Monthly Archives: September 2022

BURLINGTON, Mass., Sept. 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Progress (Nasdaq: PRGS), the trusted provider of infrastructure software, today announced the appointment of YuFan Stephanie Wang (Stephanie) to the role of Executive Vice President (EVP), Chief Legal Officer (CLO) and Secretary. In this role, Stephanie will oversee all aspects of Progress legal, compliance and corporate governance efforts.

We are thrilled to have Stephanie in the role of Chief Legal Officer, said Yogesh Gupta, CEO, Progress. In the short time shes been with Progress, Stephanie has made a significant impact in the areas of corporate governance, M&A efforts related to Total Growth Strategy, our ESG efforts, and more. We are confident she will continue to excel in her new role.

Prior to joining Progress, Stephanie was with W. P. Carey Inc. (NYSE:WPC), a $1.3B revenue public real estate investment trust, where she most recently held the role of Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Legal Officer. In this capacity, she was principal legal advisor on all corporate transactions and issues, including capital markets, M&A, SEC filings and public communications. Stephanie also served as Secretary of WPCs Audit Committee and of the Boards of its other public affiliates.She was also a founding member of WPCs Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committees. Stephanie previously practiced in the corporate departments of Proskauer Rose LLP and Clifford Chance US LLP.

Progress has a tremendous track record of delivering innovative products and driving customer success. Moreover, there are very few software companies that have been publicly listed for over 30 years, said Stephanie Wang, Chief Legal Officer. I look forward to helping safeguard that legacy by taking an active role in ensuring the business stability, while we continue to drive growth opportunities for our internal and external stakeholders.

Stephanie joined Progress in May 2022 and has been serving as Acting Chief Legal Officer while her predecessor, Stephen H. Faberman, was on extended leave. Steve was with Progress for over 14 years, emerging as a principled leader, mentor, colleague and friend. Progress extends its warmest regards and eternal gratitude for his many years of dedicated service to the company and its people.

About ProgressDedicated to propelling business forward in a technology-driven world, Progress (Nasdaq: PRGS) helps businesses drive faster cycles of innovation, fuel momentum and accelerate their path to success. As the trusted provider of the best products to develop, deploy and manage high-impact applications, Progress enables customers to develop the applications and experiences they need, deploy where and how they want and manage it all safely and securely. Hundreds of thousands of enterprises, including 1,700 software companies and 3.5 million developers, depend on Progress to achieve their goalswith confidence. Learn more at http://www.progress.com and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Progress is a trademark or registered trademark of Progress Software Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates in the US and other countries. Any other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Press Contacts:Kim BakerProgress+1 781-280-4000pr@progress.com

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Progress Announces Appointment of YuFan Stephanie Wang to the Role of Chief Legal Officer - GlobeNewswire

MINNEAPOLIS

After opening with a decisive win against the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings have been tested the past two weeks.

A Minnesota offense looking to make a jump under new coach Kevin OConnell is still a work in progress. But a three-play, 56-yard drive in the final minute Sunday against Detroit led to a comeback win and has the Vikings tied atop the NFC North while enduring their growing pains.

With star receiver Justin Jefferson being taken away by opponents and with running back Dalvin Cook out of the game with an injury, quarterback Kirk Cousins found K.J. Osborn for two big plays, including a 28-yard touchdown with 45 seconds remaining in Sundays 28-24 win.

Were still getting there, Cousins said after the game. Were still getting there. And I think you can see today, its not where I want it to be. Its a good plan. Its just, time on task. Every game, were learning something and getting better. But we just dont have time. Weve got to get it locked in.

Minnesota had 317 total yards before the game-winning drive. Through three weeks, the Vikings are 18th in the NFL in offensive yards (344 per game) and tied for 17th in points per game (19.3) entering Monday.

Were just continuing to evolve and we are still just three games into, officially, our guys running this system and this offense, so theres going to be some times where weve got to try to have that learning curve happen on the fly, OConnell said Monday. Weve got such talented players that we feel strongly about when they do that and when they feel comfortable completely, the execution will be a bit more consistent across the board and well be at our best.

Despite entering OConnells first season as coach, Minnesota chose health over preseason game repetitions, sitting out much of the first-team offense for the three games.

In Week 1 against Green Bay, the Vikings didnt show many signs of novelty, racing out to a 20-0 lead and putting up 395 yards.

The past two weeks, with Philadelphia and Detroit able to see what Minnesota did against the Packers, the execution on offense has been a bigger challenge.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, it can be one or 11, where theres just some indecisiveness somewhere across the board of guys doing their jobs depending on the look, OConnell said.

WHATS WORKING

Cook left Sundays game late in the third quarter with a shoulder injury when he fumbled on his final carry. Before that, the Vikings offensive line opened up several holes in the running game.

Cooks longest run was 13 yards, but he averaged 5.6 yards per carry. With one cut, he often found running room straight up the middle of the defense.

WHAT NEEDS HELP

Cousins, who has only been sacked four times, has 32 pass attempts while being blitzed this season, according to SportRadar. Hes completed just 12 passes for 81 yards. His 51.0 passer rating in those situations is ahead of only New Englands Mac Jones and Chicagos Justin Fields.

Cousins is 0 for 9 when facing at least six rushers.

STOCK UP

Osborn was expected to have an increased role under OConnell, with three-receiver sets becoming more common. The third-year receiver only had six targets in the first two games, catching five passes for 39 yards.

With Jefferson drawing extra attention, Osborn came through on Sunday. He had five catches on eight targets for 73 yards in the game. On the final drive, Osborn got loose for two 28-yard receptions.

STOCK DOWN

Greg Joseph had been perfect through two games, hitting three field goals and three extra-point attempts. On Sunday, he connected on all four of his PATs, but missed a pair of 56-yard field goals.

Joseph has already made one 56-yard attempt this season for his career-long conversion, but neither attempt Sunday was close.

My confidence will not waver in Greg, and everybody in that locker room feels that same way, OConnell said.

INJURED

Cooks status will be one to watch. He sustained another shoulder injury, with OConnell calling it a subluxation. Cook has played in the past with a harness on the shoulder.

Hes pretty sore today, but obviously something hes familiar with, with his shoulder, OConnell said. Hes tough, hes rip and ready to try to get back out there and go, but well take it day to day.

Safety Harrison Smith, who missed Sunday with a concussion, has passed testing and will be eased into practice with the expectation hell play this week. OConnell said he hopes rookie cornerback Andrew Booth, whos missed two games with a quadriceps injury, will get back to practice this week.

KEY NUMBER

58.62: The completion rate for Cousins over the past two weeks. A career 66.8% passer, Cousins completed 71.88% in Week 1 and is 22nd in the league in completion rate this season (62.2%).

NEXT STEPS

Another week provides another challenge for Minnesota. This time, its the opponent and the circumstances. The Vikings will practice at home Wednesday and Thursday before leaving to play the New Orleans Saints in London on Sunday.

___

More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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Vikings offense with O'Connell still a work in progress - The San Diego Union-Tribune

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2022 The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest $178 million in seven international development projects on four continents to support U.S. government priorities including promoting climate-smart agriculture, facilitating trade and addressing the root causes of migration in Central America, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today.

The funds are being awarded under the Food for Progress Program, through which USDAs Foreign Agricultural Service partners with non-governmental organizations and foreign governments on projects that help developing countries strengthen their agricultural systems and boost their trade capacity. This years awards are part of the $2 billion investment to strengthen global food security, announced by President Joe Biden at the United Nations General Assembly.

Food for Progress is a cornerstone of USDAs international capacity-building efforts. This year, as we emerge from a global pandemic and face the challenges of rising hunger and poverty, changing climate and the worldwide fallout of Russias brutal war on Ukraine, this work is more important than ever, Vilsack said. By partnering with private-sector organizations, local governments, and local producers and businesses, we are helping to build more equitable and resilient food systems, sustainably boost production capacity to combat food insecurity, and increase farmers incomes while enhancing their ability to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Through Food for Progress, USDA donates U.S. agricultural commodities to eligible entities such as private voluntary organizations and foreign governments, which then sell the commodities on the local market and use the proceeds to support agricultural, economic or infrastructure development programs. This year, USDA will donate 240,000 metric tons of commodities, valued at $129.6 million, for projects to:

The seven new Food for Progress projects funded by USDA in 2022 are in addition to 41 projects currently underway in 38 countries. To learn more, view the complete list of 2022 Food for Progress awards.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming Americas food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, promoting competition and fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit http://www.usda.gov.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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Biden-Harris Administration Invests $178 Million in International Food for Progress Projects - USDA.gov

RUNGIS, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News:

ESI Group, Rungis, France, (ISIN Code: FR0004110310, Symbol: ESI), will announce today during its investor conference that it maintains its long-term objectives for high single-digit growth and 20% Adjusted EBIT1 by 2024/2025, that it has made faster than expected progress on strategic focus including several divestitures, and consequently revises short-term targets. The Group also announces the implementation of a share buyback program.

Strong execution during the first year of the plan

ESI Group operates in a vibrant market and has made fast improvements in sales execution, and in focusing its R&D to provide an increasingly valuable and simplified offering. The macro-economic context is uncertain for its customers, and they rely on ESI, more than ever, as their trusted partner.

In the last year ESI Group has made faster than expected progress on its strategic focus by:

These are the result of deliberate strategic decisions. Driven by its core strategic vision, and its solid financial situation (Net financial Debt -0.6m as of the end of June 22, before the proceeds of the sale of the CFD product line in July), ESI Group has prioritized doing the right things for the long-term health of the business while managing the short term.

Long-term growth target unchanged, short-term views slightly revised

ESI Group reaffirms its commitment to improving growth and profitability year after year and continues to target high single-digit growth and 20% profitability within 2 to 3 years.

Cristel de Rouvray, Chief Executive Officer of ESI Group, comments Our Guiding Principle is to always do what is right for the long-term health of the business and manage the short-term impact. I am very glad that we made the strategic choices we did this past year: we are in a much stronger position to navigate this amplified macroeconomic uncertainty. Namely, thanks to a bigger percentage of recurring revenue, significantly improved profitability, and a much stronger balance sheet. I have confidence that this transformation journey and its positive trajectory will gradually compound returns for all stakeholders: customers, shareholders, partners, and employees.

Pro-forma3, and at current rate, the revenue4 growth plan for 2022 has been reduced by 2% to reflect the faster conversion of paid-up licenses to subscriptions and a faster decrease of non-core services. The profitability plan has decreased by only 1 point thanks to strict cost management.

Proforma guidelines

2022

at current rate

Revenue

2%-4%

Adjusted EBIT5

9%-11%

This minor reduction in growth for 2023, shows the strength and resilience of the ESI business.

Proforma Goal

2023

2024

2025

Revenue

5%-7%

6%-9%

7% - 10%

Adjusted EBIT

13%-15%

17%-20%

>20%

ESI Group continues to aim for high single-digit growth and 20% Adjusted EBIT by 2024/ 2025 and will continue to communicate transparently.

Implementation of a share buyback program

Continuing its initiatives to sustain, in the long run, its performance, ESI Group announces the entrustment of an investment services provider (ISP) with a mandate to acquire its shares as part of the share buyback program authorized by the Combined Annual General Meeting of June 28, 2022.

According to the agreed terms, ESI Group has given a mandate to an ISP to acquire on its own behalf a maximum volume of 30,000 ESI GROUP shares (ISIN code FR0004110310) over a period starting on September 28, 2022, and possibly lasting until March 31, 2023.

As of August 31, 2022, the company held 336,576 treasury shares, representing 5.5% of the share capital.

2022 Investor Conference

Upcoming events

About ESI Group

Founded in 1973, ESI Group envisions a world where Industry commits to bold outcomes, addressing high-stakes concerns - environmental impact, safety & comfort for consumers and workers, adaptable and sustainable business models. ESI provides reliable and customized solutions anchored on predictive physics modeling and virtual prototyping expertise to allow industries to make the right decisions at the right time while managing their complexity. Acting principally in automotive & land transportation, aerospace, defense & naval and heavy industry, ESI is present in more than 20 countries, employs 1,100 people around the world and reported 2021 sales of 136.6 million. ESI is headquartered in France and is listed on compartment B of Euronext Paris.

For further information, go to http://www.esi-group.com.

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1 Adjusted EBIT is a non-GAAP indicator based on EBIT (IFRS). Adjusted EBIT corresponds to EBIT before stock-based compensation expenses, restructuring charges, impairment and amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions, IFRS 16 standard on leases, and other non-recurring items2 Recurring business rate as ESI total licenses booking number excluding its perpetual license revenue divided by its total licenses booking number.3 Pro-forma estimates exclude the CFD activity that was divested in July (~ 4.6m in FY 21) & the Russia Business (~ 1.6m in FY 21)4 Revenue Excluding Special projects (FY20 = 4m)5 Adjusted EBIT is a non-GAAP indicator based on EBIT (IFRS). Adjusted EBIT corresponds to EBIT before stock-based compensation expenses, restructuring charges, impairment and amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions, IFRS 16 standard on leases, and other non-recurring items

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ESI Group Updates on Its Plan Fast Progress, Long-Term Value, and Short-Term Impacts - Business Wire

Overview

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are adiverse group of conditions of bacterial,viral, parasitic, fungal and noncommunicable origin. In spite of their diversity,NTDs share a common geographical andsocial context: their burden is predominantly located in tropical areas across theglobe, and they mainly affect resource poor communities their correlation withpoverty is so close that they are sometimes referred to as diseases of neglectedpopulations. The epidemiology of NTDs iscomplex and often related to environmental conditions. Many are vector-borne,have animal reservoirs and are associatedwith complex life cycles: all these factorsmake their public-health control challenging.

From 20152019, over 1 billion people received interventions against at least one NTD each year. As a consequence, great progress has been made in reducing NTDprevalence and incidence. During 20202021, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic had a massivesocial and economic impact worldwide, causingunprecedented disruption across the full range of socialand economic activity, including essential health serviceprovision. The delivery of health services required forthe prevention, control, elimination and eradication ofNTDs has not been spared.

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Neglected tropical diseases: progress towards recovery from COVID-19 2022 update - World Health Organization

A lot of things are going wrong for the Seattle Seahawks right now, and one thing that had gone particularly poorly up until Sunday was their offensive performance in the second half of games. Through the first two weeks of the season, the Seattle Seahawks offense had been absolutely terrible after halftime. How terrible? Not counting the victory formation against the Denver Broncos, they had the opportunity to put the offense on the field for seven total, meaningful drives in the 3rd and 4th quarter of Weeks 1-2, and the results have been about as atrocious as anyone could possibly imagine:

The offense has been so ineffective that the only drive that didnt end in a punt or a fumble was their final gasp against the San Francisco 49ers when time expired during their last possession. Two of their first downs came on the same drive against the Broncos due to back-to-back penalties (defensive holding, roughing the passer), and the 3-and-outs are always an unpleasant experience. Needless to say, these are not the benchmarks of a high-performing offense.

Fortunately, they looked significantly better in many respects in yesterdays difficult home loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The play calling in the second half was actually pretty good at times. This was particularly true on their final scoring drive of the day. Up until Colby Parkinsons false start, they had run 9 plays for 62 yards and were threatening to find the endzone. Opening with a quick hitter to Goodwin, they finished the drive with a balanced line of 6 runs and 6 passes. To be fair, three of these passes were on their final set of downs as the penalty put them behind the sticks, so they really leaned on the run game in this series, and it worked. Sure, it only ended in a field goal, but putting points on the board was something that this offense had yet to do in the second half of a football game so far this season. And they cant be blamed for Pete Carrolls decision making.

This team is far from solving its offensive woes, unfortunately, as their other two drives in the second half of Sundays game werent nearly as effective; they ran 18 plays (9 in each drive) for 45 total yards, no scores, and one turnover (interception on Genos desperation heave). However, there were elements of these drives that at least demonstrated some improvement, such as the fact that they were able to move the chains a few times and didnt have a single three-and-out in the second half (and only 1 in the first half, for those keeping track). While the offense cant control the defensive breakdowns or Pete Carrolls decision making, they showed signs of life Sunday after going dormant for six quarters.

It wasnt enough to get them a victory, but it gives them something to build on... and in 2022, that might be the best we can hope for from this team. Hopefully we will see continued progress when they travel to take on the Detroit Lions in Week 4.

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The Seahawks offense after halftime: improved, still a work in progress - Field Gulls

ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ninety-five percent of Federal technology leaders feel that the appropriate use of artificial intelligence (AI) could supercharge the effectiveness of government and benefit the American people, yet half of them have had AI projects fail due to lack of expertise to support it, according to a new study from MeriTalk, a public-private partnership focused on improving the outcomes of government IT.

AI innovation requires a mix of technical and non-technical skills, new governance models, and a commitment to building and nurturing a next-generation data-focused workforce. To understand how Federal agencies are meeting AI staffing and professional development needs, MeriTalk surveyed 150 Federal technology-decision makers familiar with AI. The resulting Federal AI Workforce Index identifies critical resource gaps and the skills most in-demand, and was conducted in partnership with Future Tech Enterprise, Inc., recognized as the Dell Technologies Transformation Partner of the Year at the Federal Partner of the Year Awards.

Federal technology leaders rank in-house expertise as the most important factor for successful AI implementations, with advanced AI technology as a close second. Yet just four in ten feel completely prepared for AI project implementation, with the lack of resources and available talent noted as the biggest roadblocks ahead of budget.

While the study found that nearly all agencies are investing in in-house AI skill development, less than half have a formal strategy to do so. The most in-demand skills include:

The study found that agencies are turning to trusted vendors, Federal system integrators (FSIs), and contractors to fill the gap. Sixty-three percent indicate that at least half of their AI work is outsourced, and 32% said their agency completely depends on outside support. Seventy-two percent expect to increase their use of outside help as their AI strategies advance.

The study uncovered that the Department of Defense was significantly more likely than their civilian counterparts to have at least half of their AI work done by contractors (73% compared to 53%). They also had a much lower AI project fail rate.

As a strategic IT partner for leading FSIs, Future Tech continues to see firsthand how public/private partnerships are core to Federal AI success, said Bob Venero, CEO of Future Tech Enterprise, Inc., a global IT solutions firm that focuses on serving FSIs.

Successful AI requires a blend of attracting and retaining key talent, ongoing training, investing in the latest AI-powered hardware and software solutions, and making sure you have a business-focused AI strategy.

Agencies report the biggest resource gaps that third-party contractors can help fill include:

The Federal AI Workforce Index report is based on an online survey of 150 Federal technology decision-makers familiar with their organizations use of or plans for AI. The report has a margin of error of 7.97% at a 95% confidence level. To review the full findings, visit Federal AI Workforce Index: Identifying and Closing the Gap.

About MeriTalk

The voice of tomorrows government today, MeriTalk is a public-private partnership focused on improving the outcomes of government IT. Our award-winning editorial team and world-class events and research staff produces unmatched news, analysis, and insight. The goal: more efficient, responsive, and citizen-centric government. MeriTalk connects with an audience of 160,000 Federal community contacts. For more information, visit https://www.meritalk.com/ or follow us on Twitter, @MeriTalk. MeriTalk is a 300Brand organization.

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Workforce Challenges Are the Top Barrier to Federal AI Progress - Business Wire

Hiya, Lookout friends! Its Monday, Sept. 26, and a marine layer-y start should give way to mostly sunny skies around Santa Cruz County, with highs ranging from around 90 in the hills to the 70s closer to the bay.

Wanting to cut through the fog on your own to see whats new on Lookout? Right this way.JUMP TO ... Latest News | Opinion | Events | Guides | Puzzles | Obituaries

Leading off as we head into a new week of school and work is Hillary Ojeda, who reports on moves by the County Office of Education and local school districts to take religious holidays into consideration when scheduling thanks in part to one moms persistence.

Along Pogonip Creek, meanwhile, a so-called pocket community for families with adult children with disabilities is celebrating the first anniversary of residents moving in, and Thomas Sawano paid Coastal Haven and its Common Roots Farm a visit.

Wallace Baine also runs down artists to watch at the upcoming Open Studios tour, and in our Community Voices opinion section, one local woman describes how kayaking in Elkhorn Slough changed her life.

Before we get to the headlines, though, I wanted to let you know about a great chance to support both local journalism and a great local organization. Become an annual Lookout member now and 10% of the price of your membership will support the ONeill Sea Odysseys Adam Webster Fund, a program that funds educational experiences for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. This program needs our help in ramping back up after being hit hard by the pandemic. It gets better that donation will be matched by ONeill Sea Odyssey donors. Click the links below for more info and to join Lookout.

Now, to the headlines!

Debra Feldstein, a mother of two high school students, wants her childrens religious holidays to be considered as important as any other childs. Thats why each year her children have been in school, she has been asking school officials to plan events around Jewish religious holidays, and those of all religious minority groups. Now, after several updates, shes feeling cautiously optimistic. Hillary Ojeda has the details.

COVID, MENTAL HEALTH AND SECURITY CHALLENGES: School superintendent Faris Sabbah reflects and looks ahead to next four years

(Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz)

Tucked against Pogonip Creek, a cluster of nine colorful bungalows forms Coastal Haven a pocket community for 11 families who have adult children with disabilities. The hope, its founders Heidi Cartan and Philippe Habib say, is that this will be the childrens homes for a lifetime. Read Thomas Sawanos story here.

LOOKOUT GUIDES: From neighborhoods to parenting, get more connected to Santa Cruz County

And just like that, the final week of September is upon us. Weve got more up our sleeves here at Lookout, so now would be a good time to make sure youre following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so you dont miss anything. We also offer breaking news text alerts and a number of other newsletters including Lily Belli on Food, coming Tuesday so click here for more on that.

None of our content is possible without community support, so if youre not already, please consider becoming a Lookout member. And to all of our members, thank you! We appreciate each and every one of you.

Now get out there and show this Monday whos boss!

Will McCahillLookout Santa Cruz

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Morning Lookout: Progress on religious holidays; 'lifelong living' for adults with disabilities - Lookout Santa Cruz

Greater than 90% Amount by which Honeywell has reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas intensity since 2004

160 million Gallons of water saved in water-stressed regions since 2013 due to more than 180 water stewardship projects conducted at Honeywell sites.

6,100 Sustainability projects completed since 2010

70% Approximate energy efficiency improvement since 2004

Read more: Our commitment to carbon neutrality by 2035

60% Approximate amount of Honeywells new product research and development spending in 2021 that was directed toward ESG-oriented outcomes

10 million Buildings worldwide that are using Honeywell solutions and services to promote healthier, more efficient environments and experiences for occupants

295 million metric tons Amount of carbon dioxide that the use of Solstice low-global warming potential refrigerants, aerosols, has helped avoid releasing into the atmosphere; equivalent to the potential emissions from energy used by more than 26 million homes for one year

Read more: How the Eiffel Tower is using a Solstice solution to help reduce its carbon footprint

185 million The estimated number of vehicles that will contain the low-global warming potential refrigerant Solstice yf (R-1234yf) to power their air conditioning systems

$2.5 million Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education-related scholarship funds Honeywell donated this year to various community recipients. Among those programs is a $1 million gift to North Carolinas Central Piedmont Community College to establish the Honeywell STEM Scholars Academy. This program aims to increase diversity among students enrolled in STEM curriculum at the college by providing them with scholarships, support services and career exploration opportunities.

Read more: How community programs allow students to explore STEM in new ways

10,000 Approximate number of students served each year thanks to labs established by Honeywell at seven universities in Turkey, Romania, Mexico and Indonesia

$1 million Funds Honeywell employees raised that benefitted on-the-ground aid and employee support in Ukraine

3,000 acres Approximate amount of land Honeywell has remediated and restored over the last 18 years. Remediation projects have included transforming sites formerly owned or operated by Honeywell into productive community spots. Examples include rivers that house diverse wildlife, green spaces home to sports fields and playgrounds, shopping centers, and waterfront areas for community gatherings.

Read the 2022 ESG Report for more insights from our leaders and details about Honeywells environmental, social and governance progress.

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Our ESG Progress: By the Numbers - Honeywell

Occasionally, Nicki Collen stopped her team to make them run wind sprints. Other times she ordered one unit off the court and noisily ushered the other five onto it following a fumbled pass for a turnover.

Every once in a while, shed clap and say, Good, Erika! She even stifled a smile a few times.

So it goes for Day One of basketball practice for Baylor, which is breaking in eight new players three freshmen, one junior college signee, and three players plucked from the transfer portal.

Today was a bit of a fiasco, Collen said after the practice, before later adding, So, weve got a lot to work on. But it was the first of 30 practices before that first game.

No doubt Baylor will endure some growing pains over the next couple of months. But the talent level and Lord knows the expectations remain the same.

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This is Baylor, after all.

I think this team is different (compared to last year), Collen said. Its very different and I think our expectations are the same. Did (last years NCAA tournament loss) leave a bad taste, is there expectations, is there pressure? I dont think you put on a Baylor uniform and not feel pressure. I know I didnt take this job and expect to not feel pressure. I mean nobody wants to be a part of the team that breaks the streak of conference championships.

Last year Baylor went 28-7 and won the Big 12 title before being upset in the second round of the NCAA tournament to South Dakota. A pair of Baylors frontcourt warriors from that squad moved onto the WNBA in Queen Egbo and NaLyssa Smith. Such veterans are never easy to replace. And yet returning guard Jaden Owens said the talent on this years roster matches any team on which she has played.

Its always going to be something thats a change, Owens said. Playing with two amazing players like that, its always going to be different. But with who we have in now, we have more amazing players coming in. I dont feel a drop-off.

I feel like we have young talent, and its exciting. I love it. I love all the questions they have. I dont think its weird. I think its just a change that Im happy to work with.

Last November Collen signed a recruiting class that was ranked ninth nationally by ESPN. It includes 6-0 guard/forward Bella Fontleroy of Springfield, Mo., 6-1 guard/forward Darianna Littlepage-Buggs of Edmond, Okla., and 6-3 post Kyla Abraham of Carrollton, Va.

I feel like every single day, Ive learned something new every day, Fontleroy said. I feel like there are people who would come in and think they know so much. There has not been a single day that I havent learned something new, whether its terminology or even something as simple as where a teammate wants a pass off of a certain screen and roll.

Its definitely been a learning curve, there are a lot of talented people here. So, just getting acclimated has been a big change. But, Im loving it so far.

Its the way of the world in college basketball these days, but Baylor should find instant contributors from its transfer portal additions. The group features junior guard Jana Van Gytenbeek from Stanford, junior forward Erika Porter from Illinois, senior guard/forward Aijha Blackwell from Missouri and senior forward DreUna Edwards from Kentucky, along with junior college addition Catarina Ferreira, a guard from Eastern Arizona College.

Blackwell ranked as one of the countrys top rebounders last year, pulling down 13.1 caroms a content, while Edwards was also an All-SEC performer who tossed in 16.8 points and 8.1 rebounds for the Wildcats. Yeah, its safe to say theyre going to help.

Talent. Rebounding. Experience, said Collen, when asked what she was seeking from the transfer portal. I think those were the keys. Obviously Bella (Fontleroy) was a part of that Top 10 recruiting class that we had in the fall, but when you lose three players to the draft and youre Baylor, youre trying to continue to stay at that level.

Bear Facts

A pair of returning players did not participate in Mondays opening practice for Baylor. Junior guard Sarah Andrews, the teams top returning scorer, wore a brace on her left wrist, while sophomore forward Kendra Gillespie sat out with a knee brace on her right knee. The Big 12 released its womens basketball conference schedule on Monday. Baylor will open league play Dec. 31 at home against TCU, and wrap it up March 4 at home against West Virginia. Both of Baylors meetings with rival Texas (home on Jan. 22, away on Feb. 27) will be nationally televised by ESPN2. ... Baylor will open the regular season Nov. 7 at home against Lamar.

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They're a work in progress, but Collen's Bears ready to put in the work - Waco Tribune-Herald