sHq_LoGiNz – Page 10

6,000 TRADESWOMEN TO CONVERGE IN CHICAGO FOR LARGEST-EVER TRADESWOMEN BUILD NATIONS CONFERENCE AND PARADE

Posted on September 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Monumental Sept. 19–21 event at McCormick Place West celebrates women leading the skilled trades across North America

CHICAGO, Ill., Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – This weekend, 6,000 tradeswomen alongside top labor, government, and industry leaders from across North America, will gather at Chicago’s McCormick Place West, Sept. 19–21, for the 15th Annual Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) Conference, the largest global event of its kind.

Hosted by TradesFutures in partnership with North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), TWBN has become the largest annual gathering of unionized craft professionals in the world. The three-day conference celebrates and advances the growing movement of tradeswomen from across the United States and Canada. TWBN directly supports TradesFutures’ mission to expand nontraditional pathways into the skilled trades, opening doors for more women and individuals from all backgrounds to access and thrive in life-changing, family-sustaining careers.

This year’s theme, “She’s not waiting. She’s leading.”, reflects the bold leadership, resilience, and rising momentum of tradeswomen shaping the construction workforce as driving forces in the labor movement, on job sites, and in their communities. The conference will feature plenary sessions, skill-building workshops, dynamic panels, a banner parade, and high-impact networking opportunities designed to empower tradeswomen, elevate their impact, and advance the recruitment, retention, and leadership of women in the skilled trades.

“ Tradeswomen Build Nations is more than a conference; it’s a movement reshaping our entire industry,” said Sean McGarvey, Board Chairman of TradesFutures and President of NABTU. “Every year, the conference and its energy grow, and the experience is an unforgettable and inspiring sight to behold. This year’s theme, ‘She’s not waiting. She’s leading.’, reflects the reality we see on every job site. Tradeswomen aren’t waiting; they are leading this industry every day with skill, vision, and solidarity, and they are strengthening our unions, our workforce, and our communities every step of the way.”

“At TradesFutures, we’re seeing firsthand how women in our network of more than 270 Apprenticeship Readiness Programs and beyond are breaking barriers and transforming the skilled trades,” said Marina Zhavoronkova, Executive Director of TradesFutures. “TWBN is a vital platform to showcase that progress, celebrate tradeswomen’s achievements, strengthen the training pipeline, and inspire the next generation to see themselves in these careers and not only be prepared for tomorrow, but empowered to lead in construction today.”

TWBN 2025 will also highlight the continued expansion of the Infrastructure Generation, the historic labor force surge made possible by groundbreaking federal investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and domestic manufacturing. The conference will reaffirm our collective commitment to building an inclusive workforce, advancing equity, and protecting the gains of working people.

In the spirit of solidarity and service, this year’s TWBN conference will also support Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC), a Chicago-based nonprofit committed to ending domestic violence. Donations made during the conference will go directly to CAWC’s critical programs and services, helping empower survivors and promote safe, healthy communities.

Conference Schedule:

Friday, September 19:

5:30 – 7:00 PM | Opening Reception

Saturday, September 20:

8:00 – 10:30 AM | Morning Plenary Session featuring NABTU President Sean McGarvey; AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler; Catherine Hunt Ryan, Bechtel President of Manufacturing & Technology; Frank Christensen, General President of IUEC; Vicki O’Leary, Ironworkers International Director of Diversity and Chair of NABTU’s Tradeswomen Committee; and numerous testimonies from tradeswomen across North America
10:30 AM – 12:30 AM | Tradeswomen Banner Parade
1:15 PM – 2:45 PM | Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Sunday, September 21:

8:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Morning Plenary Session featuring Illinois Governor JB Pritzker; Phyllis Wilson, President of the National Military Women’s Memorial; Marina Zhavoronkova, Executive Director of TradesFutures; Boilermaker Cheyenne Gregory from TVA; and numerous testimonies from tradeswomen across North America
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Final Breakout Sessions

Credentialed press are permitted to attend TWBN plenary sessions and the banner parade only. Media representatives wishing to attend must RSVP to twbn@tradesfutures.org to request media credentials.

What: Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference, “She’s not waiting. She’s leading.”
Who: 6,000 unionized tradeswomen, industry stakeholders, top U.S. and Canadian labor and government leaders, and advocates.
When: Friday, September 19 – Sunday, September 21, 2025
Where: McCormick Place West, 2317 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/6-000-tradeswomen-to-converge-in-chicago-for-largest-ever-tradeswomen-build-nations-conference-and-parade-302559697.html

SOURCE TradesFutures

Shining Brighter Than Tennessee Orange

Posted on September 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

A little over a week before Tennessee faced Syracuse in the Aflac Kickoff Game, Hudson watches a Friday morning Tennessee football practice from an exclusive sideline spot. Taking in the sounds of buzzers and coaches’ voices, highlighted by accents of orange and white, Hudson, joined by his parents and two siblings, celebrated an early 13^th birthday gift.

As Tennessee prepared for its football season, Hudson’s daily preparation took on a different perspective. Undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor detected last December, Hudson was tasked with strategizing a challenging game plan at just 12 years old. Though chemotherapy and proton therapy are very present in his life, today’s presence was about being a kid again.

Taking a brief hiatus from appointments at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Hudson embraced all the orange eye candy accentuated by championship trophies, the NFL wall and, of course, the Peyton Manning Room. Amid all the memorabilia, an even more special moment was about to take place.

Just as practice wrapped, Tennessee Football Head Coach Josh Heupel ended the session a little differently. With My Special Aflac Duck® in hand — a free-of-charge robotic companion that provides comfort and joy to children during their cancer treatment — Coach Heupel greeted Hudson and introduced him to the team.

Surrounded by good vibes and smiles, there wasn’t a Volunteer football player that walked away without greeting their special guest for the day. Though determination describes the players on the field, they caouldn’t help but commend Hudson’s own competitive nature in his medical journey.

Hudson’s story and grit are special but, unfortunately, not uncommon. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 15,000 children under the age of 20 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the U.S.

As the nation’s longest-running neutral-site game on opening weekend, the Aflac Kickoff Game blends passion for football with dedication to making a difference. Through Aflac’s partnership with Peach Bowl Inc., the game places an emphasis on purpose and the support of participating teams’ communities through the Kickoff for a Cause initiative while also benefiting the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

In the first three years of Aflac’s sponsorship of the kickoff game, Kickoff for a Cause has helped raise more than $1.2 million while bringing much-needed awareness to pediatric cancer at the start of September, National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

This milestone year marks 30 years of Aflac’s commitment supporting pediatric cancer care and research, with more than $191 million contributed since support began. You can also make a difference by visiting give.choa.org/aflac to donate today.

Aflac WWHQ |1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Aflac New York | 22 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Suite 2 | Albany, New York 12211

Continental American Insurance Company | Columbia, SC

Z2500845 Exp. 9/26

Exro Technologies Discontinues US Business

Posted on September 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

CALGARY, AB, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Exro Technologies Inc. (TSX: EXRO) (“Exro” or the “Company”) announces that after consultation with its advisors and stakeholders, the directors of the Company have decided to discontinue its US business, operated through various US subsidiaries, and is reducing its non-essential US staff accordingly.

It is anticipated that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) will place the Company under delisting review and there can be no assurance as to the outcome of such review or the continued qualification for listing on the TSX.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/exro-technologies-discontinues-us-business-302559586.html

SOURCE Exro Technologies Inc.

Bacardi Receives the Official ‘Hecho en Mexico’ (Made in Mexico) Seal for Its PATRÓN and CAZADORES Tequilas

Posted on September 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

HAMILTON, Bermuda, September 17, 2025 /3BL/ – Bacardi, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, has received the official ‘Hecho en Mexico’ (Made in Mexico) seal for its renowned tequila brands, PATRÓN and CAZADORES. This distinction, granted by the Mexican Ministry of Economy, underscores the commitment of Bacardi to quality, authenticity, and promoting the prestige of Mexican products globally.

The award ceremony took place at the offices of the Ministry of Economy in Mexico City, with the official seal presented by María De Haas Matamoros, Director General of the Office of the Ministry of Economy, to Daniel Aliaga, Managing Director for Bacardi in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The event, which was also attended by Andrea Genoveva Solano Rendón, Head of the Regulation, Competitiveness, and Competition Unit of the Ministry of Economy, was part of the ‘Hecho en Mexico’ program, a strategic initiative promoted by the Presidency of the Republic. The program’s main objective is to promote and enhance the prestige of Mexican-based companies and brands both nationally and internationally. Awarding PATRÓN and CAZADORES with this seal is testament to the leadership of Bacardi in the production of high-quality tequilas and its contribution to the country’s economic development.

“On behalf of Bacardi, we are incredibly proud to celebrate the Mexican heritage and craftsmanship of our exceptional tequilas: PATRÓN and CAZADORES,” said Daniel Aliaga. “This distinction not only recognizes the quality of our brands, but also reinforces our commitment to the country, its culture, and its people. As a family-owned company that has been around for more than 160 years, doing the right thing is fundamental to us, and that includes ensuring our Made in Mexico brands continue to be a source of global pride. Our purpose at Bacardi is to ‘Make Moments Matter,’ and this is, without a doubt, one of those moments.”

“Awarding the ‘Hecho en Mexico’ seal to Bacardi for its PATRÓN and CAZADORES brands is a clear example of the talent and quality our country offers to the world,” added María De Haas Matamoros. “This initiative seeks to recognize and empower companies that, like Bacardi, contribute significantly to the economy and project an image of Mexican excellence internationally.”

Andrea Genoveva Solano Rendón commented: “The ‘Hecho en Mexico’ seal reflects the quality and talent of Mexican industry, boosting competitiveness and pride in what we produce. Today, Bacardi once again demonstrates its commitment to Mexican excellence.”

The history of Bacardi in Mexico dates back to 1931, when it became the first country outside of Cuba to produce BACARDÍ rum. Today, BACARDÍ rum is the number one spirit in Mexico and the Bacardi portfolio has grown to include other premium spirit brands like BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, GREY GOOSE vodka, DEWAR’S Blended Scotch whisky, ILEGAL mezcal and ST-GERMAIN liqueur.

With more than a quarter of its global workforce located in Mexico, Bacardi enjoys a deep connection to the country, where world-renowned tequilas are produced, such as PATRÓN, the number one ultra-premium tequila globally, and CAZADORES, one of its emerging and growing brands. Hacienda PATRÓN is recognized for setting a new standard of quality, with 60 hands touching and perfecting each bottle before it leaves its facility in Jalisco.

Bacardi maintains a firm commitment to innovation, reflected in recent launches such as PATRÓN Cristalino and PATRÓN El Alto – and corporate sustainability, with initiatives such as GLOBALG.A.P. certification for agave farmers and participation in projects such as Charco Bendito for water replenishment.

-Ends-

For more information:
Gerardo Arriola
JeffreyGroup
gerardo.arriola@jeffreygroup.com

Drink responsibly

About Bacardi Limited
Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, PATRÓN® tequila, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, D’USSÉ® Cognac, ANGEL’S ENVY® American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded more than 163 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 8,000, operates production facilities in 11 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn

Nopetro Energy Powers Vero Beach Economy with New Landfill to Renewable Fuel Facility

Posted on September 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

The project brings local employment opportunities and partnerships while helping the Treasure Coast move toward fuel independence

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla., Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nopetro Energy, a vertically-integrated turnkey producer, distributor and operator of energy solutions across North America, celebrated today the grand opening of southern Florida’s first landfill gas (LFG) to renewable natural gas (RNG) production facility in Vero Beach.

RNG, a biogas and the lowest-carbon alternative fuel, is being produced by capturing and removing methane gas from the Indian River County landfill. The captured biogas undergoes a purification process and is then injected into Florida City Gas’ existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure and will reach customers from South Vero Corridor all the way to Indian River Shores. RNG is fully interchangeable with conventional natural gas and can be seamlessly distributed to customers, creating domestic, affordable and cleaner fuel for buses and trucks while creating cleaner air for the community.

“Opening this facility is a major step, not just for Nopetro’s growing natural gas production and distribution network, but for Indian River County,” said Jorge Herrera, CEO of Nopetro Energy. “We believe in building facilities that support and give back to the cities where they stand. This Vero Beach RNG facility is a catalyst for continued growth, resilience and energy independence, creating opportunities for families and businesses across the Treasure Coast.”

In just the first few weeks of operation, the new facility has removed CO2 to purify the biogas to over 95% methane, exceeding the 90% standard for fueling local homes, vehicles and businesses with RNG. The facility’s construction period and ongoing production have also created jobs and vendor opportunities for area contractors, maintenance providers and local businesses.

“This partnership highlights the value of working with the private sector to bring innovation and investment to Indian River County. It’s a responsible use of resources that supports local families, strengthens our economy and ensures access to dependable energy,” said Indian River County Commission Chairman Joseph Flescher.

The Vero Beach facility was constructed in partnership with engineering, procurement and construction services firm Mead & Hunt, who have previous experience in the field.

In addition to its production arm, Nopetro operates 13 renewable gas fueling facilities across Florida and is actively expanding nationally. RNG is compressed into CNG and used to fuel transit and fleet operations; for example, Nopetro currently fuels the entire transit system in Central Florida via a partnership with the Central Florida Transit Authority. All Nopetro’s natural gas feedstock is produced via renewable sources, including landfills and wastewater treatment plants.

ABOUT NOPETRO ENERGY

Founded in 2008, Nopetro Energy is a vertically integrated energy leader focused on the production and distribution of renewable natural gas (RNG) for heavy duty transportation and industrial consumption. We provide end-to-end energy and transportation management solutions, helping government agencies and companies strengthen fuel independence and create lasting economic value. We design, build, finance and operate both RNG production plants and fueling stations, allowing fleets to transition to this substantially less expensive, cleaner and domestic alternative to diesel. Visit www.nopetroenergy.com to discover how Nopetro is leading the way to a more energy-independent and financially predictable future.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nopetro-energy-powers-vero-beach-economy-with-new-landfill-to-renewable-fuel-facility-302559493.html

SOURCE Nopetro Energy

Rapid Relief Team Continues Support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association at Events Across Northeast

Posted on September 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

RRT to serve thousands of participants at ten “St. Jude Walks” and “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” events through the Fall of 2025

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Rapid Relief Team (RRT), the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, is proud to continue its longstanding support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association through a series of events between September and November 2025.

As part of their continued partnership, RRT volunteers will provide complimentary snacks, refreshments, and smiling service to all participants at a total of six St. Jude Walk events and four Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s events across the U.S.

St. Jude Walk Events

The St. Jude Walk events are part of a nationwide effort to raise funds and awareness for the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children. RRT teams will be stationed at event sites, equipped to serve thousands of participants with snacks, hydration, and logistical support, lending themselves to a cause that touches so many lives.

The RRT will be supporting six St. Jude Walks across the U.S: on September 13 at New Jersey Zoo, NJ; on September 27 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, PA; on September 27 in Downtown Boston, MA and Los Angeles, CA; on October 4 in Pittsburgh, PA; and on October 4 in National Harbor, MD.

In previous years, RRT has provided support at walk events in multiple states, contributing hundreds of volunteer hours and thousands of bottles of water and cups of coffee, with the momentum only continuing into 2025.

Alzheimer’s Association Events
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. RRT is excited to be able to extend its long-running support for the Alzheimer’s Association into 2025.

The RRT will be attending four walks this year: on October 11 at USTA Center in Queens, NY; on October 18 in Pittsburgh, PA; on November 8 at Citizens Ballpark, Philadelphia, PA; and on November 15 in Central Park, NY

“Our volunteers are honored to support the missions of St. Jude and the Alzheimer’s Association by serving those walking, running, and fundraising for a future free from these terrible illnesses,” said Wes McDonald, RRT NA Operations Manager. “It’s our way of saying we’re with you, and we believe in what the amazing folks at these organizations are doing.”

This series of events is more than just a calendar of dates—it’s a shared mission of hope. RRT looks forward to standing alongside patients, families, and supporters once again: one step, one meal, and one act of kindness at a time.

About Rapid Relief Team (RRT): RRT is a global network of over 16,500 volunteers who assist emergency services during disasters and crises by providing meals and other forms of support. Established in 2013 by the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC), RRT is dedicated to showing kindness through its actions, embodying the PBCC values of care, compassion, and community support in times of need. To contribute to RRT’s mission, visit their website.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rapid-relief-team-continues-support-of-st-jude-childrens-research-hospital-and-the-alzheimers-association-at-events-across-northeast-302559434.html

SOURCE Rapid Relief Team

The #1 IPA in the U.S. Unleashes 21-Foot Tallboy on Wheels

Posted on September 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Voodoo Ranger Rolls Out Giant Juice Force Tanker to Buy Fans a Tallboy

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Voodoo Ranger, America’s #1 IPA, is hitting the road with a massive 21-foot tanker of Juice Force IPA on a rangerous four-state tour. From California to Texas, fans lucky enough to spot the rolling tallboy can help empty it one Juice Force at a time.

Kicking off tailgate season, the Voodoo Ranger Juice Force Tanker is making pit stops at major football games, festivals, and concert venues across the Southwest. Fans who catch it in action can scan the giant can’s QR code for an instant shot at $5 toward their next tallboy. A live beer gauge on the side of the tanker tracks Juice Force levels in real time, counting down every pour until the tank runs dry.

Why the oversized tallboy on wheels? Because Voodoo Ranger is impossible to ignore. Of the top five IPA brands in the U.S., only two are experiencing growth, and both are from Voodoo Ranger: Juice Force IPA and Imperial IPA. The brand now commands more than a third of craft beer singles sold in convenience stores, fueled by five consecutive years of double-digit growth. In real time, every 1.3 seconds, someone in the U.S. cracks open a Voodoo Ranger. When it comes to the beer aisle, no craft brand shows up or stands out like Voodoo does.

“Juice Force is a rocket ship within our portfolio right now, and the Tanker is the perfect way to give it the attention it deserves,” said Michelle Robertson, Senior Brand Manager at Voodoo Ranger. “The Juice Force Tanker Tour turns crushing beers with friends into a larger-than-life experience. Whether it’s a bar crawl, the tailgate before a game, or just catching sight of a tanker-sized tallboy barreling down the highway, it’s about serving up the wild antics Juice Force was made for.”

The tour includes stadiums, festivals, and tailgates across California, Colorado, Arizona, and Texas. Key market dates are listed below and check out emptythetanker.com for the full list of events.

Los Angeles: 9/17-9/21
Front Range (Colorado): 9/24-9/30
Dallas/Fort Worth: 10/3-10/6
Austin: 10/9-10/12
Phoenix: 10/15-10/18

Fans can follow along at emptythetanker.com and Voodoo Ranger’s Instagram channel to see where the tallboy rolls up next. Must be 21+ to purchase. Live rangerously, not recklessly. Never drink and drive.”

About Voodoo Ranger
Crafted by New Belgium Brewing, Voodoo Ranger is the fastest growing craft beer brand in the country. Launched in 2017 with just three beers, Voodoo Ranger has since expanded its lineup to include over 20 distinct brews including the flagship Voodoo Ranger IPA, Voodoo Ranger Imperial IPA, and Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA, along with recent record-breaking releases like Juice Force IPA, Tropic Force IPA, and Hardcharged Tea.

For a rangerously good time, follow @voodooranger on Instagram, learn more at voodooranger.com, and discover the official merch of epic beer at www.vootique.com.

MEDIA ASSETS

Media contact: Kelly Jones, kjones@legendpr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-1-ipa-in-the-us-unleashes-21-foot-tallboy-on-wheels-302559404.html

SOURCE New Belgium Brewing

J.Crew Presents the New Rollneck™ Generation

Posted on September 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

NEW YORK, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — J.Crew unveils a new campaign spotlighting its iconic Rollneck™ sweater. Originally designed in 1988 and celebrated as a timeless staple for nearly 40 years, the Rollneck sweater’s nostalgia is reimagined by a dynamic group of next-generation talent across film, TV, and music, each selected for their distinctly personal takes on American style.

The campaign brings together a vibrant mix of American talent capturing the playful, optimistic energy of a new generation through a nostalgic lens. Featuring Benito Skinner, Dominic Sessa, Lukita Maxwell, Maggie Rogers, Molly Gordon, Rome Flynn and Taylour Paige-Angulo, the cast embodies today’s creative and pop-culture landscape.

“The Rollneck is an icon of our brand: it’s a timeless piece that represents classic American style, but is diverse enough to be worn and styled in so many different ways” said Julia Collier, Chief Marketing Officer, J.Crew. “We wanted to celebrate that through this cast of characters who individually represent the many facets of our heritage: classic, prep, country, collegiate, and are redefining what those things mean to a new generation of Americans.”

The Rollneck is one of J.Crew’s most enduring signatures; a piece that stands for both ease and elegance. Knit from 100% cotton with a distinctive rolled neckline and relaxed fit, the sweater has been a staple in wardrobes for decades: the kind of style you reach for year after year, season after season. This Fall, the icon returns with 27 colors and patterns available in men’s, women’s, and crewcuts fits– plus accessories and more!

Classic American style is more relevant than ever, and J.Crew continues to define the conversation in a way that feels familiar and refreshingly new. Bringing this to life this Fall through sophisticated collections, compelling partnerships, and immersive experiences, J.Crew’s distinctive point of view shapes not only how people get dressed, but an inspired lifestyle. Balancing aspiration with accessibility, the brand has built its legacy on timeless pieces that resonate across generations. This campaign is the purest expression of that spirit: iconic design reimagined for today, worn by a cast of talent whose individuality and creativity mirror the brand’s own.

Imagery Assets
Click to download high resolution campaign imagery here and product imagery here

About J.Crew
J.Crew is an internationally recognized omnichannel retailer. An iconic American brand, it is the ultimate destination for personal style that is timeless, classic and high quality. For more information, visit jcrew.com.

Press Contacts
j.crew@karlaotto.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jcrew-presents-the-new-rollneck-generation-302559367.html

SOURCE J.Crew

Local Roots, Global Reach: Inside Covia’s Elco and Tamms Plants

Posted on September 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Tucked along a two-lane highway in southern Illinois, just a few miles apart, sit Covia’s Elco and Tamms plants. This dynamic duo of facilities has a long history of delivering success, all while keeping service and safety at the heart of everything they do.

From Competitors to Teammates

While the Elco and Tamms plants now strive to support Covia’s customers together, they weren’t always on the same side. The two facilities have each been in operation for more than 100 years in southern Illinois, strategically located near a unique geologic formation of microcrystalline silica near the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

While the Elco and Tamms plants were run by separate companies for decades, that rivalry came to an end when Covia acquired both facilities a few years apart in the ‘80s. The Tamms plant was eventually transitioned into a processing facility for nepheline syenite, which is used for Covia’s MINBLOC® HC High-Clarity Antiblock additive and MINEX® functional filler. Meanwhile, Elco continues to actively mine and process silica into IMSIL® microcrystalline silica fillers, which are used to support products ranging from paint coatings and polymers to cement casings used for oil and gas wells.

Today, the two plants work in tandem to deliver reliable mineral solutions. A team of 55 team members support both sites, creating a level of camaraderie even though the plants focus on different minerals.

Quality Products, Global Impact

Another trait that the Elco and Tamms plants share is pride in making quality products that customers want to buy. Both plants work with minerals recognized for their unique and valuable properties.

According to Plant Manager Bleve Willoughby, the quality of these products is a reflection on the hard work and dedication of the team.

“People here feel like what they’re doing matters,” Bleve explains. “Our team takes pride in making a premium product that makes a difference for our customers.”

The team also strives to improve their own internal processes. In 2024, the Elco plant was able to achieve a 20% increase in output of fine-grade products by modifying airflow at a key point in the process. This improvement led to reduced operating times and associated costs to meet customer demand. Bleve and his team also developed and implemented a new operating scenario to support the modified process.

Between the quality of the products and the improved efficiencies, the Elco and Tamms plants have several satisfied, repeat customers from far beyond their region. Elco’s silica, for example, is shipped all over the world, including Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia.

“It’s cool to think that we’re here in a really small, rural area and we’re making something that goes to customers all over the world,” said Bleve. “They don’t have anything comparable in their area of the world, so they come to us here in Illinois.”

Award-Winning Safety Standards

Product quality is a notable highlight for the team members at Elco and Tamms, but so is the way they go about safely producing those products. The plants strive to keep silica dust exposures at a minimum each day and make safety-based decisions to ensure that team members can return home in the same condition in which they arrived.

“The people run the plant, and it’s their actions and their everyday behaviors that keep us safe,” Bleve explained. “We can engineer safer solutions and put guards where required, but at the end of the day it comes down to people making the right choices for us to be safe.”

Those choices have led to tangible results. According to Bleve, it’s been more than 11 years since a lost-time incident. The Elco plant earned the company’s President’s Safety Award in 2022, an honor that recognizes the Covia plant that achieves the highest level of safety performance.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

In addition to supporting each other, the team members at the Elco and Tamms plants also strive to help the community that surrounds them. Covia is proud to empower team members to pursue volunteering opportunities, and the Elco and Tamms team has a history of going above and beyond for the region.

Every plant has different takes on volunteering, as Covia encourages people to support causes that resonate with them. For multiple individuals at Elco and Tamms, that includes volunteering for the local fire department. According to Bleve, two different team members serve as the chiefs of their respective fire departments, while others find their own ways to give back to their community.

“They volunteer because they want to make a difference,” Bleve stated. “They don’t know these people when they go to their houses

Looking Ahead

The Elco and Tamms plants may hail from a small area, but their impact stretches far and wide. With unique products, innovative processes, and team members who care deeply about safety and community, they embody the very best of Covia.

Connect With Us at NY Climate Week, Trellis Impact ’25 and COP30 Biodiversity Days

Posted on September 17, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

BETHESDA, Md., September 17, 2025 /3BL/ – This fall, Tandem Global will be taking part in some of the most important conversations on climate and nature at NY Climate Week, Trellis Impact ’25 and COP30 Biodiversity Days.

“For decades, we’ve worked alongside companies to design site-level projects that restore habitats and engage communities, while also shaping strategies that connect nature, climate, and corporate growth,” said Anna Willingshofer, Chief Science and Innovation Officer for Tandem Global. “These stories—where business meets sustainability in ways that deliver real impact—are exactly what we’ll be bringing into the dialogue.”

Beginning next week in New York, Tandem Global is participating in a panel session alongside our member company, Ecolab, at the following session hosted by Anthesis Group:

Future-Proofing Climate & Nature Action: Lessons from the Nexus of Water, Biodiversity, and Business Value

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 23, 3:00pm – 3:45pm Eastern

Location: Chelsea Walls, 231 10th Avenue New York, NY 10011

With Emilio Tenuta, CSO of Ecolab and Tandem Global Chairperson, and Rob Campbell, Director of Consulting, Tandem Global

More information and register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/future-proofing-climate-nature-action-tickets-1608305919299

For Tandem Global, the timing couldn’t be more urgent. The climate conversation is evolving. Emissions reduction can’t happen without also protecting and restoring the ecosystems that make decarbonization possible—forests, soils, watersheds, and pollinators. At Tandem Global, we stand at this intersection, helping business understand that nature is not an optional add-on to climate action, but its foundation.

That’s why these gatherings matter to us. They’re about joining peers and partners to move the conversation forward with a simple but powerful message: climate and nature are one story—and business must help write it.

If you’ll be in New York, San Jose or Belém, we’d love to connect. Reach out, join the conversation, and let’s explore how we can work together to drive meaningful change.

@NY Climate Week, Sept 22-25

Rob Campbell, Director, Consulting

Monica Leal-Keller, Chief Marketing Officer

@Trellis Impact ’25, Oct 28-30

Erin Allegro, Sr. Manager, Business Development

Shaun Clark, Sr. Consultant

Margaret O’Gorman, CEO

Jacque Williamson, Sr. Consultant

Anna Willingshofer, Chief Science and Innovation Officer

@COP30 Biodiversity Days, Nov 17-18

Anna Willingshofer, Chief Science and Innovation Officer

About Tandem Global

Tandem Global (formerly Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center), provides the know-how and the network to move business and the environment forward, together. Across sectors and at all levels of its 100+ member organizations, Tandem Global works to facilitate long-term and lasting impact on all aspects of our natural world. Tandem Global connects leading thinking with practical solutions that positively impact climate, nature, and water. From field operations to boardrooms and beyond, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impact strategies and resilient solutions that can support a better future. Tandem Global is headquartered in Washington, D.C., USA, with locations across the U.S., in Latin America and Munich, Germany. For more information visit tandemglobal.org.