Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Pennsylvania American Water Announces Launch of American Water Charitable Foundation 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

(PRNewsfoto/American Water)

MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pennsylvania American Water is pleased to announce the launch of the American Water Charitable Foundation‘s 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program. The Foundation invites community partners to apply for grants that promote clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability and water-based recreation projects.

“Stroud Water Research Center is grateful to receive an American Water Charitable Foundation Water and Environment grant, allowing us to expand equitable access to hands-on watershed education for K–12 students and community members across Chester County and beyond,” said Tara Muenz, the center’s assistant director of education following receipt of a 2025 grant. “Through immersive, nature-based activities like canoeing and fishing, participants will connect with their local waterways in meaningful ways. The experience is designed not just to inform, but to empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence to take everyday actions that safeguard and sustain clean water for all.”

Through this grant program in 2025, the American Water Charitable Foundation awarded a combined total of $1.7 million to 80 organizations in 12 states, supporting organizations located in communities served by American Water, including $205,000 to 19 Pennsylvania-based organizations:

“As a provider of safe, clean water and wastewater service for customers across Pennsylvania, a commitment to the well-being of the environment and our watersheds is at the heart of all we do. We understand that as a company, we play an important role in protecting, restoring and enhancing these shared resources. We also know we can’t do it alone,” said Pennsylvania American Water Vice President of Business Development, Government and External Affairs Thom Chiomento. “We’re thankful for the many dedicated community partners we’re able to collaborate with as they work to address environmental concerns, offer educational resources and ensure the health and vitality of our state for generations to come.”

The Foundation supports three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. Since 2012, the American Water Charitable Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts that positively benefit the communities where American Water and its employees live and work.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is thrilled to launch its annual Water and Environment Grant Program, supporting impactful initiatives and programs across American Water’s national footprint, including Pennsylvania American Water,” said American Water Charitable Foundation President Carrie Williams. “Our charitable focus to Keep Communities Flowing empowers communities to understand the importance of water, while also encouraging local organizations to engage in protecting this vital resource.”

Applications will be accepted through March 6, 2026. Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation, grant eligibility and how to apply here.

About American Water 
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About American Water Charitable Foundation 
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

About Pennsylvania American Water 
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 1,200 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.5 million people.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pennsylvania-american-water-announces-launch-of-american-water-charitable-foundation-2026-water-and-environment-grant-program-302698903.html

SOURCE American Water

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KENTUCKY STUDENTS CREATE A CULTURE OF BELONGING ON NATIONAL NO ONE EATS ALONE® DAY

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

Sandy Hook Promise and WellCare of Kentucky Help Students Connect with Their Classmates

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thousands of schools across the country celebrated National No One Eats Alone® Day, a program led by Sandy Hook Promise created to end social isolation and help students get to know one another, so that every student feels like they belong. WellCare of Kentucky, a leading managed care organization, and a company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), worked with local schools to support this program that helps students connect.


NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz speaks to students during No One Eats Alone Day at the Academy at Shawnee

Thanks to the ongoing partnership with the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Centene Corporation, WellCare of Kentucky provided curriculum and art project materials from the Sandy Hook Promise for National No One Eats Alone Day at no charge to Kentucky schools.

“Social isolation harms children both physically and mentally in terms of detrimental health impacts – some of which can be long-term – and it’s also a major risk factor and warning sign for extreme situations like self-harm and violence,” said Nicole Hockley, co-founder of Sandy Hook Promise.  “The power of personal connections is profoundly transformative, and that’s what’s so special about No One Eats Alone Day. Simple acts of kindness have the power to pull kids back from the brink – not only saving lives but changing them for the better. That’s why we are so honored to partner with the Centene Foundation in this incredibly important mission to protect kids. By working together, we can create safer, healthier futures for children throughout our nation.” 

For the seventh year in a row, WellCare supported National No One Eats Alone Day. Across Kentucky, 151 schools across the state participated. In all, 64,000 students took part in the program.

A special guest speaker, Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz, spoke about important topics such as bullying and self-esteem during a schoolwide assembly of 800 students at the Academy at Shawnee in Louisville as a part of their No One Eats Alone Day.

According to a recent World Health Organization study, teenagers who felt lonely were 22 percent more likely to receive lower grades in school. Loneliness and social isolation were cited with direct correlation to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, depression, and thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation. The same study also linked social connection to improved physical and mental health.

Participating schools received a free Belonging Box, which included in-class lesson plans on social isolation and actionable steps to cultivate belonging. The Belonging Box also contained a student leadership guide, conversation starters to help students connect with someone new, and materials for Connect the Dots, an innovative art project that helps students share things about themselves and learn more about their classmates. All student materials are available in English and Spanish. All Belonging Boxes were provided at no charge to schools.

 “Social isolation has been identified as a precursor to bullying, self-harm, and community violence,” said Corey Ewing, CEO and Plan President for WellCare of Kentucky. “WellCare is sponsoring the program because when students are given the appropriate tools, they will stand up for others as empathetic and caring activists, not passive bystanders.”

No One Eats Alone Day was launched in a handful of schools in Northern California in 2012 by the nonprofit Beyond Differences, which became part of Sandy Hook Promise in September 2024. In 2025, Sandy Hook Promise sent more than 3,100 Belonging Boxes to schools in all 50 states, reaching over 1.5 million students on National No One Eats Alone Day.  Click here for additional information

Photographs from the event can be downloaded at https://www.flickr.com/gp/couragemedia/k2C6W8vYUS 

About Centene Foundation
The Centene Foundation (the “Foundation”), a private nonprofit focused on investing in economically challenged communities, is the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) (“Centene”). The Foundation supports projects and initiatives strategically aligned with Centene’s mission-driven culture and enhances the work Centene is doing to remove the barriers to wellness that underserved and low-income populations face. The Foundation is committed to addressing social determinants of health and improving health equity in three distinct areas of focus: healthcare access, social services, and education. To learn more, visit the Centene Foundation’s website.

About Sandy Hook Promise
Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) envisions a future where all children are free from school shootings and other acts of violence. As a national nonprofit organization, SHP’s mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Creators of the life-saving, evidence-informed “Know the Signs” prevention programs, SHP teaches the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, socially isolated, or at-risk of hurting themselves or others, and how to get help. SHP also advances school safety, youth mental health, and responsible gun ownership at the state and federal levels through nonpartisan policy and partnerships. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.

About WellCare of Kentucky
WellCare of Kentucky provides government-sponsored managed care services to families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex needs primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans across the state. WellCare of Kentucky is a Centene Corporation company. For more information, visit wellcareky.com. 


Students participate in activities during No One Eats Alone Day


No One Eats Alone bracelet


WellCare of Kentucky (PRNewsfoto/WellCare of Kentucky)

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kentucky-students-create-a-culture-of-belonging-on-national-no-one-eats-alone-day-302698787.html

SOURCE WellCare of Kentucky

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

KENTUCKY STUDENTS CREATE A CULTURE OF BELONGING ON NATIONAL NO ONE EATS ALONE® DAY

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

Sandy Hook Promise and WellCare of Kentucky Help Students Connect with Their Classmates

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thousands of schools across the country celebrated National No One Eats Alone® Day, a program led by Sandy Hook Promise created to end social isolation and help students get to know one another, so that every student feels like they belong. WellCare of Kentucky, a leading managed care organization, and a company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), worked with local schools to support this program that helps students connect.


NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz speaks to students during No One Eats Alone Day at the Academy at Shawnee

Thanks to the ongoing partnership with the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Centene Corporation, WellCare of Kentucky provided curriculum and art project materials from the Sandy Hook Promise for National No One Eats Alone Day at no charge to Kentucky schools.

“Social isolation harms children both physically and mentally in terms of detrimental health impacts – some of which can be long-term – and it’s also a major risk factor and warning sign for extreme situations like self-harm and violence,” said Nicole Hockley, co-founder of Sandy Hook Promise.  “The power of personal connections is profoundly transformative, and that’s what’s so special about No One Eats Alone Day. Simple acts of kindness have the power to pull kids back from the brink – not only saving lives but changing them for the better. That’s why we are so honored to partner with the Centene Foundation in this incredibly important mission to protect kids. By working together, we can create safer, healthier futures for children throughout our nation.” 

For the seventh year in a row, WellCare supported National No One Eats Alone Day. Across Kentucky, 151 schools across the state participated. In all, 64,000 students took part in the program.

A special guest speaker, Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz, spoke about important topics such as bullying and self-esteem during a schoolwide assembly of 800 students at the Academy at Shawnee in Louisville as a part of their No One Eats Alone Day.

According to a recent World Health Organization study, teenagers who felt lonely were 22 percent more likely to receive lower grades in school. Loneliness and social isolation were cited with direct correlation to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, depression, and thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation. The same study also linked social connection to improved physical and mental health.

Participating schools received a free Belonging Box, which included in-class lesson plans on social isolation and actionable steps to cultivate belonging. The Belonging Box also contained a student leadership guide, conversation starters to help students connect with someone new, and materials for Connect the Dots, an innovative art project that helps students share things about themselves and learn more about their classmates. All student materials are available in English and Spanish. All Belonging Boxes were provided at no charge to schools.

 “Social isolation has been identified as a precursor to bullying, self-harm, and community violence,” said Corey Ewing, CEO and Plan President for WellCare of Kentucky. “WellCare is sponsoring the program because when students are given the appropriate tools, they will stand up for others as empathetic and caring activists, not passive bystanders.”

No One Eats Alone Day was launched in a handful of schools in Northern California in 2012 by the nonprofit Beyond Differences, which became part of Sandy Hook Promise in September 2024. In 2025, Sandy Hook Promise sent more than 3,100 Belonging Boxes to schools in all 50 states, reaching over 1.5 million students on National No One Eats Alone Day.  Click here for additional information

Photographs from the event can be downloaded at https://www.flickr.com/gp/couragemedia/k2C6W8vYUS 

About Centene Foundation
The Centene Foundation (the “Foundation”), a private nonprofit focused on investing in economically challenged communities, is the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) (“Centene”). The Foundation supports projects and initiatives strategically aligned with Centene’s mission-driven culture and enhances the work Centene is doing to remove the barriers to wellness that underserved and low-income populations face. The Foundation is committed to addressing social determinants of health and improving health equity in three distinct areas of focus: healthcare access, social services, and education. To learn more, visit the Centene Foundation’s website.

About Sandy Hook Promise
Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) envisions a future where all children are free from school shootings and other acts of violence. As a national nonprofit organization, SHP’s mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Creators of the life-saving, evidence-informed “Know the Signs” prevention programs, SHP teaches the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, socially isolated, or at-risk of hurting themselves or others, and how to get help. SHP also advances school safety, youth mental health, and responsible gun ownership at the state and federal levels through nonpartisan policy and partnerships. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.

About WellCare of Kentucky
WellCare of Kentucky provides government-sponsored managed care services to families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex needs primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans across the state. WellCare of Kentucky is a Centene Corporation company. For more information, visit wellcareky.com. 


Students participate in activities during No One Eats Alone Day


No One Eats Alone bracelet


WellCare of Kentucky (PRNewsfoto/WellCare of Kentucky)

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kentucky-students-create-a-culture-of-belonging-on-national-no-one-eats-alone-day-302698787.html

SOURCE WellCare of Kentucky

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

KENTUCKY STUDENTS CREATE A CULTURE OF BELONGING ON NATIONAL NO ONE EATS ALONE® DAY

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

Sandy Hook Promise and WellCare of Kentucky Help Students Connect with Their Classmates

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thousands of schools across the country celebrated National No One Eats Alone® Day, a program led by Sandy Hook Promise created to end social isolation and help students get to know one another, so that every student feels like they belong. WellCare of Kentucky, a leading managed care organization, and a company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), worked with local schools to support this program that helps students connect.


NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz speaks to students during No One Eats Alone Day at the Academy at Shawnee

Thanks to the ongoing partnership with the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Centene Corporation, WellCare of Kentucky provided curriculum and art project materials from the Sandy Hook Promise for National No One Eats Alone Day at no charge to Kentucky schools.

“Social isolation harms children both physically and mentally in terms of detrimental health impacts – some of which can be long-term – and it’s also a major risk factor and warning sign for extreme situations like self-harm and violence,” said Nicole Hockley, co-founder of Sandy Hook Promise.  “The power of personal connections is profoundly transformative, and that’s what’s so special about No One Eats Alone Day. Simple acts of kindness have the power to pull kids back from the brink – not only saving lives but changing them for the better. That’s why we are so honored to partner with the Centene Foundation in this incredibly important mission to protect kids. By working together, we can create safer, healthier futures for children throughout our nation.” 

For the seventh year in a row, WellCare supported National No One Eats Alone Day. Across Kentucky, 151 schools across the state participated. In all, 64,000 students took part in the program.

A special guest speaker, Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz, spoke about important topics such as bullying and self-esteem during a schoolwide assembly of 800 students at the Academy at Shawnee in Louisville as a part of their No One Eats Alone Day.

According to a recent World Health Organization study, teenagers who felt lonely were 22 percent more likely to receive lower grades in school. Loneliness and social isolation were cited with direct correlation to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, depression, and thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation. The same study also linked social connection to improved physical and mental health.

Participating schools received a free Belonging Box, which included in-class lesson plans on social isolation and actionable steps to cultivate belonging. The Belonging Box also contained a student leadership guide, conversation starters to help students connect with someone new, and materials for Connect the Dots, an innovative art project that helps students share things about themselves and learn more about their classmates. All student materials are available in English and Spanish. All Belonging Boxes were provided at no charge to schools.

 “Social isolation has been identified as a precursor to bullying, self-harm, and community violence,” said Corey Ewing, CEO and Plan President for WellCare of Kentucky. “WellCare is sponsoring the program because when students are given the appropriate tools, they will stand up for others as empathetic and caring activists, not passive bystanders.”

No One Eats Alone Day was launched in a handful of schools in Northern California in 2012 by the nonprofit Beyond Differences, which became part of Sandy Hook Promise in September 2024. In 2025, Sandy Hook Promise sent more than 3,100 Belonging Boxes to schools in all 50 states, reaching over 1.5 million students on National No One Eats Alone Day.  Click here for additional information

Photographs from the event can be downloaded at https://www.flickr.com/gp/couragemedia/k2C6W8vYUS 

About Centene Foundation
The Centene Foundation (the “Foundation”), a private nonprofit focused on investing in economically challenged communities, is the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) (“Centene”). The Foundation supports projects and initiatives strategically aligned with Centene’s mission-driven culture and enhances the work Centene is doing to remove the barriers to wellness that underserved and low-income populations face. The Foundation is committed to addressing social determinants of health and improving health equity in three distinct areas of focus: healthcare access, social services, and education. To learn more, visit the Centene Foundation’s website.

About Sandy Hook Promise
Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) envisions a future where all children are free from school shootings and other acts of violence. As a national nonprofit organization, SHP’s mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Creators of the life-saving, evidence-informed “Know the Signs” prevention programs, SHP teaches the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, socially isolated, or at-risk of hurting themselves or others, and how to get help. SHP also advances school safety, youth mental health, and responsible gun ownership at the state and federal levels through nonpartisan policy and partnerships. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.

About WellCare of Kentucky
WellCare of Kentucky provides government-sponsored managed care services to families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex needs primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans across the state. WellCare of Kentucky is a Centene Corporation company. For more information, visit wellcareky.com. 


Students participate in activities during No One Eats Alone Day


No One Eats Alone bracelet


WellCare of Kentucky (PRNewsfoto/WellCare of Kentucky)

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kentucky-students-create-a-culture-of-belonging-on-national-no-one-eats-alone-day-302698787.html

SOURCE WellCare of Kentucky

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

OECD Forum Spotlights New Reality of Due Diligence in Garment Sector

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

At the recent 2026 OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector held in Paris, responsible purchasing practices, upstream due diligence, and the industry’s role came into focus.

The Cascale team was privileged to contribute this year, participating in four formal sessions.

Interim chief executive officer Harsh Saini spoke at a mainstage workshop on upstream due diligence titled “Moving Beyond Direct Business Relationships” led by the OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct’s garment and footwear program manager Peter Higgins, and Lauren Shields, lead of sustainability initiatives. Setting the scene for the workshop, fellow speakers included Clare Woodford, Alpine Group’s vice president of impact and sustainability and Ines Kaempfer, CEO of The Center for Child Rights and Business.

During the session, Cascale’s Saini highlighted the need for greater alignment across the sector to make due diligence workable in practice. She emphasized that focusing only on Tier-1 suppliers is insufficient and risks perpetuating fragmentation and audit fatigue for manufacturers.

“For more than 30 years we’ve been asking suppliers for more and more information, yet we keep duplicating efforts instead of coordinating them,” said Saini. “If we want due diligence to work upstream, we have to move beyond Tier-1, align expectations, and stop overburdening suppliers with fragmented requests.”

She noted that collaboration between initiatives, including Fair Wear, the Social and Labor Convergence Program (SLCP), Better Buying and others, together with shared data from tools such as the Higg Index, is essential to support upstream due diligence and credible decent-work outcomes across supply chains.

The workshop featured a discussion-style format with attendees divided into groups after initial firestarter prompts on upstream due diligence. Groups included brands, manufacturers, sustainability initiatives, and trade unions, CSOs, and policymakers.

Cascale also hosted a virtual side session drawing on insights from the Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index (BBPPI) 2025, “Sustainable Supply Chains in Turbulent Times: Regional Differences in Suppliers’ Experiences of Buyer Purchasing Practices in the Age of Tariffs.”

Katie Hess, head of product at Cascale’s Better Buying, and Orsolya Janossy, senior sustainability manager at Recover, guided the conversation. The virtual session underscored Cascale’s Better Buying data, collected confidentially from suppliers in Spring 2025. It unpacked regional challenges faced by suppliers, the impact of local contexts and business environments on buyer purchasing practices, and how buyer companies can adapt to volatility – while upholding responsible practices during turbulent times.

“This isn’t just a pricing conversation,” said Hess. “It comes down to a stability and feasibility issue. When costing isn’t realistic, it becomes a due diligence issue. Compliance and decent work are what gets squeezed first.”

“What we learned is that responsible sourcing isn’t just about auditing compliance or sourcing compliance, it’s about building a win-win sustainable partnership,” said Janossy.

She showcased a case study from Recover’s suppliers in Bangladesh, where fire safety often lags. Together, they prioritized long-term stability through shared risk management and improved grievance mechanisms and training.

In a separate virtual side session, Cascale’s Jeremy Lardeau, senior vice president of the Higg Index, moderated a discussion hosted by The Industry We Want as part of a Retailer Roundtable (RRT). Representatives from Fair Wear, retailers Zalando and Boozt, and brand member Ecco also joined the conversation. The session explored the essential and often overlooked role of third-party retailers in implementing and upholding effective Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD). Using the RRT to foster a pre-competitive space for retailers, the session examined the role of Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives (MSIs) to share and promote best practices. Together, these efforts aim to develop aligned solutions grounded in the OECD Due Diligence for Responsible Business Conduct framework.

In addition, Gabriele Ballero, public affairs manager at Cascale participated in a multi-stakeholder roundtable co-organized by Policy Hub and SLCP, focused on the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) in the textile sector. The discussion gathered brands, manufacturers, policymakers and civil society representatives to assess the practical implications of the Omnibus changes and priorities for upcoming guidance.

Participants emphasized that the sector is not starting from scratch and that implementation should recognize credible existing tools and initiatives rather than create parallel systems. The discussion also highlighted the need for clarity around “reasonably available information,” warning that without guidance companies may over-collect data or face legal uncertainty. Stakeholders broadly supported a progressive, risk-based approach, greater interoperability across instruments, and collaboration to address deeper tiers of the supply chain while reducing audit fatigue.

Also in attendance were Cascale’s Carolina van Loenen, director of stakeholder engagement; Orine Dsouza, senior manager, Higg Facility Tools; and Hanna Griesbeck Garcia, Manager, stakeholder engagement, EMEA. As in years past, the stakeholder engagement team played a leading role in event preparation.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

OECD Forum Spotlights New Reality of Due Diligence in Garment Sector

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

At the recent 2026 OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector held in Paris, responsible purchasing practices, upstream due diligence, and the industry’s role came into focus.

The Cascale team was privileged to contribute this year, participating in four formal sessions.

Interim chief executive officer Harsh Saini spoke at a mainstage workshop on upstream due diligence titled “Moving Beyond Direct Business Relationships” led by the OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct’s garment and footwear program manager Peter Higgins, and Lauren Shields, lead of sustainability initiatives. Setting the scene for the workshop, fellow speakers included Clare Woodford, Alpine Group’s vice president of impact and sustainability and Ines Kaempfer, CEO of The Center for Child Rights and Business.

During the session, Cascale’s Saini highlighted the need for greater alignment across the sector to make due diligence workable in practice. She emphasized that focusing only on Tier-1 suppliers is insufficient and risks perpetuating fragmentation and audit fatigue for manufacturers.

“For more than 30 years we’ve been asking suppliers for more and more information, yet we keep duplicating efforts instead of coordinating them,” said Saini. “If we want due diligence to work upstream, we have to move beyond Tier-1, align expectations, and stop overburdening suppliers with fragmented requests.”

She noted that collaboration between initiatives, including Fair Wear, the Social and Labor Convergence Program (SLCP), Better Buying and others, together with shared data from tools such as the Higg Index, is essential to support upstream due diligence and credible decent-work outcomes across supply chains.

The workshop featured a discussion-style format with attendees divided into groups after initial firestarter prompts on upstream due diligence. Groups included brands, manufacturers, sustainability initiatives, and trade unions, CSOs, and policymakers.

Cascale also hosted a virtual side session drawing on insights from the Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index (BBPPI) 2025, “Sustainable Supply Chains in Turbulent Times: Regional Differences in Suppliers’ Experiences of Buyer Purchasing Practices in the Age of Tariffs.”

Katie Hess, head of product at Cascale’s Better Buying, and Orsolya Janossy, senior sustainability manager at Recover, guided the conversation. The virtual session underscored Cascale’s Better Buying data, collected confidentially from suppliers in Spring 2025. It unpacked regional challenges faced by suppliers, the impact of local contexts and business environments on buyer purchasing practices, and how buyer companies can adapt to volatility – while upholding responsible practices during turbulent times.

“This isn’t just a pricing conversation,” said Hess. “It comes down to a stability and feasibility issue. When costing isn’t realistic, it becomes a due diligence issue. Compliance and decent work are what gets squeezed first.”

“What we learned is that responsible sourcing isn’t just about auditing compliance or sourcing compliance, it’s about building a win-win sustainable partnership,” said Janossy.

She showcased a case study from Recover’s suppliers in Bangladesh, where fire safety often lags. Together, they prioritized long-term stability through shared risk management and improved grievance mechanisms and training.

In a separate virtual side session, Cascale’s Jeremy Lardeau, senior vice president of the Higg Index, moderated a discussion hosted by The Industry We Want as part of a Retailer Roundtable (RRT). Representatives from Fair Wear, retailers Zalando and Boozt, and brand member Ecco also joined the conversation. The session explored the essential and often overlooked role of third-party retailers in implementing and upholding effective Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD). Using the RRT to foster a pre-competitive space for retailers, the session examined the role of Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives (MSIs) to share and promote best practices. Together, these efforts aim to develop aligned solutions grounded in the OECD Due Diligence for Responsible Business Conduct framework.

In addition, Gabriele Ballero, public affairs manager at Cascale participated in a multi-stakeholder roundtable co-organized by Policy Hub and SLCP, focused on the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) in the textile sector. The discussion gathered brands, manufacturers, policymakers and civil society representatives to assess the practical implications of the Omnibus changes and priorities for upcoming guidance.

Participants emphasized that the sector is not starting from scratch and that implementation should recognize credible existing tools and initiatives rather than create parallel systems. The discussion also highlighted the need for clarity around “reasonably available information,” warning that without guidance companies may over-collect data or face legal uncertainty. Stakeholders broadly supported a progressive, risk-based approach, greater interoperability across instruments, and collaboration to address deeper tiers of the supply chain while reducing audit fatigue.

Also in attendance were Cascale’s Carolina van Loenen, director of stakeholder engagement; Orine Dsouza, senior manager, Higg Facility Tools; and Hanna Griesbeck Garcia, Manager, stakeholder engagement, EMEA. As in years past, the stakeholder engagement team played a leading role in event preparation.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

OECD Forum Spotlights New Reality of Due Diligence in Garment Sector

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

At the recent 2026 OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector held in Paris, responsible purchasing practices, upstream due diligence, and the industry’s role came into focus.

The Cascale team was privileged to contribute this year, participating in four formal sessions.

Interim chief executive officer Harsh Saini spoke at a mainstage workshop on upstream due diligence titled “Moving Beyond Direct Business Relationships” led by the OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct’s garment and footwear program manager Peter Higgins, and Lauren Shields, lead of sustainability initiatives. Setting the scene for the workshop, fellow speakers included Clare Woodford, Alpine Group’s vice president of impact and sustainability and Ines Kaempfer, CEO of The Center for Child Rights and Business.

During the session, Cascale’s Saini highlighted the need for greater alignment across the sector to make due diligence workable in practice. She emphasized that focusing only on Tier-1 suppliers is insufficient and risks perpetuating fragmentation and audit fatigue for manufacturers.

“For more than 30 years we’ve been asking suppliers for more and more information, yet we keep duplicating efforts instead of coordinating them,” said Saini. “If we want due diligence to work upstream, we have to move beyond Tier-1, align expectations, and stop overburdening suppliers with fragmented requests.”

She noted that collaboration between initiatives, including Fair Wear, the Social and Labor Convergence Program (SLCP), Better Buying and others, together with shared data from tools such as the Higg Index, is essential to support upstream due diligence and credible decent-work outcomes across supply chains.

The workshop featured a discussion-style format with attendees divided into groups after initial firestarter prompts on upstream due diligence. Groups included brands, manufacturers, sustainability initiatives, and trade unions, CSOs, and policymakers.

Cascale also hosted a virtual side session drawing on insights from the Better Buying Purchasing Practices Index (BBPPI) 2025, “Sustainable Supply Chains in Turbulent Times: Regional Differences in Suppliers’ Experiences of Buyer Purchasing Practices in the Age of Tariffs.”

Katie Hess, head of product at Cascale’s Better Buying, and Orsolya Janossy, senior sustainability manager at Recover, guided the conversation. The virtual session underscored Cascale’s Better Buying data, collected confidentially from suppliers in Spring 2025. It unpacked regional challenges faced by suppliers, the impact of local contexts and business environments on buyer purchasing practices, and how buyer companies can adapt to volatility – while upholding responsible practices during turbulent times.

“This isn’t just a pricing conversation,” said Hess. “It comes down to a stability and feasibility issue. When costing isn’t realistic, it becomes a due diligence issue. Compliance and decent work are what gets squeezed first.”

“What we learned is that responsible sourcing isn’t just about auditing compliance or sourcing compliance, it’s about building a win-win sustainable partnership,” said Janossy.

She showcased a case study from Recover’s suppliers in Bangladesh, where fire safety often lags. Together, they prioritized long-term stability through shared risk management and improved grievance mechanisms and training.

In a separate virtual side session, Cascale’s Jeremy Lardeau, senior vice president of the Higg Index, moderated a discussion hosted by The Industry We Want as part of a Retailer Roundtable (RRT). Representatives from Fair Wear, retailers Zalando and Boozt, and brand member Ecco also joined the conversation. The session explored the essential and often overlooked role of third-party retailers in implementing and upholding effective Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD). Using the RRT to foster a pre-competitive space for retailers, the session examined the role of Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives (MSIs) to share and promote best practices. Together, these efforts aim to develop aligned solutions grounded in the OECD Due Diligence for Responsible Business Conduct framework.

In addition, Gabriele Ballero, public affairs manager at Cascale participated in a multi-stakeholder roundtable co-organized by Policy Hub and SLCP, focused on the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) in the textile sector. The discussion gathered brands, manufacturers, policymakers and civil society representatives to assess the practical implications of the Omnibus changes and priorities for upcoming guidance.

Participants emphasized that the sector is not starting from scratch and that implementation should recognize credible existing tools and initiatives rather than create parallel systems. The discussion also highlighted the need for clarity around “reasonably available information,” warning that without guidance companies may over-collect data or face legal uncertainty. Stakeholders broadly supported a progressive, risk-based approach, greater interoperability across instruments, and collaboration to address deeper tiers of the supply chain while reducing audit fatigue.

Also in attendance were Cascale’s Carolina van Loenen, director of stakeholder engagement; Orine Dsouza, senior manager, Higg Facility Tools; and Hanna Griesbeck Garcia, Manager, stakeholder engagement, EMEA. As in years past, the stakeholder engagement team played a leading role in event preparation.

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Silvi Foundation Announces Official Launch to Advance Neurodegenerative Disease Research

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

FAIRLESS HILLS, Pa., Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Silvi Foundation today announced its official launch as a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research in Alzheimer’s, dementia, ALS, Parkinson’s, and related neurodegenerative diseases. As its first major initiative, the Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND) to support innovative blood-based biomarker research aimed at improving early detection and diagnosis.

The Foundation was created in honor of Larry Silvi Sr., founder of Silvi Materials, and his wife Rose Silvi, both of whom battled Alzheimer’s disease. Their experience shaped the Silvi family’s long-term commitment to supporting meaningful scientific progress in the fight against neurodegenerative conditions.

“The launch of the Silvi Foundation represents a deeply personal commitment for our family,” said Joy Silvi, President of the Silvi Foundation. “We have witnessed firsthand the impact neurodegenerative disease has on patients and caregivers. Our goal is to direct funding toward rigorous research and innovative approaches that can accelerate discovery and improve outcomes for families facing these conditions.”

The inaugural grant supports IND’s efforts to develop accessible, blood-based diagnostic tools designed to identify neurodegenerative disease risk before symptoms appear. Earlier detection has the potential to strengthen clinical research, improve treatment planning, and enhance patient care.

IND’s research focuses on biomarkers that may indicate disease progression across Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy Body Dementia, and Frontotemporal Dementia. The Silvi Foundation’s support will help fund laboratory equipment, research personnel, biorepository development, and continued biomarker analysis.

Through thoughtful grantmaking and collaboration with leading institutions, the Silvi Foundation aims to build momentum toward earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment strategies for individuals and families affected by neurodegenerative disease.

For more information about the Silvi Foundation or to support its mission, visit https://silvifoundation.org/.

About the Silvi Foundation
The Silvi Foundation partners with leading research institutions and mission-aligned organizations to advance understanding, early diagnosis, treatment, and care for individuals affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Guided by personal experience and a commitment to responsible philanthropy, the Foundation supports initiatives with meaningful potential for scientific impact.

About Silvi Materials
Silvi Materials is a leading supplier of ready-mix concrete, cement, stone, sand, slag, and rock salt, with locations across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and North Carolina. The company remains family-owned and is guided by values of long-term thinking, accountability, and service.

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/silvi-foundation-announces-official-launch-to-advance-neurodegenerative-disease-research-302698706.html

SOURCE Silvi Materials

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Loop Global Delivers a Breakout 2025, Driven by over 50% YoY Revenue Growth, Expanded Customer Adoption, and Industry-Leading Uptime

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

Loop shipped ~4,200 chargers in 2025, growing its global network to 8,500 EV charging ports worldwide

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Loop Global (“Loop”), a leading provider of turnkey electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, today announced a strong 2025 marked by over 50% year-over-year revenue growth, expanded partnerships across multifamily, hospitality, entertainment, and owner-operator customers, continued product innovation, and industry leadership in charging uptime, compliance, and service.


Loop Global logo (PRNewsfoto/Loop Global, Inc.)

During the year, Loop shipped approximately 4,200 chargers to customers, growing its network to 8,500 total ports worldwide, reflecting increasing demand for Loop’s interoperable hardware, robust software platform, and high-touch service model designed to support large-scale deployments across complex operating environments.

As the EV market matures, Loop’s performance underscores a clear shift in customer priorities: consistent execution, dependable operations, and service quality that holds up in the real world. Even amid evolving policy headlines, consumer demand, improving vehicle economics, and continued infrastructure buildout, EV adoption is on a long-term upward trajectory.

“We’re extremely proud of the results we delivered in 2025, especially in a year when many EV charging providers struggled to scale reliably,” said Olga Shevorenkova, Chief Executive Officer, Loop. “As the market reset, it became clear that operational discipline and customer outcomes matter more than ever. Loop’s growth was driven by executing at scale and delivering a charging experience customers can depend on.”

“Looking ahead, we’re entering 2026 with strong momentum,” Shevorenkova added. “Even as the policy backdrop shifts, EV adoption is proving resilient. 2025 sales held steady versus 2024, and we expect the next wave of growth to be driven by consumer sentiment as EVs close the cost gap with gas-powered alternatives. We’re focused on scaling our platform, expanding internationally, and deepening strategic partnerships while maintaining the performance standards our customers expect.”

Deepening Customer Relationships Through Premium EV Charging Experience
Leading multifamily owners and operators remain cornerstone customers of Loop, with long-standing relationships—including AvalonBay Communities and AMLI Residential—underscoring Loop’s role as a trusted long-term infrastructure partner and validating the real-world performance of its solutions.

“Over the past several years, Loop has been a trusted partner as we scaled our EV charging footprint to over 800 ports, with a clear path to reaching more than 1,100 ports by the end of Q1 2026,” shared Noah Hager, Senior Vice President, Asset Management at AvalonBay. “Their ability to ensure consistent year-over-year growth while maintaining reliability and performance has been critical to our success in delivering a dependable EV charging experience for our residents.”

“Since partnering with Loop and their hands-on service, we’ve seen a sustained improvement in charger uptime reaching mid-to-high 90% range, which has had a direct, positive impact on our tenant satisfaction,” stated Josh Pierle, Vice President of Procurement at AMLI Residential. “Loop was also closely involved in overseeing our new installations, ensuring we met our uptime expectations from day one. What truly sets them apart is their proactive approach. Loop monitors our chargers daily, and any issues are addressed quickly and efficiently.”

Scaling Infinity Flash With High-90% Uptime in Real-World Conditions
In 2025, Loop made significant progress in deploying its flagship Infinity Flash charging platform, delivering high-90% uptime, strong utilization, and consistently strong performance under demanding real-world conditions.

Infinity Flash chargers have proven resilient in extreme environments, operating effectively at temperatures as low as –32°C and at elevations up to 3,000 meters. Notably, Loop successfully deployed Infinity Flash across a high-demand mountain corridor in Colorado, where the network continued to perform reliably—even during severe snowstorms—demonstrating the platform’s durability and readiness for the most challenging use cases.

Leading in Reliability, Compliance, and Incentives
In 2025, Loop continued to set the standard for technical and regulatory readiness across the EV charging landscape, maintaining and expanding certifications and incentive eligibility, including:

  • Open Charge Point Protocol (“OCPP”) 2.0.1 certification, the industry’s most advanced interoperability standard for EV charging network communication
  • CALeVIP, one of the most significant EV infrastructure incentive programs in the U.S., which can cover hundreds of dollars per site in installation costs
  • ENERGY STAR® certification, reflecting Loop’s focus on energy efficiency and performance
  • Eligibility across major utility and state rebate programs, including California, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan, and Wisconsin

Continuing to Address Connectivity Challenges
Loop has recently introduced Infinity Link, a technology designed to operate seamlessly in environments with little to no network connectivity.

Unlike other EV charging offerings, Infinity Link enables drivers to initiate charging anytime and anywhere—even when the driver’s phone or the charger itself has limited or no connectivity—without interruption or delay. Infinity Link is designed to deliver successful charging sessions regardless of network conditions, while providing site hosts and operators with the assurance of near-100% uptime and continuous data visibility through Loop’s customer portal.

Expanding in the UAE
2025 also marked the continued expansion of Loop’s footprint in the United Arab Emirates, including the opening of a 44-port charging deployment at Reem Mall in Abu Dhabi—the largest EV charging site in the UAE.

The Reem Mall project underscores Loop’s ability to deliver large-scale, high-visibility charging infrastructure in new international markets while maintaining the same reliability, uptime, and service standards that define its North American deployments.

About Loop Global
Loop Global is a leading provider of comprehensive, turnkey electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions for customers worldwide. The company offers a complete suite of hardware, software, and services, and its streamlined charging stations are distinguished by their focus on industry-leading uptime, user convenience, and performance.

Applying a consultative, portfolio-based strategy, Loop guides customers through every step of the EV charging deployment journey with ease and confidence, supporting the continued mainstream adoption of electric vehicles. This approach has earned Loop long-standing relationships with marquee customers, including AvalonBay Communities, Reem Mall, and AMLI Residential, among others.

For more information, visit loopglobal.com.

Media Contact
Sara Linehan
sara@drumbeatcomm.com 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/loop-global-delivers-a-breakout-2025-driven-by-over-50-yoy-revenue-growth-expanded-customer-adoption-and-industry-leading-uptime-302698648.html

SOURCE Loop Global, Inc.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

Loop Global Delivers a Breakout 2025, Driven by over 50% YoY Revenue Growth, Expanded Customer Adoption, and Industry-Leading Uptime

Posted on by sHq_LoGiNz

Loop shipped ~4,200 chargers in 2025, growing its global network to 8,500 EV charging ports worldwide

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Loop Global (“Loop”), a leading provider of turnkey electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, today announced a strong 2025 marked by over 50% year-over-year revenue growth, expanded partnerships across multifamily, hospitality, entertainment, and owner-operator customers, continued product innovation, and industry leadership in charging uptime, compliance, and service.


Loop Global logo (PRNewsfoto/Loop Global, Inc.)

During the year, Loop shipped approximately 4,200 chargers to customers, growing its network to 8,500 total ports worldwide, reflecting increasing demand for Loop’s interoperable hardware, robust software platform, and high-touch service model designed to support large-scale deployments across complex operating environments.

As the EV market matures, Loop’s performance underscores a clear shift in customer priorities: consistent execution, dependable operations, and service quality that holds up in the real world. Even amid evolving policy headlines, consumer demand, improving vehicle economics, and continued infrastructure buildout, EV adoption is on a long-term upward trajectory.

“We’re extremely proud of the results we delivered in 2025, especially in a year when many EV charging providers struggled to scale reliably,” said Olga Shevorenkova, Chief Executive Officer, Loop. “As the market reset, it became clear that operational discipline and customer outcomes matter more than ever. Loop’s growth was driven by executing at scale and delivering a charging experience customers can depend on.”

“Looking ahead, we’re entering 2026 with strong momentum,” Shevorenkova added. “Even as the policy backdrop shifts, EV adoption is proving resilient. 2025 sales held steady versus 2024, and we expect the next wave of growth to be driven by consumer sentiment as EVs close the cost gap with gas-powered alternatives. We’re focused on scaling our platform, expanding internationally, and deepening strategic partnerships while maintaining the performance standards our customers expect.”

Deepening Customer Relationships Through Premium EV Charging Experience
Leading multifamily owners and operators remain cornerstone customers of Loop, with long-standing relationships—including AvalonBay Communities and AMLI Residential—underscoring Loop’s role as a trusted long-term infrastructure partner and validating the real-world performance of its solutions.

“Over the past several years, Loop has been a trusted partner as we scaled our EV charging footprint to over 800 ports, with a clear path to reaching more than 1,100 ports by the end of Q1 2026,” shared Noah Hager, Senior Vice President, Asset Management at AvalonBay. “Their ability to ensure consistent year-over-year growth while maintaining reliability and performance has been critical to our success in delivering a dependable EV charging experience for our residents.”

“Since partnering with Loop and their hands-on service, we’ve seen a sustained improvement in charger uptime reaching mid-to-high 90% range, which has had a direct, positive impact on our tenant satisfaction,” stated Josh Pierle, Vice President of Procurement at AMLI Residential. “Loop was also closely involved in overseeing our new installations, ensuring we met our uptime expectations from day one. What truly sets them apart is their proactive approach. Loop monitors our chargers daily, and any issues are addressed quickly and efficiently.”

Scaling Infinity Flash With High-90% Uptime in Real-World Conditions
In 2025, Loop made significant progress in deploying its flagship Infinity Flash charging platform, delivering high-90% uptime, strong utilization, and consistently strong performance under demanding real-world conditions.

Infinity Flash chargers have proven resilient in extreme environments, operating effectively at temperatures as low as –32°C and at elevations up to 3,000 meters. Notably, Loop successfully deployed Infinity Flash across a high-demand mountain corridor in Colorado, where the network continued to perform reliably—even during severe snowstorms—demonstrating the platform’s durability and readiness for the most challenging use cases.

Leading in Reliability, Compliance, and Incentives
In 2025, Loop continued to set the standard for technical and regulatory readiness across the EV charging landscape, maintaining and expanding certifications and incentive eligibility, including:

  • Open Charge Point Protocol (“OCPP”) 2.0.1 certification, the industry’s most advanced interoperability standard for EV charging network communication
  • CALeVIP, one of the most significant EV infrastructure incentive programs in the U.S., which can cover hundreds of dollars per site in installation costs
  • ENERGY STAR® certification, reflecting Loop’s focus on energy efficiency and performance
  • Eligibility across major utility and state rebate programs, including California, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan, and Wisconsin

Continuing to Address Connectivity Challenges
Loop has recently introduced Infinity Link, a technology designed to operate seamlessly in environments with little to no network connectivity.

Unlike other EV charging offerings, Infinity Link enables drivers to initiate charging anytime and anywhere—even when the driver’s phone or the charger itself has limited or no connectivity—without interruption or delay. Infinity Link is designed to deliver successful charging sessions regardless of network conditions, while providing site hosts and operators with the assurance of near-100% uptime and continuous data visibility through Loop’s customer portal.

Expanding in the UAE
2025 also marked the continued expansion of Loop’s footprint in the United Arab Emirates, including the opening of a 44-port charging deployment at Reem Mall in Abu Dhabi—the largest EV charging site in the UAE.

The Reem Mall project underscores Loop’s ability to deliver large-scale, high-visibility charging infrastructure in new international markets while maintaining the same reliability, uptime, and service standards that define its North American deployments.

About Loop Global
Loop Global is a leading provider of comprehensive, turnkey electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions for customers worldwide. The company offers a complete suite of hardware, software, and services, and its streamlined charging stations are distinguished by their focus on industry-leading uptime, user convenience, and performance.

Applying a consultative, portfolio-based strategy, Loop guides customers through every step of the EV charging deployment journey with ease and confidence, supporting the continued mainstream adoption of electric vehicles. This approach has earned Loop long-standing relationships with marquee customers, including AvalonBay Communities, Reem Mall, and AMLI Residential, among others.

For more information, visit loopglobal.com.

Media Contact
Sara Linehan
sara@drumbeatcomm.com 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/loop-global-delivers-a-breakout-2025-driven-by-over-50-yoy-revenue-growth-expanded-customer-adoption-and-industry-leading-uptime-302698648.html

SOURCE Loop Global, Inc.

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