Lennox is the First HVAC OEM to Complete the U.S. Department of Energy’s Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge Lab Validation

Lennox Commercial HVAC’s cold climate heat pump rooftop unit is the first to pass lab validation in the 15-25 tons category of the Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge.

DALLAS, Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lennox (NYSE: LII), a leader in energy-efficient climate solutions, announced that its commercial cold climate heat pump rooftop unit (RTU) was the first to successfully complete the laboratory validation for commercial unitary equipment in the 15-25 tons category in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge.

Designed to produce innovative HVAC technology, this accomplishment helps provide customers with access to high-efficiency heat pumps in cold climates, improving performance and solving long-standing defrost limitations for greater comfort and reliability. According to the DOE, commercial building space conditioning accounts for approximately 40% of commercial energy use in the United States.

Led by its Texas Product Development and Research laboratory, Lennox developed a cold climate heat pump RTU that meets and, in many cases, exceeds the stringent performance requirements of the challenge, as validated in an independent lab by the DOE and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).  

“We approach advanced technology development with the intent to deliver practical, real-world solutions, and the successful validation of our rooftop cold climate heat pump brings us another step closer,” said Lennox Chief Technology Officer Prakash Bedapudi. “This unit reflects years of focused research and development to overcome cold-climate limitations, particularly around defrost, and deliver consistent comfort in the toughest conditions. Our team is proud to be the first to complete the challenge while meeting the evolving needs of our customers.”  

Lennox is one of eight manufacturers participating in the Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge. Later this year, the Lennox prototype will be installed in a U.S. commercial building to validate the cold climate heat pump’s performance, efficiency, and comfort through severe winter conditions.   

This achievement supports a commitment to sustainable innovation and builds on a 130-year legacy of delivering advanced, energy-efficient solutions at Lennox. It also follows Lennox Residential HVAC’s successful participation in DOE’s Residential HVAC Challenge, where the company was also the first to complete Phase 1 testing in 2022.   

ABOUT LENNOX  

Lennox (NYSE: LII) is a leader in energy-efficient climate-control solutions. Dedicated to sustainability and creating comfortable and healthier environments for our residential and commercial customers while reducing their carbon footprint, we lead the field in innovation with our cooling, heating, indoor air quality, and refrigeration systems. Additional information is available at www.lennox.com. For media inquiries, contact PR@lennox.com.

Lennox Commercial HVAC recently became the first manufacturer to complete U.S. Department of Energy laboratory validation for its commercial cold climate heat pump rooftop unit. Advanced technology, including the Lennox Model L rooftop unit pictured here, is helping expand the Lennox portfolio with more high-efficiency options for customers.

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SOURCE Lennox International Inc.

WSS Taps Icons Mister Cartoon and Pro Club for a Limited-Edition Capsule Collection Release

A bold collaboration rooted in heritage and West Coast culture

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — WSS, a banner under Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE: FL) and the neighborhood shoe store that brings sneakers and streetwear culture to the community, proudly announces a collaboration with two cultural powerhouses: Mister Cartoon, a legendary cultural icon and artist, and Pro Club, an iconic L.A. streetwear brand.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/wss/9293255-en-wss-mister-cartoon-pro-club-limited-edition-capsule-collection

At the heart of the collaboration is Mister Cartoon, who steps into the role of creative director and artist for a limited-edition capsule that fuses fashion, culture, and storytelling. With a career spanning over 25 years, Mister Cartoon has left his mark across tattoo art, graffiti, music, sports, and apparel, crafting a legacy that is as much about authenticity as it is about artistry. Now, he brings that legacy to WSS with a collection that reflects the community that continues to inspire him.

“I wanted to do a collaboration that had that West Coast hand style combined with Pro Club’s quality apparel, a reflection of our culture,” said Mister Cartoon. “WSS was in every neighborhood in our city, and when I would pull up, I envisioned my pieces on their racks. Thanks to WSS and Pro Club, that vision is now a reality. This collaboration has come full circle, and I’m proud that this collab is finally coming to the streets.”

“What makes this collaboration so special is the shared history and authenticity behind it. Cartoon and I have built collaborations before, always focused on honoring the culture that shaped us,” said Blanca Gonzalez, Senior Vice President and General Manager of WSS. “With WSS and Pro Club, this collection is a love letter to the community and a symbol of what’s possible when heritage and creativity meet.”

Anchoring the collaboration is Pro Club, a streetwear institution renowned for its heavyweight basics and deep cultural roots in Los Angeles. Established in 1986, Pro Club has long been a staple in Chicano and West Coast fashion, from swap meets to rap videos, their iconic tees and hoodies have defined street style for decades.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to push forward while honoring the foundation that built us,” said Brian Lee, Marketing Director of Pro Club. Partnering with Mister Cartoon and WSS brings together three forces that truly understand the community, the culture, and the hustle. This collection is more than product, it is a symbol of where we have been and where we are going.”

The collection features a bold lineup of graphic tees, hoodies, jackets, and accessories, all designed by Mister Cartoon. Drawing inspiration from L.A.’s lowrider culture, Chicano iconography, and street art heritage, the graphics include hand-drawn scripts, airbrush-style artwork, and symbolic references to community and legacy. Offered in men’s (S–3XL) and women’s (XS–3XL) sizing, the pieces range from $35 to $85, in line with WSS’s commitment to value.

The collab drops live on Friday, September 5, from 7–10 PM at a launch event in Downtown Los Angeles. Open to the public with RSVP required, the event will feature installations inspired by the swap meet culture that shaped WSS, Pro Club, and Mister Cartoon, featuring archival WSS pieces and creative nods to L.A.’s streetwear legacy. Guests will also experience a curated display of custom cars, a lowrider car-hopping experience, live airbrushing and customization, on-site music and entertainment, and early access to shop the Mister Cartoon x Pro Club collection. 

Event capacity may be limited. Product availability and customization offerings are while supplies last on a first come, first served basis. Customization available with qualifying purchase. RSVP required for entry.

Those interested in attending can RSVP via https://www.shopwss.com/rsvp.

The limited-edition collection will be available exclusively at WSS stores and on shopwss.com beginning September 6.

About WSS
WSS, a banner of Foot Locker, Inc., is a neighborhood-focused, value-driven footwear and apparel retailer headquartered in Gardena, California, with over 150 stores nationwide. WSS offers a wide selection of sneakers from top brands including adidas, Nike, Jordan, New Balance, Puma, and Converse, along with casual and workwear styles from Wolverine, Timberland, and its private label Eurostar. To learn more, visit www.shopwss.com.

About PRO CLUB
Founded in Los Angeles in 1986, PROCLUB is a heritage apparel brand known for its iconic Heavyweight tee, built with unmatched quality, fit, and durability. From swap meet beginnings to a citywide staple, our tees, hoodies, and streetwear essentials are trusted for their craftsmanship and timeless style. From the streets to the stage, PROCLUB is the unofficial uniform of Los Angeles, embodying authenticity, grit, and West Coast culture. To learn more, visit www.shopproclub.com

About Mister Cartoon 
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mister CARTOON was immersed in art from an early age. He began his career as a graffiti artist before branching into murals, album covers, logos, and now most famously known for his tattoos. His richly detailed, hand-rendered designs pull much of their inspiration from the Los Angeles of CARTOON’s youth. CARTOON’s work has helped bridge the gap between those hardscrabble beginnings and the style’s current popularity. CARTOON’s work has attracted a global following and earned recognition from leading artists, athletes, and cultural icons. He’s attracted a diverse and devoted fan base for his work in other media as well. The result has been highly acclaimed gallery appearances and art shows in London, Paris, Tokyo, and beyond. Service to the community has been an essential part of CARTOON’s career, where he is active in outreach programs, sharing his knowledge with young people and devoting time to many community-based initiatives.

Mister Cartoon, artist and creative director (left), wears the Cascade Jacket ($70). Blanca Gonzalez, SVP and General Manager of WSS (right), wears the Pro Heart Hoody ($65). Exclusively at WSS stores and Mister Cartoon x Pro Club – ShopWSS.

 

The Mister Cartoon x Pro Club x WSS capsule blends bold graphics with authentic LA roots, honoring the city’s culture while pushing streetwear forward. Exclusively at WSS stores and ShopWSS.

 

Mister Cartoon’s artistry meets Pro Club’s iconic tees in an exclusive collection. Pictured: Clockwork FZ Hoodie ($85) layered over the Script Tee ($40). Exclusively at WSS stores and ShopWSS.

 

From the swap meet to the spotlight, WSS continues to celebrate community with collaborations that honor heritage and style. L.A. artist and son of Mister Cartoon, Left-E wears the Cascade Jacket ($70). Exclusively at WSS stores and ShopWSS.

 

Every piece in the Mister Cartoon x Pro Club collab carries a story of West Coast pride. Featured here, the Pro Heart Tee ($35) pairs with the Pro Heart Pant ($65), blending bold graphics with a powerful nod to LA street culture. Exclusively at WSS stores and ShopWSS.

 

WSS 40th Anniversary: marking four decades of connection with a collection that speaks to culture and community. Featured here, the Airbrush PO Hoodie ($70) captures that legacy with bold graphics and a streetwear edge that pays tribute to LA roots. Exclusively at WSS stores and ShopWSS.

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SOURCE WSS

Oil Lobbyists Demand No Setback In Carbon Pipeline Legislation, Threatening Public, said Consumer Watchdog

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Two oil and gas lobbyists are refusing to have included into two carbon pipeline bills legislative language creating a safe buffer zone between communities and these pipelines, Consumer Watchdog has learned. No language on an adequate buffer zone has been added to the bills, according to environmental advocates.

“Assembly member Cottie Petrie-Norris and Senator Henry Stern must stand up to the oil and gas lobbyists wanting to exclude language creating a safe buffer zone between communities and carbon pipelines,” said Consumer Advocate Liza Tucker. “Should a carbon pipeline rupture near people, it can be a potentially lethal asphyxiant. It happened a few years ago in the town of Satartia, Mississippi, and the result wasn’t pretty. Some suffered convulsions and unconsciousness. It would be unfathomable for Senator Stern and Assembly member Petrie-Norris to lift the moratorium without a requirement for a safe setback zone, as well as other safety features, such as an odorant which would make a leak detectable to people.”

The two bills are AB 881 and SB 614 and passage would lift a 2022 moratorium on such pipelines that are dangerous and underregulated. Both the bills are waiting for floor votes and must be amended by Tuesday. If passed, the bills would help enable about 25 carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects that have been proposed in California, according to project tracking data compiled by the Center for Biological Diversity. The CCS technology itself isn’t fully baked—it fails more than succeeds, captures a fraction of the carbon it purports to, and uses fossil fuel energy to work. 

The two lobbyists, Virgil Welch of Caliber Strategies and Theo Pahos of Kemper/Pahos, represent oil giant California Resources Corp. and Calpine respectively. Calpine is the largest generator of electricity from fossil gas and geothermal energy in the US.

Welch exemplifies a revolving door at the California Air Resources Board. Between 2008 and 2021, Welch did two stints at the California Air Resources Board as Special Counsel and Chief Advisor to the board chair. He left to join the AJW lobbying firm between 2016 and 2017 where an association representing some of the world’s largest fossil fuel and energy distribution companies was onboarded. The International Emissions Trading Association advocates for market-based solutions to climate change including CCS and other carbon capture technologies. He returned to his old CARB job in 2017 and left for Caliber Strategies in 2021.

Welch also represents the California Carbon Solutions Coalition, which he also directs, that is pushing hard on including carbon capture storage projects that carbon pipelines will enable into pending cap-and-trade legislation. CRC and Calpine have CCS projects slated in California as does AERA Energy and Chevron. Welch succeeded in getting legislative language into AB 881 that offers an exemption to companies that started construction on carbon pipelines before July 1, 2025 for projects within a wholly owned property. CRC has such a pipeline at the Elk Hills oil field in Kern County and so would be exempt from the legislation. 

“These lobbying firms have put hundreds of thousands of dollars into lobbying the legislature and key agencies on carbon capture and on pipeline legislation in the first six months of 2025,” said Tucker.

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SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

PAR Celebrates Annual United Way Week with Record-Breaking Community Impact

TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PAR (Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.) proudly wrapped up its annual United Way Week, celebrating a legacy of giving, volunteerism, and community partnership. With events centered around community engagement, prioritizing employee well-being, and raising money for local organizations, the 2025 United Way Week campaign continued PAR’s longstanding tradition of supporting United Way Suncoast.

With a mission to mobilize communities so that all can thrive, United Way Suncoast provides funding for programs focused on educational opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency. From early literacy programs and youth mentoring to financial coaching and disaster recovery, the organization delivers high-impact initiatives across the region to help families break the cycle of generational poverty and build a more stable future.

PAR has partnered with United Way Suncoast for over two and a half decades, raising over $2.7 million to date for vital programs that uplift families and strengthen the community. “Each year, we’re reminded of the power of collective action,” said Cathy Smith, PAR’s Vice President of Community Relations Emeritus. “United Way Week is more than a campaign—it’s a celebration of our values and our people.”

This year’s United Way Week once again saw employees rallying together to make a meaningful difference across the Tampa Bay region. A highlight of the week was the team’s volunteer day at Feeding Tampa Bay, where PAR employees sorted an incredible 16,000 pounds of food to help combat hunger in the local community. The event included a team lunch, facility tours, and hands-on service in the warehouse, reinforcing PAR’s commitment to giving back.

“Volunteering through PAR for United Way and Feeding Tampa Bay was a truly eye-opening experience,” said Danny Collado, Digital Marketing Manager at PAR. “It gave me a firsthand look at the reality of food insecurity, something that affects countless individuals and families—often silently. You’d never know just by looking who might be struggling to put food on the table. Being part of the effort to provide meals and support was both humbling and inspiring. It reminded me how powerful community action can be, and how important it is to show up for others with compassion and purpose.”

The 2025 campaign culminated in a celebratory breakfast and closing remarks from leadership, reinforcing PAR’s core values: Be Kind. Do Good. These values continue to guide the company’s mission of improving lives through scientifically validated assessments and community engagement.

This year, PAR raised an outstanding $163,257.32 for United Way Suncoast, a total that includes both employee contributions and a company donation. The check was presented to the organization by PAR’s Chief Executive Officer, Kristin Greco. Notably, the campaign achieved 100% employee participation once again—an inspiring testament to the dedication and generosity of the PAR team.

About PAR
PAR is a leading publisher of psychological assessment tools, committed to improving lives through science, compassion, and service. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, PAR supports clinicians, educators, and researchers worldwide.

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SOURCE PAR, Inc.

Bering Land Bridge National Preserve Celebrates Grand Opening of New Heritage Center

NOME, Alaska, Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bering Land Bridge National Preserve today celebrates the grand opening of the new Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center. This innovative and newly renovated space showcases culturally rich and engaging exhibits collaboratively developed with a dedicated Tribal Workgroup, including tribal members from Shishmaref, Wales, and Deering.

Starting Saturday, September 6, visitors can experience an array of exciting features within the Heritage Center, including:

  • Inupiaq Language Learning Opportunities: Interactive displays that invite guests to immerse themselves in reading, listening to, and learning Inupiaq, a language that is considered endangered and is being preserved through cultural centers.
  • Authentic Fish Rack: Constructed by local builder Jared Miller and in partnership with Kawerak, this striking piece is made with driftwood from Sitnasuaq (Nome) and reflects both traditional and contemporary subsistence practices.
  • Niġipiaq Table: A delectable showcase featuring replica foods that highlight the region’s culinary traditions.
  • Regional Artwork: Curated in partnership with the Sitnasuak Native Corporation Elders Committee, the center displays incredible pieces that celebrate local culture and history.
  • Animated Display: A brief animation illustrating landscape changes within Beringia over time.
  • Cultural Videos: Inspiring films that share the significance of the area, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Inupiaq culture and subsistence activities throughout the year.
  • Animal Silhouettes: Life-size animal silhouettes adorned with vibrant artwork created by youth artists from Shishmaref, Wales, Deering, and Nome greet guests at the center’s entrance.

“The new heritage center at Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is a mammoth step in honoring the stories, traditions, and knowledge of our local communities, said Jeanette Koelsch, Superintendent of Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. “Whether from the region or traveling from afar, people can gain a deeper understanding of the preserve’s natural history and cultural richness— a heritage that reaches back to time immemorial and continues to shape our world today.” This project signifies a remarkable partnership with Sitnasuak Native Corporation and was made possible through the generous support of the National Park Foundation and The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

“The National Park Foundation is proud to support the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve Heritage Center — a space to come together and connect with one of America’s most remote landscapes and the rich heritage it holds,” said Jeff Reinbold, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “This center embodies what our national parks represent: living stories that unite us and illuminate the resilience of cultures, communities, and landscapes. As our nation’s 250th anniversary approaches, we remain dedicated to ensuring these stories endure as sources of inspiration and connection for generations to come.”

Bering Land Bridge National Preserve protects a small remnant of the land bridge that connected Asia and North America more than 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. The preserve offers unparalleled opportunities to experience vast arctic and coastal ecosystems, which are the homeland of the Inupiat.

Visitors can access the Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center in the Sitnasuak Building at 214 Front Street in Nome, AK. For more information about the center and its hours, contact Katie Cullen at kathleen_cullen@nps.gov, call 907-759-8020, or visit www.nps.gov/bela.

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SOURCE National Park Foundation

San Bernardino Valley, Fontana Water Company and Cadiz Sign Agreement for Perchlorate Treatment in Cactus Basins

Cadiz to provide perchlorate treatment to support Cactus Basins Recharge Program as part of region-wide effort to expand groundwater banking.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, Fontana Water Company (FWC), and Cadiz Inc. announced today an innovative partnership to address perchlorate contamination in the Rialto-Colton Groundwater Basin. The agreement launches a bold effort to support San Bernardino Valley’s proposed Cactus Basins Recharge Program as part of a regional effort to expand groundwater replenishment, improve water quality, and support long-term water supply reliability in San Bernardino County.

Under the agreement, Cadiz will provide specialized water filtration systems to FWC for the treatment of perchlorates to be located at FWC’s facilities. These systems are designed to mitigate any potential migration of perchlorate contamination that may occur when San Bernardino Valley commences operation of the Cactus Basins Recharge Program. Cadiz will provide the treatment through the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ATEC Water Systems, as part of a 200,000 acre-foot water supply agreement between FWC and Cadiz signed in 2024.

“The Cactus Basins Recharge Program is a critical part of our plan to enhance water supply reliability for San Bernardino Valley,” said Heather Dyer, CEO/ General Manager for San Bernardino Valley. “We are looking forward to exploring potential opportunities offered through this unique public-private partnership that could address legacy perchlorate contamination while also providing critical groundwater supply benefits to the communities depending on the Rialto-Colton Groundwater Basin.”

“One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership for Cadiz is that by deploying cost-effective advanced treatment technology, we can unlock low-cost water supplies for the whole region,” remarked Susan Kennedy, CEO of Cadiz. “San Bernardino Valley’s leadership on this is a blueprint for a collaborative approach to sustainable groundwater management across Southern California.”

“To maintain affordability for our customers, we have to work together to solve water resource issues cost-effectively at a regional level,” FWC Vice President, Marty Zvirbulis said. “This creative approach to addressing water quality in the Rialto-Colton Groundwater Basin opens the door to cost-effective integration of water supply resources and groundwater banks across the whole region.”

San Bernardino County faces a growing threat to its long-term water security due to physical and climate-related risks and variability in State Water Project (SWP) deliveries combined with significant challenges related to sustainable replenishment of groundwater resources. To address these challenges, the County is supporting local efforts to develop a coordinated approach to water infrastructure investment in the region to maximize local water reuse, recharge groundwater basins, clean up impaired groundwater and reduce reliance on imported water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in any given year.

San Bernardino Valley has been investing in local water supply infrastructure including storage and recharge projects as part of a unified, integrated strategy to improve drought resilience, maximize value of imported water during dry years through storage of wet year water, and support sustainable and equitable access to clean water across all parts of its service area.

The Cactus Basins Recharge Program would spread imported State Water Project (SWP) water at the existing Cactus Basins for recharge of the RialtoColton groundwater subbasin. Groundwater would then be withdrawn via existing wells to augment potable water supplies in the San Bernardino Valley service area. However, planning to utilize Cactus Basins for groundwater recharge has been delayed due to concerns over the potential for water contaminant migration to FWC existing wells.

About San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District
San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District was formed in 1954 as a regional agency to plan a long-range supplemental water supply for the San Bernardino Valley. San Bernardino Valley imports water into the service area through participation in the State Water Project, manages groundwater storage within boundaries and provides roughly 25 percent of the region’s water needs through deliveries to retail water agencies that serve the cities and communities of Bloomington, Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, and Yucaipa. For more information, please visit https://www.sbvmwd.com/.

About Fontana Water Company
Fontana Water Company, a division of San Gabriel Valley Water Company, is a private water utility which has provided safe, clean and reliable water service to the City of Fontana for over 75 years. For more information, please visit https://www.fontanawater.com/.

About Cadiz, Inc.
Founded in 1983, Cadiz, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDZI) is a California water solutions company dedicated to providing access to clean, reliable and affordable water for people through a unique combination of water supply, storage, pipeline and treatment solutions. Cadiz’s Mojave Groundwater Bank (MGB) project is a one-million-acre-foot groundwater storage facility and 2.5-million-acre-foot water supply project in the eastern Mojave Desert. For more information, please visit https://www.cadizinc.com    

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “would,” “will,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “expects,” “planned” and “plans”. These include statements regarding the planned partnership among Cadiz, San Bernadino Valley and FWC, which is dependent on the parties entering into a definitive binding agreement, and the benefits to be derived from such partnership. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include those described in the Company’s filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and subsequent filings. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

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SOURCE Cadiz, Inc.

International Day of Charity: Waterdrop Filter and The Water Project Mark 8-Year Milestone Bringing Clean Water to Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On the United Nations’ International Day of Charity, Waterdrop Filter joined The Water Project to celebrate eight years of partnership dedicated to expanding clean water access in western Kenya. Since 2017, the collaboration has delivered safe drinking water to thousands of children and families, evolving from individual project sponsorships to comprehensive program support that advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

 

The partnership began in 2016 when Waterdrop Filter’s leadership learned of the severe lack of clean water in sub-Saharan Africa. Inspired by the belief that clean water is a basic human right, the company launched the Water4Smile initiative in 2017, pledging that every purifier sold would provide one day of clean water for a child. Choosing The Water Project as a trusted partner, Waterdrop Filter has built a collaboration that has grown stronger over eight years, reflecting its lasting commitment to global solidarity.

Early efforts included the construction of a rainwater catchment tank at Ematsuli Primary School, which directly benefited more than 825 students by providing reliable access to clean water. Over time, Waterdrop Filter shifted from sponsoring individual projects to providing program-level support that ensures broader and ongoing investment in public infrastructure and community services. This approach is helping to achieve the long-term goal of 100% clean water coverage across the regions served.

With Waterdrop Filter as a proud supporter, supporting a shared vision where 100% of people in the region have access to clean, safe water. Since its founding, the Water Project has completed more than 900,000 people in western Kenya have access to clean and reliable water thanks to over 2,600 facilities built and monitored with a 96% functionality rate.

At Kakoyi Primary School, a 13-year-old student named Angel explained how her life has changed: “The new water source will help our parents save their resources because we will not be suffering from waterborne diseases anymore. Teachers will also have more time with students because we no longer have to leave school to fetch water or miss class when seeking treatment.” Teacher Gilbert Sifuna added, “This water point will help restore hope among learners and teachers. It solves the challenges of water-related illnesses and the time wasted searching for water from distant, unreliable sources. It will also promote better hygiene practices and support improved academic performance.”

At Cheptuli Primary School, 14-year-old Margaret shared her story: “Previously, I had to carry water from home or walk long distances to find it, sometimes being denied by neighbors. It left me dirty and embarrassed in class. Now that we have a new water point, my hygiene will improve, and I will have enough time to focus on my studies.” Teacher Esther Shabaya noted, “In the past, I had to send students out of school to fetch water, which caused absenteeism and poor performance. With this new clean and reliable water source, water-related illnesses will be forgotten, and students can now focus fully on their education.”

“On this International Day of Charity, we are reminded that clean water is not only a basic human need, but also a foundation for dignity, education, and equality,” said Philip, the president of Waterdrop Filter. “Our eight-year journey with The Water Project proves that consistent charitable action can transform communities and create lasting change.”

About Waterdrop Filter

Founded in 2015, Waterdrop Filter is a leading brand in water purification, offering solutions for homes, offices, and outdoor use. Its product range includes under-sink and countertop Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems, pitchers, and whole-house filters. With the mission of making clean water accessible worldwide, Waterdrop Filter provides innovative water filtration solutions trusted by millions of households. The company remains committed to ESG practices, sustainable development, and empowering communities.

Learn more at www.waterdropfilter.com.

CONTACT: June Long, june@waterdropfilter.us 

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SOURCE Waterdrop Filter

A Flight of Honor: Veterans Visit Memorials With Marathon Petroleum Guardians by Their Side

Key points

  • Nearly 80 Ohio veterans traveled to Washington, D.C., in June on an Honor Flight co-sponsored by Marathon Petroleum to visit the memorials built in their honor.
  • More than 70 volunteer guardians, including Marathon Petroleum employees and leaders, supported the veterans throughout the emotional and unforgettable day.
  • The experience was filled with powerful moments, including a surprise visit from Marathon Petroleum President and CEO Maryann Mannen and a heartfelt welcome home celebration at Toledo Express Airport.

Some moments you just know will stay with you forever. For nearly 80 Ohio veterans, a recent Flag City Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., was one of those moments, a powerful day of reflection, connection and long-overdue recognition.

Co-sponsored by Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC) and Ohio Logistics, the all-expenses-paid trip brought the veterans together with about 70 volunteer guardians, including MPC employees, to visit the memorials built in their honor.

“This was the best day of my life,” said Jaycee Riley, a Vietnam veteran who said he and others like him never received the recognition they deserved when they returned home. “When we came home [from the war], it was nothing like this. This… this was special.”

His guardian, MPC Payroll Manager Cherie Kemper, felt the same way.

“It was awesome, so rewarding. Being able to be a part of something like this and honor these veterans for everything they’ve done for our country is something that will stay with me forever,” Kemper said. “They more than deserved this trip, but more importantly, this recognition. What a day. What an experience.”

Adding to Riley’s experience, his entire family surprised him at the welcome home event.

“I had no idea. I just thought it was going to be my wife. I couldn’t hold back the tears when I saw them,” he said.

For Riley’s wife, Darlene, the day brought emotions she hadn’t expected.

“You just feel proud. Overwhelmed with pride,” she said. “It was healing for all of us.”

That healing is something Mallory Crooks, a board member for Flag City Honor Flight, sees each and every flight.

“It’s a healing day not just for the veteran, but for their families, their neighbors, and everyone in their circle,” Crooks said. “Every flight brings new energy, new families, and new stories, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of partners like Marathon.”

As they have many times, MPC employees served as guardians on the June flight, helping guide and assist veterans throughout the emotional, memory-filled day. Among them was Shawn Lyon, Marathon’s Senior Vice President of Logistics and Storage, who has long been active in supporting veterans both at MPC and in the community.

“To see our veterans receive the respect and gratitude they deserve, and to be a small part of that, is humbling,” he said. “It reflects the culture of our company and what we stand for.”

One of the people Lyon accompanied was Ed Rollo, a Vietnam veteran who had never seen many of the memorials built to honor him and those he proudly served alongside.

“It was overwhelming, in the best way,” Rollo said. “Being there with Shawn and with so many other veterans, seeing the memorials, meeting people, is something I’ll never forget.”

Surprising veterans like Rollo during the group’s visit to Washington, D.C., was MPC President and CEO Maryann Mannen, who took time to personally thank as many of them as possible for their service and sacrifice. For Rollo, it was another highlight in a day already filled with powerful moments.

“We met with a congressman out there, and that was really great,” Rollo added. “But having the CEO of Marathon there to thank us, that was something special.”

Moments like these reinforce MPC’s commitment to supporting organizations that serve our communities and honoring those who served our country.

“This program wouldn’t exist without corporate sponsors and community partners,” Crooks added. “We’re all volunteers, and every dollar counts. We only fly because people care.”

On this flight, that care was felt at every turn, from the moment the veterans departed Ohio to the powerful welcome they received upon their return, greeted by hundreds of supporters cheering and waving signs of gratitude. For many, it was more than a visit to Washington, D.C. It was the welcome home they had only dreamed of.

“We didn’t expect that, and so from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone who took time out of their day to make this possible for us,” said Charlie Hutson, another Vietnam veteran. “One of the best days of my life.”

He added, “I didn’t know it was going to be such a big deal. I would have told more of my family about it, but having the guardians from Marathon and others by our side made all the difference.”

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Driving Personal and Professional Development Through Mentorship at AMD

Mentorship plays a vital role in fostering a culture of growth and collaboration. By sharing their knowledge and experience, mentors help develop the next generation of leaders, while mentees gain valuable insights, skills and confidence. For AMD, mentorship strengthens employee engagement, enhances cross-functional collaboration and contributes to a thriving, high-performing workplace.

In 2024, we launched the AMD Mentoring Programs, ranging from skills-based to broader career development initiatives. The two skills-based programs – Technology and Engineering Skills and Business and Corporate Functions Skills – are designed for our technical and non-engineering employees respectively. They help mentees develop skills through three-month relationships with mentors. Career Mentoring enables participants to create career plans and strategy through nine-month relationships, and I-WIL (International Women in Leadership) is focused on the personal and professional development of our global talent.

Another program, emERGe, is for members of AMD Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Designed to empower participants, emERGe integrates inclusion-focused content to inspire meaningful personal and professional growth, while leveraging mentorship to amplify innovation and enhance business performance.

emERGe started out as a limited pilot, with 674 mentoring relationships in 2024. We use a matching tool to pair and guide participants, survey mentees monthly and provide a resource library with videos, getting started guides, mentoring action plans and evaluation forms.

The program has been successful so far, with an overall satisfaction score of 4.8 out of 5. To increase its reach and impact, we will open emERGe to all ERG members and adopt an open-program design, enabling participants to enter, exit and extend a relationship based on both parties’ needs.

“Mentoring has been one of the greatest accelerators in my career, and even now, I continue to be mentored by AMD leaders. Their investment in me is invaluable and has afforded me opportunities that have altered the course of my professional journey in immeasurable ways,” said Mark Pearson, corporate vice president of talent, AMD.

Originally published in AMD 2024-25 Corporate Responsibility Report

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DreamBox Math by Discovery Education Honored With 2025 Tech Edvocate Award

CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 5, 2025 /3BL/ – DreamBox Math by Discovery Education was named a winner by the 2025 Tech Edvocate Awards. The 9th annual Tech Edvocate Awards honors the best that edtech has to offer by recognizing outstanding companies, people, and products. Discovery Education is the creator of essential PreK-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world.

DreamBox Math by Discovery education was selected as a 2025 Tech Edvocate Award winner in the Best Math or App Tool category. DreamBox Math by Discovery Education is a K-8 online math program that supplements core instruction in the classroom or at home and is independently proven by several third-party research organizations to increase math achievement. DreamBox Math by Discovery Education adapts dynamically to the learner, providing tailored instruction within a highly engaging, gamified learning environment. DreamBox Math lessons are available in both English and Spanish and are standards-aligned.

Along with actionable reporting and tools that empower differentiation for all learners, DreamBox Math offers teachers content-specific professional learning and provides administrators critical insights into student progress. With DreamBox Math, every student is empowered to independently engage in interactive problem solving so they can develop conceptual understanding, apply a variety of strategies, and gain competence and confidence in mathematical reasoning and skills.

In addition, the following were named as finalists:

  • Discovery Education: Best Global EdTech Company
  • DreamBox Reading: Best Literacy App or Tool
  • STEM Careers Coalition: Best STEM/STEAM Education App or Tool 

Earlier this year, DreamBox Reading and DreamBox Math were updated with new enhancements that empower teachers to create personalized learning experiences for all learners with inquiry, excitement, and exploration that will hold students’ attention while challenging them academically. More information about these enhancements can be found here.

Tech Edvocate Award submissions were evaluated by both a panel of industry professionals and a popular vote. The panel was comprised of two edtech thought leaders, two PreK-12 teachers, one college professor, two K-12 administrators, one college administrator and two PreK-12 parents. Learn more about the Tech Edvocate Awards here.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Tech Edvocate Awards. Thank you to the panel of judges and to everyone that voted for Discovery Education’s solutions,” said Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer at Discovery Education. “Our team is dedicated to ensuring that all students succeed through engaging and high-quality learning opportunities, and these awards will inspire the Discovery Education team to continue innovating for students and educators.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, PreK-12, digital solutions help educators engage all students and support higher academic achievement. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools that are effective, engaging, and easy to use, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Learn more at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contact
Grace Maliska
Discovery Education
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com

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