texas to petition the military board,” he said. “I was crushed.”

Following the military retirement, Winfield’s wife, Danielle, wanted to move back home to Ohio and they settled in the Cleveland area with their children, Emilia and Brennen.

“I said to her, ‘You have followed me around my entire career, now it’s time for me to follow you.,’” he said.

Winfield spent the next six years working in auto sales management but wasn’t happy, he said.

Winfield’s brother, Andre Thompson, a mortgage retail branch manager for U.S. Bank a couple hours away in Columbus, urged him to apply for an open branch manager role at the U.S. Bank branch inside a Walmart in Parma. Winfield joined the bank in January 2023.

“Anthony may be newer to banking, but his experience as a strong people leader shines through in all that he does,” said Kayleigh Musil, U.S. Bank district manager in Ohio. “His servant leadership style fosters a team culture of positivity and confidence, inspiring those he leads. He embodies our core values so naturally and inspires those around him to do the same. I’m so grateful to have Anthony on the Lake Erie South team.”

To help deal with daily hardships from the injuries he sustained in the military, Winfield recently purchased a service animal, a young German shepherd named Maizy that Winfield brings to work.

Winfield and Maizy have completed training to be certified as a service dog team, and he is benefitting from his canine companion, he said.

“I want people to know there’s help regardless of what they are experiencing,” Winfield said.

Learn more about branch manager careers at U.S. Bank.

Habitat for Humanity’s 38th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project kicked off recently in East St. Paul. This year’s weeklong event took place at The Heights, where Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity plans to build 147 units, its largest development to date.

The Heights is a model for sustainable, resilient, affordable housing, with plans to be an all-electric community working toward LEED Platinum Certification, the highest rating given to highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. The Habitat homes will feature solar panels or shingles, air source heat pumps, water conservation measures and more.

Wesco team members in the Twin Cities region came together to build 35 new homes during the Habitat for Humanity International Carter Work Project. We applaud our team members for volunteering their time to make affordable homeownership a possibility for families in their community.

Giving back to our communities is an essential part of who we are. That commitment is the inspiration behind Wesco Cares. This corporate philanthropic program allows Wesco to make a positive and lasting impact within the communities where our employees work and reside. 

Learn more about the impact we’re making in the communities where our employees live and work here.

Originally published on HBISustains.com

As I watch the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of our home state of North Carolina, I am reminded of what it feels like when crisis hits your own backyard. It’s personal. It shakes the foundation of your communities impacting your neighbors, your co-workers, and your family. In these moments, the true resilience and character of a community emerge to rebuild and take care of one another in the process.

Growing up in Honduras, I witnessed the devastating impact of natural disasters on communities, but I also saw the strength that emerges when people unite to rebuild and restore hope. As a child, Category 5 hurricanes left cultural and economic devastation in my own community. Immediate assistance was critical to survival. It wasn’t just about the resources—though they are desperately needed—it’s about the compassion and connection that comes from helping one another.

At HanesBrands, we are creating a more comfortable world for every body, and in times of crisis and uncertainty, comfort can make a big difference.

North Carolina is more than just where our headquarters are located; it’s our home. Our associates live and work here, so when Hurricane Helene hit, they quickly set in motion relief efforts to support heavily impacted areas in western North Carolina, where flooding and mudslides wiped out homes, businesses, and entire towns. We’ve partnered with Delivering Good and the United Way to mobilize support. We continue to ship trailers of essential apparel and goods to help fill an urgent gap because we know that something as simple as a clean, comfortable T-shirt can bring a glimmer of dignity to someone who’s feeling hopeless. As the temperatures in western North Carolina turn colder, we’re delivering our fleece products to people who still don’t have power.

All of this is being driven by our associates around the world, and here at home in North Carolina, who are truly dedicated to helping people who need it. They continue to collect essentials like bottled water, food, and baby supplies to accompany our HanesBrands products that are being delivered to people who have lost everything.

At HanesBrands, it’s more than just donating products; it’s about showing up for the communities where we live and work. We continue to provide support to the victims of recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and believe that in times of crisis, companies have a responsibility to be a source of comfort. We are incredibly grateful for the partnerships we’ve developed with organizations like Delivering Good, which over the years, have allowed us to connect with non-profits like the United Cajun Navy, World Vision, Caring For Others, and 4Good Community. They have been on the front lines delivering supplies and offering hope to communities.

As I watch my associates rush to help others, I’m reminded of the resilience of communities and the incredible strength that comes when people come together, just like I witnessed in Honduras years ago.

It’s in these moments that we see the power of a shared goal—not just in rebuilding homes and distributing goods, but in rebuilding hope.

HanesBrands associates represent the very core of our values at HanesBrands: do what’s right, especially when it matters most.

Originally published on HARMAN Newsroom

As a global leader in connected technologies, we at HARMAN pride ourselves on an employee base that represents the full diversity of the world we inhabit. In our experience, innovation happens when people with different backgrounds and experiences unite in pursuit of a shared vision. HARMAN remains committed to fostering respect and inclusion, with diversity, equity, and inclusion incorporated deeply into our core values.

With October marking Global Diversity Awareness Month, we also wanted to restate our commitment to ensuring people never have to compromise on their identities at work. Read on to discover how HARMAN is marching ahead on its mission to build a more inclusive future and empower people of all backgrounds…

Bridging the Gender Gap

While women remain underrepresented in STEM overall, the number of women entering STEM fields is increasing faster than the number of men. With October also being Cybersecurity Month, HARMAN hosted a compelling panel discussion featuring four accomplished women leaders who shared their unique experiences and challenges navigating careers in cybersecurity. Key takeaways included the importance of fostering inclusion in the tech industry and strategies for professional success.

That’s not all… This year, HARMAN is proud to once again support the next generation of women to pursue careers in technology through our HARMAN Inspired partnership with the 1,000 Dreams Fund. A result of this collaboration is the New Face of Tech scholarship program, which provides women early in their careers with funding and mentorship from HARMAN executives, helping them overcome obstacles and level the playing field. Since 2017, over $150,000 have been given in grants to inspire young women from across the country, and help countless women pursue their ambitions. If you or someone you know, would be applicable for this program – tell us why you could be the New Face of Tech! Applications are now open.

Racing for a Reason

This year, HARMAN kicked off Global Diversity Month with movement and action at our 5th Annual Feel the Music 5K event. Held at the HARMAN offices in Novi, Michigan, team members participated in a 5k run/walk and spent the afternoon celebrating and enjoying global cuisines, fun challenges, music, and prizes.

Through donations and 5K registrations, we raised more than $6,000 for Deaf C.A.N., a non-profit organization that provides services to the Deaf & Hard of Hearing communities in southeast Michigan. There were several rounds of American Sign Language applause as HARMAN thanked participants, volunteers, and team members for their support and the impact we made together.

Embracing Cultural Diversity

As a workplace that has a strong culture of acceptance and belonging, HARMAN was also proud to celebrate our team members’ rich heritage. During Hispanic Heritage Month, HARMAN celebrated the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people by creating opportunities for our team members to highlight and share reflections on their cultures. Offering a glimpse into HARMAN’s diverse workplace, employees reflected on what makes them proudest of their heritage and on the influence of their backgrounds on their professional journeys.

HARMAN India’s Heartfelt Diwali Initiative

To wrap it all up ahead of this year’s Diwali celebration, nearly 700 HARMAN India employees gathered across cities to hand-paint over 2,000 diyas, embodying community and compassion. Each diya sold supports NGO partners dedicated to empowering specially abled children, adding hope and opportunity to their lives. Celebrating the spirit of light and unity, HARMAN India extends warm wishes for a joyful Diwali.

Fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace is a commitment that never wavers – it is a meaningful pursuit we are always working to advance throughout the entire year. As a global organization, we at HARMAN know that all of us benefit when our people feel empowered to embrace and share their unique backgrounds, talents and perspectives. Learn more about how our company culture is built around the diversity of our people: https://www.harman.com/career/diversity.

At PotlatchDeltic, one of our core values is inclusion and respect. To live up to this value, it is important that we focus on the needs of all team members and ensure they feel respected, supported, and valued. In 2023, we introduced a Veterans Employee Resource Group, Salute, whose purpose is to recognize and support PotlatchDeltic veterans and military families. PotlatchDeltic employed 88 veteran Team Members who bring a unique set of skills developed through their service1. These skills include teamwork, discipline, leadership, and adaptability that support our values and help to deliver on our business objectives.

Mission: To recognize and support our veterans by providing a community that fosters connections through which veterans can connect and collaborate on opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Executive Sponsor: Robert Schwartz, Vice President, Human Resources

Chair: Daniel Cortes, Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis

Our Gwinn, Michigan Wood Products Facility

In 1955, the U.S. Air Force identified the need for a Strategic Air Command (SAC) base in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The U.S. Government negotiated the establishment of a base at an airport site in Gwinn, Michigan.

This vision culminated in the establishment of the K.I Sawyer Air force Base, named after the late K.I. Sawyer, a local World War II hero and was activated in 1956. The base served as a symbol of deterrence to prevent and monitor attempts of Soviet invasion. As a result, the men and women stationed at the base were called the “Guardians of the North”.

K.I. Sawyer Air Force base closed in 1995. The former Air Force base was transformed in part to a wood products facility, which was acquired by Louisiana Pacific in 2000 and later by Potlatch in 2005. Today, the former base is home to our Gwinn sawmill, a testament to the adaptability and resilience of the Gwinn community and symbol of industry and economic growth to the Michigan Upper Peninsula.

Footnotes:

Data as of December 31, 2023.