Tag: 3BL

CINCINNATI, October 30, 2024 /3BL/ – Fifth Third Bank has partnered with Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) to launch the Small Business Catalyst Fund, a $7.85M investment that will empower small businesses across Fifth Third’s 11-state footprint to grow and create jobs in their communities and build a more equitable small business ecosystem.

“Small businesses form the foundation of our communities – and when they succeed, we all succeed,” said Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer for Fifth Third. “We are proud to launch this new fund to help expand access to capital for more small businesses across the communities we serve.”

A partnership between CRF and Fifth Third Bank, the Small Business Catalyst Fund connects small business owners to potential capital options offered by trusted Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). The program will utilize an innovative funding model that combines grants, micro loans and small business loans.

Guided by the local communities they serve, CDFIs are mission-driven community lenders and resource providers that often work with entrepreneurs who have historically faced roadblocks along their journey to secure capital and other resources.

“Despite the access to capital barriers faced by small businesses, they contribute to the success and vibrancy of communities across the country,” said Alexis Dishman, SVP & Small Business Lending Officer for CRF. “In collaboration with Fifth Third Bank and our CDFI partners, CRF aims to improve access to capital and accelerate small business momentum through the creation of this innovative fund.”

The Small Business Catalyst Fund will provide an alternative to help small and micro business owners obtain working capital when traditional lending is not an option. The fund will provide grants, micro loans and small business loans ranging from $5,000 to $750,000 to small businesses at various stages of maturity.

Funders include the Fifth Third Foundation, the Fifth Third Bank Community Development Corporation, and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. CRF will administer grants and small business loans and work alongside two local CDFI partners who focus on microloans and technical assistance: Ohio-based Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI), and New York-based Ascendus.

Fifth Third has a proven track record of success in community development through its neighborhood program, which creates and implements innovative place-based strategies to effect positive change in nine historically disinvested neighborhoods across the Bank’s 11-state footprint.

The program is pioneering a new way to do community development by partnering with local organizations to build ecosystems that drive real change through both financial and social investments. This collective ecosystem approach is focused on identifying solutions to key challenges in partnership with the community, with the goal of creating lasting, transformative change. More than $13.5 million in small business lending has been delivered by Fifth Third through the neighborhood program since 2021.

For more information about the Small Business Catalyst Fund or to apply, please visit www.SmallBusinessCatalystFund.com.

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About the Fifth Third Foundation 
Established in 1948, the Fifth Third Foundation was one of the first charitable foundations created by a financial institution. The Fifth Third Foundation supports worthy causes in the areas of health and human services, education, community development and the arts in the states where Fifth Third Bank operates.

About Fifth Third 
Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

About Community Reinvestment Fund, USA 
Founded in 1988, Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) is a national non-profit organization with a mission to improve lives and strengthen communities through innovative financial solutions. A leading Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), CRF supports mission-driven organizations, increases economic mobility, and builds strong local economies through the development of solutions aimed at creating an equitable financial system. CRF has injected more than $3.6 billion to stimulate job creation and economic development and support community facilities. To learn more about CRF, visit www.crfusa.com.

CONTACT

Amanda Nageleisen (Media Relations) 
amanda.nageleisen@53.com

Matt Curoe (Investor Relations) 
matt.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345

Tim Rosolio

Travel unites people across cultures, fostering a global sense of community. Yet systemic barriers and discriminatory practices continue to tarnish these experiences for many underserved travelers. As the percentage of underrepresented populations continues to grow, embracing inclusivity is more than just a moral imperative — it’s essential for conducting business.

The Journeys for All: An Expedia Group Study on Inclusion in Travel report offers insight into the experiences and challenges faced by travelers from underrepresented communities, including Black, Latino, and LGBTQIA+ individuals and those with disabilities, revealing that two in five (40%) underserved travelers feel limited by their identity when selecting destinations or activities.*

Read on for inclusive travel insights and proactive steps you can take as a vacation rental host to create more welcoming experiences for all guests and drive success for your business.

Inclusion fuels business growth

Underserved travelers currently make up a large share of the global travel market. And by 2040, the underserved population in the United States is projected to grow significantly,** showing that these underrepresented communities will continue to increase both in size and buying power. The travel industry is not keeping pace with this growth, and it’s affecting the experiences of underserved travelers.

This gap, however, presents a valuable opportunity for vacation rental hosts. By proactively embracing inclusive travel practices, you can better meet the needs of marginalized travelers and drive success for your business. Creating a more welcoming experience for guests will allow you to tap into this expanding market, build loyalty, and help you stand out as a host to a diverse set of travelers. The result: Improved guest experiences, repeat bookings, and a solid foundation for long-term business growth.

Alleviate concerns during the research and booking process

While both the general population and underserved travelers spend an average of nine hours on travel research and planning, the latter spend, on average, an additional five hours ensuring their destinations and accommodations are not only appealing but also safe and welcoming to all.

Underrepresented populations place more importance and trust in the travel experiences of those who come from similar backgrounds than the general population, looking for reviews and recommendations from those who share their identity. Access to relatable and relevant content is critical when it comes to making travel decisions; this includes reviews and language options, as well as search features like advanced accessibility filters.

Trusted sources during trip planning

Underserved travelers value reviews and recommendations from individuals who share their identity.

61% of Black and Latino travelers prioritize reviews from people with similar backgrounds.

55% of LGBTQIA+ travelers consider it important to receive reviews and recommendations from those who share their identity.

46% of travelers with disabilities seek out reviews and recommendations from people in their community.

ACTIONABLE TIPS

Help underserved travelers feel more confident booking with you

Make sure your property appears in advanced filters for accessibility features so guests can quickly identify your property based on their needs and preferences.Offer multiple language options to help travelers navigate your listing.Actively solicit reviews from your past guests to feature a diverse range of traveler experiences.

Eliminate potential biases from the booking process by turning on Instant Booking, which automatically approves booking requests upon receipt. Read this blog post to learn more about how Instant Booking works.

Set up Instant Booking

Outfit your property to welcome all travelers

More than half (52%) of underserved travelers say their identity impacts where they stay. For many of these travelers, it’s more than simply finding a comfortable home, but finding a property where their identity will be respected and their unique needs acknowledged.

ACTIONABLE TIPS

Ensure all guests feel welcome and accommodated at your property

Offer and maintain accessibility features on your property — installing ramps, handrails in showers, and other adaptive features to accommodate guests with disabilities and encourage them to book your property.Welcome service animals for guests who rely on their animal companions for support during their stay.Consider offering a thoughtfully curated welcome guide that highlights local attractions, restaurants, and activities that cater to a diverse range of interests and identities, allowing guests to explore the area with confidence.

Create a welcome guide

Actively promote diversity and inclusion to connect with underserved travelers 

For underserved travelers, their identities can tangibly impact their travel choices. Underserved travelers prefer to book with businesses that champion diversity and inclusion.

71% of underserved travelers state a preference for brands that support diversity and inclusion initiatives, compared to 62% of the general population.

ACTIONABLE TIPS

Consistently show your commitment to diversity across all consumer touchpoints

All Vrbo hosts should familiarize themselves with our guidelines on discrimination, harassment, and inclusion, which are the foundation for fostering a fair and welcoming marketplace for all guests.

It’s also important to examine every consumer touchpoint of your vacation rental business — such as your property listings, amenities, and accessibility features— and ensure they consistently reflect your commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Look closely at the words used across all your listings and marketing materials — is your language inclusive, welcoming, and respectful? When mentioning accessible features, make sure to use positive language rather than descriptions that emphasize limitations. For example, instead of saying your property features “toilets for the disabled,” you can say you offer “accessible toilets.”

Thoughtful adjustments like this can go a long way with underrepresented travelers and show that you’re committed to creating an inclusive environment for guests.

Update property listing

Research & Insights

Dive deeper into the data

Learn more about underserved travelers and the steps you can take to ensure the success of your vacation rental business.

Download the report

Tim Rosolio 
Vice President of Partner Success, Vacation Rentals, Expedia Group

Tim Rosolio has a comprehensive end-to-end view of the short-term rental business. He is a subject matter expert in vacation rentals, and his leadership and involvement include working on a number of key projects and initiatives at Vrbo such as our monetization strategy, VR competitiveness, acquisition, readiness, and the Fast Start program.


In addition to his eight years of experience in the vacation rentals line of business, Tim understands what our Vrbo hosts need because he is one! Prior to being VP of Partner Success, he worked on the Expedia for Business Strategy & Transformation team.

* All on-page data, except where noted, sourced from: Expedia Group, Journeys for All, Experiences of Underserved Travelers in the United States, August 2024

** United States Census Bureau, 2023 Population Projections for the Nation

DALLAS, October 30, 2024 /3BL/ – Mary Kay Inc., a global leader in skincare innovation and sustainability, was honored for the second year in a row with a 2024 Texan by Nature 20 (TxN 20) award, a prestigious recognition created by the conservation non-profit Texan by Nature. Founded by former First Lady Laura Bush, Texan by Nature annually celebrates 20 businesses based or operating in Texas that demonstrate data-backed commitments to conservation and sustainability through the TxN 20 initiative.

“Receiving this honor two years in a row highlights Mary Kay’s enduring commitment to integrating sustainable practices in our business through innovation, advocacy, and responsibility,” said Virginie Naigeon-Malek, who leads Mary Kay’s Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability. “We’re humbled to be listed among the other conservation powerhouses across Texas. At Mary Kay, sustainability is part of our mission—we’re striving to create a positive impact on the world for generations to come.”

“We believe in building a sustainable future through action, collaboration, and innovative models,” said Joni Carswell, CEO & President at Texan by Nature. “It’s an honor to recognize Mary Kay, a company that demonstrates driving sustainable business through conservation action achieves positive long-term impact for profitability, people, and planet alike.”

To further its involvement with Texan by Nature, Cristi Gomez, PhD, DABT, Senior Director, Regulatory, Safety, and R&D Compliance for Mary Kay, participated in the 6th Texan by Nature Conservation Summit, which showcases innovation, commitment, and best practices from a variety of industries. Gomez spoke on the panel “Realizing System Value.” The panel explored balancing development with conservation, profits with sustainability, and inputs with outputs of the full system. The event was held Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

The TxN 20 recognizes industry leaders across 12 sectors in Texas who are at the forefront of conservation efforts and sustainable business practices. Other award winners can be viewed on the Texan by Nature website.

About Mary Kay

Then. Now. Always. One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 35 markets. For 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X (formerly Twitter).

Southern Company

I can’t recall a time in my career, or maybe my life, when I’ve seen anything like Hurricane Helene. It’s impossible to believe unless you’ve seen it up close, and even then, it is difficult to describe – pictures simply don’t do it justice. I visited some of the hardest-hit areas in Georgia in the days following the storm, and what I saw broke my heart.

The destruction was never-ending in places, it just continued for miles and miles. And it’s even more sobering when I stop to think that some of our very own teammates — many working to restore power themselves — were facing devastating damage to their own homes, cutting their way through fallen trees (and some even walking for miles) to get to work, and waiting for power to be restored for their families.

When I saw the devastation in Augusta, Savannah, Valdosta and Vidalia — and many other areas in between — it quickly became clear to me that this was no ordinary storm. In fact, Helene was the most destructive hurricane in our company’s 140-year history, exceeding the damage caused by hurricanes Michael, Matthew and Irma combined.

Thankfully, we have a world-class team that ensured Georgia Power was ready to respond. We monitored Helene’s progress from the moment it formed and put plans into place for what we expected to be an extended restoration process. We pre-positioned more than 10,000 personnel around the state who were ready to get to work as soon as the storm passed and it was safe. As damage assessment reports came in from across the state, we ultimately doubled the number of personnel engaged to more than 20,000 with crews coming from across the country.

Usually after a major storm, we talk about our work in terms of restoration. For Helene, we’re talking about rebuilding sections of the power grid entirely. Helene damaged more than 8,300 power poles and almost 350 transmission structures, downed more than 1,000 miles of power lines, damaged more than 4,500 transformers and toppled thousands of trees that had to be removed before power could be restored. This was a major restoration and reconnection project that had to be completed as quickly as possible. Fortunately, our team is the best in the business, and we were able to restore power to more than 1.5 million customers safely and efficiently. However, we know full reconstruction will be a much longer process.

This was a historic storm that required an unprecedented response and coordination from so many other teams across Georgia. State leaders including Gov. Brian Kemp, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and other state agencies, members of the Georgia Public Service Commission, as well as members of the Georgia legislature and its leadership, alongside local county commissioners, mayors, first responders, law enforcement and countless others, were all on the ground with us and continue to be incredible partners as we rebuild our infrastructure.

As so many of our customers and neighbors try and return to some semblance of “normal,” Georgia Power will be here to help. From working directly with customers to suspend disconnections and waive late fees, to quickly getting funding directly to local organizations serving our state’s most impacted communities, we’re committed to being “A Citizen Wherever We Serve.”

While I felt disbelief at the devastation I saw, I am inspired by the kindness, resilience and fighting spirit exhibited by our employees and neighbors. From handwritten cards and signs with words of encouragement for lineworkers posted at the areas around our staging sites, to communities coming together to share essential resources like food and water, to local leaders going above and beyond to coordinate aid, the worst of Helene brought out the best in us.

For your kindness, compassion and patience, thank you to our Georgia Power customers, communities, employees and partners. More than ever, I am proud to be a Georgian, proud to be a part of this team and grateful to be a part of this community.

Our road to recovery may be long, but we are here for Georgia, and we are here for you!

RUEIL-MALMAISON, France, October 30, 2024 /3BL/ – Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced the latest results of its Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) program and its financial results for the third quarter of 2024.

Recently recognized as the World’s Most Sustainable Company by TIME and Statista, Schneider Electric’s SSI program monitors and measures the company’s progress across a range of transformative Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets set for 2025. By tracking its sustainability performance and publishing quarterly results, Schneider Electric keeps the momentum for its 11 global and local ambitions and maintains its industry leadership in corporate social responsibility.

At the end of the quarter, the overall Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact (SSI) score came in at 7.29 out of ten, well on track to reach the 2024 end-year target of 7.40, with two major milestones reached:

Schneider surpassed its goal of providing access to green and reliable energy to 50 million people more than one year before its end-2025 target. This was achieved through projects where Schneider’s solar power solutions were installed on public facilities across Africa and India. For example, in Kenya, Nigeria, and India, new hybrid solar solutions were added to health clinics attended by roughly 2 million people, and, in India, over 700 schools were powered by clean energy benefitting around 120,000 students. Schneider is now focused on further ramping up these efforts so that by 2030, cumulatively, 100 million people will have gained access to green electricity since the start of the program in 2009.Schneider also crossed a key threshold in its efforts to foster learning, upskilling, and development for all generations having now trained over 763,000 people in energy management. For example, Schneider Electric and its Foundation recently collaborated with Enactus, enabling university students from ten countries to develop entrepreneurial solutions that address social issues related to the energy transition.

Furthermore, Schneider made considerable strides in halving the carbon impact of its top suppliers through its Zero Carbon Project, resulting in a 36% reduction of their operational CO2 emissions. This was facilitated by several renewable energy workshops held in the USA, Europe, and China, as well as over 20 specialized webinars aimed at supporting suppliers in their decarbonization endeavors.

“Our achievements this quarter showcase the scale of our impact, with local projects playing a pivotal role in achieving our ambitious goals,” said Xavier Denoly, Schneider Electric’s Senior Vice-President of Sustainable Development. “Despite these great results, our work is far from over. We must further intensify our global decarbonization efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, benefiting people and planet.”

Find more details about the results and the latest impactful initiatives in the Q3 2024 report of Schneider’s Sustainability Impact program, including the progress dashboard.

Other key recognitions and awards achieved during the quarter:

Recognized as Industry Leader in S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment for the 3rd consecutive yearReceived the RE100 Changemaker Award from the Climate Group at Climate Week NYC, in recognition of a groundbreaking tax credit transfer renewable energy project in Texas (USA)Named as a Leader in Verdantix’s Green Quadrant: Building Decarbonization ConsultingRanked with the highest Social Benchmark score in its industry by World Benchmarking Alliance, underlining sustained efforts to act ethically and provide and promote decent work and human rightsRecognized for the “Digital Upskilling for All” program by Brandon Hall Group’s prestigious Gold Award for Learning and Development

Related resources:

See Schneider Electric’s Q3 2024 Financial and Extra-financial release.

Schneider Electric’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG):

Sustainability reports pageFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Sustainability Disclosure Dashboard

About Schneider Electric

Schneider’s purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency.

We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.

We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all.

www.se.com

Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next generation automation on Schneider Electric Insights.

Originally published in American Airlines’ 2023 Sustainability Report

American is committed to conducting business in an ethical manner consistent with our values. We partner with our suppliers to achieve these standards, including working with them to keep customers and their employees safe, minimize their impact on the environment, create an inclusive workplace and respect human rights.

Setting expectations and evaluating risks

American sources products and services from thousands of suppliers, and we have robust supply chain oversight across our different business units. We do so directly and through third-party screening services, and we focus engagement efforts on suppliers deemed critical to our business. Since our suppliers, in turn, often rely on other companies, we work to understand the nature and risks related to the businesses they source from as well.

More recently, we have worked to consolidate these practices across our enterprise. Our approach is outlined in American’s Sustainable Supply Chain Policy, which we updated in July 2024. Our activities cover a broad range of suppliers, and examples include food safety inspections of caterers and audits of software-as-a-service providers to confirm security protocols.

American is developing a unified way to examine all third-party spending, which will improve visibility into our full supply chain and allow us to evaluate and improve upon our goals and policies as needed. Not surprisingly, in 2023, jet fuel was our largest operating expense after salaries, wages and benefits, and we engage our fuel suppliers on a wide range of environmental and social risks.

We outline our expectations for suppliers in American’s Standards of Business Conduct for Suppliers and train team members on its contents. We updated these standards in July 2023. Team members with sourcing and procurement responsibilities receive additional job-specific training relevant to their roles. We also provide training for suppliers, particularly those in airport, ground handling and deicing services, to help develop their capabilities in mitigating risks.

Although we strive to partner with suppliers who share our standards, issues inevitably arise that require remediation. Some minor issues can be corrected by alerting the supplier to the problem. For more serious issues, such as those potentially impacting safety or security, we require suppliers to submit a corrective action plan that we can monitor for implementation. If the supplier cannot identify a suitable solution, we work directly with the supplier to improve its performance. We will terminate a business relationship if our efforts prove unsuccessful.

Looking ahead, we intend to expand our responsible sourcing efforts and disclosures on our progress. In response to shareholder feedback, our initial focus will be on providing enhanced reporting on workplace health and safety.

Strengthening our supplier diversity efforts

As part of ensuring a strong and resilient supplier base, American works to source from the broadest available marketplace to purchase the goods and services we need to run our business. This includes seeking to do business with small and diverse suppliers, which are important to our supply chain and can drive innovation, quality improvement and cost reductions. In 2023, our spending with more than 200 certified diverse suppliers (Tiers 1 and 2) increased by 7.4%, while our spending with over 1,000 small-business suppliers rose by more than 10% over 2022.

Our Supplier Diversity team is engaged with various organizations working to facilitate sourcing from qualified, diverse-owned businesses. For example, leaders from American serve on the boards of directors, as well as on the certification committees, of the regional councils of the National Minority Supplier Development Council and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

“In 2023, we released our Sustainable Supply Chain Policy, and we’re building on that foundation to reduce risk and enhance the experience for our customers and team members. Doing so requires a willingness to examine our processes, tools and capabilities with an eye toward continuous improvement.”

— Dan Bartel Chief Procurement Officer

Respecting human rights

Although we believe that governments are primarily responsible for safeguarding human rights, we endeavor to conduct our business in a socially responsible and ethical manner consistent with human rights principles. Our approach to human rights is guided by international standards, and we respect and support the following:

United Nations (U.N.) Guiding Principles on Business and Human RightsOrganisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Guidelines for Multinational EnterprisesCore Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO)ILO’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at WorkU.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The updated American Airlines Human Rights Statement, which our Board of Directors approved in May 2023, applies to all team members and contractors as well as our suppliers and other business relationships. We continually evaluate our operations and value chain to identify, assess and address human rights risks and to engage key stakeholders. This evaluation is carried out as part of American’s overall assessment process of critical and significant suppliers for sustainability risks, as outlined in our Sustainable Supply Chain Policy.

Our Human Rights Statement complements our annually required team member training on the Standards of Business Conduct. We also provide a dedicated 24/7/365 EthicsPoint hotline for team members, suppliers and partners to report human rights concerns anonymously. American does not tolerate any retribution or retaliation against any individual who has, in good faith, sought advice or reported questionable behavior or a possible violation.

Read more

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, October 30, 2024 /3BL/ — Covenant House Alaska (CHA) has received a $150,000 grant from KeyBank to help fund a pilot project designed to reach youth in the child welfare, foster care and juvenile justice systems. It will offer intensive, individualized support and wraparound services; safe housing; and training to build the life skills needed to be a part of a healthy community and the soft skills necessary for meaningful involvement in Alaska’s workforce. The project will further provide career exploration, immersive career exposure, job placement and continued mentorship to maintain success.

As the largest provider for youth experiencing homelessness in the southcentral region of Alaska, CHA’s programs, and services work to help youth experiencing homelessness achieve stable housing, build social capital, life skills and economic mobility.

“We admire this program’s effort to break cycles of poverty and prevent homelessness before it starts,” says Alaska KeyBank President Lori McCaffrey. “At KeyBank, our mission is to help our communities thrive, and this program presents a vital channel to give vulnerable youth a foundation to help them build long-term stability. A secure job is the gateway to a solid financial future, and we are delighted to support Covenant House’s efforts to help these youth realize their full potential, which in turn builds stronger communities for us all.”

“This grant from KeyBank strengthens our prevention efforts significantly,” said Alison Kear, Covenant House Alaska Chief Executive Officer. “By equipping vulnerable youth with job skills and career opportunities before they experience homelessness, we’re addressing root causes. It’s an investment in proactive solutions that can change the trajectory of young lives and build a more stable future for our community.”

About Covenant House Alaska 
Covenant House Alaska builds a bridge to hope for young people facing homelessness and survivors of trafficking through unconditional love, absolute respect, and relentless support. Our doors are open 24/7 and our high-quality programs are designed to empower young people to rise and overcome adversity, today and in the future.

About KeyCorp 
KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $190 billion at September 30, 2024. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

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October 30, 2024 /3BL/ – City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and ranked among the nation’s top 5 cancer centers by U.S. News & World report, honored Jay Marciano, chairman and CEO of AEG Presents, at tonight’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry Spirit of Life® Gala. The gala is part of the industry’s annual philanthropic campaign, which has raised more than $7.5 million to-date to advance City of Hope’s mission of making hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. With the evening’s proceeds benefiting childhood, adolescent and young adult survivorship programs, fundraising will continue through the end of 2024.

The star-studded evening featured electrifying performances by Sir Elton John and David Blaine, whose showmanship captivated the audience. A surprise appearance by Celine Dion brought even more excitement to the event, while the curated menu by acclaimed old-world pasta master Chef Evan Funke provided an unforgettable culinary experience. In-room fundraising throughout the night focused on supporting City of Hope Children’s Cancer Center’s dedicated programs for young cancer survivors.

“The live entertainment industry has a unique ability to create powerful moments that inspire change,” Marciano said. “Tonight’s success is a testament to the incredible impact our industry can have when we unite for a common cause. I am deeply honored to receive The Spirit of Life Award, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support City of Hope’s goal to end cancer.”

In addition to the inspiring performances, event producers paid homage to their live entertainment roots with concert elements including drones and synchronized wristbands. Additionally, highly sought-after, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and rare luxury goods were up for auction, including a music festival “Golden Pass”, the ultimate access and VIP amenities for Coachella, Stagecoach and New Orleans JazzFest in 2025; a New Orleans ‘trifecta’ of tickets introduced remotely by NOLA-native Jon Batiste, including Preservation Hall, NFL Honors and Super Bowl LIX; and Elton John’s engraved ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ Rolex, which was introduced on-stage by Elton’s songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin.

“Much like health care, the music industry is about bringing people together to heal and inspire,” said Robert Stone, chief executive officer and the Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair at City of Hope. “The industry’s ongoing commitment continues to accelerate our research, bringing City of Hope closer to conquering cancer and improving the lives of patients and survivors everywhere.”

An emotional highlight of the evening came from a powerful story shared by Melody Shahsavarani, a 27-year-old City of Hope patient and Hodgkin lymphoma survivor and a member of the music industry herself, demonstrating the profound impact donor contributions have on the lives of young people facing cancer. “The love that I felt from my care team during the worst moments of my life is indescribable,” Shahsavarani said. “I believe I got a second chance at life because of City of Hope, so I’m not wasting a minute of it.”

Throughout the night, in-room fundraising focused on expanding survivorship programs for adolescents and young adults like Shahsavarani, ensuring they receive the long-term care and support needed to thrive after their cancer journeys. As a core demographic for the live entertainment industry, young people and their families benefit from the campaign led by Marciano.

“City of Hope has always been a place where communities unite for something greater,” said Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer, City of Hope. “The music industry’s Spirit of Life campaign is a powerful example of what’s possible when world-class talent and generous donors come together. With icons like Elton John, David Blaine and Celine Dion lending their voices, and the unwavering support of partners across the music and entertainment industries, we’re accelerating cancer research to shape a future filled with hope for every patient and survivor.”

This year’s gala marks 51 years of support from the industry.

For more information on how to participate in ongoing fundraising efforts, including auction items and exclusive experiences, visit jaymarcianospiritoflife.com.

Employee resource groups have been part of our Clorox ecosystem for nearly two decades. Now numbering more than a dozen with 5,000-plus members — over half our workforce! — ERGs have been an asset in not only supporting a work culture based on our shared values but also helping advance our business goals.

Against this backdrop we recently invited ERG leaders to attend our first-ever ERG Leadership Summit. Organized around the theme “Resilience: The Key to Thriving Teams,” the event was designed to educate and inspire future work that could help advance our IGNITE strategy and IDEA.

Here are some key takeaways from our time together that could be applicable to other organizations as well:

Remember to celebrate your leadership.

It’s important to recognize the efforts of your ERG leaders. Their dedication is crucial to creating a supportive, inclusive workplace.

Take time to reflect on the past before strategizing for the future.

We reviewed our prior year’s wins and opportunity areas. This gave us a more solid foundation to develop upcoming plans that will build an even stronger culture.

Develop a framework around your focus areas and use that as a guide to prioritize work.

Our framework — divided into the four pillars of culture, career, commerce, and community — helps us organize and prioritize the work of our ERGs. It provides valuable insights for our future initiatives to drive scale and impact.

Seek employee feedback.

By soliciting feedback from our teammates through surveys and analyzing the feedback, we were able to identify key themes and areas where ERGs could further enhance the employee experience.

Build community through teamwork.

One of the ways we can forge tighter bonds with others is by working together toward a common goal. So, consider planning a memorable group activity — such as a team sport, a cooking class, an escape room, or volunteering — that requires collaboration. Reinforcing the importance of mutual support will position you to better tackle future business priorities.

By applying these insights, we hope you, too, can tap the strength of your ERGs to foster a more resilient, inclusive culture in your own organization.

Learn more about Clorox’s IDEA journey here.

Originally published on Built From Scratch

The Home Depot Foundation is committing up to $3 million to support immediate disaster relief in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. This incremental funding on top of the Foundation’s annual disaster grants brings the total amount committed to relief efforts this disaster season to more than $9 million. 

The Foundation’s nonprofit partners are mobilizing to assess damage, deliver relief supplies and meals and begin cleanup across the communities in Florida devastated by Hurricane Milton, including those still recovering from Helene’s strike just two weeks ago. With the support of the Foundation, partners like Convoy of Hope, Operation Blessing, World Central Kitchen and Team Rubicon, among others, will continue recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene while deploying additional resources to Florida. 

“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by Hurricane Milton and those still working to recover from Hurricane Helene,” said Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. “We’re here for the long haul – we’ll continue our efforts in Tennessee, the Carolinas and Georgia and double down our support in Florida, particularly those communities affected by both of these back-to-back storms.” 

Since Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the Southeast, Team Depot, The Home Depot’s associate volunteer force, has packed more than 6,500 disaster relief kits including essentials like cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), trash bags and more to be distributed in disaster zones. More than 3,000 were already distributed at stores in Asheville and Augusta alone. Similar efforts are underway to help those impacted by Hurricane Milton.

“Partnering with The Home Depot Foundation allows us to respond immediately after disasters like Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton,” said Britni Adkins, director of procurement and corporate relations at Operation Blessing. “With their funding and partnership, we’ve distributed more than 100,000 meals across the Southeast and delivered water, hygiene kits, cleanup supplies and hope to victims of Hurricane Helene. With The Home Depot Foundation’s support, we’re able to continue serving these communities as we turn to help those impacted by Hurricane Milton.” 

Team Depot will respond to the critical needs of the communities where The Home Depot operates by donating supplies to local governments, first responders and nonprofit organizations, while identifying opportunities to put boots on the ground and support cleanup and rebuilding efforts in the coming weeks. 

The Home Depot Foundation partners with The Home Depot in order to respond quickly. Before Hurricane Milton’s landfall, The Home Depot activated its Disaster Response Command Center, which brings together more than 100 expert associates across merchandising, operations, supply chain and technology to ensure communities have the supplies they need to prepare for and rebuild after a storm. More than 1,000 truckloads of essential storm prep supplies were sent to potentially impacted areas, and pre-staged trucks placed right outside of the storm strike zone have been able to quickly respond with recovery supplies like gas cans, generators, trash bags, cleaning supplies and chain saws. The Homer Fund, The Home Depot’s employee assistance fund, is providing immediate financial support to impacted associates in need of safe housing, food and clothing while displaced.