Tag: 3BL

Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom

WOONSOCKET, R.I., August 11, 2026 /3BL/ – CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) announced that its AI Learning Academy earned two Golds and one Silver at the 11th Annual Stevie Awards for Great Employers, a global honor recognizing organizations for excellence in employee development, training and workplace culture. The company earned Gold in the Employee Upskill/Reskill Training and AI Workforce Innovation Team of the Year categories, and Silver in AI in Learning and Skills Development Achievement.

Launched in February 2026, the AI Learning Academy used a phased, persona-based learning model to build practical AI capabilities across the enterprise. The program generated more than 18,500 live session attendances, achieving up to a 72% improvement in colleague confidence using AI. Thirty days after training, up to 90% of participants reported sustained productivity gains of 45-60 minutes per week, and enterprise-wide adoption of AI tools has continued to climb.

The judges were glowing in their remarks. One said, “This is an exceptionally strong and strategically mature training program submission that demonstrates enterprise-scale impact, measurable behavioral change, and clear alignment between learning outcomes and business transformation.” Another wrote, “The Academy’s fusion of role-specific design, responsible AI guardrails, and measurable adoption sets a strong benchmark for the health care sector.”

Putting colleagues at the center of AI adoption

“Technology alone doesn’t transform an organization, people do,” said Sherif Kamel, SVP, Chief Digital & Technology Officer, CVS Health. “This program puts our colleagues at the center, meeting them where they are with the skills, confidence and context they need to make AI work for the business.”

“AI won’t define the future of work, people who know how to leverage AI will,” said Greg Karanastasis, SVP, Talent & Development, CVS Health. “Our AI Academy is one of those enablers.

The Academy was built through a cross-functional coalition of business leaders, Learning and Development teams, technology domain experts, and AI platform and adoption analytics teams, embedding responsible-AI training directly into the curriculum.

2026 Stevie Award wins to date

The Great Employers honor is CVS Health’s second Stevie Award recognition of the year. In April 2026, the company was named a Stevie Award winner at the American Business Awards for its enterprise-scale AI work:

• Gold, Enterprise AI —Predictive Modeling, Clinical Authorization & Claims Orchestration
• Silver, Customer Experience AI — Agentic Twins

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About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company simplifying health care one person, one family and one community at a time. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 88 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through a broad range of health insurance products and related services. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

About the American Business Awards

The American Business Awards are the nation’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S. are eligible to submit nominations — public and private, for profit and nonprofit, large and small.

Media contact

Ethan Slavin
860-273-6095
Ethan.Slavin@CVSHealth.com

MetLife

MetLife offers extensive benefits and resources for our employees to prioritize their health, financial security and overall well‑being—so they can thrive at work and beyond. MetLife tailors Company-paid and/or subsidized benefits, including healthcare, dental insurance, disability, life insurance and retirement benefits, to the needs of each market, and offers competitive paid time off in all markets.

Embedding Well-Being Every Day

Our global BeWell initiative demonstrates our commitment to everyday, holistic wellbeing by connecting employees to health and wellness resources, individual support and leader tools. We raise awareness of our benefits through storytelling, leader messages and awareness campaigns. MetLife’s new Ask HR chatbot helps our U.S., Japan and Chile employees find information on benefits and other HR topics quickly and easily to better understand and utilize the services available to them.

Benefits available to eligible employees cover physical, financial and mental health, and may extend to family members, with offerings tailored to each market. MetLife’s medical plan for U.S. employees provides access to free health improvement programs that address digestive health, cancer care, family building, menopause, back and joint pain, pelvic health, managing diabetes or high blood pressure and smoking cessation.

Mental health continues to be a focus at MetLife, especially for employees who handle emotionally heavy interactions, such as our customer care associates. Our Employee Assistance Program, available in several markets, offers free and confidential counseling and coaching, advice on emotional, mental and financial well-being, and more. We encourage employees globally to take micro-breaks throughout the day to support their mental and physical well-being, offering an app integrated into our everyday work experience that guides movement and breathing breaks.

U.S. employees can access ancillary benefits such as legal advice, caregiving support, back-up child and elder care, resources for individuals with disabilities, college advice, parenting support, grief resources, financial wellness benefits and work-life support. They also have access to the online child safety features available through our partnership with Aura.¹

Find out more about MetLife’s benefits in our U.S. Employee Programs & Benefits document, including information on parental leave.

¹ Please visit metlife.com for a list of product disclaimers.

Wesco Anixter has been recognized as Fundraiser of the Year 2026 by Chesterfield FC Community Trust (CFCCT), celebrating the generosity, energy and community spirit shown by colleagues across a year of fundraising and volunteering.

The award recognizes the collective effort of Wesco Anixter colleagues, whose support helped raise funds, donate time and strengthen a local partnership focused on inclusion and opportunity. From the Family Fun Day to the Day of Caring, colleagues played an active role in turning good intentions into practical support for the Chesterfield community.

Family Fun Day brought colleagues, families and supporters together to raise vital funds in a way that felt personal, inclusive and rooted in the local community. It reflected the strength of colleague-led fundraising, with people giving their time, ideas and enthusiasm to support a cause that matters, close to home. On the day, the team raised an incredible £2,091 which was matched 2:1 through Wesco Cares to £6,273.

The Day of Caring built on that commitment, with colleagues volunteering their time to support community activity through CFCCT. Together, these moments show how fundraising and volunteering can create impact beyond a single donation, building stronger relationships and helping colleagues connect directly with the communities they support.

Sophie Whitfield, Sustainability Leader, Electrical and Electronic Solutions EMEA said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognized as Fundraiser of the Year by CFCCT. This award really belongs to our colleagues, who have given their time, energy and generosity throughout the year. Whether through Family Fun Day, Day of Caring or the everyday support behind the scenes, their commitment helped strengthen a partnership that is about people, inclusion and creating meaningful local impact.”

Keith Jackson, Deputy Head of Community at Chesterfield FC Community Trust, said: “The Award for Wesco Anixter is absolutely deserved, as their colleagues have been incredibly supportive of Chesterfield FC Community Trust from the minute we started our partnership. The money raised on the Family Fun Day, Day of Caring and the sponsorship of the SEND Football project makes a huge difference and a life changing impact on our participants. The Wesco Anixter team actively supports us with their time and generosity and we are extremely grateful for it.”

During the awards ceremony, Sophie Whitfield, Sustainability Leader, Electrical and Electronic Solutions EMEA, also presented four awards to the SEND youth and adult football teams to celebrate their achievements.

 

Wesco Anixter’s support forms part of its wider commitment to community engagement, inclusion and social value through its Wesco Cares program. Wesco Anixter also extends its sincere thanks to the CFCCT for its valued partnership and shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities where we live and work.

About Wesco Anixter

Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with approximately $24 billion in annual sales in 2025 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 21,000 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 significant digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, 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.

About CFCCT

Chesterfield FC Community Trust delivers life-changing programmes that support health, education, and wellbeing for people of all ages. From toddlers to older adults, from grassroots football to mental health support, our work is shaped by local need and driven by impact. We use the power of the Chesterfield FC badge to connect with our communities, create opportunity, and deliver over £5 million in social value each year.

For many parents it seems like just yesterday you were getting your kid their new backpack to start off the school year in style – and somehow it’s already time to navigate another big back-to-school milestone: buying a new smartphone. That’s exciting and, for some, admittedly also a little scary.

“The truth is, you can do something about every concern you have,” says digital safety expert Cathy Pedrayes. “We’re building skills the same way we teach kids to ride a bike, and back-to-school season is the perfect time to start those conversations.”

Millions know Pedrayes as social media’s “Mom Friend,” where she breaks down digital safety into practical advice parents can actually use. A former scientist, author and television personality (and a mom herself!), she’s made it her mission to help families feel supported, not overwhelmed, by technology and inform others about the latest and greatest devices that have helped moms just like her.

Pedrayes says she knows what it’s like to spend weeks preparing kids for school. Schedules. Lunches. New teachers. But one of the biggest back-to-school checklist items that doesn’t always come with instructions is how to create healthy device habits.

“Parental controls create boundaries, but they don’t teach judgment,” says Pedrayes. “That’s where parents come in. Technology is just the infrastructure.”

And having the right technology matters, too. From a student’s first smartphone to reliable internet for homework, families need affordable ways to stay connected throughout the school year. Thanks to Metro by T‑Mobile, getting that new phone doesn’t have to stretch the back-to-school budget. Starting July 23, customers who bring their number can get a free Samsung Galaxy A37 5G with no activation fees — a $450+ value — on the $40 PERIOD plan. It’s the lowest price from day one and the best deal in prepaid, giving families a new device on America’s Best Network without compromising on value.

And once you’ve got the new phone, Pedrayes says the next step is knowing how to use it. Here are her five tips for setting families up for success this school year.

Tip 1: Start the conversation early.

Pedrayes says most school districts integrate technology in the classrooms and now have device guidelines that offer a great way to begin laying out rules around appropriate device usage. But you don’t have to wait until kids are in middle school to do this. Many kids are already interacting with technology in kindergarten.

“Those conversations can start much earlier than a first phone,” says Pedrayes. “Even when my four-year-old picks a YouTube video, we’ll talk about why a thumbnail might promise one thing but show another. It’s a simple way to start teaching that not everything online is real.”

Pedrayes also recommends that families create what she calls a “tech agreement” to make those conversations official. It doesn’t need to be complicated — just a shared understanding of the rules, the boundaries and what to do when something doesn’t feel right. The earlier families start, she says, the easier it gets.

Tip 2: Focus less on screen time and more on screen quality.

Rather than tracking every minute a kid spends online, Pedrayes says to think about how they’re using that time.

“It’s not just about hitting the minutes,” she says. “It’s about the quality of what they’re doing. And it’s also about how we as parents model that. Using mindfulness or meditation apps in front of your kid rather than just doom scrolling is something they notice and pick up on.”

Screens are part of students’ everyday lives. Pointing them toward tools that help with goal setting, time management and classwork is one of the best ways to model healthy device habits.

Tip 3: Teach judgment, not just parental controls.

Pedrayes says there are some very basic settings every parent should know how to find and activate on their kid’s phone.  Screen time limits, content filters and app restrictions are usually easy to locate under parental controls either on the device itself or within individual apps. She also reminds parents to help kids create strong passwords, set up multi-factor authentications with their parent’s devices and to stay on top of software updates so security settings work the way they’re supposed to.

But Pedrayes warns that even with these settings in place, they don’t replace conversations around good judgement. That includes talking openly about what kids might encounter online — from inappropriate content to bullying.

“If you advise your kids to tell a trusted adult about any bullying or inappropriate behavior they may see in the real world, the same applies to the digital world,” Pedrayes says.

She also encourages parents to keep kids informed about evolving digital threats.

“It’s always a good time to explain to kids the latest scam tactics out there or why it’s never a good idea to click on links sent from people you don’t know,” she adds. “It’s why I also like apps like Scam Shield, which Metro by T‑Mobile customers have access to as a way to block scammers.”

Tip 4: Explore the phone together.

Pedrayes says much like the quality of your kid’s screen time matters, so does who’s sharing it. Spending time with them on their device — whether that’s playing a game together or just being curious about what they’re into — keeps kids from disappearing into their phones alone and gives parents a real window into their kid’s digital world.

“I sit with my son while he plays his favorite games,” says Pedrayes. “That’s how I understand what he’s seeing and, honestly, I’ve learned a lot from him.”

Tip 5: Make technology about connection.

Pedrayes says her kids know that the first reason to have a device is for human connection and using it to call family members is always considered quality screen time.

“The first thing my kids are usually using their phone for is calling their grandparents who live outside of the country, checking in with family or letting parents know they made it somewhere safely,” says Pedrayes.

It’s one of the reasons she says she loves Metro for families with loved ones abroad, because Metro makes it easy to stay close with unlimited calling to Mexico and Latin America, so students can check in with grandparents, parents and relatives no matter where they are.

Ultimately, Pedrayes says, every conversation should come from the same place: helping kids build healthy digital habits they’ll carry long after they leave home.

“Setting boundaries isn’t always easy, but remind your kids that ‘I’m on Team You,’” she says. “‘How can I help you?’”

From the first day of school to the last, Metro also helps families stay connected with affordable wireless, quality devices and $45/month Home Internet in many areas. Customers can also enjoy ongoing savings through T‑Mobile Tuesdays that help throughout the school year.

Ready to head back to school with more value? To learn more about Metro’s latest offers, visit www.metrobyt-mobile.com or visit a Metro store near you.

If you use a lot of data, more than 35GB/mo., you may notice slower speeds when our network is busy. 5-year price guarantee on talk, text, and 5G data.  Exclusions apply. $450+ based on Metro device discount & waived activation fee. Best deal in prepaid means, as of 7/23/26, Metro offers the lowest-priced Unlimited plan, fees & Galaxy A37 5G device cost due on Day 1: $40 period. Home Internet: $50 1st mo. & $45 after w/ AutoPay & Metro voice line. Check availability.

NEW YORK, August 11, 2026 /3BL/ – On September 16, 2026, leaders from government, business, civil society, and academia will convene at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, D.C. for the inaugural Concordia Washington, D.C. Forum, a new gathering built to explore the geopolitical, economic, and strategic developments shaping one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

As the Gulf continues to emerge as a global hub for investment, innovation, energy, healthcare, and technology, while navigating an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, the need for informed, cross-sector dialogue has never been greater. At the same time, the United States continues to redefine its strategic partnerships across the region, making this an essential moment to bring together the leaders shaping what comes next. The region is also experiencing its greatest geostrategic challenge, making this a vital moment to host these discussions. It is exactly this kind of moment that Concordia was built to meet.

The Washington, D.C. Forum builds upon Concordia’s longstanding commitment to fostering practical dialogue between the public and private sectors. Over the past sixteen years, Concordia has convened presidents, ministers, CEOs, investors, and civil society leaders from across the Gulf and the broader Middle East, creating opportunities for collaboration around the issues driving global affairs.

“For more than sixteen years, Concordia has convened leaders at the moments when dialogue matters most. As the Gulf continues to emerge as one of the world’s most influential regions for investment, innovation, energy, and geopolitics, we believe there is tremendous value in creating a dedicated forum that brings together the people shaping its future.” said Matthew Swift, Concordia’s Co-Founder, President & CEO, “The Washington, D.C. Forum is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange perspectives, and foster the kind of cross-sector collaboration that leads to lasting impact.” 

The Forum will feature a full day of programming, conducted under the Chatham House Rule, to encourage candid discussion among senior decision-makers. Through a combination of fireside conversations and strategic dialogues, participants will explore topics including:

• Geopolitical security
• Economic investment
• Energy
• Health
• Emerging technology

The day will conclude with a private reception, providing additional opportunities for participants to continue conversations and build new relationships across sectors.

“The Gulf region is at an important moment of transformation, presenting both significant opportunities and complex challenges that will have implications well beyond the region,” said His Excellency Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States. “We are pleased to host Concordia’s inaugural Washington, D.C. Forum and provide a platform for leaders from across sectors to engage in meaningful dialogue at this important moment. We look forward to welcoming participants for a timely and substantive conversation on the future of U.S.-Gulf relations and the opportunities that lie ahead.” 

The Washington, D.C. Forum represents the next evolution of Concordia’s global convening platform, creating a dedicated space for leaders to exchange ideas, identify opportunities, and strengthen partnerships at a defining moment for U.S.-Gulf relations.

We look forward to welcoming our community to Washington this September.

About Concordia 
Concordia is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to actively fostering, elevating, and sustaining cross-sector partnerships for social impact. Through its Annual Summit in New York, Horizon Summits held around the world, and year-round programming, Concordia convenes leaders from business, government, and civil society to drive collaboration and measurable change.

Media Contact 
Mateo Carvajal González 
Media Relations Manager, Concordia 
mcarvajal@concordia.net

PepsiCo

Across the globe, the future of food is being shaped by an urgent question: Who will grow it next?

Agriculture is at a pivotal moment. Farmers are being asked to produce food, adapt to a changing climate, protect soil health and play a part in strengthening rural economies. Yet in many major farming regions, farmers are getting older while too few young people are entering the sector. In Europe, only around 11% of farm managers are under 40. In the U.S., producers under 35 represent just 9% of all farmers, while the average producer age is 58.1.

Global challenge, local pathways

For PepsiCo, a food and drinks company rooted in agriculture, this transition matters. The company sources crops from farmers in more than 60 countries, making resilient harvests, healthy soil and thriving farming communities essential to its long-term success.

Young and early-career farmers often face significant barriers, from land access and capital to rising costs, unpredictable weather, technology choices and the challenge of building a profitable business. PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation are supporting programs that help address those barriers in practical ways: building skills and confidence among young farmers in Europe, creating agriculture career pathways in the U.S., strengthening smallholder plantain communities in Latin America and supporting emerging farmers and food system entrepreneurs in South Africa.

Europe: Building skills for resilient, future-ready farms

In Europe, Future Harvest, backed by the PepsiCo Foundation and delivered with EIT Food and local partners, aims to support around 900 young and next-generation farmers across France, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, and Türkiye in 2026. Through online learning, farm experiences, mentoring, peer exchange and field visits, participants build practical skills in regenerative and climate-resilient farming, digital tools, agritech, farm business management, entrepreneurship and leadership.

The goal is to help farmers apply what they learn directly on their land and in their businesses. “Our connection to agriculture starts with the people who grow the crops that make our products possible. Supporting the next generation of farmers is essential to building a more resilient food system,” said Monica Bauer, senior vice president, Global Social Impact, PepsiCo, and president, PepsiCo Foundation.

U.S.: Creating clearer pathways into agriculture careers

In the U.S., PepsiCo Foods North America’s Planting Pathways Initiative is focused on expanding opportunity in agriculture and strengthening the pipeline of future agriculture leaders through collaborations with Practical Farmers of Iowa and Farm Foundation.

One part of that work is Field to Future, a two-year leadership and career development program that supports college students interested in agriculture and food systems through scholarships, mentorship, networking, professional development, value chain exposure and potential paid internships with PepsiCo’s agriculture supply chain.

For Maya Cohen, a Field to Future intern, that experience made agriculture feel more practical and attainable. “Although taking classes is useful, there is nothing like getting hands-on experience. The combination of mentorship, workshops and an internship that the Field to Future program offers is ultimately incomparable.”

That exposure can turn interest into opportunity. Members of the first Field to Future cohort have taken part in monthly connects, industry events and development experiences, including Potato Expo and the Women in Agribusiness Summit. Several have gone on to employment at PepsiCo after completing the program.

Latin America: Strengthening smallholder livelihoods to attract new growers

In Latin America, the pipeline challenge looks different. For many smallholder farmers, the question is how to strengthen livelihoods and make farming more resilient for families already working the land. Plantain, a key crop used to make NatuChips, is one example.

Through the PepsiCo Foundation’s three-year Agrovita program with Proforest, Walmart Foundation Mexico and TechnoServe, plantain, palm oil and cocoa farmers in Mexico are receiving training and tools to improve soil health, increase yields and strengthen farm resilience. The program has engaged 4,255 farmers in regenerative practices across more than 8,000 hectares and established 20 demonstration farms, 17 community orchards and 14 rainwater harvesting systems.

“Los PAPIs,” the first rural cooperative formed through the collaboration, was able to sell plantain to PepsiCo Mexico Foods for NatuChips, connecting smallholder farmers to a branded product while helping build local capability and organization.

For Gustavo Méndez, a participating smallholder plantain farmer and member of Los PAPIs cooperative, that connection has helped make the future feel more secure. “Before Agrovita, we sold our product to intermediaries. Today, we see ourselves as entrepreneurs, and we have expanded our opportunities by supplying larger companies such as PepsiCo,” Méndez said.

South Africa: Supporting emerging farmers

In South Africa, that connection is coming to life through the Kgodiso Development Fund, established in 2020 by PepsiCo following the acquisition of Pioneer Foods. The fund helps commercialize farmer enterprises across the South African food system through inclusive funding, tailored business support and improved access to markets.

In the Northern Cape, where PepsiCo is a large procurer of raisins for its Safari and Simba brands, Kgodiso has invested in a program with Raisins South Africa to establish a Vine Academy and Model Farm in Kakamas, as well as funding for three up-and-coming farmers to expand raisin production. The academy provides practical training for emerging farmers and farm workers, while the model farm supports research and best-practice demonstration. For aspiring farmers, that combination of skills, technical support and route-to-market access can help turn farming from a fragile livelihood into a more viable enterprise.

Building the future of farming together

No single organization can transform the food system alone. Governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, educational institutions and farmers all have a role to play in helping more people enter, stay and thrive in agriculture. For PepsiCo, that work is connected to a broader footprint spanning more than 50 crops and ingredients and to the resilience of communities and supply chains behind brands such as Lay’s, Doritos and NatuChips.

As older farmers approach retirement, attracting and retaining young farmers will become even more important. The next generation brings new ideas, tools and approaches, but they also need a stronger bridge into the sector.

By investing in skills, innovation, mentorship and collaboration, PepsiCo aims to help more farmers and future agriculture leaders build viable, resilient livelihoods — supporting the people who grow food today and helping ensure there is a next generation ready to grow it tomorrow.

For much of the AI boom, conversations about infrastructure have centered on chips, power and land. GPUs have dominated headlines, utilities have raced to meet unprecedented electricity demand, and developers have searched for sites with available capacity. Yet one critical factor has received far less attention: the supply chain.

A new report from DP World and Supply Chain Dive’s Studio by Informa TechTarget – The Infrastructure Behind AI: Why Data Center Supply Chains Are the New Critical Path – argues that logistics has become a defining factor in AI deployment. As global data center investment approaches $3 trillion by 2030, supply chain performance is increasingly determining how quickly new compute capacity comes online.

Unlike traditional supply chains, data center logistics involve coordinating hyperscale construction schedules with deliveries of oversized transformers, long-lead electrical equipment, high-value GPU clusters and other specialized infrastructure.

Many of these components must move across multiple countries while navigating customs requirements, regulatory compliance and tight installation windows. A delay is no longer simply an inconvenience – it can postpone AI deployment and leave significant capital sitting idle.

The report illustrates how common these disruptions have become. Nearly seven in 10 respondents (67%) reported experiencing cybersecurity-related supply chain disruptions during 2025, while 51% encountered supplier failures and 44% dealt with material shortages. Together, these findings suggest that the industry’s greatest challenges extend well beyond hardware availability.

The implications are significant. Every delayed transformer can postpone site energization. Every shipment held at customs can prevent an AI cluster from becoming operational. In an environment where organizations are racing to deploy infrastructure, logistics performance increasingly translates directly into infrastructure performance.

That reality is changing how executives think about supply chains. Rather than treating logistics as a back-office function focused on procurement and transportation, organizations are recognizing it as a strategic capability that directly affects revenue generation and competitive positioning.

“As the report makes clear, supply chain strategy is infrastructure strategy,” said Ya-Han Brownlee-Chen, Vice President – Data Center Strategy, DP World in the Americas. “The ability to anticipate disruption, secure critical components and maintain end-to-end visibility will determine how quickly organizations can deploy compute capacity and scale for future demand.”

The report also highlights the specialized nature of modern data center logistics. Secure chain-of-custody procedures, white-glove handling, real-time shipment visibility and synchronized delivery schedules have become essential components of successful deployments rather than premium services.

As AI adoption accelerates, organizations that can move infrastructure efficiently may gain as much competitive advantage as those that secure the latest chips. The race to build AI infrastructure is no longer determined solely by what companies can buy. It is increasingly determined by how effectively they can deliver, protect and install it.

In the AI economy, logistics is no longer supporting infrastructure – it has become infrastructure.

Download The Infrastructure Behind AI: Why Data Center Supply Chains Are the New Critical Path.

AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, OAKLAND, Calif., August 11, 2026 /3BL/ – The 2026 Cascale Annual Meeting, taking place September 15–17 in Athens, Greece, will convene leaders from across the global consumer goods value chain to tackle one of the industry’s defining questions: how to accelerate meaningful, system-wide transformation. Guiding those conversations as this year’s co-chairs are Sean Cady, vice president, global sustainability, responsibility, trade, and government affairs at VF Corporation, and Dr. Delman Lee, vice chair at TAL Apparel Limited.

“At VF Corporation, we believe reducing the environmental impact of global supply chains requires robust measurement and analysis followed by collective action by all actors. At this year’s Cascale Annual Meeting we will continue to use our voice and scale to help align decision-makers across the industry to drive focused, systemic interventions for the betterment of the planet and its people.” — Sean Cady, VP, Global Sustainability, Responsibility, Trade, and Government Affairs at VF Corporation

“True transformation in consumer goods depends on deep collaboration across the value chain. We are committed to building a program that addresses the realities of the broader system and also helps scale the innovation and financing models needed to support a resilient and sustainable system for all.” — Dr. Delman Lee, Vice Chair at TAL Apparel Limited

Key Takeaways

• Industry leaders to guide critical conversations: Sean Cady (VF Corporation) and Dr. Delman Lee (TAL Apparel Limited) will serve as co-chairs of the 2026 Cascale Annual Meeting, taking place September 15–17 in Athens, Greece.
• Collaboration in action: Sessions will spotlight practical solutions — including financing models, strategic partnerships, and cross-value-chain collaboration — to help organizations accelerate measurable impact.
• Experience the cotton value chain firsthand: An optional European Cotton Alliance field trip will connect participants with sustainable sourcing, regenerative farming, and real-world collaboration across the cotton value chain.
• Registration and sponsorship now available: Organizations can register to attend or explore sponsorship opportunities to connect with hundreds of leaders shaping the future of the consumer goods industry.

Co-Creating Future Solutions

This year’s program will move beyond historical discussions to identify and drive solutions that reduce the industry’s social and environmental impact while supporting those that work throughout global supply chains. Guided by the event co-chairs, sessions will examine the structural barriers that continue to slow progress on sustainability and emerging practical solutions to overcome them, as well as future opportunities that can help organizations scale impact together.

From Discussion to Action

Attendees will have opportunities to engage with global brands, manufacturers, retailers, policymakers, investors, and solution providers through keynote presentations, interactive discussions, networking events, and collaborative working sessions designed to spark new ideas and accelerate action beyond the meeting itself.

Highlighting the fact that Greece is the European Union’s largest cotton producer – accounting for roughly 80 percent of EU cotton production – an optional field trip, hosted by the European Cotton Alliance, will showcase sustainable sourcing, regenerative farming, and collaborative approaches to building more resilient supply chains. The limited-capacity field trip is open to all Annual Meeting attendees, including interested media.

Join the Conversation in Athens

The 2026 Cascale Annual Meeting is proudly supported by lead sponsor, Worldly; additional sponsors include VF Corporation, TAL Apparel Limited, Better Cotton, Cotton Council International, Fair Wear Foundation, GSCS International, HQTS, Inspectorio, Lenzing AG, and many more.

Learn more and register for the Cascale Annual Meeting 2026!

To learn more about sponsorship packages, please contact Cascale’s events team.

Media Contact: Forster Communications, cascaleforster@forster.co.uk

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit industry alliance where consumer goods organizations turn shared sustainability ambitions into measurable progress at scale to combat climate change and support decent work for all. We unite 300 Corporate and Affiliate members in pre-competitive collaboration, turning shared measurement and collective action into reduced risk, stronger credibility, and long-term resilience. Our work is anchored by Cascale’s stewardship of the Higg Index frameworks (accessed through the Worldly technology platform), along with the Better Buying and Sustainable Furnishings Council tools.

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CLEVELAND, August 7, 2026 /3BL/ – KeyBank announced a commitment of $105,000 to support four summer enrichment programs serving children and families living in affordable housing communities throughout Cleveland. Administered through a partnership with OCCH and their philanthropic arm, OCIC, the funding will help provide safe, engaging, and educational summer experiences for an estimated 1,375 individuals.

The investment will support programs operated by affordable housing partners including Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Pennrose, and The Community Builders, benefiting residents at Riverside Park, Carver Park, Heritage View, Sankofa Village, Cedar Redevelopment and Woodhill Homes communities.

“Summer programs provide much more than recreation. They create opportunities for learning, personal growth, and community connection,” said Celia Smoot, Head of Equity Originations, KeyBank CDLI. “At KeyBank, we believe every child deserves access to enriching experiences that help them build confidence, develop skills and reach their full potential. We are proud to partner with OCCH and these outstanding organizations to support youth and families across Cleveland.”

The four funded programs include:

• Unlock the Magic of Healthy Living NOW at Riverside Park.
• Little Hands Big Dreams Summer Camp at Carver Park and Heritage View.
• Sankofa Summer Youth Enrichment Program at Sankofa Village and Cedar Redevelopment communities.
• Woodhill Homes Summer Enrichment Camp at Woodhill Station West and Woodhill Center East.

Collectively, the camps will offer multiple weeks of structured programming focused on academic enrichment, healthy lifestyles, leadership development, social-emotional learning, arts, recreation, and youth engagement.

“Access to quality summer programming is an important component of strong communities and positive youth development,” said Tiffany Patterson, Vice President of Grants & Programs, OCIC. “We appreciate KeyBank’s continued commitment to the residents of affordable housing communities and its investment in opportunities that help children learn, grow and thrive.”

The funding reflects KeyBank’s ongoing commitment to strengthening neighborhoods and expanding opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families through strategic community investments. By supporting programs that serve children where they live, KeyBank and OCCH are helping ensure that youth have access to safe, supportive environments during the summer months.

About KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment
KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) finances projects that stabilize and revitalize communities across all 50 states. As one of the top affordable housing capital providers in the country, KeyBank’s platform brings together construction, acquisition, bridge-to-re-syndication, and preservation loans, as well as lines of credit, Agency and HUD permanent mortgage executions, and equity investments for low-income housing projects, especially Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financing. KeyBank has earned 11 consecutive “Outstanding” ratings on the Community Reinvestment Act exam, from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, making it the first U.S. national bank among the 25 largest to do so since the Act’s passage in 1977.

About KeyCorp
KeyCorp’s roots trace back 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $191 billion at June 30, 2026. 

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 is Member FDIC. 

About OCCH
OCCH is a nonprofit low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) syndicator. For 37 years, OCCH has leveraged investor capital to enable affordable housing developments across multiple states, supporting the creation and preservation of affordable homes and strengthening communities through housing and partnerships. OCCH supports developments and partners throughout the investment lifetime through its expertise and affiliate organizations, including Community Properties of Ohio (CPO), OCFC, OCIC, and the Affordable Housing Training Academy (AHTA). For more information, visit https://www.occh.org.

CONTACT:    
Laura Mimura
216-471-2883
Laura_J_Mimura@KeyBank.com                   

KEY MEDIA NEWSROOM:   
Key.com/newsroom

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NEW YORK, August 11, 2026 /3BL/ – Novata, a sustainability data and technology provider and B-corp certified public benefit corporation, announced today that it has been ranked in the top 5% of the 2026 Inc. 5000, the annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Novata is ranked No. 244, with 1,400% approximate three-year revenue growth from 2022 to 2025, reflecting the company’s momentum as a leading provider of technology infrastructure that help investors and companies manage sustainability data, navigate evolving requirements, and make more informed business decisions.The list is the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s most successful independent and entrepreneurial businesses, recognizing companies that have achieved remarkable growth while driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the economy. Past honorees include companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Oracle, and Patagonia.

“Being recognized on the Inc. 5000 is a gratifying milestone for Novata and reflects the momentum we’ve achieved by helping organizations turn sustainability data into business value,” said Alex Friedman, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of Novata. “As organizations increasingly seek to better assess and manage financially material risks in areas spanning climate to governance, we’re proud to help them navigate a rapidly evolving landscape with technology and insights they can trust. And we are deeply grateful to our clients and partners, and all who have been part of our journey.”

Since its founding in 2021, Novata’s platform helps investors and companies manage sustainability data, from data collection and carbon accounting to regulatory reporting, benchmarking, and risk monitoring. Today, the company serves more than 400 clients and supports sustainability reporting across more than 13,000 companies, with teams in four global locations. Novata has also continued to invest in AI-powered capabilities to help organizations turn sustainability data into actionable business insights.

“Our growth is a reflection of the people behind Novata. Being ranked among the top 5% on the Inc. 5000 is a testament to the dedication, curiosity, and collaboration of a team that’s committed to simplifying sustainability,” said Josh Green, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of Novata. “We’ve grown significantly over the past three years, but what I’m most proud of is how our team has continued to innovate and deliver as the sustainability landscape has become more complex. I’m excited about what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.”

The Inc. 5000 recognition comes as Novata celebrates its fifth anniversary, marking a significant milestone since the company’s founding. In just five years, Novata has formed over 20 partnerships and significantly expanded its product and service offerings, launching new capabilities including Risk Atlas, Novata for Supply Chains, end-to-end carbon accounting and management, regulatory solutions, expanded benchmarking & proxy data capabilities, Advisory services, and more. Together, these offerings reflect Novata’s commitment to providing clients with the infrastructure they need to achieve their sustainability goals and build long-term value.

This year’s Inc. 5000 recognizes a new class of companies redefining what growth looks like. From AI and advanced manufacturing to healthcare, consumer products, and professional services, these businesses are expanding their impact, creating jobs and proving that entrepreneurial ambition continues to fuel the U.S. economy. Among the 5,000 companies on the list, the median three-year revenue growth rate was 130%, and those companies have collectively added more than 627,208 jobs to the U.S. economy over the past three years.

“Every company on the Inc. 5000 has a story of perseverance, smart decision making, and a refusal to sit still,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Their growth reflects more than strong financial performance–it reflects creativity, resilience, and the customer focus required to build companies that make a lasting impact. We congratulate all honorees on this significant achievement.”

For the full Inc. 5000 list, honoree company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, please visit: www.inc.com/inc5000.

Inc. 5000 List Methodology

Companies on the 2026 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2022 to 2025. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2022. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2025. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2022 is $100,000; the minimum for 2025 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.

About Novata

Novata’s solutions make it easy for organizations to achieve their sustainability goals and create value. Our trusted sustainability management platform and advisory practice empowers organizations to automate data collection and reporting, streamline carbon accounting, simplify regulations, benchmark performance, and monitor risk.

Backed by the Ford Foundation, Hamilton Lane, Microsoft, Motive Partners, Omidyar Network, Northern Trust and S&P Global, Novata is majority controlled by mission-driven organizations and its employees, and is a B-Corp-certified public benefit corporation.

Learn more at novata.com.

About Inc. 

Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.