Tag: 3BL

Originally published in Principal Financial Group 2024 Sustainability Report

Advocating for financial inclusion

Inclusive financial access

We believe financial education and opportunity can lift up people of all backgrounds, all around the world. We’re working to reach them with information and resources that resonate, with additional support from Principal® Foundation.

Our approach

It’s important to us to meet people where they are on their financial journey and develop pathways to economic mobility and financial empowerment. To do this, we need to better understand the barriers of reaching financial security across the globe—and why certain groups are more affected than others. This helps inform the role we can play to broaden access to financial security.

One of our core strategies is to better serve diverse businesses, which historically have had barriers to access financial products and services. In 2021, together with Principal Foundation,¹ we committed to double the number of diverse small and midsize businesses (SMBs) we support through product access, capital access programs,² community development, and financial education by 2025. At the beginning of 2024, we increased that goal to triple the number of diverse SMBs and entrepreneurs by 2025 from our 2020 baseline.

Progress towards our updated 2025 diverse SMB goal

• Progress: 26,794
• Goal: 30,000

We’re working toward this goal by:

• Making insurance and savings products more accessible to diverse business owners
• Advocating for more equitable access to capital for diverse businesses
  and entrepreneurs
• Providing insights, education, and support for diverse SMBs to tackle common obstacles and take action on issues that are important to them
• Providing financial education that empowers diverse SMBs to make informed financial decisions, manage risks, and position their businesses for long-term success and sustainability

Our actions and performance in 2024
Our progress

Out of our total number of SMB customers in the U.S. in 2024, 9.7%³ were owned by diverse business owners, namely women and people of color. In 2024, we ended the year supporting 12,049 diverse SMBs and entrepreneurs, exceeding our annual target of 7,700. We’re at approximately 89% of our goal heading into our last year.

• 6.6%: SMBs owned by women in 2024
• 3.2%: SMBs owned by people of color in 2024

This year Principal continued to provide support to SCORE, a nonprofit organization that aims to foster vibrant small business success, offering content, tools, and mentorship at no cost to business owners and entrepreneurs.

Principal sponsored two webinars on the SCORE platform related to starting and growing a business, as well as four articles on the SCORE website. Principal also sponsored five competitions across the U.S. where small business founders pitched their company for cash awards. These initiatives continue to provide valuable resources to the small business community to help overcome barriers to access and resources in hopes of promoting their sustained success.

• Find resources for entrepreneurs

Elevate by Principal continued to support the growth of small and midsize businesses (SMBs) with data-driven insights, one-on-one consultations, and discounts on products and services businesses use every day.

This free platform unlocks time and resources empowering business owners to grow their business with confidence. To date, we’ve helped more than 1,250 businesses through Elevate by Principal.

• Access these resources

Extending reach to international markets

Our international offices offer local education and support to their communities to enhance financial access in the regions where we reside and operate outside the U.S.

Our Principal Investment Opportunities video series in Thailand provides investment outlooks, market updates, fund recommendations, and other key insights.

In 2024, volunteers from Principal and Cuprum supported Fondo Esperanza, offering education to 80 entrepreneurs and business owners in Chile. They also provided a “Household Economy Workshop” to the student community in schools for families with limited financial resources.

The workshop covered budgeting and prioritizing home expenses across five cities impacting more than 100 individuals.

Through a volunteer initiative in Brazil, employees are empowered to teach financial education and business classes to public high school and elementary school students in São Paulo. To expand access to financial education across other Brazilian states, and with support from Principal Foundation, the project developed a free mobile app-based game to allow young people to learn about financial literacy in an entertaining way with over 13,500 downloads at the end of 2024.

FuturEd, our free virtual financial education platform in Brazil, offers a course with three modules (financial planning, private pension, and investments), 19 lessons, and more than two and half hours of content. In 2024, we impacted 4,500 users through the platform.

What is the GFII?

Global Financial Inclusion Index

Clear and consistent measures of progress matter in financial inclusion. This means using data-driven insights to understand the barriers to financial security and setting goals and establishing accountability to address gaps.

This year we continued our partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) to release the Global Financial Inclusion Index (Index). The Index ranks 41 markets on three clearly defined pillars of financial inclusion: government support, financial system support, and employer support. Now in its third year, the report provides a comprehensive and comparative evaluation of financial inclusion on a global scale.

This year’s results demonstrated that financial inclusion has improved globally for the second consecutive year.

Employers in young Asian economies have stepped up to help consumers and businesses weather local market economic challenges and Latin American markets saw an increase in financial inclusion with advancements in digital financial infrastructure.

Even as governments, financial systems, and employers are taking measures to increase financial support, consumer perception of financial inclusion has fallen as people felt the effects of inflation, economic contraction, and wider financial strain.

Principal continues to work toward increasing financial inclusion by bolstering the collective efforts to increase access to useful and affordable financial products and services alongside governments and others in the private sector.

• Global Financial Inclusion Index: 2024 report

To learn more, read the Principal Financial Group 2024 Sustainability Report.

Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc (“Principal® Foundation”) is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing philanthropic support to programs that build financial security in the communities where Principal Financial Group, Inc. (“Principal’ operates. While Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a distinct independent, charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not practice any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so. © 2025 Principal Foundation.

Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.

¹Principal Community Relations supports the communities where affiliates of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392 operates. Insurance products and plan administrative services provided through Principal Life Insurance Company®, a member of the Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, IA 50392. Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. (‘Principal® Foundation’) is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing philanthropic support to programs that build financial security in the communities where Principal Financial Group, Inc. (‘Principal’) operates. While Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a distinct, independent, charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not practice any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so.

²Capital access programs refer to investments in and grant-making to third-party organizations that provide access to capital. Grants are made from Principal® Foundation. Diverse SMBs include businesses owned or controlled by women, people of color, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community and individuals with different abilities.

³Represents small and mid sized businesses in the U.S. owned by women or people of color. Not captured here is approximately 0.1% of small and midsized businesses that are owned by people of color who are also women.

4720857–082025

Three Points to Remember 

1. Strong family connections build resilience — small daily rituals like tech-free meals help teens feel supported.
    
2. Military teens have access to robust resources like the MFLC Program, school-based counselors, and national hotlines tailored to their needs.
    
3. New technology is expanding access to mental health care through telehealth, apps, and AI-powered tools.

This August we marked National Teen Mental Health Awareness Month, a growing grassroots movement, initiated by This is My Brave and supported by providers nationwide. The focus is to highlight the unique emotional challenges adolescents often experience as they return to school.

In 2023, teen mental health statistics across the United States painted a troubling picture. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 40% of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Nearly one in five seriously considered suicide, and nine percent attempted to take their own life within the past year. Research shows that nearly half of U.S. adolescents will experience a mental health condition by the age of 18.

Each statistic represents a young person navigating complex emotions and challenges. As parents, we have more influence than we may realize in helping teens build resilience.

Connection Starts at Home 

Professional support is key when teens are facing specific mental health struggles, but the everyday things we do as families matter just as much. Simple habits like making dinner a phone-free zone or setting aside regular family activities can help teens feel safe and connected.

The Experience of Military Teens 

Military-connected youth face amplified challenges due to frequent moves, parental deployments, and in some cases, a parent’s visible or invisible injuries. The recent 2024 Military Teen Experience Survey, sponsored by Leidos, in partnership with the National Military Family Association, revealed only eight percent of military teens reported high mental well-being, while nearly half said they had engaged in self-harm. Taking a closer look at these issues is critically important to the overall readiness of the military because more than half of today’s military-connected children aspire to serve in the military themselves; a testament to their deep resilience and strength.

Programs like the Department of Defense’s Military & Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program, supported by Leidos, offer free, confidential support for these teens. Counselors work directly in schools and community centers to help teens manage stress, navigate deployments, and develop healthy coping skills, offering consistent and reliable care, even during relocations.

Leveraging Technology for Support 

As parents, we want to help our teens navigate the ups and downs of this critical developmental stage with confidence and resilience. While nothing replaces the value of face-to-face connection and family support – technology can also be a powerful tool when used correctly and carefully, especially for supporting mental health.

For example:

• Telehealth makes it easier for teens, especially those in rural or hard-to-reach areas, to connect with therapists without the hassle of travel.
• Mental health apps give teens handy tools to check in on their moods and learn new ways to manage stress, right from their smart devices.
• Digital monitoring tools can help parents stay aware of their teens’ online activity while fostering conversations about healthy online habits.
• Emerging AI-powered tools now offer 24×7 check-ins and digital navigation to connect families with appropriate mental health resources.

Moving Forward 

As students return to school, let’s make a conscious effort to check in with our teens regularly, advocate for school and community mental health resources, and normalize conversations about emotional well-being. Whether in civilian or military families, supporting adolescents requires attention, compassion, and intentional effort.

Parenting through adolescence isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about showing up, listening without judgement, and being a steady presence. When teens feel connected and supported, they are more likely to reach out for help, engage in open dialogue, and thrive.

Resources for Parents and Teens 

Access to the right support can make all the difference. Below is a list of trusted resources for parents and teens:

FOR TEENS 

• NAMI Teen & Young Adult HelpLine: A peer-support service offering information and resources. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) (9 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday) or text ‘NAMI’ to 741741 for crisis support. https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/teen-young-adult-helpline/
• The Trevor Project: 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. https://www.thetrevorproject.org
• Your Life Your Voice: From Boys Town, offering coping tools, text/chat with a counselor. https://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor 24/7.
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 24/7 free and confidential emotional support for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. https://988lifeline.org

FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS 

• CDC Teen Mental Health: Research and resources for supporting teen well-being. https://www.cdc.gov/teenmentalhealth
• Mental Health America – Parent Resources: Screening tools and tips. https://mhanational.org
• CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): Guidance and support for parenting teens with ADHD. https://chadd.org
• StopBullying.gov: Federal resources and tools for preventing and addressing bullying. https://www.stopbullying.gov
• Bark / Life360: Tools to help monitor and guide healthy digital habits.
• Military & Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program): Free, confidential support for military teens and families. https://www.militaryonesource.mil
• National Parent Youth Helpline: Emotional support and resources for parents and youth. https://nationalparentyouthhelpline.org
• Single Parent Alliance & Resource Center: Support, education, and advocacy tailored for single parents. https://www.singleparent411.org

 

Quality ingredients are key to bold, innovative, and distinguished flavors in a restaurant. That’s why QSR leaders and foodservice brand owners need to have strong connections with food suppliers—businesses and vendors that sell their food directly to the restaurant—to succeed.  

Even seasoned owners who have worked with the same suppliers for years may need to reevaluate their partnerships to improve product quality. Goals for your restaurants and your supplier’s output may change over time, so reevaluating regularly ensures the best quality and consistency for your restaurant’s food supply. 

How do you find an ingredient supplier, food supplier, or manufacturer that gives you access to not only the best ingredients, but delivers on that quality consistently? Let’s break down how to find the right supplier and the qualities you should consider when exploring future partnerships. 

How To Find a Food Supplier 

Before you commit to any partnership, it’s essential to assess your business’s specific needs to determine which supplier type best aligns with your goals. Here is a simple, three-step process that can help point you to the right ingredient or food supplier. 

Identify the Type of Supplier You Need 

The needs and demands of different restaurants require diverse supply chains of all shapes and sizes. Assess the demands of your business, particularly your business plan, labor costs, and menu requirements, to identify the best type of food supplier for your goals. Some of the most common types of suppliers include: 

National Wholesale 

National suppliers typically provide everything needed for your menus, offering a variety of premium ingredients and ready-to-serve dishes. However, ingredients may not be as fresh due to shipping times, and offerings are usually generic products. 

Consider this type of supplier if you’re looking for a wide variety of ingredients for a cost-effective price. 

Farmers 

Working with local farmers offers fresh ingredients and a personal relationship with your supplier. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce seasonal products to your menu. However, you are limited to higher prices and local and seasonal ingredients. 

Consider this type of supplier if you’re looking for fresh, local ingredients, want to avoid long-distance shipping, or wish to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers. This option is most likely to appeal to local restaurants and franchises. 

Product Development Partners 

Product development partners collaborate closely with foodservice businesses to create custom ingredient solutions and menu items tailored to your brand. These suppliers offer expertise in culinary trends, formulation, and scaling recipes for commercial kitchens. Their goal is to co-create innovative, proprietary products that help differentiate your offerings in the marketplace. 

Consider this type of supplier if you’re aiming to develop unique menu items, improve operational efficiency, or need support translating culinary ideas into scalable, consistent products. 

Specialty Suppliers 

Butchers, breweries, vineyards—specialists can be a terrific way to get top-quality ingredients and beverages for your restaurant. These suppliers also often carry unique products, which stand out from the general offerings of national wholesalers. But you may run into supply shortages and higher prices if demand for their products increases. 

Consider this type of supplier if you’d like to offer unique, artisan products on your menu or wish to build rapport with an individual supplier. 

Network and Research Options Online 

Research suppliers that interest you before you make initial contact. Beyond looking at their product offerings, research their achievements, backgrounds, and business values. Also look for customer reviews of their products online. You may find a star-rating on Google or comments on their social media channels that can give you an idea of what the supplier is like to work with. 

Leverage your existing foodservice connections to discover which suppliers your network trusts. Even if you have a lot of connections in the space, it’s always insightful to network with other successful foodservice business owners. 

Evaluate Potential Partners 

Reach out to a few suppliers that stuck out the most after completing your preliminary research. Ask intentional questions that clearly outline whether the partnership would be a good fit, such as: 

• How do they fit into your current supply chain?
• Alternatively, how might they alleviate the current strains of your supply chain?
• What is their delivery schedule? Does it align with your kitchen’s prep times?
• Do they have any minimum or maximum order quantities?
• Do they offer discounts or reductions on bulk orders?
• How do they manage their supply chain to ensure product availability? 

4 Considerations When Picking Your Food Supplier 

Not sure what benchmarks are most important for evaluating ingredient and food supply companies? Below are four considerations to help gauge how well-suited your potential suppliers are for your business. 

Product Quality and Consistency 

Most suppliers should offer a sample of their products so you can test their quality for yourself. You should also ensure that their sample isn’t a fluke—you need food supply services that deliver consistent quality.  

Touring a supplier’s facilities can shed some light on their consistency standards. By reviewing quality control processes, storage and transportation methods, and the stability of their supply chain, you can get a clear picture of the likelihood that their products will remain consistent. 

Reviewing data about their food supply services may also help with your evaluation. Look for customer complaints on third-party review websites, compare their prices with competitors, and search for any information on product recalls or defects. 

Customer Service 

The best practices of customer service remain true for ingredient and food suppliers—you want a partner that understands your needs, communicates clearly and proactively, and handles complaints efficiently. Order tracking services, timely delivery, return policies, and clear communication surrounding delays or other issues should also be included in any restaurant food supply partnerships by default. 

Customer service touches virtually every interaction you have with the supplier, so take note of how responsive they are to you and any public policies or procedures they have on their website. You may also consider asking the supplier for references. The following are some questions you can consider when calling these references: 

• Were concerns or questions resolved in a timely manner?
• Were their orders delivered on time?
• Did they have a good relationship with their customer service representatives? 

Local vs Global Supply Chain 

Products from a food supplier often take a long journey before landing in your kitchen. While some food suppliers rely on a local supply chain, others globalize their manufacturing and product development process. 

A local food product supplier can give you access to incredibly fresh ingredients and tap into local flavors, but may be limited to the ingredients they can access. Global food suppliers, meanwhile, can take advantage of premium products from around the globe.  

Griffith Foods balances a global supply chain with a local feel with MarketLink, offering improved availability to ingredients worldwide while lowering costs. Thanks to modern technology and shipping standards, restaurants can effectively source their products from across the globe and still create fresh, innovative, and delicious dishes. 

Consider which ingredients your product or menu demands. Does the supplier offer simple, affordable access to these ingredients? Consider the supplier’s delivery times, frequency, and any order minimums or maximums to ensure they don’t conflict with your processes. 

Carbon Footprint 

Sustainable business practices appeal to your customers—a recent study found that 80 percent of consumers across the globe are willing to pay more for sustainability in their consumption practices. Finding a supplier that supports sustainability can help you appease customers who identify with this rising trend. 

Look for goals that indicate your food supplier strives for sustainability. Things like zero waste initiatives, reduced water use, and prioritizing sustainable packaging highlight a food supplier’s commitment to renewing the environment. 

Secure Your Ingredients with the Right Supplier 

A successful restaurant thrives on strong partnerships with reliable food suppliers, ensuring top-quality ingredients and consistent delivery. That’s why Griffith Foods approaches every supplier-restaurant partnership with a collaborative mindset, ensuring our global network delivers unwavering support and premium ingredients to restaurants and their customers so you can continue to develop your culinary artistry. 

By regularly aligning your changing needs with strategic supplier choices, you can create a resilient supply chain, enhance operational efficiency, and spend more time on what matters most—serving your customers.  

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Helping the helpers: 38 western North Carolina nonprofits aiding disaster recovery receive unexpected staff care grants.

At a recognition lunch in Asheville, Duke Energy Foundation honored the incredible nonprofit organizations that continue to be on the frontlines of helping our communities recover from Hurricane Helene.

These nonprofits have been serving their communities tirelessly – restoring hope, rebuilding homes and providing critical services to support neighbors as they recover. Today, we gave back to them with $5,000 each in staff care grants – a heartfelt thank-you to the people behind the progress.

“We’re grateful to support local nonprofits who’ve cared for the communities of western North Carolina during the past year. These grants are our way of thanking the helpers and providing capacity for our nonprofit partners to pause and care for themselves after a year of constant caring for community.” – Amy Strecker, president, Duke Energy Foundation.

View original content here.

 

 

This blog post is being guest written by Shreya Arora on Cisco’s India Cash Grant team, where she supports the rollout and governance of CSR programs across India. Drawing on seven years of experience in program development and fundraising, Shreya brings a holistic view of the nonprofit world and a strong desire to translate local needs into real-world solutions.

Shreya’s commitment to inclusive, community-driven change is fueled by the inspiration she finds in collaborating with Cisco’s diverse network of partners.

In the bustling lanes of India’s villages and cities, dreams often collide with barriers. For millions of families, social welfare programs hold the promise of a brighter future; however, the pathways to these benefits are often managed by older, lower-tech systems that can be complex to navigate. In 2018, Cisco partnered with Indus Action, an India-based non-profit, to address this challenge, digitally transforming essential social protection systems to be more citizen-friendly and effective.

Through our ever-evolving partnership, Cisco and Indus Action have helped countless vulnerable citizens transform their lives for the better by increasing their access to education, maternal health, labor welfare, and more. Read on to learn how Indus Action is using creative digital solutions to drive ecosystem innovation, building more resilient and thriving communities in the process.

Bridging the gap: Education for every child

Education can be transformational for anyone—yet, for many low-income families in India, it remains elusive. Recognizing this challenge, Cisco and Indus Action joined together to support the implementation of Section 12(1)(c) of India’s Right to Education (RTE) Act. This policy mandates that 25% of seats in private, unaided schools be reserved for children from economically disadvantaged sections and groups.

With Cisco’s support, Indus Action developed an Education-Management Information System (EdMIS), an innovative technology platform designed to streamline the RTE admissions process. The work spanned three states full-time and supported four others, ensuring admissions for about 2.15lakh (215,000) students. From school and student registrations to application lotteries, reimbursements, and student tracking, EdMIS has simplified complex administrative workflows and ensured transparency across the ecosystem.

Families like Somesh’s, whose son gained admission to a private school under RTE, are living proof of the transformative power of this initiative. “Without this provision, enrolling our child in a private school would have been nearly impossible,” Somesh’s mother shared. “This policy helps families like ours. We hope it continues to support others like us in the future.”

Indus Action’s flagship project wasn’t just about immediate outcomes—it was about building scalable, replicable, sustainable solutions for the longer term. By launching the EdMIS platform in states like Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana, while supporting others in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, the partnership laid the groundwork for lasting systemic change.

Supporting pregnant and first-time mothers

In 2020, Cisco and Indus Action expanded their reach to support pregnant and first-time mothers under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a welfare program for maternal health. The objective of PMMVY is to give partial compensation to pregnant women and lactating mothers who were working and had to experience a wage loss due to the pregnancy.

Inspired by the EdMIS use case, a dashboard and hotline were developed to streamline operational efficiencies and data monitoring for the state of Uttar Pradesh, while providing a forum for the recipients to seek assistance. Over 18,000 women received all three instalments of the cash benefit, and the project witnessed over 60,000 new registrations.

Cash benefits are delivered in a timely manner, with additional improvements in service delivery. Beyond this, the program has resulted in an increase in health-seeking behavior—such as antenatal and prenatal check-ups.

Safeguarding labor welfare

In 2025, Cisco and Indus Action renewed their partnership with a bold new focus: improving welfare for workers registered under the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCWWB). Leveraging the lessons learned from RTE implementation, the partners aim to deploy technology to simplify access to benefits, address grievances, and enhance governance for workers and their families.

Cisco’s investment in grievance redressal mechanisms has already proven invaluable, helping families successfully navigate the often-confusing welfare landscape. By listening to citizens’ concerns, Indus Action has not only resolved individual cases but also used these insights to strengthen policies and processes at the state level.

Working towards a future where good education is for everyone

Our partnership with Indus Action is more than just a program; it’s a movement—a demonstration of how technology, when paired with Purpose, can dismantle barriers, build bridges, and improve crucial ecosystems. As Cisco and Indus Action continue their journey, the lessons learned and milestones achieved will serve as a playbook for driving scalable, sustainable change across India.

To learn more about Indus Action’s initiatives and explore ways to get involved, visit their website at indusaction.org. Together, we can create better social protection systems that work for everyone.

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CLEVELAND, September 30, 2025 /3BL/ – KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) provided a $25.9 million loan to finance the new construction of 1434 W. Compton Blvd LP, a 75-unit affordable housing project located in Compton, California. The Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) has partnered with LandSpire Group, LLC, to develop the project. This is the inaugural development project between the sponsor, CRCD and LandSpire Group, LLC, a partnership that aims to produce 1,000+ permanent supportive and affordable housing units across the Greater Los Angeles area over the next decade.

The project will be a three-story development consisting of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, all of which are restricted at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI). Fifty percent of the units are set aside as permanent supportive housing, and the remaining 50% as general affordable housing. Additional LIHTC equity and Freddie Mac TEL permanent financing were secured from Walker & Dunlop.

Founded in 2005, the Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in South Los Angeles. CRCD supports low-income residents and small businesses with jobs, education, training, affordable housing, and comprehensive support. Since its inception, CRCD has facilitated $160 million in investments, creating 464 housing units and additional development worth $665 million.

Founded in 2019, LandSpire Group is a Southern California-based real estate private equity firm specializing in investing in ground-up developments in select U.S. markets that are experiencing housing affordability challenges and supply imbalances. LandSpire’s housing portfolio currently consists of 500 units of market rate and workforce housing, with an additional 400 units of affordable and workforce housing scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025.

1434 W. Compton Blvd LP, which is expected to be completed by May 2027, will have onsite amenities including laundry facilities, a community room, a tot lot, a landscaped courtyard, an amphitheater-style seating area, a basketball/multi-court play area, onsite parking and a resident manager. Social services will also be provided on-site by CRCD and other community partners.

Matthew Haas and Cathy Danigelis of KeyBank CDLI structured the financing.

About KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment 

KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) finances projects that stabilize and revitalize communities across all 50 states. As one of the top affordable housing capital providers in the country, KeyBank’s platform brings together construction, acquisition, bridge-to-re-syndication, and preservation loans, as well as lines of credit, Agency and HUD permanent mortgage executions, and equity investments for low-income housing projects, especially Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financing. KeyBank has earned 11 consecutive “Outstanding” ratings on the Community Reinvestment Act exam, from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, making it the first U.S. national bank among the 25 largest to do so since the Act’s passage in 1977.

About KeyCorp 

KeyCorp’s roots trace back 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $185 billion at June 30, 2025.

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

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September 30, 2025 /3BL/ – PBF Energy Inc. (PBF) (NYSE: PBF) announced the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report, highlighting the company’s efforts to advance sustainable practices, be a good neighbor to the communities in which we operate, and continue to maintain the high level of transparency expected by all of our stakeholders.  

“As we look to the future, we are actively exploring additional opportunities for emissions reductions, circular solutions, and low-carbon product innovation that support a more sustainable energy system. “ Matthew Lucy, President and CEO

• Since 2013, PBF has achieved greater than 30% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 Greenhouse Gas emissions, with approximately one third of these reductions occurring in the last three years.   This recent progress reflects our continued ongoing focus on operational efficiency, and process optimization throughout our refining activities.
• 2024 was an important year for PBF’s production of renewable fuels.  The Saint Bernard Renewables biorefinery successfully completed its first full year of renewable diesel production.  This joint venture between PBF and Enilive S.p.A represents an important piece of our product offering portfolio.
• All of the PBF refining sites supported their local communities through monetary support and “sweat equity”.  Volunteering for various causes at each facility is an important aspect of our commitment to community partnership.

PBF continues to be committed to environmental stewardship, safe and reliable operations and transparent communication.  We invite you to read the full report and learn more about PBF Energy’s Sustainability progress. Click to view the report.

About PBF Energy Inc.
PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE: PBF) is one of the largest independent refiners in North America, operating through its subsidiaries, oil refineries and related facilities in California, Delaware, Louisiana, New Jersey and Ohio. Our mission is to operate our facilities in a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible manner, provide employees with a safe and rewarding workplace, become a positive influence in the communities where we do business and provide superior returns to our investors.

PBF Energy is also a 50% partner in the St. Bernard Renewables joint venture focused on the production of next generation sustainable fuels.

In his recent Supply Chain Management Review article, “Building Resilient Supply Chains: How AI, Automation, and Emerging Technologies Are Shaping the Future of Global Trade,” Morten Johansen, Chief Operating Officer for DP World in the Americas, underscores that digital transformation is no longer optional for global trade. “We’re entering an era where resilience depends on the ability to anticipate disruptions and act before they happen,” he writes, adding that companies must embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to remain competitive in an increasingly volatile environment.

AI and Automation Take Center Stage

Johansen highlights that AI and automation are enabling businesses to predict disruptions, optimize logistics flows, and reduce waste. “AI-powered analytics provide visibility and foresight that traditional tools simply can’t match,” he notes. From predictive demand forecasting to robotic handling in warehouses, these technologies are transforming global supply chains into agile, data-driven networks.

At DP World, this transformation is well underway. We are integrating AI and automation across our global operations—from using predictive analytics in our CARGOES logistics platform to enhance visibility, to deploying autonomous cranes and vehicles at our terminals. These advancements streamline trade flows while cutting costs and emissions, creating a smarter, more sustainable logistics ecosystem.

Resilience Through Regionalization

Technology alone won’t build resilient supply chains. Johansen also emphasizes that companies are increasingly regionalizing operations to reduce dependence on long, fragile supply chains. Nearshoring and diversification are becoming standard strategies to mitigate geopolitical and climate-related risks.

DP World is directly supporting this trend with investments in logistics hubs and special economic zones across the Americas. In Mexico, we’ve expanded freight forwarding operations to serve growing nearshoring demand, while in the Dominican Republic, our $760 million ESG-driven Special Economic Zone has potential to create up to 50,000 jobs and serve as a regional hub for sustainable manufacturing and trade.

Sustainability as the Backbone of Resilience

The future of resilient supply chains is also the future of sustainable supply chains. As global trade is set to double by 2050, ports and logistics providers must minimize their environmental footprint. DP World is investing in hydrogen-powered cranes, electrified truck fleets, and shore power facilities to slash emissions at ports worldwide. These innovations not only help us meet our net-zero targets but also give our partners confidence that their supply chains align with global ESG goals.

Looking Ahead

Johansen’s article makes it clear: AI, automation, and emerging technologies are no longer “nice-to-haves.” They are mission-critical for supply chain leaders looking to thrive in an uncertain world.

At DP World, we’re not waiting for the future – we’re building it. By combining cutting-edge digital tools with sustainable infrastructure investments, we’re helping businesses worldwide turn disruption into opportunity.

Explore further insights and read Johansen’s full article here. 

 

MADRID, September 29, 2025 /3BL/ – The average Fairtrade Minimum Price for bananas has increased by 6% at Ex Works level and by 4.6% at FOB level, with variations by origin, reflecting Fairtrade’s work to support banana farmers and workers to earn a decent livelihood. About 37,111 farmers and workers will be supported by these prices,19 percent of whom are women.

Fairtrade is pleased to announce these new Minimum Prices for bananas at Fruit Attraction 2025 in Madrid.

The new Minimum Prices for banana will be valid for contracts with farmers beginning on January 1, 2026.

Certified farmers and workers also receive the Fairtrade Premium, an extra sum of money paid on top of the minimum price that they can invest in their communities or business projects of their choice.

“Bananas are often the cheapest fruit on the shelf, but that low price doesn’t reflect the true cost of sustainable production. For the average North American shopper, it’s only roughly $5 more per year for Fairtrade bananas, an affordable switch that supports farming communities, helps increase adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, and builds more resilient supply chains,” said Rob Desson, Sr. Business Partnerships Manager for Fresh Produce, Fairtrade America.

“There is an industry misconception that consumers are tied to that low price, but a 2025 Globescan study shows many Americans think they pay far more for bananas than they actually do. We recently witnessed this when a well-known U.S. retailer increased their banana pricing without any major consumer backlash – meaning a small price increase to a Fairtrade program is unlikely to deter shoppers. 

“Retailers should feel confident that shoppers will embrace options that are better for people and the planet. We encourage North American retailers to be a part of a solution that champions shared responsibility and partnership while maintaining profitability throughout the value chain.”

Fairtrade is also publishing the first Fairtrade Minimum Price in Côte d’Ivoire, the largest banana exporter in Africa. Côte d’Ivoire joins Cameroon, Ghana, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Peru (organic bananas only) with updated Fairtrade Minimum Prices. For the third year in a row, Fairtrade is publishing prices for main inputs and services needed for banana production for each producing country. These prices are used to reflect in the Fairtrade Minimum prices critical cost changes and fluctuations

A holistic approach is needed to drive change in the banana sector. Fairtrade’s Sustainable Banana Offer brings together actors across the supply chain- consumers, commercial partners, farmers and workers – to play their part in improving livelihoods and achieving a sustainable banana production and trade. Fairtrade banana sales, supported by fair prices, provide the means for workers to benefit from better wages and farmers to improve their income.

Core to Fairtrade’s Banana Offer is the Sustainable Banana Program, developed by the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Fairtrade Farmers and Workers (CLAC). This program seeks to improve farming practices through soil health management, efficient water use, and building climate resilience. The program has demonstrated tangible results in improving yields and reducing environmental costs. Commercial partners are invited to learn more about the Sustainable Banana Program at Booth 12c11 in Hall 12 during the Fruit Attraction fair.

“Banana producers across main exporting countries are echoing the need of sustainable farming practices, and fair pricing for securing economic viability of banana production,” said Silvia Campos, Senior Advisor, Banana, at Fairtrade International. “Achieving sustainable livelihoods for farmers and workers is at the core of Fairtrade’s mission. Fairtrade’s Sustainable Banana Offer provides all actors in the supply chain a holistic approach to do their part.”

Fairtrade continues to call on all actors in the supply chain to do their part to make sustainable livelihoods a reality and help build a viable future for the banana industry. To learn more about Fairtrade’s work to make banana production more sustainable, click here.

Fruit Attraction 2025 is the meeting point for fruit and vegetable professionals from all over the world. Organized by IFEMA MADRID and FEPEX, it runs from September 30- October 2, 2025. Fairtrade’s stand can be found in Hall 12, Booth 12c11.

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About Fairtrade America

Fairtrade America works to rebalance trade, making it a system rooted in partnership and mutual respect rather than exploitation. It’s about businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers all working together so we can all experience the benefits of trade. Fairtrade America is the U.S. branch of Fairtrade International, the original and global leader in fair trade certification with more than 30 years of experience working for fair trading practices in more than 30 countries across the globe. A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Fairtrade America is part of the world’s largest and most recognized fair trade certification program —part of a global movement for change. Learn more at fairtrade.net, and by connecting with Fairtrade America on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Press Contact:

Liz Davis, ldavis@fairtradeamerica.org

MetLife

NEW YORK, September 29, 2025 /3BL/ – At the 2025 Global Citizen Festival, MetLife, a leading financial services company providing insurance and employee benefits, proudly announced becoming a major partner with Global Citizen, the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty, with a new three-year partnership.

This new partnership leverages MetLife’s strengths and long history of enabling economic security, access to resources and resilience to thrive to further Global Citizen’s mission and address urgent challenges facing communities around the world. As a major partner of Global Citizen, MetLife will provide financial support, employee volunteerism and global reach to drive transformative initiatives in education and economic empowerment.

Additionally, MetLife Foundation is committing $9 million as a founding donor of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The Fund aims to raise $100 million to provide access to quality education and sport for children around the world. Since its founding nearly 50 years ago, educational support has been one of MetLife Foundation’s cornerstones. Today, financial education, STEM learning, mentoring and skills training are part of the Foundation’s giving to prepare students worldwide for brighter futures.

“At MetLife, we believe in being there for people and communities in the moments that matter, guided by our clear purpose of building more confident futures for all,” said Michel Khalaf, president and CEO of MetLife. “Our partnership with Global Citizen will drive positive change by promoting financial health, advancing educational opportunities and fostering strong and confident communities. Together with MetLife Foundation, we’re excited to partner with Global Citizen, and this partnership builds on MetLife Foundation’s legacy of more than $1 billion in giving since 1976.”

MetLife will also play a key role in supporting Global Citizen campaigns around the world, including the landmark Global Citizen Festival, which took place in New York’s Central Park today, bringing together artists, advocates and world leaders to drive action on the world’s most urgent challenges, as well as the Global Citizen NOW action summits.

“We believe wholeheartedly in the power of partnership to tackle the most complex issues our world is facing,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Citizen. “This new partnership between MetLife, MetLife Foundation and Global Citizen will be instrumental in growing our impact and serve as a critical catalyst in our shared vision to accelerate progress toward a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Partners, leaders and global citizens everywhere are invited to join the movement here and take action.

About Global Citizen

Global Citizen is the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday advocates raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Since the movement began, $49 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Geneva, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

About MetLife

MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help individual and institutional customers build a more confident future. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit metlife.com.

About MetLife Foundation

At MetLife Foundation, we are committed to driving inclusive economic mobility. We collaborate with nonprofit organizations and provide grants aligned to three strategic focus areas – economic inclusion, financial health and resilient communities – while engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help drive impact. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its inception, MetLife Foundation has contributed over $1 billion to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.

Global Citizen:
media@globalcitizen.org

MetLife: Peggy Carlton
peggy.f.carlton@metlife.com