Tag: 3BL

On this episode of Healthy Outcomes, Baker Tilly host Mark Ross interviews Celia Van Lenten, Principal with the law firm of Miles & Stockbridge. Together, they discuss several hot topics related to the healthcare regulatory environment, such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and more.

Topics of discussion include:

M&A activity in the healthcare provider sector and related regulatory perspectives.Healthcare staffing-related regulatory developments.The ongoing evolution of artificial intelligence and thoughts on a legal framework that healthcare providers should be aware of when they evaluate their use of AI-enabled technology.The reasons for the increase in occurrences of cyber breaches in the healthcare industry and what healthcare providers should be doing to be better prepared to handle one.Futuristic thoughts related to the regulatory environment and regulatory scrutiny that healthcare providers will likely be subject to.

Connect with a Baker Tilly healthcare team member to learn more. 

CLEVELAND, September 30, 2024 /3BL/ – Today, KeyBank announced that it has funded more than $1 million in KeyBank Neighbors First Credits, helping 200 clients achieve their dream of homeownership in areas where the program is available. This milestone is the latest KeyBank has achieved since launching this program in July 2023.

The KeyBank Neighbors First Credit1 is a Special Purpose Credit Program that provides $5,000 toward closing costs and other pre-paid fees that may come with financing a new, owner-occupied home to homebuyers for the purchase of eligible properties. Additional costs include mortgage, flood and hazard insurance, escrow deposit, real estate taxes, and per diem interest for eligible properties.

KeyBank’s 2024 Financial Mobility Survey found that many Americans believe homeownership is out of reach due to rising costs. Of those people (20%) who are not currently in the market to purchase a home and haven’t purchased one in the past year, 69% believe the dream of owning a home is not very attainable.

“At a time when many feel they simply can’t afford a home, KeyBank’s efforts, specifically with our Neighbors First Credit, are erasing doubt and helping our clients see what is possible when they partner with their bank,” said Dale Baker, Head of Home Lending at KeyBank. “Whether they are looking to buy a new home or improve the home they are in, KeyBank is committed to working with our clients to help them achieve their dreams and goals.”

Some of the communities KeyBank’s Neighbors First Credit has made a difference in include:

Cleveland, OH: 47 credits funded for $235,000Columbus, OH: 25 credits funded for $125,000Dayton, OH: 11 credits funded for $55,000Albany, NY: 9 credits funded for $45,000

The KeyBank Neighbors First Credit is one of three special purpose credit programs (SPCPs) from KeyBank. The KeyBank Homebuyer Credit2 provides up to $5,000 in credits toward closing costs and other pre-paid fees that may come with financing a new home to homebuyers for the purchase of eligible properties in eligible communities. The Homebuyer Credit launched in September 2022. Through this program, Key has funded more than $2.4 million in credits, helping 533 clients.

In addition, the Key Opportunities Home Equity Loan3 provides affordable terms for borrowers with qualifying properties to refinance their primary residence to a lower interest rate, consolidate debt, finance home improvements, or tap into their equity when needed. This loan features a fixed rate, with no origination fee, and a first or second lien option for loans up to $100,000. Since the program began on March 1, 2023, through September 19, 2024, KeyBank funded $13 million in loans, helping 259 clients secure loans for their primary home in designated communities.

“Making homeownership more affordable, accessible and, most importantly, sustainable is a critical part of KeyBank’s purpose of helping the communities we serve thrive,” said Rachael Sampson, Head of Community Banking for KeyBank’s Consumer Bank. “Block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood, we are committed to helping our clients build wealth and grow by providing them with resources and programs that help make homeownership possible.”

Learn more about KeyBank’s home lending opportunities and programs, determine whether a property qualifies for Special Purpose Credit Programs, or get started on the journey to homeownership by visiting key.com/communitylending. For details on the current state of local markets and to answer any questions you may have, including whether a property qualifies for Key’s Special Purpose Credit Programs, KeyBank Mortgage Loan Officers are available to help.

ABOUT KEYCORP 
KeyCorp’s (NYSE: KEY) roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at June 30, 2024. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

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NMLS #399797. KeyBank extends credit secured by residential real estate without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or familial status. All credit products are subject to collateral and/or credit approval, terms, conditions, availability and are subject to change.

CFMA #240925-2801809

1Available on primary residence first lien purchases only. Property must be located in an eligible community in KeyBank’s retail footprint or Florida. Eligible communities are determined by KeyBank and subject to change without notice. Additional terms or restrictions may apply. Ask us for details.

2Available on primary residence first lien purchases only. Property must be located in an eligible community as determined by KeyBank. Eligible Communities are subject to change without notice. Additional terms or restrictions may apply. Ask us for details.

3Loan features reduced interest rate and no origination fees. Available on existing primary residence and loans up to $100,000. First or second lien only. Loan must close in a branch. Property must be located in an eligible community in KeyBank’s retail footprint. Additional terms or restrictions may apply. Ask us for details.

Our Culture and the Employee Experience

Through our annual employee culture and engagement survey, we gather confidential feedback to learn and act on how we can continue to create and improve our culture and the employee experience. All levels of management receive aggregated results of strengths and opportunities to develop an action plan to address their team’s needs. Understanding and acting on that feedback has been worthwhile as in our 2024 survey we achieved our highest overall score in the previous four years ― exceeding the national benchmark by 6%. We sustained or improved scores for all questions outpacing the national benchmark by seven basis points.

Encouraging Well-Being

We provide wide-ranging options to support employees’ health and well-being, including an Employee Assistance Program that provides confidential counseling, personal financial guidance and resources, legal support and work-life assistance. As many of our employees are remote and need flexibility in meeting their health and wellbeing needs, we offer a suite of convenient, easily accessible tools to keep our employees well wherever they may be. Our Wellness Community of Interest and our Accessibility Employee Resource Group provide a social way for employees to connect with each other about health and wellness while also providing useful learning and educational sessions.

Employee health and safety is always paramount to our business and to our employees’ well-being. We encourage employees to participate in health and wellness initiatives, and actively work to prevent workplace hazards.

Philanthropy

Not surprisingly, the good our company does begins with our employees. Our employees embrace SAIC’s legacy of community involvement and philanthropy. Giving both their time and money, our employees volunteered 29,000 hours in FY24, an increase of 10% over the previous year and almost 40% over FY22.

Including employee contributions, SAIC donated just over $3.2 million in FY23 to causes important to our mission.

Community Partnerships

SAIC serves the communities in which we live and work through our lasting relationships with community partners. We primarily contribute to our four focus areas: military and veteran resiliency, STEM education, community wellness and diversity. We added a diversity and inclusion focus this year as diverse and inclusive companies are more innovative and deliver stronger business results.

Military and Veteran Resilience

Building Homes for Heroes 
To honor our veteran relationships, SAIC partners with Building Homes for Heroes, a national nonprofit organization that builds and modifies houses and then gifts them mortgage-free to injured veterans and their families. By the end of FY24, we helped donate 16 homes to our military heroes through this partnership, which began in 2013 and continues into our current fiscal year with one additional home already delivered and two others scheduled for later in the year.

USO 
For over 20 years, a senior executive of SAIC has served on the board of directors of the USO. The company supports their annual fundraising gala that provides acts of caring, comfort and connection for America’s military and their families. Each year, SAIC employees support USO’s Project Elf and provide holiday gifts for hundreds of junior enlisted children every year. In 2023, we provided 250 military families with gifts to help make their holidays brighter.

Astronaut Scholarship Foundation 
Since 2017, SAIC has provided STEM scholarships through the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, created to ensure that the United States maintains leadership in science and technology by supporting some of the very best STEM college students. To date, SAIC has provided 22 scholarships in helping to inspire future generations. SAIC serves on the Neil Armstrong® Award of Excellence selection committee, an award given to an Astronaut Scholar Alum that exemplifies personal character and professional achievement mirroring the core values of its namesake, Neil Armstrong.

Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering 
SAIC supports the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering’s mission of educating – tuition-free – the cyber technology and engineering workforce of the future. Today, SAIC continues its financial and community support for the school and its students pursuing STEM education. In 2022, SAIC committed $1.5 million towards Alabama’s leading magnet schools in STEM education.

Community Wellness

Feeding America 
We’re in our tenth consecutive year of helping combat hunger in America through our partnership with Feeding America. During Hunger Action Month in September 2023, SAIC raised $311,908 with the help of donations and fundraising efforts by SAIC employees – an equivalent of 3.1 million meals for people facing food insecurity.

SAIC employees embraced the company’s Give A Meal Team Challenge, participating in a variety of activities that included events to raise funds, along with volunteering at their local food banks. Their generosity, time and dedication resulted in more than $131,000 in direct contributions, which the company matched. Over the past 10 years, SAIC has helped provide approximately 25 million meals to people in need through our partnership the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization. For every dollar given, Feeding America provides at least 10 meals to those facing hunger.

Diversity and Inclusion

Thurgood Marshall College Fund 
SAIC supports the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community offering financial assistance to outstanding students attending one of funds member-schools that include 47 publicly supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). In partnership for four years, SAIC works with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to help provide scholarships and research initiatives as the organization is a source for top employers seeking talent for competitive internships and good jobs. SAIC CEO Toni Townes-Whitley has served on their board of directors since 2019.

Learn more about community partnerships and employee volunteering in SAIC’s 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report

PARIS, September 26, 2024 /3BL/ – The Consumer Goods Forum’s (CGF) Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) is pleased to announce that the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporter Association (EHPEA) has submitted its Code of Practice for Sustainable Flower Production application for the SSCI benchmarking.

This marks a significant milestone for EHPEA as it seeks SSCI Recognition, demonstrating its alignment with industry expectations for third-party social compliance programs within the SSCI’s Primary Production scope for social sustainability.

To date, the SSCI has recognised five schemes, and EHPEA joins five additional schemes currently in progress for recognition. Through this benchmarking process, SSCI continues its commitment to building trust in sustainability standards by recognising programmes that uphold key criteria set by leading industry stakeholders.

Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) is a business membership organisation which was established in 2002. It is an organisation meant to promote the interest of its members who are engaged in the production and export of cut flowers, fruit, vegetables, herbs, cuttings as well as vegetable seeds.

Currently, EHPEA has 126 members and it has been relentlessly contributing to the horticulture industry boom in Ethiopia and effectively representing the interests of its members locally and globally.

The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association Code of Practice is the result of an initiative taken by the sector to introduce a voluntary system of continuous professional and technical development, monitoring and self-regulation into the sector and is designed to address market and civil society concerns about standards for social and environmental performance in the sector and also to guide the sustainable development of the sector.

It consists of three levels of excellence allowing Ethiopian flower and ornamental plant farms to be rewarded at each stage of their process towards developing more sustainable management practices within the chain. Each level will be recognised by EHPEA through a certificate.

Mr. Tewodros Zewdie, Executive Director of EHPEA, said, “The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) has emphasized the significance of the SSCI Benchmark as a rigorous process designed to uphold sustainability standards. The benchmark involves self-assessments, independent expert reviews, audits, and public consultations, ensuring a high level of transparency and accountability. By adhering to these global standards, EHPEA seeks to enhance the international credibility of Ethiopian horticultural products while promoting sustainable practices across the industry”

The SSCI Benchmark is a comprehensive process that recognises which schemes cover key sustainability criteria and apply relevant verification practices. The process revolves around a first self-assessment undertaken by the scheme, followed by a review by an independent expert, office visits, and a public consultation. The methodology also includes opportunities for the applicant to take corrective actions if and when needed.

At the SSCI, we welcome this positive step from EHPEA and look forward to reviewing its alignment towards industry values on transparency, social responsibility and sustainability. To monitor the process of its evaluation, and other schemes undergoing the benchmarking, visit https://recognition.tcgfssci.com/.

Learn More and Apply

Third-party auditing and monitoring schemes and programmes are invited to apply for SSCI Recognition and demonstrate their commitment to industry-defined expectations for social responsibility. Learn more about the SSCI Benchmark and download the application kits at benchmark.tcgfssci.com.

For more information about the SSCI, please visit www.tcgfssci.com or contact the SSCI team at ssci@theconsumergoodsforum.com

Qurate Retail Group’s Global Impact focus seeks to embed inclusion, sustainability, and social responsibility into all aspects of our business. We do this by inspiring a more sustainable way to retail through actions that accelerate business growth and positively impact employees, customers, communities, business partners, and the planet. As a result, we continue to make significant advancements towards our public goals and the critical role we play in protecting the environment, championing empowerment and belonging, and curating product responsibly.

“At Qurate Retail, one example of a more sustainable way to retail is one that intentionally cultivates an inclusive work culture, promotes employee well-being, and drives positive impact for team members, entrepreneurs, and communities where we operate,” said Virginia Nguyen, Chief Diversity & Impact Officer, Qurate Retail GroupSM. “We’re immensely proud of the strides we’ve made, and we acknowledge the journey is ongoing. That’s why our Corporate Responsibility commitments continue to remain a core focus as it not only benefits all company stakeholders – it also reinforces that responsible business is good business.”

As part of Qurate Retail Group’s championing empowerment & belonging pillar, there are strategic imperatives around Community & Social Impact and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. Read on for highlights around the initiatives, programs, and achievements that have shaped our journey and made a meaningful impact towards our future progress.

Community & Social Impact

Through focused cause marketing and giving programs, which embrace our responsibility to our stakeholders and society at large, our 2023 Global Contribution Summary Report demonstrates the many impactful ways we collectively made a difference last year. Highlights include:

Generated over $33.8+ million for more than 1,423 charities worldwide in 2023.$9.6+ million towards women’s empowerment & entrepreneurship resulting in $41+ million total contributions towards such causes since 2020, bringing us closer to our 2025 target of $50 million.With the addition of our total giving this past year, we’ve been able to contribute over $148 million to causes since 2020, surpassing our commitment to reach $100M between 2020-2025.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Our inaugural 2022-2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Report represents Qurate Retail Group’s unwavering dedication to an inclusive environment, to equity, and to a sense of belonging for every team member, business partner, and customer. Our comprehensive DE&I strategy includes a holistic approach focused on four strategic pillars: Our People, Our Culture, Our Consumers & Marketplace and Our Communities. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made against our stated goals, including achieving several ahead of schedule. Highlights include:

Goals already achieved around team member inclusion, spotlighting small businesses, supplier diversity and more.In March 2023, QVC launched a dedicated Accessible & Adaptive category – with hundreds of products spanning fashion, home, electronics and beauty – making QVC one of the first U.S. retailers to curate the full lifestyle of accessible products into a single multi-category offering.Key highlights from our Small Business Spotlight (SBS) program in 2022 include:95 businesses featured; $2.9m in airtime; 2,040 hours volunteered; 92% experienced benefits1; and a diverse mix of small business owners: 28 Black-owned, 19 Disability-owned, 19 Latino- or Hispanic- owned, 18 LGBTQ+-owned, 16 Veteran-owned, 67 Women-owned and 20 Asian American/Pacific Islander-owned.Expanded our Team Member Resource Groups (TMRGs) from four to 40 TMRGs in under two years. Additional TMRG highlights include:2,500~ active members globally; 200+ leaders engaged in TMRGs; 150+ global TMRG events in 2023; 50+ consumer/marketplace initiatives supported; and 20+ non-profit/charitable organizations supported.

To learn more about Qurate Retail Group’s Corporate Responsibility initiatives and summary reports, visit: www.qurateretailgroup.com/lp/corporate-responsibility.

1The figures included as a breakdown of participants will not total 95 as some participants identified as members of more than one group.

1Per SBS participant reporting pre-and post- program business metrics, submitted by 52% of our 95 SBS participants.

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Recently, Ringo Yu, manager, Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP) at Cascale, presented information about the program at TÜV Rheinland’s series of sustainability-focused events. These included a virtual webinar for stakeholders in Thailand, another for those in Vietnam, and an in-person workshop in Shanghai, which was hosted by TÜV Rheinland.

At all three events, Yu shared information about MCAP, an integral part of Cascale’s Decarbonization Program, which supports Cascale members and non-members to drive industry transformation through decarbonization. He explained that MCAP unites manufacturers worldwide to combat climate change across the consumer goods industry, driving sustainable change through science-aligned targets (SATs). Critically, he detailed how industry stakeholders must act collectively to achieve a 45 percent reduction in GHG emissions by 2030, in line with science-based targets, limiting the temperature increase to 1.5°C as compared to pre-industrial levels.

At the in-person “Broader Multilateral Cooperation, Better Green Future” event in Shanghai, the focus was on how MCAP unlocks and enables collective action decarbonization opportunities for manufacturers in China. It included overviews of the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) programs. The workshop was held to address increased challenges faced by the textile and chemical industries, driven by global sustainable development and energy saving/emissions reduction strategies. As international brands transform and upgrade their global supply chains, comprehensive and systematic social responsibility reports and/or certificates are critical to manufacturers.

Brian Hui, director of operations, Greater China, WRAP, introduced the latest trends in socially responsible supply chain and WRAP certification.Then Yu shared how MCAP is especially relevant to manufacturers in China, where corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures will become mandatory by 2030 as part of the country’s efforts to improve economic sustainability, increase EGS reporting, and fight climate change. Yu concluded his presentation by inviting new recruits for the second cohort, which will begin onboarding this month, before passing the mic to Jimi Wang, global project manager, TÜV Rheinland, who shared details of GOTS Scope 4 and ZDHC Certification.

PHILADELPHIA, September 27, 2024 /3BL/ – Comcast announced the premiere of award–winning documentary, Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture, a film that dismantles the racial barriers of conventional surf culture, available now on Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity channel and the Xumo Play free streaming app.

Watch the Trailer Here

Launched in 2021, Black Experience on Xfinity features the ultimate in Black storytelling from Black programming partners and film studios and has released a variety of original documentaries, like Wade in the Water, showcasing diverse talent and content creators.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with award-winning director David Mesfin, and his team, to bring this compelling documentary to the Black Experience on Xfinity channel,” said Loren Hudson, SVP & Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity and Platforms, Comcast. “Our goal with this channel is to facilitate the discovery of impactful films like Wade in the Water while providing a platform for emerging content creators and talent to reach wider audiences.”

Directed by David Mesfin, an award-winning creative director and multidisciplinary designer, the film dives into the 1,000-year-old tradition of Black surfing. Through a blend of historical accounts and modern-day testimonials, Wade in the Water explores the rich, often overlooked, legacy of Black surfing and pays tribute to its current movement, inspiring a new generation of Black surfers.

The documentary’s journey across the globe has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also sparked conversations about diversity and inclusion within aquatic sports. Mesfin’s directorial debut shines a light on the vibrant yet underrepresented world of Black surfing, offering viewers an insightful and moving narrative that challenges the status quo.

“Wade in the Water is more than a film; it’s a movement,” shared Director David Mesfin. “Our objective is not just to tell a story but to inspire change. We aim to ignite a passion for surfing within the Black community, challenge preconceived notions about who can be a surfer, and celebrate the rich history and culture of Black surfing.”

The film’s release represents a pioneering step towards a community-based and disruptive independent film distribution model. By making Wade in the Water accessible to a global audience, Mesfin’s team hopes to continue the dialogue on Black aquatic culture, provide opportunities for surf and outdoor Black communities, and pave the way for a more inclusive future.

For more information about the film, please visit www.wadeinthewaterproject.com.

Black Experience on Xfinity is a first-of-its-kind destination of Black entertainment, movies, TV shows, news and more. Available at home on Xfinity X1 and Flex, and on-the-go with the Xfinity Stream app, the Black Experience on Xfinity features original and high-quality content from Comcast NBCUniversal and other major studios, in addition to content from many of Xfinity’s existing network partners, at no additional cost to Xfinity customers.

Xfinity customers can access the Black Experience on channel 1622 or simply say “Black Experience” into the Voice Remote to instantly enjoy the ultimate in Black storytelling.

Cody Clegg turned his passion for fixing motorcross bikes as a child into a successful career as a diesel technician, now working for Marathon Petroleum maintaining transport trucks and ensuring safety on the road.Clegg emphasizes the importance of safety in his work, taking pride in making sure that every vehicle he repairs is roadworthy.Beyond putting his skills to good use, Clegg values Marathon Petroleum for its supportive work environment, enabling him to provide for his family and care for his children.

From police cars to bulldozers, Cody Clegg has repaired them all. He started out working on motorcross bikes in his garage at the age of six, and since then he’s turned his passion into a successful career.

“I raced motorcross until I was 22, and when something broke on my bike, I was fixing it,” said Clegg. “I was in the garage with my brother and my dad. He had hot rods, and we were always tinkering.”

Clegg grew up in Heber City, Utah. His first job after high school was on a shop floor changing tires, replacing brakes and performing alignments on big trucks. Through his employer, he completed the Cummins Diesel Mechanic School Program. Today, he’s found success specializing as a diesel technician working for Marathon Petroleum in Roosevelt, Utah, maintaining and repairing transport trucks, tankers and semi-trailers that haul crude oil to the Salt Lake City refinery.

“My favorite thing about this work is using my knowledge and resources to get the job done,” said Clegg. “I have the confidence that a 130,000-pound truck I fix is going to be safe when it’s back on the road. It’s a challenge I take very seriously.”  

Focus on Safety

The diesel mechanics in the Marathon Petroleum Roosevelt shop work Monday through Friday, and they also rotate on-call shifts in case there is an emergency breakdown when a driver is transporting products. The team always prioritizes safety when planning their jobs.

“Safety is always number one,” said Clegg. “It doesn’t matter if we are behind schedule. If a vehicle is deemed unsafe, it does not go on the road. Even if we are out on a road call, and I find something that wasn’t part of the original problem. We don’t leave until the problem is addressed.”

Clegg knows that just one mistake can cause major problems for transport drivers and others on the road.

“Marathon hires top notch technicians, because they know the potential risks if someone doesn’t know what they are doing,” said Clegg. “They expect us to bring our A-game every day.”

His leaders recognize Clegg’s dedication to the job.

“He and his peers work tirelessly to ensure the company’s Utah Crude Operations have safe and compliant transports in one of the Transport and Rail organization’s most challenging environments due to the landscape and weather,” said Marathon Petroleum Transport Maintenance Manager Edward Davis.

Tech Progression Program

Clegg has also been working on his next steps with the company. He’s exploring his options through the Marathon Petroleum Tech Progression Program, which was designed to create transparency, ownership and accountability in the diesel technician workforce regarding their careers with Marathon Petroleum.

“Cody was selected because of his positive attitude, approach to difficult situations, the care and ownership of his work, and the care and support he exhibits to his peers,” said Davis. “Cody is dedicated to supporting his fellow technicians and learning from them. He is always approachable, quick to share his experience and works to ensure others have what they need.”

Benefits of the Benefits

Clegg said he’s most proud that he’s able to provide for his family through his career at Marathon Petroleum. He and his wife are raising four children in Roosevelt. He spends his time outside of work hunting, fishing, riding horses and being a dad.

“My wife stays home with our children,” said Clegg. “We have a house and acreage and animals. It’s incredible that I can provide for my family in this way. It means everything to me.”

Marathon Petroleum offers competitive compensation, annual bonuses, health insurance, retirement benefits and more.

“My daughter has some health issues, and there is never a question from management when something comes up, and I need to be there for my family,” said Clegg. “The answer is always ‘Get out of here.’ That’s the type of company I work for. I get paid well, and my leaders treat me well and understand what it means to me to be a dad.”

Interested in a career?

“If you are a dedicated mechanic that produces quality work, not just quantity, then this is a career for you,” said Clegg. “This is much more than a job.”

Marathon Petroleum is hiring diesel mechanics and drivers.

Learn More

CINCINNATI, September 27, 2024 /3BL/ – Fifth Third’s inclusive employment practices have been recognized by the National Organization on Disability (NOD), which has named the company a 2024 Leading Disability Employer in advance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October.

The award recognizes Fifth Third’s disability inclusion efforts in areas including workforce strategy, talent outcome metrics and sourcing, climate & culture, people practices, and workplace tools & accessibility.

“At Fifth Third, we aspire to create an intentionally inclusive, diverse and thriving community,” said Chief Inclusion Officer Stephanie A. Smith. “We strive to provide an environment in which each employee feels valued, respected and understood, and we pride ourselves in bringing our authentic selves and our best thinking into the workplace.”

Fifth Third’s inclusive employment practices include a robust network of nine Business Resource Groups that empower employees to advance inclusion efforts and to access development opportunities, support business solutions and become involved in the community.

“Creating a culture of belonging and connection where employees feel cared for and valued is critical to our success and ingrained in our core values,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Nancy Pinckney. “We believe that inclusion creates the opportunity for all to thrive.”

Fifth Third is also a founding partner of Project SEARCH, a one-year program that helps high school students with disabilities transition into the workforce. Since the program’s inception in 2005, Fifth Third has trained more than 400 students, including 34 current employees, as one of 700 Project SEARCH locations worldwide.

Fifth Third was also the first bank to design a checking account for the Achieving a Better Life Experience program, or ABLE. These accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest assets for disability-related expenses.

NOD’s Leading Disability Employer award recognizes exceptional disability inclusion practices and policies. The organization’s methodology includes the NOD Employment Tracker™, a comprehensive assessment tool that evaluates key business practices related to hiring, retention, and advancement of people with disabilities.

In July, Fifth Third also received a fourth consecutive top score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index®, the leading independent, third-party resource for the annual benchmarking of corporate disability inclusion policies and programs. Fifth Third was also named among the index’s Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.

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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 the National Organization on Disability (NOD) 
The National Organization on Disability (NOD) is a nonprofit organization that seeks to increase employment opportunities for the millions of Americans with disabilities. NOD offers a suite of employment solutions, tailored to anticipate, and meet leading companies’ workforce needs. NOD has helped some of the world’s most recognized brands be more competitive in today’s global economy by building or enriching their disability inclusion programs. For more information about NOD and how its portfolio of workforce solutions, Leadership Council, Employment Tracker™, and Engagement Survey can help your business, visit www.nod.org.

CONTACT 
Amanda Nageleisen (Media Relations) 
amanda.nageleisen@53.com 
Matt Curoe (Investor Relations) 
matthew.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345

ATLANTA, September 27, 2024 /3BL/ – As Hurricane Helene approaches the coast of Florida, Georgia Power is making its final preparations to respond to anticipated widespread damage and potential for extended power outages across the state. As the majority of the state of Georgia prepares to feel impacts from the storm, the company has aligned the right resources – more than 10,000 personnel on the ground currently – and continues to refine plans as the storm gets closer to ensure a safe and effective response. The National Hurricane Center forecasts high winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and possible tornadoes as Hurricane Helene enters the state. This follows the “storm before the storm” – including heavy rains over the last 24 hours which has already caused flooding and weakened trees.

“Helene is a very large storm, moving into South Georgia with very little time to substantially weaken, and we expect the high winds and heavy rain to cause significant damage in many of our communities,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “Our teams are well trained and experienced, and we’ve been watching this storm and making every preparation throughout the week. As conditions are safe, our teams will be in the field working to restore power as quickly as possible. Even so, we encourage customers to keep safety first in the coming days and prepare for the potential of power outages that could last multiple days due to the size and extensive reach of this storm.”

Support from Across the Industry 
As part of its preparations, Georgia Power has mobilized additional staff – including from sister company Mississippi Power – to respond to Hurricane Helene. Mobilized crews across the state have pre-positioned restoration workers, equipment, and supplies near areas of anticipated impact including extra transformers, poles, cable and other equipment. All of this helps the company to restore power more quickly and efficiently for its customers as soon as weather conditions allow.

Georgia Power is also a member of a nationwide mutual assistance network, which consists of hundreds of utilities from around the country. Georgia Power has proactively mobilized crews from over 35 companies from 11 states as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These crews will deploy from strategic locations across the state to begin restoring power as soon as it is safe to do so following the storm.

Focused on Reliability Every Day 
Georgia Power is always focused on improving reliability and adding resiliency to the power grid. In recent years, Georgia Power invested heavily in infrastructure improvements to bolster resiliency through equipment upgrades as well as the strategic implementation of Smart Grid technology that enhance the company’s real-time ability to identify and quickly isolate outages that occur, as well as reroute power remotely around damage. This technology helps minimize the number of customers affected even before crews begin repair work in the field.

Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed 
Customers are asked to be aware that hurricanes have the potential to cause widespread power outages and dangerous conditions. Emergency plans should be finalized, including a way to stay informed before, during, and after the hurricane. It’s important to follow the advice of federal, state and local authorities, especially for people living in low-lying areas as flooding and heavy rain are expected.

Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center site, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.@GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower at www.X.com/GeorgiaPower for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.

Before, During and After a Storm Safety Tips

Before a Storm: Stay aware, heed advice from officials, and check the weather forecast before heading outdoors. Check your emergency kit and family plan. Unplug major appliances and charge cell phones and battery backups in case you lose power.During a Storm: Take safe shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors. Avoid contact with conductors of electricity – appliances, metal objects, and water.After a Storm: Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire – including telephone or TV wires that touch a power line. Never pull tree limbs off of power lines yourself or enter areas with debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be buried in wreckage. Customers should call 911 or Georgia Power immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line.

About Georgia Power 
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

SOURCE Georgia Power

For further information: Georgia Power Media Relations, (404) 506-7676, (800) 282-1696, www.georgiapower.com