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TORONTO, June 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oceana Canada is joining the Honourable Karina Gould, Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, for the announcement of new measures to beat plastic pollution in Canada. Similar announcement events will be held in Quebec City, QC, Bedford, NS, Winnipeg, MB, and Vancouver, BC.

TORONTO EVENT DETAILS:

DATE	Monday, June 20, 2022
TIME	10:00 a.m. ET
LOCATION	Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (88 Bremner Blvd, Toronto), main entrance, in front of the iconic, three-story-tall Giant Plastic Tap installation by Canadian artist and activist Benjamin Von Wong.
LIVESTREAM	To attend this press conference remotely (via Zoom webinar), media representatives are asked to register by contacting Environment and Climate Change Canada at media@ec.gc.ca.
AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT	Kim Elmslie, Campaign Director and Anthony Merante, Plastics Campaigner, Oceana Canada
MORE	Read more about Oceana Canada’s call on the government for a strong ban on single-use plastics here.

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Angela Pinzon, Pilot PMR, angela.pinzon@pilotpmr.com, 647-295-0517; Alex Mangiola, Pilot PMR, alex.mangiola@pilotpmr.com, 416-460-3575; or Lesley Wilmot, Oceana Canada, lwilmot@oceana.ca, 647-535-6326.

Oceana Canada was established as an independent charity in 2015 and is part of the largest international advocacy group dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana Canada has successfully campaigned to end the shark fin trade, make rebuilding depleted fish populations the law, improve the way fisheries are managed and protect marine habitat. We work with civil society, academics, fishers, Indigenous Peoples and the federal government to return Canada’s formerly vibrant oceans to health and abundance. By restoring Canada’s oceans, we can strengthen our communities, reap greater economic and nutritional benefits and protect our future. Find out more at www.oceana.ca. Twitter: @OceanaCAN #EndThePlasticDisaster #CanadaPlasticBan

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6766645f-4097-4ec6-a64d-7ceef62ffb62

OKLAHOMA CITY, June 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Multi-disciplinary investment firm Echo Investment Capital is celebrating the passage of The Oklahoma Research and Development Act, a piece of legislation that creates a grant program designed to attract research and development companies to the state. The act, which offers matching grants to cover up to 50% of the cost of each project (up to $100,000), is designed to further diversify the economy in the state of Oklahoma, bringing new jobs, increased opportunities for students, researchers, and professional staff, exposure to new technologies, and growth in private investment.

The bill, which was signed into law by Governor Stitt at the end of May and goes into effect on November 1, 2022, will create a grant program through the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). Eligible companies are ones that operate in aerospace and autonomous systems, life sciences, or energy diversification and partner with an Oklahoma-based research university or nonprofit research institution.

Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, was the principal House author of the bill, and Sen. Chris Kidd, R-Waurika carried it in the Senate.

“Echo is proud to support this legislation,” said Christian Kanady, founder and CEO of Echo Investment Capital, whose investments span across the life sciences, entertainment, real estate, and energy industries. “We believe it will make Oklahoma an increasingly attractive locale for global innovators to ideate, design, and test new products which will grow Oklahoma’s economy. Companies from all across the country are beginning to discover what Oklahomans already know — that the state is the ideal place for research and development due to our cost-effective space, integrated ideas and systems, and engaged workforce.”

ABOUT ECHO
Echo Investment Capital is an Oklahoma City-based investment firm with a multi-disciplinary team of strategic investors and operators funding innovation and cutting-edge companies across industries. Echo connects often-overlooked infrastructure with globally sourced ideas, talent and capital to build a better, bolder future for the community and the world. By bringing together forward-looking ideas and sophisticated capital, Echo aims to generate exceptional returns and differentiated value for investors and its portfolio.
www.echoinvestmentcap.com

For media inquiries:

Dawn Kamerling
The Press House
dawn@thepresshouse.com
www.thepresshouse.com

New benefits include surgery support and LGBTQ+-specific provider search assistance

KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In an effort to more fully support LGBTQ+ associates, H&R Block (NYSE: HRB), has added to and enhanced its robust associate health and wellbeing offerings. These benefits offer support for associates searching for culturally competent providers, and covers transition procedures for transgender associates through the medical plan.

The goal is to make sure associates feel affirmed and supported both inside and outside the workplace. This is especially relevant during Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual, and other identities (LGBTQ+) Pride Month — or simply Pride Month — in the U.S.

As part of the process to increase equity for the LGBTQ+ community, H&R Block reviewed its medical and prescription benefits and compared those to the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) standards of care. While the company was well aligned with these standards as of last year, the enhancements ensure that the company is now fully aligned with WPATH.

“We care about our associates at Block and want to support them and their families with any needs they may have,” said Tiffany Monroe, H&R Block’s Chief People and Culture Officer. “We strive to provide programs that help create better outcomes for our associates, both mentally and physically.”

The company has also added the Inclusive Care program, available to qualifying associates and eligible dependents through the company’s Anthem medical plan, which acts as a concierge and support program for those in the LGBTQ+ community. It helps connect them with culturally competent providers who are more knowledgeable about the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community. This resource can also guide patients through the complexities of gender transition procedures and ensure the care team is aligned on the appropriate treatment plans.

In addition, earlier this year, H&R Block implemented a combined $30,000 lifetime maximum benefit for eligible associates to provide infertility, surrogacy or adoption support. H&R Block also provides a working parent and pregnancy support program through Cleo, to support regular associates through any path to parenthood and from any family type, through baby’s first year. Mental health benefits include an enhanced mental health support program through Lyra for regular associates and their families, offering greater access to therapists, coaching and holistic mental health services.

Additional Commitments to Inclusivity

• Member of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and awarded the top score of 100 on the 2022 HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, leading to the company being named a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality” in the United States for the third consecutive year
• In March 2022, H&R Block joined an effort as a corporate signatory on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) letter about legislative practices.
• H&R Block allows associates to use a name other than their birth name within HR systems (Workday)
• The company offers several associate-led Belonging Groups, which are spaces that foster the culture of belonging and are a place where all associates can cultivate connections. The LGBTQ+ Belonging Group, COLORS, stands for “Community Organizing for LGBTQ+ Opportunity, Resources, and Support”, and is made up of hundreds of LGBTQ+ internal employees and allies.

About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with innovative products like Wave Money, a mobile-first, small-business bank account and bookkeeping solution, that manages bookkeeping automatically. For more information, visit H&R Block News or follow @HRBlockNews on Twitter.

CONTACT: For Further Information: 


Media Relations:   Angela Davied, (816) 854-5798, angela.davied@hrblock.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Steelcase has been recognized by The Civic 50 as one of the fifty most community-minded companies in the United States.

Sponsored by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, The Civic 50 ranks companies with annual revenues of at least $1B in four areas: investment of resources, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems and impact measurement. The Civic 50 provides a national standard for superior corporate citizenship and showcases how companies can use their time, skills and resources to impact their communities.

Steelcase has extensive involvement in community programs which lead to this recognition — including a mix of volunteer time, product and service donations, financial gifts and the integration of community commitment into business policies and practices.

The social innovation efforts that occur at Steelcase prioritize furthering inclusive, equitable and quality education, reducing inequalities, creating sustainable communities and cities and taking action to combat climate change. The recognition shines a light on the company’s 151 community partnerships and 280 global projects in the fiscal year 2022.

“We’re delighted to be recognized for our ESG efforts in the communities where we live and work,” said Beth O’Shaughnessy, Steelcase senior vice president, chief administrative officer, general counsel and secretary. “We know there is still work to be done, but together we are doing more than ever to increase access and equity for people and to nurture a healthier planet. We’re delighted to be recognized as a Consumer Discretionary Sector Leader and remain committed to being a force for good in the world.”

To learn more about the Civic 50, 2022 honorees and insights from this year’s survey, please visit Civic50.org.

About Steelcase
Organizations around the world trust Steelcase to help them create places that help people work better, be inspired and accomplish more. The company designs, manufactures, and partners with other leading organizations to provide architecture, furniture, and technology solutions – accessible through a network of channels, including over 800 Steelcase dealer locations. Steelcase is a global, industry-leading, and publicly traded company with fiscal year 2022 revenue of $2.8 billion. For more information, visit steelcase.com.

Contact: Chiara Licari
Steelcase, 616.406.6494
clicari@steelcase.com

Company Commits to Publish Sustainability Goals in 2022

NO-HEADQUARTERS/REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PubMatic (Nasdaq: PUBM), an independent technology company delivering digital advertising’s supply chain of the future, today announced that all of its global data centers are now powered by 100% renewable energy. The company achieved this significant milestone as it embarks on a comprehensive, multi-pronged sustainability plan by the end of 2022.

According to the World Economic Forum, the infrastructure powering the Internet accounts for 2.5% of worldwide electricity consumption. At PubMatic, the majority of this consumption occurs within 10 global data centers, which account for over 90% of the company’s energy usage. By owning and operating its own infrastructure, PubMatic has greater control over the reduction of energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels. 

To achieve the 100% benchmark, PubMatic executed a renewable energy strategy that included collaboration with data center colocation providers and procurement of qualified renewable energy through virtual power purchase agreements (vPPA) and retail supply agreements. As a result, the company has invested in enough wind and solar power annually to account for every unit of electricity used across its global data center operations.

“The digital advertising supply chain of the future will be transparent and efficient, and it will also be responsible. The advertising industry must focus on reducing its environmental impact and prioritize sustainability in infrastructure and operational practices. I am proud of what PubMatic has been able to achieve to date, and it is just the first step towards building a more environmentally sustainable business,” said Rajeev Goel, co-founder and CEO at PubMatic.

PubMatic’s milestone achievement is part of a comprehensive sustainability strategy across the organization. The company also supports Ad Net Zero, an organization committed to reducing the carbon impact of developing, producing, and running advertising to zero by the end of 2030. PubMatic plans to develop and publish specific goals by the end of 2022 focused on improving sustainability across the global company’s owned and operated data centers, offices, and daily business processes with customers and partners.

About PubMatic 
PubMatic (Nasdaq: PUBM) is an independent technology company maximizing customer value by delivering digital advertising’s supply chain of the future. PubMatic’s sell-side platform empowers the world’s leading digital content creators across the open internet to control access to their inventory and increase monetization by enabling marketers to drive return on investment and reach addressable audiences across ad formats and devices. Since 2006, our infrastructure-driven approach has allowed for the efficient processing and utilization of data in real time. By delivering scalable and flexible programmatic innovation, we improve outcomes for our customers while championing a vibrant and transparent digital advertising supply chain. 

Press Contact:

Emily Yri
Email: emily.yri@pubmatic.com
Phone: +65 8540 1152

Survey rates organizations on criteria such as age, gender, ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation equality, as well as general diversity.

June 16, 2022 - Wolters Kluwer (AEX: WKL), a leading global provider of expert solutions, insights and services for professionals, has been recognized by Forbes as one of “America’s Best Employers for Diversity 2022.” In collaboration with market research firm, Statista, Forbes identified the Best Employers for Diversity through an independent survey of over 60,000 Americans working for businesses with more than 1,000 employees.

“Bringing the best of Wolters Kluwer to customers, communities, and other key stakeholders requires a highly engaged and talented workforce that represents the diversity of those we serve and the communities where we live and work,” says Jessica Economos, Vice President for Global Diversity Equity & Inclusion. “Ranking on Forbes list for the fifth year in a row demonstrates the great strides we continue to make in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.”

Those surveyed by Forbes were asked to rate their organizations on criteria such as age, gender, ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation equality, as well as general diversity. The final list ranks the 500 employers that not only received the most recommendations, but also feature the most proactive diversity and inclusion initiatives and diversity among the board and executives.

The Forbes America’s Best Employers for Diversity 2022 recognition is the latest diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging accolade for Wolters Kluwer. The company was recognized in Forbes America’s Best Employers for Women 2018-2022, as a European Diversity Leader by the Financial Times, as Best Practice Leader by European Women on Boards Gender Equality Index, Equileap’s Gender Equality in Europe and in the Dutch Female Board Index.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the healthcare; tax and accounting; governance, risk and compliance; and legal and regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2021 annual revenues of €4.8 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 19,800 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

Wolters Kluwer shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and are included in the AEX and Euronext 100 indices. Wolters Kluwer has a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program. The ADRs are traded on the over-the-counter market in the U.S. (WTKWY).

For more information, visit www.wolterskluwer.com, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Media Contact:

Erica Glass

Wolters Kluwer

Erica.glass@wolterskluwer.com

Office/Mobile 516 238 2280

Company Commits to Publish Sustainability Goals in 2022

NO-HEADQUARTERS/REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PubMatic (Nasdaq: PUBM), an independent technology company delivering digital advertising’s supply chain of the future, today announced that all of its global data centers are now powered by 100% renewable energy. The company achieved this significant milestone as it embarks on a comprehensive, multi-pronged sustainability plan by the end of 2022.

According to the World Economic Forum, the infrastructure powering the Internet accounts for 2.5% of worldwide electricity consumption. At PubMatic, the majority of this consumption occurs within 10 global data centers, which account for over 90% of the company’s energy usage. By owning and operating its own infrastructure, PubMatic has greater control over the reduction of energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels. 

To achieve the 100% benchmark, PubMatic executed a renewable energy strategy that included collaboration with data center colocation providers and procurement of qualified renewable energy through virtual power purchase agreements (vPPA) and retail supply agreements. As a result, the company has invested in enough wind and solar power annually to account for every unit of electricity used across its global data center operations.

“The digital advertising supply chain of the future will be transparent and efficient, and it will also be responsible. The advertising industry must focus on reducing its environmental impact and prioritize sustainability in infrastructure and operational practices. I am proud of what PubMatic has been able to achieve to date, and it is just the first step towards building a more environmentally sustainable business,” said Rajeev Goel, co-founder and CEO at PubMatic.

PubMatic’s milestone achievement is part of a comprehensive sustainability strategy across the organization. The company also supports Ad Net Zero, an organization committed to reducing the carbon impact of developing, producing, and running advertising to zero by the end of 2030. PubMatic plans to develop and publish specific goals by the end of 2022 focused on improving sustainability across the global company’s owned and operated data centers, offices, and daily business processes with customers and partners.

About PubMatic 
PubMatic (Nasdaq: PUBM) is an independent technology company maximizing customer value by delivering digital advertising’s supply chain of the future. PubMatic’s sell-side platform empowers the world’s leading digital content creators across the open internet to control access to their inventory and increase monetization by enabling marketers to drive return on investment and reach addressable audiences across ad formats and devices. Since 2006, our infrastructure-driven approach has allowed for the efficient processing and utilization of data in real time. By delivering scalable and flexible programmatic innovation, we improve outcomes for our customers while championing a vibrant and transparent digital advertising supply chain. 

Press Contact: 
Broadsheet Communications for PubMatic 
pubmaticteam@broadsheetcomms.com 
(917) 826-1103