Tag: 3BL

Read the 2025 Wesco Sustainability Report here

Wesco strives to meet our 2030 goals to reduce our environmental impact. We are working with customers and suppliers as well as the communities in which we operate to reassess and recalibrate certain programs and processes in order to advance us further towards achieving our goals.

To advance us towards our emissions goal, we now include energy efficiency requirements in new building leases. For the buildings we own, we implement various initiatives to improve our energy efficiency. These efforts plus investing in renewable energy solutions with our utility providers will improve our emissions. Wesco improved waste and recycling data accuracy in 2024 and addressed data gaps from 2023. Future efforts will focus on reducing waste to meet our 2030 goal.

To achieve this goal, we intend to: implement waste reduction initiatives at high-impact sites; expand employee training on sustainable practices; partner with vendors to optimize recycling streams; and continuously monitor and refine data for better insights.

Our Global Sustainability Policy sets the foundation for our efforts. Elements of the policy are aligned with key provisions of the ISO 14001:2015 environmental management standards. The policy outlines accountability, direct program responsibilities, key performance indicators and other metrics to track progress and is conducted by the sustainability and environmental compliance team, who report progress to senior management monthly. We implement the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle to promote continuous improvement in our energy and environmental management efforts.

Our Environmental Goals

Target:

• Reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 30% for our U.S., Canada and U.K. operations from a 2021 baseline by 2030.
• Reduce landfill waste intensity by 15% across our U.S. and Canadian locations from a 2020 baseline by 2030.

Progress

• Wesco has reduced scope 1 and 2 emissions by 3% or 2,556 total MTCO2e from our 2021 baseline for our U.S., Canada and U.K. operations.
• In 2024, Wesco’s landfill waste intensity increased by 20% from the 2020 baseline. While these results are below our expectations, there has been an increased focus on waste management and tracking, and a 44% increase in overall tons recycled.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• UN Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• UN Goal 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
• UN Goal 12: Responsible Production & Consumption

Energy

Most of the energy we use comes from electricity and natural gas for lighting, heating and cooling our distribution centers, fulfillment centers and sales offices in approximately 50 countries around the world. Our fleet of approximately 1,300 trucks and 1,800 cars used in our distribution and sales activities consume fuel that further contributes to our total energy consumption. Utilizing renewable energy and identifying new energy efficient practices is at the core of our energy use reduction strategy.

Our Facilities

Most of our facility portfolio is leased, which reduces our control over facility energy consumption and adds complexity to meeting our emissions reduction goal. Through business optimization efforts to better serve our customers, we consolidated locations, but we expanded our overall square footage at these locations to support business growth, which offset energy savings. To introduce renewable energy into our facility portfolio, we have implemented a renewable energy certificate program, with planned future evolution to encompass additional procurement strategies. Our initial focus is on verified local projects in the areas where Wesco consumes the most energy. Where possible, we also engage with the owners and agents of the buildings we lease to improve energy efficiency.

Our greatest opportunity to make an impact is during lease negotiations. We now include energy efficiency requirements in new building leases. For the buildings we own, we implement various initiatives to improve our energy efficiency. These include energy audits for buildings, upgrades to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, electrification initiatives and the adoption of renewable energy solutions.

To help inform our efforts, Wesco analyzes facility energy consumption data to determine outliers and areas for improvement. These efforts, along with investing in renewable energy solutions with our utility providers, will help us to reach our 2030 emissions goal.

Renewable Energy in Our Facilities:

• In 2024, Wesco began a renewable energy program to support renewable energy use in our facilities.
• Wesco focused on our top two states by electricity consumption – Illinois and Texas. Wesco invested in locally- generated and Green-e certified renewable energy certificates in these two states. (19,191 MWh total renewable energy)

The company also participates in tax credit and community solar programs in regions we operate in, supporting and promoting the development of renewables.

To learn more, download the 2025 Wesco Sustainability Report here.

About This Report

Unless otherwise stated, this report covers activities, data and initiatives from our fiscal year 2024.

ESG Disclosure and Framework Alignment

The topics covered in this report include those that we have determined to be material for our business and stakeholders as noted on page 10. Wesco aligns with several ESG frameworks and disclosures in support of our commitment to transparency and our fulfillment
of stakeholder needs and expectations. We leverage the following frameworks and standards to provide robust ESG information disclosure:

• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): GRI offers a list of global standards and guidelines around sustainability reporting.
• Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB): SASB provides a comprehensive set of industry-specific disclosure topics and guidelines.
• International Financial Reporting Standards (Climate-related disclosures, IFRS S2) which incorporates the now decommissioned Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD): IFRS provides disclosure recommendations on thematic ESG topics such as governance, strategy, risk management, metrics and targets to provide stakeholders with fuller information surrounding climate risks.
• CDP: Formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project, CDP is
  an international organization that helps companies and cities measure and disclose important environmental impact information through an annual questionnaire and rating system.
• United Nations Global Compact (UNGC): UNGC is an initiative that aims to help businesses align their strategies and work toward the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals.
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs): U.N. SDGs provide a shared set of 17 goals toward peace and prosperity for people and planet goals and create a call to action by all countries in a global partnership

We also regularly engage with our investors, employees, customers, regulators, ratings agencies and others on ESG and business issues. Additional information about Wesco can be found in our public financial filings— including our annual report and proxy filings—as well as on the Security and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov or on the Investors page of our website at Wesco.com.

Wesco plans to continue to report annually as we monitor, measure and deepen our ESG initiatives and disclosures.

Wesco endorses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. We have prioritized the following five goals: Good Health and Well Being, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Responsible Consumption and Production.

More information about our SDG aligned initiatives is included throughout this report.

Assurance

We did not seek third-party assurance for this report; however, we will consider doing so for future reporting. The information and data contained in this report was vetted by internal subject matter experts on the various ESG topics included in this report.

Contact Us

We welcome feedback on our ESG initiatives and reporting. We invite you to contact us directly via email at Sustainability@Wescodist.com.

Cummins

For Paul, a Level 1 Engineering Field Service Technician at Cummins, a career in diesel mechanics was never a question of if, but when.

Long before joining Cummins, Paul was already familiar with the power and precision of Cummins marine diesel engines—he worked with them during his time in the U.S. Navy. “I’ve always liked working with my hands, taking things apart and putting them back together. Even as a kid, I was into cars, trucks and motorcycles. So when Cummins technicians would come on board to work on our engines, I paid close attention. I knew it was something I wanted to do.”

After separating from the Navy in 2022, Paul settled in San Diego, moving through a few civilian jobs—each one offering a little more opportunity than the last. But it wasn’t until a message from a Cummins recruiter appeared in his LinkedIn inbox that things really began to shift. “My wife and I talked it over,” Paul says. “It was a big move—from California to Louisiana—but we knew it was the right one.”

That leap was made easier by the support he received. “I was genuinely surprised by how many resources Cummins offered to help with my transition and relocation. It made the whole process smoother than I expected.”

Now in the field, Paul supports technicians with diagnosing and servicing marine diesel engines—work that feels both familiar and exciting. “There’s a sense of pride every time we troubleshoot an issue, make the right fix and start the engine up again. When everything works as it’s supposed to, it’s a good feeling.”

Paul is also a member of the Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG), a space he joined to stay connected with fellow veterans across the company. “I think it’s important for veterans to have a community like this.”

He believes veterans bring something invaluable to any workplace—discipline, consistency and experience forged in real-world conditions. “I always joke with people that veterans will show up to work and always show up on time,” he laughs. “But it’s true—we’re reliable, and we’ve developed skills most people take a lifetime to build. Employers who understand that and see our experience as an asset—not a barrier—are the ones we thrive with.”

When asked what advice he’d give to other veterans navigating the transition to civilian life, Paul doesn’t hesitate. “Pick a field you enjoy—something you can see yourself doing long-term. The skills you picked up in the military will serve you well if you apply them to the right environment.”

For Paul, finding his place at Cummins has been more than a job—it’s been a continuation of a calling. “This work feels right. It’s challenging, it’s hands-on and it’s something I believe in.”

Originally published on 3M News Center

As artificial intelligence (AI) workloads surge, U.S. data centers are under immense pressure to grow capacity while minimizing energy demand. A recent analysis from Epoch AI highlights that computational performance per watt in AI supercomputers has increased by 34% every year from 2019 to 2025, driven by innovations in cooling, power delivery, and energy efficient chip design. To sustain this momentum, data centers must optimize every aspect of power and thermal management.

According to a July 2025 report by 174 Power Global, AI workloads could push U.S. data center electricity demands sharply upward—AI alone may soon account for nearly eight percent of national power use and global demand may double by 2030. Flexible, smart energy architectures are vital to meeting this challenge, aligning with national goals to lead the AI era responsibly.

“From the grid to the rack, 3M innovations are designed to help hyperscalers and data center operators build faster, operate more efficiently and adapt to new workloads with confidence,” said Alex An, vice president, 3M Data Center Vertical. “Whether it’s enabling high-bandwidth, low-latency optical interconnects, solving mission-critical thermal challenges, improving the efficiency of power delivery, or improving hot aisle containment, 3M is helping data centers meet their increasing challenges of AI-driven growth by pushing the limits of our materials science, minimizing energy footprints and helping increasing connectivity speeds.”

3M innovations: Efficiency, performance, and sustainability

The 3M Cable Quality Prep System helps customers accelerate their medium voltage cable preparation while embedding performance monitoring – crucial in minimizing installation time and helping customers ensure reliable energy pathways.

3M Sensored Cable Accessories provide real-time data on electrical grid performance, helping data centers detect faults, optimize energy distribution, and reduce their downtime. By integrating sensors into cable accessories, these smart grid solutions can help hyperscalers enhance their predictive maintenance, minimize outages, and improve overall grid resilience.

Optical fiber interconnects can dramatically outpace electrical copper in both power efficiency and performance. Research by Frontiers in Physics shows that optical interconnects can deliver 10 times greater energy efficiency, with improved bandwidth, lower latency, and scalability to 1.6 terabits per second and beyond. They help customers eliminate bottlenecks and enable faster real-time data exchange critical for AI compute environments. As the industry evolves, 3M will address growing AI needs beyond traditional networking with advanced solutions like active copper, dense compute fabrics for GPUs, and co-packaged optics (CPOs), positioning 3M at the forefront of materials science-based innovations.

The 3M Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect, with significantly reduced dust sensitivity compared to physical contact optical connectors, helps data centers accelerate their hyperscale deployment by reducing cleaning and inspection requirements, which accelerates time to build.

As hyperscalers target zero waste, carbon neutrality, becoming water positive, and operating on 100% renewable energy, 3M is exploring materials to help them support their sustainability goals with products such as biobased floor marking tapes, longer life and recyclable air filters and solutions to help improve water usage efficiencies. The 3M Air Containment Barrier Film provides low-carbon alternative to traditional hot-aisle containment. Effective air management is a cornerstone of efficient data center design, as strategic approaches can help significantly reduce energy overhead associated with cooling, lighting, and airflow. Furthermore, 3M vibration and noise damping solutions are helping hyberscalers mitigate nuisance noise and vibration from servers and racks.

Smart grid integration and demand flexibility

Smart grid integration is helping transform how data centers manage their electricity. Advanced, low-voltage switchboards with real-time sensing and load balancing significantly help improve resilience, reduce waste, and accommodate renewable power sources. Notably, demand response flexibility enables data centers to scale back during peak grid usage, a strategy that some advanced hyperscalers are already implementing in collaboration with local utilities.

Flexible data centers not only help utilities avoid costly grid expansions but also accelerate deployment timelines—a recent report from Energy Innovation shows that demand flexibility can reduce the need for new gas generation or grid upgrades.

Why 3M matters for AI-Ready U.S. infrastructure

• Efficiency from installation to operation: By cutting cable prep time and improving reliability, 3M systems help data centers/hyberscalers reduce their labor and downtime risks.
• Next-Gen connectivity: Copper and optical interconnects help data centers/hyperscalers enable high bandwidth with low power and thermal footprint—key for dense AI workloads.
• Lower carbon solutions: 3M is committed to helping customers support their sustainability goals with innovations like biobased floor marking tapes, longer life and recyclable air filters, and solutions to help improve water usage efficiencies. Air barrier film contributes to hot aisle containment strategies that help data centers/hyperscalers meet their thermal requirements and support energy goals.
• Grid-aware infrastructure: Sensor-enabled cabling integrates seamlessly with smart grid and demand-response regimes, aligning with the U.S. aspiration to lead AI infrastructure efficiently.

As the U.S. competes on the global AI stage, data centers must be fast-built, energy-efficient, reliable, and smart-grid ready. 3M integrated solutions—from cable preparation and monitoring tools to optical interconnects and airflow management—help empower operators to meet their demands while also advancing their sustainability. Our innovations help unlock AI’s full potential with less energy, more speed, and greater resilience.

EMERYVILLE, Calif., September 8, 2025 /3BL/ – SCS Standards and Assurance Systems is pleased to announce that version 2.0 of the SCS-111 Certification Standard for Rigid Core Resilient Flooring is now available for public review. 

The Standard and associated certification label (Assure Certified™) were first introduced by SCS Global Services for the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) in January of 2020. SCS-111 builds upon the well-established FloorScore® program by incorporating additional performance criteria. In addition to evaluating indoor air quality, it includes rigorous testing for rigidity, durability and performance, and low heavy metals and ortho-phthalates content.  SCS-111 provides customers the highest level of confidence in the safety and performance of Rigid Core products, supporting the growth of this rapidly expanding market.

Version 2.0 of SCS-111 has been revised to add a new ASTM testing method, the Test Method for Measurement of the Fracture Resistance of a Modular Resilient Flooring’s Profiled Edge(s) to an Applied Vertical Force. This method is in the process of being finalized.

The public is welcome to comment on the version 2.0 updates to the standard until October 3, 2025. To submit comments, please reach out to standards@scsstandards.org, or please visit www.scsstandards.org/standards/certification-standard-rigid-core-vinyl-flooring.

About SCS Standards and Assurance Systems

SCS Standards and Assurance Systems is an organization committed to the development of standards that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Standards are developed in alignment with best practices and guidelines provided by internationally recognized bodies to ensure a robust, transparent, and collaborative approach. SCS Standards and Assurance Systems is the official standards development body for Scientific Certification Systems, Inc. For more information, visit www.SCSstandards.org. 

Media Contact

Victoria Norman

Executive Director

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CLEVELAND, September 8, 2025 /3BL/ — Today, KeyBank (NYSE: KEY) announced the first half 2025 graduating classes of the Key Secured Credit Card® program comprise more than 4,400 clients who have been empowered to improve their credit scores and establish financial stability. Fifty-nine percent of these clients graduated within 12 months of joining the program and 88% have done so within 24 months. Graduation events were increased to quarterly in 2024 to reward clients more frequently when demonstrating credit improvement. These graduations bring the total number of graduates to more than 40,300 clients since the program’s inception in 2019.

The Key Secured Credit Card improves financial wellness by providing eligible clients with opportunities to establish or improve their credit history, bolster savings while building credit, and create better money habits. If clients graduate, their Key Secured Credit Card is upgraded to an unsecured credit card, releasing the funds in their Key Active Saver^® account that were once pledged as collateral. This secured card program can provide a path of access to Key’s traditional credit solutions.

“Consumers need a strong foundation to help them build financial literacy and resiliency, particularly in times of economic volatility,” said Dan Brown, Director of Consumer Product Management at KeyBank. “The Key Secured Credit Card program is designed to provide our clients the building blocks and education needed to move forward on a financial path of success. We’re proud to have helped so many graduates over the last six years gain the necessary skills needed to take the next steps in their financial journeys.”

Since the start of 2024, KeyBank has introduced several enhancements to further support client success. 

• Onboarding communications. The enhanced communication process, introduced in 2024 to our brand-new cardholders, provides access to tools and training to provide greater clarity and transparency to help card holders build credit¹. In 2025, card holders were supported with additional communications around financial education and account engagement communications.
• Graduation support. KeyBank also expanded its support for those still enrolled in the program to help even more clients move toward graduation. Beginning in April 2025, more than 11,400 Key Secured Credit Card holders across a seven-state pilot program were invited to attend two live educational workshops focused on credit scores and reports and debt management.
• Credit Line increases. In 2024, a Credit Line Increase program was introduced as part of the graduation process for those who qualify, which has enabled more than 6,500 graduates to receive a credit line increase upon graduation. This access to additional credit provides more capacity to meet clients’ daily payment needs.
• Access to traditional forms of credit. Additionally, a new Invitation to Apply campaign was launched in June 2025 for graduates ready to transition to traditional credit cards, reaching over 6,100 clients. The ongoing campaign introduces eligible clients to more traditional credit cards like the KeyBank Latitude® and Key Cashback® credit card products.²

Through the Key Secured Credit Card program, this year’s graduates have made major steps to improve their financial wellbeing, such as:

• 72% received a Key Secured Credit Card with no FICO score.
• 28% had a FICO score.
• For those with a FICO score, the average improvement in credit score was 85 points.

For those who entered the program with no FICO score, the average graduation score this year was 724. Throughout the program’s history, those with a FICO score at origination have shown an average increase of 68 points when they graduate³.

Additional Key Secured Credit Card features include:

• While clients build their credit¹, their Key Secured Credit Card deposit must be kept in a Key Active Saver account, allowing users to build their credit and savings in tandem. The monthly maintenance service charge on the Key Active Saver account is waived for Key Secured Credit Card clients.⁴ In addition, there is a $0 annual fee on the Key Secured Credit Card⁵.
• Unlike prepaid or debit cards, the Secured Credit Card reports clients’ history to credit bureaus, allowing them to show progress.
• Cardholders have the ability to check their FICO score⁶ for free anytime in online and mobile banking. It’s quick, easy and does not impact their credit score.
• With Key’s temporary lock security feature, cardholders can easily use online or mobile banking to lock and unlock a misplaced credit card, thus avoiding having to cancel it and open a new one—potentially harming their credit score.

For more information on Secured Credit Card, visit https://www.key.com/personal/credit-cards/key-secured-credit-card.jsp

¹ Use of the Key Secured Credit Card can help build your credit when the minimum payment is made by the due date, each month.

² All credit products are subject to credit approval.

³ Data based KeyBank Secured Card graduation rates from January 1-June 30, 2025.

⁴ The monthly maintenance service charge on the Key Active Saver account will be waived for Key Secured Credit Card clients. The monthly maintenance service charge waiver is only valid as long as the Key Secured Credit Card remains open. If you are graduated to an unsecured card or close your Key Secured Credit Card account, the Key Active Saver monthly maintenance service charge of $4.00 may apply, unless you are the owner on a KeyBank consumer checking account (including KeyBank Hassle-Free Account^®).

⁵ The Key Secured Card requires the card holder to have funds on deposit in a Key Active Saver® account in an amount greater than or equal to the assigned credit limit. The credit limit is determined by your creditworthiness and will be in an amount between $300 – $5,000. The variable APR for purchases is 27.24%. This APR will vary with the market based on Prime Rate. There is a $0.50 minimum finance charge where interest is due. The annual fee is $0. Foreign Transaction fee: 3% of the amount of each foreign transaction after its conversion into U.S. Dollars. Transactions originating in Canada are excluded from this fee. The monthly maintenance service charge on the Key Active Saver account will be waived for Key Secured Credit Card clients. The monthly maintenance service charge waiver is only valid as long as the Key Secured Credit Card remains open. If you are graduated to an unsecured card or close your Key Secured Credit Card account, the Key Active Saver monthly maintenance service charge of $4.00 may apply, unless you are the owner on a KeyBank consumer checking account (including KeyBank Hassle-Free Account®).

⁶ Clients with newly opened credit card accounts may not see their first FICO^® Score in online and mobile banking for up to 90 days after enrollment. In certain circumstances, a FICO^® Score may not be available for various reasons, e.g., having a limited credit history. FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries

ABOUT KEYCORP

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $185 billion at June 30, 2025. 

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

CFMA #250904-3466132

Earlier this summer, devastating floods swept through Texas Hill Country, claiming more than 100 lives and causing widespread damage. Since the storm, Southwire’s Project GIFT volunteers alongside the company’s agent partners at JD Martin have taken action to support flood relief recovery efforts.

Project GIFT, the volunteer branch of the nonprofit Southwire CARES, has held disaster relief as a core cause for 20 years. In the wake of the Texas flooding, Project GIFT supplied 14 pallets of disaster relief kits to areas affected by the storm. Each kit consists of a bucket filled with cleaning supplies and other essential items to aid in the wake of the flooding.

Southwire’s Texas locations—including Arlington, Ft. Worth, Denton, DFW CSC and El Paso—also came together to support flood relief through Project GIFT® donation drives. In addition to these material contributions, Southwire donated $10,000 to help fuel recovery efforts, and team members across the organization donated more than $2,500.

“In times like these, it’s more important than ever that we come together as a community,” said Kristian Whittington, Director of Giving Back. “This recent flood has shown us how powerful compassion and unity can be.”

The Giving Back spirit spread to others within the Southwire community; JD Martin, an agent partner who supports Southwire in the Texas region, furthered their partnership with Project GIFT to expand the relief impact.

JD Martin provided a $50,000 monetary donation to Project GIFT’s Hill Country Flood Relief efforts, which allowed Southwire team members on-site in Texas to prepare an additional 1,250 relief kits. These kits were donated to the San Antonio food bank, which is providing resources to areas impacted by flooding.

“Southwire is proud of our legacy of making a difference in the communities we serve, and we are grateful to have partners like JD Martin who share this commitment,” said Norman Adkins, Southwire’s President and COO. “Their contribution to Project GIFT’s Texas flooding relief efforts reflects our spirit of Giving Back and strengthens the positive impact we can make when we come together.”

Additionally, JD Martin offered to match donations from their employees to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. JD Martin employees raised more than $13,000, which was matched by the company for a total combined contribution of more than $76,000 from JD Martin and their team.

“When we saw the flooding in the Texas Hill Country, we were proud to see Project GIFT step up right away – they’ve always led the charge when communities need it most,” said Greg Baker, President and CEO of JD Martin. “We were so impressed watching them take the lead, just like they did during Hurricane Harvey. It inspired us then, and it inspires us now to make a meaningful impact to help those affected by the flooding get back on their feet.”

For more news and information on Southwire’s Giving Back initiatives, visit southwire.com/sustainability.

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