Tag: 3BL

When cases of canine parvovirus began rising, Arizona Humane Society and Elanco jumped into action. 

Through collaboration with Elanco, the shelter’s veterinary team was able to use Trutect™, the first and only monoclonal antibody treatment designed to neutralize the parvo virus, contributing to less hospital time¹. In December, 11 puppies were saved thanks to this collaboration and the dedicated veterinary teams caring for them. 

“I have been working with AZ Humane Society for a while now and have seen how much they care about the pets and animals they see during the day. Some animals end up very sick and need much more help than can be offered. Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody offers dogs sick with parvo to have a fighting chance at survival. We at Elanco offered AZ Humane Society the opportunity to use CPMA and it has been amazing to see such good results. Now more dogs can live a happy life and find a happy home!”
Cody Stinnett, Sr. Sales Representative
Elanco Animal Health

“Thanks to Elanco’s donation of CPMA, our veterinary team can treat pets quickly and more effectively, making a real difference for the pets and families we serve.”
Serena Ness, Director of Shelter Medicine
Arizona Humane Society

Parvo remains preventable through vaccination, highlighting the importance of protecting pets and the communities they live in. 

Together, Arizona Humane Society and Elanco are ensuring more pets receive the care they need. Because making life better for animals, makes life better.

Learn more about Elanco’s efforts to prevent Parvo 

¹ Hornback S, et al. Journal of shelter medicine & community animal health 2025

By Kathleen Murphy

On July 10, we honor our crews who are committed to powering our communities safely for National Lineworker Appreciation Day.

Entergy joins the Edison Electric Institute, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and other industry groups in observing the holiday in order to recognize the efforts and sacrifices made year-round by lineworkers across the country.

From restoring power during hurricanes to maintaining thousands of miles of distribution and transmission lines, lineworkers are among the most visible and essential members of our utility’s workforce. Working high above the ground and often in challenging environments, lineworkers face hazards that require extensive training, constant awareness and a deep commitment to safety.

Our lineworkers are the first to respond and deliver for our communities when the lights go out. Despite facing challenging conditions in the Gulf South region, they endure and overcome when called upon. Whether facing brutally freezing temperatures during ice storms, wading through varying depths of mud and water in bayous or responding during the peak heat of Southern summers, our crews constantly work together to safely display their immense expertise, focus and perseverance.

“By nature, to serve as a lineworker requires an intense dedication to one’s community, and I’m thankful for the crews that have chosen to serve our customers every day,” said Charles Long, senior vice president of power delivery. “Their courage, skill and dedication in all kinds of weather and conditions make it possible for us to serve our customers safely and reliably every day.”

To learn more about how our lineworkers construct, operate and maintain our equipment to serve 3 million customers, visit entergy.com/lineworkers. Participate in honoring lineworkers and their families on social media by posting your message using the hashtag #thankalineworker.

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At a recent event with store teams in Orlando, Fla., Senior Manager of Global Community Engagement and Social Impact, Nelson Burke, mentioned to a small group in passing that Tapestry would be a sponsor of Orlando Pride in the fall. He was moved by the response.

“You could see in [one of the team member’s] emotions how she felt cared for,” Burke remembers. “Just by learning that Tapestry is going to be sponsoring Orlando Pride.”

That moment carried meaning. And it’s why the Prouder Together EBRG exists. Completely employee-led, Prouder Together doesn’t just host Pride marches and events, but is a source of inclusion in everyday spaces where people spend their working lives.

Behind that effort is a group of co-leads who take on this work around the world. Here are their stories.

A Secret Mission

Dean Herson, Director Customer Experience EMEAI Stores + Learning & Development was originally part of the global Prouder Together network before becoming co-lead of the chapter in EMEAI—a region that spans some countries where, as Herson puts it plainly, “being me is actually illegal.”

“Every day is Coming Out Day,” Herson says. “But in some regards, it’s also very much a ‘stay quite hidden.’ I see it as a secret mission for the people like me in countries who can’t necessarily say who they are or what they’re about.”

That reality is what drew Herson into EBRG leadership, and what keeps him there. Through Prouder Together’s work, community members in every country know someone is fighting for them, even when the support happens quietly.

“We have a unique opportunity at Tapestry with the most incredible workforce of amazing people… to connect with people from all over the world and create community,” Herson says.

Activism Turned Allyship

His UK communications pillar co-lead, Tara Cozzi-Lepri, joined Prouder Together EMEAI in 2024, and brings a different vantage point. Originally from the northern suburbs of Chicago, she’s been with Tapestry for 11 years, now as store manager at Coach Westfield Stratford City in East London, and is the only field-based co-lead in the EMEAI market.

Cozzi-Lepri’s background in 90s punk activism gave her an education early in her career in inclusion before it had a corporate name: “A lot of the bands were actually talking about these things…and being a really inclusive community,” she says. “I found my people. Ever since then, I’ve had this fire to be the best ally I can be.”

Her primary in-store responsibilities, and passion for creating inclusivity within Tapestry, are a balancing act. “It’s equally hard work for me, but good work,” she says. “I feel really lucky to do it.”

Inclusivity as Brand

In California, West Coast Senior Director Kellie Dolzynski has worked at kate spade new york for 13 years and been part of Prouder Together since its beginnings in 2021.

Her take on EBRGs is that they’re essential to company culture. “It’s not just ‘we sell handbags’ or ‘we’re building brands,’” she explains. “It’s building the autonomy of people and experiences. And that really speaks to what Tapestry believes in.”

Dolzynski says positive feedback goes beyond team members; she also sees how customers respond to representation. “You have that one conversation when you go to [one of our stores] where someone says, ‘thank you so much for amplifying our voice, making Tapestry a place that I can feel seen, heard, and respected.’”

Building an Experience

Morgan Foster, Sr. Manager, Global Talent in New York, who oversees Prouder Together’s culture and well-being pillar, considers EBRG involvement in the same way a brand considers building an experience. 

“The way EBRGs are creating spaces and events, and curating experiences for connection—it’s a bit of a product,” she said. “We want people in the organization, no matter where you sit, to look at what we’re doing and say, ‘I want to be part of that or I would enroll in that.’”

Bridging the Gap

More than anything, Burke says that being a part of Prouder Together gives him a sense of agency for doing something good in the world. “There’s just so much impact that we can have through our people and the way that we show up in our communities.”

But ask any of the co-leads what keeps them up at night, and you’ll hear a version of the same answer: how do you reach the team member who’s only been at the brand for a few months, the ones working directly on the sales floor, or those who have no idea what an EBRG even is?

“When I think of wanting everyone to feel included, I want them to feel connected to the work we do,” says Cozzi-Lepri, who often briefs new store employees on what EBRGs are, and the variety of connections Tapestry offers.

Burke’s framing helps: participation doesn’t have to mean co-leading anything. It can mean attending a session. It can mean one hour of volunteer work. At a recent “Be Heard” listening session run by Prouder Together, fewer than 30 people joined, and some didn’t say a word. But “Just being there, just having that space created for them meant a lot,” Burke says.

That’s the version of access and belonging the co-leads are working toward: low barrier, multiple entry points, involvement at the right level for each individual. Show up however you can. Something will land.

“We’ve got thousands of team members all over the world who have a sense of feeling seen, heard, valued, and cared for through our EBRG’s efforts and Tapestry’s stance [on showing up as your most authentic self],” Burke says. “There’s so much power in that.”

MINNEAPOLIS, July 10, 2026 /3BL/ – Together with residents, project partners, community and civic leaders and elected officials, Project for Pride in Living (PPL) today gathered to cut the ribbon on Opportunity Crossing, a new, 110-unit affordable housing development built on the site of the former Wells Fargo branch that was destroyed during the social unrest of 2020. Located at 3030 Nicollet Ave. in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Opportunity Crossing is one of the largest affordable housing projects in Minneapolis history and represents a transformative new chapter for the Lake Street community and everyone who calls it home by creating affordable housing, economic opportunity and neighborhood vitality. View photos from today’s ribbon cutting. To learn more about the project, view the newly released documentary.

“Opportunity Crossing is an example for the nation of how to build projects by, with and for community,” said Project for Pride in Living President and CEO, Karla Henderson. “Over 30 funding partners came together to build a site that doesn’t just offer stable, affordable homes for South Minneapolis residents, but advances economic opportunity through commercial spaces that local entrepreneurs own rather than rent, supports sustainability through green building elements, and provides spaces for connection, gathering and growth. Every piece of this project is a stepping stone to help community thrive by advancing equitable, long-term change. We are proud to celebrate Opportunity Crossing as a space that honors and reflects the resilience of this city.”

 At the event, Wells Fargo announced an additional community investment through a three-year, $400,000 grant to PPL that will establish a Community Opportunity Hub at Opportunity Crossing. In partnership with Wells Fargo, PPL will expand its financial counseling and homeownership programs by adding a dedicated financial coach on-site to help residents build credit, strengthen financial stability and pursue homeownership opportunities.

Opportunity Crossing was built on the site of the former Wells Fargo branch that was destroyed during the social unrest of 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. With a determination to build back better and reinvest in the area, Wells Fargo prioritized rebuilding through local collaboration, selecting the nonprofit PPL to serve as the lead developer of the site. The final vision for the building was shaped through extensive and authentic listening sessions with residents, small business owners and neighborhood stakeholders, reflecting PPL’s approach to equitable development centered on community voice and collaboration.

“The community asked for affordable places to call home, support for local businesses and a place to build for the future,” said Wells Fargo Foundation Chief Administrative Officer Molly Porter. “Opportunity Crossing is a reflection of the many voices that believed transformation was possible at Nicollet and Lake, and Wells Fargo is proud to be among the leading partners who came together to help create a vibrant community hub.”

A transformative new development

Spread across six stories, Opportunity Crossing provides 110 new affordable housing units and offers a range of living options. From studio apartments to four-bedroom units, the building is designed to serve both individuals and families at varying life stages. Seventy-seven percent of the units feature multiple bedrooms, fulfilling a rising need for families who are seeking larger affordable housing options. View photos of the new building.

Designed to foster community connection, the development includes a community room, outdoor plaza and playground, indoor play area, co-working spaces, fitness room, bike room, and underground parking. It also features innovative sustainability elements, including solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling capabilities, and a rainwater harvesting system.

Unique to an affordable housing development, Opportunity Crossing also features 13,700 square feet of commercial space on the first floor of the building, 8,400 of which is dedicated to wealth-building opportunities for emerging businesses to strengthen neighborhood entrepreneurship and economic mobility. The new Wells Fargo branch at Opportunity Crossing anchors the project, featuring the bank’s next-generation design built around how customers want to bank today. It includes a more open layout designed for conversation and consultation, along with modern, tech-enabled experiences that make it easier for customers to engage with us in the ways that work best for them.

Opportunity Crossing was made possible through the collaboration of public, private and community partners, including the following: Wells Fargo Bank, Wells Fargo Foundation, City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Ameriprise Financial, Minnesota Housing, Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Margaret A. Cargill Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, Lake Street Council, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, Weis Builders, Design by Melo, Element Commercial Real Estate, Juxtaposition Arts and several other neighborhood and community-based organizations.

About Project for Pride in Living 

Project for Pride in Living (PPL) is a nonprofit based in the Twin Cities that helps people with lower incomes build a better future. For more than 50 years, we’ve supported individuals and families by offering affordable housing and career training programs. By creating housing people can afford and helping them prepare for employment that pays a livable wage, we’re working to build stronger, more vibrant communities where everyone has the chance to succeed.

Contact:
Caroline Burns 
caroline@goffpublic.com  
952-215-5047

BATTLE CREEK, Michigan, July 10, 2026 /3BL/ – WK Kellogg Co today announced the launch of Kellogg’s® Super Stars™, a new portfolio of K‑12 cereals designed to make nourishing breakfasts more accessible and desirable for students. The rollout is part of the company’s Feeding Happiness™ commitment to helping kids be their best by expanding access to nutritious breakfasts that help fuel learning, focus and student success. 

Highlights of Kellogg’s® Super Stars™ include: 

• Nutrition Profile: Each 1 oz serving provides a good source of fiber and vitamin D and is an excellent source of seven vitamins and minerals. Specifically, 20% of the Daily Value (DV) of six B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12) and iron, 4g of dietary fiber, 15% of the DV of vitamin D and made with natural flavors and colors. 
• Kid-Approved Flavors and Shapes: The four flavor offerings (Celebration Crunch, Cinnamon Crunch, Fruity Crunch and Honey Crunch) and star-shaped cereal pieces were selected from among those kids identified as their favorites.* 
• Operational Ease: Ready-to-serve 1 oz bowls, 2 oz cups and new 1 oz pouches (a format unique to Kellogg’s®) make for quick and easy serving in schools with minimal prep time or labor required. 
• Iconic Characters: Each Super Stars™ variety features an iconic Kellogg’s® character including Tony the Tiger®, Toucan Sam®, Cinnamon Stick® and, making her ‘return’ after more than 70 years, Katy the Kangaroo®. 

For more than a century, WK Kellogg Co has helped nourish communities by providing breakfast solutions that support children, families and schools, recognizing the important role breakfast plays in helping kids start their day ready to learn and thrive. 

“Kellogg’s® cereals have been a staple on breakfast tables and in school breakfast programs across the U.S. for decades and we are committed to continuing that legacy for generations to come,” said Sarah Ludmer, RD, Chief Wellbeing and Sustainable Business Officer, WK Kellogg Co. “We know school nutrition professionals are working incredibly hard to navigate evolving regulations, rising costs and limited staff. Super Stars™ helps remove those barriers and enables them to provide more students access to a healthful breakfast.” 

Advancing WK Kellogg Co’s foodservice portfolio is central to the company’s growth strategy, driving innovation and helping strengthen the category’s relevance with today’s consumers. 

“Re‑energizing the cereal category starts with leading where we can have real impact and childhood nutrition is right there at the top,” continues Sarah. “Super Stars™ brings something new to the category, including flexible formats and strong nutrition credentials, as well as the opportunity to introduce and excite new generations about the benefits of cereal.” 

The Kellogg’s® Super Stars™ cereal offering will be introduced to school nutrition professionals at the 2026 School Nutrition Association’s Annual National Conference in Charlotte, NC, July 12-14, 2026 and will be available for the 2027-2028 school year.  

Source: The Cambridge Group Kellogg Palate Mapping 2021; Age 2-17 n=1885. 

About WK Kellogg Co 
At WK Kellogg Co, we bring our best to everyone, every day through our trusted foods and brands. Our journey began in 1894, when our founder W.K. Kellogg reimagined the future of food with the creation of Corn Flakes, changing breakfast forever. Our iconic brand portfolio includes Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Froot Loops®, Kashi®, Special K®, Kellogg’s Raisin Bran®, and Bear Naked®. With a presence in the majority of households across North America, our brands play a key role in enhancing the lives of millions of consumers every day, promoting a strong sense of physical, emotional and societal wellbeing. Our beloved brand characters, including Tony the Tiger® and Toucan Sam®, represent our deep connections with the consumers and communities we serve. Through our sustainable business strategy, Feeding Happiness™, we aim to build healthier and happier futures for families, kids and communities. We are making a positive impact while creating foods that bring joy and nourishment to consumers. For more information about WK Kellogg Co and Feeding Happiness, visit www.wkkellogg.com.   

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

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

My career in tech officially kicked off after graduating from DeVry with a Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems. I landed my first IT role at Discover Card, working an extremely early shift on the Helpdesk. While most people were still asleep, I was troubleshooting, learning, and—most importantly—observing.

What caught my eye wasn’t just the work I was doing, but the constant energy coming from the Telecom team. They were always in motion—integrating systems, rolling out new features, partnering with business teams, and solving problems in real time. I didn’t go to school for Telecom, but somehow Telecom found me. And like many of us in this field joke, no one really chooses Telecom… it chooses you. And once it does, you tend to stick around because the work is endlessly evolving and surprisingly fun.

Over the years, I’ve watched the industry transform from analog to digital, digital to SIP, and now from on‑prem systems to global cloud‑based CCaaS platforms. Those of us who proudly call ourselves OPGs (Old Phone Guys or Gals) still get nostalgic about punch‑down tools, tone generators, and 110 blocks. Many of us even keep them—partly for memories, partly because they still come in handy more often than you’d think.

When I first joined GoDaddy, Telecom was a small team of six to seven people and over the years the team has now grown into a talented team of eighteen. I joined GoDaddy as an engineer and eventually moved into management. My management career at GoDaddy started with a small team of two direct reports and has now grown into a group of eight talented engineers spread across the US, India, the UK, and Germany. Leading such a globally diverse and skilled team has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

What’s one project you’re especially proud of, and what impact did it have on employees or the business?

I joined GoDaddy at a pivotal moment—right as we were beginning our international call center expansion. I quickly became a primary point of contact for launching new global sites, starting with India and eventually expanding to China, Belfast, Barcelona, Bogotá, Bulgaria, and more.

Back then, we didn’t just configure things remotely—we traveled to each location to set up the technology on‑site and ensure everything worked flawlessly. It was a massive cross‑team effort, and seeing each center go live was incredibly rewarding. These launches helped shape GoDaddy’s global support footprint and strengthened our ability to serve customers around the world.

Around the same time, the HEG acquisition brought another exciting challenge: integrating multiple disparate systems into our global telephony platform. It was complex, collaborative, and exactly the kind of project that reminds you why Telecom never gets boring.

How do you approach designing systems that scale reliably under real‑world constraints?

Telecom at a global scale comes with a unique set of challenges. Our approach always starts with three core pillars:

• Regulatory compliance: Every country has its own rules for voice services, and we must design systems that meet those requirements without compromising functionality.
• Latency and quality: Voice is personal. We work hard to ensure minimal latency so both customers and GoDaddy Guides have the best possible experience.
• Cloud readiness: As on‑prem systems continue to shift to cloud‑based platforms, we evaluate providers carefully to ensure they can meet our global needs—performance, compliance, and reliability included.

Scalability isn’t just about handling volume; it’s about building systems that respect the nuances of every region we serve.

How do you balance being hands‑on technically with being an effective leader?

Even in management, I love staying close to the technology. While I’m not as hands‑on as I once was, I stay deeply connected to the work my team is doing. It helps me understand their challenges, support their growth, and remove obstacles that slow them down.

My goal is to make sure they have what they need—access, tools, clarity, and space to innovate. Staying technically aware also helps me be a better advocate for them and for the work we do.

Are there any resources you’d recommend for personal or technical development?

Telecom is evolving quickly, especially with the rise of AI, omnichannel platforms, and cloud‑based solutions. Traditional vendor‑specific hardware certifications are becoming less central, while skills in software, cloud, and AI are becoming essential.

I recommend focusing on:

• Problem Solving and Troubleshooting techniques (these are critical in all aspects of technology)
• AWS and cloud architecture fundamentals
• CCaaS and CPaaS platforms
• Networking basics (still incredibly important for quality, routing, and interoperability)
• Software Development and AI‑driven tools and automation frameworks

The landscape is shifting, and staying curious is the best strategy.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I love to travel—exploring new places, trying new foods, and revisiting familiar favorites. I also enjoy riding motorcycles with my husband, whether it’s a quick local ride or a long-distance adventure. We’ve covered a lot of ground together, but there are still plenty of roads left to explore. A favorite of ours is to travel to Milwaukee and also Green Bay to attend events like Summerfest and hit Lambeau Field for a Packers Game.

Family time is also great for us. Between the two of us, we have four kids and recently welcomed our first grandchild, which has been such a joy. When I’m not traveling or riding, you’ll usually find me spending time with friends and family.

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

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Key Takeaways

• Partnerships with America250’s “America Gives” initiative, Points of Light, and 9/11 Day to Mobilize Employees and Ignite Community Involvement Nationwide
• Comcast NBCUniversal employees are mobilized year-round to volunteer with community-based organizations across the country. In 2025, more than 18,000 employees contributed 165,000+ volunteer hours in support of 2,000 organizations in the United States.

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, Comcast NBCUniversal is celebrating this historic milestone with a renewed commitment to service. Through an investment of more than $3 million in cash and in-kind support, we’re partnering with America250’s America Gives initiative, Points of Light, and 9/11 Day to help make this moment a defining year of action, connection, and meaningful impact for employees and communities nationwide.

Together, these partnerships underscore our shared belief in the unifying power of service and the role it plays in inspiring collective action to strengthen communities. As the nation reflects on its history and looks ahead to the future, Comcast NBCUniversal is helping turn that reflection into momentum—encouraging employees to show up for their neighbors and carry forward a spirit of service that lasts well beyond this anniversary year.

“Comcast NBCUniversal has a long-standing commitment to the communities we serve. This milestone creates an opportunity to expand how our employees give back, support causes they care about, and make a meaningful difference in communities this year and into the future.”
Dalila Wilson-Scott
Executive Vice President and Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer of Comcast Corporation and President of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation

“As the nation celebrated America’s 250th anniversary and prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we’re reminded of the unique power of service to bring people together. Through our partnership with America Gives, Points of Light, and 9/11 Day, we are pleased to work with organizations that play an important role in mobilizing service efforts and engaging our employees in the communities where we live and work.”
Hilary Smith
Executive Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at NBCUniversal

The Partnerships:

• America Gives — Comcast NBCUniversal is sponsoring America250’s America Gives and joining Giving 4th to spotlight its ongoing commitment to volunteerism and charitable giving. During the week of July 4^th, the company has offered a 2:1 match to benefit the organizations employees support nationwide.
• Points of Light — Comcast NBCUniversal is investing in Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, to help shape the future of volunteerism on a national scale. Chairing Points of Light’s Corporate Service Council, Comcast leadership is collaborating with companies across the network to help guide the future of corporate civic engagement, strengthening how companies connect, act, and drive impact in the communities they serve.
• 9/11 Day — Established in 2002, 9/11 Day honors the spirit of unity that emerged following the September 11 attacks and has grown into the nation’s largest annual day of service, bringing together volunteers in 50 cities this year to provide 20 million meals to neighbors in need. This September, the 25th anniversary will serve as an opportunity for Comcast NBCUniversal to mobilize hundreds of employees to assemble and distribute shelf-stable meals, supporting communities facing hunger.

2025 Progress Snapshot

Key Achievements

DaVita is pleased to report notable annual gains across all of our Community Care focus areas.

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Patient Care

8,000+ DaVita patients received a kidney transplant.

40,000+ people participated in a Kidney Smart® class, our kidney disease education program, which is available in over 13 languages.

We worked with national organizations, including the YMCA and the American Diabetes Association, to expand access to education and prevention resources for chronic kidney disease and related conditions.

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Teammate Engagement

We achieved a teammate engagement score of 85% in 2025.

We maintained our high scores in teammate sentiment, with 85% reporting they feel like they belong^[1] at DaVita.

~400 teammates are pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing, funded by DaVita’s Bridge to Your Dreams program.

We exceeded our five year teammate volunteerism goal, with teammates giving 218,000+ hours of their time to causes aligned to DaVita’s mission since 2021.

^{[1] Per 2025 teammate survey data}

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Environmental Stewardship

We achieved our 5-year goal of powering 100% of our global operations with renewable energy via virtual power purchase agreements.

More than 90 million gallons of water — enough water to support ~830 U.S. homes for an entire year^[1] — were saved through ongoing water efficiency projects.

DaVita has been named to the CDP climate change “A List” for the past two years, including achieving a Leadership Level grade for water security in 2025.

^{[1] Based on EPA estimate of 300 gallons of water used daily per U.S. household}

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Healthy Communities

The 2025 DaVita Community Health Experience provided thousands of community members across the country access to free screenings and education focused on kidney health.

With support from the DaVita Giving Foundation, the Food is Medicine Coalition provided more than 23,000 medically tailored meals to people with food insecurity and medical nutrition needs, including individuals living with end stage kidney disease.

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Leading with Integrity & Accountability

As of May 2026, 8 out of 9 members of our Board of Directors are independent under New York Stock Exchange rules.

99.9% of U.S. teammates and directors completed annual compliance training in 2025.

Media Contacts:

Action Against Hunger 

Kara Green, email: kgreen@actionagainsthunger.org 

IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) 

Paula Machio, email: paula.machio@igad.int 

Kennedy Wekesa, email: kennedy.wekesa@igad.int 

 

The IMPAACT project is expected to reach 243,801 people in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti through interoperable, government-led multi-hazard preparedness systems anchored at the IGAD regional level.

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 10, 2026 /3BL/ – Action Against Hunger (ACF) and the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), today launched “Institutionalizing Interoperable Multi-Hazard Anticipatory Action” (IMPAACT), a two-year initiative funded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). The project aims to protect 243,801 people in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti from the compounding effects of climate-induced and conflict-driven humanitarian crises through coordinated, science-based anticipatory action.

The Greater Horn of Africa remains one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions, where recurrent drought, floods, conflict, and displacement intersect to generate predictable humanitarian crises. Despite the advances in early warning systems, the gap between available risk data and coordinated, timely action continues to cost lives and livelihoods. IMPAACT directly addresses this gap by scaling nationally led anticipatory action systems — from the IGAD regional level down to sub-national, cross-border, and urban community levels —across the three countries.

Implemented through a joint consortium model under Action Against Hunger leadership, with ICPAC as regional institutional partner, the project will deliver four integrated results: strengthen the regional anticipatory action framework; build preparedness capacities in conflict-affected cross-border areas of Ethiopia and Somalia; enhance urban preparedness in Djibouti; and operationalize a rapid-onset crisis modifier mechanism capable of delivering first assistance within 48 hours of trigger confirmation.

“This project represents a fundamental shift in how we confront humanitarian crises in the region—moving from reactive response to proactive protection. By bridging the gap between early warning data and swift, coordinated action, this initiative will allow us to reach the region’s most vulnerable people before disaster strikes,” said Rotimy Djossaya, Action Against Hunger Chief Impact Officer. Rotimy further states that; “True resilience isn’t just about surviving the next crisis; it’s about building the institutional systems that prevent it from becoming a catastrophe in the first place.”

At the regional level, ICPAC will anchor the project’s anticipatory action framework, validating cross-border trigger matrices, ensuring policy coherence across Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti, and linking the initiative to established coordination platforms including the IGAD Regional Technical Working Group on Anticipatory

Action (RTWGAA) and SCALAA. The project builds on and complements these existing systems rather than creating parallel mechanisms, reinforcing the institutional architecture that underpins long-term food security and resilience across the Greater Horn.

“As climate extremes and humanitarian crises become more frequent and severe, investing in disaster preparedness through anticipatory action is no longer optional—it is essential. This ECHO-funded IMPAACT partnership comes at a critical moment to accelerate anticipatory action across the region, placing governments in the driver’s seat to lead, own, and sustain solutions that protect lives, livelihoods, and development gains,” said Dr Abdi Fidar, ICPAC’s Director.

The project is funded by the European Commission under ECHO’s Humanitarian Implementation Plan (HIP) for the Greater Horn of Africa. The European Union’s support reflects its continued commitment to building the evidence base and institutionalize AA systems needed to shift humanitarian response toward prevention and preparedness in one of the world’s most complex crisis environments.

The IMPAACT project targets pastoralists, displaced persons, and vulnerable urban communities, directly reaching 86,261 people in Ethiopia, 105,332 in Somalia, and 52,208 in Djibouti over its two-year duration. Protection, inclusion, conflict sensitivity, and environmental sustainability are integrated throughout all project activities. The project will conclude in May 2028.

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About Action Against Hunger 

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.

 

About ICPAC

The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) is a specialised institution of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and a Regional Climate Centre mandated by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) to provide and support the delivery of climate services and early warning information to 11 countries (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi) in the Greater Horn of Africa.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has moved from a niche policy concept to a practical business issue in the United States. For companies that sell packaged goods, consumer products, or products already covered by stewardship laws, EPR is now a complex regulatory reality. Spanning issues of compliance, data, procurement, packaging design, and budgeting, packaging EPR laws increasingly touch legal, operations, finance, and marketing teams alike.

At its core, EPR shifts responsibility for managing products at end-of-life from municipalities and taxpayers to producers. In practice, that usually means certain companies must register with a producer responsibility organization (PRO), report what they place on the market, and help fund collection, recycling, or other end-of-life management systems. In the United States, EPR is not governed by a single federal framework. Instead, it’s developing through a patchwork of state laws, each with its own definitions, timelines, and compliance expectations.

This legislative patchwork can begin to look unmanageable very quickly. For example, a company could be regulated in one state, exempt in another, and subject to a different set of definitions and deadlines in a third — all while facing fairly significant fines for non-compliance. In this article, we offer an overview of the current EPR landscape in the U.S., focusing on the seven states that have enacted packaging EPR laws, including where each law stands now, which deadlines matter most, and where to find official legislative information.

What EPR Means for Business 

For companies new to EPR, one of the biggest sources of confusion is the word “producer.” In most state packaging laws, the producer is not necessarily the company that physically manufactures the packaging. The producer can be a brand owner, brand licensee, importer, or another party identified through a hierarchy written into state law, which means a company can be responsible for compliance even if a third party designed or supplied the package. This distinction is important because EPR obligations are tied to the legal definition of producer in each jurisdiction.

For an in-depth discussion about various producer definitions, roles, and responsibilities (among other topics related to packaging EPR), be sure to read our recent interview: Unpacking Extended Producer Responsibility.

The Seven U.S. States with Packaging EPR Laws

As of May 2026, seven states have enacted packaging EPR laws: Maine, Oregon, Colorado, California, Minnesota, Maryland, and Washington. These laws are in different stages of implementation, and the pace of rulemaking remains uneven. For businesses, the key takeaway is simple: Enactment does not mean all EPR programs work the same way, and deadlines are already active or approaching in several states.

Maine: Stewardship Program for Packaging

Maine was the first U.S. state to enact a packaging EPR law. Passed in 2021, Maine’s LD 1541 established a Stewardship Program for Packaging intended to reimburse municipalities for recycling and waste management costs and improve the state’s recycling system over time. Maine’s law has been especially influential because it helped set the policy direction later adapted by other states.

Unlike some newer programs, Maine’s implementation has been phased and shaped through additional rulemaking and legislative refinements. The program is expected to be fully operational in 2027 and managed by a stewardship organization (SO) selected by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. As the law moves into operational compliance, producers will be expected to register and report with a stewardship organization immediately after Maine has designated one — likely early summer 2026.

Important deadlines and milestones include a 2026 registration and reporting cycle tied to producer obligations, with reporting for covered producers expected by June 2026. Start-up fee obligations are expected in September 2026 once the stewardship organization process advances.

Businesses selling into Maine should not assume this program’s earlier enactment date equates to less significant operational requirements. In fact, Maine is one of the clearest examples of how EPR laws mature over multiple years before becoming fully actionable for producers. Now is the time to understand the law and prepare operations for compliance.

Official legislation: Maine LD 1541, An Act to Support and Improve Municipal Recycling Programs and Save Taxpayer Money

Maine’s LD 1541 is the only one of the seven EPR laws not currently operating under the banner of the Circular Action Alliance (CAA), which is the leading PRO for EPR in the United States. CAA intends to be the stewardship organization for Maine, but as of this writing (May 2026), no stewardship organization has been selected.

PRO (SO): Not determined.

Oregon: Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act

Oregon’s SB 582 is widely viewed as the first packaging EPR program in the United States to become fully operational at scale. Reflecting Oregon’s commitment to prioritizing practices that prevent and reduce the negative environmental, social, economic, and health impacts of production, consumption, and end-of-life management of products and packaging across their life cycle, SB 582 establishes that producers have responsibility for managing covered products, packaging, and the waste associated with them.

The law covers packaging, paper, and food serviceware, making it broader than some packaging-only frameworks. It has become an important real-world test case for how producer registration, data reporting, fee collection, and oversight work in practice.

The most significant operational milestone was July 1, 2025, when Oregon’s program became active, and producers were required to register with the approved PRO (Circular Action Alliance) and begin complying with reporting and fee obligations. The first reporting cycle for 2024 supply data was due in spring 2025. For 2026, the key business deadline is the annual reporting cycle May 31, 2026 (for 2025 supply data), alongside ongoing fee and participation obligations.

Oregon’s law also demonstrates how quickly EPR can move from policy to enforcement. SB 582 has already required thousands of companies to assess whether they are obligated producers, to register, and to build reporting processes. Businesses that have not yet evaluated their Oregon exposure may already be behind.

Official legislation: Oregon Senate Bill 582, the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act

PRO: Circular Action Alliance (CAA) | Oregon

Colorado: Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act

Colorado’s HB 22-1355 created another major packaging EPR framework, with a strong emphasis on statewide recycling access and producer funding through an approved PRO. Colorado has moved steadily through implementation and is now one of the most important compliance states for businesses that sell packaging into the western United States.

Colorado’s producer registration deadline passed earlier in implementation, and the state has now entered its active reporting and program administration phase. For 2026, one of the most important deadlines is May 31, 2026, when annual supply reporting for 2025 data is due for covered producers. As with other states, producers must first determine if they fall within the state’s producer hierarchy and whether their packaging qualifies as covered material.

Colorado matters strategically because it reinforces a broader trend: Even where overall program design is similar from state to state, implementation details differ. Reporting methodologies, fee approaches, exemptions, and guidance all need to be reviewed on a state-by-state basis.

Official legislation: Colorado House Bill 22-1355, the Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act

PRO: Circular Action Alliance (CAA) | Colorado

California: Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act

California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54) is one of the highest-profile packaging EPR laws in the country, largely because of the size and influence of the California market and the broader policy ambitions embedded in the statute. The law goes beyond producer responsibility to include source reduction, recyclability, and plastic pollution prevention goals, making it especially consequential for businesses with large packaging footprints. California’s implementation has been closely watched because rulemaking has taken time, and the program includes more detailed reporting concepts than some other states.

For businesses, the most important near-term deadlines in 2026 include the baseline producer report due May 31, 2026, along with an annual supply report and a source reduction baseline report (2023 data). Individual source reduction plans are expected no later than August 1, 2026.

California’s program deserves special attention because many companies that already track packaging for Oregon or Colorado will still need additional data and planning for California. Source reduction plans and the extensive list of the different packaging classifications for California can raise the bar for internal data readiness.

Official legislation: California Senate Bill 54, the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act

PRO: Circular Action Alliance (CAA) | California

Minnesota: Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act

Minnesota’s 2024 packaging EPR law (HF 3911 / SF 2744) added another major state to the growing national patchwork. Known as the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act, the law created a framework ensuring producer responsibility for packaging, paper products, and food packaging. The law also signaled continued momentum for Midwestern states to join the packaging EPR trend.

Because Minnesota enacted its law later than Oregon, Maine, Colorado, and California, the state is still in earlier implementation stages, but important obligations are already taking shape. Key 2026 milestones include the simplified supply reporting deadline of May 31; the July 1 deadline for the first annual PRO registration; and the December 31 deadline for full needs assessment reporting. Producers selling into Minnesota should use this period to validate applicability, improve packaging data, and monitor guidance as the program matures.

Official legislation: Minnesota HF 3911 / SF 2744, commonly referred to as the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act

PRO: Circular Action Alliance (CAA) | Minnesota

Maryland: Packaging and Paper Products Producer Responsibility Plans Act

Maryland became one of the newest states to enact packaging EPR when it adopted SB 901. The law addresses packaging and paper products and adds another East Coast jurisdiction to the list of states businesses must track closely. For national brands, Maryland reinforces that packaging EPR is no longer confined to a handful of early-adopter states.

Implementation in Maryland is still in development, but 2026 is already a critical year. A simplified supply reporting deadline is expected on May 31, 2026, making this a live compliance year rather than a distant planning exercise. July 1, 2026, also brings a requirement from the PRO (Circular Action Alliance) to provide the Maryland Department of the Environment with a list of producers, brands, and material type information. Companies should also pay attention to how Maryland finalizes producer registration and PRO-related requirements.

From a business perspective, Maryland highlights a recurring lesson: Newly enacted laws can produce obligations quickly, and companies that wait for “full implementation” before preparing may find themselves scrambling to gather historical packaging data.

Official legislation: Maryland Senate Bill 901, the Packaging and Paper Products Producer Responsibility Plans Act.

PRO: Circular Action Alliance (CAA) | Maryland

Washington: Recycling Reform Act

Washington joined the packaging EPR landscape with SB 5284, the Recycling Reform Act. As another newly enacted law, it expands the number of jurisdictions where producers must be prepared for reporting, registration, and fee obligations tied to covered packaging and paper products.

Washington’s program is still moving through early implementation steps, but 2026 again marks an important planning and compliance year. A simplified supply reporting deadline is expected on May 31, 2026, and July 1, 2026, is the date by which producers must be registered with a PRO in Washington.

For businesses already dealing with California, Oregon, and Colorado, Washington adds to the operational pressure to standardize packaging data and develop repeatable state-by-state compliance processes.

Official legislation: Washington Senate Bill 5284, the Recycling Reform Act.

PRO: Circular Action Alliance (CAA) | Washington

How Producers Can Help Reduce EPR Fees

Because EPR fees are generally tied to the amount and type of packaging placed on the market — and many programs are increasingly using eco-modulation to reward better environmental performance — producers can often reduce costs by focusing on a few practical strategies: lightweighting packaging where possible, simplifying formats to improve recyclability (for example, moving away from hard-to-recycle multi-material combinations when feasible), increasing post-consumer recycled content where program rules recognize it, and eliminating unnecessary packaging components.

Producers should also strengthen packaging data management and work closely with suppliers early, since accurate material data is essential for correct reporting and for identifying lower-fee design options. In short, the companies most likely to control EPR costs are those that treat packaging design, data quality, and compliance planning as part of one coordinated strategy.

For a deeper discussion of ways to reduce EPR fees, including the eco-modulation approach, be sure to read our interview with the SCS Consulting EPR team.

The Bottom Line

EPR in the United States has entered a new phase. What began as a policy discussion has become an operational reality for producers in multiple states, especially in packaging. For businesses, the challenge is not only to understand the theory of producer responsibility, but to manage a fast-changing patchwork of state rules, deadlines, and reporting expectations in a way that is practical and repeatable.

The companies that will be best positioned are those that move early: validating producer status, improving packaging data, planning for fees, and integrating EPR into packaging and compliance strategy. That said, some companies may be just finding out about these regulations now and that they need to register and report by May 31^st — just days away.

For these companies, it’s most important to determine quickly if you’re an obligated “Producer” and to register with CAA as the PRO for all six states with upcoming reporting deadlines. Even if you can’t get your report filed by the deadline, you should get it in as soon as possible to reduce the risk of paying late fees and fines.

Do you have EPR questions, concerns, or emerging issues? Our EPR team at SCS Consulting Services is here to help. Learn more and feel free to get in touch today.