Marathon and Operation Warm Turn Coats Into Confidence

Marathon Petroleum — Fri, 01 May 2026 13:30:00 -0400

Key Points

In 2025, Marathon Petroleum teams helped deliver coats to more than 4,000 children in communities across the country.
Through its partnership with Operation Warm, Marathon employees volunteered at events that helped kids feel confident, supported and ready to succeed.
Since 2021, Marathon and Operation Warm have provided coats for more than 21,000 children, with expanded efforts and events already underway across the country this year.

For thousands of kids across the country, a warm winter coat means more than just staying comfortable. It means showing up to school with confidence. It means feeling seen and knowing the community has their back, long after the season ends.

That’s exactly what continues to take shape through Marathon Petroleum’s growing partnership with Operation Warm. Together, Marathon and Operation Warm are helping provide new winter coats to children in communities where Marathon employees live and work.

“When companies like Marathon step in, it creates lasting impact,” said Jean Burnett, Volunteer Engagement Manager at Operation Warm. “You’re not just handing out jackets. You’re helping kids feel supported, valued and prepared for whatever lies ahead.”

From small towns to big cities, Marathon teams helped provide warm winter coats to children in need.

^{More than two dozen volunteers from Marathon’s Garyville refinery helped more than 100 children find and fit new coats at a local Operation Warm event.}
“This partnership really reflects who we are,” said Ashley Goecke, Community Relations Representative at Marathon Petroleum. “It’s about showing up for our communities and making a real difference, especially for families who need it most.”

In 2025 alone, Marathon teams helped deliver coats to more than 4,000 children across the country, from Louisiana to Alaska, with employees volunteering their time to help kids select a brand-new coat of their own.

You see the smiles, you hear the thank-yous, and you recognize you’re part of something bigger than yourself. It’s incredibly rewarding.

“Winter stays a long time here in Fairbanks, Alaska, so this generous donation means a great deal to our students and families,” said Dr. Luke Meinert, Superintendent of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. “Our schools rely on community partners like Marathon and Operation Warm. You could say it doesn’t get much better or warmer than this.”

^{Marathon volunteers at an Operation Warm event in St. Paul Park, Minnesota, where they helped fit dozens of local students with new coats.}
For many of these children and their families, everyday essentials like a new winter jacket can be hard to come by, making these moments about much more than the warmth a coat provides for both the kids and the volunteers.

“It’s honestly incredible to watch their faces light up,” said Danny Oubre, Marathon Pipe Line Area Manager in Garyville and St. James, Louisiana, and a volunteer at an Operation Warm event. “Seeing a child find the coat they love and try it on for the first time never gets old.”

That feeling was shared again and again by volunteers across Marathon’s footprint, including Chrissy Castle, a Senior Maintenance Planner at Marathon Petroleum’s Kenova Terminal in South Shore, Kentucky, who said the experience quickly puts things into perspective.

^{Marathon volunteers at an Operation Warm event in Anchorage, Alaska, in 2025.}
“You realize pretty quickly it’s about so much more than a jacket,” Castle said. “It’s about helping them feel seen, valued and cared for. And it doesn’t get much better than that.”

These moments don’t end when the weather warms. The confidence and connection built at each event carry forward, well beyond a single day or season.

“You see the difference you’re making in real time,” said Jay Richert, Vice President of Refining at Marathon Petroleum’s Garyville refinery in Louisiana, where his team saw strong volunteer turnout at a local Operation Warm event. “You see the smiles, you hear the thank-yous, and you recognize you’re part of something bigger than yourself. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

^{Marathon employee volunteer shares a moment with a student after she tries on a new coat at an Operation Warm event in North Pole, Alaska.}

^{Marathon volunteers at a 2025 Operation Warm event at a local school in North Pole, Alaska.}

Since the partnership began in 2021, Marathon teams, alongside Operation Warm, have helped provide coats to more than 21,000 children across the country. The nonprofit has also expanded its reach in recent years to include shoes and athletic gear.

As 2026 continues, Marathon teams are already working closely with Operation Warm to plan and coordinate events in communities across the country. With growing momentum and continued collaboration, this partnership is only getting stronger, creating even more opportunities to show up, give and make a lasting difference.

^{Marathon employee volunteer poses for a photo with a student he helped fit with a new coat at an Operation Warm event in South Shore, Kentucky.}

^{At each Operation Warm event, students signed a “Thank You” banner that was presented to Marathon volunteers.}

What Users Are Really Asking About the Higg Index

Cascale — Fri, 01 May 2026 12:45:00 -0400

by Lee Green, vice president of communications and marketing at Cascale

Most sustainability systems are designed with outputs in mind.

Scores, benchmarks, disclosures, reports.

But if you want to understand where things are actually working or breaking down, it’s often more useful to look one step earlier. Not at the data itself, but at the questions people ask when they’re trying to produce it.

Over the past couple of months, we’ve been looking more closely at anonymized user questions submitted through a support feature within HowToHigg, designed to help users navigate Higg Index guidance more effectively.

HowToHigg supports users across the full suite of Higg Index tools, which are built on Cascale’s methodologies and framework, with the tools themselves being exclusively available via Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform.

From a communications and engagement perspective, these questions are particularly useful. They don’t necessarily reflect the issues users encounter once inside the tools, or the detailed feedback captured through formal channels. But they do highlight where guidance, interpretation, and understanding may need to be strengthened, often before or alongside direct tool use.

Across more than 400 user questions, a number of consistent themes started to emerge. Taken together, they offer a useful lens into where users are seeking clarity, and where interpretation may begin to diverge.

A large share of questions focused on Higg FEM verification procedures. How to select Verification Bodies, what deadlines apply, how verifier rotation works, and the difference between self-assessment and verified scores. These are not edge cases. They sit at the core of how data becomes credible and comparable.

We also saw frequent questions around data classification and reporting methodology. How to distinguish between hazardous and non-hazardous waste. How to classify water use. How energy sources align with GHG Protocol scopes. These are the kinds of decisions that seem small in isolation but have a direct impact on consistency when applied across thousands of facilities.

Another cluster of questions related to cadence, deadlines, and module access, including reporting timelines and purchasing requirements. Again, not complex in theory, but critical in practice when companies are managing reporting across multiple teams and regions.

Questions around scoring logic and weighting came up repeatedly as well. Whether Level 2 and Level 3 questions are scored. How sub-questions contribute to final scores. What happens when zero-tolerance issues are identified. These are the mechanics behind the numbers, and understanding them is key to interpreting results correctly.

Some questions also pointed to platform access and functionality, reinforcing the importance of close coordination between Cascale’s methodologies and guidance, and Worldly’s platform delivery.

It’s important to be clear about what this is, and what it isn’t.

These insights are not a substitute for the detailed feedback gathered through formal channels such as Zendesk, direct user engagement, or module-specific support. Those remain critical for identifying and resolving specific issues within the tools themselves.

What this layer of questions offers is something slightly different. An earlier view into how users approach Higg Index guidance, and where additional clarity may be needed before or alongside engaging directly with the tools.

As the primary guidance platform for the Higg Index, HowToHigg plays a critical role in shaping how methodologies are understood and applied. And in that context, the questions users ask are often the first indication of where interpretation may begin to diverge.

If we want consistent, comparable data, that layer matters.

Because even the most robust methodologies rely on consistent understanding in practice. And every unclear definition, every misinterpretation, and every point of confusion has the potential to show up downstream.

So the takeaway is a simple one.

Pay attention to the questions.

They don’t just reflect what users don’t know. They point to where we can make the system clearer, more accessible, and ultimately more consistent in how it’s applied.

Lee Green is vice president of communications and marketing at Cascale.

A New Pattern for Progress: How Tapestry Uses Innovation to Advance Sustainability

Tapestry, Inc. — Fri, 01 May 2026 12:35:00 -0400

At Tapestry, innovation is woven into how we think, work, and challenge ourselves to do better.

During the last few years, we’ve used that spirit to advance sustainability across our organization — not through one big idea or single initiative, but in thousands of decisions made every day by teams across brands, functions, and regions.

What follows is a look at how we’re harnessing innovation to advance sustainability across our business.

A Strategy For Reduction

When it comes to climate change, our overall strategy is to focus on reducing emissions.

This includes looking at materials, agriculture, and manufacturing, plus investing in carbon removals and advancing traceable data.

Our heightened focus on emissions reduction affects all parts of our operations and value chain, from sourcing and product to finance and operations.

As outlined in our FY2025 Corporate Responsibility Report, Tapestry’s Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduced 81% compared to our FY2022 baseline. We continue to advance toward our 2030 science-based target, driven primarily by ongoing investments in renewable energy across our own operations.

On-Site Efficiency

Within our physical locations, we are rethinking waste, energy use, and efficiency.

Take, for instance, Tapestry’s Las Vegas Fulfillment Center (LVFC), an 880,000 square foot facility sitting on about 15 acres of land. Facilities teams at LVFC tested new systems, piloted waste diversion models, and integrated several automated zero waste practices.

As a result, LVFC had a landfill diversion rate of 96% in 2025, meaning our facility reused, recycled, composted, and/or recovered 96% of waste.

That level of waste diversion in a 12-month period (along with a series of other requirements) earned our facility a Platinum-Level TRUE Zero Waste Certification, the highest level available. Next on the list, our Jacksonville, Fla. facility is pending for the Gold-level certification.

A Lightbulb Moment

In FY2025, we proudly announced that Tapestry achieved its goal of procuring 100% renewable electricity in our stores, offices, and fulfillment centers globally.

How did we do it? By building a portfolio of solutions, including a Collective Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (CVPPA) with the Fashion Pact in Spain, as well as a 15-year partnership with Pivot Energy, a community solar company in the United States.

The Pivot Energy partnership adapts renewable energy sourcing to fit our business. For instance, Tapestry supports a group of small solar projects that generate clean electricity in the United States. This long-term agreement allows us to leverage renewable energy without needing to own or install infrastructure at each location. It’s a more practical and scalable way to reduce emissions across a distributed footprint.

Looking ahead, we’ve set a new target of achieving 40% renewable energy within our supply chain by 2030.

To make it happen, our ESG team developed Renewable Electricity Sourcing Minimum Requirements and Guidelines for Tapestry’s suppliers and our own operations. The hope is to source reliable, credible, and impactful renewable energy. We’ll also continue to financially support solar panel rooftop assessments for strategic suppliers.

Ciao, Carbon

Tapestry has made its first purchase of carbon removals, accessing Climeworks’ most diversified carbon removal portfolio to date. The portfolio combines five high-quality carbon removal pathways, both engineered and nature-based, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, risk diversification, and long-term climate impact.

As these solutions evolve, we’re proud to be an early industry participant in accelerating carbon removal development.

Rethinking Design for Sustainability

At our New York City Hudson Yards HQ, design teams are imagining how discarded and overlooked materials can become the latest fashion trend.

Coach’s Fall 2026 runway show brought this thinking to life, with the majority of denim pieces crafted with post-consumer garments, showing the possibilities of circular design.

After almost three years of experimentation, the Coach Repurposed Capsule from February 2026 (a partnership with second-hand wholesale supplier, Bank & Vogue) proved we could produce new garments from post-consumer materials at a large enough scale to support a full capsule collection.

At kate spade new york, the brand has introduced environmentally preferred materials to over 50 handbag styles. From the iconic Sam Bag mini tote to the ON PURPOSE tote bag, designers have traded up to use 100% recycled nylon and 100% recycled polyester on certain components. The Dash Taxi Canvas Tote, in addition to being made with a 100% regenerative cotton body, also features a recycled polyester lining.

Seeing Real Impact

In 2026, Tapestry was named on USA Today’s list of America’s Climate Leaders, which highlights companies with strong progress in reducing emissions and advancing climate strategy.

We’re both proud of this recognition and motivated to go further.

Because if there’s one thing Tapestry is proving, it’s that with an innovation-led approach to sustainability, progress doesn’t come from one single breakthrough.

Instead it’s about leading with action and intentionality, and doing business in a way that’s better for people and the planet.

Self-Healing Networks Improve Reliability for More Than 500,000 Customers

Entergy Corporation — Fri, 01 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Entergy has reached an important milestone in our work to build a stronger electric grid. Our self-healing networks are now helping improve power reliability for more than 500,000 customers across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Self-healing networks use smart technology to detect problems on a power line and reroute electricity around the issue. This often happens in just seconds. When the electric system responds this quickly, fewer customers lose power and crews have more time to make safe repairs.

We began introducing this technology in early 2020. Since then, these self-healing networks have helped avoid thousands of customer interruptions and more than 50 million minutes of outages. These improvements are part of our long-term work to modernize the grid and reduce the number and length of outages our customers experience.

Today, we have nearly 400 self-healing networks in place. These networks include 1,483 reclosers and support 890 feeder circuits. Coverage continues to grow:

Arkansas: 101,900 customers
Louisiana: 256,223 customers
Mississippi: 86,217 customers
New Orleans: 42,507 customers
Texas: 32,591 customers

About 25% of our 3,600 circuits now include self-healing technology. Our teams are studying ways to add more networks in the coming years.

Self-healing networks improve reliability year-round but are especially helpful during major weather events.

During the January 2026 winter weather event, 19 automated transfers helped avoid more than 12,000 customer interruptions and 769,956 outage minutes.
In 2025, 293 events avoided 188,792 customer interruptions and 24.3 million outage minutes.
In 2024, 248 events avoided 167,569 customer interruptions and 13.4 million outage minutes.

These improvements reduce strain on our lineworker crews, improve restoration times and support a stronger, more resilient electric system for our customers.

The installation of self-healing networks is one part of our plan to build a smarter electric grid. We’re also strengthening poles and wires, upgrading substations, working closely with vegetation management and deploying tools that give operators better visibility into the electric system.

“Self-healing networks are helping us improve service for our customers and support our crews during storms,” said Taylor Edgens, director of grid technology. “This technology is an important part of our work to modernize the grid and increase reliability.”

This work requires seamless coordination across engineering, distribution operations, construction, vegetation management, grid technology, regulatory and many other teams. Their efforts help us deliver safer and more reliable service for the communities we serve.

View original content here.

Buy Camden 1st ‘Has Blossomed Into Full-Blown Movement,’ Mayor Says

Subaru of America — Fri, 01 May 2026 09:30:00 -0400

By JANEL "JAYCEE" MILLER

Previously published by TAPinto Camden

^{Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen rattles off some results of the Buy Camden 1st initiative during a speech at Subaru of America's headquarters on Wednesday. Photo Credit: Janel "Jaycee" Miller. Image courtesy of TAPinto Camden}

The city government has responded to the small-business sector’s call for assistance with tremendous results, Mayor Victor Carstarphen said during a speech to a room of business and organizational representatives at Subaru of America's headquarters in Camden on Wednesday.

Continue reading here.

The Volunteer Kit That Actually Makes It Matter

Realized Worth — Fri, 01 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400

BALTIMORE, May 1, 2026 /3BL/ - The rise of volunteer kits in corporate volunteering has led to many conference rooms with volunteer experiences that lack any meaning or connection. The material is assembled and shipped out along with any memory of the event.

Give To Get and Realized Worth are announcing a partnership designed to deepen this experience. Starting today, Give To Get’s Purpose Packs — ready-to-run volunteer activity kits designed specifically with corporate clients in mind — are built with Transformative Volunteering elements developed by Realized Worth, the consulting firm behind some of North America’s most rigorous employee volunteering programs.

Purpose Packs include all the materials for projects tailored to a client's chosen cause, with items and instructions pre-organized in an easy-to-spot, Give To Get–branded box. Project materials range from the supplies for assembling resource kits for at-risk populations; the components for putting together STEM activities for classrooms; or supplies for building bee pollinator houses, bird feeders, and hydroponic gardens. Each project can be customized to align with an organization’s mission and to meaningfully support a local nonprofit. Purpose Packs feature two-way shipping: from Give To Get to your event, and from your event to the NGO, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

Each Purpose Pack also includes Meaning Moments: short, structured facilitation prompts that give volunteer leaders a simple way to connect participants to the people and purpose behind the activity. No special training required. Everything is included in the kit.

The methodology behind them comes from more than a decade of Realized Worth’s research and program design with organizations including Abbott, Ford, Airbnb, eBay, Tapestry and Medtronic — now accessible to any company running a volunteer event, regardless of program size or budget.

Most volunteer events are designed well for logistics, but not for people. We optimize the task—who brings supplies, how many items get built, how many photos get taken—but miss the opportunity to help people reflect on why volunteering is needed in the first place. What’s the root of the issue, and what’s my role in it? Purpose Packs are designed to create space for more meaningful engagement and deeper impact. We’re excited that Give To Get has found a way to make that accessible at scale.”
Angela Parker, Co-Founder and CEO, Realized Worth

We have been investing in volunteer experiences for more than 30 years. We always try to impact the volunteer as much as the partner non-profit. Making Realized Worth’s time-tested methodology standard in all our Purpose Packs elevates the volunteer’s connection to the experience and to each other. It feels like the right thing to do on every level.”
Grady Lee, Co-Founder and CEO, Give To Get

Free Webinar: May 21, 2026: The One Thing Missing From Your Corporate Volunteer Kits
In this free webinar at 1pm ET on May 21, Give To Get’s Grady Lee and Realized Worth’s Angela Parker share a practical framework for increasing connection and meaning with volunteer kit projects: simple facilitation prompts that connect employees to the purpose behind the work in under three minutes, with no special training required. You'll leave with tools to apply this to the kits you're already using and learn about a new Purpose Pack offering to streamline kits without sacrificing meaning.

The session is open to program managers, community engagement leads, and anyone responsible for planning or running volunteer events at their organization.

Register at: https://www.realizedworth.com/missing-corp-vol-kits/

About Realized Worth
Realized Worth is a consulting firm that helps companies design employee volunteering programs worth showing up for. Their Transformative Volunteering framework is applied by some of the largest volunteer programs in North America, grounded in more than a decade of research and program design. Learn more at realizedworth.com.

About Give To Get
Give To Get is a global volunteer and purpose activation partner that designs and delivers high-impact community experiences. They manage employee volunteering, conference and meeting activations and brand-led initiatives, handling NGO vetting, logistics, materials, facilitation, and reporting. Learn more at givetoget.com.

DreamSpring Introduces New Loan Products Designed for Small Business Affordability

Wells Fargo & Company — Fri, 01 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., May 1, 2026 /3BL/ - U.S. entrepreneurs are facing a prolonged squeeze from high overhead costs and rising borrowing rates. DreamSpring, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lender, is responding with a new suite of loan products built around how small businesses actually operate, from flexible repayment structures to dedicated financing for the care economy.

Supported by a $500,000 grant from Wells Fargo, DreamSpring expanded its product suite to better meet growth-stage challenges and the needs of industries where demand is outpacing access to capital:

DreamCare microloan and line of credit — dedicated financing for the care economy, supporting health professionals, childcare providers, eldercare facilities, and in-home assistance. Microloans are available up to $50,000 and lines of credit up to $100,000, with three months of interest-only repayment to give businesses time to establish revenue before full payments begin.
Ready, Set, Grow! loan — built for startups and early-growth businesses, with a rate reduction for on-time repayment.
Rate cap — DreamSpring has capped all loan interest rates at a maximum of 18.99%, with certain products starting as low as 7%.

By comparison, standard business credit cards often come with lower credit limits than small businesses need and can carry Annual Percentage Rates (APR) around 29%. Alternative online lenders charge even more and frequently impose prepayment penalties. This matters because rising costs remain the top financial challenge for small business owners, according to the Federal Reserve Banks' 2026 Small Business Credit Survey.

“This investment enables DreamSpring the flexibility and resources to develop innovative products that help businesses grow,” says Kimelyn Harris, head of Business Growth Philanthropy at Wells Fargo. “Access to capital can be transformative for entrepreneurs, and today they need more options and more flexible forms of capital to meet their needs.”

This latest product suite is another chapter in a long-running partnership built on innovation. Wells Fargo and DreamSpring have developed a custom post-pandemic recovery loan for underserved entrepreneurs and joined forces on a national loan fund for veteran-owned businesses, putting capital in the hands of entrepreneurs who might otherwise go without. This time, the focus is on making that capital more affordable.

"Entrepreneurs are dealing with higher expenses everywhere they look, and when borrowing gets too expensive, it stifles their ability to operate and grow," says Alice Rodriguez, Chair of the DreamSpring Board of Directors. "When CDFIs like DreamSpring cap rates and design loans that match the real-life cash flow of a small business, it lets entrepreneurs focus on their work rather than their debt."

DreamSpring is one of the only CDFIs that offers revolving lines of credit, and unlike many online lenders, there’s never a prepayment penalty. DreamSpring also factors in professional licensure and credentials as part of its loan decisions, recognizing that a borrower's expertise is itself an asset. For business owners like Aaron Gutierrez, that kind of flexibility makes a real difference.

"It gave me the freedom to focus on establishing and building the business, versus having to penny pinch or worry," says Aaron Gutierrez, Owner of Albuquerque Construction & Concrete, about his DreamSpring line of credit. "It gave me the freedom to actually grow and move, and to remain afloat. Because if not, I probably wouldn't have made it."

For entrepreneurs navigating today's economic pressures, getting the right capital at the right price can change the trajectory of a business. With the support of Wells Fargo, DreamSpring's new products remove some of the most common obstacles standing between small business owners and growth. To explore DreamSpring's full range of small business solutions, visit DreamSpring.org.

About DreamSpring

DreamSpring is a nonprofit Community Development organization and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lender dedicated to propelling individual and family economic mobility and community wealth-building by helping people start and grow small businesses. Founded in 1994, the organization provides rapid access to capital and customized wrap-around support to entrepreneurs and nonprofits in 27 states. To date, DreamSpring has issued more than 47,925 loans totaling over $582 million to small businesses that support an estimated 67,800 jobs. Learn more at DreamSpring.org.

For media inquiries, contact:
Laura Marrich
DreamSpring Senior Communications Specialist
Lmarrich@dreamspring.org
+1 505-456-0104

KeyBank Launches Key4Entrepreneurs℠ To Empower Small Business Owners With Education, Expertise and Connections

KeyBank — Fri, 01 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400

CLEVELAND, May 1, 2026 /3BL/ - Today, KeyBank announced the launch of Key4Entrepreneurs, a new complimentary program designed to support entrepreneurs and small business owners at every stage of growth. The program provides access to financial education, expert guidance and meaningful business connections, with a focus on supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening the communities they serve.

Key4Entrepreneurs brings together certified advisors and unique national and local programming to deliver practical resources tailored to real‑world business challenges. Whether business owners are just getting started or preparing to scale, the program is designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are and help them move forward with confidence.

A Mission Built to Engage, Educate, and Empower Entrepreneurs

Key4Entrepreneurs was created to support the small businesses that form the backbone of local economies. The mission is rooted in three core pillars:

Engage business owners through curated networking opportunities that foster collaboration and community.
Educate entrepreneurs with expert-led programming that builds financial knowledge, leadership capability, and operational efficiency.
Empower small businesses with practical tools and personalized guidance to help them grow and thrive.

By bringing together expert guidance and hands-on programming, Key4Entrepreneurs helps business owners navigate day-to-day challenges while building the skills and confidence needed for long-term success.

How Business Owners Benefit from Key4Entrepreneurs

Business owners who join Key4Entrepreneurs gain access to a complimentary support network designed around the realities of running a small business. Members can receive direct guidance from certified advisors and relationship managers who provide personalized financial wellness guidance and cash flow conversations aimed at improving efficiency and decision-making. Additionally, the program offers exclusive access to workshops, expert-led discussions and interactive networking opportunities.

These experiences are intentionally designed to help entrepreneurs sharpen critical skills, expand professional networks and accelerate sustainable growth. By combining education, expert insight and community connection, Key4Entrepreneurs equips business owners with the confidence and clarity needed to move their businesses forward.

Upcoming Virtual Event

As part of the program launch, Key4Entrepreneurs will host a live virtual event designed to help entrepreneurs sharpen one of their most critical skills: storytelling.

Event Details:

Title: Small Business Excellence: The Science of Storytelling
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:30 PM ET
Format: 90-minute interactive virtual workshop
Registration Deadline: May 6, 2026

The session will be led by Nico Aguilar, CEO and Co‑Founder of Speeko, and Jen Litwin, Managing Director of Speeko. Together, they will guide participants through a dynamic, hands-on experience that combines narrative frameworks, real‑life examples, and live practice. Participants will leave with practical insights for communicating a powerful business value proposition.

Entrepreneurs interested in joining the program or attending upcoming events can learn more and enroll by visiting key.com/k4e. Questions and inquiries may be directed to k4e@keybank.com.

^{The content provided is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. It should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. We make no guarantees regarding its accuracy or relevance to your specific circumstances. Some examples are hypothetical and provided for illustrative purposes only. For guidance tailored to your personal financial situation, we strongly recommend consulting qualified professionals regarding all personal financial matters.}

^{The link(s) specified may not be owned or operated by KeyBank.}

^{KeyBank is not responsible for any scheduling conflicts, cancellations, postponement, access or connectivity issues, or force majeure events whatsoever associated with webinars held by Key4Entrepreneurs. KeyBank is not responsible or liable for, and is hereby released from, any and all costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind, due in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, to participation in Key4Entrepreneurs webinars.}

ABOUT KEYCORP

KeyCorp's roots trace back more than 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2026.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 950 branches and approximately 1,100 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Meg Lower
Regional Communications Manager
740-294-7041
meg_lower@keybank.com

PSEG Marks Earth Day by Highlighting Environmental Initiatives That Support and Care for Our Communities

PSEG — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:40:00 -0400

Originally published on PSEG Newsroom

Newark, NJ, April, 30, 2026 /3BL/ – This Earth Day and every day, PSEG is highlighting how we live up to our “Public Service” name through environmental initiatives that benefit the communities we serve. PSEG aims to deliver safe, reliable energy and be thoughtful about how we show up for New Jersey, how our work benefits our environment and how we can care for the places where we operate.

“As we recognize Earth Day, we’re reminded that caring for the environment is core to the success of our business,” said Rick Thigpen, Senior Vice President – Corporate Citizenship. “Whether we’re reducing emissions, protecting wildlife habitats or helping customers lower their energy use through our energy efficiency programs, our environmental stewardship efforts are rooted in our responsibility to the communities we serve. We’re proud of the positive impact our work has on New Jersey families, businesses and the environment.”

PSEG's 2025 environmental efforts include:

Planting 775 trees through the utility’s Vegetation Management program, complementing community environmental initiatives organized by the PSEG Foundation and Corporate Social Responsibility.
Managing 51 pollinator habitat enhancement sites totaling approximately 325 acres, including native pollinator seeding across 77 acres and the planting of 1,900 milkweed plants to support monarch butterflies and strengthen local ecosystems.
Continuing work that has reduced operational emissions. PSEG previously achieved a 95 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 operational emissions from the 2005 baseline through strategic initiatives such as retiring older fossil generation, divesting remaining fossil assets, modernizing the gas system, upgrading equipment and improving efficiency across facilities.
Helping nearly 480,000 customers participate in our Clean Energy Future – Energy Efficiency programs, delivering more than $900 million in annual customer savings through rebates, upgrades and services that reduce energy use, lower bills and conserve natural resources.

PSEG also provides stewardship of important natural resources like the Merrill Creek Reservoir and the estuarial regions of South Jersey and Delaware while operating nuclear plants that produce more than 80 percent of New Jersey’s carbon-free electricity and 40 percent of all electricity generated in the state. These facilities will continue to play a critical role in delivering reliable, affordable and clean energy for years to come.

PSEG’s leadership in sustainability continues to earn national recognition. The company was recently named one of Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2026, ranking among the top 10 organizations nationwide, and was honored as a 2026 Industry Leader by JUST Capital.

As PSEG celebrates Earth Day, we remain focused on creating lasting environmental benefits and continuing to care for the communities we serve.

###

About PSEG
Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG) is a predominantly regulated infrastructure company operating New Jersey's largest transmission and distribution utility, serving approximately 2.4 million electric and 1.9 million natural gas customers. PSEG also owns an independent fleet of 3,758 MW of carbon-free, baseload nuclear power generating units in NJ and PA. PSEG aims to power a future where people use energy more efficiently, and it’s safer and delivered more reliably than ever. PSEG is a member of the S&P 500 Index and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for 17 consecutive years. PSEG's businesses include Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G), PSEG Power and PSEG Long Island (https://corporate.pseg.com).

The 2025 Subaru Share the Love® Event Drives $2.4 Million To Support Animals in Need

Subaru of America — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:50:00 -0400

Previously published by ASPCA

Since 2008, the ASPCA has been proud to partner with Subaru of America, Inc. to help make the world a better place for animals. We are thrilled to share that over the past 18 years, the ASPCA has received more than $43 million in vital funds from Subaru to support animals in need in the communities where we live and work.

The ASPCA was one of four national charities to participate in the 2025 Subaru Share the Love® Event, which took place between November 20, 2025, and January 2, 2026. For every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased during the campaign, Subaru of America, Inc. donated $250 to the purchaser’s/lessee’s choice among four national charity partners, or a local hometown charity(ies) supported by participating retailers. The ASPCA has participated in the Subaru Share the Love Event for eighteen consecutive years.

As a result of the 2025 Subaru Share the Love Event, Subaru donated over $2.4 million to the ASPCA to support our nation’s most vulnerable animals. Thank you to everyone who supported the ASPCA through not only the 2025 Subaru Share the Love Event, but every event since this collaboration began in 2008.

Additionally, the ASPCA also serves as the national charity partner for the Subaru Loves Pets program. Throughout October 2025, 635+ Subaru locations provided direct funding through grants administered by the ASPCA to their local animal welfare partners to help cover costs for preparing animals for adoption, veterinary expenses and more. Many Subaru retailers also hosted adoption, microchipping or other types of events in their stores to help ensure more pets can find loving homes in their communities.

Our integrated partnership with Subaru has helped improve the lives of nearly 370,000 animals across the United States through rescue, transport, adoption, wellness services and more.

“Our longstanding partnership with Subaru through the Share the Love Event continues to demonstrate what’s possible when purpose-driven organizations come together,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President and CEO. “Year after year, this collaboration helps us reach more animals, support more communities, and drive meaningful, measurable impact nationwide.”

On behalf of the many animals that we serve, we extend our sincere gratitude to Subaru for their dedication and commitment to supporting animal welfare nationally and their retailers for supporting animals in need in their local communities.

To learn more about the ASPCA’s partnership with Subaru, please visit www.aspca.org/subaru.

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Sofidel Honored as Silver Stevie® Award Winner in 2026 American Business Awards®

Sofidel Group — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:05:00 -0400

Horsham, PA, April 30 2026 /3BL/ – Sofidel, a leading global provider of paper for hygienic and domestic use, was named the winner of a 2026 Silver Stevie® Award in the Achievement in Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) in the 24th Annual American Business Awards®.

“Sofidel is honored to be recognized with a Stevie Award, which reflects our long-standing commitment to sustainability and responsible growth,” said Riccardo Balducci, Group Sustainability Director at Sofidel. “For more than 60 years, we have focused on reducing our environmental impact through continuous innovation, lowering emissions, minimizing waste and advancing more sustainable manufacturing processes. This recognition reinforces our belief that sustainability is not a single initiative, but a responsibility embedded in how we operate and how we create long-term value for our customers, communities and the environment.”

More than 3,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories, including Startup of the Year, Executive of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, and App of the Year, among others. Sofidel was nominated in the Achievement in Environment, Social, and Governance category for manufacturing.

The Silver® Award for Achievement in ESG recognizes Sofidel’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, innovation and responsible growth. Through targeted initiatives, Sofidel has reduced CO2 emissions, minimized waste and created sustainable manufacturing processes. Backed by 60 years of progress, Sofidel continues to set a strong example for ESG leadership within the tissue industry.

More than 250 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners.

“Organizations across the United States continue to set a high standard for innovation and performance,” said Stevie Awards President Maggie Miller. “The breadth and quality of nominations submitted to the 2026 American Business Awards reflect a dynamic and competitive business environment, where organizations are finding new ways to drive growth, deliver value, and make an impact. We congratulate all of this year’s Stevie Award winners and look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at our June 9 awards ceremony in New York.”

For more information about Sofidel, visit www.sofidel.com. Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2026 Stevie winners are available at www.ABA.StevieAwards.com.

About Sofidel Group

The Sofidel Group, headquartered in Porcari (Lucca, Italy), is one of the leading manufacturers of paper for hygienic and household use worldwide. Established in 1966, the Group is active in 13 countries, 12 in Europe and the United States (12 States), with over 9,500 employees and a production capacity of 1,983,000 metric tons per year. In 2024, the Group had Net Sales of 3.225 billion Euros. “Regina”, its most well-known brand, is present on almost all the reference markets. Other brands include: Sopalin, Le Trèfle, Hakle, Softis, Nalys, Cosynel, KittenSoft, Nicky and Papernet.

www.sofidel.com

About the Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the new Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes, as well as the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding workplace performance worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

Supporting sponsors of The 2026 American Business Awards include Golden Hour Veterinary Telemedicine, Melissa Sones Consulting, Persistent, and SoftPro.

Comcast and Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Open Lift Zones in Lacey to Help Youth Build Digital Skills

Comcast — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:05:00 -0400

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2026 /3BL/ - Comcast and Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC) have opened new Lift Zones in Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, and Rochester to help youth build their digital skills. The Kaila Celeste Rants-Jorgensen Branch in Lacey will be the hub for the new Lift Zone Media Studio funded by Comcast. The Lift Zone includes free WiFi access and was made possible by a nearly $40,000 contribution from Comcast to support technology upgrades for the Club and provide advanced programming for youth.

“Comcast’s new Lift Zone will be a meaningful resource for youth in Lacey and the surrounding community,” said Shellica Trevino, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. “Academic enrichment is a core focus of our work, and through this partnership with Comcast, we’re expanding access to learning through Coding Club across the county. Our upper elementary youth and teens will also have the opportunity to engage in content creation in a new media studio, experiences made possible through Comcast’s support. These program additions, along with free high-speed WiFi, ensure youth have access to the digital skills and tools they need to succeed.”

Lift Zones are Comcast’s nationwide initiative to ensure more people in more communities have access to the internet and digital tools needed to thrive. Building on the legacy of Comcast’s award-winning Lift Zone program, which launched in 2020 and now includes more than 1,250 locations nationwide, this Lift Zone will offer:

Laptops and Chromebooks to support digital learning and Coding Club
Video cameras for content creation and media projects
Audio-visual and sound equipment
Microphones and podcast-capable tools
Studio lighting to support video and media production
Updated furnishings to create a functional and welcoming learning environment

“At Comcast, supporting our communities is at the heart of how we work to close Washington’s digital skills gap—especially for local students,” said Carla Carrell, Senior Director of Local Government Affairs, Comcast Pacific Northwest Region. “This Comcast Lift Zone is designed as a welcoming, community-centered space where students can connect online, access essential resources, and strengthen the digital skills they need for everyday life. By partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County and investing here, we’re helping expand opportunity and build a stronger future for families across the South Puget Sound.”

Comcast Lift Zones are part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion initiative to advance digital opportunity and create a future of unlimited possibilities.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC) is a non-profit organization that inspires and enables youth to realize their greatness. Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County believes all youth, no matter who they are or where they come from, deserve the opportunity to build a great future. Our Clubs provide a safe, supportive place during out-of-school hours, when youth need us most, where caring adults help them succeed through academic support, leadership development, and healthy lifestyles. To learn more, visit https://www.bgctc.org/.

Redefining Supply Chains With Integrated Logistics: The DP World Approach

DP World — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

As global trade grows more complex, businesses are moving away from fragmented supply chains toward fully integrated logistics solutions. DP World is at the forefront of this shift – delivering connected, end-to-end services that simplify operations and unlock greater efficiency.

From Fragmentation to Integration

Traditional supply chains rely on multiple providers, often creating inefficiencies at every handoff. DP World streamlines this model by offering a single, integrated logistics solution – connecting ports, terminals, warehousing, customs, and inland transportation into one coordinated system.

This end-to-end approach reduces delays, improves coordination, and gives businesses greater control over their cargo from origin to final delivery.

Learn more about DP World’s logistics

Multimodal Logistics, Seamlessly Connected

DP World enables true multimodal logistics by integrating ocean, air, rail, and road services into a unified network. Rather than managing each mode separately, customers benefit from a synchronized system designed to optimize speed, cost, and reliability.

The result is a more agile supply chain that can adapt quickly to disruptions and shifting market demands.

End-to-End Visibility

Visibility is critical in today’s logistics environment. DP World provides real-time, end-to-end tracking and insights, allowing businesses to monitor shipments at every stage.

This transparency helps companies anticipate disruptions, make faster decisions, and deliver a more reliable customer experience.

Tailored Logistics Solutions

Recognizing that every supply chain is unique, DP World offers customized logistics services to meet specific industry and market needs. From contract logistics and warehousing to eCommerce fulfillment and distribution, solutions are designed to scale with business growth.

Comprehensive Logistics Solutions – Our growing service spans order and origin management, port handling and freight management for road, rail, air, and sea.
At-Destination Services – We offer bespoke solutions including customs, drayage, logistics, last-mile delivery, deconsolidation, and bonded warehousing services.
Value-Added Services – Our variety of value-add services include customs, embedded trade finance, commodity-specific services, and cars in containers, transload, and advanced hubs.
Simple Booking Management – All accessed through a single digital window backed by an integrated Global Services Center, providing visibility and tracking of goods in real time to easily manager your cargo journey.

A Single Partner for Global Trade

With a global network of ports, logistics hubs, and services, DP World acts as a single logistics partner – reducing complexity while improving efficiency across the supply chain. By combining infrastructure, technology, and expertise, DP World’s integrated logistics services go beyond transportation – they create smarter, more resilient supply chains.

By simplifying complexity and enhancing visibility, DP World helps businesses stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic global economy.

Discover how integrated logistics can unlock your next phase of growth with DP World

Strategic Logistics Hubs Across North America

Our logistics hubs and smart supply chain services keep imports and exports flowing.

Perris, California – Free Trade Zone facility in the Inland Empire offering duty deferral, customs flexibility, and full supply-chain control for faster, lower-cost U.S. distribution.

Located at 22305 Old Oleander Ave, Perris CA 92570

Miami, Florida – 108,000-SF gateway to the Americas with direct links to Port Miami and Miami International Airport for fast, scalable regional fulfillment.

Located at 7725 NW 41st St, Doral, FL 33166

Brampton, Ontario

LEED-certified 174,000-SF hub near Toronto Pearson Airport connecting Canada and U.S. markets with secure, temperature-controlled storage.

Located at 15 Bramalea Rd, Brampton, ON L6T 2W7, Canada

Queretaro, Mexico

117,000-SF facility in La Bomba Industrial Park with road and air access, built for integrated production, warehousing, and distribution.

Located in the La Bomba Industrial Park located on Mexico-Querétaro Highway, Federal Highway number 57, km 194+813, El Colorado, El Marques, Queretaro

Middletown, Pennsylvania

Centrally located in the U.S. Northeast with multimodal access and flexible space designed for fast B2B and B2C fulfillment.

Located at 140 Fulling Mill Road, Middletown, PA 17057

Oliver Branch, Mississippi

Strategically positioned near Memphis’ air, road, and rail corridors, providing efficient, scalable logistics coverage across the southeastern U.S.

11244 S Distribution Cove, Olive Branch, MS 38654

A Mother’s Fight to Breastfeed in Lebanon

Action Against Hunger — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

When Nour gave birth earlier than expected, her baby girl had serious health complications. Suffering from a weak pulse, difficulty breathing, and lung inflammation, the infant was immediately placed in an incubator for 10 days. During this time, hospital restrictions prevented Nour from seeing her daughter until the fifth day. Not only did this cause emotional distress, but it also made breastfeeding impossible.

When the baby was discharged, Nour's attempts to breastfeed were unsuccessful. The baby couldn’t latch properly, and Nour had never seen any signs of milk production. With no financial means to purchase formula, she faced a daunting situation.

Everything changed when Action Against Hunger team, with the financial support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), visited Nour's family during a community outreach. At that time, Nour herself was struggling with her health. Her Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measured 219 mm, indicating malnutrition. She was immediately referred for treatment.

The team provided one-on-one nutrition counseling to Nour and supported her to try breastfeeding again during the visit. They offered information on breastfeeding techniques, benefits, and safe practices. Following the team’s recommendations, Nour's baby was finally able to latch well, and for the first, milk began to flow. Overwhelmed with joy and relief, Nour's hope for her baby's future was reignited.

Over the following weeks, Action Against Hunger's regular follow-ups supported Nour’s journey. While her milk supply was still limited, she was determined to continue breastfeeding. However, when financial barriers prevented her from buying formula, and her milk supply became too low, she resorted to feeding the baby sugar water—an unsafe and desperate decision.

Upon discovering this, the health team quickly informed her of the dangers of sugar water for babies and encouraged her to use hand expression to stimulate milk production. She was provided with sterile cups and a manual breast pump to support the effort. After a few days, her perseverance paid off. Her milk supply increased, and her baby began to show real signs of improvement.

At that time, Nour's family became displaced by the escalating conflict in southern Lebanon. Yet, amidst the upheaval, she confirmed that she was still exclusively breastfeeding, and her baby’s health was improving daily. Weeks later, another call with Action Against Hunger confirmed a heartening milestone—Nour's baby was steadily gaining weight. Nour had been able to navigate health challenges, conflict, and financial constraints with incredible resilience.

Nour's determination to care for her child was bolstered with the counseling and resources offered by Action Against Hunger. That kind of timely humanitarian support remains essential for other families in Lebanon who face similar challenges. Action Against Hunger has reached 35,137 people so far this year with multi-sectoral assistance across the country.

***

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 26.5 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,500+ dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Independent Scientific Review Consolidates Knowledge on Tire Wear Emissions, Finds Understanding of Human Health Impacts To Be Inconclusive

Tire Industry Project — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

GENEVA, April 30, 2026 /3BL/ - The final installment of a three-part scientific State of Knowledge (SoK) paper series on tire wear emissions concludes that, while the understanding of tire wear emissions has advanced, current data to quantify human health impacts attributable to tire wear emissions remains inconclusive.

The review finds that differences in sampling approaches, detection techniques and analytical methodologies limit reliable comparison across studies and prevent robust risk assessment. In addition, based on the peer-reviewed literature studied, tire wear particles constitute only a small part of the overall airborne particulate matter, with similar or less potent effects compared to other particulate matter fractions.

Supported by the Tire Industry Project (TIP), part of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the SoK series represents the most comprehensive review of global science on tire wear emissions to date, analyzing more than 850 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

State of Knowledge series: Key findings from Paper 3

Independently authored by Kathrin Müller, Julie Panko, Kenny M. Unice, and Dr. Stephan Wagner, the paper Impacts of Tire Wear Emissions Compared to the Impacts of PM2.5 and PM10 on Humans reviews existing scientific knowledge on human exposure to tire and road wear particles (TRWP) and tire-related chemicals, concluding that:

Tire wear particles make up only a small share of airborne particulate matter, typically less than 5% of PM 2.5 and PM 10 in urban environments.
Toxicological studies to date do not show TRWP to be more harmful than general ambient particulate matter. Available in vivo and in vitro data indicates effects that are similar to or less potent than other airborne particle types.
Despite growing interest, scientific evidence on human exposure to TRWP remains limited and inconclusive. Chemicals that are used in tire manufacturing are detectable in human body fluids, but their sources and exposure pathways have not been clearly linked specifically to tires, as many of these chemicals are used in a range of other applications.
A major barrier to drawing firm conclusions is the lack of consistent global methods for sampling, analyzing, and characterizing tire wear emissions. Variability in methodologies across studies limits meaningful comparison and robust exposure or risk assessment.

Call for coordinated research efforts

As a result, the authors of the papers call for greater harmonization of research methodologies to improve identification, measurement and attribution of tire wear emissions. This need for coordinated efforts aligns with the conclusions of SoK Papers 1 and 2, which were published in 2025 and examined the characterization and quantification of tire wear emissions and their potential impacts on the environment.

The authors recommend that future research should identify potential exposure pathways and examine relevant health outcomes, including potential chronic effects, under realistic exposure conditions covering urban and suburban populations across different regions worldwide.

Dr. Stephan Wagner, one of the leading researchers of Paper 3, said: “Tire wear emissions are a complex topic that we still only partly understand, especially in relation to human health. While research has advanced our understanding of TRWP, the current data simply isn’t robust enough to quantify any potential health risks specifically linked to tire wear. Looking forward, cross-stakeholder collaboration is fundamental to making rapid progress. By aligning methods, sharing data, and focusing on real-world studies, we can build a stronger, more consistent evidence base to inform future decisions.”

Notes:

The State of Knowledge papers and supporting materials are available at https://tireparticles.info/our-research#sokpaper1, https://tireparticles.info/our-research#sokpaper2 and https://tireparticles.info/our-research#sokpaper3

Kathrin Müller is a PhD Researcher at the Institute for Analytical Research (IfAR) at Hochschule Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Idstein, Germany. Her PhD research is on the analysis of tire and road wear particles as environmental contaminants focusing on the identification of tire-borne environmental water contaminants.
Julie Panko is Principal Scientist and Senior Vice President at ToxStrategies, a scientific consulting firm in the United States. She has more than 30 years of experience conducting and managing a wide variety of occupational, environmental, and consumer health risk assessments, including applied research regarding the potential for environmental impacts of tires throughout their lifecycle from manufacturing through end of life.
Kenny Unice is Principal Computational Health Scientist at TRC Companies, Inc since 2026. Formerly a Principal Health Scientist and applied researcher at Stantec, he has more than 20 years’ experience investigating and driving understanding of how chemicals travel, persist or change in the environment to impact organisms and ecosystems.
Dr. Stephan Wagner is Head of the Institute for Analytical Research at the Hochschule Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Idstein, Germany. He is an expert in the analysis and fate of anthropogenic materials such as tire and road abrasion particles, micro and nano plastics, nano materials as well as organic trace contaminants in the (urban) water cycle.

Teva’s 2025 Healthy Future Report Highlights Environmental and Access to Medicines Progress, Including Meeting All Sustainability-Linked Bond Targets

Teva Pharmaceutical — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:30:00 -0400

Teva exceeded all sustainability-linked bond targets, linking financial performance to expanded patient access to medicines and reduced environmental impact.
Through its global access to medicines programs, Teva reached nearly 8 million people through product donations around the world.
39% reduction in Teva’s Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions since 2019 and 32% reduction in Scope 3 GHG emissions since 2020—exceeding 25% reduction targets.
More than 99% of active employees completed compliance and ethics training.
Teva’s generic medicines contributed $36.4 billion in savings for healthcare systems across 21 countries.

TEL AVIV, Israel, April 30 /3BL/ – Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) today published its 2025 Healthy Future Report, outlining performance against its sustainability targets, which are focused on the issues most relevant to its business, patients and the planet. Teva surpassed all 2025 targets associated with its sustainability-linked bonds—totaling approximately $7.5 billion across its 2021 and 2023 issuances. These commitments reflect progress in areas such as climate action, health equity and access to medicines, linking financial and sustainability performance.

“Advancing sustainability is fundamental to how we operate at Teva,” said Richard Francis, Teva’s President and CEO. “Our 2025 Healthy Future Report shows how we’re building the future we want to see—addressing global challenges by using our footprint, resources and skills to drive meaningful impact for our business and stakeholders.”

Healthy People

Teva operates eight access to medicines programs focused on delivering life-changing treatments to underserved populations. Several programs incorporate health system strengthening and capacity-building components, reflecting a holistic approach to improving health outcomes. Through these efforts, Teva reached nearly 8 million people with product donations and approximately 399,000 people through health system strengthening initiatives worldwide.

Healthy Planet

Teva reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its operations (Scopes 1 and 2) by 39% since 2019, surpassing its 25% target. The Company also reduced GHG emissions from its value chain (Scope 3)—which account for approximately 90% of its total GHG emissions—by 32% since 2020, exceeding its 25% target ahead of schedule. Teva continued transitioning to cleaner energy, with 60% of total electricity consumption sourced from renewables and 100% renewable electricity via three long-term power purchase agreements to date, which cover various Teva sites in Europe and Israel. In addition, 73% of applicable Teva sites reached safe discharge levels of antimicrobials—helping address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health threat that reduces the effectiveness of medicines and makes infections harder to treat.

Healthy Business

Teva continues to uphold strong standards for responsible and ethical practices across its operations, including its supply chain. The Company evaluated 100% of all submitted Third-Party Representative business partners through its due diligence tool. In addition, 66% of significant suppliers (by spend) have undergone sustainability performance evaluations. Teva also maintained a strong culture of compliance, with more than 99% of active employees completing their assigned annual compliance and ethics training.

Teva's generic medicines portfolio delivers substantial savings for healthcare systems, expanding patient access to essential medicines and strengthening the long-term sustainability of care. In 2025, Teva’s generic medicines contributed $36.4 billion in savings for healthcare systems across 21 countries.

Teva continues to be recognized and was ranked in the top 10% for its sector across most leading sustainability ratings, with scores improving across five of six priority benchmarks in 2025, including Sustainalytics, MSCI, S&P Global, EcoVadis and CDP (water). The Company was also named to TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies for the second consecutive year.

By embedding sustainability priorities throughout its operations, Teva is strengthening its resilience while working towards a healthy future for people and the planet.

Read the full 2025 Healthy Future Report to learn more.

About Teva

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) is transforming into a leading innovative biopharmaceutical Company, enabled by a world-class generics business. For over 120 years, Teva’s commitment has never wavered. From innovating in the fields of neuroscience and immunology to providing complex generic medicines, biosimilars and pharmacy brands worldwide, Teva is dedicated to addressing patients’ needs, now and in the future. At Teva, We Are All In For Better Health. To learn more about how, visit www.tevapharm.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are based on management’s current beliefs and expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, that could cause our future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from that expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include risks relating to: our ability to successfully compete in the marketplace; our significant indebtedness; our business and operations in general; compliance, regulatory and litigation matters; other financial and economic risks; and other factors discussed in this press release, and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, including in the sections captioned "Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements.” Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or other information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Nielsen Global Impact Day 2025: Expanding Our Global Impact

Nielsen — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:30:00 -0400

Originally published on Nielsen News Center

On October 9, 2025, a record number of Nielsen employees celebrated our 13th annual Nielsen Global Impact Day (NGID). As our company-wide day of service and a deeply valued tradition, NGID enables every employee to connect with each other while volunteering in their communities. This year saw the largest participation since 2022. More than 2,300 dedicated Nielsen employees across 37 countries volunteered over 10,300 hours to support more than 260 nonprofit organizations worldwide.

While NGID is led by Cares—one of our 15 Business Resource Groups (BRGs)—all employees and BRGs are encouraged to get involved in organizing and participating in volunteer events. Our employees cleaned up parks, packed and distributed food, visited schools and hospitals, volunteered virtually to advance citizen science and develop tips for youth on responsible use of AI, and much more.

One volunteering leader, Ria Encinas, Green Mexico Leader and Gracenote Content Operations Editor, said: “NGID 2025 confirmed that real impact stems from collective action. From our shelter donations to educational workshops, our efforts have made a difference and strengthened our community.”

This annual event is a cornerstone of our commitment to corporate citizenship and a powerful demonstration of our culture in action.

“Nielsen Global Impact Day is one of my favorite days of the year because it is a powerful expression of Our Nielsen Way in action,” said Nicolina Marzicola, Chief People Officer. “Watching our teams ‘Achieve Together’—applying their unique skills, passion, and enthusiasm to support our communities—is a source of immense pride. It reinforces our commitment to being accountable to the world around us and inclusive in our service.”

While Nielsen Global Impact Day is our largest single day of service, our commitment to community is year-round. Nielsen provides all employees with 24 hours of dedicated volunteer time annually, empowering them to support the causes they care about most, any day of the year.

We are proud of the impact made during NGID 2025 and look forward to continuing to make a difference, to power a better future for all by dreaming big and achieving together. Learn more about Nielsen’s commitments to responsibility and sustainability, including for our communities, in our 2025 Responsibility & Sustainability Report.

CVS Health’s Annual Impact in Arizona

CVS Health — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:30:00 -0400

Originally published in the CVS Health National Economic Impact Report

With more than 9,000 locations and 300,000 employees, CVS Health is a driving force in the American economy, delivering $474 billion in economic impact nationwide.

As one of the country’s largest private employers, we’re making health care more affordable and accessible for you and your family.

Discover how our economic footprint benefits communities across the U.S: creating jobs, fueling local investments and generating tax revenue that supports schools, emergency services, infrastructure and more.

With 192 locations, CVS Health is bringing high-quality and affordable care to Arizona communities, improving people’s health and driving economic growth.

$5.3 Billion in Economic Impact

CVS Health’s operations in Arizona generated an economic impact of $5.3B in FY24. This includes a direct impact of $2.6B, $972.5M indirect and $1.7B induced.

Source: Parker Strategy Group using data from CVS Health in IMPLAN

With multiple locations and prescription delivery services, CVS Health proudly serves patients and communities throughout Arizona.

Generating Labor Income

CVS Health generated $1.9B in total labor income in Arizona ($1B direct, $304.5M indirect and $553.9M induced) in FY24.

Source: Parker Strategy Group using data from CVS Health in IMPLAN

Supporting and Sustaining Jobs

Overall, CVS Health supported 26,467 jobs in Arizona in FY24 (13,829 direct employees, 4,465 indirect and 8,173 induced).

Source: Parker Strategy Group using data from CVS Health in IMPLAN

Contributing to the Local and State Tax Base

CVS Health supported $381.1M in state and local taxes in Arizona as a result of operations and capital spending in FY24. State ($207.7M) and local taxes ($173.4M) paid include employment-related, business and consumption-based taxes.

Source: Parker Strategy Group using data from CVS Health in IMPLAN

Giving Back to the Community

$33.2 Million in Community Support
4,491 Volunteer Hours

Source: CVS Health, 2024 Data

To learn more, Download national report and Explore impact by state

Methodology

The study is a snapshot of economic impact as of December 31, 2024, unless otherwise noted. Data used to complete the economic analysis was provided by CVS Health. Data supplied included operating expenditures, capital spending, pay and benefits, direct taxes paid and total employees. The colleague data used in the analysis of the report represents the sum total of all colleagues who were in the state at any time in 2024. Average number of CVS Health colleagues reflects a point-in-time estimate in 2024. Primary and secondary data was used to complete the input-output models in IMPLAN. Additional jobs include indirect employment created as a result of CVS Health’s economic impact and induced employment as a result of household spending by CVS Health employees and employees of vendors. The CVS Health colleague and location data is as of January 1, 2025. Patient counts are not unique across mail, retail and specialty pharmacy. Numbers in this report are subject to rounding.

An Ecosystem Approach to the Future of Automotive

Qualcomm — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:05:00 -0400

By Kristin Wyman

What you should know:

The future of automotive cannot be delivered by any single company — it requires a deeply collaborative ecosystem that brings together automakers, tier-one suppliers, software innovators and connectivity leaders to transform technological breakthroughs into production-ready vehicles at global scale.
Qualcomm Technologies provides scalable automotive solutions that are designed to serve as the hardware and software foundation for software-defined vehicles, while simultaneously orchestrating ecosystem partnerships that turn innovation into production-ready solutions for automakers worldwide.
The Snapdragon Digital Chassis Solution is designed to offer openness and flexibility that can make advanced automotive AI real, scalable and sustainable — empowering OEMs with the option to choose their own automated driving (AD) stacks, integrate multiple partner solutions and continuously evolve their vehicles through over-the-air (OTA) updates.

The automotive industry is undergoing one of the most profound transformations in history. Vehicles are evolving into software-defined platforms — powered by AI, 5G connectivity and cloud computing — capable of improving safety, creating new experiences for drivers and passengers, and continuously evolving over their lifetimes. This shift is too complex for any single company to deliver alone. It requires an ecosystem.

At Qualcomm, we believe the future of automotive will be built through deep collaboration across silicon, software, systems and services — bringing together automakers, tier‑one suppliers, software innovators and connectivity leaders to turn breakthrough technology into production‑ready vehicles at global scale.

A platform foundation, and the ecosystem around it

The Snapdragon Digital Chassis Solution serves as the hardware and software foundation for the software-defined vehicle. However, a product solution alone is not enough to drive the industry forward. The ecosystem, working together, is equally crucial. From component manufacturers to software developers, global OEMs to regional specialists, established tier-ones to emerging startups are all needed for this transformation. World-class silicon is just the beginning. The magic happens when tier-one suppliers and software partners transform our platform into production-ready systems that automakers can deploy at scale.

Tier-one suppliers bridge the gap between semiconductor innovation and production vehicles, transforming our platform technologies into complete, validated systems that meet rigorous automotive safety and performance standards. For example, our expanded collaboration with Valeo delivers a pre-integrated ADAS and automated driving platform that combines Snapdragon Ride computing power with Valeo’s sensor expertise, parking algorithms and system integration capabilities that can enable automakers to bring next-generation driving experiences to market faster and more efficiently.

Meanwhile, we’re integrating our Snapdragon Cockpit Elite platform with HARMAN’s Ready product portfolio to enable AI-powered features like the Luna AI avatar for emotionally responsive interaction, AR-rich visualization for safety-critical information and intelligent driver monitoring — transforming vehicles into connected, personalized environments.

Software partners like Google provide the engineering horsepower to deliver the operating systems, middleware, AI algorithms and applications that define user experiences and differentiate vehicles. Qualcomm Technologies’ collaboration with Google began in 2016 with the first embedded Android experience powered by Snapdragon. Today, this has evolved to integrate Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent with our Snapdragon Digital Chassis, bringing agentic AI capabilities to vehicles that enable multimodal, edge-to-cloud intelligence for more personalized and intuitive driving experiences.

Earlier this year at CES 2026, we celebrated this decade-long collaboration with Google by announcing that Qualcomm Technologies is now a lead scaling partner for Android Automotive OS. The multi-year agreement is designed to provide automakers with pre-optimized software, virtual Snapdragon SoCs on Google Cloud, and a unified reference platform that simplifies the deployment of advanced AI agents and accelerates the transition to software-defined vehicles.

Connectivity partners enable the connectivity essential for OTA updates, remote diagnostics, real-time navigation and agentic, cloud-based services that define next-generation mobility, not just for four-wheeled vehicles but for two-wheelers and micromobility solutions as well. Through collaborations with companies like HARMAN and Royal Enfield’s Flying Flea, we’re bringing purpose-built connectivity platforms designed specifically for the unique constraints of two-wheelers including limited space, harsh environmental conditions and strict power requirements.

Open architecture for automated driving

Automated driving represents one of the industry's most complex challenges. Rather than dictating a single approach, we've built an open, collaborative ecosystem supporting multiple AI strategies.

Our 20+ Snapdragon Ride Platform design wins are driven by our open, scalable AD architecture, aimed at allowing partners to integrate advanced stacks into production-ready systems. OEMs can choose the AD stack that best fits their needs — all running on the same platform. You can see this in action in the all-new BMW iX3, which debuted the AI-enabled Snapdragon Ride Pilot Automated Driving System, which is designed to support everything from entry-level safety features to Level 2+ highway and urban automated driving.

Turning ecosystem innovation into vehicles on the road

Our OEM collaborations translate ecosystem innovation into production vehicles across every segment and market:

While collaborations with global OEMs demonstrate scale, collaborations with emerging market champions, such as India and China, showcase our commitment to democratizing advanced automotive technology. These partners are moving faster and taking big bets on new technologies, helping us validate and scale innovations that will eventually reach global markets.

Enabling the next era of agentic AI

The transition to agentic AI requires even deeper ecosystem collaboration. Integrating generative AI models, advanced sensor fusion and cloud-native architecture demands collaborations that span traditional industry boundaries. With Google Cloud, for example, we brought together Google’s Gemini-powered Automotive AI Agent with Snapdragon Digital Chassis Solutions to enable multi-modal, hybrid edge-to-cloud AI that can anticipate driver needs, adapt in real-time and provide proactive assistance.

Success through collaboration

Qualcomm Technologies’ commitment to ecosystem collaboration is rooted in the belief that the greatest innovations emerge from diverse perspectives working toward shared goals. As the industry continues toward software-defined, AI-powered and connected mobility, we'll continue growing our ecosystem and deepening collaborations that drive industry-wide progress.

The future of automotive isn't just about building better technology — it's about building a better future together.

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Chemours Recognizes 2025 Responsible Supplier Awards Winners for Advancing Sustainable Procurement

Chemours — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Today, Chemours announced the recipients of its sixth annual Responsible Supplier Awards, recognizing suppliers that have delivered meaningful improvements in sustainability performance, operational excellence, and responsible business practices.

As Chemours continues to advance its vision of delivering Trusted Chemistry, suppliers who demonstrate leadership, integrity, and innovation across the value chain play a critical part. Each year, the company celebrates those partners that help fulfill that vision through the Responsible Supplier Awards, which spotlight organizations that embody Chemours’ expectations for responsible procurement and sustainability.

The 2025 award recipients were selected from a global network of suppliers and exemplify the continuous progress that Chemours looks for in advancing a more resilient and sustainable supply chain. The winners include GEA Group AG (Star Supplier Award), Freji Transportación Especializada SA de CV (Logistics Category), MPW Industrial Services Inc (Indirect Category), Rio Tinto (Direct Category), and Palmer Tool LLC (Capital Category).

“At Chemours, delivering Trusted Chemistry depends on working with those who share our commitment to continuous improvement. The Responsible Supplier Awards recognize partners who move beyond compliance—strengthening sustainability performance while helping reduce risk and build resilience across our supply chain,” emphasized Gladys Gabriel, Chemours’ Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer. “Their leadership reflects our approach to responsible procurement: collaborate to raise standards, challenge what’s possible, and deliver lasting value for customers and communities.”

This year’s honorees distinguish themselves not only through strong performance, but through their active partnership with Chemours to improve processes, elevate sustainability standards, and spark innovation across shared value chains. Their work advances Chemours’ commitment to responsible sourcing—promoting ethical conduct, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement at every stage of the supplier relationship.

All Chemours suppliers that maintain a valid sustainability scorecard are eligible for consideration. Additional details on Chemours’ responsible procurement approach and awards are available at: www.chemours.com/en/supplier-center/responsible-procurement.