Tag: 3BL

In today’s fast-changing business landscape, CSR, ESG, and sustainability initiatives are no longer “nice to have.” They’ve proven to be essential to long-term success. Yet, many companies face a common challenge: how to maintain momentum when there are shifts in staffing compositions, key team members are on leave, new initiatives grow unexpectedly, or when specialized expertise is needed temporarily.

That’s where CSR Talent Group’s fractional staffing solutions come in.

What Is Fractional Staffing?

Fractional staffing is a flexible, strategic way to fill temporary or part-time roles with seasoned CSR, ESG, and sustainability professionals. 

Instead of pausing progress or overburdening your team, you can bring in an experienced professional who integrates quickly, keeps your programs on track, and helps you meet your goals.

How CSR Talent Group Can Help

Leading organizations turn to CSR Talent Group when they need trusted experts who can hit the ground running. We specialize in connecting companies with professionals who bring deep, real-world experience in CSR, ESG, and sustainability initiatives. 

Our clients often seek fractional or part-time support for roles that don’t require a full-time hire, such as:

• CSR Director (full-time for 6 months) –  to cover a maternity leave and maintain strategic initiatives.
   
• Employee Engagement Expert (10 hours/week for 6 months) – to support engagement efforts across multiple U.S. offices.
   
• Community Program Strategist (20 hours/week for 12 months) – to help design and launch a new signature program.
   
• Program Manager (variable hours) – to provide additional capacity for large-scale ESG or sustainability initiatives.

The list is exhaustive.

The Benefits of Fractional Talent

• Continuity & Stability: Your programs keep moving forward, even during staff transitions.
   
• Flexibility: Scale talent up or down based on your evolving needs.
   
• Specialized Expertise: Access professionals with years of hands-on experience in CSR, ESG, and sustainability strategy and execution.
   
• Cost Efficiency: Gain senior-level insights without the long-term commitment of a full-time role.

Ready to strengthen your team with flexible, expert support? Visit CSR Talent Group to learn more about our fractional staffing solutions and how we can help your organization achieve its impact goals: www.csrtalentgroup.com.

The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy® today released its tenth U.S. Dairy Sustainability Report, capturing the dairy community’s collective achievements from 2023 to 2024. The biennial report tracks industry-wide performance across three priority areas – Advance Well-being, Regenerate the Environment, and Care for our Animals and Communities – and includes the first progress update on the industry’s 2050 Environmental Stewardship Goals.

At its core, the report demonstrates how the U.S. dairy community is nourishing people while advancing solutions for a more sustainable, resilient food system. Through the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment, farmers, cooperatives and processors representing more than 77% of U.S. milk production align to a single framework that drives accountability, transparency, and measurable action. 

“Our role in a sustainable food system begins with what we do best — nourishing people,” said Barbara O’Brien, President and CEO of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. “The U.S. dairy community is connecting the science of nutrition with the responsibility of stewardship, proving that progress for people and the planet can go hand in hand.”

Highlights from the report include:

Advance Well-Being: 
U.S. dairy continues to expand access to nutrient-rich dairy foods, delivering 1.5 billion servings through its partnership with Feeding America in 2024. With dairy milk’s 13 essential nutrients and emerging science around personalized wellness, dairy foods remain central to affordable, accessible nutrition.

Regenerate the Environment: 
U.S. dairy is making measurable progress toward its 2050 Environmental Stewardship Goals through science-based innovation and industry-wide collaboration. Between 2020 and 2025, the sector reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity by approximately 2.5%, while increasing milk production by 4.7%, an indicator of improved efficiency. Since 2007, on-farm GHG intensity has declined by 14.7%. The industry continues to advance environmental performance across multiple areas, including water stewardship, through the strategic use of science, data, and partnerships.

Care for our Animals and Communities:
With 99% of U.S. milk production participating in the FARM Animal Care Program, and strong commitments to workforce development and food safety, the industry embeds care and accountability throughout its value chain.

“On farms and across the dairy community, our progress moves at the pace of technology and investment,” O’Brien said. “Our focus is on making every dollar and every innovation count, translating today’s breakthroughs into lasting benefits for people, animals, and the planet.”

For more information, please visit www.usdairy.com.

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Founded by dairy farmers in 2008 through their checkoff, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy® is a national forum that unites leaders from across the entire dairy value chain – farmers, cooperatives, processors, customers, and allied industry – to work together on precompetitive priorities that build a stronger, more trusted food system.

Media Contact:
Joe Micucci, Vice President, Corporate Communications
847-627-3732

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As COP30 brings global attention to climate leadership in Brazil, DP World demonstrates how sustainable ports can power greener trade.

As world leaders gather in Belém for COP30 (November 10–21), DP World is spotlighting sustainability in action at its port terminal in Santos – one of Latin America’s most advanced ports. The company’s new video, “Sustainability in Action at DP World in Brazil,” highlights how innovation, clean energy, and community empowerment are transforming logistics for a low-carbon future.

From renewable power and waste reduction to ecosystem restoration and gender equity, the Port of Santos is proof that trade and sustainability can move forward together. These initiatives build on DP World’s global “Our World, Our Future” strategy, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 while ensuring lasting community and environmental impact.

As COP30 reinforces the world’s focus on climate solutions, DP World in Brazil is showing what action looks like on the ground – through cleaner operations, greener energy, and empowered communities.

Learn more: DP World Sustainability Initiatives

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

COLUMBUS, Ga., November 18, 2025 /3BL/ – In collaboration with bestselling children’s book Author Sheri Fink and Research Astronaut Kellie Gerardi, Aflac Incorporated released today a new children’s book highlighting the power of empathy, kindness and compassion for loved ones, especially children, facing health challenges.

Award-winning author Fink introduces readers to Buddy, a bear cub who struggles to find the right words to comfort his friend, Bunny, who is in the hospital. As Buddy’s imagination takes flight, readers follow his intergalactic space adventures with new friends who help him understand that sometimes it’s not what you say, but what you do — beyond words — that matters most when someone is in need.

“Beyond Words” is an extension of Aflac’s longtime culture of care, inspired by My Special Aflac Duck^®, a robotic duck given free of charge to provide comfort to more than 40,000 children (ages 3 and up) with cancer and sickle cell disease across the U.S., Japan and Northern Ireland since 2018. The My Special Aflac Duck program is part of Aflac’s philanthropic efforts through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation and a 30-plus year commitment to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, with nearly $200 million in support.

“For more than 30 years, Aflac has supported children and families during their cancer journeys, providing them with opportunities for new treatments and, ultimately, better chances of survival,” said Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos. “Yet, we thought we could do more by helping those surrounding the affected children who may struggle with how to provide comfort during challenging times. ‘Beyond Words’ is a beautiful expression of love and compassion.”

To write “Beyond Words,” Fink drew on her experience as a No. 1 bestselling author of more than 15 children’s books and her mission to inspire, delight and educate children. Through her work, Fink often gives back by visiting schools to speak to students about kindness and overcoming adversity — and reading her books to patients at children’s hospitals.

“Aflac’s heartfelt mission to help children experiencing childhood cancer and blood disorders — and those surrounding them — through a children’s book exemplifies the company’s commitment to make a tangible difference in children’s care,” said Fink. “With ‘Beyond Words,’ I was inspired to share the many ways we can express love and friendship, even when we don’t know the perfect thing to say. Buddy reminds us that there is infinite power in kindness and compassion.”

To illuminate the theme of “Beyond Words,” full of space adventures and interplanetary travel, Aflac asked Kellie Gerardi, a multi-mission research astronaut and mother, to provide the book foreword and be the voice of the audio version of “Beyond Words.” The audio version and free downloadable coloring sheets featuring Buddy and a few of his special friends are available by scanning the QR code on the last page of the book.

“I am proud to join Aflac on its mission ‘Beyond Words’ and to support such an important cause,” said Gerardi. “Whether I am spending time with my daughter or preparing to travel to space, Buddy’s reminder of the importance of showing up for the people we care most about through action, even if we don’t have the perfect words, is something I’ll continue to carry with me.”

The “Beyond Words” story was enriched by the imaginations of children from Mathews Elementary School in Columbus, Georgia, and patients at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, who participated in focus groups to help shape the storylines and illustrations. Mary Webb, a childhood cancer survivor and former patient at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, provided the illustration for the “Why This Book Matters” page.

Visit Aflac.com/BeyondWords for purchase options, including Archway Publishing, from Simon & Schuster, and Amazon.com. The hard cover book is $21.99, and soft cover is $12.99, with 100% of net proceeds benefiting childhood cancer and blood disorders research and treatment through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation.

ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.³ In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 19 consecutive years (2025) and Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 24 years (2025). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2024) for 11 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn’t cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/español. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under “Sustainability.”

Media contacts: Stephanie Wilken, 706.905.5818 or swilken@aflac.com

Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706.596.3264 or dyoung@aflac.com

¹ LIMRA 2024 US Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report

Aflac’s family of insurers include American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

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

SOURCE Aflac

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have the potential to transform our world for the better, but their rapid expansion is accompanied by a growing environmental footprint. This is notably attributed to the significant energy and water demands of large-scale data centers and the resource consumption associated with hardware production.

However, materials innovators are developing solutions to help address these impacts by extending performance longevity, improving energy efficiency and supporting the infrastructure resiliency of the AI ecosystem. For example, through advanced materials science, Dow offers technologies that enhance thermal management and reduce energy consumption in data centers compared to those using air cooling for thermal management, helping to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

These efforts exemplify how targeted innovation can address the environmental impact of AI, paving the way for a responsible and sustainable digital transformation.

What is the AI ecosystem?

The interconnected global network of technologies, data centers, infrastructure, organizations and processes that take part in the development and use of artificial intelligence is increasingly referred to as the AI ecosystem. 

Key takeaways

• AI and ML are transforming industries, but their rapid expansion is creating substantial environmental impact and that footprint is growing.
• A major portion of data center energy consumption—up to 40%—is dedicated to cooling systems. Efficient thermal management is critical to reducing GHG emissions and operational costs.
• Organizations are adopting sustainable AI practices, such as designing energy-efficient networks, using renewable energy sources and incorporating recycled materials into hardware.
• Companies are also exploring advanced nuclear technologies, a clean, reliable and nearly net-zero emission source, to help meet increasing energy demand.
• Dow’s advanced materials—like thermal management solutions for consumer devices, data center solutions for cooling systems and silicone-based adhesives, sealants and interface materials for telecom infrastructure—play a crucial role in enabling a sustainable AI ecosystem.

What are the environmental impacts of AI?

The environmental impacts of AI extend across the entire lifecycle of AI systems, encompassing aspects like energy and water consumption and waste generation.

Data centers that power AI operations consume substantial amounts of electricity. Their global electricity consumption combined is expected to be close to 1,050 terawatt-hours by 2026. To put that into perspecive, if data centers were a country, they would be the 5th largest energy consumer globally—less than Russia but more than Japan.¹ This energy demand can result in higher GHG emissions if the energy is primarily sourced from fossil fuels.

In addition to energy, AI systems also consume water, primarily to cool data center operations. Projections for data centers’ global combined annual water use could reach 4.2 to 6.6 billion cubic meters by 2027.² It would take the entire city of London over 4 years to use that much water based on the city’s current consumption.³

The rapid pace of technological advancement can also produce more electronic waste when devices and components become obsolete and are replaced to run more sophisticated AI models. The hardware and other equipment that is used to train generative AI models and run AI applications could produce up to 5 million tons of electronic waste by 2030.⁴

Addressing these challenges is vital for ensuring that the benefits of AI are not undermined by unsustainable practices—guiding both industry leaders and policymakers toward sustainable approaches.

• AI and energy consumption
  A significant amount of electricity is needed to train and run advanced AI systems. Notably, cooling systems alone can account for up to 40% of total power consumption in AI data centers⁵, especially in high-density server environments. This can compete with existing energy demands. Addressing these issues involves improving algorithm efficiency, using renewable or clean energy sources, and developing more energy-efficient hardware solutions.
• AI and water demand
  AI systems consume significant water resources primarily for cooling data centers and the energy generation facilities powering the infrastructure required for large-scale computations. As AI adoption increases, managing and reducing its water footprint is crucial for sustainable development.’
• AI and land usage
  The increasing demand for AI integration comes with increased demand for data center infrastructure, which can lead to land conversion, habitat disruption, and higher resource consumption in previously undeveloped areas.
• AI and climate change
  AI has the potential to positively influence climate action efforts by improving energy efficiency, forecasting weather patterns and optimizing resource use. However, increased energy demands to support AI systems can add to global GHG emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable AI development.

Exploring sustainable AI

AI and sustainability are increasingly intertwined as the demand for advanced digital solutions grows alongside the potential environmental impact.

The vast computational power required by expansive artificial intelligence models drives significant energy requirements for powering the computational and cooling equipment, which in turn can place strain on electrical grids and contribute to GHG emissions if not managed responsibly. The sourcing and manufacturing of key components, such as semiconductors and high-performance processors, depend on resource-intensive mining and processing operations, raising issues around habitat disruption, water use and other environmental impacts.

As technological trends continue, it is crucial to address the entire lifecycle of AI systems, from design and materials to system deployment and end-of-life management.

“Our customers understand that achieving long-term resilience and enhanced sustainability requires innovation at the materials level. That’s why they collaborate with us to develop and implement innovative solutions that can stand up to the demands of AI and other advanced technologies.”

– Brendy Lange, President, Performance Materials & Coatings

Enhancing the sustainability of AI innovation through materials science and responsible resource strategies is vital for realizing a future where artificial intelligence aligns with global environmental and sustainability practices.

AI ecosystem solutions in action

Innovative materials play a critical role in enabling the sustainable evolution of AI networks and infrastructure, particularly as next-generation smart connectivity becomes more widely adopted.

For example, Dow’s advanced thermal management materials help ensure that high-performance computing systems work efficiently, optimizing heat dissipation across densely packed electronic components, thereby reducing energy waste and the risk of overheating. Silicone adhesives and sealants further contribute to system reliability by providing robust protection against moisture, dust and mechanical stresses, which can extend the operational lifespan of devices and minimize maintenance needs.

Liquid silicone rubbers are employed to improve critical components found in edge devices and data center equipment. They provide sealing solutions for data centers in the form of O-rings and gaskets due to their combination of thermal performance and low volume change in a variety of fluids. In compact, high-performance applications, liquid silicone rubbers enable flexibility and the miniaturization of electronic products through attributes like thermal stability and electrical insulation and the ability to be applied through precision molding.

The innovations in the segments below collectively help enable AI-powered networks to meet the demands for faster, more secure smart connectivity solutions while mitigating the environmental impact of those endeavors.

Consumer devices

Modern consumer devices, such as smartphones, drones, and wearable technology, increasingly rely on advanced materials to deliver greater performance and reliability.

Dow innovations contribute to enhanced thermal management in these compact electronics, ensuring efficient heat dissipation and preventing device overheating—crucial for supporting demanding applications powered by artificial intelligence. The use of lightweight, durable silicones and adhesives helps extend the lifecycle of consumer devices, reducing the frequency of repairs and replacements, and helping to avoid electronic waste.

By integrating materials designed for recyclability or biodegradability into device components, manufacturers are better equipped to address environmental concerns associated with end-of-life disposal. DOWSIL™ TC-3015 Re-workable Thermal Gel is an award-winning thermally conductive gel formulated to dissipate heat in electronics applications, like smart phones and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It is part of Dow’s Circulibrium™ portfolio of materials that enable reusable, repairable, or recyclable consumer and industrial products and processes.

Materials like this enable the development of smarter, longer-lasting consumer technology that aligns the performance expectations of users and evolving sustainability standards.

Take a 3D tour of consumer device solutions here

Cloud and data centers

Excessive heat can compromise system reliability, lower energy efficiency, and accelerate hardware degradation, thereby increasing both the operational costs and GHG emissions of digital infrastructure.

Our portfolio of cooling solutions addresses these challenges by providing cutting-edge thermal interface materials and heat transfer fluids. Dow’s specialized silicone adhesives, and innovative encapsulants are each designed to optimize heat transfer away from sensitive components and enable stable, high-performance operation. DOWFROST™ LC 25 Heat Transfer Fluid, a propylene glycol-based fluid, supports direct-to-chip (D2C) liquid cooling with efficient heat removal, exceptional corrosion protection and biostatic nature—requiring minimal maintenance after commissioning. Silicone-based DOWSIL™ immersion cooling fluids help reduce power consumption, extend equipment lifespan, and support sustainable data center operations by enabling energy-efficient cooling. DOWSIL™ thermal interface materials are engineered to meet the demands of high-performance computing environments—delivering long-lasting, reliable cooling across a wide range of applications.

Integrating these advanced materials in data center cooling systems supports reduced energy consumption while preserving equipment longevity, thus aligning with broader sustainability and resource efficiency goals.

Deploying Dow solutions allows data center operators to manage the rising energy demands of modern AI workloads sustainably and support the transition toward energy-efficient and resilient data center operations.

View our cloud computing hardware solutions

Read more on data center cooling technology

Telecom infrastructure

Telecom equipment operates in demanding environments where exposure to temperature fluctuations, moisture, dust, and mechanical stress is commonplace. High-performance, durable materials are essential for ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and long-term system reliability.

Our advanced materials portfolio includes robust silicone-based adhesives, sealants and protectives specifically engineered to protect sensitive electronic components against the rigors of outdoor and remote installations. These solutions offer superior thermal management and electrical insulation properties, which helps prevent overheating and electrical failures that could disrupt critical communications infrastructure.

Dow wire and cable innovations play a critical role in powering and connecting data centers by enabling high-performance materials for fiber optic cable jacketing, protective conduit and low-voltage to high-voltage cable systems. These solutions—such as AXELERON™ Telecom Cable Compounds and ENDURANCE™ Compounds for Cable Systems—support reliable data and power transmission through insulating fiber cable deployments and durable cable systems. Incorporating cross linked polyethylene and circular compounds like REVOLOOP™ Recycled Plastics Resins can help data centers meet performance, safety and sustainability targets.

By integrating these innovative materials into telecom hardware, manufacturers and network operators can extend the operational lifespan of their systems while simultaneously minimizing maintenance requirements and unplanned downtime. Such advancements contribute to a telecommunications ecosystem with enhanced sustainability, supporting the global demand for resilient, high-capacity networks that enable the next generation of smart connectivity and AI-driven applications.

Learn about telecom infrastructure equipment

Further examples of sustainable AI practices

Sustainable AI practices are increasingly emerging as organizations seek to address environmental impact while leveraging AI innovation to meet the world’s biggest challenges.

One notable example involves the design of energy-efficient networks, which use optimized algorithms and hardware to significantly reduce energy consumption. Additionally, companies are adopting renewable energy sources—such as wind and solar power—to sustainably run their data centers and reduce the GHG emissions associated with the energy demands of extensive computational workloads. Some enterprises are also incorporating recycled materials in the assembly of hardware that powers AI, supporting circular economy initiatives and promoting responsible resource use.

Lifecycle analysis and transparent supply chain monitoring have become integral strategies for identifying and mitigating environmental impacts, ensuring that sustainable AI can thrive across industries.

These approaches collectively underscore the importance of integrating the best environmental practices into AI development, fostering a more resilient and ethical technological future.

Meeting AI energy demands with nuclear power

Major tech companies are investing in advanced small modular nuclear reactors to power their growing data center operations.⁶

These tech giants are turning to nuclear energy to meet surging electricity demands driven by AI in locations where renewable energy like solar and wind alone may not suffice. Small modular reactors enable access to a clean and reliable energy source that is also nearly net-zero GHG emissions.

Dow has engaged in a similar endeavor to potentially deploy advanced nuclear technology to provide industrial steam and electricity at Seadrift Operations manufacturing site on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Together with X-energy, a leading developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology, we aim to reduce the site’s GHG emissions when the technology becomes fully operational.

Advancing sustainable AI innovation

Integrating sustainable practices into the growing AI ecosystem is essential for ensuring the longevity and ethical impact of technological advancements. Organizations are taking significant steps, such as creating energy-efficient networks, using renewable or clean energy sources, and employing innovative materials, to minimize environmental impact and promote responsible resource use.

As AI becomes more prevalent in various sectors—from consumer electronics to telecom infrastructure and cloud computing—the need for sustainable strategies is critical. By using advanced materials and thoughtful design, companies not only enhance the performance and reliability of AI-powered systems but also contribute to a sustainable technological future.

These efforts highlight the vital role of sustainability in the evolution of AI, paving the way for innovations that can meet both the needs of the planet and the demands of a rapidly digitizing world.

View original content here.

About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 30 countries and employ approximately 36,000 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $43 billion in 2024. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

About the article

This case study was developed by a cross-discipline team representing sustainability, materials and market expertise across Dow. To learn more about the breadth of our innovative products and technologies made possible through science and collaboration, visit dow.com.

Sources

1. Zewe, A. (2025, January 17). Explained: Generative AI’s environmental impact. MIT News.
2. Gupta, J. (2024, May). AI’s excessive water consumption threatens to drown out its environmental contributions. UN Sustainability Development Goals.
3. Water resources. (2025). Greater London Authority.
4. Crownhart, C. (2024, October 28). AI will add to the e-waste problem. Here’s what we can do about it. MIT Technology Review.
5. Offutt, M. C. and Zhu, L. (2025, August 26). Data Centers and Their Energy Consumption: Frequently Asked Questions. Library of Congress.
6. St. John, A. and McDermott, J. (2024, October 16). Amazon, Google make dueling nuclear investments to power data centers with clean energy. AP.

Import distribution centers are reshaping how major retailers move products across the country. These large facilities receive imported goods from ocean carriers and prepare them for transport to stores and customers across the United States. When located near a port, import distribution centers generate concentrated economic activity, create permanent jobs, and attract substantial commercial investment.

New Orleans East is a competitive location for this type of project. The area offers significant advantages–proximity to deep-water port access, interstate highway connections, and a strong regional workforce. Import distribution centers act as magnets for private investment by creating jobs and increasing economic activity throughout the region. With available land and the infrastructure needed to support development, the project will attract new businesses, stimulate commercial and retail growth, and support neighborhood revitalization.

“When infrastructure grows, opportunity grows,” said Istvan Molnar, director of economic development at Entergy New Orleans. “Projects like this create high-impact job opportunities and attract new private capital, which expands economic mobility for families in New Orleans East.”

Bringing an import distribution center to the city will deliver measurable benefits for residents. It will increase tax revenue, support commercial investment, and create accessible career opportunities. Many roles do not require a college degree and provide clear paths for skill development and advancement. These facilities also encourage auxiliary growth such as retail, housing, and service businesses, strengthening long-term neighborhood stability.

Entergy New Orleans will continue to collaborate with partners and developers committed to bringing this project to New Orleans. We remain committed to driving economic growth and expanding opportunity for the communities we serve.

View original content here.

By Aimee Levitt, Contributor

In the past, most conversations about the Asian economy have centered around the glittering excesses of the upper classes, or the grinding poverty in rural areas. But not much has been said about the growing middle class in the region’s mid-sized cities.

Until now. On the sidelines of the 2025 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit last week in Kuala Lumpur, the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth held its inaugural ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit, where the burgeoning middle class was hot topic, despite reports in the international press of impending stagnation or even decline. “It may rise a bit slower, but the momentum is still on for the global middle class and the Asian middle class to rise,” said Wolfgang Fengler, CEO of World Data Lab.

Most of that growth will be in Southeast Asia, a region that comprises 11 nations, with Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines as its largest economies. Fengler projects that by 2032, 112 million Southeast Asians will join the middle class: 50 million in Indonesia and another 50 million in the Philippines and Vietnam. “So, if you would sell a bicycle or a motorcycle or a cheap airline ticket and you want to have a new customer, not one that is already established,” Fengler concluded, “you should go to ASEAN rather than to China.”

Also top of mind: How government and business leaders can strengthen this group’s aspirations and help them thrive while ensuring no one gets left behind. “For growth to be considered truly inclusive, it must be shared, resilient, sustaining,” said HRH Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the deputy king of Malaysia. “Without inclusion, progress may be more fragile as inequality rises and trust in institutions erodes. The triple bottom line — people, planet, profit — must become central to our decision-making.”

The summit — an outgrowth of The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth‘s annual Global Inclusive Growth Summit in Washington, D.C. — brought together business partners, customers, private and public sector leaders, policymakers and social changemakers from across Southeast Asia and beyond. With over 680 million people and a rapidly expanding middle class, Southeast Asia stands at a pivotal moment, poised to become the world’s fourth-largest economy in the next five years. This momentum is driven by digital transformation, entrepreneurial spirit and cross-border collaboration. 

“There is so much energy in this region,” said Jon Huntsman, Mastercard vice chair and president, Strategic Growth, “but to translate these trends into sustainable success, we must build an economy where everyone can contribute and connect to the benefits of growth.”

 Here are three ways this evolution is already underway. 

To grow small businesses, give them a microphone

Micro-, small and medium-size businesses form the backbone of the Southeast Asian economy, comprising 85% of employment and contributing 45% of GDP across the region.

“The future of our region, the future of Southeast Asia, it’s not going to be built by a few large mega businesses,” said Pei Ying Chua, LinkedIn APAC head economist. “It’s going to be built by millions of small ones, because when small medium enterprises do well and they thrive, the region grows together.”

And these businesses grew exponentially during the pandemic, as owners discovered they didn’t need to pay rent on brick-and-mortar premises. Instead, thanks to expanded broadband access across the region, they could sell their goods online from their homes. The digital economy is also providing greater opportunities for artisans in rural areas to connect with customers in other parts of the world.

But as these businesses started to grow, entrepreneurs realized that they lacked the marketing tools to help them get greater visibility, said Chanida Klyphun, director of Southeast Asia public policy at TikTok. TikTok joined with the ASEAN Foundation and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council to launch the ASEAN Store Together program earlier this year.

It works primarily with woman-led and rural entrepreneurs, and to date, it has trained 50 MSMEs and taught them how to list, livestream, and share information about their products on the TikTok Shop. TikTok also subsidized part of their revenue and provided discount codes to draw in more customers.

The results have been astounding. For example, after Magkawi, a woman-led cosmetics brand from the Philippines joined the TikTok Shop, its revenue increased by 80%. “In the first live stream,” Klyphun said, “they made more money than what they made offline for the whole month.”

The digital transformation has helped the playing field for smaller businesses and the gig economy, said Alex Hungate, the president and chief operating officer of the superapp Grab, but more work needs to be done — from enabling more access to critical to helping them transition into an AI-enabled world, “where they benefit from it and don’t become victims of it,” he said. 

Growing the economy sustainably

Whether it’s accelerating the EV transition, embedding circularity in business models, or reimagining tourism to deliver shared prosperity, sustainability is becoming a larger factor in how industries in Southeast Asia are evolving. Conversations at the summit underscored a shared challenge: how to align policy, investment and innovation to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

When Indonesia singer and actress Maudy Ayunda co-founded her skin care line From This Island two years ago, she made a decision to return a portion of the revenue of her hero products back to the communities in which they were sourced. But she is also making sure she is not just sourcing, but innovating from Indonesia, she said.

 “It has always historically been known as a place of laborers or raw materials suppliers,” she said. “And I wanted to tell a different story with From This Island. I wanted Indonesia to have a stronger voice in terms of innovation and science and technology, so we are investing in R&D to develop extraction methods that lead to much more powerful skin care effects.”  

Recently, electric vehicles (EVs) have become more popular in the region: They pollute less, and they don’t need to be fueled by large quantities of imported gas and oil. Both Yinson Holdings Berhad, based in Malaysia, and ACMobility in the Philippines, are betting on EVs as the transportation of choice for the rising middle class. And so, both companies are working to create a more affordable EV infrastructure across the region. And to do so, said

Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO of ACMobility, “we needed to participate in all parts of the lifecycle of the vehicle.”

This includes parts, like batteries as well as repairs and maintenance. And it also includes providing services for drivers. For instance, to allay fears of range anxiety — that the batteries will die before they get drivers to where they need to go — both companies have been instrumental in installing networks of charging stations throughout their home countries.

Two years ago, Ayala said, the penetration rate of EVs in the Philippines was 1%, but it’s since risen to 4% to 6%. “We’re hoping to cross the 50% threshold over the next five years,” he said.

Fostering regional cooperation always pays off

As the region’s economy continues to grow, ASEAN countries have recognized the growing importance of working together, from an ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan scheduled to launch in January to allow easier travel around the region to an ASEAN-Australia cyber dialogue started earlier this year.

Cybercriminals don’t acknowledge borders, so cybersecurity is a prime area for cross-border collaboration. “These issues impact every one us, and it’s going to take every one of us to get after it,” said Michelle McGuinness, Australia’s national cybersecurity coordinator. “No one sector, no one nation is going to be able to deal with it on their own. The cost of cybercrime, the intrusions, the insecurities, the vulnerabilities that it causes is, we are all in this together.”

Regional efforts have also expanded to include private companies. For example, over the past 30 years, governments in Southeast Asia have been collaborating on the ASEAN Power Grid, a major project that provides seven and a half gigawatts of power interconnections in the region.

“It’s about economic integration,” said Winfried Wicklein, director general of the Southeast Asia department of the Asian Development Bank. “It captures the imagination, and you can see that when ASEAN energy ministers come together.”

The collective goal is to double the power of the ASEAN Power Grid over the next 15 years to bring more people online — broadband coverage in some rural areas lags by as much as 30% — and accommodate more digital technology, including AI. But to achieve that ambition, Wicklein said, governments will have to work with private enterprise. ADB has joined forces with the World Bank on the ASEAN Power Grid Financing Initiative, which will bring together the governments, the investors, the sponsors, and the financiers. ADB has already committed $10 billion to the project.

“We used to be measured by how much we lend for impact,” Wicklein said. “Now, increasingly, we really get measured by how much we mobilize for impact.”

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

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About Mastercard

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

www.mastercard.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C., November 18, 2025 /3BL/ – Duke Energy announced today the appointment of Loree Elswick as the new president of the Duke Energy Foundation.

“Loree’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for our communities,” said Pepper Natonski, senior vice president of federal affairs, sustainability, and philanthropy at Duke Energy. “As we work to meet the growing energy needs of our customers while keeping costs as low as possible, the Foundation’s role in strengthening the places we call home has never been more important. Loree’s deep-rooted commitment to service and her passion for community engagement make her the ideal leader to guide this work forward.”

Throughout her more than 20-year career at Duke Energy, Loree Elswick has consistently championed the wellbeing of customers and communities. Her leadership in corporate communications, customer experience, and emergency preparedness has been marked by a clear dedication to public service and a belief in the power of partnerships.

“I’m honored to step into this role and continue building strong, resilient communities across our service areas,” said Elswick. “Philanthropy is not just a function—it’s a passion. I’m excited to build on the Duke Energy Foundation’s strategic work and deepen our impact in the neighborhoods we serve.”

Natonski added, “Loree understands that our company’s mission is powered by people. Her ability to connect with stakeholders and her unwavering belief in the power of giving back will help us continue to answer the call of engagement and service.”

For more than 40 years the Duke Energy Foundation has been helping answer the call of citizenship and service in the communities where it operates. The Foundation’s giving exceeds $30 million annually and over the last 10 years it has invested more than $280 million into its communities. Annually, Duke Energy volunteers donate nearly $4 million in time to nonprofits.

Elswick most recently led the company’s operational, customer and emergency communications. Before joining Duke Energy, she worked in public affairs and nonprofit leadership. Elswick starts her new role on Nov. 1 and will remain in Charlotte where she is a long-term resident.

Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. 

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The PSEG Foundation is proud to partner the Food Bank of South Jersey with the Feed South Jersey programs in supporting our local communities and helping make everyday life more affordable for those in need.

View original content and learn more about the program here.

About Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG)

Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG) is a predominantly regulated infrastructure company focused on a clean energy future. Guided by its Powering Progress vision, PSEG aims to power a future where people use less energy, and it’s cleaner, safer and delivered more reliably than ever. With a continued focus on sustainability, PSEG has appeared on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for 17 consecutive years. PSEG is included on the 2023-2024 list of U.S. News’ Best Companies to Work For. PSEG’s businesses include Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G), PSEG Power and PSEG Long Island (https://corporate.pseg.com).

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

Last month, Mary Kay kicked up its heels at Dallas’ legendary Cattle Baron’s Ball (CBB) – the world’s largest single-night fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer Society – to provide an unforgettable evening of glam and pampering for attendees supporting a meaningful cause. With over $105 million raised for cancer research since its 1974 debut, the CBB has long been a cornerstone of Dallas’ philanthropic scene. The evening’s mission of cancer research and empowering women was a natural fit for the Dallas-based beauty and skincare brand’s “Glam Room” which helped guests look cowgirl-chic all evening with hair and makeup touch ups between boot scoots. 

Raising funds for a powerful cause is hard work. Fortunately, Mary Kay’s sponsorship of the Glam Room allowed guests to step away from the whirlwind of the live music and dance floor, paddle raise, and conversing. The beautifully branded space invited guests to take a quiet moment for themselves to freshen up their hair and makeup with three professional hair and makeup artists applying Mary Kay lipsticks and glosses, blushes, and eyeshadows and even pick up a pair of Mary Kay^® Hydrogel Eye Patches to try out. 

“When Mary Kay Ash founded this company, she didn’t just build a business – she ignited a women’s movement,” said Dr. Lucy Gildea, Mary Kay’s Chief Brand and Scientific Officer. “Her vision opened doors for countless women to dream bigger, achieve more, and define success on their own terms. Today we drive that vision forward by empowering women and helping them build beautiful confidence on the inside and out. The Cattle Baron’s Ball planning committee is a powerhouse group of women raising funds for cancer research – much like Mary Kay Ash.” 

Under the glitz, glam, and 10-gallon cowboy hats, the mission to raise funds for cancer research and support are at the heart of the event. What truly makes the evening special though, aside from a showstopping performance from the country superstars like Post Malone in 2025, Johnny Cash, Shania Twain, and the A-list goes on, is the community coming together to support a larger cause that statistically impacts 1 in 3 men and women^[1] according to the American Cancer Society. 

For nearly 30 years, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation^® – a US-based, corporate-sponsored, public non-profit – has shared CBB’s mission of finding cures for cancers affecting women as part of its two-fold mission which also works to end domestic violence. Since inception, the Foundation has awarded over $98 million in grants to cancer research and patient care and domestic violence shelters and support. At its core, Mary Kay and the Mary Kay Ash Foundation, remain dedicated to creating a healthy, safe world for women to thrive.

Mary Kay’s Glam Room was a showstopper in its own right – encouraging women to take a moment for themselves to feel beautiful and confident all in the name of supporting a fabulous cause. 

Did You Know?

• Mary Kay Inc. was ranked #9 on Forbes’ Best Brands for Social Impact 2025 out of 3,900 brands. Mary Kay is the only beauty brand to make the list and the only direct selling brand in the Top 10.
• The Mary Kay Ash Foundation^® has awarded more than 290 cancer research grants to top-rated cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) across the United States.

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

About Mary Kay Ash Foundation^®
Established in 1996 to honor the legacy of Mary Kay Ash, the Foundation’s two-fold mission raises and distributes funds to find cures for cancers affecting women and end domestic violence. The Foundation has granted more than $98 million to cancer research and patient care and domestic violence shelters and support creating a safer, healthier world for women. To learn more, visit marykayashfoundation.org, or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

About Cattle Baron’s Ball
The Cattle Baron’s Ball is the world’s largest single-night fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer Society. A hallmark of Dallas’ philanthropic and social calendar for over 50 years, the Ball has raised more than $105 million to support groundbreaking cancer research, patient services, and advocacy efforts. Known for its blend of Western flair and high impact giving, the event brings together community leaders, corporate partners, and generous donors for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, purpose, and progress in the fight against cancer. Learn more at cattlebaronsball.com.

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^[1] American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2025. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2025. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2025/2025-cancer-facts-and-figures-acs.pdf.