Tag: 3BL

FARMINGTON, Conn., September 10, 2024 /3BL/ – Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing the speed, accuracy and scale at which complex challenges are addressed. Over the next several months, more than 250 students from dozens of schools representing more than 15 countries and territories around the world will participate in the Made to Move Communities challenge to propose innovative ways AI can improve urban mobility. They’ll be guided by volunteer mentors from Otis (NYSE: OTIS), the world’s leading elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation and service company.

“We believe that the next generation of innovation will use AI to make moving in and around cities easier and more efficient for all,” said Randi Tanguay, Otis Senior Vice President & Chief Communications Officer. “Today’s students are growing up as AI technology matures. They are actively engaged and quickly developing the skills to effectively use and apply it. With their innate curiosity and imagination, combined with the guidance of expert Otis volunteer mentors, I can’t wait to see the solutions these students come up with.”

Why AI According to the World Bank, more than 56% of the world population currently lives in cities, and that number is expected to grow to nearly 70% by 2050. The current pace of rapid urbanization and global population growth has the potential to strain urban infrastructure, resulting in increased congestion, pollution, and inadequate public transit. These challenges can be even more acute in underserved neighborhoods and for people with special needs.

“AI is already reshaping transportation. It’s enabling self-driving cars, optimizing traffic flows, and even helping drones deliver packages and medicines to those in need,” said Ezhil Nanjappan, Otis Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. “As we stand on the brink of the AI revolution, I’m excited to bring this transformational technology to the Made to Move Communities program – to brainstorm solutions to the mobility issues of today and tomorrow, while inspiring young minds and helping to close the STEM skills gap.”

For the first time – a global winner

Since 2020, Otis’ annual Made to Move Communities global student competition has engaged over 750 students and hundreds of Otis colleagues with the goal of addressing urban mobility challenges while sparking a lifelong interest in STEM. Participating schools have received nearly $1 million (USD) in grants from Otis to further STEM learning and programs in their schools.

Until now, students used to compete regionally, with a winning team selected in each of the four Otis regions. This year, for the first time, the four regional winning teams will compete in a final round to determine a global team champion. Student teams will need to share how their solutions to local challenges can be scaled globally, and the global team champion will receive an additional grant for their school.

Watch this video to learn more about Made to Move Communities and this year’s challenge: https://youtu.be/c1FwYeGhLp4 Visit otis.com/mtmc to learn more and follow Otis for updates from participating student teams.

About Otis

Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation and servicing of elevators and escalators, we move 2.3 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.3 million customer units worldwide – the industry’s largest Service portfolio. You’ll find us in the world’s most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 71,000 people strong, including 42,000 field professionals, all committed to meeting the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook @OtisElevatorCo.

Originally published on HARMAN Newsroom

At HARMAN, we have long been committed to giving back to the communities in which we live and operate in meaningful ways. For National Nonprofit Day and every day, we’re proud to recognize the impact of our global cause initiative HARMAN Inspired’s partnership with Charity Miles, a free health and fitness app that enables users to turn every mile they walk, run, bike, or otherwise move into charitable donations. The Charity Miles program not only furthers our employees’ health and wellbeing – something of utmost importance to HARMAN – but empowers our employees to support the causes that are also most important or meaningful to them.

By using the Charity Miles app’s internal pedometer and GPS to track the distances achieved, employees can “cash in” on their miles and donate directly to a charity of their choice through HARMAN’s corporate sponsorship fund.  Throughout the year, our HARMAN team members around the world have rallied together to increase donations and participation through a series of step challenges focused on sustainability, local events, and New Year’s resolutions – with additional incentives for individuals who log the most steps.

The result: HARMAN employees have raised money for more than 48 charities through the Charity Miles program, including Feeding America, the American Cancer Society, Water Aid, UNICEF, the March of Dimes, and more. New charities are being added every day: since launching in 2021, the HARMAN Inspired Charity Miles team has seen an 11-fold increase in employee participation, with over 1200 employees raising more than $120,000.

“The Charity Miles Employee Empowerment Program is about more than just employee engagement. It’s a way for companies and their employees to move together for a common purpose, exercising their values every day and with every step,” said Gene Gurkoff, CEO and Founder of Charity Miles. “It’s inspiring to us when a company like HARMAN embraces this ethos so wholeheartedly. We’re truly grateful for the opportunity to make an impact together.”

HARMAN is passionate about helping people everywhere thrive sustainably and responsibly, and our partnership with Charity Miles is emblematic of our organization’s culture that values health, empathy, acceptance, and giving back. To learn more about HARMAN Inspired and the many ways we’re supporting our communities through the power of music, technology and service, visit: https://www.harman.com/inspired.

Enabling circular economy is one key element to solve the challenges of the apparel & footwear industry. In the second part of the HeroInside podcast, Gore Fabrics Global Business Leader Achim Loeffler talks about the role of the GORE-TEX Brand as a leading ingredient brand to transition towards Responsible Performance i.e. elevating the commitment to sustainability to the same high level as the commitment to performance. 

The Gore Fabrics’ journey is defined by five key areas: 1. Protecting human rights 2. Reducing carbon footprint. 3. Transparently managing our chemical footprint. 4. Reducing water footprint and 5. enabling circular economy. In this episode, Achim reflects on the many examples characterizing the journey. He mentions the collaboration with Patagonia and BIONIC to develop high performance textiles made from recycled coastal and marine plastics. Another example outlined and a key milestone for Gore Fabrics is the development of the new ePE (expanded Polyethylene) material platform. By 2025 all consumer products will be transitioned to ePE while products for professional end uses like workwear are currently under development. Defining ambitious carbon goals and working towards them by increasing the share of recycled materials in GORE-TEX Laminates and applying solution dyeing technologies are other examples listed by Achim.   

The exploration of new business models like garment rentals contributes to the journey to Responsible Performance from a business perspective. “GORE-TEX Outerwear On Demand” is the rental service offered to skiers and snowboarders in North America to hit the slopes in the best possible, highest performing jackets and pants. Another key topic includes the collaboration with lifestyle fashion brands to reach new target audiences. 

Want to learn more? Listen to the HeroInside podcast with Achim Loeffler hosted by Tomas Vucurevic

Achim Löffler: GORE-TEX – The iconic Ingredient Brand’s journey to responsible performance (Part 2) (youtube.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 10, 2024 /3BL/ – Discovery Education and Boeing are partnering to present a new virtual experience – Passport to Innovation – introducing students to Boeing employees creating the latest generation of innovative aerospace products. This five-part virtual video topic series (VTS) is part of FUTURE U, an award-winning program that provides standards-aligned, hands-on, experiential learning resources that ignite excitement and inspire students to become tomorrow’s innovators.

Created for students in grades 6-12, the new video topic series offers short, dynamic episodes exploring five international locations: United Arab Emirates, India, United Kingdom, Australia, and South Korea. Each episode offers a complete, stand-alone story, which empowers educators to build these resources into existing lesson plans individually or together. The episodes are tied together thematically through topics such as sustainability, community involvement, and diversity, and focus on the ways Boeing’s global workforce helps connect people around the world. In addition, Passport to Innovation will be available in English, Modern Standard Arabic, Hindi, Korean, and Spanish. An accompanying educator guide provides teachers with materials and activities. Through FUTURE U, educators receive a diverse collection of digital resources empowering students to explore aviation, the environment, and space.

“Career pathways are constantly evolving and iterating. With this new Passport to Innovation video topic series with Boeing, students develop a comprehensive understanding of why innovation of any kind requires a diverse, passionate, highly skilled, global workforce,” said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education.

Discover more no-cost resources from FUTURE U at BoeingFUTUREU.com or within Discovery Education Experience.

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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About Boeing 
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contacts 
Grace Maliska 
Discovery Education 
Email: gmaliska@dicoveryed.com

Globally, 733 million people go to bed hungry every night. Eliminating hunger is more vital than ever before, but it’s only possible if we work together. Action Against Hunger is proud to join forces with Humble Bundle, a digital storefront for video games, books, and software, to ensure every life is well-nourished.

Humble selected Action Against Hunger as its featured charity partner, marking ten years of collaboration and support. We spoke with Kamini Tiwari, Humble Bundle’s Vice President of Social Impact, to learn more about our partnership’s mission to create a healthier world.

Tell us about Humble Bundle and your role with the company.

Humble Bundle is a digital retailer with a mission to be a force for good in the world. Since our founding in 2010, we have partnered with content providers and charities to offer bundles of digital content, including games, books, and software, while directing a portion of nearly every sale to charitable causes.

As the head of social impact, I lead our efforts to integrate philanthropy into our business model. This involves collaborating with our team, content partners, and charity organizations to ensure that giving back is not just an initiative, but a core part of our identity. Over the years, we have raised over $260 million for various charities, demonstrating the incredible support of our community. For example, last year alone, we raised $14.4 million, benefiting more than 7,500 charities globally. And over the lifetime of our partnership with Action Against Hunger, we have raised nearly $5 million, which has been instrumental in supporting their mission to end hunger globally.

Gamers are an increasingly influential part of pop culture. Can you tell us more about the Humble community and what makes it unique? 

The Humble community is a vibrant and diverse group of gamers, book lovers, and software enthusiasts united by a shared passion for making a positive impact. They certainly appreciate the great deals we’re able to bring them, but there is also a very strong vein of giving back that runs through our community. We see this quite a bit in their comments on social media and elsewhere, and also in the different ways they engage around the various charities we highlight.

Our audience is passionate about not only gaming but also about contributing to meaningful change. This commitment is reflected in their support for Action Against Hunger, where their contributions have helped provide critical resources to those in need.

Humble is clearly a leader in the gaming space when it comes to corporate social responsibility. How has Humble’s support for social issues evolved over time?

Since our inception, Humble has been at the forefront of corporate social responsibility in the gaming industry. We pioneered the game bundle-for-charity model, allowing gamers to contribute to various causes while enjoying their favorite content. Over the years, our focus has expanded to include a wide range of issues such as health and well-being, crisis and disaster relief, equity and inclusion, quality education, and climate change.

Our commitment to addressing pressing social issues is reflected in our partnerships with organizations like Action Against Hunger. By spotlighting their work and raising funds through our bundles, we have been able to support their mission to tackle the causes and effects of hunger. This includes providing ongoing support during times of disaster and crisis, ensuring that resources are available when they are needed most.

Humble has supported Action Against Hunger for a decade. What has Humble learned in the past ten years around cause promotions and/or about hunger as a global issue?

Through our decade-long partnership with Action Against Hunger, we have raised nearly $5 million, which has helped Action Against Hunger implement vital programs that address food insecurity and promote sustainable solutions in communities around the world.

In 2023 alone, the Humble community contributed to delivering 5.8 million meals through various charity partnerships, including with Action Against Hunger, highlighting the collective impact of our community.

We have also learned that addressing hunger requires a multifaceted approach. This includes hunger prevention and supporting emergency response in the wake of hurricanes, earthquakes and other disasters that turn lives upside down. Our efforts also encompass initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture and women’s empowerment. By committing funds to Action Against Hunger, we enable them to respond swiftly to food crises and foster resilience in affected communities. Our partnership has reinforced the idea that long-term support is essential to effectively tackle the complex challenge of hunger globally.

Why does the issue of global hunger resonate with you personally?

The issue of global hunger resonates with me deeply because it reflects a fundamental human right—the right to food. Knowing that approximately 733 million people worldwide go to bed hungry is a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done.

My commitment to this cause stems from my belief in social justice and the inherent dignity of every human being. I believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive. Action Against Hunger is a global leader creating a future where every life is well-nourished.

How can people get involved with Humble Bundle/support the cause?

There are so many impactful ways to get involved to support the fight against hunger globally and in your own town:

Shop with Purpose: For every Humble Choice subscription sign-up in September, 5% of the proceeds will be donated to support Action Against Hunger’s vital work. And, thanks to a generous Action Against Hunger donor, the first $100,000 raised through these sign-ups will be matched. Furthermore, a percentage of proceeds from the Summer Narrative game bundle will help provide lifesaving medical treatment to malnourished children.Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the issues surrounding hunger and food insecurity. Check out Action Against Hunger’s resources to understand the global impact of malnutrition and how you can contribute to solutions. Sharing this knowledge can empower your community to take action. Stay informed by signing this pledge to end global hunger.Reduce Food Waste: Be mindful of your food consumption. Plan meals, store food properly, and use leftovers creatively to minimize waste. By reducing food waste, you can help ensure that more food reaches those in need. For tips on reducing food waste, check out resources from the FDA and other organizations that provide practical strategies for managing food at home and when dining out.Support Local Farmers: Shop at farmers’ markets to support local agriculture. This not only helps the local economy but also promotes sustainable food practices.

Together, we can make a significant difference in the fight against global hunger and create a more just and equitable world for all.

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 59 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Takeaways

We recently partnered with people with disabilities and disability advocates to integrate accessibility into our mixed reality technology.

We believe the best products are built by working with the communities we serve. We recently invited people with disabilities and accessibility advocates to co-design solutions with our product teams to enhance the accessibility of mixed reality technology.

These co-design efforts help us deliver universal value for our users by:

Prioritizing real-life user experiences: Co-designing products with diverse communities helps us ground our design in real-life user experiences, test design assumptions and prioritize solving for user needs.Centering the needs of historically underserved communities to benefit everyone: When we co-design with historically underserved communities, we can create products that drive benefits for all. This is called the “curb cutting” effect. Curb cuts on sidewalks were originally designed for wheelchair users, but ultimately also benefit parents with strollers, cyclists and pedestrians. Similarly, designing mixed reality technology with people with disabilities and accessibility advocates can help us build solutions that benefit everyone.Building community: Co-design requires building deep relationships based on trust and mutual respect. When we co-design products with diverse communities, we not only create products that more people can use, but also develop trust with users that are often left behind by technology.

This co-design not only drives real-world impact, it also unlocks new possibilities, creating better product experiences for everyone. We recognize that we still have a long way to go to make mixed reality more inclusive, establishing and iterating on new industry standards. Co-designing solutions earlier in the development process will enable everyone to thrive in the metaverse. We are dedicated to collaborating with communities that have historically been overlooked by technology, as we believe that, together, we can achieve greater things.

To celebrate National Intern Day, our rockstar interns and co-ops traded in their laptops for work gloves!

More than 70 volunteers from Kohler, WI, rolled up their sleeves to help local organizations including Terry Andrae State Park, RCS Empowers, Inc., Project Angel Hugs, Nourish Farms, Inc., and the Sheboygan Historical Museum.

They also celebrated the day with a putting challenge at Blackwolf Run golf course, networking lunch, and a panel discussion with Kohler associates who started as interns and co-ops.

Here’s to our next generation of leaders and community champions!

HARRISBURG, Penn., September 10, 2024 /3BL/ – Leading advisory, tax and assurance firm Baker Tilly announces the addition of Daniel Greenstein to its higher education advisory practice, effective Nov. 1. A respected national leader with a distinguished career in higher education, Greenstein brings his vision and expertise to Baker Tilly at a pivotal moment in U.S. higher education, reinforcing the firm’s ability to help institutions meet today’s complex challenges.

Greenstein most recently served as Chancellor of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). In this role, he led efforts to revitalize and redesign the state’s public university system, which serves over 80,000 degree-seeking students. Under his leadership, PASSHE focused on expanding opportunities for all students, including those from underserved populations, and worked to eliminate persistent attainment gaps prevalent in higher education. Additionally, he enhanced financial sustainability and drove transformative changes across the system.

“Joining Baker Tilly is an exciting opportunity to continue my work in higher education on a national scale,” said Greenstein. “The sector faces profound challenges, and I’m eager to contribute solutions that help institutions better serve their students and communities. The need for bold, forward-thinking strategies has never been more urgent.”

At Baker Tilly, Greenstein will focus on leading initiatives that address the rapidly evolving needs of higher education institutions, prioritizing improved student outcomes and long-term institutional sustainability by optimizing operations, aligning academic portfolios with market needs and effectively leveraging technology and data analytics.

“Dan’s experience, visionary leadership and passion for advancing equity in education align perfectly with our mission to help our clients achieve student and institutional success,” Baker Tilly Managing Principal of Government and Public Services Vicki Hellenbrand said. “As a key member of our higher education leadership team, Dan will play an integral role in guiding our strategy and enhancing our ability to deliver innovative solutions that truly make a difference for the institutions we serve.”

Prior to his role at PASSHE, Greenstein was a senior executive at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where he spearheaded the Postsecondary Success strategy. In that capacity, he collaborated with higher education leaders nationwide to improve educational attainment levels and close achievement gaps, particularly among low-income and minority students. His national strategy contributed to increasing the number of degrees awarded and advancing economic mobility for students across the country.

Greenstein’s extensive experience also includes his tenure as vice provost for academic planning and programs for the University of California system. In that role, he directed system-wide academic initiatives, including the University of California Press, the California Digital Library, and the UC Online Education program, among others. His career has been marked by a commitment to leveraging technology, data and strategic planning to drive positive change in higher education.

Learn more about Baker Tilly’s higher education advisory services at bakertilly.com/higher-education. 

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About Baker Tilly (bakertilly.com)

Baker Tilly is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm, providing clients with a genuine coast-to-coast and global advantage in major regions of the U.S. and in many of the world’s leading financial centers – New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) provide professional services through an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable laws, regulations and professional standards. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide tax and business advisory services to their clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.

Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP, trading as Baker Tilly, are independent members of Baker Tilly International, a worldwide network of independent accounting and business advisory firms in 141 territories, with 43,000 professionals and a combined worldwide revenue of $5.2 billion. Visit bakertilly.com or join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.   

60% of the global population hand wash their clothing in rivers, streams, and buckets. While living and volunteering in a remote village in India, Nav Sawhney witnessed firsthand the immense burden this chore placed on women like his neighbor Divya. Determined to find a solution, Nav returned to the UK, founded The Washing Machine Project (TWMP), and created the manual “Divya” washing machine. However, TWMP faced challenges scaling its impact to reach more people who desperately needed it.

Meanwhile, in the United States, the Whirlpool Foundation had developed a similar off-grid manual washing machine, recognizing that this same laborious task deepens social inequities and stunts personal advancement. With the vast resources of Whirlpool engineers, the Foundation was well-equipped to produce these machines yet struggled to find an effective distribution method.

The subsequent, serendipitous collaboration between TWMP and the Whirlpool Foundation is yielding incredible impact at scale. We invited Nav Sawhney, Founder of TWMP, and Deb O’Connor, Managing Director of the Whirlpool Foundation, to speak about the origin of their “one plus one equals three” relationship, their human-centric approach to Whirlpool employee engagement, and the significant “unlock” their work together will have on women and girls worldwide, including Nav’s friend Divya and her family.

Listen for insights on:

The “Washing Divide” and its impact on inhibiting economic growth and social inequalityIntroducing employees to a social issue and inviting them to be part of the solutionBalancing empathy and action when working directly with beneficiaries

Listen to this and other episodes of Purpose 360 Podcast here.

Purpose 360 Podcast is a masterclass in unlocking the potential of purpose to ignite business and social impact. Hosted by Carol Cone, CEO of Carol Cone ON PURPOSE, Purpose 360 illuminates the impact of purpose, from engaging employees and fostering deeper consumer loyalty to inspiring product innovation and increasing market share.

Carol Cone ON PURPOSE (CCOP) is a pioneering social impact consultancy helping companies, brands, and nonprofits harness the power of purpose to advance their business and societal impact. CCOP’s proven approach, developed over decades and hundreds of purpose assignments, meets clients at any point on their purpose journey to unlock opportunities to build reputation, inspire and engage employees, ignite organizational culture for innovation and growth, while supporting the greater good.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

When Donte Turnage started as a client relationship consultant at the Hyde Park Branch in Cincinnati two years ago, he was nervous and shy, he said.

On a teammate’s recommendation, Turnage joined a Thrive Thursday session, a virtual space for U.S. Bank team members to gather weekly to network, learn about company culture and strategy, and understand how they fit into the bigger picture.

“I felt like less of a newcomer after that first session, and attending helped me get rid of those nerves,” Turnage said. “Ever since then, Thrive Thursday has been an important part of my week. Regardless of what else is going on, I make it a point to attend.”

Each session begins with a subject matter expert sharing a presentation on topics from wellbeing and professional growth to spotlights on various parts of the business.

But the featured speaker isn’t the only contributor.

“The speakers are knowledgeable and passionate about their topics, and attendees are encouraged to participate in the chat throughout the sessions,” Turnage said. “If you ask a question, the speaker or another participant may jump in to answer. It’s a great way for team members from across the company to connect. We have a great sense of community.”

This sense of community has helped drive program growth. More than 1,000 team members attend virtually each week and frequent participants asked for more events and ways to connect with each other.

Thrive Thursday program leaders have set up in-person watch parties for team members to gather and experience sessions together. Sessions are followed by a Q&A and networking, allowing attendees to meet new teammates from areas around the company.

While the name calls for sessions to be held on Thursdays, program managers have received an outpouring of requests for more topics and opportunities to learn. On select weeks, multiple topics are shared on different days.

The off-day sessions haven’t decreased the attendance during regularly scheduled Thursday events, program managers said. Instead, the additional presentations are attracting as many as an additional 1,000 attendees.

Thrive Thursday host Sam Gonsalves said Thrive Thursday has been successful because she asks participants what they want to see next, as well as when and how they want to engage.

“We give team members the opportunity to lead their own development,” Gonsalves said. “More than anything, we want them to feel a sense of belonging and connect to our company strategy, culture and each other.”