Tag: 3BL

Collisions between whales and ships are a growing problem in our oceans. The numbers speak for themselves: Ship strikes are one of the leading causes of injury and death for large whales. To resolve this, DP World, a global logistics giant, has partnered with global conservation organization Ocean Wise, to expand the reach and effectiveness of their Whale Report Alert System (WRAS).

Tackling the Problem Head-On: Imperfect solutions?

For years, marine experts have sought ways to reduce the impact of human activity on whale populations, and various mitigation strategies have emerged. Traditional solutions include mandatory speed restrictions in areas known to be frequented by endangered species. For example, in the eastern U.S., ships over 65 metres in length must reduce their speed to 10 knots or less in regions where endangered North Atlantic right whales are known to swim. This has been highly effective, reducing strike-related mortality of these whales by 80-90%. However, speed restrictions alone are only part of the solution.

That’s where Ocean Wise’s WRAS comes in. Launched in 2018, WRAS is a cutting-edge conservation tool designed to protect whales from ship strikes and disturbance by alerting mariners to their presence in real-time. The WRAS is informed by the public and professional observers through the WhaleReport app and automated detections from infrared cameras and hydrophones. Alerts are sent to nearby mariners, giving them a heads-up to slow down or change course. The system serves as a vital lifeline for whales, allowing professional mariners to take immediate action to avoid collisions.

As Lasse Gustavsson, Ocean Wise’s President and CEO puts it: “The goal of WRAS is to enable mariners to take mitigation measures to help reduce acoustic and physical disturbance to vulnerable cetaceans.”

Enter DP World: A Partnership with Global Potential

DP World’s decision to deepen its involvement with the WRAS program was a no-brainer, building on the previous support of Ocean Wise’s Whale Health & Monitoring program. As Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada, noted: “The work that Ocean Wise does is critical. We wanted to enhance our pre-existing agreements with them to forge a more robust partnership by supporting WRAS. The success of an initiative as important as this is crucial not only for the benefit of marine life whose waters DP World’s shipping lanes use, but also for the system to be adopted globally for everyone’s benefit.”

“Working with Ocean Wise on this project made sense given the importance of protecting and enhancing oceans while supporting equitable trade systems, where nature and humans flourish. Enhancing our partnership with Ocean Wise will support implementation of DP World’s Ocean Strategy 2024-2030 in the Salish Sea, a unique inland sea ecosystem located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and Canada and home to 37 marine mammal species, including several endangered whale populations,” added Sarah Mouriño, Senior Director, Sustainability – Americas.

The WRAS goal is ambitious: by 2025, WRAS aims to triple its detection capabilities globally, and DP World’s funding has been instrumental in expanding the WRAS’ real-time whale detection capabilities. Increased promotion of the WhaleReport app and integration with other detection technologies, such as infrared and acoustic systems, are both expanding the program. As part of this effort, DP World has supported the integration of two hydrophones and four infrared camera systems, which help detect whale presence 24/7, even in remote areas and during the dead of night.

Moreover, DP World is helping embed WRAS into the operational procedures of at least three professional marine organizations. This could mean integrating WRAS with navigational software and ensuring that it’s used as a standard tool in vessel operations centers. According to Ocean Wise, the system has already sent out 30,225 alerts as of October 31, 2024—a whopping 404% increase since from the 2023 baseline. Impressively, 7.1% of those alerts came from the newly integrated automated sources like hydrophones and infrared cameras.

Dr. Chloe Robinson, Director of the Ocean Wise Whales Initiative, added: “Given the demonstrated success of the WRAS in the Pacific northwest, we are excited for the global potential of the WRAS to mitigate ship strikes for many more whales. We would not be able to expand our ship strike solution without the support of DP World, and we are looking forward to working closely together to achieve our shared vision of safer waters for whales.”

A Global Solution with Tangible Results

The Whale Report Alert System is more than just a local or regional tool—it’s a model for global sustainability in ocean conservation, a cause that sits at the heart of DP World’s Ocean Strategy for 2024 – 2030. With the expansion of WRAS, there’s potential to not only drastically reduce the number of whale strikes but also mitigate the broader environmental impacts of shipping. Shipping lanes are some of the busiest highways on Earth, making it critical to minimize their ecological footprint. By giving mariners the information they need to make real-time decisions, WRAS helps to reduce vessel-related noise, which can stress whales and disrupt their essential behaviors. In turn, this preserves the health of the entire marine ecosystem.

Beyond the immediate benefits to whale populations, the global implementation of WRAS could set a precedent for responsible maritime practices. As more shipping companies and marine organizations adopt the system, the ripple effects will be felt far and wide. With DP World’s involvement, the system is poised to scale up, reaching new waters and protecting whales in every corner of the globe. After all, as Ocean Wise reminds us, “[Whales] are the environmental guardians of our ocean. Their health and wellbeing are the most useful indicators of the health of the entire ocean ecosystem.”

In short, WRAS is proving that technology and sustainability can go hand in hand. It’s a win-win for the shipping industry and the environment. By reducing the risk of collisions and disturbances, WRAS not only helps save whales but also ensures that our oceans remain healthy and vibrant for generations to come.

Today KeyBank announced it has awarded 16 Western Pennsylvania organizations with funding through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program totaling more than $525,000.

Under the program, Pennsylvania allows individuals and businesses to obtain a state tax credit equal to 90% of their Pennsylvania state tax liability for eligible contributions. These contributions must be made either to schools that provide tuition assistance to students from low-income households or to approved Educational Improvement Organizations.

“At KeyBank, we are dedicated to fostering the success of students by supporting a variety of organizations and programs that provide essential educational resources. Our mission is to empower students not only to excel in their studies but also to graduate successfully, thereby gaining access to valuable college and career-building opportunities,” said Vic Laurenza, KeyBank’s Western Pennsylvania Market President. “We recognize the significant impact of the EITC program and the vital role it plays in enabling us to contribute meaningfully to those organizations that are shaping and educating the leaders of tomorrow. By investing in education, we are investing in a brighter future for our communities.”

The funding from Key ranges from $25,000 to $50,000 and have been made to the following community organizations based in greater Pittsburgh and Erie:

Angel’s Place Inc.Boys Hope Girls Hope of PittsburghCrossroads FoundationDr. Gertrude A. Barber National InstituteErie Day SchoolExtra Mile Education FoundationImani Christian AcademyLifesteps, Inc.The Neighborhood AcademyMercyhurst Preparatory SchoolPittsburgh Jewish Educational Improvement FoundationPOISE Foundation Scholastic Opportunity Scholarship Fund – Butler Catholic SchoolSewickley AcademyVilla Maria Cathedral Preparatory Catholic School SystemWashington County Community Foundation

ABOUT KEYCORP

KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $188 billion at September 30, 2023.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

By Jack Noonan

Across Australia, India, Singapore, Japan and beyond, WELL is helping organizations not only enhance their spaces but reimagine them. With over 900,000,000 square feet–nearly 100 million square meters–of assets and projects leveraging WELL across industries, including real estate, financial services, and building design and construction, there are several projects with unique twists, in unconventional spaces. From performing arts theaters to offices that highlight nature and spotlight art, the use of WELL is as varied as it is vast.

Queensland Ballet’s Thomas Dixon Centre: WELL Certified at the Platinum Level
Home to twirls and relevés, Queensland Ballet’s Thomas Dixon Centre’s pioneering space stands as a model of human-centered design for the arts. Located in a heritage-listed building, it’s the world’s first performing arts organization to achieve WELL Certification at the Platinum level.

This project involved a complex restoration to transform it into a premier health and wellness-centered facility. Key features include the 351-seat Talbot Theatre, wellness suite, dance studios, rooftop terrace, restaurant and public artworks. Queensland Ballet Executive Director Dilshani Weerasinghe celebrated this achievement, noting it as a testament to the organization’s dedication to the well-being of artists, staff and the wider community.

6&8 Parramatta Square, Sydney, Australia: Largest Building to Ever Achieve WELL Certification in Australia
6-8 Parramatta Square has made history by becoming Australia’s largest building to achieve WELL Certification. Started in 2017, 6&8 Parramatta Square is the final stage of this ambitious three-hectare city precinct which has redefined the Australian skyline. This iconic 55-story tower offers premium office space and state-of-the-art end-of-trip facilities including bicycle parking and repair stations, healthy vending machines, hydration stations, premium change facilities and more. Walker Corporation, the developer, is committed to sustainable development, making 6&8 Parramatta Square a landmark for the future.

Standard Chartered Bank: First WELL Certified Building in Vietnam
Standard Chartered Bank, a leading international banking group, officially achieved the first WELL Certification at the Gold level in Vietnam. This achievement affirms the Bank’s commitment to promoting health, well-being and sustainability, while contributing to support global efforts progressing toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As Standard Chartered Vietnam’s CEO Nguyen Thuy Hanh said: “At Standard Chartered Vietnam, we believe that a healthier, more sustainable workplace inspires our people to thrive. Achieving WELL Certification at the Gold level reflects our shared values and commitment to fostering a positive environment where employees feel supported and energised every day. We are immensely proud of our team’s efforts in achieving this milestone and reaffirm our commitment to driving sustainable growth, embracing responsible practices and investing in the Vietnamese community.”

The organization also achieved the WELL Equity Rating at five locations across the region, including offices in India, Taiwan, Singapore and Vietnam.

CapitaLand: First Real Estate Developer in Singapore to Achieve WELL Equity Rating
CapitaLand became the first real estate developer in Singapore to achieve the WELL Equity Rating, setting a new benchmark for inclusive, wellness-focused spaces. This rating emphasizes health, safety and equity through DEI initiatives that include mental health policies and workforce diversity assessments. CapitaLand also leads with WELL at scale across its properties in Singapore and beyond, including sites in China and Vietnam. Through these efforts, CapitaLand champions well-being for employees, residents and the broader community, underscoring the role of design in promoting workplace inclusivity and holistic health.

Finally, CapitaLand achieved three milestones with the precertification of its Ascendas Alpha Park, 7 SPD WELL Core Certification at the Gold level and AIA Financial Center achieved the WELL Health-Safety Rating

Embassy REIT, India: Most WELL Certified Spaces Globally
Embassy REIT earned a remarkable 183 WELL achievements across its extensive office portfolio with a focus on health and well-being. Of the 90 buildings evaluated, nearly half were certified at the Gold level, and 100% received the WELL Health-Safety Rating. Embassy’s leadership in the WELL at scale program reflects its commitment to people-first spaces. Our own President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon praised Embassy’s efforts, calling the company a market leader in health and sustainability. This focus on well-being has led Embassy REIT to become a leader in the industry, enhancing workplace well-being at an unprecedented scale.

Mori Building: Two New WELL Certification Achievements at the Platinum Level on the Iconic Tokyo Skyline
Not only the host of the first WELL Regional Summit in Tokyo, Mori Building achieved two WELL Certification achievements at the Platinum level on Tokyo’s most iconic new commercial developments – Azubudai Hills Mori JP Tower–the largest building in Japan to achieve WELL Certification–and Toronomon Hills Station Tower. As part of its healthy and well-being strategy, the projects prioritized the promotion of physical activity with plazas and decks for walking, healthy meals at Hills House Azabudai and Tokyo Node Cafe, and high‐performance air filtration for clean indoor air.

Precinct Properties: First to Achieve the WELL Equity Rating in New Zealand
Precinct Properties is New Zealand’s first company to receive the WELL Equity Rated designation for its location, marking a major milestone in inclusivity. The company’s Auckland and Wellington offices feature collaborative open spaces, wellness rooms and gender-neutral, accessible amenities. Through the WELL at scale program, Precinct tracks organizational health performance across locations, targeting a score of 40 points by 2025. This investment in well-being and technology aligns with its commitment to diversity, promoting a welcoming, functional environment that fosters community and productivity for all employees.

MSD: Global Impact with 17 WELL Certifications and Two WELL Rating Achievements across Japan, China, Asia Pacific and Beyond
MSD has been busy this year in efforts to expand its WELL achievements across its global portfolio, from resilience to inclusion. In 2024, the research-intensive global biopharmaceutical company earned a tremendous amount of WELL Certification and WELL Rating achievements globally:

WELL Certification at the Gold Level

MSD Bangkok, ThailandMSD Seoul, South KoreaThree sites in MSD China: Hangzhou, Jinan and WuhanMSD Tokyo, Japan

WELL Health-Safety Rating

MSD Auckland, New ZealandMSD Pune, India

WELL Equity Rating

MSD Australia

These sites join other commercial offices, such as those in Sydney, Taipei and Beijing, which have already achieved WELL Certified status for the MSD Global Commercial Offices via the WELL at scale program–and all funnel into MSD’s global initiative to prioritize human well-being.

As APAC nears the milestone of 1 billion square feet engaged with WELL, these standout projects illustrate the diverse, people-first possibilities WELL inspires across sectors, from the arts to corporate and commercial real estate. This commitment is creating a new landscape of healthier, more inclusive and innovative spaces for all.

View original content here.

Nasdaq

This Nasdaq report provides a global view into company readiness for the Corporate Sustainability and Reporting Directive (CSRD). The goal is to uncover trends across sectors, geographic regions, and market cap bands to help companies understand CSRD readiness and compare efforts with peers.

Ready or Not… Here Comes CSRD

Beginning on January 1, 2025, many large companies will be required to report to the EU’s CSRD based on the 2024 financial year. With that in mind, we leveraged Nasdaq’s AI-powered research and benchmarking solution, Nasdaq Sustainable Lens®, to analyze 8.7K global companies, 161K+ company documents, and 8.3M+ CSRD disclosure requirement data points.[1] As you assess your value chain reporting capabilities and evaluate measurement systems, consider reviewing the data and analysis provided in this report.

 Key Takeaways

1. Supply chain heavy sectors are leading the sprint to CSRD readiness. CSRD readiness across all observed companies stands at 12.9%, with Basic Materials, Consumer Non-Cyclicals, and Industrials sectors leading the sprint to readiness.

2. First required reporters in Europe make early strides. European regions show the highest readiness across more than 2,000 companies, demonstrating early preparation for CSRD requirements.

3. Global sector benchmarks provide an early look at possible material areas. Companies may be able to use sector aggregate views in existing sustainability reports as a guide to pressure test their double materiality assessments.

4. Direct control areas show promising readiness. Companies show higher readiness in areas they directly control, including G1 Business Conduct, S1 Own Workforce, and E1 Climate Change. 

5. There is an opportunity to lead with actions, not just words. Meeting ESRS granular requirements isn’t just about establishing strong governance structures and social and climate policies, it also means establishing clear measurements, actions, and targets.

Click here to download the full report

[1] Annual Reports, Sustainability Reports, Climate Reports, Social Documents, SEC filings, Policy documents, Governance documents, CDP Reports, sustainability data tables & framework indices as of 11/08/2024

Southern Company

Southern Company has joined forces with Ford Pro in a groundbreaking pilot to explore and expand the role of electric vehicles (EVs) within fleet operations. This pilot aims to leverage the expertise of both companies to address barriers in EV adoption, while demonstrating the transformative potential of EV fleets in supporting the resilience of the electric grid for both customers and company operations. Together, Southern Company and Ford Pro are setting the foundation for a scalable, impactful framework for EV fleet grid programs, which benefits energy reliability for all customers.

The 6-month pilot with Ford Pro will involve more than 200 F-150® Lightning® trucks within the Southern Company system’s fleet of company vehicles. Utilizing established charging depots and more than 150 chargers with Ford Pro charging software, the pilot will employ pricing signals and demand response to evaluate efficient charging within a fleet environment.

Driving the Future of Electric Fleets

The pilot seeks to establish a comprehensive understanding of how EV managed charging programs can be maximized to benefit both fleet operations and grid efficiency. By integrating Ford Pro’s VG1 charging software into the Southern Company system’s fleet vehicles, the companies will collaborate to test how dynamic rates and demand response capabilities impact the crucial need to balance energy loads and create more resilient grid operations. This hands-on approach will allow Southern Company and Ford Pro to leverage insights from program data and user feedback to develop a roadmap for creating a flexible and scalable model that enables fleets to adopt electric vehicles with efficient energy and load management, informs future fleet EV charging programs, and addresses key barriers to EV adoption, including technical and commercial challenges, fleet management, and cost-effectiveness.

“This collaboration with Ford Pro exemplifies our commitment to advancing sustainable, grid-supportive transportation solutions,” said Hank Adams, Southern Company’s SVP of Customer Solutions. “Our collaborative pilot brings together our shared vision for innovative EV fleet programs for customers that not only enhance fleet operations but also contribute to grid resilience, aligning with our mission to build a clean and efficient energy future.”

“The business case for electrification is compelling. With reduced fuel, scheduled maintenance, and operational costs compared to diesel and gas vans or trucks, electric vehicles can potentially help lower a fleet’s total cost of ownership. This represents a significant value for businesses looking to electrify their fleets,” said Ananya Gupta, senior product manager at Ford Pro Charging Advanced Energy Management. “Ford Pro’s collaboration with Southern Company underscores our commitment to delivering integrated solutions that combine smart charging software, charging infrastructure, and connected vehicle data through Ford Pro Intelligence. By leveraging these advanced technologies, we aim to create a flexible, scalable blueprint for fleet electrification that supports operational efficiency, sustainability goals, and grid benefits for both Southern Company and its subsidiaries’ commercial customers.”

Driving Value for Customers

By understanding fleet charging behavior, Southern Company and its subsidiaries can better support commercial and industrial customers as they transition their own fleets to electric vehicles. The collaboration with Ford Pro is expected to deliver actionable insights by integrating connected vehicle data from Ford Pro Intelligence with charging data from Ford Pro Charging software, revealing benefits and opportunities for EVs in fleet operations. The pilot will also explore the use of software that will automate charging schedules to enable customers to charge at times that minimize their electricity costs and reduce strain on the electric grid.

Together, Southern Company and Ford Pro are leading the charge in fostering sustainable EV innovation and creating a more sustainable and resilient energy future. This collaboration not only supports immediate needs for fleet and grid performance but also paves the way for next-generation EV fleet programs that will enhance value to customers and our energy system.

The partnership with Ford Pro is just one of the clean transportation solutions Southern Company is exploring for environmentally responsible fleet transition. To learn more, see Clean Transportation | Southern Company.

Verizon

When Kenzel and Tio Fallen launched their Houston-based coffee company, Three Keys Coffee, in 2019, they named the business after the three valves found on the trumpet, an instrument Tio has played for years. “Our company is inspired by the arts and sounds of jazz music,” Kenzel explains.

To grow and scale their company — a coffee roastery with wholesale, direct-to-consumer, catering, and retail business — Kenzel turned to the free resources available from Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. As CEO, Kenzel is the business mind behind Three Keys Coffee — she holds an MBA from Rice University and has worked in the banking industry — and her experience showed her the value of the coursework available from Verizon. She has taken more than 50 self-paced courses and live events from Verizon Small Business Digital Ready while balancing her role as CEO with motherhood.

“Being a busy mom of three kids, I’m stretched very thinly already,” Kenzel says. “Running a business that includes both a cafe and a manufacturing side means I have to be very intentional and strategic about how I prioritize my time and opportunities. I discovered the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program had access to such a variety of courses across a lot of different topics that I knew could really help me grow my business.”

My 3 Digital Ready Wins

Increased revenue through certifications: Certification programs helped Three Keys Coffee increase revenue through partnerships and grants.Enhanced customer insights with data capture: Learning about data capture inspired Kenzel to add a QR code to her products, which she hopes will help her gain information about customers and convert them to the online store.Effective team management with SMART goals: SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) goals improved Kenzel’s management and leadership of the Three Keys Coffee team.

Learning about certifications, for example, encouraged Kenzel to pursue women-and-minority owned certifications. “As a Black female business owner, these certifications unlocked new opportunities for me,” she says. Kenzel increased the company’s catering revenues more than 12 times from the previous year, secured a pop-up event at a major tech company, and landed a distribution deal with Forbes Global 2000 corporations after gaining certification.

A course on capturing customer data led Kenzel to enhance Three Keys Coffee’s subscription service, Kenzel says. “I actually saw a 27% increase in active subscribers year over year,” Kenzel says.

After completing a course on employee management, Kenzel implemented cost-saving retention strategies that significantly lowered turnover and helped retain top talent. “The average length of service for our team is over a year, which within the coffee industry is very unheard of,” Kenzel says.

Her team appreciates how the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready coursework pushed Kenzel, already a hands-on manager, to tap into her employees’ insights. “I feel like she’s very much aware of when to listen,” says Jay Terrell, quality analysis specialist at Three Keys Coffee. “She just seems much more clued in to hearing our voices.”

Insights from an operating efficiency course enabled Kenzel to implement processes that decreased monthly payroll by 17%, savings which she reinvested in her team by offering health benefits to staff. Implementing project management tools such as Trello and Slack also helped the team reduce meeting time and increase efficiency, saving more than 800 labor hours per year, Kenzel estimates.

“The way we’ve connected with our community, the way we’ve created opportunities for our team and our staff — all of that speaks to the way [we’ve created a] fresh new voice in the specialty coffee industry, and we’re really proud of that,” Kenzel says.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is part of Verizon’s goal to support 1 million small businesses by 2030 with the resources to thrive in the digital economy. Visit CitizenVerizon.com to learn more about the company’s responsible business efforts. To sign up for Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, visit digitalready.verizonwireless.com. An individual user’s experience may vary and results are not guaranteed.

December 11, 2024 /3BL/ – Join the premier event for sustainability professionals at GreenBiz 25 (February 10–12, Phoenix, AZ). Don’t miss your opportunity to learn what’s next in decarbonization, disclosure, nature, supply chains, strategic communications, change management and more.

Register and use the code GB253BL to save 10% on the All-Access Pass (up to $475 in savings).

This year’s program features over 75 sessions designed to help you elevate your sustainability strategies and drive meaningful change. Across its seven tracks, the GreenBiz 25 program prioritizes equity, ingenuity, practicality, and urgency. Here’s a preview of the sessions that await you from each of the tracks:

1. Transforming Value Chains

Focus: Supply Chains, Scope 3 Emissions, Circularity

Leveraging AI for Supply Chain DecarbonizationCreating Value through Circular Design: Insights from Industry Leaders

2. Comms with Integrity

Focus: C-suite Support, Political Headwinds, Employee Engagement, Pre-competitive Collaboration

The Evolution of Communicating Sustainability TargetsTelling a Sustainability Story that Doesn’t Suck

3. Finance for the Transition

Focus: Federal and State Funding, Transition Planning, Capital Markets:

Transition Finance: Aligning Capital with Corporate Climate GoalsFinancing Pathways to a Nature-Positive Future

4. Confident Disclosure

Focus: Reporting, Global and Local Regulations and Policies, Ratings Agencies, COP 29

Getting Up to Speed on CSRDEverything ESG Assurance

5. Decarbonize and Drawdown

Focus: Energy, Nature-based Solutions, Carbon Markets

Supplier Collaboration for Scope 3 TargetsMoving Towards Net Zero Logistics 

6. Regenerating Nature

Focus: Natural Capital, Corporate Nature Targets, COP 16

Meeting Local Watershed Commitments: Key Insights and Lessons LearnedIdentifying and Overcoming Barriers to Incorporate Nature into Corporate Strategy

7. Progress & Thrive

Focus: Organizational Leadership, Innovation, Social Justice

Steering Through 2025: Transformative Governance for an Unpredictable WorldPolicy as a Competitive Advantage: Corporate Climate Leadership

Register now and use the code GB253BL to save 10% on the All-Access Pass (up to $475 in savings).

BELLEVUE, Wash., December 11, 2024 /3BL/ – The wait is over! T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) announced the final champion of its Friday Night 5G Lights competition: Inola High School from Inola, Oklahoma. After months of fierce competition among more than 1,700 high schools across all 50 states and votes from thousands of fans worldwide for the Top 16 finalists, the small town has emerged victorious, securing the grand prize (a $2 million value!) to transform its high school football field into a state-of-the-art stadium.

As the Official Wireless Sponsor of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), T-Mobile will celebrate Inola High School’s win at the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, where school representatives will receive the winning trophy.

The win delivers a grand prize valued at $2 million that includes a $100,000 grant for the school, weight room from GronkFitness.com, new teched-out scoreboard, consultation with football field experience experts, 5G network upgrades package and an epic tailgate party celebration with live music and a 5G-powered halftime drone show.

The full reveal of the upgraded facilities will take place in 2025, showcasing the extensive enhancements that promise a new era of excellence for Inola High School and its surrounding community.

“Small town pride and community spirit have truly been the backbone of this competition,” said Jon Freier, President, T-Mobile Consumer Group. “Inola High School and all the participants showed us what Friday night lights are really about — community, passion and resilience. We’re excited to bring this unforgettable game night experience to life with 5G technology, knowing it will inspire and unite the people of Inola like never before.”

Crowning the Champion

Inola, Oklahoma — known as the “Hay Capital of the World” — has a population of 1,897 and 423 students at Inola High School, but the small town went extra big in going for Friday Night 5G Lights victory. Along with driving more than 100 miles to Oklahoma City to pass out flyers campaigning for their school, Inola students personally called every school district in the state — over 1,700 schools — and emailed all 1,850+ principals and 540+ superintendents across all 77 counties in Oklahoma. Talk about dedication!

As the Home of the Longhorns, Inola High School has long aimed to rejuvenate its football program, which Inola High School College and Career Coordinator Deleea Meeker says needs a lot of work, with torn-up turf, a broken sound system, an outdated scoreboard and a multi-use weight room with equipment from the 1980s.

With this win, the school can now kickstart these much-needed upgrades. And it’s not just the football team’s hometown heroes, cheerleaders, band members and fans who will enjoy these upgraded facilities. All of Inola High School’s students will benefit from the new equipment, from other sports teams getting access to the new weight equipment to gym classes getting more out of their workouts.

“Winning the Friday Night 5G Lights competition is a dream come true for our students, our team and our entire community,” said Meeker. “We can’t thank T-Mobile enough for believing in the power of small-town spirit and for bringing these transformative upgrades to our school.”

Four-time Super Bowl Champion Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski, Friday Night 5G Lights ambassador, expressed his excitement for the school.

“It’s amazing to see the excitement radiating from Inola and the incredible impact this will have on their community,” said Gronkowski. “Now, they’ll have facilities that truly reflect their passion, pride and determination. The energy from all the schools in this competition has been off the charts, and I can’t wait to see how these upgrades elevate school spirit and create new opportunities for the students at Inola High School.”

The Start of Something Bigger

Inola High School’s victory is just the beginning. Thanks to the overwhelming excitement and success of the competition, T-Mobile announced that Friday Night 5G Lights will be back in 2025 and beyond to help lift up more schools and communities nationwide. This move marks another significant step in T-Mobile’s ongoing commitment to bring 5G and enhanced connectivity to small towns across America.

“Seeing the powerful effect that Friday Night 5G Lights has had on communities reaffirms our commitment to investing in small towns,” said Freier. “We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to bring this contest back next year with even more opportunities to support and transform high school experiences across the country.”

Pre-register now for 2025 at FridayNight5GLights.com.

Small Town Impact Beyond the Field

By enhancing schools’ sports facilities, Friday Night 5G Lights highlights the importance of connectivity in small-town communities. T-Mobile’s ongoing commitment to rural America, through initiatives like this contest, aligns with the company’s mission to bring the power of 5G to every corner of the country.

Since launching its 5G for All initiative in April 2021, T-Mobile has significantly expanded its 5G network, becoming the largest and fastest 5G network in the nation. The company has opened about 600 stores in small towns and extended its network to cover over 500,000 square miles of rural 5G coverage. This expansion now reaches over 98% of Americans across 2 million square miles.

T-Mobile also offers 5G Home Internet and Business Internet, providing reliable and affordable broadband options nationwide. Moreover, through Hometown Grants, T-Mobile has invested more than $14 million in small towns, supporting various community and infrastructure projects. Additionally, T-Mobile’s Project 10Million initiative, valued at $10.7 billion, has connected over 6 million students, enhancing their access to educational resources.

And now, Friday Night 5G Lights becoming an annual competition only enhances T-Mobile’s commitment to small towns.

To learn more about Friday Night 5G Lights, visit www.FridayNight5GLights.com.

Follow @TMobileNews on X, formerly known as Twitter, to stay up to date with the latest company news.

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About T-Mobile 
T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com

Media Contact 
T-Mobile US, Inc. Media Relations 
MediaRelations@t-mobile.com

Investor Relations Contact 
T-Mobile US, Inc. 
Investor.Relations@t-mobile.com 
https://investor.t-mobile.com

DES MOINES, Iowa, December 11, 2024 /3BL/ — Principal® Foundation, a global nonprofit organization committed to helping people and communities build financially secure futures, today announced one winner and 19 finalists for its Money Chronicles: A Story Initiative national short story contest that invited people to share stories about lived experiences with money.

Launched in 2023, Money Chronicles: A Story Initiative is a unique program and national short story contest created by Principal Foundation that uses the power of storytelling to help destigmatize and encourage conversations about money and personal finances. It is hosted in collaboration with The Center for Fiction, a national literary nonprofit, and Short Édition, a global publishing house.

In its second year, the winner and finalists’ stories were selected by an esteemed panel of literary authors and experts including Zakiya Dalila Harris, Casey Parks, Joe Wilkins, and Cecily Wong as well as David Drury from Short Édition, Jo Christine Miles from Principal Foundation, and individuals from The Center for Fiction. The winner will receive $1,000 and each finalist will receive $150.

“Storytelling is a powerful tool that has the unique ability to inspire and motivate people to reexamine their experiences, tackle obstacles, and have open conversations about stigmatized topics, like money,” said Jo Christine Miles, director, Principal Foundation, and Community Relations. “This year’s stories explored themes such as cultural heritage, generational legacy, and socioeconomic status – all important topics to discuss to help people and communities navigate their money journey to a financially secure future.”

Talking about money can be difficult and unnerving. In 2023, a survey of 3,000 Millennial and Gen Z Americans conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Principal Foundation uncovered that 53% of people who don’t talk about money are afraid to because it makes them feel awkward and they worry they will be judged by others. Programs like Money Chronicles aim to destigmatize and encourage money conversations to help people advance their financial education and goals.

To date, more than 38 writers have been recognized for their creative money stories through Money Chronicles. This year’s winner and finalists include:

Winner: Genevieve Abravanel, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, “These dark woods”Finalists:Mary Tabor, Los Angeles, California, “Accounts”Joanne McEnroy, Yaphank, New York, “Are we rich”Brenden Stumpo, Smyrna, Delaware, “Discounted dreams”Sabrina Tom, Los Angeles, California, “Eureka”Jennifer Kitses, Jackson Heights, New York, “Extravagant gifts”Kristina Rose, Cocoa Beach, Florida, “Ghost dance”Katherine Cart, Charlottesville, Virgina, “How to bury a peacock”Sandy Feinstein, Reading, Pennsylvania, “In lieu of flowers”Kiik Araki-Kawaguchi, Bellingham, Washington, “Kazuki Shibata”Mark Budman, Brighton, Massachusetts, “On the move”Sandy Kline, Tulsa, Oklahoma, “Parker’s dam”Cedric Rose, Cincinnati, Ohio, “Primavera”Jeremy Steen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, “Rational actors”Mario Moussa, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, “Redemption”Lisa Beebe, Studio City, California, “See a penny”Georgia Corso, Baltimore, Maryland, “Spring’s sign of faith”Amy Schuler, Millerton, New York, “Statement in the balance”Joy Donnell, Marina Del Rey, California, “The estate”Sean Gill, Brooklyn, New York, “The lakes and the falls”

The winner and each finalist will have their stories published through Principal Foundation’s Short Story Dispensers located at The New York Public Library in New York, N.Y.; Sip & Sonder in Los Angeles, Calif.; Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in Charlotte, N.C.; Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle, Wash.; and Prairie Lights in Iowa City, Iowa. A new location was also added in 2024 at the renowned Politics & Prose bookstore in Washington D.C. Finalists’ stories are also being considered for publication in Short Edition’s global network of more than 500 Dispensers located across the globe in airports, public transportation hubs, retail centers, and other locations, so that audiences can enjoy these creative works in an engaging and unexpected format, reinforcing the power of storytelling in everyday moments.

For more information about Money Chronicles: A Story Initiative and to read stories from this year’s finalists, visit: https://short-edition.com/principalfoundationcontest.

For more information about Principal Foundation, visit: https://www.principalfoundation.org.

About Principal® Foundation 
Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. (“Principal Foundation”) is a duly recognized Section 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing philanthropic support to programs that build financial security in the communities where Principal Financial Group, Inc. (“Principal”) operates. While Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a distinct, independent, charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not practice any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so. Established in 1987, Principal Foundation works with organizations that are helping to shape and support the journey to financial security by ensuring access to essential needs, fostering social and cultural connections, and promoting financial inclusion. Principal Foundation supports a diverse community of more than 86 charitable organizations across the globe.

Media Contact: 
Taylor Madigan 
Ruder Finn 
Taylor.Madigan@ruderfinn.com 
412-508-2086

SOURCE Principal Foundation

At Dow, we not only pursue the latest certifications across our facilities but also actively collaborate with our suppliers to enhance their quality standards and engage with OEMs to shape regulatory frameworks.

Mobility looks a lot different these days than it did five years ago. And no brand, supplier, government, or consulting firm is forecasting that pace of change to slow down in the next five. The focus for all of us continues to be accelerating the transition to electric, hybrid and autonomous vehicles, improving infrastructure, reducing emissions throughout the full vehicle lifecycle, and last but certainly not least, safety.

Globally, the latest propositions by governments and regulatory bodies in response to this changing landscape illustrate this:

The U.S. is aiming for at least 50% of vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.In Europe, the CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) rules target 55% CO2 emission reductions for new cars and 50% for new vans from 2030 to 2034 compared to 2021 levels.Thailand’s 30@30 EV Production Policy aims for 30% of domestic vehicle production by 2030.

You can hear more about Dow’s approach to supporting electrification from my colleague, Selamawit Belli.

In short, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their partners find themselves amidst a frenetic race against time as they work to meet environmental regulations for the automotive industry as well as government regulations on carbon emissions.

Entities like the International Automotive Task Force (IATF), comprising automotive manufacturers and their respective National Automotive Industry Associations, play a role of heightened significance in this shifting landscape as they push to elevate product quality standards.

Consider automotive electronics – a market that only gained recognition within mobility in the latter part of the 20th century. Projections indicate that by 2030, the global automotive software and electronics market will surge to $462 billion, indicative of a robust 5.5% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2019 to 2030 (McKinsey). This burgeoning market attracts a plethora of new players (many of whom boast valuations surpassing those of established OEMs!).

However, their familiarity with traditional automotive quality standards may be lacking, leading to potential disparities in product quality and safety standards across the industry. There’s also trepidation at the government level related to data privacy as “Big Tech” deepens its roots within automotive. Given these concerns, OEM compliance becomes not just a “nice to have” but a crucial element of operations.

The IATF establishes guidelines and rules for quality management system certification with its Tier 1 and sub-suppliers and respective production processes. This ensures that – amid industry changes – there is a streamlined level of vehicle quality, safety, and reliability upheld across the supply chain. IATF 16949 Certification, for example, provides for continuous improvement with an emphasis on defect prevention and the reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain.

These certifications also serve as a North Star for global OEMs. What do I mean by that? Having worked in mobility for nearly four decades, I can attest that beyond the convergence of traditional manufacturing and technology, one of the greatest hallmarks of this new automotive age is the breaking down of traditional siloes to allow for an ecosystem of new business models grounded in collaboration. By adhering to the standards set forth by international and regional regulatory bodies, companies can establish themselves as good candidates for that deeper work of real-time partnership.

Our Commitment to Meeting and Advancing OEM Regulations

At Dow, we not only pursue the latest certifications across our facilities but also actively collaborate with our suppliers to enhance their quality standards and engage with OEMs to shape regulatory frameworks. We also are actively working to raise awareness around the application of standards with bulk materials such as chemicals/fluids, etc.

For instance, our collaboration with a key OEM contributed to input into the development of International Standard IATF 16949, a certification now held by Dow, which provides bulk materials to OEMs and other Tier suppliers. This standard is extremely rigorous – and is not stand-alone. It must be comprehended as a supplement to use in conjunction with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 9000:2015 along with customer-specific requirements. Having solid partners across your ecosystem and continuous interaction across business functions, from sales to materials sourcing to design, provides a huge leg-up when working to manage risk and meet needs set forth by these standards.

No matter where you sit in the supply chain, we must all remain steadfast in keeping pace with emerging standards. It’s a tall order, to be sure, but the potential for accelerating innovation is great indeed.

If you have any questions related to Dow’s work in compliance, any of the certifications we hold across our facilities, or how we collaborate with our suppliers to streamline quality for our OEM partners, please reach out to us by visiting https://www.dow.com/en-us/support.html.

About the author

Keith Middleton is a Quality Systems Associate at Dow, working as a key member of company quality management teams to define and implement the most effective technologies at both a company and business unit level. Middleton has over 39 years of industry experience, bringing his expertise in industrial technology and passion for the automotive industry to Team Dow. He also is the company’s corporate focal point for automotive Quality Management System (QMS) industry standards, such as IATF 16949, helping interpret and implement requirements. Middleton received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Industrial Technology – Manufacturing/Quality from Eastern Michigan University, and beyond his work, he’s also a trained Six Sigma Black Belt.

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