Tag: 3BL

What happens when you combine ambitious graduates, cutting-edge HVAC technology and a company that’s reshaping how the world uses energy? You get one of the most comprehensive and prestigious training programs in the HVAC industry, careers that make a difference and graduates who go on to excel personally and professionally.

You’ve spent four years mastering thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and engineering principles. You’ve aced your finals, walked across that stage, and landed your first job. Then reality hits: the gap between textbook knowledge and real-world application can feel impossibly wide.

“When you graduate, you’ve had four or five years of studying. Then you get to the field, and you feel like you don’t really know a ton,” admits Madison Smith, who joined  after completing her biomedical engineering degree in Canada. “The ability to come to a program that’s able to train you and ramp you up is really helpful.

WATCH: Championing Talent, Leadership and Legacy Through Trane Technologies’ Graduate Training Program

A world-renowned program to catapult careers

Trane Technologies knows there’s often a university-to-industry gap, which is why it designed its world-class five-month immersive program that provides recent graduates with comprehensive technical, business, sales engineering and leadership training. With more than 8,700 graduates to date, this industry-respected program is set in beautiful La Crosse, Wisconsin, a town renowned for being a vibrant educational hub.

“I signed up for the graduate training program because it’s just such a great opportunity that other companies in our industry don’t have,” explains Noah Hernandez from Trane Technologies’ new systems division. “We’re really well-equipped when we get into the field.”.

Building more than technical skills

The Graduate Training Program (GTP) was started in 1926 by Reuben Trane to train engineers and sales personnel on how to sell and apply new HVAC technologies. Today, it offers three distinct pathways, each designed for different career trajectories:

• Technical Sales GTP: Perfect for engineers who want to combine technical expertise with client relationships and business impact
• Energy Engineer GTP: For those passionate about energy audits, conservation measures and working with the world’s leading energy experts
• Contracting Project Management GTP: Designed to build technical project management skills and creative problem-solving abilities.

But the program goes beyond the deeply technical, helping nurture participants as complete professionals. “The program as a whole is there to develop you as a person entirely. We’ve focused on things like time management, presentation skills, and just knowing yourself and what you can improve on. We’ve also taken tests to gauge the type of learner you are, what your strengths are and where you need help,” explains Noah.

That kind of self-awareness and skill-building forms the foundation of Trane Technologies’ holistic approach, shaping engineers into leaders who can communicate complex technical concepts with confidence, build lasting client relationships and drive a meaningful impact for our customers and our planet.

For Carter Bloomquist, those lessons are already taking root. “I’m excited to bring my technical knowledge back home, but also the knowledge I’ve learned about building relationships and about just my personal self as well,” says Carter Bloomquist, who’s preparing for his role as a systems account manager in Twin Cities, Minnesota.

Encouraging curiosity and community 

The GTP is expertly designed and honed year after year to maximize learning efficiency and classroom camaraderie, building both technical knowledge and lasting professional relationships. “They’ve done a flipped classroom, where we learn lectures online and then come in person to practice together,” Madison explains. “It’s been a really awesome experience so far.”

Perhaps the most unexpected benefit? The people. “It’s one of the greatest decisions you could ever make. You learn so much and you make such great friends. Also, everyone’s coming from different places… just a ton of cultures coming together and hanging out,” Carter shares.

While in the program, each participant is paired with a dedicated mentor on staff, offering intensive, personalized guidance from industry veterans who are just as invested in your success as you are. “Our mentors are a source for us to go and say where we’re struggling, if we need help or what we can improve on,” says Noah.

The difference is in making a difference

Beyond connections and personal and professional development, our GTP students are excited for their work to have global impact. Madison, who studied biomedical engineering before pivoting to HVAC, now sees her role in a bigger context. “I’m really interested in AI and how that’s going to make buildings more sustainable.”

This is a sentiment echoed by Carter, “As people, it’s our duty to make the world a better place for tomorrow,” Carter reflects. “We’re setting a new standard for what companies should be doing for the world.”

Your meaningful career starts here

Whether you’ll be working with healthcare clients, supporting engineers or partnering with sustainability-focused contractors, at Trane Technologies, you’re joining a mission that extends far beyond engineering. That’s because we’re not just optimizing systems; we’re reshaping how the world uses energy. Ready to turn your engineering degree into a career with global impact?

Explore a wide variety of early career and engineering opportunities at Trane Technologies.

Key points

• Nearly 80 Ohio veterans traveled to Washington, D.C., in June on an Honor Flight co-sponsored by Marathon Petroleum to visit the memorials built in their honor.
• More than 70 volunteer guardians, including Marathon Petroleum employees and leaders, supported the veterans throughout the emotional and unforgettable day.
• The experience was filled with powerful moments, including a surprise visit from Marathon Petroleum President and CEO Maryann Mannen and a heartfelt welcome home celebration at Toledo Express Airport.

Some moments you just know will stay with you forever. For nearly 80 Ohio veterans, a recent Flag City Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., was one of those moments, a powerful day of reflection, connection and long-overdue recognition.

Co-sponsored by Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC) and Ohio Logistics, the all-expenses-paid trip brought the veterans together with about 70 volunteer guardians, including MPC employees, to visit the memorials built in their honor.

“This was the best day of my life,” said Jaycee Riley, a Vietnam veteran who said he and others like him never received the recognition they deserved when they returned home. “When we came home [from the war], it was nothing like this. This… this was special.”

His guardian, MPC Payroll Manager Cherie Kemper, felt the same way.

“It was awesome, so rewarding. Being able to be a part of something like this and honor these veterans for everything they’ve done for our country is something that will stay with me forever,” Kemper said. “They more than deserved this trip, but more importantly, this recognition. What a day. What an experience.”

Adding to Riley’s experience, his entire family surprised him at the welcome home event.

“I had no idea. I just thought it was going to be my wife. I couldn’t hold back the tears when I saw them,” he said.

For Riley’s wife, Darlene, the day brought emotions she hadn’t expected.

“You just feel proud. Overwhelmed with pride,” she said. “It was healing for all of us.”

That healing is something Mallory Crooks, a board member for Flag City Honor Flight, sees each and every flight.

“It’s a healing day not just for the veteran, but for their families, their neighbors, and everyone in their circle,” Crooks said. “Every flight brings new energy, new families, and new stories, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of partners like Marathon.”

As they have many times, MPC employees served as guardians on the June flight, helping guide and assist veterans throughout the emotional, memory-filled day. Among them was Shawn Lyon, Marathon’s Senior Vice President of Logistics and Storage, who has long been active in supporting veterans both at MPC and in the community.

“To see our veterans receive the respect and gratitude they deserve, and to be a small part of that, is humbling,” he said. “It reflects the culture of our company and what we stand for.”

One of the people Lyon accompanied was Ed Rollo, a Vietnam veteran who had never seen many of the memorials built to honor him and those he proudly served alongside.

“It was overwhelming, in the best way,” Rollo said. “Being there with Shawn and with so many other veterans, seeing the memorials, meeting people, is something I’ll never forget.”

Surprising veterans like Rollo during the group’s visit to Washington, D.C., was MPC President and CEO Maryann Mannen, who took time to personally thank as many of them as possible for their service and sacrifice. For Rollo, it was another highlight in a day already filled with powerful moments.

“We met with a congressman out there, and that was really great,” Rollo added. “But having the CEO of Marathon there to thank us, that was something special.”

Moments like these reinforce MPC’s commitment to supporting organizations that serve our communities and honoring those who served our country.

“This program wouldn’t exist without corporate sponsors and community partners,” Crooks added. “We’re all volunteers, and every dollar counts. We only fly because people care.”

On this flight, that care was felt at every turn, from the moment the veterans departed Ohio to the powerful welcome they received upon their return, greeted by hundreds of supporters cheering and waving signs of gratitude. For many, it was more than a visit to Washington, D.C. It was the welcome home they had only dreamed of.

“We didn’t expect that, and so from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone who took time out of their day to make this possible for us,” said Charlie Hutson, another Vietnam veteran. “One of the best days of my life.”

He added, “I didn’t know it was going to be such a big deal. I would have told more of my family about it, but having the guardians from Marathon and others by our side made all the difference.”

Mentorship plays a vital role in fostering a culture of growth and collaboration. By sharing their knowledge and experience, mentors help develop the next generation of leaders, while mentees gain valuable insights, skills and confidence. For AMD, mentorship strengthens employee engagement, enhances cross-functional collaboration and contributes to a thriving, high-performing workplace.

In 2024, we launched the AMD Mentoring Programs, ranging from skills-based to broader career development initiatives. The two skills-based programs – Technology and Engineering Skills and Business and Corporate Functions Skills – are designed for our technical and non-engineering employees respectively. They help mentees develop skills through three-month relationships with mentors. Career Mentoring enables participants to create career plans and strategy through nine-month relationships, and I-WIL (International Women in Leadership) is focused on the personal and professional development of our global talent.

Another program, emERGe, is for members of AMD Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Designed to empower participants, emERGe integrates inclusion-focused content to inspire meaningful personal and professional growth, while leveraging mentorship to amplify innovation and enhance business performance.

emERGe started out as a limited pilot, with 674 mentoring relationships in 2024. We use a matching tool to pair and guide participants, survey mentees monthly and provide a resource library with videos, getting started guides, mentoring action plans and evaluation forms.

The program has been successful so far, with an overall satisfaction score of 4.8 out of 5. To increase its reach and impact, we will open emERGe to all ERG members and adopt an open-program design, enabling participants to enter, exit and extend a relationship based on both parties’ needs.

“Mentoring has been one of the greatest accelerators in my career, and even now, I continue to be mentored by AMD leaders. Their investment in me is invaluable and has afforded me opportunities that have altered the course of my professional journey in immeasurable ways,” said Mark Pearson, corporate vice president of talent, AMD.

Originally published in AMD 2024-25 Corporate Responsibility Report

CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 5, 2025 /3BL/ – DreamBox Math by Discovery Education was named a winner by the 2025 Tech Edvocate Awards. The 9^th annual Tech Edvocate Awards honors the best that edtech has to offer by recognizing outstanding companies, people, and products. Discovery Education is the creator of essential PreK-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world.

DreamBox Math by Discovery education was selected as a 2025 Tech Edvocate Award winner in the Best Math or App Tool category. DreamBox Math by Discovery Education is a K-8 online math program that supplements core instruction in the classroom or at home and is independently proven by several third-party research organizations to increase math achievement. DreamBox Math by Discovery Education adapts dynamically to the learner, providing tailored instruction within a highly engaging, gamified learning environment. DreamBox Math lessons are available in both English and Spanish and are standards-aligned.

Along with actionable reporting and tools that empower differentiation for all learners, DreamBox Math offers teachers content-specific professional learning and provides administrators critical insights into student progress. With DreamBox Math, every student is empowered to independently engage in interactive problem solving so they can develop conceptual understanding, apply a variety of strategies, and gain competence and confidence in mathematical reasoning and skills.

In addition, the following were named as finalists:

• Discovery Education: Best Global EdTech Company
• DreamBox Reading: Best Literacy App or Tool
• STEM Careers Coalition: Best STEM/STEAM Education App or Tool 

Earlier this year, DreamBox Reading and DreamBox Math were updated with new enhancements that empower teachers to create personalized learning experiences for all learners with inquiry, excitement, and exploration that will hold students’ attention while challenging them academically. More information about these enhancements can be found here.

Tech Edvocate Award submissions were evaluated by both a panel of industry professionals and a popular vote. The panel was comprised of two edtech thought leaders, two PreK-12 teachers, one college professor, two K-12 administrators, one college administrator and two PreK-12 parents. Learn more about the Tech Edvocate Awards here.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Tech Edvocate Awards. Thank you to the panel of judges and to everyone that voted for Discovery Education’s solutions,” said Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer at Discovery Education. “Our team is dedicated to ensuring that all students succeed through engaging and high-quality learning opportunities, and these awards will inspire the Discovery Education team to continue innovating for students and educators.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, PreK-12, digital solutions help educators engage all students and support higher academic achievement. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools that are effective, engaging, and easy to use, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Learn more at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contact
Grace Maliska
Discovery Education
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com

by Lindsay Wright

Cascale’s Annual Member Meeting, “A Movement for All,” takes place in Hong Kong September 15 to 17. The event will address how we, as an industry, can collectively address and solve two of the most critical challenges facing our industry today: Combating Climate Change and Supporting Decent Work For All.

It’s an outsized challenge but a shared commitment. Leaders today are those frontrunner brands, suppliers, policymakers, and non-corporate players that are doubling down on climate change and decent work as a business imperative. Together, they are confronting a dizzying array of duplicate initiatives, repeat data sources, and outdated auditing systems in place. By collectively refining the approach to measuring, verifying, and enhancing social and environmental performance, compliance and responsible purchasing practices becomes a nearer reality. 

The State of Play 

Compliance is a growing area of interest for industry players, and convening organizations have a role to play. In its background note on regulatory developments concerning due diligence for responsible business conduct, The Role of Sustainability Initiatives in Mandatory Due Diligence (OECD, 2022) recognizes Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives (MSIs) as playing a crucial role, acting as both facilitators, providing tools and guidance for companies, and verifiers, assessing and potentially certifying company practices. But the guidance also notes that, despite recent examples of initiatives converging and aligning approaches, the landscape is still complex and confusing, with 455 ecolabels and various environmental schemes listed in the Ecolabel Index at the time of writing.

In this playing field and true to this year’s event theme, Cascale, the Social and Labor Convergence Program (SLCP), and Fair Wear will come together to be greater than the sum of our already formidable parts to promote impactful Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) by brands and suppliers. We aim to support stakeholders on their journey through building and leveraging joint tools, best practices, and accountability mechanisms.

This joint work builds on discussions we originally held at our Annual Meeting in Boston, back in 2023, exploring the potential of HRDD as an organizing principle for the industry, and aims to be complementary – rather than additive. Because it’s only together that can we scale accountability in an actionable way.

Combining Unique Strengths 

Between us, we believe we have all the tools a company needs to conduct impactful due diligence. Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index suite of tools, and since February, has owned the Better Buying toolset informed by surveys on brand and retailer purchasing practices. We have over 300 members and 40,000 Higg Index users. Fair Wear led the industry effort towards alignment on the Common Framework for Responsible Purchasing, while its HRDD Academy supports brands to better understand the HRDD cycle and practically implement human rights due diligence both within the company and across the supply chain. SLCP now boasts over 250 signatories and its Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) forms the foundation of Cascale’s Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (Higg FSLM).

It’s an executive priority. “Cascale, SLCP, and Fair Wear see great opportunities in driving impactful HRDD by working more closely together,” said Harsh Saini, interim chief executive officer of Cascale. “Together, we have immense convening power, expertise, and volumes of credible and actionable data. We are all speaking the same language on due diligence, and our tools fit together and complement each other, providing brands and retailers with everything they need for their due diligence journey.”

As well, the work becomes a shared responsibility. “We’re united around a shared vision,” added Annabel Meurs, executive director of Fair Wear. “This will set the tone in the industry on what impactful due diligence looks like, holding brands and retailers accountable in making progress and to scale up best practices that will have a real impact on workers.”

Steve Harris, COO of SLCP , underscored: “Our three organizations will work together to develop and cross-promote each bilateral partner’s tools, drive collective action, sharing HRDD knowledge and best practice across the whole of our membership and signatories, and advocating for decent work with policymakers.”

The next opportunity to hear more about our collective expression of deepened and more targeted coordination will be at Cascale’s Annual Member Meeting in Hong Kong, September 15 to 17. The event will feature presentations from Fair Wear and SLCP on key topics, including making responsible purchasing practices the norm within the industry, and what needs to happen next to drive real movement on audit fatigue. You can also visit the Cascale, Fair Wear, and SLCP booths in the exhibition area to find out more about the tools and guidance available.

Register for the Annual Meeting here. 

Each September, Covia comes together for our company-wide Safety Day—a meaningful opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to one of our guiding principles, Safety First. At Covia, safety isn’t just a priority, it’s a deeply rooted core value that shapes every aspect of our operations.

This year’s Safety Day theme is Emergency Preparedness—a reminder of the importance of knowing how to respond when every second counts. In recent years, Covia team members have saved lives using AEDs, underscoring the value of being trained, equipped, and ready to act. Our 2025 Safety Day activities will strengthen our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, wherever they occur.

Supporting this commitment is Covia’s Safety & Health Management System, a comprehensive framework that guides our approach to safety across all environments. It includes policy statements, legal compliance, training, contractor safety, and targeted programs addressing chemical, process, mine, rail, and workplace safety. We enforce Covia’s Life-Saving Rules and maintain a robust Emergency Response Plan, continuously integrating emerging standards to enhance risk management and foster a strong safety culture.

Through our management systems, we:

• Track safety performance
• Assess and manage risk
• Ensure proper training
• Host mandatory, company-wide safety reinforcement events
• Embrace change
• Set partner expectations
• Support product safety

We look forward to sharing the successes of our 2025 Safety Day as we continue building a safer, more prepared Covia.

To learn more about Covia’s commitment to Safety, Health, and Security, download our latest Corporate Responsibility Report.

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio, September 5, 2025 /3BL/ – Sofidel America has successfully started up a third paper machine at its integrated plant in Circleville, Ohio. The milestone, achieved on September 4, 2025, further consolidates the site’s role as the company’s largest and most important production hub worldwide.

The new Valmet DCT 200 machine adds 70,000 tons of annual capacity, bringing Circleville’s total output to more than 200,000 tons per year. With this expansion, Sofidel’s global production capacity rises to 1,983,000 tons annually.

The $185 million investment, first announced in 2023, included both the construction of the new building and installation of the state-of-the-art machine. Once fully operational, the project will also create approximately 80 additional jobs, strengthening Sofidel’s contribution to the local economy.

The successful startup of our third paper machine in Circleville represents a significant step forward in Sofidel’s growth strategy. This achievement reflects both the strength of our U.S. operations and the dedication of the teams who made it possible.

With this expansion, Sofidel reaffirms its long-term commitment to serving the North American market with high-quality, sustainable tissue products while supporting local communities.

By Candace Higginbotham

August 21 is National Senior Citizens Day, but Regions associates are celebrating, serving and protecting seniors in our community all year long.

A few months ago, the Regions Corporate Marketing and Communications team collected household and personal items such as cleaning products, laundry supplies and toilet tissue to be assembled into kits for seniors. The project was coordinated by Madison Terry, Marketing Digital Strategist, who was motivated by her own personal experience.

“I’ve been fortunate to care for my grandmothers, which made me think about those aging without family support,” Terry said. “Many seniors live alone or in facilities without regular visitors. Simple acts like writing letters, assembling care kits or delivering meals show them they’re valued and remembered. It’s our responsibility to ensure they feel connected to the community.”

Simple acts like writing letters, assembling care kits or delivering meals show them they’re valued and remembered. It’s our responsibility to ensure they feel connected to the community.
Madison Terry, Marketing Digital Strategist

Regions Volunteer and United Way Program Manager Susan Clowdus sewed 50 bags for the project, made from recycled United Way campaign t-shirts. The team filled those bags with supplies and attached personal messages, which were delivered to the United Way Area Agency on Aging (UWAAA) of Jefferson County.

The UWAAA of Jefferson County offers focused programs and services for older citizens and those with disabilities. The organization directly assisted nearly 11,000 individuals in 2024 and positively impacted many others through senior center programs, hot meals and help with food, Medicare counseling, caregiver support, prescription drug assistance, legal services, advocacy for long-term care residents and more.

“This is such a great cause,” said Paula Drake, head of Corporate Marketing and Communications. “I’m so happy our team came together to support the independence, dignity and well-being of seniors in their homes. Whether it’s parents, grandparents, friends or neighbors, we all know seniors who need a bit of extra help and care to stay connected, healthy and independent and the UWAAA does just that, from kits like the ones our team put together, to meals to help with navigating a number of other daily needs.”

The UWAAA was grateful for the donation, posting on social media, “This thoughtful gift will go a long way in helping our seniors stay safe, comfortable and cared for in their homes.”

I’m so happy our team came together to support the independence, dignity and well-being of seniors in their homes.
Paula Drake, head of Corporate Marketing and Communications

Another Regions team, the Office of Associate Conduct, also hosted an event for seniors. According to Megan Seaton, Associate Relations manager, the team’s volunteer committee came up with the idea to write personal notes to seniors and deliver them, along with some treats and helpful information about elder fraud, to a Birmingham-area elder-care facility that serves residents with limited financial means and minimal social support.

“Sometimes seniors and their needs can be overlooked, so we thought it would be important to choose a location where we could really make a difference,” said Ashley Batty, Associate Relations Business Partner. “We came together as a group to create homemade cards and goody bags full of chocolates. Some of us delivered them to the South Haven Health and Rehabilitation Center and spent time with the residents.

“They were so happy to see new faces, have people to talk to – and they loved their sweet treats. It was very fulfilling knowing we made such an impact on them that day!”

Emotional Support

This type of outreach can be very meaningful for older individuals in our community. Many seniors have lost loved ones and may face loneliness and isolation, which can be exacerbated by cognitive, mobility or other health challenges. Local United Way chapters are a hub for senior services and can be a helpful resource for volunteer opportunities such as meal delivery, assisted living activities and more.

But reaching out could be as simple as writing a note or sending an ecard. Regions has created special National Senior Citizens Day ecards that can be sent to family members, neighbors, family friends and former teachers – any senior who has made an impact on your life.

Financial Protection

Regions associates are also committed to protecting our seniors. Financial fraud continues to be a problem for older individuals, who may be targeted because they’re often not as tech savvy. Earlier this month, the Federal Trade Commission reported a growing number of scams aimed at retirees’ life savings.

From 2020 to 2024, the number of reports from older adults who lost $10,000 or more to these scams increased more than fourfold. When older adults reported losing more than $100,000, the number of reports increased nearly sevenfold, and the combined reported losses went up eightfold.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day took place on June 15^th, and Regions published helpful information pointing out the six most common scams that seniors should be on the lookout for. According to Jeff Taylor, head of Commercial Fraud Forensics at Regions, keeping safe can be as simple as taking a few extra steps that help elders, family members and caregivers recognize when something is amiss.

“It’s vitally important that we have conversations with our older family members to help them stay safe,” Taylor said. He recommends closely monitoring credit card and bank account activity, protecting personal information, keeping documents in a safe place, reviewing your credit report, being careful with power of attorney decisions and taking your time with major financial decisions.

Here are some additional resources to help protect seniors from fraud:

• 6 Tips to Spot Elder Fraud: Seniors are among the most vulnerable targets for scammers, but a little caution goes a long way in staying safe.
• Elder Fraud: Five Red Flags. Fraudsters are not respecters of age, sad but true. Be on the lookout for these scams.
• Common Scams Targeting Senior Citizens
• Regions Next Step webinar Spotting The Signs of Elder Financial Exploitation

“Putting people first is a core value at Regions,” said Gina Sian, head of the Regions Making Life Better Institute^®. “And supporting the generations of parents, workers, leaders and mentors who dedicated their lives building the communities we enjoy today is an important part of our community outreach. These seniors cared for us, guided us and invested in our futures. Through our associates’ volunteer services and our financial wellness resources, we have an opportunity to care for them in return.”

These seniors cared for us, guided us and invested in our futures. Through our associates’ volunteer services and our financial wellness resources, we have an opportunity to care for them in return.
Gina Sian, head of the Regions Making Life Better Institute^®

SINGAPORE, September 5, 2025 /3BL/ – Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, together with Junior Achievement (JA), announced the winners of the 2025 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific finals held at a live event in Singapore.

This year’s competition attracted over 4,700 students from 9 markets including Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

54 students gathered in Singapore for the Asia Pacific finals and were tasked to create a market entry strategy for an eco-friendly product that upcycles discarded textiles into sustainable consumer goods, with France being the target market. With growing discourse among consumers on how products affect the environment, and the role corporations can play in shaping a sustainable future, the challenge was particularly relevant. Students were paired into teams of two from different markets, to foster cross-cultural understanding. The student teams then pitched their idea to a panel of judges made up of Singapore’s leading entrepreneurs and small business owners.

“For nearly two decades, FedEx has proudly championed this program, empowering young entrepreneurs to think beyond borders and create solutions that address real-world challenges. In today’s interconnected economy, innovation goes hand in hand with building smarter, more resilient supply chains, and the next generation of business leaders will be at the forefront of this transformation. By fostering their creativity, determination, and global mindset, we’re investing in the future of commerce, one that is more connected, sustainable, and equipped to navigate the complexities of global trade,” said Kawal Preet, president, Asia Pacific, FedEx.

The first-place winners were Team Spicy Noodles, consisting of Jamie Smith from the Republic of Korea and Kathy Nguyen from Vietnam. They impressed the judges with their innovative concept of an eco-friendly upcycling brand that transforms discarded textiles into custom embroidered artwork.

The two runner-up teams were Team Innovement, composed of Janelle Anika S. Tan from the Philippines and Royden So from Hong Kong SAR, who developed a smart wall panel made from discarded textile waste; and Team ReTex, consisting of Panasarn Traithavil from Thailand and Lan Anh Phan from Vietnam, who proposed a new line of residential solar panels.

“Competing alongside such talented peers from across Asia Pacific has been transformative. This challenge pushed us beyond textbook theories into real-world problem-solving, where we learned that successful international trade requires not just business acumen, but cultural sensitivity and genuine collaboration. This experience has given us the confidence to pursue entrepreneurial ventures that can make a meaningful impact across borders,” said Jamie Smith from the Republic of Korea and Kathy Nguyen from Vietnam of the winning Team Spicy Noodles.

“Every time we bring young people together from across the Asia Pacific region, we see not just talent, but vision, drive, and the courage to build a better future for all. The FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge inspires our young leaders to collaborate with their partners, connect across borders, and grow as changemakers. At Junior Achievement, we remain deeply committed to unlocking the latent potential in our children and youth. When shown the trust and given the opportunity, they don’t simply step out into the world – they create a better one.” said Maziar Sabet, president and CEO, JA Asia Pacific.

FedEx believes that investing in mentorship is essential to empowering the next generation of leaders to thrive. Hence, for the first time, the APAC winners will an exclusive opportunity to deepen their understanding of global commerce. They will visit FedEx operations facilities in their local markets and connect directly with team members. This hands-on experience will offer invaluable insights into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management, equipping them with practical knowledge to complement their entrepreneurial journeys.
The FedEx / JA International Trade Challenge program is jointly organized by FedEx and JA Asia Pacific, a member of JA Worldwide. In the last 19 years, over 50,000 students across Asia Pacific have been introduced to the world of business, economics and international trade through this program which incorporates classroom learning and practical teamwork exercises. In addition to supporting young entrepreneurs through JA ITC, FedEx has been organizing the Small Business Grant Contest (SBGC) to support small-and-medium-enterprises (SMEs) across Asia Pacific.

Judges of the competition, comprised of entrepreneurs and business leaders, were impressed by the organization of the competition and the efforts made by the students.

“The JA judging experience was very meaningful – it gave me a renewed sense of optimism; the future is the next generation – and I was thoroughly impressed by the effort and the proposals by the youth.” Nivedita Venkateish, Founder of Aire.

“I was impressed by the energy, creativity and caliber of the student presentations, and feel very excited about the next generation of entrepreneurs from APAC.” Belina Tan, Vice President, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company.

“The ideas and presentations, all done in only 48 hours were amazing. There’s so much to learn from the youths and I hope this valuable experience will continue to shape them as entrepreneurs throughout their lives.” Kloe Ng, Co-founder of Out of The Box Edu.
“It’s always inspiring to see our brilliant younger generation navigate different languages/cultures and time pressures to present such creative and cogent business pitches. Kudos to JA and FedEx for organizing this challenge year after year.”Ze Ming Chan, Head of Growth Innovation, Foodpanda.

“I found the FedEx/JA student competition a model for helping to prepare our next generation as future leaders and entrepreneurs, I hope the students benefited, I know the judges did, such a heartfelt day of sharing our experiences from work and life, with this group of students from across Asia, they were all amazing.” Rodney Geres, Senior Director, ICE.

“The partnership between FedEx and JA creates a launchpad where the next generation learns that their ideas can travel as far as their imagination. Judging this Challenge was a front-row seat to that impact.” Camille R. Blair Camille, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Francis LLC.

“The achievement and potential of our next generation in Asia inspire confidence in our future.” Daniel Yeung, Director, Tigris Water Company.

“10 years ago, winning JA’s Social Innovation Relay was the spark that started my journey down the entrepreneurship rabbit hole. It’s been an honor to have the opportunity to sit on the other side of the table and review the tremendously well-crafted presentations by all participating students today, and I hope that they can carry that spark to guide their own journeys to find their passion and voice.” Kristoffer Jacek Soh Zhi Wei, Co-Founder & CEO, Beep.

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

CLEVELAND – On Friday, August 15, 2025, the Cleveland Cavaliers and KeyBank partnered to host the annual Cavaliers Community Market at The Salvation Army in West Park Corps, continuing their joint effort to tackle food insecurity in Northeast Ohio. Now in its fourth consecutive year, this year’s collaboration featured five summer community markets throughout the region – each providing essential support to local families. Through these ongoing initiatives, the Cavaliers and KeyBank are making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of Northeast Ohio residents.

Watch the video above to see KeyBank and Cavs volunteers in action.

Volunteers from both organizations, including leadership from the Cavaliers, KeyBank and The Salvation Army, joined forces to pack and distribute fresh produce and pantry staples provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. The event served 226 individuals, offering not just food – but hope and support to local families in need.

“It’s not just about writing a check. It’s about lending a hand and building relationships,” said Kelly Lamirand, Cleveland KeyBank Market President and Regional Commercial Leader. “We’re looking to set an example and pay it forward.”

The Community Markets are more than a one-day event; they are a reflection of long-term commitment. By aligning with their mission to remove barriers to opportunity, KeyBank and the Cavaliers are helping to create a stronger, healthier Northeast Ohio.

“We’re truly grateful to have wonderful partners like KeyBank and the Cleveland Cavaliers supporting our monthly produce distributions. These efforts make a meaningful difference, reaching hundreds of families and individuals and providing them with over a week’s worth of fresh, healthy produce every month,” Major Juanita Stanford, Commanding Corps Officer of The Salvation Army in Cleveland West Park Corps.

“Bringing both of our community teams together for such a meaningful initiative truly reflects the heart of who we are – at KeyBank and at the Cavaliers. It’s a powerful demonstration of our shared commitment to making a real impact,” said Kevin Clayton, Cleveland Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group Executive Vice President and Chief Impact & Equity Officer.

The Cavaliers Community Market is just one of many impactful ways KeyBank and the Cavaliers partner to give back to the Northeast Ohio community – and the support doesn’t stop there. Both organizations have additional initiatives on the horizon.