Author: sHq_LoGiNz

In the October 24, 2025 episode of “The CMO Whisperer,” podcast host Steve Olenski reconnects with Alan Bethke, SVP of Marketing at Subaru of America, Inc., for a compelling “round two” interview which builds upon their previous talk about the “Love” advertising campaign—and welcomes Matt Bershadker, President and CEO of the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) for a powerful conversation about authenticity in marketing and meaningful corporate partnerships.

Their discussion touches on subjects ranging from how to connect with the right partners, how Subaru’s values shape our corporate DNA, the importance of customer service and tracking the digital customer journey, and of course how to help support pet adoptions for the animals most in need.

The wide-ranging interview is sure to make listeners think and smile, and even offers a glimpse into the future of Subaru marketing.

The CMO Whisperer Podcast, hosted by former Forbes writer Steve Olenski, is dedicated to those who keep it real in and out of the world of marketing.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., November 4, 2025 /3BL/ – The Environmental Education Initiative today announced the five 2025-2026 recipients of The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) Greening STEM Grant. The Environmental Education Initiative by Discovery Education with NEEF and other partners is a first-of-its-kind program designed to engage students in environmental science, empower them to make informed decisions for healthy environments, and promote civic engagement. Discovery Education is the maker of essential PreK-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world.

The Greening STEM Grants support programs that infuse environmental science and resources into school curriculum focused on student-directed investigations of relevant topics of research, local environmental issues, or issues impacting local public lands.

“Through these grants, we seek to challenge formal and nonformal educators to design and deliver STEM programming that engages youth in place-based learning,” said Robert Sendrey, program director for environmental education at NEEF. “We also hope to empower educators to build a culture that values using the environment as a context for improving student learning and achievement.”

Projects that actively involved students in citizen/community science or environmental monitoring during the 2025–2026 school year were especially highlighted, reflecting the value of experiential, place-based STEM education. The following projects have been selected to receive up to $7,000 each in STEM grant funding:

Growing Green
Fairfield County School District in Winnsboro, South Carolina

The “Growing Green” project is a student-led greenhouse initiative in Winnsboro, South Carolina, focused on hands-on environmental STEM learning for Grades 5-6. The project involves 80 students and aims to enhance 21st-century skills through immersive learning of earth and life sciences. Instructional strategies integrate Greening STEM methods, including project-based and community-based approaches. Project partners include Fairfield Career and Technology Center, Sandhill Research and Education Center, and various other stakeholders.

Exploring Earth & Beyond: Connecting Local Learning to the Cosmos
Fairfield County School District in Winnsboro, South Carolina

During this interdisciplinary project for Grades 5-6, approximately 100 students will explore concepts related to Earth’s place in the universe, light and shadows, and gravitational force through place-based investigations, moon phase journals, digital and 3D scale model building, and interactive science labs using real data. The project will culminate with a field trip to the South Carolina State Museum Planetarium in Columbia, South Carolina, where students will participate in a full-dome immersive planetarium show and interact with museum exhibits that reinforce classroom learning. Partners include the South Carolina State Museum Planetarium, local STEM professionals, and community members.

School Garden
R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy in Sumter, South Carolina

This project involves a school garden initiative that integrates STEM classes and an after-school gardening club. The anticipated impact includes teaching over 20 students gardening skills in small spaces. Instructional strategies involve student involvement, community support, and curriculum integration, including project-based learning and the use of a Garden STEM science curriculum. Local partners like the Clemson University Cooperative Extension and Sumter County Master Gardeners Association will support gardening projects and educational activities. Additionally, the project will task students with designing robots that could help improve classroom learning while enhancing productivity in the school garden.

Bengal Biodiesel
Blythewood High School, Richland School District Two in Blythewood, South Carolina

The Bengal Biodiesel program at Blythewood High School recycles cooking oil into biodiesel for school transport and produces hand soap from glycerin waste. Funding for this project will help expand the existing biodiesel program while partnering with organizations for student learning experiences and training students to become leaders in sustainability. Approximately 40 students will gain marketable skills and over 100 hours of hands-on experience through the program, which involves producing biodiesel for school buses. The program has partnered with organizations such as the Palmetto Clean Fuels Coalition, South Carolina Energy Office, and Green Energy Biofuel to provide internships, industry-standard procedures, and audits to enhance the student experience.

Free Home Green Team
Free Home Elementary School in Canton, Georgia

The “Free Home Green Team” project at Free Home Elementary School aims to implement a Greening STEM project involving school-wide recycling and STEM activities to reduce their carbon footprint, expand existing STEM programs, and engage 300 students in real-time environmental impact awareness. The project includes instructional strategies focusing on real-world conservation, data collection, and hands-on experiences with the school’s STEM Cart, which has developmentally appropriate STEM games and activity kits for each grade level. Project partners include Free Home Elementary’s Green School Coordinator—who is responsible for showing students which materials are acceptable to recycle at bins located around campus—and the local PTA, which will help achieve project goals of reducing plastic use, lowering energy costs, and increasing community engagement.

The funding recipients were selected from among the members of the Discovery Educator Network, or DEN. A global community of education professionals, the DEN connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration. This year, the DEN is celebrating 20 years of connecting educators to their most valuable resource: each other.

“Research shows that students thrive when classroom lessons are engaging and connected to the broader world. These real-world connections not only strengthen critical thinking but also boost academic achievement. We’re proud to celebrate each of the STEM Grant recipients for their innovative work in expanding the learning beyond the classroom,” said Catherine Dunlop, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. “Together with NEEF, we’re excited to support these transformative projects and watch them come to life.”

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

To access Environmental Education Initiative resources, visit environmentaleducationinitiative.discoveryeducation.com. Users of Discovery Education Experience can find these resources on the Environmental Education Initiative channel.

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About NEEF
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is the nation’s leading organization in lifelong environmental learning, creating opportunities for people to experience and learn about the environment in ways that improve their lives and the health of the planet. Congressionally chartered in 1990, NEEF is a non-partisan, non-advocacy organization working to make the environment more accessible, relevant, and connected to people’s daily lives.

Learn more at NEEFusa.org—or follow NEEF on Facebook (Facebook.com/NEEFusa) and on Twitter at @NEEFusa.

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

Contacts
Amy Skalmusky
National Environmental Education Foundation
Email: askalmusky@neefusa.org

Grace Maliska
Discovery Education
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com

Public policies are central factors in determining healthcare interventions and access to medicines and treatment. Viatris leverages our global experiences, scientific expertise and operations knowledge to support policymakers in identifying policies that advance access to quality medicines and build systems that sustain medicine availability while minimizing unintended consequences.

Below are some examples from the work in our global policy priorities: advance access to quality medicines; strengthen resilient, global supply chains; and build future access.

Providing Access to Generic Medicines

Viatris’ deep portfolio of generic medicines includes complex and branded generics. These products work in the same way
and provide the same clinical benefits as their brand-name counterparts and may cost less, providing patients and the healthcare system important savings and medicine options which we believe are essential to making healthcare accessible.

With healthcare budgets increasingly stretched thin, governments play a key role in establishing a well-functioning legal, regulatory and market system that enables generic and biosimilar competition to flourish for the benefit for patient access.

Healthy off-patent competition is also critical to patient access. For example, in the next five years, more than 250 medicine patents will expire in the U.K., generating prospective savings to the National Health Service (NHS) – based on current market level of competition in generics and biosimilars – of approximately £18 billion. This is on top of the annual savings of £15 billion from already expired patented products.

Advancing Access to Quality Medicines

In 2024, Viatris worked to advance access in many ways, including the following:

• Engaged with U.S. policymakers to provide insights on generic drug market economics, the value of global supply chains and opportunities to enhance supply resiliency. Policies important to patients were ultimately included in Congressional drug shortage proposals, including provisions such as access-supporting changes to the Medicaid Generics Penalty.
• Collaborated with Foreign Policy and partners at the 2024 World Health Assembly in Geneva to host the FP Health Forum, a panel emphasizing that individuals
  are more than their health conditions and highlighting the need for a holistic approach to prevention, access and care throughout their lives.
• Supported the British Generic Manufacturers Association in collaborating with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), to devise a solution for a backlog of pending market authorization applications, which was delaying medicines from reaching the market. MHRA was then able to successfully clear the backlog of more than 1,000 pending applications, improving access for patients.
• Led efforts to include language in the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) Appropriations legislation to expand and incentivize regional manufacturing investment to support the PEPFAR program and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
• Helped arrange multistakeholder discussions in Sweden to address policy challenges associated with access to antibiotics and promoted legislation and regulatory processes to foster sustainable market conditions conducive to access.
• Collaborated with Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Ministry of Health and Welfare to advocate for changes in the 2024 revision of Korea’s tuberculosis treatment guidelines, resulting in improved access to key treatments for nearly all patients in Korea with drug-resistant TB.

• Developed, in partnership with the Unified Procurement Authority (UPA) in Egypt, the Pharmaceutical Procurement and Resource Management Program to improve supply chain efficiencies. This program aims to increase the availability of cardiovascular and pain products in government hospitals and expand access for low-income patients.

  Strengthening Resilient Global Supply

  A global supply chain with facilities across continents is essential for maintaining access to medicine. As stated earlier, no country can make every medicine people need, and no medicine is made in every country. Inputs are sourced globally, produced at scale by experts and securely transported to hospitals and pharmacies worldwide.

  In 2024, Viatris worked to ensure the resiliency of this global supply chain by supporting the publication of a report from Charles River Associates and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to assess how localization policies are affecting equitable access to medicines. The report considered comprehensive solutions to address access barriers including strengthening healthcare systems, fostering regional collaboration, improving security of supply and aligning resources with policies that improve the resiliency of the global supply chain. “Driving Equitable Access to Health Products and Technologies” has been presented to healthcare system leaders around the globe.

Other examples of Viatris’ work in this area in 2024 included the following:

• Viatris is a member of the EU Critical Medicines Alliance, a European Commission initiative to strengthen the security of medicine supply across the EU. With approximately half of the molecules on the Alliance’s critical medicines list in
  our portfolio – spanning anti-infectives, cardiovascular and metabolic, and CNS therapies – Viatris plays a pivotal role. We bring proven expertise to the table and are actively driving discussions on supply chain diversification, international cooperation and long-term resilience to safeguard patient access across Europe.
• Contributed to two white papers published by AmCham and Medicines for Europe on the root causes of shortages and the importance of a resilient global supply chain. Together, these papers helped inform the positioning of the British Generic Manufacturers Association Manifesto for Building a Resilient UK Medicines Industry, which advocates for supportive market conditions that enable medicine affordability and healthcare sustainability.
• As a Canadian Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) member, Viatris actively engaged with a CGPA working group which has partnered with Health Canada, a federal department, to address and detect pharmaceutical shortages and supply chain challenges to increase medication availability for Canadians.
• Working alongside the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), Viatris helped develop a benchmark standard for supply chain resiliency for injectable medicines. This partnership will establish metrics that encourage adoption of supply chain resiliency standards to mitigate drug shortages and create an evidence-based benchmark tool that allows purchasers of pharmaceuticals to incorporate manufacturer supply chain resiliency measurements into their decision making.
• Led a U.S. Congressional advocacy campaign to educate and
  inform policymakers on the importance of a global pharmaceutical supply chain for supply resiliency. As a result, policy changes to support patients’ uninterrupted access to globally sourced essential medicines were included in key legislation, such as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Building Future Access

While Viatris’ policy efforts generally focus on advancing access to existing medicines, we also focus on how to build pathways for future access. As health needs continue to evolve, people need new options, whether improvements to existing medicines or novel therapeutics. This could include changes to how the medicine is administered, or to make the medicine last longer, or to combine multiple medicines in a single pill. The opportunities to leverage existing medicines to better address unmet needs are vast and are likely to accelerate as technology advances.

Proper regulatory pathways are needed to enable timely access for patients. Most countries do not currently have regulatory
and market pathways to recognize improved versions of existing medicines. And even if a regulatory pathway exists, market policies need to support the ability for these medicines to compete and demonstrate value – improved versions of medicines are unlikely to reach the market if procurement or dispensing policies treat them as straightforward generic versions of the original medicine.

Viatris in 2024 continued advocating for dedicated abbreviated regulatory pathways for improvements to existing medicines and regulatory frameworks that recognize improvements to existing medicines as a separate category of innovation with equivalent IP protection. In Canada, for example, Viatris engaged in Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) consultations to advocate for a balanced framework that fosters innovation while enabling access. Our comprehensive submissions and collaborations with stakeholders have led to policy changes that create a more predictable and sustainable environment for introducing innovative therapies in Canada.

As the world is changing, staying close to broader shifts at a global scale helps Viatris to consider how policy solutions may also need to adapt for continued access in the future. These shifts include the growing effects of climate change, trade tensions, ongoing conflicts and political shifts in power in the U.S. and elsewhere. Creating the policy environment for access to continue advancing in this shifting landscape is a focus area for Viatris’ policy efforts as we move into 2025 and beyond.

With fiscal space constrained and policymakers facing difficult choices, Viatris engages with policymakers to share learnings and highlight opportunities for a more value-based approach to healthcare financing. Examples of this work include:

• With the Board of the Generic Association in Hungary, Viatris engaged in consultations with the Hungarian government to discuss the implications that unsustainable pricing policies can have on patient access. These efforts helped lead to the government reversing a claw-back obligation to its original rate amending their policy, helping to foster sustainable market conditions and maintain access to off-patent medicines.
• Viatris sponsored a panel in Brazil during the B20 Event on Advancing Healthcare in Latin America. The event included high-level discussions on healthcare advancements in the region, with a focus on value-based healthcare and the socioeconomic burden of diseases.
• In collaboration with the Association of Pharmaceutical Companies in Switzerland, Viatris played a key role in driving the “Yes to Medical Supply Security” initiative that advocates for access to the approximately 600 medicines unavailable to Swiss patients.
• At the Labour Party Conference in the U.K., Viatris co-hosted a roundtable discussion with the Fabian Society about cost saving strategies for the National Health Service and future healthcare planning.

Collaborating with IGBA to Promote Access to Medicines

Viatris works closely with the International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (IGBA) at all levels to ensure targeted, consistent engagement and messaging on the need for resilient global supply chains, their criticality for sustainable access as well as the importance of high-quality generic medicines.

Viatris helped enable the renewal process with WHO for IGBA’s “non-state actor” status as well as IGBA’s regular contributions to ongoing WHO technical advisory groups. Viatris has worked with IGBA to contribute to the World Trade Organization – World Intellectual Property Organization capacity building executive training programs on trade, intellectual property and global public health for government officials from low- and middle-income countries – supporting the enhancement of their regulatory systems. Viatris is the founding chair of the IGBA International External Engagement Committee ensuring continued momentum on this important work.

In addition, Viatris supports IGBA’s participation in the Executive Program which was launched as part of the collaboration between the WIPO Academy and the WTO Institute of Training and Technical Cooperation in Geneva, Switzerland. This global training initiative provides valuable technical assistance to senior government officials with a focus on the participation of representatives from low- and middle-income countries.

Working for Regulatory Harmonization

Working to create access to medicine for people globally involves working closely with regulatory authorities around the world. Through our Global Regulatory Affairs team, Viatris works to achieve timely health authority approvals. The company helps ensure the compliance of our existing marketing authorizations, labeling and promotional materials and that they are optimized for value throughout a product’s lifecycle. In 2024, highlights of this work included the following:

• Viatris provided technical support to the Indian Pharmacopeia Commission (IPC) in finalizing some of the IPC’s General Chapters, ARVs, COVID-19 related and hepatitis C product-related monographs, as well as toxicological-specific monographs. These contributions have helped ensure that quality product is continuously supplied to patients in India. IPC recognized Viatris’ contributions as a member of the Expert Working Group by publishing an Indian Pharmacopeia Addendum which went into effect in July 2024.
• In Malaysia, we collaborated with the local health authority to file Xafariv (rivaroxaban) as the first generic under the Facilitated Review Pathway (FRP), leveraging the approval of another stringent regulatory authority (SRA). The collaborative approach led to a streamlined submission process, reduced review time, enhanced understanding of local regulations and a strong working relationship with the health authority.
• As a member of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association’s (CGPA) Scientific Affairs Committee, Viatris is leveraging our expertise as the vice- chair of the Complex Molecules Working Group to develop new guidance to share with the regulator Health Canada for complex generics.

View the full Viatris 2024 Sustainability Report.

The Eighth Principle of the International Year of Quantum

This is the seventh and final installment in our series exploring the guiding principles of the 2025 International Year of Quantum.

As we reach the crescendo of our journey through the eight guiding principles of the International Year of Quantum (IYQ), we arrive at perhaps the most essential element of all: “Have fun! If quantum has brought joy to your life, share this joy with others.” This final principle serves not merely as an epilogue to our exploration, but as a vibrant reminder that at the heart of scientific discovery lies something profoundly human—wonder, delight, and the irrepressible urge to share those magical moments when the universe reveals its most extraordinary secrets.

The Quantum Spark: When Science Ignites Wonder

Every quantum scientist, educator, and enthusiast can recall that precise moment when quantum mechanics first captured their imagination. Perhaps it was the first time they truly grasped the concept of superposition—the realization that particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously until the very act of observation collapses them into definiteness. Maybe it was encountering Einstein’s famous description of quantum entanglement as “spooky action at a distance,” followed by the dawning comprehension that this wasn’t mysticism but mathematical reality. Or it might have been witnessing their first demonstration of quantum interference, watching probability waves dance and interfere in ways that defy classical intuition.

These moments of quantum revelation share a common thread—they are suffused with joy. Not the grim satisfaction of solving a difficult problem, but the pure, childlike delight of discovering that reality is far stranger, more beautiful, and more interconnected than we ever dared imagine. The eighth principle recognizes that this joy is not incidental to quantum science; it is quantum science’s most powerful ambassador.

When Richard Feynman declared, “I think I can safely say that no one understands quantum mechanics,” he wasn’t expressing frustration but celebrating the delicious mystery that continues to unfold before us. Even our greatest quantum minds approach this field with a sense of playful curiosity, recognizing that the universe has crafted rules so elegant and counterintuitive that they inspire awe in equal measure with understanding.

Beyond the Laboratory: Quantum Joy in Everyday Life

The eighth principle invites us to discover quantum wonder not only in research laboratories and university classrooms but woven throughout our daily existence. From GPS and smartphones to cybersecurity and precision instruments, quantum has made our technologies more accurate, more trustworthy, and more secure. Yet how often do we pause to marvel at the quantum foundations underlying our modern world?

Every time we use laser-based technology, from barcode scanners to fiber optic communications, we witness quantum mechanics in action. When we undergo an MRI scan, we’re experiencing the quantum properties of atomic nuclei being harnessed for medical imaging. The LED lights illuminating our homes represent quantum engineering made practical and beautiful. Even the simple act of taking a photograph relies on quantum mechanics governing how electrons behave in digital sensors.

The eighth principle encourages us to reclaim wonder in these everyday encounters with quantum technology. It suggests that quantum joy isn’t reserved for those who can manipulate Schrödinger equations but is accessible to anyone who takes a moment to contemplate the magnificent strangeness of the quantum realm that surrounds us constantly.

Building Bridges Through Shared Joy

As we commemorate the centennial of quantum mechanics in 2025, the eighth principle offers profound guidance for building bridges between the quantum community and the broader public. The IYQ recognizes that “those who have insights into the beauty, power, and importance of quantum science and technology should use IYQ as a moment to share these insights with people who are less familiar.”

But how do we share these insights most effectively? The eighth principle suggests that technical accuracy, while essential, is insufficient. We must also share our joy, our sense of wonder, our delight in quantum strangeness. When we communicate quantum concepts with genuine enthusiasm rather than dutiful explanation, we invite others not just to learn but to fall in love with the quantum world.

This approach proves particularly crucial as quantum technologies transition from laboratory curiosities to commercial realities. Public support for quantum research and development, informed decision-making about quantum policies, and ethical deployment of quantum technologies all depend upon a citizenry that understands not just what quantum mechanics can do, but why it matters. And people care most deeply about things that bring them joy.

A Legacy of Wonder

As our eight-part series on the IYQ’s guiding principles comes to a close, we’re reminded that these principles work in beautiful harmony. The first principle established that “no one owns quantum science”—it belongs to all humanity. The second principle declared that “everyone is invited” to participate in the quantum conversation. The third principle taught us to “recognize consensus, honor dissent, and admit ignorance” as we navigate quantum uncertainties. And the fifth principle called us to “model the ideals of scientific conduct.”

The eighth principle weaves these themes together with the golden thread of joy, recognizing that quantum science at its best is not merely an intellectual exercise but a celebration of existence itself. When we approach quantum mechanics with joy, we honor its democratic nature by making it more accessible. When we share our quantum wonder, we invite others into the conversation. When we celebrate both quantum consensus and quantum mysteries, we embrace the full spectrum of scientific exploration. And when we find joy in quantum discovery, we embody the highest ideals of scientific conduct—curiosity, openness, and generous sharing of knowledge.

The Quantum Future: Built on Joy

As we stand at “one of the great inflection points in human technological development,” with quantum technologies poised to reshape computing, communications, sensing, and our fundamental understanding of reality, the eighth principle offers essential guidance for the path ahead. The quantum future will be shaped not merely by the technologies we develop but by the spirit in which we develop them.

If we build quantum technologies from a foundation of joy and wonder, they will reflect those values—opening new frontiers for human flourishing rather than merely advancing narrow technical capabilities. If we share quantum knowledge with genuine enthusiasm rather than dutiful obligation, we create a quantum-literate society capable of wise stewardship of these powerful technologies. If we approach quantum education as celebration rather than mere instruction, we inspire the next generation of quantum pioneers to carry forward both technical excellence and humanistic values.

The eighth principle reminds us that the quantum revolution is ultimately a human revolution—an expansion of our capacity to understand, to wonder, and to create. In celebrating quantum joy and sharing it generously with others, we ensure that this revolution serves not just technological progress but human flourishing in its fullest sense.

As we conclude this exploration of the IYQ’s guiding principles, let us carry forward the spirit of the eighth principle in all our quantum endeavors. Whether we work in quantum laboratories or quantum boardrooms, whether we teach quantum concepts or simply encounter quantum technologies as citizens, we can choose to approach this miraculous field with joy, wonder, and generous enthusiasm for sharing these gifts with others.

The quantum universe has spent 13.8 billion years preparing surprises for us to discover. The least we can do is enjoy the show—and invite everyone to join us in the celebration. Join Keysight in uncovering everything quantum has to offer by exploring the rich library of quantum educational experiences available at Keysight Learn.

A Home Restored for a Veteran’s Legacy

Mark, a proud Navy submarine veteran and longtime Lake County resident, has dedicated his life to service, both in uniform and in his community. A former medical technologist, Mark remains active in local veteran events, supports Fat Cat Rescue, and is a member of the American Legion Fox Lake branch. Giving back has always been second nature to him.

For decades, Mark took pride in maintaining his own home. A self-described “do-it-yourself” enthusiast, he handled repairs whenever he could. But a medical condition that now limits him from lifting more than 15 pounds changed everything. For the first time, Mark found himself unable to keep up with the home he loves, a difficult reality for someone so independent.

Encouraged by his girlfriend, who works for a local village, Mark reached out to Lake-McHenry Habitat for Humanity for help. His home, which he purchased in 1990 after renting it for years, had aging siding, failing gutters, and drafty windows that not only affected its appearance but also drove up heating and cooling costs. “I don’t want to worry about this stuff anymore,” Mark said. “I want to come home and think, ‘Wow, that’s my house.’”

Thanks to Habitat Lake-McHenry, Mark’s home now has new siding, gutters, and windows, improvements that bring both comfort and peace of mind. These repairs have eased his financial strain and ensured his home will remain safe and energy-efficient for years to come.

For Mark, this house is more than walls and a roof. It’s a place filled with memories, a piece of his legacy that he dreams of passing down to his children and grandchildren. With the support of Habitat, that legacy is secure.

Learn more about Wesco’s commitments to make a positive and lasting impact within the communities where our employees work and reside here.

ST PAUL, Minn., November 4, 2025 /3BL/ – Antea Group, a global environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm, today announced a strategic partnership with TagEvac, a leading provider of innovative emergency evacuation systems and training. This collaboration will integrate TagEvac’s simple, reliable, and accountable evacuation solution into Antea Group’s Emergency Preparedness and Response services, significantly bolstering our clients’ emergency readiness across diverse risk environments and facility types.

Emergency preparedness is a critical component of a robust EHS program, but due in large part to hybrid working models, traditional methods of assuring safe evacuation often fall short in modern workplaces. The TagEvac system directly addresses this challenge by providing a fast, visual, and no-tech method to ensure buildings are cleared safely and effectively during an emergency.

“We are thrilled to partner with TagEvac to bring their proven solution to our clients,” said Keith Knoke, Executive Vice President of Solutions and Innovation. “Emergency Preparedness is more than just a regulatory requirement; it is a fundamental commitment to employee safety. TagEvac’s system provides a tangible, easy-to-use tool that gives our clients a solution to emergency evacuations in a hybrid working environment, removes the challenges related to technology-based solutions and, most importantly, provides peace of mind that an emergency evacuation solution is in place, regardless of language spoken or the time or location of the event. This partnership is a natural extension of our mission to deliver fit-for-purpose EHS solutions that work in the real world.”

This partnership is an impactful tool to augment Antea Group’s Emergency Preparedness service offerings. By incorporating the TagEvac solution, Antea Group is empowering clients to:

• Solve for Hybrid Work Environments: The system does not rely on an on-site, dedicated emergency response team, making it the ideal solution for workplaces with a flexible or hybrid workforce.
• Establish a Consistent Global Process: The TagEvac methodology is universally understood, providing a consistent evacuation process across all of a client’s global locations, regardless of language or culture.
• Enhance Multi-Tenant Building Safety: The simple tagging system is highly effective in multi-tenant environments, providing a streamlined and accountable process for managing evacuations across multiple organizations.
• Address Both Evacuation and Invacuation: The versatile solution can be used for both emergency evacuation and invacuation scenarios, offering a comprehensive tool for a variety of threats.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Antea Group, a recognized global leader in EHS consulting,” says Chris Whiting, Commercial Director for TagEvac. “By integrating our proven, accountable evacuation system with Antea Group’s health and safety expertise, we are delivering a unified solution that represents a powerful step toward safer workplaces worldwide.”

The integrated TagEvac solution is now available as part of Antea Group’s Emergency Preparedness and RiskRight EHS services.

About Antea Group

Antea Group is an international engineering and environmental consulting firm specializing in full-service solutions in the fields of environment, infrastructure, urban planning, and water. By combining strategic thinking and multidisciplinary perspectives with technical expertise and pragmatism, we create effective solutions for our clients and their communities. We are a founding partner of Inogen Alliance, a global network of EHS&S consulting firms that provides seamless coverage to clients worldwide. Learn more at https://us.anteagroup.com.

About TagEvac

TagEvac is a world-leading emergency evacuation system and training provider. With a focus on simplicity, speed, and accountability, TagEvac’s low-tech, high-impact solution provides a clear and proven method for confirming that buildings are evacuated. Their systems are trusted by organizations globally to bring consistency and best-practice compliance to emergency planning and training. For more information, visit https://www.tagevac.com

Media Contacts:

Alison Bryant
Director, Marketing & Communications
Antea Group USA

Emma Corry
Client Relations Manager
TagEvac

Transforming Agricultural Trade Through Infrastructure and Inclusion

In West Africa, the humble cashew has become a powerful symbol of sustainable growth. Since the turn of the millennium, production has more than doubled to 3.9 billion tons, making the region the world’s leading producer. Yet, for decades, farmers in countries like Guinea-Bissau and Senegal struggled to bring their goods to global markets due to inefficient ports, long delays, and unpredictable logistics.

That’s changing fast. At the Port of Dakar in Senegal, DP World has built a feeder network that connects Guinea-Bissau directly to global trade lanes. Smaller vessels now move cashews from Bissau to Dakar in a matter of weeks – a journey that once took over 20 days. Through rapid containerization, digital platforms offering real-time tracking, and streamlined customs processes, exporters can now manage shipments efficiently and sustainably.

The result? Lower logistics costs, better quality control, and more reliable incomes for farmers. Beyond operational gains, DP World’s investment is creating lasting social impact – revitalizing southern Senegal and neighboring Guinea-Bissau through job creation and poverty reduction.

Building Inclusive Economies from Port to Plantation

The $1.2 billion deepwater Ndayane Port – DP World’s largest investment in Africa to date – will further cement Senegal’s position as a key logistics hub for the continent. The new port will handle larger vessels, attract regional trade, and set a new standard for how African agricultural economies can connect sustainably to global markets.

But the impact extends far beyond the shoreline. The efficiency gains are improving livelihoods, boosting local incomes, and creating new opportunities for women and youth. With better logistics infrastructure, cashew-producing communities gain access to predictable export channels, enabling smallholders to plan production, invest in equipment, and access financing with greater confidence.

Lessons for the Americas: Sustainable Agri-Logistics at Scale

The transformation unfolding in West Africa mirrors similar sustainability-driven shifts in the Americas. In Ecuador, DP World’s Port of Posorja has become the nation’s leading gateway for perishable exports, ensuring that bananas, shrimp, and flowers reach global markets with maximum freshness and minimal carbon footprint. Likewise, in the Dominican Republic, the Caucedo Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is creating integrated logistics ecosystems for agri-businesses – powered by renewable energy and designed for resilience.

Across continents, the model remains consistent: empower producers, modernize logistics, and connect markets through sustainable trade infrastructure. By aligning port modernization with inclusive development, DP World is helping shape a future where agricultural exports serve as engines of economic and social progress.

A Blueprint for Sustainable Agriculture

From the cashew farms of Guinea-Bissau to the banana plantations of Ecuador, DP World is redefining how agricultural value chains function. These projects demonstrate that sustainable logistics is not just about efficiency – it’s about equity.

By investing in modern ports, digital transparency, and multimodal networks, DP World is enabling farmers, exporters, and communities to thrive together. The company’s approach shows how global trade, when designed with sustainability in mind, can unlock long-term value for people and the planet alike.

Learn More

DP World’s Our World, Our Future strategy is empowering local economies from West Africa to the Americas – delivering social, environmental, and economic impact through sustainable logistics.

Discover more about DP World’s sustainability initiatives.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

“I’m busy.”

“I feel fine.”

“I just don’t want to…”

These tend to be the most common responses to hearing it’s time to schedule a doctor appointment, whether for a checkup or a health screening. Putting off going to the doctor can be all too common. Not only that, but it appears to be more prevalent.

According to the 2025 Wellness Matters Survey from Aflac, 90% of Americans reported putting off recommended health screenings this year, up from 85% in 2024.¹ People offer a variety of reasons for leaving these appointments off the calendar, including believing they are perfectly healthy or just feeling embarrassed.¹

If you’re someone whose finger hovers over the calendar app, trying to motivate yourself to choose a good day for an appointment, you aren’t alone. Fortunately, there’s a great way to help get motivated, and it’s right there in your contacts list.

Here’s how reaching out to friends and family for support and encouragement can help ease anxieties around going to the doctor.

Family history

One common occurrence that can nudge people toward the doctor office is seeing a friend or loved one go through a health challenge. In fact, 69% of millennials say they were prompted to take charge of their own health when seeing a family member or a friend deal with a health scare.¹

If possible, talking to family members about medical history can be a helpful step. Among people diagnosed with cancer, 70% of people say they also had a family member receive a diagnosis.¹ So if you’re able to find out about a family history of cancer, or other health concerns, it could have an impact on your own health care journey.

It can also be important to discuss what you may find out with your regular doctor. If you can learn about family history, relay that info to your doctor so they can provide the best care. In fact, finding a primary care provider (PCP) can be a good idea. According to the Wellness Matters Survey, 79% of people who have a PCP say they consult a doctor about health concerns, while 63% say they get regular checkups.¹

Prioritizing health together

Something great happens when you reach out and tell loved ones how you’re working on your health.

They tend to start to do the same thing! People who feel their friends and family prioritize their health, from annual wellness visits to dental exams and therapy sessions, are more likely to do so themselves.¹ It’s like a domino effect — once one person gets started on their health care journey, the people around them might just follow suit.

You could be the one to get the ball rolling for your loved ones. Schedule your annual doctor appointment and let the whole group chat know. Encourage everyone to do the same!

Communication is key

If you feel uncomfortable addressing a health concern with a doctor, try reaching out to friends and family first. As an initial step, it can be a good way to start talking about it, and you certainly wouldn’t be alone. Nearly half (44%) of Gen Z women consult with friends and family when they are dealing with a health concern.¹

In fact, communication can be the key when it comes to taking care of yourself, or making sure friends and family do the same. The Wellness Matters Survey shows that 57% of Americans say they have either urged a loved one to visit the doctor or have been nudged to go themselves.¹

By doing so, you can become an advocate for those you care about, and we’ve already talked about how that can encourage you to take care of yourself, too.

Even though these conversations might be tough to begin, they may work. A full 59% of people believe they saw a better health care outcome after advocating for themselves or a loved one.¹ And once you urge a friend or family member to schedule a checkup or health screening, you might then schedule your own appointment. Of those who say they “nagged” or urged a loved one to get checked, 62% say they are more likely to do the same, according to Wellness Matters.¹

Health care is a journey

Taking care of your health can be a journey, and it’s a trip that might be easier with friends and family by your side. Being there for them, and having them return the favor, might help to ease the nerves associated with seeing the doctor or even just scheduling an appointment.

Typically, reaching out to each other is both a positive and a proactive choice, and it’s one that can have crucial ripple effects for your future — and theirs.

To learn more information that can help you be more active in your health care journey, visit Aflac.com/WellnessMatters.

¹Aflac (2025). Wellness Matters | Aflac. Accessed Oct. 3, 2025, from Aflac.com/wellnessmatters

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