World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s leading conservation organization, announces the launch of the WWFGifts Gift Card—a first-of-its-kind nonprofit gift card that blends the emotional impact of charitable giving with the joy of receiving a tangible gift that’s delivered right to your door. Now available in select Kroger stores nationwide, and online the WWFGifts Gift Card offers retailers a powerful new way to meet rising consumer demand for purpose-driven gifting.

Each card purchased can be redeemed for a full donation to WWF, helping to fund critical conservation programs in nearly 100 countries. Recipients can also select from 200+ fun and meaningful gifts that give back to nature as a thank you for each redemption. Gifts include a broad assortment of WWF favorites—plush animals like elephants and narwhals, conservation-themed socks and tees, home goods, and other items that celebrate the natural world. Every gift selection reflects WWF’s mission: protecting wildlife, habitats, and the health of the planet.

“Finding new ways to engage our supporters is essential to achieving our conservation mission,” said Collin Lawson, Senior Director of Private Sector Engagement at WWF. “We’re excited to launch the WWFGifts Gift Card at select Kroger retail locations and see tremendous opportunity for more retailers to join us in offering customers a simple way to give back and help protect our planet for generations to come.”

With Gift Cards available in donation amounts from $25 to $250, WWF designed the program to make supporting conservation simple, accessible, and rewarding for all. Whether for the holiday season or year-round giving, the WWFGifts Gift Card offers retailers an opportunity to meet the growing demand for gifts that “do good”—and help protect wildlife in the process.

The WWFGifts Gift Card invites people to give with purpose—and retailers to participate in meaningful conservation action simply by offering it on their shelves. Retailers interested in stocking the WWFGifts Gift Card can contact WWF’s retail partnerships team for more information: corporatepartnerships@wwfus.org.

 

Media Contact

Susan McCarthy | susan.mccarthy@wwfus.org

 

About World Wildlife Fund

WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working for 60 years in nearly 100 countries to help people and nature thrive. With the support of 1 million members in the United States and more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment, and combat the climate crisis. Visit worldwildlife.org to learn more; follow @WWFNews on X, formerly known as Twitter, to keep up with the latest conservation news; and sign up for our newsletter and news alerts here.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey, to date.

I’ve been with GoDaddy for seven years, starting as a Software Developer. Just a few months ago, after returning from maternity leave, I stepped into a new chapter as an Engineering Manager for the Backups team.

Stepping into leadership right after becoming a mother has been both the biggest challenge and the most rewarding milestone of my career. There are still relatively few women in engineering management positions, and I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can help change that. If my story inspires even one person to believe that it’s possible to advance professionally while also maintaining a healthy family life, that would be the most rewarding outcome.

Looking back, I realize I’ve always gravitated towards leadership — whether mentoring junior Developers, onboarding new teammates, or driving projects and initiatives across the company. For years, I’ve taken on opportunities to guide others and shape outcomes, which made stepping into the Engineering Manager role feel like a natural progression. I’m excited about the impact I can continue to make for both my team and our customers.

What’s the most challenging yet rewarding thing that you’ve worked on at GoDaddy?

One of the most challenging yet fulfilling experiences has been stepping up to lead projects and put myself out there. It wasn’t always easy, but pushing beyond my comfort zone gave me the confidence to take on bigger responsibilities. That experience is ultimately what made me say yes to the Engineering Manager role. For me, the hardest moments often turn out to be the ones that shape my career the most.

How do you go about mentoring junior developers?

Mentorship has always been close to my heart. I believe everyone — no matter their level — should have the opportunity to take ownership of something meaningful. For me, mentoring isn’t just about answering questions, but about creating space where people feel empowered to try, learn, and grow.

I love onboarding juniors, guiding them through challenges, and making sure task delegation gives equal opportunities to everyone. At the end of the day, I want each team member to feel both challenged and rewarded by the impact they create for our customers.

What’s one thing you wish you knew when you started your career in software development?

I wish I had understood earlier how important soft skills are. Technical skills matter, but the ability to organize, communicate, and collaborate is what really drives teams forward.

If you had to describe GoDaddy’s culture in one word, what would it be and why?

Collaborative. Across my time here, I’ve seen teams support each other, share knowledge, and come together to solve tough challenges. That sense of collaboration is what makes it such a great place to grow.

What’s your motto or personal mantra?

My mantra as a leader is: everyone should have the chance to contribute and feel rewarded for their work. That philosophy guides how I lead my team, and it’s something I carry with me in every project.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy practicing Ashtanga yoga, which helps me stay grounded and focused. I’ve also traveled widely with my husband, and now I’m looking forward to exploring new places with our daughter.

As both a mother and an Engineering Manager, I know my path isn’t the traditional one — but I believe nontraditional paths are exactly what strengthen leadership.

The more diverse voices we bring into these roles, the stronger our teams and our culture will become.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

In hotels and resorts, the lines between security and safety blur more every year. Guests expect a seamless, worry-free experience, and behind the scenes, hotel teams work tirelessly to make that a reality. In hospitality environments with lean staffing, limited dedicated EHS resources, and 24/7 security coverage, workplace safety responsibilities often default to security teams, whether or not they were hired or trained for the role.

Across these types of properties, security managers are routinely expected to oversee environmental, health, and safety (EHS) responsibilities on top of their core security duties.

While this approach may seem efficient on paper, it often creates practical challenges that impact compliance, incident prevention, and the effectiveness of safety programs across the property.

 

Challenges for Hotel Security Teams in Managing Safety

Regulatory and compliance gaps 

Hotels need to comply with health and safety regulatory requirements, which can vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. These include fire life safety requirements, hazardous chemical rules, pool and spa regulations, and many more. Missing even small requirements can lead to citations or incidents.

Inconsistent training across departments 

Housekeeping, food and beverage, front desk, engineering, and recreation teams all have unique safety risks, but training often varies widely or is not documented correctly, leading to a host of risks.

Underreporting and reactive incident management 

Without structured processes, injuries and near misses may not be captured or analyzed effectively. This limits a hotel’s ability to prevent these incidents from happening again.

Fatigue and burnout for security teams 

When safety becomes an add-on, workload increases, but staffing does not. Security teams managing health and safety still have their “day job”. With the significant work of hotel security as their primary accountability, health and safety adds an extra burden that can end up being underprioritized.

Brand and reputational exposure 

Guest experience is directly affected when safety systems fail. Slip-and-fall incidents, pool issues, fire life safety concerns, chemical mishandling, or inconsistent emergency responses that put guests at risk also put the business at risk.

Increased workers’ compensation costs 

Many hotel injuries are preventable with proper systems and training. Without those systems, incidents are more likely, and related costs can rise quickly.

The bottom line: Hotels aiming for operational excellence cannot afford to overlook these risks.

 

How Security Leaders Can Succeed When Safety Is Added to Their Role 

Even without formal EHS training, security managers can build strong, proactive safety programs. The key is structure, team alignment, and a focus on high-impact activities.

Below are some best practices that can help any security leader strengthen safety performance across a property.

 

1. Create a Clear Safety Roles & Responsibilities Matrix 

This simple step may be the most transformative.

A hotel safety RASCI (Responsible, Accountable, Supporting, Consulted, Informed) matrix clarifies who handles:

  • Fire life safety checks
  • Incident reporting and investigation
  • Hazard communication and chemical safety
  • Safety training and onboarding
  • Pool and spa safety
  • Contractor and vendor safety
  • Emergency preparedness and drills
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Risk assessments and inspections

A clear chain of command prevents confusion and ensures safety isn’t handled “by whoever notices something first.”

 

2. Build an Annual Safety Plan, Not a Collection of Tasks 

Hotels thrive on routine and structured calendars. Safety should be no different.

An annual plan should include:

  • Monthly safety trainings
  • Routine fire or evacuation drills
  • A documented inspection schedule
  • Annual risk assessments
  • A corrective action log
  • Program and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) reviews
  • Hazard identification initiatives
  • Permitting renewal schedules

This shifts safety from reactive to predictable and managed.

 

3. Build Strong Partnerships with Engineering and HR 

Safety sits at the intersection of facilities, culture, and people. 
Security shouldn’t have to manage it alone; working cross-functionally with engineering and HR provides those responsible for safety with crucial insights:

  • Engineering can share knowledge of building systems, utilities, fire safety, and hazard controls.
  • HR brings their expertise in training, recordkeeping, ergonomics, and employee relations to the table.

Establishing monthly cross-functional meetings helps everyone stay on the same page and work together.

 

4. Focus on the Top 5 Hotel EHS Risks First 

Not all risks are equal. Start with the most common and costly categories:

  1. Slips, trips, and falls: The No. 1 injury category in hospitality, especially in housekeeping, food and beverage, and guest areas.
  2. Fire life safety and evacuation compliance: Out-of-date safety systems, missing documentation, or incomplete drills can seriously increase risk during a fire or evacuation.
  3. Manual handling and ergonomic strain: Housekeeping and engineering teams have some of the highest musculoskeletal injury rates.
  4. Chemical management: Cleaning products, pool chemicals, and laundry operations require strict controls.
  5. Workplace violence and guest interaction risks: An increasing challenge, especially for security, front desk, and housekeeping.

Addressing these five areas can dramatically reduce incidents and claims.

 

5. Train and Empower Supervisors 

Safety improves dramatically when department supervisors understand:

  • Their responsibilities
  • How to identify hazards
  • How to coach their teams
  • How to report incidents
  • How to reinforce safety expectations

It’s essential that supervisors have a clear view of how they play a key role in hotel safety and the tools they can leverage to create a safer environment for staff and guests.

 

6. Leverage Third-Party EHS Support When Needed 

Because hotel operations move quickly, many properties can benefit from periodically hiring outside support to:

This gives security managers the expertise they need without carrying the burden alone.

 

Creating a Culture Where Safety Isn’t Just “Added On” 

Safety is not just a checklist, a binder, or a single training session. It’s a shared responsibility that requires all departments to be involved.

When security leaders are placed in charge of safety without preparation, gaps inevitably form. But with the right structure and support, security teams can become highly effective EHS champions who strengthen operations, enhance guest trust, and protect the hotel’s reputation.

Hotels that invest in a proactive, well-supported safety program can see:

  • Lower incident rates
  • Reduced workers’ compensation costs
  • Stronger guest satisfaction
  • Better staff retention
  • Improved operational consistency
  • Greater brand trust and compliance

All in all, safety doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional.

 

Strengthen Your Hotel’s Safety Program with Expert EHS Support 

If your hotel or resort wants to strengthen safety programs or support your security team in managing EHS responsibilities, Antea Group’s EHS experts can help with assessments, training, program development, and ongoing support. Reach out today!

We’re excited to announce a major evolution in embedded security testing: Crypto 3, the latest framework powering Inspector Software’s advanced security analysis capabilities. Now available in Inspector Software 2025.8, this release transforms how organizations approach side channel analysis and fault injection testing, delivering greater flexibility and automation for security professionals of all expertise levels.

From Unified to Modular: The Crypto 3 Advantage

Building on two decades of embedded security testing excellence, Inspector Software has served the industry with over 100 specialized modules for side channel analysis (SCA) and fault injection (FI) attacks. While our proven Crypto 2 framework provides a unified implementation, customizing it for specific needs requires significant time investment and specialized expertise.

The new Crypto 3 framework revolutionizes your workflow with faster setup, smarter automation, and greater control.

Key Benefits:

  • Accelerated Development: Perform the same security analysis with far less code, focusing only on the attack components you need.
  • Faster Time-to-Security: Streamlined workflows enable quicker testing, faster vulnerability detection, and shorter time-to-market for secure products.
  • Enhanced Flexibility: Modular architecture lets you use only the necessary blocks, easily integrate custom cipher implementations, and accommodate teams with varying expertise levels.
  • Future-Ready Security: Post-Quantum Cryptography support and an extensible platform design enable rapid adaptation to emerging cryptographic standards and attack vectors.
  • Backward Compatibility: Crypto 2 remains available for legacy workflows, ensuring continuity while Crypto 3 leads the way forward.

Crypto 3 in Action

Designed by our device security engineering team, Crypto 3 introduces a modular and streamlined approach to cryptographic operations, making it easier to implement, extend, and adapt analysis techniques across a wide range of use cases. Rather than requiring a full understanding of the entire system, Crypto 3 divides functionality into focused, independent blocks. This allows developers and users to implement only the components or intermediate values needed for a specific attack, saving time and minimizing the need for in-depth knowledge of the cipher or Inspector’s internal architecture.

For example, if an attack requires just one intermediate value from a cipher, Crypto 3 lets you generate it directly, without navigating complex dependencies. At the same time, Crypto 3 remains fully backward compatible: users can continue working with the complete cipher implementations already available in Inspector or integrate their own, while benefiting from the flexibility and efficiency of the new framework.

Ready for Rapid Post-Quantum Innovation

The rise of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) brings new challenges to security testing, as the landscape continues to evolve and cipher implementations rapidly change. Investing significant time in implementing a single cipher can be inefficient when rapid experimentation is essential.

Crypto 3 addresses this by enabling faster prototyping and testing of new attacks and cipher designs. Its modular structure lets users define only the components required for a specific use case, simplifying exploration and iteration without the burden of deep integration.

Many modern ciphers, particularly those in the PQC domain, also feature key spaces that are too large for traditional exhaustive techniques. Crypto 3 handles these scenarios efficiently by allowing users to focus on the most promising key candidates, streamlining analysis and saving valuable time.

With Crypto 3, you can:

  • Experiment faster with new PQC ciphers and attack strategies.
  • Customize efficiently by implementing only what’s needed for your use case.
  • Analyze smarter by targeting the key candidates that matter most.

Inspector Software

Inspector Software continues to be the complete solution for embedded security validation, supporting acquisition, analysis, and fault injection across embedded systems, chips, and smartcards.

Side Channel Analysis (SC4): Analyze power consumption, electromagnetic emissions, and other leakages to uncover vulnerabilities using advanced signal processing and cryptanalysis tools.

Fault Injection Testing (FJ2): Simulate real-world fault attacks—including clock glitching, voltage manipulation, and laser-based techniques—to test device resilience and extract hidden weaknesses.

Inspector supports your security operations across the full product lifecycle—from validating cryptographic robustness during design phase and FPGA prototyping, to testing prototypes, and securing deployed systems. With Crypto 3, we’ve expanded functionality to integrate more intuitively with our Python API, giving development teams greater flexibility to automate workflows, prototype attacks, and interact with Inspector Software in a more streamlined, scriptable way.

Innovation starts now

Both Crypto 2 and Crypto 3 frameworks remain available, ensuring zero disruption to existing workflows while providing a clear migration path to enhanced capabilities. This initial release of Crypto 3 marks the start of a new framework evolution, with additional modules and features to be introduced in upcoming releases.

Our commitment to backward compatibility means you can begin exploring Crypto 3’s advanced capabilities today while we continue expanding its functionality across the complete Inspector testing suite.

Start testing smarter today. Learn more about Inspector Software Side Channel Analysis and Inspector Software Fault Injection, or contact our team to see Crypto 3 in action.

DETROIT, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alpine Power Systems, a leading provider of motive power, critical power, and telecom solutions, today announced the acquisition of Chicago Industrial Battery, Inc., founded in 2010 by industry veteran Mark Calderini. This marks Alpine Power Systems’ 29th acquisition.

Chicago Industrial Battery has built a strong reputation serving customers throughout the Chicagoland area, as well as across Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, and Iowa. Alpine’s acquisition further supports the continued growth of the company’s PowerMAX line of used and rental motive power batteries and chargers.

Mark Calderini brings more than 31 years of experience in the motive power industry and will remain actively involved in the business to ensure continuity for customers.

Mark Calderini, Founder of Chicago Industrial Battery, says, “Chicago Industrial Battery has always been built around responsiveness and doing right by our customers. Joining Alpine Power Systems gives our customers access to greater resources including inventory, technology, and support; while maintaining the personal relationships we’ve built over the years.”

The acquisition aligns with Alpine’s strategic focus on expanding their PowerMAX used and rental battery and charger offerings throughout the country.

Adam Cecil, Alpine’s Divisional President of Motive Power says, “This acquisition directly supports our continued investment in PowerMAX and our growing fleet of used and rental motive power batteries and chargers. Chicago Industrial Battery has a strong presence throughout the Chicago area and a very loyal customer base. Combining their market knowledge with Alpine’s infrastructure allows us to deliver faster response times, expanded inventory, and greater long-term value to customers.”

With this acquisition, Alpine Power Systems continues its disciplined growth strategy, expanding its geographic reach while enhancing product availability and service capabilities for their customers.

About Alpine Power Systems

Alpine Power Systems, established in 1963, is an independent B2B global solution provider specializing in critical power, telecom, cable, and motive power solutions. Alpine has expanded its operations to become one of the largest independent organizations in the industry. Alpine is a dynamic and growing family business supplying numerous Fortune 1000 companies. Alpine Power Systems is ISO 9001 Quality, ISO 14001 Environmental, and ISO 45001 Health & Safety Certified, and is also compliant with NIST Cybersecurity Standards and ITAR Regulations.

Related Links

Homepage: https://alpinepowersystems.com

About Us: https://alpinepowersystems.com/about-us 

Chicago Location: https://alpinepowersystems.com/about-us/locations/illinois/chicago-illinois

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alpine-power-systems-acquires-chicago-industrial-battery-inc-302643508.html

SOURCE Alpine Power Systems

TOLEDO, Ohio — The University of Toledo Department of Athletics has announced a landmark partnership with KeyBank, which will become the official bank and title sponsor of Rocket Women’s Athletics.

This groundbreaking, multi-year partnership marks the largest corporate investment in women’s sports in University of Toledo history and establishes the first full-department women’s athletics title sponsorship in the Mid-American Conference and one of the first in the nation to include on-court logo placement. The unique partnership cements Toledo’s position as a leader in championing women’s sports and reinforces its commitment to providing transformative opportunities for female student-athletes.

“We are thrilled to welcome KeyBank as the official banking partner and title sponsor of Toledo Women’s Athletics,” said Bryan B. Blair, Vice President and Director of Athletics at the University of Toledo. “Investing in women’s athletics is a smart business decision, offering unmatched visibility, audience growth, and brand alignment in one of the fastest-rising sectors in sports. With KeyBank’s support, we will continue to elevate our women’s programs and provide our student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed on and off the field. We’re proud to align with a partner that shares our vision for excellence.”

As part of the agreement, KeyBank will receive prominent logo placement on the playing surface inside Savage Arena, as well as branding across women’s athletic events, digital platforms, and community engagement initiatives. The partnership also includes support for student-athlete development programs and fan experience enhancements.

“KeyBank is proud to deepen our commitment to collegiate athletics through this new five-year sponsorship with the University of Toledo,” said Dan Dower, KeyBank Northwest Ohio Market President. “As the official bank and sponsor of Women’s Athletics at Toledo, we’re excited to support these incredible programs and help elevate the experience for student-athletes and fans alike. This partnership reflects our dedication to empowering women and investing in the communities that we serve. We look forward to celebrating the spirit of Rocket Nation.”

This partnership builds on the University of Toledo’s proud tradition of women’s athletics, including Women’s Basketball making nine appearances in the NCAA Tournament and leading the Mid-American Conference in women’s basketball attendance for an unprecedented 34 consecutive seasons. Season tickets were added to the Women’s Volleyball program for the first time in 2025, with the Rockets setting new Savage Arena attendance records. Women’s Cross Country continued its dominance in the Mid-American Conference with its fifth straight league championship in 2025 to become the all-time winningest program in conference history with 11 total titles.

The partnership with KeyBank coincides with Toledo’s addition of Women’s Rowing as a varsity sport, creating nearly 60 new Division I opportunities for female student-athletes. These achievements reflect the sustained excellence and investment that KeyBank’s partnership will amplify.

Toledo Athletics’ continued investment in women’s sports mirrors national trends, with NCAA women’s basketball and women’s volleyball experiencing record-breaking TV ratings, along with increased NIL opportunities for student-athletes and growing fan interest for all women’s sports. The University of Toledo is proud to be at the forefront of these transformative changes that will benefit student-athletes and continue creating new and exciting opportunities.

What Toledo coaches are saying about the KeyBank partnership

“We’re proud to partner with KeyBank, whose support helps us elevate while continuing to offer an elite student-athlete experience. This is a game changer! Together, we’re building something special for our student-athletes and our community.”

  • Ginny Boggess, Head Women’s Basketball Coach

“I’m incredibly grateful to KeyBank for their vision and support of women’s athletics at the University of Toledo. Toledo is a city that supports women’s sports, and KeyBank’s partnership embodies that passion and pride. Their support will make a powerful impact — helping elevate the student-athlete experience while strengthening the connection between our city and high-level women’s athletics. This is a bold, forward-thinking investment in both the present and future of women’s sports at Toledo. Toledo Volleyball is deeply thankful for Key Bank’s belief in our program and in the continued growth of women’s athletics.”

  • Brian Wright, Head Women’s Volleyball Coach

“KeyBank’s commitment to women’s athletics at Toledo means so much to our program and athletic department. Their partnership helps create more opportunities for our student-athletes to continue chasing excellence, both on and off the field. As a coach, it’s inspiring and encouraging to see an organization like this have so much passion about empowering and celebrating the incredible women who represent Rocket Nation.”

  • Jessica Bracamonte, Head Softball Coach

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

When words aren’t enough, actions speak louder. That’s the heart of “Beyond Words,” a new children’s book from Aflac that teaches empathy and the power of showing up for others. Written by bestselling author Sheri Fink, the story follows Buddy the bear cub on a heartfelt mission to comfort his hospitalized friend, Bunny. Through Buddy’s imaginative, intergalactic adventures, young readers learn that sometimes it’s not what you say — but what you do — that matters most.

Released in November, Beyond Words is more than a bedtime story. It’s a gift that gives back: 100% of net proceeds benefit childhood cancer and blood disorders research and treatment through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation, Inc. The book was inspired by the overwhelming success of My Special Aflac Duck®, a social robotic companion that continues to bring comfort to more than 41,000 children with cancer and sickle cell disease across the U.S., Japan, and Northern Ireland since 2018.

To celebrate the release of “Beyond Words,” Aflac hosted a special launch event, bringing the book’s message to life for pediatric patients and families. Research astronaut and mom Kellie Gerardi joined author Sheri Fink for an afternoon of cosmic fun at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Gerardi, who provided the book foreword and is the voice behind the audio version of “Beyond Words,” led space-themed crafts and activities while Fink read Buddy’s adventures aloud to an audience of young patients. Both signed copies of the book, creating unforgettable moments for patients and their families.

Joining Fink and Gerardi was Mary Webb, a childhood cancer survivor and patient at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, who contributed her own artwork to the book’s “Why This Book Matters” page, adding an extra layer of inspiration. Her story reminds readers that hope and creativity can thrive, even in the toughest times.

The events weren’t just about fun — they were opportunities for connection. “At Aflac, we believe in going beyond words to make a meaningful difference,” said Buffy Swinehart, senior manager, Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility. “Childhood cancer and blood disorders remain some of the most challenging diagnoses for families, and this book is a way to teach empathy to children while supporting critical research that can change lives.”

Through initiatives like “Beyond Words” and My Special Aflac Duck, Aflac continues its decades-long commitment to helping children and families navigate these difficult journeys with comfort, care and hope.

If you’re looking for a holiday gift that warms hearts and makes an impact, “Beyond Words” is a perfect addition to your list. It is an exciting book that your child will love as he or she learns how to love others as well. And, every purchase helps fund life-saving research and treatment. Visit Aflac.com/BeyondWords to order your copy, share a note of encouragement with children facing illness and join Aflac in going beyond words for children in need.

Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2501148

EXP 12/26
 

In his recent Fast Company Executive Board article, “The real holiday story is what’s happening behind the shelves,” Glen Clark, CEO of DP World in the U.S. & Mexico, explains why this year’s record-breaking retail surge is revealing deep structural vulnerabilities across the supply chain — and what leaders must do next to stay competitive.

U.S. holiday sales are expected to surpass $1 trillion for the first time, marking a psychological milestone for consumer confidence. But behind the headlines lies a more pressing reality: a historic peak season is colliding with a logistics system under strain.

From labor volatility to climate-driven disruptions, 2025’s retail boom is exposing just how fragile the “invisible engine” of the global economy has become — and why adaptability, not scale, is now the defining competitive advantage.

A Record Retail Season Meets a High-Volatility Supply Chain

This year’s holiday surge arrives at a moment when freight costs continue rising and labor constraints persist across transportation and warehousing. Even with modest job recovery, the sector still faces significant churn, particularly in specialized, technical roles — creating structural pressure during peak season.

Layer in escalating climate impacts — flooded rail lines, heat-induced slowdowns, and unexpected port closures — and the system’s margin for error shrinks dramatically. The result: capacity alone is no longer the differentiator. Flexibility is.

Why Visibility Is Now the Real Peak-Season Power Play

Consumer patience has collapsed to near real-time expectations. Record $14.2 billion Cyber Monday spending reinforces how deeply e-commerce behavior has reshaped what “fast” now means.

Retailers and logistics providers are stitching together datasets that previously lived in silos to achieve the visibility needed to pre-empt disruption: supplier performance, carrier status, inventory positioning, demand curves, and more.

Tools like predictive analytics, digital twins, and AI forecasting — once “emerging tech” — are now the backbone of peak-season execution. As Clark notes in his Fast Company Executive Board commentary, this shift isn’t just operational. It’s brand protection. Reliability during the holidays directly translates into revenue and long-term loyalty.

The Paradox of ‘More’: Bigger Demand, Thinner Margins

A trillion-dollar holiday season reveals a growing truth: more volume does not mean more profitability. Rising costs for labor, fuel, packaging, and insurance continue to outpace price growth.

Leading retailers are shifting from a “volume-first” mindset to a dual-lens strategy:

  • Efficiency + resilience
  • AI + skilled workforce
  • Speed + low-carbon operations

Companies investing in energy-efficient warehousing, optimized routing, and circular packaging aren’t just reducing emissions — they’re controlling costs in a volatile environment.

Peak Season as a Live Simulation for 2026 and Beyond

The holiday rush is no longer just a revenue moment — it’s a stress test for the entire logistics apparatus.

Forward-thinking companies are using this period to evaluate:

  • Scenario modeling, not static assumptions
  • Diversified, closer-to-market fulfillment footprints
  • Integrated human–technology operating models

Those lessons will define competitiveness long after December.

Where DP World Fits Into the Future of Retail Resilience

Across the Americas and globally, DP World is helping retailers and manufacturers navigate exactly these pressures — from multimodal agility and containerized vehicle transport — to AI-enabled visibility platforms and port electrification that boosts both speed and sustainability.

DP World’s end-to-end logistics network is built for the kind of adaptability peak season now demands: rerouting options, scalable warehousing, predictive analytics, and resilient port infrastructure designed to operate through climate volatility. Across every product category — from perishables to finished vehicles to high-value consumer goods — DP World is enabling smarter, faster, lower-carbon movement of cargo when it matters most.

Read More

To dive deeper into the forces redefining peak-season resilience — and what leaders must do next — read Glen Clark’s full article, “The real holiday story is what’s happening behind the shelves,”

ALICE, Texas, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dr. Raymund Garza, optometrist, announces the official launch and availability of Jubileye Health Dry Eye & Glare Defense, a premium, clean-label supplement designed to support eye comfort and visual clarity from the inside out. The product became publicly available on November 31, 2025, and is now accessible to consumers seeking daily support for dry eye symptoms and glare sensitivity.

Millions of people cycle between artificial tears and occasional prescription drops, still searching for a proactive, daily approach to eye comfort—especially with driving glare and increased screen time related to work and gaming. Jubileye Health Dry Eye and Glare Defense answers this need with a 2-in-1 formula that combines hydration support and glare defense in a single capsule.

What Makes Jubileye Different?

  • Supports All Three Tear-Film Layers with hydration actives, electrolytes, and visual antioxidants.
  • Clean Label & Omega-3-Free for those seeking alternatives to fish oil-based supplements.
  • Clinically Studied Ingredients including osmolytes (betaine), hyaluronic acid, electrolyte minerals, and bioavailability enhancers like phytosomal curcumin.
  • Visual Antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, and bilberry for glare protection and retinal support.
  • Manufactured in the USA from globally sourced materials in a cGMP-certified facility for quality and safety.

“Our proprietary approach focuses on cellular hydration, osmotic balance, and bioavailability,” said Dr. Raymund Garza, the optometrist behind Jubileye’s formulation. “Patients wanted a daily, inside-out solution for eye comfort and visual ease. Jubileye delivers meaningful doses of hydration and antioxidant support in a clean, omega-3-free capsule.”

Jubileye Health Dry Eye and Glare Defense is patient-inspired and doctor-developed, offering a proactive way to support eye health without replacing prescribed care. Always follow your doctor’s guidance.

Availability: Jubileye Health Dry Eye & Glare Defense is now available for purchase at www.jubileye.com.

For more information, images, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Garza, please call (361) 668-3937 or email: 406459@email4pr.com.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jubileye-health-dry-eye–glare-defense-officially-launches-a-doctor-developed-supplement-for-modern-eye-health-302642962.html

SOURCE Jubileye Health

CHICAGO, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The City of Bethlehem held its first Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony since 2022, symbolizing renewed hope, unity, steadfastness and resilience. The ceremony, titled “Peace to the World Shining in Bethlehem,” took place in Manger Square on December 6, 2025.

 

Dr. Farouk Shami, Founder and Chairman of Farouk Systems, Inc., the U.S. based global innovator behind the internationally renowned CHI® and BioSilk® haircare brands, was personally invited as the Distinguished Guest of Honor to light the Christmas tree by the Mayor of Bethlehem, Maher Nicola Canawati. Canawati praised Shami as a distinguished national figure whose international success continues to bring pride to the Palestinian people.

Thousands filled Manger Square as the city welcomed the blessed Christmas season with music, prayer, and celebration. This year’s lighting held deep emotional resonance, serving as a moment of healing and unity. Lights illuminated Bethlehem’s night sky as a symbol of renewed hope – an emotional reminder of the city’s message to the world as the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Shami shared how honored he felt to take part in the celebration, describing Bethlehem as the City of Love and Peace to the World and expressing the profound spiritual meaning of returning to his homeland at a time when unity and hope are so deeply needed.

“I am truly grateful for this invitation and deeply honored to stand in my blessed city of Bethlehem and my beloved Palestine. Being here side by side with you and our people fills me with immense joy as we light a message of peace and hope for the world. God bless you, Bethlehem, Palestine, and the world,” Dr. Shami shares. 

The event also comes as Farouk Systems, Inc. prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026 – four decades of innovation, sustainability, and global leadership in professional haircare. Dr. Shami’s participation in Bethlehem’s ceremony further reflects his lifelong mission of bridging cultures through philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and peace-driven initiatives, inspiring a message of global solidarity in a time when it is needed most.

About Farouk Systems, Inc.:

Farouk Systems, Inc. is a Houston-based company of hairdressers for hairdressers. They manufacture high-quality professional hair care products, including industry-leading brands CHI® and BioSilk®. Farouk Systems was founded in 1986 by Dr. Farouk Shami, a hairdresser whose mission is to provide the professional beauty industry with the most advanced American technology based upon “Education, Environment, and Innovation”. Farouk Systems distributes its products throughout the United States and to over 150 countries worldwide. Please visit www.farouk.com for more information.

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SOURCE Farouk Systems, Inc.

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