Categoría: Geovanny Vicente

The Lasting Impact on Retail Trends & Shopping Behavior One Year After COVID-19 Concerns Began Gripping USA

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Twelve months after shopper intelligence leader Catalina began closely tracking the impact of escalating coronavirus concerns on shopping and buying behavior at grocery and drug stores across the country, several categories have experienced strong sales spikes, while others continue to struggle.

<a…

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Twelve months after shopper intelligence leader Catalina began closely tracking the impact of escalating coronavirus concerns on shopping and buying behavior at grocery and drug stores across the country, several categories have experienced strong sales spikes, while others continue to struggle.

Knowing the products that shoppers are putting into their carts allows us to tailor highly effective marketing messages.

Also, in looking back at the past 52 weeks of data beginning with the week ending Feb. 15, 2020, shoppers made more trips than average in March as the pandemic set in, but drastically reduced trips in April as they began sheltering at home. The lingering impact of lockdowns paved the way for a nine percent average decline in weekly, in-person shopping trips starting in May 2020, compared to the prior year. While people by and large have been shopping less, they’ve been buying more. Spending per trip has increased by 23 percent on average, compared to 2019. Overall, average weekly spending on groceries has increased by 12%.

The Top 5 categories seeing the greatest sales growth over the past year literally help keep the coronavirus at bay:

1. Home Health Testing Kits (includes Face Masks) – up 314%  

4. Personal Moist Towelettes – up 155%

2. Liquid Hand Soaps – up 246%      

5. Household Cleaner Pre-moist Wipes – up 129%

3. Disinfectant Cleaners – up 235%      

Since face masks account for 80% of the home health testing category, the strong sales performance has increased throughout the year as the Centers for Disease Control and the Biden Administration have emphasized how they can markedly reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Eight of the next 10 top-selling categories are either food or beverages that show an increased appetite for convenience and/or comfort. The outliers are the Camping/Sports Accessories category, which reflects consumer excitement to return to the great outdoors as «shelter at home» restrictions were lifted when warmer weather set in; and Fire Logs, which demonstrate the popularity of gathering around bonfires in Summer and Fall, while warming up in front of home fireplaces during colder weather.

6. Refrigerated Snacks/Cakes – Up 87%                

11. Frozen Seafood – Up 71%

7. Juice – Frozen Drink Smoothies – Up 85%         

12. Bacon: Light/Turkey/Chicken – Up 65%

8. Frozen Vegetables Breaded – Up 83%          

13. Baking/Biscuit Mixes – Up 64%

9. Powdered Milk – Up 82%                  

14. Breakfast Drink Mixes – Up 61%

10. Camping/Sports Accessories – Up 77%        

15. Fire Logs – Up 53%

The rise of home baking during the pandemic has been well-documented and is underscored by data over the past year showing sales of Flour increased by 55%, Refrigerated Dough/Sweet Rolls up 46%, Brownie & Cookie Mixes up 45% and Shelf-Stable Pie Shells up 44% and Refrigerated Cookie/Brownie Dough and Yeast, both up 36%.

Just as Powdered Milk and Baking Mixes had shown modest declines in the early «pre-pandemic» weeks of 2020,  several other categories that were struggling also saw impressive sales spikes as the year progressed: Baking Extracts up 48%; Canned Pork & Beans and Chlorine Bleach both up 45%, Canned Meat Stew up 41%; and Marshmallows up 40%.

With the majority of bars and restaurants either closed, open only for takeout, and/or offering limited seating, adult beverages experienced strong sales upticks this past year, with Premixed Cocktails/Coolers up 84%, Domestic Beer/Ale up 31%; Imported Wine up 28%, Domestic Wine up 25%, Spirits up 24% and Imported Beer up 23%.

Bathroom Tissue, the subject of much-publicized panic buying in the early days of the pandemic, ended up experiencing a 33% and 30% uptick in premium and value brand sales respectively over the past 12 months.

With so many Americans encouraged to work and attend school from home, there has been a noticeable decline in sales of personal care products over the past 12 months:

–  Wrinkle Reducers – down 27%              

–              Cosmetics Remover – down 19%

–  Breath Fresheners – down 26%               

–              Eye Cosmetics – down 11%

–  Face Cosmetics – down 20%                      

–              Hair Care/Styling – down 9%

Likewise, with fewer opportunities for people to personally interact in business and social settings, several categories that experienced declining sales pre-pandemic continued that trend:

–  Hosiery & Tights – down 33%                       

–              Weight Loss Pills – down 15%

–  Make-up Gift Sets – down 25%                      

–              Alertness Aids – down 4%

–  Men’s Toiletries Gift Sets – down 25%     

–              Stationery/School Supplies – down 3%

–  Shoe Polish & Laces – down 20%

Applying the Data
Catalina’s data scientists and advanced analytics teams rely on the company’s extensive Buyer Intelligence Database, which captures up to three years of purchase history and more than two billion Universal Product Codes, to track past shopping behavior. Then they apply their analytics skills and a combination of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools to help retailers and CPG brands develop marketing, media and activation strategies that both predict and influence purchase decisions in real time.

«We’ve painstakingly categorized shoppers into hundreds of customized audience segments on an anonymized basis in recent years.  Knowing the type of products and brands they are likely to put into their carts allows us to tailor highly effective marketing messages and promotions, and deliver them across the most efficient media channels to trigger purchases,» said Catalina CMO Marta Cyhan. «Doing so in the midst of a pandemic — when shopper behavior has changed so profoundly — benefits both retailers and brands, as well as their customers who are appreciating value more than ever during these uncertain times.»

Download Infographic:  https://bit.ly/2P4x8tz

About Catalina
Catalina is the market leader in shopper intelligence and highly targeted in-store, TV, and digital media that personalizes the shopper journey. Powered by the world’s richest real-time shopper database, Catalina helps CPG brands, retailers and agencies optimize every stage of media planning, execution and measurement to deliver $6.1 billion in consumer value annually. Catalina has no higher priority than ensuring the privacy and security of the data entrusted to the company and maintaining consumer trust. Catalina has operations in the United States, Costa Rica, Europe and Japan. To learn more, please visit www.catalina.com or follow us on Twitter @Catalina.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-lasting-impact-on-retail-trends–shopping-behavior-one-year-after-covid-19-concerns-began-gripping-usa-301235442.html

SOURCE Catalina

Spaceballs To Sustainable Shopping: Rhonda Shear Opens (RE)TREAT Resale Boutique

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — In 2021 making a new start is something people are doing every day and local celebrity, Rhonda Shear is starting the year by making the move toward sustainability with her new upscale consignment boutique, (RE)TREAT! Located at 1940 Central Avenue in beautiful downtown St. Pete, and run by resale professionals Ashley Hamilton and Matt Worsham, (RE)TREAT is…

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — In 2021 making a new start is something people are doing every day and local celebrity, Rhonda Shear is starting the year by making the move toward sustainability with her new upscale consignment boutique, (RE)TREAT! Located at 1940 Central Avenue in beautiful downtown St. Pete, and run by resale professionals Ashley Hamilton and Matt Worsham, (RE)TREAT is a style oasis featuring fashion, decor, and so much more. From biodegradable bags, live plants, and tons of natural light, the (RE)TREAT team makes eco-friendly choices in a clean, uncluttered, and inviting showroom filled with unique consigner items ready for new homes.

(RE)TREAT… a style oasis, is now open in beautiful downtown St. Pete. Featuring fashion, decor, and so much more!

Owner Rhonda Shear has a history of reinvention from her roots as a New Orleans beauty queen to appearances on shows (like Cheers, Happy Days, Married with Children, A-Team), to becoming the beloved comedic hostess of USA: Up All Night and now is the entrepreneur behind the award-winning Rhonda Shear Intimates brand sold on HSN and around the world. She brings her passion for the community and the spirit of reinvention that won countless awards to (RE)TREAT, where resale is reimagined.

From luxury designer shoes, bags, and accessories to one-of-a-kind furniture, art, and home decor there is a little something for every style and budget. The downtown showroom features beautiful antiques alongside high end designer furniture from brands like Henredon, Fabulous and Baroque, John Richard Collection, Michael Aram, L’Objet, Haute House, Old Hickory, and more. Above and beyond a furniture store that interior designers dream about, (RE)TREAT’s warm and inviting storefront is full of fashion treasures from brands like Valentino, Gucci, HERMES, Chanel, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Judith Leiber, Oscar de la Renta, Celine, Fendi, and more. All designer items are fully authenticated to ensure the highest quality and our collection is carefully curated for tons of variety, updated daily.

Discover stunning art pieces from around the world. Find Murano glass sculptures beside hand painted canvases by Jann Karam (comedian and Seinfeld star), intoxicating hand-crafted soaps created by Jeanne Basone (an original GLOW star) and stunning jewelry from beloved New Orleans artist Jan Brown. Shop everything from couture fashion to baby succulents in store at (RE)TREAT or shop even more options online to shipped nationwide anytime at www.retreatstpete.com! 

CONTACT: Marie Crane, VP Shear Enterprises, LLC
EMAIL: mariecrane@shearenterprises.com
PHONE: 727-540-9800

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spaceballs-to-sustainable-shopping-rhonda-shear-opens-retreat-resale-boutique-301235513.html

SOURCE Shear Enterprises, LLC

Off to Texas: Southern California’s Top Restoration Company To Provide Storm Damage Relief

WEST COVINA, Calif., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Allied Restoration Services Inc., Southern California’s most trusted and most recommended restoration service, is sending 20 of its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-certified staff out to…

WEST COVINA, Calif., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Allied Restoration Services Inc., Southern California’s most trusted and most recommended restoration service, is sending 20 of its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-certified staff out to Texas to help residents recover from Winter Storm Uri, the worst storm to hit the region in over 100 years. Allied is offering its water mitigation, decontamination, and other service necessary to restore the structure and function of homes and businesses in the area.

«We are all in this together. Our team is proficient in mitigating this kind of water related damage, so we knew we had to get down there to help these families and businesses,» said Allied Restoration’s Founder & CEO O.P. Almaraz. «As we have top-knowledge and certifications in water damage repair, dry-down and water extraction, we see it as our responsibility to help out those in need regardless of the distance from our headquarters.

Starting today, Allied Restoration’s 20 employees will be headquartered in Houston, one of the most impacted regions of the storm, assessing damage and developing comprehensive repair plans, containing and extracting water in homes, dehumidifying spaces for further water damage prevention using industrial-grade fans and restoring damaged homes to pre-loss conditions.  Those in Texas seeking the help and expertise of Allied Restoration, can schedule consultations and site visits through (888) 860-1003.

Winter Storm Uri’s devastated the state of Texas breaking temperature records and smashing centuries-old snow records in some areas of the state. An infrastructure and public health disaster, at least 17 people in the state died from storm conditions and homes across the state suffered massive damages. More than three million in Texas lived for several consecutive days without electricity, water and heat. Some experienced as low as sub-zero temperatures for over 24 hours and dozens of Texans were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning after heating their homes with gas stoves and running cars.

Since the Coronavirus Pandemic began in March 2020, Allied Restoration’s staff has grown to 50 people. Teams are working around the clock to help decontaminate and disinfect homes and businesses such as industrial warehouses, nursing homes, churches, schools and other mass gathering areas. Allied teams use full PPE protocols and apply industrial grade and EPA approved products  disinfectants and technology in this fight against the pandemic. 

With more than 26 years of experience in restoration, decontamination and disinfection of bio-hazards, the number one recommended disaster relief company by insurance companies provides elite water damage repair, fire restoration and mold removal services. On a preventative front, Allied Restoration also conducts an in-depth 21-point inspection to help people recognize potential threats to the safety and wellbeing of their home or office.

For more information or to request an inspection, visit AlliedRestore.com or follow them on Instagram @alliedrestoration.

About Allied Restoration

Allied Restoration is a water damage, fire restoration, mold removal, virus disinfection, and construction company. They are known for their 21-point inspection that exposes potential threats to their client’s properties and focuses on keeping families safe. They are committed to providing the best disaster restoration experience possible, working closely with insurance agents, brokers, adjusters, and clients to make sure the restoration process follows Allied’s white-glove service to all customers. Allied Restoration’s customer service reputation and its focus on discretion and privacy have earned them the trust of countless celebrities and ultra-high net worth individuals.

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/off-to-texas-southern-californias-top-restoration-company-to-provide-storm-damage-relief-301235553.html

SOURCE Allied Restoration

The Home Depot Foundation Commits up to $500,000 in Response to Recent Winter Storms

ATLANTA, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — In response to the recent winter storms devastating the nation, The Home Depot Foundation announced today that it is committing up to $500,000 to aid with immediate relief efforts and short- and long-term recovery for communities impacted by historic winter storms, Uri and Viola. This incremental commitment is in addition to the Foundation’s annual grants of $3.6 million to disaster relief national…

ATLANTA, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — In response to the recent winter storms devastating the nation, The Home Depot Foundation announced today that it is committing up to $500,000 to aid with immediate relief efforts and short- and long-term recovery for communities impacted by historic winter storms, Uri and Viola. This incremental commitment is in addition to the Foundation’s annual grants of $3.6 million to disaster relief national nonprofit partners, bringing the current total commitment for 2021 to $4.1 million.

Although the extent of the recovery need is still being determined, this commitment will bolster immediate efforts, including distribution of water and kits containing additional critical supplies. Short-term recovery, including mold remediation and emergency home repairs, will take place as damage is assessed and conditions become secure.

In partnership with experienced national nonprofit organizations, including Convoy of Hope, Operation Blessing, American Red Cross and Semper Fi & America’s Fund, the Foundation has been safely deploying essential supplies to the areas stricken with power outages, water shortages, freezing temperatures and plumbing damage. The Home Depot Foundation works with these and other national and local nonprofit partners on an ongoing basis to proactively position emergency supplies and promote timely distribution to communities in need.

The Foundation has long-established connections with local nonprofits in Texas, and its associate volunteer force, Team Depot, has been partnering with Meals on Wheels Central Texas, Rebuilding Together Houston and the City of Dallas to assess damage and need. For example, last week, the Foundation partnered with the City of Dallas to provide seniors and families with much-needed generators, products, and cleaning supplies.

«The Home Depot supplies generously donated to the City of Dallas will support our most vulnerable populations, including seniors and families, during the 2021 winter weather conditions,» said Carrie Rogers, director, Dallas Mayor and City Council Office.

«Our hearts and prayers go out to our associates and the communities suffering from the effects of these catastrophic winter storms,» expresses Shannon Gerber, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. «We’re working with heightened intentionality to mobilize critical supplies and provide emergency repairs, once safe to proceed.»

The company engaged its Emergency Response Team to respond to the immediate needs of its stores, associates and communities, flowing supplies into the impacted areas throughout the crisis. The Home Depot’s merchandising and supply chain teams are working around the clock to replenish in-demand items like plumbing materials, wet/dry vacuums, generators, and cleaning supplies. 

In addition to numerous stores in the impacted areas, The Home Depot operates several technology centers in Texas, including one in Dallas and two in Austin, where cross-functional teams of engineers worked throughout the storms to maintain networks, platforms and applications supporting stores and other business operations.

The Home Depot’s employee assistance program, The Homer Fund, processed more than 1,300 grants for associates affected by the storms and has already provided more than $500,000 in emergency support.

In 2020, The Home Depot Foundation committed more than $4 million to natural disaster relief efforts. 

About The Home Depot Foundation
The Home Depot Foundation works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, train skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap and support communities impacted by natural disasters. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $350 million in support of veterans in need and improved more than 48,000 veteran homes and facilities in more than 4,500 cities. The Foundation has pledged to invest half of a billion dollars in veteran causes by 2025. 

To learn more about The Home Depot Foundation, visit HomeDepotFoundation.org and follow us on Twitter @HomeDepotFound and on Facebook + Instagram @HomeDepotFoundation.

About The Home Depot 
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer. At the end of fiscal 2020, the Company operated a total of 2,296 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2020, The Home Depot had sales of $132.1 billion and earnings of $12.9 billion. The company employs approximately 500,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-home-depot-foundation-commits-up-to-500-000-in-response-to-recent-winter-storms-301235468.html

SOURCE The Home Depot Foundation

Montgomery County Public Schools approves the nation’s largest procurement of electric school buses with Highland Electric Transportation

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Board of Education approved a contract on Tuesday evening with Highland Electric Transportation, a provider of turnkey electric fleet solutions, to convert its school bus fleet to all-electric, starting with 326 school buses over the next four years. This project represents the largest single procurement of electric school buses in North America.

<div…

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Board of Education approved a contract on Tuesday evening with Highland Electric Transportation, a provider of turnkey electric fleet solutions, to convert its school bus fleet to all-electric, starting with 326 school buses over the next four years. This project represents the largest single procurement of electric school buses in North America.

Montgomery County Public Schools operates more than 200 schools and serves over 160,000 students county-wide. The MCPS Department of Transportation is one of the largest in the country, with an over 1,400 school bus fleet.

«I figured that at some point electric bus prices would fall enough to make it affordable, but this deal makes it affordable now» said Todd Watkins, Transportation Director for MCPS. Todd was recently named Transportation Director of the year by Student Transportation News, 2020.

«We are honored to partner with Montgomery County on this innovative program. We believe this project is a great example of the power of public-private partnerships as we seek to electrify school bus fleets across the country,» said Duncan McIntyre, CEO of Highland.

Under the agreement, Highland and its project partners, including Thomas Built Buses, Proterra, and Annapolis-based American Bus, will electrify all five of MCPS’ bus depots, supplying the electric school buses and charging infrastructure along with services including managed charging. Highland will purchase buses manufactured in North Carolina by Thomas Built Buses, which will be supplied and serviced by American Bus. Both companies have been long-time trusted suppliers and partners for the MCPS Department of Transportation. Designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States by Thomas Built Buses, the all-electric Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley school bus is powered by Proterra’s electric vehicle technology platform. The Jouley couples 226 kWh of total energy capacity with a Proterra Powered drivetrain to offer an industry-leading operating range of up to 135 miles on a single charge to meet the needs of school bus fleets.

The transition to electric school buses will deliver health and climate benefits for the community. Converting the school bus fleet will reduce carbon emissions by 25,000 tons per year while cutting diesel pollution harmful to human health, contributing to both Maryland and Montgomery County goals.

«Battery-electric technology is the future of student transportation, and this is just the beginning of a transition to zero-emissions school buses across the country,» said Caley Edgerly, president and CEO, Thomas Built Buses. «We applaud the Montgomery County Public School system for leading the way, and thank Highland Electric Transportation and Proterra for their partnership and collaboration.»

 «Battery-electric school buses offer a safe, reliable mode of transportation that reduces noise and air pollution, protecting public health and the environment. That’s why innovative communities like Montgomery County, Maryland are driving the transition to clean, zero-emission pupil transportation for our students and schools. Together with Thomas Built Buses and Highland Electric Transportation, Proterra is proud to deliver the benefits of our electric vehicle technology to Montgomery County and support their historic commitment to electric school buses,» said Gareth Joyce, President of Proterra Powered and Energy.

The project was awarded an $817,000 grant from Maryland Energy Association (MEA), which helps offset the purchase cost of vehicles that is critical at this early stage of mass deployment. This is the type of project that the MEA Clean Fuels Incentive Program was intended to support, collaboration between the public and private sector to build a scalable fleet electrification market in the state.

In addition, the electric buses will lend their batteries to deliver stored electricity to the local electricity markets, interconnected through Pepco, which helps the community integrate renewable energy and support grid resiliency. Highland takes on the obligation of internalizing these values, which shift the cost of ownership for the electrified fleets, helping to deliver budget neutrality to MCPS.

«This is the first step toward meeting President Biden’s pledge to electrify all 500,000 school buses across the nation over the next decade,» said Nat Kreamer, CEO of Advanced Energy Economy, a national business group. «These school buses do double duty, providing pollution-free transportation for schoolchildren and grid services that benefit all electric customers, while also being available as mobile backup for communities affected by power outages.»

About Highland Electric Transportation
Highland Electric Transportation provides turnkey solutions for school bus and other municipal and government fleet electrification. By bundling electric vehicles, charging equipment, financing, and services, Highland partners with customers to deliver scalable fleet electrification projects, within existing budgets. The company is based in Hamilton, MA www.highlandet.com

About Proterra
Proterra is a leader in the design and manufacture of zero-emission electric transit vehicles and EV technology solutions for commercial applications. With industry-leading durability and energy efficiency based on rigorous U.S. independent testing, Proterra products are proudly designed, engineered and manufactured in America, with offices in Silicon Valley, South Carolina, and Los Angeles. For more information, visit: http://www.proterra.com and follow us on Twitter @Proterra_Inc.

About Thomas Built Buses
Founded in 1916, Thomas Built Buses is a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line, the company has been committed to delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America. Learn more at https://thomasbuiltbuses.com. Thomas Built Buses, Inc., headquartered in High Point, N.C., is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America and a leading manufacturer of class 4-8 vehicles. Daimler Trucks North America produces and markets commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Daimler Trucks North America is a Daimler company.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/montgomery-county-public-schools-approves-the-nations-largest-procurement-of-electric-school-buses-with-highland-electric-transportation-301235236.html

SOURCE Proterra

Prominent Male Allies Run Full Page Ad in the Washington Post Calling on Congress to Support the Marshall Plan for Moms

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — 50 prominent male allies, many of whom are fathers, today signed a letter in the Washington Post calling on Congress to support the «Marshall Plan for Moms,» to pay mothers for their unpaid, unseen labor and to pass policies addressing parental leave, affordable childcare, and pay equity.  They join over 50 women who <a target="_blank"…

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — 50 prominent male allies, many of whom are fathers, today signed a letter in the Washington Post calling on Congress to support the «Marshall Plan for Moms,» to pay mothers for their unpaid, unseen labor and to pass policies addressing parental leave, affordable childcare, and pay equity.  They join over 50 women who penned their support for the «Marshall Plan for Moms» in the New York Times, and the growing movement of more than 15,000 people who call on our leaders to put moms first during this terrible pandemic. Craig Newmark, the founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies and a Girls Who Code Board member, is supporting the Marshall Plan for Moms campaign as a major funder, advocate, and ally.  

«We’re in a childcare crisis, women are the biggest part of the economic crisis, and the pandemic has reversed decades of progress towards women’s equality,» said Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code. «This is a national crisis that requires bold solutions — we can’t afford anything less. Today’s action shows that women aren’t standing alone: this is a broad coalition and a growing movement to finally value women’s work.»

According to a report from the National Women’s Law Center, more than 2 million women have left the U.S. workforce since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. A September 2020 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that women were leaving the workforce at four times the rate of men.

«Mothers are facing the brunt of this pandemic, and it is on all of us to step up and ensure that we are providing them with the relief and compensation they deserve,» said Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies. «That is why I’m making an investment in the Marshall Plan for Moms so that we can continue to raise awareness and call on our elected leaders to take action now.»

Earlier this month, Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY) introduced the Marshall Plan for Moms (H.Res.121), a bold and sweeping piece of legislation to revitalize and restore women in the workforce, and the first of its kind to call for a transformative investment to help mothers who have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

«When more than 30 years of progress for women in the workforce can be erased in 9 months, the underlying system is broken,» says the letter– which ran as a full page ad in the Washington Post today. «It’s time to create a new structure that works for women, that respects and values their labor. Men have a role to play.»

Male Allies who signed onto the letter are as follows:

Tim Allen, Care.com; Brendon Ayanbadejo, NFL Champion & West Coast Fitness; Justin Baldoni, Filmmaker & Entrepreneur; Ramin Bastani, Healthvana; Vijay Chattha, VSC; Don Cheadle; Tom Colicchio; Victor Cruz; Seth Curry; Steph Curry; Mike de la Rocha, Revolve Impact; Winston Duke; Arne Duncan, Emerson Collective; Andy Dunn, Monica + Andy; Colin Farrell; Stew Friedman, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; Scott Galloway, NYU Professor; Jason Winston George; Jeremy Goldberg, LeagueApps; Adam Grant, Author and organizational psychologist; George Gresham, President of 1199 SEIU UHE; Hill Harper; Aaron Holiday, 645 Ventures; Anthony Abraham Jack, Professor, Harvard University; John B. King Jr., Former U.S. Secretary of Education and The Education Trust; Sundeep Madra, Entrepreneur; J.R. Martinez, Actor & Veteran; Nihal Mehta, Eniac Ventures; Maurício Mota, Wise Entertainment; Craig Newmark, craigslist & Craig Newmark Philanthropies; Alexis Ohanian, 776; Brian O’Kelley, Waybridge; Jacques-Philippe Piverger, Entrepreneur; Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, Writer, Religious Leader; JJ Redick; Robert Reffkin, Compass; Alberto Retana, Community Coalition; Doc Rivers; Dan Rosensweig, Chegg; Mark K. Shriver, Save the Children; Michael Skolnik, The Soze Agency; Devaraj Southworth, Thirstie, Inc.; Baratunde Thurston, How To Citizen With Baratunde; Vivek J. Tiwary, Tiwary Entertainment Group; Jose Antonio Vargas; Fred Wilson, USV; Andrew Yang; Ben Yarrow, West Wing Writers; Jeremiah «Ice» Younossi, Music Agent & Writer; and Jeffrey Zurofsky, Entrepreneur & Activist.

For more information, visit www.marshallplanformoms.com.

The full text of the full page ad in the Washington Post reads as follows:

Dear United States Congress:

In January, 50 prominent women called for a Marshall Plan for Moms: a bold 360-plan to get women back to work that includes:

Direct payments to moms, who have had their paid labor in the workforce replaced by unseen, unpaid labor at home.

Passing long overdue policies like paid family leave, affordable childcare, and pay equity.

Retraining programs to ensure women can fill the jobs that will exist.

Plans to safely reopen schools 5 days a week.

We stand with them. We need a Marshall Plan for Moms — now.

When more than 30 years of progress for women in the workforce can be erased in 9 months, the underlying system is broken. It’s time to create a new structure that works for women, that respects and values their labor.

Men have a role to play.

As partners and fathers we need to start doing our share at home. Studies show we are failing.

As the majority of employers we also need to create more protections and flexibility for working moms, and to put an end to the «motherhood penalty» that punishes them for exercising it.

President Biden and Vice President Harris have called the crisis affecting moms a «national emergency.» We agree. For that we need Congress to pass a national solution: a Marshall Plan for Moms.

Women have been fighting for equality for centuries. Now is the time to finish that fight and rebuild our economy to finally value women’s work.

ABOUT GIRLS WHO CODE

Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in technology, and leading the movement to inspire, educate and equip young women with the computing skills needed to pursue 21st-century opportunities. Since launching in 2012, Girls Who Code has reached 500 million people through its work and 300,000 girls through its in-person programming. College-aged alumni of Girls Who Code are declaring majors in computer science and related fields at 15 times the U.S. average. In 2018, the organization was named the #1 Most Innovative Non-Profit on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list. Follow the organization on social media @GirlsWhoCode.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/prominent-male-allies-run-full-page-ad-in-the-washington-post-calling-on-congress-to-support-the-marshall-plan-for-moms-301235407.html

SOURCE Girls Who Code

Altus Power Committed to Constructing Largest Community-Based Renewable Energy Solar Project in Hawaii

GREENWICH, Conn., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Altus Power America, Inc. («Altus Power«) is pleased to announce that it will be constructing a 4.5 MW ground-mounted solar energy project in Kapolei, Hawai’i on the island of O’ahu. Once constructed the project will be the largest Community-Based Renewable Energy («CBRE») project in Hawai’i. Altus Power acquired the project from…

GREENWICH, Conn., Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Altus Power America, Inc. («Altus Power«) is pleased to announce that it will be constructing a 4.5 MW ground-mounted solar energy project in Kapolei, Hawai’i on the island of O’ahu. Once constructed the project will be the largest Community-Based Renewable Energy («CBRE») project in Hawai’i. Altus Power acquired the project from Tritium Enterprises LLC («Tritium3») who led the development effort under Phase I of the CBRE program and will continue to support construction, community engagement and ongoing operations.

The project is expected to be online in the fourth quarter of 2021 and will generate over 6,500 megawatt-hours of electricity during its first year of operation. This will be Altus Power’s third investment in Hawai’i and the first to specifically provide energy savings, through CBRE solar credits, to a significant number of O’ahu residential customers in addition to commercial and municipal entities.

Lars Norell, Managing Partner of Altus Power, said, «Altus is committed to providing clean energy solutions in Hawai’i. We are pleased to be participating in the CBRE Phase I program and we look forward to creating renewable energy benefits that will be made available to businesses, non-profits and residential households.»

«The CBRE program is an important element of Hawai’i’s renewable energy landscape. After several years of development we are excited to partner with Altus Power to help bring the promise of community solar to the residents of Hawai’i», said Ryan McCauley, CEO of Tritium3.

This project will further expand Altus’ national presence in community solar with over 100 MWs of operating community solar projects in states across the country. 

About Altus Power America

Altus Power is a market-leading clean electrification company based in Greenwich, Connecticut that provides solar electricity to public, private, and residential customers across the U.S.  Since its founding in 2009, Altus has developed or acquired more than 200 distributed generation solar facilities totaling more than 265 megawatts from Vermont to Hawaii. Visit www.altuspower.com to learn more.

About Tritium3

Tritium3 is based in Honolulu, Hawai’i and is focused on developing and operating renewable energy projects.  Tritium3’s business units include Tritium3 Renewable Ventures, Hawai’i’s leading community solar developer, and Tritium3 Renewable Services which provides operations and maintenance services for commercial and utility-scale renewable energy projects. Visit www.tritium3.com to learn more.

Media: Contact Altus Power at 203.698.0090 or bizdev@altuspower.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/altus-power-committed-to-constructing-largest-community-based-renewable-energy-solar-project-in-hawaii-301235157.html

SOURCE Altus Power America, Inc.

SK Group Closes $1.6 Billion Investment in Plug Power to Advance Hydrogen Strategy

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — SK Group, South Korea’s largest energy provider and third-largest conglomerate, announced today the close of a $1.6 billion investment and strategic partnership with Plug Power Inc., a leading provider of hydrogen fuel cell and fueling solutions enabling e-mobility. The partnership is part of a long-term, multi-billion dollar plan by SK to help lead the global transition to a hydrogen economy and…

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — SK Group, South Korea’s largest energy provider and third-largest conglomerate, announced today the close of a $1.6 billion investment and strategic partnership with Plug Power Inc., a leading provider of hydrogen fuel cell and fueling solutions enabling e-mobility. The partnership is part of a long-term, multi-billion dollar plan by SK to help lead the global transition to a hydrogen economy and make meaningful progress toward a more sustainable energy system.

Recognizing the importance of hydrogen as a clean alternative to traditional energy sources, SK Group has heightened its focus on building the infrastructure and developing the technology to make hydrogen energy a reality for global markets.  SK Holdings, the holding company of SK Group, has established a Hydrogen Business Development Center taking the lead of the group’s hydrogen long-term project that is comprised of members from SK’s energy companies, including SK Innovation and SK E&S.

This new center will guide the companies’ transition into the production and distribution of hydrogen energy, including the creation of a mass production facility and investments in global business opportunities. SK Group companies already are making strategic investments in their existing energy businesses and forming partnerships with global leaders in hydrogen energy technology. These actions include:

  • SK Group closed on its investment and strategic partnership with Plug Power, a company based in Latham, N.Y. Together, the companies plan to provide hydrogen fuel cell systems, hydrogen fueling stations and electrolyzers to Korean and other Asian markets. The investment was valued at $1.6 billion at signing today.
  • SK E&S has established a hydrogen development business, committing to producing 30,000 tons of liquefied hydrogen – utilizing product from SK Innovation – each year beginning in 2023, and 250,000 tons of «blue hydrogen» starting in 2025. SK E&S plans to become a global eco-friendly energy company that incorporates renewable energy sources by expanding its business to all areas of the hydrogen ecosystem, including production, distribution and sales.
  • SK E&S will use SK Energy’s gas stations and truck stops as Green Energy Hubs for hydrogen distribution. By 2025, the company aims to have created 280K tons of supply.

SK expects its investments in hydrogen to create $2.7 billion of net asset value by 2025. Across its operating companies and partnerships, SK is taking actions to support a robust hydrogen economy from end-to-end with a focus on every major phase – upstream production of raw materials, midstream transport of resources and downstream conversion into energy used by customers to power their vehicles, homes and businesses.

«The need for sustainable and green-focused energy solutions is crucial as we look at confronting the looming global climate crisis,» said Hyeongwook Choo, Head of Hydrogen Business Development Center of SK Holdings and President & CEO of SK E&S. «The establishment of SK’s Hydrogen Business Development Center, commitments to utilizing our companies’ facilities for green energy production and distribution, and the hydrogen-focused partnerships provide a solid foundation for us to make a substantial impact on the transition to a more sustainable future.»

The advancement of the hydrogen economy is widely viewed by experts as an important part of addressing climate change because hydrogen is a clean energy source that can be produced by a variety of sources, including natural gas or renewable energy such as solar and wind power.  Hydrogen also can be used for wide-ranging applications from powering forklifts to industrial complexes. The only direct by-product of hydrogen, when turned into electric power by a fuel cell, is water.

For these reasons, the World Economic Forum ranked green hydrogen – hydrogen made from renewable resources – as one the Top 10 Emerging Technologies in 2020. In the transportation sector alone, the use of hydrogen and fuel cells could reduce greenhouse gas emissions in light-duty vehicles by 50 percent to 90 percent or more compared to today’s gasoline vehicles, according to a U.S. Department of Energy analysis.

Hydrogen Investments Part of SK’s Commitment to ESG

SK Group is investing in the hydrogen industry as part of its broader commitment across all of its companies to advance businesses in line with positive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria. Based in Seoul, South Korea, SK Group includes more than 100 independent operating companies in diverse areas including semiconductors, telecommunications, energy and life sciences. At SK, sustainability is deeply intertwined in the business models as part of the core philosophy of all SK operating companies to create both economic and social value.

SK Innovation is a prominent global energy company that is leading the charge in future energy development.  The company is building two SK Battery America plants in Commerce, Ga. – a $2.6 billion investment in the Georgia economy that will mass produce batteries for the growing electric vehicle industry and employ 2,600 U.S. workers.

SK E&S operates and supplies electricity from its LNG power plants. The company is evolving its traditional operations to become a global clean energy and solution provider with investments focused across solar, wind and fuel cell energy sources. In 2020, SK E&S announced a $150 million investment in a new venture with Sunrun Inc., a leading home solar, battery storage and energy services company, to advance the development of a modern energy system.

«Across all our operating companies, we recognize the need to capitalize on our expertise and broad resources to help lead the charge towards a more sustainable future,» Choo said. «We strive to leave a lasting, positive influence on the communities in which we serve, and the most important way to do that now is to help ensure those communities will be able to prosper long-term both economically and socially.»

About SK
Based in Seoul, South Korea, SK Group is a collection of diverse multi-national manufacturing and service companies united under a holding company structure that share a common SK Brand and Corporate Culture. SK strives to build the industries that drive future financial and social prosperity. SK Group companies are global leaders in semiconductors, telecommunications, energy and life sciences. These companies combined have $119 billion in annual global revenue and more than 100,000 employees worldwide.  For more information on SK, visit http://www.sk.com/.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sk-group-closes-1-6-billion-investment-in-plug-power-to-advance-hydrogen-strategy-301235467.html

SOURCE SK Group

The Home Depot Foundation Commits up to $500,000 in Response to Recent Winter Storms

ATLANTA, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In response to the recent winter storms devastating the nation, The Home Depot Foundation announced today that it is committing up to $500,000 to aid with immediate relief efforts and short- and long-term recovery for communities impacted by historic winter storms, Uri and Viola. This incremental commitment is in addition to the Foundation’s annual grants of $3.6 million to disaster…

ATLANTA, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In response to the recent winter storms devastating the nation, The Home Depot Foundation announced today that it is committing up to $500,000 to aid with immediate relief efforts and short- and long-term recovery for communities impacted by historic winter storms, Uri and Viola. This incremental commitment is in addition to the Foundation’s annual grants of $3.6 million to disaster relief national nonprofit partners, bringing the current total commitment for 2021 to $4.1 million.

The Home Depot Foundation

Although the extent of the recovery need is still being determined, this commitment will bolster immediate efforts, including distribution of water and kits containing additional critical supplies. Short-term recovery, including mold remediation and emergency home repairs, will take place as damage is assessed and conditions become secure.

In partnership with experienced national nonprofit organizations, including Convoy of Hope, Operation Blessing, American Red Cross and Semper Fi & America’s Fund, the Foundation has been safely deploying essential supplies to the areas stricken with power outages, water shortages, freezing temperatures and plumbing damage. The Home Depot Foundation works with these and other national and local nonprofit partners on an ongoing basis to proactively position emergency supplies and promote timely distribution to communities in need.

The Foundation has long-established connections with local nonprofits in Texas, and its associate volunteer force, Team Depot, has been partnering with Meals on Wheels Central Texas, Rebuilding Together Houston and the City of Dallas to assess damage and need. For example, last week, the Foundation partnered with the City of Dallas to provide seniors and families with much-needed generators, products, and cleaning supplies.

«The Home Depot supplies generously donated to the City of Dallas will support our most vulnerable populations, including seniors and families, during the 2021 winter weather conditions,» said Carrie Rogers, director, Dallas Mayor and City Council Office.

«Our hearts and prayers go out to our associates and the communities suffering from the effects of these catastrophic winter storms,» expresses Shannon Gerber, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. «We’re working with heightened intentionality to mobilize critical supplies and provide emergency repairs, once safe to proceed.»

The company engaged its Emergency Response Team to respond to the immediate needs of its stores, associates and communities, flowing supplies into the impacted areas throughout the crisis. The Home Depot’s merchandising and supply chain teams are working around the clock to replenish in-demand items like plumbing materials, wet/dry vacuums, generators, and cleaning supplies. 

In addition to numerous stores in the impacted areas, The Home Depot operates several technology centers in Texas, including one in Dallas and two in Austin, where cross-functional teams of engineers worked throughout the storms to maintain networks, platforms and applications supporting stores and other business operations.

The Home Depot’s employee assistance program, The Homer Fund, processed more than 1,300 grants for associates affected by the storms and has already provided more than $500,000 in emergency support.

In 2020, The Home Depot Foundation committed more than $4 million to natural disaster relief efforts. 

About The Home Depot Foundation
The Home Depot Foundation works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, train skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap and support communities impacted by natural disasters. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $350 million in support of veterans in need and improved more than 48,000 veteran homes and facilities in more than 4,500 cities. The Foundation has pledged to invest half of a billion dollars in veteran causes by 2025. 

To learn more about The Home Depot Foundation, visit HomeDepotFoundation.org and follow us on Twitter @HomeDepotFound and on Facebook + Instagram @HomeDepotFoundation.

About The Home Depot 
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer. At the end of fiscal 2020, the Company operated a total of 2,296 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2020, The Home Depot had sales of $132.1 billion and earnings of $12.9 billion. The company employs approximately 500,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/403438/The_Home_Depot_Foundation_Logo.jpg

SOURCE The Home Depot Foundation

Graphic Packaging Holding Company Executive Vice President and CFO to Present at the Bank of America 2021 Global Agriculture and Materials Conference on March 3

ATLANTA, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), a leading provider of sustainable paper-based packaging solutions to food, beverage, foodservice, and other consumer products companies, announced today that Stephen R. Scherger, Executive Vice President and CFO, will present at the Bank of America 2021 Global Agriculture and Materials Conference. The presentation, in the form of a fireside chat, will take place on <span…

ATLANTA, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), a leading provider of sustainable paper-based packaging solutions to food, beverage, foodservice, and other consumer products companies, announced today that Stephen R. Scherger, Executive Vice President and CFO, will present at the Bank of America 2021 Global Agriculture and Materials Conference. The presentation, in the form of a fireside chat, will take place on Wednesday, March 3 at 8:00am ET. The discussion will be available live and in replay via webcast and can be accessed from the Investors section of the Graphic Packaging website at www.graphicpkg.com.

About Graphic Packaging Holding Company

Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is committed to providing consumer packaging that makes a world of difference. The Company is a leading provider of sustainable paper-based packaging solutions for a wide variety of products to food, beverage, foodservice, and other consumer products companies. The Company operates on a global basis, is one of the largest producers of folding cartons and paper-based foodservice products in the United States, and holds leading market positions in coated recycled paperboard, coated unbleached kraft paperboard and solid bleached sulfate paperboard. The Company’s customers include many of the world’s most widely-recognized companies and brands. Additional information about Graphic Packaging, its business and its products is available on the Company’s web site at www.graphicpkg.com.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/graphic-packaging-holding-company-executive-vice-president-and-cfo-to-present-at-the-bank-of-america-2021-global-agriculture-and-materials-conference-on-march-3-301235403.html

SOURCE Graphic Packaging Holding Company