Technology

“8th Annual Cathay Sustainable Finance and Climate Change Summit Sets New Records and Strategies for Net Zero Transition”

Published

2 years ago

July 29, 2024

Global and Domestic Experts Unveil Solutions: Harnessing Energy and Capital for a Sustainable Future

TAIPEI, July 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Cathay Financial Holdings (Cathay FHC) has been hosting the “Cathay Sustainable Finance and Climate Change Summit” for eight consecutive years. This year’s (2024) theme, “Net Zero Transition Competitiveness,” focuses on the development of global climate finance, energy transition, and industrial transformation. The summit brought together prominent figures from government, industry, and academia, both domestic and international, to develop business strategies and solutions for corporate sustainability. The event was opened by Cathay FHC’s Chairman Hong-Tu Tsai, with Financial Supervisory Commission Vice Chairperson Yen-Liang Chen and Ministry of Economic Affairs Vice Minister Ching-Chang Lien delivering opening remarks. The summit also invited World Climate Foundation (WCF) founder/CEO Jens Nielsen and Climate Group Energy Director Sam Kimmins to Taiwan as keynote speakers. The event set a new participation record with approximately 4,800 attendees, representing 82% of the market value of the Taiwan Stock Exchange and 54% of Taiwan’s carbon emissions, indicating a strong corporate response to climate issues.

In his opening remarks, Chairman Tsai highlighted that since Cathay FHC first held the “Climate Change Roundtable Forum” in 2017, Cathay FHC has been striving to exert greater influence. Over the past eight years, Cathay FHC has consistently brought significant international trends into the event, covering topics from climate change to water resources, biodiversity, and natural capital, aiming to serve as a dialogue platform for industry, government, and academia to foster exchanges among all sectors. “Energy and capital are key to net-zero transition, necessitating investments from the financial ecosystem and industrial chain companies while leveraging Taiwan’s significant influence on the global stage,” stated Tsai. Taiwan’s government has also proposed the establishment of the National Climate Change Response Committee, underscoring its strong commitment to climate change countermeasures and elevating it to a significant priority. As a pioneering leader in sustainable finance, Cathay FHC has earned recognition both domestically and internationally for its initiatives in sustainable finance and climate action. Cathay FHC remains committed to supporting Taiwan through practical actions, collaborating with various sectors to drive successful industrial transformation.

Ministry of Economic Affairs Vice Minister Ching-Chang Lien, in his remarks, highlighted Cathay FHC’s proactive sustainability measures, including being the first to provide offshore wind power financing, purchasing REC-bundled green electricity, and hosting climate events for eight consecutive years. He also emphasized the expectation for enterprises to further implement ESG practices. Financial Supervisory Commission Deputy Chairman Yen-Liang Chen mentioned that green finance has entered a new phase as green supply chain finance, and Taiwan has robust industries that support green finance initiatives. The government has also approved insurance funds to invest NT$17.66 billion (approximately US$544.89 million) in green energy power plants. Additionally, there are 185 issues of sustainability-related bonds and 46 ESG-related funds. With financial and institutional support, Taiwan takes lead in responding to climate change.

The first half of the summit focused on “Sustainable Finance.” WCF founder/CEO Jens Nielsen delivered a keynote on “Grasping Global Climate Finance Development Trends,” emphasizing the significance of the upcoming COP29, known as the “Finance COP,” in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. He noted that financial mechanisms are the driving engine in achieving climate goals, aiming to promote a global low-carbon transition and ensure that capital flows align with climate change adaptation and development paths. Taiwan Stock Exchange Chairman and CEO Sherman H.M. Lin analyzed trends in carbon pricing and climate actions. National Taipei University Professor of Finance and Cooperative Management Chi-Jui Huang explored the current status and trends of Taiwan’s sustainable finance development from an academic perspective. PwC Sustainability Service Company Chairman Eliza Li discussed the relevant financial disclosures that Taiwanese enterprises should implement to align with the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards developed by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) from an accounting practice perspective.

As a participant in COP official and side events for three consecutive years, and the only Taiwanese financial institution to host a forum in the blue zone, Cathay FHC centered this year’s panel session theme on “Moving Towards COP 29: Accelerating Green Finance for Net-Zero Future.” The discussion included WCF founder/CEO Jens Nielsen, Energy Administration Ministry of Economic Affairs Director General Cheng-Wei Yu, Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy Chairman Eugene Chien, and Cathay Life Insurance President Shan-Chi Liu.

The second half of the summit focused on “Energy Transition,” which started with Climate Group Energy Director Sam Kimmins. He analyzed international energy transition trends and Taiwan’s renewable energy development, highlighting the challenges Taiwan faces in promoting Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Kimmins suggested that group PPAs for green electricity can enhance small businesses’ access to renewable energy. The comprehensive discussion on “Towards Net Zero: Strategic Planning for Energy Transition” featured Taiwan Institute of Economic Research Chairman Zhong-Shu Wu, Sam Kimmins, Taiwan Power.

Company Chairman Wen-Sheng Tseng, China Steel Corporation Acting Chairman Shyi-Chin Wang, and Delta Electronics Chief Sustainability Officer and Spokesperson Jesse Chou. They discussed promoting public-private collaboration and strategies for achieving net-zero economic goals. The “Industry Transformation Challenges and Opportunities in a Net Zero Economy” panel featured KPMG Sustainability Consulting Managing Director Niven Huang, The Center for Energy and Environmental Research Director, Je-Liang Liou, National Taiwan University Professor of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering Ching-Pin Tung, Transcene Corporation Chairman Steven Chen, and ASUSTek Computer Inc. Chief Sustainability Officer TS Wu, who shared experiences and insights on achieving net-zero goals and how industries can respond to challenges in transitioning to a net-zero economy.

Cathay FHC is addressing global climate challenges through its commitment to “Sustainable Finance in Action.” By 2050, the company aims to achieve 100% renewable energy use across its global operations. This commitment positions Cathay FHC as a climate finance leader, promoting energy transition through three main pathways: investment and financing in renewable energy, collaboration on renewable energy innovation, and innovation in core competency services. As of the end of 2023, the group has achieved significant milestones, including using 17.95 million kWh of renewable energy, investing in 1,504 MW of solar energy installation capacity, and financing low-carbon initiatives totaling NT$330.5 billion (approximately US$9.47 billion). These efforts underscore the company’s pivotal role in advancing cross-industry energy transition.

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SOURCE Cathay Financial Holdings

Technology

The Inner Circle acknowledges Colleen Reilly as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

Published

6 hours ago

April 24, 2026

PORT ST. JOE, Fla., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Colleen Reilly is honored as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Transforming Catering and Event Services in Northwest Florida.

Since 2015, Colleen Reilly has served as founder and CEO of Catering Connections, a company that has redefined catering in Northwest Florida’s beach communities through innovation, collaboration, and community focus. Guided by her motto “Just one call feeds them all,” Ms. Reilly established a unique model by partnering with local restaurants to showcase their specialties, fostering unity among businesses while providing clients with one-of-a-kind event experiences.

With over 15 years of industry expertise, Ms. Reilly specializes in coordinating weddings, family reunions, and corporate events, managing every detail from client consultation to menu planning and flawless execution. Her dedication to service has earned Catering Connections multiple recognitions, including the Couples Choice Award from WeddingWire from 2021 to 2025, the Best of Florida Award from 2022 to 2024, and the Lux Life Hospitality and Catering Award in 2023 and 2024.

Ms. Reilly’s career foundation includes an associate degree in paralegal studies, magna cum laude, from Volunteer State College, a reflection of her meticulous approach to detail and commitment to excellence. Beyond her business, she serves her community as a board member of the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership and as president of Friends of the Governor Stone Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving maritime heritage in Panama City. Her previous civic contributions include serving five years as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children within the legal system, and volunteering as a school chaperone for international student trips.

A leader who blends innovation with service, Ms. Reilly continues to grow Catering Connections while deepening her commitment to the local community. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to expanding her company’s impact, bringing people together, and creating meaningful experiences through food and fellowship.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

Technology

Media Contributor Kianga Moore to Host Executive Media Roundtable On AI’s Transformational Impact in Retail

Published

6 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint, and New Nexus Group to Explore Real-Time Decision-Making, Resilience, and Growth in a Volatile Market

NEW YORK, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As retailers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, supply chain volatility, and rapidly shifting consumer expectations, the upcoming convening of a high-level roundtable discussion will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the retail landscape in real time.

Moderated by Media Contributor Kianga Moore, to be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 11h00am (EST), the roundtable will bring together senior leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint and New Nexus Group to discuss how modern enterprise platforms are leveraging AI to drive agility, efficiency, and long-term resilience across the retail ecosystem.

The discussion will additionally focus on how AI is enabling retailers to respond dynamically to changing demand signals, optimize marketing investments, and strengthen interoperability across increasingly complex vendor and marketplace networks.

“Retailers today are operating in a constant state of disruption”, stated Kianga Moore. “This roundtable will explore how AI is not just a tool for efficiency, but a strategic asset for anticipating change and building more resilient, adaptive American enterprise.”

Key discussion topics will include remarks on how, for example, enterprise AI platforms are helping retailers respond instantly to fluctuations in consumer demand, pricing pressures, and external supply chain disruptions and the role of AI in enhancing interoperability across vendors, partners, and marketplaces to create more agile and resilient retail infrastructures in 2026.

Rob Gonda, Chief Technical Officer at Vendormint, stated that, “Interoperability is the backbone of modern retail. AI enables seamless communication between platforms, vendors, and marketplaces—turning fragmented systems into cohesive, responsive ecosystems that can adapt under pressure.”

Discussion topics will also include machine learning’s ability to optimize ad spend, improving personalization, and delivering measurable ROI while maintaining brand trust and regulatory compliance.

Eric Howerton, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AdFury.ai, added that,”AI is fundamentally changing how brands approach customer acquisition. By leveraging machine learning through fine-tuned, retail-specific agentic flows, we can not only optimize ad spend in real time, but we can also ensure messaging is personalized, compliant, and aligned with evolving consumer expectations.”

And indeed the roundtable will include discussions on how AI-powered predictive analytics can help businesses anticipate economic, technological, and geopolitical disruptions ahead—and plan accordingly.

Cheryl Yarbrough, Vice President of Partnerships at New Nexus Group added that, “Resilience in retail is no longer built in quarterly planning cycles-it’s built in real time. AI gives organizations the ability to identify disruptions before they cascade, pivot strategies before momentum is lost, and maintain continuity when the market moves faster than any human team can react alone.”

The roundtable will be held via Zoom TeleConference, with questions from the press and key stakeholders to follow opening remarks and a 30-minute Q&A between the moderator and the panelists.

For all media inquiries and to register to attend, please contact: Sam Amsterdam, Amsterdam Group Public Relations Inc. – Sam@AmsterdamGroup.net / +1 (202) 910-8349

Vendormint (https://vendormint.com)New Nexus Group (https://www.newnexusgroup.com)AdFury.ai (https://www.adfury.ai)

Samuel Amsterdam
Communications Counsel
Vendormint
samuelamsterdam@gmail.com

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SOURCE Vendormint

Technology

Fairway Home Mortgage Earns Prestigious USA TODAY Top Workplaces Award For 6th Consecutive Year

Published

7 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Fairway CEO Steve Jacobson Named #1 Leadership Award Winner of Companies With 2500+ Employees

MADISON, Wis., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fairway Home Mortgage announced that it has earned the prestigious 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award. This is the sixth year in a row Fairway achieved this honor.

The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 40,500 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners at the National Awards Summit in Nashville. Watch the video of the event here.

“Being recognized with this award reflects Fairway’s commitment to bringing our people together face-to-face,” said Fairway’s CEO and Founder Steve Jacobson. “Companies are better when their people are around each other. People need each other and they learn from each other, and we’re very intentional about creating opportunities for in-person collaboration at Fairway.”

Jacobson demonstrated that in-person collaboration when he traveled to Knoxville this week with Fairway Senior Vice President Dan Richards to spend time with one of Fairway’s branches and their local real estate partners. “We engaged in real conversations about the market, discussed what people are seeing on the ground, and talked about how Fairway keeps showing up for clients,” said Richards. “It’s a reflection of the same hands-on approach that has defined Fairway’s culture for more than two decades.”

“To be named a Top Workplace for six consecutive years speaks to Fairway’s leadership, our mindset, and the empowerment of our staff,” said Fairway’s Chief People and Engagement Officer Julie Fry. “Our strength isn’t just what we offer employees. What sets a top workplace apart is the daily commitment to people—prioritizing connection, valuing contributions, and creating an environment where employees feel energized to serve because they feel valued first.”

The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance.

“Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization’s credibility and commitment to a people-first culture,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “This award, driven by real employee feedback, is more than just a recognition — it’s proof that your employees believe in the organization and its leadership. Job seekers and customers look for this trusted badge of credibility and excellence. It signals a company that values its people, and that kind of culture resonates in today’s competitive market”

About Fairway Home Mortgage
Madison, WI- and Carrollton, TX-based Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #2289) is a full-service mortgage lender licensed in all 50 states. Fairway is the #2 overall retail lender in the U.S.

About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.™
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

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SOURCE Fairway Home Mortgage