By Karen Langhauser

SOURCE:MilliporeSigma

DESCRIPTION:

Wrapping up our bioprocessing category is MilliporeSigma’s Biopharma Product Recycling Program. The increase in single-use plastics waste is pushing biopharma manufacturers to address the environmental impact of currently utilized methods of disposal, such as landfilling and incineration, and question whether there is a better option.

In an exclusive partnership with Triumvirate Environmental, MilliporeSigma has developed this better option — a program that enables bioprocess manufacturing customers to fully recycle plastic single-use and disposable products, including bio-hazardous classified material, without requiring segregation or disassembly.

MilliporeSigma is the only company that has partnered with a waste management company to address these unique and challenging disposal issues that come with single-use products.

Keep reading on PharmaManufacturing.com

Tweet me:.@MilliporeSigma is taking big steps toward #smallerfootprints w/ @Triumvirate and changing the way the world looks at #waste w/ #Biopharma #Recycling Program. @PharmaMfg recently named @MilliporeSigma as a finalist for the #Innovation Awards http://bit.ly/2ODf701

KEYWORDS: MilliporeSigma, biopharma recycling program, biopharma, single-use, Waste, Recycling, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Triumvirate Environmental, bioprocessing, Pharma Innovation Awards

SOURCE:Duke Energy

SUMMARY:

• Nine projects awarded $275,000 in Urban Revitalization grants
• Duke Energy has issued $2.2 million in redevelopment grants to 65 projects in Greater Cincinnati since the program launched in 2011
• Catalyst grants given to projects that aim to reduce blight and building vacancies, create jobs, and increase business expansion and workforce training opportunities

DESCRIPTION:

CINCINNATI, August 15, 2018 /3BL Media/ -- Communities and residents across southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky continue to benefit from Duke Energy's Urban Revitalization program, which announced its 2018 grant recipients today. Since its launch in 2011, the Urban Revitalization program has issued $2.2 million in grants to 65 projects – including $275,000 to nine projects in 2018.

Video: Urban Revitalization program spurs positive change in Ohio and Kentucky

"We continue to back the Urban Revitalization program because, year after year, the catalyst grants have proven to spur additional redevelopment in urban cores across Greater Cincinnati," said Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky. "This redevelopment, in turn, improves the lives of our customers and vitality of our communities by creating jobs and new opportunities for residents throughout our region."

Urban Revitalization program traces roots to Great Recession
In 2010, with the struggling economy, Duke Energy recognized that this was an opportune time to increase its investment in Greater Cincinnati's urban centers and help deter the decline of inner-core cities and neighborhoods.

"Our thinking was that a strong community starts with the urban core," said Spiller. "Without a strong core, your community is weak. And that was the premise around our decision to create the Urban Revitalization program – that everyone in the community can make a difference; that a small investment can serve as a catalyst, to help do a lot for our urban cores. Because building strong communities starts with core economic development investments and jobs for the community."

Related: Lumber mill reimagined as artist studios in Kentucky

Projects must have the community's support from elected officials, be included in the community strategic plans and display collaboration among economic or urban development organizations.

The Duke Energy Foundation accepted 2018 Urban Revitalization grant applications in April and May. After the grant application window closed, an advisory team composed of community leaders from both Ohio and Kentucky – all of whom have vested interests in urban redevelopment – perused each application and recommended projects to receive Urban Revitalization grants in 2018.

When reviewing grant applications, the advisory team ranked projects based on their potential to impact blight, job creation, building vacancies, workforce retraining opportunities, business retention or expansion, or other elements of revitalization.

Here are summaries of the projects that were awarded grants today.

Ohio

• Community Matters Cincinnati Inc.
  $20,000 for LPH Thrives in Lower Price Hill

  Reduce blight and transform five properties into new storefronts for local businesses near Eighth and State streets and Neave and St. Michael streets.
   

• College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corp.
  $40,000 for Marquette Building in College Hill

  Redevelopment of the historic Marquette Building into a mixed-use building including a bakery and ice cream shop, large startup incubator and co-working space, and more space for The Lord's Bounty – a nonprofit resale shop that has called College Hill home for 35 years.
   

• Hamilton County Development Corp.
  $20,000 for small business coaching in Norwood

  One-on-one mentoring and coaching from an experienced business professional to help small businesses in Norwood refine their business plans, sharpen marketing, improve operations and grow.
   

• Hamilton County Development Corp.
  $20,000 for small business coaching in Lockland

  Hamilton County Development Corp. will match business experts with Lockland business owners for one-on-one coaching. The goal is to help local businesses enhance their business and marketing strategies, boost operations and grow sales.

Kentucky

• Center for Great Neighborhoods
  $40,000 for Orchard Park Place in Covington

  Transform a prominent vacant and blighted lot into a new community asset and inexpensive commercial spaces for two creative businesses to expand their work and create full-time job opportunities.
   

• Catalytic Development Funding Corp. of Northern Kentucky
  $30,000 for Ludlow Yards in Ludlow

  Conversion of a 1-acre site in Ludlow's commercial corridor into at least 5,000 square feet of commercial space – creating 10-30 new jobs – and about 50 new residential units.
   

• Catalytic Development Funding Corp. of Northern Kentucky
  $45,000 for 501 Greenup in Covington

  The 501 Greenup project will repurpose a former church building into a multipurpose facility that will include a performing arts space as well as a culinary training center to provide workforce training for in-demand careers. The project is expected to create at least 30 new permanent jobs.
   

• Catalytic Development Funding Corp. of Northern Kentucky
  $40,000 for YMCA in Covington

  Renovation of the vacant 70,000-square-foot YMCA into approximately 35 residential units and roughly 30,000 square feet of space for commercial or office users – bringing upward of 20 new jobs to Covington.
   

• Catalytic Development Funding Corp. of Northern Kentucky
  $20,000 for The Baker's Table in Covington

  Redevelopment of the vacant Heringer Meat Market building on West Seventh Street into a dedicated brick and mortar bakery that will open with six full-time employees and one part-time employee.

Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of communities where its customers live and work. The foundation contributes more than $33 million annually in charitable gifts.

The foundation's education focus spans kindergarten to career – particularly science, technology, engineering and math – as well as early childhood literacy and workforce development. The foundation also supports environmental projects and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture.

Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders with a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on its legacy of community service. For more information, visit duke-energy.com/foundation.

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky
Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky's operations provide electric service to about 850,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area, and natural gas service to approximately 533,000 customers.

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky is a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK).

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S., with approximately 29,000 employees and a generating capacity of 49,500 megawatts. The company is transforming its customers' experience, modernizing its energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding its natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves.

The company's Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit serves approximately 7.6 million retail electric customers in six states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Its Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to approximately 1.6 million customers in five states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Its Commercial Renewables unit operates a growing renewable energy portfolio across the U.S.

A Fortune 125 company, Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2018 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' 2018 "America's Best Employers" list.

More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center includes news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Contact: Sally Thelen
513.287.2432 | @DE_SallyT
24-Hour Media Line: 800.559.3853

Tweet me:A strong #community starts with an urban core: @DukeEnergy boosts economic and #jobgrowth with $275,000 in urban redevelopment grants in Ohio and Kentucky http://bit.ly/2Mxnz3o

KEYWORDS: Duke Energy, job growth, Urban Revitalization, Ohio, Kentucky, small business

SOURCE:Essity (Formerly SCA)

DESCRIPTION:

Businesses are investing heavily in sustainability, as it regards environmental and social concerns — but what about the sustainability of an organization’s most important asset, its people? Yes, there is the workplace wellness movement, often thought of as a human resources concern. However, if the movement is truly going to move the needle in terms of employee health, happiness and productivity, corporations will do well to elevate it to an organization-wide pursuit, and understand it as part of the big picture of sustainability.

A recent report from a leading provider of office real estate speaks to five key considerations for providing and profiting from workplace wellness.

Click here to read more

Tweet me:How to Make Wellness Programs Work Better in the Workplace http://bit.ly/2mVS44W @torkusa

KEYWORDS: wellness programs, workplace environment, Health, sustainability

SOURCE:Scotiabank

DESCRIPTION:

Whether you plan to retire right at 65 or work a little longer, you’re likely eager to ensure your retirement dreams can soon become a reality. Here are some tips on helping prepare for this significant milestone.

Tweet me:.@ScotiabankViews #financialplanning tips in your 60's http://bit.ly/2v1qPcS learn more about steps to take at age 60 and beyond

KEYWORDS: Scotiabank, financial planning in your 60's, steps to take for retirement, sustainability

SOURCE:Sea Change Radio

DESCRIPTION:

Over the last few decades, the skyline of Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur has mushroomed – a conglomeration of skyscrapers highlighted by The Petronas Twin Towers, two of the world’s tallest buildings, now obscure the horizon in this rapidly-developing city. Is all this construction a good thing for the country? And to what extent are developers and the Malaysian government considering sustainability in this building spree? To better understand the environmental costs and benefits of Southeast Asia’s massive infrastructure developments, Mongabay sent correspondent Keith Schneider to Malaysia. Schneider is our guest today on Sea Change Radio. He gives us an overview of the construction projects, compares them to those of Malaysia’s neighbors in the region, and discusses the influx of Chinese capital flooding the country. As you will discover, Schneider came away from his visit with a surprisingly optimistic outlook on the country’s future.

Tweet me:This wk's @SeaChangeRadio - "Keith Schneider: Malaysian Building Boom" - great intvw with @modeshift of @Mongabay http://www.cchange.net/2018/08/14/keith/ ‏

KEYWORDS: Keith Schneider, sea change radio, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, sustainability

SOURCE:Caterpillar Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

We are proud of our accomplishments in 2017, including but not limited to our $45.5 billion in sales and revenues, over 600k connected assets, 18 consecutive years on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and ranking #38  on Forbe's America's Best Corporate Citizens list and #89 on Interbrand's Best Global Brands of 2017. Check out more of our 2017 stats here.

Tweet me:.@CaterpillarInc accomplished big things in 2017. Check out some of the company's stats in their #sustainabilityreport http://bit.ly/2OoirMs

KEYWORDS: Caterpillar, NYSE:CAT, Corporate Citizenship

The ways UPS is Collaborating with Suppliers Extends Reach Sustainably

SOURCE:UPS

DESCRIPTION:

• Operate 5,300 vehicles on the road
• Make 344,000 stops
• Deliver 519,000 packages

Tweet me:The ways that @UPS is collaborating with #suppliers extend the global logistic company's reach in #sustainable ways http://bit.ly/2ODQPTE

KEYWORDS: UPS, united parcel service, NYSE:UPS, electric vehicles

SOURCE:3BL Forum

DESCRIPTION:

Brands Taking Stands™: What Is the Social Responsibility of Social Media?

Do digital companies have a duty to curate content that some find alarming? That’s the current dilemma of social media businesses Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms, which have self-defined as “agnostic” distributors—that is, neutral carriers not responsible for the content published through their channels and networks. These iconic brands, avatars for the enhanced exercise of freedom of speech on a scale previously unimaginable in the history of communications, now find themselves targets of increasing criticism for purveying content that is perceived as damaging, even dangerous, by their global community of users. What is the social responsibility of social media?
 
What’s at stake is the ongoing conflict between the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech, a right often under attack throughout its long history, and a contemporary culture that permits—even rewards—extreme commentary by measures of views and click-throughs, and amplifies it to an unprecedentedly large audience through the Internet.
 
Critics argue that like publishers, these “distributors” are responsible for the content they carry and present, if even they don’t create it. Companies argue that it is not their right to censor third-party content.
 
Of course, like all companies, these businesses have standards that can be referred to. And these “standards” are increasingly being belatedly invoked as the limits of free expression are being pushed past the breaking point, with growing negative pushback against tech companies that once seemingly could do no wrong in the eyes of their enthusiastic users.

 Read More >
 
NEWS YOU CAN USE

Nike Becomes Latest Target for Employee Activism 

In the latest example of a growing wave of employee activism, four former female employees have filed suit against Nike, claiming that the company violated equal-pay laws and allowed a corporate culture that was toxic to women employees. The action is the most recent fallout of a yearlong upheaval at the shoemaker. Last year, female employees at Nike circulated a self-initiated survey to review gender pay inequity and a lack of diversity in top management positions, as well as instances of “inappropriate workplace behavior.” This spring, that survey was brought to the attention of CEO Mark Parker, who dismissed 11 executives as a result. “When we discover issues, we take action,” said Parker. “We are laser-focused on making Nike a more inclusive culture and accelerating diverse representation within our leadership teams.”
 
Last month, Nike said it would give competitive pay-adjustments to 10%, or about 7,000 staff out of 74,000 employees around the world. Those changes include salary adjustments and a revision of bonus programs, pegging incentives in a bonus pool to company-wide performance. “Typically, rather than a huge overhaul, [companies] do things little by little, make a change here and see how it goes,” Lydia Frank, vice president of content strategy at PayScale, a compensation software company, told the Wall Street Journal. Nike veterans may remember the child labor and sweatshop scandals of the 1990s and 2000s that dented the company’s reputation—and sales. This time around, the company seems to be making major course corrections quickly to satisfy a workforce that is on red alert to call out underperformance in the critical areas of gender and diversity equality. It’s another reminder that brand reputations require constant vigilance, re: taking progressive positions on internal issues to keep up corporate standards.

Apparel Supply Chain Marks Major Workplace Safety Progress

The supply chain for the apparel industry has long been a byword for appalling workplace conditions. After the Rana Plaza disaster of 2013 when over one thousand workers were killed in a factory building collapse, the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety responded with a five-year safety program. Now, the alliance of 28 large global retailers has announced that Bangladesh is “one of the safest places for ready-made garment workers in the world”, said Sean Cady, global supply chain vice-president at the North Carolina-based VF Corporation, an alliance member whose brands include The North Face, Timberland and Wrangler. He reported that Bangladesh’s apparel export trade has expanded, thanks to the transformation brought about by the Alliance and other campaigning bodies. Cady said: “Brand Bangladesh has a strong reputation.” 

Ethics Should be Integrated into AI, Blockchain, and Big Data 

“In many fields, ethics is an essential part of professional education. This isn’t true in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, or any related field,” write data experts Mike Loukides, Hilary Mason and DJ Patil, in O’Reilly. “Students may study ethical principles, but they don’t learn how to implement those principles in their projects. As a result, they are ill-prepared for the challenges of the real world. They’re not trained to think about ethical issues and how they affect design choices.” The authors cite a White House report "Preparing for the Future of Artificial Intelligence" that highlights the need for more training in both ethics and security. They also propose a detailed checklist of guiding principles and an outline of how ethics can be built into a data-driven culture. The bottom line: companies and organizations need to do a better job integrating ethics into their culture and workflow. “Ethical thinking is important with or without corporate support, but it’s more likely to make a difference when ethical action is a corporate value.”

CR Leads from Aflac and Tupperware to Emcee at 3BL Forum

Catherine Hernandez-Blades, Senior Vice President; Chief Brand and Communications Officer, Aflac, and Mark Shamley, Vice President, Global Social Impact, Tupperware, lead corporate responsibility at two mission-driven Fortune 1000 brands. Join us at the Forum as Catherine and Mark guide us through the day, sharing their expertise and insights along the way. 

Click here to register.

C-SUITE COMMENTS

“Investors engaging in sustainable, responsible and impact investing...  rely on information like a company's energy emissions, employee policies or executive pay structure to better evaluate the long-term health and future financial performance of their investments. Many are broadening their focus to include corporate governance, invoking investing's fundamental tenant — diversification — as one measure of a board's ability to minimize risk and maximize shareholder returns.
 
Research has shown that diverse teams are better at mitigating risk, find more innovative solutions and . . . deliver stronger financial performance. Having a diverse management team also will signal a genuine understanding and commitment to the investment principles guiding a growing number of young investors.”

— Peter T. Grauer is chairman of Bloomberg LP and co-founder of the U.S. 30% club.
— Excerpted from Investment News

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Debra Perelman has been appointed the first female CEO and president of Revlon, the beauty company. She previously served as COO. Perelman started working at Revlon in 1998 and became a member of the Revlon board in 2015. She has also worked for Revlon as executive vice president and head of new business development for its holding company, MacAndrews & Forbes.

Brenda Tsai has joined BNY Mellon as chief marketing officer, a new post. Previously, she was senior VP & global head of strategic communications and marketing at financial data and software company FactSet. Tsai also led marketing teams at GE Capital, Procter & Gamble and Clorox and did a digital marketing stint at Booz Allen & Hamilton.

Salesforce named Brad Burns as EVP and chief communications officer. Burns had been SVP of corporate communications for AT&T Communications, a division of AT&T that includes business, mobility and entertainment, and technology and operations.

Want to receive this newsletter by email? Sign up here.

Continue the important conversations on corporate responsibility long after 3BL Forum with the Brands Taking Stands newsletter. Written by veteran journalist, John Howell, this newsletter is published every Wednesday morning.

Tweet me:This week's @BrandsTkgStands newsletter dives into the #socialresponsibility of social media; #equalpay lawsuits @Nike; the ethics of #AI + #BigData; and safer workplaces in the apparel industry http://bit.ly/2PejMqz #BrandsTakingStands

KEYWORDS: Brands Taking Stands, 3bl Media, 3BL Forum, nike, Facebook, Social Media, Twitter, Instagram, VF Corporation, AI, Big Data, john howell

How an integrated, global program boosted a Fortune 500 financial services corporation’s participation by over 100%

SOURCE:Benevity

DESCRIPTION:

Leaders of a Fortune 500 financial services corporation’s CSR program believe that the company’s volunteering and gift matching programs are a differentiator—something that can truly set the company apart in attracting, retaining and engaging talented employees. This is especially important for a company located in the competitive hiring environment of Silicon Valley.

“Our volunteering and gift matching programs are very much the bedrock of how our company continues to engage our employees, our teams and our leaders,” says the company’s Community Engagement Manager, “so they’re incredibly important to us.”

Since the company had initiated its programs in 2008, participation had been low. “We were slow in making progress due to the constraints of our former platforms,” their Community Engagement Manager recalls. The programs were run through two separate interfaces, which created a number of headaches from a user perspective. As with any major global company, their employees use numerous processes and systems in their daily tasks, so adding two separate platforms for the philanthropic programs created unnecessary and unwanted complexity.

Realizing that the initial platforms were inhibiting program participation and employee engagement, the company decided it was time for a change. The head of the program undertook the task of identifying a suitable replacement: one that was integrated, scalable, and easy to use and manage.

FIND OUT HOW THE COMPANY FOUND AN INTEGRATED SOLUTION AND DOUBLED THEIR PARTICIPATION

Tweet me:Eager to take your #CSR program to the next level? Hear from @benevity to learn how a global company boosted their program participation by more than 100% #ForGoodnessSake http://bit.ly/2OyEGiE

KEYWORDS: benevity, workplace giving, Goodness, D&I, Diversity and inclusion (D&I), global workforce, global workplace, Global employee volunteering, global employee engagement

Strategic partnership brings comprehensive background screening to more than 120,000 organizations & millions of volunteers

SOURCE:VolunteerMatch

DESCRIPTION:

FORT COLLINS, Colo. and SAN FRANCISCO, August 15, 2018 /3BL Media/ — Whether it’s parents supporting their child’s sports team or individuals lending a hand after a natural disaster, volunteers perform an essential service – particularly when budgets are stretched thin. This support is welcomed by the thousands of organizations who rely on volunteers to fulfill their missions – yet it also adds to the daunting administrative tasks around recruitment, as well as to ensuring a safe and secure environment for everyone involved.

That’s why VolunteerMatch, the web’s largest volunteer engagement network, and Verified Volunteers, the leading background check platform tailored to the specific needs of the service sector, have partnered to provide greater protection for these organizations and the populations they serve.

"VolunteerMatch is all about making it easier for good people and good causes to work together to make a difference," said Greg Baldwin, CEO, VolunteerMatch. "That is why we are partnering with Verified Volunteers, to help create more safe spaces to volunteer."

Together, VolunteerMatch and Verified Volunteers aim to help organizations minimize risk and safeguard their people, assets and reputation through a high-quality background screening program and access to a library of resources designed to establish screening best practices and improve volunteer management.  Through their VolunteerMatch dashboards, organizations can easily connect with Verified Volunteers and request a comprehensive background check that allows potential volunteers to order and control their information using Verified Volunteers’ secure platform. These screening services are available to all VolunteerMatch organizations including more than 120,000 government agencies, hospices, hospitals, nonprofits and schools.

“Our shared commitment to helping so many wonderful organizations successfully carry out their good work really makes this the perfect partnership. By joining forces, we aspire to have an even greater impact,” says Katie Zwetzig, executive director, Verified Volunteers. “For instance, we know through our own research that background check quality is increasingly important for nonprofits, yet the appropriate level of risk mitigation is still not being met by current screening programs. By joining forces with VolunteerMatch, we can provide education and guidance to greater numbers of organizations on how to address these critical gaps.”

Verified Volunteers’ screening platform, with self-service features, sharing capabilities and management tools, enables the VolunteerMatch community to:

• Ease administrative burdens. Volunteers order and control their own background checks using a secure, online platform.
   
• Give their volunteers the option to pay – or ask for an optional contribution.  With budgets stretched thin, this option can preserve valuable funds by allowing (or requiring) volunteers to pay for all or part of their screening.
   
• Receive complimentary monthly updates. While other background checks are “one and done,” Verified Volunteers provides the added security of monitoring volunteers for new criminal records during the first year.
   
• Accept background checks from previously vetted volunteers. Within the Verified Volunteers network, volunteers who have previously been vetted with one organization can store and share their existing background check with other organizations at no additional cost. In addition, if a volunteer background check is shared with another organization, the organization that initiated the original check can earn rebates. 

About VolunteerMatch

VolunteerMatch believes everyone should have the chance to make a difference. As the web's largest volunteer engagement network, serving over 120,000 participating nonprofits, 150 network partners, and 13 million annual visitors, VolunteerMatch offers unique, award-winning solutions for individuals, nonprofits and companies to make this vision a reality. Since its launch in 1998, VolunteerMatch has helped the social sector attract more than $12 billion worth of volunteer services. Learn more about VolunteerMatch at VolunteerMatch.org, and follow @VolunteerMatch.

About Verified Volunteers

Verified Volunteers helps nonprofit organizations gain confidence in their volunteers by delivering thorough, compliant background checks using a sophisticated suite of federal, national, state and local criminal locator tools. Extensive expertise in screening and compliance best practices helps clients recruit the best volunteers to maintain a safe environment and positive reputation. By enabling volunteers to order, manage and share their background checks via a secure online platform, Verified Volunteers creates a community of vetted volunteers. Verified Volunteers is backed by Sterling Talent Solutions, one of the world’s largest background screening companies and is partnered with Points of Light, the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service.

Tweet me:.@VolunteerMatch and @VerifiedVols join forces to bring comprehensive background checks to more than 120,000 organizations and millions of volunteers. Learn more: http://bit.ly/2nAypYy

Contact Info:

Katie Zwetzig
Verified Volunteers
+1 (970) 232-3550
katie@verifiedvolunteers.com

Basil Sadiq
VolunteerMatch
news@volunteermatch.org

KEYWORDS: security, background screening, background check, VolunteerMatch, Verified Volunteers

SOURCE:FCA US LLC

SUMMARY:

• Ohio plant will build critical Power Electronics module for Jeep® Wrangler PHEV
• Company will bring in new work, advanced technology to 54-year-old plant
• Wrangler PHEV to launch in 2020; one of more than 30 nameplates with electrified solutions by 2022

DESCRIPTION:

 AUBURN HILLS, Mich., August 16, 2018 /3BL Media/ - FCA US announced today that it has awarded the production of the Power Electronics module for the Jeep® Wrangler PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) to its Toledo Machining Plant, positioning the 54-year-old Ohio facility to play a key role in helping the Company meet future regulatory requirements.

As part of the Capital Markets Day presentation on June 1, 2018, FCA committed to expanding its electrified propulsion systems in global architectures spanning the full range of vehicle segments. The Jeep Wrangler PHEV, which is expected to launch in 2020, will be one of more than 30 vehicle nameplates with electrified solutions by 2022.

“The insourcing of this highly advanced work to Toledo Machining is a reflection of the commitment the workforce has made to improving their processes through the implementation of World Class Manufacturing,” said Brian Harlow, Head of Manufacturing, FCA North America. “As the most iconic of the Jeep nameplates, it is critical that we flawlessly execute the launch of the Wrangler PHEV. The Toledo Machining employees have made a strong business case as to why we should put our faith in them to deliver a great product.”

The Power Electronics module for the Wrangler houses two key electrified powertrain components - the Power Inverter Module and the Integrated Dual Charger Module, which consists of the On Board Charger and the DC/DC Converter. The Power Electronics module is packaged in a protective structure under the vehicle between the exhaust and the prop shaft. Toledo Machining will assemble the sub-systems for the module, upload the applicable software for the Power Inverter Module, and also conduct final testing on the coolant and electrical systems. Finished modules will be delivered to the Toledo Assembly Complex where the Wrangler PHEV will be assembled.

Nearly 850 Toledo Machining employees currently produce steering columns and torque converters for a number of FCA production locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

About Toledo Machining
Construction of the Perrysburg, Ohio, facility began in 1964 with production following two years later in 1966. Since 2011, the Company has invested nearly $92 million to produce steering columns, and torque converters for the eight-speed rear-wheel-drive and nine-speed front-wheel-drive transmissions in the 1.2-million-square-foot plant.

Toledo Machining was awarded silver status for its results in implementing World Class Manufacturing (WCM) in June 2018. WCM is a methodology that focuses on eliminating waste, increasing productivity, and improving quality and safety in a systematic and organized way. It engages the workforce to provide and implement suggestions on how to improve their jobs and their plants. Toledo Machining was awarded bronze status in September 2016. 
 
About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands, as well as the SRT performance designation. The Company also distributes Mopar and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler Corp., established in 1925 by industry visionary Walter P. Chrysler and Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (F.I.A.T.), founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli. FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. (NYSE: FCAU/ MTA: FCA).

FCA is an international automotive group listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FCAU” and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol “FCA.”

Follow FCA US news and video on:
Company blog: blog.fcanorthamerica.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FiatChrysler.NorthAmerica/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA
Twitter: www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA
Twitter (Spanish): www.twitter.com/fcausespanol
YouTube: www.youtube.com/fcanorthamerica
Media website: media.fcanorthamerica.com

-###-

For more information, please visit the FCA US LLC media site at http://media.fcanorthamerica.com.

Tweet me:.@FiatChrysler_NA Toledo Machining Plant to Build Key Component for First Plug-in Hybrid Jeep® http://bit.ly/2MROKD8

KEYWORDS: NYSE:FCAU, FCA, Jeep, hybrid

SOURCE:Pentair

DESCRIPTION:

Pentair is a leading global water technology company dedicated to delivering smart, sustainable water solutions for life.

In 2009, Pentair began working with the Minnesota Twins to help them attain their silver LEED certification. The team decided to develop the Rain Water Recycle System (RWRS), capturing rainwater to help recycle and reuse it to clean the stadium post games. The inventive system was a massive success, reducing Target Field's need for municipal water by over 50 percent; an annual average saving of 2 million gallons of water.

Click here to watch the video. For additional information, visit Pentair.com/Twins.

Tweet me:VIDEO: @Pentair is working with the Minnesota @Twins to capture rainwater at #TargetField and reuse it to clean the stadium post games. http://bit.ly/2Bd5RxG #MNTwins #WaterRecycling

KEYWORDS: Pentair, Minnesota Twins, Target Field, water recycling

SOURCE:EDF+Business

DESCRIPTION:

Tweet me:Join @MarsGlobal and @EnvDefenseFund for a webinar on 9/5 at 2:30pm ET to learn about Mars’ sustainability journey, and how businesses of any size can cut emissions and reduce risks related to climate change. http://bit.ly/2KQTCql

KEYWORDS: EDF+Business, sustainability webinar, Mars, climate change, reduce carbon emissions

SOURCE:Timberland

DESCRIPTION:

Smallholder farmers near Gonaives, Haiti recently planted the first commercial cotton crop in the country since 1987, with support from Timberland and other brands. The farmers planted a demonstration farm which will train other smallholder farmers to cultivate cotton. As a key supporter of the effort, Timberland provided participating farmers with shirts as a symbol of the future market for the cotton they planted. The global outdoor lifestyle brand, in partnership with the Smallholder Farmers Alliance, aims to bring cotton farming back to Haiti not only to create a new supply chain for organic cotton to use in its products, but also to help reforest Haiti and improve the lives of smallholder farmers.

Timberland and the SFA first forged a partnership in 2010 to fulfill Timberland’s commitment to plant five million trees in five years in Haiti. Timberland’s investment established tree nurseries in several communities in Haiti. The SFA invited smallholder farmers (who farm five acres or less) in the surrounding communities to help plant, transplant and care for the trees in exchange for seeds, tools, and training to improve the agricultural productivity of their land.

After five years, not only had the SFA planted close to five million trees, but the 6,000 participating farmers had seen an average 40 percent increase in crop yields and 50-100 percent average increase in income, enabling them to send 3,400 more children to school.

The SFA’s agroforestry program sustains itself by having participating farmers, after the harvest, share a small portion of their profits and return seeds to the nurseries to establish seed banks.  The program expands and scales by creating high value crops for export such as moringa and, in six to seven months, cotton. Timberland plans to transition from being a supporter of the SFA to a customer in 2019, when the farmers harvest the cotton planted last week.

To maintain food security, participating farmers will plant cotton on no more than half of their land. The anticipated 40% increase in crop yields for farmers new to the SFA will offset the impact on food production for the land dedicated to cotton growing.

The vision for the SFA’s cotton program extends beyond Timberland, with a goal to engage 34,000 farmers on 17,000 farms who will produce approximately 15 million pounds of organically grown cotton lint annually. The SFA also expects to plant an additional 25 million trees throughout the 5-year initiative, as participating farmers will continue to engage in the tree nurseries. Given its anticipated scale, Timberland has reached out to other brands to support the effort; thus far, Vans and Patagonia have stepped up as supporters.

Claudine Jean, age 49, farms 2.5 hectares (5 acres) together with her husband, and recently planted part of their land in cotton. “My mother grew cotton and I always remember it was a good crop for our family, and now I can show my own daughters how to grow it,” said Claudine.

Tweet me:.@Timberland supports Haitian smallholder farmers as they plant Haiti’s first commercial cotton crop in 30 years http://bit.ly/2MAgMX2

KEYWORDS: NYSE:VFC, Timberland, Haiti, cotton, agriculture, smallholder farmers

Solving Hunger Through Post-Harvest Loss Reduction

SOURCE:PYXERA Global

DESCRIPTION:

People are still hungry. Despite decades of increasing agricultural yields in less-industrialized regions of the world, in large part thanks to the support from international agencies such as USAID, The Rockefeller Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, hunger persists. According to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, food production over the past five years has generally increased worldwide. We grow enough food to feed the world’s population. Why does food security remain so elusive? The answer to global hunger lies in the food supply chain—specifically in reducing the amount of food that rots or becomes contaminated before reaching consumers, or as it is otherwise known, “post-harvest loss.”

According to the FAO and USAID, up to 50 percent of all food produced in low-income countries is lost due to improper handling and storage. The magnitude of this loss is alarming, especially in light of increasing food insecurity due to population growth, forced migration, and climate change. Many populations now rely on food aid, originally intended for emergency famine relief. Rather than treating the symptoms of the problem, however, the long-term solution requires an intimate understanding of the issue at a systems level.

To keep pace with demand, farmers have traditionally been encouraged to increase crop and livestock yields. This is a destructive, unsustainable strategy. Increasing productivity to improve food security implies increasing land conversion and water use, raising important social and environmental tradeoffs. While expanding the amount of land under cultivation strains already limited resources in many countries, growing the size of livestock populations further deteriorates land with a compounded impact of greenhouse gas emissions on our shared atmosphere.

Continue reading on PYXERAGLobal.org.

Tweet me:While the food security debate focuses on boosting productivity, Steve Roosa from We-Empower explains why storage solutions along the supply chain can solve hunger, and how impact investors can help accelerate the solution. http://bit.ly/2KEbO6e #PostHarvestLoss #GEFlive

KEYWORDS: Post-Harvest Loss, SDGs, agriculture, food security, GEF:live, PYXERA Global

SOURCE:P&G

DESCRIPTION:

The most recent Always Confidence & Puberty Survey reveals that nearly one in five American girls1 and one in seven Canadian Girls2 have either left school early or missed school entirely because they did not have access to period products. At puberty, a girl’s confidence plummets, with the onset of menstruation marking the lowest moment for many girls3. But the drop in confidence is so much worse for girls that lack access to period protection. It can force her to miss out on important confidence-building activities in the classroom, on the field, in extra-curricular school programs, and limit her potential far beyond puberty. While lack of access to period products is typically associated with girls in other countries, period poverty isn’t just someone else’s problem. It’s happening right here in North America.

At Always we believe every girl should have access to period protection.

That’s why Always is committed to helping #EndPeriodPoverty by sparking conversation and taking action. In the U.S., Always is teaming up with Feeding America, a long-standing partner, on a mission to donate 15 million period products to girls in need this school year.4 The products will be donated through Feeding America’s network and school pantry program. These programs provide food, toiletries and personal care products to children who are most in need. In Canada, Always has a goal to donate over 1.5 million pads4 to Canadian school girls through schools that support the Always Puberty And Confidence Education Program.

You can help girls & join our mission to #EndPeriodPoverty. Together, let’s make sure every girl has the period products she needs to stay in school, because helping her stay in education is key to her growth.

Here's how you can help:

• Join the conversation, and raise awareness of the issue in North America.
• Post a throwback school photo in social media, tagging @Always (@Always_brand on Instagram) and using the hashtag #EndPeriodPoverty, to trigger a donation of one month’s supply of Always pads to girls in need, through Feeding America in the U.S. and schools that support the Always Puberty and Confidence Education Program in Canada (before 8/20/18 11:59 PM EST). 5
• Purchase Always Pads and trigger a donation of product to North America school girls in need (before September 9th).

The #EndPeriodPoverty donation program is one part of our long-term commitment to ensuring all girls at puberty have the sanitary protection they need to stay confident. For 35 years, Always had been championing girls’ confidence.

The Always Puberty & Confidence education programs reach more than 17 million girls annually and in just the past 10 years, Always’ product access programs have delivered more than 80 million pads to girls who need them most around the world.

Further, the Always #LikeAGirl movement is driving societal change to make sure girls everywhere keep their confidence at puberty and beyond.

Survey Methodology

The #EndPeriodPoverty is the brand’s next step in its commitment to continued puberty empowerment.

Tweet me:Period poverty isn't just something that happens somewhere else; it's happening right here in the U.S. Share this post to help raise awareness. #EndPeriodPoverty http://bit.ly/2BdrGgJ @Always @ProcterGamble

KEYWORDS: end period poverty, Always, P&G, csr, girls, women

SOURCE:Aflac

DESCRIPTION:

Our good friends Josh Sundquist and Chloe Davison understand what it’s like to battle and beat childhood cancer. While they were fortunate to overcome their diagnosis, there are still thousands of children across the country facing cancer today. 

Learn more about all the ways Aflac is committed to helping children with cancer at aflacchildhoodcancer.org.

Tweet me:.@JoshSundquist and Chloe Davison understand what it’s like to battle and beat #childhoodcancer. While they were fortunate to overcome their diagnosis, there are still thousands of children across the country facing cancer today. http://bit.ly/2Mjx8np @Aflac

KEYWORDS: Aflac, My Special Aflac Duck, Josh Sundquist, childhood cancer

Team ScottsMiracle-Gro participates in Pelotonia’s 10th anniversary bike tour.

SOURCE:ScottsMiracle-Gro

DESCRIPTION:

Over 100 associates from ScottsMiracle-Gro recently participated in Pelotonia.

Pelotonia is an annual bike tour and nonprofit organization based in Columbus, Ohio, that raises money for cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James).

The associate group, known as Team ScottsMiracle-Gro, has been raising money for Pelotonia since the beginning of the year. Hundreds of associates from around the world have made donations to this year’s team.

The team has raised over $185,000 for cancer research so far this year and will continue raising funds through October 5. The Company will also help riders reach their fundraising goals by matching a percentage of the funds raised. Since 2010, the team has donated over $1.7 million to Pelotonia. 100% of these funds have gone directly toward funding cancer research.

During the weekend of the cycling event, 16 associates dedicated their time alongside 3,800 volunteers; 13 associates raised awareness with more than 3,000 virtual riders; and 81 associates rode with 8,470 riders through central Ohio. The team also included four cancer survivors.

Riders had the honor of leading the 10th anniversary ride at the front of the starting line. Those who participated in the 25- and 45-mile routes were joined by President of The Ohio State University Michael Drake M.D. and Dr. Raphael Pollock, the new director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Together, Team ScottsMiracle-Gro pedaled a combined 5,560 miles during Pelotonia weekend.

Visit Team ScottsMiracle-Gro’s Pelotonia profile.

Learn more about Pelotonia’s impact.

Tweet me:Over 100 associates from @Scotts_MGro recently participated in @Pelotonia ‏to raise money for #cancerresearch http://bit.ly/2MPBgrv #employeeengagement #fundraising

KEYWORDS: Pelotonia, ScottsMiracle-Gro, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James)

Tork Encourages Companies to “Take Back the Lunch Break” and Bridge the Gap between Employer & Employee Lunch Misperceptions

SOURCE:Essity (Formerly SCA)

DESCRIPTION:

Tweet me:Recent @torkusa research proves your boss wants you to take a lunch break. Employees who #takebacklunch are more efficient & satisfied at work. http://bit.ly/2MPfHXT@EssityUSA

KEYWORDS: LUNCH BREAK IMPACT ON WORKPLACE ENGAGEMENT, tork research, more productive employees, workplace environment, lunch breaks reduce stress, Essity

SOURCE:KeyBank

DESCRIPTION:

CLEVELAND, August 16, 2018 /3BL Media/ — KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) has provided $38.4 million in total financing for the construction of Del Valle Apartments in Austin, TX. The CDLI team provided a $9 million equity bridge loan, with a $29.4 million Freddie Mac Tax Exempt Loan (TEL) Forward Commitment component arranged by Key’s Commercial Mortgage Group.

The fixed-rate Freddie Mac TEL financing was arranged with a three-year forward commitment with one, six-month extension. Upon conversion, the permanent loan term will have a 15-year term with a 35-year amortization schedule.

The 302-unit, affordable housing property will be comprised of 11, three-story walk-up apartment buildings. There will be 286 units set aside for residents earning at or below 60% area median income (AMI), seven units set aside for households earning 40% AMI and nine units set aside for households earning 30% AMI. The development of the property will help address the critical need for affordable housing in Austin.

Kyle Kolesar of Key’s CDLI group and Jeff Rodman of Key’s Commercial Mortgage Group arranged the financing. Additional sources of financing were provided by Navistone Partners and U.S. Bank.

The project will be developed in partnership between NRP Group and Strategic Housing Finance Corporation of Austin County.

About Key Community Development Lending/Investment
KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) helps fulfill Key’s purpose to help clients and communities thrive by financing projects that stabilize and revitalize communities. Experts in complex tax credit lending and investing, Key is one of a handful of affordable housing lenders in the country with a platform that brings together balance sheet, equity, and permanent loan offerings. CDLI has a substantial investment and loan portfolio worth more than $2 billion, 90% of which is Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects. For its ability to lend to, invest in, and serve its communities –especially low-to-moderate income communities – KeyBank has earned nine consecutive “Outstanding” ratings on the Community Reinvestment Act exam, from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

About KeyBank Real Estate Capital
KeyBank Real Estate Capital is a leading provider of commercial real estate finance. Its professionals, located across the country, provide a broad range of financing solutions on both a corporate and project basis. The group provides interim and construction finance, permanent mortgages, commercial real estate loan servicing, investment banking and cash management services for virtually all types of income producing commercial real estate. As a Fannie Mae Delegated Underwriter and Servicer, Freddie Mac Program Plus Seller/Servicer and FHA approved mortgagee, KeyBank Real Estate Capital offers a variety of agency financing solutions for multifamily properties, including affordable housing, seniors housing and student housing. KeyBank Real Estate Capital is also one of the nation’s largest and highest rated commercial mortgage servicers.

About KeyCorp
KeyCorp's roots trace back 190 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 $137.8 billion at June 30, 2018. 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 1,200 branches and more than 1,500 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

KEYWORDS: Community Development Lending and Investment, #affordablehousing, #KeyBank CDLI, keybank