Nov 2, 2021 | Business
Subaru of America, Inc. and its retailers in California, and now with the support of Idaho, Oregon and Washington retailers, are proud to announce they will replant one million trees by 2022 in forests devastated by wildfire. In partnership with the National Forest Foundation, the Subaru Re-Foresting Project is expanding to Idaho, Oregon and Washington, in addition to existing efforts in California. These four states are among the hardest hit areas by wildfires.
Following the devastation wrought by wildfires in California, we launched the Subaru Re-Foresting Project in 2019 as a way to help rebuild the lives of the animals and people who call the area home, and we are now expanding that commitment to include three additional states that have also been severely impacted by wildfires, said Thomas J. Doll, President and CEO, Subaru of America, Inc. Although wildfires continue to cause damage across the West, we hope that the expansion of replanting trees in more states contributes to the revitalization of the precious resources that are our public lands and national forests
Subaru launched the Forester Re-Foresting Project in 2019 and kicked off the program by supporting the replanting of 500,000 trees in the areas impacted by the California wildfires. Now, teams of trained professionals from the U.S. Forest Service are headed to Idaho, Oregon and Washington to replant an additional 500,000 trees in those states.
We are thrilled to expand our reforestation partnership with Subaru, planting a total of 1 million trees and supporting the post fire restoration of our national forests. said Mary Mitsos, NFF President and CEO. Through this donation, they are putting their initiatives to protect our environment for future generations into action.
To commemorate the program and drive awareness towards improving forest regrowth efforts, in November, Subaru will launch a second-year advertising campaign showcasing the reforestation efforts across broadcast and digital platforms. The new commercial will run across national TV and digital programs.
The Subaru Re-Foresting Project is a part of Subaru Loves the Earth, the automakers Love Promise initiative focused on protecting Earths natural wonders for future generations. To learn more about Subaru Loves the Earth and how to support the program, visit Subaru.com/earth.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the companys vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA has donated more than $200 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged more than 63,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do.
For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Oct 31, 2021 | Business
The new K 1600 models: Six-cylinder fascination for dynamic and luxurious riding, touring and cruising.
Six-cylinder in-line engines have always belonged to the showcase drives at BMW. Since 2010, BMW Motorrad offers fascinating high-performance and luxurious six-cylinder equipment at the highest level with the K 1600 models. The K 1600 GT represents the particularly agile, dynamic variant of the six-cylinder design, while the K 1600 GTL with its more comfortable ergonomics and standard topcase is more for pleasurable riding.
The K 1600 B is of a completely different breed. It provides characteristic streamlining with a low rear section in bagger style. Its motto is The Spirit of the Open Road. It represents elegance, power and luxury on two wheels and allows the rider to experience every road, every tour and every moment particularly intensively. Derived from the K 1600 B, the K 1600 Grand America finally combines the superior performance of the six-cylinder in-line engine with exclusive equipment features that make long-distance rides in American highway cruising style an experience that is as comfortable as it is fascinating, both alone or with a partner.
Revised six-cylinder in-line engine according to EU-5 regulations with new engine control, knock sensor system and revised emission concept as well as engine drag torque control.
For use in the new K 1600 GT, GTL, B and Grand America, the inspiring six-cylinder engine has been adapted to the current EU-5 regulations. From a technical point of view, the use of the BMS-O engine control, two knock sensors and two additional broadband lambda probes form the centrepiece. In addition to drastically improved emission values, there are also noticeable benefits relating to the power and torque of the six-cylinder engine. The nominal capacity is still 118 kW (160 hp). However, it is now already achieved at a rotational speed of 6 750 rpm and thus 1 000 rpm sooner than was formerly the case. In addition, the technical new features provide an increase of the maximum torque from previously 175 Nm to now 180 Nm at a rotational speed of still 5 250 rpm. Even more superior pulling power and even more powerful acceleration are the noticeable positive effects for the rider.
The engine drag torque control (MSR) is another new component. With it, unstable riding conditions, which can develop in coasting mode or when shifting down gears due to excessive slip at the rear wheel, can be reliably avoided.
Dynamic ESA Next Generation electronic suspension with fully automatic load compensation.
The BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA Next Generation (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) on the new K 1600 GT, GTL, B and Grand America enables even higher dimensions in terms of riding safety, performance and comfort, because damping is automatically adapted to the riding conditions and manoeuvres, and there is also automatic riding position compensation in all load states.
Highly modern LED light units and new full LED adaptive headlight.
BMW Motorrad has been a pioneer for decades in terms of safety when biking. Accordingly, the new K 1600 GT, GTL, B and Grand America already provide highly modern LED light units as standard. The new full LED headlight with LED lens technology and iconic daytime riding light (depending on the market) illuminates the road with an unrivalled bright, clear light and underlines the prestige claim of the new six-cylinder models. Another standard component of the headlight is the swivelling adaptive headlight function. With it, the low-beam LED headlight is turned into the curve according to the heel angle. Curves are thus almost fully illuminated because the light is where the motorbike is moving.
In addition, by swivelling the entire headlight unit (±2°), the vehicle dynamic states (braking, accelerating) are automatically controlled and optimum illumination is ensured at all times. In addition, there are a number of new light functions such as the welcome light.
New, 10.25 inch TFT colour display with integrated map navigation, easy-to-use route planning and comprehensive connectivity as standard.
The new K 1600 GT, GTL, B and Grand America are standard-equipped with a new 10.25 inch TFT colour display with integrated map navigation and connectivity. Due to excellent readability, clear menu navigation and a highly integrated operating concept, they are at the top of their motorbike segment. The new 10.25 inch colour display allows a navigation map to be displayed on the instrument cluster, meaning an additional display is not required.
Audio system 2.0 a new digital sound dimension as standard or as optional equipment ex works.
With audio system 2.0, the new K 1600 GTL and Grand America already provide an even more intensive sound experience as standard. The audio system is available as optional equipment ex works for the K 1600 GT and K 1600 B.
Superior riding capability and six-cylinder dynamics in attractive basic colours, exclusive style and noble Option 719 variants. Option 719 Midnight with water transfer printing method for K 1600 B and K 1600 Grand America.
The new K 1600 GT, GTL, B and Grand America are available in three attractive colour options each: a basic variant, a style variant and Option 719. Option 719 Midnight is particularly noteworthy, which is only available for K 1600 B and K 1600 Grand America. The highlight of this equipment variant is the paintwork in Meteoric Dust II metallic with the Galaxy theme depicted using the water transfer printing method.
Highlights of BMW K 1600 GT, GTL, B and Grand America:
Jul 19, 2021 | Business
Mars Food announces a $3.1 million donation of the companys former brand, Uncle Bens®, products nationwide as the brand moves through its rebranding to Bens Original. The donation supports the brands commitment to creating opportunities to offer everyone a seat at the table by providing access to nutritious meals to people in underserved communities.
Long-standing national partners Feeding America® and CARE will distribute the Mars products to communities across the U.S. Mars Food will strengthen efforts in communities where the company operates with significant donations to Hearty Helpings Food Pantry in Greenville, Mississippi; Mississippi Food Network; the Community Foundation of Washington County, which provides access to healthy foods in Mississippi Delta; Greater Chicago Food Depository; Northern Illinois Food Bank; and Community FoodBank of New Jersey.
In September 2020, as part of its efforts to create a better world tomorrow through better food today, Mars Food committed to enhance inclusion and equity with its Seat at the Table Fund Scholarship in partnership with UNCF (United Negro College Fund) and the National Urban League to support Black students interested in food industry careers. Additionally, its community outreach programs will ensure underserved communities have access to the nutritious meals we all deserve, including in Greenville, Mississippi where Bens Original has been produced for more than 40 years. The company is investing $2.5 million over the next five years to improve access to healthy foods and education in Greenville, and earlier today, it announced actions it will take in partnership with MolinaCares and Kroger Delta Division to further bolster food access efforts and investments of Mississippi Delta local and state food access and education programs.
Our product donation marks another step in the Bens Original brand evolution as our team delivers on our commitment to offer everyone a seat at the table by providing access to nutritious meals that we all deserve, said Denis Yarotskiy, regional president, Mars Food North America. We are so thankful for our food pantry and food bank partners who will distribute our rice products to those most in need nationwide and in communities where Mars operates.
These steps are in addition to Mars, Incorporateds commitments to continue improving racial equity throughout its business from increased representation in its workforce, leadership and talent pipeline, to better utilizing its spend, specifically among its suppliers, to drive positive change.
About Mars Food
Mars Food is a fast-growing dinnertime food business, making tastier, healthier, easier meals that bring the world to the dinner table. With North American headquarters in Chicago, Ill. and global headquarters in London, Mars Food USs portfolio of leading brands includes Bens Original, Seeds of Change, and Tasty Bite®. Our purpose Better Food Today. A Better World Tomorrow. drives our business to be a leader in health & wellbeing and sustainability. Mars Food is a segment of Mars, Incorporated. For more information about the Bens Original Brand and its purpose initiatives, visit https://www.mars.com/ or https://www.bensoriginal.com/.
Jul 13, 2021 | Business
Empty America the winner of 6 film festival awards (i.e. Mindfield Film Festival, Golden Wheat Awards, Cooper Awards, Only the Best Awards, American Golden Picture Film Festival, and Florence Film Awards) is quickly becoming a rising star on the film festival circuit. Captured, by underdog filmmaker Barry Walton, the documentary is a snapshot of America during the early days of the pandemic’s national shutdown. A mix of time-lapse photography, aerial drone footage, and organic hand-held shots of the roadside emptiness. The film shows America in a way never before seen and hopefully never to be seen again. Driven by sound bites from regional AM radio across the country, the piece begs to ask, how did we get here and what is the road back home?
Director, Barry Walton is a working-class filmmaker with over 20 years of work in the in industry. With 5 documentaries and an Emmy under his belt, he’s yet to fully see his work gain recognition on a national scale. With hopes of building a grassroots groundswell around the screening of this film, he’s taking a bottom-up approach in festivals by winning the smaller venue first and asking the giants of the industry to “give us a chance.”
Website: https://www.endlessmedia1.com/empty-america
Titte: Empty America: COVID-19 and the War for Right
Year Published: 2021
Duration: 25-minutes
Locations: Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, St. Louis, Chicago, Lansing, New York, and Washington, DC
May 20, 2021 | Business
Bank of America announced today it has increased its target for equity investment in minority focused funds from $200 million to $350 million. In less than a year, the company has committed more than $250 million to 90 investment funds across the U.S. These funds provide capital to Black, Hispanic-Latino, Asian, Native American, other under-represented minority and women entrepreneurs to help them establish and grow their businesses. Todays announcement articulates the need for more capital in funds led by diverse managers as well as the need for more growth equity funding for the minority entrepreneurs they support.
Bank of America has also completed a total of 17 direct equity investments in minority depository institutions (MDI) and community development financial institution (CDFI) banks as part of its $50 million commitment made last year.
Equity investments in minority focused funds, MDIs and CDFI banks help address a persistent gap in access to growth capital, said Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America. By providing this capital, were helping to level the playing field and open more doors for minority led businesses, entrepreneurs and innovation.
These investments are a component of Bank of Americas $1.25 billion racial equality and economic opportunity commitment, which focuses on addressing and advancing social issues in minority populations, such as health, jobs, education, housing and capital inequality, and will facilitate benefits across multiple states and communities.
Equity Investments
Closed investments include, but are not limited to:
- Avenue Growth Partners District of Columbia
- Cleveland Avenue Chicago, Ill.
- Cleo Capital San Francisco, Calif.
- e2JDJ New Orleans, La.
- Elevate Capital Portland, Ore.
- Greenwood, Inc. Atlanta, Ga.
- Jumpstart Nova Nashville, Tenn.
- LAttitude Ventures San Diego, Calif.
- MaC Ventures Los Angeles, Calif.
- Noemis Ventures New York, N.Y.
- Ulu Ventures Palo Alto, Calif.
- Visible Hands Boston, Mass.
- Zane Venture Fund Atlanta, Ga.
The completion of these investments is subject to execution of documentation. View a list of previously announced closed funds.
MDIs and CDFI banks
Separate from the equity investment in minority focused funds, the company has also dedicated $50 million to support MDIs and CDFI banks. As part of this commitment, the company will acquire up to 4.9% of common equity in MDIs and CDFI banks facilitating benefits in the communities that these institutions serve through lending, housing, neighborhood revitalization, and other banking services. Today, Bank of America announced investments in additional MDIs. This brings the total completed investments in MDIs and CDFI banks to 17. New investments were made in the following organizations:
- Central Financial Holdings, Inc. Tampa, Fla.
- Greater Pacific Bancshares (parent company of Bank of Whittier) Whittier, Calif.
- The Native American Bancorporation Co. Denver, Colo.
- PDL Community Bancorp (parent company of Ponce Bank) Bronx, N.Y.
View a list of previously announced MDI and CDFI bank investments.
These equity investments are in addition to approximately $100 million in deposits from Bank of America in MDIs. The company also operates a $1.8 billion CDFI portfolio with 256 partner CDFIs across all 50 states, providing access to capital to thousands of individuals and small businesses who do not qualify through traditional lenders.
Investing and supporting minority communities
Since June 2020, Bank of America has already deployed $350 million across equity investments and philanthropic grants in the four areas outlined in its $1.25 billion racial equality and economic opportunity commitment. Additional Bank of America announcements focused on racial equality, diversity and inclusion and economic opportunity include:
- Bank of America providing $60 million fund for BIPOC affordable housing developers, first-of-its-kind fund will support Enterprises Equitable Path Forward initiative
- Bank of America directs over $22 million in grants to national and local nonprofits supporting people and communities of color
- Bank of America helps fuel Black innovation with launch of the Center for Black Entrepreneurship
- Bank of America triples affordable homeownership commitment to $15 billion
- World Economic Forum Launches Coalition to Tackle Racism in the Workplace, Bank of America founding member
- Bank of America directed more than $13 million to Native American communities hardest hit by the Coronavirus in 2020
- Top Business Leaders Launch OneTen, Will Create 1 Million Jobs for Black Americans Over 10 Years, Bank of America member
- Bank of America gives 21 higher education institutions $1 million each as part of recently announced $25 million jobs initiative
- Bank of America expands the Bank of America Institute for Womens Entrepreneurship at Cornell
- Bank of America issues $2 billion Equality Progress Sustainability bond, first-of-its-kind broad ESG-themed security designed to advance racial equality, economic opportunity and environmental sustainability
- Founding partner of the Smithsonians Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past initiative exploring how Americans understand, experience and confront race
For recent highlights of the banks ESG efforts, view the Bank of America 2020 Annual Report.
Bank of America
At Bank of America, were guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. Were delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. Its demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).
For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts. www.bankofamerica.com
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