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Global energy technology company SLB (NYSE: SLB) and leading geothermal and renewable energy company Ormat Technologies (NYSE: ORA) today announced an agreement to fast-track the development and commercialization of integrated geothermal assets, including enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). EGS is the next generation of geothermal technology, meant to unlock geothermal energy in regions beyond where conventional geothermal resources exist.

Together, SLB and Ormat intend to streamline project deployment, from concept to power generation. As part of this effort, they will develop, pilot and scale EGS solutions to enable wide-scale EGS adoption. This collaboration will include the design and construction of an EGS pilot at an Ormat site.

Key Highlights:

• Joint Technology and Project Development: SLB and Ormat will co-develop and deploy integrated geothermal assets and EGS systems designed for optimal long-term performance, leveraging Ormat’s expertise in power plant design, development and operations, and SLB’s strengths in subsurface, reservoir engineering and well construction.
• EGS Pilot Project: The integrated solution will be demonstrated at an existing Ormat facility, covering all aspects of the development cycle and validating commercial-scale EGS deployment.
• Commercial Scale-Up: Following the pilot, SLB and Ormat will jointly pursue large-scale EGS commercialization for independent power producers, utilities, and other customers including data center operators.

“There is an urgent need to meet the growing demand for energy driven by AI and other factors. This requires accelerating the path to clean and reliable energy,” said Gavin Rennick, president of New Energy at SLB. “By partnering with Ormat, we will work to make both traditional hydrothermal and EGS technologies truly competitive and commercially viable systems that can scale quickly to meet global energy demand through the coming decades. Our EGS pilot project will serve as a critical platform to address both technical and economic challenges, significantly de-risking and broadening the commercial application of EGS. As a global energy technology leader, SLB is developing a strategic technology portfolio to accelerate the growth of the geothermal industry worldwide.””

The first joint demonstration project will fast-track the development of a complete set of new technologies and techniques needed for EGS, as well as optimizing integration with surface facilities to maximize production and sustainability.

“Ormat is pleased to partner with SLB to accelerate the development and deployment of integrated geothermal assets and next-generation EGS solutions,” said Doron Blachar, Chief Executive Officer of Ormat Technologies. “As the global energy transition progresses AI-driven demand increases, scalable and sustainable energy solutions are more critical than ever. By bringing together the world’s leading experts in subsurface and geothermal power plant technologies, Ormat and SLB will accelerate the path to rapid deployment of commercial scale EGS facilities. Our collaboration aims to advance the commercial viability of EGS technologies and represents a significant step forward in the geothermal industry. As the global leader in geothermal project development, Ormat expects to expand its development pipeline following a successful pilot and is committed to delivering reliable, sustainable, and efficient energy solutions to meet the demands of AI, data centers and the broader energy transition.”

Traditional geothermal systems leverage natural hot water or steam reservoirs underground, limiting geothermal technology use to certain natural conditions. EGS systems are designed to effectively create thermal reservoirs in naturally hot rock through which water can circulate, transferring the energy back to surface for the purpose of power generation, greatly expanding the potential application of geothermal energy. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that next-generation geothermal could provide 90 gigawatts (GW) by 2050, and potentially up to 300 GW in the U.S. alone.

About SLB

SLB (NYSE: SLB) is a global technology company that drives energy innovation for a balanced planet. With a global footprint in more than 100 countries and employees representing almost twice as many nationalities, we work each day on innovating oil and gas, delivering digital at scale, decarbonizing industries, and developing and scaling new energy systems that accelerate the energy transition. Find out more at slb.com.

About Ormat Technologies

With six decades of experience, Ormat Technologies, Inc. is a leading geothermal company, and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (“REG”), with robust plans to accelerate long-term growth in the energy storage market and to establish a leading position in the U.S. energy storage market. The Company owns, operates, designs, manufactures and sells geothermal and REG power plants primarily based on the Ormat Energy Converter – a power generation unit that converts low-, medium- and high-temperature heat into electricity. The Company has engineered, manufactured and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed for utilities and developers worldwide, totaling approximately 3,400MW of gross capacity. Ormat leveraged its core capabilities in the geothermal and REG industries and its global presence to expand the Company’s activity into energy storage services, solar Photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage plus Solar PV. Ormat’s current total generating portfolio is 1,618MW with a 1,268MW geothermal and solar generation portfolio that is spread globally in the U.S., Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras, and Guadeloupe, and a 350MW energy storage portfolio that is located in the U.S.

Media

Josh Byerly – SVP of Communications
Moira Duff – Director of External Communications
SLB
Tel: +1 (713) 375-3407
media@slb.com

Investors

James R. McDonald – SVP of Investor Relations & Industry Affairs
Joy V. Domingo – Director of Investor Relations
SLB
Tel: +1 (713) 375-3535
investor-relations@slb.com

Smadar Lavi – VP Head of IR and ESG Planning & Reporting
Ormat Technologies
Tel: +1 775-356-9029 (ext. 65726)
slavi@ormat.com

Joseph Caminiti or Josh Carroll
Alpha IR Group
Tel: +1 312-445-2870 (ext. 65726)
ORA@alpha-ir.com
 

^{Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws — that is, statements about the future, not about past events. Such statements often contain words such as “expect,” “may,” “can,” “estimate,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “will,” “potential,” “projected” and other similar words. Forward-looking statements address matters that are, to varying degrees, uncertain, such as forecasts or expectations regarding the deployment of, or anticipated benefits of, SLB’s new technologies and partnerships; statements about goals, plans and projections with respect to sustainability and environmental matters; forecasts or expectations regarding energy transition and global climate change; and improvements in operating procedures and technology. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the inability to achieve net-negative carbon emissions goals; the inability to recognize intended benefits of SLB’s strategies, initiatives or partnerships; legislative and regulatory initiatives addressing environmental concerns, including initiatives addressing the impact of global climate change; the timing or receipt of regulatory approvals and permits; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in SLB’s most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize (or the consequences of such a development changes), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those reflected in our forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and SLB disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.}

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SINGAPORE, October 27, 2025 /3BL/ – Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, continues to advance its sustainability initiatives across the Asia Pacific region while creating positive change in communities. During Fiscal Year 2025 (June 2024–May 2025), FedEx advanced decarbonization with smart technology and saw more employees volunteering in a wider range of sustainability-focused community programs throughout the region.

“At FedEx, we are committed to leading responsibly, driving change forward, and channeling innovation to deliver a brighter future for the people and communities we serve and the planet we share,” said Kawal Preet, president, Asia Pacific, FedEx. “In today’s climate-conscious business environment, our investments in expanding an electric vehicle fleet and integrating renewable energy across the Asia Pacific region reflect our long-term vision for sustainability. At the same time, through initiatives like FedEx Cares, we are empowering communities, creating opportunities, and championing a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.”

Advancing Sustainable Operations
In 2021, FedEx set a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations across its global operations by 2040. Guided by the strategy to “decarbonize what’s possible, co-create with purpose, and neutralize what’s left,” the company is implementing comprehensive and long-term actions, including deploying proven technologies that help to reduce emissions across its global network.

As emissions from owned and contracted vehicles accounted for approximately 25% of FedEx’s total carbon footprint in Fiscal Year 2024, electrifying the global ground fleet remains a key pillar in the company’s decarbonization strategy. By the start of Fiscal Year 2025, FedEx had expanded its electric vehicle deployment to 8,018 on- and off-road EVs globally[1]. Building on this momentum, the company strategically strengthened its EV presence in key Asia Pacific markets further in Fiscal Year 2025, including Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand. In early 2025, FedEx introduced its first fleet of six electric cargo vans in Korea to support parcel pickup and delivery operations within high-traffic areas in Seoul and Busan.

FedEx’s fleet electrification efforts are complemented by the integration of advanced intelligence solutions, including the AI-powered Stops Sequencing tool. This innovative technology optimizes delivery routes in real-time based on package volume and customer specifications, enabling couriers to navigate more efficiently. By intelligently planning delivery sequences and minimizing unnecessary mileage, FedEx has the potential to reduce carbon emissions, while simultaneously improving operational efficiency.

Beyond fleet electrification, FedEx continues to integrate renewable energy into its facilities across Asia Pacific. In Fiscal Year 2024, the company opened new energy-efficient facilities in Singapore, China, and Australia. Since January 2025, the South Pacific Regional Hub in Singapore has been using solar energy to meet more than half of its total electricity demands, powering operations and charging the local EV fleet with clean energy[2]. This integration of renewable energy sources exemplifies the company’s strategic approach to sustainability, creating synergies between clean energy generation and fleet electrification.

Empowering the Community
Through FedEx Cares, the company’s global community engagement program, FedEx collaborates with local organizations and non-profits across Asia Pacific to support environmental restoration while encouraging employees to volunteer in their local communities.

Community impact across the region strengthened significantly in Fiscal Year 2025, with volunteer participation in community projects increasing 20% year-on-year. Sustainability-focused community programs grew 14% during the same period. These initiatives have made a tangible impact, from helping to restore mangrove forests in Bengkalis, Indonesia, to cleaning up riverbanks in Tokyo, Japan. Collectively, FedEx team members have planted 3,465 trees and native plants, helping preserve and protect natural ecosystems where the company operates.

The annual FedEx Cares Purple Tote Campaign remains a cornerstone of the company’s community engagement efforts. In FY25, over 800 team members from across Asia Pacific dedicated more than 1,000 volunteer hours to collect and donate more than 3,600 kilograms of essential supplies. Through collaboration with 20 non-profit organizations, these efforts impacted over 1,600 beneficiaries, including young children, the elderly, and underserved communities.

FedEx has also expanded its 2025 Library Program, recognizing education as essential to sustainable development in rural and underserved areas. The initiative reached 40 schools and communities across China this year, providing educational resources that benefit approximately 9,000 children and teachers[3] by helping to create conducive learning environments.

Investing in future talent is central to the company’s commitment to connecting possibilities across generations. In collaboration with Junior Achievement Asia Pacific, FedEx continues to inspire young entrepreneurs through its annual International Trade Challenge. Nearly 50,000 students have participated in the FedEx/JA ITC over the past 19 years. In FY25 the competition attracted over 4,700 students from 9 markets, challenging participants to create market entry strategies for products that contribute to a circular economy, equipping them with entrepreneurial mindsets and global trade knowledge.

Each year FedEx publishes its achievements and advancements in its corporate responsibility reports as part of its commitment to leadership in the transportation and logistics industry. The 2025 Corporate Responsibility Report, which reflects data from FedEx Fiscal Year 2024, is now available and can be found here.

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

by Jason Britton, Chief Investment Officer, Newday Investments

As CIO at Newday Investments, I’ve seen firsthand how the conversation around sustainable investing has evolved. Once primarily focused on climate change and carbon emissions, the spotlight is now rightfully expanding to encompass the intricate web of life that sustains our planet – biodiversity.

For too long, the financial markets viewed nature as an endless resource, an externality to be exploited rather than an essential asset to be protected and nurtured. This mindset has led us to a critical juncture. The World Economic Forum consistently ranks biodiversity loss as one of the top global threats, recognizing that over half of the world’s GDP – a staggering $44 trillion of business – is moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services. The implications of this are profound, impacting everything from food security and water availability to the stability of ecosystems and the resilience of supply chains.

We understand that investing in nature is not merely an ethical imperative; it is a strategic imperative. It’s about building long-term resilience, mitigating systemic risks, and tapping into the significant opportunities presented by the transition to a nature-positive economy. Our approach to global equity markets is deeply informed by this conviction, moving beyond traditional ESG screening to actively identify and support companies that are not just minimizing harm, but are positively contributing to the preservation and restoration of biodiversity.

Read Jason’s full article here – https://greenmoney.com/the-44-trillion-question-why-your-portfolio-needs-biodiversity

 

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Over the last four years Lenovo has worked in collaboration with 321 Coffee, a small independent business at the heart of Raleigh, NC. When visiting their cafés around the city, you’re welcomed into a community built on inclusion, possibility and purpose. Founded to provide meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, 321 Coffee was a natural ally to Lenovo’s Smarter Technology for All ethos.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and our friends at 321 Coffee are an outstanding example of that. This is such an important relationship within our local Raleigh community because it truly embodies our mission to provide Smarter Technology For All, with Lenovo technology allowing 321’s team to be even more independent in their jobs,” says Megan Bornemann, Sr. Manager of NA Brand Strategy. “Plus, we’ve got some great friends now between the Lenovo and 321 teams!”

Lenovo’s collaboration with 321 Coffee began in 2021 with a single video spotlighting their work at the local farmer’s market. The following year, Lenovo and Engage NC supported their launch to a fully accessible roasting facility powered by Lenovo technology. This step scaled up 321 Coffee’s roasting capacity, created new jobs and helped expand their mission. Since then, the relationship has blossomed into an ongoing support system reaching nearly every aspect of the business, most recently expanding into software migration and AI integration.

A new era of growth: AI

For many small businesses, AI begins as an unknown. People are unsure how it might fit within their tightly knit team. Like 321 Coffee’s core founding team, Lindsay, Michael and Mallory, most business owners run on passion and grit. They wear multiple hats, handling everything from operations to marketing and shipping logistics. This juggling act is where Lenovo’s AI-powered solutions step in.

Lenovo’s AI PCs, paired with Microsoft Copilot, have helped 321 Coffee handle their day-to-day admin as well as bring new expertise to unexpected challenges. With this new AI “teammate,” they’ve freed up time to focus on what matters most to them: growing their mission, supporting their team and building community.

To ensure the team was ready for AI integration, Lenovo equipped 321 Coffee with a full suite of hardware including AI PCs, ThinkPad X1 Carbon laptops, ThinkVision M14 monitors, tablets, plus full M365 and Microsoft Copilot licenses. Switching to a new system can be daunting, but Lenovo was with the team every step of the way, helping them take advantage of AI seamlessly, starting from the initial operating system migration itself.

Migration

321 Coffee was using different software and operating systems that did not fully serve their needs or their consistent growth. This is where Lenovo’s expert Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Specialists were on hand to support their migration over to M365. This team provided everything from the early strategic planning and licensing to a personalized migration plan and deployment, making the switch easy and seamless. Plus, unlike other services, Lenovo also offered 24/7 specialist support, helping empower 321 Coffee during an otherwise daunting process. With Lenovo’s support, 321 Coffee was able to adopt new software and technology without missing a beat.

Harnessing AI

Technology is most powerful when the people using it know how to harness its full potential. To make sure the 321 Coffee team was able to navigate their new software suite, Lenovo’s AI Adoption and Change Management Service team stepped in. This team works with businesses of all sizes to create a tailored plan for AI adoption, including Microsoft Copilot. Through these trainings, 321 Coffee was able to save up to 30 hours a week.

Led by the AI Transformation Team, the trainings were friendly, interactive sessions that started with learning the unique pain points of 321 Coffee’s business. Next, the training team took 321 Coffee through a crash course in the basics of Microsoft Copilot and a deep dive into real-world examples covering 321 Coffee’s specific needs. The final step was a Q&A session a few weeks later, after Lindsay, Michael and Mallory had time to put the learnings into practice.

Results that speak for themselves

After just a few weeks into their AI journey, 321 Coffee saw meaningful benefits with tangible impact on their daily lives: 
Lindsay has turned 30-minute tasks into 5-minute wins, saying “I used to spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour writing LinkedIn posts, now I can write a post in as quickly as 5 minutes.”

Mallory nicknamed Copilot her “intern” because it helps draft social copy and cut down on repetitive admin, giving her time back in her day.

Michael created a variety of coding systems with the new technology, and he was able to pull shipping codes in seconds, a process that previously took 2 hours.

“What I’m so excited about for us is how we are able to do way more within our day through leveraging Lenovo and Copilot,” says Lindsay. 

321 Coffee and Lenovo’s story is about more than technology, but rather what’s possible when purpose-driven teams are given access to the right tools. Their story proves that AI is not only for large corporations but is a catalyst and lifeline for all sized businesses. Lenovo is committed to working with businesses to empower growth, while keeping the essence of their company and staying focused on what matters most to them. By cutting down time on tedious tasks, 321 Coffee has been able to not only save thousands of dollars, but also gain more time back to pour into what they love – a win that is available to all businesses big and small, as they start their own AI journey with Lenovo by their side.

Learn more at: https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/evolvesmall/

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

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

After college in 2006, I began my professional journey in the finance industry, fully expecting to build a long-term career there. However, the 2008 financial crisis brought a severe economic downturn, prompting me to reconsider my path and ultimately decide it was time for a change. I was on a flight from Arizona back to Iowa where I noticed an old little league baseball coach on my flight. As fate would have it, he was leaving the finance world and starting a new position at GoDaddy. As soon as I got home, I filled out an application and began my role in Sales and Support at GoDaddy in August 2008, working out of the Scottsdale, Arizona office.

Like many colleagues I’ve met throughout the years, I initially thought GoDaddy would be just a brief stop while the world sorted out its financial challenges. From Sales and Support, I quickly transitioned to our Customer Development team (CDT). My CDT days in the Gilbert office were some of the most memorable – filled with talented salespeople, constant contests, and a fun atmosphere. Following that, we launched a new Hybrid team dedicated to experimenting with different customer segments to pinpoint the best product offerings based on the client’s current product suite.

In 2011, I moved to our Premier Services team. We manage accounts for GoDaddy’s largest portfolio holders, aftermarket investors, and sellers on the Afternic platform. Little did I realize at the time, but this was the moment GoDaddy became my career.

What skills or experiences have been most important in helping you progress throughout your time here at GoDaddy?

The most important skills that have helped me progress at GoDaddy are staying humble, organization and adapting, not taking things personal, and staying self-motivated.

• Staying Humble – Throughout my 17 years at GoDaddy, the one constant has always been change. Staying humble in regard to your role within the company is very important especially around times of change. Instead of feeling like you are too important to adapt to change, you can take a step back and embrace it.
• Organization and Adapting – I compare Premier Services to a quote by Mike Tyson “Everyone has a plan until they are punched in the face.” This is metaphor for our daily routine. I have a plan for what I want to accomplish every day before I login to work and then an urgent phone call or email from a client will come in. Having an organized plan for every day will help keep you on track when you need to adapt to unexpected challenges that arise.
• Not Taking Things Personal – Whether you’re dealing with a challenging client on the phone or being overlooked for a promotion you felt you earned, it’s important not to take these experiences personally. Maintaining this perspective allows you to move forward and be ready for the next opportunity to succeed.
• Staying Self Motivated- While we establish monthly and annual goals at the start of each year, we also create daily and even hourly objectives to maintain our motivation and consistently strive to be our best.

In your experience, what’s the key to successfully building relationships with customers in the aftermarket sector?

It may sound like a cliché, but honesty is truly one of the most essential factors in building strong relationships with our clients. I have worked with some clients for over 14 years, and I know that even a single lapse in honesty could jeopardize the trust we have built together. Since our direct phone lines are always open, it’s crucial to maintain transparency, even when the truth may not be what our clients want to hear.

The other thing that is very important is presenting clients with opportunities to be successful. Almost all of our clients have large portfolios. So, the best way to help them is to curate custom lists of expired auctions, closeouts, and premium domains to send over and discuss with them. It is better to have clients consistently buying and getting the domains listed to sell than oversell the wrong domain to a client and lose their trust. You present the opportunity and let them make the decision.

Are there any resources that you would recommend to others interested in personal development?

I am currently reading an updated version of “A Random Walk Down Wall Street” by Burton Malkiel. With GoDaddy being a publicly traded company, I think it is good to have a general understanding of how the market works and can work for you.

The book I read before that is “Fire In The Hole” by GoDaddy’s founder, Bob Parsons. As a GoDaddy employee, I found this book to be an excellent resource for understanding the company’s origins and appreciating how much we’ve grown over the years. It also offers valuable insights into our founder’s life, making it a meaningful read for anyone who worked with Mr. Parsons or wants to learn more about the roots of our organization.

A few other books I have read that are excellent for personal development are: “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek, “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg, and “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale. I believe most people are familiar with these books, and each one offers valuable insights for anyone interested in personal growth.

What aspects of GoDaddy’s company culture do you appreciate the most?

GoDaddy has always been a place where you can be yourself and feel supported.

There are times when work and life can be difficult but for a company our size, GoDaddy does an amazing job of supporting its employees. If you’re finding challenges in your role at GoDaddy, I encourage you to step back and view the company from an outside perspective. You might discover many valuable benefits here that you won’t find elsewhere. A helpful approach is to create a pros and cons list – you may be surprised by the number of positive aspects that often go unnoticed.

What’s your motto or personal mantra?

• Outwork everyone.
• Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle.
• Honesty is the best policy.

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

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Baker Tilly’s podcast series specifically for professionals in the multifamily housing industry

In this episode of BuzzHouse, hosts Don Bernards and Garrick Gibson talk with Orlando Valdes, vice president of business development at Ion Water, about how invisible water waste is draining operating budgets in affordable housing and what developers, investors and property managers can do about it.

From catching invisible leaks to delivering underwriting support, Orlando explains how water data is becoming an operational tool for real savings, smarter investing and long-term asset preservation.

Learn more about water performance and the impact on affordable housing investment and lending.

Affordable housing resources

For articles, webinars and additional resources for developers, housing authorities, property managers, state housing credit agencies and lenders, visit our affordable housing page.

For more information on this topic, or to learn how Baker Tilly specialists can help, contact our team.

Members of a Georgia-focused funding collaborative visited Community Farmers Markets (CFM) recently during one of their Free Produce Markets at Fred A. Toomer Elementary School in Atlanta. The Free Produce Market was funded by a two-year Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions and Equity Grant provided to address climate solutions at their intersection with equity. In this case, Community Farmers Markets is avoiding food waste while helping address food security for families in Atlanta’s Title-1 schools.

CFM’s original Drawdown Georgia grant was awarded to complement an existing MARTA Markets distribution and sales model of meeting the community with plant-based healthy foods “where they were” as they traveled through various MARTA stations around the city. These markets were originally held in addition to CFM’s weekly farmers markets, and often included chef demonstrations.

One goal of the revamped MARTA Markets program was to expand economic opportunities for local farmers by identifying alternative pathways for unsold produce. The new model allowed the farmers to be compensated for produce they didn’t sell; produce that would have otherwise been sent to a landfill. The grant provided CFM with a way to divert perfectly good, healthy food into prepared ready-to-eat dishes that could be sold in their other markets. The model also allowed CFM and its vendors to make positive contributions to food sovereignty in multiple disinvested communities in Atlanta that are officially designated as “food deserts.”

The MARTA Markets program ran as planned through the early part of 2024; however, MARTA’s ridership did not rebound as CFM and other partners had hoped it would in the years immediately following the COVID pandemic. Low ridership limited the growth and reach of the program. At that point, CFM leadership partnered with Concrete Jungle and other nonprofits to drive the program further into the same neighborhoods they originally targeted, this time choosing to test the concept for a monthly series of Free Produce Markets at four Title-1 elementary schools within the City of Atlanta.

With great success from the pilot program, CFM officially introduced the Free Produce Markets in early 2025. Now, once per month, students, parents, faculty members and school staff and community members can pick up produce and ready-to-eat meals at no cost after school. Buses wait for the riders that choose to shop, and some of the bus drivers even choose to partake. Many parents walk or bike to the school to meet their kids, so they can shop together.

The funders saw just how much buzz the CFM Free Produce Market creates, and how excited the kids and adults get about having the chance to shop for free produce. There were tastings offered by local CFM chefs, and seasonally appropriate recipes and pre-made food items were available to take home, based on the ingredients available at that week’s market. During the funder visit, the pre-made offering was white bean chili. CFM distributed 150 pre-made chili containers in record time, even with a limit of one per person. The free sample and recipe of the day was an Island Veggie Skillet. The pre-made foods were served in commercially compostable containers made from regionally sourced, rapidly renewable Farmer’s Fibers from Better Earth, and the sample bowls and utensils were also compostable.

While most of the kids were not shy about eating veggies, there was also the extra incentive to earn a sticker when they did a tasting with the chef. Lots of stickers were given out that day, and each family that shopped received a $5 coupon to purchase food at one of CFM’s regular markets, as well as information explaining how those with SNAP benefits could get a 2 for 1 deal for veggies and fruits in addition to the coupon discount. Resources were also provided to help families facing emergency food needs, with connections to other local programs.

Hearty, healthy goodness prevailed, and children’s faces beamed with smiles. Being onsite was truly heartwarming for the funders as they heard from Toomer’s administrators, teachers, and parents how much they appreciate the events, and how valuable they are to the school community.

After the shopping, bikes sped away loaded with veggies, families walked home together, planning the night’s dinner along the way, and electric buses quietly glided away from the curb, full of smiling faces and green bags of goodies.

CFM is looking to expand the Free Produce Market model to additional Title-1 schools in 2026, and they are committed to do so. Like many other Drawdown Georgia grantees, federal cutbacks do cause concern for the future; especially the announced reductions to SNAP benefits and the impact it will have on food insecure shoppers who receive matching dollars through partner programs like Wholesome Wave Georgia. Inflation and rising food prices will also exacerbate these challenges. CFM is actively pursuing additional sources of funding through donation requests on their website and at markets, fundraiser events, including benefit nights at local restaurants, and by exploring new partnership models.

CFM’s grant was funded by a cohort of funders that included Atticus Fund, the R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation and its Dobbs Fund, Ghanta Family Foundation, The Ray C. Anderson Foundation, Reilly Family Fund, Tull Charitable Foundation and The Wilbur & Hilda Glenn Family Foundation.

 

 

 

By Carrie Browen

In the previous blog posts we explored the architecture, business requirements, and challenges of the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) transition. Now, it’s time to zoom in and look at how we, as Keysight, are helping shape this future by delivering the technologies, insights, and tools that enable our customers and partners to move forward with confidence.

The SDV journey is not just about adapting to change; it’s about leading it. And that requires a deep understanding of the technological domains that are evolving rapidly. From electrification to perception, from connectivity to cloud and cybersecurity, SDVs are built on a complex, interconnected technology stack. Keysight provides comprehensive, scalable, and integrated solutions that deliver actionable insights across the entire development workflow.

Where We Help Drive the SDV Transition

We empower our customers across six technological domains that are essential for the success of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). In the sections that follow, we’ll explore each domain in detail and highlight how Keysight’s expertise and solutions can drive innovation and performance in every area.

E/E Platform: Enabling intelligent and electrified architectures

SDVs rely on a powerful and interconnected electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture that supports everything from electrification to advanced perception. This domain forms the technological foundation of the SDV, enabling intelligent decision-making, seamless sensor integration, and efficient energy management. As vehicles become more software-centric, the E/E platform must evolve to support high-speed data exchange, real-time control, and scalable electrified systems. This includes electric vehicle (EV) components, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), vehicle-to-grid (V2G) interfaces, and sophisticated electronic control and sensing technologies such as battery management systems, radar, lidar, and cameras. Keysight empowers this transformation by providing high-precision test and validation solutions that span the entire E/E ecosystem. Our tools help engineers simulate, measure, and optimize everything from battery performance to sensor accuracy, enabling faster development cycles, improved system reliability, and future-ready vehicle architectures. Our solutions include:

• Power semiconductor characterization Accurate modeling and testing of power semiconductors are essential for optimizing energy efficiency and thermal performance in EV powertrains and onboard electronics. Keysight provides advanced tools for characterizing wide-bandgap devices such as SiC and GaN, enabling reliable and high-performance designs.
• EV Test Solutions
  Comprehensive test capabilities for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, including:
  • Charging Test Solutions for EV and EVSE, covering interoperability, protocol compliance, and power quality.
  • Battery Test Solutions for cell, module, and pack-level validation, including aging, thermal behavior, and performance under dynamic load conditions.
  • AC and Grid Emulation to simulate real-world grid conditions and V2G scenarios for robust system integration. Learn more about Keysight EV Test Solutions here.
• Radar and Lidar Sensor Test & Validation
  High-fidelity simulation and measurement tools for validating sensor performance under diverse environmental and operational conditions. This includes target simulation, signal integrity analysis, and interference testing to ensure the reliability of perception systems.
• SerDes Design Test & Validation
  Signal integrity and compliance testing for high-speed serial links (e.g. SerDes, MIPI) used in zonal architectures and centralized computing platforms. Keysight enables precise jitter, eye diagram, and BER analysis to ensure robust data communication.
• In-Circuit Test for Board-Level Validation
  Scalable in-circuit test solutions to verify component placement, connectivity, and functionality that are critical for achieving high board test coverage and reducing manufacturing defects in complex automotive electronics.

Computing & In-Vehicle Networks: Powering Intelligence and Data Flow

At the heart of every SDV lies a high-performance computing (HPC) environment and a robust in-vehicle network architecture. These systems enable real-time data processing, seamless communication between electronic control units (ECUs), and support for advanced features like digital cockpits, autonomous driving, and zonal architectures. SDVs require scalable computing platforms and wireline communication technologies such as Ethernet, MIPI, SerDes (etc.), that ensure high data integrity and low latency under automotive conditions.

Keysight supports this domain with a comprehensive suite of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, covering simulation, verification, and compliance. These solutions feature built-in design templates, extensive component libraries, and robust electromagnetic and thermal modeling capabilities, accelerating the development of reliable, high-performance systems. For automotive wireline networks, Keysight offers comprehensive test solutions that span protocol analysis, signal integrity testing, and compliance validation across all major standards, such as Automotive Ethernet and SerDes. Solutions like Novus Network Testing enable compact, scalable network validation for automotive and industrial IoT applications, supporting realistic traffic emulation, performance benchmarking, and stress testing across complex topologies such as 10Base-T1S.

Meanwhile, Bit Error Ratio Test (BERT) tools offer in-depth protocol debugging and analysis capabilities, enabling engineers to identify signal integrity issues, validate link robustness, and optimize performance across high-speed digital interfaces. Keysight’s BERT systems deliver industry-leading accuracy in physical-layer design verification, supporting multi-gigabit standards critical to SDV computing and communication architectures.)

Communication: Ensuring connectivity, always and everywhere

SDVs rely on a diverse set of communication technologies to connect with infrastructure, other vehicles, the cloud, and users. From cellular to satellite and short-range protocols, these systems are foundational in enabling advanced features, ensuring safety, and delivering seamless user experiences. Keysight supports this domain with a comprehensive portfolio of test solutions that help validate, optimize, and future-proof communication systems to ensure robust performance, low latency, and compliance with global standards across technologies, including 4G, 5G, and emerging 6G networks.

Cellular Communication

• NG eCall Conformance Test Solutions perform end-to-end functional and standards-compliant testing for next-generation emergency call systems.
• C-V2X Test Solutions  enable vehicle-to-everything communication for both infrastructure and on-board units, supporting critical safety applications and traffic efficiency. WaveBee V2X test tools and SA8700A C-V2X Test Solution to learn more.

Short-Range Communication

• Ultra-Wideband (UWB)supports precise localization and secure access for advanced vehicle features.
• Wi-Fi  enables high-speed data exchange both within the vehicle and with external networks.

Satellite Connectivity

• Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)  solutions help reduce development risk and accelerate satellite system validation. Keysight enables antenna design interference detection, RF emission monitoring, and ground-based testing to ensure optimal performance in orbit.

By helping customers test, validate, and optimize these technologies, Keysight ensures that SDVs deliver reliable, secure, and high-performance connectivity. Whether enabling critical safety features, enhancing user experiences, or supporting future-proof architectures, our tools and expertise make seamless, always-on communication a reality.

Perception: Empowering Vehicles to See, Sense, and Interact

Perception systems are central to enabling intelligent driving functions and services in SDVs. These systems allow vehicles to interpret their surroundings and make real-time decisions through a fusion of technologies such as radar, lidar, and cameras. They support critical applications including ADAS, autonomous driving (AD), digital cockpits, and connected services like V2X (vehicle-to-everything), V2G (vehicle- to-grid), and V2H (vehicle-to-home).

Keysight provides advanced solutions for validating perception technologies across multiple layers, from sensor signal fidelity to system-level behavior. Our tools support sensor fusion testing by integrating data from radar, lidar, and cameras to ensure accurate environmental modeling. Scenario-based testing, including radar scene emulation, enables validation of ADAS and autonomous driving systems under dynamic conditions. The Radar Scene Emulator replicates real-world scenarios by varying speed, distance, and target count across a continuous field of view, allowing radar sensors and backend software to be tested against complex driving environment, reducing development risk and accelerating deployment of next-generation vehicle autonomy.

To ensure seamless integration between perception and connectivity, Keysight’s C-V2X Autonomous Drive Emulation platform validates both communication performance and user interface (UI)/ user experience (UX) behavior, evaluating how V2X data is presented to drivers and how users interact with safety alerts and navigation features. This supports realistic interaction modeling and enhances system responsiveness in connected environments.

As AI and machine learning become integral to SDV perception and decision-making, Keysight provides tools for testing and validating AI/ML and Generative AI models, focusing on performance, robustness, and regulatory compliance. Solutions include AI-based test automation, Human-in-the-Loop modeling, and user experience testing, supporting generative AI requirement-based testing, realistic interaction scenarios, and accelerating validation of intelligent vehicle systems.

By enabling precise, scenario-based validation of perception systems, Keysight helps customers build vehicles that are not only aware of their environment but also capable of interacting with it intelligently, safely, and in compliance with global regulations.

Security: Embedding Cybersecurity by Design

As SDVs grow in software complexity and connectivity, cybersecurity becomes a foundational design requirement. Protecting vehicle systems, data, and user privacy requires a proactive, multi-layered approach that spans hardware, software, and network domains. Keysight helps customers embed security by design, supporting every stage of the development lifecycle with scalable, integrated solutions.

• The Automotive Cybersecurity Test Platform enables validation of security mechanisms at ECU/TCU, subcomponent, and vehicle level—simulating real-world cyberattacks to assess system resilience.
• Pre-silicon and code-level vulnerability testing to identify and remediate issues early in the development process, reducing downstream risk.
• SecOps and Zero Trust validation  to ensure secure operations, access control, and policy enforcement in dynamic, distributed environments.
  • With CyPerf, lightweight test agents are deployed across physical, cloud, and edge environments to validate Zero Trust architectures and network security environments
  • The Threat simulator continuously emulates breach and attack scenarios, providing actionable insights into the effectiveness of security controls.
• CCC Digital Keys support contactless and secure vehicle access and authentication via smartphones and vehicles.
• With CloudLens, Keysight extends visibility into hybrid cloud environments, enabling packet capture, filtering, and analysis down to the edge, providing dynamic network intelligence essential for monitoring and securing SDV cloud-based services.

By integrating security into every layer of the SDV architecture, Keysight empowers customers to build vehicles that are not only intelligent and connected, but also secure, trusted, and future-proof.

Cloud & Backend: Enabling Scalable Services and Intelligent Operations

The cloud backend is the digital foundation of SDVs, powering mobility services, OEM platforms, data analytics, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. As vehicles become increasingly connected and software-driven, cloud infrastructure must support secure, scalable, and low-latency operations across a wide range of services, from infotainment and diagnostics to energy management and autonomous driving.

Mobility Services & Application Ecosystems
Keysight enables validation of mobility platforms and OEM services, including web-based automotive applications and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) ecosystems. Our solutions support OTA firmware and app store testing, ensuring secure and reliable software delivery, updates, and lifecycle management across SDV fleets.

Cloud Performance & Security Validation
To ensure robust and secure cloud operations, Keysight offers tools like  CyPerf, which performs scalable application and security testing across distributed cloud environments. CloudPeak validates the functionality and benchmarks the performance of virtualized network infrastructures. IxLoad VE emulates real-world traffic, such as web, video, voice, storage, VPN, and security protocols, to assess backend responsiveness and scalability under realistic load conditions.

Energy & Edge Services Integration
Keysight supports the development and validation of V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) and EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment)systems through advanced emulation and conformance testing solutions. These tools enable bidirectional energy exchange testing, protocol validation, and in-field debugging to ensure interoperability and compliance with global charging standards. In parallel, Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) plays a critical role in delivering low-latency, real-time services such as ADAS, V2X communication, and predictive maintenance. While Keysight does not directly implement MEC platforms, it provides performance MEC such as CyPerf and CloudPeak , to test edge infrastructure under realistic traffic and threat conditions, ensuring reliable operation of latency-sensitive SDV applications.

By helping customers test, secure, and optimize cloud-based SDV architectures, Keysight ensures that vehicles can deliver intelligent, personalized, and continuously evolving experiences, securely and at scale.

Conclusion: Let’s Build the Future Together

What sets Keysight apart is our ability to deliver  insights across the entire SDV workflow, from early design to validation, from lab to road. Our tools are built to scale, integrate seamlessly, and empower teams to make decisions faster and with greater confidence.

We help our customers:

• Accelerate innovation and development cycles and enabling shift-left testing
• Improve test coverage, automation and continuous testing
• Ensure compliance and security from code to chipset to system to operation

The SDV transformation is complex, but with the right partner, it becomes an opportunity. At Keysight, we’re proud to support the pioneers of this new era of mobility. Whether you’re building the next-gen EV platform, validating AI-based perception systems, or securing your cloud-connected vehicle architecture, we’re here to help.

Let’s shape the future of mobility. Together.

Wesco Anixter and RSE have strengthened their relationship by equipping RSE’s newest apprentices with professional-grade toolkits at a significantly reduced cost. This initiative marks a meaningful step in their shared commitment to fostering career development in the industry, ensuring that apprentices begin their journey with the tools, support, and confidence needed to succeed.

RSE offers apprenticeships at many of their locations, including Muir of Ord, Deephaven, Cumbernauld, Dalgety Bay, Basingstoke and West Thurrock, with the diversity of the business allowing young talent to be identified and developed throughout their early careers into senior and even office-based roles.

The standard of workmanship expected by RSE requires quality tools, and with apprentices joining the programme from a range of backgrounds, it’s important that each apprentice receives a high-quality toolkit that will serve them well throughout the duration of the apprenticeship programme.

In late August, Zubi Hussain, Business Development Manager Electrical and Electronic Solutions UK, visited the Muir of Ord Production facility to meet RSE’s newest electrical and mechanical apprentices, who received their toolkits through the newly launched apprentice tooling initiative.

“We are delighted to begin this initiative with Wesco Anixter,” said Mike Campbell, RSE Apprentice Officer. “It is encouraging to see their approach to apprenticeships and supporting the early careers of upcoming talent is well aligned with RSE’s, and we look forward to our continued collaboration.”

Zubi Hussain, Wesco Anixter Business Development Manager, added: “We’re thrilled to partner with RSE in supporting the next generation of apprentices through this tooling initiative. By providing high-quality toolkits, we’re helping these young aspiring individuals start their careers with confidence and the right resources. What excites me most is how closely aligned our values are with RSE’s. This collaboration reflects our long-term commitment to building a stronger future for the industry.

Wesco Anixter has also committed to providing toolkits at no cost for future apprentice groups, as a way to support career development and give back to the industry.

Notes to the editor 

About RSE

RSE is the UK’s leading provider of sustainable water treatment solutions, working to bring new technology to life and play a leading role in improving water quality across the globe.

Through standard integrated product solutions, RSE aims to reduce lead times, assure factory quality and reduce lifecycle costs while offering a range of commercial models including temporary and rental solutions.

The firm was founded in Muir of Ord in the Scottish Highlands in 1982 and now employs more than 2,000 people across 17 sites. Over the last few years, RSE has enjoyed rapid growth, with revenue increasing from £61million in 2019 to £360million in 2025.

RSE’s commitment to the circular economy, carbon reduction and cutting-edge engineering, including modular off-site fabrication and digital innovation, has enabled the business to achieve company-wide carbon neutral status.

RSE delivers projects for the UK’s major water companies, as well as leading firms including Diageo, Siemens, SSE and EDF.

About Wesco Anixter

Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with more than $22 billion in annual sales and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, government agencies, educational institutions, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates nearly 800 branches, warehouses and sales offices in more than 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

Eastman

MILAN, October 27, 2025 /3BL/ — Ugolini, the Italian benchmark company in the production of countertop equipment for catering and hospitality, has taken an important step forward on its sustainability journey by integrating Tritan™ Renew, Eastman’s innovative copolyester, into the design of its products.

The company had already adopted traditional Eastman Tritan copolyester in 2019 in response to European regulations banning the use of BPA in materials intended for food contact. Today, driven by growing consumer awareness of environmental sustainability and strengthened European regulations, Ugolini has chosen to evolve further by switching to Tritan Renew, a more sustainable version of the same material.

“We are excited to offer a more sustainable version of a material we already fully trust,” said Marco Ugolini, the company’s CEO. “Tritan has shown exceptional durability over the years. With Tritan Renew, we can deliver the same technical performance while adding a strong environmental value that our customers increasingly appreciate.”

Tritan Renew is made with certified recycled content* thanks to Eastman’s molecular recycling technology. This process significantly reduces the use of fossil resources and greenhouse gas emissions without compromising performance, safety or durability.

For Ugolini, the choice of material is crucial. Containers used for preparing and dispensing beverages must meet high standards for food suitability, hygiene, and chemical and thermal resistance and withstand intensive wash cycles. Tritan Renew meets these requirements perfectly while also offering a BPA-free solution, which is increasingly sought after in international markets.

“We are proud to collaborate with a company like Ugolini, which is driving innovation in its sector also through the selection of more sustainable materials,” said Paolo Franco, business development manager at Eastman. “With Tritan Renew, Ugolini offers a product that is not only safe and high performing but also more environmentally conscious — an added value that is increasingly decisive for consumers.”

The collaboration between Ugolini and Eastman has taken concrete form in the development of the mold for the ICON 3 model, characterized by the tank’s complex technical design. The combined experience of the Ugolini and Eastman teams made it possible to produce a mold perfectly suited to processing Tritan Renew while maintaining the final product’s mechanical and visual performance.

This synergy of expertise has accompanied the evolution of Ugolini equipment, first with the adoption of Tritan and now with the transition to Tritan Renew, consolidating the company’s commitment to a more responsible, future-oriented production model.

Ugolini products, symbols of Made in Italy design and distributed worldwide, can be seen on the official website ugolinimilano.com.

_{*Certified recycled content by ISCC via mass balance allocation method}