Month: August 2025

By Kim Borges

“People ask me, ‘How do you let them go?’ But in my mind, I know they’re not there to stay.”

Each time Sophia Harvey welcomes a foster child into her home, she prays for the same positive outcome: family reunification.

Harvey, a Commercial Banking relationship specialist with Regions, has fostered children for nine years with Youth Villages, a nonprofit helping children with emotional and behavioral challenges and their families live successfully.

“You hear some horrible stories about things children have gone through like losing a parent,” she said. “Stability is what I try to provide for them. They want to be part of a family. At first, a lot of children might not think they like structure, but we all need structure. And they then realize that’s love.”

At first, a lot of children might not think they like structure, but we all need structure. And they then realize that’s love.
Sophia Harvey, Commercial Banking relationship specialist with Regions

Harvey began exploring foster parenting around the time her son turned 30. It’s fair to say it wasn’t something previously on her radar.

“If someone had asked me if I’d be doing this years ago, I’d have told them, ‘You must be out of your mind,’” she said.

But as she learned more about fostering, Harvey’s heartstrings overrode any kind of logic.

“I told the Lord, ‘You blessed me to be able to take care of my son,’ and I got on this mission,” she said. “I went through the interviews and took all the classes to get my certification.”

The decision made Harvey one of an estimated 200,000-plus foster parents in the U.S., a number that’s declined in recent years while the need has steadily increased.

Harvey is the first to tell you the role isn’t always easy.

“It can be very challenging,” she said. “When you bring a total stranger into your home, they don’t know you and you don’t know them. And you really don’t know a person until they live with you.”

Harvey typically has children live with her for shorter periods ranging anywhere from one week to 18 months. She focuses on introducing youth to new experiences across Memphis, Tennessee, and beyond while in her care.

“We go to the nursing home at least once a month to visit with residents,” she said. “We also go out into the neighborhood and help feed people. I try to be an example for them.”

Along with serving others, Harvey also makes having fun a priority.

“I take them shopping all the time,” she said. “I had one young lady who had never been on a train before, and another who had never been on a plane before. We went to Disney World.”

Local activities are part of the mix, too, thanks to fellow foster parent Brenda Brown. The two, who met seven years ago during a class, bring their children together for social events at church, painting parties and more.

Harvey and Brown turn to one another for advice and lean on each other as well.

“A lot of times Brenda is my sounding board,” said Harvey. “She’s my support person; someone I can talk to.”

“We work together, solve problems and just help each other out,” added Brown, who provides longer-term care and has legally adopted seven children in the 30-plus years she’s been a foster parent. “Sophia will lift you up with a scripture or prayer, especially if you’re going through anything. She has a heart of gold. She’ll give you anything you need.”

For children living with Harvey, that includes the comforts of having their own room with a large bed, sofa and TV – plus something far more.

“I focus on providing a safe haven where children are fed and loved for the time they’re with me,” she said. “A place they know someone truly loves them and cares about their well-being.”

I would encourage anyone who has the time, love and patience to do it.
Sophia Harvey

While children may leave Harvey’s home, they never leave her heart.

“The first child I fostered called me about five years later and that really touched me,” she said. “They become your family. When they go home, I miss them terribly. You want them to do well.”

For those considering becoming a foster parent, what insights would Harvey share?

“I would encourage anyone who has the time, love and patience to do it,” she said. “Fostering is so rewarding but it is hard work. I give it 110 percent; I have a passion for it, I really do. I get choked up talking about it because all children deserve to be loved.”

SAN ANTONIO, Chile, AUGUST 7, 2025 /3BL/ – Demonstrating its commitment to sustainable logistics and advanced supply chain coordination, DP World has successfully handled the arrival and offloading of 121 electric buses at its terminal in San Antonio, Chile. The buses are bound for Copiapó, a city in Chile’s remote northern region, marking a key milestone in the country’s push to expand sustainable public transportation beyond major urban centers.

In late July, the buses arrived aboard the car carrier Morning Prosperity, operated by Eukor. Working in close collaboration with Ian Taylor, a subsidiary of Empresas Taylor, DP World expertly executed the high-volume maneuver, adhering to rigorous safety standards and tight operational timelines.

Curtis Doiron, CEO of DP World in Chile, said: “Our San Antonio terminal continues to be at the forefront of enabling Chile’s sustainable transport transformation. With our expert team and advanced facilities, we are committed to supporting the country’s vision for cleaner and safer urban mobility solutions, particularly in regions that previously lacked access to electric transportation.”

This recent operation is part of DP World’s ongoing role in reinforcing Chile’s commitment to greener public transportation. In May 2025, the San Antonio terminal facilitated the arrival of 300 electric buses, the first in a historic 1,800-vehicle shipment aimed at transforming Santiago’s public transport fleet. DP World’s facilities now handle over 90% of all vehicle imports into Chile, including large-scale shipments of electric buses intended for Santiago, supporting the country’s environmental and mobility goals.

The newly arrived fleet – equipped with advanced safety and passenger comfort technologies including blind-spot sensors, security cameras, air conditioning, USB chargers, and Wi-Fi – will substantially enhance public transport in Copiapó. By providing cleaner, safer, and more efficient urban mobility, DP World continues to play a pivotal role in Chile’s national strategy for sustainability and infrastructure modernization.

With additional shipments expected in the coming months, DP World’s San Antonio terminal is fully prepared to support the continued rollout of clean transport infrastructure throughout Chile and the wider Latin American region.

– END –

DP World Americas Media Contact:

Melina Vissat, Head of Communications
M: (+1) 704-605-6159
E: melina.vissat@dpworld.com

About DP World 

DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 100,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

In the Americas, DP World operates with a team of over 16,000 people across 12 countries, driving excellence through a robust network of 14 ports and terminals and more than 40 warehouses. By harnessing our global reach and local expertise, we simplify logistics, enhance operational performance, and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in global trade.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW.

For more insights into how DP World is reshaping global trade, visit our website: www.dpworld.com

Originally published on 3M News Center

In a display of artistic innovation and athletic homage, 3M unveiled “Shimmering Victory,” a captivating art installation honoring the 2024 3M Open Champion, Jhonattan Vegas.

Created by the renowned Minnesota artist Jimmy Longoria, this unique piece seamlessly blends the worlds of sport and art, capturing the essence of Vegas’s triumph.

Longoria, known for his bold style and community-driven work, used scrap 3M materials to create “Shimmering Victory,” including 3M FASARA™ Glass Finishes, 3M Dichroic Glass Finishes, and 3M Scotchlite™ Reflective Film. The upcycled result is a vibrant silhouette that shifts and gleams with every change in perspective, beautifully capturing the movement, energy and brilliance of Vegas’s championship victory.

Vegas, the Venezuelan golf sensation, clinched the 2024 3M Open title after a masterful performance, solidifying his status as a presence on the PGA Tour and marking a significant milestone in his career. “Shimmering Victory” stands as a vibrant tribute to his achievement and the inspiration he provides both on and off the course.

“The beauty of this artwork lies in its dynamic nature. The color transforms as you move and view it from different angles, which is a testament to the 3M materials used,” explained Longoria. “It’s all about perspective, a feature made possible by the innovative use of 3M FASARA Glass Finishes, 3M Dichroic Glass Finishes, and 3M Scotchlite™ Reflective Film.”

Longoria is also the founder of Mentoring Peace Through Art, an initiative that champions the transformative power of creativity to connect and uplift communities.

His influential artwork is featured in prominent collections nationwide, including those of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Cascale’s senior director of brand and retailer membership, Joleen Ong, joined a panel at the recent Innovation Forum in New York to discuss the impact of tariffs on the global trade and sourcing landscape and explore strategies that can streamline supply chains, build resilience, and drive sustainability.

Ong moderated the discussion titled “Global Disruptions: Navigating Responsible Sourcing for Efficient and Resilient Value Chains,” joined by Annie Agle, vice president of impact and sustainability at Cotopaxi, and Chana Rosenthal, apparel consultant, manufacturing and supply chain, at NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business.

Kicking off the discussion by setting the stage, Ong highlighted the crucial inflection points in the global consumer industry where tariff shifts, climate disasters, and shifting sourcing patterns are converging. She emphasized the importance of building agile strategies that are not only equitable but also align with climate goals.

Highlighting the impact of ongoing cost pressures and shifting market demands on suppliers, Ong shared data insights from Better Buying that noted less than 49 percent of suppliers were paid enough to cover production costs. She explored how companies can balance short-term agility with long-term supplier viability — and the role responsible purchasing practices have to play in building more resilient supply chains. For companies selling through retailers rather than direct-to-consumer, margin flexibility is also shaped by retailer price negotiations and consumer expectations.

Ong concluded by emphasizing the importance of implementing sourcing strategies that can mitigate physical climate risk and support decarbonization. She noted how climate stressors such as heatwaves, floods, droughts are influencing sourcing decisions and highlighted investment in shared renewables and Higg FEM aligned roadmaps, and supporting regional decarbonization efforts as solutions to help mitigate climate risks.

 

A case-study of Pompeian’s Sunrise Olive Ranch by SCS Global Services

Executive Summary

Pompeian, the leading olive oil brand in the U.S., demonstrates exceptional commitment to sustainable agriculture through innovative practices at its own Sunrise Olive Ranch in California. Already certified to SCS’ Sustainably Grown® certification, the ranch continues to strengthen its environmental leadership, reinforce ESG commitments, and invest in biodiversity-enhancing farming practices. Recently the ranch implemented a creative biological solution to eliminate the need for chemical algae control in water reservoirs while creating a closed-loop ecosystem. 

“At Pompeian, we’re proud to work with growers like Sunrise Olive Ranch who go beyond certification requirements to implement truly innovative sustainability practices. Their fish farming initiative showcases the kind of forward-thinking approach that strengthens our entire supply chain and reflects our brand’s commitment to environmental stewardship.” 

-Teresa Garcia, Director of Sustainability, Pompeian

The Challenge: Algae Management Without Chemicals

Sunrise Olive Ranch was determined to eliminate chemical use in managing algae growth in its irrigation reservoirs – an essential step toward maintaining their Sustainably Grown standard commitments towards ecosystem health and biodiversity. Working within this comprehensive standard, the ranch sought natural solutions that would support both water quality and environmental health without compromising agricultural productivity, aligning with Pompeian’s broader sustainability goals.

Innovative, Nature-Based Solutions

The team developed an innovative biological algae control system through the integration of native fish into the water reservoir system that aligned perfectly with the Sustainably Grown standard framework. Introducing algae-eating fish as a replacement for standard chemical controls proved to be a breakthrough, greatly accelerating the reduction of algae. Beyond controlling algae, the fish produced waste that became organic fertilizer, enriching the soil naturally. As ecosystem health improved, more bird species flocked to the ranch, further boosting biodiversity. This holistic solution not only supported certification requirements but elevated the ranch’s environmental stewardship beyond expectations.

Results & Impact

The ranch achieved remarkable results with approximately 70% reduction in chemical treatments within just 10 months—well ahead of their projected timeline. Implementation of the Sustainably Grown program drove these creative biodiversity efforts through its continuous improvement approach to building ecosystem health. Sunrise Ranch’s improved outcomes were noted and recognized during the annual on-site audit process. Beyond meeting certification requirements, this initiative delivered numerous additional benefits:

Key Outcomes:

• A natural algae control system was created in the water
• Developed an organic fertilization source, reducing dependency on external
  inputs
• Significantly reduced chemical treatments
• Enhanced biodiversity with increased bird populations and healthier ecosystems
• Strengthened alignment with ESG goals and Sustainably Grown certification
  standards

“This biological control system is extremely beneficial and effective. It motivates us to continue developing new sustainable solutions that work with nature to improve our olive growing practices. As we refine our methods, we’re creating a healthier environment that benefits our entire ecosystem and supports our goal to farm in harmony with nature.”

– Lorena, Sunrise Olive Ranch

Download Pompeian’s case-study here.

For more information about Sustainably Grown certification, please contact:
Kevin Warner
Director, ESG Certification
+1.510.407.0091 direct
kwarner@scsglobalservices.com

August 7, 2025 /3BL/ – In response to modifications announced by the White House on August 1, 2025, to Executive Order 14257 (Regulating Imports With a Reciprocal Tariff To Rectify Trade Practices That Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits), Fairtrade America issued the following statement from Amanda Archila, Executive Director:

“Tariffs on goods that cannot be grown or produced in the U.S. damage the American businesses that are the heartbeat of our towns and cities. Coffee shops, local grocers and corner produce stands all hurt when they must purchase steeply tariffed coffee, cocoa and bananas. According to the National Coffee Association, coffee supports nearly 2.2 million U.S. jobs and adds more than $343 billion to the U.S. economy every year.

“The consequences of these tariffs ripple downstream to higher prices for American consumers and upstream for the farmers around the world who will likely receive less for their labor. To avoid price increases that unnecessarily punish hardworking businesses, consumers, and farmers, exemptions are necessary for grocery store staples, like coffee, cocoa, and bananas. All of which cannot be grown domestically at the scale needed to meet American consumer demand.

“It has been asserted that the goal of imposing these tariffs is to equalize trade deficits in the name of ‘fair trade,’ but they will only exacerbate longstanding inequality among the most vulnerable farmers and workers in the supply chain. Tariffs put more strain on farmers and workers, who have long faced extreme ups and downs when it comes to pricing, demand, and now supply due to climate disruptions. Fairtrade America works with businesses across the U.S. that are dedicated to supporting these producers while creating jobs and opportunity within their own communities. We support tariff exemptions on products that cannot be grown in the U.S. and call on consumers and businesses to demand that the balance of power between farmers, businesses, consumers, and governments is spread equitably. This is real fair trade.”

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Editor’s Notes

• Coffee supports nearly 2.2 million U.S. jobs and adds more than $343 billion to the U.S. economy every year. Coffee consumers spend nearly $110 billion each year. Coffee businesses pay nearly $38 billion in local, state, and federal taxes annually (National Coffee Association).
• The confectionery industry, including chocolate and cocoa, supports nearly 700,000 U.S. jobs and generates $49 billion in economic outputs and $13.7 billion in federal, state and local taxes (National Confectioners Association).
• The U.S. fresh produce & floral industry supports 2.2 million jobs, $120.1 billion in labor income (International Fresh Produce Association).
• The U.S. is one of the biggest consumers of bananas in the world, with the 2024 import value estimated at $3.23 billion. The majority of imports come from South and Central America (U.S. Import Data).