Author: sHq_LoGiNz

There’s nothing better than loving what you do! After transitioning to a new role as a Material Supply Lead, Amanda Barrientez found a passion for supply chain at our Saint-Gobain Life Sciences facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland. 

Saint-Gobain is an industry leader with thousands of talented team members who are dedicated to one unified purpose: Making the World a Better Home. With more than 160 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada, there are so many robust and fulfilling career opportunities available. You’ll have the opportunity to work with colleagues from a wide range of businesses, cultures, and experiences.

About Success in the Making

Anyone can be a manufacturer! Whether you are just starting out or transitioning your career path, the manufacturing industry presents opportunities for success. Saint-Gobain North America’s Success in the Making series features the stories of team members who built their careers in manufacturing and thrived!

Watch the full Success in the Making series on YouTube.

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
More than 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Hands-On Action Aligned With “Our World, Our Future”

During Global Volunteer Week, DP World brought together employees, partners, and community members in the Dominican Republic to deliver hands-on initiatives supporting environmental protection, education, financial wellbeing, and community development. The activities aligned with the company’s global sustainability strategy, “Our World, Our Future,” reinforcing DP World’s commitment to creating long-term social value where it operates.

Working alongside trusted local organizations — Fundación Verde Profundo, Fondo de Agua Santo Domingo, and ENTRENA / Visión Futuro — volunteers delivered programs designed to strengthen community resilience while fostering collaboration across sectors.

Impact at a Glance

The collective efforts of 130 DP World volunteers delivered measurable results across local communities:

• More than 500 volunteer hours completed
• 800+ people reached
• 80+ students engaged in educational initiatives

Environmental Stewardship and Client Engagement

For the first time in the Dominican Republic, DP World hosted a client volunteer initiative focused on environmental education. Volunteers and partners took part in a hands-on learning experience highlighting the importance of blue carbon ecosystems — particularly mangroves — and their role in climate action, biodiversity protection, and coastal resilience. This builds upon DP World’s impact across Latin America in restoring crucial mangrove habitats, which are powerhouses of biodiversity and ecological stability. They protect coastlines from storms, mitigate erosion, support marine life, and, perhaps most critically, serve as some of the most efficient natural carbon sinks on the planet.

For many participants, the experience reinforced the personal impact of environmental stewardship.

Education, Financial Inclusion, and Digital Awareness

Education and empowerment were central themes throughout the week. High school students at Liceo Andrés Avelino participated in an interactive session on cybersecurity and social media, gaining tools to navigate digital spaces safely.

In Boca Chica, DP World volunteers led mentoring sessions on financial education and generational leadership, supporting local fritureras and their children — future leaders of family-run businesses — with practical skills in financial planning and long-term sustainability.

This builds upon DP World’s already extensive engagement through its Visión Futuro program in Boca Chica, which focuses on empowering at-risk youth through education and training. Since its launch in 2021, the program has provided technical and vocational training to nearly 700 young people, helping them secure better job opportunities or start entrepreneurial ventures.

Community Pride and Youth Inspiration

Volunteers also worked alongside local residents to revitalize fish fryer kiosks in Boca Chica, supporting small businesses while preserving community identity. In parallel, DP World teams joined students to plant a school garden designed to foster sustainability, hands-on learning, and a stronger connection with nature.

Through the “Spend a Day at DP World” initiative, students were welcomed into DP World operations for firsthand exposure to the logistics sector and potential career paths. Career-focused engagement continued with employability workshops for 20 young people in Boca Chica.

“Participating in this volunteer program allowed me to connect with the community, mobilize our teams, and project the values that distinguish us as a company,” said one employee participant. “I am proud to be part of an organization that promotes these initiatives.”

Extending Impact Beyond Volunteer Week

Beyond Global Volunteer Week, DP World in the Dominican Republic also celebrated the graduation of the Training Program for Fritureras of Boca Chica and their children — a milestone reflecting the company’s sustained investment in economic inclusion, education, and community development.

Fritureras are women entrepreneurs who operate small, often family-run food kiosks along Boca Chica’s beachfront, preparing and selling traditional Dominican fried foods. These businesses are an essential part of the local economy and cultural identity, providing livelihoods for families while serving as informal hubs for tourism and community life. Despite their importance, many fritureras face barriers related to formalization, access to finance, and long-term business sustainability.

The program was designed to strengthen these microenterprises while supporting the next generation tied to them, creating a pathway for economic resilience and continuity.

Program highlights include:

• Investment: RD$1,288,000
• Beneficiaries:
• 30 women fritureras completing four modules in business management, finance, formalization, and access to credit
• 29 children completing two modules focused on soft skills and job placement
• Eight communities reached: Barrio Andrés, Sinaí o de las Américas, INVI-CEA, Respaldo El Brisal, Miramar, La Cachaza, Monte Adentro, and La Ceiba
• 29 local businesses successfully linked to financial institutions to access microcredit

By combining hands-on volunteerism with long-term capacity-building programs, DP World continues to demonstrate how targeted community investment can strengthen local economies, preserve cultural identity, and empower future generations across the Dominican Republic.

Learn more about DP World’s sustainability work here.

Cleveland’s iconic West Side Market has just embraced a brand-new chapter in its 114-year history. The newly renovated KeyBank Produce Arcade is now open to visitors, marking the first completed portion of the Market’s larger $70 million transformation project.

West Side Market vendors and staff, KeyBank representatives, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, and others celebrated the grand opening of the KeyBank Produce Arcade on January 14 with a ribbon cutting event. Watch the video above to see how the improvements are being received by the community and vendors alike.

The renovated Arcade, named in recognition of KeyBank’s generous and early support of the project, is home to all of the Market’s produce vendors, with new amenities and enhanced experiences for customers and vendors alike.

Improvements include climate controlling the full arcade space, with HVAC providing a more comfortable environment for vendors and shoppers, and improving product shelf-life. Refrigerated cases keep produce fresher for longer, while walk-in stands improve customer access to product. Future improvements will include direct elevator access from the Produce Arcade to basement storage.

The opening of the arcade also marks temporary changes to how many customers enter the Market. From the parking lots, visitors will now enter the KeyBank Produce Arcade and can enter the Market Hall along Lorain Avenue on the building’s south side. The North Arcade and the alley between it and the Market Hall are temporarily closed for construction.

Previous: 

KeyBank to Give $1.5 Million to West Side Market’s Transformation Project and Food Access Programming, New Produce Arcade to be Named in Their Honor

Local News Coverage:

New KeyBank Produce Arcade at the West Side Market is officially official | WEWS-TV

West Side Market Unveils Newly Renovated Produce Arcade | Cleveland Scene

West Side Market vendors pleased with produce arcade transformation | Cleveland.com

West Side Market is a vital access point to fresh, healthy food within the City of Cleveland. Recent customer research indicates that as many as 33% of the Market’s visitors live within the City of Cleveland, and more than 25% of the Market’s shoppers qualify for SNAP/EBT benefits. The majority of eligible Market vendors accept SNAP/EBT. An improved Produce Arcade, which will also host educational and nutrition programming in the future, will endure as an important resource to the community.

CPMC has raised more than $58 million of the total $70 million project budget to date. Construction for other major infrastructure improvements, including overhauling the Market’s food storage and preparation spaces in the basement, as well as adding power generators and a new refrigeration system, is currently underway. Future enhancements, including expanded seating, an outdoor courtyard, an educational kitchen, and a prepared food space, are still to come.

The Market’s full masterplan can be viewed at westsidemarket.org.

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Chesterfield FC Community Trust is delighted to announce Wesco Anixter as a Gold Friend of the Trust, following their generous sponsorship of the Trust’s SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) football teams from ages four to 16 and adults.

Since the initial sponsorship, the organisations have worked closely together to deliver true social impact and improve employee engagement.

Demonstrating their steadfast commitment, Wesco employees took part in a fundraising walk, raising a total of £2,400, to support the Trust’s SEND football teams. The team’s funds were matched by Wesco Cares, Wesco’s corporate philanthropic program, further strengthening the impact of their contribution.

“Having Wesco Anixter sponsor our SEND football shirt has meant so much,” said SEND football coach Craig Dawson of the invaluable support from Wesco Anixter. “The money they have raised for us means that each team gets to play in the same kit, just like the first team!”

Coach Craig continued, “The smiles on the participants’ faces when they all went out on that first match together were just brilliant, then to top it off, having a pitch-side photo at the SMH Group Stadium with Wesco means so much.”

“During our Christmas party, we wrapped a photo for each participant to open, and they absolutely loved it. A few participants said that they felt exactly like the first team. I just wanted to thank Wesco Anixter for all their support; without it, we would be relying on self-funding.”

Further strengthening their ties with the Trust, Wesco employees also offered their time through volunteering. They redecorated the on-site classroom and helped to create Christmas hampers, which were distributed to those in need in the local area.

The Trust also delivered engagement sessions at two of Wesco Anixter’s locations to mark International Men’s Day in November 2025. The CFCCT team highlighted the local services they deliver and gave a taster session of chair-based exercise.

Andrea Parkinson, Head of Healthy Communities at CFCCT, commented, “It was great to deliver a presentation to staff at Wesco, informing them of the wide range of programmes and support that the Trust provides to help meet the needs of the local community.”

“Wesco Anixter is proud to partner with the Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust to make a meaningful impact in the Chesterfield community,” said Emma Briddon, Executive Assistant – International Markets (EMEA & APAC).  “With our EMEA regional office and distribution centre located here in Chesterfield, we recognise the importance of supporting the areas where our teams live and work, and we’re pleased to offer opportunities for employee volunteering. The Trust is a fantastic partner, doing essential work. We’re also excited to sponsor the SEND teams, which bring people together and foster a strong sense of community.”

The Trust is grateful for Wesco Anixter’s sponsorship, fundraising efforts, and ongoing volunteering support, which have made a tangible difference to the SEND football teams and the wider community.

Chesterfield FC Community Trust is delighted to announce Wesco Anixter as a Gold Friend of the Trust, following their generous sponsorship of the Trust’s SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) football teams from ages four to 16 and adults.

Since the initial sponsorship, the organisations have worked closely together to deliver true social impact and improve employee engagement.

Demonstrating their steadfast commitment, Wesco employees took part in a fundraising walk, raising a total of £2,400, to support the Trust’s SEND football teams. The team’s funds were matched by Wesco Cares, Wesco’s corporate philanthropic program, further strengthening the impact of their contribution.

“Having Wesco Anixter sponsor our SEND football shirt has meant so much,” said SEND football coach Craig Dawson of the invaluable support from Wesco Anixter. “The money they have raised for us means that each team gets to play in the same kit, just like the first team!”

Coach Craig continued, “The smiles on the participants’ faces when they all went out on that first match together were just brilliant, then to top it off, having a pitch-side photo at the SMH Group Stadium with Wesco means so much.”

“During our Christmas party, we wrapped a photo for each participant to open, and they absolutely loved it. A few participants said that they felt exactly like the first team. I just wanted to thank Wesco Anixter for all their support; without it, we would be relying on self-funding.”

Further strengthening their ties with the Trust, Wesco employees also offered their time through volunteering. They redecorated the on-site classroom and helped to create Christmas hampers, which were distributed to those in need in the local area.

The Trust also delivered engagement sessions at two of Wesco Anixter’s locations to mark International Men’s Day in November 2025. The CFCCT team highlighted the local services they deliver and gave a taster session of chair-based exercise.

Andrea Parkinson, Head of Healthy Communities at CFCCT, commented, “It was great to deliver a presentation to staff at Wesco, informing them of the wide range of programmes and support that the Trust provides to help meet the needs of the local community.”

“Wesco Anixter is proud to partner with the Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust to make a meaningful impact in the Chesterfield community,” said Emma Briddon, Executive Assistant – International Markets (EMEA & APAC).  “With our EMEA regional office and distribution centre located here in Chesterfield, we recognise the importance of supporting the areas where our teams live and work, and we’re pleased to offer opportunities for employee volunteering. The Trust is a fantastic partner, doing essential work. We’re also excited to sponsor the SEND teams, which bring people together and foster a strong sense of community.”

The Trust is grateful for Wesco Anixter’s sponsorship, fundraising efforts, and ongoing volunteering support, which have made a tangible difference to the SEND football teams and the wider community.

Complimentary Webinar:

New Regulations Shaping the Food Industry in 2026

Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 9:00 AM PST (12:00 PM EST)

Register Here

Join SCS Global Services for an introductory webinar on the Non-Ultra Processed Foods (Non-UPF) Verification program, a new third-party certification designed to help brands validate that their products avoid ultra-processing techniques and ingredients. As consumer demand for cleaner, less processed foods continues to surge, brands need credible ways to demonstrate their commitment to minimal processing, ingredient integrity and transparency. Led by experts from SCS Global Services, this interactive webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the Non-UPF standard, and outline the criteria used to evaluate ingredients, processing techniques, and product formulations. Attendees will gain practical guidance on how verification works, what documentation is required, and how to determine whether their products are eligible for Non-UPF status.

Key takeaways include:

• How the Non-UPF standard defines “ultra-processed”
• Key requirements of the Non-UPF Verification Standard
• The certification process
• Benefits of Non-UPF Verification for market differentiation and consumer trust
• Timeline and next steps to get started

The webinar will conclude with a live Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions directly to SCS experts.

REGISTER HERE

By registering, you will get access to the webinar recording.

For inquiries, contact:

Shyama Devarajan 
Senior Marketing Analyst, SCS Global Services 
sdevarajan@scsglobalservices.com

Complimentary Webinar:

New Regulations Shaping the Food Industry in 2026

Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 9:00 AM PST (12:00 PM EST)

Register Here

Join SCS Global Services for an introductory webinar on the Non-Ultra Processed Foods (Non-UPF) Verification program, a new third-party certification designed to help brands validate that their products avoid ultra-processing techniques and ingredients. As consumer demand for cleaner, less processed foods continues to surge, brands need credible ways to demonstrate their commitment to minimal processing, ingredient integrity and transparency. Led by experts from SCS Global Services, this interactive webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the Non-UPF standard, and outline the criteria used to evaluate ingredients, processing techniques, and product formulations. Attendees will gain practical guidance on how verification works, what documentation is required, and how to determine whether their products are eligible for Non-UPF status.

Key takeaways include:

• How the Non-UPF standard defines “ultra-processed”
• Key requirements of the Non-UPF Verification Standard
• The certification process
• Benefits of Non-UPF Verification for market differentiation and consumer trust
• Timeline and next steps to get started

The webinar will conclude with a live Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions directly to SCS experts.

REGISTER HERE

By registering, you will get access to the webinar recording.

For inquiries, contact:

Shyama Devarajan 
Senior Marketing Analyst, SCS Global Services 
sdevarajan@scsglobalservices.com