AES Mexico participated in SPARK15: Speed of Light, led by Bernerd Da Santos, AES SVP and COO. As part of the tour, Bernerd visited AES Merida III and TEG-TEP. Similar to other sessions held at various locations in the markets we serve, Bernerd reviewed our global results for 2014, our priorities and opportunities for 2015 and strategies we need to implement to move quickly to achieve our business objectives and goals. The interactive sessions prompted a lot of questions and discussion focused on how AES Mexico can innovatively tackle challenges, meet expectations and position itself for growth in the future.

Innovation means making changes in current processes and introducing new methods, ideas or products that have an impact on our business. At AES, that means innovating the way we work to make us the best power company in the industry. To highlight innovation at AES, we invited all AES people to submit an abstract for the Innovation Congress that discussed new approaches, ideas or methods implemented to improve AES. We received over 775 abstracts and eventually over 240 white papers. Now, representatives from our businesses and global functions have narrowed the 240 white papers to 61 presenters that are invited to present at the Innovation Congress to be held in Arlington, VA July 27-29. Click here to access a list of the final 61 papers and be sure to congratulate your colleagues. Also, take a moment to review the Innovation Congress Outlet space and look at all the abstracts and papers submitted. See an idea you like? Reach out to the author and discuss how you can implement similar projects at your facility or location.

Across the Andes SBU, AES people spent a day discussing safety and the environment. Each location participated in a series of presentations and videos about what is means to be Always On for Safety. In Colombia, AES people were entertained by a theatre play about safety performed by one of AES' contractors as well as a folk music presentation. In Argentina, AES people discussed the latest incidents and how to be safer at work, at home and in the community. In Chile, AES people participated in a series of demonstrations including proper use of safety harnesses, CPR training and first aid training.

AES people in the Europe SBU spent the day, and in some cases two days, discussing what it means to Switch On and Stay On for Safety. Every location featured presentations on safety and the environment and each location also watched the leadership video discussing the importance of safety. In Bulgaria, AES people also participated in an Environmental, Health and Safety quiz and recognized ten individuals that live our first Value of Put Safety First. In Kazakhstan, in addition to the safety presentations, AES people participated in a series of training and contests including a fire safety training and demonstration, first aid and CPR training, a quiz on safety and environment awareness and even a safety and environment contest for kids. In Jordan, AES people also participated in a series of corporate social responsibility projects related to safety and the environment including cleaning up a local park and giving away fire extinguishers.