Covia

Otis Worldwide Corporation

Paramount

Covia’s Roff Plant Earns Wildlife Habitat Council’s Best New Build Award for Innovative Birdhouse Initiative

Otis Supports Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025

Paramount VetNet Coffee With Vets: Austin Stowell of CBS’ NCIS

<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.3blmedia.com/sites/default/files/2025-03/Women-Technology-Foundation_Whirlpool_032625.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center>

For a third year, members of the Whirlpool Corporation Global IT team teamed up with the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/mcwt2002/" target="_blank">Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation (MCWT)</a> for the Girls Rock IT event supported by the Whirlpool Foundation. While parents and guardians attended a session on internet safety and careers in technology, local girls (grades 2-8) learned coding basics and game/app development.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/whirlpool-corporation_girls-rock-it-2025-activity-7307477208866922497-YTYj/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop&amp;rcm=ACoAAACuHX0B_8exHEeyvRwmSoxObmkHGHY9tFQ" target="_blank">View original content here.</a>

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the last-remaining major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales - close to 90% of which were in the Americas - 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at <a href="http://whirlpoolcorp.com/" target="_blank">WhirlpoolCorp.com</a>.

The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation (MCWT) and Whirlpool Foundation Present Girls' STEM Event

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="People holding an oversized check from Fifth Third" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0262bd79-349c-4b6a-852d-3d1ce1bbeb56" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/small-business-catalyst-fund-awards-nearly-250000-grants_FIFTH-THIRD-BANCORP_033125A.png" width="640" height="854" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Grant recipients include The Country Meat Co. Marketplace in Cincinnati’s Avondale neighborhood, the community’s first grocery store in 17 years. Co-owners Chanel and Tennel Bryant, depicted here with Fifth Third Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer Kala Gibson, were awarded a $5,300 grant from Fifth Third’s Small Business Catalyst Fund plus additional philanthropic support.</figcaption></figure>CINCINNATI, April 1, 2025 /CSRwire/ - Nearly 50 small businesses across the U.S. have been awarded $5,300 grants from the Fifth Third Small Business Catalyst Fund to broaden financial access and help drive future growth.

The Small Business Catalyst Fund empowers small businesses across Fifth Third’s 11-state footprint to grow and create jobs in their communities and to build a more equitable small business ecosystem. The grants are the first awards from the $7.85 million fund, which Fifth Third (NASDAQ: FITB) launched last fall in partnership with the Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF).

"At Fifth Third, we are committed to increasing financial access and mobility in all of the communities we serve,” said Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer for Fifth Third. “These inaugural grants from our Small Business Catalyst Fund will help locally-owned businesses across our footprint continue to grow and thrive. Small businesses form the foundation of our communities – and when they succeed, we all succeed.”

The Small Business Catalyst Fund helps small and micro business owners obtain working capital when traditional lending is not an option by connecting them with potential capital options offered by trusted Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). The program utilizes an innovative funding model that combines grants, micro loans and small business loans ranging from $5,000 to $750,000 to small businesses at various stages of maturity.

“Small businesses are essential to the success and vibrancy of communities across the country, yet many face significant challenges in securing the financing they need to grow,” said Alexis Dishman, SVP &amp; Chief Lending Officer for CRF. “In collaboration with Fifth Third Bank and our CDFI partners, CRF aims to expand financial opportunities and accelerate small business momentum through the creation of this innovative fund.”

Grant recipients include The Country Meat Co. Marketplace in Cincinnati’s Avondale neighborhood. Locally-owned and operated, The Country Meat Co. Marketplace became the Avondale community’s first grocery store in 17 years when it opened in February.

“Fifth Third’s support will help ease food related financial strain for members of the Avondale community as well as providing access to nutritional education and essential support,” said co-owner Tennel Bryant.

The Small Business Catalyst Fund is funded by the Fifth Third Foundation, the Fifth Third Bank Community Development Corporation, and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. CRF administers the fund’s grants and small business loans and works alongside two regional CDFI microlending partners who focus on microloans and technical assistance: Ohio-based Economic &amp; Community Development Institute (ECDI), and New York-based Ascendus.

Fifth Third has a proven track record of prioritizing financial access and community development through its Neighborhood Program, which creates and implements innovative place-based strategies to effect positive change in nine historically disinvested neighborhoods across the Bank’s 11-state footprint. Fifth Third launched its neighborhood program in 2021, taking a place-based approach to community development where the Bank works with a lead partner organization and other local organizations to build ecosystems that drive real change through both financial and social investments. This collective ecosystem approach is focused on identifying solutions to key challenges in partnership with the community, with the goal of creating lasting, transformative change.

A full list of grant recipients and more information is available at <a href="https://www.smallbusinesscatalystfund.com/" target="_blank">www.SmallBusinessCatalystFund.com</a>.

###

About the Fifth Third Foundation

Established in 1948, the Fifth Third Foundation was one of the first charitable foundations created by a financial institution. The Fifth Third Foundation supports worthy causes in the areas of health and human services, education, community development and the arts in the states where Fifth Third Bank operates.

About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol "FITB." Investor information and press releases can be viewed at <a href="http://www.53.com" target="_blank">www.53.com</a>. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

About Community Reinvestment Fund, USA

Founded in 1988, Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) is a national non-profit organization with a mission to improve lives and strengthen communities through innovative financial solutions. CRF has injected more than $3.6 billion to stimulate job creation, economic development, and support community facilities. To learn more about CRF, visit <a href="https://www.crfusa.com/" target="_blank">www.crfusa.com</a>.

CONTACT         

Amanda Nageleisen (Media Relations) <a href="mailto:amanda.nageleisen@53.com" target="_blank">amanda.nageleisen@53.com</a> 
Matt Curoe (Investor Relations) <a href="mailto:matt.curoe@53.com" target="_blank">matt.curoe@53.com</a> | 513-534-2345

Fifth Third Small Business Catalyst Fund Awards Nearly $250,000 in Grants

<img alt="O-I Glass Sustainability goals infographic " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="30a1bf33-a145-4bf6-8ec3-3742ac19a660" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/2030%20Sustainability%20Goals%2016x9%20March%202025.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="672" loading="lazy" />Glass is already the most sustainable packaging material. Now, we’re taking bold steps to further support its circularity and decarbonization by elevating our 2030 sustainability goals.

“2025 is going to be a milestone year for O-I in sustainability,” said Chief Administrative and Sustainability Officer <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/randolphburns/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Randy Burns</a> at O-I’s Investor Day on March 14, 2025. “This year, we are going to hit many of our sustainability goals that we initially set for 2030. Today, we will unveil a new set of even more ambitious sustainability goals.”

This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment for the company. Even as O-I focuses on radically reducing enterprise costs, we’re raising the bar with updated <a href="https://www.o-i.com/sustainability/sustainability-report/" target="_blank">sustainability targets</a> for 2030, with 2019 as the baseline year.

<ul><li>47% reduction in GHG emissions</li>
	<li>80% use of renewable electricity</li>
	<li>60% use of cullet (recycled glass) on average</li>
</ul>These elevated goals not only put O-I on par with our competitors’ stated goals but also align with a 1.5-degree pathway.

Achieving Our Goals

Our updated goals represent a significant increase from our previous targets. Specifically, we are raising our GHG emissions reduction goal from 25% to 47%, our renewable electricity goal from 40% to 80%, and our average cullet usage goal from 50% to 60%.

To achieve these ambitious targets, we’ll leverage several key strategies:

<ol><li>Renewable Electricity: A substantial portion of our GHG reduction will come from increasing our use of renewable electricity. We primarily purchase Renewable Electricity Certificates (RECs) to green our electricity supply, and we are also working on several potential solar projects.</li>
	<li>Recycled Content: Increasing our cullet use will play a crucial role in reducing GHG emissions. We will continue to foster recycling ecosystems, particularly where infrastructure is weak or non-existent, like in parts of our American footprint.</li>
	<li>Energy Management: We’ve created an energy strike team to find and destroy energy waste across our network. This highly talented cross-functional strike team is already engaged with our facilities to support them in reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency, contributing to our GHG reduction goal.</li>
	<li>Technology Improvements: We will continue to implement advanced technologies such as <a href="https://www.o-i.com/news/o-i-glass-plans-technology-sustainability-transformation-of-its-alloa-uk-plant/" target="_blank">GOAT furnaces</a>, <a href="https://www.o-i.com/news/o-i-glass-to-invest-65-million-in-electrification-and-decarbonization-in-veauche-france/" target="_blank">hybrid electric furnaces</a>, and the <a href="https://www.energy.gov/oced/articles/award-wednesday-january-8-2025" rel="noopener" target="_blank">DOE project</a> in Ohio, USA. These innovations will help us achieve our sustainability targets.</li>
</ol>Aligning with the Paris Agreement

The elevated sustainability goals reflect O-I’s decisive action to better position the company as a leader in sustainable glass manufacturing.

“The 47% GHG reduction aligns O-I with a 1.5-degree pathway,” says O-I Sustainability Director <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonya-pump-34b1103/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Sonya Pump</a>. “This aligns O-I with the target of the 2015 Paris Agreement to ‘limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.’ The idea is that keeping the temperature increase below 1.5 degrees should minimize extreme global warming effects.”

Increasing our cullet usage to 60% supports the circular economy by promoting the reuse of materials. The benefits of increased recycled content include:

<ul><li>Energy Savings: Recycled glass melts at a lower temperature than raw materials, reducing the energy required in the manufacturing process and consequently lowering GHG emissions.</li>
	<li>Reduced Raw Material Usage: Using more recycled glass decreases the need for raw materials like sand, soda ash, and limestone, reducing GHG emissions related to using batch materials while also conserving natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of mining and transportation.</li>
	<li>Lower Carbon Footprint: Using recycled glass lowers the overall carbon footprint of glass production, as energy savings and reduced use of raw materials translate directly into fewer carbon emissions.</li>
	<li>Waste Reduction: Incorporating recycled glass into our manufacturing process helps divert glass waste from landfills, promoting a circular economy.</li>
	<li>Operational Efficiency: Using recycled glass can enhance operational efficiency by reducing wear and tear on furnaces and other equipment.</li>
</ul>This alignment ensures that we remain competitive and continue to lead the industry in sustainability.

Positive Impact on Our Customers

Our updated goals will also positively impact our customers. By aligning our ambitions with those of our customers, we demonstrate our commitment to supporting their sustainability objectives.

“O-I is already leading the glass industry in delivering reductions of GHG emissions. Now, our more ambitious GHG, cullet and renewable electricity goals send a strong signal that we have no intention of slowing down,” says Pump.

Glass is 100% recyclable and endlessly recyclable. It does not cause end-of-life waste issues. Time and time again, glass proves it is the ideal packaging material to support a circular economy and <a href="https://www.o-i.com/sustainability/health-wellness/" target="_blank">the health</a> of Earth’s people. As a long-time leader in glass packaging, we see it as our responsibility to innovate our manufacturing process to support this material’s circularity. Our ability to outpace and accomplish our previous goals and establish these updated goals is a testament to our mindset and <a href="https://www.o-i.com/sustainability/" target="_blank">sustainability vision</a>.

O-I Glass Announces New Ambitious 2030 Sustainability Goals

<img alt="Students in the lab" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="71c4fe65-d8c8-4fce-9017-698466238c2e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/STEM_PSEG_032525.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="1000" loading="lazy" />We’re proud to expand our partnership with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/students2science/" target="_blank">Students 2 Science</a> to provide over 450,000 New Jersey students with hands-on experiences and career guidance to shape their futures in STEM.  
Students 2 Science is on a mission to level the education gap by bringing high-quality STEM education to students in need. As part of our longstanding relationship, our <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=psegfoundation&amp;highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7306403802138460160" target="_blank">PSEG Foundation</a> has awarded them with a $250,000 grant to support an expansion of their STEM programs Improving Student and Aptitude for Careers in STEM (ISAAC) and the Career Advancement Program.  
This expansion will allow Students 2 Science to run 300 elementary school sessions, 300 middle and high school ISAAC days and a summer program for students in grades 3-12.  
Visit <a href="http://spr.ly/60410nc6F" target="_blank">http://spr.ly/60410nc6F</a> to learn more.

View original content <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/pseg_stem-psegfoundation-activity-7306403802138460160-lKs-/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop&amp;rcm=ACoAAACuHX0B_8exHEeyvRwmSoxObmkHGHY9tFQ" target="_blank">here</a>.

PSEG Supports STEM Education With Students 2 Science

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1661c53-10ff-4eb6-950e-6f92f4de5d81" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ASU_GoDaddy_3.26.25A.png" width="640" height="720" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Argentina Ung sets the ball during a matchup against the University of Arizona in Desert Financial Arena on Oct. 9, 2024. Photo courtesy of ASU Knowledge Enterprise</figcaption></figure><a href="https://news.asu.edu/20250325-business-and-entrepreneurship-asu-and-godaddy-launch-studentathlete-venture-studio" target="_blank">Originally published by Arizona State University News</a>

By <a href="https://news.asu.edu/users/sleander" target="_blank">Sandy Keaton Leander</a>

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering college athletes beyond their playing careers, Arizona State University and GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY) teamed up to launch the first-of-its-kind <a href="https://entrepreneurship.asu.edu/programs/studentathleteventurestudio/" target="_blank">Student-Athlete Venture Studio</a>.

The program helps student-athletes navigate the rapidly changing landscape of name, image and likeness licensing by providing them with the tools, mentorship and resources to develop, launch and grow business ventures.

Initiated and designed by the <a href="https://entrepreneurship.asu.edu/" target="_blank">J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute</a> at ASU, GoDaddy and Sun Devil Athletics, this collaboration combines ASU’s entrepreneurial resources with GoDaddy’s digital expertise to help student-athletes build their brands.

“The Student-Athlete Venture Studio enables collegiate athletes to become entrepreneurs and provides a proactive approach to navigating NIL successfully,” said Jeff Kunowski, associate director of innovation programs at Edson E+I Institute. “By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across ASU and leveraging sport as a platform, we are helping athletes develop ventures and lifelong skills to help them excel beyond their careers as college athletes.”

Following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2021, student-athletes have been navigating what is a relatively new entrepreneurial landscape. College athletes can now benefit financially from their name, image and likeness with no penalty from the NCAA, but figuring out how to do so can be complicated and time-consuming.

As part of this program, student-athletes will benefit from in-person and online educational content, opportunities to compete for grant funding, and a collaborative working space at Mountain America Stadium, a significant location due to its proximity to Sun Devil Athletics administration, facilities and the athletes themselves. This convenient location allows athletes to easily schedule and drop in for hands-on mentoring sessions. Dedicated workstations and conference rooms provide a professional environment where they can actively develop their ventures.

GoDaddy helped found the initiative through its global social impact program, <a href="https://www.godaddy.com/godaddy-for-good/empower" target="_blank">Empower by GoDaddy</a>, and will provide more than 650 student-athletes with free access to digital branding tools, including GoDaddy Airo, the company's AI-powered solution for developing an online presence in minutes. These resources, consisting of more than $1 million in combined cash and in-kind support to be distributed to students in 2025, allow athletes to establish a professional online presence, launch ventures quickly and easily scale their ideas.

“We’re thrilled to combine the business-building power of GoDaddy Airo with the drive and immense potential of these enterprising student-athletes, ” said Jared Sine, chief strategy and legal officer at GoDaddy. “According to our research, 50% of Gen Z aspire to become entrepreneurs, and through Empower by GoDaddy, we’re accelerating this journey for these young innovators by providing them with the tools they need to bring their business dreams to life off the field."

The program’s inspiration came from a collaboration between Kunowski and Kate Fitzgerald, a former ASU women’s beach volleyball player and founder of <a href="https://vbamerica.shop/" target="_blank">VBAmerica</a>, a volleyball lifestyle clothing brand.

“NIL regulations and ASU’s innovative resources allowed me to launch VBAmerica and build opportunities for life after sport,” Fitzgerald said. “As student athletic council president, I saw a need to help other athletes access these same resources: launching businesses, securing grants and building networks. The Student-Athlete Venture Studio embodies this mission, empowering athletes to thrive through NIL and entrepreneurship.”

Athletes in the program will pitch their venture ideas for seed funding during a Demo Day each academic year.

About The J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at ASU 
The J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at ASU is a high-impact, driver and supporter of the entrepreneurial ecosystem at ASU, in greater Phoenix, and nationally. We are a network of people, support systems, collaborative resources and tools for students, leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators in the community. We are nimble by design, scale rapidly, and are continually building our abilities to be the conduit that provides support to you where and when you need it.

About GoDaddy 
GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company's AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy's expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit <a href="https://www.godaddy.com/" target="_blank">www.GoDaddy.com</a>.

ASU and GoDaddy launch Student-Athlete Venture Studio

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0f7fb7d4-b55f-4641-8d52-07f196ceb510" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/precision-agriculture-3_CNH_32525.jpg" width="640" height="853" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Tashkent workshop participants learning about the capabilities of the Case IH Magnum</figcaption></figure>Following World Water Day on March 22, <a href="https://www.cnh.com/" target="_blank">CNH</a> brands - <a href="https://www.caseih.com/en-gb/unitedkingdom" target="_blank">Case IH</a> and <a href="https://agriculture.newholland.com/en-gb/europe?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paidsearch&amp;utm_campaign=always-on-search&amp;placement=Google_PaidSearch&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwqIm_BhDnARIsAKBYcmtg9XpClbvdMNVm_J1sJ23cfOLNEEGEojbsCRhiVWRosd94hr55NysaAiDeEALw_wcB" target="_blank">New Holland</a> - continue to lead the way in breaking new ground in precision agriculture.

As part of the Drops of the Future initiative, CNH has teamed up with Italy-based agri tech company, xFarm, to develop a pilot project in Uzbekistan to show how precision technology and data from their machines can help farmers increase productivity and save water.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21fb18fb-7dc4-42f6-ba03-a06090742521" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/precision-agriculture-1_CNH_32525.jpg" width="640" height="1707" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Gianluca Feligini, Tim Kraenzlein (OSCE) and Daniela Ropolo at the Drops of the Future event in Vienna, Austria.</figcaption></figure>The Drops of the Future initiative is tackling water scarcity in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan by empowering young professionals through innovation and collaboration. It has been set up by The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which focuses on addressing a wide range of security-related concerns that include economic, environmental and human aspects. It is the first time OSCE has worked with private companies on the topic of water, agri-food production and energy to increase environmental efforts around water use, while improving production efficiency.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ab5775f-2e03-4eab-ba58-21e70415144d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/precision-agriculture-2_CNH_32525.jpeg" width="640" height="960" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Experts, policy makers and industry leaders at the Tashkent Workshop in Uzbekistan</figcaption></figure>It started in September 2024 with the Tashkent Youth Workshop in Uzbekistan, which featured experts, policymakers, and industry leaders – including CNH. This ongoing project is delivering real impact.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f17495cc-fd53-4228-8aa8-9fa5d5f7d482" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/precision-agriculture-4_CNH_32525.jpg" width="640" height="960" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Our team and representatives of xFarm setting up an xSense Pro weather station. </figcaption></figure>To find out more about the Drops of the Future Initiative and the xFarm pilot project in Uzbekistan, visit: <a href="https://bit.ly/BreakingNewGround_en" target="_blank">bit.ly/BreakingNewGround_en</a>

View original content <a href="https://media.cnh.com/EMEA/cnh/cic-latest-news/how-cnh-s-precision-technology-is-helping-farmers-tackle-water-scarcity/s/b6d10e44-5b48-4bd2-87fb-1034648b6622" target="_blank">here</a>.

How CNH’s Precision Technology Is Helping Farmers Tackle Water Scarcity

<img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="49ff8dfa-2cf8-4378-bdfd-bfd1958e519f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/what_3BL_4225.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="720" loading="lazy" />NORTHAMPTON, Mass., April 2, 2025 /CSRwire/ - In the latest episode of 3BL’s ‘What the...?’ video series, industry leaders break down one of today’s biggest business challenges: trust. With stakeholders demanding more transparency and accountability than ever, brands must rethink how they build credibility— or risk losing their audience entirely.

Featuring insights from John Harper, Chief Executive Officer of FSG, and Noa Gafni, Managing Director of FSG this conversation uncovers what drives consumer confidence, how companies can navigate reputational risks, and why trust is now a non-negotiable asset when it comes to sustainability and social impact.

"What builds trust is being able to tell that story of the transformed outcomes, what it means for the communities and the customers and other stakeholders that you're working for, and importantly, what it means for your business," says Harper. 

<a href="https://go.3bl.com/l/37792/2025-04-02/5z737c" target="_blank">Watch the episode.</a>

Key insights from the episode include:

<ul><li dir="ltr">Trust is earned, not assumed – Consumers and stakeholders demand proof, not promises.</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Authenticity wins – Audiences can spot performative actions a mile away; real impact matters.</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Transparency mitigates risk – Openness about challenges builds resilience and credibility.</li>
	<li dir="ltr">Trust drives business value – Companies that prioritize building trust see stronger engagement and loyalty.</li>
</ul>Gafni notes, “If companies were able to rebuild trust with communities, with their employees, with their customers, with their investors and with their stakeholders around these initiatives... that will ladder up to big systemic changes."

Catch the full episode <a href="https://go.3bl.com/l/37792/2025-04-02/5z737c" target="_blank">here</a>. 

About 3BL  
3BL is the leading sustainability and social impact communications partner, connecting organizations’ stories of purpose and progress with the audiences who matter most. 
3BL partners with over 1,500 companies – from global corporations and mid-sized enterprises to NGOs and nonprofits – to elevate their reputations as players in the world of responsible business. We do this through unrivaled news and content distribution, bespoke storytelling support, and our digital media division, TriplePundit.

In the latest episode of 3BL’s ‘What the...?’ video series, industry leaders break down one of today’s biggest business challenges: trust.

Beyond Commitments: What Really Builds Trust in Business

<img alt="Vial" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66edb4ad-e721-4aeb-bf45-8228872fa7b2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/HIV_Gilead%20Sciences_31325.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="721" loading="lazy" />In 2006, Tomas Cihlar knew all too well that despite initial successes with combination treatment, HIV was firmly holding ground around the globe and existing therapies were limited. He was 12 years into his virology research career at Gilead and the first daily single tablet regimen for HIV treatment was still awaiting approval. Treatment options for people living with HIV at the time were a raft of daily medications that often carried intolerable side-effects, or the virus became resistant to the medications.

“That’s what kept the research team at Gilead awake and stirred our urgent imperative to create something different,” recalls Tomas, now Senior Vice President, Research Virology.

Ten arduous years later, the researchers made significant progress toward their goal by creating a molecule that has the potential to help revolutionize the fight against HIV.

“In the beginning, if somebody told me that we’d end up where we are now, I would say, ‘You’re a dreamer,’” Tomas says, smiling. “What we ended up discovering was completely novel.”

At the time, most existing HIV drugs worked by interfering with the viral enzymes that HIV uses to multiply and spread throughout the body. But Tomas envisioned a different solution – one that disrupted the viral capsid, the cone-shaped protein structure that holds the genes essential for viral reproduction. Most scientists thought the capsid was too difficult to target, but the Czech-born biochemist was convinced otherwise. “The capsid protects the genetic material of the virus. If you can interfere with that, you could potentially stop the virus,” he explains.

So the team began screening hundreds of thousands of compounds, looking for one that could disrupt the capsid's function. But the ones they initially found were too weak to be effective as future drugs.

By 2009, the researchers almost reached a dead end when they couldn’t seem to find a solution. But then a poster at a medical conference in January 2010 caught Tomas’ eye and provided an ‘aha moment’ and some new inspiration.

“That breathed new life into the research project and gave us new direction,” he says.

In the six years that followed, Gilead scientists synthesized and tested over 4,000 molecules which led to the discovery of a novel molecule that proved to be remarkably potent at extremely low concentrations. The new molecule, when injected into the human body, was found to be very stable and retained its viral-fighting properties for several months without degrading.

“The Gilead story is a classic tale of innovation, collaboration, resilience and determination and this was definitely a breakthrough point,” Tomas acknowledges.

Fittingly, Breakthrough, The Quest for Life-Changing Medicines is the name of a newly released book about innovation in drug discovery that examines eight medications that have had a significant impact on patients around the world. Written by physician-scientist and biopharmaceutical executive Dr. William Pao, the book devotes a chapter to Gilead’s new HIV medicine, while detailing the improbable journey and numerous obstacles that stood in the way of Gilead scientists.

“There have been a number of medicines for HIV, but this is really transformative,” William says. “It’s a completely different way of thinking about the virus and attacking it. Its discovery also required embracing serendipity, that is, making an insoluble molecule with a long half-life into a subcutaneous medicine.”

As Pao notes throughout his book, the process of drug discovery and development involves many people and many trials.

“Every project in drug development has its ups and downs. Teams persist with resilience and determination not for their own glory, but for the benefits of patients,” he says.

And this Gilead story is no exception.

“The sheer determination of hundreds of people not only in Gilead research and development, but also external partners and all the participants in clinical trials, contributed to the outcome,” says Tomas. “This is a story that really shows people how things can turn out when we set our mind to an ambitious goal and work together to achieve it.”

Results of recent clinical trials show that the drug has the potential to prevent HIV transmission altogether. The company has devised a global access strategy for its supply in low- and middle-income countries if it obtains regulatory approval.

<a href="https://www.gilead.com/stories/discovering-a-breakthrough-gilead-long-standing-commitment-to-helping-change-the-course-of-hiv" target="_blank">Originally published by Gilead Sciences.</a>

In 2006, Tomas Cihlar knew all too well that despite initial successes with combination treatment, HIV was firmly holding ground around the globe and existing therapies were limited. 

Discovering a Breakthrough: Gilead’s Long-Standing Commitment to Helping Change the Course of HIV

<img alt="A person is holding a key chain with house keys and is smiling." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="81004c2f-8770-4587-a387-37fa6c596e85" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Fair%20Housing%20Month_KeyBank_3.27.25A.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="720" loading="lazy" />CLEVELAND, April 2, 2025 /CSRwire/ - Owning a home is a pillar of the American dream and a sign of prosperity, wealth and success. It instills a sense of pride and belonging in individuals and communities. But today, the reality for homebuyers and potential homebuyers in America continues to be sobering. <a href="https://www.key.com/content/dam/kco/documents/personal/2025_financial_mobility_survey.pdf" target="_blank">KeyBank’s 2025 Financial Mobility Survey</a> found that many believe owning a home is not an attainable goal for themselves nor the average American. Still, those who have purchased a home in the past year have pointed to factors that boosted their confidence and influenced their purchasing decision — such as meeting with a mortgage loan officer to make the dream of homeownership more attainable.

<a href="https://www.key.com/personal/home-loans-lines/mortgage/pathways-to-homeownership-events.html?ppc=2503_pathways_alias" target="_blank">April is Fair Housing Month</a>, a time to examine and highlight ways to make homeownership more accessible and sustainable. While the market for homeownership in America remains tricky to navigate, it is important to note that potential homeowners have access to a variety of financial tools and education and are more capable than they think on their journeys toward homeownership.

Many don’t believe they’ll ever own a home

Forty-six percent of respondents who do not already own a home say that home ownership is not attainable for them or their families, up from 39% last year. Forty-one percent of all respondents, including current homeowners, say that home ownership is not attainable for Americans.

Half (47%) of those who are younger and don’t have a mortgage are spending less to try to take on a mortgage. Despite spending less, 6 in 10 still don’t believe they’ll ever own a home.

Home-buying programs make a difference

Survey respondents said financial education can help them be more confident in the home-buying process. This includes budgeting for a down payment and closing costs for those in the market (48%) or renting (45%) and estimating and managing ongoing homeownership costs for those who recently purchased a home (31%). And, among survey respondents who purchased a home in the past 12 months, 30% say that meeting with a mortgage loan officer to learn about programs that make buying more affordable influenced their decision, up from 19% last year. KeyBank’s <a href="https://www.key.com/personal/financial-wellness/index.html" target="_blank">Financial Wellness Center</a> can help you understand your current financial standing and the next step of your financial and homebuying journey. 

“Owning a home is a significant milestone, and many potential buyers don’t realize the valuable resources available to help them get there,” said Dale Baker, President of Home Lending at KeyBank. “Banks and financial institutions offer guidance, education, and tools to help individuals navigate the homebuying process with confidence. By building a strong relationship with your bank, homeownership can become a more achievable and sustainable reality.”

Homeownership inspires financial confidence

Those who just purchased a home are most confident in their ability to come up with $2,000 in a month and have the most positive economic outlook for the next 12 months.

Building a relationship with your bank can help

Whether you’re in the market for a new home or looking to improve your current home, your bank can help make homeownership more affordable and sustainable. A <a href="https://www.key.com/personal/services/branch/financial-wellness-review.jsp" target="_blank">Financial Wellness Review</a> with a banker at your local KeyBank branch can help get you started on the path to saving for a downpayment on your first home or a new home.

<a href="https://www.key.com/personal/home-loans-lines/mortgage/loan-officer.html" target="_blank">KeyBank Mortgage Loan Officers</a> are another great resource. They have information on home lending opportunities and programs to help you get started on the journey to homeownership.

It’s also important to remember that even if you are pre-qualified for a certain home purchase price, the monthly payments might not be ideal for your budget. <a href="https://www.key.com/personal/calculators/mortgage-qualify-calculator.html" target="_blank">KeyBank’s Mortgage Affordability Calculator</a> can help you figure out a comfortable loan and payment amount. Don’t forget to consider all the parts of a mortgage loan – down payment, principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance and possible PMI.

“A home is more than just a purchase—it’s a long-term investment in your financial future,” said Rachael Sampson, Head of Community Banking at KeyBank. “At KeyBank, we’re committed to helping all homebuyers not only achieve homeownership but also sustain it through expert guidance, financial planning, and ongoing support. From saving for a down payment to managing the costs of homeownership, we provide the tools and insights to help individuals and families build lasting financial confidence."

Our experts at KeyBank are here to support you at every step of your homebuying journey, from planning to celebrating your success.

About the KeyBank 2025 Financial Mobility Survey: This survey was conducted online by Schmidt Market Research in September 2024, polling 1,000 Americans, ages 18 – 70, with sole or shared responsibility for household financial decisions, who own a checking or savings account. The survey sought to gain insight into financial resiliency and explored respondents’ spending and savings habits, levels of financial confidence and financial resiliency, economic sentiment, and impacts of societal trends and pressures over the prior year.

This is designed to provide general information only. All credit products are subject to collateral and/or credit approval, terms, conditions, availability and subject to change. ©2025 KeyCorp. All rights reserved. CFMA #250313-3079428

NOTICE: This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Conditions and restrictions may apply. All home lending products, including mortgage, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit, are subject to credit and collateral approval. Not all home lending products are available in all states. Hazard insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance are required on collateral property. Actual rates, fees, and terms are based on those offered as of the date of application and are subject to change without notice.

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ABOUT KEYCORP

In 2025, KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit <a href="https://historyofkeybank.com/" target="_blank">KeyBank Heritage Center</a>. 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 <a href="https://www.key.com/" target="_blank">https://www.key.com/</a>. KeyBank Member FDIC.

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Owning a home is a pillar of the American dream and a sign of prosperity, wealth and success. It instills a sense of pride and belonging in individuals and communities.  But today, the reality for homebuyers and potential homebuyers in America continues to be sobering. 

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