Tag: 3BL

Cummins

Vignesh V.’s path to Cummins is rooted in a lifelong curiosity about how things work, particularly in the world of automobiles. “I was always fascinated by airplanes and automobiles while growing up. I was always curious about how they worked,” he recalls. “My interest in automobiles piqued during my graduate studies. I took part in an exciting inter-university competition. This experience solidified my interest in automobiles, and since then, I’ve been pursuing a career in the automotive sector.”

Vignesh joined Cummins in 2012, contributing to software deliverables for programs in India and Brazil. In 2020, he transitioned to the role of Electronic Controls Specialist within the Engine Business Unit, where he specializes in developing interface specifications for cutting-edge electronic features, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Maintenance Monitor. He says the work allows customers to configure their truck’s sophisticated diagnostics in a user-friendly way, ultimately making for a better customer experience. “

A strong team dynamic has been integral to Vignesh’s experience at Cummins. Collaboration plays a vital role in his work, as weekly peer review meetings offer opportunities to refine ideas and enhance project outcomes. “I’m fortunate to be part of a very supportive team that collaborates seamlessly. Our weekly peer review meetings allow us to offer and receive constructive feedback on our work.” He also recalls how his manager made a conscious effort to keep the team connected during the early days of the pandemic by organizing virtual games and team-building activities. “These initiatives proved effective in keeping us connected.”

While Vignesh has adapted well to remote work, he acknowledges the benefits of a hybrid approach. “The remote work environment has proven particularly advantageous for me in this position, as it significantly reduces the time spent transitioning between meetings. Additionally, the design aspect of our work sometimes requires creativity, which I find working from home is more productive. However, I also feel it is important to have face-to-face interactions with colleagues. In-person meetings facilitate faster learning through direct engagement with experts, allowing for immediate clarification on any design questions as they come up.”

The impact of Vignesh’s work extends beyond his team and the company. Through Cummins INSITE, the tools and interfaces he helps develop have received positive feedback from OEM service managers, who appreciate how the technology simplifies service processes. “Yes, in my current role, the work we do is published via Cummins INSITE, and I have received positive feedback from OEM service managers about the ease of using the tool, accessing features, and being able to run service tests with a single click of a button.”

For those considering a career at Cummins, Vignesh offers valuable insights. “Cummins is a great place to start your career. There are various avenues for professional development such as rotational programs for new hires where you get to work in various departments exploring different business segments over a period. There are opportunities for internal job changes and global assignments, and you get friendly and supportive coworkers and a diverse and inclusive environment where you can work with people from across the world.”

Throughout his time at Cummins, Vignesh has remained driven by curiosity and a passion for innovation. His journey reflects a blend of technical expertise, collaboration, and a deep commitment to making an impact. As he continues to embrace new challenges and explore emerging technologies, his contributions will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the future of automotive engineering at Cummins and beyond.

By Candace Higginbotham

Owning a home has long been associated with the American Dream and is an important financial milestone for many people.

Homeownership offers many benefits, both practical and personal. It provides the opportunity to build equity, make use of tax advantages and boost credit scores, and it can be a significant investment opportunity when home values increase.

But for many in our communities, this dream is only a distant hope. Factors such as rising housing costs, limited supply, access to credit and difficulty saving for a down payment can create barriers to homeownership.

“At Regions, promoting and enabling homeownership is part of our community engagement strategy to foster inclusive prosperity,” said Leroy Abrahams, head of Regions Bank Community Engagement.

“Buying a home is an important step toward building generational wealth. Beyond the immediate benefits to families, homeownership also has far-reaching advantages by creating more stable communities and boosting the economies of our neighborhoods and cities. Regions is committed to helping more people reach the goal of owning a home and we have many resources available to assist current and future homeowners.”

Each June, National Homeownership Month offers a platform for Regions Bank associates to educate prospective buyers about homeownership opportunities and share advice, guidance, products and services to help those who may be interested in entering the market.

Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation^® observed National Homeownership Month in a variety of ways this year, including hosting volunteer activities, sponsoring community events and providing support for organizations that help individuals and families purchase a home.

The Regions Foundation is a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank and supports community investments that positively impact communities served by the bank. The foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, and financial wellness.

Building a Bright Future

On June 5, Regions Bank’s Enterprise Compliance Fair and Responsible Banking team spearheaded a Habitat for Humanity build in Bessemer, Alabama.

Team members assisted with the installation of cabinets, application of siding and exterior trim, and removal of sheetrock dust from walls, windows and the floors. The experience was especially meaningful for this Compliance team whose careers are dedicated to promoting equitable access to credit and advancing community development.

“Supporting affordable housing initiatives helps lay the groundwork for long-term financial stability, generational wealth and personal dignity,” said Shontá Ezell, Fair Lending Compliance team lead.

“Contributing to this effort firsthand was a powerful reminder of the important role we can play—both inside and outside the office—in strengthening the communities we are privileged to serve.”
Shontá Ezell, Fair Lending Compliance team lead

A few weeks later, 20 Nashville associates from Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, Commercial Credit Products and Enterprise Solutions gathered for a homebuilding project benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville. The Regions team spent the day building interior and exterior walls that will soon be part of a newly constructed home for a family of six.

Jonathan Tamminga, Commercial Credit Products leader, is no stranger to these kinds of volunteer homebuilding projects and speaks passionately about their impact to the community.

“Homeownership remains an important goal for individuals working to gain greater financial security and Habitat works to make this goal a reality for many deserving families,” Tamminga said. “I especially appreciate supporting their work in Nashville, given our ever-increasing need for affordable and secure housing.”

Tamminga noted that Habitat also provides classes and training to prepare families for the reality of homeownership and equip them with the tools to establish and maintain financial stability.

Sharing Knowledge and Resources

Regions’ Baton Rouge Mortgage Loan Officer Deeann Polk and Branch Manager Melita Hatch didn’t wield hammers and saws, but they had their own special toolkit handy for the June 24 Own It! A Homeownership Forum, hosted by Bank On Baton Rouge. Polk and Hatch, along with realtors, inspectors and other specialists, were on hand to talk with prospective homebuyers about navigating the buying process.

“Our homeownership forum was created to reach the unbanked and underbanked communities, or anyone who has a goal of homeownership,” said Crystal Ward, community impact senior operations director at Capital Area United Way. “Experienced professionals were on hand to provide education and answer questions from potential homeowners. We were so proud to have Regions Bank as a community partner in this successful event.”

Marching For Mortgages

What better way to celebrate National Homeownership Month than a Homeownership Parade?

The Regions St. Louis-area Mortgage team will be participating in the Black Wall Street 314 Festival on June 28. The event is dedicated to uplifting the community through cultural celebration, economic empowerment and educational initiatives. It commemorates the once-vibrant economic activity of the Historic Wellston Loop in North St. Louis and brings more than 5,000 attendees to the area to encourage business activity and economic development.

“Regions is proud to be a supporter of this historic area and a sponsor of the festival” said Jeff Fothergill, Mortgage Production manager in Clayton, Missouri. “Our branch in Wellston delivers advice, guidance and education that helps families get ahead financially, while our financial support of local initiatives like the Gateway Neighborhood Fund helps homeowners realize their dreams.”

“Our branch in Wellston delivers advice, guidance and education that helps families get ahead financially, while our financial support of local initiatives like the Gateway Neighborhood Fund helps homeowners realize their dreams.”
Jeff Fothergill, Mortgage Production manager in Clayton, Missouri

Opening Up Opportunities through Lending and Investment

A snapshot of Regions’ National Homeownership Month activities would not be complete without a nod to the ongoing work of Regions Community Development Corporation^® (RCDC). This wholly owned subsidiary of Regions Bank provides financing for projects, initiatives and organizations that serve community development purposes, which includes loans and investments for programs that are economically viable but may not qualify for conventional commercial bank underwriting.

Recently, the RCDC finalized a $5 million loan to the Housing Assistance Council, a community development financial institution that supports affordable housing efforts in rural America. Rural communities face unique challenges when it comes to housing, with potential homeowners often experiencing higher construction costs and fewer opportunities to access credit.

“The Regions Bank footprint covers a significant number of rural communities, and we are keenly aware of the unique needs that many people in those areas face when it comes to affordable housing,” said David Christian, chief operating officer of RCDC. “I’m pleased that we can collaborate with organizations such as the Housing Assistance Council to help increase homeownership opportunities in less populated areas.”

Conversely, RCDC understands homeownership challenges in urban areas, as well. It recently increased an existing commitment to the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership (ANDP), a nonprofit that acquires and rehabs single family homes in the metro Atlanta area and sells them back to community residents.

The Regions Foundation is also a supporter of ANDP, as well as many other community organizations that enable homeownership. Recently the foundation finalized a $200,000 grant for Navigate Affordable Housing Partners, specifically their Fortis Program, which creates homeownership opportunities in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. This funding will create new high-quality, energy efficient homes for four families in Birmingham’s Woodlawn neighborhood.

Another organization in Regions’ headquarters city, Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham, is leveraging Regions Foundation funding to assist homeowners. A recent $150,000 grant will allow the organization’s Healthy Housing Initiative to provide housing rehabilitation, energy-related upgrades and weatherization repairs and improvements for low-income homeowners, many who are seniors.

National Homeownership Month is a great opportunity to highlight this important investment, but Regions is committed to supporting and empowering homeowners throughout the year. Free guidance, tools and resources are available at the Regions Next Step^® Homeownership Resource Center.

Find more National Homeownership Month articles on Doing More Today:

• Home is Where the Wealth is: While there is uncertainty on a host of fronts, Pete Boomer, head of Regions Mortgage, shares why homeownership remains a fundamental part of building financial health — and wealth.
• In the Limelight: Moses Henry. Regions Community Mortgage Loan Officer recognized for role pioneering lending program for Habitat for Humanity in Jacksonville to increase access to homeownership.
• Back in the Family — and Just in Time with Regions Mortgage. Joe Miller had just about given up on the chance to buy his great grandparent’s home to give newborn son, Dakota, room to grow and make memories. But then he met Regions Mortgage Loan Officer JK Keasler.
• Best Remedy for Mortgage Fraud: Stop, Call and Confirm. Be wary of urgent requests and consult professionals before sending money.

Originally published by Mastercard
By Sophie Hares

When the pandemic upended cities and forced thousands of businesses to close in 2020, Daria and Oksana Kulachek bucked the trend. Armed with flaky pistachio croissants and creamy gateaux, they launched Defidu Bakery in downtown Prague.

It was the start of a rollercoaster ride for the Ukrainian-born pair, with Oksana baking coconut rolls from dawn while her daughter Daria covered everything from dishwashing to accounts. But their bet paid off, and with some guidance and tools from the Mastercard Strive Czechia program, the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth’s joint initiative with CARE to help entrepreneurs thrive in the digital economy, within just a few months their business began to boom.

Now, five years later, they have an ambitious plan to find Californian franchise partners who share their passion for pastry and can carve out a niche for the European café among Los Angeles’ food trucks and high-end eateries.

Despite the initial rocky start, Daria credits the pandemic with shaping Defidu into a resilient business by forcing it to focus from the outset on building its social media profile and creating a robust e-commerce site to take orders.

“I don’t know if there have been worse conditions for business, before or after that,” Daria says. “Adopting or building the systems early on is really helpful for small businesses because it is way harder to relearn than to learn from the beginning.”

Rock-bottom pandemic-era rents also played into their hands. They were able to snare a coveted storefront in the heart of the city to sell cakes and pastries Oksana had perfected at cooking schools in Barcelona and Paris.

When Daria sent pictures of her mom’s cakes to DesignBlok, the Prague International Design Festival, orders suddenly took off, and they were able to open their second venue in a more touristy area at the start of 2021. 

Fast forward to franchise efforts

Defidu, which now employees a team of eight additional staff (including Daria’s younger brother), has also parlayed its popularity into a profitable business-to-business catering venture. Defidu catering supplies large orders of sweet and savory items for company parties and events across the city — and has boosted their investments in vans and cooking equipment upgrades.

Focusing on building a new e-commerce platform that works better for its catering clients, Daria is increasingly relying to AI to streamline Defidu’s ordering processes, automate invoices and analyze product performance and pricing. While the Czech language is similar to Ukrainian, AI tools are useful to fine-tune local language marketing materials for Daria, who moved to Prague to study architecture in 2014 (her mother followed a few years later).

Today, Daria is focused on paying forward the digital support and mentorship she received from Mastercard Strive — which is aims to help at least 10,000 Ukrainian entrepreneurs displaced by the war — by helping other displaced Ukrainians get ventures off the ground. She encourages them to tap into AI as it provides a quick way for entrepreneurs to build their own apps and cheaply test drive their ideas.

“It’s way faster,” she says. “You don’t need to build all those imaginary castles in your head, invest all this effort, if not money, to develop something, and then to realize that nobody actually wants it.”

“Defidu Bakery shows us what’s possible when talent meets the right tools,” says Payal Dalal, the Center’s executive vice president. “With digital solutions and expert mentorship, a mother and daughter turned a single cake into a thriving business that inspires others. Their success is a powerful reminder that when we equip entrepreneurs for the digital economy, we don’t just support small businesses — we spark transformation.”

The hunt for franchise partners has forced Daria to carefully write down each stage of her family’s recipes and streamline Defidu’s business to make it easier to potential investors to understand. More than building a successful family business, she wants to create a legacy based on Oksana’s recipes that could be passed down to future generations.

“We don’t want a franchise just to simply make money and profit from it,” she says. “There’s a lot of people who have money in this world, but there’s not many people who have the same values.”

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

With global warming intensifying and 2024 marking the warmest year on record, the need for climate-conscious landscaping practices has never been greater. Fortunately, nature offers resilient solutions.

Drought-tolerant turfgrasses like clover and buffalo grass, when integrated with native plants, empower homeowners and communities to harness the vital environmental benefits of lawns and green spaces in our changing world.

Here are 10 powerful ways lawns contribute to a sustainable future and enhanced well-being:

1: Sequestering Carbon

Natural turfgrass is a highly effective carbon sink, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change. Its extensive leaf surface area surpasses that of many other plants, making it a carbon sequestration powerhouse.

Impressively, a well-nourished lawn can capture twice the amount of carbon from the atmosphere in a single year compared to a tree over a decade.

2: Combating urban heat islands

The increasing prevalence of heat-absorbing urban landscapes, dominated by concrete and asphalt, exacerbates rising temperatures, creating dangerous heat islands.

In contrast, well-maintained lawns and landscapes act as natural cooling systems, reducing surface temperatures by a significant 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit compared to bare soil, and 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than streets and driveways.

3: Mitigating drought

Lawns play an active role in drought mitigation by optimizing water infiltration and promoting sustainable water management. Integrating more green spaces with trees, native plants, and natural turfgrass in urban areas fosters the development of “sponge cities,” which are better equipped to absorb rainfall and filter water efficiently, enhancing overall drought resilience.

4: Minimizing flood risk

Natural turfgrass and other green elements act as natural buffers against heavy rainfall, reducing the strain on stormwater runoff systems and mitigating flooding.

A 5,000-square-foot natural grass lawn on sandy-loam soil can capture approximately 2,000 gallons of rainwater before runoff occurs, effectively slowing the flow of water during intense storms and preventing erosion.

5: Increasing oxygen production

Lawns are significant producers of life-sustaining oxygen through the process of photosynthesis.

A 2,500-square-foot lawn generates enough oxygen to meet the daily needs of a family of four, while a single acre of natural turfgrass produces enough oxygen for 64 people every day.

6: Improving air quality

Natural turfgrass acts as an air purifier, effectively trapping dirt and dust particles, leading to a cleaner environment and improved air quality. Airborne dust not only poses respiratory risks but can also reduce urban sunlight by up to 15 percent in the form of smog.

7: Reducing noise pollution

Turfgrass is a natural, acoustically absorbent material that effectively dampens sound waves interacting with the ground.

Grassy slopes and greenbelts along roadways can reduce noise levels by a noticeable 8-10 decibels, providing significant relief for those living near busy traffic or in densely populated urban areas.

8: Fostering healthier communities’

Accessible green spaces are vital for promoting physical activity, relaxation, and social interaction within communities. The decline or absence of robust green spaces can negatively impact productivity, increase susceptibility to anxiety, and contribute to a decline in overall mental health.

9: Providing safer playing surfaces

Natural turfgrass offers a significantly softer and more shock-absorbent surface for recreational activities and sports compared to artificial turf. The NFL Players Association has recognized the lower incidence and severity of injuries on natural grass, advocating for the conversion of artificial practice and game fields.

10: Promoting biodiversity

Lawns and green spaces contribute to biodiversity by providing essential habitat for various wildlife and plant species. Diverse green areas also attract crucial pollinators, such as bees, and the natural decomposition of grass enriches the soil, adding over 6,500 pounds of organic matter annually to an area the size of a football field.

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About ScottsMiracle-Gro
With approximately $3.6 billion in sales, the Company is the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company’s brands are among the most recognized in the industry. The Company’s Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hawthorne Gardening Company, is a leading provider of nutrients, lighting, and other materials used in the indoor and hydroponic growing segment. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com. 

A message from PNC Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer Richard Bynum
PNC has long been an engaged and responsible company, rooted in the belief that meaningful relationships are built and strengthened through honest and transparent dialogue and action. Our guiding principle across all our businesses is to do right by our customers, employees, shareholders and the communities we serve.
 
With a theme of “Doing right is a brilliant way to do business,” the 2024 PNC Corporate Responsibility Report provides valuable insight into our measurable impact and reflects our commitment to strengthen the trust of our stakeholders by managing our business with integrity, transparency and accountability. We know that a strong foundation in governance and risk management helps drive our company’s success and positive reputation.
 
Key 2024 highlights include:

• Deployed $28.5 billion of the $88 billion committed through our four-year Community Benefits Plan, bringing our total since 2022 to $85.5 billion. 
   
• Celebrated 20 years of PNC Grow Up Great® in 2024. Since 2004, our signature philanthropic focus has provided nearly $270 million in grants to organizations championing high-quality early childhood education, and our employees have volunteered more than 1.2 million hours in support. 
   
• Continued to meet our customers where they are, with more than 3,100 mobile branch deployments, traveling over 89,000 miles in 2024 and serving more than 22,000 individuals. 
   
• Mobilized $6.11 billion in environmental financing, cumulatively bringing us very close to achieving our $30 billion environmental finance pledge, which we expect will be satisfied by the end of 2025. 
   
• Launched the PNC Climate Solutions Partner program. This skill-building initiative educates PNC employees on our Climate Action Strategy and enables front-line employees to better support our customers as they develop and work through their own unique climate goals and plans. 
   
• More than 9,500 employees have enrolled in academic programs through PNC’s education benefits over the last two years. 

None of PNC’s achievements would be possible without the talent and commitment of my 55,000-plus colleagues who are focused on delivering for our stakeholders every day. Thank you for your contributions that make PNC a dependable neighbor, company and employer. Collectively, will continue to focus on running our business reliably, with integrity and in service of our stakeholders.

Media Contact:
Heidi Barker, Director, Corporate Responsibility Communications

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by Entergy Corporate

Although the heat of summer can increase electricity use and energy costs, Entergy is committed to helping customers stay cool and save money throughout the hotter months with bill management tools and resources. Our online Bill Toolkit connects customers to energy efficiency tips and resources, as well as information about bill management and financial assistance options.

Tracking energy use through myAdvisor

Entergy customers can set electric usage alerts and monitor how much energy they use each day through bill management tools like myAdvisor, which is available through their myEntergy account online. Tracking usage over time can help customers identify trends that contribute to higher usage and budget their monthly expenses. With the myAdvisor dashboard, customers have access to not only usage and cost details, but also bill history and projections, analyzer tools and more. On the Entergy mobile app this information can be found by tapping the “usage” tab.

Managing bills through payment options

We also offer several flexible payment options, so customers can choose when, where and how they receive their bills:

• Pick-A-Date allows customers to pay their bills when it works best for them.
• Level Billing allows customers to “level out” seasonal energy use fluctuations, making their bills more consistent every month.
• PaperFREE billing allows customers to get their bills emailed as soon as they post and instant access to two years of billing history.
• AutoPay allows customers to avoid late fees, writing checks and paying for postage by having bills automatically deduct from their bank accounts.

We encourage customers who may need additional payment options to . To see if you qualify for deferred payment arrangements or payment extensions, visit our mobile app or myEntergy.

Finding financial help

We’re here to help customers needing extra help with paying their energy bills. Throughout this summer, our “Beat the Heat” program is focused on helping low-income customers and communities stay cool and pay their bills. The program provides bill payment help, cooling fans and energy efficiency kits and support from local community partners to help hundreds of residential customers across the Entergy region.

We’re also partnering with local and state organizations to connect qualified customers with financial help, including:

• The Power to Care program provides emergency bill payment assistance to older adults and customers with disabilities.
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP provides financial assistance for energy bills and other energy-related expenses.
• Single Stop makes it easy for customers to quickly and confidentially check their eligibility for federal, state and local financial assistance.

For more ways to save energy and money, customers can visit BillToolkit.entergy.com.

Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability, resilience and growth of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and follow @Entergy on social media. #WePowerLife

Corporate Social Responsibility at Entergy

For more than 100 years, Entergy has powered life in our communities through strategic philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy’s corporate social responsibility initiatives help create and sustain thriving communities, position the company for sustainable growth and are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our top CSR priorities are education/workforce development, poverty solutions/social services and environmental programs. Entergy annually contributes $16-$18 million in shareholder-funded grants to approximately 2,000 nonprofit organizations in the communities where we operate. In addition, our employees volunteer more than 100,000 hours in those communities’ values at more than $3 million.

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World-class equipment, technology and services company, CNH, has taken another step in its commitment to lead sustainable development in the agriculture and construction sector in Brazil.

CNH has joined the UN Global Compact, a United Nations (UN) initiative to mobilize companies to align their strategies with ten universal principles in the areas of Human Rights, Labor, Environment and Anti-Corruption.

The company, which is already a signatory to the Compact at the global level, became part of the Brazil Network and will join the Platform for Sustainable Agro action, joining companies engaged in contributing to the goals of the SDGs – UN Sustainable Development Goals, which are linked to the agriculture agenda.

“We have no doubt about the centrality of agribusiness in the Brazilian economy and its increasingly relevant role for sustainable development. Once again, CNH and its Case IH and New Holland brands take the lead in facing today’s challenges. And CNH becomes the first representative among agricultural machinery manufacturers to become a member of the Global Compact Brazil Network,” said Rafael Miotto, President Latin America at CNH.

The Platform for Action for Sustainable Agriculture is focused on advancing SDG 2 – Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13 – Action Against Global Climate Change. CNH is already globally committed to supporting the advancement of all these goals and, in addition to these, it also prioritizes SDGs 3, 8 and 10, focused on Health and Well-Being; Decent Work and Economic Growth; and Reduction of Inequalities.

The UN Global Compact currently has more than 25 thousand members in 62 local networks, covering 167 countries.

CNH is also recognized for its ESG leadership for agriculture and construction. Among the most recent highlights are the second place in the category of electrical machinery and components in the S&P Dow Jones World and North America Sustainability Indexes, standing out among the top 5% of the industry in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook, a globally recognized sustainability yearbook. The company was also recognized with leadership scores in CDP’s Climate and Water Security ratings.

AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, OAKLAND, Calif., July 8, 2025 /3BL/ – Cascale, the global nonprofit alliance of more than 300 members across the consumer goods industry, has elected a new board director and re-elected two incumbent board directors to serve on its Board of Directors. These elections to the organization’s parity-based Board ensure equitable representation across manufacturers, affiliates, and brands & retailers to guide Cascale’s aim of powering collective action for a more sustainable, restorative consumer goods industry.

Cascale is pleased to welcome the following new board director:

Mallory McConnell, VP, Corporate Responsibility Operations, PVH Corp
McConnell is a seasoned sustainability executive at PVH Corp, where she leads global programs in ethical sourcing, social compliance, and environmental impact, integrating human rights and environmental stewardship across the apparel supply chain. With over a decade of experience, she has designed and implemented ESG strategies that boost operational efficiency and drive long-term business value. A strategic, solutions-driven leader, McConnell excels at building cross-sector partnerships, enhancing transparency, and delivering measurable impact. She will join Cascale’s Board as the representative for the Brand & Retailer member caucus.

Cascale also congratulates the following individuals on their re-election to the board:

Tamar Hoek, Senior Policy Director, Sustainable Fashion, Solidaridad and Cascale Board Chair
Hoek serves as senior policy director, sustainable fashion for Solidaridad, where she leads global advocacy on climate action, decent work, and responsible purchasing in fashion supply chains. She collaborates with public and private stakeholders to advance sustainable practices and effective regulation. Hoek has served on Cascale’s Board representing affiliate members since 2021, and contributes to multi-stakeholder initiatives including Better Cotton and the Policy Hub. At Solidaridad, she aligns industry actors to drive measurable improvements and impact in fashion production worldwide. Hoek will continue to represent Cascale’s Affiliate member caucus.

Krishna Manda, Vice President, Corporate Sustainability, Lenzing Group and Cascale Board Vice Chair
Manda is Vice President of Corporate Sustainability at Lenzing Group, where he embeds responsible practices into core business functions and fosters culture change anchored in sustainability values. He leads executive-level strategy for TENCEL™, ECOVERO™, and REFIBRA™ fibers—advancing circular-economy solutions in fashion, home textiles, and hygiene products. Since 2022, Manda has served on Cascale’s Board representing the Manufacturer member caucus. He previously co-chaired the Policy Hub from 2020–2022 and holds a Ph.D. in Sustainability from Utrecht University. He will continue to represent the Manufacturer member caucus.

“The 2025 class brings both continuity and fresh insights,” said Harsh Saini, Cascale Board Director, Governance & Nomination Committee Chair, and interim CEO (as of August 1). “Tamar and Krishna’s ongoing service, together with Mallory’s operational expertise, will strengthen our Board’s ability to steer Cascale’s strategic plan and drive transformative industry change.”

“Strong governance is the backbone of Cascale’s impact,” said Colin Browne, Cascale CEO. “With this mix of experienced directors and new talent at the helm, I’m confident we’ll accelerate our mission—leveraging data, driving collective action, and continuing to build an industry that gives more than it takes.”

The newly-elected directors will be officially seated at the Q3 Board meeting in Hong Kong on September 15, 2025, which will be held in conjunction with the 2025 Cascale Annual Meeting.

Cascale also extends its heartfelt thanks to Sean Cady, vice president, global sustainability, responsibility, trade and government affairs at VF Corporation, whose dedicated service on the Cascale Board concludes this September 2025. Sean’s steadfast leadership has laid a strong foundation for the organization’s continued progress. The Board is grateful for his many contributions and looks forward to building on the momentum he helped create.

For more information about Cascale’s governance and to view the current Board of Directors, please visit our governance webpage.

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

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Saint-Gobain North America announced today that CisLee Trost, Project Engineer for CertainTeed and a graduate of Saint-Gobain’s Essentials of Manufacturing engineering manufacturing training program, has been named the overall winner in the Next-Generation Leader category at the Manufacturing Leadership Council’s 2025 Manufacturing Leadership Awards.

In her two years with Saint-Gobain North America, CisLee has helped to lead a multi-million dollar project, focused on implementing a significant waste recycling process at CertainTeed’s Commercial Building Envelope plant in Little Rock, Arkansas. Now a full-time Reliability Engineer at the facility following the conculsion of her Essentials of Manufacturing rotation, CisLee has been recognized as a Next-Generation Leader for her effective management skills and her leadership style based on trust, empowerment, and collaboration.

The Manufacturing Leadership Council is the digital transformation division of the National Association of Manufacturers, the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Established in 2005, the Manufacturing Leadership Awards recognizes operational and leadership excellence and the companies and leaders that are shaping the future of global manufacturing.

“Congratulations to CisLee on her recognition as a Next-Generation Leader by the National Association of Manufacturers’ Manufacturing Leadership Awards”, said Mark Rayfield, CEO of Saint-Gobain North America. “We are extremely proud to see the emergence of young leaders in manufacturing who will carry our company and industry forward and truly embrace our mission of Making the World A Better Home”.

In addition to CisLee’s win, Saint-Gobain’s Circular Economy Solutions strategic business venture and CertainTeed’s innovative modular building solution ONE PRECISION ASSEMBLIES® were also recognized as finalists at the Manufacturing Leadership Awards in the categories of Sustainability/Circularity and Business Model Transformation respectively.

This recognition is the latest Saint-Gobain North America has received in recent months for its commitment to the development of a dynamic workplace.

• In May, Saint-Gobain North America was honored with a Silver Stevie® Award for Large Manufacturing Company of the year in the 2025 American Business Awards®. The award in celebrated Saint-Gobain’s circularity initiatives, rapid growth in North America, and commitment to building the future of the manufacturing industry.
• Also in May, Saint-Gobain received a 2025 Better Practice Award from the U.S. Department of Energy for its Energy Management System Implementation Program.
• In January, Saint-Gobain announced that it had received a strong 90 out of 100 score in the Human Rights Campaign’s Foundation’s 2024-2025 Corporate Equality Index for its commitment to workforce protections and non-discrimination policies, inclusive benefits, and long-running Live Open Employee Resource Group;
• Earlier in January, Saint-Gobain was one of only 17 companies worldwide to be recognized as a global Top Employer by the Top Employer Institute, a honor it has received for the tenth consecutive year.

With over 160 manufacturing locations in the United States and Canada, every current and future member of the company’s team plays a vital role in achieving its sustainability goals. A current list of job openings at all Saint-Gobain locations can be found on the company’s career website.

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050

For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit www.saint-gobain.com and follow us on Twitter @saintgobain

Media Contacts
Peter Clark
(+1) 603 513 8513

UPDATE: July 7, 2025

Flooding continues to affect communities in Central Texas, with Kerr County among the hardest hit. We’re staying closely connected with federal, state and local public safety teams and emergency management agencies in the region to ensure our support meets the region’s needs.

Community Support Update

T-Mobile teams are on the ground in Kerrville helping communities stay connected. We are currently offering free Wi-Fi, device charging and charging supplies, while supplies last. All community members are welcome to stop by any time. Wi-Fi and device charging will be available 24 hours a day but may change:

• T-Mobile Store – Junction Hwy & E Sunset Dr. Address: 1304 Junction Hwy, Ste 1100, Kerrville, TX 78028

And tomorrow, July 8, we’ll have a second location with Wi-Fi and charging from 9 am to 5 pm CT, along with charging supplies while they last:

• City West Church. Address: 3139 Junction Hwy, Ingram, TX 78025

Network Update

Our Emergency Management team deployed a SatCOLT (Satellite Cell on Light Truck) at the Unified Command Center in Kerrville to boost coverage inside the building and in the surrounding area. We also staged additional SatCOLTs nearby to respond to emerging needs.

We’ve also deployed a search and rescue drone to help first responders and to further assess damage giving a better view of remote or inaccessible areas.

Yesterday, we enabled T-Satellite with Starlink for T-Mobile customers to use text-to-911 and basic text messaging. T-Satellite also broadcasts wireless emergency alerts to compatible devices in the area.

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July 5, 2025

As catastrophic flash flooding strikes Central Texas, our hearts are with everyone affected — especially the residents of Kerr County, where the devastation has been most severe.  

T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert shared an update about our community support and network status earlier today:  

My heart is with everyone in Texas as this terrible flooding impacts so many.

@TMobile’s network is holding strong. We’re providing supplemental coverage to support first responders, have community support vehicles ready to help as soon as it’s safe, and we’re in touch with Show more

Community Support on the Ground 

Our Community Support team is enroute to Kerrville with trucks and trailers to provide free Wi-Fi, charging and supplies at the reunification center. They’re expected to arrive this evening — we’ll share location details as soon as they’re confirmed. 

Coordinating with Emergency Agencies 

T-Mobile is coordinating with state and local agencies and is working closely with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to help ensure critical connectivity and resources are available where needed most. 

We stand with our customers, communities and public safety partners as response and recovery efforts continue. Please visit T-Mobile Emergency Response and follow the T-Mobile Newsroom on X and Instagram for the latest updates. 

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