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<img alt="Principal McLaughlin and Plant Manager Seth Bailey in group photo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0f6b668d-1dc2-4285-bc8b-7bfd35f70316" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ChemFEST_Chemours_091725_1.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="667" loading="lazy" />Students at <a href="https://mwms.ccs.k12.nc.us/" target="_blank">Mac Williams Middle School</a> now have a new way to learn beyond the four walls of the classroom. In early September, the school community joined with <a href="https://www.chemours.com/en/about-chemours/global-reach/fayetteville-works?utm_medium=3bl_q3-25&amp;utm_source=owned_3bl&amp;utm_content=article" target="_blank">Chemours Fayetteville Works</a> to cut the ribbon on a new outdoor classroom designed to spark curiosity and expand hands-on STEM learning opportunities.

The open-air space features seating and work areas that will serve more than 1,000 students each year with interactive lessons in agriculture, life sciences and other STEM subjects. The project is part of a growing partnership between the school and Chemours through its <a href="https://www.chemours.com/en/chemistry-in-action/community-impact/chemfest?utm_medium=3bl_q3-25&amp;utm_source=owned_3bl&amp;utm_content=article" target="_blank">ChemFEST</a> (Chemours Future of Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology) program.
<img alt="Students, teachers, and Chemours employees enjoy ribbon cutting festivities" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0959644f-4cd7-4813-a048-3cc8b7b38a71" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ChemFEST_Chemours_091725_2.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="667" loading="lazy" />“This outdoor classroom is more than just a space—it’s a symbol of our commitment to giving every student access to creative, hands-on learning experiences,” said Seth Bailey, Chemours Fayetteville Plant Manager. “I’ve seen firsthand how partnerships can spark curiosity and inspire young people to consider STEM pathways for their future. The future of chemistry—and innovation—is right here in Fayetteville, and we’re happy to support that. We are proud to partner with Mac Williams Middle School to help build the next generation of innovators.”
<img alt="Student uses hands-on STEM activity" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a98f94c3-c9f4-4894-be6b-3505d8147a0f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ChemFEST_Chemours_091725_3.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="667" loading="lazy" />Principal Anita McLaughlin praised the investment and impact on her students. “We are so grateful to Chemours for investing in our students and school community,” McLaughlin said. “This outdoor classroom will open new doors for hands-on learning and spark a lifelong love of science in our students.”
<img alt="Rocket launcher, part of Chemours gift" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b2c35ce-40b1-4904-916a-f8f1c3df216a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ChemFEST_Chemours_091725_4.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy" />The project builds on Chemours’ multi-year collaboration with Mac Williams Middle School, which has already expanded STEM-based lab modules to every grade level and connected students with Chemours employees who volunteer their time. Additionally, this partnership has increased student participation in STEM learning by 10%. The initiative ensures fair access to engaging, real-world science experiences for middle school students in Cumberland County.

Chemours Fayetteville Site and Mac Williams Middle School Celebrate Opening of Outdoor Classroom

<img alt="Three workers in their uniforms holding Mondelēz products" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="31e02a0b-a0ff-4fb1-ab62-22a26a74866e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Workplace-Safety_Mondelez_071125_1.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="962" loading="lazy" />We believe in creating a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, and visitors across our locations. This commitment is reflected in our rigorous risk assessments, ongoing training programs, and adherence to global safety standards.

HIGHLIGHTS

<ul><li>Approximately 0.24 Total Incident Rate (TIR) (18)</li>
	<li>Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) (36)</li>
</ul>STRATEGIC APPROACH

Our commitment to health and safety is deeply rooted in our organization, with active support from our CEO and senior leadership team. This commitment extends to fostering an inclusive environment where employees, their representatives, and contractors are actively engaged in shaping our safety journey. We believe in meaningful consultation, so their valuable input drives continued improvement and strengthens our shared dedication to a healthy and safe workplace for everyone.

We are committed to addressing issues related to health, safety and the environment. Part of that effort involves engaging and empowering our colleagues to live safely, both inside and outside the workplace.

STRIVING TO ENSURE WORKPLACE SAFETY

Our ambition is to achieve an accident-free workplace. We aim to maintain safe practices, environments, and ways of working for everyone who interacts with Mondelēz International. Our safety guiding principles include creating a safe and healthy work environment for all our employees through a proactive approach that prioritizes exceeding applicable health and safety regulations, investing in our people and facilities, and fostering a strong safety culture.

Our comprehensive Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) policies, standards, and non-negotiable commitment to continued improvement help us to maintain a culture of safety and compliance throughout Mondelēz International. We implement rigorous risk assessments, utilize tools and metrics to track progress, invest in comprehensive training and communication, and conduct regular HSE assessments to evaluate our performance.

WORK, PLAY, LIVE, SAFE PROGRAM

Our "Work, Play, Live, Safe" program promotes a culture of safety for everyone on our sites, encompassing employees, contractors, full-time and part-time staff, and even visitors. We extend this commitment across our locations, including factories, distribution centers, tech centers, and other facilities. By providing guiding principles for everyday actions, we aim to provide safe practices, environments, and ways of working for everyone who interacts with Mondelēz International, including:

<ul><li>Nothing we do is worth getting hurt for.</li>
	<li>All injuries and occupational illnesses can, and must, be prevented.</li>
	<li>We will continually strive for zero incidents.</li>
	<li>Everyone is responsible for safety; leaders are accountable.</li>
	<li>Working safely is a condition of employment.</li>
</ul>BUILDING A CULTURE OF WORKPLACE SAFETY

<ul><li>Our commitment is to create a workplace where safety is paramount, reducing risks across four key areas:
	<ul><li>Occupational Health: Protecting our employees from long- term health issues related to their work environment.</li>
		<li>Personal Safety: Fostering a culture of safety by implementing safe work practices and standards that prioritize the well-being of every individual.</li>
		<li>Process Safety: Enhancing the design, management, and control of potentially hazardous processes within our operations.</li>
		<li>Vehicle Safety: Promoting safe driving practices and improving vehicle-related activities across all functions and operations.</li>
	</ul></li>
</ul>ACTION PLANS AND PROGRESS

WORKPLACE SAFETY PROGRESS

Mondelēz International is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of HSE performance across our global sites. Our commitment is reflected in the following key areas:

OUR INTENT

<ul><li>Compliance: We are committed to meeting or exceeding all applicable HSE regulations.</li>
	<li>Continuous Improvement: We strive to continuously improve our HSE footprint through investments in our people, processes, and facilities.</li>
	<li>Interdependent HSE Culture: We cultivate a culture of safety where everyone takes responsibility for their own well-being and the well-being of others. This culture is essential for achieving an accident and occupation illness-free work environment and for protecting our planet.</li>
</ul>OUR ACHIEVEMENT

Long-Term Impact: In 2024, our continued focus on leadership, capability building, and HSE assessments drove improvements across most safety performance indicators. We achieved a Total Incident Rate (TIR) of approximately 0.24 significantly below the global benchmark of 0.5.(18) Our Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) remained consistently low, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to workplace safety.

Long-Term Impact: Through dedicated efforts in safety culture and Total Safety initiatives, including emergency preparedness procedures, we have seen a reduction in Total Recordable Incidents across operations over the past 10 years.

OUR PRIORITIES FOR 2025

Despite our positive performance, seek continued improvement and are addressing the following areas in 2025:

High Severity Incidents: We are implementing solutions to further improve behaviors, controls, and capabilities across manufacturing and commercial operations to prevent future high severity incidents.

Priority Standards: We are intensifying our focus on closing high- risk gaps, enhancing protection and prevention systems to further strengthen our HSE performance.

M&amp;A Integration: We are investing in resourcing and capabilities to drive integration of Mondelēz International standards and work processes within recently acquired companies.

Commercial Safety: We are revising policies and standards to further enhance safety practices in our warehouses, offices, and vehicle fleet operations.

We remain dedicated to making a positive impact on the world and the communities where we do business, to provide a safe and sustainable future for all.

GOALS AND METRICS

WORKPLACE SAFETY GOAL 
Severity and Total Incident Rate (TIR): Continued focus to reduce Severity 1 safety incidents to zero

<table dir="ltr"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" rowspan="1">2024 PROGRESS</td>
		</tr><tr><td> </td>
			<td>2024</td>
		</tr><tr><td>Total Recordable Incidents (#) (36)</td>
			<td>297</td>
		</tr><tr><td>Lost Time Incidents (LTI) (#) (36)</td>
			<td>217</td>
		</tr><tr><td>Severity 1 Incidents (#) (36)</td>
			<td>9</td>
		</tr><tr><td>Total Incident Rate (TIR) (#) (18)</td>
			<td>0.24</td>
		</tr><tr><td>Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) (#) (36)</td>
			<td>0.86</td>
		</tr></tbody></table><a href="https://www.mondelezinternational.com/assets/Snacking-Made-Right/SMR-Report/2024/2024-MDLZ-Snacking-Made-Right-ESG-Report.pdf" target="_blank">View the full 2024 Snacking Made Right Report. </a>

 

(18) 2024 reported information includes data from acquisitions such as Ricolino, Chipita, Clif bar and Give &amp; Go, which differs from previous years. We adjust our goals to better align with reporting requirements and industry best practice, and focus our Health &amp; Safety metrics on Severity (unchanged) and TIR (Total Incident Rate).

(36) 2024 reported information includes data from acquisitions such as Ricolino, Chipita, Clif bar and Give &amp; Go, which differs from previous years. We are transitioning to absolute indicator numbers in our disclosures to provide a clearer and more accurate representation of safety performance. In previous years, data was presented as a percentage increase or decrease.

Mondelēz 2024 Snacking Made Right Report: Health & Safety

<img alt="Amy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ae06ff29-5e22-4d8e-8f5d-3f8e159c56dc" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/successful-return-engineering_Cummins_082025.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="720" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.cummins.com/news/2025/07/21/amys-successful-return-engineering" target="_blank">Cummins</a>

The Cummins Inc. RePower Program is a paid returnship designed to empower professionals who have been away from the workforce for at least two years. Through this six-month paid assignment, participants gain the opportunity to apply their specialized expertise, interests, life experiences and skills in fields such as IT, engineering and supply chain planning. The program includes training, coaching, development and networking events, with the potential for full-time employment opportunities upon completion. For professionals like Amy, who are reentering the workforce after a career break, such programs can be life-changing.

Amy began her career in product and process development at a flexible packaging company, collaborating closely with customers to create innovative packaging solutions. She also spent time documenting crucial manufacturing processes for transfer to new facilities. After completing a major project in her engineering role, Amy decided to pursue a career outside of engineering. While this shift allowed her to acquire valuable skills in communication, teamwork, and adaptability, she soon realized she missed using data to guide decisions. This realization prompted her to return to engineering, choosing Cummins because of its values, mission, and professional growth opportunities.

Amy discovered the Cummins RePower Program through the Society of Women Engineers’ STEM Reentry initiative. “The application process was straightforward. I submitted my application online and received a response within 24 hours. My interview was scheduled with a panel a few weeks later, and I was offered a position shortly after.”

The returnship program provided Amy with a chance to connect with a community within a large organization like Cummins. Throughout the program, she attended regular check-ins and meetings, gaining valuable insights from those who had completed the program and now worked full-time at Cummins. “My favorite part of the program was the opportunity to meet in small groups and get to know the other returnship participants and our mentors better.”

Through the RePower Program, Amy not only acquired new skills but also made significant connections. She shared her experiences with others returning to STEM, which helped her navigate her reentry into the field. The program’s support system greatly impacted her, allowing her to feel connected and supported every step of the way.

When Amy transitioned from the program to her full-time role, she remained on the same team and continued to handle many of the tasks she had during the program. She was also entrusted with additional responsibilities. The skills she gained during her career break, combined with what she learned through the RePower Program, have contributed to her success in her current position. Amy currently serves as a Certification and Compliance Lead at Cummins, where she plays a key role in assisting New Product Development teams with formal compliance reviews throughout the development process.

The structure and support provided by the returnship program helped Amy navigate the extensive organization that is Cummins. The program guided her on where to find resources, whom to ask for help, and provided a space to share experiences with others. This sense of structure made it easier for her to transition and visualize her future career within Cummins.

Amy highly recommends the Cummins RePower Program to anyone looking to reenter the STEM workforce. “I feel so fortunate that I found the program and that opportunities like this exist for those trying to rejoin STEM fields.” She believes it’s an incredible opportunity to gain the support and connections needed for successful reintegration into the field. Amy is thankful for the program and the doors it has opened for her within Cummins.

Amy’s Successful Return to Engineering

<img alt="A young cancer patient with his companion dog." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="972f8126-b558-4a2c-adcc-63d899bdc855" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/MCC-Graylon_pet%20therapy_Aflac_9.15.25A.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="927" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://newsroom.aflac.com/15-new-reasons-to-smile-Aflac-Childhood-Cancer-Foundation-awards-2025-Child-Life-Grants" target="_blank">Originally published on Aflac Newsroom</a>

The Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation (ACCF) has announced recipients of their 2025 Child Life Grant awards benefitting 15 hospital programs that will help bring comfort, support and guidance to pediatric patients, their siblings and families experiencing a cancer or blood disorders diagnosis. Since 2018, 83 grants totaling $152,500 have been awarded by the foundation to Child Life programs across the U.S.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to once again support the vital role child life specialists play in helping young cancer and blood disorders patients and their loved ones navigate their journeys through diagnosis and treatment,” said ACCF president Kerry Hand.

Because insurance does not typically cover Child Life programs, charitable donations are vital for some hospitals to be able to include these therapeutic and educational interventions that help minimize stress, promote coping and help children and families adjust to medical experiences, he added.
<img alt="Young child holding an Aflac Duck and a blanket." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7b789b4-7147-4adf-bf56-03787309b5f3" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Aflac_Blanket_CLS_Aflac_9.15.25B.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="600" loading="lazy" />This year’s grantees are Children’s Health Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK – Nourishing Hope; Children’s National, Washington, DC – Super Sib Day; East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, AL – Sickle Cell education; Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, Danville, PA – Head wraps and care packages; James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital, Greenville, NC – Canine Crew; Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Atlanta, GA – coping support resources; Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Tacoma, WA – developmental play items; New York Presbyterian Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY – support group; Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami, FL – Memory Making; Christus Children’s, San Antonio, TX - Puppyatrics ; Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ – sack lunch program; UCSF Benioff Hospital, Oakland, CA – Patient and Sibling Resiliency Initiative; UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, Gainesville, FL – sibling care packages; University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS – proton therapy patient blankets; and Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia, Augusta, GA – pup companion. Stay tuned to <a href="https://newsroom.aflac.com/" target="_blank">newsroom.aflac.com</a> for more stories about the impact of these programs.

You can <a href="https://cfcv.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1049" target="_blank">join the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation</a> in its mission. One hundred percent of donations to the Aflac Childhood Cancer Campaign directly benefit children with cancer and blood disorders and their families through grants supporting treatment and research at hospitals and organizations across the U.S.

Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2500878  
Exp 9/26

15 New Reasons To Smile: Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation Awards 2025 Child Life Grants

<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d6f5409e-a52e-4e48-8fff-c9831004dd5d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/AI-solutions_Cisco_090925_1.png" width="640" height="616" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Cisco’s Chief Sustainability Office hosted an AI + Climate Innovation Lab, bringing together 100+ industry experts, founders, and investors to discuss AI and data needs across nine climate sub sectors during San Francisco Climate Week 2025.</figcaption></figure>Artificial intelligence (AI) holds great promise for climate innovation, but its effectiveness depends on access to diverse, high-quality data — something that can be difficult and costly to obtain in the climate sector. This data challenge further complicates an already complex financial environment for climate tech, which is supported by a blend of public, philanthropic, and private funding.

Specifically, Cisco Foundation’s grants and investments, via the <a href="https://blogs.cisco.com/our-corporate-purpose/reintroducing-the-cisco-foundation-regenerative-future-fund-redefining-impact-in-climate-investing" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Regenerative Future Fund (RFF),</a> support quality, open source, foundational data availability and innovative AI applications for climate through blended finance for the industry. Our latest blended finance engagements —with partners across regenerative agriculture and wildfire resilience — serve as case studies.

Aligning capital and data to value regenerative agriculture practices

U.S. farmers seeking to adopt regenerative agriculture practices face many challenges, such as limited access to capital and inadequate data infrastructure. In fact, the <a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/farm-sector-income-finances/farm-sector-income-forecast" rel="noopener" target="_blank">USDA has reported 21% and 17% declines in farm working capital in 2023 and 2024 respectively</a>. These economic trends can limit farmers’ ability to invest in regenerative transitions, and challenge long-term sustainability and growth.

To address this, we provided investment capital to the <a href="https://fractal.ag/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fractal Farmer Agriculture Regenerative Management (FARM) Fund</a>, which introduced a pioneering financial model that supports farmers while maintaining their land control. Offering 10-year contracts inclusive of incentives tied to regenerative practice adoption, Fractal provides an alternative to conventional debt or majority equity funding structures.

The success of this model is reflected in Fractal’s work with 14 farms, which the organization says have reported a 6.5% higher crop yield compared to local benchmarks and maintained stronger income rates relative to market averages.

For Jesse Hough, the general manager and financial strategist of Hough Farms in East Central Nebraska, Fractal’s long term minority investment approach has helped him consistently outperform county yields. He can continue making on-farm decisions and, unlike short-term programs, Fractal supports regenerative practices for the full ten years, aligning incentives so both farmer and investor share in the long-term gains.

Fractal uses AI and machine learning to analyze underlying land productivity and create more accurate land valuations for its investments. Its models incorporate climate risk and soil health, a more sophisticated approach than traditional static measures that can under- or overvalue a farm’s long-term potential. For Fractal to continue to implement its work best and support farmers like Jesse, it needs improved data infrastructure to support underwriting and incentive processes for the company.

<blockquote>
“When regenerative practices improve yield resilience, the cash flow impacts ripple from land value to crop insurance. Through Open Ground, we’re partnering with Earth Genome to make the climate and agronomic data behind those benefits open source — ensuring it can drive meaningful impact across the entire sector.” — Dr. Emma Fuller, Co-Founder, Fractal
</blockquote>

To accelerate the development of these vital datasets, the Cisco Foundation also provided an early-stage cash grant to <a href="https://www.earthgenome.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Earth Genome</a>. Their new, open-source Open Ground initiative, developed in collaboration with Fractal, will integrate historical climate data, localized extreme weather models, and advanced crop failure classifications to deliver precise field-level insights. Their open access helps stakeholders like researchers, startups, insurers, lenders, and public good entities unlock the potential for AI applications in agriculture. It also helps them to confidently invest in, integrate and reward regenerative agricultural practices in their operations.

The AI edge in wildfire management: Mapping a resilient future

Another example of our blended finance approach is our support of Vibrant Planet and Vibrant Planet Data Commons to address wildfire and land management.

Cisco Foundation’s investee, <a href="https://www.vibrantplanet.net/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vibrant Planet PBC</a>, operates on the core thesis that “you can’t understand what you can’t see”— a concept increasingly crucial as more extreme weather, outdated fire suppression policies, and fragmented restoration efforts make U.S. forests more susceptible to catastrophic wildfires.

The lack of open-source, high-quality data has hindered restoration, management, and community engagement, and has especially excluded Indigenous stewardship and perspectives.

Addressing these challenges requires advanced technology. Vibrant Planet leverages satellite imagery, remote sensing, AI-powered modeling, and cloud-based data integration to capture a comprehensive, real-time picture of forest health, fire risk, and ecosystem change with unmatched granularity.

While these technologies enable the collection, analysis, and sharing of vast datasets —spanning millions of acres — they provide it at an incredibly localized level. This makes actionable insights and informed recommendations via their wildfire resilience platform available to land managers, scientists, and policymakers.

<a href="https://www.vpdatacommons.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vibrant Planet Data Commons</a>, the nonprofit arm of Vibrant Planet PBC, makes forest science and data meaningful and accessible to drive wildfire and ecosystem resilience. With Cisco Foundation grant support since 2022, they’ve built core infrastructure and released novel open-access data packages — including a wildfire ignition probability model  —alongside story-driven tools for public engagement.

Their work prioritizes Indigenous knowledge sharing, with protocols co-developed alongside Tribal partners. These packages are used by scientists and practitioners across the American West, with a growing focus on tracking how this knowledge informs management and infrastructure decisions.

As Dr. Chelsey Walden-Schreiner, Director of Science Development at Vibrant Planet Data Commons shared, “Together, Vibrant Planet PBC and VPDC form a hybrid engine for change — where science meets scalable systems, and where public good and market-driven innovation reinforce one another. Our success is not parallel, but interdependent — unlocking a model for how mission-aligned for-profits and nonprofits can co-create transformative climate resilience.”

Together, these examples illustrate how blended finance and open data can help inform AI-driven approaches to climate resilience, such as supporting more adaptive agricultural practices and informing forest management strategies.

This blog was written with assistance from Ryan Jones, Cisco Chief Sustainability Office, TekSystems.

View original content <a href="https://blogs.cisco.com/our-corporate-purpose/the-data-catalyst-blended-finance-paving-the-way-for-climate-ai-solutions" target="_blank">here</a>.

Cisco - The Data Catalyst: Blended Finance Paving the Way for Climate AI Solutions

<img alt="Jeremiah Smith, wide receiver for The Ohio State Buckeyes." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10d0c70d-a7b4-4cc9-b6b7-d56dde64bab9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jeremiah_Smith_KeyBank_9.10.25.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" />CLEVELAND, September 12, 2025 /CSRwire/ - Today, <a href="https://www.key.com/personal/index.html" target="_blank">KeyBank</a> proudly announced a dynamic new partnership with Jeremiah Smith, wide receiver for <a href="https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/football" target="_blank">The Ohio State Buckeyes</a> and one of college football’s top athletes. The collaboration marks a strategic move by Key to deepen engagement across communities in its home state of Ohio and connect with younger audiences through shared values of education, empowerment and community impact.

The collaboration will launch a new social-first campaign, “The KeyBank Financial Playbook,” designed to empower individuals with financial knowledge through engaging, football-themed content. The initiative combines Smith’s athletic achievements with KeyBank’s commitment to financial wellness, creating a unique platform to reach younger audiences and sports fans across Ohio and beyond.

Smith, a sophomore at The Ohio State University, has shattered freshman records and is a projected Heisman contender and first-round NFL draft pick. He brings a rapidly growing social media presence and an authentic personal brand.

“Jeremiah Smith is more than a football phenom, he’s a role model for young people, a passionate advocate for education and believes in the power of community and collaboration,” said Patty Jurca, KeyBank Chief Brand Officer. “His commitment to using his platform for good aligns perfectly with KeyBank’s purpose: to help our clients, our colleagues and our communities thrive.”

The partnership also includes exclusive rights to Smith’s name, image and likeness in the banking category, and support of KeyBank’s charitable initiatives.

“Partnering with KeyBank is an opportunity to make a real impact off the field. As a student-athlete, I see firsthand how important financial literacy is for young people and families,” said Smith. “KeyBank has long been a leader in the financial services industry and a pillar in the state of Ohio. Together, we’re working to provide resources and education that strengthen our communities here and beyond.”

“Jeremiah’s influence reaches far beyond the football field,” added Lara DeLeone, KeyBank Central Ohio Market President. “He’s a powerful voice for the next generation, and we’re proud to work with him to unlock new opportunities for our clients and communities.”

ABOUT KEYCORP

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit <a href="https://historyofkeybank.com/" target="_blank">KeyBank Heritage Center</a>. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $185 billion at June 30, 2025. 

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.key.com/" target="_blank">https://www.key.com/</a>. KeyBank Member FDIC. 

CFMA# 250910-3479278

KeyBank Partners With Ohio State Football Star Jeremiah Smith To Inspire Communities and Launch ‘The KeyBank Financial Playbook’ Campaign

<img alt="axles in a fire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4c759713-5854-48e2-a4b0-82190fd263fe" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/vehicle-efficiency_Cummins_082025.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.cummins.com/news/2025/07/23/improving-vehicle-efficiency-thanks-axle-gearing" target="_blank">Cummins</a>

What is axle gearing?

Axle gearing plays a critical role in vehicle performance. It determines how efficiently engine power is delivered to the wheels, which directly impacts fuel efficiency, torque, acceleration, and the ability to climb grades. Selecting the right axle gearing can lead to lower fuel costs, improved drivability, and fewer maintenance issues throughout the vehicle’s life cycle.

At Cummins, we are committed to helping customers match the right axle gear ratio to each application for maximum performance and return on investment. As powertrain systems become more complex, proper axle gear ratio ensures that vehicles remain responsive, efficient, and reliable in real-world operating conditions.

Why are axle gear ratios important?

The axle gear ratios define the relationship between engine speed (RPM) and wheel speed. At cruising speed, lower numerical gear ratios allows the engine to operate in its optimal RPM range. In certain application such as vocational, higher numerical gear ratios ensures there is enough torque to get the vehicle moving uphill. Anyone who has ever driven a car with manual transmission understands this well and has learned to shift transmission gears appropriately while driving.

But there is another set of gears that couples the driveline to the wheel: axle gears. Unlike transmission gearing, axle gear ratios are fixed. Having the correct axle gear ratio for a vehicle’s primary application is important.

For example, a truck intended for regional haul with frequent stops may benefit from a higher axle gear ratio. In contrast, linehaul fleets that prioritize fuel economy on flat highways typically benefit from lower axle gear ratios that reduce engine RPM at cruising speed.

A well-optimized powertrain with the correct axle gear ratio saves fuel, reduces unnecessary engine strain and supports sustainability targets. That is why Meritor and Cummins engineering teams work closely with truck manufacturers and fleets to choose the best axle ratios for the job.

What are gear ratios?

Axle gear ratios are expressed numerically—such as 4.10:1, 3.70:1, or 2.15:1—and represent the number of times the driveshaft must turn to spin the wheels once. For example, with a 4.10 axle ratio, the driveshaft must turn 4.10 times for each full wheel rotation. This ratio is determined by the number of teeth on two internal components: the ring gear and the pinion gear.

It is easy to confuse related terms. Here is a quick breakdown:

<ul><li>Gear ratio: The numerical relationship between one or more meshing gears.</li>
	<li>Gearing: The system of gears across all or part of the drivetrain.</li>
	<li>Gearbox: Another word for the transmission—which shifts through multiple gear ratios while driving.</li>
	<li>Ring gear: A large gear inside the axle that receives power from the pinion gear and turns the wheels</li>
	<li>Pinion gear: A small gear connected to the driveshaft that delivers power into the axle by turning the ring gear.</li>
</ul>Unlike the transmission, which adapts to changing speeds, the axle’s gear ratio is fixed—and forms the final drive of the powertrain. Selecting the right one is essential for aligning engine output with the vehicle’s duty cycle.

Understanding gearing and how gearing impacts efficiency and performance helps fleets tailor their vehicles for specific duty cycles. Differences between direct drive and overdrive configurations can affect fuel efficiency, power delivery, and overall drivability.

<a href="https://www.cummins.com/components/drivetrain-systems/axles/tandem-rear-drive/14x-he" target="_blank">Meritor’s 14X HE axle line</a> offers low-friction, high-efficiency gearing options designed for applications ranging from urban delivery to long-haul transport. Since gear ratios are not one-size-fits-all, they must be matched to the vehicle’s application.

This is where engineering support and data analytics come into play, helping customers identify the best configuration for performance, profitability and durability.

How gearing technology has evolved over time?

Axle gearing has come a long way from one-size-fits-all setups. Today’s axle gear sets are engineered with precision to deliver performance, efficiency and reliability. Meritor’s high-efficiency axles, for example, are designed to reduce friction and heat at the gear mesh, delivering better fuel economy without sacrificing durability.

The Meritor 14X HE SFR 2.05 axle, when paired with the <a href="https://www.cummins.com/engines/on-highway/heavy-duty-truck/2027-x15" target="_blank">Cummins X15™ engine</a> and the Endurant automated manual transmission, is designed to deliver fuel economy gains compared to prior models. It is a powertrain engineered for maximum efficiency down to every gear tooth. These advancements enable smarter gearing choices that reduce total cost of ownership and support sustainable transportation goals.

Engineering teams at Cummins, Meritor, and Eaton Cummins work closely to develop integrated systems. These teams ensure that engines, transmissions, and axles are not only compatible but optimized to work together. This collaboration allows for smarter gearing strategies that reflect real-world conditions and customer feedback.

Today, axle gearing isn’t just a component; it’s a strategy. One that’s driven by data, shaped by engineering, and built for the road ahead. With each innovation, Cummins is helping fleets achieve better performance, more uptime, and a lower carbon footprint.

Axle gearing plays a critical role in vehicle performance. It determines how efficiently engine power is delivered to the wheels, which directly impacts fuel efficiency, torque, acceleration, and the ability to climb grades. 

Improving Vehicle Efficiency Thanks to Axle Gearing

<img alt="Two people picking produce in a large garden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f16025f8-9d73-40d7-9afd-8deda613a7ed" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/National-Food-Bank%20Day_PSEG_090925_1.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1250" loading="lazy" />This National Food Bank Day, we want to take a moment to thank the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23psegfoundation&amp;origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED" target="_blank">PSEG Foundation</a> and our incredible employee volunteers who work hard year-round to support a variety of local organizations that are making a difference by providing meals and resources to our neighbors in need, including <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/america%27s-grow-a-row/" target="_blank">America's Grow-a-Row</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/homefrontnj/" target="_blank">HomeFront</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/community-foodbank-of-nj/" target="_blank">Community FoodBank of New Jersey</a> and more. 

View original content <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/pseg_making-our-communities-brighter-activity-7369836776862978048-Ndz9/" target="_blank">here</a>.

This National Food Bank Day, we want to take a moment to thank the PSEG Foundation and our incredible employee volunteers who work hard year-round to support a variety of local organizations that are making a difference by providing meals and resources to our neighbors in need

PSEG Celebrates National Food Bank Day

Students at Mac Williams Middle School now have a new way to learn beyond the four walls of the classroom. In early September, the school community joined with Chemours Fayetteville Works to cut the ribbon on a new outdoor classroom designed to spark curiosity.

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