Latest news with #expand
Business Journals
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Journals
Aurora Health Care recognizes its Nurses of the Year
expand Aurora Health Care honored six Milwaukee area nurses as 2024 Nurses of the Year for their dedication to professional growth and driving patient care excellence. Awarded to nurses at all 18 of Aurora Health Care's hospitals across Wisconsin, these nurses lead improvements, serve as inspiration to their peers and champion innovation. The award is Aurora's premier individual recognition for nurses, highlighting winners' collaboration and advocacy. These nurses' compassion and determination help lead to better patient outcomes and shape the future of health care in our communities. Aurora Medical Center — Grafton: Grace Birch Birch has worked in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for eight years, caring for Aurora's most vulnerable patient population and their families. She has served as charge nurse as well as one of the unit's primary preceptors for new hires. By taking on the role of unit CLABSI champion, Birch helps develop tools to enhance the management of central lines in the NICU. She is also a member of the unit's Developmental Care Committee, the Midwest Region Neonatal Subcommittee and is on the simulation team. Aurora Psychiatric Hospital: Maggie Marcet, RN A registered nurse lead at ambulatory behavioral health clinics, Marcet is passionate about advocating for patients and teammates and effectively leading her team through change. She demonstrates key professional practice values — notably, safety and clinical excellence. Marcet actively engages in professional development and shares her knowledge of new treatment methods. She encourages new teammates to reflect on their own practices to determine the areas in which they succeed and those that have an opportunity for improvement. expand Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center: Kristi Webster, RN A registered nurse in the intensive care unit with 15 years of experience at Aurora Health Care, Webster is passionate about caring for critically ill patients. She actively participates in nursing committees, recently serving as chair of the Nursing Practice Council for two years. Known for her expertise in protocols, Webster has led initiatives to improve practices, including her innovative COAST bedside reporting system, which has enhanced patient safety and caregiver accountability. She is highly respected and admired for her compassion, intelligence and leadership. Aurora St. Luke's South Shore: Allison Wall, RN While Wall was in nursing school, her father was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. 'Being on the receiving end of the compassionate care my dad received while hospitalized inspired me to provide that same compassionate care every day for my patients,' she said. 'His experience fuels my passion for nursing and keeps me wanting to go above and beyond.' Wall serves as a staff RN, charge RN, preceptor and lead skin champion. As a pilot nurse for the Admission, Discharge, Transfer (ADT) RN, she actively supports unit needs to enhance patient and nursing satisfaction. expand Aurora Sinai Medical Center: Sierra Stettin, RN A registered nurse in the intensive care unit with a military background, Stettin values teamwork and helping her peers develop professionally. As a member of the vascular access committee, she represents nursing interests and promotes evidence-based practices. Stettin holds multiple certifications, including Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse and Certified Emergency Nurse, and frequently leads certification workshops for ICU nurses. She streamlined diabetic education for newly diagnosed patients, providing comprehensive materials that enhance patient engagement and reduce readmissions. Aurora West Allis Medical Center: Kindra Mullenberg, RN Mullenberg is an internal float pool nurse who stands out for her exceptional clinical skills, commitment to evidence-based care and active advocacy for nursing excellence. Her leadership as the chair of the Professional Development Council, which she describes as transformative for her growth, showcases her dedication to promoting professional growth among colleagues. Drawn to the field of nursing by a strong calling to work in health care and make a difference in people's lives, Mullenberg says the rewarding nature of nursing fuels her every day.
Business Journals
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Journals
A look inside Forest Lawn: Buffalo landmark, archive of history and active cemetery
As the CEO of Western New York's landmark cemetery, I wear many hats on any given day. First and foremost, we are an active cemetery (and yes, we still have plenty of room across our 269 acres!). But Forest Lawn is so much more than a place of burials and memories. We are a national landmark, a level one arboretum, a destination for visitors from near and far, a spectacular museum within a park, and we operate upstate New York's busiest crematory. Forest Lawn includes 13 additional cemeteries within our not-for-profit organization, accountable to our lot holders, our local board of trustees and our regulator, the New York State Division of Cemeteries. Every day is different within our iconic gates. expand Forest Lawn's mission is to 'serve all stakeholders through the preservation and promotion of Forest Lawn's cemeteries and crematory, offering burial and interment options for past, present and future generations of Western New Yorkers.' As an employer of choice, we are here to answer questions and educate individuals around a subject that few have had much exposure to. We work to help families in their pre-planning, which accounts for about 65% of our business. When there is an immediate need, we work closely with the funeral professionals in Western New York to assist in decisions and arrangements. We have invested significant resources for our current and future customers — in our landscapes, in restoration of historic structures and monuments and in adding interment options at all of our cemeteries. Some highlights include new cremation niches for permanent placement and memorialization, Legacy Mausoleum at Forest Lawn, with our construction partner Arc Building Partners, currently in pre-sale stage as we await completion at the end of the year. Green/natural burials are available at both Lakeside Cemetery in Hamburg and Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica. Finally, the development of special burial areas for private/family mausoleums are also available at Forest Lawn and our other cemeteries across Western New York. Whether you are helping parents or other family members, friends and partners, or making your own personal plans, please know we are here. Cemeteries are 'forever,' and as we conclude our 175th anniversary year, we are proud of our legacy and our future. Recently, WIVB produced this award-winning feature that tells our story through all four seasons.
Business Journals
12-06-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Southern Company celebrates another year of positive impact with the TOUR Championship
expand Southern Company The TOUR Championship announced a record $7.2 million contribution from the 2024 golf event, up from $6.96 million in 2023. The TOUR Championship has now raised more than $63 million for local nonprofits since the event was first staged at East Lake Golf Club in 1998. With the support of its proud partners Southern Company, Accenture and Coca-Cola, the event has contributed to five key community organizations: East Lake Foundation, First Tee – Metro Atlanta, Focused Community Strategies, Grove Park Foundation and Purpose Built Schools Atlanta among others. "We're incredibly proud to announce a record $7.2 million in community impact funds this year. This achievement reflects the unwavering support we receive from our partners, fans and the Atlanta community. It's because of that support that we're able to continue investing in initiatives that make a real difference in the lives of those who call Atlanta home,' stated Alex Urban, executive director of the TOUR Championship. Southern Company and the TOUR Championship are proud to support local initiatives and the success of these efforts would not be possible without the incredible support from fans, partners and the community. By attending the tournament and getting involved, fans help fuel these important programs, creating lasting opportunities for Metro Atlanta's communities. Southern Company has a longstanding and deep-rooted relationship with the PGA TOUR. Since 1999, Southern Company has been the official energy company of the PGA TOUR and is now in its ninth year as a proud partner of the TOUR Championship. The company is also the presenting sponsor of the Payne Stewart Award and serves as the Education Patron of First Tee, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching life skills through golf, impacting more than 700,000 students annually in 1,400 schools. Help support local organizations by joining Southern Company on the course at this year's TOUR Championship.
Business Journals
02-06-2025
- Health
- Business Journals
Leading with heart: How executives are championing a culture of wellness in the workplace
In a time when burnout is climbing and workplace well-being is under a microscope, one thing is clear: employees need more than lip service — they need leadership, connection and purpose. That's where the American Heart Association's Heart Challenge steps in. More than just a wellness initiative, it's a movement designed to bring out the best in companies and their people. A recent 2024 survey of U.S. office professionals uncovered a growing disconnect: while many companies promote wellness, employees don't always feel supported. Employees report fearing judgment for speaking up about burnout and many feel their leaders overlook warning signs. And when employees don't feel connected to their company's values, 72% say it makes their work even harder to manage.* expand That disconnect isn't just a morale issue — it's a health issue. Chronic workplace stress can raise the risk of serious conditions like heart disease and stroke. In fact, burnout has been found to be as detrimental as secondhand smoke. Preventing it requires more than self-care webinars and fruit bowls in the breakroom. It calls for a culture shift — and bold leadership. That's why the American Heart Association created Heart Challenge, a dynamic suite of initiatives — Hard Hats with Heart, Heart Walk and Executives with Heart — that empowers companies to engage their entire workforce. From the front lines to the C-suite, Heart Challenge invites everyone to step up for their own health while supporting the health of their community. Heart Challenge events are engaging and impactful, bridging five generations in the workplace through team building, physical activity and purpose-driven action. Companies customize their participation to align with their culture and goals, while employees benefit from increased connection, better health and a renewed sense of determination. One standout element of this broader initiative is Executives with Heart — a campaign specifically designed to inspire leadership from the top. This effort challenges senior leaders to be visible champions of health, set personal fundraising goals and rally their teams in support of heart and brain health. By doing so, executives don't just fund breakthrough science — they set the tone for their entire organization. 'Executives with Heart is not just a fundraising campaign — it's a leadership movement,' says James McAnally, vice president of GreenLake Management Services at Hewlett Packard Enterprise and 2025 Atlanta Executives with Heart chairperson. 'When leaders show up with compassion and conviction for causes like heart health, it strengthens the culture and deepens the trust employees have in their company.' expand McAnally sees it firsthand. By stepping into the spotlight and sharing their personal 'why,' leaders within the Atlanta community are fostering deeper engagement, supporting mental and physical health and uniting employees around a mission that matters. Heart disease and stroke remain leading causes of death, affecting 1 in 3 Americans. Every 34 seconds someone has a heart attack; every 40 seconds, a stroke. And for businesses, the economic toll is enormous — over $1 trillion in projected annual costs by 2035.* But the real cost is human. When employees are disconnected, disengaged or burned out, everyone loses. Heart Challenge provides a remedy: connection through community impact, wellness through movement and leadership through action. With support from the Association — including a dedicated staff partner, easy-to-use resources and success strategies — companies large and small are discovering how Heart Challenge can power up their people and strengthen their culture. Whether it's a CEO joining the Heart Walk, a construction crew participating in Hard Hats with Heart, or an executive team leading by example in Executives with Heart, one thing is certain: when companies lead with heart, employees thrive. Because at the end of the day, saving lives isn't just good business — it's how we build a better future, together. The American Heart Association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Founded by six cardiologists in 1924 in Chicago, the organization now includes more than 40 million volunteers and supporters. The Association's mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.
Business Journals
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
How EO Baltimore helped these Maryland entrepreneurs find success
Entrepreneurship is a journey paved by resilience, ingenuity, grit, hustle, and — if you are a member of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) — a supportive community. In Maryland, EO is a cornerstone for business owners, offering a network for learning and personal/professional growth. Today, we delve into the stories of four inspiring entrepreneurs who not only built successful businesses but also contribute significantly to Maryland's entrepreneurial landscape. Brian Taylor, CEO of Goldiata, a digital marketing agency in Baltimore, helps businesses, organizations, and schools increase reach and visibility using online marketing. Goldiata blossomed into a rapidly growing agency, with a massive goal of giving back by donating a quarter of a million dollars by 2028. expand Brian Taylor, CEO of Goldiata 'Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I met an EO member. They encouraged me to check out the EO Accelerator (EOA) program. At the time, I wasn't sure what that would mean for me. But as it turns out, that recommendation changed everything,' Taylor says. In EOA, Taylor didn't just learn how to run a business — he learned how to lead one. 'The operational components — cash flow, systems, and people management — were like puzzle pieces scattered on the table, and I didn't know how to fit them together. EOA gave me the tools to build that foundation. It was practical, actionable knowledge.' Goldiata reached $1 million in revenue within its first year in the EOA program. That success allowed Taylor to graduate to EO, and 'that opened up a world I could never have imagined,' he says. Taylor has also been recognized by the Maryland Small Business Association as a top Young Entrepreneur. Nick Modha is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Baltimore based Monkey in the Metal, a provider of premier solid wood and metal fabrication services. The company specializes in architectural millwork, custom furniture, signage, and artwork for multi-family residential, hospitality, retail, and restaurant spaces. Architects, interior designers, and national level general contractors rely on the company for typical decorative elements, as well as the unusual items. expand Nick Modha, founder, Monkey in the Metal Modha also joined EO through its Accelerator Program. 'EO changed everything for me. There's something powerful about being part of a community where everyone genuinely wants to improve — not just in business, but all aspects of life — and actually help each other along that journey. If you're an entrepreneur feeling isolated, this community is for you,' he says. Shannon Roberts is CEO of Brand Builders, an event marketing and staffing firm, specializing in the wine, spirits and cannabis industries. Roberts didn't plan to be an entrepreneur, but in her 2009 exit interview from Jagermeister, she explained the reason for her resignation: The company had not adopted a single suggestion she offered about streamlining/modernizing operations, so she started her own company and used those ideas as the foundation for her operational structure. expand Shannon Roberts, CEO, Brand Builders Brand Builders conducts live events, like store tastings and festivals, so when Covid canceled her entire event schedule, Roberts relied on her EO Community for advice and support. 'The EO network sprang into action, delivering an abundance of impactful and relevant content virtually. My forum basically prevented me from bankrupting myself, and because of EO, I was able rebuild the company,' she says. In 2020, Roberts took her love of entrepreneurism a step further and became an Entrepreneurial Operating System Implementer. 'The EOS work I do is truly rewarding and scratches my problem-solving itch while I help my clients' businesses become more manageable, more scalable, and more profitable,' she says. Jim Schaefer, founder and president of Schaefer Homes, a construction company that builds new homes in Maryland and Delaware. Since 2016, Schaefer Homes has created attractive, efficient, and attainable homes. Schaefer recalls a financial crisis in 2022, which led him to leveraging his waterman's license and selling crabs roadside in an effort to keep the company and his family afloat. expand Jim Schaefer, founder and president, Schaefer Homes 'Since joining EO in 2023, the impact has been transformative. My forum helped me realize that personal growth was key to my business success, showing me the only person holding me back was me. With peer support, I've achieved measurable growth: my revenue went from $2.5 million in 2022 to $7.9 million in 2023, with projections of $25 million for 2025. But the numbers tell only part of the story. The insights I've gained have stabilized my mental state, allowing me to tackle challenges with focus and resilience. The relationships I've built with other members continue to inspire and motivate me,' Schaefer says. To become a member of EO, you must own a business that's generating at least $1 million in annual revenue or join our Accelerator Program, which accepts entrepreneurs whose businesses range from $250,000 to $1 million in revenue and are looking to grow to a million within two to four years.
