NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 1, 2024 / In celebration of Black History Month, Bath & Body Works is spotlighting perfumer Gwen Gonzalez and designer Katria Judkins and offering an exclusive candle collection they brought to life. Through her use of dreamy colors and golden accents, Judkins captured Gonzalez’s vision for four new fragrances inspired by Gonzalez’s personal memories. This special collection is available at Bath & Body Works stores and online, and features these unique fragrances:
"You, Me & the Sea"-notes of blue orchid, fresh eucalyptus and saltwater
"Gwen’s Note"-notes of creamy sandalwood, sage and soft lavender
"Anna’s Garden"-notes of orange blossom, white tea and jasmine
"My Sweet Sisters"-notes of sugared cinnamon, toasted hazelnut and cake batter
We believe that it’s important to spotlight underrepresented professionals in fragrance to raise awareness for their contributions and stories while signaling what’s possible for the next generation.
In support of that effort, the Bath & Body Works Foundation has donated $200,000 to support the American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholars Program and the ACS Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Respect’s mission. Our three-year partnership began in 2023 to help open doors for the next generation of leaders in chemistry-related fields, like perfumers and more.
Learn more about Gonzalez’s and Judkins’ creative process in the video above.
COLUMBUS, OH / ACCESSWIRE / February 1, 2024 / Bringing nearly 20 years of commercial finance experience, Jonathan Smith joins Northwest Bank, a full-service financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking solutions, as executive vice president, head of SBA lending.
In this new position, Smith will oversee the continued growth of Northwest’s SBA lending program and support the bank’s other strategic business banking initiatives. He joins an experienced team of SBA lending specialists, currently led by Sales Manager Lindsay Cost.
"Jonathan brings a wealth of business development expertise to Northwest, and we look forward to further developing our SBA lending program under his leadership," said Jay DesMarteau, head of commercial banking. "Jonathan’s appointment to this new role affirms Northwest’s commitment to supporting small businesses and providing them with the resources they need to grow. He’s the right leader to help us expand nationally."
Prior to joining Northwest, Smith served as vice president, senior loan officer at Live Oak Bank where he worked to expand the bank’s SBA loan portfolio throughout New England. Smith has also held leadership roles at Harvest Small Business Finance, Northeast Bank, TD Bank and IFS Capital.
"I’m excited to leverage my previous banking and business development experience to lead Northwest’s SBA lending program," said Smith. "I look forward to working alongside Northwest’s highly skilled team of SBA lending experts to provide flexible financing solutions to meet the needs of small businesses across the bank’s footprint."
Smith graduated from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts, and currently resides in New Hampshire with his wife and four daughters.
About Northwest
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Northwest Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company of Northwest Bank. Founded in 1896 and headquartered in Warren, Pennsylvania, Northwest Bank is a full-service financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking products, as well as treasury management solutions and wealth management services. Northwest currently operates 134 full-service community banking offices and eight free standing drive-through facilities in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Indiana. The common stock of Northwest Bancshares, Inc. is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ("NWBI"). Additional information regarding Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Northwest Bank can be accessed on-line at www.northwest.com.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 1, 2024 / Since 1994, M·A·C Cosmetics has raised over $520,000,000 and counting to support healthy futures and equal rights for all through its iconic, philanthropic VIVA GLAM campaign. Thirty years later, M·A·C VIVA GLAM Lipsticks have been modernized with a makeover, with a silky matte finish and good-for-lips formula that looks richer, feels better, and lasts longer.
Meet M·A·Cximal Silky Matte VIVA GLAM Lipstick – the lipstick that still gives back 100%, but even better! We have refreshed the existing VIVA GLAM lipsticks that you know and love, and added a new shade to expand M·A·C VIVA GLAM’s fundraising efforts:
Intense brownish blue-red shade VIVA GLAM I is now VIVA Heart
Creamy subdued pinkish-beige mauve shade VIVA GLAM II is now VIVA Planet
Muted brownish-plum shade VIVA GLAM III is now VIVA Empowered
And deep neutral shade VIVA Equality is totally new!
These new lipstick names also reflect VIVA GLAM’s celebration of 30 years of VIVA GLAM with a wider charitable scope that reflects the challenges we face as a global community today. With a mission to promote equality for all, VIVA GLAM now focuses on four key pillars to further societal change and better the lives of everyone who calls our planet home.
SUPPORTING SEXUAL EQUALITY: M·A·C VIVA GLAM partners with local organizations to change policies, eliminate stigmas, and provide resources that promote healthy and happy futures for all.
EMPOWERING GENDER EQUALITY: M·A·C VIVA GLAM advocates for the rights of all people to have autonomy over their own bodies so they can live fully as their most authentic selves.
CHAMPIONING RACIAL EQUALITY: M·A·C VIVA GLAM builds on our long-standing conviction of representation, inclusion and equity for All Ages, All Races, All Genders by advocating for change and providing resources that advance racial justice.
PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL EQUALITY: M·A·C VIVA GLAM continues our pledge to do good for the planet by investing in safe, good-for-skin ingredients and innovative packaging designs that support a sustainable Earth.
You have the power to support healthy futures and equal rights for all by purchasing the four shades of M·A·Cximal Silky Matte VIVA GLAM Lipstick that give back 100%.
Inspired by the achievements of mothers throughout its market area of Illinois, Indiana and Iowa, Jewel-Osco and diaper brand Huggies have rolled out the MOMents at Jewel-Osco contest. Aiming to recognize deserving moms and nourish families, the contest will award surprise grocery deliveries valued at more than $500 each.
See original post on Progressive Grocer and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.
A contest rolled out by Jewel-Osco and Huggies invites nominations and entries to recognize moms across the grocery banner’s footprint.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 1, 2024 / Antea Group
Congratulations on successfully completing another year of disclosure! Utilizing CDP’s platform for disclosure empowers you and your organization to embark on ambitious corporate action. This practice helps monitor global advancement towards an economy that serves the well-being of both people and the planet.
In 2022, CDP had 23,592 companies disclose through the climate change, forests, and water security questionnaires. However, only 3,908 (17%) companies submitted a water security questionnaire. Whether business operations are located within a watershed that has sufficient supply to meet demand or not, it is integral for companies to submit the Water Security questionnaire. Water is a shared resource that impacts companies, big and small, and the communities in which they operate. Without water, it is essentially impossible to continue business operations.
Below are five key areas to think about to improve your score or begin responding to the CDP Water Security questionnaire:
Establishing a Baseline
A critical step in submitting your water security questionnaire is to establish a baseline. By identifying and quantifying your current water withdrawal, consumption, discharge, water sources, and associated risks, you lay the foundation for accurate reporting and meaningful progress assessment. This baseline not only aids in responding effectively to CDP’s Water Security questionnaire but also provides a starting point against which future improvements can be measured. It’s a proactive approach that not only enhances your company’s understanding of its water-related impacts but also positions you to contribute meaningfully to global sustainability efforts.
Water Risk Assessments
After collecting data on your water usage, a recommended next step would be to perform a Water Risk Assessment (WRA). Just as companies completing the Climate CDP questionnaire perform Climate Assessments, those tackling the Water CDP questionnaire should consider conducting either a water risk screening or a more comprehensive and detailed WRA. A WRA can be used for multiple purposes and can provide insights that help identify and manage water risks and associated mitigation measures. The WRA generally has three main goals:
To identify potential key risks to protect operations in the short to medium term.
To help inform business objectives and decisions in the medium to long term, such as acquisitions or expansions.
To begin water stewardship strategy development.
An effective WRA can significantly improve your Water CDP score by bolstering the comprehensiveness and accuracy of your responses. By addressing and mitigating identified risks, you not only enhance your company’s overall performance but also demonstrate your commitment to sustainable water management. This, in turn, positively influences how your company is perceived by stakeholders, including investors, customers, and regulatory bodies.
Integrating the water risk assessment findings into your water resource management strategy not only aligns with the essence of responsible corporate stewardship but also serves as a catalyst for elevating your Water CDP score. As you navigate the complexities of water usage and its associated challenges, harnessing the insights gleaned from a WRA empowers you to make informed decisions, promote sustainable practices, and ultimately contribute to a more water-secure and resilient future.
Crafting a strategic engagement plan that seamlessly incorporates water management into your overarching company strategy is a crucial step. This strategic integration is essential for making water considerations an integral part of your business’s core objectives and operations, signaling a commitment to sustainable practices that resonate with stakeholders.
Implementing this strategy involves translating your goals into actionable practices. Internally set water reduction targets and re-use initiatives can serve as practical benchmarks, fostering a culture of accountability and contributing to water conservation efforts. Additionally, focusing on operational water efficiency is pivotal. By scrutinizing water usage across various functions and embracing efficient technologies, you not only exemplify responsible resource management but also potentially achieve substantial cost savings.
Expand Data Collection and Monitoring to the Supply Chain
Expanding data collection, water monitoring, and water risk screening to the supply chain also represents a vital progression in the journey toward comprehensive water management. As the interconnectedness of global commerce becomes increasingly evident, understanding the water footprint of your supply chain is paramount.
By extending data collection and monitoring practices to encompass suppliers and partners, you gain insights into the holistic impact of your operations. This transparency enables the identification of potential risks and inefficiencies, improving business resiliency, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders to implement sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.
Evaluating the CDP Water Security questions in the questionnaire that are not presently scored is a strategic move that forward-thinking companies should consider. While these questions might not contribute to your current Water CDP score, they offer valuable insights into emerging trends and priorities within the realm of water management. Engaging with these questions prompts companies to proactively address water conservation, risk management, and sustainable practices that may weigh more heavily in the future.
By taking these questions into account and preparing for their potential inclusion in scoring mechanisms, you can position your organization to be at the forefront of evolving sustainability benchmarks. This approach demonstrates adaptability, foresight, and a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, ensuring that your company remains poised for success in the ever-evolving landscape of water management and reporting.
Wrap-Up
In conclusion, as we celebrate another successful year of disclosure, it’s evident that utilizing CDP’s platform for disclosure is a powerful tool for fostering corporate responsibility and sustainable action. The importance of water security cannot be understated, as it is a shared resource critical to business operations and community well-being.
By embracing the above strategies, your organization not only enhances its understanding of water-related impacts but also positions itself to make meaningful contributions to global sustainability efforts. Proactive engagement with emerging trends and priorities ensures that your company remains a leader in the ever-evolving landscape of water management and reporting, demonstrating adaptability, foresight, and a commitment to a more water-secure and resilient future.
Need more help? Reach out to our Water Stewardship team for guidance on your Corporate Water Strategy today!
CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / February 1, 2024 / Trace Associates Inc. (Trace) has reached an agreement to acquire the assets and employees of XCG Consulting (XCG), an environmental science and engineering consulting firm based in southern Ontario with offices in Kitchener and Kingston.
Founded in 1990, XCG and its 28 employees have deep expertise providing environmental site assessment, remediation, risk assessment/management, solid waste advisory, and hazardous building materials management services across Canada to a wide range of industry sectors.
With XCG, Trace expands its Canadian geographic footprint with a great presence in southern Ontario and adds solid waste advisory, surface water management, and environmental engineering capabilities that can be provided to public and private clients across Canada.
Trace’s President and CEO, Darrell Haight, is excited to welcome XCG to the Trace team. "Our cultures are very similar as we both take great care of our people, so they can take care of our clients and suppliers. Both XCG and Trace clients will benefit as we now have greater national coverage and more diverse services to offer."
Tom Williams, President of XCG, believes the combined efforts will "allow us to better serve our national and regional clients while also providing technical and professional growth opportunities for our staff."
XCG will become the Ontario division of Trace on February 1, 2024, and will operate under the name "XCG, a division of Trace Associates Inc." For more information, visit www.traceassociates.ca or LinkedIn.
Trace Associates Inc. exists to help you have a great life. We are an employee-owned professional services firm with offices and people across Canada. Trace’s people are trusted advisors in environmental science and engineering, health and safety, emergency management, business continuity, sustainability, and Indigenous engagement.
