Author: sHq_LoGiNz

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Meijer announced a $500,000 donation today to Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business Food Marketing Program to support the development of a new food marketing hub. The program helps participating students grow as professionals and prepares them for a rewarding career within the industry.

“We are proud to support WMU’s Food Marketing Program and invest in the next generation of industry leaders,” said Don Sanderson, Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at Meijer. “At Meijer, we believe that fostering innovation and experiential learning is vital to a thriving food sector. This new hub will empower students with the skills, experiences, and connections they need to shape the future of food retail.”

The nearly 2,000 sq. ft. space will be an innovative learning spot with flexible, collaborative work stations that can be used to host classes or student organizations, with room for over 75 students. The new space also houses technology that helps students hone their category management skills and host companies train students on crucial food industry skills.

“We are deeply grateful to Meijer for their generous commitment to the advancement of our Food Marketing Program,” said Dr. Russell Zwanka, director of the food marketing program at Western Michigan University. “This partnership not only strengthens our ability to provide innovative, hands-on learning experiences, but also allows our students to become agile leaders in the evolving food industry. This new hub represents a shared vision for excellence, preparing our students to meet marketplace challenges and make meaningful contributions to not only the program, but after they graduate.”

The Western Michigan University Food Marketing Program is known for its comprehensive approach to preparing students for dynamic careers in the food industry. By integrating experiential learning with academic coursework, students benefit from real-world exposure and networking opportunities that bridge the gap between campus and career. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to foster leadership, professional development, and a spirit of community service, ensuring graduates are well-rounded and ready to excel in varied roles within the food sector.

For years, Meijer has partnered with Western Michigan University, sharing expertise and real-world insights and demonstrating its commitment to student development beyond the classroom. By inviting students to their facilities and engaging them in practical activities, Meijer provides hands-on opportunities that bridge academic learning with professional practice.

About Meijer: Meijer is a privately owned, family-operated retailer that serves customers at more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets, and express locations throughout the Midwest. As the pioneer of the one-stop shopping concept, more than 70,000 Meijer team members work hard to deliver a friendly, seamless in-store and online shopping experience featuring an assortment of fresh foods, high-quality apparel, household essentials, and health and wellness products and services. Meijer is consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work and annually donates at least 6 percent of its profit to strengthen its communities. Additional information on the company can be found by visiting newsroom.meijer.com. 

 

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SOURCE Meijer

Cadence is named the official banking sponsor of the conference, furthering its vision of helping people, companies and communities prosper.

ATLANTA, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cadence Bank (NYSE: CADE) has announced its sponsorship of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), underscoring its commitment to building strong relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and creating meaningful connections within the communities it serves. Cadence was named the official banking partner of the SIAC with the execution of the conference’s newest partnership agreement. The sponsorship began in July 2025 and will continue through June 2029.

“The SIAC is excited to announce its corporate partnership with Cadence Bank,” said SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman, Ed.D. “We are fortunate that Cadence shares our values in providing an unparalleled experience for our student-athletes to succeed on and off the playing fields.”

The SIAC, one of the nation’s premier athletic conferences, provides a unique opportunity for Cadence to connect directly with students, faculty and alumni in environments that extend outside of the classroom. This sponsorship further aligns with Cadence’s overall recruiting strategy to reach diverse candidates across its footprint that is nearly identical to SIAC’s footprint.  

“At Cadence Bank, we’re focused on building strong teams by connecting with exceptional talent at every stage of their journey. Our sponsorship of the SIAC is one way we put that commitment into action—by supporting schools that are shaping tomorrow’s leaders and creating meaningful opportunities for students both on and off the field,” states Cadence Bank Chief Human Resources Officer Jerrell Moore. “This sponsorship allows us to deepen our relationships with schools within the SIAC and continue building a dynamic, forward-thinking workforce.”

Moore continues, “We’re excited to support and uplift the communities we serve. We support their economic health through sponsorships like this that allow us to build meaningful connections and positively impact students, alumni and local organizations alike and by investing in small businesses and affordable housing.”

Cadence Bank understands the role that strategic investments play in its ability to be a strong financial partner and help drive economic prosperity in its local communities.

“Value alignment is of utmost importance for brands looking to maximize their marketing impact, and we found the right fit with Cadence Bank and the SIAC,” said Jason Frandi, Senior Director of National Sales at Playfly Sports. “We’re proud to be a part of a partnership that will have a positive impact on local communities for years to come.”

To learn more about Cadence Bank, visit CadenceBank.com

About Cadence Bank
Cadence Bank (NYSE: CADE) is a $55 billion regional bank committed to helping people, companies and communities prosper. With more than 390 locations spanning the South and Texas, Cadence offers comprehensive banking, investment, trust and mortgage products and services to meet the needs of individuals, businesses and corporations. Accolades include being recognized as one of the nation’s best employers by Forbes and U.S. News & World Report and as a 2025 America’s Best Banks by Forbes. Cadence has dutifully served customers for nearly 150 years. Learn more at www.cadencebank.com. Cadence Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

FOLLOW THE SIAC
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ABOUT THE SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SIAC)
The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of historically black colleges and universities with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions (Albany State University, Allen University, Benedict College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University), which are located within a contiguous seven-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors nine men’s and seven women’s sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II. For more information, visit www.thesiac.com.

ABOUT PLAYFLY SPORTS
Playfly Sports, the sports industry’s leading revenue maximization company, drives growth for its partners across the sports ecosystem – including 2,000+ brands, 100+ professional teams, 65+ college athletic departments, all U.S. local sports networks and associated streaming platforms, and other marquee properties. Its fan engagement platform allows its partners to reach and engage over 85% of all U.S sports fans. Playfly builds and implements custom strategies across media, sponsorship, premium experiences, ticketing and fan engagement offerings through proprietary data, innovative technology and compelling storytelling. Playfly operates an expansive portfolio of services with a data-driven and fan-focused approach to maximize revenue yield in key growth areas, such as media, sponsorship, ticketing, premium experiences and fan engagement offerings. Founded in September of 2020, Playfly Sports is now home to approximately 1,000 team members located across 43 U.S. states and internationally dedicated to maximizing the impact of highly passionate local sports fans. The company has been named a Best Place to Work in Sports by Sports Business Journal, Front Office Sports, and Newsweek. To learn more, follow Playfly Sports on social media platforms or visit www.Playfly.com

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SOURCE Cadence Bank

ATLANTA, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Atlanta-based global executive coach, and leadership trainer Sophia Toh announces the launch of her new book “The G.A.M.E. of Life: Illuminated Leadership, Fulfilled Life.” She is also a co-author of “Leadership Unscripted,” an anthology of women executives who lead boldly. Her writing and coaching draw from her leadership journey across cultures and industries, offering a unique voice in the evolving conversation on leadership and fulfillment.

Her book embodies her dedication to living with meaning and impact—and to show readers they can do the same. By using her experiences and her exploration of situations, she seeks to answer a question that has stumped many: ‘What makes a good life?'”

As a Chinese Malaysian American immigrant, she takes readers through her life journey in Malaysia, discovering other worlds, nonfiction and fiction, through her local library.

“With my young mind, I could only half grasp the characters’ emotions, but I noticed something: no matter the story, the characters’ pursuits often pointed in the same direction,” Toh wrote.

As she matured, Toh observed that many people chase tangible, external markers of success—career advancement, financial milestones, and peer recognition. While these achievements may offer temporary moments of satisfaction, she explains that what people truly long for goes deeper. In her book, she calls it a state of “unwanting”—a profound inner stillness that arises when you no longer measure your worth by what you accomplish or possess.

This concept, Toh described in the book, is a “deep inner stillness that arises when you are no longer grasping. When your sense of self-worth is no longer tied to what you achieve or accumulate. It’s not the absence of dreams or ambition, but the quiet realization that you are already enough—and that if nothing more comes, you will still be whole.”

To guide readers, Toh developed the G.A.M.E. framework that helps to define fulfilled lives and extraordinary leadership with practical tips, reflective prompt questions, and tools:

Growth –Because the best leaders are the best learners.
Authenticity –Because real impact starts when we lead from who we are.
Meaning –Because fulfillment comes not from what we accumulate, but from what we contribute.
Excellence –Because mastery matters—but only in what matters most.

In each of the four parts of the book, readers will find three chapters featuring Toh’s personal stories, life lessons, reflections, and practical tools.

“My book is written for one reader at a time, with the hope that each will feel seen and understand my intentions in their own way,” she said. “It is unapologetically me—born from my lived experience and learnings as a Chinese Malaysian American immigrant, executive, mother, and coach. True success isn’t about chasing more—it’s about becoming more of who we already are.”

More information about Toh can be found on her website: https://www.thegameoflifebook.net/.

ABOUT THE BOOK: 

What if true success isn’t about chasing more, but becoming more of who you already are?

In a world that constantly demands we do more, prove more, and want more, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We climb ladders only to realize they’re leaning against the wrong walls. We perform roles we never questioned, wear masks that hide our deepest truths, and achieve milestones that leave us quietly unfulfilled.

“The G.A.M.E of Life” invites you to step off that relentless treadmill and explore a radically different path—one where growth is joyful, authenticity is liberating, meaning is energizing, and excellence becomes an act of purpose, not perfection.

Drawing from her journey as a Chinese Malaysian immigrant to the United States, corporate executive, mother, and executive coach, Sophia Toh offers a deeply personal yet universally resonant roadmap. With wisdom rooted in both Eastern and Western traditions—and stories that range from quiet childhood afternoons in Malaysia to billion-dollar boardrooms, Sophia challenges you to redefine success on your own terms.

Through the G.A.M.E framework, discover how to lead with depth, live with intention, and build a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.

• Growth: The best leaders never stop learning.
• Authenticity: Real impact starts when you lead as your whole self.
• Meaning: Fulfillment comes not from what you accumulate, but from what you contribute.
• Excellence: Mastery matters, but only in what matters most.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive yearning for more, a high achiever at a crossroads, or someone who simply refuses to settle for a hollow version of success, this book will meet you where you are—and gently guide you to where you most want to go.

This is your GAME. Play it with courage, clarity, and heart.

Media Contact
Marie Lazzara
JJR Marketing
630-400-3361
marie@jjrmarketing.com

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SOURCE Fig Factor Media

HOUSTON, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Texas Southern University’s College of Education (COE), located in the Secretary Roderick R. Paige Building, has announced a set of bold initiatives to strengthen its leadership in K–12 education, expand its partnerships, and shape innovative policy.

“In addition to its founding as a Historically Black College/University, Texas Southern University is charged with serving the broad interests of the Houston community,” said J.W. Crawford III, President of Texas Southern University. “These initiatives reflect our commitment to preparing outstanding teachers who can meet the challenges and opportunities of today’s classrooms. By leaning into Texas Southern’s unique role in urban education, we are shaping the future of K–12 success.”

The initiatives focus on both practice and policy, and include:

• Strengthening district partnerships. Deepening ties with the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and expanding relationships with other districts to align teacher preparation with the needs of urban schools.
• Influencing education policy. Increasing the College’s presence in shaping effective education policy to improve outcomes and prepare the next generation of K–12 teachers.
• Exploring a lab school model. Assessing the feasibility of a lab school or similar construct to provide real-world training environments for teaching candidates.
• Launching a National Education Council. Convening respected education leaders to advise and support the University’s K–12 strategy.

These steps reflect Texas Southern’s mission to serve as both a partner to school districts and a thought leader in education innovation. HISD Superintendent Mike Miles underscored the value of collaboration: “Partnerships with institutions like Texas Southern University are essential to sustaining the progress we’re making in our schools. Their College of Education is leaning into the challenges of urban education and preparing teachers who are ready to succeed in real classrooms. That work matters for our students, our schools, and our city.”

The University’s governing board also affirmed the direction.

“During Monday’s special-called meeting, the Texas Southern University Board of Regents unanimously adopted a bold strategic direction for the College of Education,” said Board of Regents Chairman Brandon L. Simmons. “Earlier this year, our elected leaders unlocked private school options for Texas families with a record-setting Education Savings Account program. Locally, HISD is driving unprecedented improvements in public education for Houston students. This week, Texas Southern set a course to become the home of the practice and study of new, innovative approaches to education.”

Together, these actions place Texas Southern University’s College of Education at the forefront of preparing teachers, shaping policy, and advancing urban education in Texas and beyond.

CONTACT:
Texas Southern University Marketing and Communications
713-313-5100
media@tsu.edu

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SOURCE Texas Southern University

TORONTO, NEW YORK and LONDON, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – BMO today announced that its annual Equity Through Education trading day, held on September 24, 2025, raised C$1.5 million to help students access post-secondary education. Since the initiative began in 2005, BMO has contributed more than C$35 million, supporting over 5500 students through scholarships, bursaries, mentoring, and career development opportunities.

This year, BMO donated a portion of its trading revenue from institutional equity trading commissions from BMO Capital Markets, along with trading commissions from BMO Wealth Management to organizations that help promising students pursue their academic and professional goals.

“Equity Through Education trading day reflects BMO’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life,” said Alan Tannenbaum, CEO, BMO Capital Markets. “Thanks to our clients and employees, we’re able to support organizations that promote opportunity through education.”

This year’s event marked continued collaboration across BMO business groups, with BMO Wealth Management once again joining the initiative.

“We’re proud to contribute to a program that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of students,” said Deland Kamanga, Group Head, BMO Wealth Management. “By donating a portion of trading commissions from Wealth Management, we’re helping students pursue their potential and the communities in which we live, work and prosper.”

For more information about Equity Through Education, click here.

About BMO Financial Group

BMO Financial Group is the seventh largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.4 trillion as of July 31, 2025. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society.

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SOURCE BMO Financial Group