Month: September 2025
GRI criticises EFRAG’s net-based approach to impact assessment
Zum Wins 2025 Electric Innovation Award for Modernizing Student Transportation
Company Recognized During Climate Week NYC for Technology That Increases Safety, Efficiency and Grid Resiliency
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Zūm, a leader in modern student transportation, today announced that it has received a 2025 Electric Innovation Award for modernizing student transportation through technology and electrification.
Zum won in the “Power for All” category, featured in this video, for its groundbreaking vehicle-to-grid technology and bidirectional charging that sends energy from electric school bus batteries to the local grid.
“I am deeply honored to share this Electric Innovation Award with our dedicated team at Zum as well as the school districts and communities nationwide that we’re privileged to serve,” said Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO at Zum. “Through technology and electrification, we have disrupted student transportation, a $50B industry that has seen little change in the past 80 years. This award affirms Zum’s mission to ensure safe, reliable and equitable rides for children — and to help power the grid with renewable energy.”
“Electrification holds the power to supercharge America’s future. We can create over 25 million new jobs, help everyday Americans save money and reduce pollution with today’s technologies,” said David Hochschild, Chair of the California Energy Commission and co-founder of Electric Innovation. “Our Electric Innovation Awardees bring us closer to recognizing the power of the electrification movement, thanks to their innovative solutions and partnerships. We are thrilled to launch our 10-year initiative by recognizing these trailblazers, connecting them to others, and amplifying our collective efforts to create a brighter future for us all.”
The Electric Innovation Awards recognize four breakthrough projects that “represent the kind of high-impact, scalable solution that can truly transform sectors, shape public policy and accelerate the adoption of electric technologies across the U.S.”
The inaugural award was presented Sept. 24 in New York during Climate Week NYC, a global gathering of the energy and climate community. Speakers at the ceremony included former U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm; Doreen M. Harris, President & CEO of NYSERDA; Sonia Aggarwal, President of Climate Imperative; and David Hochschild, Chair of the California Energy Commission.
On Sept. 25, Zum will also participate in the Electric Innovation Forum, a gathering of lawmakers, funders and industry leaders who will explore transformative solutions shaping a sustainable future and accelerating the adoption of electric technologies.
Zum unifies parents, students, school administrators and drivers on a single personalized technology platform, enabling never-before achieved levels of visibility and data-backed accountability. In 2024, Zum launched the nation’s first fully electrified school bus fleet in Oakland, California. The 74-bus Oakland fleet is also equipped with groundbreaking vehicle-to-grid technology and bidirectional charging, enabling the buses to return energy to the local grid at scale and improve grid resilience during times of peak demand.
Zum is a national leader in modern student transportation, serving more than 4,000 schools across 14 states nationwide. To learn more about how Zum is working with thousands of schools to deliver safe, reliable and modern student transportation, please visit Zum’s website.
To learn more about the Electric Innovation Awards, visit www.electricinnovation.org.
About Zūm
Zum is a modern transportation solution transforming school transportation, the largest mass transit system in the U.S. Today, the company provides turnkey modern transportation solutions to school districts in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Utah, and Virginia, and is expanding rapidly nationwide. Recognized globally for its innovative transportation and energy as a service platform, Zum has been featured among Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas, CNBC Disruptor 50, CNBC Changemakers, World Economic Forum and Financial Times’ Fastest Growing Companies. Learn more about Zum at www.ridezum.com.
CONTACT:
Jenny Mayfield, Vice President of Communications – press@ridezum.com
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SOURCE Zūm
Federal Signal to Acquire New Way Trucks; Expand Specialty Vehicle Platform into Refuse Collection Vehicles
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) (“Federal Signal” or the “Company”), a leader in environmental and safety solutions, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Scranton Manufacturing Company Inc. d/b/a New Way Trucks (“New Way”), a leading U.S.-based designer and manufacturer of refuse collection vehicles, for an initial purchase price of $396 million. As part of the acquisition, the Company will also pay additional consideration of $30 million for New Way’s manufacturing facilities and associated real estate rights in Iowa and Mississippi. The initial purchase price assumes a cash-free, debt-free transaction, and is subject to certain post-closing adjustments. In addition, there is a contingent earn-out opportunity of up to $54 million, based on the achievement of certain specified financial targets over a two-year period.
When adjusted for the present value of anticipated tax benefits, currently estimated at approximately $60 million, the combined initial purchase price represents a multiple of approximately 11x New Way’s projected 2026 EBITDA, reflecting the impact of various planned investments and integration and optimization initiatives, including deployment of Federal Signal’s chassis and inventory management best practices, and a multiple of approximately 7x New Way’s projected 2028 EBITDA, inclusive of expected synergies.
The transaction will be financed with a combination of cash on hand and availability under Federal Signal’s credit facility. The Company currently anticipates that its pro-forma net debt leverage ratio upon completion of the acquisition will be less than 1.5x.
As a family-owned business, New Way has established itself as one of the fastest-growing refuse truck manufacturers in North America through its strong reputation for quality, reliability, and customer service. New Way manufactures a full range of automated side loaders, rear loaders, and front loaders in its two primary U.S. production facilities, serving both municipal and private-hauler customers. New Way is also recognized as the leading manufacturer of automated side loaders in the U.S., one of the fastest growing waste-hauling product lines.
“The acquisition of New Way establishes a new vertical within our specialty vehicle portfolio and represents a meaningful expansion into the recession-resilient waste and recycling industry,” said Jennifer L. Sherman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Federal Signal. “With our deep expertise in selling refuse equipment through our direct distribution channel and our ability to leverage the power of our specialty vehicle platform, we see significant opportunities to capture synergies and accelerate New Way’s growth and margin trajectory in coming years. Importantly, we believe New Way’s leading U.S. position in automated side loaders and for municipal sales sets the foundation for continued outperformance within the refuse space. We are excited to welcome New Way’s dedicated team of more than 750 employees to the Federal Signal family.”
The acquisition of New Way further strengthens Federal Signal’s position as a manufacturer of leading brands of premium, value-adding products, supported by a robust aftermarket platform. It also establishes a new growth vertical within the Environmental Solutions Group, creating additional inorganic opportunities longer term.
“The opportunity to join Federal Signal marks an exciting new chapter for our company,” said Michael McLaughlin, Chief Executive Officer of New Way. “As a family-owned company, we take great pride in our history of innovation, customer focus, and growth. Serving the local communities in which we operate and our commitment to employees are both of paramount importance to our company, and we believe that Federal Signal shares these values. They represent the right cultural fit to continue building on that legacy, while accelerating New Way’s growth prospects going forward.”
The Company anticipates completing the transaction during the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.
Financial Details
The Company expects the transaction to be neutral to earnings per share (“EPS”) in 2026, reflecting planned business investments, integration and optimization initiatives, higher interest cost, and anticipated purchase accounting effects, including a preliminary estimate of intangible asset amortization expense. The Company expects the transaction to be accretive to EPS in subsequent years, with anticipated EPS accretion of between $0.40 and $0.45 in 2028, including anticipated annual run-rate synergies of between $15 million and $20 million, currently expected to be substantially realized by the end of 2028.
Conference Call
The Company will host an investor conference call and webcast to discuss the transaction at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Investors and analysts may access the webcast at www.federalsignal.com. The teleconference may be accessed 10 minutes prior to the start by calling 1-877-704-4453 and using conference ID 13756156. An archived replay of the investor conference call will be available on the Company’s website shortly after the call concludes. The replay telephone number is 1-844-512-2921, pin number 13756156.
Advisors
Deutsche Bank Securities is serving as lead financial advisor to the Company. Raymond James & Associates Inc. and William Blair are also serving as financial advisors to the Company. Thompson Coburn LLP and Mayer Brown are serving as the Company’s legal advisors. Stifel is serving as the exclusive financial advisor to New Way.
About Federal Signal
Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure, and protects the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer, manufacturer and supplier of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Ill., with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com.
“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This release contains unaudited financial information and various forward-looking statements as of the date hereof and we undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements regardless of new developments or otherwise. Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. Such statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from those stated. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: our ability to successfully close and implement the acquisition of New Way, our ability to achieve anticipated revenue and cost benefits associated with the New Way acquisition, economic and political uncertainty, risks and adverse economic effects associated with geopolitical conflicts including tariffs and other trade conflicts, legal and regulatory developments, foreign currency exchange rate changes, inflationary pressures, product and price competition, supply chain disruptions, availability and pricing of raw materials, interest rate changes, risks associated with acquisitions such as integration of operations and achieving anticipated revenue and cost benefits, work stoppages, increases in pension funding requirements, cybersecurity risks, increased legal expenses and litigation results and other risks and uncertainties described in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
As used herein, “GAAP” refers to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This release includes certain non-GAAP measures, as defined under SEC rules, which are defined below. The non-GAAP financial information presented herein should be considered supplemental to, and not a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. The Company has provided this supplemental information to investors, analysts, and other interested parties to enable them to perform additional analyses of operating results, and to provide an additional measure of performance which management considers in operating the business.
Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortization (“EBITDA”)
EBITDA represents the total of net income, interest expense, net, acquisition and integration-related expenses, net, purchase accounting effects, other expense, net, income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization expense, as applicable.
Net Debt Leverage
The Company’s net debt leverage ratio is calculated as net debt (total borrowings and finance lease obligations less cash and cash equivalents) divided by trailing twelve-month EBITDA.
The Company is unable to provide forward-looking quantitative reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to any GAAP measure because the Company is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of certain significant items without unreasonable effort. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors and could have a material impact on GAAP reported results for the relevant periods. These forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures reflect management’s current expectation and beliefs regarding the potential benefits of the proposed transaction.
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SOURCE Federal Signal Corporation
Baker Hughes Enhances Cordant™ Industrial Software With Integrated AI, Enhanced Usability for Asset Performance Management and Process Optimization
- Expands hybrid AI + physics analytics for deeper, plant-wide insights and proactive decision making
- Persona-based workspaces and multilingual support streamline collaboration and reduce onboarding time
- Collaborative modeling and strategy tools accelerate deployment and improve operational outcomes
MILAN, Italy, September 24, 2025 /3BL/ – Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, announced a major update to Cordant™ (Release 25.2.1), introducing powerful new capabilities across its Asset Performance Management (APM) and Process Optimization (PO) offerings. The newest release builds on Cordant’s modular, AI-powered foundation to deliver deeper insights, faster decision-making and seamless cross-functional collaboration across energy and industrial operations.
Cordant™ enhances operational efficiency and enterprise-wide value realization by removing siloes, connecting data across domains to deliver a unified solution experience. By integrating advanced hybrid AI + physics analytics, simulation environments, and persona-based workspaces with improved governance and multilingual support, the release helps customers reduce risk, drive reliability and accelerate strategy execution across assets and processes.
“This release is a significant step forward in helping our energy and industrial customers unify their data, teams and insights,” said Aravind Yarlagadda, senior vice president of Industrial Solutions, Industrial & Energy Technology at Baker Hughes. “With Cordant 25.2.1, we are giving customers the tools to break down silos, reduce complexity, and optimize outcomes – whether they’re focused on asset health, process performance or strategic operations planning.”
Customer-centric enhancements in Cordant 25.2.1
The release includes major updates across several modules in the Cordant™ suite:
- Deeper AI-powered insights: Expanded hybrid AI + physics-based analytics deliver broader equipment coverage and predictive failure detection across turbines, compressors, pumps and more. A new AI Assistant for Work Management accelerates case resolution and boosts productivity.
- More intelligent asset performance management: Unified visibility and actionable insights across health and strategy domains, supported by seamless collaboration tools, role-based access and structured evidence tracking.
- Improved productivity: New persona-based workspaces and multilingual support in over 20 languages help reduce onboarding time and improve efficiency across global teams. An integrated, searchable user guide accelerates onboarding, reduces support requests, and ensures users can find help when they need it.
- Faster strategy execution: Collaborative modeling tools, component strategy management and “calculated criticality” prioritization enable faster, more impactful asset and defect management decisions
- Advanced process simulation and performance optimization: A redesigned simulation environment supports profile-based modeling and real-time collaborative workflows, improving accuracy, reducing costs, and increasing agility across process operations.
- Enhanced governance and support: Unified communications, real-time system transparency, AI-enabled work assistance and enhanced notification and access control tools improve user trust, case resolution speed and overall operational control.
Cordant™ is a modular, AI-enabled industrial enterprise solution that optimizes assets, processes, and energy use at scale. Acting as a digital thread across operations, Cordant™ automates decision-making, enhances reliability, and supports sustainability — elevating operational data from plant-level tools to strategic, enterprise-wide impact.
With a 100-year heritage of energy innovation, Baker Hughes is integrating digital solutions such as Cordant™ with the company’s proven technologies to help customers achieve greater efficiency, extend asset life, and maximize returns. Learn more about the company’s end-to-end digital portfolio here.
About Baker Hughes
Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.
For more information, please contact:
Media relations
Kerry Davis
Kerry.Davis@BakerHughes.com
+44 7443 157 262
Trane Technologies Named Among World’s Best Employers Securing Top Honors for Culture, Sustainability, and Industry Leadership
SWORDS, Ireland, September 24, 2025 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, has been celebrated with a sweep of prestigious recognitions spotlighting its outstanding workplace culture and forward-thinking leadership. TIME, Fortune, Forbes, 3BL and Glassdoor have all named Trane Technologies among this year’s best companies and workplaces.
In just this month alone, Trane Technologies has been recognized in:
- TIME’s World’s Best Companies list for the third consecutive year
- Fortune’s list of the Best Workplaces in Manufacturing and Production for the second consecutive year
- Forbes’ inaugural list of America’s Best Employers for Company Culture 2025
- 3BL’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens list for the sixth consecutive year, and
- Glassdoor’s Best-Led Companies 2025
“At Trane Technologies, our culture has been a catalyst for our success,” said Dave Regnery, chair and CEO of Trane Technologies. “We know that an uplifting, inclusive culture empowers our people to innovate, collaborate, and deliver great results. When our employees feel supported and inspired, we unlock the potential to create value for our customers, our shareholders, our communities, and for the world.”
TIME’s list of the World’s Best Companies recognizes organizations with high employee satisfaction, strong growth, and transparency in their sustainability practices. Fortune’s Best Companies in Manufacturing and Production™ is based on analysis of survey responses from nearly 107,000 employees at Great Place To Work Certified™ companies in the manufacturing and production industry.
Forbes America’s Best Employers for Company Culture 2025 is determined through a comprehensive process that includes survey responses from current employees, industry feedback, evaluations from friends and family, and research conducted by the market research firm Statista. 3BL’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens evaluates Russell 1,000 companies on multiple factors, including climate change, employee relations, environment, governance and human rights. Glassdoor’s Best-Led Companies honors exceptional senior leadership teams that go above and beyond to redefine the employee experience.
These accolades are the latest in a series of honors awarded to Trane Technologies by TIME and Fortune. Earlier this year, the company was recognized on Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list for the 13th consecutive year and ranked 20th on TIME’s list of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies. Additionally, the company earned Great Place To Work® Certification™ in the United States for the fifth consecutive year.
Trane Technologies continues to lead the way in decarbonizing buildings, industry, and the cold chain by reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions both for its customers and within its own operations, all while consistently achieving outstanding business and sustainability performance.
The company has made substantial progress toward its 2030 Sustainability Commitments, notably reducing customer carbon emissions by 237 million metric tons since 2019. This achievement puts Trane Technologies on track to meet its Gigaton Challenge goal of reducing one gigaton (one billion metric tons) of customer carbon emissions by 2030.
# # #
About Trane Technologies
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. Visit tranetechnologies.com.
This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of securities laws, which are statements that are not historical facts, including statements that relate to our sustainability commitments and the impact of these commitments. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Factors that could cause such differences can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Pickleman’s Joins Forces with Brave Like McKenna Foundation to Shine a Light on Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month
KANSAS CITY METROPOLITAN AREA, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This September, Pickleman’s Gourmet Café is proud to partner with the Brave Like McKenna Foundation to stand with kids and families battling pediatric cancer.
McKenna Royer was only 11 when she lost her fight with Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), a rare and aggressive pediatric brain cancer, on February 26, 2024. Through every treatment and every setback, McKenna showed a spirit that never quit. She inspired everyone around her with her joy, grit, and courage.
Her mom, Janell Royer, a Pickleman’s franchisee, knows the fight up close. She saw the harsh realities of pediatric cancer and the lack of resources for families. After McKenna’s passing, Janell made a promise: no family should face this diagnosis without hope, help, and community. That promise became the Brave Like McKenna Foundation.
The foundation funds groundbreaking research and provides real, practical support for families. From easing medical costs to creating bright moments of joy in the middle of the fight.
How You Can Join In
All month long at Pickleman’s, guests can:
– Donate $1 and get a coloring page to spark creativity.
– Donate $5 and receive a pin. Wear it proudly to show you’re part of the fight!
Every dollar goes directly to the foundation. Together, we can turn sandwiches into support and meals into momentum for kids who deserve a future full of possibilities.
“This isn’t just a cause for us, it’s family,” says Doug Stritzel, Founder and CEO of Pickleman’s. “Through Janell, we’ve seen how one child’s bravery can move mountains. Now it’s our turn to move with her.”
Stop by your local Pickleman’s this September and leave knowing you helped bring light to a child’s darkest days. Together, we can help brave kids fight an even braver battle.
About Pickleman’s
Founded in 2005, Pickleman’s Gourmet Café delivers crave-worthy toasted sandwiches, pizzas, soups, and salads made with clean ingredients and proprietary recipes. With locations nationwide and a fast-growing footprint, Pickleman’s is passionate about quality, community, and creating experiences that keep guests coming back.
Media Contact: Sasha Clark
Sasha@clutchcm.com
801-719-1575
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SOURCE Picklemans
Feinberg & Waller Announces Mock Trial Leadership Award to Support Los Angeles High School Students
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Feinberg & Waller, APC proudly continues support of the Feinberg & Waller Mock Trial Leadership Award, underscoring the firm’s unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, access to justice, and leadership development. The award is designed to recognize and mentor Los Angeles high school students who demonstrate exemplary leadership both on their mock trial teams and in their communities.
The award is open to students currently enrolled in the Teach Democracy Mock Trial Program. Applications will be evaluated based on demonstrated leadership and a commitment to advancing fairness, inclusion, and access to justice. The program engages students in preparing and presenting a hypothetical criminal case, helping them develop presentation skills, analytical abilities, teamwork, and an understanding of the legal system.
“Feinberg & Waller believes that diverse perspectives strengthen the practice of law and enrich our communities,” said Marshall Waller, Certified Family Law Specialist and partner at the firm. “Our goal is to ensure that democratic values are taught to the students who hold the future in their hands. We want young people to understand their obligations and responsibilities as members of society.”
Mentorship and Financial Support
In addition to a financial award, recipients will participate in a mentorship program with access to legal experts, including Mr. Waller, who has a long history of coaching mock trial teams. Awardees will receive:
- Personalized coaching on law and courtroom etiquette
- Guidance on career strategies and networking
- Support in resume building and professional development
This mentorship is designed to help students cultivate critical legal and leadership skills while gaining insight into the realities of practicing law.
Commitment to Advocacy
Feinberg & Waller particularly encourage applications from students whose experiences reflect the perspectives of historically underrepresented or marginalized communities. The award will be granted without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.
About Feinberg & Waller, APC
Feinberg & Waller, APC, is a results-driven law firm that practices exclusively in family law. The firm is widely recognized throughout Southern California for its skilled and well-crafted legal advocacy. Beyond the courtroom, Feinberg & Waller is dedicated to serving the community through nonprofit involvement, civil rights protection, social justice initiatives, and educational advancement.
Learn More
For full details about eligibility and the Feinberg & Waller Mock Trial Leadership Award, please visit: https://www.feinbergwaller.com/about/mock-trial-leadership-award/
Related link
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SOURCE Feinberg & Waller
Reflections From Hong Kong: Our Biggest and Best Annual Meeting Yet
After a 16-hour flight, several hours of entertaining my three-year-old, and despite the jet-lag, I’m putting pen to paper on my reflections while my little one takes her afternoon nap. It feels like the right moment to reflect — because our Annual Meeting 2025 in Hong Kong was nothing short of extraordinary.
This was our biggest and best yet: over 700 attendees, 100+ speakers, and 33 sponsors came together under the theme “A Movement for All.” It was the first time our programming centered outright on two problem statements, including unpacking how to make responsible purchasing practices the norm and trouble-shooting more effective buyer-supplier engagement models. The energy in every room made it clear: this is a movement that’s only gaining momentum.
What stood out most this year was the engagement of manufacturers. Their presence and voice were felt across every stage, roundtable, and networking moment. It was noticed by everyone. And rightly so, because accelerating climate action and embedding responsible purchasing practices can only happen if manufacturers are at the center of the conversation.
The content and dialogue across the two days were outstanding. From urgent discussions on climate risks and adaptation, to bold ideas for rewiring buyer–supplier relationships, to practical steps on responsible purchasing practices, every session pushed us forward. The honesty from C-suite leaders (we also had more CEOs joining the event than ever before) was refreshing, the insights from practitioners were invaluable, and the collective sense of responsibility was inspiring.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the remarkable effort of the Cascale team. From content planning to logistics, from sponsorship to media, from speaker support to production — you brought passion, professionalism, and determination at every step. I am deeply proud of what we accomplished together. So, thank you again for your collective efforts.
As I look back, here are a few personal takeaways from Hong Kong:
- Manufacturers stepped up. Their engagement and honesty shaped the dialogue in a way that felt fresh and much-needed.
- C-suite leaders didn’t hold back. The candid discussion on power dynamics and purchasing practices showed both the challenges and the pathways forward.
- Climate action and decent work are inseparable. Every conversation circled back to the fact that these aren’t parallel issues; they’re intertwined.
- Energy and appetite for solutions are strong. Despite political headwinds, the sense of urgency and collaboration was palpable.
- Our team raised the bar. From planning to execution, this was Cascale at its best, and I couldn’t be prouder.
This event has set a new bar. We broke records, built new connections, and sparked ideas that will shape our industry in the months and years ahead. And we’re not stopping here. We’re already excited for what’s next: the Cascale Annual Meeting 2026 in Greece.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Hong Kong, in person and virtually. Together, we’re proving that sustainability is not just a goal, but a business imperative. And together, we are building a movement for all.
— Lee GreenVP, Marketing & Communications
2025 FISU World Cup: Football Begins in Dalian
DALIAN, China, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With an open and inclusive welcome, Dalian, China’s famed “Football City”, hosted the ultimate showdown in university football. On September 17, the 2025 FISU Football World Cup grandly kicked off at Suoyuwan Stadium, bringing together 24 elite university sides from 17 countries for a festival of fierce rivalry and new friendships on the pitch.
The tournament will be staged under the philosophy of “green, innovative, humanistic and spectacular”. The design of the mascot “Lianbao • Spotted Seal”, which is modeled on the rare spotted seals of Dalian’s National Nature Reserve, not only embodies the competitive spirit of young athletes, but also signals Dalian’s commitment to marine-ecosystem conservation and green development.
The tournament innovatively deploys cutting-edge technology to streamline operations and enhance the overall experience. The Dalian Football Youth Training Base now runs a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) inspection system equipped with HD and thermal-imaging cameras to monitor turf health in real time and fine-tune maintenance, greatly boosting efficiency. Across both digital and on-site touchpoints, AI chatbots deliver real-time, accurate support to participants, proof that technology is truly driving the tournament.
Human-centred hospitality underpinned every stage of the tournament. Thirteen Dalian universities offered dedicated, one-on-one support to overseas squads, and more than 280 student volunteers staffed reception, media and operations desks throughout the event.
On the field, players from every continent threw everything into tackle and counterattack; Off the field, diverse cultural-exchange activities ran in parallel. Three nightly shows of “Hello Dalian•Youth Aloft” mixed Chinese opera with hip-hop and left stadium corridors ringing with applause. Across the bay in Donggang, players filmed ferries gliding between skyscrapers as if sailing down a street. At Dalian Forest Zoo, the adorable giant pandas stole the show as the biggest stars. On Dongguan Street, the players stepped into the history museum and listened intently to the story of Dalian. As they toured the city, they experienced its natural scenery, cultural heritage and modern energy.
FISU President Leonz Eder hailed the event as “a milestone” and called China “our closest and most valued partner.” Drawn together by football, students from across the world left Dalian with new friends and lifelong memories, turning the tournament into a bridge for youth culture and people-to-people ties.
Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUR7UalyAUY
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2781287/Dalian_logo.jpg
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SOURCE Information Office Of Dalian Municipal Government
