By United States Tennis Association (USTA)

To support its business imperative of diversity and inclusion both internally and across the sport of tennis, the USTA has named Marisa Grimes as its Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer. Grimes will begin her tenure with the USTA on Jan. 4, 2021.

Grimes comes to the USTA after a decorated tenure at Mastercard, where she most recently served as Director, Diversity & Inclusion. There, she led all diversity and inclusion efforts across the company?s North American regional and global business units. Under her leadership, the company expanded both its internal and external diversity initiatives, impact and accountability.

As a senior executive, Grimes will report to USTA CEO and Executive Director Michael Dowse, and will be tasked to work with the USTA’s leadership team to develop and implement a cultural shift throughout all levels of the organization, reflecting its commitment to elevating inclusiveness and equity in the sport.

One of her highest priorities will be to ensure the USTA fulfills its mission of growing the game by bringing new generations of diverse players and providers to the sport across the United States, in order to transform the business and culture in every facet of both the USTA and the tennis ecosystem at large.

?The USTA has historically honored our sport?s cultural icons, such as Althea Gibson, Billie Jean King, and Arthur Ashe, but we understand that our actions have not always matched our beliefs,” said Dowse. ?We know that Marisa?s energy and leadership will help us bridge that gap and ensure that tennis is the inclusive sport we aspire it to be.?

Grimes will be responsible for creating tangible and measurable diversity and inclusion initiatives for staff and volunteers at both the national and section levels of the USTA, designing programs that improve cultural awareness and sensitivities and promote inclusive practices.

?My hope is that I can contribute to the USTA in a meaningful way to help create policy changes and actions that reflect a commitment to doing the right things for the right reasons to address longstanding inequalities in our country and the sport of tennis,? said Grimes. ?It is not going to happen overnight, but we can establish a solid pathway for progress.?

A graduate of the University of Maryland, Grimes also has a long history in corporate communications with a number of nationally-known media companies. She currently resides in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. with her husband and two children, and also sits on the board of directors for the Northeast STEM Starter Academy in Mt. Vernon, N.Y.

Read the original announcement here

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By VfL Wolfsburg

In terms of taking responsibility for mankind and the environment, VfL Wolfsburg have been leaders in professional football for almost a decade now, both nationally and internationally. The Wolves detail the concrete measures they take in the area of sustainability in a biennial sustainability report, the fifth edition of which has now been published. In essence, the report states that over the last two seasons, 2018/19 and 2019/20, VfL once again achieved ground-breaking successes with their activities. However, the report also addresses the weaknesses of the past two years and sets out the objectives and plans for the coming reporting period.

“Take responsibility”

This year’s sustainability report takes a particularly close look at the two focal themes of climate protection and diversity. As recently as mid-November, the Green-and-Whites joined the United Nations’ “Race To Zero” initiative, thereby setting themselves the ambitious target of climate neutrality and net zero emissions by 2025. “We will seize our opportunities as a green football club that is sustainably transforming itself,” said VfL managing director Michael Meeske. “Today, more than ever, it is important to take responsibility for the future of football in all its forms and, more generally, for the livelihoods of the next generations.”

Living diversity

Over the past two years, VfL have also expanded their commitment to the second focus topic of diversity. The fight against forms of discrimination such as racism, sexism and homophobia is being supported through various projects. In addition, the Wolves regularly fly the flag for diversity. Be it via rainbow-coloured captain’s armbands or special jerseys, it is impossible to imagine VfL’s stadiums without visible statements in favour of an open society.

Download the sustainability report here

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By Ball Corporation

WESTMINSTER, Colo. and LAS VEGAS, Nov. 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Coors Light and Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL) today announced an agreement to bring the infinitely recyclable Ball Aluminum Cup to guests at the new Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Ball, a leader in cutting-edge, sustainable aluminum beverage packaging, designed the lightweight aluminum cups in response to growing consumer preference for more sustainable options when enjoying their favorite beverages.

Molson Coors (which makes Allegiant Stadium’s official domestic beer, Coors Light, as well as its official craft beer, Hop Valley, and official hard seltzer, Vizzy),  is doing their part to support the stadium’s sustainability goals, as well as their own.

“We’re proud to team up with Coors Light to bring fans at Allegiant Stadium an enhanced beverage experience and sustainable hospitality options from the start with our game-changing and infinitely recyclable aluminum cup,” said Daniel W. Fisher, Ball’s chief operating officer, global beverage packaging. “We introduced the aluminum cup to meet the growing demand for more sustainable packaging choices, and we’re excited that our partnership with Coors Light will give fans visiting Allegiant Stadium an opportunity to further their efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle.”

“Coors Light has a long history of sustainable product innovation ? in fact, many people don’t know that we pioneered the first-ever aluminum cans to hit the market back in 1959,” says Adam Dettman, Director of partnerships and licensing at Molson Coors North America. “We’re proud to continue this history by partnering with Ball to ultimately provide fans with an eco-conscious experience, and a built-in piece of memorabilia that guests can take home after enjoying a game or event at Allegiant Stadium.”

Upon the start of activities at Allegiant Stadium, 100,000 of the 20-ounce aluminum cups will be available in the club seats at all events. Through this collaboration, Allegiant Stadium joins a growing number of professional football stadiums that feature the Ball Aluminum Cup at scale. Molson Coors encourages fans to drink responsibly.

Infinitely recyclable and economically valuable, aluminum is the most sustainable beverage packaging material, and like aluminum cans, aluminum cups can be easily recycled. In fact, 75 percent of the aluminum ever produced is still in use today. In addition to its sustainability and recycling strengths, the aluminum cup is lightweight, sturdy, cool to the touch and provides an elevated experience. It also can be customized with logos and graphics, as it will be for Allegiant Stadium.

About Ball Corporation
Ball Corporation supplies innovative, sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for beverage, personal care and household products customers, as well as aerospace and other technologies and services primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 18,300 people worldwide and reported 2019 net sales of $11.5 billion. For more information, visit www.ball.com, or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

About Allegiant Stadium
Located adjacent to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, Allegiant Stadium is a global events destination, highlighted by the arrival of the NFL’s iconic Raiders. Allegiant Stadium is ideally located for both visitors and locals, fully enclosed and climate controlled with a capacity of 65,000. The technologically advanced stadium will host world-class entertainment including concerts and sporting events such as the Pac-12 Championship Game and Las Vegas Bowl, as well as serve as the home of UNLV Football. The stadium project is expected to generate an economic benefit of $620 million annually, while creating 6,000 permanent jobs in Southern Nevada. For more information, visit www.allegiantstadium.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Molson Coors Beverage Company
For over two centuries Molson Coors has been brewing beverages that unite people for all of life’s moments. From Coors Light, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian, Carling, and Staropramen to Coors Banquet, Blue Moon Belgian White, Saint Archer Gold, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Creemore Springs and more, Molson Coors produces some of the most beloved and iconic beer brands ever made. While the company’s history is rooted in beer, Molson Coors offers a modern portfolio that expands beyond the beer aisle with sparkling cocktails, hard coffee, canned wine, kombucha, cider and more.  Molson Coors Beverage Company is a publicly traded company that operates through Molson Coors North America and Molson Coors Europe, and is traded on the New York and Canadian Stock Exchange. The company’s commitment to raising industry standards and leaving a positive imprint on our employees, consumers, communities and the environment is reflected in Our Beer Print and our 2025 sustainability targets. To learn more about Molson Coors Beverage Company, visit molsoncoors.com.

Read the original press release here

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By Conor Shaw

One Tree Planted have pledged to plant ten trees for every goal Forest Green Rovers score during the 2020/21 League Two season.

The Vermont-based reforestation non-profit aims to create a healthier climate by planting trees, also supporting biodiversity and having a positive social impact for those involved.

In partnership with Rovers, who are described as the greenest football club in the world by FIFA, One Tree Planted will support reforestation efforts at the Talla & Gameshope Native Woodland Restoration project, which covers 1832ha of hill ground in the central Southern Uplands Hills of Scotland.

Shareholder Hector Bellerin partnered with the charity to pledge 3,000 trees for every Arsenal victory during the ?project restart? over the summer ? and attracted interest from the wider football community who also backed the campaign.

Diana Chaplin, Canopy Director of One Tree Planted, said: “It’s great to partner with a team that’s passionate about sustainability, and to connect the enthusiasm of goals scored with an environmental benefit. We can’t wait to plant these trees!”

Dale Vince added: ?Goals don?t grow on trees (if only they did), but with this initiative FGR?s goals this season will grow some trees, which is fab.

“Tree planting and reforestation are essential activities, not just to fight the climate crisis, but also to reverse the disaster of habitat depletion and wildlife extinction, which is a global problem ? here in Britain just as much as anywhere else.”

?I?m going to match the pledge of One Tree Planted and any pledges made by our fans ? to double the impact.?

Fans can further support this initiative and learn more at Forest Green Rovers Plant Trees.

Read the original post here

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International WELL Building Institute and the Green Sports Alliance Announce Partnership to Leverage Sport and Sustainability to Advance Health and Well-being for Everyone, Everywhere

IWBI and GSA today announced a multi-year partnership focused on supporting teams, leagues, conferences, venues, corporate partners, governmental agencies, athletes, and fans to promote healthy, sustainable communities.

NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2020 ? The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global leader in transforming our buildings, communities and organizations in ways that help people thrive, and the Green Sports Alliance, an environmentally and socially focused nonprofit organization that convenes stakeholders from around the sporting world, today announced a multi-year partnership focused on supporting teams, leagues, conferences, venues, corporate partners, governmental agencies, athletes, and fans to promote healthy, sustainable communities.

?The Green Sports Alliance has long been a force for good across professional, collegiate and community sports, leveraging the powerful voice of sports to help drive more sustainable practice. We?re excited to work with them to shine the spotlight on the role our facilities and venues play in protecting and advancing our health,? said Rachel Gutter, IWBI President and CEO, noting that IWBI will also continue its Gold level support of the annual Green Sports Alliance Summit.

The partnership will focus on providing educational resources that will promote new mental models within the sports industry that connect the wellness of the athlete and fan with the performance and sustainability of the venues they occupy; promoting healthier communities and places for people to live, work and play through a variety of events and collateral; and assessing ways in which systems within the built environment can help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and address other infectious diseases.

Included in the partnership is a 25 percent discount for Green Sports Alliance members on the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management. Trusted by major professional sports teams such as the New York Yankees, Cleveland Cavaliers & Monsters, and Charlotte Hornets, the rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all facility types. Focused on operational policies, maintenance protocols, emergency plans and stakeholder education, the rating demonstrates leadership and transparency to help instill confidence in athletes, staff and fans in a post-COVID-19 environment.

?The sports industry is in a watershed moment as we face three highly interconnected global crises?COVID-19, climate change, and racial injustice,? said Roger McClendon, Executive Director of the Green Sports Alliance. ?We are thrilled to amplify the leadership of the International WELL Building Institute and leverage their expertise in health and wellness to help our members operate safely and protect the resiliency of sport.?

About the International WELL Building Institute
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is leading the global movement to transform our buildings, communities and organizations in ways that help people thrive. It deploys the WELL ecosystem to help buildings, communities and organizations improve our comfort, drive better choices, and generally enhance, not compromise, our health and wellness. IWBI mobilizes the wellness community through management of the WELL AP credential, the pursuit of applicable research, the development of educational resources, and advocacy for policies that promote health and wellness everywhere.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL Portfolio, WELL Portfolio Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rating, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Workforce, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

ABOUT GSA
The Green Sports Alliance leverages the cultural and market influence of sports to promote healthy, sustainable communities where people live and play. The Alliance inspires professional sports leagues, sports governing bodies, colleges, teams, venues, their partners and millions of fans to embrace renewable energy, healthy food, recycling, water efficiency, safer chemicals and other environmentally preferable practices. Visit greensportsalliance.org for more information.

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By Arsenal Media

We’re delighted to reinforce our commitment to tackling climate change by becoming the first Premier League club to sign up to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework.

The UN initiative aims to bring together the global sports community with a commitment to align with the goals of the Paris Agreement and support the ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The signatories to this initiative, which already include FIFA, the FA and the IOC, aim to support these ambitions by adhering to the following five principles:

• Undertake systematic efforts to promote greater environmental responsibility
• Reduce overall climate impact
• Educate on climate action
• Promote sustainable and responsible consumption
• Advocate for climate action through communication

In a 2019 study by the BBC and the United Nations-backed Sport Positive Summit, we topped the league table on sustainability among Premier League clubs. One year on, we are proud to build on the work we are already doing in this area and encourage positive climate action to our millions of supporters around the world.

?Arsenal is committed to leading the way on sustainability among Premier League clubs and we are proud to be the first club to sign up to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework,” our operations director, Hywel Sloman, said.

?Together with our partners, we?ve already implemented a number of environmentally-friendly practices across the club. This includes becoming the first Premier League club to switch to 100 per cent green electricity?since the beginning of our partnership with Octopus Energy in 2016, and a new partnership with aluminium packaging company Ball Corporation, which is designed to help us and our millions of fans around the world reduce our impact on the environment.

?We will continue to use the power and reach of Arsenal to inspire our global communities and push each other towards a more sustainable future.?

Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu, Sports for Climate Action Lead at UN Climate Change, said: ?Football inspires so many of us around the world and there is a remarkable potential for the game to become greener, more climate resilient and lead by example for millions of global fans. We are delighted to welcome Arsenal as the first Premier League club to the UN Sports for Climate Action community, as we raise awareness of climate change and use this opportunity to make a difference together.?

Arsenal and sustainability

In recent years, we have implemented a number of environmentally-friendly initiatives across the club.

• We became the UK?s first football club to install large-scale battery energy storage in 2018. The battery storage system can power Emirates Stadium for an entire match, or the equivalent of 2,700 homes for two hours
• Since 1999, more than 29,000 trees have been planted at our training centre in London Colney to create the Colney Wood
• We have installed a water recycling system at our training centre to reuse water that comes from the pitch ? in the last year, we have recycled more than 4.5 million litres of water
• Following the launch of the partnership with Octopus Energy in 2016, we were the first Premier League club to switch to 100 per cent green electricity
• In partnership with Camden Town Brewery, we were the first Premier League club to trial the reusable cup scheme during the 2018/19 season. This scheme became fully integrated at the start of the 2019/20 season, saving the use of approximately 20,000 single use plastic cups per game when Emirates Stadium is full
• In October this year, we launched a partnership with global aluminium packaging company Ball Corporation designed to help the club and our millions of fans around the world reduce their impact on the environment
• Our training centre is now 95 per cent single use plastic bottle-free
• We have introduced more water dispensers across all sites ? saving 150,000 single-use plastic water bottles per year
• We have reduced energy by installing automated LED lighting at all club sites

Read the original press release here

The post Arsenal joins with UN to tackle climate change appeared first on Green Sports Alliance.

By TheStadiumBusiness

Photo courtesy of SoFi Stadium / Vantage Point Global, Inc.

SoFi Stadium has taken its first delivery of recycled water through a partnership that will see it receive millions of gallons per year for usage such as landscape irrigation.

The West Basin Municipal Water District will produce and distribute recycled water for maintenance, irrigation and aesthetic purposes at the home of Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. Reclaimed or recycled water is the process of converting wastewater into water that can be reused for other purposes.

Combined with several recycled water connections nearby, the West Basin project will provide 26 million gallons of recycled water per year, saving an equal amount of drinking water for the region. The water, delivered via 27 connection points, will be used for Lake Park and the greenscapes surrounding the stadium.

West Basin, which maintains more than 450 recycled water system connections for municipal and industrial customers throughout Los Angeles County, said the use of an environmentally friendly source of water was an important commitment from the 300-acre sports and entertainment destination.

?SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park is a great example of public-private partnership. Together we are able to help reduce the use of our precious drinking water sources by investing in a recycled water system that is world class,? said West Basin board president Gloria Gray.

Lake Park, the central water feature at the SoFi Stadium development, consists of an upper and lower lake bridged by cascading waterfalls with a total volume of approximately 16 million gallons.

The nearly six acres of lake will utilise approximately 35 acre-feet of recycled water per year, the equivalent of 11.4 million gallons each year. One acre-foot of water is equal to about 326,000 gallons, which is enough water to cover an acre of land, about the size of SoFi Stadium?s football field, one foot deep.

Other parts of the property making use of recycled water include greenery along the street medians and parking lots and landscaped areas surrounding the stadium.

Jason Gannon, managing director for SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, said: ?Onsite recycled water is vital for sustainable water usage at SoFi Stadium.

?The lakes on the property will serve as an irrigation reservoir for the more than 20 acres of public parks and open space surrounding Lake Park, with additional sustainability achieved by blending stormwater and runoff that is captured and cleaned through the wetlands.?

Read the original article here

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By Climate Pledge Arena

Makes progress as it works to become the first arena in the world to receive certification by the International Living Future Institute

SEATTLE ? Nov. 12 ? Climate Pledge Arena and Oak View Group today announced that the arena has submitted its registration to the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) as it works to become the first arena in the world to be net Zero Carbon certified.

 ILFI, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing sustainable building practices, will now begin reviewing documentation provided by the arena, as well as twelve consecutive months of performance data once the building opens in 2021, to ensure it meets the net Zero Carbon standard.

?Registration with ILFI represents the next big step for Climate Pledge Arena on its road to achieving a net Zero Carbon certification,? said Jason F. McLennan, Founder of the International Living Future Institute and CEO of McLennan Design. ?The arena is making major strides in energy efficiency, elimination of natural gas from the building and both on-site and off-site renewables that should achieve net zero carbon operating status in its first year of operation.?

?Climate Pledge Arena shows beyond a doubt that buildings of all sizes and uses can pursue net Zero Carbon certification,? said Shawn Hesse, Director of Business Development at the International Living Future Institute. “With this move, the project team is raising the bar for professional and collegiate sports arenas – and for other global organizations – by embracing independent verification of their climate commitments.”

The 18,100-seat multi-purpose venue located at Seattle Center is expected to host 200 events each year, including the NHL?s 32nd and newest expansion team Seattle Kraken, four-time WNBA world champion Seattle Storm, live music and entertainment from the world?s biggest stars, and City of Seattle community events. It is currently undergoing a transformation to construct a brand-new arena under the landmark Paul Thiry-designed roof.

?Amazon has an ambitious goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions across our own business by 2040, and we are thrilled to support the arena on its journey,? said Chris Roe, Head of Sustainable Operations at Amazon. ?We?re excited by the arena?s progress, which will inspire climate action and set a new bar for sustainability in the sports and entertainment industry.?

The Climate Pledge, announced in 2019 by Amazon and Global Optimism, calls on signatories to be net zero carbon across their businesses by 2040?a decade ahead of the Paris Climate Agreement. In securing the naming rights of the historic arena in June 2020, Amazon named it Climate Pledge Arena as a regular reminder of the importance of acting to fighting climate change.

Construction on the arena is on track to hit major milestones by the end of 2020 in reaching its goals to be net Zero Carbon certified, including:

·       Completing design and preparing for installation of solar panels on-site at the arena and at the Kraken Training Center at Northgate.
·       Installation of the first all-electric dehumidifiers in the National Hockey League, keeping the moisture in the rink low for optimum ice conditions.
·       Installation of all electric boilers to serve the full arena.

To learn more about Climate Pledge Arena visit www.ClimatePledgeArena.com.

###

About Climate Pledge Arena
Climate Pledge Arena, located at Seattle Center, will be the first net Zero Carbon certified arena in the world. It will serve as a long-lasting and regular reminder of the urgent need for climate action. The Climate Pledge, which was founded by Amazon and Global Optimism in 2019, is a commitment from companies globally to be net zero carbon by 2040. The complete redevelopment of this historic landmark, originally built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, will be an industry first. Home to the NHL?s Seattle Kraken, WNBA’s Seattle Storm, and the world’s biggest performers of live music and events, Climate Pledge Arena will open in 2021. Learn more at www.climatepledgearena.com.

About Oak View Group (OVG)
Oak View Group (OVG) is a global sports and entertainment company founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015. OVG is focused on being a positive disruption to business as usual in the sports and live entertainment industry and currently has 8 divisions across 4 global offices (Los Angeles, New York, London, and Philadelphia). OVG is leading the redevelopment and operations of Climate Pledge Arena as well as arena development projects in Belmont, NY, Austin, TX, Manchester, England and Milan, Italy. OVG Global Partnerships, a division of OVG, is the sales and marketing arm responsible for selling across all OVG arena development projects.

About the International Living Future Institute
The International Living Future Institute is an environmental NGO committed to catalyzing the transformation toward communities that are socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative. The Institute is premised on the belief that providing a compelling vision for the future is a fundamental requirement for reconciling humanity?s relationship with the natural world. The Institute operates the Living Building Challenge, the world?s most advanced, holistic performance standard for buildings. It is a hub for many other visionary programs that support the transformation toward a living future. Learn more at www.living-future.org.

About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/ and follow @AmazonNews.

About McLennan Design
McLennan Design is one of the world?s leading multi-disciplinary, regenerative design practices, focused on deep green outcomes in the fields of architecture, planning, consulting, and product design. The firm uses an ecological perspective to drive design creativity and innovation. McLennan and his team bring substantial knowledge and unmatched expertise to projects of all types around the globe. McLennan is the founder of the Living Building Challenge, winner of the Buckminster Fuller Prize and ENR?s National Award of Excellence. For more information see www.mclennan-design.com.

Read the original press release here

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By University of Pittsburgh

Jamie Ducar, director of community engagement in Pitt?s Office of Community and Governmental Relations, awaits recipients at the first of six Farmers to Families food box distribution events organized in collaboration with Compass, Pitt?s dining services provider; food services distributor Sysco Corp., and an array of community organizations. (Aimee Obidzinski/University of Pittsburgh)

Masks couldn?t hide the smiles all around as volunteers loaded boxes of food into cars, vans and wire shopping carts in a distribution effort that provided 5,000 free meal kits to neighbors in need in and around the city.

Pitt?s Dining Services and the Office of Community and Governmental Relations (CGR) partnered with Compass, Pitt?s dining services provider; food services distributor Sysco Corp., and an array of community organizations to hand out boxes provided through the USDA?s Farmers to Families Food Box program.

It began on a sunny fall afternoon as 11 pallets stacked high with boxes were wheeled off a shiny silver box truck onto the Schenley Plaza sidewalk on Oct. 21?a delivery of meal kits for 400 families, first-come, first-served.

The scene played out across five other distribution sites: in Homewood on Oct. 21; the Hill District on Oct. 24; and in Carrick, Hazelwood and Homestead/Munhall on Oct. 29.

Pitt student and staff volunteers loaded the food into cars, vans and pickup trucks, and stacked boxes carefully into folding shopping carts that recipients who arrived on foot pulled along behind.

The meal kits, made up of meat, dairy and produce boxes, plus a gallon of milk, are designed to provide enough food for 10 family meals. Items inside included chicken, butter, cheese, eggs, apples, potatoes and sweet potatoes.

?Pitt is committed to partnerships that strengthen our communities,? said Jamie Ducar, director of community engagement in CGR. ?The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the needs of so many people right here in our region as well as across the world. Together we are working to ensure that our neighbors have access to fresh, wholesome food in this time of emergency.?

Danielle Gallaway, Compass? senior executive chef at Pitt, organized delivery and drop-off logistics. ?Working with Sysco and other local partners and community groups has been an amazing opportunity to get needed support directly to our local communities,? she said.

?It?s a benefit to both sides, the farmers and the families receiving substantial groceries. Having our everyday resources at Compass Group USA, from marketing support, refrigeration and trucks to assist in transportation of product is why we had the ability to commit to such a large volume of distribution.?

The USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program aims not only to help hungry families, but also to assist farmers and food distributors who have been affected by the pandemic.

The USDA program is purchasing up to $4 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat products from American producers?food that ordinarily would have been sold to schools, restaurants and bulk purchasers. Because the pandemic has reduced that demand, the food instead is being packaged by distributors into family-sized boxes that are distributed for free.

The impact of the Pitt community?s effort was apparent as neighbors departed with their groceries.

?This is really nice,? one Oakland recipient said quietly to her companion as they walked away with a shopping cart loaded high. ?It?s really a blessing.?

Read the original post here

The post University of Pittsburgh – A Recipe for Smiles appeared first on Green Sports Alliance.

By World Sailing

The post World Sailing receive IOC award for work on climate action appeared first on Green Sports Alliance.

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Once you’ve seen one convention center you’ve seen them all, right? A recent visit to the Chattanooga Convention Center left me surprised to find some nice touches that many of its bigger—and smaller—city counterparts lacked. Following are five standout features I noticed during my tour of the Chattanooga Convention Center led by Executive Director Mike Shuford, during a press trip with the Chattanooga CVB.

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The Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) hosted a grand opening ceremony, Monday, Aug. 6, 2018 following a two-year, $207 million renovation and expansion project. State and local government officials, along with KICC facility officials and staff welcomed meeting clients, local stakeholders, interested citizens, and media to an open house that showcased how the new facility will host small to large-scale events.

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Caesars Entertainment broke ground on its $375 million, Caesars Forum conference center on Monday, July 16, during a ceremony for trade press, industry executives and Caesars staff members. The ceremony was also livestreamed by Caesars so that people could tune in from all over the world.

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Meetings Today contributor Carolyn Blackburn interviewed Jennifer B. David, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager with the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC), to discuss recent updates to the facility. The GCCC, which features 373,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, wrapped a two-year $140 million renovation and expansion project in July 2017 to improve the overall guest experience, including the installation of an impressive art collection and local F&B concepts.

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College towns are happening hubs of activity, where the arts, sports and culinary delights thrive. All that and more is on deck for planners who book a university setting for a conference.

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Architects have submitted their designs for the phase two expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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The artwork installed at an increasing number of popular convention centers transforms these necessarily utilitarian buildings into magnificent galleries that rival some of the most inspired museums in the world.

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The City of Arlington announced plans for Esports Stadium Arlington, an esports-specific venue designed to draw competitive gamers and fans from around the world. The proposed venue will be built within the existing Arlington Convention Center in collaboration with architecture firm Populous.

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Meetings Today checked in with Michele Hughes, Director of Sales & Marketing with the Connecticut Convention Center (CTCC).

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Goodbye big-box, bunkeresque venues. Hello green rooftop micro-environments, wellness spaces and hip street-party-scapes.

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Addressing profound changes in how their customers are approaching learning, many conference centers are in a process of reinvention

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Many convention centers are striving to reflect and showcase their locations.

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An exceedingly intelligent choice for meetings and events.

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The times they are a changin’, and all for the better from this reporter’s perspective.

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Generic big-box convention centers seem to be going the way of the buggy whip and typewriter.

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Here is the top feedback when it comes to staging cutting-edge conference meets.

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Are you fully engaging your attendees?

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When it comes to putting fun on the agenda, State College is one smart choice.

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Dana Freker Doody answers questions from Meetings Focus' Invigorate Your Large Events webinar.

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Today's conference centers are more about standing out than fitting in.

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Educational facilities throughout Florida give attendees a chance to relive the college experience.

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Modern convention centers are about experience as much as setting.

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The 2014 IACC Annual Conference reported it has attracted the most registered attendees since 2008.

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State College, home to Pennsylvania State University, welcomes groups with its vibrant ambiance and excellent on-campus (and off-site) facilities.

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