Tag: 3BL

October 9 Event Showcased Sustainability Initiatives Including “Flipping the Switch” on Solar Panel Field and Planting the First Tree in New Forest Management ProgramVeolia’s New Gum Springs Facility is Setting the Industry Standard for Decarbonization and Protecting Natural Resources

BOSTON, October 9, 2024 /3BL/ – Demonstrating a deeply held commitment to environmental sustainability, Veolia North America today hosted a celebration at its new hazardous waste treatment center in Gum Springs, Arkansas, highlighting a series of unprecedented initiatives to make the plant the most sustainable operation of its kind in the U.S. 

The October 9 ceremony put a spotlight on VNA’s commitment and investment in sustainability and workforce development at the Gum Springs operation, where a new state-of-the-art facility for the high-temperature thermal treatment of hazardous waste is set to open in 2025. To prepare for the new facility’s opening, VNA is protecting surrounding natural resources and supporting decarbonization strategies in carbon-intensive industries.

The sustainability features showcased at the ceremony include: 

A 5-megawatt solar panel installation, recently completed to provide a clean source of electricity at the plant. A ceremonial “Flip the Switch” activation will include leaders from VNA and Today’s Power Inc., which led construction of the installation.A forest management program, covering over 1,000 acres surrounding the facility, which includes over 600 acres of active reforestation and the planting of 100,000 trees in 2025. The ceremony will include the planting of the first tree sapling.A first-of-its-kind innovation for capturing heat to generate electricity. This feature will make use of a 7-megawatt steam turbine to generate power.Advanced technologies for monitoring wildlife and biodiversity near the facility. In partnership with the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) in Paris, France, a cutting-edge LEKO (Light Emission and Kinetic Observation) biodiversity monitoring tool is installed on the property, using sensors to listen, identify, and count species in the surrounding habitat. 

“Together, these initiatives demonstrate Veolia’s vision for creating a brighter future for the hundreds of communities in the U.S. and Canada where we provide essential environmental services in waste, water and energy,” said VNA President and CEO Fred Van Heems. “Veolia’s global GreenUp strategy for growth hinges on our commitment to providing innovative solutions for environmental challenges, and we are backing that commitment up through the work and vision we are carrying out at Gum Springs.”

Bob Cappadona, President and CEO of VNA’s Environmental Solutions and Services business, which oversees the Gum Springs operation. “The work we do at Gum Springs is consistent with the aspirations that we all have for a cleaner world and cleaner future for our children, because we provide the most scientifically proven method for managing complex waste materials in a way that protects our natural resources,” Cappadona said. “That’s why we are celebrating these pioneering initiatives with our colleagues and neighbors in Arkansas.”

Today’s Power Chief Operating Officer Learon Dalby said the work done by the Today’s Power team to complete the solar field will contribute to a cleaner electricity delivery system in Central Arkansas. “Today’s Power Inc. is pleased to work with Veolia and the South Central Electric Cooperative to provide the 5MW solar facility to support their renewable energy needs. TPI is proud to have built this facility, and we look forward to a continued strong relationship with Veolia and South Central Electric Cooperative as the ongoing operator of the project.”

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ABOUT VEOLIA

Veolia group aims to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. Present on five continents with nearly 218,000 employees, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for the management of water, waste and energy that are contributing to a radical turnaround of the current situation. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia helps to develop access to resources, to preserve available resources and to renew them. In 2023, the Veolia group provided 113 million inhabitants with drinking water and 103 million with sanitation, produced 42 million megawatt hours of energy and treated 63 million tonnes of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) achieved consolidated revenue of 45,351 million euros in 2023. www.veolia.com  

ABOUT VEOLIA NORTH AMERICA 

A subsidiary of Veolia group, Veolia North America (VNA)  is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. VNA helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education, and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., Veolia North America has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across the continent. 

ABOUT TODAY’S POWER INC.

Based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Today’s Power, Inc. was founded in 2014 by Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. (AECI) to support the 17 electric cooperatives across Arkansas in their renewable needs. Today TPI is an integral part of helping the electric cooperative and public power market as well as commercial customers of all sizes, with the company’s footprint expanding to cover a 7-state area, totaling over 75 solar sites to date.

Veolia Contact:
Matt Burgard
Communications Manager, Veolia North America
matthew.burgard@veolia.com
(203) 859-4168

Today’s Power, Inc. Contact
Taylor Baker
tbaker@todayspower.com
(501) 590-5959

Originally published on Life at HARMAN

Internships can be a mix of excitement and apprehension. Often, interns find themselves buried in administrative tasks with limited learning opportunities. At HARMAN, we’re dedicated to changing this narrative. We see internships as a vital gateway for emerging talent and a key part of our success.

The HARMAN Internship Experience

At HARMAN, internships are designed to offer more than just routine work. Nicole, our U.S. intern program manager, emphasizes, “Our interns play a crucial role, contributing to real projects that shape the future. From technology to marketing, they gain hands-on experience and bring fresh perspectives.”

Our University Relations Program integrates academic knowledge with practical experience. Over a 12-week period in the U.S., interns work on impactful projects across various departments, honing their skills and contributing meaningfully. The primary goal? “Create opportunities of real value and identify top talents for our future,” Nicole explains. We strive to make the program both enjoyable and challenging.

Impact and Success

The impact of HARMAN’s interns is clear from their success stories. Nicole says, “It’s inspiring to see the achievements of our interns! From redesigning hardware layouts to contributing to live marketing projects, their contributions are remarkable.” Many interns transition to full-time roles post-graduation, reflecting their dedication to HARMAN’s vision.

Interns at HARMAN engage in diverse projects across departments, including technology, marketing, supply chain, and communications. Nicole highlights, “Our interns are vital to our team, and it’s rewarding to see them empowered as the next generation of professionals.”​

Nicole’s Role and Passion

Nicole joined HARMAN with a passion for working in a company that values its employees and leads with innovation. “I wanted to be somewhere that valued its employees and created innovative technology,” she shares. Nicole found that HARMAN aligned with her professional goals and offered an environment full of energy and creativity. “It was the products and the people that drew me in.”

Her commitment to inclusion and authenticity is reflected in how interns are welcomed and supported. “Bringing diverse members together to create new synergies is a key value at HARMAN,” Nicole notes. This approach helps our early career employees learn about themselves and their future careers.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys Michigan’s outdoors, from kayaking to hiking with her family. Her goal to visit all 50 states before her daughters graduate highlights her adventurous spirit.

As we celebrate Intern Day, and every day, we commend Nicole and her team for their dedication to nurturing young talent. At HARMAN, internships are a cornerstone of our commitment to innovation and growth, shaping the future of our industry.

Join us in celebrating the invaluable contributions of our interns and the passionate leaders like Nicole who make it all possible.​

Want to learn more about our team? Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram​, and Facebook to see how we live and work in an environment that supports growth and evolution.

Originally published on Life at HARMAN

Internships can be a mix of excitement and apprehension. Often, interns find themselves buried in administrative tasks with limited learning opportunities. At HARMAN, we’re dedicated to changing this narrative. We see internships as a vital gateway for emerging talent and a key part of our success.

The HARMAN Internship Experience

At HARMAN, internships are designed to offer more than just routine work. Nicole, our U.S. intern program manager, emphasizes, “Our interns play a crucial role, contributing to real projects that shape the future. From technology to marketing, they gain hands-on experience and bring fresh perspectives.”

Our University Relations Program integrates academic knowledge with practical experience. Over a 12-week period in the U.S., interns work on impactful projects across various departments, honing their skills and contributing meaningfully. The primary goal? “Create opportunities of real value and identify top talents for our future,” Nicole explains. We strive to make the program both enjoyable and challenging.

Impact and Success

The impact of HARMAN’s interns is clear from their success stories. Nicole says, “It’s inspiring to see the achievements of our interns! From redesigning hardware layouts to contributing to live marketing projects, their contributions are remarkable.” Many interns transition to full-time roles post-graduation, reflecting their dedication to HARMAN’s vision.

Interns at HARMAN engage in diverse projects across departments, including technology, marketing, supply chain, and communications. Nicole highlights, “Our interns are vital to our team, and it’s rewarding to see them empowered as the next generation of professionals.”​

Nicole’s Role and Passion

Nicole joined HARMAN with a passion for working in a company that values its employees and leads with innovation. “I wanted to be somewhere that valued its employees and created innovative technology,” she shares. Nicole found that HARMAN aligned with her professional goals and offered an environment full of energy and creativity. “It was the products and the people that drew me in.”

Her commitment to inclusion and authenticity is reflected in how interns are welcomed and supported. “Bringing diverse members together to create new synergies is a key value at HARMAN,” Nicole notes. This approach helps our early career employees learn about themselves and their future careers.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys Michigan’s outdoors, from kayaking to hiking with her family. Her goal to visit all 50 states before her daughters graduate highlights her adventurous spirit.

As we celebrate Intern Day, and every day, we commend Nicole and her team for their dedication to nurturing young talent. At HARMAN, internships are a cornerstone of our commitment to innovation and growth, shaping the future of our industry.

Join us in celebrating the invaluable contributions of our interns and the passionate leaders like Nicole who make it all possible.​

Want to learn more about our team? Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram​, and Facebook to see how we live and work in an environment that supports growth and evolution.

Originally published on 3M News Center

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” contest fielded more than 100,000 votes over five weeks before landing on the coolest product of all: 3M Scotch® Magic™ Tape.

The announcement came Oct. 8 that the beloved tape stuck it out against 63 other Minnesota products, including Red Wing Shoe Company’s Beckman Boot, Hormel Foods’ SPAM Classic, and the Arctic Cat ZR 858.

The contest ran Sept. 3 through Oct. 4 and included five rounds of voting.

Here are some interesting facts about 3M Scotch Magic Tape:

It’s made in 3M’s Hutchinson, Minnesota, facility and sent out globally to customers around the world.

The “magic” in Scotch Magic Tape is the fact that it appears frosted on the roll, but turns invisible when it’s applied.

Next year (2025) we’ll celebrate the 100th anniversary of the invention of Scotch Masking Tape – the precursor of Scotch Cellulose Tape, invented in 1930, which led to the development of Scotch Magic Tape in 1961.

During the Depression, 3M heard from people who used Scotch Tape to fix everything from ripped clothing, to torn money and cracked eggs.

The Hutchinson plant makes about 12 million miles of 3M tapes every year – including Scotch Magic Tape.

The 116-year-old chamber launched the competition to highlight the innovative products that fuel Minnesota’s economy. Of note from the chamber:

Manufacturing is the single largest private-sector component of Minnesota’s GDP.

325,000 Minnesotans work in manufacturing.

42% of Minnesota’s Fortune 500 companies are in manufacturing.

During this year’s Truth and Reconciliation Week, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in Winnipeg helps adult learners begin the journey to healing

September 23, 2024

It’s the Survivors of residential schools who launched the journey for truth and reconciliation in Canada.

They drew strength from their painful histories and demanded government and church entities account for their actions. They called for justice through the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC).

And it is these Survivors who, after all they endured at the hands of colonizers and settlers, have offered Indigenous and non-Indigenous people a gift—the gift of reconciliation.

“I love the word ‘reconciliation’ because it’s subjective; your definition could differ from my definition,” says Kaila Johnston, an intergenerational residential school Survivor and member of Ochapowace First Nation in southeast Saskatchewan.

“People can start a reconciliation journey for themselves and delve deep into their learning.”

The work of reconciliation in Canada is supported by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, a non-profit that evolved out of the TRC. Located in Winnipeg at the University of Manitoba, the centre is the permanent home for the stories, statements, records and materials collected by the TRC for Survivors and families to gain access to their history and documents.

“The work is to help ensure that we find every child that didn’t come home,” says Johnston, who is the centre’s director of education and public programming.

“It’s to ensure that we tell the truths of our Survivors, and that those truths are used to combat denialism . . . and to ensure these things are never repeated again.”

Canadians will observe this year’s Truth and Reconciliation Week from Sept. 23 to 27, followed by the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30. To support learning during this period, the centre will deliver multiple educational opportunities for students and adults to unlearn the myths of colonial history in Canada.

“Knowing that there is this hunger and desire to learn and understand, we want to be able to provide more education and awareness,” Johnston says.

Last year, more than 40,000 people across Canada attended NCTR’s lunch-and-learn events. The adult-oriented sessions will be offered again this year, covering topics such as the impacts of residential schools and colonial systems, unconscious bias, Indigenous identity theft and barriers to reconciliation.

Each session will have English and French simultaneous interpretation as well as American Sign Language interpretation. Recordings of the sessions will be made available online.

Funding for the trilingual components was provided by Enbridge, as part of our ongoing commitment to advancing reconciliation. We contributed a $50,000 Fueling Futures grant in support of the centre’s Truth and Reconciliation Week events, with a focus on making the education sessions more accessible to people across Canada.

As a company, we have a strong track record of engaging with Indigenous communities across North America. In 2022, we launched our first Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP), which affirms our long-held commitment to strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities near our operations.

As part of our support of Truth and Reconciliation Week, Enbridge employees recently attended an empowerment summit in Winnipeg, and will also be present at a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation event on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

“We see a lot of really great pockets of learning activities happening across the country,” Johnston explains, noting the strong interest of workplaces, schools and groups to educate their communities about the history of residential schools and participate meaningfully in reconciliation.

“People are utilizing (the centre’s) resources to start their journey,” she adds.

“We can help foster healing and reconciliation by providing access to content and ensuring this history is never forgotten—or repeated.”

(TOP PHOTO: Attendees enjoy the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s youth empowerment event in September 2024. Photo courtesy Darcy Finley.)

First H.E.L.P., a nonprofit dedicated to destigmatizing mental health issues for first responders, has unveiled the Heroes Memorial Park Monument. This monument, which resides in Rockwall, Texas, is the first in the U.S. to honor first responders and military veterans who have died by suicide, highlighting that their impact and service will never be forgotten.

The 10-foot-tall monument features images of first responders, with a wall of honor featuring the names of those commemorated behind it. During the unveiling ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 21, 252 names were read aloud, serving as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by first responders and military veterans, and the importance of addressing mental health challenges within these professions.

First H.E.L.P. has been compiling data on first responder suicides since 2016, and their efforts have highlighted the urgent need for mental health support within these communities. The Motorola Solutions Foundation has been a proud partner since 2019, donating more than $700K to help support and amplify the work that they do to connect first responders with resources for healing and recovery, and offer support to their families. The Foundation also contributed a grant to support the memorial unveiling ceremony, which welcomed more than 400 first responders, members of the military and their families.

“The outpouring of support and love shown at the Heroes Memorial Park Monument unveiling demonstrates firsthand the profound impact of this tribute,” said Karem Pérez, executive director, Motorola Solutions Foundation. “We deeply value our longstanding partnership with First H.E.L.P, and we believe this monument is a significant stride towards reducing stigma, fostering acceptance for first responder mental health and honoring the lives lost to suicide.”

The monument is expected to be fully completed in about two years, and it will serve as a meaningful tribute and refuge for the people of Rockwall and beyond.

ANTWERP, Belgium and EMERYVILLE, Calif., October 9, 2024 /3BL/ – SCS Global Services, an international leader in third-party sustainability certification, and iTraceiT, a leading provider of traceability solutions for the diamond and jewelry sector, are collaborating on development of the first hybrid sustainability and traceability certificate for diamonds and jewelry. It will combine SCS Sustainability Rated Diamonds Certification data with iTraceiT’s traceability technology to offer detailed information about the origin, journey and sustainability impact of diamonds and other jewelry components across the supply chain. The collaboration is expected to result in a final certificate release in 2025, with development already underway.

The collaboration comes in response to growing consumer demand to understand the entire journey of the products they buy, including their social and environmental impact. The combined expertise of SCS and iTraceiT aims to provide retailers and brands with the tools they need to offer clear and verifiable sustainability information to their customers.

“Consumers today are looking for more than just quality products. They want verified information about the origins of products and the impact of their manufacturing,” said Matt Rudolf, CEO of SCS Global Services. “By working with iTraceiT, we’re helping the diamond and jewelry industry meet those expectations by offering clear, credible insights into the sustainability of all jewelry components.”

This collaboration marks a significant step toward a more transparent and sustainable future for the diamond and jewelry industry. As global consumers continue to prioritize ethical purchasing, iTraceiT and SCS Global Services are leading the charge in creating a more responsible supply chain.

“After a thorough search for a best-in-class sustainability partner, we chose SCS Global Services because of their 40-year track record in sustainability audits,” said Frederik Degryse, CEO of iTraceiT. “I have always believed that traceability is essential for any ESG reporting. You need to know what journey a product went through before you can show its carbon footprint or demonstrate that workers were fairly compensated. By combining our traceability platform with SCS’s audit expertise, we will provide a comprehensive solution for the industry.”

About SCS Global Services 

SCS Global Services is a leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California and celebrating 40 years in business, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. For more information, visit www.SCSGlobalServices.com.

About iTraceiT 

iTraceiT provides blockchain-based traceability solutions that document the origin and journey of products in the diamond, jewelry, and fashion industries. By leveraging technology, iTraceiT helps ensure transparency, trust, and accountability throughout the supply chain. For more information, visit https://www.itraceit.io.

Read more

Media Contacts 
For SCS Global Services: 
Nikki Senseman 
nsenseman@scsglobalservices.com 
+1 510 295 0667

For iTraceiT: 
Yasmina Noury 
yasmina@itraceit.io 
+32 473 56 52 34

Originally published by The Hollywood Reporter
By Hilary Lewis

Decades after MTV began covering the presidential elections through the lens of young voters via its “Choose or Lose” programming, the network’s parent company, Paramount, is once again urging young people to make their voices heard in the 2024 election.

Ahead of the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, Paramount has launched its Vote ’24 campaign in partnership with the Ad Council.

People can go to the Vote ’24 online hub, VoteVoteVote.com, and check their registration status, register to vote, preview their ballot and find voting information and resources.

Continue reading here.

Logitech Blog

At Logitech, we approach innovation with a deep awareness of the responsibilities it carries. It is with this spirit that we announce another step in our journey – the introduction of Logitech’s Responsible AI Principles. These principles are the embodiment of our commitment to responsible technological advancement, ensuring that AI-powered solutions are developed and deployed with the highest standards of transparency, accountability, fairness, privacy, and security.

As we continue our journey with AI, we are cognizant of the evolving challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our Responsible AI Principles will continue to guide us as we innovate, adapt, and uphold our promise to deliver technology that enhances human potential and is good for people and the planet.

Read more about our Responsible AI Principles here.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., October 9, 2024 /3BL/ – Global edtech leader Discovery Education is collaborating with select partners to present the Fall 2024 schedule of new, free virtual field trips. These virtual events activate student curiosity and include the first-ever DE Doc, a new long-form presentation taking an in-depth view of a topic.

The new array of virtual field trips easily integrates into instruction and helps engage all learners by introducing them to people, places, and concepts they might not otherwise meet. In order of premiere date, the Fall 2024 virtual field trips include:

Money Mastery: A DE Doc 
Grades 6-8 
Premiering on October 22, 2024, at 1 PM ET, Money Mastery: A DE Documentary provides students with an in-depth look at how financial decisions impact overall financial wellbeing. Students discover the foundation needed to make savvy financial choices now and in the future. DE Docs are long-form, documentary-style videos that provide an in-depth exploration of specific topics, offering new perspectives and a focused narrative to deepen your students’ understanding. The Money Mastery: A DE Documentary is part of the Pathway to Financial Success in Schools with Discover. Learn more and register here.

Night Navigators: Build for Bats Virtual Field Trip 
Grades 3-8 
Premiering on October 29, 2024, at 1 PM ET, the Night Navigators Virtual Field Trip with the LEGO Group’s Build the Change and Bat Conservation International shows students how bats play an essential role in pest control, pollinating plants, dispersing seeds, and long-term environmental health. Learn more and register here.

White Bird: The Courage of Kindness Virtual Field Trip 
Grades 9-12 
Premiering on November 12, 2024, at 1 PM ET, White Bird: The Courage of Kindness Virtual Field Trip showcases resiliency, courage, and kindness. Developed by Discovery Education, the USC Shoah Foundation, Lionsgate, and Kingdom Story Company, this VFT aims to educate students about the courage to choose kindness in connection with the film White Bird, which premieres in theaters in October 2024. Learn more and register here.

Repowering the Future: A Mission Possible Virtual Field Trip 
Grades 6-8 
Premiering on November 21, 2024, at 1 PM ET, the Repowering the Future: A Mission Possible Virtual Field Trip takes students behind the scenes of energy transformation sites to meet with STEM leaders innovating renewable energy. This virtual field trip is the first in a new series from the award-winning STEM Careers Coalition, an alliance of industries and non-profit organizations catalyzing equitable access to STEM resources and career connections. Learn more and register here.

Each no-cost virtual field trip is available on-demand following the premiere and comes with a companion guide featuring standards-aligned, hands-on learning activities and educator support content. Discover more Discovery Education virtual field trips here or on the Virtual Field Trips channel on the award-winning classroom companion platform, Discovery Education Experience.

“Through virtual field trips, teachers can bring the world into the classroom and inspire students to explore, discover, and learn in new and exciting ways. These experiences not only keep students engaged. but also activate their curiosity and spark their passion for learning,” said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education.

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contacts 
Grace Maliska 
Discovery Education 
Email: gmaliska@dicoveryed.com