Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Originally published on November 10, 2025 on Sysco.com

TRENTON, N.J., November 19, 2025 /3BL/ – The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Sysco Corporation that will create opportunities for a significant expansion of the state’s successful program that uses seafood shells recycled from restaurants for creation of oyster reefs. The reefs can improve the ecological health of coastal waters, reduce waste to landfills, enhance climate resilience and benefit local restaurants.

Through this partnership, Sysco, the world’s largest food distributor, will collect discarded oyster and clam shells from restaurants it serves across the region and provide them to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Shell Recycling Program for oyster reef enhancement projects that could potentially expand to multiple sites along the state’s coastline.

“Sysco is excited to partner with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to scale a project we have been interested in for several years,” said John Yates, president of Buckhead Meat & Seafood’s Mid-Atlantic Region. “Preserving and restoring oyster reefs is not only important for the shellfish themselves but also to the broader marine ecosystem and our communities that rely on this for critical proteins.”

“I applaud Sysco’s deep commitment in helping us foster a more sustainable and resilient coastal environment,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “This partnership will not only help to bolster local oyster reefs but also inspires the public to value and protect coastal ecosystems. Oysters filter water, improve water quality, and sequester carbon dioxide through the formation of their shells, helping provide a nature-based solution that addresses both climate adaptation and environmental enhancement.”

Sysco’s collection efforts significantly broaden the NJDEP’s Shell Recycling program, making participation accessible to many restaurants and businesses across the state that are currently beyond the program’s reach.

The additional shell will directly result in more planted reefs, which means more available habitat for oyster larvae to settle and grow — leading to greater recruitment, population recovery, and ecosystem benefits. More shell will also allow NJDEP to expand reef enhancement work to other areas, with hopes of creating reef habitat connectivity across the state’s coastal waters.

The Seeds of Partnership

“Oysters are a keystone species in our local estuaries and are essential to our mission to maintain healthy and productive marine ecosystems,” said NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden. “These reefs offer critical habitat for a wide range of recreational and commercially important marine species. By recycling shells, we reduce waste and support the recovery of ecosystems that benefit both marine life and coastal communities.”

Shell resources, however, are quite limited, presenting a challenge to effectively implementing reef enhancement projects. To address this, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife launched a shell recycling program in 2019 that was centered in Atlantic City, where discarded clam and oyster shells from restaurants were collected and reused to enhance local oyster reefs.

The program began with a single restaurant partner and was initially focused solely on the Atlantic City region. The program grew quickly to involve nearly every major casino and seafood restaurant in Atlantic City within just a few years.

 It now serves 32 restaurant partners across Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean counties, significantly increasing shell collection efforts and resulting in more available shell for oyster reef enhancement. Since 2021, more than 45,000 bushels (more than 1,100 tons) of recycled shell along with shell purchased from local processors have been planted onto the reef system. 

Program Recognition and Expansion

The success of the program has drawn interest locally as well as nationally. Sysco Corporation learned of this initiative and inquired about partnership opportunities, as the program aligns with the company’s overall mission and sustainability goals.

The NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Shell Recycling Program has received multiple accolades for its work. At its Fall 2024 meeting, the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) awarded an Honorable Mention to the program in the Land, Air, & Cross-Media Category of ECOS’ Innovation Awards for a video showcasing the shell recycling process. Earlier this year, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife’s Shell Recycling Program team members were honored at the 2025 State Employee Recognition Day award ceremony as part of Public Service Recognition Week.

The program has also earned highly competitive grants. In 2024, the program gained funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coastal Zone Management Program, enabling expansion beyond Atlantic City and development of a robust environmental education program called Project S.H.E.L.L. (Strengthening Habitats through Environmental Learning and Leadership), which provides experiential marine science learning opportunities to students in Atlantic City and surrounding areas.  

Resources

To learn more about the Shell Recycling Program, NJDEP’s partnership with Sysco Corporation and other shell recycling program partners, visit https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/marine/shell-recycling-program/.

Sysco’s shell recycling: Shell Recycling Program Survey

Sysco: Buckhead New Jersey – Buckhead | Newport Meat & Seafood 

Follow NJDEP Fish & Wildlife on Facebook at facebook.com/NewJerseyFishandWildlife/ and on Instagram at instagram.com/NewJerseyFishandWildlife/.

Contacts:

Lawrence Hajna (DEP)
713-703-4898

Caryn Shinske (DEP)
713-703-4898

Ramit Masti (Sysco)
713-703-4898

View original content here.

Across Latin America, Cisco Networking Academy is forging partnerships that are unlocking opportunities and preparing the generation for a digital future.  

In recognition of these efforts, 15 countries and countless communities were recently united through our one-of-a-kind hybrid Latin American Partner Conference. This milestone event, fueled by the spirit of innovation and collaboration, connected over 150 partners, both online via Webex and in our Cisco offices in Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, and Peru.  

A Modern Connection Model 

Seamlessly blending in-person energy with digital reach, this conference gave participants front-row seats to the digitized workforce of the future, Cisco Networking Academy programming and its offerings, and the advancement of technology throughout Latin America.  

These connections celebrated Cisco Networking Academy’s on-the-ground impact across the region. For example, in Costa Rica, the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT), Universidad Latina, and Cisco Networking Academy teamed up to launch the country’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) education, a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s National Artificial Intelligence strategy. In the first month, 4,000 students enrolled, with the goal of more fully bringing Costa Rica into the digital economy. 

Shaping the Future of Work 

At the center of our conversations was the ever-evolving workforce landscape. In Costa Rica, industry leaders and instructors came together in person to discuss what is really needed for Cisco Networking Academy students to thrive in real-life tech careers at major companies.  

One of the most notable highlights was the genuine, face-to-face collaboration between academia and industry. Leaders from major organizations such as GBM, Datasys, Quicknet, and Fusionet shared insights on the most in-demand skills and how instructors can empower students to connect their learning to professional success. 

One example shared came from Moquegua, Peru. There, the Talento Digital Moquegua initiative – a partnership between Anglo American and Cisco Networking Academy – has trained over 1,300 individuals in networking and cybersecurity skills, directly aligning learning with industry demands.  

Further, in Mexico, more than 7,800 young professionals have launched successful careers in technology and cybersecurity thanks to a partnership between Cisco, the International Youth Foundation (IYF), Bécalos, and others, showing that when industry players come together opportunities for students multiply.  

Vision, Innovation, and AI 

The conference was teeming with updates and forward-looking ideas from Cisco leadership and Cisco Networking Academy experts. Both explored Cisco’s vision and strategy for the region and how those advances are shaping tomorrow’s opportunities. Experts shared guidance on both skills and mindsets needed to thrive in an AI-driven world, furthering reinforcing Cisco’s commitment to providing students with the skills they need to solve tomorrow’s problems today.  

Across Latin America, this vision is becoming reality. In Brazil, Cisco’s CyberEducation Program — part of the Country Digital Acceleration initiative — has trained almost a quarter million Brazilians through cybersecurity marathons and hands-on mentorship, closing skills gaps and driving employability. In Bogotá, Colombia, the SED-CISCO Academies are setting a new standard for education for all, preparing 15,000 students — including many living with disabilities — for impactful digital careers and leadership roles. 

The spirit of community strongly powers Cisco Networking Academy across the region. From Mexico to Chile, Cisco Networking Academy alumni are using their new skills, certifications, and experience to land jobs, internships, and academic opportunities, turning learning into lasting impact. 

Future Focused: Stronger Together 

Our hybrid conference was more than an event; it was a bridge between past achievements and future ambitions, connecting industry and academia, technology and opportunity, vision and action. Together, we’re shaping a future where every learner across Latin America will thrive in the digital world.   

Whether it’s launching AI programs in Costa Rica, boosting cybersecurity in Brazil, modernizing education in Peru, or fostering an inclusive future in Colombia, Cisco Networking Academy is proud to be at the heart of Latin America’s digital transformation.  

Join Cisco Networking Academy Community today. Empower your students, connect with industry leaders, and help shape the future of tech education across Latin America. 

View original content here.

ONE YKK Vision Anchors New Medium-Term Plan in 2025 Integrated Report
Sustainability is not just a priority at YKK—it is the foundation of its global business strategy. In its latest integrated report, This is YKK 2025, the company outlines its FY2024 achievements and FY2025 initiatives under the banner of Contributing to a Sustainable Society as ONE YKK. These efforts advance the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050, a long-term commitment to climate neutrality and harmony with nature. This vision is structured around five key themes: climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management, and respect for people—all aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Sustainability is not a slogan—it’s a strategy,” said Koichi Matsushima, President, YKK Corporation. “With our Net-Zero commitment and the ONE YKK vision, we are taking bold steps to transform our business, empower our people, and lead the way toward a circular economy.”

Driving Toward Net-Zero Emissions — Climate change
YKK’s goal to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by FY2050 has been officially validated under the SBTi Net-Zero Standard. The company is targeting a 90% reduction in Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by FY2050 compared to FY2018 levels, covering both its operations and supply chain.¹ YKK’s climate leadership has been recognized with a second consecutive CDP “A List” rating and its third designation as a Supplier Engagement Leader. Key achievements include:

• Cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 57% from FY2018 levels, reducing total emissions to 234,679t
• Lowered Scope 3 emissions by 14.4%, reducing total emissions to 747,276t across the supply chain
• Boosted renewable energy usage to 61.2% of total power consumption
• Transitioned 45 global sites to 100% renewable energy, including full conversion in the China region
• Expanded solar energy capacity, adding 7 new facilities for a total of 34 operational sites
• Initiated equipment upgrades to phase out coal-fired boilers and reduce fossil fuel dependency

Innovating for Circularity and Resource Efficiency — Material resources
YKK is accelerating circularity through innovative product design and material reuse. Key achievements include:

• Increased use of sustainable materials to 48%, marking a 10-point year-on-year improvement
• Transitioned 20% of packaging materials to sustainable alternatives
• Raised waste recycling rate to 93.9%,² up 2 points from the previous year
• Prioritized sourcing from suppliers certified with “The Copper Mark”,³ and actively encouraged others to pursue certification
• Introduced NATULON Plus® with Recycled PET Open Parts to support garment-to-garment recycling
• Launched Revived Renewal Components, extending garment lifecycles through repairable components
• Conducted in-house recycling trials at the Kurobe Plant for copper and zinc alloys used in zippers
• Promoted environmental stewardship through tree-planting and clean-up initiatives

Strengthening Water Stewardship — Water resources
YKK continues to reduce water consumption and manage water quality across its operations. Key achievements include:

• Reduced total water intake by 7.5% compared to FY2018, reaching 10.638 million tons
• Monitored and addressed water intensity, which increased by 3.2%⁴ year-on-year
• Installed new production and recycling facilities at 15 sites to lower water consumption
• Managed wastewater quality in accordance with ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines
• Implemented water risk mitigation activities to safeguard local ecosystems and communities

Ensuring Chemical Safety and Supply Chain Compliance — Chemical management
YKK is committed to responsible chemical management throughout its supply chain. Key achievements include:

• Engaged 1,793 suppliers by sharing the updated YKK Restricted Substances List (RSL 2024) and conducting compliance surveys
• Updated the YKK RSL for 2025, reflecting evolving social expectations and customer requirements
• Monitored chemical safety compliance through testing with OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100⁵ (44 companies) and AFIRM RSL⁶ (39 companies)
• Deployed ZDHC MRSL⁷ compliance assessments using InCheck reports across 17 production sites
• Identified and replaced non-compliant materials in the YKK RSL (2024 version), driving innovation in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes
• Established a cross-functional task force to address YKK RSL non-compliance across departments
• Initiated regular inspections at chemical management sites to prevent soil contamination and ensure environmental safety

Championing Human Rights and Fair Labor Practices — Respect people
YKK continues to uphold ethical labor standards and human rights across its global operations. Key achievements include:

• Implemented weekly monitoring systems to manage working hours at all manufacturing sites, ensuring fair labor conditions
• Strengthened human rights due diligence by conducting self-assessments at 51 locations and third-party audits at 24 locations, based on the YKK Global Criteria of Compliance (YGCC)

YKK remains committed to engaging stakeholders and driving sustainability across its global operations. Detailed progress and performance metrics are available in the 2025 Integrated Report, with additional ESG and financial data in the accompanying Data Book. YKK invites stakeholders, partners, and customers to explore the full report and collaborate in shaping a more sustainable and circular future.
 

¹ Emissions within the remaining 10% of the net-zero target must be reduced to zero through carbon sequestration and removal.

² According to the definition of “recycling” under Japanese law, it includes both material recycling and thermal recovery.

³ The Copper Mark certification is an international framework for responsible production and contributing to the UN SDGs in the copper industry

⁴ Due to the use of water resources for environmental measures at the Kurobe Makino Plant in FY2024.

⁵ OEKO-TEX® is a registered trademark of ÖTI-Institut für Ökologie, Technik und Innovation GmbH

⁶ Apparel and Footwear International Restricted Substances List

⁷ Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Manufacturing Restricted Substances List

Media Contact:
YKK Corporation 
Corporate Communications Group
k_ykk@ykk.com

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Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

In 1963, Mary Kay Ash founded her iconic company with one bold goal: to create entrepreneurial and leadership opportunities for women everywhere with her never-wavering mission “to enrich women’s lives.” For more than 30 years, Tara Eustace, now Chief Opportunity and Sales Officer at Mary Kay Inc., has carried that vision forward – empowering women across the globe to build their own businesses and shape their own success stories.

Tara champions millions of Independent Beauty Consultants worldwide who are on a journey of self-growth, defining success on their own terms. Just as Mary Kay inspired women of the Baby Boomer generation, the business opportunity resonates today with the Next Gen, who aspire to flexibility and financial independence while caring about social impact, giving back and protecting the planet.

As November celebrates entrepreneurship, encouraging people to start businesses, support local, and recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs worldwide, we met with Tara to discuss why the Mary Kay business opportunity resonates with women entrepreneurs across generations and geographies and presents such a unique fit for Gen Z.

Q: Happy Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, Tara! Why is women’s entrepreneurship especially meaningful to Mary Kay?

A: International Women’s Entrepreneurship Day celebrates the power of women turning passion into possibility – and inspiring the next generation to do the same. It’s a reminder that when women thrive as entrepreneurs, communities and economies thrive too. At Mary Kay, we celebrate women entrepreneurs today and every day, honoring the courage to dream big, work hard, and create opportunity for yourself and others.

Q: What are some of the ways that Mary Kay, as a company, has been able to stay ahead? 

A: I’ve had the privilege of helping expand Mary Kay into new markets around the world, creating opportunities for women to build a Mary Kay business that serves their own needs. What’s kept Mary Kay ahead all these years is our ability to evolve while staying true to what matters most – empowering women.

Whether she’s a student, a mom, or building a career, Mary Kay fits into her life on her terms. As the world moves faster and technology reshapes how we connect, we keep innovating while holding on to our timeless purpose: helping women discover their confidence, independence, and success.

Q: How do you remain relevant to your current beauty consultants while attracting this new generation?

A: We focus on giving women at every stage of their business journey the tools, education, and support they need to succeed. Our world-class education helps our Independent Beauty Consultants grow in the ways that work best for them. In addition to flexibility and financial independence, Consultants share that they truly value the entrepreneurial “life lessons” they learn – and self-confidence they gain – from their Mary Kay businesses.

During COVID, for example, many of our more experienced Consultants relied more on face-to-face interactions. Practically overnight, everything shifted to digital — and we were ready. We guided them through it, step by step, providing the training and encouragement they needed. Today, many of those same Consultants have developed thriving online businesses.

On the other hand, some of our younger Consultants from Generation Z who have grown up with the internet and are self-taught entrepreneurs start out immediately online. Through our education programs, we help them see the power of personal, face-to-face connections, too.

It’s all about balance — offering flexible, easy-to-use tools that fit everyone’s style. We stay connected to our sales force around the world through online sessions, training forums, events, and surveys, so we are always learning, listening, and improving together.

Q: How is this next generation of Beauty Consultants and customers different from the previous generations? 

A: The one thing that’s always been at the heart of our business – and feels more important than ever – is women supporting women. When you buy a Mary Kay product, you’re not just buying lipstick or skincare; you’re supporting a woman and her local small business.

In the 1960s, many women joined Mary Kay to earn a little extra income. They were also searching for a sense of community and belonging. This need has never been more relevant today. We are facing a loneliness epidemic around the world, and the need for connection is more important than ever. The sense of connection and community has always been part of who we are. And while flexibility was important then, it is even more essential now.

So yes, this new generation might look or sound a little different, but at their core, they share the same values and dreams as the women who came before them. Generation Z and the Mary Kay business opportunity are a perfect fit. The opportunity offers Gen Z a pathway to entrepreneurship, digital flexibility, and the purpose-driven work that fits their lifestyle and values. They want to create their own opportunities and define success on their own terms.

Q: Mary Kay is built on relationships and personal connections. With technology and social media continuing to grow, how do you balance that with online selling opportunities?

A: It all comes down to giving our beauty entrepreneurs the right tools to connect in whatever way works best for them – and for their customers. Some Consultants thrive with in-person relationships, while others build their businesses primarily online.

One of our sales force members said it best: “I meet people online, but I always have my car keys ready to go meet them in person.” That’s the essence of what we teach – a hybrid approach. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to conduct business.

Our role is to make sure every Consultant has the training, technology, and resources they need to sell and serve confidently, whether that’s face-to-face, online, or a blend of both.

Q: How do you view the competitive landscape, especially with so many direct-to-consumer brands and online selling platforms out there?

A: What truly sets us apart is our Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants. Their genuine knowledge, passion, and love for Mary Kay products empower them to be the ultimate personal beauty advisors—offering tailored recommendations, and one-on-one education you simply can’t find anywhere else. Through their individualized service and deep understanding of each customer’s unique needs, our consultants help women not only look their best but feel their best. It’s that authenticity and personal touch that keeps customers coming back to their Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. We have just ranked #2 on the Forbes Best Customer Service Companies 2026 List and this is a testament to our company’s and our beauty consultants’ Golden Rule Service.

Q: How do you successfully translate the Mary Kay brand, mission, and purpose across different regions and cultures?

A: It’s been an incredible journey. Today, Mary Kay is in more than 40 markets, each with its own language, culture, and economy. No matter where we go, our message to women is the same: A Mary Kay opportunity offers an earning opportunity that comes with flexibility, the ability to change the lives of your customers and that of your own!

And success will look different for everyone that runs a Mary Kay business, but what never changes is our commitment to walk alongside them every step of the way.

We often say, you’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself. That promise is timeless, and the trust behind our brand keeps resonating with women all over the world across generations.

Did You Know:

• 73% of direct sellers in the U.S. are women¹.
• In 2024, nearly 30% of new Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants were under the age of 35², and today, 38% of the brand’s social following is made up of Next Gen audiences.
• In 2025, Mary Kay was named the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World³ by Euromonitor International for the third consecutive year.

Learn more about the Mary Kay Business Opportunity here.

***

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

# # #
 

¹ U.S. Direct Selling Association

² Source: Mary Kay Inc., 2024 U.S. data.

³ “Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”

As Vice President of Engineering and Technology for the Commercial HVAC Americas business at Trane Technologies, Tom Gallant is helping transform how we cool, heat, power and protect our spaces. From reducing water use in his hometown of La Crosse, Wisconsin, to helping data centers worldwide operate more efficiently and sustainably, his work is both global and deeply personal.

Heating and cooling at speed and scale

With over 20 years of experience at Trane Technologies, Tom has watched both the company and the industry evolve at a pace that would have seemed impossible two decades ago. “It’s a super exciting time to be an engineer at Trane Technologies. What used to take decades now takes a year.”

WATCH: Why Tom Gallant Thinks Engineering is a Wild Career at Trane Technologies Today

Nowhere is this transformation more visible than on Trane Technologies’ home turf. “If you walk through our plants today, you’ll see a large amount of automation that allows us to process these units much quicker, and at a much higher quality, for our customers.”

A large part of this boost in speed and scale is due to a surge in demand for efficient, sustainable cooling solutions from data center clients, particularly those training artificial intelligence models. “Figuring out how we scale our products to meet their requirements is changing on a 12-month cycle, not a 10-year cycle. Having to keep up with that is extremely exciting.”

Challenging what’s possible with pace and purpose

But it’s not just the speed of innovation that drives Tom. “Living our purpose to challenge what’s possible for a more sustainable world is extremely exciting, not only as an engineer, but as an individual and a team member,” he shares.

Today, Tom’s team is helping to cool hyperscale data centers more efficiently through liquid-based direct-to-chip systems. Closer to home in La Crosse, they’re cutting the company’s water use through a new closed-loop system in the laboratory that significantly reduces the water pulled from local aquifers. At Trane Technologies’ advanced training center, the team has also implemented a thermal management system that’s fossil-fuel free. “We use thermal batteries and heat pumps to heat and cool the building year-round. The heat removed from the water when making ice is used for heating, and then we use the ice to cool the building. It’s an efficient way to source and store energy rather than waste it.”

The importance of showing up

But for Tom, the best thing about working for Trane Technologies isn’t just its world-class innovations. “What’s really special about this company is the people.” He gives an example from over a decade ago, when there was a fire in one of the labs for which Tom was responsible. “It was our largest HVAC laboratory. Over 100 employees worked there every day. And when I opened the door, I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face, the smoke was so thick.” His first instinct was to ask for help. “I came in the next day and told my leadership team, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do.’ And they said, ‘Don’t worry we’ll figure it out together.’”

Within hours, the disaster response recovery team showed up. To Tom’s surprise, so did his own team. Engineers and lab staff worked side-by-side with the recovery crew to clean, repair and restore. Within two weeks, the lab was up and running again. For Tom, this story encapsulates how he feels about the people who work for Trane Technologies.

Built by family. Engineered for impact.

Tom’s Trane Technologies family goes beyond the metaphorical. In fact, when he joined Trane Technologies two decades years ago, he wasn’t alone. His wife Erica, also an engineer, walked through those doors with him. “When we arrived, she was the only female engineer in the building. She’s the best engineer in our family… and one of the best engineers at Trane Technologies.”

Over the years, Tom and Erica have worked on several projects together, building a shared legacy of innovation and excellence. “She pushes me every day to be better. You never expect to be able to do this kind of work with your spouse. It’s rare. And it’s amazing.”

Waking up with purpose

Tom never imagined he’d be working on global sustainability challenges when he began his career in HVAC. But that’s what makes his story so powerful: It’s about showing up, doing good work with good people and realizing somewhere along the way that what you’re doing matters more than you ever thought it could.

“At Trane Technologies, you’re challenged with problems that you never expected. But the resources we have within the company to solve these problems are truly remarkable. And there are so many opportunities to bring in other people to help you solve very challenging, difficult problems that will have an impact not only on your community, but on the world. It really is a place where you can wake up and do purposeful work.”

Want to work purposefully with people like Tom?

Explore careers that make an impact at Trane Technologies.