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

<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

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="94dab8e6-28ed-4298-9d7c-2602bda59d0f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Partnership-Nature_Conservancy_BathandBodyWorks_032425.png" width="640" height="854" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>As a Central Ohio company, it’s part of Bath &amp; Body Works’ long-standing culture to give back to the communities where their associates live and work.</figcaption></figure>As a Central Ohio company, it’s part of Bath &amp; Body Works’ long-standing culture to give back to the communities where their associates live and work. That’s why Bath &amp; Body Works is proud to partner with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to reduce the pollution of lakes and restore streams in the region.

“Central Ohio has been home to Bath &amp; Body Works for more than 34 years, and we’re honored to join The Nature Conservancy and other likeminded companies that are working to protect and preserve this region’s precious water resources,” said Jeff King, Group Vice President and Head of ESG at Bath &amp; Body Works. “We look forward to seeing the progress of this project as we support a brighter future for our local community and planet.”

Bath &amp; Body Works is among four companies providing a combined $1.2 million for the project, which is expected to divert runoff from more than 700 acres of mostly farm fields through a restored wetland. TNC will collaborate with Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District to restore the wetland and expects the effort to begin in early 2026. The project aims to filter and store runoff before it flows into nearby Buckeye Lake by using the restored wetland to naturally filter out the overabundance of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment.

Under the project, water flowing through a straightened agricultural ditch passes through a restored wetland, naturally treating the runoff from farm fields before the water flows downstream to Buckeye Lake. The project builds on the success of past partner efforts that have been effective in reducing nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms in the lake in recent years.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture estimates this project has the potential to remove 6,107 pounds of nitrogen and 315 pounds of phosphorous preventing it from being delivered into Buckeye Lake each year, helping to preserve the health of Ohio waters. It will also serve as an important step in utilizing TNC’s science and local relationships to establish regional priorities for stream and wetland restoration in Central Ohio.

“There are tangible impacts we are experiencing from climate change, including warmer summers and heavier rainstorms, which are washing fertilizers and sediment from farms and into the water creating ideal conditions for harmful algae blooms,” said Adam Lehmann, Central Ohio water manager for TNC in Ohio. “Wetlands act as nature’s kidneys, filtering out excess nutrients and sediment, and by restoring this crucial natural infrastructure, we can help reduce the extent and severity of these algal blooms and improve water quality by using nature as a solution.”

As a global leader in home fragrance and personal care, Bath &amp; Body Works is committed to shaping a future that's resilient and responsible, creating meaningful impact for a brighter future. Learn more about this initiative <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/central-ohio-wetland-collaboration/#:~:text=The%20Nature%20Conservancy%20leads%20%241.2M%20collaboration%20with%20private%20sector,support%20healthy%20lakes%20and%20streams." target="_blank">here</a>.

Supporting Local Wetlands in Partnership With the Nature Conservancy

<img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="38736df0-640e-4bb1-979e-6bbfe4f8b4b8" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Best-Company_Cisco-Capital_032425.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" />News Summary:

<ul><li>This prestigious recognition underscores Cisco’s pioneering approach to payment solutions, sustainability initiatives and financial flexibility for businesses.</li>
	<li>Cisco Capital creates transformative financial solutions tailored to modern business needs.</li>
	<li>The recognition reaffirms Cisco’s role as a leader in flexible financing and a key enabler of digital transformation.</li>
</ul>SAN JOSE, Calif., April 1, 2025 /CSRwire/ - Cisco Capital, a global leader in financial innovation and technology lifecycle solutions, has been named <a href="https://www.monitordaily.com/issue/the-2025-best-companies-in-equipment-finance/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Best Company for Financial Innovation in Monitor Daily 2025</a>, a prestigious recognition that underscores its pioneering approach to payment solutions, sustainability initiatives, and financial flexibility for businesses worldwide. 

“For nearly three decades, Cisco Capital has been redefining how businesses invest in technology,” said Scott Herren, Executive Vice President &amp; Chief Financial Officer, Cisco. “This recognition by Monitor Daily is a testament to our relentless commitment to innovation, customer success, and enabling businesses to scale and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.” 

Driving Innovation and Empowering Businesses  

Cisco Capital has been at the forefront of financial product innovation, helping businesses access the latest Cisco technology with flexible financing models designed to optimize cash flow and drive growth. By anticipating industry challenges and crafting forward-thinking solutions, Cisco Capital continues to reshape financial strategies for organizations worldwide. 

“As the captive financing business within Cisco, our mission is to empower businesses with financial solutions that fuel growth, transformation, and sustainability,” said Nick Small, President, Cisco Capital. “Being recognized as Monitor Daily’s Best Company for 2025 validates our dedication to delivering cutting-edge, flexible, and sustainable payment solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers and partners.” 

Innovative Solutions That Make a Difference  

Cisco Capital’s recognition is fueled by its ability to create transformative financial solutions tailored to modern business needs, including: 

<ul><li>Cisco Choice Pay with AI Infrastructure – A hardware-as-a-subscription model providing businesses with cost-effective access to Cisco’s latest AI infrastructure. </li>
	<li>Cisco Green Pay – A sustainability-driven payment program promoting circular IT practices and helping businesses achieve their ESG goals. </li>
	<li>Cisco Lifecycle Pay with Trade-In Incentive – A program allowing customers to seamlessly upgrade technology with up to a 10% replacement incentive on legacy equipment. </li>
	<li>HBCU 0% Financing – A dedicated initiative supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities by providing 0% interest financing and deferred payment options for essential technology investments. </li>
</ul>Commitment to Sustainability and Financial Flexibility  

Beyond financial innovation, Cisco Capital is a pioneer in integrating sustainability into financing. Through Cisco Refresh, the company promotes the circular economy by offering fully warrantied, remanufactured Cisco technology—delivering cost-effective, eco-conscious alternatives to businesses. 

Additionally, Cisco Capital’s strategic Cisco Green Pay solution enables customers to support circularity and access innovative sustainable technology. In fact, Cisco Green Pay won “Best Impact Finance Solution” at the 2023 Sustainable Finance Awards Summit in Paris.

Shaping the Future of IT Financing  

As businesses navigate rapid technological change, Cisco Capital remains committed to aligning IT investments with business objectives through agile, customer-centric financial solutions. Being recognized as a Monitor Daily Best Company for 2025 reaffirms Cisco Capital’s role as a leader in flexible financing and a key enabler of digital transformation. 

About Cisco    

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience.  With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on <a href="https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/index.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">The Newsroom</a> and follow us on X at <a href="https://x.com/Cisco" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">@Cisco</a>. 

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco’s trademarks can be found at <a href="http://www.cisco.com/go/trademarks" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">http://www.cisco.com/go/trademarks</a>. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word ‘partner’ does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. 

About Cisco Capital 

Cisco Capital enables business outcomes for customers and partners through payment and lifecycle management solutions in more than 100 countries. We make the digital future accessible to everyone. For more information, please visit <a href="mailto:cisco.com/go/paymentsolutions" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">cisco.com/go/paymentsolutions</a>. 

Media Contacts  
Will Stickney  
Public Relations  
+1 646-573-4532  <a href="mailto:wstickne@cisco.com">wstickne@cisco.com</a>

View original content <a href="https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/a/y2025/m03/cisco-capital-recognized-as-a-best-company-in-monitor-daily-2025-for-financial-innovation.html" target="_blank">here</a>.

Cisco Capital has been named Best Company for Financial Innovation in Monitor Daily 2025, a prestigious recognition that underscores its pioneering approach to payment solutions, sustainability initiatives, and financial flexibility for businesses worldwide. 

Cisco Capital Recognized as a Best Company in Monitor Daily 2025 for Financial Innovation

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.

<img alt="Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation's logo surrounded by the logos of their partners in preserving water" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7800d318-e6df-4879-a7be-b95c3815d9fd" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/WOrld_Water_Day-Scotts-033535.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy" />Our commitment to water extends beyond World Water Day as a key part of our Foundation’s environmental pillar. We partner with experts and environmental groups nationwide to support access to safe, abundant water and promote responsible water use. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation partners that steward this work include:

<ul><li>Alliance for the Great Lakes</li>
	<li>Alliance for Water Efficiency</li>
	<li>National Recreation and Park Association</li>
	<li>National Association of Conservation Districts</li>
	<li>The Everglades Foundation</li>
	<li>North Shore Land Alliance</li>
	<li>Ocean Research &amp; Conservation Alliance</li>
	<li>Restore America’s Estuaries</li>
	<li>Tampa Bay Watch</li>
	<li>The Nature Conservancy</li>
</ul>In addition to our Foundation water partners, ScottsMiracle-Gro recently became a member of the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance, reinforcing our dedication to conserving water while maintaining beneficial living landscapes.  
Our water commitment extends to consumers as our research &amp; development teams enhance and promote turf, soil, fertilizer, plant food and application products that minimize water use and quality impacts. Examples range from water maximizer and moisture control products to drought-tolerant groundcovers and precision applicators to prevent overuse of fertilizer products. Other examples include reformulations, such as increased use of slow-release nitrogen and the removal of phosphorus to mitigate algal blooms, to alternatives to traditional turfgrass, such as drought-tolerant clover lawns.  
Through consumer education, we teach homeowners about the benefits of green spaces, how to do more with less water and how to re-imagine yards as water-wise landscapes.  
On World Water Day, and every day, we believe it’s vital to protect one of our planet’s most precious resources.

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

View original content <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/scottsmiraclegro_our-commitment-to-water-extends-beyond-world-activity-7309206474885320704-8Yqj/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop&amp;rcm=ACoAAACuHX0B_8exHEeyvRwmSoxObmkHGHY9tFQ" target="_blank">here</a>.

Our commitment to water extends beyond World Water Day as a key part of our Foundation’s environmental pillar. We partner with experts and environmental groups nationwide to support access to safe, abundant water and promote responsible water use. 

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