Tag: 3BL

Recorded live at Amplify Americas, this special episode of ESG Talk features Ron Insana, award-winning journalist from CNBC, moderating an insightful discussion with industry leaders: Katherine Neebe, Chief Sustainability Officer at Duke Energy; Alexander Davis, Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Pie Insurance; Maura Hodge, KPMG’s sustainability leader; and Kim Huffman, Chief Information Officer at Workiva. Together, they explore how reporting professionals can leverage data and foster cross-functional collaboration to effectively navigate the rapid changes shaping the ESG landscape.

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ESG Talk is brought to you by Workiva, the world’s only unified platform for financial reporting, ESG, audit, and risk. Learn more at workiva.com.

Published by Las Vegas Sands on September 18, 2024

LAS VEGAS /3BL/ – Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) announced it will be a presenting partner sponsor of the upcoming Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) meeting on Sept. 23-24 in New York City, building on the company’s commitment to addressing economic, social and environmental issues for the betterment of its regions around the world.

The CGI meeting coincides with the U.N. General Assembly and brings together business, government and civil society leaders to drive progress on climate resilience, inclusive economic growth and recovery, health equity, the full participation of women and girls, and humanitarian response efforts to crises around the globe. Since its inception, the CGI has driven more than 4,000 commitments to action in its priority areas, which have improved the lives of nearly 500 million people in more than 180 countries.

“This event has fostered important dialog and established ongoing, forward-thinking global action for tackling the world’s most pressing challenges,” Sands Chairman and CEO Robert G. Goldstein said. “Our support is indicative of our commitment to helping advance CGI priorities, as well as being part of the conversation to learn how our company can meaningfully contribute to these areas.”

“At CGI this year, we’re bringing together hundreds of leaders from across sectors to not only discuss pressing issues facing the world, but also to take action,” Greg Milne, CEO of the Clinton Global Initiative, said. “We’re grateful to Las Vegas Sands for helping to make the CGI 2024 Annual Meeting possible and supporting a community of organizations from the public and private sectors who are implementing solutions to our greatest challenges.”

Sands focuses its work to address global and regional challenges under the People, Communities and Planet pillars of its corporate responsibility program, which drives the company’s efforts to promote workforce development and economic empowerment; advance diversity, equity and inclusion; help eliminate barriers and uplift disadvantaged populations; and ensure ongoing progress in addressing climate change and preserving the planet’s vital resources.

Specifically, Sands has set actionable goals to make tangible progress under each pillar:

People – By 2025, the company aims to invest $200 million in workforce development, which encompasses Team Member advancement, local business and supplier development, and hospitality education in its regions. Since 2021, the company has spent $181 million toward its 2021-2025 workforce development ambition in support of advancing economic empowerment.

Communities – Sands is committed to building resiliency and making its communities ideal places to live, work and visit through its Sands Cares community engagement program, which prioritizes addressing hardship relief and supporting disadvantaged populations, advancing education, building the capabilities of nonprofit organizations to solve pressing problems, and promoting the cultural and natural heritage of its local regions. By 2025, Sands aims to contribute 250,000 Team Member volunteer hours toward these priorities, augmenting its philanthropic investments.

Underpinning the company’s work in its People and Communities pillars is its dedication to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion through Team Member and supplier programs, along with supporting diverse community organizations to help remove systemic barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Planet – To address climate change, Sands has set a target to achieve a 17.5% reduction in emissions by 2025, as compared to a 2018 baseline. In 2023, the company reduced emissions by 50%, even as energy consumption increased with business returning to pre-pandemic levels. The reduction is representative of Sands’ persistent approach to energy-efficiency projects and commitment to renewable energy certificate purchases.

Under the Planet pillar, the company is focused on core environmental priorities in the areas of low-carbon transition, waste, materials and resources, and water stewardship, led by the Sands ECO360 global sustainability program.

About Sands (NYSE: LVS)

Sands is the leading global developer and operator of integrated resorts.

Our iconic properties drive valuable leisure and business tourism and deliver significant economic benefits, sustained job creation, financial opportunities for local businesses and community investment to help make our host regions ideal places to live, work and visit.

Sands’ portfolio of properties includes Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and The Venetian Macao, The Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Plaza and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, and Sands Macao in Macao SAR, China, through majority ownership in Sands China Ltd.

Sands is dedicated to being a leader in corporate responsibility, anchored by our core tenets of serving people, planet and communities. Our ESG leadership has led to inclusion on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for World and North America. To learn more, visit www.sands.com.

Contact:

Ron Reese
Sands
702.923.9022
Ron.Reese@sands.com

In September 2024, kate spade new york and founding partners launched the Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health. The fund focuses on bringing needed investment and increased access to community-led mental health interventions for women and girls around the world.

The Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health is housed at Panorama Global. In year one, the Global Fund will prioritize non-profit partners in North America, the U.K., Japan, Australia and East Africa. The first round of Global Fund partners will be announced in March 2025, in alignment with the brand’s research-backed approach to cultivating good mental health for women and girls.

Joy and women’s empowerment have been at the heart of kate spade new york since the beginning. As one of the largest corporate funders of women’s mental health initiatives globally – with over $31M invested to-date – kate spade new york’s social impact work is grounded in the belief that good mental health is a fundamental human right for everyone—and that good mental health is foundational to a woman’s empowerment.

The launch of the Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health will further accelerate this mission as it aims to catalyze investment to provide greater access to community-led, culturally competent mental health solutions for women at every stage of their lives.

On September 5, 2024, the brand launched the Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health at their 3rd annual Global Summit on Women’s Mental Health, alongside Fashion Week, with a short film starring Taraji P. Henson, Nicola Coughlin and Marsai Martin. The summit convened celebrities and global community mental health stakeholders, and featured speakers including Simone Biles, Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin, Sofia Wiley and more. Panel topics included Mental Health and the Fashion Industry, Women and Girls’ Mental Health: For Gen Z by Gen Z, Maternal and Workforce Mental Health, Women’s Mental Health in Later Stages of Life, and Cultivating Joy and Your Sister Circle.

With an initial investment of $450,000 from Kate Spade New York along with contributions from Pinterest, Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation and Mindful Philanthropy, the fund aims to catalyze investments from other organizations and will deploy grants in key global regions Kate Spade New York customers will also have the option to donate to the Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health when they check out at one of the brand’s North America stores. You can read more about the fund and its goals here.

“As a brand rooted in joy—and with over a decade of work at the intersection of women’s mental health and gender equity—kate spade new york is proud of our work to date in addressing the global mental health crisis for women and girls,” said Taryn Bird, Executive Director of Social Impact at kate spade new york. Through community, collective effort and fundraising, we can make greater impact for women around the world. The launch of the Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health marks a new milestone in our journey, as we invite other like-minded brands and individuals to join us in our mission.”

Learn more about kate spade new york’s social impact work at katespade.com/social-impact.

World-class equipment, technology and services company, CNH, is supporting Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) World Bicycle Relief!

CNH is joining forces with World Bicycle Relief to create meaningful change by empowering individuals and communities through the transformative power of bicycles.

CNH’s support is making a significant impact by providing bicycles to people in rural areas of Africa, thereby enhancing their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Bicycles are more than just a mode of transport; they are powerful tools for empowerment and growth.

Click here for more information on the organization!

LAS VEGAS, October 10, 2024 /3BL/ – Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) today announced it has partnered with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) to award 13 students at HACU-member schools with Sands Hospitality Advancement Scholarships in support of their preparation for careers in the travel, tourism and leisure industry.

Students receiving the $5,000 and $2,500 scholarships attend University of Nevada, Las Vegas (3 recipients); College of Southern Nevada (2 recipients); University of North Texas (5 recipients); and Dallas College (1 recipient).

“HACU is excited to partner with Las Vegas Sands in this scholarship supporting students who are working towards a career in the hospitality industry,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “Our nation’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions have always been conduits for talent to all industries and these scholarships provide financial assistance to students who show promise and commitment to their future success.”

Sands established the Sands Hospitality Advancement Scholarships with HACU, the only national association representing Hispanic-serving Institutions (HSIs), as part of the company’s commitment to building a thriving hospitality industry workforce.

“We want to help cultivate diverse and highly capable talent to support the strength of our industry,” Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs, who spearheads corporate responsibility initiatives at Sands, said. “This program joins a number of initiatives we have to help ensure the hospitality industry can best capitalize on its continued growth with a solid pipeline of future talent, while empowering people from different backgrounds to enter the field.”

Sands’ broad array of hospitality education initiatives include the Sands Hospitality Immersion Program with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the Sands Hospitality Scholarship Program in Singapore, underwriting for the 2024 University of North Texas Las Vegas Study Tour, other scholarship funding and partnerships with higher education institutions, on-property and industry-supported training opportunities for students and hospitality professionals, and mentorship and instruction from company leaders.

The company’s focus on hospitality education is a core component of its 2021-2025 ambition to invest $200 million in workforce development. At the end of 2023, Sands had contributed $181 million toward achieving this target.

Funding for the Sands Hospitality Advancement Scholarships comes through the Sands Cares global community engagement program. To learn more about Sands Cares and Sands’ focus on developing the workforce of the future in the hospitality industry, read the company’s latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/resources/reports/. To learn more about Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, visit https://www.hacu.net/hacu/default.asp.

About Sands (NYSE: LVS)

Sands is the leading global developer and operator of integrated resorts. The company’s iconic properties drive valuable leisure and business tourism and deliver significant economic benefits, sustained job creation, financial opportunities for local businesses and community investment to help make its host regions ideal places to live, work and visit.

Sands’ portfolio of properties includes Marina Bay Sands® in Singapore and The Venetian® Macao, The Londoner Macao®, The Parisian Macao®, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, and Sands® Macao in Macao SAR, China, through majority ownership in Sands China Ltd.

Dedicated to being a leader in corporate responsibility, Sands is anchored by the core tenets of serving people, communities and the planet. The company’s ESG leadership has led to inclusion on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for World and North America, as well as Fortune’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies. To learn more, visit www.sands.com.

About the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters is in San Antonio, Texas, with offices in Washington, D.C, Sacramento, California, and Chicago, Illinois.

Contacts:

Kristin Koca

Sands

702.923.9142

Kristin.Koca@sands.com

Christopher de Hoyos

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

210.576.3242

Chris.Dehoyos@hacu.net

CINCINNATI, October 10, 2024 /3BL/ – Greater Cincinnati is a community built by changemakers: the individuals, institutions and innovators who boldly pursue new opportunities to help the city grow and thrive.

During BLINK, the nation’s largest public art and light event, Fifth Third will transform Cincinnati’s historic Fountain Square into a unique and innovative art and light installation that celebrates the community’s entrepreneurial spirit – and challenges visitors to think differently about its future.

Produced by Fifth Third and B!G Art, OPEN on Fountain Square is a celebration of the transformation Fifth Third has helped to fuel in the Greater Cincinnati region and a tribute to the next generation of changemakers that are looking for their own opportunities to drive the community forward.​ In addition to art created by Fifth Third and B!G Art, the installation will include imagery and videos submitted by artists from across the community.

“At Fifth Third, we know that the individuals and organizations we support all have the potential to make an impact,” said Melissa Stevens, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Fifth Third. “Throughout our nearly 167-year history, we’ve been opening doors of opportunity for changemakers who want to make our city a better place to live, work and play through partnership and innovation.”

BLINK is a four-day, 30-block public outdoor art experience that draws 2 million people to experience the city. Fifth Third has been a proud partner and supporter of the event since 2019, creating innovative art installations on Fountain Square in the heart of Downtown Cincinnati.

“OPEN on Fountain Square will celebrate the intersection of innovation and artistry that makes Cincinnati so special. We are proud to bring this unique and innovative installation to the heart of downtown, where so many of our employees live, work and play,” said Tim Elsbrock, president of Fifth Third’s Greater Cincinnati region.

This is Fifth Third’s second partnership with B!G Art, an interactive public art collective. Fifth Third and B!G Art also produced ElectriFi on Fountain Square in 2022. With decades of experience in live entertainment and public presentation, B!G Art specializes in large scale, interactive art installations.

“We’re always impressed by the imagination and hands-on creativity that Fifth Third brings when we work together. You just don’t expect to see that level of artistic passion from a bank,” said Paul Magnuson, chief imagineer at B!G Art. “Opening doors of opportunity is a creative concept that immediately resonated with our team. Our favorite projects are ones that find new ways to bring artists and audiences together.

“We are excited to partner with Fifth Third again to bring this concept to life,” Magnuson said. “Festivals like BLINK are so important, because they remove the economic barriers to experiencing art. That accessibility benefits both the artists and the public.”

OPEN on Fountain Square will include:

The Arch: A 27-foot-tall archway with more than 1.2 million LED pixels, creating a canvas of more than 3,000 square feet of video. Visitors will experience custom animations and videos, including local artwork and images, that will challenge their perceptions of what it means to live, work and play in Cincinnati. The Arch will be located near the southern border of Fountain Square at Fifth Street.The Gates: Winding arrangements of 60 7-foot-by-3-foot LED bar gateways with programmable lighting will give visitors a sense of guided exploration through Fountain Square. The gates will complement the programming of the arch and are a physical representation of pathways to new opportunities.The Doors: More than a dozen interactive doors will line Fountain Square, each opening to an LED canvas showcasing ever-changing digital images, playful animations and video footage, including local artwork. The doors symbolize an opportunity to take a first step toward a new future, which can lead to learning something new, meeting new people and places, and finding success.The Tunnel: In partnership with 3CDC and Cincinnati artist Dan Shields, the installation also features an overhead net with fluorescent green and blue yarn woven between trees to create an organic, tunnel-like structure illuminated by black lights for a vibrant effect above the container bar on the western border of Fountain Square at Vine Street.

The installation will be open and available to the public throughout the BLINK event, which runs Oct. 17-20. Fountain Square is located at Fifth and Vine streets in downtown Cincinnati. For more information, visit www.blinkcincinnati.com.

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About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

About B!G Art:

We are built for one purpose – to create inspiring experiences. We design, build and promote interactive, and immersive, works of wonder so we can inspire the next. From fire-shooting portals to code-talking cubes from another dimension, we live for interactive and immersive art installations. Advancements in technology have allowed us to realize creative dreams we never thought possible, and in that spirit, we embrace the technology of yesterday, today, and tomorrow to create large-scale, tour-ready, turnkey installations and experiences.

We are passionate about what we do and are committed to delivering inspiring encounters. Whether you choose something from our current catalogue, or connect with us for a custom commission, we pride ourselves on delivering creative, robust, safe, and reliable installations and experiences.

WASHINGTON, DC – Our “spokestree” Pinelope joined International Paper (IP) team members at a local school to promote literacy with Reading Is Fundamental (RIF). We believe reading is fundamental, and it looks like these kids do, too! 

For more than six years, RIF and IP have partnered to provide 640,000 books to more than 285,000 children across the country to inspire excitement and joy around reading through RIF’s flagship Books for Ownership program.  

Students at Harriet Tubman Elementary School gathered in the library to hear their favorite books read aloud.  After story time, each student picked out their very own books to take home.  

Education is one of the signature causes we support to make a difference in our communities. We focus on literacy from birth through third grade because reading skills form the foundation of all childhood learning. Through our partnership with RIF, more than 400 schools have received books to fuel students’ imagination through reading. 

To support or learn more about Reading Is Fundamental and the Books for Ownership initiative click here. 

To learn more about International Paper’s investments in community engagement click here. 

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com/.

About International Paper – EMEA

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,400 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.

I refreshed my resume and emailed it on my lunch break in same day.

A Logistics supervisor and group lead were conducting interviews at the coffee shop where I worked. After multiple no-shows for interviews, I walked over to their table to check if they needed anything else. I asked them where they worked and what they were looking for in a candidate.

They worked with Quest Diagnostics, and they were looking for a driver. At the time, I didn’t know anything about what Quest was or what they did, and I asked for more details. After learning what the position entailed, I asked for his business card and email address so I could send him my resume. I had previously worked as a contractor for a pharmacy, delivering large orders to rehab and nursing home facilities, and thought I might meet the qualifications for that position.

He didn’t think I was serious – but I was. I had my interview in Shreveport about 3 weeks later, and the rest just fell into place after that.

When I joined Quest, I literally doubled my salary with a shift differential and benefits I would have never considered an option for someone in an entry-level position.

I’m a high school drop-out with a GED. Without the Employee Education Assistance program that Quest offers, I would never have considered furthering my education. Because of Quest’s program and my incredibly encouraging supervisor, I finished my Associate Degree in Arts in Information Technology with honors.

My supervisor is one of the most compassionate and understanding leaders I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. He encouraged me to pursue my education, has helped me gain more knowledge and experience in the Logistics department, and offers the same to all of his team. He pushes us to achieve great things and to use our potential the best way possible, and he’s never shy about showing how much he appreciates our hard work and efforts.

When I’m not covering a route in my service area of East Texas and North Louisiana, I’m helping my Group Leads and Supervisor with various tasks in our office or finding new ways to streamline things for the drivers in our hub.

Being on the road always feels like a bigger impact because I get to interact with our clients, but completing our specimen pack-out and ensuring supplies are readily available for our drivers is just as important.

I refreshed my resume and emailed it on my lunch break in same day.

A Logistics supervisor and group lead were conducting interviews at the coffee shop where I worked. After multiple no-shows for interviews, I walked over to their table to check if they needed anything else. I asked them where they worked and what they were looking for in a candidate.

They worked with Quest Diagnostics, and they were looking for a driver. At the time, I didn’t know anything about what Quest was or what they did, and I asked for more details. After learning what the position entailed, I asked for his business card and email address so I could send him my resume. I had previously worked as a contractor for a pharmacy, delivering large orders to rehab and nursing home facilities, and thought I might meet the qualifications for that position.

He didn’t think I was serious – but I was. I had my interview in Shreveport about 3 weeks later, and the rest just fell into place after that.

When I joined Quest, I literally doubled my salary with a shift differential and benefits I would have never considered an option for someone in an entry-level position.

I’m a high school drop-out with a GED. Without the Employee Education Assistance program that Quest offers, I would never have considered furthering my education. Because of Quest’s program and my incredibly encouraging supervisor, I finished my Associate Degree in Arts in Information Technology with honors.

My supervisor is one of the most compassionate and understanding leaders I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. He encouraged me to pursue my education, has helped me gain more knowledge and experience in the Logistics department, and offers the same to all of his team. He pushes us to achieve great things and to use our potential the best way possible, and he’s never shy about showing how much he appreciates our hard work and efforts.

When I’m not covering a route in my service area of East Texas and North Louisiana, I’m helping my Group Leads and Supervisor with various tasks in our office or finding new ways to streamline things for the drivers in our hub.

Being on the road always feels like a bigger impact because I get to interact with our clients, but completing our specimen pack-out and ensuring supplies are readily available for our drivers is just as important.

LONDON, October 10, 2024 /3BL/ – Federal Express Corporation, the world’s largest express transportation company, announces its transition to using biofuels in linehaul trucks at three UK sites as of this month.

More than 170 trucks – all tractor-trailer combinations – will now refuel with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) across FedEx locations in Parkhouse (80 tractors), Marston Gate (54 tractors), and Atherstone (38 tractors). Thanks to a two-year agreement with supplier, Crown Oil, FedEx has secured the purchase of at least four million litres of the fuel annually.

The change to HVO will deliver certified lifecycle carbon emissions savings of at least 80% compared to diesel and offers one way of reducing the emissions of operating a network of heavy goods vehicles. FedEx Express began using 100% HVO fuel as a direct replacement, or ‘drop-in’ alternative, to diesel, in UK operations in October 2023. This earlier trial, along with a similar pilot in the Netherlands, allowed FedEx to evaluate the practicalities of refuelling with alternative fuels and highlighted HVO as a preferred route to help FedEx transition from diesel to biofuels in its European road network.

“FedEx operates an expansive road network across the region. We’re excited to share that the UK is the first country where we’re able to scale the use of HVO in our operations, in what we hope will be a permanent operational change. We’ve been trialling our use of this fuel for eight months already and with this purchase agreement we’re increasing our consumption sufficiently for our fleet to drive approximately 36,000 miles each week on alternative fuel. This decision is another step towards our long-term goal of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040,”said James Richards, Senior Manager Road Network Operations UK, FedEx.

As well as helping to reduce the emissions of linehaul trucks, HVO can also be used in place of diesel in select pieces of ground service equipment. Under this agreement, 16 tugs – used at the same three sites to reposition accompanying trailers – will begin routine use of HVO as a drop-in fuel. While some pieces of ground service equipment are already commonly procured as battery electric, HVO offers favourable alternative to diesel where electrification of certain ground service equipment may not yet be practical.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.