Tag: 3BL

November 13, 2024 /3BL/ – VolunteerMatch, the largest, most trusted and most active Volunteer marketplace, today announced a major milestone: more than 19 million connections between dedicated volunteers and nonprofit organizations. In recognition of World Kindness Day, VolunteerMatch celebrates and honors these volunteers for their selfless efforts, and announces several new programs to engage the next 20 million volunteers.

“Reaching 19 million connections is a testament to the incredible spirit of service that exists within our communities,” said Erika Blaney, Chief Growth Officer. “We celebrate each and every volunteer – their acts of service foster understanding, fuel empathy, power change, and create meaningful connections in a world that can seem fragmented. It is an honor to be the bridge that connects people to organizations doing essential work.”

A nonprofit for nonprofits, VolunteerMatch provides impact organizations and prospective volunteers with a platform to connect and engage. VolunteerMatch’s mission has been to help people of all walks find their purpose and passion by forging deep nonprofit connections and community impact through acts of service. At any given time, VolunteerMatch features nearly 100,000 fully vetted nonprofit opportunities, representing more than 10 million active volunteer openings across 29 cause areas from organizations that have been vetted and validated for quality. Today, a new volunteer connects to a nonprofit through VolunteerMatch every 75 seconds.

In its quest to drive even greater volunteer engagement, VolunteerMatch has rolled out several exciting new features to enhance the volunteer experience, including:

Done in Day Volunteer Opportunities: A new category designed for those seeking quick, impactful ways to contribute.Specific Time Slot Registrations: Volunteers can now specify preferred volunteer time frames – such as weekdays, evenings or weekends – to display Volunteer opportunities that fit best with their availability.Direct Connect: Nonprofits can now direct interested volunteers to the organization’s Volunteer Management Software or registration page for faster, easier and more effective volunteer sign-up. 

These enhancements reflect VolunteerMatch’s commitment to continually improving its platform to better serve both volunteers and organizations.

As VolunteerMatch looks to the future, the organization is dedicated to further expanding its reach and impact. With innovative initiatives on the horizon, VolunteerMatch aims to facilitate even more connections and empower individuals to contribute to their communities.

Founded in 1998, VolunteerMatch puts the power of technology to good use by enabling the social sector, successfully unlocking more than $14 billion worth of volunteer time since its inception. With nearly 100,000 volunteer opportunities available at www.volunteermatch.org and delivered via its API for employee, customer, and government volunteer programs, VolunteerMatch connects nonprofits with an average of 105 volunteers per hour. With more than 19 million volunteers to date, spanning 29 cause areas, the award-winning nonprofit service has become the largest, most trusted and most active Volunteer marketplace. Learn more at volunteermatch.org.

DAVOS, Switzerland, and HAMBURG, Germany, November 13, 2024 /3BL/ – The names of Europe’s 100 leading Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) were announced today. Executives stem from a diverse range of industries including technology, retail, consumer brands, services, and luxury.

The list has been published by Futur/io Institute, a pioneering organisation dedicated to nurturing and inspiring leadership in sustainable innovation and building the most impactful network of CSOs globally.

The 100 names can be found on the Awards website – https://www.csoawards.org/europe/2025/top-100-csos

Confirming the gender trends in the sustainability roles, the list has 67 women and 33 men.

“The role of the CSO is to drive the ambition for a more sustainable business model within corporations. With the Awards, we want to celebrate the executives who are up to this challenge,” states Harald Neidhardt, CEO & Curator of the Futur/io Institute. “We are delighted to say that with every edition of the CSO Awards, we have more and more cases of professionals and companies pushing forward in their ambition for a future fit business with their sustainability leadership.”

Now in its second edition, the CSO Awards Europe takes place in Davos, Switzerland, during the week of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. The gala ceremony, where the winners will be announced, will happen on January 20, 2025 in the iconic Schatzalp Hotel.

The first North American edition of the Awards took place during New York Climate Week this year, and awarded the leadership of pioneering Chief Sustainability Officers of the United States and Canada.

To be featured in the Top100 list, executives must be the CSO or highest sustainability representative of the company with an executive role, occupy the position for at least a year, and be considered a thought leader.

The names were selected from an extensive database of the most recognised companies with €1+ Billion revenue and European headquarters. The Top 100 and subsequent 20 nominees are, compiled and analysed by Futur/io and its knowledge partners Denominator, specialised in human-centric data, and Rainforest Partnership, focused on biodiversity. The data analysis considers the maturity of corporate behaviours, regulatory performance on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) criteria, environmental and human impact, and a self-assessment survey.

About Futur/io Institute

We believe in co-creating desirable futures where ideas and innovation drive a regenerative economy that benefits people and the planet within the planetary boundaries.

The Futur/io Institute is a pioneering organization to serve the most impactful network of Chief Sustainability Officers dedicated to transforming businesses to drive positive impact for people, planet and prosperity. We do this through publications, podcasts, and convening at inspiring locations like Davos, Basel, Lisbon, Venice, and New York.

With a mission to inspire ambition, action, and cross-pollination to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the institute provides a platform for thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers to shape the futures of business and society.

Futur/io works with organisations like the UNFCCC or corporations in leadership training and curates Executive Programmes to inspire future leaders in sustainable innovation. Each year in Davos, the institute organises executive receptions and recently debuted the annual CSO Awards to shine a light on the leadership role of Chief Sustainability Officers.

Futur/io is based in Hamburg and works as a think-tank with a selected international and diverse faculty of 100+ leaders in sustainability. The most recent book “Leadership for Sustainable Futures” was published in May 2024 with Murmann Publishers. CEO & curator Harald Neidhardt hosts the CSO Impact Podcast, launched in June 2024.

futur.io

Website for Additional Info:

https://csoawards.org/europe/

Media Contacts

Barbara Axt – Media Relations

barbara@futur.io

Luciana Prestes – Head of Marketing

luciana@futur.io

In this latest blog Cascale’s Senior Director of Communications & Marketing, Lee Green provides insight into Cascale’s latest steps toward a more inclusive, balanced approach for all members. From streamlining sustainability reporting with the Higg FEM updates to launching a new membership engagement model, he outlines how we are making meaningful changes that prioritize equity and amplify every voice in our community.

Read the full blog here.

In the 2024 China Agricultural Machinery Annual TOP50+ selection and release event, world-class equipment, technology and services company CNH won a number of important awards for its excellent products and services.

Case MAGNUM4002 Half-track Tractor won the “Application Contribution Award” for its excellent application performance and wide recognition from usersCNH’s customer support team has been awarded the Outstanding Service Team Award for the third time for its professionalism and efficiency

CNH’s service team won three awards – and its service strength was recognized by the market.

The CNH service team has always been attentive, prioritizing the customer, the timeliness of product training and on-site service technical support to a new height. They are committed to improving the user experience, improving the efficiency of equipment use, and jointly writing a new chapter in the sustainable development of agricultural machinery.

By constantly understanding the ideas and needs of customers, and working together with teams such as field support, technical support, training, warranty, and accessories, CNH provide an all-round multi-dimensional service for agricultural machinery users.

NEW YORK, November 12, 2024 /3BL/ – In a groundbreaking initiative to foster homeownership and financial inclusion, My Home Pathway has launched a comprehensive Home Buyer Nurture Program, with investment and support from the Wells Fargo Foundation, TransUnion, LISC NYC, Bilt Rewards and Morgan Stanley.

This innovative pilot program aims to equip aspiring homeowners with the resources, education, and the support necessary to navigate the complex journey to homeownership.

With support from program participants, My Home Pathway is launching a pilot to put forth actionable solutions to address existing gaps in equitable financial access for all. Also, My Home Pathway is an alumnus of Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneurs Access Network (EAN), completing the program aimed at helping minority-owned companies.

The program was inspired by dialogue and participants at the Project REACH Financial Inclusion Summit (May 29-30, 2024) – part of the OCC’s Project REACh (Roundtable for Economic Access and Change), which promotes financial inclusion through greater access to credit and capital.*

“Our platform is designed to make the homebuying process as smooth and accessible as possible,” says Castleigh Johnson, CEO of My Home Pathway. “We are excited to collaborate with these esteemed partners to help more people realize their dream of owning a home.”

“Homeownership can create the type of generational wealth that’s necessary to close the racial wealth gap, but the road to obtaining it, particularly for minorities, is filled with blockades that make homeownership impossible,” says Valerie White, NYC LISC Director. “We’re proud to advance the Home Buyer Nurture Program with our partners and break down these blockades to boost homeownership and continue to do all we can to close the racial wealth gap that holds back the full power of our economy.”

“At Wells Fargo, we believe everyone should have access to a quality, affordable home and opportunities for creating generational wealth through homeownership,” says Stacy Spann, head of Housing Access and Affordability Philanthropy at Wells Fargo. “We see our funding as catalytic to empowering more individuals with the resources they need to become mortgage ready and achieve their homeownership goals.”

“With Bilt Rewards, renters can earn rewards on rent and in their neighborhood, while also building their credit and preparing for homeownership,” says Jonathan Lawless, vice president at Bilt Rewards. “It is critical to make renters aware of programs like the Home Buyer Nurture Program which can really give them a massive boost towards buying their first home.”

Empowering Future Homeowners:

The Home Buyer Nurture Program aims to address the persistent homeownership gap, especially within minority communities. This initiative will focus on marginalized and underserved communities, including Black, Hispanic, and other minority groups, to help bridge the homeownership gap and foster economic stability.

By leveraging the strengths and expertise of each partner organization, the program will offer a holistic approach to homeownership, focusing on financial education, credit improvement, and down payment assistance.

The program will be implemented in two phases. Phase one will focus on cities including Philadelphia, PA; Camden, NJ; Queens, NY; Chicago, IL; Newark, NJ; and Detroit, MI. Additional cities for Phase two are being identified and will be finalized with input from program participants.

The mission is to unite key stakeholders in the homeownership sector to make homeownership accessible for everyone. This involves increasing access to capital for communities still lacking equitable resources decades after redlining was outlawed and supporting organizations that can provide affordable housing where available.

Results and lessons from the pilot will be used to encourage national objectives and collaboration across the nation to drive greater outcomes for consumers and mortgage market participants.

The program is looking to partner with interested mortgage lenders and other innovative organizations that would like to join our efforts to create sustainable change and equity for all.

For more information about the Home Buyer Nurture Program, please contact: Castleigh Johnson at castleigh@myhomepathway.com

Key Highlights:

Financial Education and Coaching: Participants will receive personalized financial coaching to improve their credit scores and financial habits. The program will include access to the My Home Pathway platform as well as workshops and access to digital tools for continuous learning.

Credit Improvement: Leveraging credit education tools, participants will have the opportunity to understand and improve their credit profiles, making them more attractive to lenders.

Downpayment Access and Special Purpose Credit Programs: The program will provide centralized access to down payment assistance programs and other special credit programs that are already available to assist prospective borrowers in the target cities in both phases.

Tech-Enabled Homebuyer Support: My Home Pathway will offer a seamless, tech-driven experience for participants, guiding them through the mortgage pre-approval process and providing ongoing support.

Tailored Outreach: The program will leverage audience marketing to reach underserved consumers and increase awareness of the Homeownership pilot program to further inclusion opportunities.

Program Supporters and Participants

TransUnion, a global information and insights company, is proud to help create opportunity for underserved consumers to advance their financial futures. As part of this initiative, TruAudience(TM) Intelligent Invitation to Apply (IITA) will be used to help promote credit products and offers to a custom audience based on credit-informed financial attributes. When working to reach underserved consumers, having the appropriate channel mix and precise audience targeting are key to achieving program goals.

Bilt Rewards is a loyalty program that allows renters to earn points on their rent payments, which can be redeemed for various benefits like travel, dining, fitness, and more.

The Prudential Foundation supports the Home Buyer Nurture Program to foster homeownership and financial inclusion in their home city of Newark, NJ via their financial support of the nonprofit organization Invest Newark.

Invest Newark is the City of Newark’s Economic Development Corporation. The organization drives economic growth and social equity through strategic initiatives focused on job creation, neighborhood revitalization, and investment attraction. It is partnering directly with My Home Pathway to bring the pilot program to Newark.

My Home Pathway, a tech platform dedicated to helping first-time homebuyers, will offer personalized coaching, loan pre-approvals, and homebuyer readiness assessments. Its innovative approach has already empowered many individuals to overcome financial barriers and achieve their homeownership dreams.

###

* Note: References to the OCC and Project REACH do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, approval, or favoring of any Project REACH participant, the Home Buyer Nurture Program, My Home Pathway, or other affiliated entity or their actions by the OCC. National banks and federal savings associations are responsible for ensuring that all actions taken pursuant to the Home Buyer Nurture Program are consistent with safety and soundness, compliant with applicable laws and regulations, and protective of consumers’ rights, as applicable.

###

November 12, 2024 /3BL/ – Decarbonization within the chemical manufacturing sector has become one of the key challenges in moving toward net zero goals. In an industry known for high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, many chemical manufacturers are embarking on a new era of eco-conscious production by transitioning to cleaner energy sources, utilizing alternative bio and recycled feedstocks, and implementing technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCUS).

Join SCS Standards Executive Director, Victoria Norman and Technical Expert, Dr. Melanie Williams, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT, 5:00 p.m. CET) for an in-depth discussion on the newly developed standard, SCS-115: Certification Standard for Product Carbon Intensity and Reduction for Chemicals and Co-products. The standard provides a methodology for third-party certification of the greenhouse gas intensity and reduction of chemicals, solvents, plastics and similar products. During this 45-minute presentation you will learn:

• The core standard’s framework and baseline calculation methodology used 
• Five decarbonization levers supported by the standard 
• Types of products and co-products that can benefit from certification 
• Mass balance approach to carbon footprint reduction 
• Product intensity and reduction claims that can be made to showcase product decarbonization

A live Question and Answer session will follow the presentation.

Who should attend? Organizations with decarbonization goals along the value chain, including chemical and petrochemical manufacturers, consumer goods companies, and packaging companies.

Register here!

Originally published in International Paper’s 2023 Sustainability Report

Spotlight: Honoring service, hiring veterans

Veterans contribute a unique set of skills, experiences and backgrounds to the workplace and to our communities. At International Paper, we are grateful for the sacrifices that our U.S. military veterans have made. We also recognize the value and skills that veterans have to offer — the proven ability to lead teams through ambiguous and challenging situations, learn new skills and concepts, and deliver timely results. One way we demonstrate our gratitude is by providing opportunities across all levels and career areas.

As we move from being Veteran Friendly to Veteran Ready, our Employee Network Circle IP Vets is creating a corporate culture that promotes visibility, recruitment, retention and knowledge of veterans. An open and inclusive group, IP Vets is made up of International Paper employees who are veterans of the armed forces of their respective countries and those who support veterans.

In June 2023, IP Vets teamed up with IP Recruiting and American Corporate Partners to hold a LinkedIn Live recruiting lunch and learn. To date, this event has resulted in over 250 veterans joining our talent network, which is used by our recruiters to create pipelines of potential candidates. We collected resumes and contact details of those in attendance so we can send notifications of job openings and IP updates, and keep them informed about our efforts with military recruitment.

We also established a partnership with the National Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America program. This partnership seeks to build connections between the military community and the manufacturing industry. Along with staging a virtual career fair in November, which welcomed more than 370 participants, International Paper is also engaged with the Heroes MAKE America training program at our Savannah, Georgia Mill.

Read more

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.

At Covia, we are committed to providing an exceptional work environment. This commitment includes recognizing exemplary performance and contributions to our organization. This year, we’re excited to explore new ways to celebrate the achievements of our employees by recognizing those who have reached service milestones of more than 40 years.

This October, we celebrated six individuals who together bring over 200 years of dedicated service to Covia.

Lee Bullion, Production Operator, Camden Plant, 47 YearsHarry C. Barraclough Sr., Maintenance Supervisor, Dividing Creek Plant, 44 YearsAlain Cloutier, Loader Operator, St. Canut Plant, 48 YearsAlain retired on October 1 after dedicating 48 years of service to the St. Canut plant. Plant Manager Hamid Houmine said, “Alain was a dedicated employee who always showed commitment and made safety a priority in his work.”Janet E. Kilbane, Vice President, PMO, Huntersville Office, 37 YearsMoses L. Crockett, Packer/Stacker, McIntyre Plant, 36 YearsJohn W. Mowery, Purchasing Coordinator, Elco Plant, 35 Years

A special highlight goes to Lee Buillon, a Production Operator at Covia’s Camden plant, who celebrated an impressive 47 years with the company this October – fun fact: that’s around the same time the original Star Wars movie was released in 1977! Lee embodies the spirit of hard work and determination in both his professional and personal life. We had the pleasure of chatting with him, and his story is one you won’t want to miss.

When Lee started at the Camden plant, he was following in his family’s footsteps, as both his father and brother had worked there. Inspired by his father to join the team, Lee began his journey at the age of 14 through a summer program. He returned each summer to learn more and expand his skills. Eventually, he transitioned to a full-time role and spent 23 years working the midnight shift. Lee began his career in the largest pit in Camden and was a member of the team responsible for constructing one of the plants, as well as a bathroom that remains operational to this day. Approximately ten years ago, he transitioned to the day shift.

Throughout his time at the plant, Lee has contributed in many ways, from land reclamation to maintenance, making sure everything runs smoothly. About five years ago, Lee helped save the life of a friend and co-worker who suffered an aneurysm at work. Lee was able to act quickly to move his friend to safety and get him the care he desperately needed.

The tables turned two years ago when Lee was the one who needed saving. Team members discovered Lee slumped over the steering wheel in the furthest corner of the plant and they were more than 15 minutes away from an emergency vehicle arriving. His friends retrieved the first-aid kit and AED. They started CPR and continued for more than 15 minutes, along with administering multiple shocks from the AED machine before the AED detected a heart rhythm. They were advised by first responders to monitor Lee and keep him out of the sun. First responders eventually arrived, and Lee was airlifted to a local hospital that specialized in cardiac issues. As Lee shared this story, his gratitude and appreciation for his friends and their quick work was evident. Lee also expressed how thankful he was for the plant’s AED equipment and training. He shared, “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the accessibility of the AED.” Lee continues to share his passion. When he goes into restaurants, retail stores, or other businesses, he asks if they have an AED and where it is located. He knows that one day it could save someone’s life, just as it saved his. Unfortunately, 25 days after his heart attack, he suffered a stroke. But this did not deter Lee. He was determined to get back in shape and get back to work.

Lee is not only a father and grandfather, but also an incredibly active one! He has been a dedicated USA Boxing coach for his son and has coached his grandchildren in Little League Baseball. The love and pride Lee has for his family is heartwarming. But there’s more to his story. After suffering a heart attack and a stroke, Lee found a new determination to improve his health. Always someone who valued fitness, he decided to push himself further by taking up running. Now he’s proudly completed his fourth marathon (26.2 miles) and over 20 5K races (3.1 miles). That’s not all. Lee is his family’s personal baker with a special talent for making the most amazing cheesecakes.

Lee closed our conversation with some insightful advice. First and foremost, he stressed the importance of a strong work ethic. He proudly shared that he has two sons serving in the military. His oldest, a Sergeant First Class, dedicated 20 years to the Army before retiring, while his younger son is currently serving with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Despite their own accomplishments and heroism, both sons attribute their strong work ethic and dedication to their father, often calling him Superman! Finally, he reminded everyone to put away their cell phones while on the job. It can be distracting, and your life deserves your full attention.

Want to learn more about Talent Acquisition and Team Member Experience and other corporate responsibility topics at Covia? See our library of topic-specific summary documents.

Albertsons Companies’ Southwest Division recently celebrated the grand opening of a new Safeway store in Peoria, Arizona. To welcome the newest location, the Safeway Foundation awarded over $127,000 to nearby schools and nonprofits in support of education and youth outreach programs. Peoria Mayor Jason Beck, Michael Houston, Safeway Store Director and members of the Peoria community attended the grand opening event.

See original post on LinkedIn and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

Verizon

At Mohave Valley Junior High School, in Mohave Valley, Arizona, students get to try 3D printing, explore coding and design, experiment with virtual reality, and play with graphic design. It’s no secret that students love the school’s Verizon Innovative Learning Lab technology, but the educators are enjoying it, too. “I like being able to be on the cutting edge of what education can look like,” says Michael Ingerson, a Lab Mentor at the school.

For the students in this rural district, “the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab technology and curriculum has provided access to our students that they did not have before,” says Charlotte Hansen, principal at the school. “This kind of access matters because most of our students do not have the means at home or the experiences that most other students have in their homes. And so we’re able to provide those experiences at school, which could be life-changing for them.”

The struggling school suffered from low enrollment, with many families opting to send their children to charter schools instead. Today, however, Mohave Valley’s test scores are up, the school raised its Arizona state rating to just shy of an A, Hansen says, and it has become a school of choice for area families. “Because of this offering, the community has rallied behind us, and students have come here because of the experiences that the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab provides them,” Hansen says.

In 2023, Mohave Valley also won the prestigious Golden Bell Award, in the elementary school category. The Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) gives the awards to educators and administrators in districts that achieve excellence through their educational initiatives. Mohave Valley achieved recognition for emerging technology in the classroom and giving students opportunities to learn college and career-ready skills.

While some students take an elective that gives them access to the Verizon Innovative Learning Lab, the entire student body has access to the technology, thanks to mobile tech carts that move from room to room. “The mobile technology allows all students and every subject to have access to that specific technology,” Hansen explains. “So it’s equitable access to all of our students.”

Access to technology, says Hansen, is quickly transforming students into confident young tech leaders. In just two years of the school using 3D modeling software and 3D printing, for example, “we have many experts now within our student population,” the principal says. As a result, many are now considering tech-focused careers, she says.

Ingerson, moreover, sees some of his students quickly outpacing their mentors. “There are instances where we see students becoming the masters of these tools and of this subject matter,” he says. “As teachers, we try to provide the experience for them, but sometimes they grow beyond what even we know.”

Parents, too, have seen how engagement with technology impacts their kids. Ashley Huff says her son, Andrew Ocampo, was amazed by all the lab technology has to offer at Mohave Valley. “He didn’t know something like this could exist,” Huff says.

Now, she says, Andrew is a new student who is more excited about going to school. “I’ve seen changes in Andrew in regard to being more independent in his learning, wanting to take control of his life, and being more creative at home with different objects and different art,” Huff says.

For seventh grader Greg Koczko, “the use of technology and lab classes definitely opened me up to different careers,” he says. Taking part in film classes turned a possible career interest into something more. “My goal was to be a cameraman before going here,” Koczko says. “Having access to all these different things has made me think differently about my career — now I want to be a director.”

But it’s not just their futures that have potential. The access to technology, Hansen says, is impacting her students right here and now. “[Verizon provided] amazing technology that is going to change their lives — that is changing their lives,” she says.

Verizon Innovative Learning is a key part of Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan to help move the world forward for all. As part of the plan, Verizon has an ambitious goal of providing 10 million youth with digital skills training by 2030. Visit CitizenVerizon.com to learn more about the company’s responsible business efforts. Educators can access free lessons, professional development, and immersive learning experiences to help bring new ways of learning into the classroom by visiting Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.