Tag: 3BL

By Kim Borges

Some people have a personal champion. Lilye Lavender has an entire cheer block.

“My maternal grandmother told me, ‘You’re the American dream we came here for; you’re my American dream,’” said Lavender.

Other members of the entrepreneur’s pep squad? Lavender’s paternal grandmother, her parents – and the latest addition, PeopleFund small-business advisor Anthony Lopez.

The two met in August when Lavender, the founder and head drapery fabricator of Laveña Luxe Interiors in Austin, Texas, began PeopleFund’s Small Business Accelerator Program. The nonprofit’s eight-week program, which supports under-resourced entrepreneurs across the Lone Star State, is open to everyone. The Regions Foundation, a nonprofit primarily funded by Regions Bank, is a longtime PeopleFund community partner.

“PeopleFund empowers entrepreneurs with valuable business insights and the confidence to start, scale and grow their companies,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “The Small Business Accelerator Program’s impact extends beyond providing tools, resources and support; it creates a road map allowing small-business owners to chart their own path to success.”

During each Small Business Accelerator cohort, Lopez personally coaches students like Lavender on marketing, strategic growth, access to capital and more. Lavender, who initially invested her own funds to get Laveña Luxe off the ground, discovered the PeopleFund program online and applied to help scale her company.

The Small Business Accelerator Program’s impact extends beyond providing tools, resources and support; it creates a road map allowing small-business owners to chart their own path to success.

Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation

“Once you start a sewing business, you need machines, you need equipment,” explained Lavender, who makes drapes, shades, pillows, cushions and light upholstery and works directly with interior designers. “You can’t make drapes if you don’t have the right tools. I knew I had a good plan; I just needed more machines.”

Lavender’s introduction to sewing came early.

“Both of my grandmothers sewed their own clothes,” she said. “They showed me how to hand sew pants. Early on, I was awful at it; but I always had an interest.”

Lavender’s family also inspired her work ethic and small-business passion.

“My maternal grandparents came to the U.S. from Mexico a year before I was born,” she said. “I’ve always seen their hustle. I also received a lot of guidance from my parents, who ran a restaurant. My dad still owns two convenience stores. I’ve tried to learn from everyone’s experience.”

After graduating from Texas State University with a degree in Psychology, Lavender worked for six years in the corporate world – six long years.

“I dreaded waking up every day,” she said. “I just never felt like I had something to show for the work I was doing.”

I wanted to learn sewing from the ground up.

Lilye Lavender, owner of Laveña Luxe Interiors

In 2020, Lavender began sewing and selling custom facemasks to help meet the pandemic need. With demand skyrocketing for her unique designs from social media posts and knowing she wanted to pursue a small-business path, Lavender enrolled in fashion school in 2021.

“I wanted to learn sewing from the ground up,” she said.

In March 2023, Lavender launched Laveña Luxe, renovating her garage into a full sewing studio and becoming fully operational in just two months. She hasn’t stopped sewing since.

“There are a lot of late nights,” Lavender said. “There are so many people moving to Austin, business is absolutely booming in this space.”

So much so, a key area Lopez has helped her with is one you might not expect.

“Lilye’s strong understanding of her business model meant we could explore the greatest risk for her business, which is having too much growth too quickly,” said Lopez. “We’ve discussed growing her business organically; she understands the risk of rapid growth.”

Anthony taught me knowing my numbers matters. He’s encouraged me to pay attention to where I was making money, understanding my hourly rate and the nitty gritty details.

Lilye Lavender

That’s just the beginning of what Lavender has learned from Lopez.

“Anthony is such a numbers guy in the way he looks at businesses, but he’s also creative in seeing what makes them special,” she said. “He’s really got an eye for both. Anthony taught me knowing my numbers matters. He’s encouraged me to pay attention to where I was making money, understanding my hourly rate and the nitty gritty details.”

Lavender also appreciates the broader business perspective PeopleFund’s classes provide.

“There were so many things that opened my eyes,” she said. “The presenters were able to talk on a level we all understood and did an amazing job of making sure everyone’s questions were answered. I was surprised at how much information they were able to cram into each two-hour session. No time was ever wasted. I got everything I wanted out of this program – and more.”

Lavender, now a Small Business Accelerator Program alumna, will continue to work with Lopez regularly the next two to three years. She knows the connection will continue to pay dividends for her and for Laveña Luxe.

“We’ve got to keep up with each other even after that,” Lavender said. “Anthony was just the perfect person to come into my world for this. I’m so glad I was paired with him.”

Meet more PeopleFund entrepreneurs who have worked with Anthony Lopez:

Mixing Things UpThe Path to PeaceFlipping the Script

About Regions Foundation:

The Alabama-based Region Foundation supports community investments that positively impact communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank. To learn more about the Regions Foundation visit www.regions.com/foundation.

About PeopleFund

PeopleFund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution, an SBA lender and the managing member of the Veteran Loan Fund. Established in 1994, PeopleFund has 30 years of experience helping thousands on the path to financial security. PeopleFund programs support entrepreneurs from all backgrounds with the capital, training and resources needed to grow healthy small businesses. Since inception, PeopleFund has delivered over $236 million in financial assistance to over 5,640 small businesses and $187 million in New Market Tax Credit allocations that attracted $812 million in investments — putting the direct impact in the Texas economy as surpassing $1 billion. PeopleFund has also helped create and retain 24,000 jobs and delivered over 200,000 hours of business education. To learn more about PeopleFund please visit peoplefund.org.

In this modern day, more and more organizations are looking to lighten their carbon footprint and reduce their environmental impact. A great opportunity to do so is when moving offices. The hunt to find a new office is the perfect time to look for a facility that not only aligns with your organization’s environmental values, but also helps potentially reduce your organization’s overall environmental footprint.

What Can Leasing Sustainably Do for Your Organization? 

Finding a facility that follows environmentally friendly practices can help your organization in many ways. Below, we explore some of the ways leasing sustainably can boost your organization.

Cost Savings: Environmentally conscious buildings often feature energy-efficient systems and sustainable designs that reduce electricity and water consumption. These efficiencies can translate into significant cost savings on utility bills over time.Corporate Responsibility and Brand Image: Leasing a green facility can enhance a company’s reputation by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. This can strengthen the brand image and appeal to employees, customers, investors, and partners who prioritize environmental responsibility.Employee Health and Productivity: Buildings with better air quality, natural lighting, and overall design focused on sustainability contribute to healthier work environments. Studies have shown that such environments can boost employee productivity, reduce absenteeism, and improve job satisfaction.Regulatory Compliance and Incentives: As governments worldwide tighten environmental regulations, occupying an environmentally friendly building can ensure compliance and potentially qualify the business for tax incentives, rebates, and other benefits.Attracting Talent: A growing number of professionals seek employment with companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. An environmentally conscious office can be a strong draw for talent, especially among younger generations who often prioritize these values in their employment choices.Risk Management: Environmental sustainability in facilities can help mitigate risks associated with resource scarcity and fluctuating energy costs. By adopting more sustainable practices, companies can better insulate themselves against these risks.Social Responsibility: By choosing environmentally friendly facilities, businesses contribute to broader social goals like reducing carbon footprints, preserving natural resources, and supporting sustainable community development. This aligns with the increasing emphasis on corporate social responsibility.Long-term Viability: Sustainable practices are often aligned with forward-thinking, strategic planning. Investing in environmentally conscious facilities can prepare a business for a future in which sustainability becomes even more critical due to environmental challenges and further regulatory changes.

In summary, leasing sustainably is not just about reducing negative environmental impacts—it’s also about harnessing these practices for better business outcomes, aligning with regulatory trends, improving societal relations, and enhancing operational efficiencies.

How to Find your Next Sustainable Leased Office 

Hunting for a new office can be stressful enough on its own. Add in trying to find one that practices sustainability, and things can feel even more overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Download our Free Environmental Considerations When Leasing an Office Facility Checklist to help you get started on your hunt. Inside, you’ll find our list of must-ask questions for any facility owner. This checklist will help you find the right space for your next office lease, one that aligns with your organization’s environmental goals.

Do you have more questions or need more guidance? Reach out to our team of experts for help with your facilities today!

40% reduction in power consumption will support sustainability goals and reduce network operating costs

SANTA ROSA, Calif., November 5, 2024 /3BL/ – Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has enabled Pegatron 5G to test and validate its Open Radio Unit (O-RU) advanced energy savings features using ETSI-specified energy measurement methods. This was achieved using Keysight’s Open Radio Access Network Architect Solutions (KORA), which ensures conformance, interoperability, performance, security, and energy efficiency validation for radio access network (RAN) testing.

With the majority of energy (76%) consumed in the RAN, improving efficiency is a strategic priority for operators. Therefore, testing energy consumption and its impact on network performance is critical. While advancements from 2G to 5G have delivered improvements, the increasing density of 5G networks to meet higher data demands will drive up consumption, impacting operating costs and sustainability goals. E-plane testing helps operators and manufacturers optimize networks to enhance efficiency in 5G and future network deployments.

By utilizing Keysight’s E-Plane ETSI Test Suites to evaluate the energy efficiency of its PR1450 O-RU solution, Pegatron 5G was able to achieve a 40% reduction in power consumption while adhering to O-RAN energy saving requirements and the ETSI ES 202 706-1 and ETSI TS 103 786 energy measurement methods. This will significantly reduce network operating costs and ensure compliance with environmental targets. The capability was demonstrated at the India Mobile Congress 2024.

David Hoelscher, Vice President of Business Development and Chief Product Officer of Pegatron 5G, said: “We are proud to be the first company in Taiwan to demonstrate O-RAN energy saving and e-plane support on our PR1450 O-RU. This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and our ability to deliver advanced 5G solutions that benefit customers and the environment.”

Peng Cao, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight’s Wireless Test Group, said: “Keysight’s KORA solutions expedite the sustainable development and deployment of the O-RAN ecosystem, with a full range of industry-proven Open RAN energy lab and field tests solutions. By collaborating with partners like Pegatron 5G, Keysight is accelerating deployments, helping network operators reduce costs, and contributing to environmental sustainability.”

About Keysight Technologies

At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product life cycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.

40% reduction in power consumption will support sustainability goals and reduce network operating costs

SANTA ROSA, Calif., November 5, 2024 /3BL/ – Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has enabled Pegatron 5G to test and validate its Open Radio Unit (O-RU) advanced energy savings features using ETSI-specified energy measurement methods. This was achieved using Keysight’s Open Radio Access Network Architect Solutions (KORA), which ensures conformance, interoperability, performance, security, and energy efficiency validation for radio access network (RAN) testing.

With the majority of energy (76%) consumed in the RAN, improving efficiency is a strategic priority for operators. Therefore, testing energy consumption and its impact on network performance is critical. While advancements from 2G to 5G have delivered improvements, the increasing density of 5G networks to meet higher data demands will drive up consumption, impacting operating costs and sustainability goals. E-plane testing helps operators and manufacturers optimize networks to enhance efficiency in 5G and future network deployments.

By utilizing Keysight’s E-Plane ETSI Test Suites to evaluate the energy efficiency of its PR1450 O-RU solution, Pegatron 5G was able to achieve a 40% reduction in power consumption while adhering to O-RAN energy saving requirements and the ETSI ES 202 706-1 and ETSI TS 103 786 energy measurement methods. This will significantly reduce network operating costs and ensure compliance with environmental targets. The capability was demonstrated at the India Mobile Congress 2024.

David Hoelscher, Vice President of Business Development and Chief Product Officer of Pegatron 5G, said: “We are proud to be the first company in Taiwan to demonstrate O-RAN energy saving and e-plane support on our PR1450 O-RU. This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and our ability to deliver advanced 5G solutions that benefit customers and the environment.”

Peng Cao, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight’s Wireless Test Group, said: “Keysight’s KORA solutions expedite the sustainable development and deployment of the O-RAN ecosystem, with a full range of industry-proven Open RAN energy lab and field tests solutions. By collaborating with partners like Pegatron 5G, Keysight is accelerating deployments, helping network operators reduce costs, and contributing to environmental sustainability.”

About Keysight Technologies

At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product life cycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.

OAKLAND, Calif., November 5, 2024 /3BL/ – The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) announced a strategic partnership with Manufacture 2030, or M2030, to help Clorox’s suppliers meet their carbon reduction targets and advance the company’s long-term goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

M2030 is designed to help suppliers measure, manage and reduce carbon emissions. The new partnership aims to advance decarbonization throughout Clorox’s value chain through the collection of emissions data, jointly identified and defined actions for reduction and continuous upskilling.

“As part of Clorox’s efforts to foster a cleaner world, we have a responsibility to ensure our suppliers are equipped with the capabilities necessary for forging their own sustainability journeys,” said Niki King, Chief Sustainability Officer at The Clorox Company. “Climate action is a complex endeavor that requires companies to engage all parts of their supply chain in order to meaningfully reduce their environmental impact.”

The program, which will record key figures on energy, will be gradually rolled out to several suppliers of the company’s strategic raw materials and packaging, which collectively represents more than half of Clorox’s scope 3 emissions.

“Our value chain is comprised of organizations that share Clorox’s commitment to doing the right thing, which is why for the last 15 years we’ve implemented a business partner code of conduct that emphasizes sustainable business practices,” said Eva Choe, Chief Procurement Officer at The Clorox Company. “We believe M2030’s platform will help our suppliers establish practical action plans and deliver significant carbon reductions while garnering critical industry collaboration.”

M2030 enables suppliers to regularly track and share their progress with other customers using the M2030 platform. Suppliers will also be able to export relevant compatible data for submission to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), a global disclosure system to manage environmental data.

“We’re delighted to partner with The Clorox Company and enable their suppliers to reduce their environmental impact,” said Martin Chilcott, Manufacture 2030 Chief Executive Officer. “Through the M2030 platform, Clorox suppliers can measure their emissions, manage their reduction efforts, and share progress with their customers. We look forward to collaborating with Clorox and the wider consumer goods industry to reach supply chain carbon reduction targets.”

Climate action is a critical element of Clorox’s environmental, social and governance goals embedded in the company’s corporate IGNITE strategy. This partnership represents an important step forward in Clorox’s longstanding commitment to measuring, transparently reporting and reducing its carbon footprint, including 2030 science-based targets and the long-term goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

To learn more about The Clorox Company’s sustainability progress and commitments visit thecloroxcompany.com/responsibility/clean-world

About The Clorox Company

The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) champions people to be well and thrive every single day. Its trusted brands include Brita®, Burt’s Bees®, Clorox®, Fresh Step®, Glad®, Hidden Valley®, Kingsford®, Liquid-Plumr® and Pine-Sol® as well as international brands such as Clorinda®, Chux® and Poett®. Headquartered in Oakland, California, since 1913, Clorox was one of the first in the U.S. to integrate ESG into its business reporting. In 2024 the company was ranked No. 1 on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies list for the second consecutive year. Visit thecloroxcompany.com to learn more.

About Manufacture 2030

Manufacture 2030 provides global brands, corporations and their small and medium-sized suppliers with the data, tools, and support to be certain they can hit their GHG emissions reduction targets. Manufacture 2030’s carbon reduction platform and support services help measure, manage, and reduce emissions across global supply chains. Clients include leading brands like: Reckitt, Bayer, GSK, and Toyota. For more information, please visit manufacture2030.com.

OAKLAND, Calif., November 5, 2024 /3BL/ – The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) announced a strategic partnership with Manufacture 2030, or M2030, to help Clorox’s suppliers meet their carbon reduction targets and advance the company’s long-term goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

M2030 is designed to help suppliers measure, manage and reduce carbon emissions. The new partnership aims to advance decarbonization throughout Clorox’s value chain through the collection of emissions data, jointly identified and defined actions for reduction and continuous upskilling.

“As part of Clorox’s efforts to foster a cleaner world, we have a responsibility to ensure our suppliers are equipped with the capabilities necessary for forging their own sustainability journeys,” said Niki King, Chief Sustainability Officer at The Clorox Company. “Climate action is a complex endeavor that requires companies to engage all parts of their supply chain in order to meaningfully reduce their environmental impact.”

The program, which will record key figures on energy, will be gradually rolled out to several suppliers of the company’s strategic raw materials and packaging, which collectively represents more than half of Clorox’s scope 3 emissions.

“Our value chain is comprised of organizations that share Clorox’s commitment to doing the right thing, which is why for the last 15 years we’ve implemented a business partner code of conduct that emphasizes sustainable business practices,” said Eva Choe, Chief Procurement Officer at The Clorox Company. “We believe M2030’s platform will help our suppliers establish practical action plans and deliver significant carbon reductions while garnering critical industry collaboration.”

M2030 enables suppliers to regularly track and share their progress with other customers using the M2030 platform. Suppliers will also be able to export relevant compatible data for submission to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), a global disclosure system to manage environmental data.

“We’re delighted to partner with The Clorox Company and enable their suppliers to reduce their environmental impact,” said Martin Chilcott, Manufacture 2030 Chief Executive Officer. “Through the M2030 platform, Clorox suppliers can measure their emissions, manage their reduction efforts, and share progress with their customers. We look forward to collaborating with Clorox and the wider consumer goods industry to reach supply chain carbon reduction targets.”

Climate action is a critical element of Clorox’s environmental, social and governance goals embedded in the company’s corporate IGNITE strategy. This partnership represents an important step forward in Clorox’s longstanding commitment to measuring, transparently reporting and reducing its carbon footprint, including 2030 science-based targets and the long-term goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

To learn more about The Clorox Company’s sustainability progress and commitments visit thecloroxcompany.com/responsibility/clean-world

About The Clorox Company

The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) champions people to be well and thrive every single day. Its trusted brands include Brita®, Burt’s Bees®, Clorox®, Fresh Step®, Glad®, Hidden Valley®, Kingsford®, Liquid-Plumr® and Pine-Sol® as well as international brands such as Clorinda®, Chux® and Poett®. Headquartered in Oakland, California, since 1913, Clorox was one of the first in the U.S. to integrate ESG into its business reporting. In 2024 the company was ranked No. 1 on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies list for the second consecutive year. Visit thecloroxcompany.com to learn more.

About Manufacture 2030

Manufacture 2030 provides global brands, corporations and their small and medium-sized suppliers with the data, tools, and support to be certain they can hit their GHG emissions reduction targets. Manufacture 2030’s carbon reduction platform and support services help measure, manage, and reduce emissions across global supply chains. Clients include leading brands like: Reckitt, Bayer, GSK, and Toyota. For more information, please visit manufacture2030.com.

Leidos recently posted its 15th annual sustainability report detailing the company’s continued sustainability journey. The report represents an ongoing commitment to advancing sustainability and building a better future for our shared planet and the communities where we live and work.

This report highlights the company’s progress toward its environmental, social, and governance goals and was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards. It is focused on three areas where Leidos concentrates its sustainability efforts:

Cultivating inclusion: Building a strong business foundation that welcomes all perspectives and provides equitable access and resources for everyone.Advancing environmental sustainability: Implementing sustainable solutions to reduce the company’s environmental footprint.Promoting healthier lives: Investing in initiatives and resources that promote the health and well-being of employees and communities.

“We are dedicated to leveraging our capabilities to enhance the sustainability of our operations, our customers’ missions and the communities in which we work,” said Tom Bell, Leidos CEO, in a cover letter accompanying the report. “Sustainability principles are embedded throughout Leidos, guiding our programs, strategies and decision-making processes.”

The report covers the 2023 calendar year and includes a variety of key successes, such as continued reduction of scope 1 and 2 emissions every year since tracking began in 2010, more than 2,200 veterans and military spouses hired by Leidos, and a continued commitment to supporting our communities through volunteer hours and philanthropy.

Read the full report

Leidos recently posted its 15th annual sustainability report detailing the company’s continued sustainability journey. The report represents an ongoing commitment to advancing sustainability and building a better future for our shared planet and the communities where we live and work.

This report highlights the company’s progress toward its environmental, social, and governance goals and was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards. It is focused on three areas where Leidos concentrates its sustainability efforts:

Cultivating inclusion: Building a strong business foundation that welcomes all perspectives and provides equitable access and resources for everyone.Advancing environmental sustainability: Implementing sustainable solutions to reduce the company’s environmental footprint.Promoting healthier lives: Investing in initiatives and resources that promote the health and well-being of employees and communities.

“We are dedicated to leveraging our capabilities to enhance the sustainability of our operations, our customers’ missions and the communities in which we work,” said Tom Bell, Leidos CEO, in a cover letter accompanying the report. “Sustainability principles are embedded throughout Leidos, guiding our programs, strategies and decision-making processes.”

The report covers the 2023 calendar year and includes a variety of key successes, such as continued reduction of scope 1 and 2 emissions every year since tracking began in 2010, more than 2,200 veterans and military spouses hired by Leidos, and a continued commitment to supporting our communities through volunteer hours and philanthropy.

Read the full report

Our municipal water operations team in Novato, California, recently participated in two community events to engage students to raise awareness about the environmental sector.

On October 5th, our team represented Veolia and our partners, the Novato Sanitary District, at the Kermes Fall Festival at Lynwood Elementary. Lynwood is a dual immersion school, where all students learn English and Spanish by the end of 5th grade. We hosted a table with activities in both English and Spanish, including coloring books, bean bag games and a simulated toilet that showed kids what not to flush down the toilet.

On October 11th, we attended the Empower Tomorrow career fair at College of Marin, engaging with more than 500 8th grade students about environmental sector careers. We discussed various career paths in the water and wastewater industry, emphasizing both college graduate and non-graduate positions.

Thanks to our team and all who came out to learn more about the front lines of environmental sustainability!

Our municipal water operations team in Novato, California, recently participated in two community events to engage students to raise awareness about the environmental sector.

On October 5th, our team represented Veolia and our partners, the Novato Sanitary District, at the Kermes Fall Festival at Lynwood Elementary. Lynwood is a dual immersion school, where all students learn English and Spanish by the end of 5th grade. We hosted a table with activities in both English and Spanish, including coloring books, bean bag games and a simulated toilet that showed kids what not to flush down the toilet.

On October 11th, we attended the Empower Tomorrow career fair at College of Marin, engaging with more than 500 8th grade students about environmental sector careers. We discussed various career paths in the water and wastewater industry, emphasizing both college graduate and non-graduate positions.

Thanks to our team and all who came out to learn more about the front lines of environmental sustainability!