Connect with us

Technology

Newsweek and Best Practice Institute Unveil 2nd Annual Excellence 1000 Index

Published

on

Best Practice Institute and Newsweek announce the 2nd annual Excellence 1000 Index, recognizing companies that demonstrate leadership in ethics, innovation, sustainability, and stakeholder value across multiple performance metrics.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Best Practice Institute (BPI) and Newsweek are proud to announce the release of the 2nd annual Newsweek Excellence 1000 Index, the definitive list honoring corporations that lead with integrity, innovation, and a measurable commitment to ethical leadership.

“In an era where narratives often overshadow facts, the Excellence 1000 Index stands as a testament to the importance of verified impact and ethical leadership.” – Louis Carter, CEO of Best Practice Institute

“In an era where narratives often overshadow facts, the Excellence 1000 Index stands as a testament to the importance of verified impact and ethical leadership,” said Louis Carter, CEO of Best Practice Institute. “This year’s honorees exemplify what it means to prioritize innovation, sustainability, and stakeholder value over tradition and superficial metrics. By recognizing these trailblazers, we aim to inspire a new standard for evaluating corporate success that values measurable progress and integrity above all.”

The 2025 Excellence 1000 Index, released today on Newsweek.com, highlights organizations that excel across core pillars, including employee sentiment, customer trust, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) impact, adherence to ethical standards, and sustainable business practices.

Criteria include key benchmarks such as Employee Ratings, Customer Ratings, ESG Risk Ratings, adherence to ISO standards, R&D spending, Global Compact status, and BBB accreditation for smaller organizations. Notably, the index also incorporates the volume and sentiment of customer complaints to deliver a holistic view of corporate responsibility.

Congratulations to NVIDIA, Accenture, and Goodman Group for securing the top spots! This prestigious ranking evaluates over 25,000 companies across 25+ industries, recognizing those that excel in:

Employee satisfactionCustomer trustESG impactEthical leadershipSustainable business practices

Key insights from this year’s index:

IT Services leads with 25% representationManufacturing sector grew from 5% to 15%Financial Services expanded from 8% to 12%

🔹 Top performers:

NVIDIA claims #1 spotAccenture at #2Goodman Group rounds out top 3Cisco Systems and Juniper Networks complete top 5

📈 Industry trends:

IT Services dominates with 25% representationManufacturing sector tripled growth (5% to 15%)Financial Services seeing strong momentum (8% to 12%)IoT companies comprise 40% of Top 100

💡 Interesting findings:

Average revenue: $15.4B across listed companies26% of companies are UN Global Compact participantsProfessional Services firms achieved highest average rating (4.55)Over 25,000 companies evaluated to select final 1,000

“Corporate success today goes beyond financial performance. The Excellence 1000 Index honors companies that balance strategic growth with a deep commitment to ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability. Together with our partner Best Practice Institute, we are proud to recognize these organizations redefining leadership in the corporate world,” said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief of Newsweek.

Organizations aspiring to be featured in future editions of the Excellence 1000 Index or on BPI’s Best of Best Practices and Most Loved Workplaces® lists are encouraged to express their interest via the Excellence 1000 Index site at https://excellence.bestpracticeinstitute.org/.

Interested in the full research? Best Practice Institute, Newsweek’s research partner, maintains detailed findings at excellence.bestpracticeinstitute.org and can be contacted for a quote.

About Best Practice Institute

Best Practice Institute – https://www.bestpracticeinstitute.org/ is a research-based organization dedicated to advancing leadership, talent management, and corporate ethics through innovation and measurable practices. With a mission to inspire organizational excellence, BPI sets the global standard for fostering workplace cultures that thrive on integrity and impact.

BPI is the owner of Most Loved Workplace®, the leading recognition program that certifies organizations based on employee sentiment and emotional connection. Through its rigorous methodology and focus on systemic collaboration, respect, and shared values, Most Loved Workplace® empowers companies to achieve greater engagement, retention, and cultural alignment while gaining global recognition for their workplace excellence. To apply for Most Loved Workplace® certification visit https://mostlovedworkplace.com/ or apply online for the Excellence Index at: Http://excellence.bestpracticeinstitute.org

Media Contact:

Scott Baxt

Head of Research

scottbaxt@bestpracticeinstitute.org

+1-800-718-4274

Louis Carter

CEO and Founder

https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/newsweek-excellence-index-2025

Media Contact

Scott Baxt, Best Practice Institute, 1 8007184274, scottbaxt@bestpracticeinstitute.org, http://excellence.bestpracticeinstitute.org

Louis Carter, Best Practice Institute/Most Loved Workplace, lou@bestpracticeinstitute.org, http://www.mostlovedworkplace.com

Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/newsweek-and-best-practice-institute-unveil-2nd-annual-excellence-1000-index-302336068.html

SOURCE Best Practice Institute

Continue Reading

Technology

Nasdaq Hits Fresh Ground on Chip and Software Strength as Dow, Small Caps Lag for the Week

Published

on

By

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stock Preachers News Commentary – Big technology names pulled the Nasdaq Composite to a weekly gain while the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Russell 2000 closed the week in the red, underscoring a narrow rally as the quarter turned over. The S&P 500 slipped from its prior week’s close despite a strong Friday session. Volatility eased, with the VIX down on the day, while crude oil fell sharply and the 10-year Treasury yield ticked higher. Several companies issued contracts, guidance updates, and acquisition news during the stretch. Active Companies from around the markets with current developments this week include: RTX (NYSE: RTX), Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: IART), Trilogy Metals Inc. (NYSE American: TMQ), Phillips Edison & Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: PECO), and Axogen, Inc. (Nasdaq: AXGN).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 51,094.96, up 0.33% on the day but down 1.42% for the week, with an RSI14 of 38.1 signaling a weakening trend. The S&P 500 finished at 7,719.34, up 0.69% on the day though down 0.31% for the week, while the Nasdaq Composite jumped 1.18% on the day to 27,188.02 and gained 0.44% for the week. The Russell 2000 rose 0.97% on the day to 2,833.74 but slipped 0.13% for the week.

The CBOE Volatility Index fell to 15.58, down 0.81 on the day and 0.49 for the week, while the Nasdaq-100 Volatility Index closed at 21.93, down 0.58 on the day but up 1.06 for the week. WTI crude oil dropped 2.48% on the day and 2.19% for the week to $90.57 a barrel, while natural gas rose 1.69% on the day to $3.02 per MMBtu.

Gold eased 0.85% on the day to $4,166.60 an ounce, essentially flat for the week, while silver fell 0.53% on the day and 1.33% for the week to $60.40. Copper gained 1.07% on the day to $6.55 a pound. The US 10-year Treasury yield rose 2 basis points on the day and 8 basis points for the week to 5.26%, and the euro weakened 0.64% on the day against the dollar.

The full report includes the week’s key support and resistance levels for each major index along with additional company news and sentiment from the week.

CONTINUED… Read this and more news for RTX (NYSE: RTX), Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: IART), Trilogy Metals Inc. (NYSE American: TMQ), Phillips Edison & Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: PECO), and Axogen, Inc. (Nasdaq: AXGN) at: https://stockpreachers.com/articles/big-tech-carries-the-tape-while-the-dow-limps-to-friday/

In other industry developments and happenings in the market this week include:

RTX (NYSE: RTX) Raytheon, an RTX business, secured a five-year contract with two additional option years valued up to $24.4 billion for Standard Missile-6 interceptors, aimed at increasing availability of the multi-mission munition for the U.S. Navy.

“SM-6’s multi-mission capability is vital to our customer, and Raytheon is intensely focused on meeting the demand,” said Phil Jasper, Raytheon President. “By continuously investing in our operations and facilities, we are removing constraints and boosting capacity to ensure we deliver this critical capability our sailors depend on.”

The company said SM-6 is the only combat-proven weapon capable of anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare and ballistic missile defense, and has invested in workforce growth, industrial partnerships and automation to support higher output. Read the release.

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: IART) Integra LifeSciences provided preliminary third quarter results and updated full-year 2026 guidance, citing continued impact from a July flooding event at its Cincinnati facility. The company expects third quarter revenue of approximately $410 million to $412 million and adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.55 to $0.59.

“Our third quarter results were impacted by the July flooding event at our Cincinnati facility,” said Stuart Essig, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our teams have made significant progress executing recovery plans and supporting customers.”

The company updated its full-year 2026 revenue outlook to a range of $1.634 billion to $1.654 billion from $1.654 billion to $1.695 billion, and lowered adjusted EPS guidance to $2.30 to $2.40 from $2.40 to $2.50, while still expecting $190 million to $200 million in operating cash flow for the year.

Trilogy Metals Inc. (NYSE American: TMQ) Trilogy Metals reported a cash balance of $31.2 million as of August 31, 2026, with adjusted working capital of $30.3 million, and announced the closing of a $35.6 million strategic equity investment from the Department of War on September 11, 2026.

The company reported third quarter net income of $0.2 million compared to a net loss of $1.7 million a year earlier, while the nine-month period showed a net loss of $13.2 million versus a $7.5 million loss in the prior year period.

“The third quarter and the weeks that followed have been transformational for Trilogy Metals,” said Tony Giardini, President and CEO. “With a defined permitting timeline, the investment by the U.S. Government, and a clear line of sight to a Record of Decision, Arctic is well positioned to become a cornerstone of a secure, domestic copper supply chain.” Read the release.

Phillips Edison & Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: PECO) Phillips Edison & Company reaffirmed its full year 2026 earnings guidance and increased its gross acquisitions guidance to a range of $600 million to $700 million from $500 million to $600 million, after acquiring $459.7 million in assets and selling $174.0 million year to date through September 30, 2026.

The reaffirmed midpoint of full year 2026 Nareit FFO per diluted share guidance represents 6.3% year-over-year growth, while Core FFO guidance midpoint represents 6.2% growth and same-center NOI guidance midpoint represents 3.7% growth.

“We’re pleased to reaffirm our guidance for full year 2026 Core FFO per share growth, which reflects 6.2% year-over-year growth at the midpoint,” said Jeff Edison, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re able to do this while maintaining balance sheet strength and a disciplined approach to investing that have always defined PECO.”

Axogen, Inc. (Nasdaq: AXGN) Axogen completed its acquisition of BioCircuit Technologies, adding NerveTape, which the company describes as the first FDA cleared device for sutureless peripheral nerve repair.

“NerveTape represents a new standard of care as the first sutureless nerve repair option, one that is simpler, faster, and more effective than microsuturing,” said Michael Dale, President and Chief Executive Officer of Axogen.

The company expects BioCircuit to contribute approximately $6 million to fourth-quarter 2026 revenue and approximately $34 million to 2027 revenue, which was not included in Axogen’s full-year 2026 guidance of at least 24% revenue growth. Axogen continues to expect gross margin of at least 73% and to be free cash positive for the full year.

Contact Information:

https://stockpreachers.com

Media Contact: info@stockpreachers.com

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this article should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a market commentary and is not a paid advertisement. This article is being distributed by Stock Preachers, which is wholly owned and operated by Market Equities Limited (“MEL”), a company incorporated under the laws of Ireland. This is an independent market commentary published on a non-paid basis. MEL has not been paid any fee by any company mentioned in this article for its production or distribution, and MEL has no advertising or digital media agreement with any company mentioned in this article. The companies mentioned have not reviewed or approved this article. Market Equities and its owners, operators, directors, and affiliates may, from time to time, hold positions in securities mentioned in this article or in the broad-market index funds that track them, and reserve the right to buy, sell, or hold such securities at any time without further notice. Information in this article was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, including company news releases and public market data, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Market data is as of the time stated and may be delayed. Portions of this commentary were produced with the assistance of automated tools from that data and reviewed against it. Investing in securities involves risk, including the possible loss of some or all of your investment. Technical analysis describes past price and volume behavior and does not predict future results; support and resistance levels can fail at any time. References to the companies named in this article are provided solely as market and sector context and as summaries of each company’s own public news releases. No partnership, affiliation, or endorsement is implied, and nothing in this article is a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Quotations attributed to company executives are reproduced from those companies’ own news releases. Forward-Looking Statements: This article may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements made by the companies mentioned in their own news releases. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. Readers should review each company’s filings with the SEC and applicable Canadian securities regulators. Eagle Eye is an investor signal-intelligence platform affiliated with the publisher of this article. Eagle Eye is not a broker-dealer, and nothing it provides is investment advice. Data may be delayed. Always do your own research.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasdaq-hits-fresh-ground-on-chip-and-software-strength-as-dow-small-caps-lag-for-the-week-302897635.html

SOURCE Stock Preachers

Continue Reading

Technology

Chandigarh University Research Scientists gets 17 lakh grant from Punjab State Council for Science & Technology; to build skilled manpower for nature conservation and Ecotourism

Published

on

By

Chandigarh University to Train Youth as Nature Conservators and Ecotourism Guides, Creating Conservation-Linked Livelihoods

CHANDIGARH, India, Oct. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Biosciences at Chandigarh University has secured a grant of over Rs 17 lakhs from Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) under the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India for conducting a three-month specialized training programme on ‘Nature Conservator-cum-Ecotourism Guide’ aimed at building a skilled workforce in nature conservation, sustainable and responsible tourism and green entrepreneurship.

Notably, the GSDP initiative was developed with an aim to create skilled workforce for environment and forest-related sectors with training designed to support gainful employment and self-employment.

Sanctioned by the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) through its Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) Hub, the programme will train 20 participants through a combination of classroom learning, practical training, field exposure and entrepreneurship-oriented skill development.

Prof (Dr) LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences Chandigarh University and Principal Investigator of the programme, along with experts including (Prof) Dr. Sandeep Guleria from the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management Chandigarh University and Dr. Sangeeta from the Department of Biosciences from CU will contribute to the academic and practical delivery of the programme.

Sharing the details about the programme, Dr LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences said, “The three-month programme will provide participants with extensive practical exposure, with the proposed training structure comprising approximately 35–40 per cent theory and 60–65 per cent practical and skill-based learning. Participants will be trained in areas including biodiversity assessment, identification of flora and fauna, wildlife and bird observation, nature interpretation, ecosystem understanding, sustainable tourism planning, ecotourism operations, hospitality, environmental monitoring, digital marketing, business planning and entrepreneurship.”

Prof (Dr) Attri added, “A significant component of the programme will be field-based learning. Participants are expected to visit ecologically and tourism-relevant locations including the Siswan Ecotourism Project, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh Biodiversity Park, Chhatbir Zoological Park, Ropar Wetland, Morni Hills, Pinjore Heritage Gardens, Timber Trail, organic farms, village homestays in the Shivalik region, Hoshiarpur Eco Resort, Kalesar National Park and Harike Wetland. Such exposure will enable trainees to understand how conservation, visitor management, interpretation and local livelihood opportunities can be integrated at actual destinations.”

Prof (Dr) Sandeep Guleria from the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management Chandigarh University said, “The programme carries a defined employment outcome with the sanction requiring 50 per cent gainful placement of trained candidates in relevant sectors. This places employability and livelihood generation at the centre of the training rather than limiting the programme to academic certification. The potential career opportunities emerging from the training span nature guiding, ecotourism operations, wildlife and birding activities, rural tourism, homestay management, hospitality, destination interpretation, conservation-related work and nature-based entrepreneurship. These skills can contribute to the growing demand for trained professionals in Punjab’s nature conservation, ecotourism and sustainable tourism sectors. The sanctioned amount will cover course materials and training kits, boarding and lodging, transportation and field visits, honorarium, and other expenses for the three-month residential training programme for 20 trainees and resource persons.”

Dr Sangeeta, Department of Biosciences, Chandigarh University, shared that initiative is also expected to strengthen collaboration between academia, government agencies, conservation organisations, tourism stakeholders and local communities. Its field-oriented design can provide participants with direct understanding of protected areas, wetlands, biodiversity parks, rural tourism sites and community-based tourism models while also introducing them to the operational and entrepreneurial dimensions of the sector. For Chandigarh University, the grant adds another dimension to its engagement with green skills by connecting scientific training, tourism education and livelihood development. With nature-based tourism increasingly requiring trained personnel who understand both ecological systems and visitor needs, the programme is positioned to develop professionals capable of contributing to conservation as well as responsible tourism.

The programme comes at a time when ecotourism and nature-based tourism are increasingly recognised for combining responsible travel with biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection, environmental awareness and sustainable livelihood generation. Unlike conventional tourism, ecotourism places greater emphasis on environmental protection, community participation, cultural preservation and nature-based enterprises. Punjab’s diverse natural assets, including the Shivalik foothills, wetlands, riverine habitats, forests, biodiversity parks and wildlife sanctuaries, offer significant scope for developing such responsible tourism models and generating conservation-linked livelihood opportunities.

With expertise coming together from Chandigarh University’s Departments of Biosciences and Tourism & Hospitality Management, the interdisciplinary training will combine ecological knowledge with nature interpretation, biodiversity documentation, sustainable tourism practices, hospitality, destination management and enterprise development, preparing participants for responsible tourism and conservation-related livelihoods. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of GSDP to develop green-skilled human resources equipped for sustainable development, with programmes across the country covering nature conservation, ecotourism and livelihood-oriented training. Through the sanctioned programme, Chandigarh University will train 20 participants in a specialized green skill, combining field-based learning, practical training and employability-focused outcomes to support the development of skilled manpower for Punjab’s nature conservation, ecotourism and sustainable tourism sectors.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/

Photo: https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS2001902/PRESS-PIC-001-BIO-SCIENCES-17-LAKH-GRANT.jpg?id=OA2985664&token=Lcdi5RbtfvR1sNOmgEzo7ALnsnqS-S51ndSvdP7EEUw6Pqhql3EguwtpoqxfPQ

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/chandigarh-university-research-scientists-gets-17-lakh-grant-from-punjab-state-council-for-science–technology-to-build-skilled-manpower-for-nature-conservation-and-ecotourism-302897631.html

Continue Reading

Technology

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews’ 3rd Annual ‘Flags of Fellowship’ Campaign More than Doubles Participation; Grows Internationally to Combat Anti-Semitism

Published

on

By

Over 4,375 churches, synagogues, and organizations in 13 countries worldwide to plant more than 5.2 million flags & stand in prayer, remembrance and solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people throughout October

CHICAGO, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) announced today that participation in its annual October 7 remembrance movement, Flags of Fellowship (FOF), has more than doubled since 2025, with more than 4,375 churches, synagogues, universities, and organizations worldwide set to mark the third anniversary of the attacks. In total, more than 5.2 million flags will be planted globally as part of the third annual campaign.

From October 2-11 and throughout the month of October, participating organizations will display fields of 1,200 mini Israeli flags and hold special FOF events, worship services, and community gatherings to visually and vocally demonstrate their support for Israel during this time of unprecedented anti-Semitism worldwide.

10 leading evangelical churches across Tennessee, Illinois, New Jersey, California, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, and Virginia will serve as flagship churches for this year’s FOF events, with some locations hosting special guest speakers including local dignitaries and October 7 survivors at their events.

Flags of Fellowship has also expanded significantly beyond the U.S. and Canada this year, with more than 1,775 international churches and organizations participating from 11 countries, including Australia, England, Kenya, South Africa, India, the UAE, and more.

“While much attention has been given since October 7 to stories of division and hatred, a different story—one of friendship between Christians and Jews—is being written in churches and homes across America and the world through Flags of Fellowship,” said Yael Eckstein, President and Global CEO of The Fellowship.

The movement began in 2024 with more than 220 participating organizations, and grew to more than 1,300 participants last year.

“When a church plants an Israeli flag, it is not making a political statement, it is making a spiritual one—a declaration of friendship, remembrance, and faithfulness to those who are hurting,” Eckstein added. “That is what I hope people see when they look at Flags of Fellowship—not simply flags, but friendship. Not simply remembrance, but solidarity. Because we know that together, we can transform mourning into meaning, and loss into lasting light.”

A key driver of the campaign’s international growth is its new hub model, through which leading churches serve as regional distribution centers and equip churches in their networks with flags and campaign materials. Hubs in Colombia, Mexico, and Guatemala alone represent approximately 1,050 participating churches.

In Colombia, approximately 1,000 churches across eight major cities are expected to display more than 1.2 million Israeli flags in October as part of Flags of Fellowship.

“Colombia is a nation of faith, and our churches have a deep desire to support Israel and the Jewish people,” said César Fernández, a Fellowship Ambassador Pastor. “We believe that the Colombian Church has a unique voice and a significant role to play in strengthening this bridge of friendship between Christians and Jews, and we’re proud and excited to see Colombia take its place in this global movement of Flags of Fellowship.”

Since October 7, 2023, The Fellowship has committed $432 million in aid to Israel to meet emergency needs while continuing its core humanitarian programs, including emergency food and water, equipment for first responders and security personnel, support for olim making aliyah, and aid to vulnerable populations affected by the war and ongoing conflict.

For more information, or to learn how to participate in Flags of Fellowship in 2027, visit www.ifcj.org/FOF.

About the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
For more than 40 years, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) has been the leading nonprofit building bridges between Christians and Jews, blessing Israel and the Jewish people around the world with humanitarian care and lifesaving aid. In 2025, The Fellowship helped more than 2 million people living in poverty, helped thousands make aliyah back to their homeland, Israel, and helped strengthen Israel’s security infrastructure. To learn more about The Fellowship’s work, visit www.ifcj.org.

About Yael Eckstein
Yael Eckstein is President and Global CEO of The Fellowship, one of the world’s largest religious charitable organizations, and is a respected Jewish leader, speaker, bestselling author, and an award-winning podcast host and humanitarian. A 2025 ‘Pillars of Jerusalem’ award recipient for her exceptional contributions to Israel’s public diplomacy, and The Jerusalem Post’s 2023 Humanitarian of the Year, Yael is a Chicago-area native based in Israel with her husband and their four children.

Media Contact: press@ifcj.org

SOURCE International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

Continue Reading

Trending