CONNECTIONS
Weaving Connections That Keep the World Spinning
GRATITUDE SCHOLARSHIPS
Meet the class of 2025–26.
SUSTAINABILITY GROWTH
Annual Glen Raven Corporate & EU reports released.
COMPLIANCE SERIES
New compliance platform launches in April.
a drive for a more sustainable future
Continuous Improvement
One of our Glen Raven guiding principles is Drive to Improve, and in living that principle, we set ambitious goals that challenge us to think differently. This process of continuous improvement often means that while we may not yet know how we’ll get there, we know we’ll learn from both the successes and challenges along the way.
We kept that principle top of mind in 2019 when we set nine ambitious sustainability goals focused on caring for the planet and for people. While we are making progress advancing several goals, we’ve also experienced setbacks. Ultimately, we are focused on this process of continuous improvement, and we’re encouraged by the all-in energy of our associates, customers and partners.
We released our annual sustainability report card earlier this month. Globally, our 2024 Sustainability Report documents progress toward overarching companywide goals, while Greenovation, our European report, highlights practices and tools, developed by our EU team that not only meet EU requirements, but also provide transparency directly to our customers. I encourage you to read both reports to see examples from across our footprint of how your colleagues’ efforts are advancing our company's sustainability goals. We included an article in this issue of Connections that focuses on top-level highlights of these efforts.
Glen Raven leads in its communities and the industry because we take the long view, and that is certainly the case in our approach to sustainability. Amid both challenges and successes, we will continue to recognize our opportunity to help shape our industry and take responsibility in driving this conversation forward. Thank you for your partnership and commitment to an ongoing journey toward a more sustainable future.
Leib Oehmig, CEO
Progress Toward Greater Sustainability
2024 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
In April, Glen Raven released two sustainability reports: The 2024 Corporate Sustainability Report focuses on our global achievements, while the Greenovation Sustainability Report highlights practices and tools, developed by our EU team that meet EU requirements and provide transparency directly to our customers. Be sure to explore both sustainability reports to see the strides we’ve made together.
Stay tuned to learn more in upcoming Connections issues about how your everyday sustainability practices contribute to our operations and products.
Read the full reports at glenraven.com/sustainability
GR atitude scholaRships
Meet the Class of 2025–26
The 1880 Foundation has awarded nine GRatitude Scholarships for the 2025–26 academic year. Eight scholarships were awarded for $5,000, and one was awarded for $10,000 — the Carl E. Wallace, Jr., Memorial Scholarship, named after Glen Raven’s late general counsel.
MADISON HUGHES , daughter of Michael Hughes | Burnsville Plant
Madison is the recipient of the $10,000 Carl E. Wallace, Jr., Memorial Scholarship (on the cover). She is currently a sophomore at Bryan College, pursuing a criminal psychology degree. Madison participates on the varsity golf team. She also played golf and was a team captain in high school.
The recipients of $5,000 scholarships are as follows:
AVA HALL , daughter of James Hall, Sunbrella® HQ, Corporate Campus
Ava is currently a junior at UNC-Greensboro, majoring in studio art with a minor in history. She is a Lloyd Honors ambassador events and admissions chair, a volunteer tour guide at the Greensboro History Museum, head volunteer for the American Heart Association Heart Walk and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta.
AVA NELSON , daughter of Vanessa Nelson, Trivantage ®, Corporate Campus
Ava is currently a senior at Southern Alamance High School. She is undecided about where she will attend college but wants to study elementary education. Ava participates in Student Council, FFA, Junior Civitan and Future Teachers of America.
ETHAN SMITH-RIVERA , son of Ashley Smith, Anderson Plant
Ethan graduated from Powdersville High School in 2024 and currently attends Tri-County Technical College with plans to attend Clemson University in the fall to study construction science project management. He played football and participated in track and field, and he also volunteered as assistant coach for youth football.
GABRIEL EDMUNDSON , son of Amanda and Donovan Edmundson, Corporate Office
Gabriel is currently a senior at Western Alamance High School and enrolled at Alamance Community College. He plans to attend Lenoir-Rhyne University and study computer science. Gabriel is a member of the NC State championship semifinalist team that designs and builds robots. He participated in FTC robotics community outreach activities providing robotics demonstrations for churches and schools.
KAELYN SAWYER , daughter of April Thompson, Corporate Office
Kaelyn is currently a senior at Southern Alamance High School. She plans to attend either UNC-Wilmington or NC State and study marine science and horticulture. Kaelyn is an active participant in FFA (for her entire high school career) and a member of Forestry CDE and the Hunter Safety Team.
KIERSTEN JARRARD, daughter of Joshua Jarrard, Burnsville Plant
Kiersten graduated from Mountain Heritage High School in 2024 and currently attends Mayland Community College. She volunteers through the local fire department to assist with Hurricane Helene distribution work.
KEVIN ORDONEZ , son of Vianny Moreno Rodriguez, Anderson Plant
Kevin graduated from Westside High School in 2024 and is currently attending Tri-County Technical College with plans to transfer to Clemson University or College of Charleston in the fall of 2025 to study nursing. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the JV soccer team, and he also participated in volunteer community service for NHS.
LAWSON HIGGINS , son of Darrin Higgins, Burnsville Plant
Lawson is currently a senior at Mountain Heritage High School and enrolled at Mayland Community College. He plans to attend UNC-Charlotte and study engineering. Lawson participates in SkillsUSA, is a varsity football and basketball captain, is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a volunteer for Little Cougar basketball and football camps.
Employee Engagement Survey Shows Satisfaction Gains
Thank you to all U.S. associates who participated in the 2025 Associate Engagement Survey, powered by Glint. Open February 3–21, the survey generated a participation rate of 84% and showed positive momentum in many questions within the culture category. In addition, Glen Raven received over 5,200 comments directly related to the survey questions.
The previous Associate Engagement survey, offered in July 2023, contained comparable baseline questions. Results from the 2025 survey showed improved scores in many categories, including:
• Culture: Glen Raven has a great culture.
• Belonging: I feel a sense of belonging at Glen Raven.
• Career: I have good career opportunities at Glen Raven.
• Engagement: a) I would recommend Glen Raven as a great place to work, and b) How happy are you working at Glen Raven?
Written comments are being read and categorized to develop and implement new action plans. Previous survey input has led to revised and improved new-hire orientation and onboarding processes; specific associate development opportunities for operations, manufacturing and leadership teams; and visible associate and family activities.
Glint is a people science platform that uses data from hundreds of companies to set engagement benchmarks for its surveys and measures employment engagement based on how passionate employees feel about their jobs and how committed they are to an organization.
Thank you for taking the time to share your voice and feedback, which is a critical forum in identifying the areas we have opportunity to improve on, with a focus on ensuring Glen Raven is a desirable place to work, grow and build a career.
Cornerstone: Glen Raven’s New Learning Management System
Glen Raven will soon launch a new global Learning Management System called Cornerstone. Cornerstone is a cloud-based platform for compliance training offering various features such as personalized learning paths, multiple content formats and accessibility on mobile devices.
Why Cornerstone LMS?
This new LMS platform will allow the Compliance Committee to carefully select courses, create learning curricula, automate workflows, deploy courses, organize everything in one platform and track compliance training for all participating associates. Users will get personalized learning paths based on interests and development, while managers can keep track of certifications and compliance training for their direct reports.
What are the benefits?
Associates will have flexibility with accessibility from mobile devices and will have the opportunity to learn new skills through a variety of formats, including audio, video and digital documents. The Compliance Committee will identify courses in Chinese (simplified), English, French and Spanish (Latin American) that are relevant to the general associate population. Some compliance topics and courses may be region-specific and only accessible to those required to complete them.
Some curriculum topics include:
• Code of Conduct
• Supply Chain/Vendor Diligence
• Information Security
• Employment/Labor
• Safety and Health/Sustainability
What are the expectations?
The Compliance Committee will release all courses for the year simultaneously. Associates must complete their training by the end of the year but will have the flexibility to choose when to do so based on their schedules. Direct supervisors or managers will set expectations for team check-ins throughout the year to ensure progress.
How can I access this platform?
Single sign-on will be available for nearly all associates, except for Dickson® associates, who will have a username and password. Cornerstone can be accessed through UKG for all other associates.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Compliance Committee at compliance@glenraven.com
Alcohol Awareness Month
As the days grow longer and the weather warms, spring brings a surge of social gatherings and opportunities to reconnect with friends and family. With more events where alcohol is present, it’s essential to be mindful of drinking habits. April also marked Alcohol Awareness Month, a perfect time to reflect on how alcohol affects our health and well-being.
Habitual alcohol use can take a toll on the body in ways that may not be immediately noticeable. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, research shows that over time, excessive drinking can lead to liver disease, heart complications, digestive issues and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Even moderate consumption can affect sleep patterns, hydration levels and energy.
Many people report improved sleep, clearer skin, better digestion and increased mental clarity when they reduce or eliminate alcohol use. Watching alcohol use can also lead to weight loss, enhanced mood stability and a stronger immune system.
As social calendars fill up, consider these tips for mindful drinking:
• Know your limits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
• Explore alternatives. Nonalcoholic beverages, mocktails or infused water can be healthier alternatives to enjoy in social settings.
• Stay hydrated and eat well. Drinking water between alcoholic beverages and having a meal beforehand can help manage alcohol’s effects.
• Take an alcohol-free challenge. A short break from alcohol, even for a few weeks, can offer insight into how it affects your body and overall well-being.
Alcohol Awareness Month is also a time to educate and support those who may struggle with alcohol use. If you, or someone you know, are concerned about drinking habits, resources such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon/ Alateen and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can provide support and guidance.
Reach out to Glen Raven’s Employee Assistance Counseling Program (available to employees and their family members living in the same household) for additional support. For contact information, please refer to page 25 of your benefits book or see your HR representative.
Sunbrella Shines at Two Home Furnishing Shows in Shenzhen, China
Sunbrella ® showcased its commitment to sustainable design at two shows in March: the 40th Shenzhen International Furniture Exhibition and the Shenzhen Home Furnishing Expo.
Located in Design Dome hall, the Sunbrella booth at the Furniture Exhibition featured a sleek, minimalist design with bold yellow and blue-green tones, reflecting the brand’s dedication to eco-friendly practices. The highlight of the booth was the ReCycled Collection, which demonstrated the transformation from waste materials to recycled fibers and yarns. Visitors were able to touch and feel the fabrics, experiencing their exceptional quality and environmental benefits.
Under the theme “Embrace Change, Explore Innovation,” the event, held at the Shenzhen International Convention and Exhibition Center, attracted over 200,000 professional visitors, including renowned global brands,
top designers and industry experts focused on the latest trends in home aesthetics and design.
As one of Asia’s largest home furnishing events, the Home Furnishing Expo gathered nearly a thousand global brands and over 150,000 buyers, designers and home decor enthusiasts at the Shenzhen Futian Convention and Exhibition Center. Sunbrella showcased its “Green & Sustainable” theme, offering another dynamic, multisensory experience, featuring the new ReCycled Collection, crafted from sustainable yarns.
Retaining signature softness and durability, the collection’s vibrant designs captivated designers and buyers seeking sustainable solutions. Continuing to drive innovation, Sunbrella remains at the forefront of high-performance textiles in Asia, shaping a stylish and eco-conscious future for interior and outdoor spaces.
