Tag: 3BL

The automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift as traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles give way to EVs. After U.S. EV sales surpassed 1 million for the first time in 2023, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects U.S. EV sales to exceed 17 million by the end of 2024, marking a 20% increase from 2023. Moreover, Gartner Inc. projects EV use globally to grow in 2025 by 33%, with 85 million EVs on the road by the end of next year. This transition is reshaping global supply chains in ways manufacturers are still scrambling to adapt to. 

The report co-authored by DP World and Canary Creative, “Navigating the Opportunities and Challenges of an Electric Vehicle-Centric Manufacturing Supply Chain,” found that the EV supply chain revolution is being driven primarily by the battery—the most expensive and critical component of an EV. The battery-centric nature of EVs is forcing manufacturers to rethink how vehicles are made, stored, and shipped.

But the supply chain overhaul doesn’t stop at batteries. EVs require far fewer moving parts than their ICE counterparts—just 20, compared to 200—which means leaner production processes, but also different logistical challenges. From retrofitting factories to meet the demands of EV production, to ensuring the safe transportation of hefty batteries, the industry is being transformed from the factory floor to the customer door. Let’s dive into some of the key impacts and opportunities this shift presents for supply chains.

Battery-First Manufacturing: A Heavyweight Champion

The battery is the undisputed star of the EV show. These energy-packed giants can weigh as much as one ton, especially in popular electric SUVs. As a result, proximity between battery manufacturing and EV assembly lines has become crucial. Shipping batteries across long distances is not only expensive but also risky due to their weight and safety concerns—such as the potential for fires. Factories need specialized equipment to handle these behemoths, along with climate-controlled storage and fire suppression systems in warehouses.

Even though lithium-ion battery prices saw a slight rise in 2022, Bloomberg New Energy Finance predicts they’ll drop below $100 per kilowatt-hour by 2026, which is great news for American consumers, whose EVs typically demand 40% larger batteries than global averages. The logistics of moving these batteries around—and minimizing their environmental footprint—is a challenge and an opportunity for innovation.

Factory Retooling: Out with the Old, In with the Electric

Traditional automotive factories are getting a major facelift to accommodate the production of EVs. Retrofitting existing ICE vehicle plants to handle electric vehicles requires expensive equipment upgrades. Factories now need automated vehicles that can transport 2,000-pound battery packs from one station to the next, replacing the traditional conveyor belts used for lighter ICE components.

The changes don’t end there. EVs require far fewer parts than ICE vehicles, eliminating the need for complex casting and machining equipment used for pistons, cylinders, and camshafts. Instead, EV factories focus on simpler components like rotor hubs and magnets. This shift has pushed manufacturers to adopt bulk-metered, just-in-time delivery systems, where components are delivered in larger batches rather than meticulously sequenced deliveries.

Transportation & Storage: Safety First, Always

Shipping EVs introduces new logistical hurdles, particularly around battery safety. Batteries must be stored in climate-controlled warehouses with extensive fire safety precautions. In some cases, EV batteries are shipped separately from the vehicles to minimize fire risks during transportation. The American Bureau of Shipping has also issued guidelines for shipping EVs, recommending video monitoring and installing fire detection systems on cargo ships.

What’s more, EVs need to be charged to between 20% and 50% before shipping to reduce the risk of fires while still having enough power to move on and off cargo ships. Trucks and ships transporting EVs must also account for the heavy battery weight, which means current loading procedures may need adjustments to comply with weight limits.

Circular Economy: Recycling EV Components

The EV supply chain isn’t just about getting new cars to market—it’s also about what happens when those cars reach the end of their lifecycle. The rise of the circular economy in the EV sector is key to reducing both costs and geopolitical risks. As EV manufacturers face an uncertain future regarding access to critical minerals like lithium and cobalt, recycling and repurposing these materials is becoming a top priority.

Recycling old EV batteries and using the reclaimed minerals to build new ones not only makes financial sense but also promotes environmental sustainability. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) encourages this approach by offering incentives for battery materials recycled within the U.S. to qualify for domestic-content benefits, regardless of their origin.

Low-Maintenance, High-Impact Logistics

One of the perks of driving an EV is that they require much less maintenance than their ICE counterparts, thanks to having fewer moving parts. But that doesn’t mean the supply chain for EV parts disappears entirely. For instance, the heavier weight of EV batteries means tires wear out 20% faster, creating a steady demand for replacements. Additionally, while EV batteries have long lifespans, they’ll eventually need replacing—though not before 8 to 20 years or 100,000 to 200,000 miles.

This ongoing need for parts and maintenance presents a unique opportunity for logistics companies to step in and offer services that go beyond just shipping new cars. Some logistics providers are already handling light repairs and refurbishment for consumer electronics, and similar models may emerge for EVs.

A Roadmap for the Future

The rise of EVs is already reshaping the manufacturing supply chain, but the real transformation is just beginning. From battery-first production to embracing the circular economy, the logistics and automotive industries are navigating uncharted territory. While challenges like battery safety and factory retooling remain, the opportunities for innovation—and profit—are vast.

For more insights into the supply chain shifts created by the transition to electric vehicles, download the full report co-authored by DP World and Canary here: Navigating the Electric Vehicle-Centric Supply Chain.

The automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift as traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles give way to EVs. After U.S. EV sales surpassed 1 million for the first time in 2023, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects U.S. EV sales to exceed 17 million by the end of 2024, marking a 20% increase from 2023. Moreover, Gartner Inc. projects EV use globally to grow in 2025 by 33%, with 85 million EVs on the road by the end of next year. This transition is reshaping global supply chains in ways manufacturers are still scrambling to adapt to. 

The report co-authored by DP World and Canary Creative, “Navigating the Opportunities and Challenges of an Electric Vehicle-Centric Manufacturing Supply Chain,” found that the EV supply chain revolution is being driven primarily by the battery—the most expensive and critical component of an EV. The battery-centric nature of EVs is forcing manufacturers to rethink how vehicles are made, stored, and shipped.

But the supply chain overhaul doesn’t stop at batteries. EVs require far fewer moving parts than their ICE counterparts—just 20, compared to 200—which means leaner production processes, but also different logistical challenges. From retrofitting factories to meet the demands of EV production, to ensuring the safe transportation of hefty batteries, the industry is being transformed from the factory floor to the customer door. Let’s dive into some of the key impacts and opportunities this shift presents for supply chains.

Battery-First Manufacturing: A Heavyweight Champion

The battery is the undisputed star of the EV show. These energy-packed giants can weigh as much as one ton, especially in popular electric SUVs. As a result, proximity between battery manufacturing and EV assembly lines has become crucial. Shipping batteries across long distances is not only expensive but also risky due to their weight and safety concerns—such as the potential for fires. Factories need specialized equipment to handle these behemoths, along with climate-controlled storage and fire suppression systems in warehouses.

Even though lithium-ion battery prices saw a slight rise in 2022, Bloomberg New Energy Finance predicts they’ll drop below $100 per kilowatt-hour by 2026, which is great news for American consumers, whose EVs typically demand 40% larger batteries than global averages. The logistics of moving these batteries around—and minimizing their environmental footprint—is a challenge and an opportunity for innovation.

Factory Retooling: Out with the Old, In with the Electric

Traditional automotive factories are getting a major facelift to accommodate the production of EVs. Retrofitting existing ICE vehicle plants to handle electric vehicles requires expensive equipment upgrades. Factories now need automated vehicles that can transport 2,000-pound battery packs from one station to the next, replacing the traditional conveyor belts used for lighter ICE components.

The changes don’t end there. EVs require far fewer parts than ICE vehicles, eliminating the need for complex casting and machining equipment used for pistons, cylinders, and camshafts. Instead, EV factories focus on simpler components like rotor hubs and magnets. This shift has pushed manufacturers to adopt bulk-metered, just-in-time delivery systems, where components are delivered in larger batches rather than meticulously sequenced deliveries.

Transportation & Storage: Safety First, Always

Shipping EVs introduces new logistical hurdles, particularly around battery safety. Batteries must be stored in climate-controlled warehouses with extensive fire safety precautions. In some cases, EV batteries are shipped separately from the vehicles to minimize fire risks during transportation. The American Bureau of Shipping has also issued guidelines for shipping EVs, recommending video monitoring and installing fire detection systems on cargo ships.

What’s more, EVs need to be charged to between 20% and 50% before shipping to reduce the risk of fires while still having enough power to move on and off cargo ships. Trucks and ships transporting EVs must also account for the heavy battery weight, which means current loading procedures may need adjustments to comply with weight limits.

Circular Economy: Recycling EV Components

The EV supply chain isn’t just about getting new cars to market—it’s also about what happens when those cars reach the end of their lifecycle. The rise of the circular economy in the EV sector is key to reducing both costs and geopolitical risks. As EV manufacturers face an uncertain future regarding access to critical minerals like lithium and cobalt, recycling and repurposing these materials is becoming a top priority.

Recycling old EV batteries and using the reclaimed minerals to build new ones not only makes financial sense but also promotes environmental sustainability. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) encourages this approach by offering incentives for battery materials recycled within the U.S. to qualify for domestic-content benefits, regardless of their origin.

Low-Maintenance, High-Impact Logistics

One of the perks of driving an EV is that they require much less maintenance than their ICE counterparts, thanks to having fewer moving parts. But that doesn’t mean the supply chain for EV parts disappears entirely. For instance, the heavier weight of EV batteries means tires wear out 20% faster, creating a steady demand for replacements. Additionally, while EV batteries have long lifespans, they’ll eventually need replacing—though not before 8 to 20 years or 100,000 to 200,000 miles.

This ongoing need for parts and maintenance presents a unique opportunity for logistics companies to step in and offer services that go beyond just shipping new cars. Some logistics providers are already handling light repairs and refurbishment for consumer electronics, and similar models may emerge for EVs.

A Roadmap for the Future

The rise of EVs is already reshaping the manufacturing supply chain, but the real transformation is just beginning. From battery-first production to embracing the circular economy, the logistics and automotive industries are navigating uncharted territory. While challenges like battery safety and factory retooling remain, the opportunities for innovation—and profit—are vast.

For more insights into the supply chain shifts created by the transition to electric vehicles, download the full report co-authored by DP World and Canary here: Navigating the Electric Vehicle-Centric Supply Chain.

November 5, 2024 /3BL/ – Clarion Partners, LLC, a leading real estate investment manager and one of the largest owners and developers of logistics properties in the U.S., has achieved LEED certification for more than 100 industrial projects totaling over 35 million square feet under the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED v4 for Warehouse and Distribution Centers Volume Program (“LEED Volume Program”).* LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence in green building.

In 2021, Clarion developed a LEED Volume prototype in partnership with sustainability consultants Argento/Graham for the certification of new development projects. Through the program, which focuses on the use of low-emitting building materials, energy and water efficiency, solar readiness, risk and resiliency evaluations and other elements, Clarion achieves LEED certification for development projects in a more efficient and cost-effective manner as compared to pursuing certification of individual buildings under the standard LEED program.

Obtaining LEED certification is just one of the many ways the Firm works to deliver Class A, modern, logistics facilities for tenants.

“In a competitive business environment, logistics tenants are increasingly focused on reducing the cost of their operations while also minimizing their impact on the environment,” said Managing Director Bohdy Hedgcock. “Occupying a LEED certified building helps provide assurances that their property is designed to do both.”

Phase 1 of the Manassas Logistics Center is an example of a new development which recently received LEED-Silver certification. The two-building, Class A warehouse development located within the greater Baltimore/Washington, DC market, consists of two rear-load buildings totaling 337,046 square feet. Both buildings incorporate features that help to reduce operating costs, including a high-albedo roof which aids interior temperature control, low-flow interior water fixtures, LED lighting and other energy efficiency enhancements. As part of this development,

Clarion also preserved over 41 acres of ecologically sensitive land on the site. The land preservation will support protection of the buildings from flooding.

“Clarion’s objective is to safeguard and future-proof our properties by adopting strategic ESG policies and pursuing certifications that will bolster asset valuations,” says Clarion Partners Head of ESG Karen Mahrous. “In addition to these LEED volume certifications, we strategically pursue a range of health, well-being, and efficiency-focused certifications for properties across our portfolio.”

*LEED Building Design and Construction certifications are issued by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). Certifications are issued at the time of building development or major renovation and last in perpetuity. Rankings range from Certified to Platinum level for individual properties. Properties must pay registration and review fees to pursue LEED certifications.

About Clarion Partners, LLC 

Clarion Partners has been a leading real estate investment manager for over 40 years. Headquartered in New York, the firm maintains strategically located offices across the United States and Europe. With over $74 billion in total real estate and debt assets under management, Clarion Partners offers a broad range of real estate strategies across the risk/return spectrum to approximately 500 institutional investors across the globe. Clarion is scaled in all major property types and was an early entrant into the Industrial sector. The Firm’s global industrial team manages a 1,000+ property portfolio in the U.S. and Europe consisting of more than 253 million square feet. Clarion Partners is an independent subsidiary of Franklin Templeton. Visit www.clarionpartners.com for more information.

About Franklin Templeton

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.6 trillion in assets under management as of September 30, 2024. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

Press Contact: 
Natalie Evertson 
Natalie.Evertson@ClarionPartners.com 
212-883-2595

Disclaimer: Nothing herein constitutes an offer or solicitation of any product or service to any person or in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation is not authorized or is prohibited by law.

November 5, 2024 /3BL/ – Clarion Partners, LLC, a leading real estate investment manager and one of the largest owners and developers of logistics properties in the U.S., has achieved LEED certification for more than 100 industrial projects totaling over 35 million square feet under the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED v4 for Warehouse and Distribution Centers Volume Program (“LEED Volume Program”).* LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence in green building.

In 2021, Clarion developed a LEED Volume prototype in partnership with sustainability consultants Argento/Graham for the certification of new development projects. Through the program, which focuses on the use of low-emitting building materials, energy and water efficiency, solar readiness, risk and resiliency evaluations and other elements, Clarion achieves LEED certification for development projects in a more efficient and cost-effective manner as compared to pursuing certification of individual buildings under the standard LEED program.

Obtaining LEED certification is just one of the many ways the Firm works to deliver Class A, modern, logistics facilities for tenants.

“In a competitive business environment, logistics tenants are increasingly focused on reducing the cost of their operations while also minimizing their impact on the environment,” said Managing Director Bohdy Hedgcock. “Occupying a LEED certified building helps provide assurances that their property is designed to do both.”

Phase 1 of the Manassas Logistics Center is an example of a new development which recently received LEED-Silver certification. The two-building, Class A warehouse development located within the greater Baltimore/Washington, DC market, consists of two rear-load buildings totaling 337,046 square feet. Both buildings incorporate features that help to reduce operating costs, including a high-albedo roof which aids interior temperature control, low-flow interior water fixtures, LED lighting and other energy efficiency enhancements. As part of this development,

Clarion also preserved over 41 acres of ecologically sensitive land on the site. The land preservation will support protection of the buildings from flooding.

“Clarion’s objective is to safeguard and future-proof our properties by adopting strategic ESG policies and pursuing certifications that will bolster asset valuations,” says Clarion Partners Head of ESG Karen Mahrous. “In addition to these LEED volume certifications, we strategically pursue a range of health, well-being, and efficiency-focused certifications for properties across our portfolio.”

*LEED Building Design and Construction certifications are issued by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). Certifications are issued at the time of building development or major renovation and last in perpetuity. Rankings range from Certified to Platinum level for individual properties. Properties must pay registration and review fees to pursue LEED certifications.

About Clarion Partners, LLC 

Clarion Partners has been a leading real estate investment manager for over 40 years. Headquartered in New York, the firm maintains strategically located offices across the United States and Europe. With over $74 billion in total real estate and debt assets under management, Clarion Partners offers a broad range of real estate strategies across the risk/return spectrum to approximately 500 institutional investors across the globe. Clarion is scaled in all major property types and was an early entrant into the Industrial sector. The Firm’s global industrial team manages a 1,000+ property portfolio in the U.S. and Europe consisting of more than 253 million square feet. Clarion Partners is an independent subsidiary of Franklin Templeton. Visit www.clarionpartners.com for more information.

About Franklin Templeton

Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.6 trillion in assets under management as of September 30, 2024. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

Press Contact: 
Natalie Evertson 
Natalie.Evertson@ClarionPartners.com 
212-883-2595

Disclaimer: Nothing herein constitutes an offer or solicitation of any product or service to any person or in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation is not authorized or is prohibited by law.

Farmer-owned olive oil company Pompeian is making their impact worldwide, setting the standard for a more sustainable olive oil industry with the Sustainably Grown Certification. This ensures farmworker and biodiversity protection, water and soil conservation, and pollinator friendly practices – all independently certified by SCS Global Services for the ultimate transparency and credibility.

Watch the Video

Learn more

Media Contacts: 
Nikki Senseman nsenseman@scsglobalservices.com 
Carly Ginsberg pompeian@hunterpr.com

Farmer-owned olive oil company Pompeian is making their impact worldwide, setting the standard for a more sustainable olive oil industry with the Sustainably Grown Certification. This ensures farmworker and biodiversity protection, water and soil conservation, and pollinator friendly practices – all independently certified by SCS Global Services for the ultimate transparency and credibility.

Watch the Video

Learn more

Media Contacts: 
Nikki Senseman nsenseman@scsglobalservices.com 
Carly Ginsberg pompeian@hunterpr.com

Cummins

Cummins announces commitment to Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) Program

Cummins Inc. delivers superior solutions for its customers to power their communities and the world. It does that with the company’s steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion – winning with the power of difference.

In honor of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and as part of Cummins’ objective to create positive and meaningful relations with Indigenous businesses and communities in the region, Cummins is proud to announce it is now at the “Committed” level of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) Program.

Shashiraj Shanbhag, Vice President, Product & Service Management – Canada, and leader of the Canada Indigenous Relations initiative at Cummins: “We have been doing a great deal of work specific to Indigenous communities in Canada for several years. Since recently joining the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations Program at the Committed Level, the program will provide Cummins with external validation to all the work our employees have been doing and additional opportunities to do even more. The PAIR certification is an excellent opportunity for us to measure and strengthen our work in deepening relations with Indigenous communities throughout Canada.”

The work of PAIR

Established by the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, the PAIR Program is a rigorous, independent third-party certification program for corporate performance in Indigenous relations. The process evaluates measurable outcomes and initiatives in four performance areas: Leadership Actions, Employment, Business Development and Community Relations.

Since its inception in 2001, PAIR has maintained its position as the foremost corporate social responsibility program, with a distinct focus on Indigenous relations. PAIR’s certification program instills a strong sense of confidence in communities due to its foundation on independent third-party validation of company reports, and the ultimate company rating is decided by a panel of Indigenous business professionals. As a PAIR committed company, Cummins will undergo the process of external verification and work collectively with the CCIB and Indigenous stakeholders toward the long-term goal of achieving Gold Certification.

The work of Cummins Canada

Cummins’ commitment to PAIR is another step on the company’s journey to building a diverse global culture, which includes expanding its relations with Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world. As part of this journey, Cummins and its employees located in Canada have taken the following steps:

Established an Indigenous Relations team with about 15 active volunteers across Canada1400+ employees in Canada have completed Indigenous Awareness TrainingSupported initiatives for Indigenous communities in areas of Education and Equity with more than USD 100,000 of funding from Cummins Grant

As a global organization amongst a diverse and growing group of companies from across Canada that share a commitment to the Indigenous community, Cummins Canada continues to develop relationships with Indigenous peoples across the country and seeks ongoing ways to support the communities in which it lives and works. In its commitment to fostering positive change, Cummins also looks inward, engaging its own employees in initiatives that promote understanding, respect and collaboration with Indigenous peoples.

To learn more about Cummins’ ongoing commitment to not only Indigenous communities but to the many communities employees live and serve throughout the world, please visit cummins.com.

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

Cummins

Cummins announces commitment to Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) Program

Cummins Inc. delivers superior solutions for its customers to power their communities and the world. It does that with the company’s steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion – winning with the power of difference.

In honor of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and as part of Cummins’ objective to create positive and meaningful relations with Indigenous businesses and communities in the region, Cummins is proud to announce it is now at the “Committed” level of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) Program.

Shashiraj Shanbhag, Vice President, Product & Service Management – Canada, and leader of the Canada Indigenous Relations initiative at Cummins: “We have been doing a great deal of work specific to Indigenous communities in Canada for several years. Since recently joining the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations Program at the Committed Level, the program will provide Cummins with external validation to all the work our employees have been doing and additional opportunities to do even more. The PAIR certification is an excellent opportunity for us to measure and strengthen our work in deepening relations with Indigenous communities throughout Canada.”

The work of PAIR

Established by the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, the PAIR Program is a rigorous, independent third-party certification program for corporate performance in Indigenous relations. The process evaluates measurable outcomes and initiatives in four performance areas: Leadership Actions, Employment, Business Development and Community Relations.

Since its inception in 2001, PAIR has maintained its position as the foremost corporate social responsibility program, with a distinct focus on Indigenous relations. PAIR’s certification program instills a strong sense of confidence in communities due to its foundation on independent third-party validation of company reports, and the ultimate company rating is decided by a panel of Indigenous business professionals. As a PAIR committed company, Cummins will undergo the process of external verification and work collectively with the CCIB and Indigenous stakeholders toward the long-term goal of achieving Gold Certification.

The work of Cummins Canada

Cummins’ commitment to PAIR is another step on the company’s journey to building a diverse global culture, which includes expanding its relations with Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world. As part of this journey, Cummins and its employees located in Canada have taken the following steps:

Established an Indigenous Relations team with about 15 active volunteers across Canada1400+ employees in Canada have completed Indigenous Awareness TrainingSupported initiatives for Indigenous communities in areas of Education and Equity with more than USD 100,000 of funding from Cummins Grant

As a global organization amongst a diverse and growing group of companies from across Canada that share a commitment to the Indigenous community, Cummins Canada continues to develop relationships with Indigenous peoples across the country and seeks ongoing ways to support the communities in which it lives and works. In its commitment to fostering positive change, Cummins also looks inward, engaging its own employees in initiatives that promote understanding, respect and collaboration with Indigenous peoples.

To learn more about Cummins’ ongoing commitment to not only Indigenous communities but to the many communities employees live and serve throughout the world, please visit cummins.com.

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

WASHINGTON, November 4, 2024 /3BL/ – Educators can learn directly from leading edtech experts on Thursday, November 14, at the third annual Elevating Innovation virtual conference presented by Digital Promise and Verizon. This professional learning opportunity is free to all educators as part of Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s award-winning education initiative focused on addressing the barriers to digital inclusion.

In addition to keynote speakers Dr. Mahalia Hines and Dr. Autumn Asher BlackDeer, featured presenters will share strategies, activities, and research-based practices to best leverage educational technology in the classroom.

Interactive sessions will focus on topics such as: learning with immersive technologies; innovative learning design and delivery; STEM and STEAM education; design thinking; student well-being; and more.

The Elevating Innovation virtual conference is suggested for K-12 district and campus leaders, instructional coaches, and classroom educators who want to explore ways to leverage technology meaningfully to engage students in powerful learning experiences.

Keynote and featured speakers include:

Dr. Autumn Asher BlackDeer, anti-colonial Indigiqueer scholar-activist and assistant professorChanea Bond,a.k.a. Hey, Mrs. Bond!, literature and literacy educator and educational consultant, currently navigating AI in the English classroom in Fort Worth ISDJed Dearybury, educator, author, illustrator, and professional development leader bringing all the fun and playfulness to the world of educationDr. MaryHemphill, CEO and founder of The Limitless Leader and edupreneur working toward transforming education in the name of wellness, innovation, and leadershipDr. Mahalia Hines, co-founder and board president of Common Ground Foundation and Be Light and Love, LLCCrystal M. Watson, interim principal for Cincinnati Public Schools and passionate mathematics educator and advocate

“With increasing technology in schools, it is imperative that educators have resources to support meaningful tech integration in the classroom,” said Donna Epps, Chief Responsible Business Officer for Verizon. “Elevating Innovation’s free and compelling professional learning for educators builds on our offerings within Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, giving educators new ways to apply edtech in the classroom.”

The virtual event will take place on November 14 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. ET. Free registration can be found on Swapcard. Following the event, session recordings will be accessible for free on Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.

Press Contact:

Jessica Schuler

Digital Promise

410-598-9848

jschuler@digitalpromise.org

About Digital Promise

Digital Promise is a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for every learner. We work with educators, researchers, technology leaders, and communities to design, investigate, and scale innovations that support learners, especially those who’ve been historically and systematically excluded. Our vision is that every person engages in powerful learning experiences that lead to a life of well-being, fulfillment, and economic mobility. For more information, visit the Digital Promise website and follow @digitalpromise for updates.

About Verizon Innovative Learning

Verizon Innovative Learning, Verizon’s award-winning education initiative, is celebrating over a decade of commitment to addressing barriers to digital inclusion for students and teachers. Since 2012, the program has committed $1 billion in market value to support digital equity, reaching nearly 8 million students. Verizon Innovative Learning provides free technology, internet access and emerging technology-infused learning programs to students in under-resourced communities—enabling students to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to build an innovative workforce of the future. In 2021, Verizon launched Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, a next-gen online education portal that provides free access to immersive extended reality (XR) educational experiences to all educators, including K-12 teachers, nationwide. A key program under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social advancement, Verizon Innovative Learning is helping to achieve the company’s goal to provide 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030. Learn more at CitizenVerizon.com.

Transitioning from military to civilian life brings its challenges, but tapping into the wisdom of those who’ve been there can make all the difference. As we celebrate Veterans Day, four T-Mobile employees share what they’ve learned since landing their first civilian jobs, and what veterans can do right now to prepare for that first interview

Moving from military to civilian jobs isn’t just a career change — it’s entering a whole new world.

In honor of Veterans Day, four T-Mobile employees sat down to share their personal stories of chasing a new profession after service. Whether T-Mobile was their first civilian job after a decades-long military career or they held many new jobs since transitioning years ago, these employees agreed on one common challenge: Translating military prowess into civilian speak during interviews.

By the end of 2023, T-Mobile achieved an expansive, company-wide initiative from 2018 to hire 10,000 veterans and military spouses over a five-year period. Now, veteran employees are sharing advice from their lived experiences in hopes it will help fellow veterans who are stepping into their next chapter in the civilian world to walk confidently into their first job interview.

Meet T-Mobile’s proud veterans and hear their tips to walk confidently into that first civilian job interview.

Russ Nelson, T-Mobile’s Senior Regional Facilitator for Leadership Development, former U.S. Army Combat Reconnaissance Scout.Stephen Gundrum, T-Mobile Team of Experts Coach, former Nuclear Machinist Mate for the U.S. Navy.Jeff Rhodes, T-Mobile Group Project Manager for IT Business Development, retired Battalion Commander and 21-year U.S. Army Veteran.Jessica Cody, T-Mobile’s Senior Regional Facilitator for Leadership and Development, eight-year Veteran Chemical Specialist in the Army Reserves.

Tech to the Rescue

Russ Nelson says his biggest tip is to leverage cutting-edge AI to bridge the gap between military jargon and civilian job requirements. The former U.S. Army member and current Senior Regional Facilitator for Leadership Development at T-Mobile says that when he transitioned in 1997, he had difficulty translating his military experience into terms that are meaningful to civilian employers.

“I did not know how to articulate my experience, especially with the military occupational specialty (MOS) I had,” he says. “I didn’t know how to share the soft skills that I’d learned beyond all of the hard combat skills that came with reconnaissance.”

AI tools can help veterans prepare for interviews by listing the soft skills they may not even recognize they’ve acquired during military service, Nelson says.

“ChatGPT, Copilot and other AI platforms are incredible tools because you can take your military title and figure out the equivalent job description through a more civilian or corporate lens,” Nelson explains. “It can help you word things that really will help you connect the dots, especially if you don’t know how to do it yourself.”

Stephen Gundrum, a former Nuclear Machinist Mate for the United States Navy and current T-Mobile Team of Experts Coach, also says he is excited about how easy it can be to use web tools that allow veterans to input their MOS to find applicable civilian jobs.

“This tool called Military Skills Translator has been available for a couple of years now. You can put in everything that you learned while in service under your MOS and it can give you a list of certain jobs within the civilian field that you would immediately qualify for,” he explains.

Craft Your Narrative

Nelson says your stories are your strength. He recommends job applicants prepare three or four key moments from their military experience that they can share during interviews. He also suggests these stories follow a situation-behavior-impact (SBI) format to effectively illustrate the candidate’s skills and experiences. 

“It’s great to prepare for your interview by thinking back to your previous military roles in terms of stories, because we all have key moments or things that we’ve done that have been impactful and naturally illustrate our skillsets,” he says.

Jessica Cody, a former eight-year Veteran Chemical Specialist in the Army Reserves and current T-Mobile Senior Regional Facilitator in Human Resources, says veterans can seem nervous in an interview because it isn’t as common a practice in the military.

She hopes preparing these key stories ahead of time instills in every veteran that their experience makes them a unique candidate in the corporate world.

“Think of your skills not just in terms of your MOS but also look at it conceptually. What you’ve done is extremely valuable even if that specific hard skill listed in the job description is not something you immediately recognize as your expertise,” Cody says. “You have a lot to offer because of how you’ve been able to learn and accomplish prior to transitioning. You don’t have to hide what you think you don’t have.”

Assert Your Value

Jeff Rhodes, T-Mobile Group Project Manager for IT Business Development and who spent 21 years in the U.S. Army, says veterans must be proactive in their civilian interviews. T-Mobile’s Veterans and Allies Employee Resource Group has supported his initiative to give presentations to prepare hiring managers before interviewing veterans to understand skill-based hiring practices.

I had to learn to be receptive to feedback and mentorship from those who I might consider my junior in the military. Their support was invaluable.

Jeff Rhodes, T-Mobile Group Project Manager for IT Business Development

“Veterans should know as they transition into civilian roles that they are their own career managers,” Rhodes says. “We need to advocate for ourselves and our many hard and soft skills during the interview process. Personally, my main contribution is being able to look at T-Mobile operations through the same lens that I would look at military operations and make suggestions based on my training how I would solve it.”

Military experience has equipped Gundrum to lead by building productive, goal oriented programs.

“The nuclear field is very technical and very analytical,” Gundrum says. “I’ve been able to utilize some of the tricks from that time into my coaching and can help locate patterns and analyze what an Expert can be doing to find the one or two things that’s going to turn it from an okay experience for the customer to an excellent one.”

Cody recommends getting ahead of an interview by connecting those dots early on.

“Organizational skills in supporting and running multiple programs is something that the military trained me to excel at because when you’re following a 67-page manual just to get your radio to turn on, you need an attention to detail,” Cody says. “T-Mobile doesn’t necessarily care about my knowledge of detecting radioactive contamination, but the company cares that I can operate well under pressure during stressful situations.”

Veteran Support Networks

Many organizations, including T-Mobile partners Hiring Our Heroes and Blue Star Families, are ready to assist veterans during their transition into civilian life, especially when it comes to preparing for their new career search.

“I am a huge advocate of Hiring our Heroes,” says Rhodes. “It’s the program that is most responsible for me landing the job here at T-Mobile. The organization pairs separating service members with a Fortune 500 company for a 12-week fellowship, after which they can apply for a full-time job.”

Empowering Customers To Get Involved

On Nov. 5, in special recognition of how important this community is to T-Mobile, the company is partnering with The Mission Continues, an organization that empowers veterans in under-resourced communities, and donating $200K to support their efforts to deploy veteran volunteers to work alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to provide educational resources, tackle food insecurity and to help foster inclusive communities.​ Customers can click to donate as part of this effort through the T-Life.

T-Life App Download

Rhodes also reached out to The Commit Foundation, which provided him a transition coach, Four Block, where he attended classes on how to research for potential roles, and Candorful, which supplied him with real hiring managers who volunteer to help veterans better understand job postings and rehearse before their interviews.

Gundrum says reaching out to these organizations doesn’t have to serve an interview prep purpose. They also offer moral support by helping veterans recognize that they are not alone in the transition process.

“These organizations made me realize I’m not the first service member that went from active duty into the civilian world,” Gundrum says. “There are so many others that have experienced this, and once you can wrap your head around that, it makes the process just a little less isolating, especially when you encounter letdowns.”

Feedback Is A Gift

Rhodes says it’s important to be aware that you will have to navigate cultural differences between the military and civilian workplace. He explains how his initial interview interactions, which he believed to be respectful in the military context, were perceived as abrasive.

“The feedback that I got in my interviews showed me that I was putting people off because my formality seemed standoffish,” Rhodes explains. “And in my mind, I thought I was being respectful.”

He adds that he had to change his mindset to be open to the fact that sometimes those who would be considered junior to him in the military environment could have valuable feedback in his new environment. Gundrum agrees that understanding the importance of feedback and how it functions within a corporate setting can be crucial for a veteran’s success after transitioning.

You don’t have to hide what you think you don’t have.

Jessica Cody, T-Mobile’s Senior Regional Facilitator for Leadership and Development

“One of my mentors at T-Mobile told me his favorite sayings is, ‘Feedback is a gift, so get ready to receive it,’” Gundrum explains. “Whether the feedback is praise or whether it’s constructive, it’s all designed to help you become better so don’t just receive it — implement it.”

On Veteran’s Day and every day, T-Mobile has long been a champion for the military community. Since 2020, T-Mobile has donated and sponsored over $2 million to military and veteran initiatives. The company received the gold standard from GI Jobs Magazine, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Military Spouse Employer and Mentorship Award and is an original signatory of the 4+1 commitment — an initiative that is tackling unemployment among military spouses by encouraging other companies to adopt policies that help military spouses with finding jobs and navigating their own career path.