Month: April 2025

PITTSBURGH, April 7, 2025 /3BL/ – The latest edition of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies once again includes Wesco International.

Wesco has been named to this prestigious list of international companies since 2022 and was ranked #3 in its industry category of “Wholesalers: Diversified” this year.

“Wesco’s continued inclusion in Fortune’s prestigious World’s Most Admired Companies list reaffirms the dedication and hard work of our team,” says Wesco Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer John Engel. “It is an honor to be recognized among such esteemed global companies, and this achievement drives us to further our commitment to excellence and innovation.”

In 2025, Korn Ferry, in collaboration with Fortune, analyzed more than 500 firms globally and spoke with thousands of senior executives and directors to compile the World’s Most Admired list. Only the most highly regarded and successful firms made the final cut. Representing over 50 industries spanning the world, the 2025 list includes 229 U.S.-based companies, 59 in Europe, and 26 in the Asia/Pacific region.

Some of the criteria for the ranking include the company’s effectiveness in conducting business globally; its ability to attract, develop, and retain talent; its financial results; and its community involvement.

Wesco is committed to being a socially responsible company, particularly as it allows them to attract and retain world-class talent and expertise. More information about Wesco’s approach to Environmental, Social and Governance can be found on Wesco’s website.

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About Wesco 
Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with approximately $22 billion in annual sales in 2024 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, educational institutions, government agencies, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

For more information, please contact:

Corporate Communications 
Jennifer Sniderman 
Vice President, Corporate Communications 
717-579-6603

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 7, 2025 /3BL/ – Truist Foundation today announced the six finalists for its third Inspire Awards, a grant program supporting nonprofit organizations that are pioneering workforce development solutions for adults in the middle or later stages of their careers. These organizations have been selected for their innovative approaches to reskilling, upskilling and career navigation, all aimed at fostering long-term economic mobility and financial stability. At a time when less than half (47%) of U.S. employees are confident in the skills they need to be exceptional in their current roles, this initiative is crucial for boosting workforce readiness and driving economic resilience nationwide.

In collaboration with MIT Solve, an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Inspire Awards finalists will begin a six-month development program designed to help enhance and scale their solutions. The program includes in-person training at the Truist Leadership Institute, one-on-one coaching and skill-building workshops to strengthen their impact.

“At Truist Foundation, we are committed to supporting nonprofits that are driving meaningful career opportunities for mid- and late-career adults,” said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. “The Inspire Awards finalists exemplify the kind of forward-thinking solutions that help individuals navigate career transitions, gain new skills and achieve long-term financial security. We are proud to work with MIT Solve to support these organizations and bring Truist’s purpose to life through their groundbreaking ideas.”

Meet the 2025 Inspire Awards finalists 

The following organizations have been selected as finalists for their innovative career development solutions:

• Breaking Barriers Through Deconstruction by Lifecycle Building Center – A training program that equips adults in low-income communities with skills in building material recovery (deconstruction) and the reuse of these materials via home repairs and energy efficient improvements.
• FreeWorld by FreeWorld – A tech-enabled solution that reskills and places formerly incarcerated citizens into the trucking industry.
• ReCastED by the Masonry Foundation – A mentorship-driven model that offers tradespeople a flexible pathway to Career and Technical Education (CTE) teaching positions to bridge industry gaps.
• Safety Net Tool for Economic Mobility by Integrity Transformations Community Development Corporation – A digital platform, BestFit, that serves as a one-stop-shop for organizations looking to assist adult learners with managing basic needs insecurity and nonacademic barriers.
• Seniors R The Answer by Encore Employment Enterprise Inc. – A call-center training program, tailored for older adults seeking employment and supported by wraparound services.
• Veterans Electrical Entry Program (VEEP) by electrical training ALLIANCE – A pre-apprenticeship program for military personnel who want to reenter the civilian workforce in the rewarding, high-demand electrical trade.

“This is our third year working with Truist Foundation to catalyze their mission of supporting nonprofits making an impact in the U.S.,” said Hala Hanna, executive director of MIT Solve. “Truist Foundation’s commitment to this work is reflected in the finalists selected, all making tireless contributions to their communities in an effort to expand opportunity and economic stability. This progress is fundamental for a thriving society.”

Looking Ahead: Inspire Awards ceremony and funding

The Inspire Awards will culminate in an exciting event on Nov. 12, 2025, where the finalists will showcase their solutions to a live and virtual audience. At the conclusion of the event, Truist Foundation will announce the first-place grant recipient, second place, and audience favorite solutions, with total grant funding distributed as follows:

• First Place Grant Award: $250,000
• Second Place Grant Award: $150,000
• Runners-up Grant Awards: $25,000 each
• Audience Favorite Grant Award: Additional $75,000

Registration to watch the event live is anticipated to open in late summer. Virtual attendees will have the opportunity to vote for the audience favorite during the show. For additional details and updates, visit Truist.com/InspireAwards.

About Truist Foundation
Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

Media Contact: Kristen Fraser, media@truist.com

SOURCE: Truist Foundation

CLEVELAND, April 7, 2025 – In celebration of KeyBank’s Bicentennial, the KeyBank Foundation is proud to announce a special grant program designed to strengthen Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that play a critical role in advancing affordable housing and small business development. This milestone initiative reflects KeyBank’s enduring legacy of service, resilience, and commitment to fostering economic opportunity and strengthening communities.

Through this program, the KeyBank Foundation intends to award one $200,000 grant to an exemplary CDFI in each of KeyBank’s 27 markets. These grants will provide flexible funding to help CDFIs in achieving their broader mission – whether through expanding services, enhancing infrastructure, or deepening their community impact—ensuring long-term sustainability and continued support for underserved populations.

“CDFIs are at the heart of economic empowerment, creating pathways to homeownership, business growth, and financial stability in the communities that need it most,” said Eric Fiala, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at KeyBank and CEO of KeyBank Foundation. “As we celebrate two centuries of service, we are proud to support investing in organizations that share our mission of creating lasting, positive change in the communities we serve.”

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a certified CDFI in good standing.
• Operate as a nonprofit or for-profit CDFI headquartered in a KeyBank primary market.
• Have a strong track record of advancing affordable housing and/or small business development.
• Demonstrate the capacity to effectively manage and deploy grant funds in alignment with the Foundation’s goals.

For-profit CDFIs applicants should note that additional reporting requirements related to expenditure responsibility will be required if selected. 

Operating grants will provide flexible and unrestricted funding to support the broader purposes of:

• Affordable housing: Expanding access to safe, affordable housing for underserved populations.
• Small business development: Supporting the growth and sustainability of small businesses, particularly those owned by low-income entrepreneurs.

By offering flexible operating support, this grant is intended to enable CDFIs to apply funds strategically where they are needed most, fostering long-term growth, resilience, and impact.

CDFIs interested in applying must submit applications by May 16. More details, including how to apply and submission requirements can be found here.

ABOUT KEYBANK FOUNDATION 

KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation that supports organizations and initiatives aimed at improving financial wellness, education, and community development. Through strategic philanthropy, KeyBank Foundation works to create thriving communities and drive meaningful, lasting change.

ABOUT KEYCORP

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at December 31, 2024.

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 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 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.

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Las Vegas Sands

As part of Women’s History Month 2025, Sands is showcasing the insights of successful women throughout the company. Luísa de Bragança joined Sands China in 2017 as assistant general counsel and now serves as senior assistant general counsel.

De Bragança began her career at a law firm in Portugal and today oversees Sands China’s legal matters in several areas of Macao law, including gaming, banking and finance, company, real estate, intellectual property, tax, labor, tourism and licensing. She is an environmental and sustainability enthusiast and a member of the Sands ECO360 and ESG steering committees. Last year, she became chair of the ESG steering committee and a steering committee member for the EmpowHER Team Member resource group, which kicked off at Sands China in 2024.

What early experiences helped you build a successful career?

“I started my career in Portugal as a trainee in a major law firm and had the opportunity to work in all of the firm’s departments where I gained experience in most areas of law. As a trainee, I began with the basics and was tasked with preparing deeds and registrations and checking case files in court. I believe this is the best recipe for success in the legal field – starting with your sleeves rolled up, engaging in hands-on, foundational tasks and slowly progressing to roles that require more responsibility. It is essential to learn the basics at the beginning of your career, as this will help you better understand the bigger picture later on.

“After completing a master’s degree in commercial law with a focus on banking and finance, which became my main area of expertise, I joined a Macao law firm in 2001 and was tasked with a project that led me to where I am today – the first Macao gaming tender. I had the opportunity to represent one of the bidders. At this firm, I also had my first big victory in court. I was tasked to file an injunction and have it decided in just three days. When most said it would be impossible, I succeeded. This taught me a valuable lesson that I apply whenever needed, ‘The no is always guaranteed, but we can only get a yes if we try!’

“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to be mentored by great lawyers, the first of which had a motto: ‘never complain, never explain.’ He never explained what he meant and said I would one day understand. As a young lawyer, this sounded nonsensical and even counterintuitive, but as the years went by, it began to make sense. If you feel the need to complain, you should have acted earlier; and if you feel the need to explain, it is because you failed to act in a timely manner. A good lawyer who anticipates needs and does the job will not have to complain or explain.”

What has been your journey at Sands China and helped you progress in your tenure?

“In 2003, I joined another Macao law firm as a junior partner and later became a senior partner specializing in financing transactions for the gaming sector. I acted as lead external counsel for gaming operators, including Sands China, in numerous financing deals.

“Becoming in-house counsel at Sands China was a smooth transition because I had worked with many of the teams as external counsel and had visited the offices frequently to attend meetings, perform due diligences and close transactions. At times, Sands China’s legal department was like my second office. Since joining the company, I have assisted in many key projects, including several financings and the 2022 gaming tender.

“In recent years, my mentor has been our general counsel, Dylan Williams, whose knowledge, legal instinct, and patience teach and inspire me every day – not just to be a better lawyer, but also to be a better person.

“What drives me to remain at Sands China are two primary factors: the people and the motivation. We are surrounded by amazing professionals who are all motivated to make this company the best in class across all aspects of our business.

“Our late chairman, Mr. Adelson, was a visionary. He saw the potential in Macao and turned a dream into reality – to bring Venice to Cotai. His vision led Sands China to become the largest integrated resort operator in Macao, and his motivation continues to inspire us today.”

What are your ideas for empowering women in their careers?

“I believe that for a woman to succeed, above all, she should maintain a healthy work-life balance. This principle applies to men as well, but for working mothers like me, it is particularly crucial. Especially when children are young, pursuing a career and maintaining a good work-life balance can be very challenging.

“To achieve a healthy work-life balance, wellness is key. Following a healthy diet, working out regularly, and making time for yourself will help you feel energized and motivated at work while allowing you to be present and content in your personal life. There will be times when you struggle, and you may occasionally lag in one of these areas, but strive to regain this balance as soon as possible, and it will pay off.”

“Another main recommendation is to never stop learning. As the saying goes, knowledge doesn’t take up space in the mind. Do not limit your learning to your field of expertise; step out of your comfort zone and try to learn something new every year.

“I have ventured into learning various things out of the legal field, from meditation to ESG and artificial intelligence, and I have gained invaluable insights, both personally and professionally. So, my advice is to challenge yourself regularly, try to learn something different, and think outside the box. The gratification is even more rewarding!

“Finally, in our journey toward excellence at Sands China, it is imperative that we embrace and celebrate diversity in our workplace. Diverse teams are proven to make better decisions, as they bring a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives. When we include voices from various backgrounds, whether it’s gender, race, education or experiences, we open the door to innovative ideas and solutions that can better target the main markets we have been serving and also increase visitation from the foreign markets we are investing in.

“In EmpowHER, we are committed to empowering women in our company and promoting an environment in which everyone feels empowered to share their unique insights, resulting in a more dynamic and successful workplace. We will be launching initiatives and holding events from mentoring and training and development to wellness and work-life balance, so I invite all women at Sands China to join EmpowHER.”

At the recent Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) annual conference in Brussels, Cascale CEO Colin Browne gave a keynote speech on the state of the sports and outdoor goods industry and the importance of prioritizing sustainability to combat the climate crisis. With the theme of “Clarifying and simplifying sustainability rules: building effective policies for the European sporting goods industry,” the event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss and address key issues related to the sustainability and policy landscape within the European sporting goods industry.

Following an overview of Cascale’s origins and its vision to convene stakeholders across the industry on a pre-competitive basis to develop a common approach to measuring sustainability, Browne highlighted that while 52 percent of companies in the sports and outdoor industry have set carbon reduction targets, only 22 percent have committed to science-based targets. He noted inconsistent progress on sustainability across the industry, with some companies stagnating while others lead on adaptation and innovation. Browne shared statistics on the industry’s decarbonization progress and urged companies to act on their sustainability commitments to maintain their competitive edge.

Reaffirming Cascale’s commitment to driving industry-wide decarbonization through the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR), Browne emphasized that by engaging the right players, the industry could cut emissions fast and at scale. Browne shared how IDR focuses on high-impact suppliers, ensuring resources go where they matter most.

Browne acknowledged the lack of harmonized legislation to drive industry-wide progress but urged companies to set their own sustainability strategies, leading by example and ensuring optimal future positioning. He emphasized the importance of leadership in business to achieve real impactful change.

Closing with a call to action, Browne encouraged attendees to register for the Cascale Forum, which will take place May 14-15 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The two-day event will bring manufacturers, suppliers, brands, retailers, and key industry stakeholders together to drive actionable solutions on decarbonization, foundational environmental performance, responsible purchasing practices, and audit fatigue.

LINCOLN, Neb., April 7, 2025 /3BL/ – Assurant (NYSE: AIZ), a premier global protection company that safeguards and services connected devices, homes and automobiles, is collaborating with AT&T (NYSE: T) in a “Tree for Trade-In” initiative to support the Arbor Day Foundation’s reforestation efforts in a wildfire-impacted area of California.

As part of the initiative, every phone, tablet or device traded-in to AT&T online or -in-store during the month of April will support the planting of a tree in the Placerville Nursery for California Wildfire Reforestation, the only forest service nursery in the state. The campaign will result in the planting of 75,000 new trees at the Placerville Nursery that will later be transplanted into the forests and communities devastated by the most recent Los Angeles wildfires. The effort will support the restoration of these critical ecosystems and preserve California’s natural landscapes for future generations.

Assurant supports this initiative by helping ensure that traded-in devices returned by AT&T consumers are securely processed. The trade-in initiative supports circularity with repurposing devices to extend their useful life and responsibly recycling those that are end of life.

“Trees and forests are the backbone of our ecosystems. As we grapple with a changing climate and the challenges it brings to people and the planet, restoring forests can make a significant difference in our future,” said Dan Morrow, Vice President of Partnerships, at the Arbor Day Foundation. “This project will bring tangible benefits to a region that has seen first-hand the impact of changing weather patterns and extreme weather events. We are grateful to Assurant and AT&T for their commitment and understanding that a better world is possible through trees.”

“We’re proud to join with AT&T for nearly 15 years to help realize their sustainability objectives through circularity. It’s a collaboration that has created a measurable impact in reducing carbon emissions and electronic waste,” said Biju Nair, EVP & president of Assurant Global Connected Living. “The opportunity to support the Arbor Day Foundation, particularly following the widespread devastation in California, is a powerful way to extend our mission to preserve and restore the environment for years to come.”

“Since 2009, AT&T customers have traded in over 55 million devices, relying on our secure disposal and recycling processes and reducing landfill waste in our communities,” reflects Charlene Lake, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at AT&T. “This Earth Month, our Tree for Trade-In initiative with the Arbor Day Foundation and Assurant symbolizes the power of collective action, as each returned device helps plant a tree, fostering renewal for communities affected by the California wildfires.”

About Assurant

Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ) is a premier global protection company that partners with the world’s leading brands to safeguard and service connected devices, homes, and automobiles. As a Fortune 500 company operating in 21 countries, Assurant leverages data-driven technology solutions to provide exceptional customer experiences.

Learn more about how Assurant is integrating sustainability into its business at https://www.assurant.com/about-us/sustainability.

About AT&T

We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.

About the Arbor Day Foundation 

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

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