Tag: 3BL

CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 11, 2024 /3BL/ – In response to Hurricane Francine’s projected landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast this afternoon, Truist Foundation today announced it will donate $250,000 to support relief and recovery efforts in communities impacted by the storm. The funds will be distributed to the American Red Cross and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund.

“As this year’s record hurricane season continues to affect communities across the country, Truist Foundation is committed to caring for those in the path of these unexpected disasters,” said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. “We are proud to put our purpose into action, leaning in before the storm makes landfall, to ensure the impacted families and communities have the resources they need for immediate relief as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding support.”

The selected organizations will use their grant funds to identify and deliver the most critical immediate community needs such as access to food, shelter and medical services. A portion of the donation will be focused on medium- and long-term recovery informed by disaster experts in partnership with those in the affected communities. Restoration efforts may address needs such as rebuilding homes, providing mental health, legal and disaster case management services, and other urgent challenges identified as recovery efforts progress.

Additionally, earlier this year, Truist Foundation donated $1 million to the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, designed to deploy assistance quickly to communities impacted by events such as Hurricane Francine. Those funds help provide food, shelter, emotional support, comfort kits and other immediate relief supplies to thousands of families and individuals impacted by such disasters.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the foundation’s leading initiatives — the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

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Media Contact:

Kristen Fraser

media@truist.com

KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation proudly announced an investment of $480,000 in Ohio’s only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and 1890 Land-Grant Institution, Central State University (CSU). Grant dollars given to the university will establish the KeyBank Scholars (KBS) Program to implement summer bridge programs, providing tuition support for 40 students over a five-year period.

The KBS Program will become a part of CSU’s Student and Institutional Success Model (SISM) geared to improve student academic outcomes. The program will be a robust scholarship and student development intervention to enhance the student experience and promote long term student success outcomes.

“All of us at KeyBank are so proud to partner with Central State University to establish the KeyBank Scholars Program,” said Jeff Bardonaro, Dayton KeyBank Market President. “We are committed to helping local students and families thrive by providing tuition support to help them reach their goals. This investment will help ensure a bright future for many CSU students and build even stronger communities in our region for years to come.”

“Central State University is deeply honored to partner with KeyBank in establishing the KeyBank Scholars Program,” said President Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti ,Central State University. “This significant investment underscores the importance of providing our students with not only financial support but also the developmental resources they need to thrive. The program aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering academic excellence and long-term success for our students. Through this partnership, we are building a brighter future for our scholars, empowering them to become leaders who will make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.”

Over the grant period, 40 students will take part in a summer bridge program for five weeks prior to their first year of college with the objective to adjust participants to academic and social undergraduate experience. Participants will receive $2,000 per year for four years in scholarships upon meeting program criteria. Those enrolled in the program must maintain a 3.0 GPA to receive scholarship awards.

Previous CSU summer bridge program results show that 83% of participants are on track to graduate within regular program schedule with an average GPA of 3.15. In comparison, the national four-year graduation rate for all students is 45%, African American students is 26%.

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 $187 billion at June 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 Member FDIC.

ABOUT CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY

Central State University is a public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant Institution with an over 135-year tradition of preparing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research, and service. The University fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a solid liberal arts foundation and STEM-Ag curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally.

EEO Statement: Central State University, an 1890 Land-Grant Institution, offers its programs and activities to people of diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, race, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, marital or family status, military status, national origin, political beliefs, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or accessibility, please contact the Department of Human Resources at 937-376-6540.   

Previously published on ESG Today

ESG leaders and CSOs are facing challenges today like never before. Externally, the increasing political polarization of sustainability is forcing leaders to find a delicate balancing act between demonstrating a commitment to ESG and explaining why that commitment genuinely matters and the financial rewards it will bring. Internally, with economic uncertainty hanging over the world economy, it’s up to those tasked with driving forward ESG strategies to get results while also ‘speaking the language’ of their boardroom colleagues – from the CEO to CFO and CTO.

Communicating the challenges and opportunities of sustainability and getting C-suite buy-in is becoming a combination of art and science, but getting it right today is more important now than ever before.

For many leaders that message of urgency and importance may seem obvious. The business community is still on a journey, but there’s widespread recognition of the positive and negative impact companies can have if they embrace environmental, social and governance good practice. We’re getting there, but – at times – it can feel like we have one hand tied behind our backs.

From increased regulation to broader corporate acceptance of the issues, sustainability is now a hot topic in the boardroom, yet it continues to often sit in isolation – with initiatives and action plans that look and feel good, but aren’t completely embedded in the wider growth strategy. For ESG leaders and CSOs, the time has come to build a business case for sustainability, ensuring that it goes beyond a ‘compliance consideration’ and shifts into the everyday decision-making processes of all aspects of a company.

In my day-to-day role I work with and speak to thousands of industry leaders who ‘get’ ESG, but there continues to be a gap between recognition and genuinely embedding sustainability into the roles of each and every C-Suite member.

At KPMG, we recently produced ‘Building the Case for Sustainability’ alongside our colleagues at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). The decision to produce the guide followed the trend of conversations among colleagues and stakeholders in the business world. I’m often asked how to bridge the gap between ESG commitments and financial growth. My answer is clear – if short-term financial pressures continue to be a barrier to your sustainable business model, prepare to fail in the long-term. There may be political discourse and some disagreement, but the reality of the social and environmental challenges we are facing in to mean that companies who fail to fully grasp sustainability within this decade will almost certainly no longer be competitive and risk irrelevance and financial ruin.

Sustainability reporting standards are arriving thick and fast across the planet – used correctly they can be the foundations for the change we need but if they are used badly and they will drive apathy for sustainability action across our global organizations.

The first step for business leaders today – even those who believe they’re ‘getting it right’ – is to interrogate the data and explore how much sustainability is embedded into the wider strategy. That should include analysis of risks and opportunities. What is your company exposed to? What actions can you take to mitigate those risks? And what opportunities for sustainable growth could help your business in the future? The actions should start from the boardroom – with each leader given responsibility and control over aspects of the broader sustainability goals. We don’t hesitate to give leaders stretching targets for financial growth and we should adopt the same principles with sustainability – ensuring that leaders regard the key elements of ESG as inextricably linked to the core functions and strategies of a business.

We’re making progress – as a global business community – in our mission to play our part in shifting toward a more sustainable planet, but there is much more to be done. I’ve personally witnessed the passion and understanding business leaders increasingly have for the subject, but I also recognize in many boardrooms that sustainability targets are starting to be seen as a threat, rather than a challenge – that is a dangerous mindset shift. Businesses have historically been in the firing line, accused of leading the way in driving the climate crisis. We’ve recognized that our actions can make a difference – for better or worse. The political and economic climate may remain uncertain and increasingly polarized, but as the drivers of growth around the world, it’s incumbent on us as business leaders to remain focused on what matters and ensure that sustainability is truly at the heart of everything we do.

Click here to connect with Simon Weaver

As students head #BacktoSchool, we’re proud to help prepare them for success through our network of Webster Finance Lab partnerships with nonprofits throughout our footprint. We applaud our partners — @YPIE, @EagleAcademyFoundation, @WBGC (Wakeman Boys&Girls Club), @YWCAGreaterHartford and @TheHIspanicCoalitionofGreaterWaterbury for their efforts to provide financial empowerment opportunities for students in the communities we serve. Stay tuned as we launch more Webster Finance Labs throughout our footprint in the months ahead!

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Originally published on Essity Newsroom

Hygiene and health company Essity’s targets to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 have been validated by Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The validation applies to all near- and long-term targets in Scope 1, 2, and 3. The roadmap has been developed as part of the U.N. Global Compact’s “Business Ambition for 1.5°C”.

Essity’s long-term target is to achieve net zero emissions across the value chain no later than 2050. The company’s near-term Scope 1 and 2 target (energy use within the company and purchased energy) is to reach a 35% reduction by 2030 and the near-term Scope 3 target (including purchased goods and services, transportation, production waste and end-of-life treatment of sold products) has been updated from 18% to a 35% reduction within the same timeframe. All targets are relative to a 2016 baseline.

“Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time, and Essity has made a firm commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Our progress is driven by a sense of urgency throughout the organization, together with a strong innovation focus, and collaboration with customers, partners, and suppliers.” says Magnus Groth, President and CEO of Essity.

For additional information please contact: 
Per Lorentz, VP Corporate Communications, +46 733 13 30 55 per.lorentz@essity.com

About Essity

Essity is a global, leading hygiene and health company. Every day, our products, solutions and services are used by a billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Modibodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2023, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 147bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The company’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

When your view of the world is through the lens of a disease that can often cause pain and require more frequent doctor visits, finding comfort is imperative. That is a reality for the approximately 100,000 Americans impacted by sickle cell disease,1 including more than 4,000 in South Carolina alone.2

That’s why, in July, three-time women’s national championship-winning University of South Carolina Head Basketball Coach and Olympic legendary Coach Dawn Staley joined Aflac to deliver a dose of comfort by giving 16 pediatric sickle cell patients at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands their very own My Special Aflac Duck®. This cuddly, robotic companion is designed to give children a voice by helping them communicate their feelings, prepare for medical procedures, practice distraction techniques and more.

Pediatric sickle cell patients went on a scavenger hunt through the hospital before the children were surprised with their new, cuddly companions to keep, delivered by Staley. The sickle cell version of My Special Aflac Duck has a special cape designed to mimic a blanket, reflecting sickle cell patients who are often sensitive to changes in temperature. The cape doubles as art therapy to delight children serving as a water-activated, color-changing canvas.

The duck was designed in consult with more than 100 children, families and medical professionals in partnership with Empath Labs and uses medical play and lifelike movement to help children cope with their treatments. In 2022, Aflac expanded its My Special Aflac Duck program to serve pediatric patients with sickle cell with research-based updates like unique accessories designed to help reinforce care routines.

Since My Special Aflac Duck was first introduced in 2018, Aflac has delivered more than 31,000 ducks to children in the United States, Japan and Northern Ireland — nearly one-third of those have been given to children diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

Aflac’s commitment to pediatric cancer and blood disorders spans decades with Aflac employees, independent agents and The Aflac Foundation, Inc. contributing more than $184 million to childhood cancer and blood disorders treatment and research since 1995.

Health care providers, support organizations and families can order My Special Aflac Duck free of charge for children 3 years or older who have been diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease at MySpecialAflacDuck.com.

1 CDC — Fact Sheet: Sickle Cell Disease — https://www.cdc.gov/sickle-cell/media/fact-sheets/basic-information/what-you-should-know-about-scd.pdf. Accessed Sept. 5, 2024.

2 Prisma Health. Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program — Midlands. https://prismahealthchildrens.org/programs-and-services/hospital-services/comprehensive-sickle-cell-disease-program/sickle-cell-program-midlands. Accessed Sept. 5, 2024.

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Cisco Networking Academy continues to innovate across our platform and curriculum to ensure learners and instructors have access to best-in-class IT education content and experiences. We are proud to share we have launched a new web experience to bring together the strengths of our offerings into a single platform. Our offerings on NetAcad.com and SkillsForAll.com are now integrated into a unified teaching and learning experience on the new NetAcad.com platform.

In July 2021, we introduced Skills for All as a self-paced option to expand our reach and engage new learners, with a rich blend of innovative interactive activities, gamified challenges, and hands-on learning. In keeping with our continued innovation and commitment to empower educators, we have also been building a next-generation teaching experience, including professional development resources, class management features, and personalized assessment tools.

The new NetAcad.com digital experience

Our launch brings these learning and teaching experiences together in a fresh modern digital experience designed to scale access to quality IT education – with a mobile-first design and flexibility for instructor-led, self-paced, and hybrid learning options just right for today’s education environment.

Courses from both Skills for All and NetAcad.com have been integrated into the new web experience which now features more than 50 courses – including self-paced and instructor-led options (varies by course) in up to 18 languages. Courses cover key topics in technology, including cybersecurity, networking, AI & data science, programming, IT, digital literacy, and professional skills. At launch, the new web experience supports five platform languages: English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Driving innovation in technology education

At Cisco Networking Academy, we are driven by our mission to power an inclusive future for all. This means continuing to innovate and lead through big transitions so learners around the world are prepared to take on technology work today and tomorrow. We continue to develop in new areas like AI, game and project-based learning, career resources, comprehensive teaching features, and more. Because when learners gain the skills they need to earn well-paying jobs in in-demand fields, we can lift families, communities, and society. It’s a win-win-win.

Check out the new NetAcad.com digital experience!

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September 11, 2024 /3BL/ – Imagine a workplace where every employee feels empowered to drive positive change in their community. Many companies achieve this by establishing policies that create opportunities for impact. These policies align a company’s culture and core values with daily operations, setting clear expectations and creating an environment where employees feel supported.

Join Points of Light on September 17 at 1 p.m. EST for the webinar “Policies that Enable Employee-Powered Change,” designed for corporate social responsibility practitioners. We will explore innovative and proven policies that enable employees to support their communities both during and outside of working hours.

Discover how codifying practices such as Volunteer Time Off (VTO) can foster a culture of service, enhance employee engagement, and secure buy-in from all levels. We will share real-world examples and actionable strategies to help you craft and champion effective corporate social impact policies.

As a bonus, registered attendees will receive an advanced copy of Points of Light’s next learning brief, “Volunteer Time Off: Implementing and Optimizing Workplace Programs and Policies,” which will be published on September 24. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insight into policies that empower employees to make a meaningful difference.

Register Now

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. Through our work with nonprofits, companies, and social impact leaders, we galvanize volunteers to meet critical needs. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, we engage nearly 4 million volunteers across 38 countries to create healthy, equitable communities where all can thrive. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org.

In Freire, a commune in the Province of Cautín, southern Chile, Julián Seco López, a commercial engineer, chooses New Holland’s blue machines for his family fruit project focused on the production of European hazelnuts. 

New Holland, a CNH brand, offers a broad portfolio of products ideal for various applications.

With a seasonal production that exceeds 300 thousand tons and an average that, as of this year, begins to exceed two thousand kg per hectare, Julián’s fruit project focuses on achieving the greatest possible efficiency, for which the mechanization of the various tasks has been fundamental. In this way, they benefit from the comparative advantages offered by this sector, one of the most stable and profitable in the national agro-export sector in recent years.

In light of the results, the implementation of modern technologies and practices in agricultural management, the enabling of a complete process line to add value to production and the mechanization of the preliminary stages at the orchard level stand out. These aspects have improved the profitability of the business.

“For us, accompanying our customers is essential. It’s not just about selling machines, it’s about building strong and lasting bonds with every man and woman in the field who has placed their trust in us,” said Juliano Mendonca, New Holland’s marketing and innovations manager.

Thanks to the versatility of the T4 tractors, the commercial engineer can use them for other tasks such as planting, and transport to the process line and loading trucks for final dispatch. In addition, they are useful in specific tasks during the pruning season, such as assembling a pruning waste shredder.

Mechanization and the use of specialized tractors are fundamental to the success of Julián Seco López’s fruit project, complemented by the quality after-sales service offered by SKC, the brand’s official distributor. These tools not only improve operational efficiency, but also contribute significantly to the profitability and sustainability of the business.

In Freire, a commune in the Province of Cautín, southern Chile, Julián Seco López, a commercial engineer, chooses New Holland’s blue machines for his family fruit project focused on the production of European hazelnuts. 

New Holland, a CNH brand, offers a broad portfolio of products ideal for various applications.

With a seasonal production that exceeds 300 thousand tons and an average that, as of this year, begins to exceed two thousand kg per hectare, Julián’s fruit project focuses on achieving the greatest possible efficiency, for which the mechanization of the various tasks has been fundamental. In this way, they benefit from the comparative advantages offered by this sector, one of the most stable and profitable in the national agro-export sector in recent years.

In light of the results, the implementation of modern technologies and practices in agricultural management, the enabling of a complete process line to add value to production and the mechanization of the preliminary stages at the orchard level stand out. These aspects have improved the profitability of the business.

“For us, accompanying our customers is essential. It’s not just about selling machines, it’s about building strong and lasting bonds with every man and woman in the field who has placed their trust in us,” said Juliano Mendonca, New Holland’s marketing and innovations manager.

Thanks to the versatility of the T4 tractors, the commercial engineer can use them for other tasks such as planting, and transport to the process line and loading trucks for final dispatch. In addition, they are useful in specific tasks during the pruning season, such as assembling a pruning waste shredder.

Mechanization and the use of specialized tractors are fundamental to the success of Julián Seco López’s fruit project, complemented by the quality after-sales service offered by SKC, the brand’s official distributor. These tools not only improve operational efficiency, but also contribute significantly to the profitability and sustainability of the business.