Tag: 3BL

With an investment of USD 1,000,000, Folmer, an official CNH brand Case IH dealer with more than six decades of experience in the agro-industrial sector, has inaugurated its new headquarters in the city of Crespo, Entre Rios, Argentina.

The brand-new facility was built on a 20,000 m² site, designed to offer comprehensive, modern, and sustainable service to producers in Entre Ríos.

The building also incorporates sustainable practices. It was constructed using self-supporting panels, a full-core steel structure, and the innovative Steel Deck system. Additionally, it features solar panels that supply 100% of its energy needs, permeable cobblestones for rainwater filtration, and a spare parts locker available for withdrawals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—designed to provide convenience and speed for customers.

The Central House includes workshop areas, service bays, a spare parts warehouse, and a large exhibition yard. It also features a Connect Room, which allows real-time monitoring of machines to optimize their performance in the field. This space complements the existing Connect Room at the Villaguay branch, strengthening the brand’s service and connectivity offering.

With locations in Crespo and Villaguay, Folmer covers the north-central region of Entre Ríos, offering the full portfolio of Case IH machines, along with excellent technical service and genuine spare parts.

Read the full story here.

By Diana Sharone Tumuhairwe.

Published by Action Against Hunger.

Contact media@actionagainsthunger.org for inquiries.

A Community Volunteer’s Journey to Bring Help and Hope 

Since May 2024, the Kasese District in Uganda has been recovering from devastating floods and landslides. Thousands of people have been displaced, cropland has been destroyed, and food security has been compromised. Morious provides critical support to people who have been affected – but it is difficult work. The sheer number of households in need is immense, and she must walk long distances on foot to reach them. Most homes are on top of a mountain range and require a steep 40-minute-long ascent.

Morious is not a nurse, doctor, or government official; she is a Community Health Worker (CHW) — a volunteer trained to provide healthcare services and education to her community. She is filled with resilience, compassion, and determination to rebuild her community. “Seeing the suffering after the floods,” Morious explains, “I knew I had to do something. I wanted to give people hope, especially the mothers and children staying in the internally displaced persons camps.”

Her passion has made her a driving force behind recovery in the district. She was there the day after the disasters hit, providing food, water, and a shoulder to lean on to affected families. Community volunteers have an essential role to play in emergency situations; they can respond immediately and provide local insights to organizations like Action Against Hunger, who coordinate a larger scale response with a variety of actors, mobilize emergency response teams, and manage logistics. Now, Morious is continuing the longer-term work of helping her community rebuild, scaling steep mountain paths each day to bring relief and hope to her neighbors.

A Day in Morious’ Life 

6:30am: The sun is barely peeking over the Rwenzori Mountains and illuminating the hills of Kyanzabiri Village in Uganda when Morious Walhubere begins her day. She says a prayer, asking God to guide her day and life. Then, she prepares her two sons and daughter for school.

7:30am: Morious is at Kyondo Health Centre III, a facility supported by Action Against Hunger. She works with the Integrated Response to Floods and Landslides in Kasese District project (IReF), which is implemented by Action Against Hunger and a local organization called the Foundation for Urban and Rural Advancement (FURA). The day’s tasks begin.

A key part of Morious’ role is coordinating the “boda boda talk talk” – a motorcycle equipped with a loudspeaker that rides through the bustling trading centers and villages, broadcasting vital messages on nutrition and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices. For five hours, the message echoes through the sub-county, a constant reminder of health and safety. “I keep monitoring its movement,” Morious explains. Her role ensures that the vital messages reach as many people as possible.

9:30am: Morious and a team of health facility staff begin climbing the mountain to reach the community. Sometimes, it rains for hours in Kasese and traversing a mountain that is wet and slippery is especially difficult. Yet, Morious perseveres, equipping herself with the necessary tools: passion to serve and a resilient spirit. “I prepare for my visits by leaving early enough to cover long distances and climb the mountain before the sunshine becomes hot,” Morious explains, “I equip myself with an umbrella, bag, heavy jackets, and gumboots. These enable me to move even when it was raining.”

10:30am: By this time, Morious and the health facility staff have completed the steep ascent. Armed with mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) bands, height boards, and measuring scales, Morious and her team members assess the nutritional status of children under five as well as pregnant and lactating women (PLWs). Those identified as malnourished are referred to the health center for further management. “We want to ensure every child has the chance to grow healthy,” Morious says, her voice filled with determination.

3:00pm: The nutrition assessments continue until 3:00 p.m., at which point Morious embarks on home visits, another crucial part of her work. She educates families on essential hygiene to practice handwashing, toilet use, safe water management, and kitchen gardening. She also helps families build and use WASH facilities like drying racks, kitchens, separate animal houses, and hanging lines. “Simple changes can make a huge difference. I was moved by the community’s need for proper hygiene and good nutrition, and the missions of FURA and Action Against Hunger resonated with me,” she says.

4:00pm: Morious’ schedule from Monday to Friday is carefully planned. She wraps up each week with a report, which helps her team keep track of which families have been reached and when. “This activity takes me up to 5 pm when I start my journey back home to receive my children from school and prepare dinner for them,” she says.

5:00pm: Morious’ impact on the community is evident by the smiles and waves she receives from mothers and children as she passes them.

A Champion of Change

Beyond home visits and nutrition assessments, Morious’ role as Community Health Worker includes responsibilities like following up on referred cases and monitoring vital infrastructure like the Kamustope water spring, which serves over 450 people. And she strives to keep improving her ability to help her community.

Through Action Against Hunger’s training sessions and practice, Morious has developed skills in community mobilization, nutrition assessment, and WASH interventions. She is pleased with her improvement in report writing, communication, and negotiation skills. “I’ve learned so much,” she reflects. “It’s boosted my confidence and instilled a strong sense of social responsibility. I even plan to enroll in a community development course next year.”

Morious’ dedication to her role as a volunteer stems from a deep desire to serve. “It’s about empowering people to take control of their health,” she enthuses. She feels especially rewarded when she witnesses the joy of families receiving essential non-food items. “Seeing their smiles, knowing we are making a difference, it is incredibly fulfilling,” she says.

Her impact on the community shows that one passionate person can make a profound difference to the lives of many. Morious is more than a volunteer; she is a builder of resilience, and a true hero in the heart of Kyondo.

***

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 26.5 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,500+ dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

G&A recently issued the 14th edition of our annual research report on sustainability reporting trends among the largest U.S. public companies. In our Top Story this issue, G&A’s 2025 Sustainability Reporting in Focus provides detailed data and findings confirming that companies in the S&P 500 Index and the Russell 1000 index have adopted sustainability reporting as a best practice. Key takeaways from the report include:

• A record 94% of Russell 1000 companies, making up approximately 93% of all U.S. equity market capitalization, reported on sustainability in 2024, up from 93% in 2023. This represents a significant increase from 34% reporting in the 2018 publishing year, when G&A issued our first research on the full Russell 1000.
• The larger half by market cap of the Russell 1000 (i.e., the S&P 500) are nearing 100% reporters with a record 99% reporting on sustainability in 2024, compared to 98.6% in 2023. This compares with just 20% reporting when G&A published our first annual research on trends in the 2011 publishing year.
• The gap between the larger half of the Russell 1000 and the smaller half by market cap (mid-cap companies with approximately $2 billion-$4 billion in market cap) continued to narrow, reaching 90% compared to 87% in 2023.

G&A’s co-founders commented on the reasons behind the increased adoption of sustainability reporting as a best practice for the largest U.S. companies. Louis Coppola, G&A’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “Our Trends research over the past 14 years demonstrates how U.S. companies adopted sustainability reporting as a best practice because stakeholders demanded it, not because regulators required it. While policies may shift in Washington or Brussels, the fundamental reasons for sustainability reporting do not change: the reporting process helps leaders sharpen strategy, strengthen resilience, understand risk, allocate capital, create value and build trust.”

Hank Boerner, G&A’s Chairman and Chief Strategist, said, “At the heart of sustainability disclosure is a better understanding of risk and reward – something investors and stakeholders deeply appreciate. Despite the anti-ESG pushback in some quarters, Corporate America continues to innovate and push forward with more detailed and informative reporting on a widening range of topics. Companies on the leading edge of this trend are well positioned for upcoming shifts from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting in a growing number of jurisdictions.”

G&A’s 2025 Sustainability Reporting in Focus report provides analysis of corporate report content including reporting frameworks and standards used – such as GRI, SASB, and TCFD. SASB continued to be the most widely used sustainability standard in 2024, with 82% of Russell 1000 reporters aligning with SASB, compared with 55% aligning with GRI. up from 78% in 2022. TCFD reporting continued to increase, with 65% of Russell 1000 reporters aligning with TCFD in 2024, compared to 60% in 2023.

Our research also examines alignment with initiatives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), trends in external assurance, and CDP reporting. For the first time, we began tracking alignment with new reporting initiatives: the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Standards, the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), and the Task Force for Nature-related Disclosures (TNFD). The report also includes sector-specific analysis of reporting trends within all 11 sectors of the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®).

As always, the G&A team is available to discuss our research and stands ready to help your company navigate the shifting to provide counsel to help your company prepare for upcoming shifts from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting in a growing number of jurisdictions. Reach out to us at: info@ga-institute.com.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue

The landscape of the energy industry is rapidly evolving and so are the expectations placed on pipeline operators. Communities, regulators, and investors alike are demanding more than technical excellence; they want transparency, inclusion, and a visible commitment to developing public trust. In this context, effective public engagement has become a strategic imperative rather than a communications afterthought.

To help companies meet these expectations, the American Petroleum Institute (API) has introduced API Recommended Practice (RP) 1185: Pipeline Public Engagement. This recommended practice offers practical guidance for how pipeline operators can foster meaningful relationships with local officials, landowners, tribal governments, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders. It complements and enhances the safety-focused API RP 1173 by addressing the human side of infrastructure development.

For organizations looking to implement RP 1185, the biggest question is often: Where do we begin and how do we prioritize our efforts? Below, we break down the fundamentals of RP 1185, offer a clear starting point for implementation, and share how Antea Group can be your trusted partner in the process.

Demystifying RP 1185: What It Really Means

At its core, API RP 1185 is about integrating public engagement into the fabric of your pipeline operations. It encourages proactive, transparent, and inclusive communication with stakeholders before, during, and after project execution. The recommended practice is flexible, scalable, and designed to meet the unique needs of companies operating in diverse regulatory environments and community contexts.

The emphasis is on relationship-building. That means not just providing information, but listening, responding, and building mutual understanding. Successful implementation of RP 1185 is recognized to enhance safety outcomes, mitigate reputational risk, and reinforce the social license to operate.

How to Get Started: A Strategic Path Forward

Similar to API RP 1173, launching a successful RP 1185 program begins with internal alignment. Senior leadership must treat public engagement as a strategic priority, not just a compliance task. Establishing a cross-functional implementation team typically composed of representatives from EHS, Public Affairs, Legal, and Operations can help ensure consistent messaging and unified action across the organization.

From there, the next critical step is identifying your stakeholders. While it’s easy to focus on regulatory agencies and landowners, an effective approach will also consider local emergency responders, community advocates, environmental NGOs, internal employees, tribal representatives, and even local media. Understanding who your stakeholders are, what they care about, and how they prefer to communicate allows you to tailor your engagement efforts for greater effectiveness.

Once stakeholders are identified, it’s important to conduct a baseline assessment. What public engagement activities is your organization already participating in? Where are the strengths? Where are the gaps when compared to the principles of RP 1185? This is where Antea Group can add significant value with our EHS consultants performing a detailed gap analysis and coming alongside our clients to generate a roadmap for improvement.

The insights gained during this assessment phase feed directly into the development of a tailored engagement strategy. This strategy should be rooted in clear, measurable goals. Are you seeking to increase community understanding of pipeline safety? Reduce local opposition to a new project? Establish long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities? Whatever the aim, your strategy should also include key messaging themes, selected communication channels, and well-defined feedback mechanisms to ensure dialogue is a two-way street.

Prioritization is essential, especially when resources are limited. Start by focusing on areas with the highest potential impact, communities near new construction, densely populated regions, environmentally sensitive zones, or locations with a history of public concern. While it’s important to capture early wins through high-visibility efforts, it’s equally vital to plan for long-term, sustained engagement.

Implementation requires more than a written plan. Staff at all levels, especially those with community-facing roles, should be trained on the critical RP 1185 principles, effective communication techniques, and cultural competency. This will ensure that your team speaks with one voice, builds trust through consistency, and knows how to respond when tensions or concerns arise.

Finally, like any good management system, public engagement should be tracked and continuously improved. Organizations must establish ways to monitor progress, capture stakeholder feedback, and adjust their strategies based on what they learn. Metrics might include public sentiment, the number of resolved community concerns, attendance at engagement events, or the frequency of two-way communications. This iterative approach mirrors the continuous improvement cycle emphasized within RP 1173, reinforcing the alignment between safety and public trust.

Why This Matters: The Value of Getting Engagement Right

A well-executed public engagement strategy offers substantial benefits including strengthening relationships within communities, reducing project delays and most importantly building long-term trust that translates into safer operations and stronger reputations.

Public engagement done right is a risk management tool, a reputation builder, and catalyst for operational success. It allows operators to proactively address issues before they escalate, transforming potential conflict into collaboration.

Partnering with Antea Group for Public Engagement Success

At Antea Group, we understand the strategic importance of stakeholder trust. Our team has deep expertise in developing public engagement programs that align with RP 1185 while supporting broader corporate responsibility goals.

We offer services that span the full implementation lifecycle from stakeholder identification and engagement planning to training, reporting, and performance monitoring. Whether you’re launching your first engagement initiative or looking to enhance an existing program, we help you set meaningful goals, communicate effectively, and demonstrate impact to both communities and investors.

Final Thoughts

API RP 1185 is not just another guideline, it’s a forward-looking framework for building trust, fostering collaboration, and driving safer, more successful pipeline operations. In an era of increasing scrutiny and stakeholder activism, companies that engage thoughtfully and transparently will be better positioned to succeed.

If you’re ready to build stronger relationships and proactively manage stakeholder expectations, Antea Group is here to help.

Learn more

DALLAS, October 24, 2025 /3BL/ – Fresh off the grand opening of its Las Colinas corporate campus, Wells Fargo is deepening its commitment to the Dallas-Fort Worth region with a $6.8 million philanthropic investment in South Dallas focused on neighborhood revitalization and economic growth.

Led by Cornerstone CDC, Forest Forward, and St. Philip’s School & Community Center, community organizations will use the funding from Wells Fargo for small business development, affordable housing, job creation, and commercial property rehabilitation, including restoration of the historic Forest Theater.

“At Wells Fargo, we’re committed to driving meaningful growth for our customers and employees but also for the communities we serve,” said Darlene Goins, head of Philanthropy and Community Impact for Wells Fargo. “Our philanthropic investment in South Dallas is part of a broader effort to support economic mobility and strengthen communities. By working alongside nonprofits, we can help accelerate financial opportunities for people and businesses.”

“Dallas is a city of genuine opportunity for everyone, and that opportunity is driven by entrepreneurship, innovation, and strong public-private partnerships,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “I am sincerely grateful to Wells Fargo and its leadership for their commitment to investing in Dallas communities, empowering trusted local nonprofits, and providing resources small businesses need to succeed. With Wells Fargo’s support, the incredible transformation underway in South Dallas and the Forest District will continue.”

In South Dallas, the $6.8 million in grant funding from Wells Fargo & Company and the Wells Fargo Foundation will foster collaboration among seven nonprofits in three key areas:

Small Business Growth

• Forest Forward is revitalizing the 75215 zip code through a holistic approach of education, housing, and community development. Anchored by the restoration and expansion of the historic Forest Theater, it is creating a cultural hub to drive equitable development and economic mobility for South Dallas.
• PeopleFund is expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs through loan capital, micro-grants, and technical assistance. Its Small Business Accelerator program strengthens business acumen and supports business ownership.
• St. Philip’s School & Community Center is transforming MLK Jr. Blvd. with commercial property rehabilitation to attract restaurants, services, and other retail. Funding will also help launch Texas’ first Community Investment Trust to foster local commercial real estate ownership.

Housing Access

• Cornerstone Community Development Corporation is scaling operations and developing affordable homes in South Dallas, including apartment complexes in the Forest District, while cultivating resident-led housing services.
• Innovan Neighborhoods & BCL of Texas will support community-oriented developers through the Community Developers Roundtable with equity financing and capacity building through a fund to increase affordable housing and real estate development.

Workforce Development

• Empowering the Masses is delivering workforce training and expanding phlebotomy, community health worker, and EKG technician certification programs to help keep up with demand for health care workers within Dallas’ major healthcare system and the region. A new Economic Empowerment Center will also support digital skills and career advancement.

Wells Fargo’s commitment to the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Texas

The grant announcement builds on Wells Fargo’s broader investment in the Dallas metroplex and the region. Yesterday, the company opened a new corporate campus in Irving, marking a milestone that underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the economic growth of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the state of Texas. In addition, since 2020, Wells Fargo & Company and the Wells Fargo Foundation philanthropic giving totaled roughly $90 million in Texas, and employees have volunteered more than 235,000 hours in local communities.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $2.0 trillion in assets. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 33 on Fortune’s 2025 rankings of America’s largest corporations. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.

Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellsfargo

Contact Information

Media
Kim Erlichson
Kim.erlichson@wellsfargo.com

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Taco Bell

“If our restaurant teams are working so hard for us, why shouldn’t we work hard for them?”

Alan L., field training and development manager for franchise organization GF Enterprise, recently shared his experience with Tacos & Tuition (available for company-owned restaurants and select Franchises) and the value this benefit brings to quick-service restaurant teams.

“Tacos and Tuition is a program that allows us to showcase support for our teams and their growth. This is our way of giving back to the community of restaurant teams that create great experiences for our fans every day with an amazing opportunity. As a franchise organization in the quick-service industry, providing opportunities for people to grow their skills and follow their passions is important to us.”

Since opting in for Tacos & Tuition at the beginning of the year, GF Enterprises has found ways to use the program to improve all areas of the business.

“We have several people that speak little-to-no English, and vice versa with Spanish. So, when we opted in for Tacos and Tuition, we made sure to communicate that these types of classes were available to take. If our one-of-a-kind talent wants to enroll in these classes, not only will it help them on the job, but truly translate into their personal lives, allowing them to make use of what they’ve learned at grocery stores, doctor’s appointments or even their kid’s back-to-school night. It’s a win for them and us, as it provides opportunities to build our talent pipeline, but also opens up doors for our teams.”

From Alan’s experience visiting restaurants and talking to field teams, he has witnessed the impact first-hand.

“As soon as we got set up with Tacos & Tuition, we had an Area Director identify the opportunities for growth and immediately signed up for classes. Being on the outside looking in, I can see significant improvements in her ability to do her job. Her restaurants function extremely well and she is more energized in her role. To me, that’s all the proof I need for me to say this works.”

In other moments, Alan has noticed a change in team culture and performance in the restaurants.

“When it comes to skills such as conflict management or time management in the workplace, we’re giving our employees the resources to take courses (that are a few hours long) to better equip them to deal with these issues. This allows individuals to become better leaders and develop skills that ultimately benefit them in and out of the workplace.”

So, what makes Tacos & Tuition different from other training or tuition assistance programs? For teams that Alan has talked to, it’s about flexibility.

“The flexibility of the program removes some of the pressure and burden for employees who are raising families, working as many hours as they can. There are so many options – everything from certificates to trade programs and full degrees, that allows our talent to craft an education journey for themselves.”

Overall, Tacos & Tuition is a worthwhile investment for their restaurant teams and the business, which makes the reward mutually impactful.

“You don’t have to have 50 people sign up to measure success. You just need 2-3 people who are willing to learn, then pass it forward to others until a larger group of learners are formed. In the end, there would be nothing better than to run into someone that worked for you and have them share how our organization is the reason why they are where they are today. The impact is huge and will carry true change over time, but it’s just about getting started.”

This week KeyBank held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for its new, full-service, state-of-the-art branch in Akron. The new Downtown Akron branch is located at 379 S. Main St. and several leaders from KeyBank and Akron attended the celebration.

“On behalf of everyone at Key, I want to share how excited we are about the opportunity this new branch provides for us to become a pillar of downtown Akron, deepening relationships within the region,” said Joe Daledian, KeyBank East Ohio Market President. “We look forward to working more closely with our neighbors, clients and community partners.”

As part of the opening of this new branch, KeyBank closed its original Downtown Akron branch located at 219 S. Main St.

Our clients will benefit from the new, superior location in many ways:

• It’s convenient, in the heart of a vibrant area

• It’s highly visible and accessible at a major intersection

• The new branch will have private offices, an after-hours depository, and plenty of free parking

• This new location is ADA compliant, improving accessibility for both current and new clients

During the grand opening the KeyBank Foundation donated $10,000 to Fathers & Sons of Northeast Ohio. This grant will support the organization’s mission to help low-income fathers reconnect with their children by funding fatherhood training programs, vocational education and supportive services. These initiatives empower fathers to become responsible leaders in their families and communities, while also helping them overcome barriers to employment, housing and parental involvement.

In addition to helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals, the new Akron branch is also serving clients seeking to develop and grow businesses in the area.

Clients do not need to take any action as all accounts will be transferred automatically to the new location. They can continue to bank at any KeyBank location they choose.

About KeyCorp

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at September 30, 2025.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

CFMA# 251014-3619128

When DP World established the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) in 1985, few could have imagined it would become a global model for how logistics ecosystems can fuel sustainable, inclusive growth. Four decades later, JAFZA stands as one of the world’s leading free zones – supporting 160,000 jobs, generating AED 5.6 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), and accounting for 74% of Dubai’s total FDI inflow in 2023.

JAFZA’s success rests on a simple premise: when trade flows efficiently, economies grow inclusively. By combining seamless logistics infrastructure with smart policy incentives, JAFZA has created an environment where more than 11,000 businesses – including 500 Fortune 100 firms – can thrive. JAFZA recently marked its 40^th anniversary with record-breaking trade volumes of $190 billion, representing a 15% year-on-year increase.

But JAFZA is more than a hub of commerce; it is a living example of how long-term thinking, digital innovation, and sustainability can transform a port community into a global growth engine. Its scalable facilities, digitalized customs systems, and environmental management initiatives demonstrate how economic zones can deliver shared prosperity while reducing environmental impact.

JAFZA: A Model for Sustainable Trade and Economic Growth

What makes JAFZA’s model so powerful is its integrated design – one that unites terminals, logistics parks, and multimodal transport under a single operational ecosystem. This integration doesn’t just increase efficiency; it reduces emissions, streamlines compliance, and enhances supply chain transparency.

JAFZA’s success has inspired similar models worldwide. From its digital trade platforms to its sustainability-driven infrastructure investments, the free zone’s influence extends well beyond Dubai, shaping how global logistics hubs are conceived and built.

Adapting the Blueprint to the Americas: The Dominican Republic SEZ

Today, JAFZA’s blueprint is being replicated across DP World’s global network – from Berbera in Somaliland to Sokhna in Egypt – and now, across the Americas through a new generation of ESG-driven Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

A standout example is DP World’s $760 million expansion of its SEZ in the Dominican Republic – a project that integrates port operations, logistics parks, and industrial clusters into a single sustainable ecosystem. The Caucedo SEZ is designed not only to increase container handling capacity from 2.5 million to 3.1 million TEUs but also to create 225 hectares of low-carbon industrial development.

This development reflects the same principles that made JAFZA a success:

• Sustainability first. The Dominican SEZ operates with 100 percent electric cargo-handling equipment and a 2 MW solar network to minimize emissions.
• People at the center. Through the DP World Academy, the project offers STEM training and management certifications for local workers, creating a pipeline for high-skill careers in logistics and manufacturing.
• Trade resilience. With direct links to Miami and New York within five days, the SEZ provides nearshoring solutions that strengthen regional supply chains while reducing carbon miles for manufacturers.

ESG Integration as a Driver of Regional Competitiveness

Both JAFZA and Caucedo demonstrate how trade infrastructure, when designed through an ESG lens, can become a powerful engine for sustainable competitiveness. DP World’s approach – combining digital transformation with renewable energy, workforce development, and circular economy practices – sets a new global benchmark for integrated economic zones.

These ecosystems are more than physical spaces; they are innovation platforms that connect investors, small businesses, and communities, unlocking long-term opportunities while protecting natural resources.

From Ports to People: Creating Inclusive Economic Impact

Across both Dubai and the Dominican Republic, DP World’s economic zones demonstrate how trade can be a force for good. Each investment prioritizes local employment, environmental protection, and digital transformation to build economies that are resilient and future-ready.

From JAFZA’s early focus on streamlined customs and renewable-energy compliance to Caucedo’s all-electric operations and training programs for underrepresented groups, these initiatives prove that economic zones can do more than facilitate trade – they can transform lives.

As global supply chains shift toward regional models, DP World’s experience across continents offers a clear lesson: sustainable growth comes from integrating infrastructure with innovation and inclusion. Whether in Dubai or the Dominican Republic, DP World’s vision remains the same: building the next generation of trade ecosystems that connect markets, empower communities, and protect the planet.

Learn More

DP World’s is driving measurable progress across six continents – from decarbonizing port operations to empowering local communities.

Discover how DP World is redefining sustainable global trade.

ORLANDO, Fl., October 24, 2025 /3BL/ – Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County is proud to continue its partnership with Wesco to help build and preserve affordable housing in Central Florida.

Wesco, a leading global supply chain solutions provider with a distribution center, warehouses and sales offices in Orlando, generously supports Habitat Orlando & Osceola’s Habitat Inspects Program, which provides free four-point and wind mitigation inspections to qualified homeowners. In the first two years, this program collectively saved participants $200,000 on annual home insurance premiums. Individual savings averaged $900 per year.

“At Habitat Orlando & Osceola, we know that we can’t build our way out of the current housing crisis happening in Central Florida. We have found ways to help existing homeowners preserve and remain in their already affordable homes,” said Habitat Orlando & Osceola President & CEO Catherine Steck McManus. “We’re proud to partner with Wesco to help offer home preservation services in our community.”

“It’s great to see our Wesco employees lending their time and talents to help maintain affordable housing in our communities. Repairs and preventative maintenance programs are essential to home stability and security. We are proud to continue to support Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County,” said Chris Wolf, Wesco Chief Human Resources Officer and executive sponsor for Wesco Cares.

Wesco is also proud to support Habitat Orlando & Osceola’s mission on the build site. Last week, a group of 10 volunteers helped lay sod outside of a brand-new Habitat home in Orange County’s Holden Heights neighborhood. When complete, the home will be sold with an affordable mortgage to a local family.

For high-res photos of the event, click here.

About Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County 

Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County is driven by a vision where everyone has an affordable place to call home, a stable foundation that fosters health, opportunity, and progress for all. Habitat Orlando & Osceola pioneers innovative housing solutions, empowers individuals through knowledge, and transforms communities by addressing the root causes of the housing crisis. Founded in 1986, Habitat Orlando & Osceola has built, rehabbed or repaired over 900 homes throughout Central Florida. Through home builds, repairs, housing counseling, financial education classes, and other programming, Habitat Orlando & Osceola serves more than 2,000 people each year. The nonprofit has achieved recognition as one of the 40 “top producers” out of over 1,100 Habitat for Humanity International affiliates working in communities throughout the United States and in more than 70 countries. To learn more, visit HabitatOrlando.org.

About Wesco International

Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with approximately $22 billion in annual sales in 2024 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, educational institutions, government agencies, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

CINCINNATI, October 23, 2025 /3BL/ – In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Fifth Third’s inclusive employment practices have again been recognized by the National Organization on Disability.

Fifth Third (NASDAQ: FITB) has been named a 2025 Leading Disability Employer, which recognizes companies setting the standard for disability inclusion across the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retention.

“At Fifth Third, we believe that we are better when we are all connected,” said Nancy Pinckney, chief human resources officer for Fifth Third. “We strive to foster a sense of belonging and create an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”

Fifth Third’s inclusive employment practices include a robust network of Business Resource Groups (BRGs) that empower employees to advance inclusion efforts, access engagement opportunities, support business solutions, and volunteer in the community. The BRGs are employee-led and open to all Fifth Third employees.

Fifth Third is a founding partner of Project SEARCH, a one-year program that helps high school students with disabilities transition into the workforce. Since the program’s inception in 2005, Fifth Third has trained more than 425 students, including 29 current employees, as one of nearly 800 Project SEARCH locations worldwide.

Fifth Third was also the first bank to design a checking account for the Achieving a Better Life Experience program, or ABLE. These accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest assets for disability-related expenses, and Fifth Third’s program was created by BRG members.

“We encourage our employees to bring their best thinking into the workplace to fully leverage the power of inclusivity and commonality as we work to be the one bank people most value and trust,” said Stephanie A. Smith, chief inclusion officer for Fifth Third.

NOD’s Leading Disability Employer award recognizes forward-thinking employers that embrace disability inclusion as a business imperative and embed proven practices to unlock talent, strengthen culture, and deliver results. The organization’s methodology includes the Disability Inclusion Blueprint, a comprehensive assessment tool that evaluates key business practices related to talent outcomes, strategy and policies, and practices and programs.

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About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies^® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ^® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

CONTACT

Amanda Nageleisen (Media Relations)
amanda.nageleisen@53.com

Matt Curoe (Investor Relations)
matt.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345