Henkel

The PNC Financial Services Group

GoDaddy

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Fred Rogers Productions, PNC Foundation Extend Partnership for Alma’s Way, Be My Neighbor Day and More

GoDaddy 2024 Sustainability Report: Responsible Governance & Operations | Honest & Ethical Conduct

<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/2025-06/esg-report-showcasing-measurable-progress_Lenovo_062625.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center>

Lenovo released its FY 2024/25 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, detailing the company’s progress toward its 2030 emissions reduction targets and reaffirming its long-term ambition to achieve <a href="https://news.lenovo.com/campaign/lenovo-journey-to-net-zero/" target="_blank">net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050</a>, aligned to the Science Based Targets initiative. As the first generation of ESG key performance indicators approaches completion, Lenovo remains on track across many key objectives, making this year a pivotal moment in its sustainability journey.

The report outlines how Lenovo is accelerating environmental progress through its participation in the circular economy, including the continued use of closed-loop recycled materials in its products. Lenovo also continues to empower customers with sustainability services that facilitate repair, recycling, and reuse, helping extend product lifecycles and keeping materials in circulation.

This year’s report reflects a growing recognition of Lenovo’s efforts, with the company earning <a href="https://news.lenovo.com/pressroom/press-releases/platinum-medal-ecovadis-top-rated-globally/" target="_blank">Platinum Recognition from EcoVadis</a>, an <a href="https://news.lenovo.com/pressroom/press-releases/lenovo-achieves-aaa-score-msci-esg-ratings-third-consecutive-year/" target="_blank">AAA rating</a> from MSCI ESG Ratings, and the <a href="https://news.lenovo.com/pressroom/press-releases/lenovo-honored-with-prestigious-corporate-governance-and-esg-awards/" target="_blank">Gold Award</a> from the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) for Best Corporate Governance and ESG. Additionally, Lenovo was recently <a href="https://news.lenovo.com/pressroom/press-releases/lenovo-ranks-8th-in-the-gartner-supply-chain-top-25-for-2025/" target="_blank">ranked #8 in Gartner’s Top 25 Global Supply Chain</a>, with an ESG Score of 9/10. These achievements underscore Lenovo’s commitment to transparent, credible progress.

Lenovo’s social impact continues to scale globally. In 2024, it was again named a Best Workplace for People with Disabilities by Disability:IN in the United States, while expanding this recognition to the United Kingdom and Brazil through the global application of best practices. The company’s commitment to community engagement was also evident during its annual <a href="https://news.lenovo.com/lenovo-volunteers-give-back-record-breaking-200-impact-month-service/" target="_blank">Love on Month of Service</a>, which saw a record-breaking 44% increase in people reached through volunteerism by Lenovo employees around the world.

“This year marks a significant milestone for Lenovo’s ESG journey,” said Dave Carroll, Lenovo SVP, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Responsibility Officer, who <a href="https://news.lenovo.com/pressroom/press-releases/lenovo-cfo-waiming-wong-and-clo-laura-quatela-to-retire-appointed-non-executive-directors/" target="_blank">succeeded Laura Quatela in March 2025</a>. “With our first generation of key performance indicators nearing completion, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made and are focused on building the foundation for our next chapter of ESG leadership.”

In governance, Lenovo continues to reinforce its Smarter AI for All vision through a strengthened internal policy framework. In 2024, the company introduced a comprehensive AI governance policy aligned with commitments made to the <a href="https://news.lenovo.com/pressroom/press-releases/canadian-government-voluntary-commitment-ethical-generative-ai/" target="_blank">Canadian Government</a>, <a href="https://news.lenovo.com/lenovo-joins-unesco-commitment-responsible-ai/" target="_blank">UNESCO</a>, <a href="https://news.lenovo.com/pressroom/press-releases/lenovo-joins-commitment-to-responsible-and-gender-equitable-artificial-intelligence-with-cercle-interelles/" target="_blank">Cercle InterL</a>, and most recently <a href="https://news.lenovo.com/pressroom/press-releases/european-commissions-ai-pact-responsible-ai-innovation/" target="_blank">the European Commission</a>. This follows the <a href="https://news.lenovo.com/pressroom/press-releases/chief-security-ai-officer/" target="_blank">appointment of Doug Fisher</a> who added Chief AI Officer to his Chief Security Officer role, further embedding responsible innovation across the business.

Looking ahead, Lenovo remains committed to a collaborative and credible approach to ESG. Through <a href="https://news.lenovo.com/earth-day-2025/" target="_blank">partnerships with customers and suppliers</a>—such as those engaged through <a href="https://news.lenovo.com/qa-building-a-more-sustainable-future-through-the-channel-with-lenovo-360-circle/" target="_blank">the Lenovo 360 Circle</a>—the company is advancing a shared vision for a more sustainable and inclusive future.

To read the full Lenovo FY 2024/25 ESG Report,<a href="https://investor.lenovo.com//en/sustainability/sustainability_reports.php" target="_blank"> visit this website.</a>
<img alt="abstract image of bridge over water lined with lights" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c53c1b90-0c21-4a7f-a964-9d48a8f89872" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/esg-report-showcasing-measurable-progress2_Lenovo_062625.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1336" loading="lazy" />About Lenovo 

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #248 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit <a href="https://www.lenovo.com/" target="_blank">https://www.lenovo.com</a>, and read about the latest news via our <a href="http://storyhub.lenovo.com/" target="_blank">StoryHub</a>.

Lenovo Releases FY 2024/25 ESG Report, Showcasing Measurable Progress and Industry Leadership

<img alt="Healthy Lives Mission 2024 Report" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6adce0fd-3224-47a3-8d5a-dcfdd3b1305b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Healthy%20Lives_Kenvue_6.25.25A.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="694" loading="lazy" /><ul><li>Company reports reduction of operational emissions by 37%, expanded use of renewable electricity to 72% and launch of multiple packaging innovations across portfolio</li>
</ul>Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE), maker of iconic brands such as Neutrogena®, Listerine®, Aveeno®, and Tylenol®, today released its second Healthy Lives Mission Report. The report shares how Kenvue has helped advance the well-being of both people and planet in 2024, with progress noted across three pillars: Healthy People, Healthy Planet, and Healthy Practice.

“Having some of the most recognizable consumer brands in the world gives us a tremendous opportunity to create a positive impact for the millions of people we touch every day,” said Thibaut Mongon, Chief Executive Officer, Kenvue. “Whether improving our packaging to be more sustainable, advancing the decarbonization of our operations, or giving back to our communities, our sustainability strategy is helping meet customer and consumer expectations, and deliver everyday care for generations to come.”

Since becoming an independent company in 2023, Kenvue has invested in research and development, hired experts in areas like packaging, embedded sustainability into key functions and designed a sustainability strategy purposefully built to meet critical commitments and deliver superior consumer experiences and products.

Highlights from the report include:

Healthy People:

<ul><li>Nicorette® QuickMist became the first nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the U.K. to be licensed to help vapers quit, with this vaping cessation indication now included across the whole Nicorette® range in the U.K.</li>
	<li>Helped train health care professionals (HCPs) in Malaysia on the use of NRT solutions like Nicorette® and worked with the Health Minister of Malaysia to launch its Cik Era (Miss Era) AI chatbot on the JomQuit (Come On, Quit), which offers smokers personalized support and advice on quitting smoking.</li>
	<li>Trained more than 7,000 Walgreen’s pharmacists and 12,000 beauty consultants since 2020 through a collaboration between Neutrogena® and the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) on the importance of recommending sunscreen to consumers.</li>
	<li>Addressed women’s health by destigmatizing conversations about menstruation in India led by Stayfree®, and menopause in the U.S with the launch of Versalie™, a digital platform dedicated to menopause and women’s hormonal wellness.</li>
	<li>Launched health initiative in India to help reduce diarrhoea-related mortality and improve healthcare outcomes with an aim to reach approximately 5 million children under the age of five over the next two years.</li>
	<li>Kenvue donated more than $56 million to support communities in need.</li>
</ul>Healthy Planet:

<ul><li>Reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions1,2,3 by 37% from a 2020 base year, toward a 42% reduction goal by 20304.</li>
	<li>Expanded the use of renewable electricity5 to 72% across global operations, with Latin America maintaining 100% renewable electricity5 since 2023.</li>
	<li>Transitioned 69% of packaging6 across portfolios to be recyclable7 or refillable8, with a goal of 100% by 20254.</li>
	<li>Reduced the use of virgin plastic9 in packaging6 by more than 21.4% from a 2020 base year, with goals of 25% by 20254 and 50% by 20304.</li>
	<li>Several Kenvue brands have contributed to this progress with redesigned packaging:
	<ul><li>Zyrtec® switched from plastic blister packs to paper, saving more than 1,520,000 pounds of plastic annually.</li>
		<li>Johnson’s® Baby in Latin America launched shampoo and bath products in refillable, recycle-ready pouches.</li>
		<li>Dabao® in China made their plastic bottles lighter, saving over 264,000 pounds of plastic.</li>
	</ul></li>
</ul>Healthy Practice:

<ul><li>Integrated sustainability into research and development with the launch of the Sustainable Innovation Profiler, a patent-pending tool designed to measure a product’s environmental performance and enable developers to make real-time choices to design solutions that benefit both people and the planet. This tool is now embedded in Kenvue’s product development process across R&amp;D. The tool, already operational, helped inform design solutions to improve the packaging performance for several products including:</li>
	<li>OGX® Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner bottles: Redesigned to address consumer feedback, including improved “squeezability”, a reduced product environmental impact and total carbon footprint, and improved green chemistry and packaging with a fully recyclable, 100% Post-Consumer Recycled High-Density Polyethylene (PCR HDPE) bottle.</li>
	<li>Nicorette® Icy Mint Lozenge: Revamped its primary packaging, reducing plastic waste by 85% and reducing the product’s total carbon footprint by 17%, compared to the previous version.</li>
</ul>To read Kenvue’s 2024 Healthy Lives Mission Report, visit <a href="https://www.kenvue.com/hlmreport" target="_blank">kenvue.com/hlmreport</a>.
<img alt="Kenvue's 2024 Healthy Lives Mission Report." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb7e1109-4b7e-4838-8494-3238db0fa44a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Healthy%20Lives_Kenvue_6.25.25B.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="681" loading="lazy" />About Kenvue  
Kenvue Inc. is the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue. Built on more than a century of heritage, our iconic brands, including Aveeno®, BAND-AID® Brand, Johnson’s®, Listerine®, Neutrogena® and Tylenol®, are science-backed and recommended by healthcare professionals around the world. At Kenvue, we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Our teams work every day to put that power in consumers’ hands and earn a place in their hearts and homes. Learn more at <a href="https://www.kenvue.com/" target="_blank">www.kenvue.com</a>.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This media alert contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including forward-looking statements related to the Healthy Lives Mission and its related goals and commitments. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “plans, “expects,” “may,” “will,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “goal,” “target,” “commitment,” and other words of similar meaning. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Kenvue Inc. and its affiliates.

A list and descriptions of risks, uncertainties, and other factors can be found in Kenvue Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2024, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings, available at www.kenvue.com or on request from Kenvue Inc. Kenvue Inc. and its affiliates undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or developments or otherwise.

# # #

Footnotes: 1 Applies to all Kenvue-owned facilities where Kenvue has operational control, regardless of building type; all leased facilities used for manufacturing and/or research and development; and leased, non-manufacturing and/or non-research and development facilities where the facility is greater than 50,000 square feet and where Kenvue has operational control. The 2020 base year and all subsequent reporting years include all facilities aligned to Kenvue’s structure upon separation from Johnson &amp; Johnson in 2023 and do not include any operational or organizational exclusions.

2 The target boundary includes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.

3 The inventory was compiled in accordance with the World Resources Institute (WRI)/World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) (GHG) Protocol – A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (Revised Edition 2013) including the amendment to this protocol, GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance (2015).

4 We aim to meet the goal by end of fiscal year and publish the year after.

5 Renewable energy source is an energy source that is capable of being replenished in a short time through ecological cycles or agricultural processes (e.g., biomass, geothermal, hydro, solar, wind). Renewable electricity targets are achieved through a combination of actions, including on-site solar, virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), direct power purchase agreements (PPAs), energy attribute certificates (EACs), also known as renewable electricity certificates (RECs), and green retail contracts.

6 Packaging for direct purchases may not include all externally manufactured products. Total weight of plastics packaging is calculated utilizing 2025 Business Plan volume and is not trued up to actual sales. Manual adjustments of &lt;10% were made to 2025 Business Plan volume based on SME judgment to remove materials not assumed to contain plastics.

7 Recyclable, also defined as recycle-ready, is when packaging is designed for collection, sorting, and recycling using end of-life processes, but where collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure may not yet be in place for the packaging to actually be recycled. Best practices of "designing for recyclability" guidance for plastic-based packaging include the Association of Plastics Recyclers in the U.S. Note: "Designed for recycling," "designed for recyclability," and "recycle ready" are also used interchangeably and reflect the same meaning. Recyclability % was assessed using Ellen MacArthur Foundation recycling rate guidelines and Consumer Goods Forum golden design rules guidelines. For pure buy, data assumptions were made on recyclability at brand level.

8 Kenvue defines refillable or reusable packaging as packaging that is designed for either the business or the consumer to put the same type of purchased product back into the original packaging, is designed to be returnable and/or refillable, and accomplishes a minimum number of reuses by being part of a system that enables reuse.

9 Virgin plastic means newly manufactured resin produced from petrochemical feedstock used as the raw material for the manufacture of plastic products and which has never been used or processed before.

Kenvue Releases Second Annual Healthy Lives Mission Report Highlighting Progress in Reducing Emissions and Advancing More Sustainable Product Innovation

<img alt="Group photo in front of sign that reads &quot;Better Basics READS TODAY&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67b6e9bb-b053-4ffe-ad9a-85847a5f6da7" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Schools-Out_Regions_6625.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="854" loading="lazy" />By Candace Higginbotham

Final exams are complete, the last bell has rung and students and teachers are ready for a fun and relaxing summer break. Regions teams across the footprint are joining in on the celebrations but the bank’s commitment and support doesn’t stop when the books are closed.

Education and workforce development are key priorities and a strategic pillar for both Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation®. The Regions Foundation is a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank. Along with funding related to education and workforce development in areas served by Regions Bank, the foundation delivers grants and investments to organizations that enhance economic and community development, financial wellness and more.

The bank and foundation champion education programs and initiatives in a variety of ways, through grants, investments and financial wellness. And Regions Bank associates always raise their hands for classroom volunteer opportunities.
<img alt="Collage of students and teachers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="92107724-de78-4543-ad28-9539edeba2c7" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/2Schools-Out_Better-Basics_3.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="854" loading="lazy" />‘Lighting a Flame’

Regions Bank’s Finance division recently took part in an end-of-school year blowout for students hosted by <a href="https://www.betterbasics.org/" id="modal-toggler--2080376267-3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Better Basics</a>, a Birmingham nonprofit whose mission is to eradicate illiteracy among children in central Alabama.

Better Basics Reads 2025, the organization’s largest annual volunteer event, brought in hundreds of community members who read to more than 14,000 pre-K through 5th-grade students across the Birmingham area. As a bonus, the students get to take a book home.

<a href="https://doingmoretoday.com/in-the-limelight-amanda-saint/" target="_blank">Amanda Saint</a>, Business Unit Controller at Regions, is an active board member at Better Basics and organized a team that read to K-5th grade students in 18 classrooms at i3 Academy. She said the day was impactful for not just the students but also the teachers and the Regions Finance team.

“The students loved the books!” Saint said. “They were engaged, asking questions and giving answers to questions we had. And they were so excited to get to take the book home with them. The teachers were amazing and very appreciative of Better Basics and Regions.”

The experience was fun, but Saint also acknowledged the long-term value of this activity.

“Ensuring students have books at home and hopefully lighting a flame to love reading is very important. Without reading, learning becomes exponentially tougher. Stats show that students who are reading below grade level by 3rd grade are more likely to drop out of high school and fail to become college and career ready. And 60 percent of low-income families do not have a single children’s book in their homes. Having a time to interact with students and share my love for reading with them is the best.”
<img alt="Collage of students and teachers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e33d8d70-7a4f-4535-9463-42b3d40b822f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/3Schools-Out_Better-Basics_2.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="854" loading="lazy" />Education-Focused Grants

Better Basics also received good news from the Regions Foundation, which announced a grant that will go toward the Reading Intervention Program for underserved K-4th grade students. The program focuses on teacher training, high quality tutoring, early reading intervention and enrichment activities.

The Regions Foundation continued the end-of -school year celebration with the announcement of additional education-focused grants, including a $250,000 commitment to three affiliates of the <a href="https://doingmoretoday.com/building-knowledge-to-last-a-lifetime/" target="_blank">Council for Economic Education</a>. The CEE’s mission is to equip K-12 students with the tools and knowledge of personal finance and economics so that they can make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities. It does this by providing programs for teachers, students and families through a network of 200 affiliates across the country.

The Mississippi Council on Economic Education received funding to support the Get2College Teacher Training and Certification Program. The Georgia council grant supports the Advancing Financial Literacy Project, and the Alabama affiliate grant will fund their Never Too Early Project.

“The Regions Foundation is proud to support programs and initiatives that empower educators with the knowledge and tools in financial literacy” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “These training programs enable teachers and families to take charge of their own financial wellness, and in turn, help their students start building a strong financial foundation for their future.”
<img alt="Five people standing together next to sign, &quot;Nacho Average Teacher&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8bb956e-09ab-4f04-b894-b2e01a72f94f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/4Knoxville-teacher-event-edit.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="854" loading="lazy" />Regions Bank and Regions Foundation have a long history with another education-focused organization, <a href="https://aplusala.org/" id="modal-toggler-5144632-4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A+ Education Partnership in Alabama</a>. For the last six years, the Regions Foundation has funded two professional development programs, Powerful Learning Networks and Instructional Partners Network, part of the A+ Best Practices Center. Regions Chairman, President and CEO John Turner serves as a board member.

<blockquote>
"The Regions Foundation is proud to support programs and initiatives that empower educators with the knowledge and tools in financial literacy." Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation
</blockquote>

“We are incredibly grateful for the investment and long-term collaboration Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation have provided for A+’s work through the years,” said Stirling Hutchins, senior director of development at A+ Education Partnership.

A+ works to promote policies and directly support public schools to improve outcomes for all students, particularly those with greater needs, and they are especially excited about an end-of-school-year win that will benefit students across the state when they return in the fall. The organization served a major role in the passage of Renewing Alabama’s Investment in Student Excellence (RAISE) Act, which was signed into law in early May.

The RAISE Act creates a new funding mechanism for public schools in Alabama that allocates additional resources based on specific student characteristics. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, a RAISE Fund will provide weighted allocations for students in various categories, including those experiencing poverty, students with special needs, English Language Learners, charter school students and gifted students. This means that districts will receive additional funding based on the number of students in these specific categories, which they can then use to address those students’ needs.

Supporting Teachers, Students and Parents

As exciting as this time of year is for students, it’s really the teachers who deserve the high five. In Knoxville, Regions Bank associates hosted a much-deserved end-of-school year celebration for more than 100 teachers at <a href="https://www.knoxschools.org/Domain/1069" id="modal-toggler--1990451154-5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hardin Valley Middle School</a>.

Regions Baton Rouge associates and local families kicked off summer in a big way with the Summer FUN BASH hosted by the <a href="https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/baton-rouge/" id="modal-toggler--2105111936-6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Salvation Army</a> Pathway of Hope Program. Parents and children 12 and under enjoyed games, crafts, snacks and live entertainment.

Summer is clearly off to a great start. While everyone enjoys beach vacations, pool parties and popsicles, back at Regions HQ our teams will be busy planning fall Back to School celebrations!

School’s Out for Summer!

<img alt="Demystifying Energy Series" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34f3a66d-29d3-4b60-b1d5-b407ee80502a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Demystifying%20Energy_NRG%20Energy_3.6.25A1.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="722" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.nrg.com/insights/energy-education/understanding-virtual-power-plants--a-guide-to-vpps.html" target="_blank">Originally published on NRG Energy Insights</a>

By <a href="https://www.nrg.com/authors/nrg-editorial-voices.html" target="_blank">NRG Editorial Voices</a>

Have you ever thought about where your electricity comes from? Maybe you picture massive generators or big spinning turbines. That’s been the norm for over a century. But what if your home, your neighbor’s home, and even the electric car in someone’s driveway could work together to provide power to an entire neighborhood?

That’s the idea behind Virtual Power Plants, or VPPs. They’re changing the way we think about energy use and power generation. However, many people are still unfamiliar with this type of energy network. From how they work to the many benefits they provide, we’ve gathered the most common questions asked about VPPs.

1. What exactly is a VPP?

A VPP is a network of decentralized energy sources — like solar panels, home batteries, and smart devices — that work together to generate, store, and manage electricity.

Think of it like this: a single large power plant can supply energy to thousands of homes. When thousands of smaller devices are aggregated, they work together and function much like a power plant, supplying electricity when it’s needed most and helping ease demand on the grid.
<img alt="UNDERSTANDING VPP: VIRTUAL POWER PLANT TRADITIONAL POWER: TRADITIONAL POWER: Energy from the power plant is distributed to communities. POWER USE: Energy use varies by time of day, weather, occupancy, and lifestyle. PEAK USAGE: Energy grids experience stress during times of high use, increasing cost and limiting power availability." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43b14ba4-44fd-4a6e-ab32-09cc146a4916" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Understanding%20VPP_NRG_3.6.25A1.png" width="340" class="align-center" height="600" loading="lazy" />2. How do VPPs work?

Let’s say your neighborhood has many homes with rooftop solar panels and backup batteries. On any exceptionally sunny day, those solar panels can generate more electricity than people use. The excess energy is then stored in battery storage systems or sent back to the grid.

Now imagine it’s a sweltering summer evening (Houston, we’re looking at you), and everyone’s cranking their air conditioning to stay cool. As the sun goes down, the grid may be under stress. That’s where the VPP steps in. It can tap into all those connected devices — batteries, smart thermostats, and even electric vehicles (EVs) — and either reduce energy use or send stored energy to the power grid.

In a way, a VPP turns your home into both an energy producer and a smart energy user.

3. Why do we need VPPs?

One challenge with traditionally generated electricity is that it must be used as soon as it is generated — battery storage does not currently have the capacity to store the large amounts of electricity needed to power our lives. That’s not a big deal for traditional power plants. But as we shift to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, it gets trickier.

Why? Because we can’t control the wind and the sun.

That’s where VPPs come in. They add flexibility to the grid, allowing us to reduce demand or supplement traditional energy generation when needed and viable. Instead of firing up a peaker plant (which are quick-response power plants used during intense electricity demand that are high in cost and greenhouse gas emissions), VPPs can fill the gap.
<img alt="VIRTUAL POWER PLANT ALTERNATIVE POWER GENERATION Sustainable solutions, such as roof-top solar, can increase energy availability, decreasing reliance on the traditional grid. POWER STORAGE Battery storage serves both as back-up and supplemental power when necessary. SMART TECH &amp; ENERGY OPTIMIZATION With thermostats, sensors, lighting, and EV charging, smart tech optimizes power usage during peak periods and when occupants are away. SO, WHY IS VPP IMPORTANT? Sustainable generation, battery storage." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0989872f-0923-4c0d-a1cf-5b760c00fe10" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Understanding%20VPP_NRG_3.6.25B2.png" width="340" class="align-center" height="600" loading="lazy" />4. What’s in a VPP?

The magic of VPPs lies in the devices that power them. These are called Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). You might already have one in your home! Some examples include:

<ul><li>If you have a smart thermostat, it might slightly raise or lower the temperature in your home to save energy (and money).</li>
	<li>If you have a home battery, it can be deployed to power your home when grid energy is limited or renewables are not available.</li>
	<li>If you have an electric vehicle, you could earn money for charging your electric car overnight instead of during the day.</li>
</ul>Small changes, when done together, can have a large impact — on the grid and on your wallet.

5. How do VPPs benefit you?

You may be wondering what VPPs can do for you. First, there’s the potential to save money. Many energy companies offer programs rewarding customers for participating in a VPP. For example, you could get credits on your bill for allowing your battery or thermostat to be turned on or adjusted during peak load times.

Beyond financial savings, joining a VPP means you’re helping create a more resilient grid. VPPs manage how electricity is used rather than how it’s produced. They adjust energy use from smart devices, batteries, and commercial buildings to reduce stress on the grid. This means that simply by participating, you’re contributing to a more reliable energy system.

6. What role does technology play?

Today, phone apps are used to manage so much of our lives. From paying your bills to turning on your car, you can control so much from the palm of your hand, and that includes your energy usage. Through our app, you will gain more control over your home and your energy use than ever before.

From your doorbell camera to your smart thermostat, imagine being able to manage the needs of your home — and help the grid — in real time. That’s where automated demand response comes in.

7. Are VPPs really worth it?

Yes, VPPs are absolutely worth it, as they provide real benefits for both your wallet and the power grid. In fact, research from the Rocky Mountain Institute suggests that VPPs can reduce electricity costs by $140 per household annually. Some energy providers even offer bill credits and other incentives for enrolling in VPP programs.

Beyond savings, VPPs also help improve grid reliability and sustainability, helping lower emissions and reduce the load on traditional power plants.

With smarter energy management, cost savings, and environmental benefits, VPPs are a win-win for homeowners.

8. Why are VPPs the next big thing in energy?

Energy systems are evolving fast, and as renewable energy sources become more and more common, VPPs will become more important.

In fact, the future of VPPs is already unfolding. NRG, in partnership with Renew Home and Google Cloud, is developing a 1 GW AI-powered VPP in Texas, which will use smart thermostats and other connected devices to help customers optimize energy use, lower costs, and enhance grid resilience.

Additionally, more homeowners are upgrading to smart-enabled appliances. Devices like heat pumps and water heaters are being designed with connectivity in mind, allowing them to adjust energy use in real time. This growing network of smart devices will make VPPs more flexible, scalable, and effective at integrating renewable energy into the grid.

By giving homeowners greater control over their energy use and helping transition to a more sustainable grid, VPPs represent the future of energy — smarter, cleaner, and more resilient.

The takeaway

Virtual Power Plants are more than a novel energy concept — they’re a practical, people-first solution to some of our biggest energy challenges. And they’re already transforming our energy landscape.

Virtual Power Plant FAQs: What Is a VPP and How Does It Work?

<img alt="Asian woman shopping in the grocery store." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d2ce42db-acd5-41cd-a3f8-d9d77fb34f43" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Asian%20Millennials_Nielsen_3.21.25A.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="681" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2025/asian-millennial-women-use-buying-power-protect-environment/" target="_blank">Originally published on Nielsen Insights</a>

This year’s International Women’s Day theme <a href="https://www.internationalwomensday.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">#accelerateaction</a> puts the spotlight on how women are driving change around the world. With 2024 being the <a href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/national-climate-202413#:~:text=Hurricane%20Helene%20was%20the%20costliest,this%20disaster%20was%20$78.7%20billion." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">warmest year on record</a> for the U.S., climate change and sustainability is a big concern—and definitely for women who are 7% more likely to feel that our society should do much more to protect the environment/planet. For Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) millennial women in particular, that number is even more pronounced, with 25% of them more likely to feel that way1.

For AANHPI millennial women, it’s not just a feeling, they are also acting by putting their money where their heart is: they are twice as likely to pay more for eco-friendly products and services compared to the total population1. And brands are taking note. For example, K-Beauty company Innis Free doubled down on its eco-friendly, cruelty free ingredients and packaging for the U.S. market and opened its flagship store in New York City with the Millennial and Gen Z consumer in mind. Asian millennial women are also more likely than Asian millennial men to perform eco-friendly activities from recycling to donating to environmental causes: See chart above.

AANHPI millennial women don’t just influence brands—they also influence their peers. In fact, 36% of AANHPI women agree that they are considered the leader in trends by their friend/peer group². This influence extends to purchasing power, as their choices around sustainability and eco-consciousness shape what their peers buy. Brands that align with these values can tap into a powerful network of consumers who actively share and promote the products they believe in.
<img alt="Chart showing the buying power of Asian Millennial shoppers." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b2675d59-68b5-45f9-a6d5-ff87571f3bb9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Asian%20Millennials_Nielsen_3.21.25B.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="600" loading="lazy" />When it comes to protecting the environment, the influence of Asian women to #accelerateaction goes back to earlier generations. Miya Yoshitani, Executive Director of the <a href="https://apen4ej.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Asian Pacific Environmental Network</a> has been a leader of the environmental justice movement since the 1990s. Through organizing in Asian-American communities, she fights for healthy communities and also paved the way for today’s social media activists. AANHPI women millennials have dedicated platforms for doing good, enabling them to reach audiences 18+ who spend almost eight hours a week on social media (Q3 2024). Jewish-Filipina Kristi Drutman of <a href="https://www.browngirlgreen.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">browngirlgreen</a> is a self-described “environmental educator passionate about working at the intersections between media, diversity, and environmentalism”. South Asian <a href="https://aditimayer.com/about-aditi-mayer/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Aditi Mayer</a> blends the “worlds of art, industry, and education— all with a socially conscious slant”.

These platforms offer a way for brands to create meaningful connections with Asian female millennials who are early in their consumer lifecycle. They have the buying power: average monthly earnings of Asian women ($1,331) are higher than those of their counterparts, according to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/median-weekly-earnings-1227-for-men-1021-for-women-first-quarter-2024.htm" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. They have expectations: 56% of AANHPI women expect the brands they buy to support the causes they care about2. Brands looking to grow their business can’t afford to ignore eco-conscious Asian female millennials.

Data sources:

1Scarborough USA+ 2024 Release 1 Total (Jan 2023-Apr 2024)

2Nielsen Attitudes on Representation Study, 2023

Asian Millennial Women Use Their Buying Power To Protect the Environment

<img alt="Javier Rodriguez" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dbb1a76-ff53-48a2-9edd-dd612e21b2f6" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Javier-Rodriguez_DaVita_3725.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="853" loading="lazy" />Health care conversations have outgrown the concept of transformation; what we need now is a revolution, driven by the capabilities of cutting-edge technology. As DaVita continues to invest in new solutions to enhance kidney care, CEO Javier Rodriguez provides a grounding focus on how technology in health care must transform the care experience — from mitigating care fragmentation to creating a meaningful experience for the people who use it, to supporting innovation that serves to facilitate better health outcomes.

Here are three takeaways on DaVita’s commitment to transforming kidney care through technology innovation:

<ol><li>Consumerization of health care can advance equitable access to care.  
	Advances in technology across industries has emphasized consumer needs and evolved expectations. In health care, this translates to a need for greater convenience, price transparency and personalized experiences. 
	The consumerization of health care holds significant potential for improving access to these needed benefits by tailoring services to the needs and preferences of patients. DaVita’s emphasis on access to care has led to a national care footprint in which 88% of patients live within eight miles of treatment centers. 
	By prioritizing transparency and convenience, innovations focused on patient-centric solutions not only enhance access but also foster a more engaged and informed patient population. Ultimately, embracing these principles in health tech innovation is vital for developing a health care system that is responsive to the diverse needs for everyone. 
	 </li>
	<li>Technology has the potential to unlock an improved care experience and better quality of life for patients and clinicians. 
	To realize the benefits of personalized care, technology solutions must provide clinicians with the tools they need. When DaVita developed the OneView platform, it was in response to clinician feedback. Rather than focusing on financial return, the development team centered the work on enhancing the physician experience. Automating routine tasks and streamlining documentation in platforms like OneView helps alleviate this pressure and create more time for direct patient interaction. The platform was launched as an optional tool for nephrologists rounding at DaVita centers, and thanks to its effective development to address clinician needs, the platform has a 94% opt-in rate with a +44 Net Promoter Score (NPS) for the mobile app among doctors, on par with many best-in-class digital tools in day-to-day life. 
	As data and insights continue to become more robust, technology can further enhance how caregivers are able to use tools — from cross-functional collaboration and communication to analytics that inform decision-making and more. 
	 </li>
	<li>Interoperability creates a seamless, positive experience. 
	When someone is diagnosed with a chronic condition, one of the first questions that can come to mind is often, “What will be my quality of life?” And the answer is not tied to just one aspect of what happens next — their medical experience, one treatment or even a single provider. It’s dependent on the sum of every engagement they will have with the health care system. 
	As new technologies and platforms emerge, the rise of point-to-point solutions creates further risk of fragmenting care and confusing users. Prioritizing interoperability can lead to a cohesive ecosystem that simplifies the experience, encourages engagement and offers a personalized care experience.</li>
</ol>These three focus areas can help drive transformation in a way that elevates care for both patients and providers — creating a future where technology empowers individuals and strengthens the entire health care ecosystem.

Javier Rodriguez shared his perspective on unlocking innovative patient care through tech transformation at Reuters Total Health on Oct. 8, 2024.

3 Takeaways From DaVita CEO Javier Rodriguez on the Future of Health Technology

<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/2025-06/how-city-wide-train-travel-being-made-more-accessible_MASTERCARD_062425-full.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center>

Beyond its bicycles and boats, this Dutch capital city sees half a million daily trips on its trains. Find out how a seamless tap-in, tap-out city-wide system is making it easier than ever for people like 90-year-old Clary to explore her favourite city.
<img alt="two people laughing together" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b5559a57-bed1-43d5-8bbe-9c2f0e4463ad" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail-being-made-more-accessible_MASTERCARD_062425.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1080" loading="lazy" />Mastercard has been transforming transit in cities across the globe, making it easier for riders to get from A to B with just a simple tap. 
<img alt="Someone using a credit card" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44b2fe4f-b36a-4e8e-8635-da05d5993f28" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/being-made-more-accessible_MASTERCARD_062425D.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="720" loading="lazy" /> 
Nowhere is that more prominently on display than in the Netherlands, one of the first countries to launch nationwide contactless acceptance – meaning you can board a train with what’s already in your wallet, no paper tickets required. 
<img alt="Two people talking while looking out at water" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1fcf9e19-8f5c-4f9f-8371-63ab4978f391" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/being-made-more-accessible_MASTERCARD_062425A.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="720" loading="lazy" /> 
Mastercard worked with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bbcstoryworks/" target="_blank">BBC Storyworks</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/c40-cities-climate-leadership-group/" target="_blank">C40 Cities</a> as part of their “Transforming Cities” series to spotlight Amsterdam’s journey toward frictionless, more sustainable urban mobility. The short film follows Clary, a 90-year-old native of the Netherlands, and her granddaughter Lotty as they navigate the city using the country’s’ nationwide open-loop transit system—enabled by Mastercard. Their story is a powerful reminder of how inclusive, accessible technology can connect generations and communities alike.
<img alt="Someone laughing while sitting at a table" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c1af8db-6095-475a-9f0d-96a05c76b7f9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/being-made-more-accessible_MASTERCARD_062425B.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="720" loading="lazy" /> 
Unlocking the freedom to travel seamlessly, priceless!
<img alt="A person laughing" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d393616-5e86-45b7-bef1-fa4435270d89" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/being-made-more-accessible_MASTERCARD_062425C.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="720" loading="lazy" />About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

<a href="http://www.mastercard.com/" target="_blank" title="http://www.mastercard.com">www.mastercard.com</a>

<a href="https://www.bbc.com/storyworks/transforming-cities-2/mastercard-international-amsterdam-netherlands-accessible-train-travel-city?utm_source=LinkedIn&amp;utm_medium=Paid-Post&amp;utm_campaign=Transforming-Cities" target="_blank">Watch the full film here</a>

<a href="//www.mastercard.com/news/" target="_blank">Follow along Mastercard's journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.</a>

Mastercard has been transforming transit in cities across the globe, making it easier for riders to get from A to B with just a simple tap. 

How City-Wide Travel Is Being Made More Accessible

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f671eb3c-f83f-4269-9216-8c218a2bdc74" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/238A9837.jpg" width="640" height="800" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>(left to right) Bronwyn Pountney (Environment Manager, DP World), David Bolduc (President and CEO of Green Marine), and Eleanor Kirtley (Senior Program Manager, Green Marine) accepting Green Marine recertification for Prince Ruport Port.</figcaption></figure>As part of the many initiatives under its ambitious <a href="https://www.dpworld.com/sustainability" target="_blank">"Our World, Our Future"</a> sustainability strategy, DP World is an active participant in the Green Marine certification program. This voluntary initiative promotes environmental sustainability within North America’s maritime industry and sets rigorous performance benchmarks across the sector.

How does Green Marine Operate? 

Green Marine assesses participants annually on a scale of 1 to 5 across 14 key performance indicators (KPIs). These KPIs span areas such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, air quality, spill prevention, waste management, community impacts, and aquatic ecosystems. 

Participants earn initial Green Marine certification by achieving at least a level 2 “best practices” performance on one KPI. To maintain certification, participants must demonstrate a minimum one-point increase in one KPI each year until level 2 is reached across all categories. Self-reported results are verified every two years by external auditors, strengthening the program’s integrity.

DP World’s Green Marine Successes 

For over a decade, DP World has enjoyed consistent success in the Green Marine program. In June 2024, the company earned Green Marine recertification for its Fairview Container Terminal at Prince Rupert, British Columbia – a certification held since 2013. This achievement highlights the terminal's excellence across six KPIs: GHG and air pollutant emissions, spill prevention, waste management, community impact, environmental leadership, and community relations. 

Building on this success, DP World significantly expanded its Green Marine involvement in late 2024 by enrolling three additional terminals – located in Vancouver, Nanaimo, and Saint John – into the program. This expansion means DP World now manages four Green Marine-certified terminals in Canada, reinforcing its environmental leadership across strategic maritime locations in North America.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="830897b2-ff06-4903-b465-f83736363d77" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/238A9873.jpg" width="640" height="800" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Tenants of the Prince Ruport Port Authority, Green Marine participants</figcaption></figure>Looking Forward

DP World’s continued participation in Green Marine is crucial to the company’s aggressive push to decarbonize port and terminal operations. Hitting Green Marine targets naturally compliments the work DP World is doing beyond the program. For example, the company’s shore power initiative in Prince Rupert significantly cuts diesel fuel usage for vessels and is projected to prevent 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually – the equivalent of removing about 6,500 cars from roads. 

Green Marine continues to evolve, reflecting increasing industry-wide demands for higher standards and improved sustainability outcomes. The program’s updated 2025 criteria feature enhanced GHG reduction targets, stricter controls on underwater noise and community impacts, and broader waste management practices for shipyards. 

In 2024 alone, Green Marine saw the average performance score increase to 2.9 from its 243 participants, demonstrating broad industry engagement and continuous improvement. The number of terminals participating grew by 21%, with 83% of participants achieving a level 3 or higher for the GHG KPI. 

DP World looks forward to the potential of adding more terminals to the program and is proud to be part of this growing global force for a green maritime future.

As part of the many initiatives under its ambitious "Our World, Our Future" sustainability strategy, DP World is an active participant in the Green Marine certification program. 

DP World Strengthens Environmental Leadership through Green Marine Participation

<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/2025-06/Celebrating%2060%20Years%20of%20Dedication%20at%20Regions%20Bank.mp4" width="100%"></iframe></center>

By Wayne Thompson

Mary Lou Schlueter made the same three-block trip from home to work up Main Street in Mascoutah, Illinois, that she’d made for six decades.

But what she found inside the bank building this morning was anything but typical for the longest-tenured active associate at Regions Bank.

Waiting inside for Schlueter were: John Jordan, head of Retail; Tyler Lipe, Midwest Consumer Banking Executive; Steve Nivet, Retail Sales and Service Performance Executive; Mascoutah Branch Manager Lamont Sneed; the area’s Consumer Banking Manager Jason Reinneck; Brandon Greve, head of Regions Investment Services; and other Regions Bank executives, family and friends.

All had traveled from far and near to say “thanks” to Schlueter for her extraordinary 60 years of service to Regions and Mascoutah. She began her bank career on June 7, 1965 with a predecessor bank and has never left the location on Main Street or its generations of customers.
<img alt="Group photo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="397b48cf-ae9a-42cf-8031-bc5ebe6a6eeb" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/60-Years-1_Regions%20Bank_61325.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="532" loading="lazy" />‘Amazed and blessed’

“I was shocked when I saw all the cars in the parking lot and thought something was going on in the neighborhood,” Schlueter said of the surprise party sprung for her.

“When I walked in and saw all these people here, I was just overwhelmed,” she said. “It was so wonderful to see people from other states and my family.

“They did a great job keeping it a secret because no one told me a thing, not even my little granddaughter who I was with for more than an hour before I got here this morning. I’m just amazed and blessed.”

Jordan said the world-class experiences Regions seeks to deliver are the natural byproduct of trusted relationships like the ones Schlueter has established with so many Mascoutah residents for so long.

“With 60 years of tenure, there’s no telling how many experiences Mary Lou has really made world class,” he said.

“The biggest predictor of a world-class experience is the tenure of the person sitting across the desk from you. That’s why it’s so important to invest in our associates so Regions is a great place to bank and to <a href="https://careers.regions.com/us/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">build a career</a>.”

Surprise anniversary gift

Lipe presented Schlueter with a crystal vase etched with her name and years of service. Then it was Nivet’s turn.

“You’ve been the voice and vision for our company here for 60 years,” he told Schlueter. “We cannot thank you enough for making a difference in all the lives that you’ve touched.”

That set up the morning’s biggest anniversary gift as Reinneck and Sneed presented a $6,000 check in Schlueter’s honor to <a href="https://leuciviccenter.net/" id="modal-toggler-902266671-3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Leu Civic Center</a>. An agency of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Leu served more than 6,200 local residents in 2024 through its education, low-cost athletics and community event programming.
<img alt="4 people holding a large check" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79ce53ae-6065-4fd1-83a3-9daef80c8ca5" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/60-Years-2_Regions%20Bank_61325.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="854" loading="lazy" />“It was very much an honor to be there to see Mary Lou’s special day and all the people who came to celebrate her,” said Jenna Smith, executive director of the Leu Civic Center.
<img alt="Jenna Smith " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="98fb1192-e8c4-4bac-9e81-b829d8208fcf" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/60-Years-3_Regions%20Bank_61325.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="400" loading="lazy" />“We are so honored by the donation from Regions, and we want to, in turn, make sure that we use it to represent the impact Mary Lou has had on so many families in this community,” she said.

“We know it’s been very great over the 60 years she has spent at Regions — serving Regions and all the families that get to bank with her. We are so grateful for large donations like this. We can do a lot with a little and when we get a big one like this we can do a whole lot more.”

<blockquote>
"We are so honored by the donation from Regions, and we want to, in turn, make sure that we use it to represent the impact Mary Lou has had on so many families in this community.”

-Jenna Smith Executive Director of the Leu Civic Center
<img alt="Leu Civic Center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="008d3fb5-21e5-45d3-bd37-60c642c8649a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/60-Years-4_Regions%20Bank_61325.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="854" loading="lazy" /> 
</blockquote>

Throwback decorations

Sneed and Schlueter’s teammates worked on the sly to deck out the branch from front to back for her in 1965-themed decorations.

Visitors learned from the displays that an average home cost $21,500 in 1965, cars went for $2,650, the Beatles’ “Yesterday” hit the radio and the word “Groovy” first entered the popular lexicon.

While the times have changed, Lipe said, the importance of people like Schlueter hasn’t.

‘A community legend’

“What makes Regions what it is are associates like Mary Lou that come to work with a smile on their face that take care of the customers and are involved in the community,” Lipe said. “She’s a community legend because of what she does in the community every single day. We’re so proud to have her.”

The Mascoutah branch is one of 23 full-service branches and 29 ATMs Regions operates in Clanton, Madison, St. Clair and Washington counties. Schlueter is one of about 135 associates working in the area and among the more than 7,400 serving customers for Regions at about 1,250 banking offices.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e262260f-5820-45db-94b0-9f6dc24ed077" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/60-Years-6_Regions%20Bank_61325.jpg" width="640" height="1106" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Regions Mascoutah Branch.</figcaption></figure>Schlueter started working at the bank because it was close to home and allowed her to also be a mom to her two children, including serving as the classroom grade mother at their school. She increased her hours at the bank as they grew and started their own families.

‘Rock of this branch’

“I love coming to work because I like people,” Schlueter said. “I plan to keep working as long as my body and brain and Regions let me.”

Because of what Schlueter means to <a href="https://www.mascoutah.org/" id="modal-toggler-1737942897-4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mascoutah</a> and Regions, Sneed and the branch team decided to honor her in 2022 as a “<a href="https://doingmoretoday.com/mary-lou-schlueter-is-a-regions-bank-legend/" target="_blank">Regions Legend</a>.” She rode in the <a href="https://mascoutahhomecoming.org/" id="modal-toggler--262940398-5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mascoutah Homecoming parade</a> complete with crown, sash and corsage.

The other half of Mascoutah’s ‘Dynamic Duo’ with Schlueter on the teller line – Relationship Banker Marissa Lahey – missed Mary Lou’s parade debut three years ago due to delivering a baby.
<img alt="Marissa Lahey" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43b823c3-6b82-4217-b84d-9589eb22ff67" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/60-Years-5_Regions%20Bank_61325.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="400" loading="lazy" />But she wasn’t about to miss the anniversary celebration of one of her best friends.

“I don’t think I know a single person who has worked at a company as long as she has, but it’s not even just that,” Lahey said. “Mary Lou truly treats me as if I’m one of our own grandkids and loves this job like no other.

“I’m really grateful for the leaders who took the time to come out and celebrate her with us because Mary Lou truly is the rock of this branch. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know where I would be today.”

<blockquote>
I’m really grateful for the leaders who took the time to come out and celebrate her with us because Mary Lou truly is the rock of this branch. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know where I would be today.

-Marissa Lahey Relationshop Banker I
</blockquote>

Mary Lou Schlueter made the same three-block trip from home to work up Main Street in Mascoutah, Illinois, that she’d made for six decades.

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