Tag: 3BL

Southern Company

At Southern Company, we’re grateful to be part of the communities we serve. Every day, our teammates are dedicated to making a positive impact through charitable giving, volunteering, and more. View the images to see how we’re giving back to help build stronger communities.

ST. PAUL, Minn., December 11, 2025 /3BL/ – Antea Group USA, as facilitator of the Data Center Safety Council (DCSC), an industry group driving a unified approach to personnel safety in data center operations is excited to share the official launch of the Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate. It was developed by the DCSC in collaboration with Certus, a leading workforce-training and certification provider.

This launch represents an important advancement in establishing consistent, global, industry-wide expectations for health and safety knowledge among data center professionals and suppliers accessing data center sites.

“As data centers scale at unprecedented speed, we see a growing need for a shared, foundational understanding of safety for everyone who steps onto a site,” said Julie Kreger-King, Antea Group Consultant and DCSC Project Leader “The Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate gives operators, contractors, and vendors a common language and expectation for safe work, no matter where in the world a facility is located.”

Certificate Overview 

The Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate is designed to ensure that everyone entering an operational data center, whether they are operators, contractors, vendors, or suppliers, has a shared foundation of safety awareness specific to the unique risks of data center environments.

Unlike generic safety training, this online course is built specifically around risks encountered in data center settings, including:

• Electrical and chemical hazards
• Heat and fire exposure
• Noise hazards
• Emergency procedures
• And more

Developed by the DCSC with EHS leaders from global data center organizations, this certificate is intended to bridge the gap between broad regulatory requirements and the operational realities of today’s complex, high-demand data centers.

Key Features and Benefits 

Participants in the Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate will have access to:

• 16 online, self-paced modules covering essential topics such as data center infrastructure, safety culture, pre-job planning, emergency procedures, site access, slips, trips and falls, material handling, electrical hazards, control of hazardous energy, confined spaces, fire prevention, heat hazards, noise hazards, chemical management, water systems, working at heights, and housekeeping expectations.
• A final exam of 30 questions, with up to three exam attempts; the certificate is valid for two years.
• Accessibility and flexibility: delivered entirely online, globally applicable, mobile-friendly, and self-paced; learners have up to 180 days to complete the course after enrollment.
• Employer-friendly options: bulk/licensed access for groups, integration support with corporate learning management systems (LMS), volume discounts, and member pricing for DCSC member organizations.

Launch Details & Availability 

The Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate is now officially available. Industry professionals and employers can access the program via the DCSC website at [www.datacentersafetycouncil.org/safety-awareness-certificate] and through the Certus platform [Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate].

Pricing details, enrollment instructions, and employer-group access options are available online.

To read the full press release, head over to the DCSC website.

 

About Antea Group USA 

Antea®Group is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities, and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance. Learn more at us.anteagroup.com.

About the Data Center Safety Council (DCSC) 

The Data Center Safety Council is an industry group leading a unified approach toward ensuring the safety and well-being of personnel in data center operations. DCSC brings together major global players in the data center industry to address common issues with vendors and suppliers for the benefit and safety of all data center workers. Visit www.datacentersafetycouncil.org for more information.

About Certus 

Certus is a leading provider of professional training and certification solutions, serving millions of learners annually. With a comprehensive suite of content, simulations, and compliance offerings, Certus supports lifelong learners and enterprises alike. Visit www.certus.com to learn more.

Media Contacts 

Kate Asleson 
Marketing Lead, Data Center Safety Council / Antea Group USA 
kate.asleson@anteagroup.us

Jordan McKnight 
Director of Corporate Communications, Certus 
jordan.mcknight@certus.com

SALEM, OREGON, December 11, 2025 /3BL/ — KeyBank has announced a grant of $225,000 to Garten Services, a nonprofit that offers responsive, person-centered and effective solutions to support people with disabilities in their effort to contribute to the community through employment, career and retirement opportunities.

This grant will strengthen its Supported Employment department by improving processes, building structure and providing targeted staff training that will be guided by individuals with lived experience to ensure the team remains closely connected to the communities it serves. Strengthening the foundation will enhance service delivery, enabling Garten to provide support aligned with everyone’s career goals. As a result, they’ll experience greater self-esteem, financial independence and a renewed sense of purpose through meaningful employment.

“At KeyBank, our mission is to help our communities thrive, and that entails support to ensure all persons have the tools to pursue fulfilling work,” said Josh Lyons, president of KeyBank in Oregon and Southwest Washington. “We see this service having a ripple effect that will also inspire peers with similar challenges, showing them that employment is possible and motivating them to pursue their own path.”

“Not only will this grant benefit individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment, but it will allow local businesses interested in building a more diverse workforce to gain access to a ready talent pool to fill workforce gaps with the skills they need,” said Angel Reyes, KeyBank’s Corporate Responsibility Officer for Oregon.

“Garten is deeply honored to receive a $225,000 grant from KeyBank to advance our shared commitment of expanding inclusive employment opportunities that allow people with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to our communities,” said William Posegate, Garten’s Chief Executive Officer. “KeyBank’s generous contribution will empower more people with disabilities to build skills and access life-changing supported employment opportunities. We’ve seen time and again that when people with disabilities are given opportunities, the entire community wins.”

About Garten Services, Inc.

Founded in 1970, Garten provides employment, career, and retirement opportunities to approximately 250 people with disabilities throughout the Willamette Valley.

About KeyCorp
In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at September 30, 2025. 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/.

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LINCOLN, Neb., December 11, 2025 /3BL/ – The Arbor Day Foundation launched the Forest-Water Impact Map, a first-of-its kind mapping model that provides a clear, data-driven visualization of the powerful connection between forests and water.

The mapping resource identifies where reforestation projects could be the most impactful for water benefits by quantifying the extent to which planting trees can improve water quality in a specific place. The map’s global scale makes it the broadest and most meaningful picture of volumetric water benefits from reforestation available today.

“While the positive relationship between forests and water is often evident, it isn’t always quantifiable. This map brings more clarity to that impact and gives us a picture of where and how we could plant trees to yield healthier, cleaner water,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “So many of our corporate partners are looking to be meaningful water stewards, and this map will be a key tool to help turn insights into action and accelerate our goal to plant millions of trees in the places that need them most.”

The Arbor Day Foundation built the map in collaboration with its partner 52impact and aligned the tool in accordance with volumetric water benefit accounting guidance, a widely accepted resource for providing guidance on transparent and credible volumetric water benefits.

The need to quantify the water benefits of reforestation is more important than ever as global water resources are threatened. Experts believe that the demand for freshwater will outstrip supply by the end of this decade. Right now, 75% of the world’s accessible freshwater comes from forested watersheds, making them critical infrastructure in the world today. In the United States alone, more than 150 million Americans—about half of the country’s population—gets its drinking water from sources filtered through forests.

Click here to explore the Arbor Day Foundation’s interactive map and gain insights on reforestation water benefits across the world.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners.

And this is only the beginning.  

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

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Originally published on December 1, 2025 on LinkedIn.

Matt, our Category Manager for Patisserie, visits Sean Óg Stafford in Gorey to hear how Stafford Bakery has grown from a small family coffee shop to a third-generation bakery still guided by tradition and craft.

From handmade mince pies with Irish butter to Christmas puddings that begin production in February, consistency comes from decades of experience and a team that knows the craft inside out.

With over 15 years of partnership, Sysco helps Stafford’s reach customers in all 32 counties, supporting the continued growth of this proudly Irish family business.

About Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 76,000 colleagues, the company operates 340 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 730,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2024 that ended June 29, 2024, the company generated sales of more than $78 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Sysco’s 2023 Sustainability Report and 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at www.sysco.com.

 For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoFoods. For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the company’s Internet home page at investors.sysco.com, which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information.

View original content here.

ATLANTA, December 11, 2025 /3BL/ – The Atlanta Braves and Truist announced that the 2025 Homers for Hank Together with Truist recipients have received important program support, including necessary on-site storage space for equipment, field improvements, access to technology, and more. With the near completion of these projects, the Homers for Hank Together with Truist initiative will fulfill its five-year, $1 million commitment to supporting baseball and softball programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across Braves Country.

Earlier this year, the Atlanta Braves and Truist announced the six HBCU recipients for the 2025 Homers for Hank Together with Truist initiative, along with the respective support each school would receive. These recipients included:

• Alabama A&M in Huntsville, AL, whose baseball program received an HD camera system for analysis and streaming.
• Albany State University in Albany, GA, whose baseball and softball programs collectively received arena-style batting cages, field improvements, new uniforms, and various new equipment.
• Benedict College in Columbia, SC, whose baseball and softball programs collectively will receive field maintenance equipment, backstop padding, a storage building, field tarps, and a batting cage.
• Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC, whose softball program received a pitching machine and equipment.
• Jackson State University in Jackson, MS, whose baseball program received a turf home plate halo and HitTrax Technology.
• South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC, whose softball program received a pitching machine and equipment.

Nearly all 2025 projects have been completed, with projects at Benedict College tracking to be completed by the end of 2025.

Supported by the Henry Louis Aaron Fund, the Homers for Hank Together with Truist initiative was established in 2021 by the Atlanta Braves and Truist to invest in local HBCU baseball and softball programs across Braves Country. These investments provided crucial program support needed for the development of diverse scholar-athletes to pursue their dreams both on and off the field, continuing the legacy of Hank Aaron by creating quality baseball experiences across our region. Through this initiative, Truist donated $755 for each home run hit by the Atlanta Braves throughout the season to the Henry Louis Aaron Fund, culminating in its $1 million minimum commitment across five years.

Additional HBCU baseball and softball programs supported by Homers for Hank Together with Truist to date include:

• Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA, whose baseball and softball programs collectively received state-of-the-art batting cages, a Hack Attack machine, equipment bags, field cover, warms up, and unforms, as well as baseballs and softballs.
• Savannah State University in Savannah, GA, whose baseball program received new uniforms and a pitching machine, along with additional equipment.
• Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN, whose softball program received facility upgrades.
• Tougaloo College in Jackson, MS, whose baseball and softball programs collectively received new batting cage nets, field maintenance equipment, game equipment, and field improvements.
• Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, AL, whose baseball and softball programs collectively received a custom halo plate.

Progress and completion photos, as well as b-roll from both the 2025 projects and prior recipients, can be found here, courtesy of Atlanta Braves. For more information about Homers for Hank Together with Truist, visit Braves.com/HomersforHank.

Truist continues to be a trusted partner of the Atlanta Braves for years, working collaboratively across a range of initiatives aiming to create a lasting impact throughout our communities for years. Among these ongoing initiatives include the Braves Park Projects Together with Truist initiative, which provides local parks and recreation centers, schools, and youth organizations with field and ballpark improvements to level the playing field and increase playability, safety, and accessibility across Braves Country.

This year, Braves Park Projects Together with Truist supported Western North Carolina baseball and softball facilities that were affected by the impact of Hurricane Helene. On October 14, 2025, dozens of Truist teammates and Atlanta Braves staff traveled to Mountain Heritage High School in Burnsville, NC, and Elks Lodge Field in Waynesville, NC, to celebrate the completion of these projects alongside local community members, representatives, and youth players.

In addition, the Atlanta Braves recently unveiled the Hank Aaron Diamonds initiative, with Truist as one of the key partners whose generous financial investment is helping fund infield upgrades across every operating high school in the Atlanta Public Schools district.

For more information about Braves Park Projects Together with Truist, visit here. For more information about the Hank Aaron Diamonds initiative, visit here.

About Atlanta Braves

Based in Atlanta since 1966, the Braves are the longest continuously operating franchise in Major League Baseball. Since 1991, Braves teams have earned two National League wild cards, 21 division championships, six National League pennants, and two World Series titles. Atlanta Braves games are telecast on FanDuel Sports Network South and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast. Radio broadcasts can be heard in Atlanta on 680 The Fan (AM)/93.7 (FM) and regionally on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network. Follow the Braves at braves.com, facebook.com/braves, and X.com/braves.

About Truist

Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist has leading market share in many of the high-growth markets in the U.S. and offers a wide range of products and services through wholesale and consumer businesses, including consumer and small business banking, commercial and corporate banking, investment banking and capital markets, wealth management, payments, and specialized lending businesses. Truist is a top-10 commercial bank with total assets of $544 billion as of September 30, 2025. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at Truist.com.

For further information: Karely Avila Ledesma, Atlanta Braves, 404-614-1564 or karely.avilaledesma@braves.com Truist: media@truist.com

This article is co-authored by Karin De Bondt, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Trane Technologies and Elena Giannakopoulou, Chief Strategy Officer, Public Power Corporation.

Today, it is estimated that 30% of electricity is being wasted in the built environment. This is much bigger than leaving the lights on; it’s the result of complex systems operating inefficiently, equating to hundreds of billions of dollars per year in waste.

As new technology changes how we produce and consume energy, suppliers and demand-side consumers need to collaborate to increase efficiency and resiliency while reducing environmental impact.

The rise of renewables

The power system is undergoing a rapid and unprecedented transformation. According to energy think tank Ember, in 2024, clean power generated more than 40% of the world’s electricity, driven by record growth in renewables, particularly solar energy.

The rapid scale-up of renewables shows no signs of slowing, driven by the cost-competitiveness of solar photovoltaics and wind, and reinforced by energy security concerns, especially in regions such as Europe. Yet, with greater renewable energy penetration, energy production becomes more volatile.

Solar output peaks at midday, wind peaks overnight and hydropower fluctuates with droughts – this is when flexibility comes into play. While this was manageable when renewable energy solutions played only a minor role in power generation, this now becomes a crucial issue when renewables form the backbone of the system.

For example, in Greece, renewables with 28.7 terawatt-hours (TWh) accounted for 55% of total electricity generated in 2024, a more than twofold increase from the 11.5 TWh and a 22% share in 2019, according to the system operator’s data.

Flexibility in the power system refers to its ability to adapt quickly to new circumstances. It comes from storage (both in the form of batteries and pump-hydro plants), flexible generation, interconnectivity, smart grids, demand-side response, energy management and digital infrastructure.

Without flexibility, the system hits a ceiling; no matter how cheap clean energy gets, its value diminishes if it can’t be fully utilized.

Flexible assets directly address this inefficiency, turning volatility into value. The case is clear: flexibility reduces curtailment, increases renewable energy penetration and lowers total system costs.

Technologies that provide flexibility are increasingly mature and highly cost-effective. Lithium-ion batteries have seen sharp cost declines with pack prices dropping just over 90% since 2010, according to BloombergNEF.

Globally, investments in flexibility are on the rise. In 2024, energy storage, for instance, saw approximately $54 billion of investments, a 35% increase from 2023, according to BloombergNEF.

A report from SolarPower Europe estimates that deploying flexible technologies alongside solar could lead to annual net system cost savings of €32 billion by 2030.

Innovation, a demand-side accelerator

Flexibility on the supply side is crucial but the demand side holds untapped potential. Smart meters, demand response programs and energy efficiency technologies are enabling businesses and consumers to actively contribute to grid stability and optimization.

Flexibility on the demand side involves adjusting energy consumption based on optimal load points, availability and price. This can be achieved through various technologies and strategies:

• Systems design and innovation: Buildings are large energy consumers. Advanced thermal systems in buildings that integrate heating, cooling and controls can greatly improve efficiency and flexibility. All-electric systems use three to four times less energy than conventional methods, cut costs and boost returns. Storage systems such as ice storage can also lower bills by shifting energy use to off-peak hours.
   
• Utilization of AI to optimize efficiency: Digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance heating and cooling systems, making them smarter, more flexible and more efficient. By using data from buildings and weather forecasts, AI optimizes energy use, cuts costs and reduces electricity demand across multiple buildings. AI-driven energy management systems in commercial buildings can reduce energy consumption by up to 20%.

Electrification and AI are part of the equation, helping relieve pressure on the grid at peak times. Thermal management systems are helping to decarbonize buildings large enough to have their own zip code, and they can work in smaller buildings to save energy and cost.

Research into physics-informed neural networks, automated control and data infrastructure will accelerate energy optimization and sustainable impact. These innovations make economic sense and there is reason for optimism.

Making energy more affordable and resilient

Every megawatt-hour of energy, especially clean electricity, is too valuable to waste – doing so is a missed opportunity for efficiency, growth and climate action. Flexibility in both energy supply and demand not only helps consumers reduce energy and costs but also supports grid security and sustainability.

To fully realize the benefits of flexibility, regulatory frameworks must incentivize its monetization. Dynamic pricing of electricity better captures system variability and rewards the fast response of flexibility sources.

Grid modernization and digitalization are crucial for integrating distributed resources, while planning processes must prioritize system-wide efficiency. This will reveal the true value of flexibility, reduce fossil fuel dependence and improve the resilience of modern power systems while delivering affordable electricity to consumers.

With exciting progress in innovation and research, and the technology, talent and commitment to solve these challenges together, we can create a more flexible, efficient and resilient energy ecosystem.

This article originally appeared on the World Economic Forum blog.

At Southern Company, we believe in being a force for good.
In the latest episode of Big Topics, Tiny Mic, Southern Company Gas Vice President of Corporate Responsibility Serena Levy explains how we’re investing our time and resources back into the communities we serve.

Southern Company believes that simply by being part of a community, it has a responsibility to make it better. And that impact isn’t just aspirational, it’s real and measurable.

Through Corporate Foundations and employee-led giving, Southern Company turns that commitment into action. In 2024 alone, Southern Company and its operating companies invested more than $85 million in grants, sponsorships, and impact initiatives. These investments fuel scholarships in STEM, workforce development and job training, public safety programs and so much more, creating opportunities and strengthening communities across the Southern Company footprint.

We are proud to announce that our Jáltipan plant has been selected as a recipient of the Veracruz State Quality Award, granted by SEDECOP. This award represents the highest recognition from the Government of Veracruz for organizations that demonstrate excellence in quality management, continuous improvement, competitiveness, and customer-focused processes.

This achievement reflects Jaltipan’s operational excellence and strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility, all of which were essential factors in earning this award. Through collaborative efforts, the plant is creating meaningful change by strengthening communities and restoring ecosystems. Highlights of these initiatives include:

• Partnering with the Gulf of Mexico Fund to restore nearly 200 acres of land along the lower Coatzacoalcos River, working closely with NGOs like Sembrando Semilla Sagrada AC to provide training and seeds for community nurseries that promote biodiversity. This collaboration resulted in the planting of 50,000 plants along riverbanks and streams, benefiting 40 families and engaging 30 volunteers in the effort.
• Supporting over 1,400 organizations through projects such as painting and beautifying schools and gardens and celebrating the first graduation at Covia’s Jáltipan Primary School.
• Other efforts included improving infrastructure and water access by repairing streets, sewer systems, and reinforcing drinking water networks with containers and pipes. Additionally, Covia provided support to local police and other emergency services.

The awards ceremony took place on December 5, marking a historic moment for our team. Carlos Gomez, Executive Vice President, Mexico, shared: “This achievement is a proud moment for our team, highlighting the discipline, commitment to our customers, and teamwork that define Jáltipan. It reflects Covia’s dedication to quality, environment, safety, and performance, and our drive to adopt best practices that meet the highest standards.”

It also comes at a historic time— Jáltipan celebrated its 70th anniversary earlier this year, which was the perfect opportunity to recognize the plant’s successes over the years as well as its legacy of safety as the foundation of everything we do, supported by teamwork and driven by innovation.

We extend a special congratulations to Baldemar Salinas, VP of Operations & Mexico, and Francisco Mayo, Jáltipan Plant Manager, for their exceptional leadership in earning this award. We also congratulate the entire Jáltipan team for setting the bar high and making this achievement possible!

By Eric Best, Staff Writer

Families and businesses have been rebuilding since severe wildfires devasted the Greater Los Angeles area in January 2025.

Immediately following the disaster, Wells Fargo supported organizations on the ground. However, more needs to be done. Customers, employees, and communities still need more resources to support their long-term recovery and to help them become more resilient to future disruptions.

That’s why the Wells Fargo Foundation has upped its initial $2 million in grants to relief organizations to $5 million, broadening support to homeowners and the small business community. These additional grants are helping families return home, and they’ve helped businesses reopen so they can continue to serve their communities.

“The Wells Fargo Foundation has been there from day one, immediately asking how they could help and what more they could do,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district includes communities like Altadena that were impacted by the recent Los Angeles Wildfires. “This is what community looks like — showing up and standing with us when we need it most.”

Helping Los Angeles families return home

Thousands of wildfire survivors lost their homes during the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. For the past year, these families have planned their next steps to return home, but interim housing resources are set to end for many people.

The nonprofit LA4LA recently unveiled a housing showcase of modular and prefab homes to give much-needed and timely paths forward to wildfire survivors, many of whom are dependent on rental assistance via their homeowner’s insurance that may expire soon.

“Having access to an affordable place to live is a priority for Wells Fargo because every community needs housing to thrive,” said Darlene Goins, president of the Wells Fargo Foundation. “We’re proud to support this showcase to bring together innovative housing solutions and critical recovery resources to help give wildfire survivors more options to return home.”

Homeowners can use LA4LA’s prefabricated and modular housing options as a replacement for their single-family home or as an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, on their property while rebuilding their house. The showcase also featured financing options, also supported with Wells Fargo Foundation grants, and onsite case management.

Supporting local businesses affected by wildfires

Nowhere is the resilience of Los Angeles entrepreneurs more visible than Mariposa Junction.

This commercial corridor in Altadena was devastated by the Eaton Fires, destroying the storefronts of small businesses like Café de Leche and Amara Kitchen. Now, part of the block is reopening with five businesses to kick off the holiday shopping season, a crucial time for affected small businesses, with the help of a Wells Fargo Foundation grant to Pasadena City College Small Business Development Center.

“Following the Eaton Fire, we saw incredible resilience from the business owners of Mariposa Junction, but we knew they would face a long road to recovery,” said Donald Loewel, director of the Pasadena City College Small Business Development Center.

Wells Fargo also hosted the Build to Thrive Summit, a free event in Pasadena that saw more than 100 small business owners and community leaders building connections and learning practical ways to grow their business. They gained access to entrepreneurial coaching, resilience planning resources, and support in securing financing to grow, repair, or relaunch their business.

Boosting wildfire relief in Los Angeles

The $5 million in support for wildfire rebuilding included these organizations:

• The American Red Cross
• The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund
• The Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund
• The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
• The Southern California Grantmakers’ LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds
• LA4LA
• San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity
• Neighborhood Housing Services of LA County
• Pasadena City College Small Business Development Center

Wells Fargo also provides ongoing support to the American Red Cross’ Annual Disaster Program and Team Rubicon’s Ready Reserve Fund. Wells Fargo employees affected by the wildfires were able to get help via We Care Fund, which supports colleagues facing sudden, unforeseen financial hardships.

For Los Angeles-area residents and businesses in need of help rebuilding their finances following the wildfires, Wells Fargo also partnered with Operation HOPE to bring free disaster recovery credit and money management coaching to affected areas across the city. Business owners can work with a financial coach on FEMA applications, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, insurance claims, working with creditors, building a recovery budget, and more. See Operation HOPE Inside Disaster to learn more.