Author: sHq_LoGiNz

This contract leverages advanced geospatial mapping to identify prime highway and railroad right-of-ways for large-scale energy transmission and broadband co-location.

ATLANTA, September 29, 2026 /3BL/ – Today, The Ray announced a contract with the Build America Bureau at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to provide specialized geospatial analysis and corridor mapping for the America’s Great Corridors of Commerce (AGCC) initiative.

AGCC represents a first-of-its-kind, nationwide opportunity to transform existing highway and rail corridors into multi-use arteries capable of carrying high-voltage transmission wires, fiber optic lines, water pipelines, and other critical utility infrastructure.

Under the partnership, The Ray Geospatial Solutions program will deliver advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis and mapping across highway and railroad corridors nationwide. This data-driven approach will identify prime right-of-way (ROW) segments best suited for immediate, large-scale energy transmission and telecommunications development.

“The Ray’s expertise is a unique combination of focused GIS capabilities and a decade of investment in planning and scaling energy infrastructure in highway right-of-way.”

— Jessie Hong, Geospatial Solutions Director, The Ray

Expanding national energy and telecommunications capacity is vital to sustaining growth in America’s high-tech and advanced manufacturing sectors while lowering energy costs for households. By co-locating energy and data infrastructure within existing transportation ROW, the AGCC framework aims to:

• Accelerate Delivery: Expedite project timelines for national energy and data grid expansions.
• Streamline Approvals: Simplify environmental review and permitting actions through pre-identified corridors.
• Lower Costs & Generate Revenue: Reduce land acquisition costs for developers while opening new revenue streams for state and federal transportation agencies.
• Boost Economic Development: Create efficient options to situate emerging industries near primary transport arteries.

Recognized by the White House Council on Environmental Quality as 2026 Permitting Innovators, The Ray’s Geospatial Solutions team brings proven spatial intelligence to federal infrastructure priorities.

“Over two years, The Ray will develop the national intelligence to power AGCC’s prioritization of corridors and utility co-location projects.”

— Allie Kelly, Executive Director

Resources

To explore the spatial data and learn more about highway right-of-way co-location, view the interactive project overview.

In today’s global food supply chain, transparency, quality, and sustainability are more than buzzwords—they’re essential for long-term success. TEROVA’s innovative approach to working with farmers sets a new standard for responsible sourcing, delivering tangible benefits to both growers and their communities.

A Partnership Built on Trust and Support

When farmers join the TEROVA program, they receive benefits beyond the traditional supplier and buyer relationship. Enrolling in the TEROVA program includes support with sustainability practices, upholding human rights, and community development opportunities. From the outset, TEROVA provides:

• Comprehensive Training: Farmers receive guidance to boost yields and ensure their crops meet export standards, unlocking access to better prices.
• Essential Materials: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), and drying nets are supplied to support safe and effective farming.
• Reliable Storage and Transport: TEROVA manages logistics, including cold storage and quality testing, to maintain product integrity and maximize value.
• Prompt, Fair Payment: Farmers are paid on time—typically within 21 days—at market price plus a premium, with all transactions transparently documented.
• Ongoing Field Support: Dedicated field teams visit every 10 days on average, monitoring crops, identifying pests, and offering agronomic advice.

A Transparent, Farmer-Centric Workflow

The TEROVA process is designed to empower farmers at every step:

1. Onboarding and Training: Field officers—trusted, local agronomy experts—register new farmers, conduct agronomic surveys, and provide ongoing education in regenerative agriculture.
2. Sustainable Cultivation: Farmers grow crops according to TEROVA’s best practices, using approved seeds and implementing regenerative techniques such as cover crops.
3. Harvest and Quality Assurance: After harvesting and drying on TEROVA-provided drying nets, crops are tested and stored in monitored cold facilities, preserving quality for processing and export.
4. Traceability: Harvested spices are tagged with a QR code that connects to TEROVA Trace and shows the farmer’s information and map of the field where the raw material was grown. The tagging system is maintained through processing, ensuring traceability.
5. Community Engagement: Farmers and community members contribute ideas to annual Welfare Committee meetings, shaping investments in local development. Past projects Welfare Committees have funded include shared water wells and filtration systems at local schools and communities.
6. Continuous Improvement: Internal and external audits ensure compliance with sustainability certifications including Rainforest Alliance.

Lasting Impact and Community Benefits

TEROVA’s commitment extends beyond the farm gate:

• Annual Support: Cover crop seeds, tree saplings, and regenerative agriculture education are provided to all participating farmers.
• Incentivized Sustainability: Field officers are rewarded for promoting regenerative practices, ensuring that environmental stewardship is woven into the fabric of the program.
• Community-Driven Investment: Welfare Committees in each region (India, Albania, Vietnam) identify and address local needs, from infrastructure to social programs.
• Health Clinics: Annual health checkups are available for farmers and their families via mobile clinics.

TEROVA’s model demonstrates that responsible sourcing can deliver value for everyone involved. By investing in farmer training, fair compensation, and community wellbeing, TEROVA not only ensures a reliable supply of high-quality spices but also fosters resilient, thriving agricultural communities.

View original content here.

About Griffith Foods

Griffith Foods is a global product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers with high-quality, culinary driven, customized products. Founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois, USA, Griffith Foods is a family-owned business known for collaborative innovation guided by its purpose to “Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World.” Operating in over 40 countries across six continents, Griffith Foods employs more than 5,000 people, including over 40 chefs and 340 food scientists, who work together to create solutions that nourish people, planet, and communities. The company’s product capabilities include seasonings, sauces, dressings, coating systems, and alternative protein solutions. Griffith Foods’ primary areas of focus include Foodservice, Food Manufacturers, Protein Processors, and Retail.

 

While most people use their vacation to disconnect, U.K.-based Motorola Solutions employee Mike Beddoes dedicates his time to answering a higher call, stepping up to the front lines to protect his community.

For nine years, Mike has balanced a dual purpose: driving innovation at Motorola Solutions by day and serving as a fully warranted volunteer officer with the Warwickshire Police Special Constabulary by night. His dedication recently went a step further, as he committed four weeks of his personal time off to complete a rigorous emergency driving course.

The Weight of the Badge

As a “Special Constable,” Mike wears the same uniform and holds the same authority as a full-time officer. He has logged more than 3,000 hours of service, the equivalent of two full years of police work. His commitment began on his university commute where he watched officers meet chaos with calm. Seeing them guide people through their darkest moments inspired him to move past watching and start helping.

Real Courage, Real Impact

Mike’s service ranges from routine patrols to critical, life-or-death interventions. Notably, he recently earned his fourth Chief Constable Commendation after stepping into a major house fire while off-duty. Without hesitation, he ran toward the danger, administered first aid to those trapped inside and helped contain the blaze.

In recognition of his 3,000 hours of service and recent act of bravery, Mike was honored with the 2025 CEO Award for Volunteerism, Motorola Solutions’ highest award for service.

“Receiving this type of recognition is an incredible honor,” said Mike. “But the real reward is the impact we get to make on the ground. When you’re responding to an emergency or stepping into a critical situation, you aren’t thinking about the hours or the personal time off you gave up — you’re just focusing on the person who needs your help. I’m grateful to be in a position to protect and serve the community I live in.”

From the Office to the Streets

Mike serves as a vital bridge between the technologies Motorola Solutions delivers and the first responders who rely on them. His front-line experience gives him a uniquely powerful perspective. When Mike holds a radio in the middle of an emergency, he knows exactly what’s at stake. He understands firsthand that a clear signal and a reliable device are more than convenient features — they’re critical lifelines. Mike brings this profound connection to our purpose back to his daily work at Motorola Solutions, inspiring his team to build with the end-user in mind.

Defining our Mission

Mike’s journey is a powerful reminder that our impact extends beyond our technology. It’s measured in the lives we touch and the communities we help keep safe. He stands alongside Motorolans around the world who embody this same spirit and a shared dedication to serve.

KeyBank’s 3-year impact investment has helped Mi Casa launch La Receta, a training program for aspiring food truck, restaurant and catering entrepreneurs. 

The partnership is helping create lasting change, empowering people to build brighter futures while contributing to stronger, more vibrant communities.

Watch the video to learn more about this impact and the lives they’ve helped transform.

 

Comcast NBCUniversal and NBCUniversal Local announced that a total of $2.5 million has been awarded to 80 nonprofit organizations servicing one of the 11 NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations’ markets across the U.S. through the 2026 NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants. NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants have provided $24.3M to 695 nonprofits since 2018.

The grant program is awarding unrestricted funding to eligible nonprofits making a difference in local communities. Applications were accepted in three categories: youth education and empowerment, next generation storytellers, and community engagement.

Nonprofits receiving funds serve communities in the following NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations’ markets: Bay Area (KNTV, KSTS), Boston (WBTS, WNEU), Chicago (WMAQ, WSNS), Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS, KXTX), Hartford, Connecticut (WVIT, WRDM), Los Angeles (KNBC, KVEA), New York (WNBC, WNJU), Philadelphia (WCAU, WWSI), San Diego (KNSD, KUAN), South Florida (WTVJ, WSCV) and Washington, D.C. (WRC-TV, WZDC-CD).

Bay Area (KNTV, KSTS): 

• Casa Circulo Cultural
• Chapter 510 Ink
• Elevate Tutoring
• Learning Home Volunteers
• Our Village Closet
• Playing at Learning
• Science is Elementary
• Youth Transforming Justice

Boston (WBTS-CD, WNEU):

• Audio Journal
• Birthday Wishes
• Bridge Forward
• Community Cooks
• English At Large
• Spark Kindness

Chicago (WMAQ, WSNS):

• 826CHI
• Awakenings Art
• Community Access Naperville
• Ecosystems of Care
• FreshLens Chicago
• Madonna Mission
• Play Smart Literacy
• Teatro Tariakuri

Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS, KXTX):

• 4 Saints Episcopal Food Pantry
• Brain Injury Network of Dallas
• Carson’s Village
• Freshque Foundation
• Serving Our Seniors
• Taylor’s Gift
• Texas Music Project

Hartford, Connecticut (WVIT, WRDM-CD):

• Amy’s Angels
• Connecticut Invention Convention
• CT Stem Academy
• Manufacturing and Technical Community Hub (MATCH)
• Second Chance Re-Entry Initiative Program
• The Storehouse Project
• Unashamed Inc
• Youth Entrepreneurs

Los Angeles (KNBC, KVEA):

• artEquity Community
• Jazz Hands for Autism
• Kids Enjoy Exercise Now Los Angeles
• Shift Our Ways Collective
• Southern California College Attainment Network
• Vietnamese Heritage Museum
• Youth Climate Stewards 4 Local Action

New York (WNBC, WNJU):

• Concrete Safaris
• New Neighbors Partnership Association
• Newark Workforce Development Board – Youth One Stop Career Center
• NYC SALT
• Open Style Lab

Philadelphia (WCAU, WWSI):

• Coatesville Youth Initiative
• FamFrequency Productions
• Fostering Hope
• GETincluded, Inc.
• Philadelphia Robotics Coalition
• Sean Locke 24 Foundation
• Stone Harbor Museum Corporation
• Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project

San Diego (KNSD, KUAN-LD):

• Amanda Brown Livewell
• Autism Society San Diego
• BIPOC Support Foundation
• Healthy Kids Happy Planet
• Positive Movement Foundation
• Tap Fever Studios
• The League of Amazing Programmers
• TuYo Theatre

South Florida (WTVJ, WSCV):

• Code/Art
• Dream in Green
• Health in the Hood
• Joshua’s Heart Foundation
• Miami EdTech
• Ranger Good Works
• Take Stock in Children of Broward County
• Vocal Youth Miami

Washington, D.C. (WRC-TV, WZDC-CD):

• Everybody Wins DC
• Foster & Adoptive Parent Advocacy Center
• Kids Enjoy Exercise Now Greater DC
• Move2Learn
• Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons
• Safe Ride Foundation
• Shout Mouse Press

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About Comcast

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

AMSTERDAM and HONG KONG and OAKLAND, Calif., September 29, 2026 /3BL/ – Cascale, the global nonprofit alliance for the consumer goods industry, today announced that Sophie You has joined the organization as senior director, manufacturer member activation. Based in Hong Kong, You will lead Cascale’s manufacturer membership activation team, helping manufacturer members turn measurement into progress on environmental performance and decent work.

Manufacturers are working through a period of sustained pressure. Many respond to assessments and data requests from multiple customers, often in different formats and on different timelines. New due diligence and disclosure rules in major markets are raising expectations on both environmental performance and working conditions, while energy costs, shifting trade policy, and tight margins shape which investments are possible. What manufacturers need is practical: tools that reduce duplication, credible ways to show their progress, early insight into the policies that affect their business, and a real voice in the decisions that shape their industry.

Cascale’s Corporate membership is built around those needs: sustainability performance acceleration, policy insights and advocacy, and industry influence and representation. In her new role, You and her team will help manufacturer members make the most of their membership. That means helping them accelerate progress toward their goals through programs and initiatives, including those that improve facility environmental performance with the Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM), reduce emissions in their own operations and upstream, and strengthen social and labor practices with the Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (Higg FSLM) and responsible purchasing practices. It also means keeping them engaged and informed on the policies that affect their business, and elevating their voices through advocacy for smart, harmonized policy and representation in Cascale’s governance.

You joins Cascale with more than 15 years of experience across the brand, manufacturer and advisory sides of apparel sustainability. Most recently, she served as regional director, Hong Kong at RESET Carbon (now part of LRQA), where her work focused on decarbonization strategy and science-based target setting for companies across the supply chain. Before that, she was head of sustainability and sourcing at Scandale éco-lingerie. She spent nearly nine years at Target, progressing from fabric engineer to senior sustainability manager, where she led supply chain sustainability programs across Asia. You holds a PhD from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where her research focused on developing a green index for the textile industry in China.

“Manufacturers carry most of the burden of improving our industry’s environmental and social performance, and they need support that fits how their businesses actually run,” said Jeremy Lardeau, senior vice president, industry activation and growth at Cascale. “Sophie has spent her career on every side of the table, from sourcing and consulting to working hand in hand with factories on leading decarbonization efforts. She and her team will work to elevate the manufacturer voice in the industry sustainability agenda, while supporting them along their own sustainability journey.”

“Having spent over 15 years across brands, sourcing, consultancy, and academia, I’ve seen firsthand that manufacturers are the engine of sustainable progress,” said You. “Joining Cascale is a chance to give back to this community — using my experience across the supply chain to ensure our manufacturer members have a strong voice, actionable support, and the tools they need to lead the industry’s sustainable transformation efficiently.”

You’s appointment reflects Cascale’s work to strengthen its offering and provide clearer value to members, particularly manufacturers, who face challenges distinct from those of the brands and retailers they work with.

Manufacturers interested in Cascale membership can learn more at cascale.org/explore-membership.

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit industry alliance where consumer goods organizations turn shared sustainability ambitions into measurable progress at scale to combat climate change and support decent work for all. We unite 300 Corporate and Affiliate members in pre-competitive collaboration, turning shared measurement and collective action into reduced risk, stronger credibility, and long-term resilience. Our work is anchored by Cascale’s stewardship of the Higg Index frameworks (accessed through the Worldly compliance and sustainability platform), along with the Better Buying and Sustainable Furnishings Council tools.

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