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Associated Press
16 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
KeyBank Recognized as One of the 50 Most Community-Minded Employers in the Greater Philadelphia Region
PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA, June 27, 2025 /3BL/ – KeyBank has been named a 2025 honoree of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia (the Chamber), in partnership with globally recognized nonprofit Points of Light, lead partner the Philadelphia Foundation, and other local partners. Modeled after Points of Light's national program, the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia measures and recognizes civic-minded companies using their time, talent, and resources to drive social impact within their organizations and communities – setting the standard for civic engagement in the region. 'At KeyBank, we believe that being a good corporate citizen means showing up for our communities with purpose and consistency,' said KeyBank Eastern Pennsylvania Market President Youseff Tannous. 'We are honored to be recognized as one of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia honorees. This distinction reflects the deep commitment of our teammates who invest their time, talents and resources to help our neighborhoods thrive. It's a proud moment for all of us at KeyBank to be acknowledged for doing what we believe in—making a meaningful difference where we live and work.' The 2025 Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia honorees represent private and public companies, as well as nonprofits, agencies, and institutions (e.g., hospitals and universities) of more than 10 employees operating in the 11-county Greater Philadelphia region. They have been selected based on four dimensions of their community engagement program: Since 2011, the national Civic 50 has provided a national standard for superior corporate citizenship and has showcased how companies drive social impact in their business and within the community. 'The Chamber is proud to recognize KeyBank as a 2025 honoree of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia,' said Chellie Cameron, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber. 'Each of this year's honorees are valued members of Greater Philadelphia's business community, exemplifying what it means to be a positive corporate citizen and demonstrating the power of service. We thank KeyBank for their efforts to drive impact and congratulate them on this tremendous achievement.' In keeping with the Chamber's efforts to drive regional impact and achieve its vision, it also serves as home to the Greater Philadelphia Corporate Volunteer Network (GPCVN), a community of diverse businesses committed to giving back to their communities. The Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia honorees were officially recognized on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at an Honoree Reveal Celebration hosted at the Cira Centre. The Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia Self-Assessment is administered by True Impact, a company specializing in helping organizations maximize and measure their social and business value, and consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform the scoring process. To learn more about the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia and its honorees, please visit About Keycorp In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2025. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit KeyBank Member FDIC. About the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia works together with members, investors, and stakeholders, to realize our bold vision: Greater Philadelphia is a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth. As the metro-regional chamber of commerce serving the 11-county, tri-state Greater Philadelphia region, we are the premier organization to convene and connect business, government, and civic leaders to drive economic growth and prosperity for all. Learn more at About Points of Light Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world's largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visit Partners for Greater Philadelphia Civic 50 Regional partners with the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia on the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia are the Philadelphia Foundation (lead partner), Greater Philadelphia Corporate Volunteer Network, Philanthropy Network, and True Impact (National Partner). ### Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from KeyBank
News24
4 days ago
- Business
- News24
Meet Botlhale AI Solutions' Thapelo Nthite, who is making digital services accessible
Thapelo Nthite started his journey with a mechatronics engineering degree from UCT. The aim of Botlhale AI was to address social issues. They've formed several connections with strong companies. _______________________________________________ Artificial intelligence is here to stay, as they say. With many people incorporating it in their everyday routines and workflows, Botlhale AI aims to bridge the gap of African languages in AI. It breaks the language barriers for African businesses and their customers and unleashes human language technologies in African languages. We sit with the co-founder, Thapelo Nthite, who gives us insight into his journey. Inside his journey You studied for a degree in mechatronics engineering at UCT. What social issues do you aim to address and what career gaps do you aim to fill through your qualification? My journey into mechatronics engineering was marked by a valuable lesson I learnt from a high school teacher: that my qualifications, grades and achievements are not just credentials but serve as tools for creating a positive impact on society. With my co-founders, who also graduated from the same department, we set out to build Botlhale AI. We were on a mission to address social issues that mattered deeply to us, which was making digital services more accessible. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thapelo Nthite (@ What Botlhale AI Solutions offers Share with us what services Botlhale AI Solutions offer. In an age dominated by digital technologies and information, the barriers to entry remain substantial for many people, particularly in Africa. This stems from a multitude of challenges, such as infrastructure limitations, smartphone accessibility, high data costs and most notably, language barriers. At Botlhale AI, our mission is to make digital services and information accessible to all, irrespective of the language they speak. We help businesses engage their customers in languages they understand and trust. And, we do this in three ways: call centre analytics tool, multilingual help desk and virtual assistant builder. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Botlhale AI (@botlhaleai) Growing the business Share how you got your first clients, and your expansion plan to attract more clients in and outside South Africa. As word began to spread about our mission and innovative solutions, several businesses reached out to us. They recognised the potential of our services in helping them overcome customer engagement challenges, and this initial interest came from inbound inquiries once our name started appearing in the media. In addition to expanding our language capabilities, we've also recognised the importance of strategic partnerships. We've formed strong collaborations with several companies that have a substantial operational footprint across Africa, such as Chenosis by MTN. These partnerships are invaluable in making our expansion plan smoother. By working alongside these established entities, we can leverage their expertise and reach to introduce our natural language processing services to a wider audience. Beyond Botlhale AI Solutions Apart from your business, what keeps you busy and fulfilled? While my business keeps me occupied and driven, it's the bonds I share with family and friends, as well as the freedom and satisfaction I experience while running, that contribute to a well-rounded and fulfilling life. Legacy and dreams What would you like to be remembered for one day as an entrepreneur and a person? In a world rife with injustice and inequality, my deepest aspiration is to be remembered as an entrepreneur and as a person who made a meaningful impact by striving to make our society better. My foremost desire is to leave a legacy as an entrepreneur who dedicated their life's work to improving the lives of others. In a rapidly evolving digital age, I sought to bridge the gaps that exist, ensuring that every person had access to vital information and digital services. However, I also want to be remembered for the person I am, not just for what I manage to achieve. I want to be remembered as someone who treated others with respect and fairness, offered a helping hand when it was needed, and made a positive difference in people's lives through simple acts of kindness. View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@tech_africa_)
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
SUBARU RELEASES SEVENTH ANNUAL CORPORATE IMPACT REPORT
Honored for the fifth consecutive year as one of America's most community-minded companies by Points of Light Civic 50 Recognized for the second year in a row as the No. 1 automotive brand on Forbes' Best Brands for Social Impact list CAMDEN, N.J., June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) today released its seventh annual Corporate Impact Report, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to being More Than a Car Company®. This comprehensive report highlights the automaker's ongoing dedication to its customers, employees, retailers, partners, and the community. Subaru also announced its fifth consecutive year of recognition as a 2025 Civic 50 Honoree by Points of Light, distinguishing it as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States. This accolade highlights the company's enduring commitment to fostering a culture of care and connection as detailed in the report. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: Yoichi Hori, Chairman and CEO, Subaru of America, Inc.: "This report highlights Subaru's recent initiatives to reduce our environmental impact, foster a supportive workplace, and actively engage with national and local organizations that enable richer, fuller lives. It takes collective effort to make such meaningful progress." The Corporate Impact Report offers an overview of Subaru's 2024 milestones, impacts, and ongoing initiatives, including being ranked as the No. 1 automotive brand on Forbes' Best Brands for Social Impact list for the second year in a row. Through data and compelling stories, the report highlights how Subaru continues to fuel its commitment to quality and safety, communities, and an inclusive corporate culture, while demonstrating its role as a positive force at every turn. Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America, Inc.: "At Subaru, we are driven by a powerful commitment to being More Than a Car Company. This commitment inspires us to live the Subaru Love Promise® each day, ensuring that love and respect are felt by all — our communities, our employees, and our customers — at every interaction with Subaru." Key 2024 highlights include: Community Support 15,590 total volunteer hours logged by Subaru employees to support local community initiatives nationwide. $31.7 million raised for national and hometown charities through the 2024 Subaru Share the Love® Event, bringing the total to $319.8 million since 2008. $1,502,047 donated to Camden-based organizations, reinforcing the automaker's commitment to its hometown community. Love Promise Partnerships in Action Subaru Loves to Help®: More than 150,000 children received new coats, shoes, and socks through retailer participation in Operation Warm® events. Subaru Loves the Earth®: Established the largest corporate tree distribution program in the U.S. through a partnership with The Arbor Day Foundation®. Subaru Loves to Care®: More than 51,000 cancer patients supported with blankets and care kits in collaboration with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society®. Subaru Loves Learning®: More than 262,000 students supported in partnership with in 2024. Subaru Loves Pets®: Over $3.2 million in grants funded by Subaru and its retailers and distributed by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® to local animal shelters nationwide. Subaru Share the Love® Event: A record-breaking $31.7 million donated to four national charity partners and more than 830 local hometown charities in 2024. Environmental Action 970,000 pounds of recycled content used in floor mats alone, marking a continued push for sustainable manufacturing. 51 million pounds of vehicle parts remanufactured, contributing to 155,000 metric tons of CO₂ saved. 4.3 tons of food waste diverted from landfills through sustainable waste management practices at the company's Camden headquarters. Employee Engagement 162 mentors and mentees matched through the Ignite Mentoring Program, creating the largest cohort ever. 30% of Subaru team members voluntarily participated in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are open to all employees and designed to build camaraderie and promote allyship. 1,236 employees activated LinkedIn Learning seats for ongoing skill development, completing a total of 4,377 hours of training. Customer Satisfaction and Safety Ranked No. 1 brand overall* in the 2024 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) based on customer opinions of their Subaru ownership experience across categories including vehicle safety, product quality, perceived value, dependability, and more. 100% of 2024 model year vehicles sold in the U.S. are equipped with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, standardizing advanced safety features across Subaru's lineup. 321,737 customers supported with MySubaru Connected Services, including Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. To learn more about Subaru's Corporate Responsibility, visit *Tied with one other automaker in the mass-market segment. About Subaru of America, of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise®, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube. Diane AntonSubaru of America, Inc.(856) 488-5093danton@ Adam LeiterSubaru of America, Inc.(856) 488-8668aleiter@ View original content: SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
20-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Demand for Purpose-Driven Branding Increases as Gen Z Enters Decision-Making Roles
Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - June 20, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award-winning agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites, and digital marketing campaigns, announces an increase in demand for purpose-driven branding as Gen Z professionals transition into key decision-making roles across U.S. organizations. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: According to McKinsey & Company, nearly 70% of Gen Z respondents say that a brand's social and ethical values influence their purchasing decisions. As this generation increasingly fills roles in procurement, marketing, and leadership, purpose-driven branding is gaining traction not only in B2C sectors, but also within B2B partnerships. "We're seeing a measurable shift in branding priorities from aesthetics and features to values and accountability," said Courtney Bozigian, Brand Strategist at Digital Silk. "Gen Z is steering organizations toward brands that align with social impact, transparency, and long-term value." Values Now Shape Visibility and Trust Gen Z's digital fluency and social consciousness are reshaping how brands present themselves. Companies that once highlighted technical advantages are now building brand equity through community support, sustainability initiatives, and clear purpose statements. This evolution is influencing how organizations are evaluated for partnerships, contracts, and consumer loyalty. 75% of Gen Z individuals will research a brand's stance on social issues before supporting it (Deloitte) U.S. Gen Z workforce participation is projected to surpass 30% by 2030 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) Purpose-driven brands may command greater loyalty, with nearly 60% of Gen Z preferring to pay more for brands that align with their values (IBM Institute for Business Value) How Brands Are Responding Digital Silk supports organizations across sectors in adapting brand messaging, visual identity, and web presence to reflect mission-driven positioning. Digital Silk has seen increased interest from industries including tech, wellness, and finance aiming to increase the company's branding to resonate with the evolving professional landscape. Digital Silk offers: Purpose-aligned brand strategy and messaging frameworks Mission-centric visual identity and design systems Custom web platforms highlighting sustainability, DEI, and impact reporting "We're working with brands to realign their voice and visuals—not as a marketing trend, but as a strategic foundation for long-term relevance," said Courtney Bozigian, Brand Strategist at Digital Silk About Digital Silk Digital Silk is an award-winning Miami branding agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, Digital Silk delivers industry-leading digital experiences through strategic branding and cutting-edge web design to support engagement and visibility through digital marketing services.
Zawya
30-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
From dependency to empowerment: Why we need to transform CSI in Africa?
Corporate social investment (CSI) is meant to change lives. But what happens when it does the opposite? Tshego Bokaba, CSI Manager at the Momentum Group Foundation Across Africa, well-meaning initiatives – designed in boardrooms, backed by big budgets and rolled out with fanfare – have long been positioned as a force for good. But what if, in trying to help, we're sometimes making things worse? In too many cases, CSI projects miss the mark: fostering dependence instead of empowerment, duplicating efforts already underway, or overlooking the very people they're meant to serve. As Africa reflects on transformation during Africa Month, it's time to ask harder questions about how – and why – corporate giving can backfire. We've seen programmes that distribute food parcels without investing in food security, or those that introduce technology into schools without training teachers or ensuring the infrastructure exists to support it. These are not just inefficiencies – they are missed opportunities, and in some cases, they actively disempower communities. This is not to say that CSI is inherently flawed. But when it's not rooted in context, consultation and co-creation, it can do more harm than good. Consultation is vital One of the most common missteps I've seen is designing projects for communities rather than with them. Too often, corporates decide what a school, clinic, or neighbourhood needs, without ever speaking to the school governing body, community leaders, or the people who live there. Even the best-resourced interventions can fall flat if they're out of step with local realities. In my view, there are five key principles that every CSI practitioner should treat as non-negotiable: research, consultation, co-creation, listening, and partnership. These may sound simple, but they require humility and a willingness to let go of control. Just because we have the resources doesn't mean we have all the answers. The result of bypassing this process is often what I call performative CSI: initiatives that look good in a press release but lack any meaningful or lasting impact. It's when we treat communities like passive recipients instead of equal partners. It's when we focus on meeting KPIs instead of solving real problems. And it's when we forget that behind every number in a dashboard is a person with dreams, struggles and potential. More than just quick fixes CSI in Africa must be about more than optics. We have a responsibility to confront the inequalities that still define too many lives – children who walk long distances to overcrowded schools, families without access to clinics, young people with no clear path to employment. Real impact means going beyond short-term gestures and investing in solutions that last. It means removing the everyday obstacles that chip away at people's dignity, potential and hope. That's why I believe we need to move toward collaborative, sector-wide approaches. The challenges we face – whether it's poverty, unemployment, education or access to healthcare – are too layered and too urgent for any one organisation to tackle alone. Corporates, non-profits and government must work together in coordinated, transparent and scalable ways if we're serious about lasting change. There are strong signs that the sector is beginning to shift. According to the Next Generation trends and insights research report 2025/2026 on the social, solidarity and impact economies of South Africa, future transformation should focus on improving sector effectiveness, strengthening local organisations, reducing duplication, and encouraging more sustainable, locally driven solutions. This includes enabling organisations to generate their own income and diversify funding models, ensuring they're not entirely reliant on donor capital. Leadership development We also need to build the next generation of leaders: individuals and institutions who are equipped to respond to the rapidly evolving social and economic realities of our continent. Africa's problems are unique, and our solutions must be too. This Africa Month, I want to challenge my peers across the CSI and development space to ask harder questions. Not just 'How much did we give?' or 'How many people did we reach?' but rather, 'Who did we speak to?' and 'What changed?' and also 'What do the communities themselves say they need next?' Show up with open ears and open minds, not just open wallets. The stakes are too high for us to get this wrong. If we want to be part of the solution, we must be willing to rethink the way we give – and, more importantly, the way we listen.
