Month: June 2026

PITTSBURGH, June 16, 2026 /3BL/ – Wesco, through its Wesco Cares program and in partnership with its Women’s Impact Network (WIN) Business Resource Group, is proud to support the next generation of women pursuing careers in the electrical and skilled trades through the IEC Foundation EmpowerHer Scholarship program.

This year, 15 scholarships were awarded helping expand access to education and training opportunities across the industry. The scholarships will support students across a range of educational pathways, including two-year colleges and four-year universities, providing critical resources to help them advance their academic and professional goals. Award recipients were formally notified through scholarship letters issued by the IEC Foundation, reinforcing the program’s shared commitment to expanding opportunity and access within the electrical and systems contracting industries.

As the demand for skilled trades continues to grow, initiatives like EmpowerHer play an important role in supporting women entering and advancing in these fields, where they have historically been underrepresented. By investing in education, training, and career pathways, the program helps remove barriers and create more opportunities for women to build sustainable, rewarding careers in the industry.

“The EmpowerHer Scholarship reflects our commitment to building a more inclusive talent pipeline and supporting women at every stage of their career journey,” said Wesco Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Chris Wolf. “Through Wesco Cares and the leadership of our WIN BRG, we are proud to partner with organizations like the IEC Foundation to create meaningful, lasting impact.”

The IEC Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education and workforce development in the electrical and systems contracting industries, administers the program and supports students in achieving their educational goals.

Through initiatives like EmpowerHer, Wesco Cares continues to invest in programs that strengthen communities, support workforce development, and empower individuals to succeed in high-demand careers.

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 $24 billion in annual sales in 2025 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 21,000 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 significant digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, technology companies, telecommunicationsproviders, 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.

Media contact:

Corporate Communications
Jennifer Sniderman
Vice President, Corporate Communications
717-579-6603

Key Takeaways

• Azerbaijan’s role in global sustainability conversations continues to grow through renewable energy development, climate initiatives, and international collaboration.
• Water stress, legacy industrial impacts, and evolving environmental regulations are shaping sustainability priorities across the Caspian region.
• Multinational organizations often face challenges translating global ESG and sustainability frameworks into local operating environments.
• Renewable energy, climate risk assessment, environmental permitting, ESG reporting, and environmental and social impact assessments are driving demand for sustainability services.
• Access to capital, supply chain requirements, and workforce expectations are increasingly influencing sustainability decisions across the region.
• Local expertise remains critical for aligning global sustainability goals with regional regulatory, cultural, and operational realities.

 

As the global community celebrates World Environment Day 2026, attention turned to Azerbaijan, this year’s host country and a region playing an increasingly important role in conversations about sustainability, energy transition, and environmental stewardship. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia along the historic Silk Road, Azerbaijan is known for its diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and strategic regional position. As host of World Environment Day 2026, the country is showcasing its growing focus on climate action, renewable energy, and sustainable development, supported by commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2035 and increase renewable energy capacity to 30% by 2030.

While Azerbaijan has long been recognized as an important energy producer, the country is increasingly positioning itself at the intersection of traditional energy expertise and a growing commitment to renewable energy, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Following the country’s hosting of COP29 in 2024 and now World Environment Day 2026, the region continues to attract attention from organizations seeking to balance economic growth, environmental responsibility, and long-term resilience.

“Nature is not optional—it is central to climate resilience and our collective future,” is part of the world environment day theme for 2026.

To explore these trends, we spoke with Nurana Zohrabbayli, Business Development Officer at Sustainera Solutions, Inogen Alliance’s associate in Azerbaijan. With a background in environmental engineering and more than seven years of experience in sustainability, environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), and environmental policy implementation, Nurana shared her perspective on the region’s evolving sustainability landscape and what it means for multinational organizations operating there.

 

A Region Connecting Markets, Energy, and Sustainability

Azerbaijan’s growing importance comes from both its geographic location and its evolving economic vision.

Strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, the country serves as a bridge connecting markets, energy corridors, and regulatory environments. This unique position creates opportunities for regional collaboration while placing Azerbaijan at the center of many sustainability discussions.

“What makes Azerbaijan specifically relevant today is its ability to combine experience in traditional energy with a forward-looking approach to clean energy and environmental stewardship.”

That shift is becoming increasingly visible. Azerbaijan has established ambitious renewable energy targets, with significant investments in solar and wind development alongside new transmission infrastructure designed to support green energy exports to Europe.

At the same time, sustainability conversations within the region are becoming more sophisticated. Environmental and social considerations are no longer viewed solely through a compliance lens. Increasingly, organizations are being asked to demonstrate how they are managing carbon emissions, climate risks, and broader sustainability commitments.

Questions that were uncommon just a few years ago are now directly tied to investment decisions, partnerships, financing opportunities, and market access.

 

Sustainability Challenges Remain Complex

Like many rapidly evolving regions, Azerbaijan and the broader Caspian region face unique environmental and sustainability challenges.

One of the most significant is the environmental legacy of decades of hydrocarbon development. Historical industrial activity has created environmental liabilities that require long-term remediation and investment while supporting ongoing economic growth.

Water availability is another growing concern. Across the South Caucasus and Central Asia, water stress is becoming an increasingly important issue as agriculture, industry, and growing urban populations compete for resources that are becoming less predictable due to climate change.

A third challenge is the pace of regulatory evolution. Environmental legislation in Azerbaijan continues to mature and align more closely with international standards. As permitting requirements, environmental regulations, and compliance expectations evolve, organizations must navigate a changing regulatory landscape while maintaining operational efficiency and business continuity.

For multinational organizations, these developments create both challenges and opportunities.

 

Why Local Expertise Matters

One of the strongest themes that emerged during our discussion was the importance of local knowledge when implementing global sustainability programs.

Many multinational organizations enter new markets with well-developed ESG frameworks, climate strategies, and sustainability commitments. These frameworks are often aligned with international standards and represent years of organizational learning and investment.

The challenge is rarely the quality of the strategy itself.

“Sustainability implementation is not primarily a technical problem. It’s a contextual one.”

Local energy systems, regulatory structures, stakeholder expectations, data availability, cultural considerations, and permitting processes can all influence how sustainability programs are implemented in practice.

Even the most sophisticated sustainability frameworks require adaptation to local operating environments.

“The challenge isn’t the quality of those strategies. The challenge is how they translate into different operating environments.”

Organizations that underestimate these regional nuances may encounter project delays, stakeholder concerns, compliance challenges, or missed opportunities. Those that successfully combine global standards with local expertise are often better positioned to achieve both business and sustainability objectives.

This principle extends across a wide range of sustainability initiatives, including ESG strategy implementation, climate risk assessments, stakeholder engagement, environmental permitting, environmental and social impact assessments, and sustainability reporting.

 

What This Means for Multinational Organizations

As sustainability expectations continue to evolve globally, organizations operating across multiple regions face a common challenge: maintaining consistent global standards while adapting to local realities.

In Azerbaijan and the broader Caspian region, several factors are becoming increasingly important:

• Renewable energy development is accelerating, creating new opportunities and permitting requirements for organizations investing in infrastructure and industrial projects.
• Environmental regulations are becoming more closely aligned with international expectations, requiring companies to monitor evolving compliance obligations.
• Access to capital is increasingly linked to demonstrated environmental performance, particularly through sustainability-linked financing, green bonds, and development finance initiatives.
• Supply chain requirements continue to expand as multinational customers seek stronger environmental and ESG performance from suppliers and partners.
• Water stress and climate resilience are becoming strategic business considerations across sectors including infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, and energy.

For organizations entering new markets, strong corporate sustainability frameworks remain essential. However, successful implementation often depends on understanding local regulatory systems, stakeholder expectations, data availability, and operational realities.

This is where local expertise can help bridge the gap between global objectives and practical implementation.

 

Where Organizations Are Investing Today

Several sustainability priorities are currently driving demand across Azerbaijan and the wider region.

Renewable energy projects continue to be one of the most active areas of investment, creating demand for environmental permitting, environmental and social impact assessments, and community engagement support.

Organizations are also increasingly focusing on:

• ESG strategy development and implementation
• Sustainability reporting and disclosures
• Climate risk assessments
• Environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA)
• Industrial site remediation
• Infrastructure and transportation projects
• Agricultural sustainability initiatives

At Sustainera Solutions, this includes supporting organizations with ESG strategies, sustainability reporting, environmental and social impact assessments, and regional projects spanning multiple countries and sectors.

Importantly, demand is no longer limited to large multinational corporations. Mid-sized organizations with international customers, investors, or supply chain connections are increasingly seeking support as sustainability expectations continue to expand.

 

Looking Ahead: Technology, Climate, and New Opportunities

Several emerging trends are starting to shape the next phase of sustainability development across the region.

Green hydrogen presents a significant opportunity due to the region’s renewable energy potential and proximity to European markets.

Digital environmental monitoring is another area gaining momentum. Technologies such as remote sensing, satellite imagery, and AI-assisted analysis have the potential to improve environmental baseline assessments, strengthen compliance monitoring, reduce costs, and enhance data quality.

Climate finance and carbon markets may also play an increasingly important role as organizations seek access to sustainability-linked financing and investors continue placing greater emphasis on environmental performance.

At the same time, workforce expectations are changing. Many professionals entering the workforce today increasingly evaluate employers based on organizational values, environmental commitments, and long-term sustainability goals.

Together these factors show that sustainability will continue moving beyond compliance and reporting toward becoming a core business consideration.

 

From Commitment to Implementation

When asked what gives her optimism about the future, Nurana offered a perspective that reflects a broader shift taking place across industries and regions.

“The conversation is moving from why it matters to how to make it work.”

That evolution may be one of the most meaningful indicators of progress.

As organizations move beyond sustainability commitments and focus on implementation, local expertise, practical solutions, and international collaboration become increasingly important. For multinational organizations operating across diverse regions, maintaining global standards while adapting to local realities remains one of the biggest challenges, but also may be one of the greatest opportunities.

World Environment Day provides an opportunity to step back and consider the bigger picture. This year, Azerbaijan’s role as host serves as a reminder that meaningful progress often happens where global ambitions meet local knowledge, practical action, and regional expertise.

 

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GENEVA, June 16, 2026 /3BL/ – The Tire Industry Project (TIP) is conducting a pilot project with the Greater Paris Sanitation Authority (SIAAP) and sustainability consultancy ERM to test how effectively wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) can potentially remove tire and road wear particles (TRWP). This study will run through 2026 at SIAAP’s Valenton wastewater treatment plant near Paris, France – the second largest in Europe and one of the most advanced facilities that is broadly representative of modern municipal wastewater treatment plants.

Why is this important?
In many cities around the world, rainwater and road runoff are treated by wastewater systems before being released back into waterways such as rivers. Understanding how effective wastewater treatment processes treat TRWP could inform more widespread implementation of best practices in wastewater management.

To date, there is limited evidence that systematically quantifies the removal of TRWP in WWTP. This project is expected to generate robust, end-to-end data, providing a holistic picture and filling a critical knowledge gap.

It is also TIP’s first, real-world test of one of the nine priority TRWP mitigation measures identified in its white paper, Commitment to Addressing Tire and Road Wear Particles.

How does the pilot work?

Between now and the end of 2026, the pilot will aim to analyze samples collected at key treatment stages at the Valenton plant using advanced laboratory techniques, including pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (PY-GC/MS). It will then estimate how much TRWP is removed across the full treatment process. Results are expected to be submitted to a scientific journal for peer review, with final publication likely in early 2027.

From knowledge to action: Researching and assessing potential mitigation measures

TRWP remains an evolving and extremely complex field of study, given the lack of harmonization, the varying characteristics of TRWP and their transformational products as well as the diverse environmental compartments through which they move.

In addition to supporting standardization and setting limits for tire abrasion, TIP and its member companies have committed to advancing the scientific understanding of TRWP to enable science-based mitigation approaches. TIP has been conducting and supporting research to strengthen the knowledge base—specifically around TRWP quantification, characterization, environmental migration and potential impact—while engaging with stakeholders across the value chain to support evidence-based mitigation.

In 2024, TIP published a Commitment to Addressing Tire and Road Wear Particles, which evaluated more than 50 different mitigation measures found in scientific literature. It then prioritized nine of them based on their potential to reduce TRWP, both upstream and downstream, using a three-part approach: prevention, containment, and removal.

While prioritizing nine measures, the paper emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all or a single-actor solution. Achieving meaningful progress requires implementation of multiple measures at scale, through multifaceted actions across all actors involved in TRWP generation and management – including the tire, road construction and automotive industries, alongside municipal authorities, academia, and other public and private stakeholders.

At the same time, the review also showed that none of the mitigation measures analyzed have yet been proven to be effective, specifically regarding TRWP, and would require on-ground assessment.

In that regard, the Valenton pilot represents TIP’s first initiative to test the real-world efficacy of wastewater management in removing TRWP, bringing together multiple stakeholders from the public and private sector.

“This pilot is an important step in going beyond understanding the subject in the laboratory to field-based evidence,” said Larisa Kryachkova, Executive Director at TIP. “We expect to identify best practices that can be applied far beyond this project, supporting TIP’s ambition to support science-based mitigation.”

“As the public authority responsible for wastewater treatment in the Paris region, SIAAP is committed to emerging science that protects waterways,” said Sabrina Guérin, Head of Innovation department, SIAAP. “By taking part in this TIP study, we will gain an early, science-based view of TRWP movement in solid waste. The findings can help inform and accompany future treatment planning and readiness for upcoming regulatory requirements.”

Notes to Editors: 

What is TRWP and why/ how is it produced?

Tires play a unique role in providing safe mobility, as they are the only connection between the vehicle and the road. The friction between tires and the road surface, which is critical to vehicle safety and performance, unintentionally causes abrasion and creates tire and road wear particles (TRWP). They are an approximately half-and-half mixture of tire tread and road pavement material.

TRWP generation is influenced by many factors impacting tire wear, including tire design, vehicle characteristics (such as weight, distribution of load, location of driving wheels and suspension types), road surface (material, runoff design, roughness), weather (humid or dry, hot or cold), road topology (hilly or flat, winding or straight), and driving behavior (aggressive or smooth driving, high or moderate speed, respecting the correct inflation pressure, braking).

About TIP

Formed in 2005, the Tire Industry Project (TIP) is a voluntary CEO-driven initiative with a mission to anticipate, understand, and address global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues relevant to the tire industry and its value chain.​

TIP acts by commissioning independent research of the highest standards, collaborating on sectoral solutions, and engaging with external stakeholders. ​

TIP is part of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), bringing together 10 leading tire companies that represent more than 60% of the world’s tire manufacturing capacity.

In 2025, TIP marked its 20th anniversary — a milestone that reflects its long-term commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering collective industry action to improve sustainability across the tire value chain.

For more information, visit The Tire Industry Project.

About ERM

ERM is a leading global sustainability consultancy, specializing in environmental, health, safety, risk, and social consulting services. With over 8,000 professionals across 40+ countries, ERM helps organizations integrate sustainability into their strategies and operations. ERM has previously worked with TIP on field studies of TRWP in the environment. Their work has also included developing and refining analytical methods to detect TRWP.

About SIAAP

SIAAP (Syndicat Interdépartemental pour I’Assainissement de I’Agglomération Parisienne) is a French public utility managing 6 WWTPs, 481km of sewer lines, and 8 stormwater basins. It treats approximately 2.5 million m³/day of wastewater for more than 9 million people in Paris region. SIAAP has strong expertise in urban water-quality modeling and experience with major initiatives such as the Seine River restoration and circular-economy programs such as beneficial reuse of sludge and biogas production.

New Oxford Economics research shows how DP World’s logistics investments in the Dominican Republic have generated jobs, skills development, and more inclusive economic growth.

Ports are often measured by the volume of cargo they handle or the number of vessels they serve. But their broader impact extends far beyond the waterfront.

At DP World’s terminal at the Port of Caucedo in the Dominican Republic, trade infrastructure is helping create employment opportunities, build workforce skills, and strengthen economic mobility for thousands of people across the country.

The research highlights how the benefits of trade connectivity extend well beyond moving goods, generating value for workers, families, and communities.

Supporting Jobs Across the Economy

According to the research, activities linked to DP World’s Caucedo operations supported nearly 5,000 jobs nationwide in 2024, including nearly 3,000 jobs in Greater Santo Domingo.

While some of these positions are directly connected to port operations, many exist across a broader ecosystem that includes:

• Transportation and trucking
• Warehousing and distribution
• Manufacturing
• Customs and trade services
• Professional and business services

The findings demonstrate how logistics infrastructure can create ripple effects throughout the economy, supporting employment across multiple sectors.

Creating Pathways for Young Talent

One of the study’s most notable findings is the impact on younger workers.

More than 650 jobs supported by Caucedo are held by people aged 24 and under, providing access to careers within one of the country’s most globally connected industries.

For many young professionals, logistics offers opportunities to develop skills in areas such as:

• Supply chain management
• Terminal operations
• Engineering and maintenance
• Technology and automation
• International trade

As logistics becomes increasingly digitized, these capabilities are becoming valuable across a wide range of industries.

Expanding Opportunities for Women

The research also points to the growing role women play within the broader logistics ecosystem.

Approximately 25% of jobs supported by the port are held by women, representing nearly 1,200 positions nationwide.

While transportation and logistics have historically been male-dominated sectors globally, investments in integrated logistics networks can help create a wider range of employment opportunities across operations, administration, technology, customer service, and supply chain management.

Strengthening Communities Beyond Employment

The value of infrastructure investment extends beyond direct job creation.

DP World’s approach in the Dominican Republic includes ongoing investments in community development, education, environmental stewardship, and workforce readiness initiatives that help strengthen long-term resilience in surrounding communities.

These efforts reflect a growing recognition that sustainable growth requires more than efficient trade flows. It also requires investment in people.

When Infrastructure Is Designed for Impact

The story of Caucedo illustrates an important lesson for policymakers, businesses, and investors alike.

Infrastructure is often viewed through the lens of economic performance. Yet its most meaningful impact may be its ability to expand opportunity — creating pathways to employment, skills development, and long-term prosperity.

When trade infrastructure is designed with people in mind, ports become more than gateways for goods.

They become catalysts for inclusive growth.

Learn more about the DP World Effect in the Dominican Republic

 

Direct Relief is sending over a quarter million N95 respirators donated by 3M to help protect health workers on the front lines of the Ebola outbreak, responding to widespread PPE shortages reported across eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The donation, which also includes eye protection and protective coveralls donated by 3M, is the largest announced shipment of N95s to date in response to the Ebola crisis.

On Friday, a shipment of 75,000 N95 respirators left Direct Relief’s California warehouse headed to Bunia, capital of DRC’s Ituri province, where the Ebola outbreak is centered. Another batch containing 188,000 N95s is set to ship early this week.

Friday’s shipment also contained essential medicines, including antibiotics, deworming treatments, medications for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, gastrointestinal drugs, oral rehydration salts, and water purification supplies.

In late May, Direct Relief shipped $2.5 million in medicine and medical supplies to treat patients, help protect health workers, and limit the spread of the disease. The shipment to Jericho Road’s Wellness Clinic in Goma included PPE, antibiotics, diagnostics, supportive care medications, chronic disease medications, and field infrastructure and safety equipment.

A Two-Sided Ebola Response Strategy: Protecting Providers, Maintaining Primary Care

An Ebola outbreak kills people in two ways. In addition to deaths from the disease itself, many die from loss of access to primary medical care. In the 2014–15 West Africa outbreak, more than 10,000 people died from malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis – not Ebola – because clinics shut down, people stopped seeking care out of fear, and health systems buckled under the strain. That death toll nearly matched the 11,325 lives Ebola itself claimed in the outbreak.

“An effective Ebola response has to do two things at once: contain the virus, and help the broader health system keep functioning,” said Dr. Jeffrey Samuel, a clinical pharmacist and Direct Relief’s regional director for Africa. “That is why Direct Relief is delivering not only PPE and supportive care medicines for Ebola, but also medicines and supplies that help partners continue primary care, chronic disease care, maternal health services, and other essential healthcare during the outbreak.”

Working With VillageReach for Last-Mile Delivery in DRC

To help ensure the supplies reach the people who need them, Direct Relief is delivering the two large shipments to VillageReach, a global health non-profit working in the DRC and across Africa to transform health care delivery to reach everyone. VillageReach will coordinate the distribution with the National Public Health Institute of DRC’s Ministry of Public Health, to ensure these critical resources reach frontline health workers at the last mile – enabling them to safely continue providing care and helping to limit the spread of the virus.

VillageReach will train and mobilize 600 community health workers and facilitators for early case detection and contact tracing, strengthen diagnostics through secure transport of lab samples, maintain routine immunization services, and work with district and community leaders to reinforce local engagement and reduce the Ebola misinformation that leads some people to avoid treatment.

Direct Relief worked closely with VillageReach on the Covid-19 Action Fund for Africa, which delivered more than 121 million pieces of PPE across Africa between 2020 and 2022 – including 94 million face masks – to help protect community health workers from Covid-19 and enable them to continue their vital work.

“The arrival of this PPE is critical to protecting frontline health workers and stopping the spread of Ebola,” said VillageReach’s DRC Country Director Freddy Nkosi. “Working alongside the Ministry of Health, and with support from Direct Relief, VillageReach is helping ensure these supplies reach the last mile—so health workers can safely continue providing essential care to their communities.”

Maintaining Life-Sustaining Diabetes Care

Direct Relief is preparing shipments for two partners in eastern DRC that provide care to people with diabetes. This includes a shipment to Association des Diabetiques du Congo, or ADIC, to protect health staff at their Goma diabetes clinic and their network of healthcare providers in North Kivu and South Kivu, as well as a shipment to Kivu Diabetes Center to support healthcare staff at their clinic in Bukavu, capital of South Kivu province.

Since 2023, Direct Relief has provided $17.5 million in medical support to ADIC, including diabetes management supplies such as insulin, needles, test strips, and refrigerators for cold storage of temperature-sensitive medications. Since late 2025, Direct Relief has provided Kivu Diabetes Center with insulin, blood glucose monitors, and testing supplies, and three medical refrigerators for cold-chain storage.

On June 12, Direct Relief delivered an additional large shipment of diabetes medicine to Jericho Road’s Wellness Clinic in Goma. The shipment, valued at $4,721,310, contained more than 13,300 bottles of oral medications for managing type 2 diabetes and blood sugar.

South Sudan Aid

Direct Relief is arranging two shipments of PPE and essential medicine to the International Organization for Migration in South Sudan. While no Ebola cases have been confirmed in South Sudan, health authorities consider the country at high risk because of cross-border population movement with affected areas in DRC’s Ituri province.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 16, 2026 /3BL/ – Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE: TFC) announced that its board appointed Catherine Bessant to join as a director. Bessant will serve on the board’s risk committee.

“We’re delighted to welcome Cathy, with her deep experience in financial services and philanthropy to the Truist board of directors,” said Truist Chairman and CEO Bill Rogers. “Cathy’s impressive track record of purpose-driven leadership and successful digital, technology and operational transformation on a global scale will serve Truist, our teammates, clients and stakeholders well.”

Bessant, inducted into American Banker’s “Most Powerful Women in Banking” Hall of Fame in 2020 after multiple years ranked number one for industry influence and execution, most recently served as CEO of Foundation For The Carolinas, one of the largest community foundations in the U.S.

“I look forward to working alongside the Truist board to help advance the company’s strategic direction and purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Bessant. “I’m honored to join the board of such a great franchise in this exciting moment of industry transformation.”

Culminating a distinguished four-decade career at Bank of America, Bessant retired as vice chair, global strategy, and as a member of the company’s executive management team. Prior to that, she was chief operations and technology officer, where she led the company’s business continuity and information security strategies and policies. Earlier in her career, Bessant held numerous senior leadership roles, including president, global corporate banking; president, global product solutions and global treasury services; chief marketing officer; president, consumer real estate and community development banking; national small business segment executive; and president of the Florida market.

Bessant serves on the board of directors of Zurich Insurance Group and is on the advisory board for—and a graduate of—the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. She’s also the immediate past chair of the USA Field Hockey board of directors. Locally in the Queen City, she formerly chaired the North Tryon Vision Plan Advisory Committee and served as co-chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing & Homelessness Strategy.

About Truist
Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist has leading market share in many of the high-growth markets in the U.S. and offers a wide range of products and services through wholesale and consumer businesses, including consumer and small business banking, commercial and corporate banking, investment banking and capital markets, wealth management, payments, and specialized lending businesses. Truist is a top-10 commercial bank with total assets of $549 billion as of March 31, 2026. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Learn more at Truist.com.

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 16, 2026 /3BL/ – Aetna Better Health of Missouri, a CVS Health company (NYSE: CVS), announced new collaborations with five local community-based organizations to support better health outcomes in the Kansas City area. Through donations totaling $130,000, Aetna is helping fund initiatives that address nutrition, mental health, maternal health and health-related social needs, reinforcing its commitment to building healthier communities.

“At Aetna Better Health of Missouri, we’re committed to supporting communities by collaborating with trusted organizations that are deeply rooted in Kansas City,” said Lisa Baird, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Missouri. “Through these local relationships, we can connect individuals and families to the care, resources and support they need—helping address health care needs and the factors that influence health so they can thrive.”

Donation Recipients and Community Impact

University of Missouri Kansas City Foundation will use the funds to support the FoodFARMacy initiative, a partnership between the UMKC Community Health Nutrition Lab and University Health’s Community Health Strategies department, which addresses community nutritional needs within the context of health care. Families receive culturally specific produce, recipes, and nutrition education, while trained FoodFARMacy coaches from community-based partner agencies across Kansas City encourage participants to adopt consistent, healthy eating habits. According to the latest Missouri State Health Assessment, Missouri ranked 16th out of 50 states for the highest rate of adult obesity, highlighting the urgent need for nutrition-focused interventions.

“FoodFARMacy is a powerful example of how health care and community organizations can work together to address social determinants of health,” said Charlie Shields, President and Chief Executive Officer of University Health. “This support from Aetna will help us reach more families and make a lasting difference in their lives.”

Whole Parent Foundation works to provide access to compassionate mental health care for parents and caregivers, offering support groups and wraparound services for those experiencing mental health struggles related to expanding their families. The funding from Aetna will enable the organization to expand its program from one main hub to eight locations across Missouri, increasing access to vital mental health resources.

Nurture KC, through its Kansas City Healthy Start Initiative, deploys Community Health Workers to provide one-on-one support to families with infants up to 18 months old. The funding will support care coordination, resource navigation, health education and social support for program participants in the Kansas City area.

HCC Network, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), serves patients in west central rural Missouri through a network of six clinics offering medical, dental and behavioral health services. Funding will support Social Determinants of Health screens to evaluate needed resources and support for patients.

Bothwell Regional Health Center provides a full range of diagnostic, medical and surgical services to patients in west-central Missouri. The funding will support the addition of a care coordinator aligned to the ToRCH program, which addresses social care challenges that compromise individuals’ ability to maintain their health and effectively manage chronic conditions.

Aetna’s collaboration with these organizations demonstrates its ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes and addressing the social factors that influence well-being in the Kansas City region.

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About Aetna Medicaid

Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid), a CVS Health company, has over 30 years of experience managing the care of Medicaid members, using innovative approaches and a local presence in each market to achieve both successful health care results and effective cost outcomes. Aetna Medicaid has expertise serving high-need Medicaid members, including those who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Currently, Aetna Medicaid owns and/or administers Medicaid managed health care plans under the names of Aetna Better Health and other affiliate names. Together, these plans serve members in 15 states, including Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. For more information, see www.aetnabetterhealth.com.

About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including highly rated Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

Media contact

Monica Prinzing
Monica.Prinzing@CVSHealth.com

It starts with used garments and fabric offcuts – materials that have already served their original purpose.

In this example, a maker takes them apart and reshapes them into a new item: a functional bag. The process highlights a practical approach to reuse, showing how materials may remain usable beyond their first application, depending on how they are handled.

See how existing materials can be reworked into new forms and what this might mean for reuse: Offcuts don’t mean leftovers. See how existing #GORETEX gear is upcycled into a functional bag.

About Gore’s Fabrics Business
Gore introduced GORE-TEX® Fabric to the outerwear industry more than 45 years ago and continues to develop performance apparel technologies. Gore’s Fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to defense operations and fighting fires, Gore’s deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages.
https://www.gore-tex.com and https://www.goretexprofessional.com/

About Gore
W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments – from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With more than 13,000 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $5 billion.
For more information, visit gore.com.

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EMERYVILLE, Calif., June 16, 2026 /3BL/ – SCS Standards and Assurance Systems today announced the launch of the Certification Standard for Responsible Chemical Recycling (SCS-004), the first independent standard of its kind. Concurrently, SCS Global Services launched a certification program underpinned by the standard, allowing chemical recycling facilities that process hard-to-recycle materials to transparently communicate their responsible practices to the marketplace — helping to keep plastics in circulation and out of the environment.

Mechanical recycling alone can’t handle the volume, complexity, or contamination levels of the world’s plastic waste problem. As a result, most plastics still end up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment. Chemical recycling is part of the solution. The novel technologies break down hard-to-recycle plastics into raw materials that are reintroduced into supply chains to make new products. Without independent verification, however, the brands that sell these products have had no way to confirm that the chemical recyclers they source from are measuring, monitoring, and reporting their environmental and social impacts honestly and transparently.

“Brands are under real pressure to deliver on recycled-content commitments, and chemical recycling is part of how that gets done. But we need to have confidence that the recycling process is done in a responsible way,” said Victoria Norman, Executive Director of SCS Standards and Assurance Systems. “SCS-004 gives procurement and sustainability teams a rigorous, independently verified framework for knowing that the chemically recycled materials they source come from recycling operations that meet clear standards for environmental and social performance and operational transparency.”

The certification defines what responsible chemical recycling looks like and, through a tiered certification system, recognizes progress, ensures transparency, and drives continuous environmental and social performance improvement. Certification is structured across three levels:

• Core — Foundational requirements covering management systems, operational permits, chain of custody transparency, and social and environmental reporting.
• Plus — Demonstrating continuous improvement in social and environmental performance, relative to established baselines.
• Trailblazer — Category-specific recognition for best-in-class performance across risk assurance, transparency and disclosure, water stewardship, zero waste, and social impact.

“Chemical recyclers have been asking for a credible way to demonstrate responsible practices. SCS’ Responsible Chemical Recycling Certification provides a pathway to effectively communicate to the market and provide a vetted transparent solution to addressing plastic waste,” said John Parker, Managing Director, Energy, Biomaterials and Circularity at SCS Global Services. “With decades of experience certifying recycling operations, biofuels and chemicals, and responsible manufacturing, SCS Global Services is uniquely positioned to service this industry.”

Certification applies to organizations conducting pyrolysis, methanolysis, solvolysis, depolymerization, gasification, and other advanced, chemical, or molecular recycling technologies globally. Certification requirements span chain of custody and mass balance accounting, feedstock sourcing, energy intensity and greenhouse gas calculations, atmospheric emissions reporting, waste and water management, life cycle assessment, human rights commitments, and community engagement.

The standard was initiated by the Ocean Plastics Leadership Network (now CIRCLE) following the U.S. Plastics Pact’s 2024 Responsible Production Guidelines for Advanced, Chemical and Molecular Recycling, and developed through a multistakeholder process engaging chemical recyclers, supply chain partners, brands, and civil society. It references and builds on internationally recognized frameworks including the GHG Protocol, ISO 14040/44/67, ISO 22095/-2, and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

To download a copy of SCS-004, visit the SCS Standards website: Certification Standard for Responsible Chemical Recycling | SCS Standards

Chemical recyclers seeking certification can visit the SCS Global Services website: Responsible Chemical Recycling Certification | SCS Global Services

About SCS Standards and Assurance Systems

SCS Standards and Assurance Systems is an organization committed to the development of standards that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Standards are developed in alignment with best practices and guidelines provided by internationally recognized bodies to ensure a robust, transparent, and collaborative approach. For more information, visit www.SCSstandards.org.   

About SCS Global Services

SCS Global Services is an international leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California and celebrating over 40 years in business, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. For more information, visit www.SCSGlobalServices.com.

Media Contact

Rachel Barnhart
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Relations 
SCS Global Services 
Email: rbarnhart@scsglobalservices.com