Tag: 3BL

Funding supports 13 organizations with up to $15,000 in grantsSimple safety improvements like ramps can improve security, quality of life

GREENVILLE, S.C., October 15, 2024 /3BL/ – South Carolina’s senior population should never have to decide between the necessities of life and living out their golden years in safety in their own home.

“Being able to safely enter and exit our homes is a basic need for everyone,” said Mark Champagne, executive director of Sumter United Ministries. “We have been told of seniors in our community being physically carried in and out of their home because there wasn’t a suitable wheelchair ramp available.”

To assist the efforts of organizations like Sumter United Ministries, the Duke Energy Foundation is providing $100,000 in grants to 13 organizations in the state with existing home ramp programs for low-income senior citizens or those with disabilities who qualify for assistance. Each program qualified for up to $15,000 in funding based on the size of the population they serve.

“This money will make life so much better for several homeowners in our community,” Champagne said.

“Safety is the most important aspect of everything we do at Duke Energy, every day,” said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina state president. “A simple safety improvement like building a ramp can make an enormous difference in the quality of life of our seniors. These grants will provide real freedom and security to the recipients of these services.”

Grants were awarded to the following organizations:

AIM (Anderson County) – $15,000 
 Caring and Sharing (Williamsburg County) – $2,500 
 Greenwood Community Home Repairs – $5,000 
 Habitat for Humanity (Greenville County) – $15,000 
 Habitat for Humanity (Spartanburg County) – $15,000 
 Habitat for Humanity (York County) – $5,000 
 Helping Florence Flourish – $5,000 
 Home Works of America (Marlboro County) – $2,500 
 KARE of Kershaw – $5,000 
 Lighthouse Ministries (Florence County) – $10,000 
 Rebuild Upstate (Oconee and Pickens counties) – $10,000 
 Sumter United Ministries – $7,500 
 United Way (Clarendon County) – $2,500

This year’s grants are a continuation of the Foundation’s efforts to support South Carolina organizations that help make needed home repairs to enable senior citizens to continue to enjoy life in their current homes. In 2023, the Senior Home Repair Program provided $225,000 in grants to 15 qualifying nonprofits of up to $20,000 through a request for proposals.

“The response we received after last year’s grants were announced was tremendous, and eye opening as the scope of the need became evident,” said Amanda Dow, director of the Duke Energy Foundation in South Carolina. “We looked more closely at the programs implementing this work and refined this year’s grants to a single specific focus area – home ramp programs – that will allow for more targeted disbursement of funds and reach more individuals in need.”

In addition to the grants, Duke Energy employees will be volunteering with several of these organizations to build ramps in communities in the company’s service territory that serves more than 830,000 retail electric customers and stretches from the Pee Dee region to the Upstate.

“We are excited to receive this grant which will enable Rebuild Upstate to install ramps for several older adults in the Upstate, ensuring safe access to their homes and helping them to age in place,” said Jake Beaty, CEO of Rebuild Upstate. “We are honored to partner with Duke Energy in serving our neighbors in need.”

Individuals looking for more information on qualifying for support from individual programs should contact the organizations receiving these grants.

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Ryan Mosier 
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

View original content here.

WELL Coworking Rating, which will be administered by The Instant Group and searchable on their platform, responds to growing demand for healthier workspaces that support workplace satisfaction, employee retention and productivity

NEW YORK and LONDON, October 15, 2024 /3BL/ – The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority on advancing healthy buildings, organizations and communities, together with The Instant Group, the largest global marketplace for flexible workspace, launch the WELL Coworking Rating, a pioneering health leadership benchmark designed for coworking and flexible spaces. Since announcing their partnership in April, The Instant Group has worked with IWBI to inform the development of the rating.

The new rating, derived from the health strategies in the WELL Building Standard, includes over 50 features spanning all 10 concepts in WELL, such as air and water quality, light and thermal comfort; and physical fitness and nourishment. With a public-facing seal upon achievement, the WELL Coworking Rating serves to validate and showcase how coworking and flexible workspaces meet evidence-based health and well-being measures, while also being integrated with The Instant Group’s platform to help occupiers and all those that enter the space know that the leadership benchmark has been met.

“After introducing Instant’s Sustainability Index last year, shifting our focus to health was a natural next step. Noticing the absence of a well-being benchmark specific to the co-working and flexible office market, we sought to partner with IWBI, the foremost authority on healthy buildings, to create an offering that landlords, operators and occupiers could all embrace,” said Sam Pickering, Executive Director, Head of Sustainability at The Instant Group. “By working with IWBI to develop the WELL Coworking Rating, Instant was able to leverage the science and evidence behind WELL, the world’s largest certification and ratings platform for healthy buildings, and introduce the first rating tailored specifically to the co-working and flex office market.”

Today, at the WELL Regional Summit in London, IWBI and Instant will officially unveil the WELL Coworking Rating alongside a special leadership cohort of organizations that have committed to being the first to use the new offering, including Koba, Landmark, Clockwise and Iconic Offices. With the launch of the rating, Instant will now be able to recognize operators of coworking and flexible workspaces for their health and well-being leadership, while giving occupiers of these workspaces crucial information about well-being attributes before booking or signing onto coworking space.

“The WELL Coworking Rating will help deliver the innovative health and productivity benefits of WELL to users of coworking and flexible workspaces,” said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. “Everyone deserves a healthy workplace that supports their physical and mental well-being, and we couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with The Instant Group to expand the reach of WELL’s science-backed strategies alongside our first cohort of dedicated market leaders.”

To recognize market leaders and spur uptake, the WELL Coworking Rating will be integrated into The Instant Group’s platform, which is the world’s largest marketplace for flexible workspace offerings and used by more than 20,000 landlords, flex operators and investors. Prospective coworking and flexible workspace users will be able to search for the new rating and its associated data as they access more than 350,000 flexible workplaces on Instant’s digital platforms.

Earlier this year, building on the success of their Sustainability Index launched in 2023, The Instant Group decided to expand its offering to focus on health and well-being. Recognizing IWBI as the global leader in healthy buildings, the two organizations formed a strategic partnership to explore opportunities, ultimately coming together to inform IWBI’s development of the WELL Coworking Rating.

Aligned with the growing demand for healthier places and spaces, research shows evidence-based health interventions in buildings help support workplace satisfaction, comfort and productivity, while also helping organizations better attract and retain talent. A 2022 study found that WELL Certified offices increase overall employee satisfaction by 28% and support a 10-point jump in median productivity. In addition, the growing research behind the business case for healthy buildings shows that these strategies help drive several economic benefits, including higher rents and longer lease terms.

Alexandra Livesey, Chief Operating Officer at Clockwise, commented, “Well-being is a core pillar of the Clockwise brand, the design of our workspaces and our member experience are centered around contributing positively to people’s mental and physical health. Establishing a formalised process and rating to recognize the elements that are within an operators’ control is really motivating, a step in the right direction for our industry and a positive contribution to the ESG agenda as a whole.”

Rob Stewart, Director of Strategy and Sustainability at Koba, added, “Helping push industry standards forward is central to our mission, so working with Instant and IWBI on developing the rating was a really valuable experience. It’s also an important tool for co-working occupiers looking to attract the type of ‘grown-up’ companies the industry is well placed to serve.”

For more information or if your organization is interested in using the WELL Coworking Rating, please contact us at sustainability@theinstantgroup.com to learn more.

-ends-

About the International WELL Building Institute 
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. IWBI is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate citizenship initiative, and helps companies advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the use of WELL. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

About The Instant Group 
The Instant Group has been rethinking workspace since 1999 with over 500 experts working globally across more than 175 countries. Instant’s digital platforms constitute the world’s largest digital marketplace for flexible workspace listing meeting rooms, virtual offices, flexible office space and coworking memberships. Its global team advises on commercial real estate solutions from serviced offices to fully customised managed offices, and consulting services for portfolio and net zero strategies. Instant’s approach enables agility, hybrid working solutions and improved operational resilience for more than 250,000 businesses every year. Clients include Amex, Prudential, Booking.com, Shell, Jaguar Land Rover and Worldpay. Instant has global offices including London, Paris, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney.

For further information: 
instantgroup@fticonsulting.com 
media@wellcertified.com

Southwire, North America’s leading wire and cable company, is proud to announce the release of its second annual inclusion report. The 2023 report highlights Southwire’s continued leadership in our industry, within the organization and in the communities where it operates.

Southwire’s dedication to this strategy is guided by six key areas: People Leaders, Inclusive Workforce, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Reputation and Community, Equity and Governance, and Value and Supply Chain. This organization has a bold vision for the future which focuses on increasing internal engagement and building stronger relationships with external partners.

“At Southwire, we continue to lead through our value of inclusion, which is essential to our strategic plan, to create generational sustainability and continued growth in our industry,” said Southwire CEO Rich Stinson. “This commitment has not only positively affected our organization, but also extends into the communities in which we work and live across our entire footprint.”

Key Highlights from the 2023 Inclusion Report: 

Include Summit: In August 2023, Southwire hosted its inaugural Include Summit, a two-day event recognizing team members who have made a positive impact by modeling inclusive behaviors throughout the year.Workforce Diversity: Southwire increased the representation of women, veterans, and team members from underrepresented communities across the company in 2023.Inclusion Governance Model: Southwire continues to promote accountability and leadership through its Inclusion Governance Model, ensuring every team member has a voice in shaping the company’s future.Employee Resource Groups: The company’s six ERGs play a pivotal role in fostering inclusion, providing networking opportunities, and enhancing engagement among team members.

One of the primary themes of this year’s report is how Southwire is integrating inclusion across its business.

“Inclusion is part of our DNA — it’s not just what we do, but it’s how we do it,” said Cara Herzog, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. “When we think about how inclusion positions us, we’re not just looking to the next five years; we’re looking at how we will reach 100 years and beyond. For example, we’re considering the future of our manufacturing workforce, as it will become more challenging to fill critical roles. From that vantage point, and for many other reasons, our future relies on an integrated approach toward putting our value of inclusion into action throughout our business.”

Southwire’s award-winning impact was highlighted through various recognitions in the 2023 report, including being named as a Top Diversity Employer by DiversityJobs.com for the fourth year in a row, two award recognitions through The Diversity Impact Awards for ERG and inclusive program efforts, Southwire Canada named as a Great Place to Work for the third year in a row, and more. At Southwire, inclusion is one of the company’s key values, and this report further reflects the organization’s efforts to be transparent in the ways Southwire is creating generational sustainability, fostering an inclusive workplace and strengthening the communities it serves. To learn more about Southwire’s commitment to inclusion, visit www.southwire.com/dei.

### 
About Southwire: 
Southwire Company, LLC is North America’s leading wire and cable company. The $8B organization is made up of more than 9,000 team members across the globe who unite as ONE Southwire each and every day to serve each other, their customers and their communities. Southwire and its subsidiaries provide solutions including building wire and cable, metal-clad cable, utility products, portable and electronic cord products and OEM wire products. In addition, Southwire offers electrical products, engineered solutions and a variety of field support services. For more on Southwire’s products and solutions, its community involvement and its vision of sustainability, visit www.southwire.com.

Verizon

NEW YORK, October 14, 2024 /3BL/ – The Verizon Foundation is stepping up to support communities devastated by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton with a total of $2 million in donations to aid relief and recovery efforts. The contributions will provide essential support and rebuilding efforts to those who have been devastated by the storms.

The donations include $1 million to the American Red Cross to assist with emergency relief and recovery efforts for both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

The remaining $1 million is directed to various regional organizations providing crucial services on the ground in the hardest-hit areas, including $400,000 allocated to organizations in Florida for Hurricane Milton relief and $600,000 to support communities in Georgia and North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene:

$400,000 to Volunteer Florida: Supporting Hurricane relief efforts, these funds will assist organizations providing food, shelter, and recovery resources to those affected by the storm.$600,000 to Georgia and North Carolina: Focused on aiding communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, these contributions will help address immediate needs like food and shelter while also supporting longer-term recovery and rebuilding initiatives. Specifically, these contributions include:  
○ $300,000 to NC Hurricane Helene Fund–United Way of North Carolina 
○ $50,000 to Second Harvest of South Georgia, Inc., Valdosta, Georgia 
○ $50,000 to United Way of Greater Valdosta, Georgia 
○ $100,000 to Community Foundation for the CSRA, Augusta, Georgia 
○ $100,000 to Weathered But Strong Fund–Georgia Foundation for Agriculture

“We are committed to supporting communities when they need it most, and we are working closely with local organizations to ensure resources reach those who need them urgently,” said Donna Epps, Verizon’s Chief Responsible Business Officer. “In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, the Verizon Foundation is here to support the American Red Cross and other trusted partners as they provide relief for communities to recover and rebuild.”

“The American Red Cross is working around the clock to provide help and hope to people across the country impacted by disasters big and small, including storms and countless other crises,” said Cliff Holtz, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “We cannot thank Verizon Foundation enough for their generosity as we work together to offer relief and comfort to those in need.”

“On behalf of Volunteer Florida, we are deeply grateful for the Verizon Foundation’s generous $400,000 donation in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This contribution will have an immediate and lasting impact on our communities as they recover and rebuild,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “The generosity of our donors allows us to provide essential resources and support to those in need during these challenging times.”

“We want to express our gratitude to Verizon for the additional contribution of $300,000 to the NC Disaster Relief Fund. Your commitment to supporting our community in times of need makes a profound difference in the lives of those affected by Hurricane Helene,” said President and CEO of United Way of North Carolina, Brittany Pruitt Fletcher. “This generous donation will help provide essential resources and aid to individuals and families working to rebuild their lives. Your dedication to making a positive impact showcases the true spirit of corporate responsibility and compassion. Thank you for standing with us during this challenging time. Together, we are stronger, and your support brings hope and healing to our community.”

“The Greater Valdosta United Way is honored to receive these funds so recovery and healing can happen. It will take communication and connections which Verizon understands for communities to recover. Thank you for stepping up and supporting South Georgia,” said CEO of Greater Valdosta United Way, Michael Smith.

“Second Harvest of South Georgia is grateful for this gift from Verizon. It will help the impacted families of South Georgia following the devastating destruction caused by hurricane Helene,” said President and CEO of Second Harvest of South Georgia Franklin J. Richards II. Gifts like this truly make a difference in these difficult times and help Second Harvest of South Georgia provide much needed food and resources to all the citizens that were affected by the storm.”

“I’m incredibly thankful to the team at Verizon, not only for their generous donation of $100,000 to the Weathered But Strong Hurricane Relief Fund but also for all their work to get Georgians back online in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” said Commissioner of Georgia Department of Agriculture, Tyler Harper. “When disaster hits our state, we need all hands on deck to help our fellow Georgians recover, and this donation will go a long way to help Georgia farm families bounce back stronger than before.”

Verizon

NEW YORK, October 14, 2024 /3BL/ – The Verizon Foundation is stepping up to support communities devastated by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton with a total of $2 million in donations to aid relief and recovery efforts. The contributions will provide essential support and rebuilding efforts to those who have been devastated by the storms.

The donations include $1 million to the American Red Cross to assist with emergency relief and recovery efforts for both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

The remaining $1 million is directed to various regional organizations providing crucial services on the ground in the hardest-hit areas, including $400,000 allocated to organizations in Florida for Hurricane Milton relief and $600,000 to support communities in Georgia and North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene:

$400,000 to Volunteer Florida: Supporting Hurricane relief efforts, these funds will assist organizations providing food, shelter, and recovery resources to those affected by the storm.$600,000 to Georgia and North Carolina: Focused on aiding communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, these contributions will help address immediate needs like food and shelter while also supporting longer-term recovery and rebuilding initiatives. Specifically, these contributions include:  
○ $300,000 to NC Hurricane Helene Fund–United Way of North Carolina 
○ $50,000 to Second Harvest of South Georgia, Inc., Valdosta, Georgia 
○ $50,000 to United Way of Greater Valdosta, Georgia 
○ $100,000 to Community Foundation for the CSRA, Augusta, Georgia 
○ $100,000 to Weathered But Strong Fund–Georgia Foundation for Agriculture

“We are committed to supporting communities when they need it most, and we are working closely with local organizations to ensure resources reach those who need them urgently,” said Donna Epps, Verizon’s Chief Responsible Business Officer. “In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, the Verizon Foundation is here to support the American Red Cross and other trusted partners as they provide relief for communities to recover and rebuild.”

“The American Red Cross is working around the clock to provide help and hope to people across the country impacted by disasters big and small, including storms and countless other crises,” said Cliff Holtz, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “We cannot thank Verizon Foundation enough for their generosity as we work together to offer relief and comfort to those in need.”

“On behalf of Volunteer Florida, we are deeply grateful for the Verizon Foundation’s generous $400,000 donation in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This contribution will have an immediate and lasting impact on our communities as they recover and rebuild,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “The generosity of our donors allows us to provide essential resources and support to those in need during these challenging times.”

“We want to express our gratitude to Verizon for the additional contribution of $300,000 to the NC Disaster Relief Fund. Your commitment to supporting our community in times of need makes a profound difference in the lives of those affected by Hurricane Helene,” said President and CEO of United Way of North Carolina, Brittany Pruitt Fletcher. “This generous donation will help provide essential resources and aid to individuals and families working to rebuild their lives. Your dedication to making a positive impact showcases the true spirit of corporate responsibility and compassion. Thank you for standing with us during this challenging time. Together, we are stronger, and your support brings hope and healing to our community.”

“The Greater Valdosta United Way is honored to receive these funds so recovery and healing can happen. It will take communication and connections which Verizon understands for communities to recover. Thank you for stepping up and supporting South Georgia,” said CEO of Greater Valdosta United Way, Michael Smith.

“Second Harvest of South Georgia is grateful for this gift from Verizon. It will help the impacted families of South Georgia following the devastating destruction caused by hurricane Helene,” said President and CEO of Second Harvest of South Georgia Franklin J. Richards II. Gifts like this truly make a difference in these difficult times and help Second Harvest of South Georgia provide much needed food and resources to all the citizens that were affected by the storm.”

“I’m incredibly thankful to the team at Verizon, not only for their generous donation of $100,000 to the Weathered But Strong Hurricane Relief Fund but also for all their work to get Georgians back online in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” said Commissioner of Georgia Department of Agriculture, Tyler Harper. “When disaster hits our state, we need all hands on deck to help our fellow Georgians recover, and this donation will go a long way to help Georgia farm families bounce back stronger than before.”

Exploring the vastness of space has always been a captivating endeavor, and for a group of dedicated students at TEACH-NW, it’s a dream coming true. These young minds are preparing to establish a live connection with the International Space Station (ISS), an effort that showcases the power of STEM education to unlock new horizons. In this exciting initiative, students are building a custom radio antenna to communicate directly with astronauts aboard the ISS. Join them on October 18 as they connect with Astronaut Sunita Williams!

The Exciting World of Amateur Radio

Amateur radio, or “ham” radio, is an intriguing field that allows people to communicate wirelessly across long distances. For TEACH-NW students, it’s an entry point into the exciting world of space communication. Guided by 13-year-old Ezekiel Wheeler, this project is part of NASA’s ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) program, which aims to inspire a passion for science among young learners.

Ezekiel, a Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge finalist, led the students in constructing a homemade radio antenna. His expertise and passion for STEM have been instrumental in this project, inspiring his peers to reach for the stars.

TEACH-NW Selected by NASA

NASA’s selection of TEACH-NW for this rare opportunity underscores the significance of this initiative. Out of numerous applicants, the school’s proposal stood out for its innovative approach and potential impact. The partnership with the Carlton Observatory at the Evergreen Air and Space Museum, alongside support from organizations like Cadence, highlights the collaborative spirit driving this endeavor.

The project is not just a technical achievement; it’s a testament to the power of perseverance and teamwork. The students’ collective efforts in building the antenna exemplify the collaborative spirit the ARISS program seeks to nurture in young minds.

Building the Antenna: a Hands-On Experience

The antenna construction was more than just a technical task; it allowed students to apply their knowledge in a real-world context. Under Ezekiel’s guidance, students learned about the intricacies of radio communication, from understanding frequency bands to assembling the antenna components.

The hands-on experience was invaluable, allowing students to see the practical applications of their classroom learning. Witnessing their homemade antenna come to life was a moment of triumph as they tuned it in the parking lot with a sense of achievement and excitement.

The timeline to arrive at this point is quite impressive:

May-July 2023: 11-year-old Ezekiel presents “DIY Orbital Space Communications” at CadenceLIVE, in the Cadence tradeshow booth at IMS, and at DAC60.

January 2024: Ezekiel begins a project to make a desktop satellite tracker composed of the following components:

Espressif ESP32-C6 microcontroller (@RISC-V)MEMSIC accelerometer and magnetometer (compass)Texas Instruments motor driverMurata passive components

Within three months, he had the tracker working and designed an antenna to download pictures of Earth from Portland State University’s (PSU) satellite. He used a Triquint (now owned by Qorvo) low-noise amplifier (LNA) to get a signal.

April 2024: Ezekiel wins first place engineering division, Best of Fair, Northwest Science Expo (NWSE), and the antennae project is accepted by ARISS.

Collaboration with the Carlton Observatory

The Carlton Observatory, located at the Evergreen Air and Space Museum, is a crucial partner in this project. This collaboration provides students access to cutting-edge technology and expertise, enriching their learning experience. The observatory’s involvement also underscores the importance of community partnerships in fostering STEM education.

The observatory’s role extends beyond technical support. By hosting the event, they offer a platform for the local community to engage with space exploration and witness the impact of STEM education firsthand.

Cadence’s Contribution to the Project

Cadence, known for its advanced electronic design software, played a pivotal role in this initiative. Cadence empowered students to design and simulate the antenna system by providing radio circuit design tools. This support not only facilitated the technical aspects of the project but also demonstrated the importance of industry partnerships in education.

The students’ ability to leverage professional-grade tools for their project is a testament to Cadence’s contribution’s impact. It also highlights the role of technology in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

An Event Open to the Community

Scheduled for a ten-minute live amateur radio call during an ISS pass in October, the event promises to be memorable. Hosted at the Carlton Observatory, it’s open to the local community and will be streamed online, allowing a broader audience to share the excitement.

This accessibility underscores the project’s commitment to engaging the public with STEM education and space exploration. It’s an opportunity for community members to witness young learners in action and be inspired by their achievements.

Streaming the Event Online

For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed, ensuring the excitement reaches a global audience. This digital inclusion aligns with the project’s goal of inspiring a passion for space and science beyond the local community.

The students will talk with Astronaut Sunita Williams.

Date/Time: Friday, October 18, 2024 at 11:30AM onsite at Carlton Observatory, part of Evergreen Air and Space Museum in McMinnville, OR. 
Livestream at https://www.youtube.com/@KJ7NLL/streams

The online platform offers a window into the students’ world, showcasing their dedication and enthusiasm for STEM. It’s a chance for viewers everywhere to experience the thrill of connecting with astronauts aboard the ISS.

Encouraging STEM Education

The TEACH-NW project is a shining example of how STEM education can transform learning experiences. By combining academic knowledge with practical application, students gain a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and their real-world relevance.

This initiative also highlights the importance of engaging young learners with hands-on projects. Such experiences foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, equipping students with the tools they need for future success.

Inspiring Future Innovators

For the students involved, the opportunity to communicate with an astronaut on the ISS is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s a source of inspiration that fuels their passion for science and exploration.

The success of this project reminds us of the potential within every young mind. By supporting and nurturing young innovators, we pave the way for future breakthroughs and advancements in STEM fields.

The upcoming contact with the ISS marks a significant milestone for TEACH-NW. It celebrates student achievement, community collaboration, and the power of education to transform lives.

For the students, it’s not just about making contact with space; it’s about realizing their potential and envisioning new possibilities. This experience will resonate with them for years to come, shaping their aspirations and career paths.

Conclusion

The TEACH-NW students’ project to connect with the ISS is a testament to the power of STEM education and community collaboration. It demonstrates how young learners, guided by dedicated mentors like Ezekiel Wheeler, can achieve remarkable feats in science and communication.

Projects like this inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers by fostering a passion for space and science. As we look to the future, supporting such initiatives is crucial in nurturing a workforce that reflects the world around us and addresses the challenges of tomorrow.

For more information about this project and to explore additional resources, follow our updates and join us in celebrating the achievements of these remarkable young scientists.

Read about Ezekiel using Cadence tools.

October 14, 2024 /3BL/ – AEG, the world’s leading sports and entertainment company, and Bank of Montreal sponsored the inaugural LA Sports & Entertainment Supplier Diversity Summit hosted by the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on October 10, 2024.

The event, which was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, provided diverse business owners in Los Angeles with the support and resources they need to tap into several major sporting events that will take place in Los Angeles over the next five years including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Summit provided business owners with networking opportunities, resources, and procurement guidance to help them compete for contracts, ensuring they benefit from these significant events.

“AEG is proud to sponsor this summit that is not only important to Los Angeles and the numerous sporting events coming to our city, but it is also vital for the hundreds of local and diverse businesses that will find new opportunities to create economic growth while providing training and jobs to an ever-expanding local workforce,” said Scott Bosarge, Senior Vice President, Business Services AEG. “With everyone’s support, together we can grow small businesses throughout the region, strengthen our supplier base, increase our competitive edge in the global economy and drive positive change throughout our city.”

In addition, the event featured panels of experts, including from AEG, LA28 and the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission, so that attendees can hear directly from sports and entertainment executives, as well as a fireside chat between Mayor Bass and actress, producer, and founder of The Honest Company, Jessica Alba, who is also a member of LA28 Board of Directors.

“L.A. is home to the world’s best professional sports teams and many entertainment venues and attractions,” said Mayor Bass. “I want to make sure City Hall is helping our small and local businesses access opportunities that these economic drivers present and are supported as we gear up for major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games which will generate billions of dollars in economic impact here in our region. L.A. businesses should benefit from the major upcoming events that L.A. will host, so this Summit is part of our focused effort to help prepare them to tap into these exciting opportunities.”

To learn more about the summit, please click here.

We’re innovating for impact by delivering electrified solutions for every segment of the cold chain.

Project At-a-Glance:

The opportunity: Help longtime Thermo King® customer Refrigerated Trailer Rentals Holland (RTR) continue to offer their clients the most efficient and sustainable solutions available in refrigerated transport.

The solution: In partnership with RTR and two of their clients, deploy the first Advancer-eTM unit into their fleet and begin trials of the AxlePower smart-energy generating system for fully electric trailer refrigeration.

Sustainability outcomes: 

Reduction of up to 10 metric tons of CO2e per Advancer-e unit per yearSignificant reduction of noise pollutionAnnual savings in maintenance and elimination of fuel purchasing

When family-owned Refrigerated Trailer Rentals Holland (RTR) wanted to offer its clients the most sustainable, efficient system for refrigerated transport, they immediately looked to the expanding electric portfolio of longtime temperature-control solutions provider Thermo King®.

“Going full-electric and adding new technology that future-proofs our fleet without compromising on cooling capacity and operational efficiency was something we didn’t have to think twice about,” said Wilbert de Graaff, owner of RTR. “We want to have the best, most efficient and environmentally friendly products, service and support there is in the market, and make it available for our clients.”

In March of 2023, RTR became the first company to adopt the new electric Thermo King Advancer-e refrigeration unit in their fleet. As the pilot operators, RTR client Dailycool, a Netherlands-based company specializing in the transport and logistics services of food products, became the first client to benefit from the engineless technology.

“We knew we need to have the new Advancer-e in our fleet the moment Thermo King introduced it,” added Wilbert de Graaff, “and this is just a first step in a longer journey for us.”

Adapting to electrified systems

With its fully electric architecture, one Advancer-e unit can reduce a trailer fleet’s carbon footprint by up to 10 metric tons of CO2e per year.

Adopting the fully electric unit did require some additional training and investment for RTR and Dailycool. Maintenance of the new battery-powered system is different than the traditional diesel-burning engine.

The availability of charging stations impacts planning for longer routes. And operators must also invest in the necessary infrastructure for recharging on site and consider the full life of the battery, including eventual disposal.

But from an operational standpoint, the only noticeable difference reported by Dailycool drivers was the whisper quiet operations. With an electric refrigeration unit, the system is nearly silent even when fully operational.

A growing portfolio of electrified solutions

Beyond the Advancer-e units, RTR has also deployed trailers using Thermo King’s AxlePower smart energy-generating technology, the next step in emission-free systems which can also help reduce re-charging needs.

These industry-leading solutions are part of a broader sustainability strategy. In August 2021, guided by Trane Technologies’ bold 2030 Sustainability Commitments, Thermo King pledged to deliver fully electric, zero direct emission refrigeration solutions for every segment of the cold chain in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region by 2023.

With a comprehensive portfolio that includes all-electric E-series refrigeration unit for light commercial vehicles as well as advanced, all-electric transport refrigeration technology for heavy goods vehicles, Thermo King has successfully delivered on its commitment made back in November of 2023.

“As we continue leveraging the power of innovation to transform our industry, I am thrilled to announce this significant milestone in our journey toward a more sustainable world,” said Claudio Zanframundo, president, Thermo King EMEA. “Our ability to deliver an all-electric, zero direct emissions solution in every segment of the EMEA cold chain represents another important step in our unwavering commitment to cutting our customers’ carbon footprints while reducing global food loss.”

Discover more about our sustainable innovation in our 2023 ESG Report.

Stuart Weitzman, part of Tapestry’s house of brands, is committed to driving change on pressing global social issues. For 30 years, the brand has been celebrating the strength of women, seeking to inspire their confidence and empower them to be bold. And now, there’s never been a more important time to stand strong as a woman.

In September, Stuart Weitzman launched the brand’s Fall 2024 campaign and announced five new global ambassadors: Aly Raisman, Christy Turlington, Issa Rae, Lucy Liu and Ming Xi with the film, “How Lovely to Be a Woman”. A celebration of modern womanhood, the campaign intends to capture the pleasures and pressures of simply being a woman in the world today. When faced with challenges and expectations, it is inspiring how women can time and time again choose to step into their confidence and stand strong. The new cast of brand ambassadors was especially chosen as they embody the breadth of this message in their own unique ways. They are multi-hyphenates who break the boundaries of traditional roles to exceed expectations and use their platforms for good:

Aly Raisman, The Athlete Advocate: The medal-winning gymnast, sports commentator and bestselling author is also a fierce advocate for abuse prevention, changing the discourse in the sport to champion self-love, mental health and body positivity.Christy Turlington, The Model Maternal Health Activist: The iconic supermodel founded Every Mother Counts, a non-profit organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere, inspired by her own birth experience. A mother of two, she studied public health at Columbia University’s Mailman School.Issa Rae, The Modern Mogul: The Peabody Award-winning actor, writer and producer is also a mogul on the rise with businesses in the food, beverage, haircare, jewelry and entertainment industries. A red carpet style star, this marks her first global fashion campaign.Lucy Liu, The Nonconforming Artist: The Emmy-nominated and SAG Award-winning actress, director, producer and mom is also a globally acclaimed visual artist. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, she has been a pioneering force for AANHPI representation in Hollywood. Celebrated for her unique vision and boundless creativity, she continues to inspire with her untamed imagination.Ming Xi, The Balancing Beauty: The international Chinese supermodel and actress breaks conventions as a mother of two young children with a prolific jet-setting career.

The film is directed by Matvey Fiks and features a remix of “How Lovely to Be a Woman” from the 1963 musical “Bye Bye Birdie.” The images are shot by fashion photographer Ned Rogers, whose work has been featured in international Vogue editions, including Australia, China, Germany, Greece, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Learn more about the campaign here.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

The big fact

A four-year degree isn’t required for successful entrepreneurship. GoDaddy Venture Forward data shows that microbusiness owners with a college degree and those without contribute similar amounts of income to their household.

Digging deeper

A significant portion of microbusiness owners without a college degree make a six-figure income, regardless of gender. Over one-third (34%) of women without a college degree and almost half of men (47%) without one make over $100k pre-tax from their microbusiness.

Degrees are down, entrepreneurship is up

Fewer people are earning degrees these days, but entrepreneurship is increasing. Since 2019, 8% less men and 2% less women are earning degrees. At the same time, the number of self-employed Americans rose .7% from 2019 to 2022, according to Harvard Business Review.

Moreover, those with college degrees may be more corporate-minded and less entrepreneurial according to The New York Times. This is also reflected in Venture Forward data, which suggests that women without a college degree may be more entrepreneurial.

Women without college degrees have more long-term dreams. They are more likely to have started their business because they always dreamed of doing so (26%), compared to women with college degrees (20%). Women without college degrees are also 6% more likely to have started because they wanted to be their own boss.Women with college degrees are more community-oriented. They are more likely to have started their business to contribute to their community (24%), compared to women without a college degree (19%).

The research

GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research initiative analyzes more than 20 million online businesses with a digital presence (measured by a unique domain and an active website). Most of these businesses employ fewer than ten people, categorizing each as a microbusiness. While these microbusinesses may be small, their impact on economies is outsized even though they are often too informal or too new to show up in traditional government statistics.

Since 2018, Venture Forward surveyed more than 50,000 entrepreneurs with a digital presence, making it the source for microbusiness data and insights.