Month: September 2025

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

What comes to mind when you think of a bell? Perhaps it elicits memories of school days spent waiting for one to ring, or maybe you’re reminded of the Liberty Bell that symbolizes independence.

Bells have long represented important transitions and, in many cases, freedom. For cancer patients, it’s no different — the bell is a beacon of hope that echoes a sound of victory. For patients at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, it also marks the start of a new chapter to be filled with more time to simply be a kid. In its simplicity, the ringing of the bell transforms the end of cancer treatment into more than a medical milestone — it becomes a celebration of life, courage and the extraordinary strength of a child.

Take 4-year-old Austin, for example. He has a condition called adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare genetic condition affecting the nervous system and adrenal glands, which doctors have been monitoring since he was an infant. After learning to navigate the challenges of this disease, Austin and his family came to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for answers that would explain Austin’s repeat illnesses and infections. That’s when they discovered that Austin — who was just 2 years old at the time — also has B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After two years, Austin rang the end-of-treatment bell in May together with friends, family and the Cherokee County Fire Department, who have been by his side this entire journey.

Another special moment was with Noelle, who also recently completed her treatment journey. After fainting during what seemed to be a normal breakfast with her family, Noelle was rushed to her pediatrician for lab work. The next morning, her family received a call that changed everything — she was being sent to the emergency room because her bloodwork showed signs of leukemia. Noelle was admitted to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center after being diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After more than two years of active treatment consisting of countless medications and procedures, Noelle proudly rang the bell at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, marking her new beginning.

Since 1995, Aflac agents, employees and The Aflac Foundation, Inc. have given more than $191 million to The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, a national leader among childhood cancer, hematology and blood and marrow transplant programs. Behind these donations is a team of people cheering on each patient, which is why Aflac recently added an alert to their intranet that pops up every time a child rings the bell at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Now, every time a child completes their treatment and participates in the coveted tradition of ringing the bell, thousands of Aflac employees will get a notification, allowing them to take part in the celebration virtually. And even though they won’t know patients’ names or circumstances, the hope is that each time they’re notified that the bell has been rung, the Aflac family will be reminded that their support — big or small — is making a difference in the lives of children with cancer.

Learn more about how Aflac is building a bridge to brighter futures for children like Austin and Noelle by visiting Aflac.com/BridgeToBrighter.

Since 1995, Aflac agents, employees and The Aflac Foundation, Inc. have given more than $191 million to The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, a national leader among childhood cancer, hematology and blood and marrow transplant programs. Behind these donations is a team of people cheering on each patient, which is why Aflac recently added an alert to their intranet that pops up every time a child rings the bell at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Now, every time a child completes their treatment and participates in the coveted tradition of ringing the bell, thousands of Aflac employees will get a notification, allowing them to take part in the celebration virtually. And even though they won’t know patients’ names or circumstances, the hope is that each time they’re notified that the bell has been rung, the Aflac family will be reminded that their support — big or small — is making a difference in the lives of children with cancer.

Learn more about how Aflac is building a bridge to brighter futures for children like Austin and Noelle by visiting Aflac.com/BridgeToBrighter.

Aflac includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York and/or Continental American Insurance Company and /or Continental American Life Insurance Company.

WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2500920 Exp. 9/26

Key Points

• Joe Finlen, a professional truck driver for 48 years, was honored with the 2025 National Driver All-Star award for driving 3.5 million miles without any accidents, injuries, or moving violations.
• Finlen has worked at Marathon Petroleum’s Colton fleet in California for over 35 years and is known for his commitment to safety and professionalism.
• Marathon Petroleum has had a driver on the NPTC National Driver All-Star list for the past 16 years.

James “Joe” Finlen has been a professional truck driver for 48 years. He started as a demolition specialist and driver in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and was responsible for transporting hazardous material at Fort Carson in Colorado. After three years in the military, he went home to California, where he continued his career as a driver.

“I love driving,” said Finlen. “My father was a driver, and he taught me to drive a tanker truck. He was always focused on safety and told me that ‘one oops takes away ten attaboys.’”

Finlen took that advice to heart over his decades-long career. In September, Finlen was presented with the 2025 National Driver All-Star award at the National Private Truck Council’s (NPTC) National Safety Conference in Florida. He was honored for achieving a record of driving 3.5 million miles without an accident, injury or moving violation and being 100% compliant with corporate safety expectations.

“I take pride in leading by example, advocating for safety among my peers, and actively promoting a safe and compliant environment.”

“I take pride in leading by example, advocating for safety among my peers, and actively promoting a safe and compliant environment,” said Finlen. “My professionalism and courtesy are integral to my role, reflecting Marathon’s values and ensuring a positive experience for every customer and colleague.”

Marathon Petroleum has had a driver on the NPTC National Driver All-Star list for the past 16 years.

“When I put this uniform on, I recognize that I represent not only myself, but also the legacy of drivers who have come before and those who will follow,” said Finlen. “I am a representative of Marathon, a standard bearer of excellence in our industry. My commitment is to uphold the highest standards in every customer interaction.”

Finlen has worked at Marathon’s Colton fleet in California for more than 35 years and still loves what he does for a living. He works four night shifts each week delivering products to stations in Southern California.

“As a driver, I operate independently, but I also represent a great company,” said Finlen. “My dad would be very proud of me.”

Montreal, QC – Friday, September 26, 2025 /3BL/ – Today, Saint-Gobain Canada officially marked the completion of its expansion and sustainable upgrade project at its CertainTeed Gypsum plant in Sainte-Catherine, Quebec, transforming the facility into North America’s first zero-carbon (scopes 1 and 2) gypsum wallboard plant and the largest in the world. First announced in 2022, Saint-Gobain completed major electrification upgrades allowing the plant to be solely powered by renewable electricity.

The numerous facility upgrades also helped decrease energy usage by up to 30% and boost production capacity by up to 40%, as Saint-Gobain works to provide gypsum wallboard in Canada to help respond to the increasing housing demand across the country.

With the new process and equipment, CertainTeed’s plant has reduced its CO₂ emissions by 44,000 tons per year – which is equivalent to the average emissions of 14,000 cars annually. This milestone also marks the launch of a new Infinaé gypsum wallboard category in Canada, within which CarbonLow, produced locally, is estimated to have up to 60% less embodied carbon cradle-to-gate.

Infinaé is Saint-Gobain’s highest performance, lowest climate impact range of gypsum solutions engineered to lead the way in construction with products made right here in Canada. It offers Canadian customers the freedom to surpass current green building standards.

“The ambitious electrification project we just completed in Canada is a tangible and impactful example of Saint-Gobain’s commitment to truly Making the World a Better Home,” shares Jean-Claude Lasserre, CEO, Saint-Gobain Canada. “We were also able to increase production capacity to help address one of Canada’s most pressing current challenges, addressing the housing shortage. This impressive feat shows that with commitment and determination, both productivity and sustainability can walk hand in hand to better the future for all Canadians.”

“Today’s ribbon cutting ceremony marks several years of hard work and dedication to build a sustainable and net-zero (scopes 1 and 2) plant that will be an example for the entire manufacturing industry,” said Mark Rayfield, President & CEO, Saint-Gobain North America. “This important investment will not only make Saint-Gobain North America the leader in sustainable drywall manufacturing, it will further our operations in Canada, where we remain committed to growth and providing light and sustainable building materials for all Canadians.”

Strong partnerships to further Quebec’s energy transition

The project represents a major investment that was conducted in partnership with both Quebec’s government and Hydro-Québec. Through the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks’ EcoPerformance program, the Sainte-Catherine plant was granted $40M to support this important energy transition and energy efficiency project.

“Saint-Gobain shares our government’s commitment to accelerate the energy transition and decarbonize our economy. Establishing its zero-carbon gypsum wallboard plant is a great example of this, and we are extremely proud to see this important project come to fruition here, in the riding of Sanguinet,” stated Christine Fréchette, MNA for Sanguinet and Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy.

“Hydro-Québec is proud to have contributed to the creation of the first zero-carbon gypsum wallboard plant in North America, an inspiring model for the entire industry. CertainTeed is exemplary not only in terms of energy efficiency, with a 30% reduction in its consumption, but also in its efforts to help reduce consumption during peak periods.

To achieve Quebec’s energy transition, decarbonization must be done efficiently, and this project is a concrete example of that. From the ideation phase, our experts collaborated with CertainTeed to transform an innovative vision into a sustainable and high-performing reality.” — Caroline DeVit, Senior Director of Business Development and Performance, Hydro-Québec

A three-year transformation for the better

Overall, 80% of the plant’s equipment was upgraded through this three-year project and new processes were implemented to significantly reduce carbon emissions:

• Replacing natural gas burners with highly efficient electrical heating elements;
• Implementing real-time smart energy meters and management system;
• Implementing multiple heat recovery systems and upgrading equipment insulation;
• Adding process sensors to monitor and improve production quality;
• Improving compressed air design.

Additional improvements are being implemented and will be deployed in the near future to further improve sustainability at the site:

• Increasing recycled content by using pre- and post-consumer waste;
• Reducing inbound transportation of natural gypsum rock from various sources.

On the journey to net zero carbon by 2050

Saint-Gobain is committed to its global objective of reaching net zero carbon by 2050 and as such continues leading multiple sustainable projects across the country:

• With the success of Saint-Gobain’s recycling partnership with New West Gypsum in Vancouver, which surpassed 1,000,000 tons of recycled gypsum put back into production since 1985, Saint-Gobain Canada is working to expand its gypsum recycling activities to new regions in Canada.
  • This includes a pilot program in Quebec, with the intent to expand the program more largely to divert gypsum from landfills.
• Earlier this year, Saint-Gobain Canada introduced Lanaé, a new insulation technology with up to 82% of recycled content and a bio-sourced renewable binder. Production of Lanaé supports Saint-Gobain’s commitment to creating a circular economy in building materials, with production waste recycled into the Ultratherm regrind insulation product.
• Over the past year, CertainTeed Gypsum Winnipeg has spearheaded an innovative water usage reduction project that significantly optimized water and energy usage during gypsum wallboard production.
  • This unique project resulted in reducing water consumption by 240,000 less water gallons used per year, decreasing CO₂ emissions (scopes 1 & 2) by 5,000 tons per year and saving over 25 million kWh in energy consumption per year.
• With the support of FortisBC and British Columbia’s CleanBC Program for Industry, CertainTeed Vancouver invested nearly $7M to install a new heat recovery system. The sustainable innovation reduces carbon emissions (scope 1) by up to 15% during the production process by recycling some of the waste heat emitted from the dryer.
• Saint-Gobain Canada is also looking at significantly reducing transportation miles and Scope 3 carbon emissions, by strategically positioning its upcoming Antrim Gypsum Project in Nova Scotia to supply its Northeastern North America operations.
• The Group also initiated a permitting phase for a future rail loadout project for the Kootenay West Gypsum Mine, which will significantly reduce trucking distances from 4.5 million kilometers to 250,000 kilometers annually. This project would support Saint-Gobain’s sustainability goals by significantly reducing Scope 3 carbon emissions due to transportation of raw material.

*Scopes 1 and 2

About CertainTeed

With innovative building solutions made possible through its comprehensive offering of interior and exterior products, CertainTeed is transforming how the industry builds. As leaders in building science and sustainable construction, CertainTeed makes it easier than ever to create high-performance, energy-efficient places to live, work and play, so that together we can make the world a better home. 

A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world’s largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed has more than 6,900 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. www.certainteed.com

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
More than 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries 
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Contact for media only:
Alexandre Lainesse
Public Relations Manager, Canada, Saint-Gobain North America
alexandre.lainesse@saint-gobain.com
514-973-1187

• Nearly one year after hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted the state, Duke Energy Florida continues to complete energy infrastructure investments to boost power reliability, strengthen the grid

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., September 26, 2025 /3BL/ – Nearly one year ago, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida within just weeks, impacting nearly 2 million customers. The two storms resulted in an unprecedented level of activation as Duke Energy Florida mobilized nearly 25,000 workers and resources to restore outages. Most outages were restored within 72 hours of the storm strikes.

Over the last several years following storm impacts, Duke Energy has been working year-round to strengthen its infrastructure, including investments in self-healing technology and grid hardening. This investment has enabled faster restoration and even saved 313 million minutes of outage time during storms in 2025.

Now, on the one-year anniversary of the storms, Duke Energy Florida reflects on storm response, shares its extensive investments in power reliability and looks ahead to the 2025 storm season.

Investments in customer power reliability

Year-round, Duke Energy Florida conducts infrastructure upgrades to further strengthen power reliability and reduce restoration times. The company has:

• Invested in self-healing technology throughout its service territory, which automatically detects power outages and reroutes power to other power lines to restore service faster for customers, often in less than a minute
   
• Replaced approximately 60% of its wooden transmission poles with more durable concrete or steel over the last five years, with a completion target of 2028
   
• Placed approximately 50% of its distribution system underground, shielded from some of the elements brought on by extreme weather conditions, while continuing to underground more of its existing overhead facilities in outage-prone areas 
   
• Completed distribution hardening projects across 38 substations, and over 30 more are currently in progress
   
• Completed more than 4,000 miles of vegetation maintenance trimming on Duke Energy Florida’s distribution lines, and this year, they plan to complete nearly 660 miles of work on the transmission side
   
• Executed an “Assess and Address” program to proactively identify and complete equipment upgrades before storms arise

Investments in energy infrastructure directly benefit Duke Energy Florida customers

“Duke Energy Florida stands ready to respond to any storm activity that impacts our state,” said Melissa Seixas, president, Duke Energy Florida. “We prepare for this time all year and every investment we make helps to keep our customers’ lights on and speed restoration when an outage does occur.”

“Particularly in Pinellas County, we are seeing significant improvements in our restoration times because of our grid hardening efforts over the last years,” said Antonio Price, vice president, zone operations, Duke Energy Florida. “In Pinellas County, 90% of our residents are served by self-healing technology, and that allows us to quickly restore outages without dispatching personnel. It also allows us to narrow down where the outages are so we can restore even more quickly.”

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 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

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