Month: August 2025

LINCOLN, Neb., August 12, 2025 /3BL/ – Niagara Cares, the charitable division of the country’s leading beverage manufacturer Niagara Bottling, has announced a new commitment to plant one million trees by 2030 in collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation.

Niagara Cares first partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation in 2024 and in less than two years, has already helped plant more than 456,000 trees across the country. Their work has focused on safeguarding clean water supplies for people and wildlife by planting trees in forestlands and watersheds.

Trees play a critical role in reducing erosion, improving the quality of water by filtering pollutants, and boosting water quantities by holding water in the soil.

“Water and trees are two natural resources that are inextricably linked. In order to protect water health, we must protect tree health,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Through its dedication to tree planting in forests and watersheds, Niagara Cares has demonstrated a strong commitment to lasting impact. They’ve been all-in since the beginning of our partnership and our team is proud to continue this important work alongside them as they seek to plant one million trees.”

“We are proud to support our Niagara communities and contribute to efforts that protect the environment and enhance quality of life,” said Ann Canela, director of corporate giving at Niagara Bottling. “Planting trees helps improve water quality, restore natural habitats, and create a greener, healthier future for generations to come. Through our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, we’re making meaningful strides toward our five-year goal of planting one million trees across the U.S.”

Niagara Cares’s effort to protect and preserve water resources was highlighted in Water Ways, a short documentary produced by Good is Everywhere. Water Ways was recently awarded Best Short Documentary at the Golden State Film Festival.

Niagara Cares tree planting efforts have also supported natural disaster recovery and nurtured landscapes communities in need of trees.

Forested watersheds provide drinking water to more than 150 million people in the United States. Click here to learn more about the powerful relationship between trees and water.

About Niagara Cares 

Niagara Cares is the heart of what we do and who we are at Niagara Bottling. For more than 60 years, we have been making a difference for our Team Members, consumers and communities through philanthropic giving, volunteering, water donations and disaster relief. As a family-owned business, we are committed to creating meaningful change for our communities through a spirit of giving back both big and small. For more information, visit niagarawater.com/niagara-cares.

About Niagara Bottling

Niagara Bottling, LLC has been family owned and operated since 1963. Headquartered in Diamond Bar, Calif., Niagara operates bottling facilities throughout the U.S. and Mexico. As a leading U.S. beverage manufacturer, Niagara Bottling works closely with some of the largest retailers, grocers, club and convenience stores throughout the country. Niagara produces a variety of beverages including bottled water, sparkling, vitamin and flavored water, teas, sports drinks, ready-to-drink coffee, protein drinks and non-dairy milk products. For more information, visit www.niagarawater.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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Henkel’s two business units, Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands, are united by the pioneering spirit to reimagine and improve everyday life – today and for generations to come. Building on a strong legacy of more than 145 years, our brands and products play an important role in the lives of millions of people and help to transform entire industries. In this series, Beyond the Brand, you will learn about how Henkel’s top brands are contributing to organizational goals and innovating constantly to serve and succeed on behalf of customers, consumers, and partners.

This edition’s featured brand is Snuggle® laundry products. Read on for more about the history, purpose, innovations, sustainability, and pioneering spirit of the team that goes far beyond the Snuggle® brand.

The History of Snuggle® Brand

The Snuggle® brand of laundry products has long been known for its mascot, the Snuggle® Bear! The cultural icon was created in 1986, and the cozy face quickly grew in popularity — making an appearance in the 1987 Thanksgiving Day Parade, and being named an “Icon of the Year” by Advertising Week’s Madison Avenue Walk of Fame in 2014.

As Snuggle® Bear has represented the brand for decades, the team behind the brand has also been driving creative innovation and bringing high-quality laundry products to consumers across the United States.

The Purpose of Snuggle® Brand

The Snuggle® brand is committed to making the world a cozier place, bringing the comfort of home to families everywhere.

Innovations from the Snuggle® Brand

The Snuggle® brand consistently seeks ways to stay at the forefront of the industry, with innovations over the years that bring new and exciting scents, functionalities, and results into consumers’ laundry rooms.

Snuggle® Scent Boosters are designed to boost your laundry with long-lasting freshness, with laundry crystals that dissolve in water at all temperatures, are safe on all fabrics, and provide up to 12 weeks of freshness*.

The brand’s extensive portfolio of other products like liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets come in unique scents like Island Hibiscus™, Lavender Breeze™, and Super Fresh® Spring Burst® with key capabilities in odor elimination technology, static reduction, color protection, and lint & pet hair repellent.

Sustainability from the Snuggle® Brand

The Snuggle® brand is proud to be a part of Henkel’s defined sustainability targets to reduce emissions, become net zero by 2045, and contribute to the circular economy. Snuggle® Scent Booster bottles are made with 100% recycled plastic**, and Snuggle® dryer sheet cartons can be recycled in any location where paper is accepted across North America.

Henkel has also introduced concentrated formulas and packaging across all®, Persil® and Snuggle® liquid laundry products. This update offers laundry-doers fragrance at a more concentrated level per load – reducing the required dose for every wash.

In addition, Snuggle® products empower their consumers to reduce their environmental footprint in the laundry room. Their website and digital campaigns share pro tips like washing your laundry at low temperatures to reduce energy consumption, fully loading your washing machine to reduce water use, using the proper amount of detergent as instructed on the label to help prevent overconsumption, and to use products with selective ingredients like Snuggle® Crystals Scent Boosters, which are made with a formula that is 95% naturally derived, with additional ingredients including fragrance.

Beyond the Snuggle® Brand

After decades of love from consumers across the nation, the brand launched a refresh in 2024! A campaign complete with digital activation and a brand-new design for the iconic Snuggle® Bear mascot not only emphasizes how Snuggle® products enhance comfort with its collection of liquid fabric softeners, dryer sheets and scent booster crystals, but also underscores the role of scent cues in evoking the familiar feeling of home. 

The digital content crafted for this campaign is designed to resonate with a broad audience through compelling storytelling and creative visuals. The content celebrates the range of products designed to appeal to all, emphasizing the joy of embracing both softness and freshness after every wash.

As the Snuggle® brand takes their mission beyond their iconic brand, the way forward is centered around the powerful connection between scent, softness, and the feeling of home. This initiative celebrates the cherished familiarity of Snuggle® product’s beloved scents while highlighting the comforting touchpoints of softness that evoke a sense of home. Whether near or far, Snuggle® products remind consumers that the feeling of home is always within reach, making every moment more comfortable.

* Out of storage
**Excluding cap and label

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Aflac hit a home run for the heart with its annual Night at the Ball Park, an event hosted by Aflac for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Patients, their families and center staff members enjoyed a night of baseball and all the excitement that comes with it, from the smell of popcorn in the air to the unmistakable crack of a baseball meeting the bat.

Since the treatment journey can be tough at times, events like the Night at the Ball Park are not only fun, but important. They are meaningful opportunities for people with the unique experience of facing illness to come together over the national pastime.

“Every year, Aflac is proud to be part of an event that brings joy to patients, family and staff from the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center,” said Buffy Swinehart, senior manager, Corporate Social Responsibility.

The kids were able to get creative with coloring stations, and Aflac also handed out fun goody bags, which included coloring books and the 2023 limited edition Pediatric Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness plush duck. This little guy is also available on the Aflac Childhood Cancer Campaign website. Proceeds from each purchase help support the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation. 

The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center is a leader in pediatric cancer and blood disorders treatment and research and has the largest pediatric sickle cell disease program in the United States. More than 500 new patients were treated in 2024, and the center treats more than 2,100 individual pediatric sickle cell disease cases every year.

To learn more about the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, including ways to support, visit CHOA.org.

Z2500631      

Exp 8/26

HILLSIDE, Ill., August 12, 2025 /3BL/ – Charles’ journey began with a simple but powerful question: “What’s next?” Like so many students approaching the end of high school, Charles was nearing what’s often referred to as “the cliff” — that uncertain moment when school ends, and adult life begins without a clear plan.

With the support of his vocational coordinator, Charles started exploring employment options. But like so many others with disabilities, he faced multiple roadblocks: unclear career goals, transportation challenges, and limited opportunities. He initially inquired about working in a distribution center, but he was turned away due to safety concerns and inexperience.

That setback didn’t stop him. Instead, it led him to Aspire’s Employment Training Program. And with one acceptance letter, that cliff started to look a lot more like a launchpad.

Charles Davis is one of the first graduates of Aspire’s new Employment Training Program, a bold workforce initiative designed to close a longstanding gap in the U.S. labor force: the employment of people with disabilities. Fueled by a grant, the program doesn’t just train young adults with disabilities — it transforms them into job-ready talent for high-demand industries like warehousing and distribution.

From day one, Charles stood out. He took careful notes, asked questions, and quickly mastered critical safety protocols. He was patient with himself and eager to learn, a combination that helped him thrive in the program’s simulated warehouse environment.

Charles was later matched with Wesco for an internship, where he brought that same focus and determination. He excelled as a wire spooler, a fast-paced and detail-oriented role, and received consistent praise from his supervisors. He wasn’t just gaining experience, he was proving his value.

For Charles, this was life changing. “I’ve always wanted a job like this,” he said. “So, learning how to pick and order things in the program really helped me get ready for the internship at Wesco.”

The Program That Opened the Door

Aspire’s model begins with ten weeks of hands-on training in a simulated warehouse environment, built in partnership with leading companies like Wesco, Parts Town, Infios and KeHE. Trainees learn real-world skills — from order picking and inventory management to communication and problem-solving. Then comes a guaranteed eight-week paid internship at one of Aspire’s employment partners, giving businesses the opportunity to try out new employees before committing to a permanent hire.

But for Charles, it wasn’t just about skills. It was about growth. “I used to be scared to ask for help,” he said. “But now I know it’s okay. I’ve gotten better at speaking up. I like helping other people and making sure we’re all doing things the right way. I’m learning new skills every day and getting better at staying focused.”

By the time Charles’s internship ended, he’d already made his case: he was dependable, enthusiastic, and effective. Wesco hired him as a full-time employee — and paired him on a shift with one of his favorite managers from his time as an intern. Their rapport is obvious, and it’s created the kind of supportive environment where Charles continues to thrive.

“He showed up eager to learn, and by his first week on the job, he was already exceeding his daily quota,” said Frank, Charles’ manager. “Charles is exactly the kind of employee we need more of — motivated, team-oriented and always looking to improve.”

An Untapped Talent Pool

Charles’s story isn’t just a feel-good anecdote — it’s a case study in what happens when business needs and inclusive training come together. Despite recent progress, unemployment among people with disabilities remains nearly twice as high as for those without, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the same time, employers in similar industries are struggling to fill high-turnover roles.

Aspire’s program is designed to solve both problems at once. Research shows that hiring individuals with disabilities isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart business:

• Companies report 50% lower turnover rates among employees with disabilities.
• There are 33% fewer safety incidents.
• Productivity levels are 25% higher.

“At Aspire, we reject the outdated charity-based model that frames disability inclusion as a moral obligation alone,” says Serena Alaily, CEO of Aspire. “Our model is grounded in performance, not unconditional support. Our workforce development program trains, mentors, and places individuals in jobs where they can thrive—and where businesses can thrive because of them.”

Building Inclusive Workplaces That Work

Charles now works a later shift at Wesco — one that matches his manager’s hours and provides the kind of mentoring and camaraderie that helps him succeed. He enjoys the structure of the work and being part of a team. “I like making sure everyone is doing things the right way,” he said. “It feels good to be helpful.”

The support he’s received from his coworkers and supervisors has made a lasting impact. “They made it really easy to feel welcome and supported,” Charles said. “They are so nice to us being there, and so helpful with us.”

Wesco, a Fortune 500 company with more than 20,000 employees globally, sees this partnership as part of its broader commitment to community engagement and inclusive growth. “We’re proud to partner with Aspire to help build a stronger, more inclusive workforce,” said Wilfred Rivera, Vice President, U.S. Operations at Wesco. “Their mission aligns with our values, and we’ve seen firsthand how impactful workforce development can be — empowering individuals and strengthening communities. It’s been a truly rewarding experience for everyone involved.”

A Blueprint for the Future

Aspire is already preparing to expand its training model into additional industries beyond warehousing, with the next being food service, which shares similar characteristics to the warehouse industry; high demand, repetitive tasks, and consistent churn. These environments are ideal for replicating Aspire’s model. The organization is actively seeking new employer partners in Chicagoland and beyond — especially in sectors facing talent shortages.

“We can’t do this alone. We’re calling on forward-thinking business leaders across Chicagoland and beyond to join us. By partnering with Aspire, companies in the distribution and food service industries can strengthen their workforce, support inclusive communities, and lead their industries into a more equitable future,” says Alaily. “Let’s pave a new path together.”

Charles’ story is proof that with the right training, support and opportunity, young adults with disabilities can become some of the workforce’s most valued contributors. He’s not just succeeding; he’s showing others what’s possible.

“I’m proud of myself,” Charles said. “I was nervous at first, but now I’m part of the team.”

About Aspire

Aspire is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through bold innovation, inclusive employment, and community partnerships. Since 1960, Aspire has supported individuals and families across the Chicagoland area and Southern Wisconsin. Learn more at https://aspirechicago.com.

The contents of this article were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this article may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this article does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency.

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. Learn more at https://www.wesco.com.

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At Covia’s Troy Grove Resin plant, operations are about more than process and production – they’re about people.

Just ask Jennifer Perry, Troy Grove Resin’s operations manager and a driving force behind the plant’s continued growth and success. From her start as a lab tech to overseeing a team of 17, Jennifer’s journey is one marked by curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

From the Lab to Leadership

Jennifer’s journey with Covia began in 2013 as a lab technician. In 2016, she moved into the role of quality coordinator at Troy Grove Resin, where she managed the lab and quality management systems for the plant’s resin-coated sand products.

“I have a college degree, but you don’t go to school for manufacturing resin-coated sand,” Jennifer said. “Covia gave me the opportunity to get out there and learn, and that opened the door for me to spread my wings and continue to grow.”

Jennifer’s growth continued thanks to her hard work and drive to learn. She made the leap from quality into operations in 2023, gaining hands-on experience across different sites before returning to Troy Grove Resin as one of only a few female operations managers at Covia.

These days, Jennifer leads daily production scheduling, oversees formula adjustments with technical teams, and collaborates closely with sales on customer opportunities. Her broad experience from extraction to operations allows her to adapt as needed and support her team in many ways.

“We’re a small group here, so it’s not just really one job,” Jennifer explained. “I help anywhere that I need to help, whether that’s ordering additives or working with sales about different customer opportunities.”

Driving Efficiency, Reducing Waste

Troy Grove Resin may be relatively small compared to other plants, but it’s delivering big results. Jennifer and her team are constantly looking for ways to make their facility better.

One notable example Jennifer highlighted was the team’s efforts to examine their inventory initiatives and minimize waste. This process included finding ways to manage warehouse space more effectively, move inventory quicker, and minimize downtime. These efforts helped reduce waste by more than 20% over the last year, all while helping Troy Grove Resin deliver better, faster, more consistent products to customers.

“Resin-coated sand keeps you guessing, and it’s fascinating once you learn about it,” Jennifer shared. “This facility has a lot of potential, and we’re working every day to make it even better.”

Growth Fueled by Opportunity and Mentorship

Jennifer credits much of her growth to Covia’s culture of internal development, and she’s eager to provide the same experience for the next generation of leaders to start in the lab and work their way up in the organization.

“The opportunity for our employees to advance and learn is something you can’t put a price on,” Jennifer explained. “When you are willing to give employees opportunities to grow and move up within the company, you have this tribal knowledge that you can’t replace with a degree or anything like that.”

Troy Grove Resin has several team members who have worked at the plant for more than 30 years, and Jennifer says she still learns from them every day. According to her, these veterans set the standard at the plant and are tremendous resources for younger employees looking to grow.

While Jennifer is an avid believer in the value of experience, she also appreciates the power of new perspectives. She actively pushes new team members to share their ideas to help her team find ways to improve their processes.

“If they see things in the facility that they think they can improve, speak up because there’s no bad ideas,” Jennifer said. “Having that breath of fresh air at a facility is valuable, because even if you don’t bring the winning idea, it might generate the winning idea.”

A Leader Shaped by Life at Home

Managing the day-to-day production of a plant is no simple task. However, some of the challenges at the plant can seem simple in comparison to another critical responsibility – raising three boys.

“Anyone who has raised three of them knows it can be a little bit chaotic at times.” Jennifer said. “They’ve taught me so much about how to talk to people and how to be resilient when challenges come.”

Jennifer prioritizes finding a healthy work-life balance due to her responsibilities at home and at Troy Grove Resin. She enjoys coming to work and being part of such a close-knit team. Outside of work, she leads an active and fulfilling life. She starts most mornings with a workout before heading to the plant. She’s embraced the sourdough baking trend—and with it, the nickname “sourdough mama.” Jennifer’s love for sports continues through playing with her kids and coaching basketball in her local community, which is an extension of her collegiate basketball experience. On Sundays, Jennifer teaches Sunday school at the church she has attended for over 35 years. This brings its own set of challenges and laughs, especially when her own children are in the class. Between her professional responsibilities and personal passions, Jennifer definitely stays busy—but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Building a Positive Future

At the heart of Troy Grove Resin is a sense of camaraderie and pride. Whether it’s improving a process, mentoring a new teammate, or volunteering in the community, Jennifer believes success is shared.

“You feel good about what you’re doing here,” she said. “It’s a very positive environment, and I look forward to continuing to build on that.”

As Covia invests in its people and facilities, leaders like Jennifer Perry are making sure that growth is grounded in experience, driven by innovation, and shaped by the values that matter most.