Tag: 3BL

Gen Blog | Impact

By Kimberly Bishop, Corporate Responsibility

Last year, more than 67% of our team members participated in our volunteering and giving programs, logging 8,300 hours globally for the causes that matter to them. This showcases just how much Team Gen values giving in our communities. As we challenge ourselves to expand our programs, we listened to employee feedback to make community service easier and more personal to local needs.

We’re excited to introduce Passion to Purpose, the newest addition to our suite of volunteering and giving opportunities. This program allows employees all over the world to apply for Gen grants, which go to a nonprofit of their choice, and organize volunteer projects using the company’s reach and resources.

Together with our ongoing mentorship programs, which help employees put their skills and expertise to use in service to others; Passion to Purpose helps employees lead with heart, take bold action and drive lasting impact.

Passion to purpose drives global impact

In its first few weeks, Passion to Purpose has inspired employees to organize projects based on local needs. At our office in Chennai, India, our team members partnered with GiftAbled to host a workshop on creating an inclusive environment for people with disabilities. More than 30 employees attended the session, which also included an Indian Sign Language training.

Additionally, our MoneyLion office in Kuala Lumpur planned a hands-on volunteer experience to support indigenous communities and other community members in Peninsular Malaysia. The team partnered with local organization EPIC (Extraordinary People Impacting Communities), bringing together 70 employees for a two-day interactive workshop called The Good Builder.

Guided by experts, the MoneyLion team were trained to use various hand and power tools. This training enabled them to assemble 32 chairs, 32 tables, and six bookshelves for students at the Subang Bestari 2 National School, fulfilling a critical need for safe, sturdy classroom furniture. The training also certifies MoneyLion volunteers for future builds with EPIC Homes, a program that provides indigenous communities in Malaysia with safe homes that can be built in just three days.

Gen supported both events through grant funding and paid time off for team members to volunteer.

Cyber skills for the next generation

Through Passion to Purpose, Gen team members are also taking advantage of multiple opportunities to use their skills to volunteer, often in the form of mentorship programs to support students and emerging tech professionals.

Through our partnership with HBCU Heroes, Gen volunteers meet quarterly with students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that are about to enter the workforce. The most recent session focused on mapping out students’ desired career journeys, and the final session will include mock interviews and prep for job hunting as students embark on their professional lives.

In addition, we hosted a reverse mentoring session with GirlBoss New Zealand. Gen provided full scholarships to 31 students, allowing them to attend the organization’s 10-day school holiday program. Through the program, young women were provided with a mentor and growth opportunities to build their confidence and leadership skills. We have also teamed up with #LatinaGeeks for workshops during National Hispanic Heritage Month to help Latinas build confidence and sharpen their professional communication and public speaking skills.

These efforts complement our signature partnerships with Women4Cyber and Czechitas to close the cybersecurity talent gap. Through a year-round mentorship program with Women4Cyber and a six-month studying and mentorship intensive with Czechitas, Gen employees work directly with women in Europe, providing them with the tools needed to enter the IT industry.

For more on how Gen team members make a difference in their communities, visit our 2025 Social Impact Report.

These grants were awarded from the Gen Foundation, a corporate advised fund of Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

September 30, 2025 /3BL/ – Sofidel has been awarded the Platinum Medal by EcoVadis – one of the main international ESG rating standards – for its commitment to sustainability.

This is the highest recognition in the EcoVadis rating, placing Sofidel in the top 1% of companies with the highest scores in the global EcoVadis database, confirming its work in the areas of Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.

EcoVadis is a global provider of corporate sustainability ratings, with a network of over 150,000 companies assessed worldwide. Its methodology is based on international sustainability standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative, the United Nations Global Compact, and ISO 26000.

Thank you to everyone whose hard work helped achieve this important result.

Verizon

Need to know:

• The Bronx Writing Academy launched a Verizon Innovative Learning (VIL) Lab, equipping students with technology like 3D printers, VR gear, AI, and robotics.
• This new lab is the 183rd VIL Lab nationwide and the sixth in New York City, part of a national commitment to provide 10 million students with digital skills training by 2030.

The Bronx Writing Academy is officially a new hub for hands-on, high-tech education with the launch of its new Verizon Innovative Learning (VIL) Lab. The new lab will give students access to virtual reality equipment, 3D printing stations, AI and robotics kits, augmented-reality apps and coding and game-design software.

“At Verizon, we are in the business of building networks and fostering connections,” said Vandana Venkatesh, Chief Legal Officer. “But the most powerful network isn’t made of fiber and wires. It’s made of people, ideas, and opportunities.”

With computer-focused jobs projected to grow by 10% by 2034, the new VIL Lab helps close the digital skills gap. The program is made possible via partnerships with Heart of America and the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University. To date, the Verizon Innovative Learning initiative — which includes the 183 Labs, as well as other programs and efforts in over 660 schools — has reached nearly 9 million students nationwide, with a goal of reaching 10 million students by 2030.

A training ground for teaching emerging technologies

Yoli Stancil, a native New Yorker, Senior Vice President, Wireline Network Field Operations, and board member for Heart of America, highlighted how the new lab will bridge resource gaps and strengthen the community, empowering students to discover their potential both in and out of the classroom.

At the event, Olympic gymnast Hezly Rivera had this message for students, “The same discipline that allows me to stick a landing on the beam is the same discipline you will use to learn robotics.” She described the lab as a gymnasium for ideas to help students chase their own gold medals.

The VIL Lab program also provides teacher training, ongoing support and a curriculum that encourages students to use technology to solve real-world problems.

The United Nations (U.N.) called on member nations to commit “with the utmost urgency” to an ambitious goal of fast-tracking progress in fighting mental health issues and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly high blood pressure—the largest risk factor for premature death in the world.

“We therefore commit, with the utmost urgency, to preventing and scaling up effective treatment of hypertension so that 150 million more people have hypertension under control by 2030,” the U.N. said in its declaration.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the leading preventable cause of cardiovascular deaths, including stroke, heart attack, sudden death, heart failure, and end-stage renal disease.¹ And the problem is rapidly worsening. Globally, 1.3 billion adults are living with hypertension, double the number since 1990. And only 1 in 5 (about 260 million) have it under control, according to the U.N.

“Current approaches to hypertension control are not enough,” said Jason Weidman, Senior Vice President and President, Coronary & Renal Denervation, at Medtronic. “But a new and promising field is emerging. One in which technological advancements can be harnessed for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension, offering new hope to patients managing this global health challenge.”

Weidman joined a U.N. panel discussion focused on the need for action and how recently developed medical technology might help reach the U.N. goals.

For decades, medication and lifestyle changes were the only treatments for high blood pressure. But in November of 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first-ever medical device procedures to treat high blood pressure. The Medtronic therapy is know as the Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation procedure. See how it works.

“Medications and lifestyle changes were an effective approach for many but left a significant number of patients at elevated risk due to challenges with long-term medication adherence,” Dr. Taisei Kobayashi, Interventional Cardiologist at the University of Pennsylvania, told the U.N. panel. “The Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system — a one-time, minimally invasive procedure — can help patients with uncontrolled hypertension reduce their blood pressure.”*

The Medtronic Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation procedure delivers radio frequency energy to nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and contribute to high blood pressure. It’s now approved for commercial use in more than 75 countries around the world. See how the Symplicity blood pressure procedure helped Paul Griffin.

“We stand ready to integrate our renal denervation technology into both public and private healthcare systems,” Weidman said. “We’re prepared to partner at every level of care. Let us seize this opportunity to transform the landscape of NCDs, harness the power of innovation, and improve the health of generations to come.”

The U.N. declaration came at the Fourth High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being on Sept. 25. In addition to high blood pressure, the declaration also set worldwide goals of making access to mental health care available to 150 million more people by 2030, and reducing the number of people using tobacco, also by 150 million before 2030.

*Any views expressed by Dr. Kobayashi solely reflect personal opinion and do not reflect the views or opinions held by the University of Pennsylvania.

Important safety information about the Symplicity Spyral™ procedure can be found at BeyondHBP.com.

¹ WHO. Hypertension fact sheet. September 13, 2019. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension . Accessed February 15, 2022.

In the face of climate change and the crucial need for sustainable practices, the real estate sector is undergoing a transformative shift. With buildings today contributing to roughly 40% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions¹, and with the projection that 70% of the global population will live in cities by 2050², the importance of decarbonizing operations in real estate is clear.

Thankfully, AI can help.

Our newest report explores the critical role of AI in combating these issues to both enhance energy efficiency and sustainability within the commercial real estate sector. Through practical case studies and professional insights, this report demonstrates how strategic energy conservation and optimization paired with technological solutions can help turn the climate challenge into an opportunity, with a focus on the rise of human-centric AI.

How AI is helping to improve energy efficiency and management in real estate

Through case studies and professional insights, learn how artificial intelligence can help create cities where people’s well-being and sustainability are core requirements.

Click here to download the report.

Human-centric AI principles in real estate

1. User comfort and well-being

   Human-centric AI in building control systems focuses on maintaining optimal indoor environmental quality. It dynamically adjust building systems based on occupant preferences to create a productive and healthy indoor environment.

2. Energy performance and sustainability

   Human-centric AI optimizes building control systems to minimize energy demand and environmental impact, while maintaining high comfort levels. It employs advanced algorithms and predictive analytics to optimize heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and other energy-consuming devices based on real-time data and occupancy patterns.

3. Adaptation and flexibility

   Human-centric AI enables building control systems to adapt to changing occupancy patterns, usage scenarios, and external conditions. It employs machine learning and adaptive control techniques to learn from historical data and dynamically adjust system parameters to meet evolving needs and preferences.

4. Transparency and control

   Human-centric AI provides transparency and control over building systems, allowing building owners to understand how the systems operate and adjust settings according to preferences of tenants and visitors.

5. Interoperability and integration

   Human-centric AI facilitates interoperability and integration between different building systems and devices.

The integration of AI in commercial real estate not only leads to improved energy performance but also opens doors for enhanced competitive advantages through sustainability-driven strategies. As the market continues to evolve, it becomes evident that AI is no longer an optional enhancement; instead, it is a necessary framework for fostering energy efficient practices in an ever-competitive landscape.

Unlock the potential of AI with KPMG

KPMG professionals help clients harness the power and the potential of AI from strategy to implementation:

• KPMG’s Strategic Energy Management (SEM) framework serves as a bedrock supporting efficient application of AI for real estate. SEM is a holistic, continuous improvement framework that enables organizations to adopt a culture of energy efficiency and decarbonization.
• KPMG professionals employ specialized knowledge to support clients throughout the technical implementation of AI solutions, from developing a digital twin, conducting data-driven system audits to launching AI-based control.

Click here to read this report on kpmg.com

Footnotes

¹ https://www.usgbc.org/articles/advocating-building-materials-low-embodied-carbon

² https://www.un.org/uk/desa/68-world-population-projected-live-urban-areas-2050-says-un

CNH’s New Holland brand is advancing into the future of sustainable farming with groundbreaking alternative fuel solutions. The T7 Methane Power tractor is an innovation that’s a true game-changer for farmers ready to embrace sustainable energy.

CNH’s latest A Sustainable Year story spotlights French farmer and pioneering biomethane producer, Christophe Rousseau, who was approached by New Holland to trial the T7 Methane Power tractor. After putting it through its paces, Rousseau praised its performance saying that it performs “every bit as well as the diesel variant”. New Holland engineers have created a tractor with a tank capable of holding 657 liters (173 gallons US) of gas – enough to power the T7 Methane Power for a full, eight-hour busy silage shift.

Biogas is gaining traction in the industry, and CNH is a longstanding pioneer. The company also invested in Bennamann, a UK-based start-up focused on putting energy independence directly into farmer’s hands by providing on-farm fueling stations and micro-digesters which turn cattle manure into tractor fuel. Rousseau’s farm in Domecy-sur-Cure demonstrates what’s possible. It’s a vivid example of how renewable energy can inspire modern agriculture.

Read the full story here.

As coordinator of the Technical Secretariat, Cascale highlights progress and next steps for the Apparel & Footwear Product Environmental Footprint methodology.

On September 25, 2025, Cascale participated in the official London launch event for the European Commission’s Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for apparel and footwear. The event brought together Cascale members, NGOs, technical experts, and stakeholders from across the value chain to explore the significance of the newly approved methodology for environmental impact assessment.

Held at The Mills Fabrica and facilitated by WRAP and 2BPolicy, the event featured panel discussions and presentations designed to raise awareness and support adoption of the methodology. The London event is the first in a series of launch events planned across Europe, following the formal launch of the PEFCR held in Brussels in June 2025. Additional events are expected in Paris, Milan, Munich, and Amsterdam.

Opening remarks were delivered by Lee Green, vice president of marketing & communications at Cascale, who reflected on the five-year collaborative effort behind the development of the PEFCR. He emphasized the importance of harmonization, scientific integrity, and collective action in responding to growing sustainability expectations and regulatory demands across the industry. His comments emphasized the potential for the PEFCR to move beyond a technical framework and become a catalyst for broader transformation, offering businesses and civil society a shared foundation to measure, compare, and reduce product-level impacts.

As coordinator of the Technical Secretariat since 2019, Cascale has played a central role in guiding the multi-stakeholder process that led to the development of the methodology. The organization continues to champion science-based, standardized approaches to sustainability measurement and their alignment with evolving EU policy.

Two panel discussions dug into both the strengths of the PEFCR and areas where it can be further improved. They also considered its role in supporting the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and new anti-greenwashing rules. Dedicated time for audience questions allowed participants to clarify what the PEFCR means in practice.

Cascale’s participation reflects its continued leadership in advancing tools and frameworks that enable data-driven environmental progress across the apparel and footwear value chain.

Learn more about Cascale’s work on the Apparel & Footwear PEFCR here.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Despite the Orange football team falling short to Tennessee, 45-26, in the Aflac Kickoff Game, there was a victory taking place in Syracuse, New York. As she cheered from her treatment room Saturday afternoon, a Syracuse superfan received her final round of chemo.

Judy, 11, was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in December 2024. What began as a small lump, suspected to be a mosquito bite, turned out to be a malignant soft tissue tumor.

Of course, the news came as a shock, but Judy faced every step with remarkable strength and resilience.

As they were fishing one afternoon, Judy’s family got an unexpected call from SUNY Upstate Medical University asking for Judy to come visit the Syracuse football facility for a day.

Greeted with a bundle of personality by Otto the Orange, Judy and family arrived at John A. Lally Athletics Complex the week before Syracuse’s season opener. Sitting down with Syracuse Head Football Coach Fran Brown in the film room accentuated by orange and blue, Judy shared a memorable experience highlighted by warm smiles.

Along with signed memorabilia and Syracuse swag, Coach Brown provided Judy with a unique gift. Gratified with a smile, Judy received her personal My Special Aflac Duck ®, a free-of-charge robotic companion that provides a way for children to express their emotions during their time of cancer treatment. Though her new friend displayed plenty of emotions, Judy herself has shown incredible resiliency and positivity. Despite facing countless needle pokes, painful side effects, constant nausea, surgery and the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis, she has maintained a level of hope and strength that has inspired everyone around her.

Coach Brown conveyed that same perspective of positivity when sharing his faith with Judy and her family expressing where his strength comes from. Judy showed her appreciation by giving Coach Brown a unique bracelet that he would later wear on the sidelines in the Aflac Kickoff Game.

Not wanting their communion to end, Coach invited the family to join him for dinner in the players’ cafeteria where they shared some time together as the special day concluded.

Judy wasn’t the only one to receive Syracuse love that afternoon. A couple of patients in the Syracuse area also received a My Special Aflac Duck as well as a special message and signed memorabilia from Coach Brown.

These patient partnerships wouldn’t have been possible without the outreach that the Aflac Kickoff Game provides and with the help of Aflac nation to provide support. Aflac Northeast Regional Sales Coordinator Joe Calarco was instrumental in connecting Aflac and the local hospitals. Using his connections within the community, he did an admirable job by creating relationships with the patients. Other members of the Aflac nation also attended the get-together to show their support for Judy and her family.

As the nation’s longest-running neutral-site game on opening weekend, the Aflac Kickoff Game blends passion for football with dedication to making a difference. Through Aflac’s partnership with Peach Bowl, Inc., the game places an emphasis on purpose and the support of participating teams’ communities through the Kickoff for a Cause initiative.

In the first three years of Aflac’s sponsorship of the kickoff game, Kickoff for a Cause has helped raise more than $1.2 million while bringing much-needed awareness to pediatric cancer at the start of September, National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

This milestone year marks 30 years of Aflac’s commitment supporting pediatric cancer care and research, with more than $191 million contributed since support began. You can also make a difference by visiting give.choa.org/aflac to donate today.

Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2500904

BRANDON, S.D., September 29, 2025 /3BL/ – Henkel, a global leader in adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings, and leading manufacturer of well-known consumer brands, celebrated the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Brandon, South Dakota. With an investment of approximately $30 million and additional support from South Dakota’s government and economic development organizations, the site has doubled in size – from 35,000 to 70,000 square feet – enhancing its role as Henkel’s North American flagship for thermal management and adhesives solutions.

This strategic expansion plays a pivotal role in delivering high-performance materials, manufactured under the leading LOCTITE® and BERGQUIST® brands, tailored to the evolving needs of the electric vehicle (EV) and electronics industries.

“This expansion marks a significant milestone in Henkel’s journey to support the long-term growth of the EV and electronics markets with sustainable, high-performance solutions,” said Bjoern Jackisch, Senior Vice President, Operations & Supply Chain, Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “Our investment in Brandon reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships – with our customers and the community. We’re proud to strengthen our footprint in North America and contribute to the future of mobility.”

A Hub for Sustainable Manufacturing

Henkel’s Brandon facility is the first in its North American Adhesive Technologies business to achieve LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, the most widely recognized green building rating system. The project is registered with the certification goal of LEED Silver® and underscores Henkel’s dedication to sustainable operations and responsible growth.

Advanced Capabilities for Long-term Growth 

The expansion includes the installation of additional mixers, enabling high-volume production of advanced thermal management and adhesive solutions. These technologies are essential for maintaining optimal operating temperatures and ensuring the long-term performance, safety, and durability of automotive batteries and electronic components. The upgraded facility now has the capacity to produce thermal management materials at a robust scale, supporting the long-term growth of the EV and electronics market across North America.

“This expansion is more than an investment in infrastructure – it’s a testament to what’s possible when industry, government, and community come together with a shared vision,” stated Marcel Fleck, Senior Vice President, Automotive Components, Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “Aligned with the addition of our new North America Battery Application Center in Madison Heights, Michigan, we are deepening our collaboration with customers and accelerating innovation in EV and electronics and building a more sustainable future. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our local community and government officials, along with the dedicated employees, who together, have made this expanded facility a reality.”

Empowering People and Digitizing Operations

The Brandon facility is home to over 100 talented employees whose pioneering spirit reflects Henkel’s global values. The expansion also supports Henkel’s long-term strategy to digitize operations for enhanced efficiency and sustainability, including paperless workflows and automated temperature and timing controls. The Brandon facility was built in 2009. Henkel’s significant investment in Brandon was announced in October 2021, followed by the start of construction in September 2022.

About Henkel in North America 
Henkel’s portfolio of well-known brands in North America includes all®, Purex® and Persil® laundry detergents, Snuggle® fabric softeners, Dial® soaps, Schwarzkopf® hair care, as well as Loctite®, Technomelt® and Bonderite® adhesives. With sales close to 6.5 billion US dollars (6 billion euros) in 2024, North America accounts for 28 percent of the company’s global sales. Henkel employs around 8,000 people across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.henkel-northamerica.com and on X @Henkel_NA.

About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is a global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company’s three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2024, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.6 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.1 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 47,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com.

Photo material is available at www.henkel-northamerica.com/press

Henkel Contact: Erica Cooper
Phone: 475-232-4973
Email: erica.cooper@henkel.com

September 29, 2025 /3BL/ – Kris Lingle-Griffith, Vice President of Marketing for AEG Presents Las Vegas, has been named to the VEGAS INC Women Inspiring Nevada 2025 list.

Lingle-Griffith oversees marketing strategy for some of Las Vegas’ biggest entertainment offerings, including residencies, concerts, and special events produced by AEG Presents. Her role places her at the center of campaigns that help maintain Las Vegas’ status as a global live entertainment destination.

In addition to her work at AEG Presents, Lingle-Griffith serves on the board of WISE (Women in Sports and Events) Las Vegas, where she advocates for mentorship, networking, and professional opportunities for women in the entertainment and sports industries.

Her honor comes as AEG Presents prepares for major milestones in Las Vegas, including the reopening of Resorts World Theatre after its summer 2025 renovation. The venue now features elevated VIP offerings and flexible seating to accommodate shows with a general admission (GA) floor.

The Women Inspiring Nevada list is an annual recognition by VEGAS INC honoring women whose leadership and achievements are shaping Nevada’s future. Lingle-Griffith joins a distinguished group of honorees across business, education, healthcare, and community leadership, all recognized for their contributions to the state’s growth and success.