Tag: 3BL

Duke Energy partnership with community development organizations will provide grants to help small businesses expand

CHARLOTTE, N.C., August 16, 2024 /3BL/ – The Duke Energy Foundation today announced $700,000 of new funding will be made available to North Carolina small businesses in partnership with community development organizations. Small business grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 will be distributed through 20 community organizations to support retail shops, restaurants and other small businesses looking to expand, upgrade technology and improve downtown storefronts.

Now in its fourth year, the grant program has provided over $2 million in funding to small businesses since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Duke Energy Foundation’s small business grant program has helped fuel a resurgence of entrepreneurial small businesses in North Carolina ranging from bookstores to restaurants,” said Kendal Bowman, president of Duke Energy North Carolina. “These small business grants ensure Main Streets across our state are well positioned to benefit from economic development efforts.”

Small businesses play a critical role in the state’s economic health and employ nearly half of North Carolina’s workforce, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Anna Impson and Rebekah Rhoden, owners of Little Pep in Winston-Salem, used funding from the grant program to improve the bistro’s storefront last year and attract new customers.

“Receiving a grant from the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership and the Duke Energy Foundation allowed us to improve and restore our historic storefront and give it the charm and character it deserves,” said Impson and Rhoden. “We’re thankful that the Duke Energy Foundation helped us make our dreams a reality, and we’re excited to have brought Little Pep to our vibrant downtown.”

Bill King, president and CEO of Downtown Raleigh Alliance, sees the funding as essential to community improvement efforts.

“This tremendous support from the Duke Energy Foundation is a huge boost to our efforts to revitalize downtown Raleigh and will go directly to support our small, locally owned businesses,” said King. “Since the pandemic, Duke Energy has set a standard for corporate support through its generous and focused efforts on bringing back main streets and small business communities that form the backbone of places like downtown Raleigh.”

Small businesses interested in applying for funding are encouraged to inquire with the local nonprofit administering the program for their community. A full list of recipients can be found below with quotes from each organization available here.

Small Business Grant Program Recipients

OrganizationCounties ServedGrant AmountAlexander County Economic Development CorporationAlexander$50,000Caraway FoundationAnson$25,000Clinton Downtown InitiativesSampson$50,000Davidson-Davie Community College FoundationDavidson$25,000Downtown AsheboroRandolph$25,000Downtown Greensboro FoundationGuilford$25,000Downtown Winston-Salem FoundationForsyth$25,000Durham Chamber Legacy FoundationDurham$50,000Flywheel FoundationCabarrus$25,000Friends of the Land of Sky Regional CouncilBuncombe, Madison, Yancey, Mitchell, Avery$25,000Heart of BrevardTransylvania$25,000Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development PartnershipOnslow$25,000Jones County Committee of 100Jones$25,000Lumberton Economic Advancement for DowntownRobeson$25,000Montcross Tomorrow Chamber FoundationGaston$50,000Raleigh Civic Ventures (Downtown Raleigh Alliance)Wake$50,000Region A FoundationClay, Cherokee, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain$75,000Rutherford Town RevitalizationRutherford$25,000Vance-Granville Community College Endowment FundVance$50,000Wilkes Economic Development CorporationWilkes$25,000

 

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Garrett Poorman 
Twitter: @DE_GarrettP 
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., August 16, 2024 /3BL/ – Trane® – by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator -celebrated a significant safety milestone at its Commercial HVAC manufacturing facility and Rental Service office in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Trane Charlotte employees achieved 3,000,000 work hours, approximately ten years, without a lost day away from work due to a work-related injury or illness on May 21, 2024.

Trane Charlotte has been in operation for 50 years and currently employs approximately 125 people.

“Ensuring the safety of our people at work is our highest priority,” said Murthy Kotike, plant manager. “This milestone recognizes and celebrates our associates’ unwavering commitment to creating and nurturing a culture of safety that has spanned more than 10 years! Putting safety first is just one of the things that makes Trane Charlotte a place people want to work.”

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis and Congresswoman Alma Adams joined Trane business leaders and employees to recognize the milestone.

“Congratulations to the Trane Charlotte team on achieving ten consecutive years without time lost due to an injury,” said Senator Tillis. “This remarkable accomplishment shows how Trane values their employees and that their continued safety is integral to the company’s success. It’s exciting to see the growth in this industry and that Trane Charlotte is an important part of it.”

The plant has a long track record of providing a safe and uplifting work environment for its employees; sustainable, high-performing products for customers; and leading by example in support of Trane Technologies’ purpose to help achieve a more sustainable world.

Trane Charlotte achieved zero waste to landfill in 2021 and upgraded its HVAC and lighting to help drastically reduce energy, while helping to create a more comfortable, efficient environment.

The Trane Charlotte plant manufactures compressors and motors for commercial customers with complex needs, such as hospitals, schools and historic sites. Trane Rental Services provides scalable cooling, heating, and power for unique applications, unusual situations and special events. 
 

# # #

About Trane 
Trane – by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator – creates comfortable, energy efficient indoor environments for commercial and residential applications. For more information, please visit www.trane.com or www.tranetechnologies.com.

About Trane Technologies 
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. Visit tranetechnologies.com.

CASE Construction Equipment, a CNH brand, launched a new line of compact crawler tractors with 100% Brazilian production.

After investments of R$ 50 million announced last year, the Contagem plant, in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, received improvements to become the World Production Hub for the brand’s line of crawler tractors, covering six models from 6 to 22 tons.

With different types of tracks that allow them to adapt to a variety of terrains, CASE’s compact crawler tractors come with new features in terms of environmental performance. Its pollutant emission control goes beyond legislative requirements, ensuring an eco-efficient operation. In addition, the treadmill locomotion provides superior grip on the ground and an optimized weight distribution, allowing use on unstable terrain without compacting the soil.

“Designed to be compact, strong and agile, these new devices offer a combination of productivity and eco-efficiency. The strategic change of nationalization of this production aims to serve a new market niche in the country, offering customers the benefits of ease of transportation, adaptability to reduced spaces, lower operating costs and high productivity”, says Lauren Batista, product specialist at CASE.

This year alone, CASE has already presented five other launches in its portfolio. In addition to the line of eco-efficient compact tractors; a new version of the W20G – the wheel loader that completes 50 years of manufacturing in Brazil – and a new line with four mini excavators, including an electric machine.

CASE Construction Equipment, a CNH brand, launched a new line of compact crawler tractors with 100% Brazilian production.

After investments of R$ 50 million announced last year, the Contagem plant, in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, received improvements to become the World Production Hub for the brand’s line of crawler tractors, covering six models from 6 to 22 tons.

With different types of tracks that allow them to adapt to a variety of terrains, CASE’s compact crawler tractors come with new features in terms of environmental performance. Its pollutant emission control goes beyond legislative requirements, ensuring an eco-efficient operation. In addition, the treadmill locomotion provides superior grip on the ground and an optimized weight distribution, allowing use on unstable terrain without compacting the soil.

“Designed to be compact, strong and agile, these new devices offer a combination of productivity and eco-efficiency. The strategic change of nationalization of this production aims to serve a new market niche in the country, offering customers the benefits of ease of transportation, adaptability to reduced spaces, lower operating costs and high productivity”, says Lauren Batista, product specialist at CASE.

This year alone, CASE has already presented five other launches in its portfolio. In addition to the line of eco-efficient compact tractors; a new version of the W20G – the wheel loader that completes 50 years of manufacturing in Brazil – and a new line with four mini excavators, including an electric machine.

Rob Torres is the Senior Vice President of Media Solutions here at Expedia Group. Based in Seattle, he leads all aspects of the company’s global advertising business, including strategy, operations, and business development. Torres’ team is instrumental in connecting advertisers with Expedia Group’s vast audience of hundreds of millions of travelers worldwide via our travel media network.

Interestingly, Torres is an Expedia Group Boomerang. He first joined EG in 1999 and spent nearly seven years contributing to our growth. After a period away, he returned to EG in 2022, drawn back by the company’s unwavering focus on travel and the opportunity to contribute to its resurgence post-pandemic.

Torres also viewed returning to EG as a chance to do more for a company, partners and travelers that helped build a great career for him. As part of this commitment, he took on the role as the executive sponsor for The Indigenous, Diversity, Expedians, and Allies (IDEA) Inclusion Business Group.

Let’s unpack Rob’s current role as IDEA’s executive sponsor, exploring his strategies for creating a more inclusive environment and his insights on becoming more effective allies.

Can you tell us more about your role as IDEA’s executive sponsor?

My role as IDEA’s executive sponsor is primarily one of support and advocacy. It’s about empowering the group to do their work effectively and ensuring they have the resources and support they need to succeed.

I’m here to amplify their voice within Expedia Group, connecting them with other leaders and departments as necessary. Whether it’s attending meetings, supporting their philanthropic initiatives, helping to establish new IDEA chapters, or providing feedback on communication strategies, I’m committed to listening, understanding their challenges, and helping them overcome obstacles in order for us to build a strong and safe space for Indigenous communities and allies.

What inspired you to become an executive sponsor for IDEA?

My interest in becoming an executive sponsor for IDEA was sparked by several factors. During my interview process, I was impressed by Expedia Group’s strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Having served as an executive sponsor for a similar group at my previous employer, I was eager to continue that involvement.

I was particularly drawn to the IDEA group because of their focus on Indigenous communities, which aligns with my passion for travel and culture. There are over 476 million Indigenous people across 90 countries, and I believe Expedia Group has a unique opportunity to promote responsible and respectful tourism while celebrating the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures worldwide. The chance to contribute to this important work and to be a part of creating a more inclusive company was incredibly appealing. It’s a privilege to support the IDEA team and their mission.

How has IDEA contributed to a more inclusive and welcoming workplace for Expedians? 

IDEA has been instrumental in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment at Expedia Group. By providing a dedicated space for Indigenous employees and their allies, the group fosters a sense of belonging and community. This is crucial for employees to feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work.

Expedia Group’s support of various Inclusion Business Groups, including IDEA, demonstrates our commitment to diversity and inclusion. These groups play a vital role in making our workplace more welcoming for everyone, regardless of their background. Ultimately, we aim to include consciously and create an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work.

what advice would you give to others who want to become more effective allies for the Indigenous community?

Becoming an effective ally starts with education and action. To support Indigenous communities, begin by learning about their history, cultures, and challenges. Seek out Indigenous-owned businesses, attend cultural events, and engage and share their stories on social media.

When traveling, make a conscious effort to choose Indigenous-owned accommodations, tours, and experiences and provide support and feedback through reviews and recommendations. This not only benefits local economies but also fosters cultural understanding and respect.

Remember, allyship is a journey. By taking small steps and consistently advocating for Indigenous communities, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world.

Join our Career Network

We’re looking for outstanding talent to join us on our mission to power global travel for everyone, everywhere. By joining our career network, you’ll have exclusive access to our latest opportunities, events, interview advice, and global insights from our Expedia Group leaders. Sign up now! 

Rob Torres is the Senior Vice President of Media Solutions here at Expedia Group. Based in Seattle, he leads all aspects of the company’s global advertising business, including strategy, operations, and business development. Torres’ team is instrumental in connecting advertisers with Expedia Group’s vast audience of hundreds of millions of travelers worldwide via our travel media network.

Interestingly, Torres is an Expedia Group Boomerang. He first joined EG in 1999 and spent nearly seven years contributing to our growth. After a period away, he returned to EG in 2022, drawn back by the company’s unwavering focus on travel and the opportunity to contribute to its resurgence post-pandemic.

Torres also viewed returning to EG as a chance to do more for a company, partners and travelers that helped build a great career for him. As part of this commitment, he took on the role as the executive sponsor for The Indigenous, Diversity, Expedians, and Allies (IDEA) Inclusion Business Group.

Let’s unpack Rob’s current role as IDEA’s executive sponsor, exploring his strategies for creating a more inclusive environment and his insights on becoming more effective allies.

Can you tell us more about your role as IDEA’s executive sponsor?

My role as IDEA’s executive sponsor is primarily one of support and advocacy. It’s about empowering the group to do their work effectively and ensuring they have the resources and support they need to succeed.

I’m here to amplify their voice within Expedia Group, connecting them with other leaders and departments as necessary. Whether it’s attending meetings, supporting their philanthropic initiatives, helping to establish new IDEA chapters, or providing feedback on communication strategies, I’m committed to listening, understanding their challenges, and helping them overcome obstacles in order for us to build a strong and safe space for Indigenous communities and allies.

What inspired you to become an executive sponsor for IDEA?

My interest in becoming an executive sponsor for IDEA was sparked by several factors. During my interview process, I was impressed by Expedia Group’s strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Having served as an executive sponsor for a similar group at my previous employer, I was eager to continue that involvement.

I was particularly drawn to the IDEA group because of their focus on Indigenous communities, which aligns with my passion for travel and culture. There are over 476 million Indigenous people across 90 countries, and I believe Expedia Group has a unique opportunity to promote responsible and respectful tourism while celebrating the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures worldwide. The chance to contribute to this important work and to be a part of creating a more inclusive company was incredibly appealing. It’s a privilege to support the IDEA team and their mission.

How has IDEA contributed to a more inclusive and welcoming workplace for Expedians? 

IDEA has been instrumental in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment at Expedia Group. By providing a dedicated space for Indigenous employees and their allies, the group fosters a sense of belonging and community. This is crucial for employees to feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work.

Expedia Group’s support of various Inclusion Business Groups, including IDEA, demonstrates our commitment to diversity and inclusion. These groups play a vital role in making our workplace more welcoming for everyone, regardless of their background. Ultimately, we aim to include consciously and create an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work.

what advice would you give to others who want to become more effective allies for the Indigenous community?

Becoming an effective ally starts with education and action. To support Indigenous communities, begin by learning about their history, cultures, and challenges. Seek out Indigenous-owned businesses, attend cultural events, and engage and share their stories on social media.

When traveling, make a conscious effort to choose Indigenous-owned accommodations, tours, and experiences and provide support and feedback through reviews and recommendations. This not only benefits local economies but also fosters cultural understanding and respect.

Remember, allyship is a journey. By taking small steps and consistently advocating for Indigenous communities, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world.

Join our Career Network

We’re looking for outstanding talent to join us on our mission to power global travel for everyone, everywhere. By joining our career network, you’ll have exclusive access to our latest opportunities, events, interview advice, and global insights from our Expedia Group leaders. Sign up now! 

Gildan is proud to announce the renewal of its partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston to support the Aquarium’s mission of inspiring the conservation of the natural world. Gildan is increasing its contribution from the prior year and will be donating USD $25,000, which will support the Aquarium’s robust slate of education programming. In addition, the Company will work with the Aquarium to organize exciting activities for its employees in Charleston.

“Our education team is always thrilled to see students from across the state of South Carolina come to the Aquarium and experience hands-on activities that connect them to water, wildlife, and wild places. We are extremely grateful for Gildan’s support,” says Brian Thill, Director of Education at The South Carolina Aquarium.

Over the next year, this partnership will support access of grade-specific, standards-based school programs for more than 6,500 students across the state, with curriculum focusing on Earth’s ecosystem, natural habitats, and marine life, specifically providing workshops, interactive experiences, and hands-on learning opportunities.

“We are pleased to be able to keep working with the Aquarium on such a rewarding program and to play a positive role in increasing education access within our community,” says Shannon Preston, Vice-President of Human Resources at Gildan. “In addition, we are excited to further elevate this partnership internally to drive employee volunteering and engagement in the region, which has further solidified our excitement in this renewed partnership.”

To find out more about Gildan’s commitment to its communities, please visit the Company’s website.

Gildan is proud to announce the renewal of its partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston to support the Aquarium’s mission of inspiring the conservation of the natural world. Gildan is increasing its contribution from the prior year and will be donating USD $25,000, which will support the Aquarium’s robust slate of education programming. In addition, the Company will work with the Aquarium to organize exciting activities for its employees in Charleston.

“Our education team is always thrilled to see students from across the state of South Carolina come to the Aquarium and experience hands-on activities that connect them to water, wildlife, and wild places. We are extremely grateful for Gildan’s support,” says Brian Thill, Director of Education at The South Carolina Aquarium.

Over the next year, this partnership will support access of grade-specific, standards-based school programs for more than 6,500 students across the state, with curriculum focusing on Earth’s ecosystem, natural habitats, and marine life, specifically providing workshops, interactive experiences, and hands-on learning opportunities.

“We are pleased to be able to keep working with the Aquarium on such a rewarding program and to play a positive role in increasing education access within our community,” says Shannon Preston, Vice-President of Human Resources at Gildan. “In addition, we are excited to further elevate this partnership internally to drive employee volunteering and engagement in the region, which has further solidified our excitement in this renewed partnership.”

To find out more about Gildan’s commitment to its communities, please visit the Company’s website.

Carter’s BBQ hosts a Father’s Day fundraiser for foster youth. Gray Brush unlocks new opportunities for their business within the rental market. And both businesses unveil something big online and attend ECDI’s small business course graduation. Brought to you by GoDaddy.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resources

Previously on Made in America: Ohio…

Darren W. Carter left his high-paying job in an Ohio steel mill to bet on himself and go all in on Carter’s BBQ with his wife Theresa. Empower by GoDaddy – the global social impact program launched in 2017 – helped Darren W. Carter realize his goal to put Carter’s BBQ on the map and someday sell his sauce and rubs online. Together, they created a website and online store that streamline orders and reflect Darren W. Carter and Theresa’s passion for the business. We learn about the time and sacrifice it takes to run a small business as Darren W. Carter stays awake all night monitoring meat temperatures and Theresa cooks side dishes after her 9-5. 

Lifelong friends Vonda Rogers and Lisa Brickey have a knack for finding vintage treasure — one they turned into Gray Brush Vintage Market. But a lack of small business funding stands in the way of quitting their 9-5 jobs and running Gray Brush full time. So, the two set out to win a pitch competition in their city of Portsmouth, Ohio, with a $5K prize to help fund the entrepreneurs’ inventory for the upcoming busy holiday season. Although the pitch competition doesn’t end how they want, the business partners are thankful for the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and fight for a different future. 

In the season finale of Made in America: Ohio, despite poor ticket sales, Carter’s BBQ hosts a Father’s Day fundraiser for foster youth in their community. Darren W. Carter and Theresa are lifted by the support of their family, community and fellow pitmasters, who rally around them to pull off the event. Until now, the pitmasters had only met online. Darren W. Carter is especially moved when fellow Black pitmaster Brandon Carpenter flies to Ohio to surprise and help him cook for the event.  

Still plagued with funding frustrations, Vonda of Gray Brush Vintage Market visits the Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI) to determine if their recent small business loan has been approved. The business partners are eager to expand into the rental market and conduct a photo shoot for their new website created with Empower by GoDaddy. They’re also thrilled to be asked to decorate for ECDI’s upcoming small business graduation ceremony. 

This season concludes at the ECDI graduation ceremony for local business owners who completed their six-week training course. Co-sponsored with Empower by GoDaddy, the course helps entrepreneurs gain digital presence skills and network with other business owners. In the end, the graduates show us how it feels to believe in yourself, put in the work, and be Made in America. 

Don’t miss the season finale of GoDaddy’s Made in America: Ohio series, and all four episodes, streaming now on YouTube. 

About Made in America

Made in America is a GoDaddy YouTube docuseries made in partnership with our global social impact program, Empower by GoDaddy. As part of our commitment to fostering opportunity for all, Made in America’s purpose is to further GoDaddy’s mission by showcasing the stories of entrepreneurs, intentionally focusing on the disparity in opportunities and access to resources for underserved communities. The fifth season tells the inspiring stories of Ohio entrepreneurs beating the odds. To learn more about Made in America, visit www.GoDaddy.com/made-in-america.  

About GoDaddy

GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers, sell their products and services, and accept payments online and in-person. GoDaddy’s easy-to-use tools help microbusiness owners manage everything in one place, and its expert guides are available to provide assistance 24/7. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com. 

Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: MPC) and its midstream affiliate MPLX LP (NYSE: MPLX) have published two joint reports that provide details on the companies’ efforts to advance their sustainability as the energy industry continues to evolve.

The companies’ Sustainability Report and Perspectives on Climate-Related Scenarios report highlight MPC’s and MPLX’s recent accomplishments and progress in strengthening their resilience, innovating for the future, embedding sustainability in their decision-making, and addressing the risks and opportunities inherent in the energy industry’s evolution.

The Sustainability Report provides insight into the companies’ progress on greenhouse gas emissions reductions; lowering the carbon intensity of their fuels; reinforcing a strong safety culture; cultivating an engaged and energized workforce; engaging with communities; board oversight and risk management; and strong compliance and ethics programs, among other topics. The Perspectives on Climate-Related Scenarios publication – MPC’s and MPLX’s eighth annual report aligned with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures framework – details the companies’ analysis of strategic risks and opportunities within the energy landscape.

“At MPC and MPLX, we have long recognized that sustainability is critical to long-term success in our ever-changing industry,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Maryann Mannen. “This encompasses our responsibilities to minimize our environmental footprint, invest in the communities where we operate, and foster an inclusive culture in our workplaces. And, as we seek to maintain and advance our sustainability efforts, nothing is more important than the safety of our people and our neighbors. By embedding safety into our daily work, we invest in the longevity and sustainability of our industry.”

While the two reports have different focuses, both reports also emphasize common themes. For example, the reports highlight the companies’ time-bound, realistic GHG emissions reduction goals, including a 30% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity by 2030 from 2014 levels. Because MPC is on track to reach the goal prior to 2030, the company is extending this target to a 38% reduction from 2014 levels by 2035. Similarly, MPLX has made significant progress on its methane emissions intensity goal of a 75% reduction of its Gathering and Processing segment methane emissions intensity by 2030 from 2016 levels. By the end of 2023, MPLX had achieved a 57% reduction.

“Our people have enabled us to accomplish so much, and we have ambitious goals that inspire our continued progress,” said Mannen. “I’m optimistic about what the future holds for Marathon Petroleum and MPLX, and our sustainability-driven approach supports our relentless commitment to be a better company.”

Sustainability Report

2024 Climate Related Perspectives