Duke Energy Foundation Awarded Corporate Social Impact Team of the Year by the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals

Duke Energy Foundation took home the Corporate Social Impact Team of the Year award this week at the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals Annual Conference in Atlanta. The honor recognizes Duke Energy Foundation’s collaborative and innovative approach to social impact — one that delivered measurable results for both the business and the communities we serve.

This recognition reflects the Foundation’s swift and strategic response to the 2024 storm season, including Hurricanes Helene, Milton, and Debby which impacted all seven of the states we serve. The team quickly adapted grant programs to deliver critical support, reinforcing our commitment to being a reliable partner in times of need.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. 

 Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. 

 More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. 

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Whispers of the Soul – A Poetic Awakening from Reetu Gupta, Ambassadress and CEO of The Gupta Group

TORONTO, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Visionary author, poet, and CEO Reetu Gupta unveils Whispers of the Soul—With the grace of a mystic and the power of a visionary, Reetu Gupta, Ambassadress and CEO of The Gupta Group, unveils her most intimate creation yet: Whispers of the Soul—a deeply personal collection of poetry that sings of love, mysticism, truth, and divine remembrance.  Her evocative poetry inspires purpose, passion, and inner awakening.

Following the success of her debut book, Auspicious, Reetu’s latest work invites readers to journey inward—through mysticism, femininity, and the whispers of the soul. Known for her signature blend of poetic storytelling and spiritual depth, Reetu writes with the voice of an old soul and the heart of a modern mystic.

“These are not just poems,” says Reetu.
“This book is my heart,”
“Every poem is a portal—to healing, to beauty, to divine connection. These are whispers from the Universe—channeled through my soul.”

Crafted with elegance, mysticism, and inspiration, each poem offers a moment of grace—a breath, a reflection, a spark of inner knowing. With themes of self-love, divine connection, gratitude, and passion, Whispers of the Soul reminds us that life is not something we chase, but something we awaken to.

As a globally recognized CEO and trailblazer, Reetu Gupta blends her business acumen with a deeply spiritual perspective. Known for bringing feminine energy into the boardroom and beyond, she now extends that same energy to the page—where every word is intentional, every poem a transmission of light.

Whether you are in search of purpose, joy, peace, or divine inspiration, Whispers of the Soul will meet you where you are—and gently guide you home to yourself.

About the Author

Reetu Gupta is not only a celebrated poet, but a bold and soulful leader. As CEO and Ambassadress of The Gupta Group, she is a force of visionary innovation across hospitality, media, philanthropy, and real estate. Known for infusing feminine energy into the corporate world, Reetu brings that same intention into every word she writes.

Her poetry is not just literature—it’s legacy.

About the Book

Whispers of the Soul is available now on Amazon, Indigo, Barnes & Noble, and select retailers worldwide. The collection is accompanied by a series of spoken word readings, currently being released across Reetu’s digital platforms.

Prepare to be moved. To be seen. To remember.

PRESS INQUIRIES & MEDIA REQUESTS
Reetu Gupta | www.TheGuptaGroup.com
Instagram: [@ReetuGuptaOfficial]

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SOURCE The Gupta Group

Thousands Lace Up Across U.S. To “Run for Her” at the 2025 Mary Kay Ash Foundation’s MK5K, Raising Funds To Empower and Protect Women Everywhere

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com 

DALLAS, October 9, 2025 /3BL/ – On Saturday, October 4th, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation® painted the town of Addison pink for the 21st Annual MK5K® event. The pink movement spread from coast to coast through Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants who held their own fundraising events in communities and cities representing nearly every state and territory across the U.S.

Participants could run, walk, bike, or get creative to compete in the annual event that has raised over $250,000 for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation® with fundraising efforts running through October 31st. The Foundation® raises and distributes funds to invest in breakthrough cancer research and clinical trials to find a cure for women-related cancers and also provides annual grants to nonprofits dedicated to ending domestic violence. 

Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation® has contributed more than $98 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, it supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. 

“Each year, we race to help improve the health and safety of all women, and I’m ecstatic to see the growth in participation and the financial impact we make year after year. The annual MK5K was created to raise funds that support all women – not just those who work tirelessly to carry on my great-grandmother’s dream of empowering women around the world,” said Jessica Bair, great-granddaughter of founder Mary Kay Ash. “It’s amazing to see the support from our sponsors and donors, corporate volunteers and runners, and all the virtual runners who participate in this event across the U.S.”

In recent years, the rise of virtual “runners” who participate in the event has made a huge impact to the amount of funds raised each year. 

“There is something profoundly moving about witnessing thousands of women and their families unite, both in person and virtually, for the MK5K,” said Anne Crews, Vice President of Public Affairs at Mary Kay Inc. and Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board Member. “This event is more than a race; it’s a powerful symbol of solidarity and hope. Every step taken reflects the Mary Kay Ash Foundation’s unwavering commitment to transforming lives through groundbreaking research in women’s cancers and vital support for survivors of domestic violence.”

The Foundation is tickled pink with the success of this year’s event, and the race is on for the next MK5K, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026. Here are the impressive results from this year’s event:

  • $258,700 raised
  • 2,656 participants
  • 378 fundraising teams
  • 7,942 miles logged
  • 147 miles (1-mile fun run)
  • 7,795 miles (5K)
  • 2,149 generous donors
  • 16 corporate sponsors

Did You Know? 

  • The Mary Kay Ash Foundation® announced partnership with The National Domestic Violence Hotline (“The Hotline”) – the nation’s leading resource for survivors and those seeking to support them – to create a nationwide initiative focused on trauma-informed education, community engagement, and life-saving tools to help individuals recognize and respond to abuse. The partnership provides training webinars, downloadable resources, and a series of short videos.
  • The Mary Kay Ash Foundation® awarded a $100,000 grant to the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Amy Selkirk Breast Cancer Research Fund to further support the second year of a first of its kind clinical trial conducted by Joyce O’Shaughnessy, MD, Celebrating Women Chair in Breast Cancer Research. This trial explores weight loss inhibitors to prevent breast cancer recurrence in overweight patients.
  • The Mary Kay Ash Foundation® awarded a $400,000 multi-year grant in support of the newly established Texas Cancer Interception Institute, a first of its kind program utilizing cutting edge biomarker technology, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) blood-based assays offered on a huge scale to improve cancer care with an emphasis on early detection.
  • The Mary Kay Ash Foundation® awarded nearly $3 million in cancer research and domestic violence shelter grants around the country in 2025.
  • The Mary Kay Ash Foundation® has awarded more than $98 million to women’s shelters and domestic violence service providers, as well as cancer research programs and related causes throughout the U.S. For more information, visit marykayashfoundation.org  

***

About Mary Kay Ash Foundation® 

Guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation® raises and distributes funds to end domestic violence and invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for women-related cancers. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has contributed more than $98 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Together, we can make the world better for women. To learn more about how to educate, advocate, volunteer, donate, and join life-saving work to support and empower women, visit marykayashfoundation.org, or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Generate Capital Closes $85 Million Community Solar Tax Equity Fund with KeyState, Expanding Leadership in Distributed Clean Energy Financing

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Generate Capital, PBC (“Generate”), a leading infrastructure investment firm, today announced the closing of an $85 million tax equity commitment with SOLCAP, KeyState’s tax equity investment platform, for Fund X, supporting a portfolio of eight community solar projects across New York and Illinois totaling 38 MWdc. The projects are scheduled to achieve commercial operation between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026.

This marks Generate’s 10th community solar tax equity fund overall and its 5th fund with KeyState since 2021, underscoring the company’s track record as one of the sector’s most active and reliable tax equity providers. To date in 2025, Generate has raised over $807 million in project debt and over $608 million in tax equity — over $1.4 billion in total — including this latest close.

“Community solar continues to be one of the most effective ways to expand access to clean energy while delivering tangible local benefits,” said Peggy Flannery, Managing Director, Investments, at Generate Capital. “Since 2017, we’ve been proud to support the development of community solar, working alongside long-term partners like KeyState to bring reliable, cost-effective clean power to households, businesses, and communities across the country.”

Josh Miller, CEO of KeyState, which manages the SOLCAP platform, added, “Generate sets the standard in sustainable infrastructure investing, and our partnership has directed meaningful capital into projects that drive both returns and real-world impact. We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to grow together.”

Since entering the community solar market in 2017, Generate has built one of the most experienced community solar platforms in the industry, owning and operating more than 430 MW of community solar across multiple states. Its long-standing relationships with leading sponsors, developers, and institutional investors have enabled Generate to scale the sector, expanding access to clean energy while supporting grid resilience and community economic development.

Counsel for the transaction included Orrick (sponsor counsel) and Kutak Rock (investor counsel).

About Generate Capital

Generate is a specialized investment platform that builds, owns, and operates critical infrastructure. The firm finances and delivers affordable, resilient solutions that provide essential resources to customers and communities, while supporting the nation’s growing demand for power. Since 2014, Generate has invested in and operated assets across six key sectors: power, mobility, waste, green digital, water, agriculture, and industrial decarbonization. With more than $14 billion raised since inception, the firm’s portfolio includes over 2,000 assets and more than 50 partnerships with leading technology providers and developers.

For more information, please visit www.generatecapital.com.

About KeyState and SOLCAP

KeyState helps community banks unlock earnings from unexpected places. Since 1991, KeyState has partnered with 150+ banks, delivering innovative investment structures that boost profitability. Through SOLCAP, its renewable energy tax equity and ITC transfer investment platform, KeyState syndicates investments from community and regional banks to finance renewable energy projects with leading developers. Launched in 2019, SOLCAP has deployed or committed over $1 billion in capital to develop 200+ renewable energy projects in communities across more than a dozen states.

For more information, please visit www.sol-cap.com.

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SOURCE Generate Capital

GreenCore Solutions Launches TreeFree Passport® Across Europe for TreeFree Diaper®

VANCOUVER, BC and FRANKFURT, Germany, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – GreenCore Solutions Corp. (the “Company”) today announced the European launch of its TreeFree Passport® certification and transparency system, now live on every TreeFree Diaper® sold under the Company’s regional private-label family:
🇫🇷 TreeFree Couche™ (France) 🇩🇪 TreeFree Windel™ (Germany) 🇪🇸 TreeFree Pañal™ (Spain) 🇸🇪 TreeFree Blöja™ (Sweden) 🇬🇧 TreeFree Nappy™ (United Kingdom).

The TreeFree Passport® programme transforms ESG compliance from a cost centre into a value-creating system. Each TreeFree Diaper® pack now carries a prominent badge and a QR-enabled verification code linking directly to certified impact data — confirming 100% tree-free composition, EU deforestation-free compliance, and SGS-verified performance.

TreeFree Passport® — Overview

  1. Badge on Packaging
    Every TreeFree Diaper® pack now displays the TreeFree Passport® Certified badge.
    The integrated QR code connects to verified data proving the product is tree-free, SGS-tested, and fully EU-compliant.
    This transforms packaging into a live certificate of performance and transparency, instantly accessible to consumers, auditors and retailers.
  2. Integration
    Replaces traditional tree-fibre certification costs and channels value directly into the TreeFree Passport® system for verified PATH+ partners.
  3. How It Works
    TreeFree Passport® integrates seamlessly into existing OEM-C manufacturing operations through three automated layers:
  • Verification Layer: SGS confirms 100% tree-free composition and embeds the report into each batch’s digital record.
  • Transparency & Trust: consumers scan the QR to view verified CO₂, water and tree-savings data.
  • Zero Friction: no new audits, systems or line re-tooling required — verification runs automatically per batch.

Result:
Every nappy leaves the production line already proven sustainable, traceable and profitable.

“TreeFree Passport® proves that compliance can pay. By embedding real ESG data into every pack, we’ve built a system where sustainability verifies itself — and partners profit from doing the right thing,” said Matthew Keddy, CEO of GreenCore Solutions Corp. “For our retail TreeFree Diaper® customers — and supporting 🇫🇷 TreeFree Couche™ (France), 🇩🇪 TreeFree Windel™ (Germany), 🇪🇸 TreeFree Pañal™ (Spain), 🇸🇪 TreeFree Blöja™ (Sweden) and 🇬🇧 TreeFree Nappy™ (United Kingdom) — TreeFree Passport® streamlines ESG compliance and reporting at scale.”

About GreenCore Solutions Corp.

GreenCore Solutions Corp. is a global leader in tree-free hygiene innovation, pioneering the TreeFree Diaper® with econoLiite Core® and the TreeFree Passport® frameworks that redefine ESG manufacturing economics. Operating under its PATH+ (Partner Alliance for Traceable Hygiene) network, GreenCore connects OEMs, retailers and auditors through the AI-driven TreeFree Connexion® Platform v1.5, enabling verifiable sustainability and profitability across Europe and Latin America. Learn more at www.greencoresolutions.com.

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SOURCE GreenCore Solutions Corp.

Aker Carbon Capture ASA: Trading suspension from ex-date 13 October 2025

FORNEBU, Norway, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Reference is made to the extraordinary general meeting of Aker Carbon Capture ASA (under liquidation) (the “Company”) held on 5 August 2025 where the general meeting resolved to liquidate the Company and the announcement made on 1 October 2025, where it was announced that the Company’s Board of Directors had in accordance with the Norwegian Public Limited Liability Companies Act section 16-9 resolved to distribute a liquidation dividend to its shareholders, with the ex-date for such liquidation dividend set to 13 October 2025.

Euronext Oslo Børs has determined that a suspension of the trading of the Company’s shares will be implemented from and including the ex-date, 13 October 2025. 

For further information:
Media and Investors:
Mats Ektvedt
Mobile: 41423328
E-mail: mats.ektvedt@corporatecommunicatons.no

This information is published in accordance with the requirements of the Continuing Obligations. 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com.

https://news.cision.com/aker-carbon-capture-asa/r/aker-carbon-capture-asa–trading-suspension-from-ex-date-13-october-2025,c4247644

 

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SOURCE Aker Carbon Capture ASA

Fosun International’s S&P Global CSA Score Rises to 72, Retains Industry Lead

HONG KONG, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — S&P Global recently released the 2025 Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) score results for Fosun International Limited (HKEX stock code: 00656, “Fosun International” or “Fosun”). Fosun International’s S&P Global CSA score has risen to 72 points, significantly outperforming the industry average and maintaining its leading position in the industry.

In the 2024 S&P Global CSA, Fosun International achieved an excellent score of 70, ranking in the top 5% of its global industry peers. This year, Fosun International’s sustained and deepening commitment to sustainability was once again recognized, with its S&P Global CSA score rising to 72 points.

Fosun International demonstrated strong performance across all dimensions of this year’s S&P Global CSA. It scored 75 in the Environmental dimension, 72 in the Social dimension, and 70 in the Governance and Economic dimension, fully reflecting its balanced development in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) areas. Fosun International achieved outstanding results particularly in various sub-dimensions, including Energy, Water, Waste and Pollutants, Environmental Policy and Management, Business Ethics, Risk and Crisis Management, Customer Relations, and Human Capital Management.

Due to its ongoing commitment to ESG initiatives, Fosun International was once again included in the S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2025 and was selected as the top 1% in S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2025 (China Edition).

Fosun International has achieved significant milestones in global ESG ratings. As of now, Fosun International has maintained an MSCI ESG rating of AA. It received an HSI sustainability rating of AA- and has been included in the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index for consecutive years. Fosun also retained a leading FTSE Russell ESG score and continued to be selected as a constituent stock of the FTSE4Good Index Series.

Fosun International remains steadfast in its commitment to being a responsible global corporate citizen. It has established a robust ESG governance structure and management system, embedding sustainability principles across all levels of its operations.

In terms of green operations, Fosun International actively responds to China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals by promoting carbon neutrality and energy conservation and emission reduction. Fosun International has published Climate Information Disclosures Reports for three consecutive years, demonstrating its commitment to global climate action. Fosun International has also established a Carbon Neutrality Committee and Working Group to guide and facilitate the implementation of carbon neutrality management across member companies.

Regarding social contribution, the Rural Doctors Program, launched in 2017, has supported 25,000 rural doctors and benefited 3 million rural families. The initiative, “Rural Doctors Program Empowering Rural Medical Services”, was honored as one of the UNGC’s “20 Cases of Private Sector’s Sustainable Development in China for 20 Years”. Fosun Pharma has consistently contributed the “China Solution” to the fight against malaria in Africa. As at the end of June 2025, its independently developed artesunate for injection had been used to treat more than 84 million patients with severe malaria worldwide. Additionally, Fosun Pharma had cumulatively supplied over 420 million doses of artesunate for injection globally.

Since its establishment, Fosun International has remained committed to its original aspirations of “Self-improvement, Teamwork, Performance, and Contribution to Society”. Looking ahead, while continuing to focus on business operations, Fosun will further strengthen its sustainable development management, actively fulfill corporate social responsibilities, and advance ESG practices. Leveraging the resources and advantages of its global industrial ecosystem, Fosun strives to continuously create a better world.


About the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment

Launched in 1999, the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) grades enterprises on how they put sustainability into practice, covering 61 different industry-specific ESG standards. Evaluating more than 7,000 companies each year, S&P Global CSA has become a reference tool for enterprises, helping them gauge the financial importance of a company’s sustainability performance from the perspective of investors.

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SOURCE Fosun

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