Tag: 3BL

Originally published on CVS Health Company News

COLUMBUS, OH, March 26, 2026 /3BL/ — The CVS Health Foundation recently announced the launch of its Health Zone in Columbus with a $2.24 million investment in Health Impact Ohio to help improve access to health care, reduce emergency care utilization and support residents with chronic and behavioral health conditions.

“Families across the south and east sides of Columbus continue to face significant and interconnected challenges,” said Jenny McColloch, President of the CVS Health Foundation. “Through Health Impact Ohio, we’re investing in a proven, community‑driven model that brings together health care providers, social service organizations and trusted nonprofits to reach people earlier, reduce avoidable emergency care and improve health outcomes over time.”

What is a Health Zone

By bringing together local health care providers and trusted community organizations, CVS Health Foundation’s Health Zones make it easier for residents to get connected to primary care, nutritious food, chronic‑condition support and other essential services – all in one coordinated effort. The goal is to meet people where they are, address the real‑life challenges that affect their health and help individuals get the care, resources and stability they need to live healthier lives.

Why this support matters for the community

Families on the south and east sides of Columbus continue to face significant health and social challenges that make it harder to stay healthy and manage long‑term conditions.

• Chronic conditions are a significant factor, with one‑third of adults in Columbus living with obesity and 12% managing diabetes.
• According to the March of Dimes Prematurity Profile, 10.4% of babies born in the United States in 2024 were delivered preterm – roughly one in every ten births.
• Housing costs place a heavy burden on families, with nearly half of households spending more than 30% of their income on housing.

How the model works

The CVS Health Foundation investment expands Health Impact Ohio’s care coordination model, which uses Community Health Workers (CHWs) to help residents connect to health care, social services and other support services. The goal is to reach people earlier, reduce avoidable emergency room visits and improve long‑term health for families on the south and east sides of Columbus.

Health Impact Ohio leads the Central Ohio Pathways HUB (the Pathways HUB) – a network of more than a dozen community organizations that work together to guide residents through a simple, step‑by‑step “Pathways” process. Through this approach, CHWs build trusted relationships and help people get the support they need, including stable housing, healthy food, prenatal care, behavioral health services and ongoing medical care.

The CVS Health Foundation’s investment will strengthen the Pathways HUB by supporting more CHWs, improving training and data systems, and helping partner agencies coordinate care more effectively. It will also expand maternal‑health and behavioral‑health services and make the model more sustainable over time.

“This investment accelerates our mission-driven work to ensure every resident in Columbus has access to coordinated, high-quality care and the resources they need to thrive,” said Heidi Welch, HIO Chief of Strategic Engagement and Operations. “By strengthening the Pathways HUB and expanding community health worker support, we can reach families earlier, close critical gaps in care, and create lasting improvements in health and stability. We are grateful for the CVS Health Foundation’s partnership and shared commitment to building stronger, healthier communities across Central Ohio.”

Expected impact

Through this investment, Health Impact Columbus aims to:

• Increase the number of local individuals served through CHW‑led care coordination
• Reduce emergency department visits
• Maintain the Pathway HUB’s high standard of support for pregnant clients
• Connect community members with vital behavioral health support services

CVS Health’s commitment to Ohio

The Health Impact Ohio investment builds on CVS Health’s long‑standing commitment to Ohio communities. Today, CVS Health operates hundreds of locations across the state and employs more than 11,000 colleagues, serving communities in urban, suburban and rural areas.

In fiscal year 2024, CVS Health’s operations generated an estimated $39.5 billion in economic impact in Ohio, supporting more than 85,000 jobs statewide through direct employment, supply chain activity, and related economic effects. The company also supported approximately $2.8 billion in state and local taxes, helping fund essential public services and infrastructure. In 2024, the company also delivered more than $940,000 in community support, complemented by colleagues dedicating over 4,000 volunteer hours.

CVS Health also continues to invest in Ohio’s future workforce by expanding job training and career development opportunities. In Columbus, CVS Health recently opened a Workforce Innovation and Talent Center located at Rosewind Estates, an affordable housing community developed with a more than $13 million CVS Health investment in collaboration with the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority. By co-locating workforce training, career development, and stable housing, the investment directly addresses key social drivers of health, including economic opportunity, housing stability, and access to essential services. Rosewind residents and the broader Columbus community benefit from quality, affordable homes and convenient access to resources that support financial security, workforce participation and improved physical and mental well-being—enabling individuals to live closer to where they work and reduce barriers to healthy living. This investment builds on CVS Health’s long-standing commitment to community health in Ohio, where the company has invested nearly $80 million in affordable housing initiatives statewide, helping to create, preserve and renovate nearly 1,900 housing units that support healthier, more resilient communities.

The company also offers free health screenings to individuals nationwide through its Project Health initiative. Last year, CVS Health hosted 22 Project Health events, which saw over 500 participants and provided 2,258 screenings in Ohio.

Together, these investments reflect CVS Health’s integrated approach to improving health outcomes, strengthening economic mobility and building healthier, more resilient communities across Ohio.

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About CVS Health Foundation

The CVS Health Foundation has a proud history of supporting local communities across various regions throughout the United States. The Foundation is dedicated to uniting communities to address health challenges in collaboration with a wide range of nonprofit grantees. The Foundation collaborates on programs that enhance health outcomes, with focus areas including mental well-being, healthy aging, maternal health, health impacts from extreme weather and chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It also helps lay the groundwork for a healthier future by assisting organizations that address food security and promote educational opportunities. Additionally, the CVS Health Foundation supports CVS Health colleagues by backing the causes that are most meaningful to them through its Matching Gifts, Volunteer Challenge Grants and Children of Colleague Scholarship programs.

About Health Impact Ohio

Health Impact Ohio is a nonprofit statewide health improvement collaborative headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. They work on various projects that improve access to quality health services for all people in every community. HIO manages and supports community-based care coordination initiatives. As the managing organization of the Central Ohio Pathways HUB, Health Impact Ohio provides oversight, operational support, and performance monitoring to ensure effective and accountable service delivery.

About the Central Ohio Pathways HUB

The Central Ohio Pathways HUB is a regional care coordination network that connects individuals to health and social services using the evidence-based Pathways Community HUB model. The HUB promotes coordination, accountability, and measurable results through collaboration with local partner agencies.

Media Contact

Courtney Tavener
401-712-3698
Courtney.Tavener@CVSHealth.com

March 26, 2026 /3BL/ – Southwire, North America’s leading wire and cable company, has received the 2026 World’s Most Ethical Companies® recognition by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

In 2026, Ethisphere recognized 138 companies spanning 17 countries and 40 industries. 2026 marks the third consecutive year that Southwire has been recognized. This year, Southwire is one of only five honorees in the electronics and components industry.

“Being recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies reflects the integrity and dedication of our team members and their commitment to Doing Right,” said Ganesh Ramaswamy, Southwire’s president and CEO. “Our team members act with honesty, accountability, and respect to help ensure we continue to earn the trust of our customers, partners, and communities.”

The World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment is grounded in Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®, which requires companies to provide 240+ different proof points on practices that support robust ethics and compliance, governance, a culture of ethics, environmental and social impact and initiatives that support a strong value chain. That data undergoes further qualitative analysis by Ethisphere’s panel of experts who spend thousands of hours vetting and evaluating each year’s group of applicants.

“Being recognized for three consecutive years is no small accomplishment, and it’s a clear reflection that we are doing the right things and remaining committed to our values and standards,” said Burt Fealing, Southwire’s executive vice president, general counsel, chief sustainability officer and interim chief people & culture officer. “This milestone is also an opportunity for us to continue building on the strong foundation that has been established. The work ahead will require continued focus, collaboration, and dedication, but I am confident in this team’s ability to keep raising the bar. I am extremely appreciative of the commitment and hard work that made this success possible.”

The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify best-in-class ethics and compliance practices from organizations across industries and from around the world.

“Congratulations to Southwire for achieving recognition as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. As we mark the 20th class of honorees, this group continues to raise the bar for business integrity by embedding ethics into everyday decision making and long-term strategy. Companies with strong ethics, compliance and governance programs are built for better long-term performance,” said Erica Salmon Byrne, Ethisphere’s Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Chair.

To view the full list of this year’s honorees, please visit the World’s Most Ethical Companies website, at https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees. 

For questions about Southwire’s Ethics and Compliance program, visit https://www.southwire.com/sustainability/doing-right-connection.  

For more Southwire news, visit www.southwire.com/sustainability.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 25, 2026 /3BL/ – DP World, the Official Logistics Partner of Canucks Sports & Entertainment (CSE), hosted a VIP hockey experience for the Salish Storm youth hockey team (ages 5 to 15) from the Salish Storm Hockey Association (SSHA), reinforcing its commitment to youth development, sport, and community engagement.

The team traveled from Nanaimo to Vancouver on March 20, beginning their visit with a professional box lacrosse game at Rogers Arena as the Vancouver Warriors faced the Ottawa Black Bears. The Warrior’s win officially clinched their spot in the 2026 NLL playoffs.

The following evening, the team attended the Vancouver Canucks game against the St. Louis Blues. The young athletes enjoyed a pre-game tour of Rogers Arena and exclusive access to a chalk talk and meet-and-greet with Canucks legend Kirk McLean. The team watched the game from a VIP penthouse suite while receiving customized Canucks gear and DP World merchandise.

The players also participated in a leadership discussion with Squamish Nation member Simon Baker, who shared insights on leadership, culture, and community.

SSHA is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that provides Indigenous children and youth with barrier-free access to hockey. The association offers free programming, transportation, equipment, healthy meals, and culturally informed mentorship to support confidence, physical wellness, and social development through sport.

Doug Smith, CEO, DP World in Canada, said: “This initiative reflects the values we share with the Vancouver Canucks – teamwork, dedication, and community spirit. We’re proud to support opportunities that inspire young Canadians both on and off the ice, and to help create lasting memories for these talented young athletes and their families.”

Alan Macdonald, Director of Operations, Salish Storm Hockey Association, said: “For many of these young athletes, traveling to Vancouver, meeting hockey legends, and watching an NHL game together is something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. We’re grateful to DP World and the Vancouver Canucks for creating opportunities that show our players what’s possible through teamwork, dedication, and community.”

The experience builds on DP World’s partnership with Canucks Sports & Entertainment and reflects the company’s broader commitment to supporting the communities where it operates. As Canada’s largest container terminal operator, DP World connects Canadian businesses to global markets while investing in initiatives that promote opportunity, inclusion, and long-term community development.

“At DP World, we believe in creating opportunities that foster growth — whether in trade, innovation, or youth development,” added Smith. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Canucks and supporting initiatives that give back to communities across Canada.”

– END –

For more insights into how DP World is reshaping global trade, visit our website: www.dpworld.com

For media enquiries, please contact:

Melina Vissat, Head of Communications
M: (+1) 704-605-6159
E: melina.vissat@dpworld.com

About DP World

DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 125,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

In the Americas, DP World operates with a team of over 16,000 people across 12 countries, driving excellence through a robust network of 14 ports and terminals and more than 40 warehouses. By harnessing our global reach and local expertise, we simplify logistics, enhance operational performance, and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in global trade.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW.

OAKLAND, Calif., March 25, 2026 /3BL/ – ICA Fund today announced it has received a $2.25 million grant from Wells Fargo & Company as part of its Open for Business Growth initiative, a $20 million philanthropic program designed to help growth-ready small businesses access the capital and resources they need to scale. This investment comes at a milestone moment as ICA Fund celebrates its 30th anniversary of supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening local economies.

Through this new funding, ICA Fund will expand its ability to provide founder-friendly capital and hands-on support to entrepreneurs across the Bay Area who are ready to grow but face barriers to traditional financing. The initiative is focused on closing a critical gap in the small business ecosystem: companies that have outgrown micro-loans but do not yet qualify for conventional bank financing.

“Growth-ready small businesses are a powerful engine for job creation and local economic development, but they need access to the right kind of capital when expansion is on the horizon,” said Kimelyn Harris, head of Business Growth Philanthropy at Wells Fargo. “Through Open for Business Growth, we work with organizations like ICA Fund to deliver flexible, innovative financing tailored to entrepreneurs’ needs. This support helps businesses grow, create jobs, and reach their full potential.”

The Open for Business Growth program builds on the success of Wells Fargo’s broader Open for Business Fund, a $420 million effort that has supported small businesses nationwide through community-based organizations. This next phase focuses specifically on businesses on the “brink of expansion,” those with proven demand and strong potential, but limited access to appropriately structured capital.

ICA Fund will use the grant to design and deploy tailored financial products and advisory services that align with the realities of scaling businesses. By pairing investment with deep operational support, ICA helps founders navigate challenges, strengthen fundamentals, and grow sustainably.

“Small businesses are essential to vibrant, resilient communities, but too many great companies are stuck small because the financial system is limited for them,” said Allison Kelly, CEO of ICA Fund. “As we celebrate 30 years of investing in entrepreneurs, this funding from Wells Fargo allows us to deepen our impact and expand access to fair, flexible capital for those ready to scale. By investing in these businesses at the right moment, we can unlock growth, create quality jobs, and build lasting community wealth.”

ICA Fund’s model focuses on investing in businesses that have demonstrated market demand and are poised for expansion. The organization provides not only capital, but also strategic guidance to help founders overcome barriers to growth, ensuring that businesses can scale in ways that are both financially successful and socially impactful.

ICA Fund is advancing a model rooted in the real economy: supporting revenue-generating businesses that create jobs, reflect community diversity, and contribute to shared prosperity.

With support from Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Growth initiative, ICA Fund will continue working toward its vision of an economy that works for all, one where entrepreneurs have equitable access to opportunity, and small businesses can thrive as engines of inclusive economic growth.

About ICA Fund
ICA Fund invests in growth-ready small businesses to create good jobs and build community wealth. By providing founder-friendly capital alongside hands-on support, ICA helps entrepreneurs scale durable businesses that generate both financial and social returns.

Media Contact:
Erica Dixon
Director of Marketing & Communications
ICA Fund
erica@ica.fund

OAKLAND, Calif., March 25, 2026 /3BL/ – ICA Fund today announced it has received a $2.25 million grant from Wells Fargo & Company as part of its Open for Business Growth initiative, a $20 million philanthropic program designed to help growth-ready small businesses access the capital and resources they need to scale. This investment comes at a milestone moment as ICA Fund celebrates its 30th anniversary of supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening local economies.

Through this new funding, ICA Fund will expand its ability to provide founder-friendly capital and hands-on support to entrepreneurs across the Bay Area who are ready to grow but face barriers to traditional financing. The initiative is focused on closing a critical gap in the small business ecosystem: companies that have outgrown micro-loans but do not yet qualify for conventional bank financing.

“Growth-ready small businesses are a powerful engine for job creation and local economic development, but they need access to the right kind of capital when expansion is on the horizon,” said Kimelyn Harris, head of Business Growth Philanthropy at Wells Fargo. “Through Open for Business Growth, we work with organizations like ICA Fund to deliver flexible, innovative financing tailored to entrepreneurs’ needs. This support helps businesses grow, create jobs, and reach their full potential.”

The Open for Business Growth program builds on the success of Wells Fargo’s broader Open for Business Fund, a $420 million effort that has supported small businesses nationwide through community-based organizations. This next phase focuses specifically on businesses on the “brink of expansion,” those with proven demand and strong potential, but limited access to appropriately structured capital.

ICA Fund will use the grant to design and deploy tailored financial products and advisory services that align with the realities of scaling businesses. By pairing investment with deep operational support, ICA helps founders navigate challenges, strengthen fundamentals, and grow sustainably.

“Small businesses are essential to vibrant, resilient communities, but too many great companies are stuck small because the financial system is limited for them,” said Allison Kelly, CEO of ICA Fund. “As we celebrate 30 years of investing in entrepreneurs, this funding from Wells Fargo allows us to deepen our impact and expand access to fair, flexible capital for those ready to scale. By investing in these businesses at the right moment, we can unlock growth, create quality jobs, and build lasting community wealth.”

ICA Fund’s model focuses on investing in businesses that have demonstrated market demand and are poised for expansion. The organization provides not only capital, but also strategic guidance to help founders overcome barriers to growth, ensuring that businesses can scale in ways that are both financially successful and socially impactful.

ICA Fund is advancing a model rooted in the real economy: supporting revenue-generating businesses that create jobs, reflect community diversity, and contribute to shared prosperity.

With support from Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Growth initiative, ICA Fund will continue working toward its vision of an economy that works for all, one where entrepreneurs have equitable access to opportunity, and small businesses can thrive as engines of inclusive economic growth.

About ICA Fund
ICA Fund invests in growth-ready small businesses to create good jobs and build community wealth. By providing founder-friendly capital alongside hands-on support, ICA helps entrepreneurs scale durable businesses that generate both financial and social returns.

Media Contact:
Erica Dixon
Director of Marketing & Communications
ICA Fund
erica@ica.fund

KeyBank is partnering with Parachute Credit Counseling and the BankOn Buffalo-Niagara Coalition to provide free tax preparation services to those who need it most, helping low- to moderate-income individuals and families determine their eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Volunteers from KeyBank and Parachute will be available at the following locations, days and times:

• Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers – 415 Monroe St., Buffalo, NY, 14212 – Saturday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
   
• Dunkirk United Way – 626 Central Ave, Dunkirk, NY, 14048 – Saturday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
   
• Jamestown Prendergast Library – 509 Cherry St., Jamestown, NY 14701 – Saturday, March 28 from 10:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
   
• Niagara University – Glynn Hall, Room 209, 5795 Lewiston Rd, Niagara University, NY 14109 – Tuesday, March 31 from 6:00 -8:00 p.m.

All tax filers are welcome to attend and the individual does not have to be a KeyBank customer to participate.

“These free tax preparation events are signature annual events that are central to KeyBank’s purpose of helping the communities we serve thrive,” said Michael McMahon, KeyBank Buffalo Market President. “We are once again excited to work with Parachuteto support our neighbors with free tax preparation services.”

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. To qualify, workers and families must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if they do not owe any tax or are not required to file. EITC reduces the amount of tax owed and may provide a refund. (Source: IRS)

Each year, thousands of qualifying Americans do not claim the EITC on their federal income tax returns, meaning billions of dollars in much-needed refunds goes unclaimed. These free tax preparation events are a cost-effective way for tax filers to navigate the potentially confusing tax preparation process and ensure they are getting their full return.

According to the IRS, to qualify for the EITC, earned income must be less than:

• $61,555 ($68,675 if married and filing jointly) if you have three or more children
• $57,310 ($64,430 if married and filing jointly) if you have two children
• $50,434 ($57,554 if married and filing jointly) if you have one child
• $19,104 ($26,214 if married and filing jointly) if you have no children

**Children must meet certain relationship, age, and residency requirements to qualify

If participating, income tax return filers should bring these documents:

• State-issued photo ID

• Social Security card (for you, your spouse, and each child and/or dependent)

• W-2 forms

• 1099 forms (interest, earnings as an independent contractor)

• Unemployment forms (if applicable)

• Proof of childcare payments

• Other IRS forms as appropriate

• Last year’s tax return (if available)

• Bank account and routing number for direct deposit (if applicable)

If filing jointly, please bring all applicable documents for you and your spouse.

ABOUT KEYCORP

KeyCorp’s roots trace back more than 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 $184 billion at December 31, 2025.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 950 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

ABOUT PARACHUTE CREDIT COUNSELING

Since 1965, Parachute Credit Counseling has been providing the WNY community with the tools they need to build the foundation for a strong financial future. Parachute’s certified counselors offer one-on-one financial counseling services to help families understand and master their credit and personal finances. Their counselors provide a wide range of services including budgeting, debt management plans, building and understanding credit, student loan counseling, and housing counseling. Parachute also oversees the BankOn Buffalo-Niagara Coalition, a coalition of community organizations and financial institution partners (including KeyBank) working together to make banking affordable and accessible in WNY.

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In December, the future of African innovation took center stage in Abuja, Nigeria, as students from across the continent gathered for Junior Achievement (JA) Africa’s Company of the Year (COY) competition. Among the standout moments was the presentation of the FedEx Global Possibilities Award, celebrating youth-led businesses that are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact. 

This year’s award was presented to Xero Labs, a student-run enterprise whose solution speaks directly to one of today’s most urgent challenges: climate change. Guided by the competition’s theme – “ACT! Action for Climate Transformation” – the team demonstrated how innovation, sustainability, and community impact can intersect to create meaningful change.

Xero Labs began with a simple question: What if air pollution could be turned into something useful? Their answer was a device that captures harmful soot from vehicle exhausts and converts it into products like ink. What started as a small idea quickly evolved into a scalable solution with the potential to improve air quality while creating economic value – locally and beyond.

As the premier youth business pitch competition on the continent, COY brings together high school entrepreneurs from eight African countries. The FedEx Global Possibilities Award, adjudicated by FedEx team members, recognizes student businesses that embody global connectivity through four pillars: innovation, access to new markets, sustainability, and community development.

“Supporting the next generation of African innovators is central to how we see the future of trade and economic growth on the continent,” said Nelson Teixeira, Managing Director of Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa. “This year’s winners demonstrated a clear passion for building solutions that can compete and connect on a global stage.”

For the Xero Labs team, the experience was both validating and motivating. “What began as a small idea to address air pollution has grown into a project with real purpose and potential,” they shared. “Being recognized on a global stage strengthened our confidence and reminded us that young people can contribute meaningful solutions to global challenges.”

JA Africa shares that belief. “Africa’s greatest resource is the brilliance and creativity of its young people,” said Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa. “Climate action is not just an environmental issue – it’s a development imperative.”

FedEx has worked alongside Junior Achievement Worldwide for more than 45 years, investing in young people who are shaping the future of trade, innovation, and sustainable growth. Through initiatives like the FedEx Global Possibilities Award, FedEx is proud to connect people, ideas, and opportunities – empowering the next generation to turn possibility into progress.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

In December, the future of African innovation took center stage in Abuja, Nigeria, as students from across the continent gathered for Junior Achievement (JA) Africa’s Company of the Year (COY) competition. Among the standout moments was the presentation of the FedEx Global Possibilities Award, celebrating youth-led businesses that are transforming bold ideas into real-world impact. 

This year’s award was presented to Xero Labs, a student-run enterprise whose solution speaks directly to one of today’s most urgent challenges: climate change. Guided by the competition’s theme – “ACT! Action for Climate Transformation” – the team demonstrated how innovation, sustainability, and community impact can intersect to create meaningful change.

Xero Labs began with a simple question: What if air pollution could be turned into something useful? Their answer was a device that captures harmful soot from vehicle exhausts and converts it into products like ink. What started as a small idea quickly evolved into a scalable solution with the potential to improve air quality while creating economic value – locally and beyond.

As the premier youth business pitch competition on the continent, COY brings together high school entrepreneurs from eight African countries. The FedEx Global Possibilities Award, adjudicated by FedEx team members, recognizes student businesses that embody global connectivity through four pillars: innovation, access to new markets, sustainability, and community development.

“Supporting the next generation of African innovators is central to how we see the future of trade and economic growth on the continent,” said Nelson Teixeira, Managing Director of Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa. “This year’s winners demonstrated a clear passion for building solutions that can compete and connect on a global stage.”

For the Xero Labs team, the experience was both validating and motivating. “What began as a small idea to address air pollution has grown into a project with real purpose and potential,” they shared. “Being recognized on a global stage strengthened our confidence and reminded us that young people can contribute meaningful solutions to global challenges.”

JA Africa shares that belief. “Africa’s greatest resource is the brilliance and creativity of its young people,” said Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa. “Climate action is not just an environmental issue – it’s a development imperative.”

FedEx has worked alongside Junior Achievement Worldwide for more than 45 years, investing in young people who are shaping the future of trade, innovation, and sustainable growth. Through initiatives like the FedEx Global Possibilities Award, FedEx is proud to connect people, ideas, and opportunities – empowering the next generation to turn possibility into progress.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

As both the plastics and healthcare industries continue to evolve, the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) remains dedicated to our mission to collaborate across the value chain to inspire and enable the healthcare community to implement viable, safe, and cost-effective recycling solutions for healthcare plastics.

Last year, we embarked on several projects from identifying synergistic waste streams within hospitals to conducting a lifecycle assessment literature review to identifying sortation best practices in the EU. We published a number of case studies, shared the final phase of our advanced recycling research, and continued to work with industry partners to share learnings and overcome shared challenges.

Now as we enter a new year, we’re excited to share our 2026 project roadmap! While some projects will carry over from last year, we’re also launching a slate of new initiatives in the new year.

2026 Project Overview

Houston Healthcare Plastics Regional Recycling Initiatives

Building on work carried out in 2024 and 2025, this project aims to initiate a regional healthcare plastics recycling program in Houston. The Houston initiative is a collaborative effort with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) and the Vinyl Institute, starting with the Houston Methodist healthcare network.

The goal is to create a model program that showcases effective collaboration and responsible plastic recycling practices within a network of hospitals that can serve as a blueprint for other regions.

HFAB Resource Refresh

To support healthcare facilities as they navigate the evolving recycling landscape, this project will assess our existing Hospicycle tools to identify gaps in information and any outdated resources.

Working closely with our Healthcare Facility Advisory Board (HFAB), the project team will determine desired content updates by conducting a gap assessment. They will work to understand what tools are most useful, what resources are missing, and what can be improved. They will then develop a plan to refresh our available resources and build new tools to meet the changing needs of healthcare facilities.

Recycling Infrastructure

This project aims to improve our understanding of what medical device manufacturers (MDMs) and packaging suppliers should prioritize for recycle-ready packaging and materials selection. The project team will engage with U.S. hospitals through interviews to understand what works for those who have recycling systems and what barriers exist for those who do not. The interview results will be used to identify specific infrastructure needs within hospitals that would improve plastics recycling.

The results of these discussions will inform the development of a publicly available map highlighting hospitals that are currently recycling, their recycling partners, and what materials are being recycled.

Standardized Labeling for Flexible & Rigid Packaging

The goal of this project will be to support accurate material identification to improve end-of-life separation and recyclability by developing a standardized approach to labeling flexible and rigid medical packaging materials across MDMs and suppliers.

Industry alignment through a harmonized approach is key to ensuring clarity and applicability to support credible sustainability claims. The project team will review and understand the current state of existing labeling practices to inform the development of labeling guidelines.

Volume and Value Tool Summary

With the goal of developing a tool to predict plastic and recyclable material moving through a facility, this project team would use predictive analytics gathered from procurement data from FY2025 projects as well as partnerships with hospitals to determine product material makeup.

The tool would offer visibility to the potential volume of material available for recycling and make it easier to find partners/resources for collection. It would allow the user to evaluate a material’s recyclability to see how purchasing decisions affect the end volume of recyclable materials.

Interested in learning more about HPRC and the work that we do? Follow us on LinkedIn to stay in the loop on our latest work and check out currently available resources on our website.

PITTSBURGH, March 25, 2026 /3BL/ — Wesco International, Inc. (NYSE: WCC), a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services, and supply chain solutions, today announced it has been named to Fortune’s 2026 America’s Most Innovative Companies list, recognizing Wesco’s disciplined approach to innovation and its continued focus on delivering value for customers through scalable solutions, operational excellence, and a strong culture of continuous improvement.

Fortune’s annual list honors companies that demonstrate innovation across products, processes, and workplace culture. Wesco was recognized for embedding innovation across its enterprise—advancing digital capabilities, strengthening supply chain solutions, and enabling customers to operate more efficiently in an increasingly complex environment.

“This recognition reflects the focus and execution of our teams across the organization,”said John Engel, Chairman, President and CEO. “Innovation at Wesco is purposeful—it’s about improving how we serve our customers, strengthening our operations, and positioning the company for long-term growth. Being named to Fortune’s America’s Most Innovative Companies list is an honor, but it also reinforces our responsibility to keep pushing forward.”

The full list and methodology for Fortune’s 2026 America’s Most Innovative Companies can be found at fortune.com.

About Wesco

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 forcustomers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

Contact Information
Jennifer Sniderman
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Jennifer.Sniderman@Wescodist.com