Month: August 2025

In this issue’s Top Story, the widely-read Economist magazine revealed the latest thinking of leading corporate sustainability officers (CSOs) across the U.S, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

The Economist surveyed the CSOs of multinational corporations at a set of three events between March and June 2025. As the CSOs offered clues about emerging trends at large global companies, the Economist‘s summary of results painted a picture of an informed and aware business community.

First, for better or worse, survey findings indicated that corporate sustainability behavior may be influenced less by the new U.S. political landscape than by urgent issues affecting companies – namely climate change. The Economist reported that across all three regions surveyed, “the majority of CSOs … expect that sustainability will become a higher priority over the next five years as climate impacts set in.”

In other words, businesses will likely take action to protect themselves against risks, including those increasingly posed by climate change. In the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, such action in the near term could mean spending to increase renewable sources as a share of their energy procurement. In Europe and the Middle East (EMEA), CSO budgets are expected to prioritize software for ESG data and reporting – which could signal both that tracking emissions is a prudent business practice, and that reliable emissions data is an anticipated requirement for regulatory compliance.

Across the surveyed group, budgeting for consulting and advisory services remained a top priority, which could signal recognition of the need for robust measurement and reporting, as well as for communicating to stakeholders about sustainability efforts.

Second, in the U.S., EMEA, and APAC, at least half of the CSOs surveyed expected their companies’ emphasis on sustainability to grow in the next five years. The Economist suggested that when it comes to spending, prioritizing ESG could mean a need for more “climate-smart employees,” greater investment in employee training on sustainability, and taking on climate adaptation measures.

Lastly, but of utmost importance, a top priority for multinationals in all regions surveyed was to increase sustainability in the supply chain. This priority may be prompted by anticipated requirements to increase disclosure of Scope 3 emissions in various jurisdictions. Supply chain ambitions could also reflect wider awareness that suppliers pose less risk when they have credible emissions reduction programs and social responsibility credentials.

Trends in ESG/sustainability reporting and disclosure are the subject of G&A’s yearly flagship report on reporting among the Russell 1000Ⓡ universe of large- and mid-cap US corporations. This is a year-long research and analysis effort by the G&A Institute team. Look for our 2025 edition coming in September.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

Published by Las Vegas Sands on May 15, 2025

LAS VEGAS, August 21, 2025 /3BL/ – Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) announced 15 students representing 13 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been selected to participate in the third Sands Hospitality Immersion Program June 2-6 in Las Vegas.

Sands and TMCF, the only national organization exclusively representing the Black college community, host the Sands Hospitality Immersion Program to encourage interest in travel, tourism and leisure careers by exposing students to the inner workings of the Las Vegas hospitality industry.

The 15 rising junior and senior students selected for the exclusive summer program include Jason Adams, Dillard University; Boluwatife Adewusi, Alabama State University; Naadiya Al-Salam, Virginia State University; Manish Bhusal, Fisk University; Cassandre Bossicot, Bethune-Cookman University; Briana Brewer, Chicago State University; Dhindsa Davis, Morris Brown College; NyJaiha DeBourg, Morgan State University; Karl Lerma, Virginia State University; Zion Simmons, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania; Kenneth Stevenson, Morehouse College; Celine Trombi, Delaware State University; Amiya Tucker, Tennessee State University; Rae’Sheeda White, University of the Virgin Islands; and Jazmen Wilkerson, Morgan State University.

Students are studying a range of majors including accounting, business administration, chemistry, computer information systems, computer science, hospitality and tourism management, and supply chain management. They will receive a deep introduction to hospitality industry and its wide range of professional careers as inspiration to consider one of the world’s fastest-growing and largest employment fields.

“I am excited to collaborate with my fellow HBCU students and service professionals at the 2025 Las Vegas Sands Hospitality Immersion Program,” Rae’Sheeda White, a University of the Virgin Islands student, said. “This opportunity will deepen my understanding of luxury hospitality and its many other key aspects. As an HBCU student from the Virgin Islands, I look forward to experiencing a hands-on environment that showcases hospitality at a global standard outside the Caribbean.”

The multi-day experience is being curated by the Harrah College of Hospitality’s Sands Center for Professional Development at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Program elements include on-campus learning sessions with college faculty, industry speakers and interactive activities such as a cooking competition led by the college’s executive chefs. Over the course of the program, student participants will receive special insider tours of integrated resorts, convention spaces and sports venues.

In addition, students will visit Sands’ corporate headquarters to hear from professionals who will outline their experience in a wide range of disciplines and provide insights into the realm of professional services within the hospitality industry.

“We’re fortunate to partner with Las Vegas Sands on this hospitality immersion. It’s an exceptional opportunity for our students to build skills, confidence, expand their networks and create pathways to leadership in the industry,” Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of TMCF, said. “We look forward to continued partnership with Sands to provide this awesome experience.”

Sands established the Sands Hospitality Immersion Program as one of the company’s many industry education and workforce development initiatives, which include contributions to and partnerships with higher education institutions, funding for scholarship programs, on-property and industry-supported training opportunities for students and hospitality professionals, and mentorship and instruction from company leaders and experts.

“This program provides students with a truly unique experience as they dive into the inner workings of one of the world’s leading hospitality centers and the variety of career paths and work experiences Las Vegas has to offer,” Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs, said. “Our industry continues to experience tremendous job growth, providing opportunities from hospitality operations and event management to professional service positions. Our aim is to interest bright students in considering this dynamic field and continuing to attract diverse candidates to the industry.”

To learn more about Sands’ commitment to workforce development and supporting the hospitality industry’s workforce of the future, read the company’s latest ESG report: https://www.sands.com/content/uploads/2025/04/2024-SANDS-ESG-Report.pdf.

To learn more about Thurgood Marshall College Fund, visit https://www.tmcf.org/.

# # #

About Sands (NYSE: LVS)

Sands is the leading global developer and operator of integrated resorts. The company’s iconic properties drive valuable leisure and business tourism and deliver significant economic benefits, sustained job creation, financial opportunities for local businesses and community investment to help make its host regions ideal places to live, work and visit.

Sands’ portfolio of properties includes Marina Bay Sands^® in Singapore and The Venetian^® Macao, The Londoner Macao^®, The Parisian Macao^®, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, and Sands^® Macao in Macao SAR, China, through majority ownership in Sands China Ltd.

Dedicated to being a leader in corporate responsibility, Sands is anchored by the core tenets of serving people, communities and the planet. The company’s ESG leadership has led to inclusion on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for World and North America. To learn more, visit www.sands.com.

About Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Established in 1987, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black college community. TMCF member schools include the publicly supported historically Black colleges and universities, predominantly Black institutions and historically Black community colleges, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending Black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit www.tmcf.org.

Contacts:

Kristin Koca
Sands 
702.923.9142
Kristin.Koca@sands.com 

Dr. Clara Ross Stamps
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
702.923.9142 240-931-0696
clara.stamps@tmcf.org

• Duke Energy Florida, Ocala Electric, SECO Energy, Orlando Utilities Commission, Siemens Energy, Gainesville Regional Utilities and the Florida Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) together hosted Youth Energy Academy summer events throughout Florida
• Youth Energy Academy empowers energy careers for minority and underserved students through two days of immersive programming

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., August 21, 2025 /3BL/ – This summer, the Youth Energy Academy (YEA) hosted a series of career exploration events throughout Florida, designed to expose youth to careers in electric utility industries and related STEM fields.

Duke Energy Florida, Ocala Electric, SECO Energy, Orlando Utilities Commission, Siemens Energy, Gainesville Regional Utilities and the Florida Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) worked together to host interactive activities and engaging discussions for underprivileged and disadvantaged youth. Students also had an opportunity to tour utility facilities to gain first-hand exposure to the energy sector.

“The energy industry is full of diverse and engaging career paths, ones that provide growth opportunities, an essential skillset and strong earning potential,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “The Youth Energy Academy is the best place for students to explore these rewarding options and discover how they can make a real impact in their community and beyond.”

YEA summer events included locations in St Petersburg at the Duke Energy Bartow Power Plant; Ocala at the Lillian Bryant Community Center, in partnership with SECO, Ocala Electric Utilities and Duke Energy Florida; Orlando and Winter Garden, in partnership with Orlando Utilities Commission, Siemens Energy and Duke Energy Florida; and Gainesville at Gainesville Regional Utilities Complex in partnership with Gainesville Regional Utilities and Duke Energy Florida.

At each of the YEA events, students participated in career workshops, virtual reality experiences, panel discussions, interactive games, and more. Some events also included specialized immersions, including live line demonstrations and generation site tours.

Students were issued a survey following each event and the majority of participants reported they were more likely to pursue a career in the energy industry following their immersion through the YEA event.

Photos from the events are available for download here.

For more information about the Youth Energy Academy program, please visit aabefl.org/youth-energy-academy.

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Laitin Sterling
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

View original content here.

Saint-Gobain, through its subsidiary Norton Abrasives, has partnered with Good360, a leading nonprofit dedicated to closing the need gaps, and the City of Travelers Rest, South Carolina to build “welcome home” kits filled with essential home items for 500 families in South Carolina. These kits will be provided by Good360 to two local non-profits. The first, Darlington County Long Term Recovery in Society Hill, South Carolina, will distribute kits to families re-entering new or repaired homes after displacement from Hurricane Helene. The second, Homes of Hope in Greenville, South Carolina, will support local families in need.

As part of its purpose, Making the World a Better Home, the company works through its Saint-Gobain North America Foundation to give back to the communities where it operates and its employees live. As national partners, Saint-Gobain North America and Good360 have teamed up throughout the United States and Canada to provide essentials kits to individuals and families in need.

A member of the Travelers Rest community since 1982, the Norton team in Travelers Rest felt strongly that these kits could make a difference for hurricane relief. With the generous support of the City of Travelers Rest, including space to assemble the kits at Trailblazer Park, nearly 30 Saint-Gobain employees and 10 city hall employees worked over 3 hours to assemble 500 kits with essential items including dish soap, laundry detergent, kitchen towels and more.

“Hurricane Helene was a devastating storm that is still having immense impact on our communities nearly a year after landfall. As a member of the Travelers Rest and greater northwest South Carolina community for over forty years, it is imperative for Saint-Gobain and Norton to give back to our neighbors who have always supported us,” said Russell Hunter, Plant Manager at Saint-Gobain’s Norton Abrasives Plant in Travelers Rest. “I’d like to thank Good360 for their partnership and vision to fill the need gap for all, the City of Travelers Rest for their support of this important initiative, and Darlington County Long Term Recovery and Homes of Hope for their work to distribute these much-needed home essentials kits.”

“We are grateful to Saint-Gobain for including us in this meaningful effort and to be a part of their company’s mission of Making the World a Better Home,” said Brandy Amidon, Mayor of the City of Travelers Rest. “As a long-time employer in Travelers Rest, they have been great community partners, and we love seeing that vision play out with residents with this initiative.”

“Hurricane Helene continues to leave a lasting impact on communities across South Carolina, and Good360 is committed to supporting long-term recovery efforts. Our partnership with Saint-Gobain and the City of Travelers Rest is a powerful example of how we can come together to restore hope and stability for families rebuilding their lives. These ‘welcome home’ kits are more than just household items—they’re a symbol of compassion and resilience. We’re proud to work alongside dedicated partners to ensure that no one is left behind in the recovery process,” said Cinira Baldi, CEO of Good360.

In addition to today’s event, Saint-Gobain has been committed to providing support to those in need after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene and Milton in 2024. This includes an employee donation match campaign, which raised over $30,000 to support Good360’s aid efforts. National partners since 2023, Saint-Gobain North America and Good360 have worked to provide essentials kits to many communities, including non-profits serving Little Rock, Arkansas, New Orleans, Louisiana, Akron, Ohio, Mississauga, Ontario and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

To learn more about Good360 and how you could help, please visit www.good360.org. To learn more about Saint-Gobain and the Saint-Gobain North America Foundation, please visit https://www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com/community/foundation.

About Saint-Gobain Abrasives
Saint-Gobain Abrasives offers powerful, precise, user-friendly solutions, which enable customers to cut, shape and finish all materials in the most complex and challenging applications. By working closely with end-users and grinding expert partners, Saint-Gobain Abrasives designs and provides customized solutions to secure the best option for performance, cost and safety. Leveraging its global manufacturing presence, Saint-Gobain Abrasives serves its customers locally through its structured sales operations in over 27 countries, employing over 10,000 people.

About Saint-Gobain
Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050

For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit www.saint-gobain.com and follow us on Twitter @saintgobain
 

MEDIA CONTACTS
Peter Clark (+1) 603 513 8513

By Nestor Mato

New career. New income. New confidence to manage it all.

“Career readiness gets you in the door, financial wellness helps you stay successful. That is why we believe financial education is a key for building better futures,” said Mike Scott, Senior Community Development Manager for Regions Bank. “When people understand how to manage their money, especially as they get used to new income, they gain confidence to set goals and achieve them.”

STRIVE New Orleans is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people overcome obstacles by working with employers to identify life-changing careers while helping companies close critical gaps in their labor force. Together, Regions and STRIVE are making financial education an essential part of workforce training, helping participants prepare not just for a job—but for a secure financial journey.

Career readiness gets you in the door, financial wellness helps you stay successful. That is why we believe financial education is a key for building better futures.

Mike Scott, Senior Community Development Manager for Regions Bank

“Through Regions Next Step, the bank’s no-cost financial education program, we highlight the importance of budgeting and saving to help people focus on key parts of money management,” said Graham Ralston, New Orleans Market Executive for Regions Bank. “Every Next Step session is a chance to give someone tools, confidence, and hope as they look forward to tomorrow.”

Recent cohorts helped a group of 20 women all facing unique challenges on their path to self-sufficiency. Topics included building savings habits with the “52-Week Challenge,” understanding and repairing credit, and creating a personalized spending plan. Associates made the sessions relatable by sharing real-world scenarios that anyone may encounter on their financial journeys.

“The cohort felt engaged and informed. With the knowledge, they felt better equipped to navigate the services the bank has to offer,” said Angela Shiloh Cryer, Executive Director of STRIVE New Orleans. “Regions Bank met our participants with compassion and empathy. The group couldn’t stop talking about what they learned.”

The collaboration also included a “STRIVE Day at Regions Bank” set up by branch managers Laura Waguespack and Rosalyn Phoenix. It allowed some members to meet privately with branch associates, address questions and concerns about banking, and even open personal and business accounts to take the next step toward their goals.

Every Next Step session is a chance to give someone tools, confidence, and hope as they look forward to tomorrow.

Graham Ralston, New Orleans Market Executive for Regions Bank

Client background

This company is a mutual property and casualty (P&C) insurance group with over $2 billion in written premiums, spanning both personal and commercial lines as well as serving a wide range of industries.

The business challenge

Following the release of the NAIC’s Model AI Bulletin, which outlines expectations around governance, risk management, internal controls and third-party oversight, this insurance organization had proactively taken steps to align with the guidance. With much of the foundational work already completed, they sought an external, third-party validation to assess whether their approach sufficiently met regulatory expectations.

In addition to validating compliance with the bulletin, the organization engaged Baker Tilly to conduct a broader artificial intelligence (AI) maturity assessment and benchmarking exercise to understand how their capabilities compared to peers and identify opportunities to further strengthen their AI governance program and AI practices.

Strategy and solution

Baker Tilly partnered with the insurer to conduct a comprehensive AI governance and maturity assessment aligned with the NAIC bulletin and industry best practices. Key elements of the engagement included:

Regulatory alignment validation: Using the NAIC AI Model Bulletin as the foundation, Baker Tilly performed a structured assessment of the organization’s governance model, risk controls, policies and oversight mechanisms to validate that existing practices sufficiently met regulatory expectations. This included documentation review, stakeholder interviews and alignment mapping across the bulletin’s four core areas. 

AI maturity benchmarking: Leveraging Baker Tilly’s proprietary AI Maturity Model, the team evaluated the organization’s capabilities across strategic, operational and technical domains. The assessment included a benchmarking analysis comparing the insurer’s performance against industry peers, highlighting both strengths and targeted opportunities for advancement.

Actionable roadmap and recommendations: Baker Tilly delivered a detailed findings report and executive-level presentation outlining key insights, maturity ratings and prioritized recommendations. This included a strategic road map for evolving AI governance structures and scaling responsible AI practices enterprise-wide.

By combining regulatory expertise with industry benchmarking and maturity diagnostics, Baker Tilly provided the insurer with confidence that its AI governance aligned with regulatory expectations — while also equipping the organization with a strategic road map and targeted recommendations to accelerate AI adoption and stay ahead of peers as AI continues to drive innovation across the insurance industry.

Connect with a Baker Tilly specialist to learn more

Running Toward Personal and Professional Goals

For Débora, running is more than just exercise, it symbolizes overcoming challenges and pushing beyond personal limits. This same dedication defines her eight-year journey with DP World in São Paulo, Brazil, where she works in the Contract Logistics division, crafting tailored solutions for major brands.

From Operator to Operational Assistant

After initially joining DP World as an operator in 2017, Débora quickly embraced opportunities for advancement, driven by an inspiring family legacy. Her father, who also worked at DP World, instilled in her and her sisters the importance of persistence. “My father always encouraged me and my sisters to pursue what we want through work, to achieve our personal goals,” Débora shares. Today, she thrives as an operational assistant and aspires to be a supervisor in the next step of her professional growth.

A Drive for Continuous Improvement 

“At work, I can’t stay stuck in the same routine, I can’t settle. I always need to keep improving myself and pursuing my goals,” Débora explains. This ambition spans her professional life and her passion for running. “Just like I want to run more kilometers, I also want to grow in my career. I want to keep learning more. I want to study logistics more deeply.”

Empowering Women in Logistics

Débora’s story highlights not only her ambition but also DP World’s commitment to fostering inclusive career paths. In Brazil, DP World actively champions gender equity, empowering women like Débora to continually advance, learn, and lead.

Whether it’s logging kilometers in her runs or charting her next career milestone, Débora embodies DP World’s spirit of continuous growth, connecting communities and transforming possibilities along the way. 

Building Careers with Purpose at DP World

At DP World, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating a workplace where employees can grow, innovate, and make a real impact – whether in logistics, technology, or community development. With opportunities across more than 70 countries, the company is committed to fostering a diverse and supportive environment where individuals can thrive and shape the future of global trade. Discover how you can be part of our journey at careers.dpworld.com.

 

PITTSBURGH, August 21, 2025 /3BL/ – Today KeyBank announced it has awarded six Pittsburgh-area organizations with funding through Pennsylvania’s Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program (OSTC) totaling more than $400,000.

Under the program, tax credits are provided to eligible businesses contributing to an Opportunity Scholarship Organization. Business contributions are then used by the qualified organizations to provide tuition assistance in the form of scholarships to eligible students.

“KeyBank is proud to continue our support of Pennsylvania’s Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program, which plays a vital role in expanding educational access for students in underserved communities,” said Vic Laurenza, KeyBank Western Pennsylvania Market President. “By partnering with these outstanding organizations, we’re helping ensure that more students have the opportunity to thrive in learning environments that best meet their needs and aspirations.”

The funding from Key ranges from $50,000 to $116,000 and have been made to the following community organizations:

• Advancing Youth Initiative
• Fund for Advancement of Minorities Through Education (FAME)
• Blessed Trinity Academy Glenshaw
• Nazareth Prep
• Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania
• North Catholic High School

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 $185 billion at June 30, 2025.

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.

At Chemours’ New Johnsonville manufacturing site in Tennessee, the 2025 Bring Your Child to Work Day offered a unique opportunity for young learners to explore the world of science and innovation. The event welcomed approximately 20 children and grandchildren of employees, ages 12 to 16, for a hands-on experience that showcased how titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is made and why it matters. Through interactive STEM activities, guided plant tours, and conversations with engineers and operators, students gained a deeper understanding of the essential role TiO₂ plays in everyday products like paints and plastics.

Participants engaged in interactive STEM activities, toured the plant with safety demonstrations, and joined Q&A sessions with engineers and operators — gaining insight into how Chemours transforms raw materials into essential ingredients found in everyday products.

“As a team, we wanted to ignite a passion for science and innovation while helping students connect with the important work their family members do every day,” said Rebekah Arnold, Senior Administrative Assistant at New Johnsonville. “It was a meaningful way to invest in the next generation and strengthen our ties to the community.”

The event reflects Chemours’ broader commitment to education, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. By opening its doors to young learners, the New Johnsonville site continues to foster a culture of pride, connection, and innovation — while showcasing the vital role of Ti-Pure™ TiO₂ in creating brighter, more durable materials for the world.

With a legacy of nearly 100 years of innovation, Chemours Ti-Pure™ TiO₂ remains a trusted partner to customers around the globe. Through quality products, reliable supply, and expert service, the team helps meet evolving market needs while delivering the consistency and performance customers expect.