Wesco 2025 Sustainability Report: Wesco Cares Philanthropic Program

Read the 2025 Wesco Sustainability Report here

Our Wesco Cares Philanthropic Program

Giving back to our communities is an essential part of who we are. That commitment is the inspiration behind Wesco Cares. The corporate philanthropic program allows Wesco to make a positive and lasting impact within the communities where our employees work and reside.

WESCO CARES INITIATIVES

Corporate Giving: In support of organizations whose missions address affordable housing, humanitarian aid and education with a STEM/STEAM focus.

Employee Gift Matching: Matching of donations up to $5,000 per employee per year1.

Employee Assistance: Providing one-time grants to employees suffering catastrophic loss to help them get back on their feet.

Every year, we are humbled by our employees’ generosity. Many of our locations also support local groups and causes that matter to them. Their acts of kindness have included donating stuffed animals to pediatric hospital patients, supporting domestic violence shelters and more.

We’re grateful for the charitable work of our team members and encourage others to follow suit.

Wesco Cares Corporate Partnerships

Habitat for Humanity International

Our annual pledge to Habitat for Humanity International helps families around the globe attain affordable housing while achieving the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves.

This year, Wesco contributed approximately $300,000 to support worldwide projects including Habitat’s Home Equals five-year global advocacy campaign, as well as fund the construction of homes in Monte de Sion, Chiapas, Mexico. The homes will be built with recycled materials and include energy efficient features including a biodigester, solar heating, bathrooms with a rainwater collector and an energy-saving wood stove. Wesco contributed approximately $200,000 towards team builds in the United States and Canada and sponsorship of the 2024 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.

Since 2022, Wesco has participated in the completion of nearly 125 home build projects with Habitat for Humanity. Wesco employees participated in projects including new home construction, home repairs and rehab projects with local affiliates within the communities where they work and reside. The company’s work alongside Habitat has ranged from a community renovations project in São Paulo, Brazil, to a roof wind mitigation project in Orlando, Florida, as well as supporting projects in England, Mexico and New Zealand and the Carter Work Project for the last two years.

Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity

Wesco became the inaugural sponsor of Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity’s Regional Repair Collaborative in 2023. This partnership is having a profound impact on homeowners in need, fostering stronger and more resilient communities across the region.

The Regional Repair Collaborative, initiated by Chicagoland Habitat, is focused on addressing critical repairs and improvements for homes in neighborhoods served by the seven Habitat affiliate locations in the six-county area.

As the inaugural sponsor, Wesco provides financial resources and
employee volunteers to enhance the reach and impact of the Repair
Collaborative. Our dedication to promoting safe and sustainable living spaces aligns perfectly with Habitat for Humanity’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. In 2024, Wesco contributed $250,000 to Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity and the Regional Repair Collaborative.

“We are proud to expand our partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Wesco’s mission is to build, connect, power and protect our world and contributing to Habitat’s worldwide projects is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the communities where we live and work.”

John Engel, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wesco

Wesco Cares Corporate Partnerships

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross recognized Wesco for its pledge of $500,000 to the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). By donating to Red Cross Disaster Relief, Wesco helps ensure the organization can quickly respond to disasters big and small across the U.S. and help people in need at a moment’s notice.

ADGP members, along with their employees and customers, pledge financial and in-kind donations in advance of disasters to power the Red Cross with the infrastructure, volunteers, technology and resources to provide relief in times of crisis. These donations enable the Red Cross to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice — offering a safe place to sleep, a nutritious meal, emotional support and supplies to aid in recovery — while also helping prepare people and communities for future disasters.

In partnership with the American Red Cross, Wesco hosted American Red Cross First Aid Kit Builds at 10 of our sites across the country during our annual Day of Caring, providing needed supplies for the Red Cross’s shelter care. Wesco also hosted a MapSwipe event with employees globally, improving the Red Cross’s ability to respond to disasters.

“We at Wesco are honored to join other ADGP members in empowering the Red Cross to deliver its lifesaving mission.”

John Engel, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wesco

Pittsburgh Penguins

Wesco partners with the Pittsburgh Penguins on the following STEM and STEAM initiatives:

STEAM LENDING LIBRARY

The STEAM Lending Library allows schools in 22 counties across Western Pennsylvania to provide students with access to technological education. Each participating intermediate unit will house a library of learning tools and STEAM-focused toys available to teachers.

STICKS AND STEM AND SCIENCE AT PLAY

Wesco is a participating partner for two in-arena STEM events. Science at Play is a summertime science fair that brings fans to the arena to learn from experts in STEM by participating in hands-on workshops. There is an in- season version of this event, Sticks and STEM, that has similar workshops on the concourse but is followed by a Penguins game where students can see science at play in the game of hockey.

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

1Please note, this amount has increased for 2025 to $5,000 per employee per year.

About This Report

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

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.

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Guiding Stars: Nourishing Meals With Five Ingredients or Less

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

by Allison Stowell

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder of the impact cancer has on the diagnosed individual and their loved ones. Among the many outcomes of treatment can be physical and mental exhaustion for daily activities like cooking. Nutritious, easy-to-make meals, with just five ingredients or less, can help. This approach combines ingredients to build balanced, nourishing meals that come together with less time and effort. It also embraces affordable ingredients that are easy to store when accessing groceries is difficult.

Step #1: Protein

Begin by making versatile proteins that are easy to prepare and flexible to use in a variety of dishes. The key is to choose options that can be prepped easily and cooked in thirty minutes or less. Consider the size of cuts of chicken or meat for faster cooking (go for smaller meatballs and make meatloaf in two small loaf pans, for example). Vary the seasonings and preparation methods for even more flexibility and versatility.

Step #2: Make It Into a Meal

Next, add ingredients as puzzle pieces to bring simple meals together. This approach, rather than meal prepping, satisfies different preferences and works well with fluctuating appetites and meal timing. The goal is to have the following four options on hand to bring dishes together without a recipe in minutes:

Grains and Starches

Aim for a variety of grains and starches, including starchy vegetables. When possible, choose whole grains, which provide a variety of micronutrients, fiber, and protein. Be sure to include nutrient-rich, colorful starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes or butternut squash. And think about convenience first! Look for Guiding Stars earning frozen or shelf stable products that can be prepared quickly and with less effort. Or visit the produce section for pre-washed or diced options that save you time. Some other items to consider are microwavable grain pouches, frozen or steam-in-bag potatoes, whole grain wraps, soba noodles, and bean-based and higher-protein pasta.

Fruits and Vegetables

Colorful fruits and vegetables provide an assortment of antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals. In the produce section, go for pre-washed greens and veggies to use in quick salads and sides. Make easy-to-work-with options like grape tomatoes, mini sweet bell peppers and cucumbers, baby carrots, clementines, and grapes regulars on the shopping list. Choose frozen options or no-salt-added canned options too, which are easy to store and convenient to prepare. And don’t forget wild blueberries, diced mango, and other frozen fruits for flavorful, nutritious smoothies or oatmeal.

Nutritious Add-Ons

Keep a variety of ingredients on hand to boost the nutrition of your dish. Choose easy “add-ons” that deliver heart-healthy fat, fiber, and other nutrients. Go for options like edamame (frozen, shelled, steam-in-bag), which adds 9 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber in just a half cup. Or choose no-salt-added canned beans, guacamole or hummus, or nuts or seeds.

Flavor Add-Ons

Lastly, make any dish more interesting with salad dressing, salsa, pico de gallo, herb blends, spices, tzatziki, or other flavorful dips or sauces. These flavor add-ons can help you elevate a simple sandwich or recreate leftovers. They can also bring international flair to a rice bowl or simply add something extra to a traditional plate.

Looking for simple recipes that are made from five ingredients or less? Go for one of these Guiding Stars earning options:

Coconut Chili Fish Curry

Speedy Salmon

Spicy Baked Fish

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

*Image by Freepik

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This Habit Burger & Grill PR Lead Helps Foster Children One Backpack at a Time

Yum! Brands

Laura Gosselin took up writing mainly because her teachers complimented her work. “It was the only thing I was ever good at in school,” she admitted. This skill would eventually lead Gosselin to securing a Master’s in Fine Arts, landing a children’s book deal and getting hired at Habit Burger & Grill as its PR and communications lead – this was her expected path.

But a chance dinner led her to an unexpected side hustle as the cofounder of Give Back Pack. Her friend, Holly Hoffman Ratzlaff, had just come from her child law class that had covered the nuances of the foster care system, which became the topic of discussion that evening.

“I could not believe that a social worker shows up to a house with a trash bag, tells the kid to collect all their things and then takes them away,” Gosselin remembers thinking. “I know that it’s for their best interest in most cases, but at the same time, it just felt so scary.”

She went home that night, troubled, but without an immediate solution, she went on with her daily life. It wasn’t until Christmas that Ratzlaff and Gosselin took action, wanting to give to foster kids instead of buying gifts for their friends who already had all their needs met. The pair founded the Give Back Pack, and that holiday season, donated brand new backpacks, stuffed animals, blankets and pillows to Orange County Social Services, ensuring that foster kids could carry what they cherished in a backpack that they owned – not a trash bag. That was 10 years ago. Since then, the charity has grown to include brand-new backpacks filled with school supplies for back-to-school season, Halloween costumes (new and gently used), and toiletry bags with gift cards and other essentials for teens during the holidays.

Today, Gosselin still pursues her two passions, dividing her time between the Give Back Pack and writing communications campaigns for Habit Burger & Grill. Learn more about her Habit Burger & Grill role, her side hustle and how the two coexist in a symbiotic relationship.

You obviously have a heart for children. Tell us more about your children’s books.

Living in California, my husband and I had connections in the entertainment industry and were approached by an agent who had a series of illustrated books that needed an author. Our daughter had night terrors at the time, so we wrote a story about these monsters, called the Pinkaboos, who scare away the nightmares in little kids’ dreams. It was a really cool experience – we got to travel around, promoting the books at schools, libraries and bookstores. We even appeared on local newscasts.

But selling books is a hard business, and in the end, they didn’t fly off the shelves. It was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to let go of; the harsh reality that they were never going to take off.

How do you keep your writing sharp post-Pinkaboos?

I’m lucky enough that I get to write, and I get to write in a creative way because we’re always doing these weird and wild campaigns at Habit! Our chief marketing officer, Jack Hinchliffe, is a creative visionary. So, I feel fulfilled at the end of the day; I get to flex that muscle all the time.

Leading communications for the brand that boasts the No. 1 burger in the United States is more than a full-time job. How do you also run a nonprofit?

At night, I’ll send emails, responding to groups that are generous enough to donate to us. We even got the CEO of Tilly’s to sell us high quality backpacks at a steep discount because we want these kids to have something they feel proud of.

On the weekends, it’s a family affair. Our daughters and my mom all pack backpacks and end up with backaches by the end because you’re constantly bending over. In the fall, we pack them with school supplies. In October, we provide Halloween costumes, and in December, it’s all about holiday gifts. Thank goodness, social services has a big truck that they drive to my house and pick everything up.

How are these backpacks making a difference?

We have 3,000 foster kids and only 300 available homes. Without a home, the kids are sent to institutions and sleep in a big room with bunk beds. And once they grow up, only 11% are deemed successful, and the definition of success in this case means that they hold at least a minimum wage job.

I can’t fix the system, but I can make sure that many  foster kids have a toothbrush and toothpaste, so they feel clean, that they have a stuffed animal to hold when they’re lonely, that they have a pillow of their own to sleep on and that all of this is held in a quality backpack, not a trash bag. We cover the basics, so they can focus on more important matters, like their long roads ahead.

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Mary Kay Ash Foundation® Awards Nearly $1.3 Million in Grants To Restore Hope for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

DALLAS, October 22, 2025 /3BL/ – The Mary Kay Ash Foundation®, an unwavering champion of supporting survivors of domestic violence and advocating for women’s safety, announced it has awarded more than $1 million in domestic violence shelter grants around the country. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has given more than $58 million in support to end domestic violence and rebuild lives after abuse.

In 2025, grants were awarded to the following domestic violence shelter and support service organizations:

  • Annual Domestic Violence Shelter Grants (51 Grants | $1,020,000)

    Domestic violence shelters in 51 states and U.S. territories received $20,000 grants each totaling over $1 million in unrestricted funds to support life-saving services such as legal aid, counseling, facility improvements, childcare, job readiness training, and more.

  • Local Domestic Violence Shelter Grants (4 Grants | $100,000)

    Awarded four local domestic violence shelters across North Texas with $25,000 grants each totaling $100,000 to address specific community needs. Denton County Friends of the Family, Hope’s Door New Beginning Center, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, and The Family Place provide critical needs to women facing abuse.

  • The National Domestic Violence Hotline ($70,000)

    Announced partnership with The National Domestic Violence Hotline (“The Hotline”) – the nation’s leading resource for survivors and those seeking to support them – to create a nationwide initiative focused on trauma-informed education, community engagement, and life-saving tools to help individuals recognize and respond to abuse. The partnership provides training webinars, downloadable resources, and a series of short videos.

  • The Conference on Crimes Against Women ($75,000) 

    Supported for 19 consecutive years The Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW), an annual community multi-stakeholder conference in Dallas, Texas dedicated to addressing and combating all forms of crimes against women. Drawing 3,000 annually, CCAW is the only conference that addresses all crimes against women with a multidisciplinary focus that encourages a coordinated community response. The 20th edition of the conference took place in May 2025.

    View a full list of 2025 Mary Kay Ash Foundation Domestic Violence Shelter Grant recipients.

“For nearly 30 years, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has been guided by a simple notion: when women thrive, communities thrive,” said Michael Lunceford, President of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors. “From funding innovative women’s cancer research to strengthening services for survivors of domestic violence, at our core we are empowering communities, restoring hope, and giving women the chance to live longer, healthier, safer lives.”

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation has awarded more than $98 million to women’s shelters and domestic violence service providers, as well as cancer research programs and related causes throughout the U.S. For more information, visit marykayashfoundation.org 

***

About Mary Kay Ash Foundation® 
Guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation® raises and distributes funds to end domestic violence and invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for women-related cancers. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has contributed more than $98 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Together, we can make the world better for women. To learn more about how to educate, advocate, volunteer, donate, and join life-saving work to support and empower women, visit marykayashfoundation.org, or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

# # #

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications
newsroom.marykay.com

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8 Reasons Why Your Business Needs an EHS Audit – and How to Get Started

What is an EHS Audit?

An Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) audit is a structured evaluation of your organization’s operations, policies, and procedures to identify risks, ensure compliance, and uncover opportunities for improvement. Regular audits not only safeguard employees and the environment—they also build trust with investors, regulators, and the community.

The Growing Significance of EHS Management in Business

The role that Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) management plays in business has come into greater focus as governments and citizens around the world demand greater transparency and accountability from corporations. Today’s EHS professionals are tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, including regulatory compliance, training, and risk management. Their work can lead to significant cost-savings within organizations.

A proactive EHS audit helps organizations:

  • Ensure regulatory compliance and avoid costly penalties
  • Strengthen workplace safety culture
  • Demonstrate ESG and sustainability performance
  • Identify operational efficiencies and reduce costs

This article explores how EHS audits can help organizations achieve these important outcomes.

EHS Audit Program Objectives

The goal of your organization’s EHS program is typically two-fold:

  1. Ensuring regulatory compliance with government and industry regulations.
  2. Ensuring the safety and well-being of employees and the surrounding community.

An EHS program aims to protect employees and maintain regulatory compliance. To do this, the EHS team conducts an audit—internal or external—to assess current practices and impacts. Audit results guide compliance, highlight improvement areas, and support better processes.

8 Key Reasons to Conduct Regular EHS Audits

Proactive EHS audits of organizational behaviors and protocols should be conducted periodically to ensure ongoing compliance with regulations and industry standards. In sectors involving hazardous materials or machinery, more frequent audits may be necessary.

The following are key benefits why EHS audits are essential and beneficial for businesses:

1. Local Compliance

Compliance with local regulations is fundamental to operating a business or facility within any country.

The complexity of regulations across various jurisdictions can make it challenging for businesses with multiple facilities to keep up. Organizations must either maintain their own regulatory information or work with EHS audit service providers who manage regulatory databases.

For practical guidance, refer to the blog “How to Build an Effective EHS Audit Checklist

Maintaining compliance through proactive EHS audits to ensure you’re in compliance with local regulations can save you from costly fines and work interruptions.

2. Certification Requirement

Certain certifications are necessary for securing operational licenses, joining industry organizations, and building investor confidence. Routine EHS audits help organizations meet regulatory requirements for certifications. For instance, companies certified or seeking certification with systems like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) should include these checks in their annual strategy.

Such certifications can set a business apart when supply chain evaluations or ESG investment ratings are considered.

3. Financing Requirement

Expanding a business, especially into new markets, requires financial capital. Some banking authorities may mandate EHS compliance as part of the financing application process. For example, the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) requires adherence to specific EHS guidelines to maintain good standing with their financial institutions.

4. Risk Prevention

EHS audits are crucial for identifying hazards and managing incident prevention.

By uncovering areas of concern, organizations can take proactive steps to mitigate risks before they result in serious issues. Involving different personnel in audits can provide fresh perspectives and help identify new risks.

5. Validating Risk Assessment Tools

EHS safeguards and protocols often rely on tools that need periodic validation, such as risk assessments. Audits help evaluate the effectiveness of these tools and provide opportunities to calibrate and validate them, ensuring they function as intended.

6. Improved Workforce Culture

When employees see their organization taking active measures to ensure their health and safety, productivity tends to increase. A study by KPA and EHS Today found that improving worker safety and culture were the top reasons organizations conducted EHS audits.

7. Increased Profitability

Organizations with exemplary EHS records have several financial advantages:

  • Stronger Recruitment: Employees are more likely to join companies with robust safety standards and a commitment to environmental accountability.
  • Fewer Assessments and Claims: Maintaining compliance and a claim-free status leads to substantial savings by avoiding costs associated with assessments and insurance claims.
  • Increased Productivity: A safe and valued workforce performs better, and regular equipment assessments and maintenance promote operational efficiency and reduce breakdowns.
  • More Attractive to Investors: A spotless EHS performance record enhances credibility and appeal when seeking investment.

8. Continuous Improvement

EHS audits are not just about finding faults but also about identifying opportunities for improvement. This can involve updating equipment, revising procedures, or enhancing safety measures to create a safer and more efficient workplace.

By prioritizing EHS audits, corporations demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and the well-being of their workforce, ultimately leading to long-term business success and resilience.

Getting Started with EHS Audits

Whether your organization operates one facility or a global network, the best audit programs are tailored, repeatable, and data-driven. Partnering with an experienced EHS auditor ensures you meet all regulatory obligations while uncovering opportunities for improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is included in an EHS audit?
Typical EHS audits assess regulatory compliance, permits, waste management, emissions, worker safety, training, and documentation of corrective actions.

2. How often should we perform an EHS audit?
Most organizations conduct audits annually, though high-risk industries may need quarterly or semiannual reviews. Major operational or regulatory changes should also trigger an audit.

3. Should we use internal or external auditors?
Internal teams know your operations best, but third-party auditors bring impartial insight and benchmarking against industry standards.

4. What are common EHS audit findings?
Frequent findings include missing documentation, outdated procedures, incomplete training, or weak corrective-action tracking.

5. What happens after an audit?
You’ll receive a report summarizing findings, priorities, and recommendations. The next step is implementing corrective actions and tracking progress to closure.

Learn more about our EHS audit and inspection services.

To understand how audit needs are evolving globally, especially in fast-growing regions, listen to our podcast The Rising Demand for EHS Audits in the Asia Pacific Region.

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of dozens of independent local businesses and over 5,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates here and follow us on LinkedIn.

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New Holland Construction Celebrates 75th Anniversary and Arrives in the Galapagos Islands

As part of its 75th anniversary in Latin America, New Holland Construction, a CNH brand, reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development in the region with the delivery of construction equipment to the municipality of Santa Cruz Island, in the Galapagos archipelago.

Among the machinery acquired by the municipality of Santa Cruz are the D180C tracked tractor, the B110C backhoe, the E215C hydraulic excavator and the L330 skid steer, manufactured in different plants in America, Europe and Asia. These stand out for the incorporation of state-of-the-art technology that allows operating with low noise level, lower fuel consumption and a significant reduction in emissions, adapting to the demanding environmental conditions of the island.

“New Holland’s presence in Galapagos symbolizes much more than a delivery of machinery: it is a concrete contribution to the responsible development of the island, accompanying its growth with solutions that respect nature and local identity,” said Rafael Ricciardi, Commercial Manager for Latin America. In addition, he added: “We are proud to be part of this new stage in Santa Cruz, promoting infrastructure and sustainable tourism.”

With a history of more than seven decades in the continent, New Holland Construction continues to offer solutions for every application and working condition, with reliable, easy-to-maintain equipment and high-performance, fuel-efficient engines. Its commitment is also reflected in the comfort and safety of the operator, fundamental pillars of its philosophy of responsible innovation.

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Cascale Hosts Lunch & Learn at Textile Exchange Conference 2025

This year, Textile Exchange hosted its annual conference in Lisbon, Portugal from October 13 to 17 – convening hundreds of stakeholders in apparel, textiles, and fashion for insights on the global materials and fibers landscape. The event follows the inaugural “Climate and Nature Studio,” held in September in New York City for Climate Week NYC, jointly hosted by Cascale with the apparel alliance.

Cascale staff – among them Hamza Habib Hasan, senior manager of member engagement, brand and retail; Ellie Hackwood, manager of member engagement brand and retail; Elisabeth von Reitzenstein, senior director, public affairs; Carolina van Loenen, director of stakeholder engagement; Melissa O de León, senior manager of Higg Product Tools; and Erlinda Lee, director of global membership development – attended the week-long conference. Sessions reflected the urgency of the climate crisis and biodiversity, examining the broader market forces influencing how businesses adapt with a systems change-oriented viewpoint.

Along with programming and networking moments, the Cascale team hosted an invite-only Lunch & Learn with 30 members gathering in an intimate dialogue on convergence. The “Navigating Convergence: Exploring Manufacturer & Brand Realities” session began with Hasan welcoming attendees and sharing insights on Cascale, the Higg Index, and the broader consumer goods ecosystem. Then Hasan spoke with Sapphire Finishing Mills’ head of sustainability Raffay Bin Rauf and Teddy Group’s environmental specialist Eleonora Lepri about the challenges and opportunities facing convergence.

Afterwards, Cascale staff facilitated group discussions on overcoming internal silos, audit harmonization and aligning proprietary assessments, and strengthening buyer-supplier relationships. Each group explored challenges, successes, and solutions. At the end of the lunch, participants shared learnings with the wider audience. The key takeaways included that greater collaboration, consistency, and alignment is needed between brands’ sustainability and sourcing teams, with C-Level support as a necessary leverage. Additionally, attendees agreed that there are many opportunities for MSIs to support mutual code of conducts, to provide training for sourcing and sustainability teams, and to facilitate brand-manufacturer roundtables for honest feedback. Finally, the group agreed that communication, regionality, and context awareness underlie every interaction – helping craft a more complete picture of effective partnerships.

As with Cascale, the Worldly team also showed a strong representation at the event. Worldly participated in the Textile Exchange Conference as a Platinum Sponsor, along with hosting a networking breakfast on October 15 that included more than 20 guests representing Worldly Customers and top apparel and consumer goods brands, retailers, and manufacturers from across the globe. The Worldly team took advantage of this event to demonstrate its newest technology that makes Cascale’s Higg Index tools, exclusively available on Worldly, even more impactful for customers across textile and apparel supply chains.

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DICK’S Sporting Goods and Gymshark Expand U.S. Access to the Brand’s Cult Favorite Gymwear

Originally published on DICK’S Sporting Goods Sideline Report

DICK’S Sporting Goods and Gymshark are teaming up to bring the brand’s cult favorite gymwear to cities across the U.S. Launching exclusively in 12 DICK’S House of Sport stores, DICK’S becomes Gymshark’s first-ever U.S. wholesale partner, marking a major milestone for both brands. The news comes hot on the heels of the opening of Gymshark’s first permanent U.S. retail store at Roosevelt Field Mall in New York last weekend.

DICK’S athletes can get their hands on Gymshark’s most-hyped products starting Friday, Oct. 24.

The collaboration delivers on DICK’S promise to continually bring athletes (i.e., customers) unexpected, emerging brands that live at the intersection of sport, culture and fashion. Starting this week, athletes will be able to see, touch and test Gymshark’s most-hyped items, including pieces from its iconic Power and Vital lines, giving them a firsthand look at the premium design, technical fabrics and community-driven energy that’s made Gymshark a global sensation.

“We’re always looking to give our athletes access to fresh and surprising brands, as well as further differentiate our product offering. Becoming Gymshark’s first U.S. wholesaler allows us to do just that,” said Brendan Kirk, VP of Merchandising at DICK’S Sporting Goods. “Gymshark is redefining what modern training apparel looks like with high-performance, stylish pieces rooted in real gym culture. House of Sport is the perfect place to bring that experience to life.”

DICK’S Sporting Goods and Gymshark look forward to bringing the authentic Gymshark experience to DICK’S athletes through a fully branded collab space at each of the 12 House of Sport locations. The space will feature fixtures that have been designed and clad to display the Gymshark branding, incorporating mannequins modelled on Gymshark athletes, such as 3X Mr. Olympia Men’s Physique Champion Ryan Terry, and speciality mannequin stands made from actual weight plates, ensuring the Gymshark moto, “We Do Gym,” shines through.

“When we started to look for our first wholesale partner in North America, there were two things we knew we had to have in common – that they were an iconic brand and that they would be able to bring the authentic Gymshark experience to their community,” said Mitch Healey, Director of Retail and Wholesale, North America at Gymshark. “DICK’S Sporting Goods just leapt off the page. The spaces look incredible, and the community will immediately feel like they are in a Gymshark space the moment they see it. Working with the team there has been a pleasure, and we are so excited to bring the best gymwear to their amazing community.”

Gymshark apparel and accessories, priced from $16 to $70, will be available in a range of gym-ready colorways at the following House of Sport locations starting this Friday, Oct. 24.

  • Jersey City, NJ
  • Ross Park, PA
  • Polaris, OH
  • Miami, FL
  • Kennesaw, GA (available as of Wednesday, Oct. 29)
  • Glendale, AZ
  • Dallas, TX
  • Minnetonka, MN
  • Knoxville, TN
  • Baybrook, TX
  • Boston, MA
  • Tampa, FL

 

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Entergy Named a Top Utility in Economic Development for 18th Year in a Row

For the 18th consecutive year, Site Selection Magazine has named Entergy a Top Utility in economic development.

The communities we serve in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas host some of the largest and most power-intensive industries in the United States. In 2024, Entergy helped secure more than $47 billion in capital investments and create approximately 5,445 new direct jobs. The facilities under development range from hyperscale data centers to steel plants to innovative clean energy production sites.

In addition to creating jobs, these projects are expected to generate increased tax revenues for state and local governments, leading to better schools, roads and public facilities for residents and their families.

“We are honored to be recognized by Site Selection, a testament to the hard work and vision of our economic development teams,” said Elizabeth Adams, Entergy’s chief customer officer. “Our competitive energy prices, unparallel transportation access, supportive communities and strong, skilled workforce create an environment where businesses can grow and thrive. This acknowledgement recognizes how Entergy, in partnership with local, regional and state organizations in our service territory, continues to foster opportunity and progress through economic development for the Gulf South.”

Site Selection Magazine assesses each utility’s job-creating infrastructure and facility investment trends, innovative programs and incentives for businesses and website tools and data. You can view the magazine’s profile of Entergy in the September 2025 print issue and online.

Customer investments
Capital investments in our region over the last 18 years represent a variety of industries and companies from around the world. They include Amazon Web Services ($10 billion), Meta ($10 billion), CF Industries ($4 billion), Cormorant Clean Energy ($1.2 billion), DG Fuels ($3.1 billion), Hyundai ($5.8 billion) and Sempra ($13 billion). This is just a sample of projects that demonstrate the scale and breadth of economic growth we have helped drive in our communities.

Economic development resources
Entergy provides companies with access to essential information needed to locate, expand and promote their business within our four-state region. In addition, we provide companies with services in site selection, project management, large projects and contracts.

Learn how we power business at GoEntergy.com.

Our advanced site-selection website, buildingsandsites.com, features more than 1,500 listings across our four-state region.

Community investments
Entergy continues to play a leading role in driving economic growth across the Gulf South by supporting companies that are expanding or establishing new operations in the region. With strong infrastructure, access to global markets and a skilled workforce, our service area is well-positioned for sustained growth. Through 2028, the company plans to invest $37 billion to improve reliability, resilience and support customer demand. Entergy is also advancing clean energy solutions, with five new solar resources added in 2024 alone, delivering more than 700 megawatts of renewable capacity to customers. By 2028, we are targeting more than 5,000 megawatts of solar power to help meet customer demand for low-carbon energy. These commitments reflect our customer-led strategy to balance growth, innovation and environmental responsibility while strengthening the communities we serve.

Note: The total capital investment and jobs created numbers in this article differ from Site Selection Magazine’s announcement because this article includes data from Entergy’s service territory in Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, while the magazine’s announcement only covers the company’s operations in the first three states.

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Key Leadership Insights From AGA’s 2025 Fall Committee Meetings & PSMS Workshop

Improving pipeline safety isn’t just about using the right systems and maintaining compliance. It also requires strong leadership, ongoing education, and careful innovation.

This idea was a key focus during the recent 2025 American Gas Association (AGA) Operations Fall Committee Meetings and the Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS) Workshop, where industry leaders discussed how safety culture is growing and maturing in the natural gas industry.

Pipeline Safety is Moving Beyond Compliance

Conversations around the API Recommended Practice (RP) 1173 – Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS) show that perceptions around safety culture are changing.

Organizations are moving beyond “check-the-box” compliance and are now focusing on how well their safety systems work, how involved people are, and how these systems fit into their daily tasks. The discussion emphasized making your PSMS part of everyday decisions, not just treating them as separate initiatives.

This shift shows the industry’s growing maturity in approaches to risk management, encouraging learning, taking responsibility, and working together at all levels.

Committed Leadership is the Key to Safety

A recurring theme throughout the event was that strong leadership is essential for pipeline safety.

The PSMS workshop opened with a powerful reminder of what commitment to safety really means: Supporting supervisors and team leaders with resources, systems and actions that prevent risk.

Speakers made it clear that real leadership is more than just making resources available; it’s about helping people grow. Supervisors and field leaders play a key role in making safety a priority and maintaining that commitment. When they have good communication skills, listen well, and understand what’s happening around them, they help make safety better over time.

Effective leaders show a willingness to learn, encourage open conversations, and build trust across their teams. This turns safety from a mandate into a mindset.

Continuous Learning Powers Progress

Another important takeaway from the AGA sessions was that organizational learning helps create a long-lasting culture of safety.

Organizations shared how they are strengthening their “good catch” and hazard identification programs, using data and feedback to drive targeted improvements.

By focusing on clear communication, figuring out why incidents happen, and looking at how people work, operators are learning from problems and strengthening controls, so they don’t happen again. The focus is moving away from compliance-driven rollouts to building systems that learn and adapt to uphold safety culture.

Technology and Responsible Innovation

Technology and innovation were also central to this year’s discussions. 
Artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics are showing huge potential to improve risk evaluation, organize data, and keep operations consistent. However, many companies are taking a considered, responsible approach focusing on clear rules, transparency, and using these tools in an ethical way.

Instead of replacing people, AI is used to complement human judgment, make work easier, and support decision-making. This careful balance between using new technology and acting responsibly is shaping the future of pipeline safety.

Collaboration and Shared Accountability

Many sessions stressed how important it is for contractors, regulators, and operators to work together.

From extreme heat readiness to contractor safety partnerships, companies are seeing that good safety results depend on everyone sharing information, agreeing on goals, and helping each other learn.

The second edition of API RP 1173 upholds these ideas, making sure pipeline safety remains a living system of accountability and learning.

The Bottom Line: Safety is a Shared Journey

The 2025 AGA Operations Fall Committee Meetings and PSMS Workshop reinforced that pipeline safety should be more than just a framework—it has to be a way of thinking. These values not only improve safety but also build public trust in the natural gas industry.

By focusing on investing in leadership, embracing ongoing learning, and applying new ideas and technology with careful consideration, the industry is showing that companies can build lasting safety systems from the inside out.

Do you have questions about your pipeline safety culture? We’re here to help. Contact our team of pipeline safety experts today!

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