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PBF Energy Releases 2024 Sustainability Report

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By Jason Hartke, Ph.D.

With over a decade of experience in the smart buildings industry, Kashif Mughees, who leads commercial and partnerships at <a href="https://www.wellstat.io/" target="_blank">WellStat</a>, has built a career on turning complex energy and environmental challenges into opportunities for organizations to embrace solutions that yield powerful economic benefits. An engineer by training, Kashif’s work stands at the intersection of technology, data and human impact, partnering with leaders from across the public and private sectors to apply innovative solutions that advance energy security, environmental performance and healthier indoor spaces.

At its core, WellStat is helping reshape what it means to manage building performance, leveraging intelligent energy solutions and building analytics to help businesses achieve healthier, smarter and more sustainable spaces. The company’s approach combines industry knowledge with real-time insights and IoT analytics, improving operational performance while helping organizations optimize for health.

Kashif has been at the heart of this work, driven by a passion for sustainable energy management, cross-sector collaboration, and data-driven innovation. We sat down with him to learn more about the work WellStat is leading and how the company is addressing today’s most pressing challenges and empowering market leaders to champion health, sustainability, and long-term business resilience.
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Q: How do you see the relationship between energy efficiency and indoor air quality evolving and what kind of synergies should the industry be driving to advance both? 
For too long, energy efficiency and indoor air quality have been treated as trade-offs: save energy or improve comfort. Today, we have the tools and intelligence to achieve both.

In my experience, fine-tuning building systems through real-time insights can reduce waste and maintain healthy air at the same time. For example, in one project, simply adjusting HVAC start times cut energy use without affecting comfort. In another, tracking indoor air quality helped uncover efficiencies that, once fixed, improved both ventilation and performance. Demand Control Ventilation is a great example of this synergy in action, using live occupancy and air quality data to optimize airflow, reduce energy consumption, and maintain healthier environments.

It’s important to stop treating health and efficiency as separate goals and start measuring how they work together to improve overall building performance.
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Q: From your perspective, what is the business case for investing in buildings that prioritize health, well-being and sustainability? How do you communicate that to organizations you work with? 
The value is clear. Healthier buildings are higher performing assets. They attract and retain talent, reduce operational risk and strengthen long-term value.

I often say, if you can measure it, you can prove it, and if you can prove it, you can scale it. That is where data comes in. When leaders see tangible results such as improved air quality, reduced energy costs and greater occupant satisfaction, the conversation shifts from compliance to commercial advantage.

Even in residential developments, we are seeing growing interest in WELL-aligned design and monitoring. Healthier air, balanced humidity and thermal comfort reduce risks associated with damp and mould, while improving overall indoor quality and occupant well-being. These improvements do not just make homes healthier; they protect asset value, reduce maintenance costs and strengthen community trust.

Ultimately, prioritizing health delivers value for occupants while supporting long-term financial performance.

Q: Many organizations face difficulties in implementing these building strategies, such as cost constraints or new technology adoption. What are some of the biggest challenges you see in the field today and how are you working with stakeholders to overcome them? 
The challenge is usually not the technology. It’s getting different teams aligned. Facilities, sustainability and finance teams often have different success metrics. Our job is to connect those dots through shared outcomes.

We typically start small with a pilot project that proves measurable impact. Once the data speaks for itself, adoption accelerates across the portfolio. For example, demonstrating how small operational changes can lead to both lower energy costs and better IAQ helps shift the mindset from “new cost” to “new value.”

By focusing on visibility, evidence and shared success metrics, we help organisations move from good intentions to scalable results.

Q: As the demand for healthy buildings continues to grow, how is WellStat helping demonstrate the value proposition and where do you see the strongest market drivers helping build momentum? 
WellStat is helping organisations quantify what matters most, the measurable link between healthier spaces, operational performance and financial outcomes.

Our analytics platform captures real-time data on air quality, energy and environmental performance, turning it into clear, actionable insights. That enables leaders to demonstrate, not just declare, that their spaces are healthier and more efficient.

Momentum is building across sectors:

• Corporate real estate leaders are investing to attract and retain talent. 
• Developers and owners see WELL as a differentiator in competitive markets. 
• Investors are demanding transparency and data-backed proof of impact.

We are moving into an era where sustainability, health and performance are one conversation, and the organisations that understand that will lead the market.

View original content <a href="https://resources.wellcertified.com/articles/iwbi-signature-interview-series-leveraging-analytics-to-propel-healthy-building-practices/" target="_blank">here</a>.

IWBI Signature Interview Series: Leveraging Analytics to Propel Healthy Building Practices

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<a href="https://www.path.org/" target="_blank">PATH</a> has launched a groundbreaking initiative to address the rising burden of hemoglobinopathies—particularly Thalassemia—in India, with the support of a grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMS Foundation). The program aims to strengthen local health systems and expand access to early screening, diagnosis, and treatment in high-prevalence areas.

India accounts for <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37947120/#:~:text=The%20thalassemic%20burden%20in%20India,the%20global%20%CE%B2%2Dthalassemia%20burden" target="_blank">nearly 25%</a> of the global β-thalassemia burden, with an estimated 10,000–15,000 children born each year with Thalassemia Major. Despite this, access to quality care remains limited, and treatment pathways are often fragmented.

This initiative marks among the BMS Foundation’s first grants in India to increase access to screening and build capacity to tackle the life-threatening burden of hemoglobinopathies.

The program will be implemented in the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, with a focus on:

Strengthening screening and prevention: Focusing on high-prevalence districts and prioritizing key population groups such as pregnant women, newborns, and families with known genetic risk factors.

Capacity-building and training: Equipping frontline health workers to deliver timely, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive care.

Coordinated care systems: Ensuring linkage to management services, including safe blood transfusion services, iron chelation therapy, and bone marrow transplant facilities, where appropriate.

Strengthening the Centre for Competence (CoC): Enhancing the ambit of existing CoCs for Sickle Cell Disease established by the Government of India under NSCAEM to serve as hubs of excellence for Thalassemia care.

Policy integration and innovation: Supporting alignment of national and state-level actions on integrated Thalassemia management with global guidelines and local realities to inform future efforts to scale up integrated interventions.

“This project is expected to directly impact the population across the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh,” said Neeraj Jain, Country Director, India, PATH. “The project’s goal is to impact over 1.8 million pregnant women, newborns, and families of affected individuals, who will receive integrated screening services during the project period. Enhanced capacity of health care providers and access to better treatment will help improve the quality of life for all individuals diagnosed with Thalassemia.”

Catharine Grimes, President of the BMS Foundation, added, “The BMS Foundation is proud to work with PATH on these critical efforts to close gaps in Thalassemia care in India. Across our global work to address pediatric blood disorders, we are committed to removing barriers and strengthening sustainable systems of care. By implementing evidence-based strategies tailored to local community needs, we aim to deliver a scalable, lasting impact.”

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Awards Grant to PATH to Improve Care for Inherited Blood Disorders in India

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<figcaption>Community Garden Kitchen and Green Mountain Energy Sun Club "Flip the Switch" on Solar!</figcaption>
</figure>

MCKINNEY, Texas, October 17, 2025&nbsp;/CSRwire/ - Community Garden Kitchen, a nonprofit founded to combat food insecurity in Collin County, is celebrating a major sustainability milestone with a new 34-kilowatt solar array and 20 kWh battery storage system, courtesy of a $118,000 grant from the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club®.

The solar array will support 65% of the restaurant’s energy needs, while the battery storage will maintain food production during weather emergencies or grid disruptions, allowing the nonprofit to remain operational. Energy savings from the sustainability grant are equivalent to serving more than 9,350 additional meals annually, or 180 additional dinners per week.
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<figcaption>The new 34-kilowatt rooftop solar array, funded by Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, at Community Garden Kitchen.</figcaption>
</figure>

In 2014, Community Garden Kitchen launched with the vision of a restaurant-style kitchen where guests can dine with dignity in a friendly environment. In 2022, a permanent home for the nonprofit was opened in McKinney, where the restaurant operates Monday through Thursday evenings with over 900 volunteers. Community Garden Kitchen is the only facility in Collin County open for dinner to meet the needs of those experiencing food insecurity. Last year alone, the kitchen served more than 40,000 free meals.

“We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and $118,000 sustainability grant from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club,” said Angela Poen, president, Community Garden Kitchen. “The energy savings from the solar array and battery storage will empower us to further our mission of serving nutritious meals and providing a safe space for our community.”

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Community Garden Kitchen to reduce their environmental footprint and, at the same time, help expand their capacity to serve nutritious meals for those in need,” said Andrea Ortega-Toledano, senior director of sustainability, Green Mountain Energy. “By empowering our community with the principles of sustainability, we can ensure future generations remain committed to nurturing our planet.”

Green Mountain Energy’s mission is to inspire hope and motivate action through the use of clean energy, and to advance sustainable communities through Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club has donated more than $15 million for 174 projects across Texas and the Northeast. Green Mountain Energy invites its customers and employees to contribute and help support more projects that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship.

# # #

About Green Mountain Energy Sun Club

Green Mountain Energy’s mission is to inspire hope and motivate action through the use of clean energy, and to advance sustainable communities through the work of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club has donated more than $16 million for 174 projects across Texas and the Northeast. Sun Club collaborates with nonprofit organizations on projects that focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship. To learn more about Green Mountain Energy and Sun Club or to apply for a Sun Club grant, visit <a href="https://www.greenmountainenergy.com/en/sun-club" target="_blank">greenmountain.com/sunclub</a>.

Media Contact: 
Jeanie Davey, Green Mountain Energy 
445-544-1670 
<a href="mailto:Jeanie.davey@greenmountain.com" target="_blank">Jeanie.davey@greenmountain.com</a>

Angela Poen, Community Garden Kitchen 
214-842-8426 
<a href="mailto:directors@communitygardenkitchen.org" target="_blank">directors@communitygardenkitchen.org</a>

Community Garden Kitchen Goes Solar, Thanks to a $118,000 Green Mountain Energy Sun Club Grant

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<a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/sustainability/key-takeaways-nycw-2025?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Nasdaq</a>

This year’s <a href="https://www.climateweeknyc.org/" target="_blank">Climate Week NYC</a> events centered on the theme “Power On,” highlighting progress across climate, finance, technology, and more. As the days unfolded, the discussions moved from the strategic significance of sustainability to practical approaches and insights that can help organizations manage complexity and foster resilience.

Through participation in the week’s events, the Nasdaq team tuned in as leaders further explored the evolving role of technology and the importance of aligning sustainability and finance teams to create enduring value, and how an impactful sustainability strategy is designed to address the intricate climate landscape. The following key takeaways illustrate these principles and how they can be put into action:

1. Sustainability is a Strategic Imperative for Investors and CFOs

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have,” it’s a core expectation from investors. CFOs are now deeply involved in both sustainability education and reporting, reflecting the growing demand for transparency and measurable impact across stakeholders. The week’s activity highlighted that resilience in the sustainability landscape isn’t going anywhere, and organizations must be prepared to adapt and thrive amid constant changes.

2. Approach Sustainability with Simplicity Over Complexity

While the world is becoming more complex, organizations should resist the urge to respond with more complicated processes. A successful sustainability strategy is often principle-based, seeking modern, innovative solutions that offer simplicity and reduce unnecessary complexity. For example, Nasdaq’s sustainability vision is built on three pillars: capital access and innovation, disclosure and transparency, and market infrastructure solutions. This vision is underpinned by a commitment to long-term, actionable initiatives and the belief that adaptability and partnership are essential in a dynamic sustainability ecosystem.

3. Alignment Between Sustainability and Finance Can Help Yield High Returns

Securing buy-in for sustainability initiatives can be challenging. It is important to nurture alignment between sustainability and finance teams, starting at the leadership level. Synergy between these business functions is crucial not only for maximizing tax incentives, but also for ensuring that investments in sustainability yield high returns. In the long term, better sustainability practices help drive growth, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, freeing up capital for further investment.

4. The Power of Networks and Collaboration

Leaders shared that involvement in leadership networks helps provide unique opportunities for peer learning and collaboration, all in the effort to advance sustainability goals. Organizations should consider prioritizing collaboration, adaptability, and a forward-looking mindset to build resilience amid complexity.

Driving Lasting Value Through Sustainability and Innovation

Ultimately, sustainability should be a strategic priority for corporate leaders and investors alike. Success in this space requires not just robust reporting, but also a culture of innovation, strong alignment between sustainability and finance, and a relentless focus on resilience. As the sustainability and climate landscape continues to evolve, <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/sustainability/report?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Nasdaq’s approach</a> offers a blueprint for organizations seeking to turn complexity into opportunity and drive lasting value.

Nasdaq’s Sustainability Technology, Innovation, and Resilience

<a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/sustainability/how-sustainable-company-leaders-leverage-nasdaq-sustainability-solutions?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Technology and innovation</a> are at the heart of Nasdaq’s sustainability journey. We are leveraging AI and cloud solutions to drive efficiency, productivity, and resilience. In addition to in-house innovation efforts, we are focused on building scalable solutions that can adapt to regulatory and market changes to best support its clients. By fostering inclusive growth through innovation and collaboration, Nasdaq and its clients are well positioned to create enduring value, no matter how the landscape shifts.

Moreover, <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/solutions/sustainability?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Nasdaq Sustainability Solutions</a> empowers organizations to address evolving regulatory demands, unlock investor capital, and accelerate decarbonization with best-in-class technology and trusted advisory expertise. Our tools simplify reporting, enhance data quality, and help teams focus on delivering measurable sustainability outcomes. To learn how we can support your organization throughout its sustainability journey, <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/solutions/sustainability#contact?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">contact us here</a>.

Key Takeaways From Climate Week NYC 2025

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October 15, 2025&nbsp;/CSRwire/ - The UK is setting a global benchmark in sustainability, driven by businesses that increasingly recognise the competitive, reputational, and financial advantages of sustainable practices. However, progress is uneven across sectors, as each industry faces distinct environmental, social, and governance challenges shaped by differing operational, regulatory, and market priorities. Recognising these differences is crucial to developing targeted strategies, prioritising actions, and implementing practices that deliver measurable sustainability outcomes.

To support businesses in strengthening competitiveness and resilience, the UN Global Compact Network UK, in collaboration with University College London, Newcastle University, and Euromonitor, has launched the report ‘<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">Trailblazers &amp; Transformers: UK Business Sectors Redefining Sustainability</a>’, examining how six high-impact sectors in the UK are performing against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Drawing on rigorous data and market insights, the report identifies sector-specific challenges, benchmarks performance, and presents actionable recommendations to support effective sustainability strategies.

<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">DOWNLOAD THE REPORT</a>

You can now download the full report to:

<ul>
	<li>Gain in-depth analysis of UK business progress on the SDGs;</li>
	<li>Access sector-specific insights to strengthen ESG performance and support the integration of sustainability into strategy and operations;</li>
	<li>Understand cross-sector trends highlighting shared barriers, leadership gaps, and opportunities for collaboration and innovation;</li>
	<li>Inform your company’s sustainability strategy with evidence-based findings and global benchmark comparisons;</li>
	<li>Leverage data-driven insights from UN Global Compact Communication on Progress (CoP) data, World Benchmarking Alliance benchmarks, policy context, and market trends to guide decision-making; and</li>
	<li>Explore policy priorities that can shape the enabling environment to help businesses operate responsibly, compete globally, and unlock sustainable investment at scale.</li>
</ul>

You can find more information about the report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">here</a>, and please share it with your networks.

Media Contact: 
Lily Venables 
Senior Project Manager (Governance and SDGs) 
<a href="mailto:lily.venables@unglobalcompact.org.uk" target="_blank">lily.venables@unglobalcompact.org.uk</a>

<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">Read More</a>

New UN Global Compact Network UK Report Launch - Trailblazers & Transformers: UK Business Sectors Redefining Sustainability

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<a href="https://www.godaddy.com/resources/news/inspiring-team-growth-meet-daniel-smith" target="_blank">Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library</a>

Introduce yourself and your career journey, to date.

Hey there! I'm Dan Smith, and I'm thrilled to share my story with you. I've been working as a Senior Supervisor for Specialty United Kingdom at GoDaddy in Nottingham for over 12 years now. I am currently participating in a temporary "Safari" assignment as an Operations Manager. At GoDaddy, Safaris are initiatives designed to balance resources across teams and facilitate the sharing of knowledge. This opportunity enables me to contribute my expertise while also fostering my own professional growth. Let me tell you, it's been quite a ride! My career journey has been anything but ordinary. It began with a deep passion for Judo, which ultimately paved the way for my growth into a leadership role within sales and customer support. I'm excited to take you through my experiences and share some insights I've gained along the way.

How did your career shift from Judo to sales, and what led you to GoDaddy?

Before I joined GoDaddy, I was a full-time Judo athlete, training at one of the top centres in the United Kingdom - Camberley Judo Club. It was an incredible experience, and my goal was to make it to the Olympics. I spent six years training &amp; coaching classes of all ages, I was in the British National Squad and I absolutely loved it. However, there came a point when I realized that I wanted to explore new opportunities and challenge myself in a different way. That's when I decided to step away from Judo and pursue a career in sales. You might be surprised to hear this, but my experience in Judo actually provided me with a lot of transferable skills that have been invaluable in my sales career. Things like confidence, people skills, and the ability to break down complex concepts – all of these have been key to my success.
<img alt="Daniel Smith at his Dojo with students." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e0c916df-ecaa-4c48-a255-da34af279131" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Daniel%20Smith_GoDaddy_10.8.25B1.png" class="align-center" width="376" height="500" loading="lazy">
My journey with GoDaddy started when I joined as a Business Development Manager (BDM) for Sign-up.to, an email marketing brand for Host Europe Group. It was an exciting time, as the company later merged with GoDaddy, opening up even more opportunities for growth. In this role, I had the chance to lead and support other BDMs while also engaging in cold call sales. It was a challenging but rewarding experience, and it really helped me develop my skills in sales and leadership. When an opportunity arose in Nottingham for an Online Experts Supervisor position, I knew I had to go for it. It meant relocating from my hometown in Surrey to Grantham, but I was ready for the adventure!

What has been the most rewarding part of working at GoDaddy?

One of the things I'm most proud of during my time at GoDaddy is the growth and development of the teams I've worked on. When I took on the leadership role for the 123-Reg team, we were just a small group of 5-7 Guides. But over the course of a single year, we expanded to over 50 team members! It was an incredible experience to be a part of that growth and to support so many talented individuals in their career advancement.

<blockquote>
Seeing my team members succeed and move into Supervisor roles or other positions within the company has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.
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&nbsp;
</blockquote>

 
It's a true testament to the incredible talent and dedication of the people I've had the privilege to work with.

How has embracing change shaped your career at GoDaddy?

If there's one thing I've learned throughout my career at GoDaddy, it's the importance of embracing change. I've experienced numerous changes over the years, from moving between different departments to adapting to new technologies. And you know what? Each change has brought with it new opportunities for growth and development. I firmly believe that embracing change is crucial for both personal and professional growth. Instead of viewing change as a negative, I see it as a chance to learn new skills, expand my network, and explore new roles. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it.

What advice would you give to an individual just starting out in the Care department at GoDaddy?

Embrace change! I know it can be challenging, and it's natural to feel a bit uncertain at times. But trust me when I say that change often leads to incredible opportunities for self-development and career advancement. My personal motto is "the only constant is change," and I truly believe that staying adaptable and open to new experiences is the key to success. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and take on new challenges – you never know where they might lead you!

Looking back, what do you credit for your success to?

Looking back on my career journey, from my beginnings as a Judo athlete to my current role as a Senior Supervisor at GoDaddy, it's an underdog story, but not the normal sports version, it's stepping out from the sports world into the corporate world and succeeding. I can honestly say that embracing change and seizing opportunities have been the driving forces behind my success. By leveraging my transferable skills and maintaining a positive attitude towards change, I've been able to not only advance my own career but also play a crucial role in the development and success of my team members. It's been an incredible ride, and I'm so grateful for all the experiences and people I've encountered along the way. If there's one thing I hope you take away from my story, it's this: embrace change, stay open to new opportunities, and never stop growing. You've got this!
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Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoDaddyLife" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/godaddylife/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/godaddylife" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://twitter.com/GoDaddyLife" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@godaddylife" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TikTok</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://careers.godaddy/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Career Page</a></li>
</ul>

Inspiring Team Growth: Meet Daniel Smith

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<figcaption>The event welcomed more than 1,000 children and their families for an evening of festive fun and safe trick-or-treating.</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="https://aegworldwide.com" target="_blank">AEG’s</a> Dignity Health Sports Park once again transformed into a Halloween wonderland for the community, hosting its 18th annual Treats-N-Suites Halloween Bash on October 17, 2025. Presented by Dignity Health Sports Park and the LA Galaxy Foundation, the sold-out event welcomed more than 1,000 children and their families for an evening of festive fun and safe trick-or-treating.
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<img alt="Dignity Health Sports Park once again transformed into a Halloween wonderland for its 18th annual Treats-N-Suites Halloween Bash." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8221ca6-49d2-4a8d-9e35-32ceab9479e6" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/MO3_3098.jpeg" width="640" height="801" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Dignity Health Sports Park once again transformed into a Halloween wonderland for its 18th annual Treats-N-Suites Halloween Bash.</figcaption>
</figure>

Now a beloved South Bay tradition, the annual celebration offers local families a spirited and secure way to enjoy Halloween. Tailored for children ages 2–11, this year’s bash featured hayrides, carnival games courtesy of the City of Carson, a costume parade, and interactive experiences from organizations including the Wildlife Learning Center, Melissa’s Produce, and more. Music and entertainment were provided by the 102.3 KJLH street team, adding to the lively atmosphere.
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<img alt="The event offered local families a spirited and safe way to enjoy Halloween." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b05f9bf1-d3f5-47a4-8bdc-8f6bca6ce711" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/MO3_3242.jpeg" width="640" height="801" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>The event offered local families a spirited and safe way to enjoy Halloween.</figcaption>
</figure>

“Each year, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the pure joy on children’s faces as they explore our festively decorated suites and celebrate Halloween in a safe, welcoming space,” said Tamala Lewis, Sr. Director of Community Relations at Dignity Health Sports Park. “For families in Carson and neighboring communities, Treats-N-Suites has become more than just an event — it’s a cherished tradition. It’s about creating magical moments, building community, and reminding everyone that Dignity Health Sports Park is a place where they belong.”

Adding to the Halloween magic, the venue’s luxury suites were creatively decorated by community partners including the LA Galaxy, LA Kings, LA Sparks, Carson Sheriff Department, Dignity Health, South Bay Pavilion Mall, Boys &amp; Girls Club of Carson, YMCA Gardena-Carson, NORMS, Freeway Insurance, and others. Each suite offered a unique trick-or-treat experience, allowing kids to explore the venue in a fun and festive way.
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<img alt="Attendees had the ability to participate in the costume parade." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="225801de-86cc-473e-b27e-7941207fd007" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/MO3_3374.jpeg" width="640" height="1800" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Attendees had the ability to participate in the costume parade.</figcaption>
</figure>

For nearly two decades, the Treats-N-Suites Halloween Bash has been a cornerstone of Dignity Health Sports Park’s community programming, reflecting its ongoing commitment to providing safe, inclusive, and family-friendly experiences for residents across Los Angeles County.

To learn more about upcoming community events, visit <a href="https://www.dignityhealthsportspark.com/events" target="_blank">https://www.dignityhealthsportspark.com/events</a>

AEG’s Dignity Health Sports Park once again transformed into a Halloween wonderland for the community, hosting its 18th annual Treats-N-Suites Halloween Bash on October 17, 2025.

Dignity Health Sports Park Delivers a Safe and Spooktacular Halloween Experience for Families at Treats-N-Suites Bash

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<img alt="Photo of a house on a riverbank." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0e26bd4e-8409-4cb3-807a-b21a152c9eb9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Disaster%20Recovery_Truist_10.17.25A.jpg" width="640" height="675" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Photo by Allison Joyce/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="https://cardinalpine.com/opinion/opinion-we-need-to-rethink-disaster-recovery-in-north-carolina/" target="_blank">Originally published by Cardinal &amp; Pine</a>

By Patricia McIlreavy, Lynette Bell 
September 26, 2025

Saturday—Sept. 27, 2025—marks one year since Hurricane Helene flooded Western North Carolina with five months of rain in just three days.

The storm caused widespread damage, affecting homes, businesses, infrastructure and surrounding land, as well as countless lives. It was the worst storm in the history of the state. Survivors, many of whom are still working to fully rebuild, still feel the lasting impact of grief, trauma, and loss.

For those who lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods, every day is a reminder that recovery is a continuous process, not a finite time period with an end date.

Images of flooded streets, downed power lines, hollowed-out homes and abandoned vehicles made it easy to understand the immediate effects of a storm at the scale of Helene. But it’s harder to understand what a community goes through in the days, months and years after a disaster.

Destruction can be obvious to see, but it is also hard to measure. According to the <a href="https://www.wncrecovery.nc.gov/grow-nc-q4qr-2025/open" target="_blank">Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina</a>, rebuilding from Helene is expected to cost at least $60 billion, and state and federal resources allocated for Western North Carolina are anticipated to cover only a fraction—less than 15%—of that total need. In addition, a lack of data and resources can complicate the recovery process and slow the flow of recovery money to those who need it most, like residents who lost their homes, small business owners who have been unable to reopen, and others traumatized by their experiences.

Every day that a displaced family cannot return home or a small business owner cannot operate productively deepens the emotional, financial, and practical losses survivors suffer.

Immediate aid in the aftermath of a disaster is critical—but consistent, long-term investment is equally vital. Money is needed to rebuild homes, businesses and infrastructure. Essential services—mental health care, legal assistance and trauma-informed support—must be funded to help communities navigate the complex recovery process. Most importantly, recovery needs should be guided by those who live with the repercussions of Hurricane Helene every day. While some disaster grants will take years to be implemented, we need alternative solutions that are accessible and actionable now.

This is one reason the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) works to mobilize philanthropy for more effective disaster giving. We often say a disaster happens when a hazard meets a vulnerability, and by that, we mean: the more vulnerabilities that exist, the more communities are susceptible to natural hazards. And those vulnerabilities could be physical, like poor infrastructure, environmental, including degraded ecosystems or societal, such as underserved neighborhoods. Recovery should not merely aim to restore what was lost—it presents an opportunity to rethink and redesign communities and systems to address those vulnerabilities, so they are stronger and better prepared for future challenges.

Vulnerabilities often compound over time if unaddressed. For example, Asheville <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/interactive/2024/hurricane-helene-forest-damage-north-carolina/" target="_blank">lost hundreds of thousands of trees</a>, leaving mountainsides bare and exposed. Trees aren’t just scenic attractions; they are natural ground stabilizers that provide cool in extreme heat, cover in severe storms, and protection from wind and floods. Ecosystem repair is not a luxury—it is an important part of recovery for resilience.

Unfortunately, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/us-faces-frequent-extreme-weather-events-attitudes-actions-arent-keepi-rcna217780" target="_blank">analyses have shown</a> that the scale and frequency of natural hazards are increasing. We cannot predict when and where they will occur, but we can help communities mitigate their susceptibility to them by facilitating investments in housing reconstruction, small business restoration, ecosystem repair and the replacement of critical infrastructure to shore up vulnerabilities to future disasters.

Philanthropy isn’t meant to supplant the scale of state or federal funds, nor can one single philanthropist do it all. However, the philanthropic community can help channel support directly to communities. This is one reason we recently announced a second round of grants from CDP’s Truist Foundation Western North Carolina Recovery and Resiliency Fund. These funds, totaling nearly $6.8 million, will go directly to local and community organizations actively leading recovery efforts. The money is a portion of a $21 million partnership between CDP and Truist Foundation to support medium- and long-term community needs. The partnership is part of Truist Cares for Western North Carolina, a three-year, $725 million commitment from Truist and Truist Foundation to support critical small business, housing and infrastructure recovery.

By funding a wide variety of needs—from mental health services to economic revitalization and sustainable rebuilding solutions—philanthropy is helping address the gap between immediate relief and what residents still need, one year after the disaster.

True resilience isn’t only rebuilding what previously existed; it’s also about reimagining newer, stronger systems that consider what we’ve learned from the past, in anticipation of future tests that are sure to come.

To hear more about this partnership, join Lynette and Patricia at <a href="https://web.cvent.com/event/0b8d3bbb-0d69-43f9-961b-b2792b0d6bbb/websitePage:93d5c2ab-0dd5-45aa-b553-d3bdfe03ab4d" target="_blank">Philanthropy Southwest’s 77th annual conference</a> in Colorado Springs, Col. on Oct. 23, as they discuss “Disaster Philanthropy: Strategies for Resilience and Recovery.

Authors

<a href="https://cardinalpine.com/author/patricia-mcilreavy/" target="_blank" title="Patricia McIlreavy">Patricia McIlreavy</a> is president and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.

<a href="https://cardinalpine.com/author/lynette-bell/" target="_blank" title="Lynette Bell">Lynette Bell</a> is President of Truist Foundation.

Saturday—Sept. 27, 2025—marks one year since Hurricane Helene flooded Western North Carolina with five months of rain in just three days.

Opinion: We Need To Rethink Disaster Recovery in North Carolina

<img alt="Two people speaking from a podium to a group of people." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e2e4e620-4bee-4623-9069-f21f2e293212" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Employee%20Engagement_Principal%20Financial%20Group_8.4.25.9_0.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy">
<a href="https://www.principal.com/sustainability" target="_blank">Originally published in Principal Financial Group 2024 Sustainability Report</a>

Engaging our employees

Attracting and retaining talent

Our employees are our most valued asset. We take a comprehensive approach to attracting top talent and prioritize the health and wellness of our employees.

Our approach

To deliver on our purpose, we must equip our teams with the best talent in the market. We do this by actively engaging with top candidates, providing strong opportunities for development and growth, and enhancing our employment brand to attract top talent, particularly in priority hiring areas.

We are dedicated to bringing out the best in our employees by investing in what matters most to them. This approach enables us to proactively engage and retain a high performing workforce at Principal. Our employee value proposition emphasizes the key elements that matter most to our employees, including a flexible approach to work-life balance, opportunities for development and growth, and a deep sense of connection to our purpose.

Learn more about our <a href="https://careers.principal.com/careers-home" target="_blank">careers at Principal®</a>

Attracting the right talent

We believe every candidate deserves an equal opportunity to be considered for their desired position, and we are committed to providing a fair interview process that selects the best-fit candidate. We achieve this by training interviewers to mitigate bias and use a consistent set of questions for all candidates, ensuring a fair and unbiased interview experience.

Our actions and performance in 2024

Talent attraction

In 2024, we launched a revamped career site to provide prospective employees with an easier and more engaging way to explore life at Principal, showcasing our employer brand and values. Additionally, we focused on enhancing our Employer Value Proposition (EVP) and refining our employment brand to attract top talent, particularly in technology and sales, through targeted campaigns highlighting our culture, values, and growth opportunities.

To enhance our hiring experience, we provided comprehensive training for leaders equipping them with skills to evaluate candidates based on key competencies. To streamline hiring, we adopted texting for scheduling interviews and introduced self-scheduling tools, enhancing efficiency and candidate experience. We also introduced candidate surveys to gather feedback from both hired and non-hired applicants, helping us improve the talent acquisition process.

Employee Engagement Index

Our Engagement Index measures employee satisfaction across our global workforce. In 2024, our engagement index had a score of 77%, shy of our goal of 79% with an increased response rate of 86% from 85% in 2023. Our score indicates that across the questions that make up our Engagement Index, there were 77% positive responses. We assess the results in a variety of ways to ensure we are creating a work environment for employees to thrive and a consistent employee experience that aligns with our employee value proposition and core values.

Engagement Index (%) 
(2020-2024)

<ul>
	<li>2020: 83%</li>
	<li>2021: 79%</li>
	<li>2022: 78%</li>
	<li>2023: 79%</li>
	<li>2024: 77%</li>
</ul>

In 2024 both our female and male employee base had 77% engagement, which is consistent with results in prior years. Our goal remains to reach an Engagement Index of 79% in 2025.

In 2024 in the U.S., our engagement index score for employees of color was 77% and 75% for white employees. This is the second consecutive year that POC engagement index results have been greater than or equal to their white counterparts. POC response rates have continued to increase from 57% in 2021 to 78% in 2024.

When setting our annual goals, we take into careful consideration our historical engagement performance data, as well as internal and external trends we’ve observed over the past several years to inform our future goal. We also collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure our goals align with other enterprise and business level goals.

Engagement and retention

As we respond to the challenging talent landscape, we continue to use employee and leader exit survey insights to guide retention tactics and inform decisions around talent planning, employee value proposition activation, and employee experience. Since the global exit survey was launched in 2022, we’ve been able to positively impact the engagement and retention of our workforce through various initiatives.

We continue to invest in programs that have measurable impacts on engagement and employee retention like our global mentoring program. The mentoring program is open to all employees and helps individuals achieve outcomes like expanding their network, building leadership skills, and improving business acumen. Collectively, since we began measuring in 2021, this program has resulted in a 47% improvement in retention for mentoring participants compared to non-participants. We also invest in critical talent development for select employees. Our enterprise high potential talent program, for example, shows a 92% overall retention rate for participants since 2021.

In February 2024, we conducted a comprehensive worksite employee experience survey at our world headquarters. The valuable feedback gathered has given us a clear understanding of how we can further enhance the in-office experience. Our goal is to ensure that employees benefit from purposeful design, innovative solutions, top-notch food services, and seamless technology across the workplace. With these new insights we are excited to make targeted improvements that will elevate the employee experience in 2025 and beyond.

In April 2024, we launched a streamlined and automated onboarding process across the U.S., India, and the Philippines, significantly enhancing the global onboarding experience. By centralizing onboarding tasks and introducing an engaging interface, the new process has simplified navigation and delivered a seamless onboarding experience for both new hires and their leaders. As a result, we have seen notable cost savings, driven by improved time efficiencies for new hires, internal teams, and leaders globally.

Overall, between 2023 and 2024, our global turnover remained at 17% and increased slightly from 10% to 11% in the U.S.

For a full tenure breakdown see the <a href="https://www.principal.com/sustainability" target="_blank">appendix</a>

What’s next

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue enhancing the employee experience by making thoughtful improvements to both our digital and physical workplace environments. Based on valuable feedback from our 2024 worksite employee experience survey, we’ve already taken steps to elevate our onsite dining offerings. Starting in January, a new service provider will bring a wider variety, better quality, and competitive pricing to our menus, alongside exciting employee engagement initiatives such as pop-ups and chef’s table events throughout the year.

Our efforts to improve the physical workspace, combined with upgrades to digital interactions, are designed to foster a more collaborative, welcoming, and efficient workplace. These changes will not only streamline daily tasks but also enhance engagement, productivity, and overall satisfaction, driving positive outcomes for both our employees and the organization as a whole.

To learn more, read the <a href="https://www.principal.com/sustainability" target="_blank">Principal Financial Group 2024 Sustainability Report</a>.

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.

20887-092025&nbsp;

Our employees are our most valued asset. We take a comprehensive approach to attracting top talent and prioritize the health and wellness of our employees.

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