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Resolution follows 2021 version which received support from more than 1/3 of shareholders. Oceana campaign, featuring ocean animals, asks AMZN investors, executives, and employees for “less plastic, please.”

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On May 25 at Amazon’s Annual Meeting, shareholders will vote on a resolution that, if passed, would require the e-commerce giant to issue a report describing how the company could reduce its plastic packaging use and contribution to plastic pollution. The report would also quantify the amount of plastic packaging used by the company. 35.5% of Amazon’s shareholders supported a similar resolution last year. Oceana, the world’s largest ocean advocacy organization, is calling on shareholders to vote “yes” on Item 8. The resolution was filed by the group As You Sow.

According to a 2021 Oceana report, Amazon – the largest retailer in the world outside of China – generated 599 million pounds of plastic packaging waste in 2020, a 29% increase over Oceana’s 2019 estimate, referenced in the shareholder proposal. Studies have estimated that for species, 55% percent of sea birds, 70% of marine mammals, and 100% of sea turtles have ingested or become entangled in plastic and have found that plastic film, the type of plastic used by Amazon, is one of the deadliest forms of plastic for marine life. Moreover, plastic film is extremely difficult to recycle and is not accepted at most curbside recycling programs in the U.S., the UK, and other large markets for the company.

Amazon, which is asking shareholders to vote against the proposal (and disputes Oceana’s estimates) does not currently report on its plastic footprint and has not responded to multiple requests by Oceana to share its data. Additionally, the company has not committed to specific reduction goals for its overall plastic packaging use. Without this information, investors cannot assess their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risk exposure on the very significant global issue of plastic pollution. This resolution reflects growing concern about the company’s plastic footprint, increased regulatory and ESG pressure for plastic pollution, and the growing need to formally address the plastic pollution crisis.

Oceana’s Senior Vice President Matt Littlejohn says, “This is a prime opportunity for shareholders to have Amazon do right by its customers and the planet. Pressure is mounting as more investors learn about the company’s plastic problem and more customers call for plastic-free alternatives. Amazon’s plastic packaging generates a massive amount of waste and plastic pollution is devastating the world’s oceans. Voting in favor of this resolution is voting to help save the oceans and marine life.”

In advance of this year’s meeting, Oceana sent a letter to Amazon shareholders outlining the five reasons to support the resolution. Additionally, Oceana is campaigning on the ground at Amazon’s HQ 1 and HQ 2 in Seattle and Arlington, VA to win support for the resolution (from Amazon headquarters employees who are also shareholders). The campaign features photos of ocean animals eating or being covered by ocean plastic along with the headline “AMZN: Less plastic, please.” This effort includes canvassers, mobile billboards, 1,000-yard signs, and 500 posters (as well as a LinkedIn campaign). Oceana has created a dedicated website for the endeavor: www.amazoniansfortheoceans.com.

Oceana is also rallying support for the resolution from Signatories to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). Many of the institutional investors owning Amazon shares are members of the PRI and have pledged to seek disclosure on ESG issues by the companies they invest in. Oceana is calling on these investors to honor their commitment to the PRI and vote in favor of the resolution, which would seek such disclosure on plastic pollution – an immensely important ESG issue.

“Amazon is a data-driven company known for its innovation and should become a leader in reducing plastic packaging (and in helping to save the oceans). It’s time for the company to be transparent about its data and to commit to reducing the use of single-use plastic,” added Littlejohn.

Click here for images of Oceana’s “Amzn: Less plastic, please” campaign in support of the resolution

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-third of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 225 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit www.oceana.orgto learn more.

Contact: Anna Baxter: abaxter@oceana.org

TORONTO, May 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Madre Tierra Mining Ltd. (“Madre Tierra” or the “Company”), a company that is taking an innovative approach to the traditional gold exploration model by combining the sustainability of a cash flow generating gold trading business with that of traditional exploration potential, is pleased to release to our stakeholders, a Transparent Trade policy (“Policy”), which is a critical pillar in the Company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) framework.

The Company reiterates its commitment to a more sustainable supply chain through the Policy. Generally, the Policy ensures that the Company will pay approximately 50% more per ounce of gold than other mining operators to our local and licensed artisanal mining partners. The Policy also requires the Company to publish the weighted average purchase price for gold acquired from our local and licensed artisanal mining partners to ensure accountability and transparency.

Further, Madre Tierra avoids brokers and aggregators and purchases directly from our mining partners, increasing the margin received by the miners.

“We recognize that as a mining business operating in Colombia, we have a profound impact on the lives and livelihoods of our local partners,” commented Sasha Kaplun, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Madre Tierra.

Kaplun continued: “Through our Transparent Trade policy, we commit to purchasing gold from our mining partners at a significant premium relative to other gold purchasers in the region. As we strive to deliver strong risk-adjusted returns to our shareholders, we must remain cognizant that we play an essential role in supporting our local mining partners, families, and communities.”

“Based on our projected annual gold purchase quantities for our first year of wholesale operations, we anticipate injecting over a US$1 million into the local economies of the communities we operate in.” Kaplun finished.

For more information, please visit our website at https://www.madretierragold.com/ or https://invest.madretierragold.com/ or contact us at invest@madretierragold.com.

About Madre Tierra:

Madre Tierra is not your traditional gold company. We hedge high-risk exploration and development and focus on operating activities that generate revenue from day one through our unique gold-trading license in Colombia.

Madre Tierra aggregates gold from artisanal and small-scale operators in Colombia for sale into the international markets, allowing the Company to capture a spread on each transaction regardless of market fluctuations.

Madre Tierra is also focused on the exploration of its 90% owned El Carlinita gold project located in the municipalities of Montecristo and Santa Rosa del Sur, Bolivar, Colombia. With a diversified asset base, a cash flow generating gold trading business, and exposure to gold exploration upside, Madre Tierra offers shareholders a unique opportunity to benefit beyond the traditional gold trading business.

Adopts Majority Voting Standard for Uncontested Elections

Commits to Seeking Stockholder Approval to Remove Supermajority Requirements in Governing Documents

Highlights Focus on Corporate Governance Best Practices and Responsiveness to Stockholders

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TPI Composites, Inc. (Nasdaq: TPIC) (“TPI” or the “Company”) today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has approved certain additional changes to the Company’s corporate governance policies and practices.

The Board has approved an amendment to the Company’s bylaws to implement a majority voting standard for uncontested director elections, effective January 1, 2023. In addition, the Board has committed to putting to a stockholder vote at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders a proposal to eliminate the supermajority vote requirement to adopt, amend or repeal certain provisions of the Company’s charter and bylaws. These newly announced changes are in addition to the Board already seeking stockholder approval to declassify the Board at the upcoming annual meeting.

“These governance changes – in addition to the proposal currently before stockholders to declassify our Board – clearly highlight our Board’s ongoing commitment to governance best practices,” said Steven C. Lockard, Chairman of the Board. “We have appreciated the opportunity to hear from our stockholders on these topics and are making these changes to improve accountability and transparency. Continuing to evolve towards a best-in-class governance profile goes hand-in-hand with our focus on creating long-term stockholder value, and we will continue to regularly assess our governance framework going forward to determine if additional changes are appropriate.”

The Company’s new majority voting standard will be effective January 1, 2023 and will apply to all future elections, but will not impact the results of the 2022 Annual Meeting, for which voting has already commenced. When effective, the new majority voting standard will require each director nominee to submit, in advance of such nomination, an irrevocable resignation, subject to acceptance by the Board, that would become effective if such nominee does not receive more votes properly cast in favor of his or her election or re-election than votes properly cast against such election or re-election. Previously, under a plurality voting standard, the candidates receiving the most affirmative votes were elected, regardless of whether those votes constituted a majority. Plurality voting will continue to apply in contested elections in which the number of director candidates exceeds the number of available positions.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

TPI has filed a definitive proxy statement and proxy card with the SEC in connection with its solicitation of proxies for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. TPI’s stockholders are encouraged to read the definitive proxy statement (and any amendments and supplements thereto), the accompanying proxy card and other documents filed with the SEC in their entirety because they contain important information. TPI’s stockholders may obtain a copy of the definitive proxy statement (and any amendments and supplements thereto), the accompanying proxy card and other relevant documents filed by TPI with the SEC without charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. TPI’s stockholders may also obtain a copy of these documents without charge by visiting the investor relations section of the TPI website at https://www.tpicomposites.com/. 

About TPI Composites, Inc.

TPI Composites, Inc. is the only independent manufacturer of composite wind blades for the wind energy market with a global manufacturing footprint. TPI delivers high-quality, cost-effective composite solutions through long-term relationships with leading OEMs in the wind and transportation markets. TPI is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona and operates factories in the U.S., China, Mexico, Turkey and India. TPI operates additional engineering development centers in Denmark and Germany and global service training centers in the U.S. and Spain.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements, among other things, concerning when the revised voting standards will become effective. These forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use of words such as “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “believe,” “forecast,” “foresee,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “goal,” “target,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “predict,” “continue” and the negative or plural of these words and other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and our projections about future events. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements for any reason. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the matters discussed in “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports that we will file with the SEC.

Investor Relations
480-315-8742
Investors@TPIComposites.com

RALEIGH, N.C., May 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Highwoods Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HIW) has been selected as a 2022 Green Lease Leader today by The Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Building’s Alliance.

Launched in 2014, Green Lease Leaders set national standards for what constitutes a green lease, while recognizing landlords and customers who modernize their leases to spur collaborative action on energy efficiency, cost-savings, air quality and sustainability in buildings. The Company has achieved Silver Recognition for our efforts to actively create resilient portfolios that support customers and communities to prosper and achieve together what they cannot apart. To receive this recognition, Highwoods qualified for credits in energy efficiency and sustainability best practices such as utility data tracking and sharing, cost recovery for capital improvements and sustainability training.

Ted Klinck, President and CEO, stated, “We are pleased to announce our Green Lease Leader recognition. For us, ESG is not a separate initiative. It is part of our mission to build a resilient and enduring business that delivers long-term value for our shareholders and stakeholders. We believe doing our part in building resilient communities that strengthen the connection between people and the places we share is core to our work-placemaking business. We are proud of the progress we have made and look forward to building on our achievements in the years ahead.”

Highwoods previously published its 2021 Corporate Resiliency Report, which highlights the Company’s ESG initiatives. A copy of the report can be accessed on the Company’s website at www.highwoods.com or by clicking the link below.

HIW 2021 Corporate Resiliency Report

About Highwoods
Highwoods Properties, Inc., headquartered in Raleigh, is a publicly-traded (NYSE:HIW) real estate investment trust (“REIT”) and a member of the S&P MidCap 400 Index. The Company is a fully-integrated office REIT that owns, develops, acquires, leases and manages properties primarily in the best business districts (BBDs) of Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, Richmond and Tampa.  For more information about Highwoods, please visit our website at www.highwoods.com.

Contact:		Brendan Maiorana
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		brendan.maiorana@highwoods.com
		919-872-4924

        

OTTAWA, May 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Climate anxiety amongst youth is at an all-time high. A recent survey of 10,000 youth (aged 16-25) revealed that 75% think their future is frightening when asked about climate change. In response, Canada’s Forest Trust has doubled down on its engagement with youth across Canada with a $250,000 Scholarship Program and the launch of its School Smart Forest program.

Kickstarting the $250,000 Scholarship Program is a nationwide call-out to students to create a 30-second TikTok-inspired video answering the question: Why a Forest and Not a Tree?

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/10caf794-010c-461d-a577-23af2324d6c7

Applications open May 17 and end June 7, 2022. Students are invited to submit as individuals or groups and encouraged to involve their friends, teachers, family members and communities in an innovative, scroll-stopping video.

Chair of CFT’s Education Advisory Board and former Chair of The Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), Tam Matthews, expressed, “These initiatives provide a meaningful way for youth across Canada to pursue an education and engage in activities that will help foster a generation of climate-active leaders and decision-makers.”

Dubbed “From Fructose to Forest,” CFT’s School Smart Forest program offers the opportunity to positively impact the climate and empower youth leadership, raise funds for school initiatives while building and protecting forests across Canada - at zero cost. Students' path to taking climate action in Canada is changing and CFT's programs are powering that change.

Canada's Forest Trust (CFT) is a leading ESG company that offers a nature-based solution to getting to net-zero by building Smart Forests™. With proprietary tools and in collaboration with Forest Stewards (businesses, schools, organizations, communities, and individuals), CFT is on a path to procure, prepare, plant, preserve and protect millions of acres of forests around the world. CFT will sequester tens of millions of tonnes of carbon. Our Forever Forest Guarantee ensures that every forest built by CFT undergoes expert management, reporting and monitoring, and silviculture maintenance. Smart Forests sequester CO2, rehabilitate ecosystems, learn from Indigenous land knowledge keepers, and boost the green economy. Smart Forests are smart investments.

Media inquiries: Taylor Piotrowski, Marketing & Communications Manager at taylor.piotrowski@canadasforesttrust.ca

The proprietary technology expedites the approval process so most clients receive up to 100% financing for solar panels in less than 48 business hours with no dealer fee

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Climate First Bank, the world’s first FDIC-insured community bank founded to fight the climate crisis, today officially launches its digital solar lending platform. Accessible at https://apply.climatefirstbank.com/solar-loan, the experience makes it quick and easy for Florida residents to apply for specialized solar energy financing anytime and anywhere with absolutely no dealer fee. The expedited process – aided by a simplified online application process and real time approvals – makes it so most clients can get approved for up to 100% financing with no money down in less than 48 business hours. The first 100 loans generated via the platform will receive a special promotion of 3.99% APR** for 25 years with zero dealer fee.

Deceptive solar energy loan financiers lure in clients by boasting of low interest-rate loans with exceptionally low payments but there is a catch – undisclosed dealer fees that amount to more than 25% of the total cost of the system. These hidden fees are charged to the solar panel installer and then passed down to the consumer, resulting in a larger total cost. For example, a $30,000 solar energy system could mean up to $7,500 in undisclosed fees. This means a $30,000 system could cost $37,500. Not only does this negatively impact the client, but it affects the whole solar loan industry, as those looking to do good for the planet are dissuaded by predatory practices and unfair expenses.

Partnering with the top solar installers in the nation, Climate First Bank’s CTO Marcio DeOliveira developed this proprietary technology to bring transparency and openness to solar energy financing. In addition to a low monthly payment option, clients can fully prepay their loan at any time with absolutely no prepayment penalty or fee and keep their 26% tax credit. Any payments made in addition to the contractual monthly payment will be applied towards a reduction in the principal balance of the loan.

“Now with a few clicks, clients can increase their property values, drastically reduce or even eliminate costs and save the planet all by investing in renewable solar energy,” said Ken LaRoe, founder and CEO of Climate First Bank. “I wish something this simple existed when I was putting solar on my house.”

“Our robust tool is the next step forward for sustainable lending, making it easy for anyone who wants to stick a solar panel on top of their roof,” said President of Climate First Bank, Lex Ford. “Thanks to our transparent solar financing, consumers can purchase a solar energy system with no undisclosed surcharges or fees. Clients, installers and the planet alike all win with this new platform.”

Climate First Bank is interested in partnering with Florida’s top-tier residential and commercial solar PV installers. Those looking to participate in the loan program and become a preferred partner can check out https://apply.climatefirstbank.com/solar-installers. Benefits include a dedicated personal banker, fast approvals, fast processing, 50% payment at project commencement and 50% payment at project completion.

**Annual Percentage Rate. APR current as of 5/17/2022. Loan subject to approval – Example based on 25-year $50,000 Amount Financed; 4 interest-only payments; 296 principal & interest payments of $265.84 with 3.94% simple interest rate.

About Climate First Bank
Climate First Bank is a values-based community bank offering a complete, full-service portfolio of simple and easy-to-use traditional banking products. These products are powered by high technology to meet the expectations of today’s consumers. In addition to offering standard banking services, the company places a special emphasis on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses committed to sustainability. Eco-conscious customers will find dedicated loan options for solar photovoltaic (PV), energy retrofits and infrastructure to help combat the climate crisis. Member FDIC.

Media Contact
Ericka Rivera
Uproar PR for Climate First Bank
erivera@uproarpr.com

WESTCHESTER, Ill., May 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to the food manufacturing industry, today released its 2021 sustainability report, titled “Making Life Better.” The report details the Company's progress against its 2030 global sustainability goals to address important societal and environmental sustainability challenges that will help to shape a brighter future for society, business, and the planet measured against three key pillars—Everyday Life, Planet Life, and Connected Life.

"As a purpose and values-driven Company, we are focused on creating a sustainable future and I am pleased that our sustainability progress continues to drive environmental improvements within our communities for our customers, employees, suppliers and shareholders,” said Jim Zallie, Ingredion's president and chief executive officer. “I am proud of the commitment from our 12,000 global Ingredion employees who have shown their dedication and teamwork in support of our sustainability plan as we drive meaningful change through our practices that are focused on generating a positive, lasting impact in the communities where we live and work.”

ABOUT INGREDION
Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, is a leading global ingredient solutions provider serving customers in more than 120 countries. With 2021 annual net sales of nearly $7 billion, the Company turns grains, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing and industrial markets. With Ingredion Idea Labs^® innovation centers located around the world and more than 12,000 employees, the Company co-creates with customers and fulfills its purpose of bringing the potential of people, nature, and technology together to make life better. Visit ingredion.com for more information and the latest Company news.

CONTACTS:
Investors: Jason Payant, 708-551-2584
Media: Becca Hary, 708-551-2602