Meeker offers thoughts on AI

A Portland native has issued her thoughts on AI in her first report issued in four years.

Mary Meeker, a Jay County High School graduate known as the Queen of the Internet, encouraged cooperation moving forward.

“This is a critical time for industry, government and higher education to work together,” the forward of the report reads. “We have the chance to leverage our advantages and augment freedom and democracy, not diminish them. This is the time to step back — understand the global dynamics and risks at work — and to determine how we can best grow/use artificial intelligence for the good of the country and the world. We are in an intelligence arms race for hearts, minds and power. For the sake of democratic values, it’s crucial for those who uphold these principles to lead, not lose.”

The report projects that the next five years are key and that higher education must take a leadership role along with industry and government. It also foresees a future in which universities will transform and that lifelong learning will be more important than ever.

Meeker is a principal with BOND Capital. The full report is available at bondcap.com/reports/aiu.

Invenergy purchases

Renewable energy firm Invenergy last week announced that it has acquired nearly 600 megawatts of wind energy projects in Brazil.

The company purchased the operations from ContourGlobal and Eletrobras in partnership with Patria Investments, which will own a 90% stake. Invenergy will hold the other 10% and provide operations and maintenance services.

“This first-of-its-kind transaction for Invenergy Services in Brazil expands our O&M portfolio of managed assets and makes Invenergy an owner of installed wind capacity in the country for the first time,” said Steve Dowdy, executive vice president at Invenergy.  “The work we do at Invenergy Services is guided by our ‘owners’ mindset,’ and this opportunity reflects our commitment to excellent service at every project we operate.”

Invenergy is planning Skycrest Solar in northwest Jay County.

Mortherson raises

Samvardhana Motherson, parent company of MSSL Wiring of Portland, has raised more than $350 million by selling five-year bonds to overseas investors, The Economic Times reported.

SMRC Automotive Holdings Netherlands, a subsidiary of Samvardhana Motherson, sold the bonds.

“The success of this transaction is a testament to the Motherson Group’s adherence to its prudent financial policies, underscored by recent rating upgrades by various international rating agencies,” Motherson Group vice chairman Laksh Vaaman Sehgal said in a press release.

The transaction is the first for the company in eight years, having raised $300 million through a similar bond sale in 2016.

Training scheduled

ServSafe training is held at John Jay Center for Learning in Portland.

The next session is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 30. 

Additional sessions are set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays Aug. 20, Sept. 24, Oct. 29 and Nov. 26.

The certification course is open to all food service employees and emphasizes safe food- and beverage-handling practices to minimize the risk of food-borne illnesses.

For more information, or to register, call (260) 729-5525.

Grant awarded

Ball Brothers Foundation announced a $2.5 million grant last week for the new performing arts center adjacent to the Ball State University Campus.

The grant was one of 33 announced by the foundation.

The foundation awarded the funds for the Eric Foss Championship Performance Center, saying in a press release that it will stimulate additional development in the area known as the Village.

“The potential and promise of the revitalization of the Village with a performing arts center at its heart will be transformative,” said Jud Fisher, president and CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation, in a press release. “This will provide a dynamic gateway to campus, and conversely to the community that will attract community members and visitors. And it will help to better physically connect the city of Muncie and Ball State University.”

Drug approved

Eli Lilly’s Alzheimer’s drug donanemab earned approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Indianapolis-based pharmaceuticals firm announced last week.

The FDA has OK’d the drug for use in adults with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease, Lilly said. It will be sold under the brand name Kisunla.

Courses offered

Indiana Chamber of Commerce will offer a pair of OSHA general compliance courses in August.

A 10-hour course will be held Aug. 20 and 21. A 30-hour course will run Aug. 20 through 23. The courses will result in two to four credits toward Safety Compliance Specialist Certificates.

The chamber is also offering a Safety Leadership Principles seminar Sept. 19 and 20 in Indianapolis. The seminar will focus on helping attendees improve their skills related to worksite analysis, accident investigation, the impact of stress on safety, key performance indicators and employee involvement.

For more information, call or email (800) 824-6885 or [email protected].

Limited sauce

McDonald’s is adding the Special Grade Garlic Sauce to its menu beginning today.

The sauce is inspired by the Black Garlic Sauce from McDonad’s Japan and features notes of garlic and soy sauce. It is part of a promotion in conjunction with the anima series JUJUTSU KAISEN.

Eliminating

UKG, a software firm, announced last week that it will eliminate about 2,200 jobs, including some in Indianapolis.

The cut represents 14% of the Massachusetts-based firm’s workforce.

“These changes mean we have made the difficult decision to say goodbye to ~14% of our colleagues,” said UKG CEO Chris Todd in an email. “A top priority through this change is treating those leaving with care, dignity, and respect, and providing support to make their transitions as smooth as possible.”