Tag: 3BL

In this episode of BuzzHouse, hosts Donald Bernards and Garrick Gibson dive into the complexities of the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) market, welcoming Lindsay Soyka and Jason Gershwin from R4 Capital. The group discusses the current state of LIHTC deals in a post-COVID-19 world, such as rising construction and insurance costs, creative financing solutions to help developers navigate the turbulent market and the current level of investor demand for affordable housing projects. Press play and discover this informative and enlightening conversation!

Special guests

Jason Gershwin, R4 Capital

Jason Gershwin, Managing Director and Director of Fund Management at R4 Capital, leads the tax-credit fund origination and management team responsible for investor relations and the structuring, marketing and oversight of R4 tax-credit fund offerings. Since joining R4 at the company’s inception in 2011, Jason has helped raise, deploy, and manage more than $5.9 billion of LIHTC equity from and on behalf of the firm’s 127 institutional investors.

Lindsay Soyka, R4 Capital

Lindsay Soyka is an Executive Vice President of R4 Capital in the firm’s New York office. She responsible for originating and acquiring LIHTC properties for R4 Capital. Focusing on LIHTC property investing and affordable housing for 21 years, Ms. Soyka has closed in excess of $2 billion in real estate transactions throughout her career. Prior to joining R4, Ms. Soyka served as Director in the Affordable Multifamily Housing group at Centerline Capital Group (Centerline, fka CharterMac and Related Capital Company) with management responsibility for half of Centerline’s portfolio of affordable housing assets.

Multifamily housing resources

For articles, webinars and additional resources for developers, housing authorities, property managers, state housing credit agencies and lenders, visit Baker Tilly’s multifamily housing page.

In honour of Hispanic Heritage Month, Gildan ran an internal and social media campaign, paying tribute to employees of Hispanic Heritage located in North America, and recognizing Hispanic culture’s profound influence on the Company’s environment and daily operations. The Company spotlighted three employees’ stories, learning about their journeys at Gildan and how each of them enjoys celebrating their heritage.

“Our annual Hispanic Heritage Month campaigns have become a well-loved tradition at Gildan,” says Shannon Preston, Vice-President of Human Resources at Gildan. “This cultural exchange through employee spotlights gives people across the organization a chance to learn more about the contribution of Hispanic employees at Gildan, inspiring appreciation of the diversity at the Company and fostering an even more inclusive space.”

Have a look at the featured employees’ stories below:

Nills Leiva, Senior Manager, IT Support 

Born in Guatemala City, Nills’ Hispanic roots extend much beyond to places such as Mexico and Honduras, with each region holding a special place in his heart. Nills began his journey at Gildan Honduras in 2011, and now, fourteen years later, he’s the Senior Manager, Global IT Support at Gildan’s head office in Canada.

When asked about his favourite part of working at Gildan, Nills emphasized the Company and its people – “I’ve had the opportunity to visit almost all of our sites worldwide, and no matter where I go, I always feel the same sense of belonging. Gildan employees are special—they make you feel like you’re part of their team, no matter which site you’re at. It’s not just about the work; it’s the genuine care and connection people bring, regardless of their cultural background.”

Ana Camposeco, Training Coordinator 

Ana was born in Guatemala and has kept her heritage alive through her food, language, and special holidays she celebrates, some of which are unique to Guatemala. Ana began working at Gildan in 2010 and is now the Training Coordinator at the Company’s Sanford yarn-spinning facility.

When asked about her experience meeting other Hispanic employees at the organization, Ana fondly mentions the sense of community she feels – “Meeting other Hispanic employees at Gildan has been rewarding in many ways. We often share our cultures with one another, whether it’s through introducing new customs or bringing different foods to share. The experience is always a give and take and I love the sense of community it creates.”

Joseph Roman, Shipment Processor

With roots in Puerto Rico, Joseph loves to integrate his culture through food and music and is proud to represent his island in the Eden distribution centre and North Carolina at large. He has been with Gildan for almost five years and is always eager to learn and grow.

When asked about whether his Hispanic heritage influences his work at Gildan, he said – “I strive to be a resource for my team, especially when it comes to translating or bridging communication gaps between Spanish and non-Spanish speaking coworkers. Other than that, I often encourage my coworkers to take a vacation to Puerto Rico at least once to visit the beaches and try all our amazing food!”

Read more about the featured employees on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn channels.

To learn more about Gildan’s respect for people, click here.

In a recent interview with Procurement Magazine, DP World’s Morten Johansen and Sarah Mourino had the opportunity to discuss how stakeholder engagement—with suppliers, customers, employees, and community members—is essential to building a more sustainable future for global trade.

Stakeholders bring diverse perspectives that help identify potential risks and opportunities within the supply chain. By engaging with these groups, we improve our decision-making, enhance transparency, and mitigate environmental and social impacts.

This collaborative approach allows us to build stronger, more resilient processes, while promoting accountability and trust—key components for long-term success in sustainable procurement.

Decarbonization and Smart Logistics at DP World

DP World has a clear vision for decarbonization, with ambitious goals to reduce emissions and lead the logistics industry toward a more sustainable future. We are committed to the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi); earlier this year, DP World secured validation from the SBTi for its ambitious commitment to reduce its carbon footprint.

The company commits to reduce scope 1 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 42% by 2030 (over the 2022 base year), reduce scope 2 GHG emissions 62.2%, and reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 28% within the same timeframe.

To achieve these goals, we are implementing smart logistics solutions, using advanced technologies like IoT, AI, big data analytics, and automation. These tools help us increase efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve the accuracy of our processes, all while contributing to our sustainability objectives.

One of the key areas we are focusing on is electrifying our equipment. DP World has made great progress in transitioning from diesel to electric equipment at several terminals in the Americas. At the Port of Callao in Peru, we’ve introduced 15 electric cranes and 20 electric inter-terminal vehicles (ITVs), along with the region’s first electric charging station for trucks.

Morten Johansen, COO and EVP of DP World Americas, told Procurement Magazine: “Despite these challenges, we’ve successfully advanced our electrification initiatives in several regions. Here in the Americas, we recently integrated 15 electric cranes and 20 electric ITVs at the Port of Callao in Peru, where we also host the first electric charging station for trucks in Latin America.”

Similar initiatives are underway at the Port of Caucedo in the Dominican Republic and the Port of Santos in Brazil, where electric cranes and ITVs are replacing diesel-powered equipment.

Collaborating with Stakeholders for Sustainability

At the heart of our sustainability efforts is stakeholder collaboration. Sarah Mouriño, our Senior Director of Sustainability for DP World Americas, plays a critical role in this process, working with various teams and partners to turn sustainability ideas into action. Sarah’s work spans multiple areas, from operational and engineering teams to commercial departments, ensuring that sustainability goals are embedded in everything we do—from procurement to daily operations.

Engagement extends beyond DP World, as we actively work with customers, competitors, non-profits, and government agencies to advance sustainability across the logistics industry. For example, we collaborate with organizations like the Smart Freight Centre and the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping to promote cross-industry knowledge-sharing and policy development.

A Commitment to Sustainable Growth

DP World is determined to be the leader in sustainable logistics, not only meeting the needs of our customers but also aligning our goals with their sustainability objectives. As we continue to decarbonize our global operations and integrate innovative technologies, we remain focused on fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

To read the full interview and learn more about our sustainable procurement practices, visit Procurement Magazine here.

Watch video: Congratulations to Five Star Subaru of Grapevine, the 2024 Subaru Love Promise® Retailer of the Year

Since Five Star Subaru opened its doors in 2016, they have been dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives, whether that’s providing exceptional five-star service or supporting a local charity in need. Their high standards and strong community relationships exemplify what it means to be “More Than a Car Dealer.” Through their commitment to customers, the community, and their employees, Five Star Subaru has successfully won the hearts of current and future Subaru owners in the Dallas Fort-Worth area.

Learn more about the Subaru Love Promise at https://www.subaru.com/our-commitment/love-promise.html

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $320 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

Watch video: Congratulations to Five Star Subaru of Grapevine, the 2024 Subaru Love Promise® Retailer of the Year

Since Five Star Subaru opened its doors in 2016, they have been dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives, whether that’s providing exceptional five-star service or supporting a local charity in need. Their high standards and strong community relationships exemplify what it means to be “More Than a Car Dealer.” Through their commitment to customers, the community, and their employees, Five Star Subaru has successfully won the hearts of current and future Subaru owners in the Dallas Fort-Worth area.

Learn more about the Subaru Love Promise at https://www.subaru.com/our-commitment/love-promise.html

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $320 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

Published by Las Vegas Sands on September 12, 2024

This summer, Sands launched a summer intern program at its new corporate headquarters in Las Vegas and welcomed a class of 10 interns for the 10-week program.

Students and recent graduates were embedded in corporate business functions, such as design, product management, hardware and client engineering, corporate treasury, compliance, corporate tax, human resources and procurement. They contributed to a variety of projects and received mentoring from Sands Team Members.

“From an intern perspective, our program provided students interested in the hospitality industry with an opportunity to gain firsthand experience in company operations and help them decide if this is the right path for them,” Grace Chen, manager of talent acquisition for corporate human resources, said. “From a company perspective, we aim to cultivate future talent for both our company and the industry as whole and view the program as an effective way to build our reputation with people new to the workforce.”

The 2024 summer intern class was honored in graduation celebrations on August 15 and 22. Interns reflected on their program experiences and eye-opening views of the hospitality industry’s many career opportunities.

MICAH STAR EUBANKS 
Recent graduate, Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, Florida 
Game Art/Product Design

“One of the biggest takeaways I got from this internship was how important creatives are in almost any industry. In school, it was easy to feel pigeon-holed in my role as an artist, but being here I saw how many of my skills were transferable to different types of design disciplines. It definitely broadened my horizons to the possibilities available to someone with a design background.”

CATHERINE CABRERA GARCIA 
University of Nevada, Las Vegas 
Product Management

“This internship has contributed to my professional development in a positive way because I was able to gain working experience and learn how professionals communicate with each other. I also developed amazing professional relationships with Team Members on the product team who helped me throughout the 10 weeks gain a deeper understanding of the work that is done in product management.”

XIAOJUN (JUNE) RUAN 
Recent graduate, University of Nevada, Las Vegas 
Hardware Engineering

“One of the key takeaways from this internship was realizing how big the field is and the opportunities available within my major. This experience reinforced the importance of exploring different areas to discover what truly interests me. I learned that the best way to find my path is through hands-on experience.

“This internship has given me a clearer understanding of the working environment. I aspire to become a testing engineer, and the skills I learned during this internship have been valuable. Learning to break down complex projects and understanding the importance of testing has been instrumental in preparing me for my future career.”

SANJNA TAILOR 
University of California, Los Angeles 
Client Engineering

“Sands is an industry leader and a company that was founded and based in my hometown. I think working with Sands is a great opportunity to give back to my community and work in the industry that Las Vegas is known for. This internship has opened me up to a career in software development in an industry I had never considered before! It has given me professional working experience, something that is useful in all industries.”

JULIA ZIRINSKY 
University of Nevada, Las Vegas 
Server Engineering

“I have seen firsthand how different teams collaborate in product execution, which has shaped my perception of both the challenges and rewards of a large global company. I spent the summer gaining valuable industry experience, developing my skillsets and connecting with great people. I have gained a clearer vision of my career path, and this experience will support both my immediate and long-term goals.”

MICHAEL CHURCH 
University of Nevada, Reno 
Corporate Treasury

“This experience completely changed my perception of the hospitality and tourism industry – specifically, how finance and general business is conducted behind the scenes in a large global company, particularly how teams coordinate payments and relay financial information over extensive time zone differences. As a result, this internship has certainly given me the tools and foundational knowledge that I know I will rely upon in my future career, while also shaping my desired career path compared to the beginning of the summer when I was feeling unsure.”

CHRISTOPHER BATARSEH 
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 
Compliance

“For my favorite aspects of the internship, two things come to mind. First and foremost, interacting and working with my team for the past three months has been a wonderful and amazing experience. Despite my short tenure, I feel like a member of the compliance team. Whether it be working together on projects, learning about compliance, or team meals, compliance has become my second home. Lastly, the work I have done has varied in both its subject areas and tasks. This has allowed me to explore my interests and get an idea of what working in compliance is like.”

“My biggest takeaway from the internship is that with the right people, team and attitude, nearly anything can be accomplished. It’s impressive how a company can manage such large properties despite the distance between Macao, Singapore and Las Vegas.”

WANJIE WU 
University of Nevada, Las Vegas 
Corporate Tax

“Communication is always the key to solving problems. I know that I can apply this skill to anywhere I am going to. This was my first time working in an office environment. This kind of exceptional and invaluable experience will help me in the future. I will join a public accounting firm next year and this experience will give me an idea how a corporation operates.”

CLAIRE TING 
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 
Human Resources

“My favorite part of the internship would probably be getting to know my colleagues in my department! Everyone is genuinely so kind and supportive. I loved how each day meant I got to learn something new, be it hard skills for the job or general wisdom for a young adult entering the workforce.”

“Interning at Sands helped me truly understand the size and scale of what running a large global company was like. Cross-department collaboration is the lynchpin for success, especially when tackling threats or large projects. Furthermore, each department is a team, so teams with strong rapport and interconnected relationships tend to perform better.”

CHRISTINA NGUYEN 
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 
Procurement

“My favorite part of the internship experience was definitely the people I worked with. Being surrounded by such knowledgeable individuals who are passionate about their careers was inspiring. Their mentorship and guidance provided me with a deeper understanding of the hospitality industry and helped me develop skills that will be crucial for my future. As I continue to navigate my next steps, the lessons I learned from my colleagues are something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”

The Sands corporate intern program represents the company’s wide-ranging commitment to workforce development initiatives and cultivating interest and skillsets in the hospitality industry. The company has set a goal to contribute $200 million to workforce development by 2025.

In addition to internship programs, Sands’ work in hospitality education includes partnerships with higher education institutions, funding for scholarship programs, on-property and industry-supported training opportunities for students and hospitality professionals, and mentorship and instruction from company leaders. At the end of 2023, the company had contributed $181 million toward its 2025 $200 million workforce development ambition.

To learn more about Sands’ priority on workforce development and hospitality advancement initiatives, read the company’s latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/content/uploads/2024/06/LVS-ESG-Report-2023.pdf

Published by Las Vegas Sands on September 12, 2024

This summer, Sands launched a summer intern program at its new corporate headquarters in Las Vegas and welcomed a class of 10 interns for the 10-week program.

Students and recent graduates were embedded in corporate business functions, such as design, product management, hardware and client engineering, corporate treasury, compliance, corporate tax, human resources and procurement. They contributed to a variety of projects and received mentoring from Sands Team Members.

“From an intern perspective, our program provided students interested in the hospitality industry with an opportunity to gain firsthand experience in company operations and help them decide if this is the right path for them,” Grace Chen, manager of talent acquisition for corporate human resources, said. “From a company perspective, we aim to cultivate future talent for both our company and the industry as whole and view the program as an effective way to build our reputation with people new to the workforce.”

The 2024 summer intern class was honored in graduation celebrations on August 15 and 22. Interns reflected on their program experiences and eye-opening views of the hospitality industry’s many career opportunities.

MICAH STAR EUBANKS 
Recent graduate, Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, Florida 
Game Art/Product Design

“One of the biggest takeaways I got from this internship was how important creatives are in almost any industry. In school, it was easy to feel pigeon-holed in my role as an artist, but being here I saw how many of my skills were transferable to different types of design disciplines. It definitely broadened my horizons to the possibilities available to someone with a design background.”

CATHERINE CABRERA GARCIA 
University of Nevada, Las Vegas 
Product Management

“This internship has contributed to my professional development in a positive way because I was able to gain working experience and learn how professionals communicate with each other. I also developed amazing professional relationships with Team Members on the product team who helped me throughout the 10 weeks gain a deeper understanding of the work that is done in product management.”

XIAOJUN (JUNE) RUAN 
Recent graduate, University of Nevada, Las Vegas 
Hardware Engineering

“One of the key takeaways from this internship was realizing how big the field is and the opportunities available within my major. This experience reinforced the importance of exploring different areas to discover what truly interests me. I learned that the best way to find my path is through hands-on experience.

“This internship has given me a clearer understanding of the working environment. I aspire to become a testing engineer, and the skills I learned during this internship have been valuable. Learning to break down complex projects and understanding the importance of testing has been instrumental in preparing me for my future career.”

SANJNA TAILOR 
University of California, Los Angeles 
Client Engineering

“Sands is an industry leader and a company that was founded and based in my hometown. I think working with Sands is a great opportunity to give back to my community and work in the industry that Las Vegas is known for. This internship has opened me up to a career in software development in an industry I had never considered before! It has given me professional working experience, something that is useful in all industries.”

JULIA ZIRINSKY 
University of Nevada, Las Vegas 
Server Engineering

“I have seen firsthand how different teams collaborate in product execution, which has shaped my perception of both the challenges and rewards of a large global company. I spent the summer gaining valuable industry experience, developing my skillsets and connecting with great people. I have gained a clearer vision of my career path, and this experience will support both my immediate and long-term goals.”

MICHAEL CHURCH 
University of Nevada, Reno 
Corporate Treasury

“This experience completely changed my perception of the hospitality and tourism industry – specifically, how finance and general business is conducted behind the scenes in a large global company, particularly how teams coordinate payments and relay financial information over extensive time zone differences. As a result, this internship has certainly given me the tools and foundational knowledge that I know I will rely upon in my future career, while also shaping my desired career path compared to the beginning of the summer when I was feeling unsure.”

CHRISTOPHER BATARSEH 
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 
Compliance

“For my favorite aspects of the internship, two things come to mind. First and foremost, interacting and working with my team for the past three months has been a wonderful and amazing experience. Despite my short tenure, I feel like a member of the compliance team. Whether it be working together on projects, learning about compliance, or team meals, compliance has become my second home. Lastly, the work I have done has varied in both its subject areas and tasks. This has allowed me to explore my interests and get an idea of what working in compliance is like.”

“My biggest takeaway from the internship is that with the right people, team and attitude, nearly anything can be accomplished. It’s impressive how a company can manage such large properties despite the distance between Macao, Singapore and Las Vegas.”

WANJIE WU 
University of Nevada, Las Vegas 
Corporate Tax

“Communication is always the key to solving problems. I know that I can apply this skill to anywhere I am going to. This was my first time working in an office environment. This kind of exceptional and invaluable experience will help me in the future. I will join a public accounting firm next year and this experience will give me an idea how a corporation operates.”

CLAIRE TING 
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 
Human Resources

“My favorite part of the internship would probably be getting to know my colleagues in my department! Everyone is genuinely so kind and supportive. I loved how each day meant I got to learn something new, be it hard skills for the job or general wisdom for a young adult entering the workforce.”

“Interning at Sands helped me truly understand the size and scale of what running a large global company was like. Cross-department collaboration is the lynchpin for success, especially when tackling threats or large projects. Furthermore, each department is a team, so teams with strong rapport and interconnected relationships tend to perform better.”

CHRISTINA NGUYEN 
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 
Procurement

“My favorite part of the internship experience was definitely the people I worked with. Being surrounded by such knowledgeable individuals who are passionate about their careers was inspiring. Their mentorship and guidance provided me with a deeper understanding of the hospitality industry and helped me develop skills that will be crucial for my future. As I continue to navigate my next steps, the lessons I learned from my colleagues are something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”

The Sands corporate intern program represents the company’s wide-ranging commitment to workforce development initiatives and cultivating interest and skillsets in the hospitality industry. The company has set a goal to contribute $200 million to workforce development by 2025.

In addition to internship programs, Sands’ work in hospitality education includes partnerships with higher education institutions, funding for scholarship programs, on-property and industry-supported training opportunities for students and hospitality professionals, and mentorship and instruction from company leaders. At the end of 2023, the company had contributed $181 million toward its 2025 $200 million workforce development ambition.

To learn more about Sands’ priority on workforce development and hospitality advancement initiatives, read the company’s latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/content/uploads/2024/06/LVS-ESG-Report-2023.pdf

Global spirits leader provides donation to the American Red Cross, along with in-kind donations, following Hurricane Milton and Helene

HAMILTON, Bermuda, October 16, 2024 /3BL/ – Following the devastating impact of Hurricanes Milton and Helene across the Southeast, Bacardi Limited commits to donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross for disaster relief and recovery efforts. In addition, the family-owned company will provide approximately 3,000 bottles of water and hygiene and other goods to relief efforts.

Florida, which was hit hard by both hurricanes, has been a Bacardi community since 1964 – following the family’s forced exile from Cuba – and since 2009, Coral Gables has been the home to the North America regional business. In Jacksonville, Bacardi Bottling Corporation has operated for more than 50 years, bottling BACARDI® rum branded products enjoyed in the United States. Across Florida, Bacardi employs approximately 580 people. In addition, it has field teams in neighboring states impacted by Hurricane Helene.

“We are fortunate that our Bacardi people and business operations were spared from these hurricanes, however, we know that is not the case for everyone,” says Tony Latham, Regional President Bacardi North America. “We are here to support our communities and our neighbors and hope that these contributions, alongside that of many other companies and citizens, offers help, hope and comfort to those in greatest need.”

“With Hurricane Milton following closely in Hurricane Helene’s wake, the American Red Cross is on the ground helping families recover from these vicious storms,” says Anne McKeough, Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross. “We’re thankful to Bacardi for standing with us to provide help and hope as communities begin to navigate the long road to recovery.”

Bacardi funding will support the Red Cross relief efforts on the ground across five states. Currently, more than 2,100 Red Crossers are providing food, shelter and a shoulder to lean on in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee. With the help of partners, the Red Cross has provided more than 770,000 meals and snacks, and some 58,000 relief items like cleaning and hygiene supplies for thousands of affected families.

Corporate responsibility has always been a priority for Bacardi. Company founder and BACARDÍ rum creator Don Facundo Bacardí Massó began this tradition in 1862 when he volunteered as the chief organizer of disaster relief in his hometown of Santiago de Cuba after a horrific earthquake. Since then, the company continues to build upon his commitment to assist in times of catastrophic natural disasters, including following Hurricane Dorion in 2019, and in the wake of the destruction wrought by Hurricanes Maria and Irma, as well as the earthquakes in Mexico, in 2017. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Bacardi rapidly adapted 14 of its global production sites to help produce nearly 400,000 gallons (1.5 million liters) of sanitizer and donated more than half a million units to local communities, from postal workers and healthcare workers to firefighters and police, and nonprofit organizations.

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

Media Contact: 
Jessica Merz, VP Global Corporate Communications, jmerz@bacardi.com

October 16, 2024 /3BL/ – Today, a group of 35 investors representing more than $2 trillion in assets under management or advice sent letters calling on states with significant oil and gas production—Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming—to develop, implement, and enforce plans that meet or exceed federal methane standards to substantially reduce methane emissions stemming from the U.S. oil and gas sector.

The statement’s signatories believe, as prudent and responsible fiduciaries, that climate change poses a significant risk to the economy and business and that eliminating methane emissions will help investors and companies achieve their net zero emissions goals while keeping the oil and gas industry competitive. While recognizing and encouraging the voluntary efforts of leading oil and gas companies, comprehensive and effective regulation is critical to managing climate-related risks and opportunities and creating long-term shareholder value.

According to the statement:

“Addressing methane emissions is one of the fastest, most cost-effective means of limiting climate change, and the oil and gas industry has readily available, cost-effective solutions to significantly cut pollution. In fact, according to the International Energy Agency, around 50% of the sector’s methane emissions can be reduced at no net cost. Additionally, swift implementation of EPA’s standard will reduce oil and gas operator liability under the Methane Emission Reduction Program’s Waste Emissions Charge through the regulatory compliance exemption.”

The statement, organized by Ceres and the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), comes as a recent report found that methane emissions are increasing faster than any other major greenhouse gas—with global levels now 2.6 times greater than before the industrial era. Signatories include major investors such as British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), KBI Global Investors, Legal and General Investment Management, Maryland State Retirement and Pension System, Mercy Investment Services, Inc., and Seventh Generation Interfaith, Inc.

“There is a strong business case for setting high standards for methane emissions in the oil and gas sector industry,” Luan Jenifer, President and CEO at Miller/Howard Investments, Inc. “Companies that do not accurately measure and effectively manage methane emissions risk their reputations, licenses to operate, and competitive positioning. As investors in the industry, without such standards, we lack systematic and quality data that enables us to better differentiate between industry leaders and laggards.”

“As a long-term diversified investor, we would like to see policies that tackle the systemic risks to our portfolio, such as climate change,” Emma Henningsson, Manager Active Ownership at AP7. “Cutting methane leaks from this industry is one of the cheapest and most efficient ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the short term.”

“Reducing methane emissions is good for the climate and it is ultimately good for the oil and gas sector,” said Andrew Logan, senior director of oil and gas at Ceres. “Customers in Europe and elsewhere are increasingly requiring that LNG importers demonstrate that methane emissions have been addressed. For states that hope to maintain the financial resiliency of their oil and gas industry, and for the investors that own them, addressing methane should be a top priority,” 

“ICCR investor members have been encouraged by company actions to better measure and manage methane emissions, which have an outsized role in accelerating climate impacts,” said Christina Herman, Senior Director for Climate Change and Environmental Justice at ICCR. “But recent aerial studies show that emissions across basins continue to be much higher than reported, making the case for direct measurement and strong regulations to level the playing field. The recent deadly flooding in Florida and North Carolina has only added to the list of climate-fueled catastrophes rocking the planet, reminding us that we need to act quickly. Strong regulations are the most efficient way to do that.”

About Ceres

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

About the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) 

The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) is a broad coalition of more than 300 institutional investors collectively representing over $4 trillion in invested capital. ICCR members, a cross-section of faith-based investors, asset managers, pension funds, foundations, and other long-term institutional investors, have over 50 years of experience engaging with companies on environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) issues that are critical to long-term value creation. ICCR members engage hundreds of corporations annually in an effort to foster greater corporate accountability. Visit our website www.iccr.org and follow us on Twitter/X (@iccronline), LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Media Contact: Reginald Zimmerman, rzimmerman@ceres.org, 617-247-0700 ext. 136

Originally published in American Airlines’ 2023 Sustainability Report

Training and development are vital to giving our team members the tools and resources they need to do their best. Our company training programs provide opportunities for career growth as well as professional and personal development. Our annual performance review process for eligible team members reinforces our focus on equipping them with the skills they need to succeed while also aligning their goals with the company’s objectives.

American spent $1.1 billion on functional and professional development training in 2023, almost $8,000 per person. Below are a few of our most important programs:

New Hire Orientation. We believe that all new team members should receive a welcoming experience that empowers them with the knowledge, skills and resources they need to succeed in their roles. That’s why new team members across all divisions of the company complete this orientation within 30 days of being hired. It is grounded in American’s purpose to care for people on life’s journey, introduces our culture and articulates our support of our workforce and customers. In 2023, nearly 14,000 team members spent 38,000 hours in this orientation. Participants completed self-paced modules and attended a live welcome session with leaders.

Women’s Leadership Program. This program fosters a community that connects, develops and supports female leaders and pilots. Men are welcome as allies. Learning sessions last for about an hour, and they are followed by networking receptions that enable women leaders and pilots to engage with each other. The Women’s Leadership Program includes valuable mentoring opportunities as well. We had more than 300 participants at 10 different women’s leadership and development events in 2023.

Learning Hub. This is our primary learning management system and home base for all mandatory, safety and regulatory compliance training. In 2023, Learning Hub processed more than 9 million course registrations, with an average of 119,372 unique users accessing the system every month.

2023 Training and Development Hours

Mainline Operations

Airports and Cargo

Airports and Cargo receives role-specific technical and safety training. 1.95 million

Flight Operations

Flight Operations — which consists of all pilots — undergoes a significant amount of training, including time spent in the simulator, annual and recurrent evaluations, onboarding for new hires and instructor-to-instructor training. 1.07 million

Inflight

Inflight encompasses our flight attendants, who undergo a significant amount of safety and technical training in addition to data security and specialized courses such as human trafficking awareness. 1.37 million

Reservations

Reservations training includes customer service, technical and compliance training. 1.05 million

Technical Operations

Technical Operations — or maintenance — professionals undergo a significant amount of safety training in addition to technical courses. 910,400

Regional Carriers

Training for our regional carriers — Envoy, PSA and Piedmont — includes a mixture of web-based and in-person courses related to safety, compliance and many role-specific offerings. Workgroups covered include pilots, flight attendants, maintenance staff and, in some cases, dispatchers and customer service representatives. The aggregation includes new-hire and recurrent training. Envoy: 1.68 million Piedmont: 898,400 PSA: 681,400

Management and Support Staff

Management and support staff largely fulfill corporate functions, and training varies greatly by position. The hours reflected include mandated and role-specific courses, as well as professional development opportunities. 374,400

Team member training totaled more than 9.9 million hours in 2023, averaging approximately 70 hours per person.

Bringing employees together for training and development

Each year, thousands of team members from around the globe visit American’s 300- acre Skyview campus in Fort Worth for training. Some are new hires, while others come to complete their annual recertification or prepare for new roles. Our Skyview 6 hospitality complex, which opened in January 2023, has simplified this experience by hosting visiting team members on-site. It has also provided greater opportunities for collaboration.

In its first year of operation, more than 40,000 team members took advantage of its convenient location and many amenities. In addition to its 600 guest rooms, Skyview 6 includes study lounges on each guest floor, multiple dining options, a fitness center, outdoor exercise pool and courts for basketball, tennis, pickleball and volleyball.

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