Month: June 2025

Originally published by Howard University
By Caleb Robinson

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2025 /3BL/ – Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship will host the 2025 HBCU Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit from June 19 to 21, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis in Washington. Now in its third year, the national summit brings together HBCU students and alumni, business owners, investors, faculty and ecosystem builders for three days of expert-led programming, curated networkingand community-driven innovation.

“PNC applauds the work that’s been taking place at the Center over the past several years, and the national summit stands out as some of its most impactful programming,” said Richard K. Bynum, chief corporate responsibility officer for PNC. “Like all of the Center’s resources, the summit is open to everyone with an entrepreneurial mindset and an interest in seizing the opportunity to learn, grow and scale their businessventures.”

Event highlights include the Mecca Marketplace, a pop-up for local entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products, and Resource Fair, which will feature funding opportunities and business tools for attendees. The Future Innovators Brunch will offer targeted conversations on technology, AI, business development and retail solutions. Additionally, the HBCU Empower Awards will celebrate student and faculty innovators from across the country.

“This summit reflects our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs with the tools, insights and connections they need to thrive. From student innovators and faculty researchers to experienced founders and ecosystem builders, this is a space where ideas grow, networks expand and meaningful impact begins,” said Johnny Graham, Ph.D., interim national executive director of the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship and marketing professor at the Howard University School of Business.

Attendees will hear from business experts and entrepreneurs, including Howard University alumnus Nicholas M. Perkins, president and CEO of Perkins Management Services Company and Fuddruckers; Cornell McBride Jr., president of Design Essentials; Angel Gregorio, founder and CEO of The Spice Suite, Something Suite and Black and Forth; and Jabari Johnson, CEO of COLORS Worldwide Inc. and R&B ONLY. Programming tracks cover business growth strategies, access to capital and ecosystem development through education, policy and partnerships. For more information and the full conference agenda, visit HBCUEMPOWER.COM.

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About Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship
The Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship is a national consortium & hub focused on enhancing entrepreneurship education at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and empowering entrepreneurs around the country. The National Center for Entrepreneurship enhances the success and growth of businesses through providing programming, capital, curriculum, research, and other resources in collaboration with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their surrounding communities.

About Howard University

Howard University, established in 1867, is a leading private research university based in Washington, D.C. Howard’s 14 schools and colleges offer 140 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and lead the nation in awarding doctoral degrees to African American students. The top-ranked historically Black college or university according to Forbes, Howard is the only HBCU ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 National Universities and the only HBCU classified as an R1 research institution, indicating the highest level of research spending and doctoral production. Renowned for its esteemed faculty, high achieving students, and commitment to excellence, leadership, truth and service, Howard produces distinguished alumni across all sectors, including the first Black U.S. Supreme Court justice and the first woman U.S. vice president; Schwarzman, Marshall, Rhodes, and Truman Scholars; prestigious fellows; and over 165 Fulbright recipients. Learn more at www.howard.edu .

Media Contacts: 
Carol Wilkerson; (202) 288-7071; (carol.wilkerson@howard.edu and mediarelations@howard.edu
Angie Carducci; (412) 762-9186; angela.carducci@pnc.com  
Airen Washington; (202) 209-6319; founder@airenwashington.me

This past May, members of The Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) convened in Sevilla, Spain, for its Spring 2025 Roundtable Meeting, bringing together global beverage leaders for three days of strategic dialogue, technical exchange, and on-the-ground inspiration. Generously hosted by Heineken at Fundación Cruzcampo, the gathering brought BIER’s mission to life: uniting global beverage leaders to drive environmental sustainability through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technical advocacy.

This meeting marked the first Roundtable under the leadership of Erica Pann, BIER’s new Executive Director. With deep expertise in sustainability strategy and cross-sector facilitation, Erica strengthens BIER’s commitment to technical excellence and collaborative progress.

Erica is joined in leadership by Nicolas Clerget (HEINEKEN), serving as Chair of BIER’s Steering Committee, and David Grant (PepsiCo) as Co-Chair. Together, this team reflects the diversity, experience, and vision of BIER’s global membership—and they are actively shaping the organization’s next chapter of impact.

Key Themes from the Spring 2025 Agenda

The Spring Roundtable set the tone for continued progress across BIER’s 2025 priority workstreams. The agenda reflected BIER’s vision of a beverage industry that is authentically sustainable, anchored in science and data, supported by world-class practices, and trusted by consumers, customers, and stakeholders alike. Highlights included:

• Nature-Positive Strategies: Members explored how to integrate regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, and watershed health into long-term sustainability and value chain strategies.
• Water Replenishment & Impact Metrics: Sessions focused on measuring the co-benefits of water replenishment, including climate resilience, biodiversity gains, and community well-being.
• Industry Consortia as Catalysts: The group examined how industry-wide coalitions like BIER drive consistency, credibility, and collective momentum in achieving environmental goals.
• Decarbonization & Net Zero Pathways: Members engaged with early insights on the SBTi Net Zero Standard 2.0 and participated in working sessions focused on Scope 3 emissions and hard-to-abate categories.
• Thermal Energy Innovation: Real-world case studies showcased renewable thermal applications, highlighting projects from Diageo, Asahi, and others advancing low-carbon heat solutions.
• Zero-Deforestation Claims: Sessions addressed the path from high-level commitment to credible implementation, with a focus on traceability, regulatory compliance, and phased action plans.
• Just Transition & Regional Resilience: Participants explored how companies are embedding climate justice into energy transition strategies and navigating emerging geopolitical dynamics.

From Strategy to Site: A Sustainability Showcase

Members also toured HEINEKEN’s brewery and solar farm, home to Europe’s largest solar thermal plant for industrial use. The visit underscored how science-based ambition, stakeholder alignment, and infrastructure investment can work together to drive measurable environmental performance.

What Members Say They Value The Most

Members often say that one of the most valuable aspects of BIER is having access to shared benchmarking tools, trusted methodologies, and resources that help them see where they stand and where they can improve. These insights are reflected in the Member Spotlight Series and were echoed throughout the Spring 2025 Roundtable meeting. Common themes include:

• Benchmarking and Standardization: Access to trusted metrics and methodologies helps members assess performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborative Innovation: BIER fosters a culture of co-creation, where companies share best practices and develop scalable solutions together.
• Collective Action and Credibility: Participation amplifies individual efforts through collective initiatives, reinforcing member credibility with stakeholders.
• Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Members benefit from a platform that promotes open exchange and continuous learning.
• Strategic Alignment and Advocacy: BIER supports unified advocacy and strategic alignment on key sustainability issues, enabling more effective industry engagement.

A Global Membership, A Unified Purpose

BIER values a membership base that reflects the diversity and expertise of the global beverage industry, drawing insights from across the value chain. Representing many of the most recognized names in brewing, distilling, and non-alcoholic beverages, BIER members bring their knowledge, commitment, and passion to collaboratively address environmental challenges that no single company can solve alone.

Through the market leadership of its members, BIER continues to position itself as the sustainable voice of the beverage industry, driving stakeholder trust and advancing solutions that benefit both the sector and the planet.

Looking Ahead

The Spring 2025 Roundtable exemplified BIER’s mission in action. Through technical engagement, open dialogue, and shared vision, members continue to set the pace for environmental sustainability across the beverage sector. With the guidance of Executive Director Erica Pann, Chair Nicolas Clerget, and Co-Chair David Grant, BIER is well-positioned to support member-driven progress in the months and years ahead.

A heartfelt thank you to Heineken for their warm hospitality and to every member who attended, shared insights, asked questions, and contributed to the Sevilla Roundtable’s success.

Kimberly-Clark Chief Growth Officer Patricia Corsi has been recognized once again on Forbes’ prestigious World’s Most Influential CMOs list for 2025. This marks her second consecutive year earning this honor – a testament to the transformative impact she’s making not just at Kimberly-Clark, but across the global marketing industry.

The annual Forbes list celebrates marketing executives who are reshaping how major brands connect with consumers and drive business growth. It’s one of the most coveted recognitions in the marketing world, and Patricia’s inclusion speaks volumes about the innovative approach she’s brought to Kimberly-Clark since joining in July 2024.

Click here to see the complete 2025 World’s Most Influential CMOs list.

About Kimberly-Clark 
Kimberly-Clark (Nasdaq: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what’s important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. We are proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere for the seventh year in a row and one of Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies in America in 2024. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company’s more than 150-year history of innovation, visit the Kimberly-Clark website.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, June 19, 2025 /3BL/ – As rising heat levels and costs of living continue to impact Southeast Texas communities, Entergy Texas marks the 25th anniversary of its annual fan distribution program to help vulnerable customers stay safe and cool. This year, the company partnered with 38 agencies to donate 2,000 boxed fans to 11 cities across Southeast Texas, bringing the total number of fans donated to more than 31,000 since the program started in 2000. For families without access to reliable air conditioning, box fans can be a cost-effective way to reduce indoor heat stress, particularly for seniors, children and those with medical conditions.

“This program started as a simple gesture to help families during the summer, and 25 years later, it’s become a vital part of how we serve our communities,” said Stuart Barrett, vice president of customer service for Entergy Texas. “With extreme heat events becoming more common and in recognition of the economic challenges our communities are facing, our annual fan giveaway campaign helps bridge the gap between comfort, safety and affordability.”

Entergy Texas is implementing a series of additional measures to help customers and communities stay cool and pay their bills throughout the summer. In May, teams partnered with local contractors to offer A/C tune-ups and weatherization upgrades at no cost to customers during a series of community events in Cleveland and Huntsville. Additionally, Entergy’s online Bill Toolkit ensures customers have quick access to energy efficiency, bill management and financial assistance resources. 

“Whether it’s working to provide bill payment assistance, distributing fans or weatherizing homes, Entergy Texas is committed to helping our customers in need,” added Barrett. 

Learn more about how Entergy Texas is helping customers beat the heat while keeping costs down.

About Entergy Texas
Entergy Texas, Inc. provides electricity to approximately 524,000 customers in 27 counties. Entergy Texas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergytexas.com and connect with @EntergyTX on social media.

The world is changing fast. Building resilience into your overall business strategy is key for continued growth. Investing in corporate sustainability has become a reliable source of competitive differentiation—yet many companies still struggle to quantify its value. 

This post provides a starting point for businesses to learn about sustainability and why it is crucial for long-term success.

The Business Case for Sustainable Strategies

Sustainability has substantial business benefits well beyond mitigating environmental impact. A comprehensive sustainability strategy can improve profitability, strengthen supply chains, and position businesses to meet investor, customer, and regulatory expectations head-on.

Operational efficiency boosts profitability

Sustainability initiatives often start as risk mitigation efforts but quickly reveal themselves as great drivers of efficiency. Take energy efficiency: businesses investing in advanced building automation and renewable energy integration are lowering operational expenses while reducing exposure to volatile energy markets.

Investor expectations play a key role

Capital markets are no longer neutral on sustainability. Institutional investors and lenders are evaluating businesses through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance metrics, and companies with weak sustainability strategies are seeing higher borrowing costs and diminished investor confidence. For C-suite leaders, the question is no longer if sustainability matters in financial performance, but how to maximize its impact.

Risk management amidst shifting regulations

Regulatory pressure on environmental performance is intensifying across industries, from carbon pricing mechanisms to supply chain due diligence laws. But compliance isn’t the only concern—businesses that lag behind in sustainability commitments are losing ground to competitors that are proactively managing risks and adapting ahead of regulatory shifts.

Beyond compliance, companies are also contending with increasing supply chain volatility. Extreme weather events, resource scarcity, and geopolitical instability are all creating material risks that sustainability-minded organizations are better equipped to navigate.

The impact on brand reputation

Customer and workforce expectations are evolving, and companies that fail to demonstrate authentic, measurable sustainability commitments are losing credibility. In B2B and B2C markets alike, procurement teams are prioritizing suppliers with clear environmental and social responsibility commitments, while employees are choosing employers that align with their values. The companies that lead on sustainability aren’t just meeting expectations—they’re setting the standards that others will follow.

Related resource: Environmental Sustainability Meets Business Sustainability

 

Core Sustainable Business Strategies

Organizations that take a structured, data-driven approach to sustainability are better positioned to optimize operations and future-proof their business. Below are four key areas where sustainability delivers measurable impact.

Optimizing resources through waste reduction

Waste can be a serious financial liability. Companies that systematically reduce material waste, water consumption, and excess energy see the dual benefits of improving costs while mitigating supply chain risks. Circular economy principles are reshaping industries, with businesses designing waste out of their systems through closed-loop manufacturing, product take-back programs, and materials innovation.

Supply chain sustainability and responsible sourcing

A company’s sustainability impact extends far beyond its own walls. Supply chain emissions (scope 3) often dwarf direct operational emissions, making procurement strategies a critical component of any sustainability plan. Businesses that actively engage suppliers on ESG performance are not only reducing environmental impact but also improving supplier reliability, lowering risks related to resource scarcity, and ensuring compliance with new and changing regulations.

Implementing energy-efficient operations

Energy costs and carbon reduction targets are pushing businesses to rethink their approach to power consumption. Companies investing in energy-efficient infrastructure, such as smart building systems, process automation, and heat recovery technologies, are seeing immediate returns in the form of lower utility bills and improved operational stability. Many are also shifting toward renewable energy, leveraging on-site solar and wind installations, power purchase agreements, and microgrids to stabilize costs and hedge against energy market volatility.

Sustainable product design

Sustainability is being engineered into products from the ground up. Companies are responding to regulatory shifts and consumer demand by prioritizing recyclable, biodegradable, and lower-carbon materials. Modular product designs, where components can be easily repaired or replaced, are reducing waste while unlocking new revenue models, such as product-as-a-service offerings. In sectors from packaging to electronics, organizations are redesigning products to meet end-of-life recovery goals, ensuring compliance with circular economy legislation, and differentiating themselves in increasingly sustainability-conscious markets.

Related resources:

Five Ways to Optimize Sustainability Across Global Facilities

Legislation and Best Practices in Supply Chain Sustainability

 

Measuring and Reporting Sustainability Performance

Sustainability commitments are only as strong as the data behind them. Investors, regulators, and customers increasingly demand measurable, transparent reporting. Companies that integrate robust sustainability metrics into their business strategy gain a competitive edge by demonstrating that accountability.

Establishing KPIs for sustainability goals

Setting clear, quantifiable sustainability goals is essential for driving real impact. Leading organizations establish key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with business objectives and stakeholder expectations. These may include:

• Carbon footprint reduction (Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions)
• Energy efficiency improvements (kWh saved per unit of production)
• Water conservation efforts (gallons reduced per process or site)
• Waste diversion rates (percentage of waste diverted from landfills)
• Supplier sustainability compliance (percentage of suppliers meeting ESG standards)

The role of corporate sustainability reporting

Sustainability reporting has evolved a great deal. Frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) are shaping how companies disclose environmental and social impacts.

High-quality sustainability reports are:

• Data-rich and transparent, backed by verifiable metrics rather than marketing statements.
• Aligned with recognized frameworks to meet regulatory and investor expectations.
• Forward-looking, showcasing progress, challenges, and future sustainability roadmaps.

Related resource: Back to Basics: A Step-by-Step Guide for Preparing an Annual Sustainability Report

 

Understanding ESG ratings and rankers

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings influence capital investment, brand perception, and stakeholder trust. However, the ESG rating landscape is complex, with different agencies using varying methodologies to assess corporate performance.

Businesses aiming to improve their ESG scores must proactively engage with raters, ensure accurate data submission, and align their sustainability efforts with investor priorities. Understanding how these ratings impact financial performance, regulatory compliance, and competitive positioning is critical for long-term success.

Related resources:

A Guide for Preparing an Annual Sustainability Report

ESG vs. CSR: Key Differences & What Businesses Need to Know

Understanding ESG Raters, Rankers & Corporate Sustainability

 

Resources for Sustainability Leaders

Whether you’re shaping corporate sustainability strategy, navigating ESG regulations, or seeking innovative solutions, staying informed and up to date on the latest developments is key. Below is a curated selection of books, podcasts, and conferences that provide expert insights, practical guidance, and global perspectives on sustainability.

Top books on sustainability and ESG

For executives and sustainability professionals looking to refine their strategies, these books offer research-backed insights and actionable frameworks:

Leaving Planet Simple: Embracing Sustainability, ESG, and Resilience to Transform Your Business by Dr. Alex Gold

Dr. Alex Gold challenges business leaders to embrace a resilience mindset. Drawing from his expertise in resilience science and corporate strategy, he explores how businesses can thrive by recognizing their role within interconnected ecosystems rather than operating in isolation. A compelling guide for leaders looking to embed sustainability and ESG into long-term success.

Where to Find It: Bookshop.org | Amazon

Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse by Dave Goulson

Biologist Dave Goulson sounds the alarm on the devastating decline of insect populations and what it means for the planet. Through accessible storytelling and rigorous research, he connects biodiversity loss to climate change and food security, highlighting the dangers of pesticide overuse while offering solutions to restore balance. A must-read for those concerned about the future of our ecosystems.

Where to Find It: Bookshop.org | Amazon

Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard by Douglas W. Tallamy

Douglas W. Tallamy presents a powerful grassroots approach to conservation, showing how homeowners can turn their yards into vital wildlife habitats. By planting native species, individuals can play a direct role in biodiversity restoration—without waiting for government action. Practical, inspiring, and full of actionable steps, this book makes conservation feel personal and achievable.

Where to Find It: Bookshop.org | Amazon

Explore more must-read ESG and sustainability books.

 

Podcasts: Sustainability Insights from Industry Experts

Podcasts provide a convenient way to stay informed on sustainability trends, regulatory shifts, and corporate best practices. Recommended listens include:

GreenBiz 350

Sustainability news, industry insights, and expert analysis—delivered with wit and clarity by GreenBiz veterans Joel Makower and Heather Clancy. This weekly podcast unpacks the latest trends shaping the future of sustainable business.

Available On: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud

ESG in Conversation

Stay ahead of the ESG curve with expert-driven discussions on sustainability risks, investment opportunities, and corporate responsibility. Each episode breaks down the latest research and insights shaping business, finance, and global markets.

Available On: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Sustainability Defined

Sustainability can be complex—this podcast makes it clear. Hosts Jay Siegel and Scott Breen tackle key sustainability topics with expert guests, making the issues (and solutions) easy to understand for pros and newcomers alike.

Available On: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

Find more top sustainability podcasts here.

 

Conferences to consider

Attending industry conferences and following key sustainability voices helps leaders stay ahead of trends, connect with peers, and gain insights into the future of corporate sustainability.

Top Conferences:

• Reuters Responsible Business USA 2025 – Focuses on embedding sustainability into brand strategy and corporate culture.
• Sustainable Brands: SB’25 – A premier global event where business and brand leaders gather to explore the long-term impact of innovation, purpose, and sustainability.
• FORUM25: NAEM EHS & Sustainability Management Forum – The largest annual event for EHS&S professionals, offering peer insights, emerging strategies, and practical solutions for advancing corporate sustainability.

See more must-attend sustainability conferences

 

Sustainability leadership requires continuous learning. Bookmark this page to help stay ahead of industry shifts as you refine your sustainability strategies.

Discover how Antea Group’s Sustainability Consulting services can empower your business.