Tag: 3BL

“Bridges don’t hold unless they are supported.”

This quote from Bob Dickerson, Executive Director of the Birmingham Business Resource Center, reflected many of the themes explored at the sixth Mastercard Strive USA Summit, convened in Alabama. The event brought together leaders from government, philanthropy, the private sector, and other partners to spotlight success stories, share learnings, and identify new opportunities in the state’s small business ecosystem.

Speakers highlighted how economic growth in Alabama, as well as broader economic changes, are creating both new opportunities and new challenges. For example, while new investments are being made in the state, uneven access to resources and fast-changing technologies risk leaving many small businesses behind unless the local small business support ecosystem can bridge the gap between today’s realities and tomorrow’s potential.

As Coreata R. Houser, the Interim Director of the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity for the City of Birmingham put it: “Frankly, in economic development, making the numbers work on paper is the easy part. The harder part is making sure your constituents can access the resources they need to grow their businesses,” he said, listing investments in roads, childcare infrastructure, and workforce development as examples of what Birmingham is doing to broaden access to opportunity.

Building a more coordinated ecosystem in Birmingham

In a city that has at least 65 small business support organizations, as well as a diverse community of public, private, and philanthropic sector funders and partners, what does building better bridges look like? And how can these efforts be better coordinated into a more holistic strategy for supporting entrepreneurs?

Part of the answer is the Entrepreneurship Center for Growth and Excellence, a new entrepreneurship center in Birmingham that has already mapped the opportunities and gaps in the city’s small business ecosystem. The Center is now focusing on developing a shared vision among the city’s many stakeholders as well as a data-driven roadmap — in addition to a front door where small businesses can get support.

John Turner, CEO of Regions Bank, spoke about why his bank has gotten so involved in supporting and scaling this new center.

“Our businesses can only be as good as the health of the communities where we operate, and the health of communities is largely about jobs, job growth, and people’s ability to earn a good wage,” he said. “We have a lot of small businesses that I think have a real opportunity to scale up. But they can benefit from some tailored advice and guidance in doing that sustainably, and we think can help provide that.”

As Kendra Key, the Executive Director of the Center and a loaned executive from Regions Bank, put it: “This is infrastructure building. It is about coordinating our ecosystem and enabling work that serves our shared customer — Birmingham’s small businesses.”

Deep dives on rural entrepreneurship and manufacturing

Other panels spoke to the challenges of supporting small businesses in rural areas and manufacturing specifically. For example, while there are more than 65 small business support organizations in Birmingham, there are few in Alabama’s rural counties despite the depth of entrepreneurial potential.

“Capital flows down the path of least resistance every time, so the question is how to remove the friction of capital flowing into rural communities,” said Alex Flachsbart, Founder & CEO of Opportunity Alabama, a nonprofit dedicated to developing an impact-centered Opportunity Zones ecosystem across the state. “We have seen that if you create the right support infrastructure for dynamic people in rural communities, and you keep showing up, great things can happen.”

Claudia Pettway Charley, Co-Founder of Sew Gee’s Bend Heritage Builders, a community-based nonprofit organization located in the heart of the rural community Gee’s Bend, also spoke about the impact that organizations can have in communities like hers.

“When there are a lot of needs, almost anything you do will be helpful,” she said. “What we don’t need is a lot of things going out of the community as much as we do [resources] coming into the community.”

In the panel discussion on manufacturing, the focus was on the trainings and investments necessary to unlock further growth — with a particular focus on the needs of small businesses. The role of technological training was one example.

“We have seen that technology is accelerating faster than many small businesses can keep up,” said Lee Mathews, the COO of Innovate Alabama, the first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. “So it is very important to provide small businesses in manufacturing with early exposure to cybersecurity, data, and AI, especially as the role of computer science increases in manufacturing.”

Mathew’s fellow panelist Lauren Hyde, Executive Director of the Alabama Business Intelligence Center — Alabama’s first dedicated business research hub focused on economic development — spoke on a similar topic: her organization’s work creating Birmingham AI, an initiative that convenes people to make AI accessible, and connects new companies entering the state with local partners, including many small businesses.

Cybersecurity was also a major discussion topic given the increasingly digital nature of manufacturing.

“Any system that can be accessed or operated remotely introduces potential cybersecurity risks,” said LaVada Varner, Center Director of the Alabama Technology Network, a statewide organization dedicated to advancing training and innovation within Alabama’s manufacturing sector. “Manufacturers are increasingly being targeted through equipment that is connected to the Internet and unsecured networks, which makes proactive cybersecurity education and training essential to protecting their operations.”

Varner also emphasized the growing importance of certification and standards compliance for smaller manufacturers. “Many large companies now require ISO or similar certifications as a prerequisite for partnership,” she said. “ISO standards have become the common language of manufacturing, providing the structure and assurance that larger firms expect from their suppliers.”

The call to action

Despite the turbulent times, panelists across the board were optimistic about what lies ahead. The Mayor of Birmingham, Randall L. Woodfin, spoke to this optimism in the closing conversation.

“All of our successes in Birmingham have been rooted in public-private partnerships,” he said. “And based on the momentum we have, there’s never been a better time to invest in supporting our small businesses. Everyone is stepping up to the plate, leaning in, and being vulnerable enough to say, ‘how can we get this ecosystem of supporting and building our small businesses better?’”

John Turner added, “We’re fortunate to have solid leadership in Birmingham, from City Hall to the business community, including business development centers and nonprofits. Increasingly, we see a clear and common vision for growth — and a network of organizations ready to support it. If we can keep building on this unity and collaboration, there truly is no limit to what we can accomplish — together.”

View original content here.

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

“Bridges don’t hold unless they are supported.”

This quote from Bob Dickerson, Executive Director of the Birmingham Business Resource Center, reflected many of the themes explored at the sixth Mastercard Strive USA Summit, convened in Alabama. The event brought together leaders from government, philanthropy, the private sector, and other partners to spotlight success stories, share learnings, and identify new opportunities in the state’s small business ecosystem.

Speakers highlighted how economic growth in Alabama, as well as broader economic changes, are creating both new opportunities and new challenges. For example, while new investments are being made in the state, uneven access to resources and fast-changing technologies risk leaving many small businesses behind unless the local small business support ecosystem can bridge the gap between today’s realities and tomorrow’s potential.

As Coreata R. Houser, the Interim Director of the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity for the City of Birmingham put it: “Frankly, in economic development, making the numbers work on paper is the easy part. The harder part is making sure your constituents can access the resources they need to grow their businesses,” he said, listing investments in roads, childcare infrastructure, and workforce development as examples of what Birmingham is doing to broaden access to opportunity.

Building a more coordinated ecosystem in Birmingham

In a city that has at least 65 small business support organizations, as well as a diverse community of public, private, and philanthropic sector funders and partners, what does building better bridges look like? And how can these efforts be better coordinated into a more holistic strategy for supporting entrepreneurs?

Part of the answer is the Entrepreneurship Center for Growth and Excellence, a new entrepreneurship center in Birmingham that has already mapped the opportunities and gaps in the city’s small business ecosystem. The Center is now focusing on developing a shared vision among the city’s many stakeholders as well as a data-driven roadmap — in addition to a front door where small businesses can get support.

John Turner, CEO of Regions Bank, spoke about why his bank has gotten so involved in supporting and scaling this new center.

“Our businesses can only be as good as the health of the communities where we operate, and the health of communities is largely about jobs, job growth, and people’s ability to earn a good wage,” he said. “We have a lot of small businesses that I think have a real opportunity to scale up. But they can benefit from some tailored advice and guidance in doing that sustainably, and we think can help provide that.”

As Kendra Key, the Executive Director of the Center and a loaned executive from Regions Bank, put it: “This is infrastructure building. It is about coordinating our ecosystem and enabling work that serves our shared customer — Birmingham’s small businesses.”

Deep dives on rural entrepreneurship and manufacturing

Other panels spoke to the challenges of supporting small businesses in rural areas and manufacturing specifically. For example, while there are more than 65 small business support organizations in Birmingham, there are few in Alabama’s rural counties despite the depth of entrepreneurial potential.

“Capital flows down the path of least resistance every time, so the question is how to remove the friction of capital flowing into rural communities,” said Alex Flachsbart, Founder & CEO of Opportunity Alabama, a nonprofit dedicated to developing an impact-centered Opportunity Zones ecosystem across the state. “We have seen that if you create the right support infrastructure for dynamic people in rural communities, and you keep showing up, great things can happen.”

Claudia Pettway Charley, Co-Founder of Sew Gee’s Bend Heritage Builders, a community-based nonprofit organization located in the heart of the rural community Gee’s Bend, also spoke about the impact that organizations can have in communities like hers.

“When there are a lot of needs, almost anything you do will be helpful,” she said. “What we don’t need is a lot of things going out of the community as much as we do [resources] coming into the community.”

In the panel discussion on manufacturing, the focus was on the trainings and investments necessary to unlock further growth — with a particular focus on the needs of small businesses. The role of technological training was one example.

“We have seen that technology is accelerating faster than many small businesses can keep up,” said Lee Mathews, the COO of Innovate Alabama, the first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. “So it is very important to provide small businesses in manufacturing with early exposure to cybersecurity, data, and AI, especially as the role of computer science increases in manufacturing.”

Mathew’s fellow panelist Lauren Hyde, Executive Director of the Alabama Business Intelligence Center — Alabama’s first dedicated business research hub focused on economic development — spoke on a similar topic: her organization’s work creating Birmingham AI, an initiative that convenes people to make AI accessible, and connects new companies entering the state with local partners, including many small businesses.

Cybersecurity was also a major discussion topic given the increasingly digital nature of manufacturing.

“Any system that can be accessed or operated remotely introduces potential cybersecurity risks,” said LaVada Varner, Center Director of the Alabama Technology Network, a statewide organization dedicated to advancing training and innovation within Alabama’s manufacturing sector. “Manufacturers are increasingly being targeted through equipment that is connected to the Internet and unsecured networks, which makes proactive cybersecurity education and training essential to protecting their operations.”

Varner also emphasized the growing importance of certification and standards compliance for smaller manufacturers. “Many large companies now require ISO or similar certifications as a prerequisite for partnership,” she said. “ISO standards have become the common language of manufacturing, providing the structure and assurance that larger firms expect from their suppliers.”

The call to action

Despite the turbulent times, panelists across the board were optimistic about what lies ahead. The Mayor of Birmingham, Randall L. Woodfin, spoke to this optimism in the closing conversation.

“All of our successes in Birmingham have been rooted in public-private partnerships,” he said. “And based on the momentum we have, there’s never been a better time to invest in supporting our small businesses. Everyone is stepping up to the plate, leaning in, and being vulnerable enough to say, ‘how can we get this ecosystem of supporting and building our small businesses better?’”

John Turner added, “We’re fortunate to have solid leadership in Birmingham, from City Hall to the business community, including business development centers and nonprofits. Increasingly, we see a clear and common vision for growth — and a network of organizations ready to support it. If we can keep building on this unity and collaboration, there truly is no limit to what we can accomplish — together.”

View original content here.

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

November 20, 2025 /3BL/ – In response to the White House’s decision on November 14, 2025, to amend Executive Order 14257 to exempt select agricultural products from reciprocal tariffs (Modifying the Scope of the Reciprocal Tariff With Respect to Certain Agricultural Products), Fairtrade America issued the following statements:

“These exemptions are the right move, but the full picture of relief remains to be seen. The extreme uncertainty and rapidly rising costs farmers, traders, companies, and consumers have unnecessarily endured for months should ease. However, complex, international supply chains, like those for coffee, cocoa, and bananas, do not automatically snap back into place because of a policy change. There will be lasting consequences for all supply chain actors, and continued instability and price fluctuations are likely as supply chains reconfigure yet again.

“When politicians choose to use trade as a political tool, they undermine real peoples’ livelihoods. American businesses and consumers must recognize that their collective purchasing power has global influence. When we all come together as a movement to demand that power be spread equitably between farmers, businesses, consumers, and governments, trade can become truly fair.”

— Amanda Archila, Executive Director, Fairtrade America

“Practical minds recognize that it’s too soon to celebrate. We must wait and see if this decision sticks long-term.

“Banana prices have risen 7% since March, but that 7% represents only 4.5 cents per pound. Bananas are still dramatically under-priced compared to the cost of sustainable production. Despite tariffs, people continued to buy bananas. They were slightly more expensive than before, but still the cheapest fruit in our basket. If banana prices went up due to Fairtrade Minimum Pricing, the average consumer would barely notice and the impact on supply chains would be immense. That’s what we should take away as our guiding learning from the last six months of tariffs.”

–Jennie Coleman, President and Co-Owner, Equifruit

“This announcement is encouraging, but tariffs have already significantly suppressed consumer demand for imported nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and grains. We expect that lower prices will take several months to reach consumers and that a full recovery to pre-tariff demand levels may take more than a year.”

–Juliet Wiebe-King, Vice President of Sustainability & Business Development, Red River Foods

###

About Fairtrade America

Fairtrade America works to rebalance trade, making it a system rooted in partnership and mutual respect rather than exploitation. It’s about businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers all working together so we can all experience the benefits of trade. Fairtrade America is the U.S. branch of Fairtrade International, the original and global leader in fair trade certification with more than 30 years of experience working for fair trading practices in more than 60 countries across the globe. A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Fairtrade America is part of the world’s largest and most recognized fair trade certification program —part of a global movement for change. Learn more at Fairtrade.net and by connecting with Fairtrade America on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Liz Davis, ldavis@fairtradeamerica.org | +1 202-930-4349

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

In October, Mary Kay hosted nearly 30 Brownies and Cadettes from the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, ranging in ages from 7 to 12, along with 18 equally as excited moms, for an immersive STEM Day experience designed to help the girls earn their STEM Career Exploration Badge. From the moment the group entered the doors of Mary Kay’s Silver LEED-certified Richard R. Rogers Manufacturing and R&D Center in Lewisville, Texas, the atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and curiosity about what it would be like to work at a global cosmetics and skincare company like Mary Kay.

The day began upstairs in the Innovation Center, where Carrissa Dowdy, Manager of Product Formulation, shared her personal STEM journey and explained what being a product formulator is all about. The girls and their moms were captivated by Carissa’s ability to take complex scientific concepts and present them in a way that was both engaging and easy to understand. Carissa’s enthusiasm set the stage for an inspiring day of STEM exploration ahead.

Next, the group made their way downstairs to the Product Formulation Lab, where Rhonda Solberg, Associate Principal Scientist of Product Formulation, led eighteen smiling lab scientists ready to assist the future innovators in creating their own custom Mary Kay Unlimited^® Lip Gloss in one of six shades. The girls donned perfectly pink lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses before pairing up to begin their experiments. With guidance from the lab scientists, they mixed beautiful hues of pinks, nudes, and berries – complete with every girl’s favorite color, glitter. Excitement filled the room as the girls watched their cloudy mixtures transform into dazzling, custom shades of lip gloss.

After perfecting their glosses, everyone divided into three small groups for a facility tour led by Chris Smith, Senior Specialist, Training Operations Center of Excellence, and his expert-trained tour team leaders. Moms and daughters alike were fascinated by the vast lab spaces and captivated by the insights shared by their guides. Many mothers expressed newfound appreciation for the intricate processes involved in creating Mary Kay products – from research and formulation to scaling and production. Several even reflected on their own career paths, inspired by the possibilities within STEM. By the end of the tour, many Girl Scouts were asking about the best degrees for STEM careers, eager to explore their options. A few even asked about the age requirements for driving a forklift – and whether a special license was needed!

The day concluded with Amy Ruiz, Manager of Manufacturing Center of Excellence, who shared her experiences as a Chemical Engineer and explained how the degree opens doors to careers in process and environmental engineering, product development, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and cosmetics manufacturing. The girls asked thoughtful questions about sustainability, product packaging, and the realities of a day in the life of an engineer.

Thanks to the dedication of the Mary Kay team, the Girl Scouts proudly earned their STEM Career Exploration Badges after an action-packed day filled with learning and inspiration. The Go-Give spirit of Mary Kay employees once again shone through – empowering a new generation of future STEM leaders, sparking their curiosity, and encouraging them to continue exploring the world of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Did You Know?

• Mary Kay Inc. has awarded more than 40 grants to young women pursuing their dreams in STEM-related fields around the world.
• Mary Kay has the capability to produce 1.1 million products every day at R3, our state-of-the-art, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver-certified manufacturing facility in Lewisville, TX (US).
• 62% of Mary Kay Global Research & Development team members are women¹.
• Mary Kay holds more than 1,400 global patents across formulas and technologies, packaging and applicators, delivery systems and application methods, and more showcasing decades of continuous innovation and technology advancements.

****

About Mary Kay

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

# # #
 

¹ Women Representation and Leadership at Mary Kay (May 2025).

This edition charts CNH’s continued progress in sustainably advancing agriculture and construction. Now available online at: https://publications.cnhindustrial.com/a-sustainable-year-2024-2025/

CNH’s A Sustainable Year series returns to spotlight its commitment to a sustainable future. This digital magazine draws inspiration from two key moments for the Company: CNH’s Investor Day in May 2025, where they presented the Road to 2030 business strategy, and their most recent Sustainability Report, which highlights their commitment to safer and more responsible operations. Together, they guide the initiatives featured in this edition.

The magazine showcases their progress and positive impact – from accelerating product development to advances in precision farming through to autonomous and robotic solutions. Learn how Case IH’s SenseApply™ technology exemplifies the power of “sense and act” innovation, enabling farmers to apply exactly the right amount of nitrogen, herbicide or fungicide in real time and only when crops need it.

The publication includes news from India where mentoring and training initiatives are preparing the next generation of employees to thrive in CNH’s industries and thought leadership pieces from external experts who provide additional perspectives on the topics they explore, such as the use of artificial intelligence to accelerate innovation. CNH have also included the voices of their customers, who are testing groundbreaking machines powered by lower-emission fuels, such as New Holland’s T6 and T7 Methane Power tractors and Case IH’s Austoft 9000 sugarcane harvester prototype featuring an ethanol engine.

Download the latest edition of the A Sustainable Year series in PDF at: cnh_a_sustainable_year_2024_5_digital_final.f6519098bfb8.pdf

Read the interactive digital magazine at: https://publications.cnhindustrial.com/a-sustainable-year-2024-2025/

Las Vegas Sands

Earlier this year, Sands donated $100,000 through the Sands Cares global community engagement program to Teach for America (TFA) Nevada as a continuation of its support for TFA’s teacher recruitment and retention efforts.

TFA Nevada is the local affiliate of Teach for America, a national leadership development organization founded in 1990 to find, develop and support equity-oriented leaders to transform education and expand opportunities for all children.

Through its programming, TFA recruits and develops a diverse corps of outstanding leaders who make an initial two-year commitment to teach in high-need schools and become lifelong leaders in an effort to ensure all children have opportunities to access excellent education. In the current

school year, TFA Nevada has 87 teachers in their first two years of service, and the organization works with more than 42 partner schools primarily in the Clark County School District.

The 2025 Sands Cares funding has been designated for TFA’s RootED initiatives, which provide developmental resources to retain and increase the impact of educators that directly affect schools, as well as ongoing recruitment to bring quality teachers to Southern Nevada schools. These investments are designed to bolster TFA Nevada’s 2030 goal to double the number of children in Clark County who are proficient in third-grade reading from 32% in 2020 to 64% in 2030.

“Making change in education can be hard, and it is long-standing partnerships like the one we have with Sands that move the needle,” Tim Hughes, executive director of TFA Nevada, said. “For years, the company has supported the recruitment, development and retention of educational leaders both at the beginning of their career and as they work to expand their impact. It is all starting to bear fruit – we have seen a great reduction in teacher vacancies and a steady increase in third grade literacy rates over the last several years. We are incredibly grateful that Sands shares our vision for a strong Southern Nevada.”

Support for Local Recruitment Efforts

A portion of the 2025 Sands Cares funding is supporting TFA Nevada’s recruiting efforts for the 2025-2026 school year with the goal of attracting at least 50 new teachers for Title 1 schools and 30% of them coming from within the state, which in turn will increase retention of these educators.

TFA Nevada aims for 90% of new corps members to successfully complete their first year of teaching in a Title 1 school and that at least 70% of recruited talent will be retained at the end of the two-year TFA commitment.

Support for Building Transformational Schools Pathway

Sands Cares funding also is supporting TFA Nevada’s Building Transformational School Pathway, which underwrites professional development and training opportunities for current and aspiring school leaders who want to create lasting change in their communities.

The Transformational Schools Pathway is providing 22 teacher grants, which support a unique blend of professional development, mentoring and practical experience that helps participants grow as leaders and drive meaningful change in their school communities. This development pathway is a critical retention program, as professional development opportunities for educators in Southern Nevada are limited.

“TFA Nevada has a solid vision backed by proven programs to attract and retain talented teachers,” Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs, said. “The organization’s positive impact on our public school system aligns with our vision of building a strong workforce of the future by ensuring academic resources reach the students most in need of influential leaders and educators.”

Sands’ partnership with TFA Nevada is aligned with the company’s focus on workforce development and helping build the workforce of the future through quality education. To learn more about the company’s initiatives in these areas, read the latest environmental, social and governance report: https://www.sands.com/content/uploads/2025/04/2024-SANDS-ESG-Report.pdf.

To learn more about Teach for America Nevada, visit https://www.teachforamerica.org/nevada.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Winter can offer candy canes and hot chocolate, the holiday season, cozy coats and crackling fires, but it can also mean cold, gray days where it feels like the sun just doesn’t come out. Less sunshine can throw off your circadian rhythm, a fancy way of saying your internal clock, which might impact your sleep and your mood.¹

If your mental health suffers this time of year, you aren’t alone. Fortunately, there are simple ways to help protect your mental health when the colorful leaves have all fallen and it gets chilly outside, including staying active and staying connected.

Get some shut-eye

Start with your sleep schedule. Experts say that 7-9 hours of sleep per night is ideal,² but relaxing before your head hits the pillow is important, too. Establishing a nighttime routine that you find soothing can help ensure a good night’s rest. Get comfortable with a fluffy blanket and try meditating before bed,³ or settle in with a good book — opt for a physical book versus e-readers to avoid screens before bedtime. Journaling is also a relaxing exercise that could allow you to corral any jumbled thoughts before getting in bed.⁴ Once a routine is established, do your best to keep up with it every night — consistency is key.⁵

Eat right — and enjoy yourself

Once you’ve gotten out of bed, it’s important to complement your morning caffeine buzz with a nutritious breakfast … then a nutritious lunch, followed by a nutritious dinner. It’s easy to overlook just how important the right food choices can be on your health. According to the 2025 Wellness Matters report from Aflac, Gen Z men are less likely than Gen Z women to think added sugar and processed foods have a negative impact on their health. But in fact, eating too many of those foods can have serious repercussions, both physically and mentally.⁶

Making healthy choices — adding fruits and veggies to your plate, along with a protein source — doesn’t mean neglecting the delicious food that pops up around the holidays. Rather, it’s about moderation.⁷ A balanced diet doesn’t have to mean cutting out your favorite treats, like a slice of Grandma’s pecan pie.

Move through it

Although the winter months might invite burrowing into bed, it’s important to find ways to move every day. If weather allows, get some time outside — even if Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, bundle up and take a quick walk for the benefit of some vitamin D.⁸ When the weather makes it difficult to get out, try online classes like a YouTube video or a class held over Zoom, or find a fun group class at a nearby gym. Trying new workouts can help with motivation, so if aerobics or cycling has been calling your name, now is the time to answer.

If you’re new to exercise or returning after some time off, begin with short workouts. A fifteen-minute walk or bike ride is a great start.⁹ As always, be sure to consult with your physician before starting a new exercise program.

Reach out

Last but not least, make sure to stay connected with family and friends. It can be hard to find time, especially as schedules are often packed during the holiday season, but communicating with a support system can be crucial. Like exercise, it can be beneficial for mental and physical health. While more Gen Z women than men (44% vs. 27%) reach out to friends and family with health concerns, it helps everyone.¹⁰ Whether it’s a coffee date or a phone call, connecting with someone you care about can help you feel better.¹¹

If the winter months are a tough time for you, please remember you are not alone. And remember your wellness, both mentally and physically, matters. To learn more about the importance of prioritizing your health, visit Aflac.com/WellnessMatters.

¹Harvard Health Publishing Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
²Sleep Foundation Accessed 25 Sept. 2025
³Brown University Health Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
⁴Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
⁵Hartford Healthcare Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
⁶NPR Accessed 22 Sept. 2025
⁷Brown University Health Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
⁸Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
⁹Hartford Healthcare Accessed 17 Sept. 2025
¹⁰Wellness Matters Accessed 19 Sept. 2025
¹¹Brown University Health Accessed 17 Sept. 2025

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance.

Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2500928 
Exp 10/26

Photo: Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff and Dennita Sewell with Nicholas Brown, partnership and engagement lead at Retraced, a Cascale member, and fashion designer Marissa Wilson

The Sourcing Journal Sustainability Summit returned to Los Angeles this month, bringing together leaders from across the apparel, retail, manufacturing, and materials sectors to discuss how the industry can turn climate and social commitments into measurable progress.

Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, Cascale communication director, attended the event, which explored the practical steps required to strengthen supply chain transparency, scale circularity, improve environmental performance, and address emerging regulatory expectations in the United States and globally.

Key highlights included a presentation by Dennita Sewell, founding director of ASU FIDM and professor of practice at Arizona State University, followed by a keynote address from U.S. representative Jimmy Gomez.

Cascale members were strongly represented in the speaker mix. Ryan Hahn, director of R&D and innovation at GUESS?, presented the company’s path to net zero; Yvonne Johnson, senior director of product development at Cotton Incorporated, shared the organization’s Engineered by Nature program; and Madeleine Danzberger, sustainability and social impact specialist at Steve Madden, joined a panel on circular footwear. 

Jennifer Guarino, president and CEO of the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC), a Detroit-based national nonprofit institute that produces for Cascale member Carhartt, joined Christian Birky, founder of Because Capital, to discuss responsive manufacturing in the U.S.. After top-lining the current state of overproduction, in which 20 percent of apparel is landfilled before reaching consumers, Guarino described producers as “doing business with one foot on a banana peel.”

Guarino is currently developing an ISAIC funding match to pilot solutions. “The U.S. can lead on showing how responsive manufacturing solutions can work but we need to have partnerships to do it,” she said. “Manufacturers can’t do it alone. The technology is there, but you have to change the model.”

A standout presentation on “Legislating Change” included perspective from Rachel Kibbe, founder and CEO of Circular Services Group and American Circular Textiles. Kibbe detailed California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (SB 707), the first U.S. textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, which requires companies with revenue over $1 million that sell apparel, footwear, and textiles in the state to sign up with its Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) by July 2026.

Across the summit, a consistent theme emerged: industry can only close the gap between ambition and delivery through shared tools, consistent measurement, and deeper supplier–brand collaboration. These priorities mirror Cascale’s commitment to collective action and credible sustainability progress across the consumer goods value chain.

A statement from Dustin White, co-founder and CEO of LAB Denim, which pioneered a waterless dyeing and and finishing technology, best captured the industry’s changing course: “If something’s been done for 150 years one way it’s hard to show up and say, ‘We have a solution for that’ without partnership,” he said. “It’s hard to get that momentum but we’re starting to see it now.”

• ‘Henkel House’ features brands across Henkel’s well-known consumer brand portfolio, including Dial® soap, Persil® laundry detergent, Loctite® adhesives and göt2b® hair products
• Alexi Lalas, U.S Soccer Legend, joined fans in Tampa and shared passionate insights on the growth of soccer and excitement for 2026 

ROCKY HILL, Conn., November 19, 2025 /3BL/ – As a proud Official Partner of U.S. Soccer, Henkel is committed to helping Fans win – on and off the field, whether it’s on gameday, or through small daily victories of life that start at home.

As part of this commitment, Henkel launched ‘Henkel House’, an immersive modular experience for Fans, representing different areas of a home, from the garage, to the kitchen, to the laundry room.

Debuting at the U.S. Men’s National Team match v Uruguay on November 18, 2025, in Tampa, Florida, excited Fans enjoyed the immersive Henkel House experience while interacting with Henkel’s portfolio of iconic products in a soccer-themed setting, elevating popular rituals at each experience.

Dial® Up Your Gameday Clean Experience: A Backyard setting demonstrating 

why Dial is the #1 Antibacterial Hand Soap Brand*

* In the U.S., based on Circana MULO+ dollar sales for the 52 weeks ending 11/09/2025

• Building on its passion for Soccer, Dial® Backyard gives Fans the opportunity to participate in an educational Hand Wash experience where they add UV lotion on their hands, then place them inside a blacklight box (experiment to simulate bacteria). Fans then wash their hands with Dial® soap, and place them back in the box to see how Dial’s antibacterial soap eliminates 99.9% of bacteria.
• Creating a fun photo moment from their Dial® experience, Fans also celebrate in style by sliding down into a bubble pit, celebrating the joy of bubbles (which are iridescent balls).
• Celebrating its passion for the U.S. Teams and giving back, Dial® is making a donation for every ‘Clean Sheet’ in a U.S. Senior National Team soccer match. To-date, Dial® has donated $100,000 to DonorsChoose, an education nonprofit that supports public school teachers and students nationwide.

Persil® Laundry Room shows Fans how Persil keeps their jerseys looking fresh and clean

• Energized Fans enjoy a visually engaging display of soccer jerseys – a dirt-stained jersey washed with Persil® Original liquid detergent showcases how Persil® offers a deep clean and care for fabrics on and off the field. Fans are also able to play Spin Cycle, a spin-to-win game where Fans win exclusive Persil® U.S. Soccer co-branded gear.

Loctite® Built to Perform Garage provides Fans with hands-on experiences to customize their Gameday

• A hands-on DIY station where Fans customize their own co-branded giveaways using Loctite products. By choosing and applying patches, guests create a personalized keepsake from their U.S. Soccer watching experience.
• An attention-grabbing photo moment that turns the traditional soccer field upside down, demonstrating the expertise of Loctite®, as the ultimate provider of strong, simple and long lasting bonds for all gluing needs. Guests step onto the flipped pitch and pose for an integrated photo kiosk. When participants receive their photo, it flips, appearing as though they’re hanging upside down.

göt2b® Styling Station inspires Fans to get creative with their hair 

• Encouraging Fans to play bold but style bolder, they are cheered on to try new hairstyles. Fans make themselves truly Gameday Ready by selecting trendsetting upgraded game-day looks from a local stylist with creative göt2b products.

“Henkel and our family of brands are proud to present a fan experience where every room and brand tells a new story of performance, care, and style,” said Jenny Schiavone, Vice President Corporate Communications, Americas at Henkel.“Our partnership with U.S. Soccer is focused on supporting the exciting growth of the game in North America, and inspiring and engaging our customers and consumers with our family of brands. We are proud to be part of the U.S. Soccer family, and we support every fan, every day, through our commitment of Winning Starts at Home.“

Alexi Lalas, capped 96 times by U.S. Soccer and a well-respected media personality, joined the fun with fans and shared his insightful views on soccer

“Fans love this great game of ours, and it was fun being at Henkel House, experiencing the energy as Fans enjoyed the immersive rituals of how Henkel’s products help Fans to win, on and off the field. If I was playing today, Henkel’s Dial® soap, Persil® laundry detergent, Loctite® adhesives and göt2b® hair products would be part of my daily regime, getting me gameday ready, “ said Alexi Lalas, U.S. Soccer legend.

“2026 will be a once-in-a-generation moment for soccer in the U.S. Our U.S. team needs to feel a home field advantage. From my experience, it’s not a pressure, it’s a power. We’re all together on the same team – Fans, Henkel and the U.S. Soccer family, to back the players and do all we can to ensure Winning Starts at Home. We have a responsibility to make sure it is an experience that is memorable for an entire generation.”

Henkel plans to delight U.S. Soccer Fans in 2026 by bringing the Henkel House to select U.S. Soccer matches and introducing it to shoppers in its key markets, during the most exciting, unprecedented moment for the sport in the United States over the next several years.

Henkel’s partnership with U.S. Soccer is its first-ever portfolio partnership, where a range of its more than 30 popular brands in North America, promote the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, as well as the Youth and Extended National Teams.

About Henkel in North America 

Henkel’s portfolio of well-known brands in North America includes all®, Purex® and Persil® laundry detergents, Snuggle® fabric softeners, Dial® soaps, Schwarzkopf® hair care, as well as Loctite®, Technomelt® and Bonderite® adhesives. With sales close to 6.5 billion US dollars (6 billion euros) in 2024, North America accounts for 28 percent of the company’s global sales. Henkel employs around 8,000 people across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.henkel-northamerica.com and on X @Henkel_NA.

About Henkel 

About Henkel With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company’s three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2024, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.6 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.1 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 47,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com.

Photo material is available at www.henkel-northamerica.com/press

Henkel Contact

Erica Cooper
Phone: 475-232-4973
Email: erica.cooper@henkel.com

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HAMILTON, Bermuda, November 19, 2025 /3BL/ – The five defining trends set to reshape cocktail culture and the spirits industry in 2026 are highlighted in the seventh annual Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report. The Report released by Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held international spirits company, in partnership with The Future Laboratory (TFL), draws on data from Bacardi-led and third-party research, consumer surveys, bartender interviews and TFL’s trend forecasting to uncover the forces shaping cocktail experiences, flavor innovation, and drinking culture in the year ahead. The Report also reveals the cocktails which are set to be the most popular in 2026 and trends for younger Legal Drinking Age (LDA) consumers.

Gen Z isn’t drinking less, they’re simply drinking earlier, lighter, and with more intention. Around the world, we’re seeing a move towards more meaningful drinking moments whether that means in-person get-togethers with friends, discovering flavors rooted in local culture, or embracing new forms of creative expression through cocktails.”

Sean Kerry, Vice President for Global On-Trade for Bacardi

Consumers are moving from curating experiences to cultivating connections. The pendulum has swung from digital convenience to human creativity, and the drinks industry sits at the center of that shift. In 2026, value will be defined not by scarcity or status, but by depth: the provenance of ingredients, the stories behind serves, and the ability to transform a moment into meaning.”

Martin Raymond, Co-Founder of The Future Laboratory

Here are the macro-trends defining the spirits industry in 2026:

1. AFTERNOON SOCIETY 
   Happy hour is having a cultural renaissance as earlier-day indulgence replaces late-night excess. The rise of “daycaps” (cocktails enjoyed in the late afternoon to close the workday) marks a shift toward micro-celebrations that fit modern routines. Across regions, people are heading out to drink, eat, and socialize earlier in the evenings. Notably, younger LDA consumers are leading the charge, with over half of those in France (51%) and more than one third in the U.S. (34%) reshaping routines around earlier evenings, according to the Bacardi Global Consumer Survey (GCS). Daytime drinking now revolves around Spritz culture, mood-based cocktails, and small serves that tap into the sweet treat economy. It’s not about escape; it’s about new rhythm and new routines of enjoyment that fit your energy and your calendar.
2. REWILDING CONNECTION
   As social life recalibrates away from constant connectivity, drinkers are seeking intentional, offline experiences that prioritize presence over performance. With 84% of consumers saying technology has made social interactions feel less personal, bars and brands are designing shared, analog moments that feel human again—think screen-free gatherings, communal serves, analog entertainment, and rituals that spark real conversation. From martini flights to micro-format gatherings, Rewilding Connection reflects a consumer desire to slow down, tune back in, and rediscover the social magic of enjoying a cocktail together.
3. NEW LOCALOGY
   As changing trade conditions and transparency reshape the industry, bars are evolving into laboratories of local flavor – harnessing micro-farms, regional ecologies, and scientific experimentation to pioneer a new future of mixology. This movement is not about replacing internationally celebrated spirits, but about elevating them through locally sourced ingredients, garnishes, and flavor accents that root each serve in its environment. Here, every sip is as much about terroir and technique as it is about transparency – catering to new consumer preferences to savor not only the flavor, but the place and process behind it. In fact, three-quarters (77%) check ingredient origin labels, seeking locally sourced ingredients.
4. THE LIQUID EXPERIENCE IP
   No longer just vessels for a taste experience, cocktails and drinks brands are transforming into full spectrum lifestyle experiences that blend fashion, music, design, travel and sport into cohesive cultural identities. Gen Z and millennials choose brands that reflect their identity, and 70% of people who say emotional engagement drives loyalty. Bars and brands are responding with immersive cocktail worlds, drink characters, playlist pairings, traveling pop-up menus, and branded sensory elements like scent, sound, and storytelling. In 2026, a cocktail isn’t just ordered; it’s experienced, collected, and followed like a creator brand.
5. MORE IS MORE MIXOLOGY
   After years of “quiet luxury” minimalism, maximalism is back behind the bar with showstopping cocktails full of glamor and theatrics. Over three quarters of the Bacardi GCS participants (76%) value heightened, memorable experiences as bars embrace edible pearls, metallic garnishes, evolving flavor layers, fire presentations, and high-drama glassware. Loud luxury venues—from Dubai to Las Vegas—prove that joyfully excessive design and unapologetic opulence are in. In a world still healing from burnout, people don’t just want a drink, they want a moment.

Globally, the top 10 cocktails in 2026 will be:

1. Margarita
2. Mojito
3. Piña Colada
4. Rum and Coke®
5. Whisky and Coke®
6. Spritz
7. Vodka Lemonade
8. Vodka Soda
9. Gin & Tonic
10. Dry Martini Cocktail

Download the complete 2026 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report and Infographic.

About Bacardi Limited
Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, PATRÓN® tequila, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including D’USSÉ® Cognac, ANGEL’S ENVY® American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded more than 163 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs approximately 8,000, operates production facilities in 10 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.