Tag: 3BL

Entergy’s Environmental Initiative Fund is supporting the launch of a Jackson, Mississippi program that addresses two issues at the core of our business – environmental stewardship and workforce development.

The company has awarded $150,000 to Refill Jackson Initiative for their Refill Jackson Green Corps program, a new workforce training AmeriCorps program for young adults.

Over 5 months, participants will complete various projects to improve water quality and environmental conditions along the Pearl River’s watershed; remove debris and mitigate flood-prone areas in public parks and vacant properties; and clean up neighborhoods in West Jackson.

“We invest in the critical foundations of our communities like Refill Jackson Green Corps, to create thriving places to call home, now and for future generations,” Haley Fisackerly, President and CEO of Entergy Mississippi.

The Refill Jackson Green Corps also gives young adults the opportunity to earn construction credentials, a stipend, and water quality testing certification from Mississippi State University’s Extension Services.

“Refill Jackson Initiative seeks to be a good neighbor to our West Jackson community by pursuing projects that directly address the environmental concerns of West Jacksonians. Refill Jackson Green Corps will impart skills sought by employers while getting things done for and with Jacksonians,” said Caitlin Brooking, executive director of Refill Jackson Initiative.

Since 2001, the Environmental Initiatives Fund has supported projects and programs that reduce emissions, protect natural resources, and restore wetlands and forests across Entergy’s four-state service area.

The fund educates our customers, employees, communities and owners on the value of natural resources and other environmental improvements.

Entergy’s Environmental Initiative Fund is supporting the launch of a Jackson, Mississippi program that addresses two issues at the core of our business – environmental stewardship and workforce development.

The company has awarded $150,000 to Refill Jackson Initiative for their Refill Jackson Green Corps program, a new workforce training AmeriCorps program for young adults.

Over 5 months, participants will complete various projects to improve water quality and environmental conditions along the Pearl River’s watershed; remove debris and mitigate flood-prone areas in public parks and vacant properties; and clean up neighborhoods in West Jackson.

“We invest in the critical foundations of our communities like Refill Jackson Green Corps, to create thriving places to call home, now and for future generations,” Haley Fisackerly, President and CEO of Entergy Mississippi.

The Refill Jackson Green Corps also gives young adults the opportunity to earn construction credentials, a stipend, and water quality testing certification from Mississippi State University’s Extension Services.

“Refill Jackson Initiative seeks to be a good neighbor to our West Jackson community by pursuing projects that directly address the environmental concerns of West Jacksonians. Refill Jackson Green Corps will impart skills sought by employers while getting things done for and with Jacksonians,” said Caitlin Brooking, executive director of Refill Jackson Initiative.

Since 2001, the Environmental Initiatives Fund has supported projects and programs that reduce emissions, protect natural resources, and restore wetlands and forests across Entergy’s four-state service area.

The fund educates our customers, employees, communities and owners on the value of natural resources and other environmental improvements.

Comcast NBCUniversal has been named a 2024 Leading Disability Employer by the National Organization on Disability (NOD). The distinction recognizes companies with the highest performance in disability inclusion practices and policies across areas including strategy, talent sourcing and metrics, climate and culture, people practices, and workplace tools and accessibility. Recipients were announced as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a month-long campaign to raise awareness about the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that value the skills and talents of individuals with disabilities.

Comcast NBCUniversal’s longstanding commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion is reflected in initiatives such as its MyAbilities Employee Resource Group, trainings to educate employees about disability inclusion, and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services for employees and guests at Universal theme parks and Xfinity Retail stores. The NOD recognition also represents more than a decade’s worth of work to make Comcast NBCUniversal products, technology, services, and experiences more inclusive — demonstrated in breakthrough product and service innovations such as the Xfinity Large Button Voice Remote and providing live audio description on NBC’s Olympics and Paralympics broadcasts.

The 2024 Leading Disability Employers are determined based on data provided by taking the NOD Employment Tracker™ – an assessment tool that helps companies understand how their key business practices correlate to improved hiring, retention, and advancement outcomes for people with disabilities.

Comcast NBCUniversal has been named a 2024 Leading Disability Employer by the National Organization on Disability (NOD). The distinction recognizes companies with the highest performance in disability inclusion practices and policies across areas including strategy, talent sourcing and metrics, climate and culture, people practices, and workplace tools and accessibility. Recipients were announced as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a month-long campaign to raise awareness about the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that value the skills and talents of individuals with disabilities.

Comcast NBCUniversal’s longstanding commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion is reflected in initiatives such as its MyAbilities Employee Resource Group, trainings to educate employees about disability inclusion, and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services for employees and guests at Universal theme parks and Xfinity Retail stores. The NOD recognition also represents more than a decade’s worth of work to make Comcast NBCUniversal products, technology, services, and experiences more inclusive — demonstrated in breakthrough product and service innovations such as the Xfinity Large Button Voice Remote and providing live audio description on NBC’s Olympics and Paralympics broadcasts.

The 2024 Leading Disability Employers are determined based on data provided by taking the NOD Employment Tracker™ – an assessment tool that helps companies understand how their key business practices correlate to improved hiring, retention, and advancement outcomes for people with disabilities.

Stephan Pierre & Flavia Venturoli

We’re committed to continuing our work, building on our legacy, and setting new benchmarks for what our ERGs and Dow can achieve.

This year is the milestone 25th anniversary of Dow’s Global African Affinity Network (GAAN), our Employee Resource Group (ERG) for colleagues of African heritage and allies. It’s a time to reflect on the journey that has brought us to this moment.

A quarter of a century ago, a small group of visionary employees came together with a shared goal: to cultivate an inclusive workplace that connects colleagues better to one another and to company leadership through networking, mentorship, and representation at all levels.

Chartered in 1999, GAAN, formerly known as the African American Network (AAN) , was the second ERG established within Dow. From there, GAAN has grown into a global force, encompassing a network of >5,000 members across 20 chapters—transcending continents, cultures, and backgrounds. It’s served as a beacon for growth, advocacy, and empowerment for Dow employees, helping to shape a culture that values everyone’s contributions.

GROWTH

Supporting professional growth

Career development has been a strategic pillar of GAAN from day one. We provide resources and opportunities for participants to advance their careers, including mentorship and sponsorship programs, and networking events like the BEST Symposium. This work ladders up to business outcomes. GAAN’s legacy programming has paved the way for Dow’s current day talent and supplier diversity strategies—ensuring our company is well-positioned to support the needs of our customers through teams that offer innovative global perspective with a pulse on consumer trends.

ADVOCACY

Understanding the importance of ERGs in promoting inclusion and diversity

GAAN has been an advocate for change, both within our company and in the broader community. Through the work and connections of this ERG, we’ve championed policies that promote equity, and we’ve partnered with external organizations to extend our impact. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the call for social justice across the world 2020, GAAN was instrumental in the development of Dow ACTs, our framework and multi-million-dollar pledge to address systemic racism and inequity.

EMPOWERMENT

Empowerment through inclusion

Inclusion is at the heart of GAAN’s mission. We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that every voice is heard and valued, breaking down barriers and building bridges across our company. Over these first 25 years, GAAN’s initiatives have ranged from professional development to cultural awareness to community service, all designed to create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Looking Forward: The Future of Dow’s Global African Affinity Network and ERGs

To the GAAN founders and all participants, past and present, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your passion has taken the vision of our ERG to heights we couldn’t have imagined 25 years ago.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we’re also looking forward. The world is changing rapidly, and GAAN is evolving to meet new challenges and capture new opportunities. We’re committed to continuing our work, building on our legacy, and setting new benchmarks for what our ERGs and Dow can achieve.

A call to action What has Dow’s ERG GAAN meant to you?

If you’ve been involved in GAAN, we invite you to share this article to your social media. Let us know what GAAN has meant to you over the years. We look forward to reading about your personal experience.

Stephan Pierre
Senior Manufacturing & Engineering (M&E) Project Director
Global GAAN Co-Chair

Flavia Venturoli
Commercial Director, Dow Consumer Solutions
Global GAAN Co-Chair

About the authors

Stephan Pierre is a Senior Manufacturing & Engineering (M&E) Project Director with Dow. He is also the current Global Co-chair of GAAN. Stephan has been with the company for 34 years, serving in a range of M&E leadership roles. He lives and works in Louisiana and enjoys spending time with his family.

Flavia Venturoli is a Commercial Director for Dow Consumer Solutions and also the current Global GAAN Co-Chair. Flavia has been with Dow for 24 years, holding a variety of supply chain, marketing, and commercial leadership positions. She lives in Brazil and is a passionate advocate for racial inclusion.

The Chemours Washington Works Nature Trail is among the most loved natural treasures in the greater Parkersburg, West Virginia area. In fact, a local publication described it as a “hiking hidden gem.” Open to the public, the site’s nature trail offers diverse wildlife habitats and serves as an outdoor educational site for the surrounding communities. In late October, the trail officially opened its Outdoor Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Classroom and dedicated it to outgoing U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, III, for his shared passion for advancing and expanding access to education to create opportunity, unlock potential, and drive prosperity in West Virginia.

Chemours has pledged to invest $50 million by 2030 in safety and sustainability programs in communities near its sites and to broaden access to STEM education as part of its Corporate Responsibility Commitment goals. With roots in the community going back more than 75 years, the building of this outdoor classroom is Washington Work’s latest investment in the local area and offers a safe place for community members and students to learn more about STEM and the environment.

Initially established in 1992, employee and retiree volunteers host school, Boy Scouts of America, local garden, and bird-watching groups each year for guided education and work projects. The Washington Works integrated approach to managing and enhancing the trail includes creating and maintaining various wildlife habitats on the manufacturing site and adjacent land. The program directly supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, offers 2.72 miles of networked nature trails, and learning programs geared to all ages.

In 2022, the Washington Works nature trail achieved Certified Gold status by the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC)—the highest level of certification—while five additional Chemours sites have also received certification.

Originally published on HBISustains.com

In 2004, Berlei partnered with the Breast Cancer Network of Australia (BCNA) with an aim of raising awareness and support for those diagnosed with breast cancer. For the last few years, every October, the Pink Bra Collection launches, and $10 from each product sold is donated to BCNA to help those impacted.

In 2005, My Care Kits (MCKs) were introduced and distributed. These thoughtfully curated packages include a Berlei post-surgery recovery bra for support during the initial 12 weeks after breast cancer surgery and during radiation, along with soft forms and essential resources to navigate a challenging time.

To date, $15 million has been raised to support those affected by breast cancer, and 220,000 MCKs have been distributed around Australia.

“My Care Kits serve as a stepping stone during a healing journey,” said Demi Ross, brand manager – Berlei Marketing. “This year, we are excited to expand the reach of the MCKs and introduce a new recovery bra design.”

Available in black or nude, these bras are made of soft viscose bamboo, with spacious pockets for soft forms, front and back closures for easy dressing, and a flexible band that accommodates any dressings or tubes around the surgery area.

At HanesBrands, we are contributing to improving the lives of at least 10 million people by 2030. Read more about our sustainability goals.

Nonprofits are tackling a variety of critical issues like female empowerment, mental health, and wealth building for underserved groups. But scaling impactful programs remains a challenge. In 2024, 71% of nonprofits have seen an increase in demand for their programs and services, while 42% report a lack of adequate finances or resources.

To address these challenges, Truist Foundation recently donated $4 million in grants to 11 nonprofits across the country that are using innovative programs to create career pathways and support small businesses in underserved communities. This concentrated impact aligns with the Foundation’s strategic pillars: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses.

“Proximity to a community’s challenges is a leading indicator of whether the proposed solutions are relevant, effective, and sustainable,” says Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. “We’ve found that nonprofits often best understand the communities they’re operating in, and by partnering together, Truist Foundation can have a more meaningful impact.”

Empowering Communities: Pilot programs for emerging solutions

Truist Foundation’s funding is helping organizations launch pilot programs designed to test innovative solutions in their respective communities. One standout example is Project Equity, which focuses on transitioning businesses to employee-owned companies in Atlanta, Birmingham, and Miami. Doing so provides wealth-building opportunities for low- and moderate-income workers, including in communities of color.

Project Equity uses detailed data analysis to identify regions with a high density of low- and moderate-income workers and legacy businesses. This analysis guides their outreach and engagement strategies, ensuring they effectively target the communities that can most benefit by transitioning to employee ownership.

“Our data analysis helps us understand the unique characteristics of each region, allowing us to tailor our messaging and build awareness effectively,” says Evan Edwards, chief executive officer of Project Equity. “Truist’s funding has been crucial in broadening and deepening our awareness-raising efforts and developing partnerships in key regions.”

In Miami, for example, Edwards discovered that using terms like “co-ops” wasn’t effective due to cultural perspectives of many local residents. Truist’s funding helped Project Equity adjust their language to better connect with the local community.

Expanding Impact: Scaling existing nonprofit programs

Truist Foundation is also committed to scaling existing programs to expand their reach and impact.

For example, LiftFund provides affordable small business loans and technical assistance to underserved communities. This approach not only gives small business owners access to capital—it also equips them with the tools needed to manage their finances effectively and sustain growth through one-on-one business counseling, workshops, and webinars.

“Truist Foundation’s grant helps us enhance our capabilities and our capacity in a couple of different ways,” says Amy Hereford, chief executive officer at LiftFund. “The grant is used for our Dream Makers Fund, a revolving business loan fund, which allows us to offer lower interest rate loans, and supports educational programs and community outreach in Florida.”

So far, Truist Foundation’s funding has helped five businesses, including a pressure washing business and a carpentry business. The pressure washing business received a 0% interest loan to purchase a truck and trailer, allowing the owner to begin work and plan for future expansion. The carpentry business also received a 0% interest loan to purchase additional equipment and hire more help as the business grows.

The grant funding also helps LiftFund engage with community partners to amplify impact. By collaborating with local chambers of commerce, development groups, and other nonprofits, LiftFund can broaden its reach and support more small businesses.

By helping organizations launch and scale programs, Truist Foundation is empowering nonprofits to create lasting change in communities nationwide.

Learn more about how Truist Foundation is helping nonprofits expand their work.

Read the full press release: Truist Foundation fills gap, distributes grants to pilot and scale nonprofit solutions nationwide

Originally published on GoDaddy

TEMPE, Ariz., November 4, 2024 /3BL/ — For years, word-of-mouth has played a critical role in the marketing success of small businesses. New data from GoDaddy suggests that recommendations from friends, family and co-workers are being replaced by influencers in terms of importance to younger consumers.

The GoDaddy survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers in September shows that while both Gen Z and Millennial customers are starting to behave differently than traditional shoppers, that doesn’t mean they are trending in the same direction.

Approximately 4 in 10 Gen Z consumers (41%) trust a product or service posted by an influencer over an ad from a business, whereas nearly 5 in 10 Millennials (46%) trust an ad from a business more.

Among both generations, when asked the likelihood of buying an item from a post on social media, posts from friends ranked low on the list.

Gen Z is more likely to buy something an influencer recommends, with friends coming in last.

An influencer’s post (57%)A post from a business I follow (54%)An ad in my feed (49%)A friend’s post (40%)

Millennials are more influenced by the businesses they choose to follow, with influencers and friends holding the least weight.

A post from a business I follow (57%)An ad in my feed (51%)A friend’s post (48%)An influencer’s post (44%)

“Knowing that Gen Z consumers trust social media ads more than recommendations from friends is a game-changer if this is your target audience,” said Alycia Leno, director of marketing at GoDaddy. “Insights into how each generation shops, especially on social media, will empower small businesses to rethink their strategies and using the right tools will maximize their businesses social media marketing.”

Even though Gen Z and Millennial shoppers may differ in who they trust while scrolling through feeds, they still see the value social media and social ads offer.

Most Gen Z (55%) and Millennial (47%) consumers regularly rely on social media to discover new products every, or nearly every time.More than half of Gen Z (53%) and Millennial (57%) customers are served an ad that results in them taking action at least every week.Nearly 3 in 10 Gen Z (28%) and Millennial (32%) consumers find social media ads helpful to learn about new products and/or businesses.

These findings show that small business owners need a good grasp of their audience, or they risk wasting time and spending money unnecessarily. By understanding how each generation prefers to shop on social media, entrepreneurs can target customers more directly and see better results faster.

Entrepreneurs can lean on online tools to maximize every social media post and ad. Digital Marketing from GoDaddy leverages the intuitive features of GoDaddy Airo™ and GoDaddy Studio to create custom AI-generated content, schedule social media posts, create digital ads, access helpful analytics and more. These cost-effective tools are readily available to small businesses of any size, with any budget, to help attract new customers and increase sales.

To learn more about GoDaddy and its products, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

About GoDaddy 
GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY) helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers, sell their products and services, and accept payments online and in-person. GoDaddy’s easy-to-use tools help microbusiness owners manage everything in one place and its expert guides are available to provide assistance 24/7. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

by Woody Tasch of Slow Money

I begin with a question: Why, when it comes to our own money, do we keep acting as if global capital markets and institutional investment products are all there is? Why do keep thinking that fiscal prudence is synonymous with giving almost all our money to people we don’t know very well, for them to invest in things they often don’t understand very well, in places half-way around the world that are virtually invisible to us?

For the past 15 years, I’ve been steward of an unusual process of public experimentation, collaboration and shared learning. Under the loose banner of the ‘slow money’ movement, $100 million has flowed to over 1000 small, diversified organic farms and local food businesses via volunteer-led activities in dozens of communities. In this fertile field, seeds of a replicable, local 0% lending model have sprouted. There are now five “SOIL” groups (Slow Opportunities for Investing Locally) in the U.S. and one in Israel, using donated capital to make 0% loans, to the tune of over $4 million in aggregate to some 150 farms and food businesses.

The beauty of this model is that it not only solves a bunch of securities hurdles and enables grassroots participation, but also creates permanently recirculating, slowly growing pools of community-controlled capital. We are learning that social capital has real value. Collective intelligence, applied locally and directly, can be put to work in ways that are tangible and remarkably productive.

Read Woody’s thought-provoking and practical Impact Investing article here – https://greenmoney.com/impact-investing-and-deep-intention

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