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Nonprofit’s Deputy CEO Lang brings more than three decades of early childhood experience to her role.

(St. Louis, Mo., May 14, 2026) Beth Ann Lang, Deputy CEO at Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO), recently celebrated her 25^th anniversary with the nonprofit. Her responsibilities include overseeing all programs and services administered by CCAMO, as well as positioning the organization for sustainable growth through strategic planning.

During her tenure, Lang has provided oversight and guidance on projects related to the early childhood workforce. She has served as the organization’s Chief Program Officer since 2017. When she joined CCAMO in 2001, Lang was the inaugural Director of the TEACH Early Childhood Missouri Scholarship, a statewide program aimed at increasing the quality of child care through education, compensation, and commitment.

Among Lang’s notable achievements are launching the TEACH Early Childhood Missouri CDA Project in 2019 and supporting St. Louis County legislation to fund WAGE$, a salary supplement program for child care educators. She serves on the TEACH Early Childhood National Advisory Committee and the Council for Professional Recognition’s State Partners Roundtable, where she represents Missouri at the national level.

“Beth Ann’s leadership has shaped every facet of our work, from elevating the early childhood workforce to strengthening the programs families rely on every day,” said CCAMO CEO Robin Phillips. “For 25 years, she has been a tireless champion for educators, continuously helping move our organization and state toward higher quality, greater equity, and better outcomes for children.”

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.

Empathy and LIMRA joint research shows the claims experience is a powerful — yet underused — engine of long‑term growth for the industry

NEW YORK – May 14, 2026 – Empathy, the technology company transforming how the world plans for and navigates life’s hardest moments, and LIMRA, today announced new research examining how the life insurance claims experience shapes long-term customer relationships. The findings reveal a critical disconnect: while insurers have invested meaningfully in operational improvements, they are missing the opportunity to turn one of the most meaningful customer moments into lasting loyalty.

U.S. life insurers pay out almost $100 billion in death benefits each year, yet fewer than one in ten beneficiaries go on to become customers themselves. The Empathy and LIMRA research uncovered this gap is not due to a lack of beneficiary engagement, but rather a lack of relevant, human-centered support aligned with what beneficiaries are actually experiencing during one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. While the industry has optimized for operational efficiency and a smooth claims process, these efforts often fall short of addressing beneficiaries’ emotional and practical needs, resulting in a transactional experience that fails to build long-term and generational loyalty.

“What this research makes clear is that the claims moment is not just an operational milestone or well-executed transaction, it’s a relationship-defining experience,” said Ohad Gutman, Chief Business Officer at Empathy. “When the beneficiary is handled with clarity, empathy, and meaningful support, it can lead to long-term loyalty. When it’s treated as a transaction, that opportunity is lost.”

Key Findings from the Research

The study surfaces several critical insights into what drives and limits long-term engagement following a claim:

The claims experience performs well operationally, but falls short as a relationship moment

• 91% of beneficiaries report being satisfied with their claims experience

• Core elements like communication (87%), clarity (85%), and timeliness (83%) are rated highly

• Yet according to LIMRA, fewer than 1 in 10 beneficiaries go on to become customers, highlighting a disconnect between satisfaction and long-term loyalty 

 

Perception after the claim is the strongest predictor of future business

• Post-claim perception is the #1 driver of both recommendation and purchase intent

• Among less satisfied beneficiaries, 71% say a better experience would have increased purchase intent, while 78% say it would have increased their likelihood of recommending the carrier

A major “delivery gap” exists between the support beneficiaries want and what they receive

• 84% say dedicated support such as a specific person to guide them, grief or financial resources, or tools to help manage the process, would make the insurer more appealing

  • Financial education: 65% want it, only 25% receive it

  • Grief resources: 68% want it, only 35% receive it

  • Emotional wellness programs: 81% want it; 24% receive it

  • Assistance with probate: 81% want it; 17% receive it

  • Well-being check-ins: 76% want it;  43% receive it

Beneficiaries are highly open to ongoing engagement

• 96% are open to post-claim communication across channels

• Most prefer personalized, practical guidance and not generic outreach

A Shift From Transaction to Relationship

The research reframes the claims experience as a pivotal moment in the customer lifecycle, not the end of a transaction but the beginning of a relationship.

“This research shows that beneficiaries are not inherently disengaged – they are highly open to continued interaction,” said Lai-Sahn Hackett, Corporate Vice President at LIMRA. “It underscores an opportunity for insurers to rethink how the claims experience contributes to ongoing engagement and business outcomes.”

The findings highlight that beneficiaries are not disengaging by default, they are responding to the experience they receive. While insurers have made meaningful progress on operational efficiency, the research shows that emotional and practical support during and after the claim is what ultimately shapes long-term outcomes.

Technology and Support as the Next Frontier

As expectations evolve, the industry is beginning to shift toward more holistic, support-driven models of care. Solutions that combine digital tools with human guidance can help carriers extend support beyond the payout and better meet beneficiary needs.

To read the full report and its findings, visit empathy.com/resources/research/generational-loyalty-blueprint. 

New Delhi, May 14 : DCM Shriram Ltd. today announced its financial results for the quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2026, delivering a resilient performance across businesses despite continued global macroeconomic uncertainty and pricing volatility in select sectors.

For FY 2025–26, the Company reported consolidated net revenue of ₹14,264 crore, reflecting a growth of 12% over the previous year. Consolidated PBDIT stood at ₹1,694 crore, while Profit After Tax increased significantly by 42% to ₹856 crore. The increase in PAT includes a one-time deferred tax credit of ₹239 crore on account of the company opting for new tax regime u/s 115BAA of Income Tax Act 1961, from FY27. The performance was supported by higher volumes in the Chemicals business, sustained growth in Fenesta Building Systems and Shriram Farm Solutions, improved operational efficiencies, contributions from newly commissioned projects over past years and strategic acquisitions. For Q4 FY26, consolidated net revenue stood at ₹3,373 crore compared to ₹3,019 crore in the corresponding quarter last year, while Profit After Tax increased to ₹371 crore from ₹179 crore in Q4 FY25.

Commenting on the performance for the quarter & financial year ended March 2026, in a joint statement, Mr. Ajay Shriram, Chairman & Senior Managing Director and Mr. Vikram Shriram, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, said:

“Financial Year 2025–26 saw global organizations and governments being stress tested by persistent uncertainties. Rising trade protectionism, supply chain realignments and the escalation of conflict in West Asia continued to impact commodity markets, logistics corridors and capital flows, reinforcing the importance of operational agility and resilience. Despite these headwinds, the Indian economy demonstrated better resilience, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, sustained domestic demand and continued public infrastructure spending.

Our Chemicals business recorded strong volume growth, driven by progressive ramp-up of expansion and downstream integration completed over last two years. Epichlorohydrin (ECH) facility, part of the advanced material value chain, got fully commissioned in April 2026, and is witnessing encouraging market acceptance. The Epoxy and Formulate resins business that we acquired during the year is now being expanded, especially in the value-added formulated resins space.

We are exploring to grow our businesses through strategic partnerships where there is a need for high-end technology. In line with this, we have entered a JV with a US Company for our PVC compounding business and plan to accelerate the growth.

In the Sugar and Ethanol business, Indian sugar production increased by 2.3 MMT this season as compared to last year. The industry is facing margin pressures arising from higher cane cost and oversupply in Sugar as well as Ethanol business. Sustained policy support—through higher sugar MSP, expanded blending mandates, export facilitation and alternate ethanol usage—remains critical for industry viability.

Our consumer businesses, Fenesta Building Systems & Shriram Farm Solutions continued to grow at a healthy pace while consolidating their market position and reaching new milestones.

The Company remains focused on value-chain integration, capacity optimization, cost efficiency and disciplined capital allocation. Supported by a strong balance sheet, we remain well positioned to pursue growth opportunities while navigating an increasingly dynamic global environment.

Sustainability continues to remain integral to our long-term strategy through responsible resource utilization, environmental stewardship and meaningful community engagement.

The Chemicals & Vinyl business delivered strong growth during the year, supported by expanded capacities, improved utilization and downstream integration initiatives. The Chemicals business recorded 12% increase in caustic soda volumes during FY26, contributions from Hydrogen Peroxide and advanced materials value chain, ramp-up of newly commissioned capacities and improved ECU realizations. The Company also completed commissioning of its 52,000 TPA Epichlorohydrin (ECH) plant at Bharuch in April 2026, strengthening its integrated advanced materials value chain. During the year, the Company acquired Hindusthan Speciality Chemicals Limited, accelerating its entry into epoxy and formulated resins portfolio.

In the Vinyl business, revenue grew 4% in FY26, supported by improved PVC volumes and operational efficiencies. The Company also completed a strategic partnership in PVC compounds through the sale of a 50% stake in Shriram Polytech Ltd. to Teknor Apex B.V., combining domestic manufacturing strengths with global formulation expertise.

The Sugar & Ethanol business continued to operate in a challenging environment marked by higher cane prices and oversupply conditions. During FY26, domestic sugar prices improved by 4% while volumes were lower by 6%. Ethanol margins remained healthy, sugar recovery improved to 10.8% while the crush declined to 473 lakh quintals.

The Company reiterated the importance of calibrated policy interventions for the long term viability of the industry through measures such as aligning sugar and ethanol selling prices with cane costs, export facilitation and expanded ethanol opportunities.

Fenesta Building Systems reached a milestone by clocking a revenue of ₹1,112 crore, a growth of 28%. The growth was driven by higher volumes across project and retail segments. The business continued expanding its footprint through new product platforms including façade and hardware, capacity enhancement initiatives, and growth in its order book, which increased 24% during FY26 to ₹1,498 crore. During the year, the company acquired 53% stake in DNV Global Private Limited (a company engaged in manufacturing of windows hardware), to improve supply chain and boost product innovation. Fenesta currently operates eight fabrication plants, 421 dealers across 268 cities, nine company-owned showrooms and has a presence across seven international markets while serving 976 cities in India.

Shriram Farm Solutions sustained its robust growth trajectory, delivering double-digit growth this financial year. The revenue increased to ₹1,689 crore, a growth of 18%. This performance was anchored by volumes across all the segments, especially Research Wheat segment, which achieved record sales.

The Company also continued to strengthen its sustainability and future growth agenda during FY26. Green energy contributed 27% of total energy consumption, while water harvested and conserved was over ten times the water consumed. Key Ongoing investments include a 68 MW captive renewable energy project at Kota (average capacity of 34 MW against which average injection of 15 MW has started in May 2026), aluminium chloride and calcium chloride projects at Bharuch, 48 MW of additional renewable power supply for its Bharuch plant, and formulated resins capacity expansion at HSCL.

Financial Highlights (Consolidated)

Q4 FY26

• Net Revenue: ₹3,373 crore
• PBDIT: ₹400 crore
• PAT: ₹371 crore

FY 2025–26

• Net Revenue: ₹14,264 crore
• PBDIT: ₹1,694 crore
• PAT: ₹856 crore
• Net Worth: ₹7,660 crore

The Board has recommended a final dividend of 200%, amounting to Rs. 62.38 crores in this Board meeting, subject to shareholder approval. The total dividend for the year is 560%, amounting to Rs. 174.66 crores.

 

In Line with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Appeal, CREDAI Shifts NATCON 2026 from Amsterdam to India

Move reflects the real estate sector’s commitment to national priorities, economic self-reliance, and contributing to India’s economic resilience

New Delhi, May 14: In a strong endorsement of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to prioritise national interest amid the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia — including reducing non-essential foreign travel, conserving fuel and foreign exchange, and promoting domestic spending — the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) has decided to shift the 23rd edition of its flagship convention, NATCON 2026, from Amsterdam to India.

The decision has been taken in the spirit of national solidarity and in alignment with the larger sentiment of standing firmly with the nation and the vision articulated by Hon’ble Prime Minister. At a time when India is moving forward with confidence, self-belief, and a renewed spirit of national pride, CREDAI believes that institutions representing key sectors of the economy must also reflect the same commitment towards the country and its priorities.

CREDAI will shortly identify and announce the Indian host destination for NATCON 2026 along with revised programme details. The decision reflects CREDAI’s commitment to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of placing “Nation First” and supporting India’s economic resilience during a period of global uncertainty. By hosting the country’s largest real estate sector’s convention in India, CREDAI aims to ensure that the economic and tourism benefits associated with an event of this scale directly contribute to the domestic economy, hospitality sector, local businesses, and allied industries.

CREDAI NATCON witnesses’ participation from over 1,000 leading developers, investors, policymakers, architects, consultants, and industry stakeholders from across the country. Traditionally hosted at an international destination every year, NATCON serves as CREDAI’s flagship annual platform for dialogue on real estate, urban infrastructure, construction technologies, sustainable development, smart cities, and India’s evolving growth story.

This year, however, CREDAI has chosen to align the event with the broader national sentiment and the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s call to strengthen domestic economic activity and encourage spending within the country. The move is also expected to boost domestic tourism, create opportunities for Indian hospitality and event industries, and showcase India’s rapidly evolving infrastructure and urban development capabilities on a national platform.

Commenting on the decision, Mr. Shekhar Patel, President, CREDAI, said, “At a time when the Hon’ble Prime Minister has called upon citizens and industries to act responsibly and prioritise national interest amid the evolving geopolitical situation, CREDAI believes it is important for the real estate sector, as one of the country’s largest employment-generating industries, to align with this vision and demonstrate collective responsibility during this important time for the nation. While preparations for NATCON had been underway for over six months and the industry was fully prepared to travel to Amsterdam this August, CREDAI felt it was important to take cognisance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s appeal and the prevailing national sentiment. By deciding to host NATCON in India this year, we are supporting domestic economic activity while also reinforcing our commitment to the nation’s growth and economic resilience.

He further added, “The industry is currently navigating significant challenges, including rising construction costs driven by escalating prices of cement, steel, and other critical raw materials, along with persistent labour shortages impacting project execution across markets. In this environment, it becomes even more important for all sectors to collectively contribute towards strengthening the domestic economy in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s appeal.”

As an industry deeply linked to employment generation, infrastructure development, and economic growth, CREDAI remains committed to contributing meaningfully towards India’s long-term development and self-reliance goals.

 

 

 

 

New Delhi, May 13 : The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts today announced the launch of the Leela Centre of Excellence (LCoE), a strategic initiative designed to build a future-ready talent pipeline. As the company plans to expand from 15 to 24 hotels over the next three years, the initiative is expected to play a key role in inducting, training, and developing more than 3,000 associates across The Leela’s luxury ecosystem. The LCoE will focus on strengthening leadership capabilities, operational excellence, and service standards to support the brand’s long-term growth strategy.

Developed in association with Le Cordon Bleu and GD Goenka University, part of the GD Goenka Group operating over 150+ K12 schools across the country, the LCoE strengthens The Leela’s learning ecosystem at a defining moment in the brand’s growth journey.

Spread across approximately 9,600 sq. ft. of purpose-built infrastructure, part of the 50,000 sq. ft. GD Goenka School of Hospitality & Culinary Management, the Centre has been conceived as a fully immersive learning environment, with dedicated classrooms, an auditorium, specialised training kitchens, and integrated residential and recreational facilities. Guided by experienced faculty and industry practitioners, it seamlessly combines academic rigour with real-world hospitality exposure to shape future-ready professionals aligned with The Leela’s standards of excellence. It introduces structured academic pathways such as a BBA in Hospitality aligned with NEP 2020, along with dual certifications through Le Cordon Bleu and GD Goenka University, enabling globally benchmarked learning.

As The Leela accelerates its growth as India’s leading pure-play luxury hospitality brand, the LCoE also represents a long-term investment in elevating hospitality talent at scale. Designed to nurture individuals across every level of the organisation, The Leela will annually invest in structured learning and capability-building initiatives impacting over 650 associates and managers across the organisation. This includes leadership and functional development programmes for over 250 managers through its Leela Executive Accelerated Development (LEAD) program, specialised bootcamps, conclaves and industry conferences, alongside academic and operational training for over 220 associates across The Leela Palace Services (TLPS), Leela Leadership Development Program (LLDP) and Butler Development programmes. The initiative will also strengthen service and cultural excellence through dedicated soft skills training for over 200 associates annually, while advanced culinary capability-building under Shefs at The Leela will train 30 culinary professionals each year.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said:

“As we celebrate four decades of True Indian Luxury, the launch of the Leela Centre of Excellence (LCoE) marks an important step in strengthening the foundation of our growth. As we expand, it is critical that our people, culture and service standards evolve with consistency. The LCoE brings together global partnerships and operational depth to build a strong pipeline of talent aligned with our values. It is an investment in people, culture and capability that will support our next phase of growth.”

Mr. Nipun Goenka Managing Director G D Goenka group and Pro-Chancellor of GD Goenka University, said:

 “Our association with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts for the Leela Centre of Excellence reflects a shared commitment to building future-ready talent for the hospitality industry. The Leela stands at the epitome of true Indian luxury, and it is a privilege to partner with a brand that has consistently set benchmarks in service, culture and excellence. By combining academic depth with industry relevance, we aim to shape professionals who are grounded in values, capability and purpose”

Prof. Rajiv Gulshan, Dean of Le Cordon Bleu and Centre Director Leela Centre of Excellence said:

 “The collaboration between Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts and Le Cordon Bleu along with G D Goenka University is designed to develop talent equipped with both technical mastery and a deep understanding of service, culture and international standards. LCoE will bring about much-needed transformation in hospitality education by creating future-ready professionals grounded in excellence, innovation, and gracious hospitality.”

The Leela Centre of Excellence serves as the strategic hub for The Leela’s learning ecosystem, bringing together and strengthening existing programmes including Leela Leadership Development Programme (LLDP), The Leela Palace Services Programme (TLPS), Leela Executive Accelerated Development Programme (LEAD) and Shefs at The Leela.

These initiatives sit under the LCoE umbrella, creating a structured platform to continuously develop, up skill and elevate talent across the organisation, alongside functional certifications including Butler and Sommelier programmes. As The Leela enters its next phase of growth, Leela Centre of Excellence reinforces its long-term commitment to institutionalising excellence, ensuring every experience reflects the brand’s standards of warmth, grace and excellence in service.

Noida,  May 13 : As soaring summer temperatures swept across India, air conditioners quickly moved from wishlists to shopping carts. But while consumers continued delaying the final purchase, the rising heat outside became the perfect moment to drive action.

With India in the grip of an early summer heatwave, Inshorts Group partnered with Flipkart to create a dynamic weather-triggered ad innovation for Flipkart’s ‘Super Cooling Days’ campaign  with the ‘Heat Trigger Weather Widget’ at its core. The widget captured users’ locations to display their city’s real-time temperature and live weather conditions directly within the Inshorts feed. 

But the real innovation lay in what happened next – the moment temperatures crossed the 32°C mark, the widget animated live – transforming from a real-time weather display into Flipkart’s Super Cooling Days creative. Rising heat, in that instant, became a purchase trigger.

Conceptualized and executed by the Inshorts team, the pan-India campaign ran from April 16 to April 25, 2026. The triggered experience showcased AC deals from Voltas and Haier, alongside pricing offers and a prominent ‘Buy Now’ CTA redirecting users to Flipkart to complete their purchase journey.

 Speaking about the campaign, Rohan Dixit, Associate Director, Brand Solutions at Inshorts Group said

“At Inshorts Group, we are constantly exploring how real-time moments can be transformed into more meaningful advertising experiences. With Flipkart’s Super Cooling Days campaign, we used live weather intelligence and contextual storytelling to turn rising temperatures into a real-time commerce trigger – creating an experience that felt intuitive, immersive, and naturally integrated into the consumer journey.”

The campaign also reflected a broader shift in how brands are approaching contextual advertising. Sharing his thoughts about the campaign, Chetan Gupta, Associate Director – South and East, Inshorts Group, said:

“Consumers today respond to advertising that meets them in the moment – not just in the feed. With Flipkart’s Super Cooling Days campaign, we didn’t just serve an ad  we responded to a real-world signal, in real time, with content that made complete sense to the consumer at that exact instant. The advertising landscape is moving towards experiences rooted in real-world consumer behaviour and this campaign is a good example of what that looks like in practice. That’s the kind of contextual advertising experience we’re building at Inshorts Group.”

 

 

The InnoVision CEO Expands the Agency’s Internal Leadership Training Into a Free Professional Development Series for Aspiring Leaders  SAN DIEGO — May 13 — While many businesses have been struggling to navigate economic uncertainty and workforce instability, national marketing agency InnoVision Marketing Group has continued to expand, a success CEO Ric Militi attributes to the company’s core philosophies and commitment to elevated client service. After earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in 2025, the Anti-Agency™ continues to demonstrate how strong leadership and organizational culture can drive long-term growth.  Now, Militi is bringing those leadership principles to a broader audience through a free professional development series titled The Fundamentals of Success.  Created from the same weekly companywide meetings that have helped shape InnoVision’s culture for more than two decades, The Fundamentals of Success transforms internal leadership lessons into short-form digital content designed for professionals, entrepreneurs and aspiring leaders seeking practical guidance in today’s evolving business landscape.  During each companywide meeting, Militi introduces five different fundamentals ranging from extraordinary communication and detail obsession to grit, humility, accountability and enthusiasm. These sessions are recorded and repurposed into accessible educational content, offering viewers an authentic look at the principles that shape leadership and culture inside the agency.  “My family immigrated to the United States when I was three years old, and everything we owned fit inside an old ocean liner trunk. I still have it today as a reminder of where I came from,” said Militi. “Financially, we struggled. I went out on my own at a young age and often had to scrape together enough money for my next meal. It took me too long to figure out that success is rarely built on talent alone. Most of the time, it comes down to human behaviors like trust, loyalty, respect, communication, attention to detail and consistently showing up. The Fundamentals of Success is my way of sharing the many lessons I had to learn in a simplified, relatable, format. So even if it enriches only one person’s life, then it was worth doing.”  The series explores dozens of soft-skill principles designed to support long-term growth in both business and life. Each video focuses on a specific fundamental, with broader themes including leadership, communication, discipline, collaboration, consistency and personal development. By making this coaching content widely accessible, the series provides professionals with practical insights they can apply both personally and professionally.  Having taught these principles for more than 20 years, Militi and InnoVision Marketing Group have  demonstrated the impact of investing in people, culture and consistency. Through The Fundamentals of Success, Militi aims to inspire the next generation of leaders while reinforcing the importance of integrity, accountability and character in achieving sustainable success.  As companies continue adapting to shifting workplace dynamics and economic pressures, the demand for strong leadership and people-focused culture has become increasingly important. By opening these leadership conversations to a wider audience, Militi is extending InnoVision’s impact beyond the workplace while creating a practical resource for professionals seeking growth, resilience and long-term career development.