Author: sHq_LoGiNz

GENEVA, September 16, 2025 /3BL/ – At the recently concluded Tire Emissions Research Conference, the Tire Industry Project (TIP) announced the selection of five proposals under its first Open Call for Projects (OCP) with a total funding of nearly USD 2 million, while launching the second OCP.

The OCPs are designed to enhance scientific knowledge of tire wear emissions and their mitigation, providing financial support to independent projects across the world. Three of the selected projects from the inaugural OCP that was announced at the end of 2024 will focus on researching tire wear emissions in the environment, while two are centered on the development of mitigation solutions. The second OCP being launched now will focus on the potential ecological impacts of tire wear emissions.

“The topic of tire wear emissions is extremely complex – one that requires deep, evidence-based investigation and cross-stakeholder collaboration. Recognizing this, we decided to complement our own research and mitigation initiatives by launching the Open Call for Projects, inviting stakeholders across the world to join us in the quest to uncover this multi-dimensional subject,” said Larisa Kryachkova, Executive Director, TIP.

TIP’s OCP is a global initiative designed to foster innovation and collaboration, with the objective of understanding and addressing the evolving environmental issues relevant to the tire industry.

Dr. John Bucher, part of TIP’s Assurance Group and a member of the OCP evaluation committee said, “Sound science and robust evidence are essential to assessing the environmental challenges we face and to identifying the most effective solutions. Initiatives such as the OCP can act as a tremendous catalyst in this regard, opening a new world of possibilities. We are pleased with the diversity and quality of submissions received, which reaffirms the strong interest in this topic and the desire to engage in collaborative solutions.”

Awardees from the first OCP announced in 2024:

The five chosen projects, listed below, were selected from 22 submissions received over a four-month period:

Research Projects: 

1. Geospatial Record and Interpolation of Tire Wear Pollution in Roadside Soils, Technical University Darmstadt, Germany
2. Tire and Road Wear Particles (TRWP) in Combined Sewer Overflows – A Neglected Pathway of TRWP to the Environment, Gustave Eiffel University, France
3. A Marker Method for the High-Throughput Determination of TRWP in the Environment (T-Mark), Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Germany

Mitigation Projects:

1. Assessing Tire Char as a Treatment Media for Stormwater Runoff, Washington State University, USA
2. Green Streets, Clean Waters? Taming Urban Tire Wear Pollution with Green Infrastructure, Ocean Conservancy, USA

All applications were reviewed by the OCP evaluation committee against pre-defined criteria, including relevance to the OCP objectives, feasibility and methodology, innovation and technological impact, economic and societal impact as well as the capabilities of the applicants. The committee, consisting of TIP experts and external technical evaluators, ensured a rigorous and fair evaluation process.

“The initiative reflects our long-term commitment to building a collaborative research ecosystem through public platforms. The OCP takes us one step forward in harnessing the collective brainpower of the scientific community and we look forward to evolving this further in the coming years,” adds Kryachkova.

2025 Open Call for Projects now inviting applications

The focus for the 2025 OCP will be on assessing and measuring the potential ecological impacts (real-world, lab-based or in silico) of tire wear emissions during tire use, including tire chemicals, leachates and their transformation products. This comes as the recently published State of Knowledge paper series uncovered significant knowledge gaps and inconsistencies in scientific understanding of tire wear emissions.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit https://tireindustryproject.org/open-call-for-projects/ for more information on the OCP, including details of the selection process.

TIP will also host an introductory webinar for prospective entrants on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 9.00am CEST and 5.00pm CEST. To register for the webinar, please click here.

The deadline for submission of proposals is January 15, 2026 (17:00 CET).

 

– ENDS –

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 marks 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.

CLEVELAND, September 16, 2025 /3BL/ – Small business owners faced a tough year, battling rising costs and tariff policies. KeyBank’s (NYSE: KEY) 2025 Small Business Survey found that approximately one in four (23%) small business owners are stuck in survival mode and aren’t focused on long-term planning. Additionally, almost half (46%) of small business owners feel their performance fell short of expectations in 2025.

Still, 40% of small business owners are cautiously planning ahead for their businesses’ futures. Another 46% say they are certain they could cover one month of operating expenses if an emergency arose, down just slightly from KeyBank’s Fall 2024 Small Business Survey (49%), suggesting that they are preparing for stability and sustainability despite uncertainties.

Even with an extra cushion of expenses saved, half (50%) of small business owners say their top concern is inflation and rising costs–far outpacing factors like competition (33%), cash flow (25%) and labor shortages and hiring challenges (22%). In fact, a quarter (25%) of small business owners are increasing prices for customers in light of recent tariffs and rising costs. Cybersecurity also remains a key issue for small business owners, with 41% citing payment fraud as their top concern, followed by phishing and email scams (27%) and identity theft (26%).

With federal legislation changes likely coming in the last few months of 2025, 72% of small business owners are very concerned these changes will have an impact on their operations. But good news: 80% feel confident to make key, informed decisions amid today’s economic and policy uncertainty–though they do admit they might be second guessing at times.

“Navigating the current economic environment has proven to be no small feat for small business owners,” says Mike Walters, President of Business Banking at KeyBank. “It’s reassuring to see small business owners’ passion and perseverance, despite the challenges that have come their way. Their ability to adapt—whether through tightening expenses, finding new ways to serve customers, or preparing for regulatory shifts—shows the grit and creativity at the heart of the small business community. It’s that determination that allows them to build the foundation needed for long-term growth.”

How Small Business Owners are Preparing for What’s Ahead

Looking ahead to 2026, business owners are prioritizing the strategies, resources, and self-care that will help shape their resilience.

• Seeking professional advice: 21% of small business owners agree they’d feel more secure by having regular conversations with their business bankers, with many looking for guidance on cash flow (33%), financial planning (33%), and tax strategy (31%).
• Maintaining personal resilience: 30% of small business owners say they feel more resilient with a good night’s sleep–ensuring they balance daily self-care needs with long-term business planning.

“Small business owners are proving that resilience is more than just surviving challenges; it’s about planning ahead, leaning on trusted advisors, and making sure they have the clarity and confidence to move forward,” said Walters.

Through KeyBank’s Certified Cash Flow Advisor Program, business owners can receive structured, yet flexible advice on how to tackle critical cash flow and financial challenges to better optimize operations. For more information on how KeyBank can help your business, visit: KeyBank Small Business.

Methodology
This survey was conducted online with Survey Monkey, including 2,144 respondents, ages 18-99, from across the United States, who own or operate a small-to-medium size business with an annual gross revenue of less than $10 million, completed the survey in July 2025.

ABOUT KEYCORP
In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $185 billion at June 30, 2025.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

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CFMA #250908-3472128

AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, and OAKLAND, Calif., September 16, 2025 /3BL/ – Cascale today announced the launch of the third season of its “Source of Good” podcast. With a thematic focus on decent work, the new season builds on previous conversations about decarbonization and supply-chain sustainability, reflecting Cascale’s commitment to advancing fair, equitable, and sustainable practices across the consumer goods supply chain.

The season will premiere on Tuesday, September 30, with the first episode featuring John Morrison, CEO of the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) and author of “Just Transition: A Systems-Thinking Approach to Managing Climate Action.“ Over the course of nine bi-weekly episodes, “Source of Good” will bring together global experts and industry leaders shaping the future of work within the context of sustainability. These conversations explore how industry can support workers while accelerating the shift toward a more responsible economy, highlighting stories that reveal both the challenges and opportunities of building resilient and sustainable supply chains.

“The global transition toward a low-carbon economy must respect the rights of workers and all communities directly affected,” said John Morrison, CEO of the Institute for Human Rights and Business. “A just transition is about creating pathways for industries to thrive while ensuring that people and communities are protected, empowered, and included in the process. I’m thrilled to kick off season three of Cascale’s ‘Source of Good’ podcast and discuss why decent work is essential to a truly sustainable future.”

Since its launch, “Source of Good” has featured guests including Lewis Perkins of Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), adventurer and author Rick Ridgeway, and leaders from across the industry, such as Tapestry, Lenzing, Brooks Running, Dunelm, Eileen Fisher, Hirdaramani, and more. With subscribers in over 50 countries, the podcast has become a trusted global space for sharing bold ideas and practical approaches to driving industry-wide impact.

“Every day around the world, millions of people power the consumer goods industry,” said Lee Green, vice president of communications & marketing at Cascale. “By focusing this season of ‘Source of Good’ on decent work, we’re shining a light on the people and practices that can shape a fairer, more equitable industry – and inspiring collective action that benefits us all.”

“Source of Good” is produced by Hueman Group Media, a Webby-winning media company that creates high-caliber podcasts for social change and impact. The show is hosted by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, Cascale’s communications director and a former journalist. “Source of Good” is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and other major platforms.

For more information and to listen to the “Source of Good,” visit cascale.org/resources/podcast/ or subscribe to Cascale’s newsletter for updates.

Editors: For more information, please contact cascaleforster@forster.co.uk. 

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people. LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Water stewardship has a critical role to play in the fight against the climate crisis – it’s one of the key threads connecting climate action, environmental health, and community resilience. In this episode, we discuss regional water stewardship, technological opportunities and perceptions within the business community. We hear from the host of this episode, Beatrice Bizarro,  Water Stewardship Technology lead at HPC Italy and the Inogen Alliance Global Water Working Group Leader, along with Annika Taylor, Senior Consultant at Peter J. Ramsay & Associates in Australia, Natalya Holm, Climate Risk & Water Stewardship Services Lead at Antea Group USA, and Chris Shanks, Environmental Discipline Manager and Environmental Scientist at Tonkin + Taylor in New Zealand.

Listen now on:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

YouTube

 

Rethinking EHS: Global Goals. Local Delivery.

The key to a sustainable future lies in our ability to coordinate global efforts built on the foundation of local expertise. So how can those of us passionate about protecting planet and people harness this knowledge and turn it into practical solutions on a worldwide scale?

On this podcast, we’ll traverse the globe to unearth the stories of EHS and sustainability communities making an impact on the ground. We’ll share compelling stories from biodiversity and energy transition to workplace safety and more; expert insights, on topics such as PFAS and CSRD, and diverse perspectives to highlight tangible solutions and share innovative strategies to drive change.

Whether you’re an EHS practitioner, a sustainability specialist, or a leader striving to improve your organization, join us, as we explore the path forward and Rethink EHS.

Brought to you by Inogen Alliance.

For companies operating across borders, managing environmental, health, and safety (EHS) performance consistently can be a challenge. That’s where EHS management systems come in. These systems provide a structured framework for managing risk, maintaining compliance, and supporting organizational goals—from worker wellbeing to sustainability and operational excellence.

Many companies look to international standards like ISO 14001 (environmental), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), and ISO 45003 (psychosocial health) to guide the development and implementation of these systems. But aligning with these standards and making them work across global operations isn’t always straightforward.

This article explores what EHS management systems are, the role of ISO standards, common missteps, and how organizations can build systems that truly work across cultures and regions.

What Is an EHS Management System?

An EHS management system is a repeatable, organization-wide process to identify, control, and continuously improve EHS performance. For multinational companies, properly developed and implemented systems help ensure:

• Compliance with local regulations
• Reduced risk across diverse jurisdictions
• Consistency in processes, training, and expectations
• A centralized way to report, improve, and track progress

While some companies pursue certification to ISO standards, others align with the frameworks without formally certifying. Either way, the key is operationalizing these systems—not just creating documentation to pass audits.

When systems become check-the-box exercises, they tend to break down at the site level. Local teams may ignore them, find them irrelevant, or struggle with integration. That’s when real risk and missed opportunity emerge.

A Look at Key ISO Standards in EHS

Several ISO standards support effective EHS management systems:

• ISO 14001 – Environmental management. Helps organizations reduce environmental impact and comply with local laws.
• ISO 45001 – Occupational health and safety. Offers a global standard for creating safer workplaces.
• ISO 45003 – Psychological health and safety. Addresses mental wellbeing in the workplace—especially relevant as expectations evolve.
• ISO 9001 & 50001 – While not EHS-specific, they support quality and energy management goals and often overlap with EHS efforts.

Common Global Implementation Challenges

Even with good intentions, many companies hit roadblocks when implementing ISO-aligned systems across multiple regions. Common issues include:

• Applying a one-size-fits-all system that doesn’t reflect regional realities
• Lack of stakeholder buy-in from business units, HR, or operations
• Disconnect between corporate strategy and local execution
• Overly complex documentation that local teams can’t follow
• Unclear ownership, especially around emerging topics like psychological health

Without alignment and communication, even a well-designed system can fail in practice. Reputational damage, loss of certification, and even business loss can result—especially when clients require certification as a condition of doing business.

What High-Performing Companies Do Differently

In our experience, companies with strong EHS systems share a few traits:

• They understand their risk profile across jurisdictions
• They start with governance and goals, not checklists
• They map documentation in tiers: corporate policies, minimum standards, regional/site requirements
• They invest in internal audits, legal registers, and proactive risk tracking
• They get buy-in from leadership and business units early
• They adapt systems to the local site and culture, not the other way around

Strong systems aren’t static. They are living frameworks that evolve as the business and risk environment change.

How Inogen Alliance Supports EHS Management Systems

Inogen Alliance helps organizations build and improve EHS management systems through:

• Gap analysis to identify what’s missing before external audits
• Readiness audits to test systems ahead of certification
• Document development, from policies to procedures and SOPs
• Internal auditing to assess and improve performance
• Training and rollout support to drive consistency across regions
• Providing local expertise to ensure management systems align with the needs of operating jurisdictions and varying needs of different business units
• Guiding organizations in selecting feasible goals and strategic direction aligning with company vision and needs
• Implementation support

We design systems around your needs and culture. Whether you’re aligning to a standard or pursuing certification, our support is designed to help you stay resilient and compliant in every region.

Making EHS Management Systems Work for You

Building an EHS management system that works across global operations takes more than a checklist. It requires clear governance, cross-functional buy-in, and practical implementation across diverse sites and cultures. Whether you’re aligning with ISO standards or preparing for certification, the right approach can drive consistency, reduce risk, and support long-term performance.

Want to see how other companies are approaching this?

• Case Study: ISO 14001 Audit for a Global Technology Client
  How one multinational assessed its EHS system readiness across multiple global sites.
• Case Study: The First Public Petroleum Sector Company to Acquire ISO 50001 Certificate in Egypt
  How a petroeum company worked with our local Associate to achieve this milestone achievement
• Podcast: Bridging Occupational Safety Across Borders
  Insights from the field on applying ISO frameworks and managing site-level adoption worldwide.

If you’re looking to strengthen or scale your EHS management system, Inogen Alliance can help. Contact our team today to build a framework that works across borders, aligns with ISO standards, and supports safer, more sustainable operations. 

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of over 70 of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates, listen to our podcast and follow us on LinkedIn.

ATLANTA, September 16, 2025 /3BL/ – The Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) today announced the 2025 Purpose Award winners, recognizing exceptional leaders in corporate social impact. 

Presented in partnership with Rocket Social Impact, the awards recognize corporate social impact professionals who are making a meaningful impact in their companies and communities.

This year’s recipients are: 

• Joe Hinrichs, President and CEO, CSX – Champion for Change
• Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc. & Executive Director of the HP Foundation – Trailblazer
• Danielle Nickerson, CSR Manager, Toyota Material Handling – Rising Star
• Duke Energy Foundation – Corporate Social Impact Team of the Year

“We’re proud to celebrate these outstanding leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what corporate social responsibility can achieve—especially when the work is increasingly complex and more scrutinized than ever,” said Andrea Wood, President and CEO of ACCP. “Their passion and ingenuity remind us of the power of purpose-driven leadership—and what’s possible when business success and social impact are aligned.”

“The scope and pressure of CSR roles are only growing, with professionals being asked to deliver more impact across more fronts,” said Rich Maiore, CEO & Founder of Rocket Social Impact. “Now more than ever, it’s essential to recognize the value these leaders bring—to their companies, their communities, and to global progress.”

The Champion for Change Award recognizes a C-suite executive who provides leadership that advances both social and business impact in communities where the company operates and globally. Joe Hinrichs works to embed community investment as a priority across the company, and his focus on employee volunteerism as a means to collaboration and engagement makes him an exemplary Champion for Change.

The Trailblazer Award honors a senior CSR practitioner whose leadership, strategy, and partnerships resulted in significant business and societal impacts. As Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc. & Executive Director of the HP Foundation, Michele Malejki’s work on the organization’s Digital Equity Accelerator, and other digital equity initiatives and partnerships, has helped work toward HP’s goal to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030 by equipping disconnected adolescents and adults with the critical skills needed for the Future of Work. 

The Corporate Social Impact Team of the Year Award recognizes a team of corporate social impact practitioners whose collaborative and innovative approach to a project or program generated significant business results for the company and social impact in the community. As the triple whammy of storms in 2024 – Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton – brought widespread devastation, Duke Energy Foundation innovated its grant programs and acted swiftly to provide vital support across all seven of Duke Energy’s service areas.

Finally, the Rising Star Award is presented to an emerging professional in corporate citizenship whose work creates a meaningful impact both inside and outside the company, often requiring influence well beyond their position. As CSR Manager, Danielle Nickerson oversees volunteerism and all aspects of corporate giving at Toyota Material Handling. Her initiatives have contributed more than 12,850 hours of community service and $1M in economic impact in the past year.

Separate committees of judges chose this year’s Purpose Award winners, comprised of past Purpose Award recipients and current corporate social impact industry leaders.

 

The Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP) is the preeminent membership organization advancing the practice of corporate social impact. ACCP increases the effectiveness of CSR & ESG professionals and their companies by sharing knowledge, fostering solutions, and cultivating inclusive and supportive peer communities. ACCP amplifies the voices of its practitioner network to elevate strategies that work, provide innovative solutions, and expand impact. www.accp.org
 

Rocket Social Impact is a leading CSR & ESG consultancy, advising established and emerging companies on their social impact strategy, implementation, and communication. Go further, faster. www.rocketsocialimpact.com

The following is an excerpt from Southwire’s 2024 Sustainability Report: Wired for the Future. To read the full report, visit https://southwire.com/sustainability.

We are in the business of making critical infrastructure safer, transforming how people travel and connect, and making power grids more resilient to a changing climate. Southwire’s technologies are also a critical enabler of the energy transition, with electrification among the most effective strategies for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As our Vision goes, We Deliver Power…Responsibly®. These are a few projects that helped us further that Vision in 2024:

TEAMING UP TO DECARBONIZE CABLE PRODUCTION 

Southwire joined forces with Levidian, a British climate tech leader, to bring its innovative decarbonization technology to North America for the first time. Southwire will use Levidian’s LOOP technology to separate the hydrogen and carbon (in the form of graphene) from methane. The hydrogen can be used to produce a hydrogen-rich blend gas. We will explore applications for graphene derived from the process to increase the performance of various materials, such as coatings and wire and cable compounds.

ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE INSULATING COMPOUNDS 

Insulating compounds are critical in most wire and cable products, helping to ensure safety, prevent short circuits and extend product lifespans by protecting the conductor within. In 2024, we moved into phase two of a project to identify more sustainable forms of insulating compounds, which we kicked off in 2023. We also focused on ensuring a resilient supply chain of these components to support Southwire’s business needs.

CHARGING AHEAD ON EV INFRASTRUCTURE

As many businesses and communities seek more sustainable modes of transportation, EVs are playing a leading role. Southwire is pushing this technology forward, with our teams completing the development of new liquid-cooled charging cables in 2024. Our next step is to begin production of the cables, which will help power electric buses and trucks.

ENHANCING EFFICIENT TRANSMISSION 

Communities rely on reliable grid infrastructure, and Southwire is developing new products to make power transmission more efficient. In 2024, we validated a novel overhead conductor that uses a high-performance coating to reduce power losses. The new AmpaMax™ transmission conductor coating is set to launch in late 2025.

EXPANDING HYDROPOWER FROM QUEBEC TO QUEENS 

As the most-populated city in the U.S., New York has an important role to play in the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. This work will get a major boost from the Champlain Hudson Power Express® (CHPE), a fully buried transmission line that will bring 1,250 megawatts of low-cost renewable power from the U.S.-Canadian border into Queens, New York. Southwire partnered with NKT to manufacture underground power cables for the project, which we continued to produce in 2024.

COFER CENTER EXPANSION

Meanwhile, we commenced construction of a new R&D facility at our Carrollton, Georgia, headquarters that will expand our R&D capabilities. We also modernized the existing Cofer Center, a 30-year-old R&D facility, bringing it up to date with enhanced infrastructure. Both the new and existing facilities have been renovated with HVAC and a more sustainable, efficient ground-source thermal heating and cooling system. We are also pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for the new center to ensure the facility meets globally recognized green building standards.

To learn more about Southwire’s sustainability initiatives, visit https://southwire.com/sustainability.

Originally published on Verite News

When the floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina began to recede, neighborhoods were left with more questions than answers. Families wondered how they would rebuild, schools needed resources and small businesses faced uncertain futures. Entergy’s response wasn’t just about restoring power – it was about helping communities find their footing again.

Entergy’s continued investment in its local communities demonstrates its commitment to show up for New Orleans customers, time and time again. Over the years since the storm, that commitment often meant putting resources directly where they matter most – in the hands of both large and small community-driven initiatives to support local economies, strengthen nonprofits, and create opportunities for people to thrive.

Every partnership and project underscores Entergy’s dedication to

Powering Life: From Recovery to Renewal across the Gulf South.

For Entergy, Katrina wasn’t just a one-time challenge. It reaffirmed a century-long legacy of investing in the communities it serves. Choosing New Orleans as the corporate headquarters was intentional, a reflection of the deep roots and responsibility that come with being the only Fortune 500 company in the city.

“We’re engrained in New Orleans’ past, and we will be part of her bright future,” said Marcus Brown, Entergy’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel. “When we all came back after Hurricane Katrina, we came back with a real purpose to be better, to be stronger, to be more resilient not just in how we built back the grid but also in how we built back the communities we serve.”

“We recognize that the need to invest in the resilience of our communities through education and workforce development, poverty solutions, and environmental programs is just as important as investing in the resilience of our infrastructure,” Brown added.

Over the past two decades, Entergy shareholders have contributed nearly $95 million in philanthropic support, while employees have dedicated more than 1.6 million hours of volunteer service across the company’s service area.

Entergy doesn’t just want to be in New Orleans, it wants to be of New Orleans.

“Entergy is more than power lines; we’re the foundation of economic growth and community life,” said Elizabeth Adams, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. “From attracting businesses and creating jobs to planting trees and restoring wetlands, our work touches everyday lives. We live here, work here, and invest here because thriving communities are at the heart of what we do.”

That focus on lasting impact has positioned Entergy to help drive sustainable change across the region. One of the most visible examples came earlier in 2025 with the city’s hosting of Super Bowl LIX. As part of Entergy’s partnership with Mrs. Gayle Benson and the New Orleans Saints, the NFL Foundation, and the New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, Entergy helped power Impact 59, the official legacy grant program for Super Bowl LIX. The program is already making a measurable difference across Greater New Orleans, well beyond the big game.

Through Impact 59, Entergy and its partners awarded more than $3.5 million in grants to 65 nonprofit organizations across 10 parishes, supporting programs that advance economic development, education, workforce training, youth development, health and wellness, and equity and inclusion.

“The need for our region is great, and the grant selection process was highly competitive, with more than 570 applications totaling $70 million in funding requests received in just one month,” Brown said. “These grants support a broad range of community programs, from expanding educational opportunities at Xavier University of Louisiana, to fostering equity through the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation, to improving food access with the help of Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana.”

Workforce training has also been a key priority. Organizations like the New Orleans Career Center are using their funding to prepare residents for high-demand careers. Youth-focused groups such as the Youth Empowerment Project are helping young people build leadership skills and open doors to new opportunities. For Entergy, the Impact 59 legacy grant program is part of a broader mission: investing in and giving back to the communities where they live and serve.

“We’re proud to empower local organizations that are dedicated to fostering positive change and strengthening the greater New Orleans area for years to come, well beyond the Super Bowl,” Brown said.

Looking ahead, Entergy remains focused on helping the
Gulf South continue to grow and thrive.

“The future excites me because Entergy touches every stage of life,” Adams said. “From education to careers to recreation, we’re investing to help people thrive at every step. That means attracting new businesses, keeping talent here at home, and ensuring our environments remain sustainable for the next hundred years and beyond.”

For Adams, sustainability is personal. She’s a native of Cut Off, La., in Lafourche Parish, and sits both in the fishing community of Bayou Lafourche but also on the front lines of coastal erosion and rising sea levels. She chaired the Super Bowl LIX Host Committee’s sustainability program, spearheading environmental initiatives including tree planting, beautification and coastal restoration projects. Entergy, in collaboration with partners like the Super Bowl Host Committee and NFL Green helped support these efforts.

For example, Entergy volunteers, alongside partners with Chef’s Brigade, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Force Blue and Verizon, installed 59 tons of oyster shells along the shoreline in Leeville, Louisiana. These reclaimed shells, sourced from local restaurants, create a “living shoreline” and serve to prevent coastal erosion and act as natural storm barriers. This event is just one example of Entergy’s continued support for local partners, like the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.

“CRCL has been working across Louisiana’s coast to implement projects that slow land loss and restore healthy ecosystems. Entergy has helped power this work directly through the might of its volunteers,” says Donna Betzer, development director at CRCL. “The company has also provided funding to support projects including our Oyster Shell Recycling Program’s reefs that created more than 350 feet of shoreline protection in Bay Adams and at Bayou Pointe-au-Chien, and it was the primary funder of projects to plant more than 2,000 bald cypress, red swamp maple and water tupelo trees in Schriever, Manchac and Chalmette.”

Brown concluded, “We remain committed to building a future where our cities, state and region can weather the storm and get back on their feet faster and stronger than before.”

For Entergy, powering life has always been about more than electricity. It’s about investing in people, supporting communities, and helping the Gulf South move from recovery to renewal together.