Tag: 3BL

CHARLOTTE, N.C., November 1, 2024 /3BL/ – With the resources of local, state and federal emergency responders stretched thin during catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene, businesses played a critical response in delivering aid to impacted communities.

Leaders from North Carolina companies will discuss their disaster response and performance on related sustainability and social impact programs during 3BL Network Effect: Charlotte, Dec. 11 at Truist Center. The event is free; registration is required.

The half-day program, the eighth such regional event from 3BL, is open to those working in corporate social responsibility, sustainability, social impact, communications, marketing and investor relations roles at companies, agencies and nonprofits. Breakfast will be provided.

“Charlotte companies generously used their vast resources to play a vital role when deadly flooding hit the region in September and October,” said Dave Armon, 3BL vice chair and host of Network Effect: Charlotte. “We’re excited to learn how careful disaster planning combined with innovation and capable leadership to deliver important services to communities ravaged and isolated by floodwaters. We will delve into the strategic importance of strong sustainability and social impact programs, with a dozen local business leaders discussing their careers, current roles, challenges and opportunities.”

Among the organizations participating in 3BL Network Effect: Charlotte are Albemarle, Compass Group, Duke Energy, Ideas on Purpose, Mower, NASCAR, Nucor, Trane Technologies, Trips for Kids Charlotte and Truist.

In addition to panel discussions, fireside chats and research revealing consumer sentiments about sustainability, the event is designed so practitioners from Carolina companies, nonprofits and NGOs can explore opportunities to partner for more impact.

Here’s a sneak peak of what awaits on our agenda:

Size of the Prize: The Billion-Dollar Impact of Growing Consumer Demand 
Dave Armon, Vice Chairman, 3BL 
There’s growing pressure on businesses to prioritize sustainability, but how much of an impact does it have? Are consumers actually switching brands for sustainability reasons? The answer is yes, and the impact of sustainability-driven brand switching totals $44 billion across 12 U.S. industries. We’ll share new research.

Evolution of ESG Strategy and Reporting Practices 
Meredith Bandy, Vice President of Investor Relations and Sustainability, Albemarle 
Amari Jones Scriven, Manager of Sustainability, Nucor 
Emily Vesling, Director of Sustainability, Trane Technologies 
Michelle Marks, Managing Partner, Ideas on Purpose (moderator) 
B2B and B2C companies of all sizes have been voluntarily reporting on their environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance for years, but mandatory disclosure is fast approaching. This session focuses on how ESG reporting strategy at two Charlotte-based corporations – Albemarle and Nucor – has evolved to meet regulatory requirements while serving a broad set of stakeholders that includes supply chain partners, investors and employees.

Business Leads Hurricane Helene Relief 
Amy Strecker, president, Duke Energy Foundation 
Tori Kaplan, Chief Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Officer, Truist 
Rick Lyke, Executive Vice President, Public Relations & Public Affairs (moderator) 
September’s deadly Hurricane Helene spawned catastrophic flooding and destruction in western North Carolina. This session focuses on the business response to Helene. We will hear from Truist and Duke Energy how advance planning is just as important as the ability to innovate based on immediate needs faced by the communities served by these local companies.

Driving STEM Forward 
Dr. Kendra Cooper, Senior Manager, STEM & Sustainability, NASCAR 
Eric Supil, Executive Director, Trips for Kids Charlotte 
Marcey Stone, Global Corporate Social Responsibility Leader, Honeywell
Luke Johnson, Sustainability, Nucor (moderator) 
Middle school kids are too young to get their driver’s license, but STEM educators are targeting these eager learners to pursue tech careers. That’s good news for employers that need to fill their talent pipeline. This session will also include an introduction to initiatives at NASCAR to inspire through racing, and at the innovative Charlotte nonprofit Trips for Kids, whose valuable lessons about circularity teaches kids how to be safe bicyclists.

Chef of the Board 
Chef Chris Ivens-Brown, Chief Culinary Executive Officer, Compass Group 
Dave Armon, Vice Chair, 3BL (moderator) 
The “G” in ESG is governance. This session features the unlikely journey Chris Ivens-Brown’s career has taken him from the kitchens of London to the U.S. boardroom of the world’s largest food service provider. We will learn about the creation of a rotating position on the Compass North American officer board. Ivens-Brown becomes the first practicing chef to take the high-level position, representing the voice – and palate – of 50,000 culinarians.

Register today at no cost. Breakfast is included.

Today, only half of U.S. states require financial literacy courses in high schools. Truist is helping bridge the gap with Truist Life, Money, and Choices™, a comprehensive financial education program offered free of charge in high schools, colleges, and community organizations.

The program is a scenario-based simulation designed to engage young adults in an exploration of different financial strategies and the impact of their choices.

The new program launched at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School in North Carolina in April 2024. Sharon Manning, a career development counselor in North Carolina’s Wake County Public School System, appreciates the value of this hands-on approach. “Students come in with one set of priorities—like having the nicest car—and shift to their needs,” she says. “They understand that it’s okay to splurge if you have a clear reason and know where you’re going to cut back.”

How Truist Life, Money, and Choices™ works:

Interactive simulation stations: The program features up to 12 learning stations, each representing a critical aspect of personal finance—budgeting, saving, investing, paying for housing, choosing transportation, healthcare costs and coverage, and more. “These stations allow students to actively engage with financial concepts,” Manning says. “They’re able to see firsthand how each decision impacts their overall financial well-being.”Participant profiles: Each student receives a profile that includes information about their job, income, education, and family. “These profiles are realistic and relatable,” Manning says. “Students can view themselves as a police officer, bank teller, or construction worker and help connect the simulation to their real lives. The program also helps build career awareness.”Making financial decisions: Using their profiles, students work alongside Truist facilitators to manage expenses, pick where to live, figure out how they’ll get to and from work or other places with their transportation choices, and determine how they’ll stay healthy. Along the way, students encounter scenarios called Life Happens, in which they address unexpected expenses like cracked phone screens.Debrief: At the end of the experience, participants gather to debrief on key learnings and provide feedback on the simulation. The debrief is accompanied by an overview of budgeting principles they can apply to their own financial decision making. Truist facilitators will also help students connect to additional resources and tools such as Truist Money & Mindset, so they can continue building skills.

Manning cited the involvement of Truist teammate volunteers as a key component of the program’s success. “Students tend to listen to professionals from the industry,” she says. “Truist teammates bring expertise that really engages the students. The volunteers understood their assignment because they work in banking and finance every day.”

Interested in bringing the Truist Life, Money, and Choices™ program to your high school, college, or community organization?

Please contact CRAinitiatives@truist.com

Verizon

Verizon and Wounded Warrior Project® are partnering to support at least 1,000 veterans with upskilling between Veterans Day 2024 and Veterans Day 2025.The partnership leverages Verizon’s free Skill Forward program, a university backed, self-paced education opportunity available for any US resident over 17.Verizon is committed to providing exclusive offers to active military, veterans and their families. Customers can take advantage of Mobile deals, discounts and savings with myPlan starting at just $25/month with 4 lines on Welcome Unlimited, plus 12% off all mobile perks. Customers can also save on Fios Home Internet starting at just $45/month, which can be bundled with the Mobile + Home Discount to unlock even more savings.

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., November 1, 2024 /3BL/ – Verizon and Wounded Warrior Project® are partnering to support at least 1,000 veterans with upskilling between this year’s Veterans Day and next year’s Veterans Day. The partnership leverages Verizon’s free Skill Forward program.

Participants in Verizon Skill Forward can access more than 250 free, credentialed courses through edX from four-year universities and distinguished institutions. Spanning over 80 unique professional certificate programs, users can pursue skills in high growth job fields like AI, business, coding, communication, finance, IT and more. The platform also provides access to tips, industry-specific events, workshops and a job board to support users’ professional development and career transition.

“We are proud and honored to be partnering with Wounded Warrior Project® to help veterans achieve their career dreams. With their resilience and adaptability, veterans are an asset to any organization. Verizon Skill Forward provides veterans – and any US resident 17 years and older – a pathway to in-demand, tech-forward careers, thanks to free, university-credentialed courses,” said Donna Epps, Verizon’s Chief Responsible Business Officer.

“We’re grateful to Verizon for supporting wounded warriors as they build their careers and futures after service,” said Brea Kratzert Todd, WWP vice president of business development. “Verizon’s ongoing commitment to our mission helps us keep our promise to always be there for those who served.”

According to a study from Call of Duty Endowment and ZipRecruiter, 33 percent of veterans are underemployed, despite having foundational skills and potential to thrive in a number of industries. The Verizon Skill Forward program is designed to pave a path to new career opportunities with free, university courses from edX.

Discounts & Savings For Those Who Serve

Verizon is committed to providing exclusive offers to active military, veterans and their families. Customers can take advantage of Mobile deals, discounts and savings with myPlan starting at just $25/month with 4 lines on Welcome Unlimited1.

Customers can also save on Fios Home Internet starting at just $45/month, which can be bundled with the Mobile + Home Discount to unlock even more savings.2

To check your eligibility and learn more about Verizon’s military and veteran community offers, visit verizon.com/military.

1 Plus taxes & fees. Auto Pay and paper-free billing req’d. For personal lines only.

Military discount: For eligible military; approved verification documents read. $10/mo account discount applied to single line; $25/mo account discount applied to 2-3 lines; $20/mo account discount applied to 4+ lines.

Unlimited 5G / 4G LTE: For Unlimited Welcome plan, in times of congestion, your data may be temporarily slower than other traffic. After exceeding 30 GB/mo (for Unlimited Plus plan) or 60 GB/mo (for Unlimited Ultimate plan) of 5G Ultra Wideband, 5G, or 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot data, Mobile Hotspot speeds reduced to up to 3 Mbps when on 5G Ultra Wideband and 600 Kbps when on 5G / 4G LTE for the rest of month. Mobile Hotspot not included on Unlimited Welcome plan. Domestic data roaming at 2G speeds. 5G Ultra Wideband access included with Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Ultimate plans. 5G access requires a 5G capable device.

2 Auto Pay: $10/mo savings available when you sign up for Auto Pay and paper-free billing.

Mobile + Home Discount: Enrollment req’d. For existing postpaid mobile customers with a Verizon mobile plan (excludes prepaid, business and data-only plans) who then add and maintain a Fios Home Internet plan.

Fios 1 Gig and Fios 2 Gig: $25/mo Mobile + Home Discount savings available.

Fios 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps: $15/mo Mobile + Home Discount savings available. General: $99 setup and other terms may apply. Subject to credit approval.

Verizon

Verizon and Wounded Warrior Project® are partnering to support at least 1,000 veterans with upskilling between Veterans Day 2024 and Veterans Day 2025.The partnership leverages Verizon’s free Skill Forward program, a university backed, self-paced education opportunity available for any US resident over 17.Verizon is committed to providing exclusive offers to active military, veterans and their families. Customers can take advantage of Mobile deals, discounts and savings with myPlan starting at just $25/month with 4 lines on Welcome Unlimited, plus 12% off all mobile perks. Customers can also save on Fios Home Internet starting at just $45/month, which can be bundled with the Mobile + Home Discount to unlock even more savings.

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., November 1, 2024 /3BL/ – Verizon and Wounded Warrior Project® are partnering to support at least 1,000 veterans with upskilling between this year’s Veterans Day and next year’s Veterans Day. The partnership leverages Verizon’s free Skill Forward program.

Participants in Verizon Skill Forward can access more than 250 free, credentialed courses through edX from four-year universities and distinguished institutions. Spanning over 80 unique professional certificate programs, users can pursue skills in high growth job fields like AI, business, coding, communication, finance, IT and more. The platform also provides access to tips, industry-specific events, workshops and a job board to support users’ professional development and career transition.

“We are proud and honored to be partnering with Wounded Warrior Project® to help veterans achieve their career dreams. With their resilience and adaptability, veterans are an asset to any organization. Verizon Skill Forward provides veterans – and any US resident 17 years and older – a pathway to in-demand, tech-forward careers, thanks to free, university-credentialed courses,” said Donna Epps, Verizon’s Chief Responsible Business Officer.

“We’re grateful to Verizon for supporting wounded warriors as they build their careers and futures after service,” said Brea Kratzert Todd, WWP vice president of business development. “Verizon’s ongoing commitment to our mission helps us keep our promise to always be there for those who served.”

According to a study from Call of Duty Endowment and ZipRecruiter, 33 percent of veterans are underemployed, despite having foundational skills and potential to thrive in a number of industries. The Verizon Skill Forward program is designed to pave a path to new career opportunities with free, university courses from edX.

Discounts & Savings For Those Who Serve

Verizon is committed to providing exclusive offers to active military, veterans and their families. Customers can take advantage of Mobile deals, discounts and savings with myPlan starting at just $25/month with 4 lines on Welcome Unlimited1.

Customers can also save on Fios Home Internet starting at just $45/month, which can be bundled with the Mobile + Home Discount to unlock even more savings.2

To check your eligibility and learn more about Verizon’s military and veteran community offers, visit verizon.com/military.

1 Plus taxes & fees. Auto Pay and paper-free billing req’d. For personal lines only.

Military discount: For eligible military; approved verification documents read. $10/mo account discount applied to single line; $25/mo account discount applied to 2-3 lines; $20/mo account discount applied to 4+ lines.

Unlimited 5G / 4G LTE: For Unlimited Welcome plan, in times of congestion, your data may be temporarily slower than other traffic. After exceeding 30 GB/mo (for Unlimited Plus plan) or 60 GB/mo (for Unlimited Ultimate plan) of 5G Ultra Wideband, 5G, or 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot data, Mobile Hotspot speeds reduced to up to 3 Mbps when on 5G Ultra Wideband and 600 Kbps when on 5G / 4G LTE for the rest of month. Mobile Hotspot not included on Unlimited Welcome plan. Domestic data roaming at 2G speeds. 5G Ultra Wideband access included with Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Ultimate plans. 5G access requires a 5G capable device.

2 Auto Pay: $10/mo savings available when you sign up for Auto Pay and paper-free billing.

Mobile + Home Discount: Enrollment req’d. For existing postpaid mobile customers with a Verizon mobile plan (excludes prepaid, business and data-only plans) who then add and maintain a Fios Home Internet plan.

Fios 1 Gig and Fios 2 Gig: $25/mo Mobile + Home Discount savings available.

Fios 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps: $15/mo Mobile + Home Discount savings available. General: $99 setup and other terms may apply. Subject to credit approval.

Originally published in Southern Company’s 2023 Sustainability Summary

For more than a century, Southern Company has been building the future of energy and developing a diverse portfolio of energy resources. To accomplish this, we invest heavily in R&D and innovative energy solutions. We lead the U.S. utility industry in the development, funding and demonstration of innovative technologies necessary to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy.

Through collaborative research with the U.S. government, national laboratories, universities, research organizations, other utilities and industry, Southern Company’s R&D team drives energy innovation that will enable customers and communities to thrive as the world changes. Our research is facilitating the transition to a clean energy future by exploring a full spectrum of solutions such as:

Carbon capture, conversion, removal and storageHigh-potential advanced nuclear technologiesHydrogen and renewable natural gasEnergy storageEnhanced natural gas and electric grid resiliency, reliability and flexibilityCustomer end-use innovations like Smart Neighborhoods®Low-carbon transportation

Deployment of new and existing technologies requires a comprehensive evaluation of many factors, including affordability, reliability, resource availability and impacts. Southern Company is partnering with EPRI to conduct an analysis of potential environmental factors associated with new technologies, including emissions, land use, water demand and waste generation. The project, launched in April 2023, aims to provide information to aid in decision making and generation planning, inform R&D efforts focused on environmental stewardship and contribute new insights to support the broader industry’s efforts to decarbonize.

We also invest in early-stage energy technology companies and solutions through entities such as our New Ventures organization and Energy Impact Partners.

Supporting Our Customers’ Decarbonization Efforts

In addition to pursuing R&D concepts that support our business, we offer a variety of products, programs and services to meet the needs of our customers. An important objective for many of our residential, commercial and industrial customers is decarbonizing their own footprint. Through energy efficiency programs, energy audits, alternative fuel vehicle programs and innovative partnerships and investments, we support customers by providing a range of solutions.

Learn More

Spotlight: Energy Impact Partners

Southern Company is a founding partner of Energy Impact Partners (EIP), a utility-backed venture capital fund managing over $4 billion in assets. We leverage EIP to identify emerging trends and startups advancing technologies and business models in the energy sector. Our investment fosters collaboration with industry peers to discover solutions that enhance our operations and meet our customers’ evolving energy needs.

Southern Company is recognized as the most engaged limited partner, based on the number of engagements and solutions deployed. This recognition underscores our commitment to exploring solutions that provide emission reductions, greater operational efficiencies and enhanced customer engagement.

The key to driving impact with innovative solutions lies in engagement, collaboration and action. In 2023 we had:

500+ employees engaged in EIP events and reviews, fostering innovation within our team.50+ engagements with other limited partners, gaining valuable industry insights35 innovative solutions introduced or leveraged across the Southern Company system from EIP’s portfolio companies.

New pilots allow us to quickly test and implement innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future.

Advancing Innovative Solutions

Southern Company actively engages with startups focused on the energy transition through investments in venture capital. These investments and engagements provide additional avenues to identify solutions to meet evolving customer expectations.

Our venture capital partner network includes nearly half of the North American investor-owned utility sector and dozens of other global corporate partners leading the energy transition. Our venture capital investments help facilitate collaborations between novel startups and corporate partners in support of accelerating innovation.

From AI-enabled technologies to improve operations and safety to novel long-duration energy storage, we are committed to advancing solutions that support delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to customers.

Form Energy specializes in grid-scale energy storage and is developing a 15 MW iron-air battery for Georgia Power. This battery provides a 100-hour dispatch long-duration energy storage system. The project is part of Georgia Power’s plan to deploy clean energy systems for grid reliability and resiliency. The collaboration aims to strengthen the local grid against daily, weekly, and seasonal weather variability, as well as extreme weather events.Urbint’s AI-assisted technology helps predict threats to workers, communities, critical infrastructure and the environment, and helps stop accidents before they happen. Urbint technology has been successfully applied to identify the risk of leaks or third-party damages to underground utilities. Southern Company Gas worked with Urbint to develop a damage prevention solution first deployed at Nicor Gas and later expanded throughout the enterprise. By taking preemptive actions, Nicor Gas was able to increase the efficiency of their current damage prevention team and drive down excavation damages. Georgia Power has also worked with Urbint to pilot a “smart” electronic job safety briefing to assist field crews with hazard analysis.

Learn more

Accelerating the Southeast Cleantech Ecosystem

Georgia Power’s collaboration with ENGAGE, a venture capital entity, has been instrumental in scaling startups by connecting them with corporate partners and aiding in the development of comprehensive commercialization strategies. The Georgia Power Foundation has invested $4.5 million since 2017, fostering growth and expansion.

Techstars, supported by Alabama Power, has helped accelerate the growth of early-stage startups, with a focus on clean technologies. The program’s success is evident in the accelerated development of companies and the positive influence on the region’s entrepreneurial financing activity.

“At Southern Company, our dedication to innovation is deeply embedded in our mission to pioneer transformative solutions for a sustainable energy future. As customer expectations evolve, we recognize the invaluable role of emerging clean tech companies such as those affiliated with Energy Impact Partners in helping us explore new avenues for sustainability—both for our customers and within our own operations.”

– Hank Adams, Senior Vice President of Customer Solutions, Southern Company

Read more

Originally published in Southern Company’s 2023 Sustainability Summary

For more than a century, Southern Company has been building the future of energy and developing a diverse portfolio of energy resources. To accomplish this, we invest heavily in R&D and innovative energy solutions. We lead the U.S. utility industry in the development, funding and demonstration of innovative technologies necessary to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy.

Through collaborative research with the U.S. government, national laboratories, universities, research organizations, other utilities and industry, Southern Company’s R&D team drives energy innovation that will enable customers and communities to thrive as the world changes. Our research is facilitating the transition to a clean energy future by exploring a full spectrum of solutions such as:

Carbon capture, conversion, removal and storageHigh-potential advanced nuclear technologiesHydrogen and renewable natural gasEnergy storageEnhanced natural gas and electric grid resiliency, reliability and flexibilityCustomer end-use innovations like Smart Neighborhoods®Low-carbon transportation

Deployment of new and existing technologies requires a comprehensive evaluation of many factors, including affordability, reliability, resource availability and impacts. Southern Company is partnering with EPRI to conduct an analysis of potential environmental factors associated with new technologies, including emissions, land use, water demand and waste generation. The project, launched in April 2023, aims to provide information to aid in decision making and generation planning, inform R&D efforts focused on environmental stewardship and contribute new insights to support the broader industry’s efforts to decarbonize.

We also invest in early-stage energy technology companies and solutions through entities such as our New Ventures organization and Energy Impact Partners.

Supporting Our Customers’ Decarbonization Efforts

In addition to pursuing R&D concepts that support our business, we offer a variety of products, programs and services to meet the needs of our customers. An important objective for many of our residential, commercial and industrial customers is decarbonizing their own footprint. Through energy efficiency programs, energy audits, alternative fuel vehicle programs and innovative partnerships and investments, we support customers by providing a range of solutions.

Learn More

Spotlight: Energy Impact Partners

Southern Company is a founding partner of Energy Impact Partners (EIP), a utility-backed venture capital fund managing over $4 billion in assets. We leverage EIP to identify emerging trends and startups advancing technologies and business models in the energy sector. Our investment fosters collaboration with industry peers to discover solutions that enhance our operations and meet our customers’ evolving energy needs.

Southern Company is recognized as the most engaged limited partner, based on the number of engagements and solutions deployed. This recognition underscores our commitment to exploring solutions that provide emission reductions, greater operational efficiencies and enhanced customer engagement.

The key to driving impact with innovative solutions lies in engagement, collaboration and action. In 2023 we had:

500+ employees engaged in EIP events and reviews, fostering innovation within our team.50+ engagements with other limited partners, gaining valuable industry insights35 innovative solutions introduced or leveraged across the Southern Company system from EIP’s portfolio companies.

New pilots allow us to quickly test and implement innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future.

Advancing Innovative Solutions

Southern Company actively engages with startups focused on the energy transition through investments in venture capital. These investments and engagements provide additional avenues to identify solutions to meet evolving customer expectations.

Our venture capital partner network includes nearly half of the North American investor-owned utility sector and dozens of other global corporate partners leading the energy transition. Our venture capital investments help facilitate collaborations between novel startups and corporate partners in support of accelerating innovation.

From AI-enabled technologies to improve operations and safety to novel long-duration energy storage, we are committed to advancing solutions that support delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to customers.

Form Energy specializes in grid-scale energy storage and is developing a 15 MW iron-air battery for Georgia Power. This battery provides a 100-hour dispatch long-duration energy storage system. The project is part of Georgia Power’s plan to deploy clean energy systems for grid reliability and resiliency. The collaboration aims to strengthen the local grid against daily, weekly, and seasonal weather variability, as well as extreme weather events.Urbint’s AI-assisted technology helps predict threats to workers, communities, critical infrastructure and the environment, and helps stop accidents before they happen. Urbint technology has been successfully applied to identify the risk of leaks or third-party damages to underground utilities. Southern Company Gas worked with Urbint to develop a damage prevention solution first deployed at Nicor Gas and later expanded throughout the enterprise. By taking preemptive actions, Nicor Gas was able to increase the efficiency of their current damage prevention team and drive down excavation damages. Georgia Power has also worked with Urbint to pilot a “smart” electronic job safety briefing to assist field crews with hazard analysis.

Learn more

Accelerating the Southeast Cleantech Ecosystem

Georgia Power’s collaboration with ENGAGE, a venture capital entity, has been instrumental in scaling startups by connecting them with corporate partners and aiding in the development of comprehensive commercialization strategies. The Georgia Power Foundation has invested $4.5 million since 2017, fostering growth and expansion.

Techstars, supported by Alabama Power, has helped accelerate the growth of early-stage startups, with a focus on clean technologies. The program’s success is evident in the accelerated development of companies and the positive influence on the region’s entrepreneurial financing activity.

“At Southern Company, our dedication to innovation is deeply embedded in our mission to pioneer transformative solutions for a sustainable energy future. As customer expectations evolve, we recognize the invaluable role of emerging clean tech companies such as those affiliated with Energy Impact Partners in helping us explore new avenues for sustainability—both for our customers and within our own operations.”

– Hank Adams, Senior Vice President of Customer Solutions, Southern Company

Read more

By Evelyn Mitchell

Reading a work email. Navigating corridors between meetings. Walking to and from your vehicle. Most of us give little thought to these basic building blocks of a workday. However, for people with disabilities, these activities can present unique daily challenges.

On Oct. 8, Regions Bank associates in Birmingham, Ala. learned more about the experiences of people with disabilities when the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services brought their “Try on a Disability” experience to the Regions Operations Center. Created by the Alabama Legislature in 1994, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) is the state agency that serves Alabamians with disabilities.

Using some special equipment and props, trained facilitators guided associates in a simulation of disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, blindness, and cognitive impairments or learning disabilities. Associates were given tasks to perform while trying on each disability. Afterwards, a facilitated discussion helped attendees to better understand each disability and to learn how to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

I had a great experience at the event and afterwards, I was not only physically, but mentally exhausted.

Juna Givhan, Regions Human Resources associate

For Human Resources associate Juna Givhan, the simulations stuck with her, even after the event.

“I had a great experience at the event and afterwards, I was not only physically, but mentally exhausted. After work I went to the gym and couldn’t stop talking about the experience. Specifically with the dyslexia simulation, my trainer shared that as a person with dyslexia, my description of the limitations I experienced during the simulation was very close to some of the limitations he experiences on a daily basis. It was both humbling and eye opening.”

Kimberlee Harkins, a Business Relations Consultant with Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, helped facilitate the simulation exercise. In her experience, the biggest takeaways for participants are empathy and awareness.

It’s an eye-opening experience to try on different disabilities and literally walk in somebody else’s shoes.

Kimberlee Harkins, Business Relations Consultant with Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

“It’s an eye-opening experience to try on different disabilities and literally walk in somebody else’s shoes … to be able to see what your coworkers with disabilities may go through,” explained Harkins. “The most common reaction to going through the blind simulation is, it’s scary. You know that you are about to put on this blindfold, you know that you’re about to use this cane, you know that you are about to have this guide helping you, but when you put on the blindfold and it is just completely dark it is a really scary experience. It makes you not take for granted your sight, your ability to see your kids, your ability to see the sunshine.”

The event was organized by Regions’ Birmingham Diversity Equity & Inclusion Network in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Observed every October, it’s a time to recognize the contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. At Regions, this observance is another opportunity to strengthen our culture, offer support and gain a better understanding.

Regions is a Best Place to Work

For four years in a row, Regions has been named a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion,” and named to the 2024 Disability Equality Index®. The Disability Equality Index is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN.

Supporting Customers

In 2024, Regions introduced MagnusCards®. Designed for people who are neurodivergent, and/or on the autism spectrum, this solution provides easy-to-follow, step-by-step audio and visual guidance for everyday banking needs. This is one of many examples of how Regions is dedicated to inclusivity and accessibility for customers, providing accessible products and services both in person and online.

Did You Know?

The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.”

In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities, both visible and invisible. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Send an ecard to recognize and celebrate.

Recommended Reading

Helping Neurodivergent Customers Gain More Financial ConfidenceHappy Birthday, ADA! – The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law 33 years ago.Making Golf Accessible to All – A golf clinic for participants of United Ability spread the love of golf to all at the 2023 Regions Tradition.Regions Bank Helps Children With Disabilities Take Flight – Regions collaborated with a Birmingham agency and Southwest Airlines to provide a “rehearsal” trip for young travelers.

https://imgix.doingmoretoday.com/app/uploads/2024/10/23163717/USDisabilityEmploymentInfographic508.pdf 

Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

The Clorox Change Makers initiative spotlights people who actively celebrate diversity, promote inclusion and practice allyship, making a positive impact on our business and culture.

In this installment, we focus on Amin El-Hajj, a sales manager based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Amin was nominated by Vinay Tejwani, an associate sales manager on his team. We spoke with them to learn more about what Amin’s allyship looks like in action.

Why did you nominate Amin as a Change Maker? What makes him an ally?

Vinay: I nominated Amin as a Changemaker for his outstanding allyship and inclusivity on our mostly Arabic-speaking team. Amin consistently ensures I’m included in discussions and advocates for my language needs. His courage to speak up, even in front of senior leaders, reflects his commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere. His action makes me feel valued and promotes a culture of respect and collaboration, truly making him an ally.

How has Amin’s allyship made an impact for you and others at Clorox?

Vinay: Amin’s allyship has greatly improved my experience at Clorox by creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. His support fosters open communication, helping those with language barriers participate fully. This enhances my contribution and overall work experience while inspiring others to embrace diversity and strengthen their team dynamic.

What does IDEA, and specifically allyship, mean to you?

Amin: For me, IDEA is about creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their own unique perspective. Allyship is at the heart of this, and it means actively supporting and standing up for others, especially those who may not feel encouraged to speak up. It’s about being aware of the challenges faced by the people around us and using our own voice and influence to amplify theirs.

What tips do you have for others to put allyship into action in their day-to-day lives?

Amin: It is important to be intentional while we’re putting allyship into action. It starts by listening to other stories and experiences, being their voice that advocates fairness if we witness an act of exclusion while creating a space where everyone feels safe and welcomed. And always remember, small acts of kindness can have lasting impacts.

To live our purpose and values, we must build a workplace where every person can feel respected and valued, and fully able to participate in our Clorox community. We aim to lead by example, at every level within the company, and to continually challenge ourselves to do better.  Learn more about our inclusion and diversity efforts here.

PORCARI (LU), Italy, November 01, 2024 /3BL/ – Sofidel, a global leading manufacturer of paper for hygienic and household use, known particularly in Italy and Europe for its Regina brand, has finalized the acquisition of the tissue division of Clearwater Paper Corporation (“CLW Tissue”).

The agreement had been announced last July 22. All regulatory approvals have been obtained.

The transaction, the largest carried out in the Group’s history, represents a strategic step in Sofidel’s journey. Thanks to the acquisition of four production plants – Shelby (North Carolina), Lewiston (Idaho), Las Vegas (Nevada) and Elwood (Illinois) – and the integration of about 1,700 employees, Sofidel increases its production capacity by 25% (340,000 metric tons per year), expands its commercial offerings (two out of the six paper mill machines acquired are TAD – Through Air Drying machines, a technology widely used in the United States, particularly in the kitchen towel segment), and optimizes its geographic coverage.

“This transaction makes Sofidel the fourth largest tissue paper manufacturer in North America, and strengthens its leadership in the Private Label sector, a market that is growing further. A step that brings the goal of having equivalent revenues on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean much closer. A crucial acquisition for the future of Sofidel as a whole”, said Luigi Lazzareschi, Sofidel CEO.

“Today marks the completion of the largest acquisition in our Group’s history, a goal we have envisioned for years. We can proudly say that we were ready to seize the opportunity when it arose”, said Edilio Stefani, Sofidel Chairman.

Meanwhile, Sofidel is pursuing other consolidation and development plans in the North American market. It is doing so at the Circleville (Ohio) plant, where it is working on increasing paper mill capacity by 50%, and at the Duluth (Minnesota) plant, which will be equipped with converting lines and a new automated warehouse.

Sofidel Group  
The Sofidel Group, headquartered in Porcari (Lucca, Italy), is one of the leading manufacturers of paper for hygienic and household use worldwide. Established in 1966, the Group is active in 13 countries, 12 in Europe and the United States (11 States), with over 8,500 employees and a production capacity of 1,850,000 metric tons per year (these numbers also include the acquisition of ST Paper and CLW Tissue in 2024. In 2023, the Group had net sales of 3,129 million Euros (2023). “Regina”, its most well-known brand, is present on almost all the reference markets. Other brands include: Sopalin, Le Trèfle, Hakle, Softis, Nalys, Cosynel, KittenSoft, Nicky and Papernet. Sofidel is committed to reaching Net-Zero carbon emissions by the end of 2050.

www.sofidel.com

PORCARI (LU), Italy, November 01, 2024 /3BL/ – Sofidel, a global leading manufacturer of paper for hygienic and household use, known particularly in Italy and Europe for its Regina brand, has finalized the acquisition of the tissue division of Clearwater Paper Corporation (“CLW Tissue”).

The agreement had been announced last July 22. All regulatory approvals have been obtained.

The transaction, the largest carried out in the Group’s history, represents a strategic step in Sofidel’s journey. Thanks to the acquisition of four production plants – Shelby (North Carolina), Lewiston (Idaho), Las Vegas (Nevada) and Elwood (Illinois) – and the integration of about 1,700 employees, Sofidel increases its production capacity by 25% (340,000 metric tons per year), expands its commercial offerings (two out of the six paper mill machines acquired are TAD – Through Air Drying machines, a technology widely used in the United States, particularly in the kitchen towel segment), and optimizes its geographic coverage.

“This transaction makes Sofidel the fourth largest tissue paper manufacturer in North America, and strengthens its leadership in the Private Label sector, a market that is growing further. A step that brings the goal of having equivalent revenues on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean much closer. A crucial acquisition for the future of Sofidel as a whole”, said Luigi Lazzareschi, Sofidel CEO.

“Today marks the completion of the largest acquisition in our Group’s history, a goal we have envisioned for years. We can proudly say that we were ready to seize the opportunity when it arose”, said Edilio Stefani, Sofidel Chairman.

Meanwhile, Sofidel is pursuing other consolidation and development plans in the North American market. It is doing so at the Circleville (Ohio) plant, where it is working on increasing paper mill capacity by 50%, and at the Duluth (Minnesota) plant, which will be equipped with converting lines and a new automated warehouse.

Sofidel Group  
The Sofidel Group, headquartered in Porcari (Lucca, Italy), is one of the leading manufacturers of paper for hygienic and household use worldwide. Established in 1966, the Group is active in 13 countries, 12 in Europe and the United States (11 States), with over 8,500 employees and a production capacity of 1,850,000 metric tons per year (these numbers also include the acquisition of ST Paper and CLW Tissue in 2024. In 2023, the Group had net sales of 3,129 million Euros (2023). “Regina”, its most well-known brand, is present on almost all the reference markets. Other brands include: Sopalin, Le Trèfle, Hakle, Softis, Nalys, Cosynel, KittenSoft, Nicky and Papernet. Sofidel is committed to reaching Net-Zero carbon emissions by the end of 2050.

www.sofidel.com