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Every day, Covia’s Team Members make a positive difference, both at work and in their communities. 2024 was no different, and we’re excited to recognize these outstanding efforts through several awards and accolades.

The Covia Excellence Awards are an annual celebration dedicated to highlighting the outstanding work and contributions of Team Members, project teams, and plants across North America. We are proud to announce this year’s award winners and invite you to join us in celebrating their remarkable accomplishments.

The 2024 Covia Excellence Award winners are:

President’s Safety Award – Oregon Plant (Illinois)Plant of the Year – Ahuazotepec Plant (Mexico)Leaf Award for Environmental Excellence – Huntingburg Plant (Indiana)Operations Impact Award – Kevin Traun, Senior Manager, Electrical EngineeringCommercial Impact Award – CaryAnn Bruce, Sales ManagerSupport Impact AwardLeeAnn Banas, ControllerAndrea Keck, Legal Operations ManagerChris Rundell, Senior Manager ERP & IT Project ManagementPrism Award – Monica Abarca, Inside Sales RepresentativeVolunteer of the Year – David Morris, Maintenance

President’s Safety Award

The President’s Safety Award is presented to the Covia facility that demonstrates the highest safety performance across several criteria. We are proud to announce that the Oregon, Illinois, plant earned this recognition through their unwavering commitment to safety and exceptional results.

With the support of their on-site Health and Safety Committee, the plant finished 2024 with zero lost-time or recordable incidents, and exceptional results across the board. Russ Montgomery, EVP and Chief Operations Officer, congratulated the team at the Oregon facility for maintaining an outstanding record of safe, responsible, and efficient operations.

Plant of the Year

This prestigious award recognizes excellence across safety, manufacturing, environmental practices, and community outreach. For the second consecutive year, our plant in Ahuazotepec, Mexico, has been named Covia’s Plant of the Year.

After going above and beyond in 2023, the Ahuazotepec team continued to shine this past year, creating a safer environment, supporting the surrounding community, and demonstrating strong environmental stewardship. A few notable highlights of their commitment include:

An exceptional safety record with zero lost-time incidents and zero recordable incidents while achieving PASST certification.The donation of trees to local communities and governments, along with active participation in local reforestation efforts.Successful EPA inspections and air compliance, with no violations.

Leaf Award for Environmental Excellence

The Huntingburg, Indiana, plant was independently nominated by eight plant managers as the winner of the Leaf Award for Environmental Excellence. This award is a testament to the plant’s extraordinary efforts in environmental compliance, environmental projects, and community involvement.

In 2024, Huntingburg plant celebrated several outstanding accomplishments, starting with timely completion of all environmental and safety reporting actions, zero community complaints, and no reportable spills or releases. Other achievements include:

Earning Wildlife Habitat Certification and implementing a conservation plan tailored to local needs that exceeds regulatory standards.Reducing therms per ton by 32% and recycling nearly 1,200 pounds of waste.Establishing a comprehensive community action plan featuring volunteerism, donations, and regular Covia Cares Action Days.

Operations Impact Award

The 2024 Operations Impact Award recognizes Kevin Traun, Senior Manager, Electrical Engineering, for his exceptional technical expertise and dedication to supporting multiple Covia plants. Kevin played an instrumental role in identifying problems and providing solutions for several plants, with team members lauding his expertise and willingness to respond at any hour.

Kevin’ contributions ranged from implementing automation changes and conducting electrical mechanism-operated contacts to establishing new communications networks, consistently demonstrating his commitment to keeping operations running smoothly across the organization.

Commercial Impact Award

The Commercial Impact Award recognizes individuals who show leadership, performance, professionalism, and all-around commercial excellence. CaryAnn Bruce, Sales Manager, demonstrated these qualities both through her results and the way she worked throughout 2024.

As a member of the inside sales team managing over 2,000 accounts, CaryAnn helped generate more than $3 million in new business from 146 opportunities. Her expertise in the equestrian market and innovative utilization of by-products helped drive success within the organization. Her dedication to continuous improvement extended to others as well, as CaryAnn actively fostered relationships and developed training modules to empower her colleagues.

Support Impact Award

This year’s Support Impact Award highlights a trio of team members for their collaborative efforts during one of the largest projects Covia undertook in 2024 – the energy carve-out.

LeeAnn Banas, ControllerAndrea Keck, Legal Operations ManagerChris Rundell, Senior Manager ERP & IT Project Management

These three team members successfully managed the complex reconfiguration of our internal processes to accommodate new supply contracts, while ensuring accurate conversion of all contracts and thorough documentation of legal entities. Their dedication was particularly notable as they maintained their regular responsibilities while committing a significant number of additional hours per week to this critical project.

Prism Award

Monica Abarca, Inside Sales Representative, received the Prism Award for exemplifying and promoting inclusion both in the workplace and in the community. Monica consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her colleagues feel valued and appreciated, from organizing birthday celebrations to coordinating group messages of support.

Monica’s dedication to inclusiveness extends beyond the workplace as well. She is a strong advocate for the Safe Alliance Domestic Violence Shelter, regularly volunteering there to provide lunches to those in need and dedicating her Saturdays to thoroughly cleaning the shelter’s kitchen.

Volunteer of the Year

Covia is proud to help our team members invest in their communities, and the Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a standout individual whose consistent service makes a difference in their community.

In 2024, David Morris, Maintenance, from Covia’s Cleburne plant logged more than 500 volunteer hours, the equivalent of 61.5 8-hour days. He spent that time supporting multiple organizations in Glen Rose, Texas, including The LDL Foundation, a nonprofit supporting educational, health, and environmental projects. He plays a particularly active role in the Glen Rose School District’s Future Farmers of America program, where he helps prepare for livestock shows, coordinates transportation, and provides supervision at events.

Shaping Tomorrow Through Excellence Today

Each of our 2024 award winners exemplifies the values that set the tone for how we do business. Their dedication to safety, sustainability, operational excellence, business results, and community impact inspires us all and sets the standard for the future. Whether in our plants, offices, or communities, these individuals and teams exemplify the power of commitment, innovation, and teamwork.

At Covia, we’re always looking for talented individuals to join our journey. Visit our Careers section to explore opportunities across North America and become part of a team where excellence isn’t just recognized – it’s celebrated every day.

IBM has been working with universities for almost a century. Today, we’re excited to share the new IBM SkillsBuild university strategy to strengthen AI education in universities, helping them cultivate talent among future developers, and drive economic growth worldwide.

Today’s skills gap presents an obstacle to innovation and economic development.  The demand for AI skills is a top priority for companies, universities and learners, due to mass adoption of AI, the rise of open-source AI models available for the general public and the new proliferation of AI assistants and agents. In fact, the latest Future of Jobs report from the World Economic Forum shows that the skills gap remains the most significant barrier to business transformation, and that by 2030, 39% of current skills may become outdated. Developers face a similar challenge according to recent research from IBM and Morning Consult. For example, 76% of developers surveyed say they don’t consider themselves to be experts in generative AI. This trend is likely to continue and the skills gap would grow at the same accelerated pace. To foster the technical talent needed to fuel open innovation and drive business results, we need to invest in the skills of our future workforce.

How can IBM support students and aspiring developers? In 2023, IBM announced a commitment to providing free AI training to 2 million learners worldwide over three years. When we undertook this work, we knew that different groups of learners would have different needs, and that cross-industry alignment on how to approach this global challenge would be required. To help address this, we co-created an AI competencies guide through the AI Alliance. We worked to collect data, generate insights, and align on recommendations to define the essential AI competencies across key sectors and roles, as well as a defined range in levels from fluency, to proficiency, to expertise, and finally mastery.

Building on this AI Alliance framework guidance, we have created a new strategy to help university students and aspiring developers build the AI competencies that will help them thrive. The key elements of this work are faculty training, online learning, hands-on labs, group innovation challenges, as well as practical real-world learning opportunities. Each of our student-facing offerings is developed for key personas, to respond to their needs and help them build their AI competencies to reach their goals, and all are available through our IBM SkillsBuild program.

Faculty Training: Our starting point to deepen IBM’s relationships with universities is connecting with professors to offer AI training and resources that can help them cultivate their students’ abilities. This approach multiplies the impact of our training, helping us reach a much wider audience of learners. To this end, we’re rolling out enhanced training for professors with new coursework on generative AI. Meanwhile, we will also provide faculty at select universities with access to IBM solutions like watsonx, (our portfolio of generative AI products) and Granite (our family of open-source large language models (LLMs)). The additional guidance and support from IBM experts will offer professors more options to incorporate advanced AI learning into their curriculum.  ​New free generative AI courses for beginners: We heard from many students that they’re curious about how AI will shape their futures and are looking for a place to begin their AI exploration. To help address this need, for students enrolled in any university program across any discipline, we are offering new, free online courses that can help them explore generative AI. Whether they’re aspiring developers or plan to pursue tech-adjacent or any other field, these future decision-makers can benefit from short form coursework that provides a foundation of AI understanding and an introduction to generative AI technologies. These courses are about 1 hour each and include topics like exploring text to speech; building a chatbot; and an introduction to open-source LLMs. For those students who may not know where to start or need additional support, IBM SkillsBuild is also hosting on-campus activation events to guide and help them complete these courses, and celebrate their new skills. Are you a university student? Start today.Hands-on labs: Students who are studying computer science, IT, or a tech-adjacent field at the university level are generally more interested in a deeper-dive into AI learning with interactive components. These students may be aspiring developers who like to try out new technologies and build applications. For them, we will be offering hands-on labs to help them develop their AI expertise. These interactive exercises are up to 90 minutes in length and will help students dive deeper into topics like code generation and data classification using LLMs, like IBM Granite.  Students will also have the opportunity to earn digital credentials that are recognized by future employers.Capstone projects and group innovation challenges: IBM is making watsonx available to selected universities for students to build real-world solutions. This offering will be targeted to advanced technical undergraduate or graduate students. These students will have the opportunity to work with IBM experts and their classroom professors, to build innovative capstone projects over the course of a semester. IBM mentors will equip the students with problem statements, including some from IBM clients, which could span different industries such as financial services, healthcare, insurance, life sciences, manufacturing, telecommunications, marketing or energy. Groups of students at this level could also participate in innovation challenges, like hackathons, which are short-term experiences that give groups of aspiring developers the opportunity to use generative AI and LLMs, like Granite.

Results of our pilots around the world:

As we’ve piloted this approach around the world, we have already seen some early success stories. For example, through IBM SkillsBuild, two teams of university students in Boston built a chatbot using IBM’s generative AI technology. The tool aims to help students explore if their work outside the traditional college environment could be applied for college credit. Additionally, students in India have built watsonx solutions focused on the legal profession, farming, and nutrition. And in the UK, we worked with a team of students who built a disaster-response robot using IBM’s AI and data platform technology. Equipped with advanced sensors and a virtual assistant, built from scratch using IBM watsonx, the robot would assess its environment, identify obstacles, connect with individuals on the ground, and send important information back to rescue teams, making it a valuable asset during critical moments.

Looking ahead:  

The pace of AI innovation continues to challenge and inspire businesses across industries, making skilled talent even more important than ever. As we see the rise of more open-source AI models, it’s clear that the pace of transformation is not slowing down. The future of AI will be shaped by students, educators, and professionals who not only have the skills to use generative AI, but also to manage AI agents, or even build them.

In the months ahead, we’re excited to expand our work with more schools and learners across disciplines to build AI skills. We will continue to:

enhance our resources for university faculty, including opportunities to connect across the faculty community,expand our catalog of new AI coursework for students, andconnect with teams across universities to build new innovative AI and open source solutions.

Together with universities and our network of IBM SkillsBuild partners, we are investing in the pipeline of technological talent for our future, and preparing them for the marketplace.

If you’re a student, visit the IBM SkillsBuild site.

If you’re a university or faculty and would like to participate or learn more, please visit https://skillsbuild.org/organizations-supporting-college-students/interest-form.

By Ben Williamson

When heavy rain threatens to swell the Catawba-Wateree River, Duke Energy must act quickly to help protect nearby communities. At the center of those decisions is a nondescript office in northeast Charlotte, N.C., where a small but vital team oversees a diverse portfolio of renewable energy.

Equipped with hundreds of cameras and hundreds of thousands of alarms, the Regulated Renewable Operations Center (RROC) serves as the central hub for this work. It is staffed around the clock, even holidays, to quickly adapt to changing conditions, such as weather or electricity demand.

“We have eyes on everything 24/7,” said Dustin Sipes, lead renewables portfolio specialist at Duke Energy. “We have several hundred thousand alarms, and we’ve got almost 500 cameras. At any point, we can call up a camera and see anything that is going on across the fleet.”

As the RROC celebrates its 25th anniversary in February, the team reflects on the advantages of remotely monitoring and managing the company’s renewable energy assets. Their diverse portfolio includes a mix of hydro and solar sites, as well as batteries – devices that store energy and then release it when customers need power.

With demand for electricity increasing across all Duke Energy service areas, particularly in the Carolinas, the RROC will continue to play a key role in the company’s plans to meet growth reliably while continuing a legacy of innovation that spans generations.

An evolving role

Sipes, a fourth generation Duke Energy employee, brings more than 16 years of experience to a role that continues to evolve alongside the company’s energy transition.

“I’m a veteran in the office now – and there’s some pride in that – but in some ways, I still feel like the 22-year-old kid who walked in here 17 years ago,” he said. “It’s exciting to watch as new technologies are developed, so I’m still kind of learning something every day with the way our work grows and changes with the industry.”

Today, the RROC operates 76 hydro units, 33 solar sites and a handful of batteries, representing 5,500 megawatts (MW) of energy. Centralized operations allow for greater efficiency, improved responsiveness and seamless integration of new technologies.

A centralized approach

In the past, each hydro station was staffed 24/7 and operations were managed through phone calls. System and station upgrades in the 1990s enabled the company to bring hydro operations under one roof with the creation of Hydro Central (predecessor to the RROC) in 2000.

This team, housed in a small office in Uptown Charlotte, helped the company apply standardized operating practices across the fleet and allowed for greater information sharing and quicker response to emerging issues, while reducing operational costs and maintaining compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements.

Over time, as solar and battery assets were added to the grid, the office evolved into the RROC, reflecting its broader focus.

“Duke Energy was and continues to be a pioneer in renewable asset automation and remote operations,” Sipes said. “When we started developing solar assets, we quickly saw the value that remote operations would bring to these new assets. Bringing everything into one office lets all the gears spin together. As our portfolio has grown, so has our team.”

A growing portfolio (and team)

And growth is only accelerating. By 2030, the RROC’s portfolio is expected to nearly triple to more than over 16,000 MW of energy, and double again to more than 30,000 MW by 2035. These proposed investments are part of Duke Energy’s commitment to meet rising electricity demand while supporting economic development with a diverse energy mix.

“It’s exciting and unique to help manage hydro – the company’s oldest form of energy generation – alongside new technologies like solar and batteries,” said Aaron Dale, director of the RROC team. Dale oversees the RROC portfolio expansion, ensuring the team is prepared to implement new technologies as renewable energy management evolves.

“We’re always looking at what skills we’ll need, what new equipment is hitting the market, and whether our training is keeping pace,” he said. “Every asset we bring on requires unique considerations, so flexibility and agility are key.”

As the portfolio grows, so will their team of about 20 people. Building on the RROC’s diverse energy technologies and expertise, Dale said they’ll look for operators who’ve worked at traditional thermal power plant to experts in information technology (IT) and environmental monitoring.

Some team members have already transitioned from Duke Energy’s retired power plants, including Thomas Slade, who spent 40 years as an operator at Allen Steam Station in Gaston County, N.C.

“I’ve been well supported here,” he said of transitioning to the RROC. “They have given me lots of information and the team is always ready to help me understand. This is a great opportunity.”

A generational legacy

Sipes continues a Duke Energy legacy that spans much longer than the 25 years the RROC has been in service. His family tie to Duke Energy begins more than 100 years ago just after the company first harnessed the power of water for electric generation.

“My great grandfather Walter Sipes was supposedly on the crew that helped construct the Lookout Shoals Dam back in 1914,” he said of one of the first dams built on the Catawba River. “My grandfather Sam spent several decades with Duke Energy and retired as a transmission supervisor.”

And Sipes’ father, Foy, worked as a Duke Energy hydro technician for more than 40 years before retiring in 2021.

“It’s really nice to have that personal connection,” he said. “[My dad may be retired] but he is still teaching me new things.”

View original content here.

PORTLAND, Ore., March 6, 2025 /3BL/ – TEDxPortland, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization and the largest TEDx conference in North America, announces a new Women’s Leadership Forum taking the stage on Saturday, April 26 at Portland’s Keller Auditorium. The Women’s Leadership Forum will headline the event’s Year 13 program. Made possible by a partnership with KeyBank and the Portland Thorns FC, the new platform features an interview led by former Thorns and Canadian international teammates Karina LeBlanc, Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth Development RAJ Sports, the ownership group of Portland Thorns/WNBA Portland, with Christine Sinclair—FIFA’s all-time scoring record holder, Olympic Gold Medalist, and five-time World Cup player.

The final lineup of TEDxPortland’s Year 13 features eleven speakers and seven performers centered around this year’s theme: Continuum. The Women’s Leadership Forum is a new format for TEDxPortland; the interview will delve into leadership, legacy, and how we can all make an impact in our community. More information on Year 13 speakers, performers, and hosts can be found at TEDxPortland’s new website.

“We’re honored to have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on Christine Sinclair, whose unparalleled leadership—both on and off the field—has inspired so many of us,” said Karina LeBlanc. “This Women’s Leadership Forum represents the power of connection, community, and legacy, and I’m excited to explore these themes with Christine in front of the TEDxPortland audience. Together, we hope to lead a conversation that inspires future generations to step into their own leadership potential—whether in sports, business, or life—and empowers everyone to lean into their own greatness and take action.”

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Christine Sinclair, one of the greatest female soccer players of our lifetime, and unquestionably the GOAT of the Thorns FC. Christine and Karina will be magic on our stage,” said TEDxPortland founder Dave Rae. “This new on-stage interview format expands our event offering and welcomes new dreamers, thinkers, and doers to join us at TEDxPortland.”

“KeyBank is proud to sponsor TEDxPortland and bring this event and forum to attendees,” said Josh Lyons, KeyBank Oregon and SW Washington Market President. “We are a big supporter of the Thorns and women’s sports in general, we know that Karina and Sin will have an interesting conversation and guests will be treated to a look into the life of this sports legend.”

Christine Sinclair’s portrait was painted by TEDxPortland’s first ever artist in residence, Kyra Watkins, a Portland-based public and digital artist originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. The artist created two one-of-a-kind pieces for each speaker and performer in Year 13—one of their inner-child, aged 4-8, and one as a young teenager. These one-of-a-kind pieces are currently on display at L’Atelier Yaffe through April 27.

Founded in 2009, TEDxPortland strives to host the most inspirational and educational day of the year—to bring a community together that celebrates people, partners, and place. In welcoming a multi-cultural audience who seeks a deeper understanding of the world, TEDxPortland believes in the power of ideas to change attitudes, perspectives, and lives.

Tickets to the dynamic event from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday, April 26, are on sale now, ranging from $99 to $169. Each ticket includes TEDxPortland’s award-winning event book, coffee and tea in the morning, an interactive lunch experience, and a complimentary post-event happy hour in Keller Park.

TEDxPortland photos and logos can be found in the folder HERE.

About TEDxPortland

Established in 1984, TED is an annual event where some of the world’s leading thinkers and doers are invited to share what they are most passionate about. “TED” stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design—three broad subject areas that are shaping our collective future. And the event is broader still, showcasing ideas that matter in any discipline. The TEDx movement is a local iteration of the annual TED event, held in cities all over the world. Portland, Oregon holds the largest TEDx conference in North America, with an all-volunteer team that brings Ideas Worth Spreading to the Rose City. Learn more at TEDxPortland.com and follow TEDxPortland on Instagram.

About Portland Thorns FC 

Founded in 2012, Portland Thorns FC have set the standard for fan support and on-field success in women’s soccer since its inaugural 2013 season. One of the world’s most supported women’s soccer clubs, Portland has led the league in attendance for eight seasons and set a new club playoff attendance record with 25,218 fans supporting Thorns FC in the 2023 semifinal match at Providence Park. Thorns FC have won the NWSL Championship a league-record three times (2013, 2017, 2022) and finished as runners-up in 2018. The club has made the postseason a league-high nine times and has won the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021.

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 $187 billion at December 31, 2024. 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.

Previously published by DAV

Veterans behind the scenes

A streaming hit on Paramount+, “SEAL Team” committed to unwavering authenticity as it followed the fictional Bravo Team of U.S. Navy SEALs. From star David Boreanaz wearing an actual SEAL’s helmet on screen to the numerous military veterans in the cast and crew, the series strove for realism in every detail during its recently ended seven-season run.

Dedication to on-screen authenticity is only one aspect that the Veteran Immersion Program, created by the Paramount Veterans Network in 2020 to guide and support veterans in the media industry, brings to the table.

While offering hands-on experience and the opportunity to network with the best in the business, this unique program supports a culture of camaraderie infused with mentorship, career counseling, skills development and job readiness.

“We identify skill sets in each of our participants, and then we grow that skill set,” said Betty Diaz, director of programs and operations for Paramount Veterans Network. With an uncle who served in the Marine Corps and a cousin who was wounded in the Army, Diaz has seen the importance of giving back to those who have served.

“We’ve had veterans come into communications, animation, editing, event planning, event coordination, corporate responsibility, info security and tech. There’s a plethora of opportunities.”

These opportunities are often necessary for veterans, who have contributed some of their prime learning years to military service.

“Getting into media is very challenging,” Diaz continued. “For the military, as they’re getting out and transitioning, there are not a lot of open doors. It’s important for us to open these doors of opportunities for veterans to work in media.”

“This industry is a dog-eat-dog world,” said Torrin Fields, a senior postproduction editor at Paramount. “You feel alone; you feel isolated.”

Fields joined the Army as a military police officer in 2001, shortly after 9/11. Between 2002 and 2005, he deployed twice to Iraq, serving in a reconnaissance role both times.

The shared responsibility and mission of these deployments ultimately shaped how Fields views the world.

“The military gave me the opportunity to understand how to be a leader, a team player and also resilient,” Fields said. “Before I joined the military, I just cared about myself.”

But with service comes risk. Due to an injury he received in Iraq, Fields temporarily lost his ability to walk. He was medically discharged in 2005.

“I sacrificed my body,” Fields explained. “To this day, I have complications. I sometimes use a cane to walk. I can’t stand for longer than 30 minutes. The injury really did impact my physical ability.”

Fields moved to Los Angeles to begin working in the media field. He quickly found that the civilian workplace did not resemble the team environment he had experienced in the Army. “It was very difficult to find a team. You find a lot of individualistic behavior outside of the military,” Fields said.

When he learned about the Veteran Immersion Program, which was recruiting for its inaugural session, he knew he wanted to participate. Through courses and individual mentorship, he learned skills like public speaking, corporate leadership and networking, eventually landing his current role. However, for Fields, the best part of the program was finally finding his team.

“This program is about camaraderie, family. I always felt like they had my back,” Fields said. “They were always championing me.”

In 2023 and 2024, Paramount Veterans Network (and the immersion program) was recognized as a DAV Patriot Employer for its dedication to the military community. The organization was also a featured employer at the DAV Job Fair that occurred at the 2023 Military Veterans in Journalism conference.

“Paramount’s program not only provides valuable employment and job training opportunities for veterans but also brings authenticity to programming—a service to the nation as the veteran population continues to shrink,” said Lamarr Couser, employment director at DAV. “Ensuring that real veteran perspectives are represented in media helps preserve their stories and contributions for future generations.”

Joshua Reyes can attest to the life-changing impacts of the Veteran Immersion Program. Now a sales associate for Paramount Global, Reyes grew up in an impoverished neighborhood in the Brooklyn borough of New York City with his mother and three siblings. Determined to break the cycle of poverty, he enlisted in the Marine Corps.

“It really gave me a foundation and structure that I needed at the time,” he said. He built a wide range of skills as an aviation ordnance technician and martial arts instructor.

“I learned values like honor, courage, commitment and service—all these things that I didn’t learn growing up,” he said.

But then an accident during an instructor training course changed the trajectory of his life.

Reyes’ back was broken, and doctors said he would never walk again. Refusing to accept that as his fate, he battled every day toward recovery. After a year of rehab in the Wounded Warrior Battalion, Reyes made a 95% recovery, including the use of his legs. But he was still medically discharged from service.

“I was going to be a lifer,” Reyes said. “My identity was so attached to the Marine Corps. Once you get out, you don’t have that support system. I struggled for a long time.”

He studied international business and acting in school, looking for direction and spark. Then he heard about the Veteran Immersion Program, which would offer the flexibility to pursue both his “passion and survival.”

He wasn’t expecting how therapeutic it would feel to immerse himself in other people’s stories through acting.

“You’re taught to really peel back the layers of your soul, your heart, and drop those walls. Acting has taught me to be comfortable with allowing myself to feel emotions of the character and portray those feelings freely,” he said. “It’s liberating.”

The opportunities at Paramount are not just for fully transitioned veterans. National Guard and Reserve members also find a welcome home in the immersion program.

Chris Murray, an editor with Paramount Global, always had a camera in hand before joining the Air Force as a tactical aircraft maintenance technician. After four years on active duty, Murray was ready to pursue a degree in film and business.

But his military career wasn’t over. He also joined the Air National Guard as a satellite operator for the Space Force.

Serving while trying to break into the film industry proved difficult.

“The hardest part is finding work that doesn’t feel like you’re underutilized or overqualified,” Murray said. “You can be called up at any time to serve your country. In a competitive field, you can’t afford to dip away for X amount of time.”

The Veteran Immersion Program provided the solution he needed.

“Paramount goes that extra mile with their immersion program,” Murray said. “You’re temporarily employed under the Veterans Immersion Program in the entertainment industry, allowing you to make connections and bridge that gap along with a community of veterans who have made that transition right before you.”

Those connections go a long way. “When you leave the service, you feel almost isolated,” Murray said. “Being a part of this program, you still feel that connection.”

Building camaraderie in a competitive field is an important aspect to the program, according to participants, but so is giving back to the military community.

“Being a DAV Patriot Employer is an opportunity,” said Diaz. “This award acknowledges all the good work that we’re doing. And we can do more. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.”

For Diaz, the mission is bigger than the program. “If I can show other media companies how to do this, I will,” she stated. “I just want to see vets thrive.”

Continue reading here.

Verizon

Ahead of Global Day of Unplugging, Verizon announces commitment to help families navigate digital wellness alongside partners at Discovery Education; OATS from AARP; My Digital TAT2; Sesame Workshop; new multigenerational initiatives and an immersive pop-up experience in NYC.

NEW YORK, March 6, 2025 /3BL/ – With the average Verizon home internet household boasting 18 connected devices and counting, Verizon recognizes the increasing challenge of managing screen time and its impact on overall well-being. That’s why, today, at the first-ever Verizon Digital Wellness Summit hosted by Drew Barrymore, Verizon is unveiling a series of initiatives aimed at promoting healthy digital habits for families.

“Building healthy habits in our digital lives is essential for overall well-being. Verizon is empowering families to have peace of mind around their children’s online lives by providing resources and tools that promote digital safety – and encouraging kids to put the phones down from time to time,” said Sampath, CEO, Verizon Consumer. “We’re committed to making sure that technology enhances our lives, rather than detracts from them, and our new initiatives are a significant step in that direction.”

Addressing the Digital Dilemma Head-On with Strategic Partnerships and Programs:

Discovery Education: Collaborating on a new Digital Citizenship Initiative to provide K-12 students with free tools, resources and skills needed to thrive in today’s digital world. Content is free on the website and to classrooms within the Discovery Education Experience, an essential K-12 companion for engaged classrooms.Sesame Workshop: Conducting a research study with the Joan Ganz Cooney Center focused on digital well-being of children during key developmental ages of 8 to 12. The findings will address challenges families face with technology use and guide the creation of future digital wellness programs.My Digital TAT2: Partnering to offer free workshops in select Verizon retail stores for parents and caregivers, providing tools to foster children’s digital wellness and navigate emerging tech trends.Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP: Developing a new digital wellness course for older adults, delivered both in-person and virtually through SeniorPlanet.org, focusing on safe and effective technology use, privacy protection, and staying connected.

“At Verizon, we’re committed to putting technology into the hands of those who otherwise might not have access to it. But access alone is not enough,” said Donna Epps, Chief Responsible Business Officer, Verizon. “Verizon wants to ensure everyone has the knowledge and skills to use technology safely and responsibly. That’s why we’re launching our digital wellness programs—empowering users of all ages with the training and resources necessary to build healthy habits and a healthy relationship with technology.”

Showcasing the importance of offline connections at the Verizon Arcade Unplugged:

IRL Gaming: To coincide with the Global Day of Unplugging, Verizon is launching the Verizon Arcade Unplugged pop-up experience, transforming digital games into life-sized, interactive challenges to encourage screen-free family time. The activation will be open to select partners on Friday, March 7 and A Parently Kidding member families on Saturday, March 8. Limited general admission tickets are available here. Verizon Arcade Unplugged is also gearing up for an exciting nationwide tour this summer hitting California, Texas and major cities starting in April. Stay tuned for more updates as the experience makes its way across the country.

Tools that help provide peace of mind in a digital world:

All-in-One Protection with the Verizon Family app: With features like location sharing, Parental Controls, Safe Walk with SOS, Crash Detection and Roadside assistance to keep families connected and protected. The Verizon Family app is available for all Verizon mobile customers on postpaid plans through the App Store and Google Play. More information is available at verizon.com/verizonfamily and Parenting in a Digital World.

Media contact

Hope Arcuri Armanus 
hope.arcuri.armanus@verizon.com

Marnie Baddock 
marnie.baddock@verizon.com

By Heather Clancy

Originally published by Trellis

Pizza Hut, the world’s second biggest pizza restaurant chain, already buys 60 percent of the milk for its cheese in the U.S. through a farmer cooperative dedicated to cutting emissions by 30 percent by 2030. That change in sourcing helped Pizza Hut cut dairy emissions 10 percent between 2022 and 2023, and it is preparing to go deeper in 2025.

The refrain is similar for French yogurt-maker Danone, which has committed to cutting emissions from its fresh milk supply by 30 percent by 2030. The company works directly with 58,000 farmers, many of them small. Most of the company’s milk is sourced within 125 miles of its factories.

Continue reading here.

Mold is a common issue in many buildings, and addressing it requires a comprehensive understanding of its causes, effects, and remediation strategies. In our recent webinar titled, “Mold Matters: Strategies for Prevention and Effective Claim Management,” Bryan Taylor, Insurance Subsegment Lead; Jennene Lyda, Industrial Hygienist Service Line Lead; Bill Wessner, Senior Project Manager; and Kerri Roiniotis, Project Manager; discussed the fundamentals of mold, key case studies, and practical approaches to mold mitigation, particularly in the context of insurance claims. To listen to the full webinar, click the button below.

Watch On-Demand

What Is Mold and How Does It Grow?

Mold is a collective, non-technical term for filamentous cell and spore-forming micro fungi. It is a ubiquitous component of our environment and can be found in varying degrees depending on season and region, both indoors and outdoors. Mold growth occurs when environmental conditions are favorable, specifically when three key factors are present:

Moisture: Mold can only develop if there is sufficient moisture from leaks, humidity, or condensation.Organic Material: Surfaces such as wood, paper, or drywall provide the nutrients mold needs to grow.Suitable Temperature: Mold thrives in temperatures between 60 to 80°F, which are common in most indoor environments.

Common Types of Indoor Mold

Several mold species are commonly found in indoor spaces, but three are most frequently discussed:

Penicillium/Aspergillus: Often found in household dust, it can cause allergic reactions.Cladosporium: Can grow in both warm and cool areas, typically found on fabrics, wood surfaces, and cellulose fibers.Stachybotrys (Black Mold): Notorious for its potential health risks, it is usually found in areas with chronic moisture problems.

The key to controlling mold is controlling moisture. Without moisture, mold cannot thrive.

Health Risks Associated with Mold Exposure

Mold exposure can have significant health effects, particularly on the respiratory system:

Allergic Reactions: Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.Asthma Aggravation: Can exacerbate asthma, leading to more frequent and severe attacks.Respiratory Issues: Chronic bronchitis and sinus infections can result from mold exposure.Skin and Eye Irritation: Mold exposure can cause rashes, redness, and discomfort.Infections: Individuals with weakened immune systems may experience severe mold-related infections.

Causes of Mold Growth in Buildings

Mold problems in buildings stem from several common issues:

Water Damage: Leaks from pipes, roofs, or flooding create ideal conditions for mold growth. Addressing water damage promptly is essential to prevent mold from taking hold.Poor Ventilation: Inadequate airflow in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements leads to moisture buildup, providing a breeding ground for mold.Neglected Maintenance: Unattended repairs and structural issues can contribute to persistent moisture problems. Regular inspections and timely repairs help prevent mold growth and elevated humidity

Mold Assessment and Remediation Strategies

Mold assessments help determine the presence, severity, and potential health risks associated with mold. These assessments include:

Visual Inspections: Identifies visible mold growth and water damage.Air Sampling: Measures airborne mold spores and compares them to outdoor reference samples.Bulk and Surface Sampling: Collects physical samples from contaminated surfaces for laboratory analysis.Post-Remediation Verification: Confirms that mold remediation was effective through further inspections and testing.

Mold assessments and post-remediation verification should be conducted by third party professionals following established industry guidelines.

Case Studies: Insurance and Mold Claims

Case Study 1: Apartment Building Fire Remediation

A fire in a multi-unit apartment building led to extensive water damage from the sprinkler system. After a year-long reconstruction delay, mold was observed, prompting remediation. However, upon review, it was determined that no mold growth was confirmed by sampling procedures to be present before or after remediation, saving the insurer from unnecessary costs.

Case Study 2: Healthcare Facility Mold Issues

A four-story healthcare facility experienced moisture problems after an expansion project to the facility, lead to mold growth within the wall cavities. By implementing targeted remediation and a air monitoring plan, the facility was able to detect and isolate affected areas for remediation and prevent disruption to the entire floor where critical ICU operations exist.

Case Study 3: University Dormitory HVAC Failure

A malfunctioning HVAC system led to condensation and suspected mold growth in a dormitory with over 110 rooms. However, an investigation revealed there had been no documented mold testing before demolition began. The remediation activities were ultimately deemed unnecessary as it relates to mold impaction, preventing unnecessary expenditures.

Best Practices for Mold Prevention and Management

Address Moisture Issues Immediately: Mold can develop within 48 hours of a moisture event.Conduct Regular Inspections: Routine visual inspections and air sampling help detect early mold growth.Follow Industry Standards: Adhere to best practices outlined by organizations such as the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).Use Advanced Technology: Leak detection systems, humidity sensors, and infrared cameras can identify moisture issues before they lead to mold problems.Proper Ventilation: Ensure good airflow in high-risk areas like kitchens and bathrooms.Maintain Records: Detailed documentation of inspections, repairs, and remediation efforts help in verifying claims and preventing disputes.

The Role of Insurance in Mold Management

Insurance plays a crucial role in mold mitigation, from handling claims to ensuring proper remediation. Key takeaways for effective mold management in insurance claims include:

Early Detection: Implementing humidity sensors and conducting routine inspections can prevent costly renovations.Accurate Documentation: Photographs, analytical reports, and field logs are essential in determining the presence and extent of mold growth.Understanding Coverage: Insurers should be aware of state-specific regulations and licensing requirements for mold assessors and remediators.

Final Thoughts

Mold management is critical for maintaining safe and healthy environments in buildings. By taking proactive measures, ensuring timely assessments, and following industry best practices, we can effectively prevent and mitigate mold-related risks.

Antea Group advocates for a proactive approach to mold mitigation, helping property owners and insurers safeguard their properties and occupants from unnecessary risks. By implementing effective moisture management strategies, we can reduce the likelihood of mold growth and avoid costly remediation efforts.

Have questions? Reach out to our team today to get answers!

The European Commission’s recent Omnibus proposal has sent ripples across the sustainability landscape, triggering intense discussions on regulatory simplification, corporate accountability, and the long-term implications for business value. While some see the proposal as a necessary move to ease compliance burdens, others fear it could undermine years of progress in corporate sustainability efforts.

In response to the growing uncertainty, denxpert, a leading sustainability management platform, hosted an exclusive webinar in collaboration with EFRAG to break down the key aspects of the proposal and its potential consequences. The session featured Robert Szucs-Winkler, CEO of denxpert, and Anna Csonka, denxpert’s senior sustainability reporting expert, who provided expert insights on what the Omnibus could mean for companies navigating CSRD, ESG reporting, and EU Taxonomy compliance.

With sustainability regulations at a crossroads, businesses are left questioning their next steps: Should they continue investing in reporting and transparency or wait for further regulatory clarity? The webinar explored these pressing concerns, offering guidance on how companies can stay resilient and proactive in an evolving regulatory environment.

What Led to the Omnibus Proposal?

The Omnibus proposal did not emerge in isolation; it is rooted in a series of economic and political pressures that have been reshaping the EU’s regulatory landscape:

Geopolitical Pressures: The war in Ukraine and global trade tensions raised concerns about the competitiveness of European companies under stringent sustainability regulations. Policymakers feared that extensive reporting requirements could disadvantage EU businesses.The Draghi Report (September 2024): The report on EU competitiveness and resilience highlighted sustainability regulations—CSRD and CSDDD—as contributors to high compliance costs, which some argue hinder business growth.The Budapest Declaration (November 2024): European policymakers called for a “simplification revolution”, demanding a 25% reduction in reporting requirements, particularly to ease the burden on SMEs.The EU Competitive Compass Strategy (2025): This broader strategy outlined simplifications across sustainable finance, due diligence, and taxonomy regulations, reinforcing the Commission’s shift toward deregulation.

Anna Csonka, Senior sustainability expert at denxpert, highlighted during the webinar:

“It’s important to understand why this proposal came forward in the first place. The European Commission is emphasizing competitiveness and reducing administrative burdens, but the big question is: Does scaling back sustainability reporting make European companies more competitive, or does it just delay progress? That’s the debate we’re in right now.”

These factors coalesced into the Omnibus proposal, which now seeks to postpone CSRD reporting for two years, reduce the scope of mandatory reporting by 80%, and shift toward voluntary ESG disclosures.

The Core Debate: Simplification or Deregulation?

While the Omnibus proposal is framed as a way to reduce compliance burdens and enhance corporate competitiveness, critics warn that it risks shifting from simplification to outright deregulation. A key concern has emerged in the debate: Does scaling back sustainability reporting truly support competitiveness, or does it undermine transparency and long-term value creation?

As Gemma Sánchez Danes, a member of EFRAG’s leadership team, highlighted:

“This is still a proposal, not a final decision. The European Parliament and the Council of the EU must still approve it, and reaching a consensus will take time. Companies need to stay calm and focus on why they are reporting in the first place. Sustainability reporting is not just a compliance exercise, it’s a strategic tool for risk management and value creation.”

This uncertainty has put many companies at a crossroads—should they continue preparing for CSRD compliance or hit pause? But is that the real question? Should sustainability reporting be reduced to a mere regulatory exercise, or does it serve a greater purpose—one with tangible business impact?

A critical factor driving this confusion is that, until the Omnibus proposal is formally adopted, national transpositions of the CSRD remain legally binding. Companies choosing to delay their preparations—betting on a scope reduction or a reporting postponement—are taking a considerable risk. If the proposal does not pass or if they ultimately remain in scope, they could find themselves rushing to comply at the last minute, facing unnecessary costs and operational strain. In many cases, the price of waiting may be far greater than the cost of staying the course.

Several major corporations have already taken a firm stance: regardless of regulatory shifts, they will continue their sustainability reporting. For them, ESG data, transparency, and accountability are not just about compliance; they are essential for risk management, resilience, and long-term strategic growth. Businesses that act now won’t just stay ahead of regulation—they’ll secure a competitive edge in a market increasingly shaped by sustainability expectations.

Breaking Down the Omnibus: Key Changes

1. CSRD Scope & Timeline: “Stop the Clock” Modification

One of the most significant changes proposed in the Omnibus is a two-year postponement of CSRD reporting obligations for companies in the second and third waves. This delay is intended to prevent companies from investing heavily in compliance only to be exempted later due to regulatory revisions. However, because the Omnibus is still just a proposal, many businesses find themselves in a state of so-called limbo. While the EU Parliament and Council review the proposal, the “Stop the Clock” timeline could take up to five or six months to be approved, leaving companies unsure of their next steps.

For corporations set to begin reporting in 2025, the situation is particularly frustrating. Many have already invested substantial resources into compliance, only to now question whether those efforts were wasted. But is that really the case?

If the modification of the scope is accepted, it will be significantly downsized. Companies will need to meet two out of the three key criteria to remain in scope:

1,000+ employeesAnnual turnover exceeding EUR 50 million OR a balance sheet total above EUR 25 million

This revision would result in an 80% reduction in the number of companies required to report, effectively removing many previously included businesses from the mandatory reporting framework. For those now outside the scope, the question remains: Should they abandon their sustainability reporting efforts, or will transparency and ESG data continue to play a strategic role in their long-term business success?

Robert Szucs-Winkler, CEO of denxpert, commented on the practical implications:

“Some mid-sized companies told us that the amount of investment they had to put into adapting CSRD and starting the reporting process was overwhelming. They had planned budgets for sustainability initiatives but had to redirect everything toward compliance. Now, with this proposal, they face uncertainty about whether that investment created value at all.”

2. Voluntary Reporting: A Real Alternative?

With a substantial number of companies potentially falling out of mandatory reporting, a key question emerges: Will voluntary standards bridge the gap?

The European Commission suggests that companies outside the CSRD scope may voluntarily report under a new standard, possibly based on the VSME framework. However, this remains speculative, as EFRAG has not yet been formally mandated to develop such a standard.

Experts stress a crucial distinction: VSME is not a reporting standard but a checklist. Unlike the ESRS framework, it lacks depth and does not follow a materiality-based approach. The framework includes only 20 disclosures, failing to comprehensively cover critical social and governance aspects. It is not a ‘fair view’ presentation.

This distinction raises concerns about the comparability and credibility of voluntary reporting, particularly for investors and financial institutions that rely on standardized ESG data. Without a cohesive and regulated framework, will voluntary disclosures provide the level of transparency needed to drive sustainable business practices?

For now, much remains uncertain—until the EU Commission issues a formal mandate, discussions around a new voluntary standard remain purely speculative.

3. EU Taxonomy: From Mandatory to Opt-In

Another key shift in the Omnibus proposal is the transition of the EU Taxonomy into an opt-in regime. Under the new framework:

Large companies (1,000+ employees, EUR 450 million turnover) can voluntarily report if they claim full or partial alignment with the EU Taxonomy.The requirement to meet all technical screening criteria is relaxed, meaning companies can disclose partial alignment instead of full compliance.Those who opt in must disclose turnover and CapEx KPIs, with the option to disclose OPEX KPIs.

This change could lead to the fragmentation of sustainability data, making it harder for investors and stakeholders to assess corporate sustainability performance.

Beyond the Omnibus: What This Means for Companies & Investors

The Omnibus proposal is just that—a proposal. It still has to pass through the European Parliament and Council, facing divided opinions. However, the broader conversation it has sparked is critical:

Does sustainability reporting support or hinder competitiveness?Will companies voluntarily report if no longer required to do so?How will investors navigate an increasingly fragmented data landscape?

The conversation around CSRD and CSDDD must move beyond compliance costs and toward long-term value creation. Sustainability reporting isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s a strategic framework that enables companies to identify risks, enhance operational efficiency, and align with investor expectations.

As the future of the Omnibus proposal unfolds, one thing remains certain: businesses that stay committed to sustainability will be in a stronger position, regardless of regulatory changes. Companies that have already started preparing for CSRD need to ensure their reporting processes remain structured, efficient, and adaptable to potential legislative shifts.

A well-designed reporting system is key to navigating these changes. Tools that centralize data collection, ensure ESRS alignment, and facilitate audit readiness can help companies stay on track—whether the regulatory framework shifts or not.

For a deeper understanding of what these developments mean in practice, denxpert’s latest webinar unpacks the Omnibus proposal’s potential impact and what companies should focus on next.

Watch the on-demand session to stay informed and prepared.

Find more information on our Global Sustainability Reporting Services and how we can help your company navigate these different reporting frameworks and requirements.

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by Skya Ducheneaux, Akiptan

Akiptan began lending in 2019 and has since committed over $31M in loans to producers and nearly $1M in grants. Additionally, we have created several financial literacy books, tools and resources. Our programmatic side curates programs and initiatives that enhance the impact our direct financing does. Our pipeline of applications is constantly oversubscribed, which speaks to the true testament and value of our products and how we deliver our services. The staff at Akiptan has an impact that goes a mile deep with each producer. The focus on the relational side of lending is crucial to the transformative impact of our capital. It allows us to be proactive rather than reactive, educational, thoughtful and goal oriented.

A core piece of our mission is to change the lending paradigm. We know that this innovative style of financing can be applied to other areas for equally deep success. Our model has been applied to production, processing/value added, and retail and has been extremely successful. We are eager to share our best practices and model with other financial institutions to help carry forward the work.

When it comes to investors working in this space, it is critical to also show up in a partnership role, not a transactional role. Relationships are the core of Native culture. Take time to get to know each other. Be a thought partner who is collaborative, not prescriptive. Indian Country has had “solutions” prescribed to it since colonization; none of that panned out well. It is time for us to have a seat at the table so we can bring our own solutions and dictate what our success story looks like. Just like with the Monopoly board, success looks different to everyone who is playing the game, but with collaboration, innovation and patient capital, we can all succeed.

Read Skya’s full article here and check out their video too at- https://greenmoney.com/change-the-lending-paradigm-a-model-of-success-in-native-ag-finance/