April 16, 2026 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, today welcomed North Carolina Governor Josh Stein to its campus in Davidson, North Carolina for a roundtable discussion with leaders from many of the state’s largest employers.

The roundtable, co-hosted by Trane Technologies, focused on the intersection of clean energy policy, corporate strategy, sustainability, and long‑term economic growth. The event comes at a pivotal moment as North Carolina works to strengthen its competitive edge and continue attracting investment, driving innovation, and advancing its landmark energy and climate goals.

“At Trane Technologies, we’ve shown that sustainability and strong business performance go hand in hand. Our customers need solutions that improve energy efficiency, lower operating costs and help them meet their sustainability commitments,” said Dave Regnery, chair and CEO of Trane Technologies. “That’s why conversations like today’s focused on the need to advance sustainable innovation and promote economic growth are so important. We’re proud to work with Governor Stein and leaders across the state to advance sustainable solutions, fuel economic growth and build a more competitive North Carolina.”

“North Carolina is leading the way in building a clean energy economy that creates good-paying jobs and keeps costs down for families,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Through advanced manufacturing leaders like Trane Technologies and new investments across our state, we are growing our economy while creating a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future for North Carolinians. I learned from numerous attendees that clean energy availability is an important factor in making North Carolina an attractive state for business. It also strengthens our national security.”

Following the roundtable, Governor Stein toured Trane Technologies’ new Advanced Technology Training Center (ATTC), the world’s largest HVAC training center and one of several recent investments strengthening the company’s talent development, technological advancement, and sustainability capabilities at its Davidson campus. Designed as a collaborative, hands‑on environment for training, technical learning, and knowledge sharing, the ATTC equips teams with the expertise needed to advance next‑generation HVAC technologies and climate‑focused solutions.

“We’re proud to showcase the Advanced Technology Training Center and the investments we’re making to strengthen our capabilities at our Davidson campus,” said Regnery. “By creating a space dedicated to hands‑on learning and collaboration, we are ensuring our teams have the skills and resources needed to deliver sustainable technologies that make a positive impact for our customers and our communities.”

As a global climate innovator, Trane Technologies is widely recognized for advancing sustainable solutions across buildings, industry, and transport. Through bold climate commitments — including its 2030 Sustainability Commitments and the Gigaton Challenge — the company continues to lead the way in accelerating clean‑technology innovation and driving meaningful progress toward a more resilient, low‑carbon future.

###
 

About Trane Technologies
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit tranetechnologies.com.

April 16, 2026 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, today welcomed North Carolina Governor Josh Stein to its campus in Davidson, North Carolina for a roundtable discussion with leaders from many of the state’s largest employers.

The roundtable, co-hosted by Trane Technologies, focused on the intersection of clean energy policy, corporate strategy, sustainability, and long‑term economic growth. The event comes at a pivotal moment as North Carolina works to strengthen its competitive edge and continue attracting investment, driving innovation, and advancing its landmark energy and climate goals.

“At Trane Technologies, we’ve shown that sustainability and strong business performance go hand in hand. Our customers need solutions that improve energy efficiency, lower operating costs and help them meet their sustainability commitments,” said Dave Regnery, chair and CEO of Trane Technologies. “That’s why conversations like today’s focused on the need to advance sustainable innovation and promote economic growth are so important. We’re proud to work with Governor Stein and leaders across the state to advance sustainable solutions, fuel economic growth and build a more competitive North Carolina.”

“North Carolina is leading the way in building a clean energy economy that creates good-paying jobs and keeps costs down for families,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Through advanced manufacturing leaders like Trane Technologies and new investments across our state, we are growing our economy while creating a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future for North Carolinians. I learned from numerous attendees that clean energy availability is an important factor in making North Carolina an attractive state for business. It also strengthens our national security.”

Following the roundtable, Governor Stein toured Trane Technologies’ new Advanced Technology Training Center (ATTC), the world’s largest HVAC training center and one of several recent investments strengthening the company’s talent development, technological advancement, and sustainability capabilities at its Davidson campus. Designed as a collaborative, hands‑on environment for training, technical learning, and knowledge sharing, the ATTC equips teams with the expertise needed to advance next‑generation HVAC technologies and climate‑focused solutions.

“We’re proud to showcase the Advanced Technology Training Center and the investments we’re making to strengthen our capabilities at our Davidson campus,” said Regnery. “By creating a space dedicated to hands‑on learning and collaboration, we are ensuring our teams have the skills and resources needed to deliver sustainable technologies that make a positive impact for our customers and our communities.”

As a global climate innovator, Trane Technologies is widely recognized for advancing sustainable solutions across buildings, industry, and transport. Through bold climate commitments — including its 2030 Sustainability Commitments and the Gigaton Challenge — the company continues to lead the way in accelerating clean‑technology innovation and driving meaningful progress toward a more resilient, low‑carbon future.

###
 

About Trane Technologies
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit tranetechnologies.com.

April 16, 2026 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, today welcomed North Carolina Governor Josh Stein to its campus in Davidson, North Carolina for a roundtable discussion with leaders from many of the state’s largest employers.

The roundtable, co-hosted by Trane Technologies, focused on the intersection of clean energy policy, corporate strategy, sustainability, and long‑term economic growth. The event comes at a pivotal moment as North Carolina works to strengthen its competitive edge and continue attracting investment, driving innovation, and advancing its landmark energy and climate goals.

“At Trane Technologies, we’ve shown that sustainability and strong business performance go hand in hand. Our customers need solutions that improve energy efficiency, lower operating costs and help them meet their sustainability commitments,” said Dave Regnery, chair and CEO of Trane Technologies. “That’s why conversations like today’s focused on the need to advance sustainable innovation and promote economic growth are so important. We’re proud to work with Governor Stein and leaders across the state to advance sustainable solutions, fuel economic growth and build a more competitive North Carolina.”

“North Carolina is leading the way in building a clean energy economy that creates good-paying jobs and keeps costs down for families,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Through advanced manufacturing leaders like Trane Technologies and new investments across our state, we are growing our economy while creating a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future for North Carolinians. I learned from numerous attendees that clean energy availability is an important factor in making North Carolina an attractive state for business. It also strengthens our national security.”

Following the roundtable, Governor Stein toured Trane Technologies’ new Advanced Technology Training Center (ATTC), the world’s largest HVAC training center and one of several recent investments strengthening the company’s talent development, technological advancement, and sustainability capabilities at its Davidson campus. Designed as a collaborative, hands‑on environment for training, technical learning, and knowledge sharing, the ATTC equips teams with the expertise needed to advance next‑generation HVAC technologies and climate‑focused solutions.

“We’re proud to showcase the Advanced Technology Training Center and the investments we’re making to strengthen our capabilities at our Davidson campus,” said Regnery. “By creating a space dedicated to hands‑on learning and collaboration, we are ensuring our teams have the skills and resources needed to deliver sustainable technologies that make a positive impact for our customers and our communities.”

As a global climate innovator, Trane Technologies is widely recognized for advancing sustainable solutions across buildings, industry, and transport. Through bold climate commitments — including its 2030 Sustainability Commitments and the Gigaton Challenge — the company continues to lead the way in accelerating clean‑technology innovation and driving meaningful progress toward a more resilient, low‑carbon future.

###
 

About Trane Technologies
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit tranetechnologies.com.

April 16, 2026 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, today welcomed North Carolina Governor Josh Stein to its campus in Davidson, North Carolina for a roundtable discussion with leaders from many of the state’s largest employers.

The roundtable, co-hosted by Trane Technologies, focused on the intersection of clean energy policy, corporate strategy, sustainability, and long‑term economic growth. The event comes at a pivotal moment as North Carolina works to strengthen its competitive edge and continue attracting investment, driving innovation, and advancing its landmark energy and climate goals.

“At Trane Technologies, we’ve shown that sustainability and strong business performance go hand in hand. Our customers need solutions that improve energy efficiency, lower operating costs and help them meet their sustainability commitments,” said Dave Regnery, chair and CEO of Trane Technologies. “That’s why conversations like today’s focused on the need to advance sustainable innovation and promote economic growth are so important. We’re proud to work with Governor Stein and leaders across the state to advance sustainable solutions, fuel economic growth and build a more competitive North Carolina.”

“North Carolina is leading the way in building a clean energy economy that creates good-paying jobs and keeps costs down for families,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Through advanced manufacturing leaders like Trane Technologies and new investments across our state, we are growing our economy while creating a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future for North Carolinians. I learned from numerous attendees that clean energy availability is an important factor in making North Carolina an attractive state for business. It also strengthens our national security.”

Following the roundtable, Governor Stein toured Trane Technologies’ new Advanced Technology Training Center (ATTC), the world’s largest HVAC training center and one of several recent investments strengthening the company’s talent development, technological advancement, and sustainability capabilities at its Davidson campus. Designed as a collaborative, hands‑on environment for training, technical learning, and knowledge sharing, the ATTC equips teams with the expertise needed to advance next‑generation HVAC technologies and climate‑focused solutions.

“We’re proud to showcase the Advanced Technology Training Center and the investments we’re making to strengthen our capabilities at our Davidson campus,” said Regnery. “By creating a space dedicated to hands‑on learning and collaboration, we are ensuring our teams have the skills and resources needed to deliver sustainable technologies that make a positive impact for our customers and our communities.”

As a global climate innovator, Trane Technologies is widely recognized for advancing sustainable solutions across buildings, industry, and transport. Through bold climate commitments — including its 2030 Sustainability Commitments and the Gigaton Challenge — the company continues to lead the way in accelerating clean‑technology innovation and driving meaningful progress toward a more resilient, low‑carbon future.

###
 

About Trane Technologies
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit tranetechnologies.com.

AUSTIN, Texas, April 16, 2026 /3BL/ – Whole Foods Market Foundation is excited to announce $1.5 million in funding across four transformative projects impacting over 32,000 people in Ecuador, Ghana and the United States. Throughout the year, the Foundation provides funding to help its partners improve nutrition and create opportunities for financial stability. Each project is community-led and designed to create lasting impact in communities worldwide.

These carefully selected programs represent Whole Foods Market Foundation’s dedication to creating lasting impact through regenerative agriculture, financial inclusion for smallholder farmers, and transformative food education in schools. Learn more about each project below:

 

Aliados | Ecuador

Aliados connects small and indigenous smallholder farmers to responsible markets through regenerative agriculture. Aliados will use their Whole Foods Market Foundation $300,000 three-year grant to scale their bioeconomy enterprise incubation model from 1,805 to 3,000 smallholder farmers across Ecuador by 2028. The organization will provide regenerative agriculture training, business development support to farmer-owned bio-enterprises and capitalize their Revolving Fund with working capital loans that ensure farmers receive immediate payment upon harvest delivery.

buffet of food

Chef Ann Foundation | United States

Chef Ann Foundation is a nonprofit that empowers schools nationwide to transition to scratch cooking, so children are well-nourished and ready to learn. Their $600,000 grant will support two signature programs: the Salad Bars to Schools program (SB2S), which donates salad bar equipment and training to public schools to increase students’ daily intake of fruits and vegetables, and the Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship, a 13-month program that equips mid-level school food professionals with the knowledge and leadership skills to produce healthy, scratch-cooked meals. This funding will serve 17,508 students through 35 salad bars (including equipment, marketing packages, and training) and training 8 Fellows in the 2026 cohort, addressing critical workforce development gaps in school food systems.

people meeting together

Nsutaman Rural Bank | Ghana

Nsutaman Rural Bank (NRB) works to provide their diverse and enterprising customers with an opportunity to earn a meaningful livelihood by championing financial inclusion, innovation and localization. A new partner of the Foundation, NRB will use their 3-year, no-interest $300,000 loan to support 1,826 smallholder farmers with 4,103 loans over the next 3 years. This funding will also enable NRB to expand their agriculture finance offering, providing accessible and affordable group loans with joint liability while scaling innovative regenerative practices that aim to increase farmers yield by 50% by the end of the project.

children gardening

Partners for Education, Agriculture and Sustainability | United States

Partners for Education, Agriculture and Sustainability (PEAS), an Austin, Texas-based School Garden Support Organization, has reached over 30,000 students since 2011. They will use their Whole Foods Market Foundation three-year $300,000 grant to strengthen their capacity and deepen impact across Austin area schools. This grant ensures that at least 70% of programming continues to serve Title I schools, sustaining an organization where 98% of teachers report students are engaged to extremely engaged during lessons and 92% observe students who typically struggle in classrooms engaging meaningfully in the garden.

Since 2005, Whole Foods Market Foundation has invested over $220 million, supporting over 18,700 partner organizations and schools in 83 countries around the world.

For more information, visit wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org/funding-announcements.

####

ABOUT WHOLE FOODS MARKET FOUNDATION

Whole Foods Market Foundation is on a mission to nourish people by advancing food security, improving nutrition and strengthening resilient food systems. The registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is based in Austin, Texas. For more information on the Foundation’s work, visit wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org. For ongoing news and updates, follow Whole Foods Market Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Sandra Mariscal, Director of Philanthropy
Sandra.Mariscal@wholefoods.com

AUSTIN, Texas, April 16, 2026 /3BL/ – Whole Foods Market Foundation is excited to announce $1.5 million in funding across four transformative projects impacting over 32,000 people in Ecuador, Ghana and the United States. Throughout the year, the Foundation provides funding to help its partners improve nutrition and create opportunities for financial stability. Each project is community-led and designed to create lasting impact in communities worldwide.

These carefully selected programs represent Whole Foods Market Foundation’s dedication to creating lasting impact through regenerative agriculture, financial inclusion for smallholder farmers, and transformative food education in schools. Learn more about each project below:

 

Aliados | Ecuador

Aliados connects small and indigenous smallholder farmers to responsible markets through regenerative agriculture. Aliados will use their Whole Foods Market Foundation $300,000 three-year grant to scale their bioeconomy enterprise incubation model from 1,805 to 3,000 smallholder farmers across Ecuador by 2028. The organization will provide regenerative agriculture training, business development support to farmer-owned bio-enterprises and capitalize their Revolving Fund with working capital loans that ensure farmers receive immediate payment upon harvest delivery.

buffet of food

Chef Ann Foundation | United States

Chef Ann Foundation is a nonprofit that empowers schools nationwide to transition to scratch cooking, so children are well-nourished and ready to learn. Their $600,000 grant will support two signature programs: the Salad Bars to Schools program (SB2S), which donates salad bar equipment and training to public schools to increase students’ daily intake of fruits and vegetables, and the Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship, a 13-month program that equips mid-level school food professionals with the knowledge and leadership skills to produce healthy, scratch-cooked meals. This funding will serve 17,508 students through 35 salad bars (including equipment, marketing packages, and training) and training 8 Fellows in the 2026 cohort, addressing critical workforce development gaps in school food systems.

people meeting together

Nsutaman Rural Bank | Ghana

Nsutaman Rural Bank (NRB) works to provide their diverse and enterprising customers with an opportunity to earn a meaningful livelihood by championing financial inclusion, innovation and localization. A new partner of the Foundation, NRB will use their 3-year, no-interest $300,000 loan to support 1,826 smallholder farmers with 4,103 loans over the next 3 years. This funding will also enable NRB to expand their agriculture finance offering, providing accessible and affordable group loans with joint liability while scaling innovative regenerative practices that aim to increase farmers yield by 50% by the end of the project.

children gardening

Partners for Education, Agriculture and Sustainability | United States

Partners for Education, Agriculture and Sustainability (PEAS), an Austin, Texas-based School Garden Support Organization, has reached over 30,000 students since 2011. They will use their Whole Foods Market Foundation three-year $300,000 grant to strengthen their capacity and deepen impact across Austin area schools. This grant ensures that at least 70% of programming continues to serve Title I schools, sustaining an organization where 98% of teachers report students are engaged to extremely engaged during lessons and 92% observe students who typically struggle in classrooms engaging meaningfully in the garden.

Since 2005, Whole Foods Market Foundation has invested over $220 million, supporting over 18,700 partner organizations and schools in 83 countries around the world.

For more information, visit wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org/funding-announcements.

####

ABOUT WHOLE FOODS MARKET FOUNDATION

Whole Foods Market Foundation is on a mission to nourish people by advancing food security, improving nutrition and strengthening resilient food systems. The registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is based in Austin, Texas. For more information on the Foundation’s work, visit wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org. For ongoing news and updates, follow Whole Foods Market Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Sandra Mariscal, Director of Philanthropy
Sandra.Mariscal@wholefoods.com

AUSTIN, Texas, April 16, 2026 /3BL/ – Whole Foods Market Foundation is excited to announce $1.5 million in funding across four transformative projects impacting over 32,000 people in Ecuador, Ghana and the United States. Throughout the year, the Foundation provides funding to help its partners improve nutrition and create opportunities for financial stability. Each project is community-led and designed to create lasting impact in communities worldwide.

These carefully selected programs represent Whole Foods Market Foundation’s dedication to creating lasting impact through regenerative agriculture, financial inclusion for smallholder farmers, and transformative food education in schools. Learn more about each project below:

 

Aliados | Ecuador

Aliados connects small and indigenous smallholder farmers to responsible markets through regenerative agriculture. Aliados will use their Whole Foods Market Foundation $300,000 three-year grant to scale their bioeconomy enterprise incubation model from 1,805 to 3,000 smallholder farmers across Ecuador by 2028. The organization will provide regenerative agriculture training, business development support to farmer-owned bio-enterprises and capitalize their Revolving Fund with working capital loans that ensure farmers receive immediate payment upon harvest delivery.

buffet of food

Chef Ann Foundation | United States

Chef Ann Foundation is a nonprofit that empowers schools nationwide to transition to scratch cooking, so children are well-nourished and ready to learn. Their $600,000 grant will support two signature programs: the Salad Bars to Schools program (SB2S), which donates salad bar equipment and training to public schools to increase students’ daily intake of fruits and vegetables, and the Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship, a 13-month program that equips mid-level school food professionals with the knowledge and leadership skills to produce healthy, scratch-cooked meals. This funding will serve 17,508 students through 35 salad bars (including equipment, marketing packages, and training) and training 8 Fellows in the 2026 cohort, addressing critical workforce development gaps in school food systems.

people meeting together

Nsutaman Rural Bank | Ghana

Nsutaman Rural Bank (NRB) works to provide their diverse and enterprising customers with an opportunity to earn a meaningful livelihood by championing financial inclusion, innovation and localization. A new partner of the Foundation, NRB will use their 3-year, no-interest $300,000 loan to support 1,826 smallholder farmers with 4,103 loans over the next 3 years. This funding will also enable NRB to expand their agriculture finance offering, providing accessible and affordable group loans with joint liability while scaling innovative regenerative practices that aim to increase farmers yield by 50% by the end of the project.

children gardening

Partners for Education, Agriculture and Sustainability | United States

Partners for Education, Agriculture and Sustainability (PEAS), an Austin, Texas-based School Garden Support Organization, has reached over 30,000 students since 2011. They will use their Whole Foods Market Foundation three-year $300,000 grant to strengthen their capacity and deepen impact across Austin area schools. This grant ensures that at least 70% of programming continues to serve Title I schools, sustaining an organization where 98% of teachers report students are engaged to extremely engaged during lessons and 92% observe students who typically struggle in classrooms engaging meaningfully in the garden.

Since 2005, Whole Foods Market Foundation has invested over $220 million, supporting over 18,700 partner organizations and schools in 83 countries around the world.

For more information, visit wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org/funding-announcements.

####

ABOUT WHOLE FOODS MARKET FOUNDATION

Whole Foods Market Foundation is on a mission to nourish people by advancing food security, improving nutrition and strengthening resilient food systems. The registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is based in Austin, Texas. For more information on the Foundation’s work, visit wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org. For ongoing news and updates, follow Whole Foods Market Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Sandra Mariscal, Director of Philanthropy
Sandra.Mariscal@wholefoods.com

AUSTIN, Texas, April 16, 2026 /3BL/ – Whole Foods Market Foundation is excited to announce $1.5 million in funding across four transformative projects impacting over 32,000 people in Ecuador, Ghana and the United States. Throughout the year, the Foundation provides funding to help its partners improve nutrition and create opportunities for financial stability. Each project is community-led and designed to create lasting impact in communities worldwide.

These carefully selected programs represent Whole Foods Market Foundation’s dedication to creating lasting impact through regenerative agriculture, financial inclusion for smallholder farmers, and transformative food education in schools. Learn more about each project below:

 

Aliados | Ecuador

Aliados connects small and indigenous smallholder farmers to responsible markets through regenerative agriculture. Aliados will use their Whole Foods Market Foundation $300,000 three-year grant to scale their bioeconomy enterprise incubation model from 1,805 to 3,000 smallholder farmers across Ecuador by 2028. The organization will provide regenerative agriculture training, business development support to farmer-owned bio-enterprises and capitalize their Revolving Fund with working capital loans that ensure farmers receive immediate payment upon harvest delivery.

buffet of food

Chef Ann Foundation | United States

Chef Ann Foundation is a nonprofit that empowers schools nationwide to transition to scratch cooking, so children are well-nourished and ready to learn. Their $600,000 grant will support two signature programs: the Salad Bars to Schools program (SB2S), which donates salad bar equipment and training to public schools to increase students’ daily intake of fruits and vegetables, and the Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship, a 13-month program that equips mid-level school food professionals with the knowledge and leadership skills to produce healthy, scratch-cooked meals. This funding will serve 17,508 students through 35 salad bars (including equipment, marketing packages, and training) and training 8 Fellows in the 2026 cohort, addressing critical workforce development gaps in school food systems.

people meeting together

Nsutaman Rural Bank | Ghana

Nsutaman Rural Bank (NRB) works to provide their diverse and enterprising customers with an opportunity to earn a meaningful livelihood by championing financial inclusion, innovation and localization. A new partner of the Foundation, NRB will use their 3-year, no-interest $300,000 loan to support 1,826 smallholder farmers with 4,103 loans over the next 3 years. This funding will also enable NRB to expand their agriculture finance offering, providing accessible and affordable group loans with joint liability while scaling innovative regenerative practices that aim to increase farmers yield by 50% by the end of the project.

children gardening

Partners for Education, Agriculture and Sustainability | United States

Partners for Education, Agriculture and Sustainability (PEAS), an Austin, Texas-based School Garden Support Organization, has reached over 30,000 students since 2011. They will use their Whole Foods Market Foundation three-year $300,000 grant to strengthen their capacity and deepen impact across Austin area schools. This grant ensures that at least 70% of programming continues to serve Title I schools, sustaining an organization where 98% of teachers report students are engaged to extremely engaged during lessons and 92% observe students who typically struggle in classrooms engaging meaningfully in the garden.

Since 2005, Whole Foods Market Foundation has invested over $220 million, supporting over 18,700 partner organizations and schools in 83 countries around the world.

For more information, visit wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org/funding-announcements.

####

ABOUT WHOLE FOODS MARKET FOUNDATION

Whole Foods Market Foundation is on a mission to nourish people by advancing food security, improving nutrition and strengthening resilient food systems. The registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is based in Austin, Texas. For more information on the Foundation’s work, visit wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org. For ongoing news and updates, follow Whole Foods Market Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Sandra Mariscal, Director of Philanthropy
Sandra.Mariscal@wholefoods.com

GLASSBORO, N.J., April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rowan University today announced a landmark $10 million commitment by Edelman Financial Engines to establish the School of Financial Planning. Designed to address the nation’s increasing shortage of qualified financial planning professionals, the new school will be distinguished by curriculum at undergraduate and graduate levels, with an emphasis on preparing students to attain the Certified Financial Planner® professional designation. Rohrer College of Business Executive-in-Residence and University Distinguished Lecturer Ric Edelman will serve as founding head of the school.

With rigorous academic and industry-standard CFP® training, the School of Financial Planning will be created within William G. Rohrer College of Business as part of the accredited business education program. The school is developing curricula to offer a bachelor’s degree major and minor, as well as a master’s degree, certificate programs and executive education programs.

“Financial education is a logical and important part of our public service mission as a state research institution,” Rowan University President Ali Houshmand said. “Having Edelman Financial Engines as our lead partner and Ric Edelman heading the school allows us to develop a world-class program.”

Millions of Americans are approaching retirement—but so are many financial advisors. As a result, the industry is projected to face a shortage of 100,000 advisors within the next decade. Yet, fewer than 200 U.S. colleges offer financial planning degrees—compared with nearly 1,500 offering business degrees.

“Expanding access to high-quality financial advice starts with investing in the people who deliver it,” said Ralph Haberli, CEO and President of Edelman Financial Engines. “We have championed greater access to financial education, literacy and guidance for four decades, and are committed to further advancing this mission by building a strong and diverse pipeline of talent prepared to guide investors at every stage of their financial journey.”

Shaping the future of the financial planning profession
Ric Edelman, who founded Edelman Financial Engines alongside his wife Jean in 1986, has been named the nation’s #1 Independent Financial Advisor three times by Barron’s. As founding head of the school, he will collaborate with Rohrer College leadership and faculty to develop curricula and teach in its programs. The school is set to offer classes as soon as fall 2026.

Media Resources: Photos & Video

Contact: Joe Cardona, cardona@rowan.edu, 609-221-1962

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rowan-university-announces-10m-gift-to-create-school-of-financial-planning-302745336.html

SOURCE Rowan University

HOUSTON, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From classrooms and libraries, to animal shelters and supporting members of the U.S. military, JERA Americas employees fanned out across Houston on Wednesday for the company’s annual spring volunteer event, Powered by Purpose. The company partnered with six local nonprofit organizations to deliver hands-on service projects across the region.

The companywide volunteer day engaged employees in a wide range of activities, including assembling therapeutic play kits and care packages, sorting professional clothing donations, supporting animal rescues and preparing educational materials. Volunteer opportunities were designed by each nonprofit partner and offered flexible schedules and locations, allowing employees to serve where their efforts were needed most.

“By partnering with local nonprofit organizations, we’re able to make a meaningful impact in our communities while bringing our teams together around a shared purpose,” said Cindy Garcia, chief human resources officer at JERA Americas. “These experiences strengthen our culture and reinforce the values that guide how we work and serve.”

Nonprofit partners for the 2026 Powered by Purpose Spring volunteer event included:

  • Children’s Museum Houston, where employees assisted floor staff, assembled materials and helped prepare conference spaces.
  • Dress for Success Houston, supporting women’s economic independence by sorting and organizing professional clothing donations.
  • Houston Public Library, where volunteers boxed and sorted materials and prepared incentives and books for the Summer Reading Program.
  • Houston Humane Society, assisting with dog walking, cat interaction and pet pantry support.
  • Project Sunshine, assembling therapeutic activity kits for children with medical needs.
  • United Services Organizations (USO), creating care packages with snacks, toiletries and essential items for U.S. military service members. Employees also participated in an officewide snack donation drive in support of the organization.

Powered by Purpose reflects JERA Americas’ ongoing commitment to corporate responsibility and community engagement, providing employees with opportunities to give back while strengthening connections across the company.

In addition to organized volunteer events, JERA Americas provides employees with two days of paid time off each year to volunteer with organizations of their choice. The company also plans to host a Powered by Purpose volunteer event later this fall.

Through initiatives like Powered by Purpose, JERA Americas continues to invest in its communities while fostering collaboration and connection across the organization.

ABOUT JERA AMERICAS

JERA Americas is a large-scale power generation company providing sustainable, affordable and stable energy across the United States. The company is a leader in lower-carbon fuels projects, including LNG, clean hydrogen and ammonia for U.S. and global markets. Headquartered in Houston, JERA Americas is the U.S. subsidiary of Tokyo-based JERA (Japan’s Energy for a New Era), which produces about 30% of Japan’s electricity. JERA is one of the world’s largest energy providers and LNG buyers.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Mathlouthi
Director of Communications
jennifer.mathlouthi@jeraamericas.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jera-americas-supports-six-houston-nonprofits-during-annual-powered-by-purpose-volunteer-event-302745296.html

SOURCE JERA Americas, Inc

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.